Patrick Caldito

@thatguynamedpatrick

Debbie Fortes

@debbiefortes

Geny Baluyot

@genyvb

Gelo Santos

@iamdocgelo

Jay Jackson

@jonathanjackson

For more inspiring content like this check out Illustrado.

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Pour home ou pour femme? Who gives a damn?

Photography: Glenn Peter Perez and Filbert Kung of Blackfox Photography

Model: Valerie Clacio Weigmann

Hair and Make-up: Georgina Desuasido

Styling: Ryuji Shiomitsu

Black cropped jacket by Tyler; black and white checkered polo shirt by Sam Kho; bow tie by Ryuji Shiomitsu; black stretch trousers by Seven For All Mankind; chunky heart stud earrings inlaid with brilliant cut diamonds by Naomi; layered silver chain necklace from AC +632; leather belt by Seven For All Mankind

Dotted fitted shirt from Barba by Vittorio Barba; single button jacket by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy at ADORA; striped sailor shorts from Barba by Vittorio Barba; stockings from Tinsels by Christine Lam; wide rimmed Postillion Hat from AC+632; vintage Bausch & Lomb Sunglasses from AC+632; leather belt by Seven For All Mankind; leather umbrella by Jean Paul Gaultier from AC+632; lace pendant set in white gold, drop earrings in smoky topaz with brilliant cut and baguette diamonds and pear shape black diamond, and round cut black diamond ring with white brilliant cut diamonds set in white gold, all from Naomi.

Shopping Guide:

AC+632 – 2/F Greenbelt 5 Makati City. Email: ac632@pldtdsl.net

Aranaz – Rockwell Powerplant Mall and Greenbelt 5, Makati City

Adora – Greenbelt 5, Makati City

Christine Lam – email:caspe_tin@yahoo.com

Michael Antonio Shoes – SM Annex North EDSA, Anthem Rockwell Powerplant Mall and Anthem Greenbelt 5. Website: www.michaelantoniophils.multiply.com

Naomi Jewelry – 2/F Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Tel. (+63 2) 636-0446 or 632-9615. Email: naomijewelry@yahoo.com Website: www.naomi.com.ph

Sam Kho – 50^th Avenue Robinson’s Galleria.Website: www.urbanity.ph/scotts.html

Seven For All Mankind – Greenbelt 5 and Robinson’s Ermita.

Vittorio Barba – Barba, Greenbelt 5. www.vittorio.com.ph

Zxander Tan – Email: zxandertan@yahoo.com.ph

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Read more Fashion and Lifestyle on www.illustradolife.com

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Filipino Fashion: To the Desert of the North

Photography: Dr. Marlon Pecjo with Milo Sogueco assisted by Loubert Estrada

Styling: Rey Santos; Make-Up: Noel Flores; Hair: Dimple Callada

Model: Charmaine de Guzman Aknine

Fashion by: Romyda Keth (Available at Ambre, Ground Floor, Vernida 1 condominium, 120 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati, Philippines.  + 632 292 1575 and 893 1554)

Special Thanks to Ry Farinas

Just at the outskirts of the city of Laoag, after a trek through a long dusty road, is one of the Philippines most surreal landscapes – La Paz, the Desert of the North.  With one side providing a spectacular panoramic view of the cool waters of the South China Sea, and the other side stretching to inland Ilocos Norte, the 85 sqm geological monument of undulating sand dunes, and beach is a serene other worldly spot quite unique to the archipelago.

Here, the barren earth meets the endless blue sky and calm waters in one dramatic moment of silence providing perfect backdrop to smoldering frocks with nomadic inclinations.

The post Filipino Fashion: To the Desert of the North appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

For most Overseas Filipinos, apart from owning a home, having a sustainable business back home that will support the family is the ultimate dream – an aspiration our kababayans want to achieve before they eventually settle back home for good in the Philippines.

But there are so many questions and fears that linger in our heads that seem to make the journey from OF to entrepreneur a daunting one.  “Will I be able to survive in the world that I left long ago?” “Will I be able to reintegrate?” Or even the simple question – “Will I survive?”  These fears are enough to hold us back from coming home for good.  And that is a bit ironic, especially since “home” should be our comfort zone.

So how does one overcome this feeling of “alienness” in his/her own homeland?  It’s easy to set-up a business with all the rules written out.  All you have to do is follow.  But it is harder to change our mindsets that have been shaped by staying all those years abroad in foreign land.

Fret not!  All you need is to utilize whatever you have learned as a resilient OF, apply some flexibility and open-mindedness, and before you know it, you will be adjusting well to life in the Philippines and getting closer to your dream of having your own business back home.  Here are some tips learned from my own tough personal experiences that OFs can benefit from:

Be observant

As an OF returnee you have to understand that the country you have left a long time ago has experienced many changes through the years.  So it’s not useful to only be referring to the things you were used to “back in the day.”  Study the new lay of the land.  Get up to speed with how things work.  Observe your surroundings and the people and learn from them.  Find out the new way of doing things.

Be the people 

A lot of OFs have a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle back home because their expectations and actions are stuck to the life abroad that they left behind.  If you want to be successful in building a business in the Philippines, you need to make an effort to start acting like you are truly part of the community.  For how will your business serve the people, if you don’t even understand them?

