@pamelagotangco

Youtube: https://bit.ly/386tXbq 

Tell us about yourself. What kind of art do you make?

Hi, my name is Pamela Gotangco and I am a wife, a mother of three and a visual artist based in Switzerland. I moved to Switzerland from Abu Dhabi in 2009. I had 2 very different careers prior to pursuing my long time dream of becoming an artist: I worked for international airlines based in the Middle east and USA, and I was also part of a team that brought internet service via satellite to the Asia-Pacific region in the late 90s. I became a professional artist in 2010. To date I have participated in 54 solo and group exhibitions in major cities worldwide.

My art exudes positivity, peace and unity. I chose subjects that are in general representational of women and transcend the female form.

My primary advocacy is to empower all women and girls through my art. My aim is to highlight the role of women in present society, our hopes, dreams, struggles and triumphs in my art work.

Another advocacy that I whole-heatedly support is uniting the Filipino migrants abroad by highlighting the beauty of the Filipino culture, art and heritage in my pieces, as well as encourage Filipinos all over the world to showcase their talent and shine.

Through art auctions, I’ve supported several non profit organizations based in the Philippines and for Filipino communities abroad.

How did you become passionate about art? What inspires you? What is the philosophy behind it?

I was first an art enthusiast before I became an artist. My travels gave me the opportunity to witness and appreciate a wide variety of art. I left the Philippines at the age of 20 to work for an international airline based in the Middle East. As cabin crew, we had long layovers in our destinations as the flights were not as frequent as today. Between those countries, I had plenty of great museums, galleries and art streets to visit. I took this opportunity to immerse myself in the world of art and fell in love with it.

I am timid in words. However, I found painting to be a medium to express my thoughts no matter how momentous, insignificant or random they may be. As a proponent of equal opportunities for women, I draw insights from the roles of women in our present society, and my style is figurative, feminine and arbitrary.

What makes your art unique? Are there any defining characteristics? Or is there a definitive approach to your work that you’ve made your own?

I create art that highlights women.  If we want to achieve gender equality across all fields, women must support other women. Through my art I am able to uplift profiles of women and promote their livelihood. In the art world, women are still underrepresented and undervalued. But this is slowly changing due to the initiatives of women leaders who create opportunities to for artists like me. On my part I create representational art that transcends female form.

My medium is mostly acrylic on canvas, but I also work using found objects for installations. I am an autodidact. I am not bound by conventional technique. I create my own balance, unity and harmony based on feelings and instinct. I also use of repetitive patterns due to their therapeutic effect. I enjoy my freedom when working on my canvas and through that I am able to achieve a style and stroke that is distinctly mine.

My choice of palette is a result of my being a global Filipina. The bold colors I used on my subject represent my roots and for my intense love for Filipino culture and heritage. It is the influence of Fiesta, Santacruzan, the Ati Atihan of the South and Panagbenga of the North. The subtle colors I employ in the background imitate the hazy colors of winter or the fresh vibrant undertones of spring in countries with four seasons that I have called home.

Have you had any significant events through your artistic career? Exhibitions, showcases, etc.

To date, I have had 54 solo and group exhibitions in major cities worldwide. Each and every show that I have participated in had its own charm and significance. However, I still remember my first gallery represented show as if it was yesterday. It was with Art 333 Gallery in Zurich. It was a group show called “Old Acquaintances, Newly Discovered”. I was exhibiting with 2 other established artists in Switzerland, Zanre and Isabelle Gabrijel.

Other memorable ones would include my participation in SCOPE Basel in 2016, during Art Basel. The Art Shopping in Caroussel du Louvre in Paris 2016, due to the close proximity of my art to the iconic works of the masters. My ManilART Fair participation in 2019. My few minutes of glory being digitally displayed in the iconic Times Square in New York USA in 2012.

I also treasure all my shows at home in the Philippines. My group shows with Frontofbicycle art agency in Basel is also something that I look forward to all the time.

What can you say about the art community in your country? What are the good parts and the bad parts (if any)?

Switzerland has a vibrant and diverse art scene. There is no other country on Earth with as many museums compared to size of population as Switzerland. Switzerland is also the home of Art Basel, the mother of all art fairs. Dada art was born in Switzerland during the First World War when art had no place anywhere but in neutral Zurich, Switzerland. A great number of Modernist Icons, architectural geniuses and famous performers are also from here, and I am privileged to be able to live here and learn from my surroundings.

What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist? How do you get past them?

In the beginning of my career as a visual artist, I experienced the confusing loss of identity. Being a Filipina visual artist outside the Philippines, I constantly worried if my work is on par with European standards. And when I was in the Philippines, I worried that my European influence wouldn’t be accepted by Filipino audiences. It brought me nowhere. When I stopped worrying, I was able to use my inherent cultural and acquired environmental influences as an opportunity instead of a setback. Now I am at peace with my art through incorporating both aspects of my life in a frame. To me, it tells the story of my life as an artist.

Do you see any future for artists such as yourself? Is art essential to the development of your community?

Look around us, the world is filled with art. So my answer is yes!

Art is essential. Art is a medium that transcends all boundaries. May it be cultural, language, philosophical, religious or political boundaries. It has a way of uniting people despite our differences. It also gives voice to the voiceless.

One could write volumes about why art is important. But let’s take the current situation as an example. “What is the role of art during the global pandemic?” For me, there are 4 points why art is essential during the current global pandemic.

First, art catalogs the pandemic. Artists from all over the world created artworks depicting the pandemic for the future generation to see and learn from. It is much like  artists did during the 1918 Spanish flu. Artists during that era witnessed history and documented it in their works.

Second, art has a way of changing the mindset of its viewers. Apart from sparking dialogue, it changes mindsets. Artists from all over the world have taken the initiative to create art that will encourage the public to follow protocols in fighting the virus. In this time of pandemic, the enemy is an unseen terror, and it provoked the imagination of artists worldwide. Artistic imagination creates narratives of uncertainty, of hope, of despair.

Third, art is an effective medium to address challenges and voice out all responses, critical or emotional. Artists worldwide have tirelessly created works addressing issues and challenges faced by the frontliners.

Art became the voice of the people who are yearning to end the pandemic.

