About Pinays Take Charge

The Pinays Take Charge campaign is an advocacy project of Illustrado in line with the Women of Substance endeavor created to contribute to Filipina empowerment. The project seeks, not only to create a more positive image for Filipinas in the region, but also to assist in addressing problems and concerns relevant to Filipinas.



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10 Luhoxuries that Only Overseas Filipinos Would Understand

#Blessed. That’s what people back home are, since the best things in (a Pinoy’s) life are just within their reach. (Forget the traffic, 2016 elections, and pabebes for five minutes. Don’t ruin the good vibes.) And while many take this for granted, most of our filipinos abroad choose to suffer in silence, counting the days when they’ll finally return to Pinas to indulge in these luxuries (luho) or counting cash until they can afford them at last—whichever comes first.


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GLOBETROTTER's NOTES: AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam

By Kristine Abante
 

Aside from the obvious ones like the beautiful network of canals we often see in postcards, the impressive and well-oiled bike culture, and the deliciously addictive stroopwaffels, I would say Amsterdam is unique because here, you can enjoy a kind of freedom and open-mindedness that you will not easily find anywhere else.

Read Globetrotter’s Notes – bit.ly/1UFBCCx

Science and the Art of Seeing

On the Prowl and In the Know – August 2015 

By Kristine Abante – Dubai




I always had this fascination with space and the great beyond. I spent my elementary years in an all-girl Catholic school; after that, I received this strange piece of news that I got accepted into my own version of Hogwarts…
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Filipinos in Dubai: It’s What I Do

Filipinos are known to be always happy, and I am proud to be one. I am also very lucky that I am part of a very diverse company. I make sure that I pay it forward to the Filipino community in Dubai.

http://bit.ly/1LhY8Hh

Third Culture Kids—How Pinoy Are They?

By Rav De Castro

For most of us, the concept of home is a very simple thing—it’s our permanent address where everyone we know lives. It’s the place where we grew up alongside our families, relatives, and friends. But for some, home is a complex map of different cities with different cultures.


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Filipinos Abroad: What Every Filipino Needs to Know When Moving to Another Country

Filipinos Abroad: What Every Filipino Needs to Know When Moving to Another Country from Illustrado

By Quay Evano

Photo – Dreamstime.com

Filipinos have been widely known as citizens of the world. The Pinoy diaspora dates back to the early 1900s when thousands of Filipinos migrated to the USA and ended up starting generations upon generations of Filipino-Americans.  According to AC Nielsen, Filipinos, after the Chinese and the Indians, are the third largest expatriate population scattered around the globe, with 12% of our population outside the homeland.  Our kababayans can be found working and living virtually anywhere in the world – on oil tankers and cruise ships in remote oceans from pole to pole; in unforgiving deserts in the Middle East and Africa; in the coldest places in the world, and even in jungles untouched by man in South America.

Each person has a different way of adapting and surviving in a new country. Luckily for us Filipinos, the culture that we have grown up with has given us a built-in advantage in terms of being able to more easily integrate within new communities where we choose to reside.  Not only are we blessed with familiarity with the English language, even our easy-going and mostly open attitude, unlike more conservative expats, certainly helps us adjust to life in a foreign land.

Still, sharpening our survival skills will ease the way we can get accustomed and eventually thrive in a new place.

Here are some tips that Filipinos could benefit from while trying to make it elsewhere in the world.

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Filipinos Abroad: A Filipino Expat Guide to Settling Abroad

Filipinos Abroad: A Filipino Expat Guide to Settling Abroad from Illustrado

By Kristine Abante 

They say if you haven’t dared left your comfort zone you will only be reading one page of a great book.
 
Those of us who have been lucky enough to experience the thrill of stepping into another country will tell you that there is this priceless rush that comes from the moment you first set foot on foreign soil.

Everything seems so exotic – the air, the weather, the street signs, the food, public transportation, people talking in a language you don’t understand. You take this all in as you assess the possibilities before you. It is frightening, yes, but it is also rewarding to have that chance to be a brand new person, open to new adventures ahead.

There was a time when travel was not exactly popular among Pinoys, when the word “abroad” only brings to mind three things – a) you’re family is loaded rich, b) you have relatives abroad who petitioned for you, or c) you are an OFW bound for a tough life in the Middle East, Europe or Canada.

Times have changed, however. Nowadays with cheaper international fares and better opportunities, we see Filipinos from all walks of life, not only making their way but also planting roots across globe.

Masters at the art of adapting and integrating, Pinoy expats are proving that although there might be no place like home, there is also no limit to the places you can call home.

