Girl, Please! Nonsense Women Say

Women are fantastic, intelligent, magical creatures of light and love. Well, most of us anyway, most of the time. As fabulous and magnificent as we can be, there are times when women say and do the wrongest things – myself included! I’ll be the first to admit that as a woman, I say a lot of things that men probably find absurd. It’s not as if I do it intentionally. I don’t exactly go out of my way to complicate things for the opposite sex. It’s just that our minds are wired differently, in as much as our role in the society is different than the guy’s. It is almost as if women have their own language, a hidden culture of implied complexity and severity, and it’s the job of men to decode us.



See Full Article: http://goo.gl/E3KH2N

Of Being Single, Kiwi Crates, and Cassava Cakes

By Dannabelle Gutierrez


I have been single for thirteen years. Let me say that again, in case you missed it, my singleness is thirteen years old. It’s funny, because there are actual humans of the same age who are getting into relationships and here I am, tap-tap-tapping away on a keyboard, sipping my tea. A few weeks ago, I was out to dinner with two very good friends of mine and their significant others. When youʼve been single for as long as I have, third-wheeling or fifth-wheeling is nothing new.


See Full Article: http://goo.gl/QGgocl

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.



Read Full Article: http://goo.gl/bXQJZm

A Primer on UAE Immigration

FAQ on UAE Immigration

In this issue, Atty. Barney Almazar answers the most common questions regarding visa, immigration, deportation, blacklist and appeals, so you can maintain your legal residency status in the emirates without any complications.


Read Full Article http://goo.gl/B4PRV7

SNOWREADY: 6 Things Filipinos Need to Learn to Survive In the Cold

From the tropical islands of the Philippines to the Frigid Zone countries of the Arctic Circle – mabrrrhay!



One of the most dreaded things about migrating to another country is the prospect of having to adapt to extreme cold weather. And nowhere is that more pronounced than in the case of the tank top and flip-flop wearing, Boracay state-of-mind loving Filipinos. Still, neither below zero temperatures nor frostbite will scare the determined Pinoy expat. Alas, our compatriots have not only chosen to migrate, but our communities in fact thrive from Canada, to the Nordics, even all the way to Russia.


Click the link for Full Article: http://goo.gl/anco9X

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.


Read Full Post: http://goo.gl/7f3Sra

Feeling Mayaman: A Sensible Person’s Guide to Modern Luxury

By Nicholo Jallores


Sometimes you just gotta feel rich.

You know how it is. You work like a dog day in and day out, and come payday you just want – no, need – to reward yourself for all of your sacrifice and hard labor. The struggle is real, hence the prize must be as real and tangible. You have to see it, smell it, hear it, hold it tightly in the palm of your hand until you feel in the very core of your being that, yes, you are successful. There is a point to all of your demeaning elbow grease. You are not just another cog in the machine.  You are the toast of the town. You are made, and you have the bag, the gadget, the dress, the shoes to prove it. Viva la alta!

Read Full Post: http://bit.ly/1NR4hQZ

Meet Consul General Paul Raymond Cortes, Dubai & the Northern Emirates

Hon. Paul Raymond Cortes, the Consul General of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates, did not dream of working in the Foreign Service. In fact, as a graduate of Computer Science from the prestigious Ateneo de Manila University.


Read Full Story: http://bit.ly/1WfEB21

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

My Pinoy Life in Xiamen, China

I have been staying here in Xiamen since 2011. I was a pioneer employee of Saint Gabriel International School in Pasig City, Philippines that it began its operations in 2000, and I have been working there as a preschool teacher when it decided to open another location here in China in 2011.


Read Full Story: bit.ly/1JXU8uP

UAE Law: Avoiding a Debt Sentence

UAE Law: Avoiding a Debt Sentence from Illustrado

Snapshots of the Vital Points of UAE Law Every Pinoy Expat Should Know

Every month, our in-house lawyer, Atty. Barney Almazar will explain legal concepts affecting the lives of Filipino expatriates across the emirates. This New Year, he explains how to avoid being in a downward credit card spiral which could get you to court or worse, put you behind the bars.

No Debt Sentence this 2014

By Barney Almazar, Esq.

So you’ve done your holiday shopping, hit the malls for that iPhone 5s or designer purse, but before you think about taking out that credit card and swiping it for another purchase this year, read Article 401 of the UAE Penal code first:

“A punishment of confinement of one month to three years, or a fine of a minimum of AED1,000 shall be inflicted on any person who, in bad faith draws a cheque with no existing or drawable provision.”