Lastly, art gives hope. When our lives shifted online, even mundane Tik-tok performances became an art form that lifted our spirits. We started feeling connected along with our metaphoric edges, so art and technology became our lifelines.

What’s your message to artists around the world?

On the note of the pandemic, we are in collective isolation, but I do believe that we’ve proven to be exceptionally creative, resilient and persistent. Nothing should put us down. It should provide new ways to live life profoundly. This is who we are as humans. We just need to remember that every single day. Never stop creating art that will provoke, question or give hope. We are essential.

On the note of creativity, the work of your hands makes the world a much better place. Creating art that will be good for others is what should resonate in all our efforts. Never lose sight of your mission as an artist. We only stay relevant when we have a purpose. So live an artful but purposeful life.

Read more artist stories on this link

The post Filipina Artist in Switzerland: Pamela Gotangco appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

The ultimate challenge of our generation of Filipinas is to realize our shared destiny, and with that, our intrinsic duty to contribute to narrowing the disparity between our achievements and struggles by propelling each other upwards and onwards.

Head of State.  Prima Ballerina.  Chief Justice.  Captain of Business.  Fighter Pilot.  Tony Awardee. Scientist. Diplomat. Athlete. Artist. Activist. Soldier. Miss Universe.

Indeed, the Filipina has gone a long way in recent years to rise above the stereotypical role of traditional women. Not just the pleasant, alluring and sun-kissed presence on Amorsolo’s canvas, our womenfolk have advanced to become strong, intelligent, capable modern women, whose resolve and ability to accomplish and prevail is undeniable.

We are more fortunate than a lot of our counterparts around the world. Belonging to a country which ranks 7^th among 145 in gender equality according to the most recent World Economic Forum Report, and 2^nd among all nations with the most female senior business leaders according to Grant Thornton’s Women in Business Report of 2016, we are surrounded by females who not only take care of the family and home, but also keep the wheels of business and government turning. We have Filipinas in virtually all fields of endeavor and we have heroines in our history, as well as everyday heroes who toil in faraway lands to provide for their loved ones.

Despite the progress, however, the Filipina continues to grapple with the intriguing contradictions of her bipolar public persona, and her less than perfect circumstances.

The Filipina Dichotomy

We’ve seen her in her various incarnations – as the soft and yielding, “easily fainting” Maria Clara of Noli Me Tangere, as well as the bolo-wielding revolutionary leader and babaylan Gabriela Silang.  We’ve glimpsed her donning the habit as the devout nuns of People Power in EDSA, and then barely-clothed as the bar girls of Ermita.  She has held the most powerful position in the land – that of President, twice over with Cory Aquino, and then Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but she is also the pained face of abused domestic helpers scattered all over the globe.

Even with the robust representation of Filipinas in our country, our women’s health, by and large, continues to be denied proper protection with our government’s failure to enable the proper implementation of the reproductive health bill – a law that has been contested for the last 14 years, and until recently, eviscerated and clipped before it could hit the ground, with the removal of key provisions as well as funding.

For each single content online devoted to Filipina achievers, there are over 50 on those in the flesh trade.  And then, against the millions of progressive female OFWs, who have braved venturing abroad and who have succeeded, we also have millions of underprivileged sisters back home who live in abject poverty and disadvantage.

Curiously enough, Filipinas have come to represent, some of the most powerful people in our country, as well as the most vulnerable.

Filipina Empowerment:  Onwards, 21^st Century Filipina.

Bridging the Disparity

So, as women of the Philippines, what should we make of this gap, this contradiction?  To acknowledge the disparity is not enough.  Far from encouraging breast-beating on account of our inadequacies and struggles, or for that matter, saying that we should merely be giving ourselves a pat on the back for the strides we have made so far, we should understand instead – how far we have gone, and how much farther we NEED to go.

For those of us who are lucky enough to belong to the fortunate set of women who are educated, economically independent, who are progressive and have the liberty and the wherewithal to pursue dreams and ambitions, and who understand that they have a choice on everything in life – be it concerning their bodies, their careers, their relationships, their families, the larger community and the world they belong to, a new frontier lies there for the conquering.

The next summit the empowered Filipina has to scale does not simply lie in the pursuit of further education, or higher positions in the career ladder, more investments or financial liquidity, greater awards or recognition, nor even more seats in the government.  The latter are merely useful stepping stones that will help boost us to meet the demands of the real endeavor that lies ahead.

The ultimate challenge of our generation of Filipinas is to realize our shared destiny, and with that, our intrinsic duty to contribute to narrowing the disparity between our achievements and struggles by propelling each other upwards and onwards.

As empowered women of the 21^st century who have the privilege of understanding and personal choice, we should take interest in the welfare of our womenfolk and leverage the advantages we have earned through the years to pull fellow Pinays into better circumstances.  And the opportunities to help are limitless – whether it is by sharing knowledge, providing opportunities, contributing to provide a better representation of Filipinas online and around the world, among others, we only need to tap what we already have – that innate Filipina quality of being an emphatic nurturer with the talent, the resolve and the ability to conquer everything we set our hearts and minds to.

In the end, it is not just about celebrating our successes and landmarks; it is also about putting our hands together for the work that needs to be done. Because we can only really go as far as the poorest, the most oppressed and the least privileged of our women can go.

Filipina para sa Filipina.

Filipina Empowerment:  Onwards, 21^st Century Filipina.

OPINION

What is a 21^st Century Filipina?

Empowered women weigh in on what makes for a truly contemporary Filipina in this age of technological advances and globalization.

Spouse of the Philippine Consul General – Dubai, UAE

A 21st century Filipina is an empowered human attuned to the privileges and capabilities of the advances of science and technology available to all. An empowered Filipina is aware of her rights as a human being, within the bounds of the laws and policies of the state or country where she resides, and within the bounds of moral laws. She is confident of what she can contribute to global society, aware of what role she plays in the development of the community she has adopted and the motherland she continues to call home.

She should also know that despite categories labelled upon people, everyone is a human being, whose wants, needs, dreams, and hopes are universal and hold no difference despite nationality, citizenship, or economic class.