Be a problem solver

Look for unique, urgent requirements or anomalies within the community that need resolution and where you can contribute your talent and skills. This is how you can come up with a business, a product and/or a service that, will address existing needs in the market.   OFs are very skillful in finding ways to solve problems, even beyond our professions. We’ve learned to be inventive with our exposure to different cultures and workplaces.  Use this strength and let your ingenuity shine!

Be an explorer

OFs are innately adventurous.  Our spirit for challenge has brought us to distant seas. We don’t want to be kept stagnant in one place.  So why not try new ways of addressing market needs back home with inventive new business solutions that would help a lot of kababayans.

Be experimental 

OFs are not afraid to try and fail, and relearn and apply what we have learned, whenever we get a chance. This is a special skill of an OF. Trial and error leads us to success and it’s proven. We just have to be more courageous and not be discouraged by failure, as each one of them is an opportunity to learn that brings us closer to success.

Be open minded

Not all business succeed on first attempts. 80% to 90% of startups fail.  So you have to have an open mind and accept whatever happens. By having the right perspective only are we able to move on, start over again and pursue that dream until we make it. But in starting anew, we have to understand what did not work in the first place. Our strong OF will which we developed while working abroad will help us to carry on, despite the failures we may face.

And lastly, be a doer

An idea is useless, unless you implement it.  A business plan is nothing until you establish the company and get started.  And being an entrepreneur back home can only become reality if you start working on it today.  Be a doer to get the result that you desire, to achieve the dream that you hold dear. Most of us think that we don’t have enough skills, and get paralyzed by fear.  But those skills exist deep inside us, so we must not be afraid of trying until we get it right.

Each of us may have different ways of applying these guidelines on adjusting our expat mindset to achieve our dream business back home.  But the most important thing of all is to start doing something to move towards success. There’s no better time but now!

Bel Ramirez

Former Overseas Filipino and Dubai-resident, management professional Anabel Ramirez is now based in Manila and is the founder of ABBR BUSINESS CONSULTANCY. As a driven result oriented person, her core advocacy is to help OFs create their own dream businesses back in the homeland.

Read more articles like these on Illustrado.

The post From OF to Entrepreneur in the Philippines: Adjusting Your Mindset To Get Closer To Your Dream appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

I moved here to Norway in 2013 together with my four friends. We came as nurses from Aklan Cooperative Mission Hospital. I recall that an agency was looking for workers in Norway, and I always wanted to go abroad and work for a better salary, so I jumped at the opportunity right away.

Tell us about where you live. What is the place famous for? Are there any notable landmarks, sites, etc. What do you like and not like about living there?

I currently live in Kjeller, a village located near Lillestrøm in the municipality of Skedsmo. It’s located 25 kilometers north-east of Oslo (Oslo is the capital of Norway). Kjeller is famous for its airport as the world oldest airport with an air battalion, international flight academy and aircraft production. It’s home to the biggest annual airshow in the country too! I love it here because it’s so peaceful. There’s no pollution, no crime, and you can enjoy all four seasons of the year. The only catch is that everything here is expensive.

Tell us about your life there.  What do you do for a living?  What do you do for relaxation?  Describe a typical week. What’s the typical lifestyle over there?

My life here is quite active. Besides working weekly, I have a Filipino show band, D’Goodvibes, and we play for different events during different occasions. I’m also a photographer specializing in portraits, events and landscapes. Each year, I go on a hiking trip with my colleague. We even reached the country’s higest peak, Galdhøpiggen. I’m a music enthusiast, so I also jump at the opportunity to see my favorite bands perform at concerts. When I’m free, I play table tennis, go fishing, listen to music or work in a nursing home. A typical lifestyle here involves working throughout the week, and by Friday or Saturday, go out for a drink and have fun with family and friends.

What are the main cultural differences between there and the Philippines?

Filipino culture has a tighter focus on family relationships compared to the people here. They send money to their family in the Philippines and loved ones. Norwegians are also more independent at an early age, and when they land a job, they perform differently than us Filipinos. Norwegian laws are strict, and I admire the people for being law abiding citizens and well-mannered people. For example, cars slow down when the drivers see someone crossing the street (which is quite the opposite than what we’re used to in the Philippines).

How were you able to adjust to the culture? Did you pick up anything new (practices, life lessons, etc). Do you still observe Filipino customs and traditions?

We Filipinos are famous for being one of the most widespread nationalities around the world. I just did what everyone else did and put my mind towards adjustment. The culture here wasn’t extremely different from what I’m used to, but I eventually had to abide by the laws of this country and practice being independent more often (especially since I lived alone). I’ve always been a fan of Viking culture and history, and my appreciation for it helped me adjust here faster.

I love doing things on my own but being in a foreign country is a different story. People here like to have their space and privacy (while also being approachable). One thing I learned here is that you have to speak out of you want to address something. People here will speak directly if you have done good or bad here. They don’t tolerate if things go the other way. I also learned that, when going to gatherings on occasion, we as guests have to bring alcoholic drinks as a form of contribution. Along the way, I’ve taught myself photography. My friends used to say “ano na naman yan, picture picture na naman?” When we were walking as I was always behind taking photos of something.

I still observe and practice Filipino customs and traditions here. I love cooking native Pinoy dishes as nothing beats “kanin at ulam’. Norwegians eat a lot of bread and potatoes. I do the same but not often. Each year, we still celebreate Christmas and new year like it was in the Philippines. If you’re the ninong or ninang, then you are bound to give gifts and pamasko to your inaanak.