Read full article about "UAE Law: Avoiding a Debt Sentence" http://goo.gl/Gw46os

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.

Read full Article about "What Every Filipino Needs to Know When Moving to Another Country" http://goo.gl/eb6AXN

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

Pinoy Entrepreneur: Janice Frias Neff

Pinoy Entrepreneur: Janice Frias Neff from Illustrado

 

JANICE FRIAS NEFF, SYMMETRY PHYSICAL THERAPY
13890 Palmdale Rd., Victorville, CA 92392
website: www.sympt.net

Please describe your business.

Symmetry Physical Therapy is an out-patient rehabilitation center which focuses on industrial injuries, pediatric rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, sports medicine and orthopedic injuries.

Why did you establish your own business? Can you tell us when and why you started?

Symmetry was established in 2009 as a collaborative effort between my husband and myself. Up until that year, I had worked for many different out-patient facilities and had expressed a deep desire to one day open my own. A business venture in 2005 with a would-be partner turned out unproductive, which was an eye-opener for me. I was also not very pleased with my position as director at a local hospital. Being female and a minority and governing 5 male therapists, I felt that my position was subject to discrimination on both a sexual and racial nature. It was a turning point in 2009 when I finally decided that I needed to take rein of my professional future.

Check out the Pinoy Entrepreneur behind one of the most well-loved food brands! 

Read full article about "Pinoy Entrepreneur: Janice Frias Neff" http://goo.gl/Fv0Ekm

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.

Continue reading full story:  http://goo.gl/hi57tg

- 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

Filipinos in Thailand: My Pinoy life in Songkhla

Filipinos in Thailand: My Pinoy life in Songkhla

By Illustrado

Angel Jerlin Balais

 

Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I came to Thailand in 2005 to join volunteers assisting programs for migrants and refugees at the Thai-Myanmar border. At that time, I was working as Educational Assistance Program Coordinator in Families and Children for Empowerment and Development (FCED) and a basic literacy educator in Tahanan Sta. Luisa, a drop-in center for young street girls below 18. I was also studying in U.P. Diliman, graduate program for a second degree in Social Work. The volunteer work opportunity was so difficult to ignore. So with support from my family who are also attached to community service, I flew to Thailand. In the first 3 months of my stay, I had been immersed in different settings, dealing with different issues in Southern and Northern Provinces of the Land of Smiles – as a replacement teacher in a school in Phattalung; to distribute relief goods for Burmese victims of Tsunami in Krabi, Phuket and Phang Nga; organize a learning center for the children of Burmese migrants in Mae Sot; visit refugee camps in Mae Ramat and also to reach-out to the stateless people, and Kareni tribes, in faraway, nameless mountains along the borders of Thailand. It was a life-changing experience indeed.

See more of her story, http://goo.gl/rRFAky

Journey to the Crater

Journey to the Crater

Story by Karen 

Bolilia Photography: Filbert Kung & Glenn Peter Perez of Blackfox Photography
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Hair & Makeup: Nanan Villaba
Model: Carlo Ian Adorador

DON’T GO TO PINATUBO.

Don’t go if you’re expecting a run-of-the-mill tourist experience. Don’t go if you don’t want your endurance and patience tested with muscle cramps during the long hard trek. Don’t go if you think it isn’t going to take you at least half a day to actually get to your destination.

But hey, here’s another don’t: don’t knock it until you try it.

It’s been almost 20 years since the most significant geological event of the 20th century, Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, and along with it came a decade’s worth of substantial environmental collateral damage. But perhaps, what nature has taken away, it gives back through breathtaking landscapes, covered in Mt. Pinatubo’s ashes – majestic, postcard-perfect deserted lands clawing their way back to life, rugged, raw, and determined.  Under the heat of the summer sun, the scenery is bursting with the hopeful hues of ‘feast-your-eyes-on-this’ kind of promise.

If you were to explore this promise, you might as well do it the right way.

On all fours

We were ushered into the first leg of our Pinatubo adventure by rugged 4×4 trucks. Travel Factor’s use of the hardwearing vehicle provided an intimidating yet accessible ride.  The 4×4, a master of all terrains that seemed to recognize the topography like an old friend. Once you get over the mandatory jolt, thump and crash, it’s unlike any other terrestrial transportation you’ve ever been on. It’s the ultimate compromise between the tourist and the adrenaline junkie, which appeases both the sightseeing and the thrill-seeking requisites of the trip.