Filipinas of the 21st century must be aware of the advances of science and information technology and how these could make them better informed. They must use these to better their knowledge of how the world can work for mankind’s benefit, and to ease living conditions, at the same time, to make themselves better people. The information available to everyone at the touch of their fingertips should make Filipinas gain an even more balanced perspective on issues and concerns that matter to society.  The ability to understand our world through greater information must make our 21st century women more open to new and even radically different viewpoints. She must, at no point, be closed to previously held truths.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER MARIA CRISOLOGO-ESPIRITU COON

United States Navy, Medical Service Corps

Health Care Administrator – Stafford, Virginia

A generation of women destined for greatness! That is what comes to my mind when I hear the phrase “21^st century Filipina woman”.

To fulfill greatness in this generation, Filipinas should first have a strong sense of spirituality.  Regardless of religion, a sense of spirituality provides us a deeper source of strength that this physical world cannot supply. This source of strength has kept many Filipina women resilient today and throughout history.

Filipinas already possess the characteristics and attributes for greatness; intelligence, resilience, compassion, industriousness, perseverance, hospitality, passion, strength, courage, and family values. Many times over, Filipinas have overcome adversity, however, Filipinas should not merely survive life but rather, they should strive to always better themselves, uplift others, and make a positive difference in the world. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, Filipina women should leverage them and work together towards ensuring the success of future Filipinas. To thrive in these times, Filipinas should constantly thirst for knowledge, magnify their talents, cherish relationships, respect tradition (but don’t be limited by it), embrace modern times (but don’t be corrupted by it), uphold their integrity, and strive for a better future.

Filipinas should also embrace being Filipina and do their part in bringing honor and pride to our people, communities, and culture.  We play a big role in shaping future generations by instilling strong morals and values of integrity, honor, courage and sacrifice.  As members of society, Filipinas should exercise their right to vote and elect government leaders not for their popularity but for how they would represent, serve, secure safety, progress, and relevance of the country and its people at national and global levels.

ATTY. ELEANOR LUCAS ROQUE

Tax Lawyer – Makati, Philippines

The 21st Filipina is the best of both worlds. She is old world because she keeps her traditional values like respect for parents, importance of family, and fear of God. She is new world because she is innovative, brave and ambitious. She is not afraid of change and would in fact welcome it. We see Filipinas all over the world, leading strong organizations and nurturing strong families.

Filipinas should be proud of their heritage. We should not pretend to be anything else. We should be comfortable in our own skin. In most places I go to, I proudly proclaim that I am a Filipina. I see a lot of positive reactions. We should all be ambassadors of the Philippines.

It is important to be innovative and adaptable. Everything is changing at a very fast phase. Your ability to change and adapt can decide whether you will be successful in life or in business. A few years ago, hard work was valued the most. Now, no matter how hard you work if you cannot outrun the competition, you will not survive in business. Previous established corporate practices are being questioned by millennials joining the work force. The world is changing and we have to change with it. After all, any disruption is an opportunity.

We should always have a continuous thirst for knowledge. Never stop studying. No one can educate herself too much. If you are interested in something, learn it. If you cannot spend the time or money for formal education, there is always the internet and YouTube. For example, I have learned acrylic landscape painting through YouTube. Before that, I had no artistic training and I can only draw stick figures. Now, my mom is running out of walls to hang my paintings.

It is very Filipina to ignore or negate a compliment thinking that doing so is being humble. There is a difference between humility and self deprecation. We are not known for promoting ourselves and making sure that we get the recognition we deserve. It is about time we learn to accept the limelight when we deserve it. But probably more important is the ability to identify when the limelight has to be directed to us. We are the queen of our court and it’s high time our subjects learn it.

JOAN FATIMA M. TUANO

Assistant Guest Relations Manager at Amanyara – Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies

For me in my early twenties, it means it is time to pave my way to success. It is time to figure out who I am, and think about how I plan to go forward. Shall I open a business? Change specialties? What exactly makes me happy? Bake cupcakes for a living? Being a Filipina in general, I am an excited chameleon looking forward to wherever life takes me. Given our vibrant history, being colonized and fighting for our independence, along with the fact that the country is a stunningly unique archipelago in South East Asia, we are destined to be global acrobats. Opportunists hungry for all life have to offer.

My advice for Filipinas today is to be strong and confident about who they are and what they want to achieve in life. If in doubt, travel the Philippines or even volunteer to disconnect and rediscover yourself. Plan your day, weeks or months with a goal in mind and go for it. Open up your minds and take chances. Live life, it is extremely short. It is never too late to follow your dreams, try something you never had time to do and most importantly, believe in yourself. Most of the incredible things in my life have happened because of luck and simply putting myself out there.

Be interested and be interesting. Read the news. Follow fascinating people in your industry, stalk them and ask them to mentor you (like I did). Fill up your profile with experience and achieve all-star profile status on Linkedin. Ask questions, never leave doubts unanswered. Listen, listen and then talk. Improve your cultural intelligence and strive to be one with your colleagues especially when away from our ‘kababayans’. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and always strive for continuous improvement. Work hard, play hard, and then save even more.

OLGA BARCELONA

Head of Operations – Brash Brands; Project Leader – Philanthropilipino

Dubai, UAE

A 21st Filipina is someone who is successful in their chosen careers whilst giving hope to the younger women who are just starting their careers. These are the women who are proud of what they do and who continuously thrive to move with the times and challenge conventional views. These are the Filipinas who support other Filipinas and inspire others to give back and pay it forward. It’s not just being able to provide for their families, it’s also about being able to succeed in what they do, not just locally, but globally. 21st century Filipinas are industry leaders, they are powerful, they know what they want and they do it and they never forget to give back to society.

Filipinas in this day and age should let go of timidity. We should be more confident because we have it takes to be leaders. We can be powerful and we should be empowering other women, instead of just competing with them. Filipinas should be brave enough to challenge themselves to better. Filipinas should be tenacious and go the extra mile to reach their goals. Filipinas should be ambitious, have goals and know that they deserve only the best. Filipinas should be global citizens. This doesn’t mean letting go of being a Filipina, but understanding that we have an added responsibility of belonging to a world-wide community of people.

Filipinas should stop thinking too low of themselves. This is one trait that most Filipinas have which I dislike the most – the lack of self-confidence that hinders most Filipinas to do more than what they are capable of. One can never be more than what they are if they don’t even try.