What advice would you give to Filipinos who want to move there? Give at least 3 tips.

To my fellow kababayans who want to move here, my first tip is to be mentally, emotionally and physically prepared for the country. Being away from our loved ones is one of the worst feelings to experience. A lot of people have depression here, especially during the winter. I had winter depression every year up until now as I still live alone. The environment is also difficult to deal with here, so being physically fit is a must. This country has four seasons, and people tend to get sick in the winter.

My second tip is to learn the language thoroughly as a language certification is required for you to get a job. I was a licensed nurse in the Philippines, but it’s not credited here in Norway. The country has high standards with education and work, so almost everyone here is a professional. Because of tax, education is free.

Norway has four seasons (summer, spring, autumn and winter). Each season differs also in temperature and clothing requirements, so be prepared! There is a famous saying here “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”

 How about Filipinos who want to travel there? Also give 3 tips. 

To my fellow kababayans who want to travel her, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Norway! Here ae some tips to help you out:

1. Do as much research as you can. It’s always good to be prepared before going to a country. One essential thing to know is which season you are going in, in order to prepare the right clothing for yourself. Spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, autumn is from September to November and winter is from December to February.
2. Know which part of the country you’re going to and which sights to see. Norway has lots of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and lakes that attract tourists from all around the world. Travelling in Oslo will show you famous landmarks like the palace, where the king and queen reside, Vigelands park (the nude sculpture park) and the Viking Ship Museum. Along the coasts of the Norwegian peninsula, lighthouses are go to spots for tourists. One of them is the Lindesnes Fyr (Lindesnes lighthouse), which stands at the southernmost part of the country. Famous hiking spots and landscapes dot the west and northern areas of the country, like Preikestolen, Besseggen, Romsdalsseggen, Trollstigen, Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, Galdøpiggen, Rondane and the famous Lofoten Islands. Don’t forget the Aurora Borealis (northern lights), which are visible during winter season up north.
3. Norway is one of the most expensive countries to travel to and live in. Coming from the Philippines, you might be shocked to know how expensive ordinary food is. Instead of staying at an expensive hotel, try booking an Airbnb. It’s also good to buy food and drink from grocery stores and prepare your own meals (like sandwiches) for tours.

What’s your message to Filipinos across the world?

As an OFW, I know we have to sacrifice, but we only live once, so enjoy life! Do what you love and lova what you do. Success comes through the things we love and pursue. Don’t let people tell you how to live your life and let go of the things that drag you down, cheers!

ADDITIONAL: can you share any links to useful online resources that can help future travelers with your host country? Example: tourism office, tourist destinations and more. Please include the link to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General

Here are some important links you can visit when traveling to Norway. It features almost all the information needed upon visiting this country.

https://www.visitoslo.com

https://www.visitnorway.no

https://en.visitbergen.com

https://visittrondheim.no

https://lofoten.info/lofoten

https://www.norway-lights.com/#

https://www.philembassy.no

https://english.dnt.no

Lit Nacabuan has been living in Norway since 2013, working as a professional nurse. When not working, he plays as part of a Filipino band (D’Goodvibes)

Filipino Norway: My Pinoy Life in Mosjoen

SALVACION VALERA VALDERAMA

City:  Mosjøen, Norway

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

I migrated to Norway in July 1986 after receiving an offer to work as a nurse here. It was a very difficult decision since I had to leave my relatives, friends and family, especially husband and my son who was only two years and four months at that time.

I moved to Norway first. And then after five months my husband and my son came to join me. I originally got a contract for a year and had the option of renewing it, if I wanted to. We thought of staying here in Norway for only three years but as years went by, we came to like and love the country. We are enjoying life here.

Luckily, I have two older sisters, and my older brother also working as nurses, who all live in Oslo. They are married to Filipinos, as well. My husband is working in ALCOA, an American company producing aluminum. We have three children – all boys (27, 22 and 15 years old).

Tell us about your adoptive home

Norway, one of the four Scandinavian countries where Denmark, Sweden and Finland are included, is known as “The Land of the Vikings” and the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”

Norway is a country located in Northern Europe on the western and northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering the North Sea in southwest and the Skagerrak inlet to the south, the North Atlantic Ocean (Norwegian Sea) in the west and the Barents Sea to the northeast. Norway, which has four seasons, has a long land border with Sweden to the east, a shorter one with Finland in the northeast and a still shorter border with Russia in the far northeast. Norway has a very elongated shape, one of the longest and most rugged coastlines in the world, and some 50,000 islands off the much indented coastline.

Norway is one of the world’s most northerly countries, and one of Europe’s most mountainous countries with large areas dominated by the Scandinavian Mountains; average elevation is 460 m and 32% of the mainland is located above the tree line.

 It is a very rich country ruled by a monarchy and has a very high standard of living. The country is strong in the field of oil production and is considered as one of the biggest oil producers in the world. Norway is also known for salmon exportation to countries all over the globe.

Norway, whose capital is Oslo, is divided into 19 different provinces which have their distinct physical features, cultures and dialects.

We live in the northern part of Norway, in Mosjøen, a part of Helgeland community and Nordland County. Mosjøen is known for the historic street of Sjøgata which constitutes Northern Norway’s largest collection of preserved 19th century wooden buildings.  Around 100 historic buildings are taken cared of as part of the pulsating city life.