Sheer printed top and harem pants, both by Gerry Katigbak; leopard-printed shawl by Tango; silver chain necklace, dried waterlily sandals and striped blue shawl used as waist wrap, all by AC+632; silver cuff and red Ifugao band, both by Tesoro’s

At our truck stop mid-way, we were able to admire the beauty on standstill; untapped and wild. 

 Here, one can’t help but be in awe. Some of the locals may have already pegged us as peculiar, for taking photos in a place they consider merely as home. Halfway through our journey, we encountered an incline, a treacherously steep one, and even before we could weigh in on the odds that our trucks won’t plummet downwards, we were back on our seats, moving towards the aptly named route, the Skyway.

It was a one-way alley that could only fit one truck, sandwiched between elevated plateaus. The repetitive uphill-downhill movement makes one think that the excavated road is limitless or maybe a result of some paranormal activity where you just keep going back to where you came from. It could be that the ashes had obstructed a portion of our vision, but doubt inevitably creeps in when, for over 25 minutes, there was you, your companions, and your truck-against the vast territories of nature, impeded by the limits of the human senses. Thankfully, the endlessness did have an end.

 

Denim pants by Jeffrey Rogador; skeletal necklace and tusk necklace, both by OS Accessories by AJ Omandac; brown leopard-printed shawl  and brown braided belt, both by Tango; leopard-spotted scarf by AC+632; black native bracelet by Edmir Lagui at Bobon; wooden clasp bracelet by Tina Bonoan at Firma

But Pinatubo isn’t just about to let you get away with it so easily. 

After lahar composites clung all over your body, and you’ve adapted to the robust springing up and down (and even sideways), you leave the ‘comforts’ of that hour-long ride, to stand on your own two feet, and embark on a Trek to Remember.

Trek-wrecked

Once you begin on the (supposedly) hour-long hike to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, a very strange thing happens. The concept of time, communication and technology gets left behind in the truck – all those 21st century appendages we’ve come to identify ourselves with are well, gone.

 

Ten minutes turn into 30, and time seemed as boundless as ever, as you tread the tumultuous terrain. The absence of any network reception was unnerving at first – but with it came the price of unadulterated liberty – the strange feeling of willingness to disconnect from the entire world, even for just 11 hours. It was as if Pinatubo held us all hostage, keeping us in a bubble where only a few things mattered, but there was no ransom – you were your only way out.

The arrest, though, is a gift that kept giving. But Mt. Pinatubo heeded a two-way relationship, in which you’d have to give something back, too. In this case, it was every fiber, every inch of muscle in your body, fighting their way through all kinds of rocks, altitudes, formations and slopes; and with every trickle of sweat came the reward of getting closer to the destination, the pinnacle and purpose of the entire journey in the very first place.

It takes at least another hour of treading rocks, mud, water, and the possible serpent cameo to get to Mt. Pinatubo’s crater, and on its last stretch, a strenuous path that resembles a staircase posed as the last roadblock to victory. “You’re getting closer when you start seeing the sun,” one of the tour guides said. And as we begin to see prickly shafts of light streaming through the leaves, we knew it. “It” wasn’t some abstract concept, a sun-induced delusion, or a figment of our imagination that we’ve been trying to reach for hours, it was here. It was now.

 

The sum is crater than its parts

The sun hit the mountains around the crater perfectly, creating contours and shadows that highlighted its best assets: the ash-filled tops resembling the Alps, and the lake that designated itself as the queen bee attraction of Mt. Pinatubo. For a moment, the pain and dehydration cease to bother, as you gasp and marvel at the majesty of it all. And there it is: the proof of your burden in all its glory, generous in its charm and allure – Mt. Pinatubo’s invincible crater, something so stunning beyond human comprehension. It was daunting to see something so potentially destructive that serene, like it could do no wrong.

Pink tribal printed barong, carved wooden idol mask used as necklace, both by Tesoro’s; wooden choker and wooden bracelet, both by Tina Bonoan at Firma; silver coin ring and dried waterlily sandals, both by AC+632; leopard-printed shawl by Tango; corded belt by George Palmiano; dropped-crotch pants by Gerry Katigbak

Choirs of angels seemed to ring in my ears as I took the final steps back to our 4×4 truck.  

Parched and nearing fatigue, I tried to recall how we all ended up looking like we had such a dreary predicament (that was only partially true). Our journey began in Capas, Tarlac, by a security checkpoint called “Garden of Eden.” Little did we know, the noncommittal biblical reference was every bit prophetic, and with surprising accuracy.

So here’s something you hear often: if there’s anything we humans can’t resist, it is trying something for the first time – even going as far as wandering through that Garden of Eden.