PERLA RAMOS PAREDES DALY

Life Coach, Volunteer, Writer and Artist; Publisher of Pinay.com

Austin, Texas

21st century Filipinas can dream bigger than their 19th century counterparts because they have more opportunities for growth and potential, and there are more resources today that empower people. Now, it is increasingly acceptable for women to be educated, successful, financially independent and happy. And it is great that she can contribute to society.

Today, because of travel and technology, Filipinas can be global citizens, experiencing multiple cultures and perspectives, interweaving them with Philippine heritage and traditional values. And what really makes a Filipina a global citizen is when she acts to make a difference for herself, her family, and also for her village, communities, and for the world.

Filipinas in this day and age should see different options for themselves; develop personal growth not just material growth; have a higher degree of self awareness, and a healthier self-worth; have a great attitude no matter what age they are. They also should be flexible, willing to hear feedback and to learn, change and grow and strive to be a better person for themselves, for others and the world.  Share their success by helping others grow and shine.

There are two attitudes that we can change. “That there isn’t enough and that we deserve so little”. And that “Bahala na” means we give up our power. These are limiting beliefs that reduce our happiness, successes and our light. The next change that we can make from inside is that we can see God, goodness, true happiness and success, as Light. If we can shift our thinking and beliefs that each of us has a divine light gifted within us, then things shift to “I can shine,” “everyone can shine” and when that happens then divine light is increased manyfold. That is why pinay.com’s tagline is “Shine, Pinay, shine” and it’s underlying theme is shine mentality and ‘liwanag’.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ

Editor-in-Chief/social advocate/aspiring urban farmer “almost superwoman” (almost but not quite) Lalaine Chu-Benitez has been driving Illustrado’s advocacy towards Filipina empowerment for almost a decade now.  She believes that the Filipina’s greatest challenge at this very moment lies beyond further education, skills improvement, recognition and financial might – something quite simpler than what we tend to expect.

More Filipina goodness here – Read a Love Letter to the Filipinas in the Middle East

The post Filipina Empowerment: Onwards, 21st Century Filipina. appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

• “Wheel Power Yoga” – Yoga for wheelchair users
• “Adapted Yoga” – Yoga for people with special needs or disabilities

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Inspired by her bedridden mother, Nerry Toledo, Dubai-based yoga instructor, is launching “Yoga For ALL” – an inclusive approach to yoga to empower everyone to practice regardless of age, shape, size, ethnicity, level of ability or circumstances. 

When her mother was left paralysed after having a stroke, her path truly came into focus. Nerry decided to be more intentional with her teaching and commit herself to learning how to serve the most under-represented people. 

“The UAE’s yoga scene is thriving, but people with disabilities and long-term illnesses have limited opportunities to learn yoga and benefit from its practice.  I want to address this gap by making yoga for all,” said Nerry Toledo.

 Life has come in so many forms, but beyond the psychological and physiological dimensions, all life is the same.

 “I believe that people, regardless of their age, ability or background, should have access to yoga.  I want to see a woman with a wooden leg to walk into a yoga class. I want to see people in wheelchairs, children and young adult with mental health challenges, people in prisons to practice yoga,” she added.

This Dubai Fitness Challenge, Nerry will run inclusive yoga classes for People of Determination.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION DO YOGA?

Yoga is an ancient practice which involves body and mind to achieve balance and well-being. Practicing yoga can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions through both the physical postures and breathwork. Each pose can be modified or adapted to meet the needs of the student.

Yoga for People of Determination is a great opportunity to build a community and meet new friends with similar objectives and progress as a group.

As with any new exercise routine, it is advisable that parent / student should consult with a medical professional first before practicing yoga.

Where: Kite Beach, Astral Space 

“Wheel Power” – Yoga for people in wheelchairs
Saturday 14th November, 9:30am to 10am 

The focus of wheelchair yoga sequences is the upper body. The twists and bends of the various wheelchair yoga pose work the upper body and core, improving blood flow and stimulating the internal organs.

Getting Started with Wheelchair Yoga

After you have received the ‘all clear’ from your doctor, keep a few safety rules in mind:

• Always have someone else around, such as a friend, family member or caregiver.
• Breath normally and steadily throughout your yoga session.
• Challenge yourself to stretch as much as you can. But only stretch to the point that it is a little uncomfortable, not to the point of pain.
• If you do feel pain, stop, and consult your doctor.

Space is limited. Those interested in signing up for the free event must register in advance, connect with Nerry by visiting www.nerryfit.com or call +971507478066.

Yoga For Young Adults With Special Needs
Saturday 21st November, 9:30am to 10am

“Adapted Yoga” for young adults with special needs is a gentle and therapeutic class. Simple and fun programme designed to increase cognitive and motor skills, improve concentration, strength, balance, and posture as well as provide the joy of being in a social but non-competitive class. The stretching, breathwork and singing help promote focus and help students to feel more connected and comfortable within their bodies.  Poses are adapted to meet each student’s needs and capabilities, to meet them where they are, and not focusing on their disabilities but their abilities.

Getting Started with Special Yoga

• Always have someone else around, such as a family member or caregiver.
• Breath normally and steadily throughout your yoga session
• If you do feel pain, stop, and consult your doctor.
• Bring your own yoga mat, water bottle and towels

Space is limited. Those interested in signing up for the free event must register in advance, connect with Nerry by visiting www.nerryfit.com or call +971507478066.

The post Filipina Yoga Teacher Launches Yoga for People of Determination appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

By Behzad Sandila

http://gph.is/2IleWnL

Music can evoke feelings all by itself. But the effect amplifies when music takes a stand for something beyond just itself. Most of the best-known artists of their time have used their art as a means for representation. Following that principle is a group of talented Filipina-American rappers led by Ruby Ibarra, perhaps most known from her Mastercard commercial with SZA at the Grammy’s, and definitely a name worth watching out for.

http://gph.is/2IhPOyl

To coincide with Women’s History Month, Ruby, alongside fellow Pinay MCs Rocky Rivera and Klassy, and spoken-word poet Faith Santilla, have released the track ‘US’, a celebration of being Filipina and the dignity that should accompany it. The music video, directed by Ruby herself, contrasts the artists wearing traditional attire and performing folk dances like Pandanggo sa Ilaw and Tinikling with the hip hop-fueled California street culture they grew up in. The point isn’t to pick one side, it is to find power and pride in both. It’s a message that can be embraced by the numerous overseas Filipinos and third-culture kids.

http://gph.is/2paoskP

The song goes:

“Island woman rise, walang makakatigil

Brown, brown woman, rise, alamin ang ‘yong ugat

They got nothin’ on us”

The hook is then punctuated with the statement “Isang Bagsak!” a reference to the famous ‘unity clap’ coined during the United Farm Workers Movement in the 1960’s.

