Ateneo LSE Batch 26 Graduation

Fifty-three Overseas Filipinos (OFs), received their diplomas during the Ateneo LSE Batch 26 graduation on the 11^th September 2015 in Dubai, after having successfully completed the six-month Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG).

The commencement exercises held at the Al Ghurair Rayhaan – Rotana Hotel were attended by the Philippines’ top diplomats and officials in the UAE led by outgoing Ambassador Grace Princesa, Consul General Paul Raymond Cortez, Consul Giovanni Palec, Consul Ferdinand Flores, and Labor Attache Atty. Delmer Cruz.

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Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi hosts Bizz Talk 2015

The Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi kicked off this year’s Bizz Talk on the 29^th October 2015 at the Le Royal Meridien – Abu Dhabi. Business executives, professionals, PBC members, sponsors, media partners, Filipino community leaders, distinguished Philippine Embassy guests including Consul Maria Roseny Fangco and Vice Consul Rowena Daquipil participated in the muc-awaited networking event.


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Filipino Photographer Allan Cadaoas: Grand Mosque in UAE

Filipino Photographer Allan Cadaoas: Grand Mosque in UAE from Illustrado

 

Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE

 
Architectural photography enthusiast Allan Cadaoas is an architect who works in Abu Dhabi and lives with his family in Dubai. Residing in the emirates for almost five years now, Allan has a natural affinity for taking snaps of structures with striking architectural elements. Here he shares with us glimpses of one of the region’s grandest mosques, a veritable tourist spot in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Mosque.

 

See more Filipino Photographers: http://goo.gl/vi5OmV

Filipino Photographer: Alexander Yee

Filipino Photographer: Alexander Yee from Illustrado

Alexander Yee found his niche beyond his university double-degree and professional expertise. His chosen medium for his works, appeals to even the most scrutinizing eye. His camera has flashed on numerous personalities and events in the Kingdom of Bahrain, but even most importantly, he has contributed significantly to the recognition of Filipino artists in the country. Alexander, who photographs events, portfolios, fashion, glamour, and landscape, is a pioneering member of Fashionaires Middle East – a UK based group that provides stimulating events focused around fashion and lifestyle. He has also had several successful photo exhibits, the most recent of which is a solo event – Art Uncorked at Vintage, Gulf Hotel.

See also: Filipino Photographers: Reginn Palacio & Leogel Lagaras

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.

Spotlight on Filipino Abroad Who Make Us Proud

The Illustrados formed  the middle class during the Spanish period who could have foreshadowed the Filipino expats of today.  Think of Filipino heroes Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena or Mariano Ponce as the early illustrados whose stay abroad made their native land proud.  They were the key figures in the growth of Filipino nationalism and the fostering of pride in the Filipino race.

images: Wikipedia

 
In that sense, they live to this day and age. There are over 11 million Filipino expats or OFWs scattered in all parts of the globe that have for the most part assimilated beautifully into their adopted countries. They have successfully improved not only their quality of life but also that of their family back home. They have created a sensation in their chosen professions abroad and made the world sit up and notice. They make the Philippines proud.  


It is these Filipino expats and their triumphs abroad that are featured in Illuustrado Magazine on a regular basis. Contributors to the magazine focus on uplifting the image of Filipinos abroad and presenting world-class expatriates who are making a difference in their adopted countries. “Taas Noo, Pilipino” is the overall theme as the OFW success stories bid to raise the morale and image of the Filipino in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world.  All to provide discerning readers a renewed sense of pride in their race.

image: www.pinoy-ofw.com

One example of the articles celebrated in the magazine is the story and accomplishments of Michael Cinco.  Michael Cinco  is a Filipino fashion designer based in Dubai who has worked with supermodels Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. His creations have been worn by celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Fergie, Paris Hilton, Dita Von Teese,Mischa Barton among others. His eco-couture collection was featured in the America's Next Top Model.  In the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012, he launched his scent Impalpable Dream, the latest fragrance of the Bench Designer Scents Collection. Cinco's achievements have been recognized by the Asian Couture Federation and in 2013 the title of “Asian Couturier Extraordinaire” was conferred upon him.

images: asianjournal.com

 Another is Dr. Rosario Tigno, the first doctor from the Philippines to practice in the United Arab Emirates.  Filipinos in Dubai refer to her as a medical beacon within the Filipino community and a doctor-at-large who is always on call whenever needed, exemplifying the bravery, industry and zeal of the Filipino migrant.  Tigno was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor by obtaining her medical degree from Manila Central University in 1972.  She worked for four years in several hospitals in Iran before going back to the Philippines and practicing medicine for more than 13 years. An opportunity came for her to be able to work again in Dubai.  In 1992, she gained the distinction of being the first Filipino doctor to be issued a license by the Department of Health and Medical Services of Dubai. Since then, she has devoted herself to helping Filipinos there, especially the underprivileged. 

Working and living outside your home country can be one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of your life, but also one of the most challenging. According to government data, there are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, which is about 11 percent of the total population of the Philippines. Overseas Filipinos are typically known to be as doctors, nurses, accountants, IT professionals, engineers and architects, entertainers, technicians, teachers, military servicemen, students, and domestic helpers. Illustrado is a unique lifestyle-community magazine published devoted to uplifting the morale and spirit and image of these Filipinos anywhere in the world.  It has put together an A-1 team of contributing writers, photographers and artists spread across the Philippines, the UAE, including Southeast Asia, the US and Europe --- all of whom share the same passion towards the OFWs and the Filipino diaspora.