Conquer Mt. Pinatubo through Travel Factor

Travel Factor has been providing accessible adventure tours since 2006, and with its current lineup of Surfvivor, Dive, Backpacking, Foodtrip, Photoholic and Conquer, one is provided maximum adventure through maximum variety. The Mt. Pinatubo Conquer adventure begins in Capas, Tarlac, and covers all bases, including roundtrip van transfers, 4×4 vehicles, and local guides – ensuring that the only fuss you’re left to worry about are the clothes off your back, the contents of your backpack, and the physical limits you’re willing to overcome during your excursion. For more information e-mail tours@travelfactor.org or phone Team TF at +632-746 5119, +632-964 2527, +63917-847 5341. Also check-out thetravelfactor.wordpress.com

SHOPPING GUIDE:

AC+632 – Greenbelt 5, Makati City
Edmir Lagui at Bobon – Markatti Palazzo at The Podium, Ortigas
Firma – Greenbelt 3, Makati
George Palmiano – +63 917 351 8646
Gerry Katigbak – +63 918 941 7189
Jeffrey Rogador – +63 917 208 0227
Nico Agustin - +63 916 259 9945
OS Accessories by AJ Omandac – +63 916 209 5872
Tango – Glorietta 3, Makati
Tesoro’s – Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Terranova – SM Mall of Asia, Manila
Tina Bonoan at Firma – Greenbelt 3, Makati
Traffic – SM Mall of Asia
Ulysses King at Bobon – Markatti Palazzo at The Podium, Ortigas

 

My Pinoy Life in Essex

Marvelin Madridejos

Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I have moved here in June 2005. I was based in Singapore previously, but was also involved in the Taiwan High Speed Project in Taiwan for four years. After the project finished, I went back to the Philippines to take a breather and to consider my next move. After a few months, I decided to go to England because I was always fascinated with the country, especially every time I saw English movies like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and the Full Monty – I have always wondered what it was like living here. I packed my luggage and headed here and told myself that this would be my next destination.

 


Tell us something about your place?
I am currently living in the Southeast of England, the county of Essex. It is excellent for road and train transport links, with commutable access to shops, the town centre and central London. There are three main National Train Stations nearby where commuters take a thirty minute train ride to London.

My location is very close to Basildon Town Centre with travel time by car of approximately five minutes and on foot by about 10-15 minutes.  This town center is filled with small shops and restaurants, and two major retailers Marks and Spencer and Debenhams. There are also two large supermarkets, and a few shops for computers and other electronics. It is complete with amenities, parish churches and post offices. There are also various primary and secondary schools nearby. From what I’ve heard, Basildon also hosts the biggest car boot sale in the UK where you could find a lot of cheap second hand items in good quality, even antiques that sometimes, people sell very cheap without even knowing the real value to find out that they actually cost thousands of pounds.

The surrounding district is not densely populated, hence, there are many green areas surrounding the vicinity. This provides a healthy and safer environment of fresh air, low noise, and less traffic compared with many population centres. Moreover, the natural surroundings provide greater opportunity for relaxation and recreation outside work and school hours.

What do you do for a living?

I am working in London as Senior Cost Consultant (which is equivalent to a Cost Engineer in America or the Philippines) in one of the biggest engineering and consulting firms here in the UK.

Is there a Filipino community there?

Where I live, there is a Filipino community here but I am not a quite active member, to be honest. I do attend Filipino gatherings when convenient and when my schedule permits. Most of the Filipinos here are nurses.

Tell us about your life there?

My life here in the UK is actually not so different from my previous life, probably because I have already met a lot of people from different walks of life. I have adjusted very well and very fast – I guess that’s what Filipinos are known for. I have made some friends at work and through other acquaintances. It’s a typical nine to five for me from Mondays to Fridays in the office in front of the computer and drawings and other papers, meetings or discussions. I think English people love to talk – it’s the one thing one would notice after living here for some time.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

I have developed the habit if drinking a lot of teas, especially English tea which I was not very keen about when I was in the Philippines or any other part of the world. And every Christmas I always make sure that I have a least a bite of the popular Christmas pudding and English roasted chicken. One thing that I like here is the country’s richness in arts and culture, and I have learned to appreciate the works of European artists like John Constable, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and many others. I have also started collecting some antiques – a very popular hobby here in England, and I now appreciate theatre more and have watched a few plays. Unfortunately when I came here, Miss Saigon had long gone so I was not able to see our own Filipino artists performing in the capital.

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.