Here on out, references in the track range from cultural idiosyncrasies like “Pullin’ up in a Jeepney” to criticisms of colonial beauty standards:

“I got that, Filipino phenotype: kayumanggi, mestizo-white

But give me that moreno like that Rufio or Keno type”

Towards the end, Faith’s spoken-word piece decrees that “Let it be known if you don’t already.” With her calm-yet-confident delivery, she emphasizes the importance of Filipina sisterhood, especially in a world where the odds are stacked against them as women of color:

“Of all the privileges that exist in this world, none of which you may be a benefactor of

There is at least one you bear

And that is the privilege of having been born a Filipina

Your DNA contains building blocks made from the mud of over 500 years of resistance and survival

And when you are ready, sis, we’ll be right here”

Watch the full video here:

Not only is the message clear, it’s relevant. In a time when the media glare on women’s issues is particularly strong, and intersectionality in feminism is a proven necessity, a song like this one tick multiple boxes. Through its lyrics and visuals, it reminds of a past drenched in rebellion, a present laced with strife, and most certainly a near future where more Filipino creatives, especially women, find their mainstream respect and recognition. Furthermore, it quashes the stereotype of Asian women being seen as docile and meek (which persists in Western media despite the great work of Fe del Mundo,  Yuri Kochiyama, Grace Lee Boggs, Frances Hashimoto, Thelma Buchholdt , and many more).

http://gph.is/2p8ZMcC

A collaboration this good could not have been possible without proper organization and belief in a cause bigger than oneself. What this is a testament to, is what happens when like-minded artists join forces and forge a new path for themselves in the process of building each other up and sharing their own lived experience. Being each other’s support instead of competition, an important lesson indeed.

Follow these talented performers and keep track of their burgeoning careers through their social media-

Ruby Ibarra: @RubyIbarra,

Rocky Rivera: @RockyRivera

Klassy: @NinaGotSoul (Insta) @WhatKlassySaid (Twitter)

Faith Santilla: @FaithSantilla

Behzad is an entertainer, storyteller, activist, and third-culture kid. He has worked across visual and written media, reminding himself that civilizations are remembered for their arts. When not reading long-form journalism, consuming popular culture, or breaking out into dance moves and yoga poses (yes, really), he is perpetually in search of his greater purpose.

The post Island Woman Rise – Female Fil-Am Rappers Bring Their Flair to Women’s History Month appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Excel V. Dyquiangco

Nikki Muller would never have thought of television as an option if not for a serendipitous encounter outside her high school gates in the year 2000. The host and presenter based in Singapore recalls an MTV film crew waiting to interview students about the upcoming movie ‘Men in Black.’ “When the producer approached me to ask my friends and I some questions, instinctively I took the microphone and started interviewing my buddies,” she says. “Soon after that, I received an invitation to audition to co-host MTV@MBASSY when I was 15 years old. We filmed in the Philippines but it broadcasted around Asia. This was around the time of Donita Rose, KC Montero and Sarah Meier.”

Since she had to keep her grades up in high school, however, she had to stop after one season as the hours were long and the shoots were until the wee hours of the morning. It didn’t take long for her to bag another show right before she graduated from high school, though, as a co-presenter for Studio Disney on the Disney Channel for two years.

“I filmed in and out of Singapore when I was 17 and learned so much about the craft,” she says. “This is what inspired me to take it seriously and study Broadcast Journalism in the USA. When I was 19, I received my first regional nomination as Best Entertainment Presenter at the Asian Television Awards. I’m very proud of that!”

Getting Her Feet Wet

Right after college, however, Nikki switched gears to work at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York City but the limelight still beckoned. In 2011, she returned to television in Asia – but not without hardships.

“It was a very difficult process to begin again after being away for 5 years,” she says. “I knocked on doors, I checked online sites for auditions and eventually was taken under the wing and guidance of my agency, Fly Entertainment who helped me land projects. It was a year of struggle before I got my feet wet. You have to do this job because you love it.”

Perhaps one of her most memorable hosting duties was when she hosted ‘Bicycle Diaries’ on Channel News Asia. She described it as one of her most rewarding experiences as she cycled along the Mekong River along six countries during a time when development was starting to affect the local communities. “I landed in Myanmar the day Aung San Suu Kii was sworn into government and the air of hope and change was so palpable,” she says. “I met so many incredible individuals – so down to earth and willing to open up their homes and hearts to complete strangers. I have loved cycling ever since!”

This year Nikki is set cover the Championships at Wimbledon for the third time. She has had a chance to sit down and interview some of the world’s greatest athletes such as Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, among others. Her most surreal experience, though, was meeting and spending time with her childhood heroine Martina Hingis.

Fighting Burnouts

Although to some people her job may seem glamorous, Nikki admits that she has had some burn outs in the process. To combat the fatigue, she meditates and practices mindfulness when she can.

“I’ve learned to be open to opportunities even if they don’t always feel like the right fit,” she says.  “There is always a new skill to learn and value to add to a project, but of course, always draw the line where health and well-being is at risk. Taking on challenging work is rewarding but you must also draw the line and put your health and well-being first.”

She adds, “Every year I have come to understand my priorities more and more. I now try to ensure that no work year is carbon copy of the last. It’s important to take on new experiences and cast the net wide until you find the perfect fit or until you feel you’ve had your fill of adventure and can focus on one true path.”

Currently Nikki produces feature stories for Fox Sports Asia and she sees herself really harnessing the story-telling angle by being more actively involved in the creative development of future TV shows. In the near future she hopes to invest in her role as a presenter and as a background researcher who helps with ideas, writes stories, and directs the look and feel of the shots. “I think you add so much more value to a product if you can be well-rounded,” she says.