The residents of Mosjøen are proud of their old town and will gladly show it to visitors. Walking through the area, you will find architectural gems and building preservation of class, including Wenches Keramikkverksted (ceramic studio), Atelier Marit K. Skog, Kulturverkstedet (the cultural workshop), Vikgården landhandel og kaffebu (general store and café), Ferdinand Restaurant, Espira Coffeebar, Fru Haugans Hotel, a guest marina and much more. Helgeland Museum’s own warehouse building in Sjøgata featuring exhibitions, which is spread over three floors, is also worth a visit.

Generally, Norwegian people are friendly and I love to see the different national costumes they wear during special occasions, especially on National Day.

Is there a Filipino community there?      

We have a Filipino association here at our place, but it is not so big because we are not that many here. I live in a small community where the total population is almost 15,000. Here, there are only 16 Filipinos, including myself.

There are an estimated 9,000 Filipinos living in Norway and most of them are living in the Oslo urban area. Most of them are females – about 76 percent of the total community’s population.

The first time I came, it was quite boring for me. But I think that’s quite natural when you are new to a certain place, especially during the period of adjustment. The lifestyle here is totally different, as compared to life in the Philippines.

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

There are a lot of good Norwegian practices that I have actually acquired. Here, we greet each other even if we are not friends. We take our shoes off we enter a home, leaving them at the entrance/door.  We also only eat a heavy meal once a day when we come home from work.

People consider each other as equals here, and I really love it. Skiing is a very common activity here since Norway is a land of snow. Unluckily, however, I don’t get to ski very often. My family has become accustomed to the Norwegian language, especially my children, but my husband and I talk in Tagalog and my native dialect – Ilocano, when at home. My children are also familiar with Tagalog and conversational Ilocano.

Your greeting to Filipino across the globe

I am very proud to be a Filipino working in Norway. Even if i have lived here in Norway for so many years, my heart and my thoughts are still in the Philippines.

I love the Philippines!  Mabuhay!  Long live the Philippines!

Hello kababayans around the globe!

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By Roman Guevara

Christmas is a time for parties.

Yes. It’s that season of the year that you will hear of parties being organized left and right. Everyone just got to have one. There is the company Christmas party. There is the school Christmas party. There is the church Christmas party. There is the Filipino Organization Christmas party. There is even the “accommodation” Christmas party. The “flat” Christmas party. The “villa” Christmas party. And who knows, there may even be a “partition” Christmas party. It’s the UAE; it’s the Middle East, so who knows, right?

And you should go to all of them if you can. It’s the next best thing to going home in the Philippines – which, obviously, some of us can’t do right now. However, some people have developed the habit of just staying at home during Christmas eve, or Christmas day itself, especially, if in the UAE, or in other parts of the Middle East.

That could be very lonely. So don’t be a killjoy. Don’t make your life even more miserable. Join these parties. Or better yet, host one yourself. It doesn’t have to cost much. Contact close friends and family to join you, and you can have a potluck. However, just in case you can’t host one, still, go to these parties, specially the ones where your closest friends are.

And, since you are already there, linger. Yes. Linger.

Stay as long as you can.

Christmas Is A Time To Linger: Finding your true self as you make sense of the world. 

Genuinely and sincerely talk to as many people as you can. Enjoy the company of people. Talk. Listen. Hug. Cry. Laugh. Enjoy the people who matter most in your life. Even those who are with you abroad. Because, this is the truth, we cannot live our lives abroad alone. We need each other. And the Christmas season just totally emphasises this to perfection.

The people in our lives abroad can be an interesting mix of old and new friends. Meeting old friends since our time in the Philippines during Christmas parties can be a great time to reconnect, reminisce, and be totally nostalgic. And let me just remind you of this. That no matter what your past was, there will always be parts of it worth remembering. And old friends, there the ones we need to talk to about them.

So linger. Stay longer. Don’t rush to go home. Yes, there is work the next day. But it will still be there. Work will still be boring, stressful, ungrateful, frustrating, and all of that and more. But old friends in the party, that may be the only time you are going to see each other again in a long time.

And how about making new friends?

Staying longer during Christmas parties can be a great opportunity to meet someone new. Adding new people in our lives can be a great experience. It can even be therapeutic to some. Yes, it can be a little awkward at first, but once you’ve overcome the initial shyness, the rest can be an eye-opening experience.

The universe, naturally, has a way of bringing people together. Be authentic. Be yourself. You have to cooperate with forces of the galaxy. Don’t judge people all too quickly. One’s first impression may not necessarily be his best impression, so don’t be so guarded.

Just give it time.

Be nice.

Be kind.

Be your best.

Be loving.

The world needs more of that.

And it’s Christmas. That’s what we do. That’s who we are as a people. We are loving. So I say again. Linger. Stay longer.

Believe me, you won’t regret it that you did.

ROMAN GUEVARA

Spiritual advisor. Life Coach. Rockstar. Roman Guevara, better known as “Kuya Roman,” has made an indelible mark in the Filipino community in the GCC with his unique brand of empowerment. In this issue, he talks about how what people should do when they feel empty. Get in touch with him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/romanguevaraRU

Related Posts:

A Pinoy Christmas Around The World 

Our First White Christmas

Filipino Recipes: Gonna Eat For Christmas

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My freelance career took off at around the same time I pursued a full time career, simply because I wanted to write.