If you’re thinking of spreading your wings and moving to certain parts of the world, we’ve gathered some insights from our fellow Filipinos living in key places around the globe to help you plan your next big move.

Yellow taxis rides on 5th Avenue in New York, USA. Photo – Andrey Bayda

Continue reading to know more Filipino Expats who are now settling abroad... http://goo.gl/TTfW7m

Beating the OF (Overseas Filipino) Christmas Blues

Beating the OF (Overseas Filipino) Christmas Blues from Illustrado

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

It’s the best of times; it’s the worst of times…

What could be bad about the best and most joyous part of the year – when everybody’s supposedly in high spirits and all around you are the dazzling signs of a holiday in full swing? Being away from your family, perhaps? Being alone, thousands of miles from home where the season is celebrated like no other in the world?

Image via shutterstock_85742344

Ever heard of “OF (Overseas Filipino) Christmas Blues?”

For any important occasion in the year – be it Christmas, New Year, Valentines, anniversaries, birthdays, et cetera, which is usually spent with family and loved ones – being away from home is always a tough. According to renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Mitchell Flaum, isolated individuals may feel depression during this time of the year as the traditional image of warm loving families during the holiday season creates expectations that cannot always be fulfilled.

Read full article of "OF (Overseas Filipino) Christmas Blues": http://goo.gl/aSpKsG

5 Things to Do this Month of December

5 Things to Do this Month of December from Illustrado

By Sherry Tenorio
When December comes, our lives are filled with activities that revolve around the word ‘celebrate.’ Back home, people have been busy shopping for the Christmas gifts, attending Christmas parties and thinking about sumptuous meals to whip up for Noche Buena. Here in far mid-east, we may not be able to feel exactly the same festive spirit, we know that we can still try to have a good time and enjoy the season. This month in Illustrado, we give you a lowdown on how to plan a merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Take note of our year-ender tips, and you’ll have the greatest month for sure.

Image via Flickr: Andy Noren

Give gifts on Christmas day

As the old adage goes, Christmas is the day of giving. That is why we should still adhere to the tradition, and live up to it in our own ways. There is no need to buy expensive gifts – meaningful gifts that come out of thoughtfulness and sincerity are what we have to give away. Box of sweets for office colleagues, small mementos to housemates, greeting cards and charming favors for friends and loved ones would actually make the spirit of Christmas fill the air. The shopping malls all over the city coupled with outdoor souks in Global Village and The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence have tons of discount offerings in time for the season. And aside from giving gifts to those who are dear to us, we can also go and donate some of our blessings to the less fortunate through charity organizations.

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- Nurture your spirit

- Ponder on 2014, and write goals for 2015

- Welcome the fabulous New Year

 

Nang Maghalo ang Balat sa Tinalupan

Nang Maghalo ang Balat sa Tinalupan from Illustrado

I miss my friends. Yung mga naiwan ko sa Pilipinas. Yung mga nakakasama kong mag-shopping sa Greenhills at Divisoria, lalo na kapag may Midnight Madness Sale sa mga mall. Yung palagi kong nakakaladkad sa parlor, sa sinehan, sa peryahan, pati sa cutting classes. Yung mga nakaka-telebabad at ka-text ko miski anong oras. Yung kinikilig kapag kinukwentuhan ko ng mga crush ko, mga naiiyakan ko kapag sawi ako sa lovelife ko. It’s a pity that we had to part ways. Some got married na and are raising kids now. Yung iba naman busy sa kanilang mga lovelife at careers. Ako naman eto, dakilang bagong bayani ng bayan – nagsasakripisyo para sa pamilya at kinabukasan kaya’t malayo sa piling nila.


It’s hard to find true friends nowadays. Mahirap makahanap ng mga taong makakaintindi sa yo and who will accept you for who you are. Syempre dapat pareho kayo ng taste – sa damit, sa sapatos, sa music, sa pelikula, sa lalake, pati sa paboritong artista. Kapag maka-Kimerald ka natural hindi kayo magkakasundo ng mga DongYan fans. Tamo mga Vilmanians, hindi pwedeng makipag-bonding sa mga Noranians. A Kapamilya will never like a Kapuso. Gets mo? Si Manny Pacman lang yata ang pwedeng mag-unite sa ating mga Pinoy eh. Teka, I degrees.