Follow Nikki:
– Facebook
– Instagram

Find more Pinoy Progressive articles on Illustrado Life here.

The post Angas Pinas: Nikki Muller appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

Hey mga avid readers! Eversince, lagi na lang tungkol sa akin ang nababasa ninyo, for a change let us give way to another masugid na tagasubaybay of my column – this time sya naman ang kamuhihan at pagtawanan nyo – charot!!! Nang maiba naman ang ihip ng hanging ngayong buwan ng mga puso. Mga kabayan, kilalanin natin si … Shawie at ang kanyang Kwentong OFW.

Dear Ate Annie,

Hello po! Muzta na po u, Ate Annie? Sana po ay nasa mabuti kayong kondisyon patanggap ninyo ng sulat kong ito. Simula pa lang ay nais ko na kayong pasalamatan sa pagtangkilik ninyo ng aking liham. Itago nyo na lang ako sa pangalang Shawie. Tulad nyo, isa ring probinsiyana – tubong Liliw, Laguna – di rin gaanong kagandahan ngunit balingkinitan naman ang pangangatawan kaya’s panalo ako lalo na kapag suot ko ay Mango at Zara – ayan, pareho din nga pala tayong fahionista. Half Chinese ang father ko kaya nabiyayaan ako ng makinis at maputing balat…yun nga lang medyo may pagka-kinky ang buhok ko ngunit salamat sa Sheila Straightening Cream, Maine N’ Tail Shampoo at Hanabishi Flat Iron (my bestfriend, I swear!) ay paminsan-minsan ko rin na-a-achieve ang Gretchen Barreto hairstyle ko. Simula elementary hanggang high school ay honor student ako – oo, may pagka-nerd din t nahirapang mag-fit in sa mga kaklase ko noon. Dahil masipag akong mag-aral, Accountancy ang tinapos ko at top 5 sa board exam ng batch naming. Impressive ba?

Well, sa kabila ng lahat ng achievements ko, maituturingg kong empty at malumbay ang aking buhay, Ate Annie. You see, isa ako sa mga libo-libong kababaihan na kung tawagin nila ay “No Boyfriend since Birth”. Tumpak ka dyan – Never Been Kissed, Never Been Touched ang beauty ko – kaya ako lumiham sa iyo – para sana naman, dala ng iyong tunong at mga tips, ay makahanap na ako ng aking Prince Charming. Yun Na!

Ewan ko ba, lahat naman ng pelikula, tv shows, magazines at books ay sinunod ko na. Pero talagang mailap si Kupido when it comes to granting me my very own Papa. But don’t get me wrong, Ate Annie – I’ve never had a boyfriend pero madami nang boylets ang dumaan sa aking mga palad. I’ve met and have been with several na but not one single guy had been what you can call true love – or totoong naging boyfriend ko.

Take the case of Yñaki, my first-would be-boyfriend sana during my college days. He’s so coño and tisoy – dreamboat talaga ng buong campus and number 1 crush ng bayan. Akala ko noon, um-effect na ang kaka-Angel’s Breath cologne ko, kasi he always looks at me whenever I pass by.

Then one Friday afternoon, after watching his basketball game, I was about to take a sip from the water fountain when all of a sudden someone pushed me – napasungalngal tuloy ako sa faucet! Grabe, kakahiya talaga – everyone laughed – kasi there was blood coming out of my gilagid na – gosh! Then when I was about to confront na the salarin, I turned back – it was Yñaki pala! Ay nag-blush talaga akooooo. In my head, I started hearing this Close Up Jingle, “Hey where’s the look in your eyes….” habang he was wiping the blood from my mouth. “Hey it’s you pala…siguro you got so thirsty from game noh?” I told him. After he apologized, he asked for my number. Oh-My_Gaaaaawwwwd!!!

Pag-uwi ko ng dorm I made suhol to all the girls there by treating them to ice cream so that no one will use the phone muna before me. The around 3:30am he finally called! Super kilig!!! He asked me to go out with him, basta isama ko daw ang friend ko para hindi naman dyahe. So the next day I brought along Mika, Paola and Ronna Mae – my prettiest classmates – to my date with Yñaki. He brought din five of his team mates – we all had fun at Shakey’s! I was so kilig and ecstatic kaya I volunteered to pay for the bill na – syempre milestone in my teenage life yun kaya I wanted it to be perfect. The guys all exchange numbers with the girls then we went home na. I was expecting Yñaki to call that night pero almost 5am na the phone didn’t ring naman kaya I decided to sleep na lang. Baka sobrang nabusog sya with all the pizza and the mojos that he ate kaya baka maaga sya nakatulog.

After that weekend I saw him sa campus, I approached him and make kamusta. Sabi nya nadyahe daw sya after our first date. Hihihihihi!!! Kaka-kilig talaga. I told him there’s no problem. The he asked if I had merienda na (how thoughtful!) so I offered to treat him sa Digman’s Halo-halo. There, he opened up his heart to me. He said over the weekend he couldn’t stop thinking of this girl daw. He’s had a crush na daw on this girl since last sem pa and he’s glad he’s met her na finally. OMG!!! I was starting to sweat like a pig…could he be describing me???? But he’s torpe eh. He looked at the clock and had to eat and run lang kasi he had basketball practice pa daw. Anyway, I didn’t get to sleep that night. I played all of my Julia Fordham CDs and that made me feel more in love.

The next day, I waited for him sa may locker area but he had basketball practice na naman – so I waited pa rin until it finished at 7:30pm. After their practice, I surprised him by ordering 2 barrels of KFC – kasi I know na gutom na sya. He shared the food with his team mates and they made us kantyaw pa. Uuuyyy…kilig to the max naman!!! Kaya lang he was so tired na kaya he went home after eating na. It’s ok – I understand naman eh. It’s hard to have a jock for a boyfriend – he has to divide his time and attention between me, his studies and his game. Imagine? Dapat masanay nalang siguro ako. The next day he left a note with the tindera in our canteen. It said he wanted to meet me after class daw – very important – and that he took his 6 burgers na rin, abonohan ko na lang daw muna kase he didn’t have barya that morning.