For more than a decade, I had a bit of both worlds, I was an employee on the daily grind receiving a reliable pay check every month, and I was a part-time freelancer pursuing my other passions on my free time.

All was well and good until one day, you realize you just want to be able to wake up without the alarm clock telling you that it’s time to go, or have a longer vacation without having to explain to your boss and begging for an NOC.

And so, after 15 long years of having my one foot out the door, I finally bid goodbye to the old comfort zone, and stepped into the crazy, exciting world of being a full-time freelancer.

Here are the top things I have learned from becoming a full time freelancer:

All you need is WiFi

Forget the Beatles, you can do for periods of time without love, but you can’t as a freelancer, do without WiFi. It is the Holy Grail.

Technology has completely redefined the way we live, work and play.  With everything becoming more and more accessible on mobile, people now have the option to leave the boring confines of an office cubicle and a work wherever there is a good internet connection – this includes your favorite café, your kitchen, your bed, your hometown, or if you’re lucky enough, by the beach, while you’re getting a tan. Talk about multi-tasking to the extreme!

Freedom is messy

Without the time-in punch clock, you also let go of the daily organized routine, and while there is no one forcing you to get up, to be successful at freelancing, you’ve got to have enough self-discipline to get your act together and make the most of your day.

Keep in mind that your ability to earn is tied to your ability to manage yourself. I mean, technically I can sleep or binge on Netflix all day if I want to, but that wouldn’t be very productive, especially if you have bills to pay.

Save for the rainy days

The day you collect a payment from a client is the day you win the lottery.  And like a lottery winner, you might be tempted to splurge. But before you go on a shopping spree, remember the next paycheck or the next big project might not come for a while, so you have to be able to stretch your resources anywhere from 30-90 days.

You’re the boss (and also the slave)

There are perks to being your own boss and calling the shots. So far, the best part is that I don’t have to take negativity from anyone but myself. I can, for the most part, choose who I want to work with or what I want to work on, and having that choice means that whatever happens, I have brought it upon myself and therefore have no one else to blame.  At the same time, there is a greater sense of fulfillment whenever you accomplish a task well, or you gain one happy client.

Give yourself a break

In terms of vacation days, ironically, I find negotiating with myself a lot harder than with my former boss. As a freelancer, you might have a tendency to work yourself to the max. You always have to bring your work home with you.  Often times, you feel like you should be working even on a Friday, which rarely happened when I had a full time job. Now I am slowly learning to give myself a break. It is also important not to be your own slave.

Prepare to Hustle

You will hustle, and you will hustle hard. If you’re the type of person who likes to be in the backseat, or just conveniently go with the flow hide in the corner and just wait for instructions, the freelance life might not be for you.

No matter how good you are, if you don’t put yourself out there, you are bound to lose. In a marketplace where competition is tough and other service providers are easily accessible, a freelancer needs to be on top of his/her game.  Build, mine and update your network and your portfolio constantly. Go for gold!

Overall, freelance life is not for the fainthearted, perhaps this is the reason why it took me such a long time to take the leap. Six months in, I would say the risk is well worth the rewards.  Plus nothing beats going to the beach on a weekday after a good client meeting.

Kristine Abante

Backed with over 10 years of entertainment industry know-how, Kristine currently leads a team of creative content freelancers at SandboxDXB. And when she’s not busy fueling conceptually innovative projects, she works as a contributing writer to various publications, including Illustrado Magazine.

Looking to become an entrepreneur? Read these tips about adjusting your entrepreneurial mindset here.

Read more articles like these at Illustrado.

The post Hello, I’m a Freelancer: The Ups and Downs of Being Self-Employed appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Home is where you heart is. For Cecille Basco-Östlund, this couldn’t be truer as she found not only a home, but a lifelong love in Sweden.

City:

Stockholm, Sweden

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

I have been living, for a year now, in Stockholm and in Sweden since 2007.  I work for a Swedish multinational company.  I started with them in the Philippines in 2000 and was assigned to Shanghai for three years in 2004.  After China, a job in Gothenburg, Sweden seemed like a good next step for me, so I relocated.  Three years on in that post, I moved to the company’s headquarters in Stockholm.  It’s easy to think that all the moving was because of the job, but the truth is I am in Stockholm because this is where I found love.  All the steps that I took to get here were simply following a greater plan.

In 2005 while in Shanghai, I met a Stockholm-based Swedish guy online. We did not think we would ever meet in person and I had no idea that my next assignment would be in Sweden.  As fate would have it, we did meet when I was in Gothenburg for interviews, 14 months after we started talking online. For three years, we commuted between Gothenburg and Stockholm, a 500 kilometer and 3-hour train distance, to see each other.  In November 2010, in front of families and friends, we got married in Manila.

Tell us about your host city/country

Stockholm is a beautiful city.  Spring and summer are fantastic. They make up for the darkness and coldness of winter.  You can easily see the effects the weather has on people.  During the winter, people tend to keep to themselves staying mostly indoors, lighting lots of candles to make their homes cozy.  As soon as you can wear flip-flops again (for some who can’t wait, this happens even if the temperature is just above 10 degrees Celsius) the atmosphere changes to one that is festive.  The restaurants start putting tables outside and people gather with friends and families where they can expose themselves to as much sunshine as possible.