Hindi kasi ako madaling magkaroon ng friends. Ewan ko ba, pero mas madaming may ayaw sa akin kesa sa may gusto – feeling ko ha? Eh kasi kakaiba daw ako – weirdo, loud at eccentric. Yan ang madalas na first impression sa akin. Eh di ba first impression is last? Kaya siguro kokonti lang ang lumalapit sa akin – hindi man lang nila ako binibigyan ng benefit of the daw. Kasalanan ko ba na istariray ako? Pinalaki kasi ako ng mga magulang ko na huwag magpapa-api. Dapat daw sa classroom, sa harapan ako lagi uupo. Kapag may gusto akong sabihin dapat daw isigaw ko para siguradong maririnig ako. At hindi raw dapat lahat ng uso eh sundin ko, dapat daw eh magkaroon ako ng self identity. Yan ang mga pabilin sa akin nina Nanay at Tatay. Kaya siguro ganito ako ka-confidence. I believe in self expression, individualism and originality. Ayoko maging back up singer lang, dapat ako ang laging bida – parang si Beyonce, si Nicole Scherzinger… si Kuh Ledesma! Wala naman sigurong masama to aspire to be the best, di ba? Well kanya-kanya yan – whatever rocks your vote, makes no difference who you are. Yun na!


Kaya naman blessing in the sky for me when I met my BFF Sheila. First time ko pa lang sya nakilala sa office magaan na loob ko sa kanya. Pareho kasi ng costume sa Halloween Party namin noon. Habang lahat eh naka-witch at vampire outfits eh namukod-tangi kaming dalawa sa suot naming Lady Gaga costumes. Biruin mo, sino ang mag-aakala na merong ibang kayang maglakas-loob magsuot ng ganun bukod sa akin? Sabi ko, “Ay, chica tong gurlash na itich! Winner!” Nang sumuot ako sa isang gusot, sya lang ang nagtanggol sa akin. Mula noon, sabay na kami mag-lunch, magsimba sa St. Mary’s, mag-marathon sa panonood ng “Glee” at “Magkaribal”, mag-window shopping sa Louis Vuitton, mag-panic buying sa Outlet Mall, gumimik sa Chika Grill at kumain ng okoy sa Delmon. I also introduced her to my suking parlor, my flatmates, my carlift and to my significant other… si Adam my love.


Sarap ng feeling nang muli akong magkaroon ng confidante, alliance at partner in crime. Para akong nagkaroon ng instant kakambal – kasi pati sa pananamit madalas eh pareho kami ng outfits. Pati mga expression ko bukambibig na rin nya all of a suddenly. Finally, someone that understands me and accepts me for what I am – my new BFF! Kaya magmula noon I shared na my life with her, lalo na kapag dumarating at lumalabas kami ni Adam, sya ang third wheel all of the time. Pero just like in the movies, I soon discovered na Three is a Crowd pala.


Kamakailan lang ay nakigamit ng laptop si BFF. Nang matapos mag-internet ay nagpaalam sya at umuwi na. Nang gamitin ko ang laptop, naiwan nyang naka-log in ito sa Fezbook account nya. Bago ako mag-log out, nabasa ko ang info sa kanyang account. Name: Sheila May Smith??? Relationship Status: Married??? At eto na: In a Relationship with Adam Smith???!!! Teka, pangalan ng jowa ko yun ah! Anu itu??? Hindi naman ito yung Fezbook account ni BFF Sheila ah? So right there and them, nadiskubre kong may secret second account ang hitad. Binasa ko yung ibang info… Activities: shopping, eating, shopping, eating… Interests: fashion, movies, boys… Music: Madonna, Lady Gaga, Sharon Cuneta… Books: Macbook… Movies: Titanic, The Notebook, Temptation Island…Television: Sex & The City, Glee, Magkaribal… Hmmmm. Teka, bakit pareho lahat ng sa akin toh? Click sa Photos… Natulala ako sa mga nakita ko. Aba, puro mga pictures ni BFF Sheila at Adam – actually kilala ko yung mga pictures na yun eh – kasama talaga ako dun sa mga pictures pero na-crop na bigla sa Photoshop!!! Tapos yung mga solo shots nya puro mga damit ko ang suot nya… aba pati yung profile pic nya, kapareho ng hairstyle ko tsaka damit ko…Oh-Em-Gee, ginagaya nya ako! Stroker!!!


Tapos binuksan ko yung mga messages nya. Sa Sent Messages, puro kay Adam lahat! Binasa ko ang isa: “ Hi honey, how r u? Wen r u going 2 b bak hir in Dubai? Miss u much. I-T-A-L-Y. =) Mwuah!”