So yun na – that moment that I’ve been waiting for. Siguro he’s finally going to propose to me. So I skipped my last period and nagpa-fresh ako sa ladies CR for one hour. I’ve waited for about two hours sa labas ng gym pero ok lang. The he came – with matching one dozen red roses and a box of Choco Mallows in his hands. Kunwari hindi ko sya nakita-syempre dedma muna konting pakipot noh??? The he covered my eyes with and asked, “Guess who?”  Aaaayyy…kilig to the bones talaga, Ate Annie!!! Then he said, “Shawie, I know you’re such a nice girl and that you won’t let me down. I’ve got this one huge favor to ask sana eh…” Ako naman, “Really???” Nakanganga lang ako waiting for him to say the right words… “Can you….” He said, nahihiya pa. “Whaaaatt baaaa??” (Dali, inip na inip na ako!)

“Can you give these flowers and chocolates to your friend Mika for me?”

“Yesssss!!! Bigla akong napasigaw! Pero haaaa??? Teka, parang mali yata yung narinig ko. Huwaaattt???!!!

I wanted to ask you if you can give these to Mika, she’s my crush eh,” sabi ng damuho.

Nagdilim ang paningin ko Ate Annie, umikot ang paligid at gumuho ang mundo ko. Lintek na Yñaki yan, matapos kong ilibre eh gagawin lang pala akong bridge para ligawan ang classmate kong si Mika!!! Nag-walk out ako, Ate Annie. Hindi ko matanggap na gagamitin lang pala ako ni Yñaki. Buong akala ko eh ako na ang napupusuan nay ayun pala yung kaklase kong tadtad naman ng anan sa mukha?!!! Lecheeee!!! At duon nagwakas ang kabanata ng lovelife ko with Yñaki. Ni wala man lang holding hands, grabe!

Nang maka-graduate ako, nagtrabaho ako sa isang multinational accountancy firm – kokonti ang gwapo sa office kasi puro mga nerd at geeks sa math ang karamihan sa kanila. Isa si Robbie sa iilan lang na may hitusura at may porma sa department naming. Matangkad sya, makinis ang balat, at talaga namang japorms kung mag-outfit. Syempre, madaming girlash ang ume-emote sa kanya – super friendly sya kaya’t close sya sa lahat ng kababaihan sa office.

In one of our company outings, nagkasabay kami sa pagsha-shopping noon sa SM. I was so busy looking for a swimsuit nang mangkasalubong kami papuntang dressing room. He was trying on 5 different kinds of Speedos – talagang fashionable sya – imagine tatlo ang baon syang swimming trunks sa outing samantalang overnight lamang naman yon? Sya ang pumili ng swimsuit na binili ko – syempre para maging close kami kailangang tanggapin ko mga advice nya.  After paying for our swimwear, kiladkad nya ako sa Rustan’s para mamili naman ng lotion – sya daw ang bahala sa akin. Pumili sya ng walong iba’t ibang klase ng lotion – may SPF 20, bronzer, after sun, moisturizer with Vitamin E at at kung ano-ano pang halaman – tinuruan nya akong mag-proper skin care –  para daw hindi ako tumanda – grabe, na-feel ko talaga ang concern nya sa akin – mayamaya hindi na balat ko ang pinakialaman nya, sinamahan nya ako sa sa Propaganda Salon para ipa-style ang aking buhok – hindi daw kase bagay sa shape ng face ko ko ang hairo ko – oh dib a? Na-conscious ako bigla kasi wala akong kamuwang-muwang pinagdidiskitahan na pala nya ang aking fez! Eh ako naman, sige lang – discover me….control me…I’m yours!!!

After ng outing namin, mas naging close pa kami. Sabay kami nagla-lunch and that’s when he introduce me to the art of fine dining –  puro kasi sa fastfood ko lagi sya inaaya eh he’s so health conscious pa naman. He taught me how to appreciate gourmet food – pati tamang pronounciation ng French cuisine natutunan ko becoz of him. Sosyal di ba? At take note ha? Madalas sya pa ang nanlilibre sa akin. Kaya obviously wala syang balak perahan lang ako. He helped me bloom into a pretty swan – hindi na ako mukhang librarian kung manumit mula noon – naging fahionista na ako! Thank to him kasi every weekend pinapahiram nya ako ng mga collections nya ng mga magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair at Cosmopolitan. Pati mga favorite DVDs nya shine-share nya sa akin like My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Devil Wears Prada and Brokeback Mountain. Bukod sa pagiging stylish at gourmet eater nya, super sensitive din sya at very thoughtful. Tuwing lalabas kami, he always gives me 5 sheets of Gatsby’s Oil Control Paper Powder – para daw hindi ako oily. O di ba?

When his birthday came, I was so flattered kasi I was the only one from the office that he invited. He’ll introduce me daw to his friends – it’s time na daw. Aaaawww!!! Eton a yun…he will finally expose me to his friends – malamang to get their approval. Knowing how fashionista he is, I maxed out my credit card and got a Prada dress – the one he’s been convincing me to buy dati pa – all for the love of Robbie.

Na-late ako noon sa party nya nagpa-parlor pa kasi ako para siguradong super ganda ako when I meet his friends. When I came, puno na ang condo nya with all of his guest – puro boys! At puro cute gaya ni Robbie. Most of them are flight stewards, advertising executives and interior designers. Nakakatuwa sila kasi all they talk about is food, fashion, travel and showbiz – hindi tulad ng sa ibang parties ng mga boys na puro kotse, gadgets at babae na lang ang labing pinagbibidahan. Here, everyone is so cultured and sophisticated. Sa totoo lang, ang dami kong topics na hindi maintindihan – pero oo lang ako n goo kunwari hindi ako bobita. Napansin ko na ako lang pala ang only girl na guest and Robbie kept on calling me “girlfriend” in front of everyone with matching snap ng fingers – kaya halos matunaw ako sa kilig. Naghintay lang ako for the right moment when all of a sudden I noticed some of the guest – boys ha? Cuddling each other…na shock ako. Ate Annie. Weird sa paningin ko yun. I walked out dun sa eksena and looked for Robbie. When I opened the door nagdilim ang paningin ko, umikot ang paligit at gumuho ang mundo ko, Ate Annie! Nahuli ko si Robbie may kayakap na mhin! O.M.G!!! “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” ni Celine Dion ang tumugtog sa isip ko.