The most famous landmark in Stockholm is probably the city hall which faces Lake Mälaren.  This is also where the Nobel Prizes are awarded every 10^th of December (all Nobel prizes are awarded in Stockholm, except for the peace prize which is awarded in Oslo, Norway).  My favorite place in Stockholm is the old town or “Gamla Stan.” I can spend hours sitting on a bench in the town square simply admiring the old buildings around and watching people passing by.

What do you there do for a living?

I work for SCA (Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget) as head of Group Business Control.  SCA is a hygiene, forest and packaging company operating globally and employing some 45,000 people. I am proud of working for SCA because sustainability and care for people and the environment are integrated into how it operates.

Is there a Filipino community there?

There are a few organizations listed at the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm website, but I have not been able to participate in any of them yet.  There are about 13,000 Filipinos living in the whole of Sweden.

I think Asians in general are treated well here.  The country’s society is based on people working and I think Asians are perceived to have good work ethics.  Some people also think that Asians assimilate relatively easier.
Many Swedes are not very familiar with the Philippines.  If I ask someone new what they know of the Philippines, they would say “not much except Imelda’s shoes and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.”  That’s my cue to talk about our beautiful beaches and the warmth and friendliness of Filipinos.

Tell us about your life there.

Moving to a new country is always a challenge as you learn how things work.  Settling in Sweden was relatively easier for me compared to how I did in China mainly because of the language.  Swedes speak English very well so asking for directions, eating out, locating things or shopping is fairly straightforward.  The flipside of that is that my spoken Swedish has not really progressed as I would have wished, as it is always so easy to switch to English.

My husband and I like to travel and in the years that I have been in Sweden, we have managed to visit a lot of different places both in Scandinavia and in continental Europe.  If we usually don’t fly into city break locations; we like to take the car and go on road trips.

The traffic situation is different from how it is in Manila.  I remember a taxi ride from the airport on my first time here.  The driver warned me that it was rush hour, so I was mentally prepared for heavy traffic on the motorway.  After a while, and as we continued to drive as fast as the speed limit allowed, I asked the driver about the rush hour.  He pointed to the other vehicles and said that if it was not rush hour, there would hardly be any other vehicle on the road.

I also appreciate that a lot of information can be found online.  Whatever you want to do, chances are, you can do a large part of planning via the Internet.  Once, I typed in my name on a people finder website and saw that not only were my address with a map and a street view photo of my living room window displayed, but also my phone numbers and my birthday for everyone to see.  I was so spooked that I immediately called my then boyfriend.  He said, “Welcome to Sweden!”

What I still find difficult though, is adjusting to the darkness during winter.  I have learned to cope with the cold by dressing appropriately, but the short daytime for an extended period is tough.   On the other hand, when it is so sunny, the Filipino in me wants to walk around under an umbrella.  Swedes don’t do this and they think it’s strange when I always try to find shade under which I could sit.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?  Do you still observe Filipino customs and traditions?

My in-laws practice a lot of traditions.  Herring is a big thing in Sweden and you will find it on the table in a lot of occasions; whether it is mid-summer or Christmas.  Easter is celebrated by exchanging colorfully decorated Easter eggs filled with candies and other goodies.  Real spruce trees are decorated for Christmas.

I have learned to eat and like traditional Swedish food; some of which you eat with lingon berries.  Thursday is pea soup and pancake day.  Most restaurants serve these for lunch. You start with a bowl of pea soup and then you finish with some pancakes topped with whipped cream and strawberry jam.

For our wedding, while we had a traditional Catholic ceremony, we also combined some Swedish traditions.  My husband’s whole family did the pamamanhikan, bringing gifts to my family and had lunch at our home a few days before the wedding.  On the other hand, we also practiced the Swedish tradition of “morgon gåva” or morning gift where the groom presents a gift to the bride the morning after their wedding.

There are two things though that I have refused to adapt to at home: square pillows and eating with a fork and knife. The Swedes use square pillows which I can never get used to.  I also eat with a spoon and fork at home and with knife and fork elsewhere.  It amazes my husband how I can cut my food with my spoon and fork.

Your message to Filipinos across the globe –

It is not easy to be far away from home. Still, regardless of what brought you to where you are now, I believe that it is an opportunity to enjoy life, to learn and to grow.  It is our humanity, not our nationality, which matters when we reach out to people and find the special connections and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Each place I have lived in has become a part of me.  My experiences have shaped the kind of Filipino I am today.  I am proud of my heritage but I am also here looking out for opportunities to make myself a better person everyday.

Thank you for reading snippets of my life in Stockholm.  I hope that you are having a good Pinoy life wherever in the world you are.

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The post Filipino in Sweden: My Pinoy Life in Stockholm appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Creativity and the Awesome Pinoy

By: Krip Yuson 

I wake up daily to an education in art. Honest, that’s what happens from the first moment I open my eyes. While still in bed, I have a view of wall parts around me, where hang some works from artist-friends.

On the corner to my right, framing a pendent lamp are two beloved collectibles, if a rather immodest acquiescence to vanity. One’s a sketch by Rock Drilon of the room’s resident. But done outdoors — as I recall vividly, when he sat me down on a curb on Malvar Street in Malate over three decades ago, right across what used to be poet Virginia R. Moreno’s Café Orfeo where there was a dinner party going on.