P*^%$#@%#*&^!!! Ang kapal ng fez! Nanginig ako…


Continue reading: http://goo.gl/FV6eXv

Dubai Traffic: Expect The Unexpected

via Illustrado Life Community

By: Atty Barney Almazar

Don’t drive in Dubai unprepared. Most inexperienced drivers in Dubai find themselves burdened with additional requirements and legislation. With drivers from different countries and local driving styles, you need to expect the unexpected.

Obtaining a UAE Driver’s License

Only those on a tourist visa can drive using an international driver’s license. Once you’ve secured  your residence visa, you will need to obtain a driver’s license from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

According to Article 51 of Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 as amended by Federal Law No.12 of 2007, a person driving without a valid license or driving a vehicle not specified in the vehicle category of his license may be sentenced to jail for a maximum term of 3 months and or fined. In certain cases, violators are banned from driving in the UAE.

Unfortunately, holders of a Philippine license are not allowed to transfer or exchange their valid license to a UAE license. They must take and pass a theory and practical driving test after completing 20 lessons for those driving for more than 5 years, or 40 lessons for beginners or with less than 5 years driving experience from an authorized driving school.

You should carry your license when driving. If you fail to produce your driving license during a spot check or road accident, you run the risk of being sent to court and have your car impounded. The fine is AED100 which can be reduced if you can take your license to the police within 24 hours.

Black Points

The Traffic Police deals with violations of traffic offenses and fines enforced by the RTA. In addition to fines, a certain number of black points will be issued against your license for a particular violation such as illegal parking, over speeding, non-renewal of vehicle registration. For instance, if you put a child below 10 years of age in the front seat, you will get 4 black points.  If the number of your black points exceeds 24, you will be banned from driving any vehicle for a year. Take note of the following essential rules of the road:

• The driver and front passengers must wear seatbelts.
• Do not jump red lights.
• There is zero tolerance on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
• Do not use your mobile phone while driving.
• Park properly and observe time limits. The fine for illegal parking is AED200, while exceeding time limit is AED150.
• Vehicle registration card must be in your possession while driving.
• Observe speed limits which are clearly indicated on signs. You will be fined for over speeding as well as driving below the minimum speed limit. There are fixed and mobile radar traps to catch unwary violators.
• Always give way to pedestrian.
• Maintain your car in good condition. You will be fined if your lights are broken.
• Always keep your cool. Never make any kind of gestures even if someone cuts you up on the road.
• Do not exceed maximum seating capacity of your vehicle.
• You must get a Salik tag for your car. You will be fined if you pass a toll with no Salik tag or credit on your account

Road Accidents

If you are involved in a road accident, you must call the police on 999 and await their arrival. You and the other driver will be asked to produce your respective licenses and car registrations. The police will do their investigation and determine who is at fault. If you receive a pink slip, it means you are at fault. On the other hand, a green slip means you are not at fault.

It is important to report an accident as car repair shops are forbidden to repair any damage, even a minor one, without a police report. Moreover, your insurance will likewise need the report when you claim for compensation.

If the accident involves injuries, loss of life, or driving under the influence of alcohol, the police may arrest the offender and recommend a filing of a case with the public prosecutor.

Paying Fines

To find out if you have been fined, you will need to visit the RTA eServices website (www.rta.gov.ae) fines inquiry and payment portal. You would usually receive a notification by SMS from the authorities within 24 hours of being fined.

Before renewing your vehicle registration or driving license, you will need to clear all outstanding fines plus overdue penalty charges that are logged under your car plate and license.

2103 statistics show that more than 100 people died and about 800 others were injured in road accidents, most of which are caused by motorists driving at excessive speed, beating the red light and not giving way to pedestrians.

Always drive within the law not only because you will be fined but also to watch over your other road users’ safety.

Great Filipinos: Our Heroes, Our Models

via Illustrado Magazine

By: Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines chose the following theme for the 2014 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence: “ Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.” In English, it reads: “ Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos Toward Permanent and Widespread Change. “

Indeed, our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who chose to give his life for our country leads the list of our hero and models. As a migrant student, he wrote about the social ills of our society then and incurred the ire of the powers that be that led to his early demise. The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be readings for us Filipinos and our friends.

Gat Andres Bonifacio , likewise, shed his blood for the cause of our Independence from the country’s  colonizers. His wife, Gregoria de Jesus, was a strong woman, and with other women, were supporters of their husbands,  during our early years of struggle against the yoke of tyranny. His symbolic tearing of the cedula is forever remembered in his Caloocan monument, a place fondly and aptly called Monumento.

The first president of the revolutionary Philippine government, Emilio Aguinaldo, raised the Philippine flag , a labor of love by three great  Filipina women, namely, Dona Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza  Agoncillo and Delfina Herbosa.

The paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, our first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, printed a pamphlet called, “The True  Decalogue”, a basic documentation for the programs pertinent to the then revolutionary government.

Tandang Sora is a place in Quezon City that is named after 84-year old  revolutionary  Melchora  Aquino de Ramos. She became known by her aforementioned name because of her age when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896.

Gomburza or Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora is a sculpture that inspires in the garden of one of the churches in the University of the Philippines. They are three Filipino priests who gave their lives for the cause of independence from the colonizers.

The power couple, Diego Silang, a datu who was replaced by his Babaylan wife, Gabriela , in the struggle for freedom are , also, an inspiration.

Nearer my age in our recent history, Ninoy Aquino’s legacy and famous words, “The Filipino is worth dying for “ resonates in my heart and mind. His death gave life to our nation.

Another role model is the man who dreamed the impossible dream, Evelio Javier, of Antique.

Nowadays, I only have to see the Overseas Filipinos and their families to remember the heroism of our great ancestors/heroes and role models.

At so much cost to life and limb, they venture out to care for their loved ones’ needs and indirectly help our beloved country.

We appreciate and salute what you are doing. We pray that the Philippine leadership, will likewise, emulate the sacrifices of our great Filipinos and thus, make it easier for Filipinos to migrate out of choice, not out of necessity .

Together, in the spirit of bayanihan (collective heroism for a common cause or common causes that we identify) we can work together and become  greater.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

FOODING AROUND: ANG ISTORYA NG GAYUMA

From: Illustrado Magazine

Chef Mico Galligues share recipes using ingredients known to stimulate desire. Read on as he spills his top culinary secrets.

Beyond the month of love, there’s always room for that mystic exotic potion we Filipinos know as ‘gayuma.’  Apparently, if you want to snatch someone else’s lover, or to cast a spell on your beloved, gayuma is what you need – nakakapraning! These mixtures are commonly sold around Quiapo and Baclaran. But be careful!  They are not BFAD approved and maybe harmful to your health.  So if you are not willing to risk ending up in a hospital bed, I suggest you might as well look into aphrodisiac foods instead.

According to ‘my friend’ Webster an aphrodisiac is a “food or drink that stimulates desire, derived from the name of Aphrodite (Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to my best friend Eros – you know, the fashion designer/photographer?). Here is a list of common aphrodisiac foods which you might already have in your kitchen – aniseed, almond, avocado, asparagus, banana, carrots, chili peppers, basil, chocolate, coffee, oyster, ginger, garlic, cilantro, rosemary, balut (duck embryo), edible snails, oregano, saffron, thyme, caviar, tuna, salmon,  cherry, dates, strawberries, peaches, etc.

Many articles and books have been written about these ‘hot’ foods and even Dr. Margie Holmes will tell you to eat some of these foods to spice up your relationship.  Trust her, she is a clinical psychologist, and trust me I’m a chef. So, I prepared some recipes with our aphrodisiac ingredients for a unique Pinoy menu na siguradong nakaka-in love! Una siempre ang number one sa mga barako – ang  pang  malakasan nating  ‘Soup Number Five,’ then ang pambato ng mga taga Cavite, Navotas at Malabon ang ‘talaba,’ ang ‘beef trio’ na sigradong makakataba ng puso, and a sinful dessert to cap it all.

Soup Number Five

*Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 clove garlic, chopped

2 pcs onions, chopped

1 pack Tamarind Mix

2 liters water

1 whole cow’s organs

1 tbsp whole black peppercorn

1tbsp sibot similar to 5 spices

15 grams of black fungus (tengang daga)

4 pcs Chinese cabbage leaf

2 stalks of spring onion, chopped

Patis (fish sauce), to taste

Procedure: Boil the cow’s organs in water. Scrape with a knife to clean.  Discard the water.  Bring fresh water to boil, then add the meat and salt.  Simmer until tender, remove the meat from the broth and cut into cubes.  In a pan, heat oil then sauté onions and the meat, add the broth, peppercorn, sibot, and bouillon.  Bring to boil and add the tamarind mix. Season with patis. Serve hot with cabbage, black fungus, spring onion and crispy garlic.

Oyster Shooter with Tomato Salsa

*Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

20 pcs oyster

500g ripe tomatoes

3 fresh green chili, deseeded

1g garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped

1 small white onion, finely chopped

1 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bunch coriander

Micro leaves for garnish

Procedure: Remove oyster out of the shells and set aside. Chop tomatoes, onion, garlic and coriander and mix together. Pour the limejuice and season with salt and pepper. Assemble the food.

Chef Mico Galligues