Rock was then doing a series of charcoal portraits of artist and writer friends of his in our common culturati-cum-bohemian circle. He eventually exhibited those at the PhilAm Building lobby. Then gave me his portrait of me slumped on that curb, smoking a cigarette. The gift still meets with much appreciation (albeit I hope you readers don’t assume that the first thing I do upon waking is to gaze lovingly at it).

Having said that, if parenthetically, now I must blush to admit that it’s a ME corner, since the other invaluable artwork in that area is another portrait, also of a very much younger me as subject. It isn’t so much the subject that makes it important, but that the glass-encased and framed portrait was taken by the distinguished photographer Jaime Zobel de Ayala.

Hah! Between Drilon and Zobel, I can only say with unmitigated pride that my ego is well served in that corner. Or is it because both priceless pieces are rendered in black-and-white? Guess.

On the opposite corner, what I glimpse upon turning left while supine is more evidence of art and my continuing education. There arrayed are nude portraits of women, again awarded me by artist-friends — the portraits, that is, in charcoal, in pen-and-ink, in black-and white, by Gus Albor, Ramoncito de la Cruz, and Camille de la Rosa — plus an acrylic and gouache portrait in vivid color by the late terrific artist Carlos “Dennis” Filart. He passed away over a year ago, soon after I acquired this distinctive nude. That is why it now has pride of place closest to my bedside lamp, the only artwork in color.

And so it’s a gallery of pubes on one side, and an ego wall on the other. Not that I intend to someday attempt to replicate what’s called the “Museum of Me” being established by the excessively wealthy Robbie Antonio in his knockout of a Rem Koolhaas-designed modern residential palace in Forbes Park.

Now, the controversy over this over-the-top enterprise, however private, is sure to serve further education, if not awareness of the power of art, to generations of Filipinos.

Getting back to my own quotidian custom, when I stride down from my bedroom I am greeted by more works of art on the landing: by friends such as Bert Monterona who’s still based in Vancouver, Salvador “Dodong” Arellano of Los Angeles, and the literary goddess Gilda Cordero Fernando. It sure pays to have artists for buddies.

But I will desist from cataloguing all the other friends’ artworks displayed on walls in our otherwise modest home. Or I might run out of space, both ways.

Instead I must now cite my fortuitous membership in an e-group called Banggaan, since a few years ago. It’s a circle of visual artists, including photographers, mostly based abroad, with a few homegrown and/or stay-homes like photographers Ben Razon and Joe Galvez, the iconic music maker Heber Bartolome, painter and editorial cartoonist Benjo Laygo, poet Marne Kilates, and artists Ross Capili, Eric David, and Ilonggo semi-retiree Eduard Labadia.

Across seas and an ocean are our friends, such sterling exponents of Pinoy creativity, with quite a roster of champions: Ding Roces and Edd Aragon in Sydney, Claro Cortes and Dengcoy Miel in Singapore, John Altomonte in Darwin, and in the USA, Mario Mercado, Glenn Bautista, Tante Tagamolila, Jun-Jun Sta. Ana, Rodolofo Samonte, Vics Magsaysay, Mimi Nolledo, Zen Lopez, Mel Vera Cruz, among others — world-class painters, photographers, editorial cartoonists, musicians, poets, tattoo artists, conceptual artists, what-have-you.

If anything, this group alone, among so many others that encompass the Philippine art scene, shares in the bragging rights over the cornucopia of awesome creative power among Filipinos.

Again, daily is it a continuing education, like, say, seeing Rod Samonte’s latest art product: a 3-D installation or bas relief composed of found objects “carpenter”-ed onto a wooden gate he picked up somewhere in Los Angeles. He has titled it “California Suite” and posted it on FB to both the Banggaan and Art Philippines FB group walls, eliciting quick comments and praise.

And if I were to visit my Significant Other in Ayala Alabang, I am very aware that I also come close to another shrine of devotion and comfort zone: the Syjuco family’s ArtLab atelier cum gallery cum workshop venue. Here, my kumpare Cesare A.X. Syjuco and kumare Jean Marie Syjuco have established a wondrous exhibit space for their own impressive art pieces, from paintings to sculpture, installations, hyper-text arrangements, why, even a bathroom reeking of superb minimalist design and art!

Here, too, their daughters Michelline, Trix and Maxine have their own respective studios for their creative output: sculpture, jewelry, striking fashion pieces such as one-of-a-kind wood-and-metal bags, video walls, conceptual effusions.

Art education? Maxine runs her The Little Picasso weekend classes for kids from ages 2 to 16. She offers individualized programs for children’s arts and crafts, designs each module based on each child’s unique interests and skills. She doesn’t employ assistants or relies on other teachers. She teaches all of the classes herself.

Entirely admirable, for someone who is often the toast of the town for her own visual produce and books of poetry, let alone her effervescent beauty. And her little wards in art come up with engrossing takes on Picasso, Dali, Edvard Munch’s “The Kiss” and Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” (see photo with a three-year-old’s version on the wall).

All is well and bright and dazzling in Philippine art. When it comes to creativity, Pinoys enjoy awesome blessings of continuing education and inspiration.

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Filipinos in Denmark: My Pinoy Life in Copenhagen

CHRISTINA APARENTE

 Your City: Copenhagen, Denmark

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

Before moving to Denmark in July 2007, I lived as a nurse in London for eight years. At that time, I was in a relationship with my Danish boyfriend – now husband, Michael – who I met while on a holiday in Boracay. We maintained a long distance relationship for a time, as he was still living in Copenhagen. We finally tied the knot in 2005. As soon as that had sunk in, we both knew it was only a matter of time until one of us had to move, and off to Denmark I went!

Tell us something about your host city/country.

Denmark is home to Hans Christian Andersen, who authored the classic, “The Little Mermaid.” The statue of Denmark’s “Beloved Daughter” stands in the harbor of Copenhagen and is not only the most famous attraction in the country’s capital but also now the national landmark.

Historically, the Danes came from a line of some of the most fearsome Viking sailors of the pre-medieval ages. With its rich history, Copenhagen has retained the grandeur of its fine olden day architectural structures dating back to the reign of the monarchs.

Today, Denmark has a population of approximately 5 million. Bicycles are favored over buses, trains and subway systems as a means of public transportation. Denmark experiences cool summers and mild-to-moderate winters. Recently though, heavy winters have been common, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees in some parts of the country.

Coupled with a beautiful harbor, Copenhagen’s places of interest include the long, cobble-stoned pedestrian shopping street called Strøget, which is a huge treat for shoppers during Christmas season. Copenhagen is also famous for its amusement park, Tivoli, which is located at the heart of the city. One of the oldest of its kind, Tivoli inspired Walt Disney, shaping his vision for what was later to become Disneyland. While in town, must-try delicacies include Danish pastries, bacon, Lurpak butter and yes, the famous, Carlsberg beer.

What do you do for a living?

Since moving, I have been working as a full time surgical nurse at Rigs Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in the country. There are not many Filipinos working here – you could probably count them with your fingers – and there are not much foreigners either. Elsewhere, however, is another matter entirely.

Is there a Filipino community there?

There are about 8,000 Filipinos in Denmark, along with a few organizations that cater to them. One of the biggest, the FAD (Filipino Association in DK), spearheads annual events like the Barrio Fiesta, which provides wholesome entertainment, food stalls featuring Filipino delicacies, and fun activities for all ages. They also organize Philippine Independence day celebration parties every year. I join the activities once in a while, when my schedule permits.

Tell us about your life there.

I could best describe my life in Denmark as a bittersweet chocolate bar; it has its moments, as well as its drawbacks. Starting out and getting over the language barrier, for one, was a struggle. It’s no surprise that landing a job was problem for me, too. Imagine attempting to immerse yourself with people who speak a language totally different from yours. One should be mentally prepared for the battle before entering the country. It is probably one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn! Most of my classmates in the language school said so (they come from all over the world). Them of course, there’s the problem of landing a job due to the language barrier. Mind you, it will take years for one to become fluent. Four years maybe is acceptable for the gifted ones. It’s really tough!

I started working after my first year of learning the language. I had a probationary job at one of the hospitals in the city. I took the plunge, thinking that it would give me the advantage of assimilating into the society faster. It did help, but it also meant being put under an enormous amount of stress. I was totally out of my comfort zone, away from good old English-speaking London. Now that’s definitely something I never thought I could do – all in the name of love.

Living in London before moving to DK gave me an edge when it came to adjusting to the Danish system and culture. Keeping an open mind and being patient and understanding helped me cope. It may have taken me three and a half years to accomplish, but I have finally settled.

Life here is a bit more laid-back than it is in London. It’s cozier, cleaner and the crime rate is much lower too. What I like most about this place is being able to cycle or walk back home after a night out with friends – I don’t have to worry about someone mugging me on the streets.

During spring and summertime, I love going out on fishing trips and cycling around the city and the outskirts with my friends. We visit a lot of beautiful beaches too, but the frigid water temperatures keep me from swimming. I also enjoy going to bars with my friends in the evenings, and spending some “me-time” at fitness clubs. Sometimes I go and visit my Filipino friends to cook Filipino food and sing karaoke.

I am also interested in traveling. I love touring around Europe and America, and I’d love to visit countries I haven’t gone to yet. We have six weeks of vacation here in Denmark, too. What’s there not to love?

I have also discovered my latest passion, diving – though I’m not too keen on diving in the icy waters of Scandinavia. I’m already looking forward to my next planned vacation in Florida this August. I’m also looking forward to my Philippine dive this Christmas. I’ll be able to see my family and embrace the Philippine seas once more. There is definitely no place like home!

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

I became a staunch abider of traffic regulations. I found myself steering clear of the occasional slip-up – hitting the accelerator on a red light, especially when there are no cars at all. I have also taken to drinking beer with my meals. It’s the Coke to our Filipino dishes. I quite like it. I have also learned to pay back every single penny owed – even if it’s just one Peso. Nothing, no matter how small, should be ignored.

Despite being surrounded by the Danish community, we still preserve important Filipino customs here like the proper observation of Lent and Easter, and Sunday Mass attendance. In keeping with the close-knit relationships Filipinos share with their families, I stay in touch with my relatives in Manila and General Santos City through phone and email.

Your message/greeting to Filipinos across the globe –

I would like to congratulate those Filipinos who survived the initial difficulties of settling in a new country. You all deserve a pat on the back for not considering quitting an option.On the other hand, for those of you starting out, don’t scare yourselves too much. If anything, I believe that people of different nations, regardless of color, creed and language can live together peacefully through shared compassion and understanding.

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