Kaya pala, mahilig sya sa culture at arts – pati na sa beauty and fitness eh isa syang Dyosa!!!! Akala ko pa naman din nagagandahan sya sa akin kaya panay ang offer nya ng make over at tips – kasi type nya ako…ayun pala ginawa lang nya akong isang manyikang pilit na binibihisan at inaayusan!!! When he introduced me to his friends as his “girlfriend” eh amiga pala at hindi syota ang ibig nyang sabihin….walanghiya – natanso ako, Ate Annie!!! Nagdugo na naman ang puso ko – muli akong umasa sa wala.

Matagal ko ring ipinahinga ang puso ko. Everytime kasi may makikilala ako naging defensive na ko baka masaktan lang ulit ako at um-effort tapos saw ala rin naman mauuwi.

Hanggang sa napadpad nga ako ditto sa Dubai – to seek greener pastures – and more diversity when it comes to men. Since madaming foreigners ditto, the more chances of winning – ika nga ng promo ng Hope & Winston.

Hanggang sa makilala ko si Ahmed, Ate Annie. Nag-aabang ako noon ng carlift sa labas ng St. Mary’s pagkatapos ng misa – naligo na ako sa sarili kong pawis sa sobrang init sa labas ng biglang may humintong Ford Focus sa harapan ko. Bumukas ang bintana at bigla ako napa-hesusmaryahusep sa sobrang kagwapuhan ng driver nito – si Ahmed nga. Blue eyed at blonde sya – grabe sa kakisigan. He offered me a ride – miski gusto ko ng tumalon papasok sa bintana eh nagpakipot ako – ayoko nga, akalain pa nya easy to get ako noh? “No, thank you…I’m fine, “pa-girl akong tumanggi. “Are you sure habibi?” Coz there is blood coming from your nose already,” pangungulit nya. Aba, nang tignan ko sa bintana ng kotse nya eh nagdudugo nga ang ilong ko!!! Ang init kasi eh. Since wala namang dumadaang ibang sasakyan eh pinagbigyan ko na rin sya. Mukha naman mabait kaya siguradong safe naman sa kanya. After nya ako ihatid sa flan namin, we exchanged numbers. Since then, lagi kaming lumalabas – nanonood ng sine at nagsha-shopping tuwing weekend. In a span of two weeks naging super close kami – pero hindi naman nya ako nililigawan. Inisip ko baka since foreigner sya, hindi na uso ang ligawan sa kanila. Basta ako, sakay lang, enjoy the moment – ang sarap ng feeling kapag magkasama kami eh.

After one month of knowing each other, he invited me to his flat. Wala kasi yung flatmate nya nagbakasyon so wala syang kasama at nalulungkot sya. Excited at kilig akong pumayag, Ate Annie. Pagdating ko sa flat nya, nagulat ako dahing naka-boxer shorts lang sya. Medyo kinilig ako pero teka, hindi pa nga kami magsyota eh presko na sya? Nang umupo kami sa sofa eh bigla nya akong hinalikan. Aba, nataranta ako!!! “Wait!!! Shuhada, what is this?” tanong ko sa kanya. “What do you think habibi?” Sabay kindat at tingin niya sa kin ng super-lagkit. Napagtanto-tanto ko ang ibig niyang sabihin, so medyo panic ako. “Oh noooo no! I’m not even your girlfriend yet!” Biglang tawa ni Ahmed, “hahahahahaha”, para siyang si Ruel Vernal. “Habibi, you cannot be my girlfriend, not even my wife. You are Filipina.” Sabe ba naman? “So why do you go out with me if you’re not going to make me your girlfriend?” pangungulit ko pa. “Habibi, we have fun only…no strings attached. No commitment, no problem!” tigas mukha nyang pinadiinan sa akin. Ang kapal ng mukha nya, Ate Annie! Again, nagdilim ang paningin ko, umikot ang paligid at gumuho ang mundo ko. “How dare you, I’m Dalagang Filipina – Maria Clara all the way!!!” pagmamalaki ko. Binigyan ko sya ng mag-asawang sampal sabay walk out. Simula noon, hindi ko na sinagot lahat ng phonecalls, text at Facebook messages nya. Ano palagay nya sa akin, kalapating mababa ang lipad? Excuse me!!!

Kaya heto ako ngayon, Ate Annie – sugatan na naman ang puso at bugbog na bugbog na ang damdamin. Bakit ba nangyayari ang mga ito sa akin? Mabait naman ako at masunuring anak, mapagbigay sa kapwa ko at lagging nananalig sa Maykapal – pero bakit parang sinasadya ng tadhana na paglaruan akong tuwing mapapasabak sa romansa ang puso kong ito? Bakit ako pa, what’s wrong with me?!!! Help naman, Ate Annie. Alam kong iksaw lang ang tanging makakatulong sa akin – given your extensive experience and world-renowned exptertise when it comes to matters of the heart. Bigayn mo naman akong na advice on how to catch the perfect guy and avoid the mistakes I did before. Puhleassseeeeee???

Lovingly yours,

Shawie

……………………….

Dear Shawie,

Sa palagay mo mauuto mo ako porque pinuri mo ako? Kung ako nga walang jowa eh sa palagay mo ikaw pa uunahin ko? Ako muna noh?!!! May pa-perfect guy ka pa dyang hinahanap, bakit perfect girl ka ba? Wala ka bang blackheads sa noo at warts sa leeg mo? Maputi ba ang batok mo at siko? Wala ka bang split ends? Hindi ka ba bad breath kapag bagong gising ka? Kaya mo bang sabihin ito ng paulit-ulit: “Peter Pieper picked a peck of picked pepper…???” May multiple entry US visa ka ba? Pwes, kung hindeh eh wala lang karapatan mag-ilusyon ng perfect guy kasi ikaw mismo hindi ka naman perfect girl. Gets mo?

Pasensya ka na kung medyo harsh itong sasabihin ko. Tatanga-tanga ka kasi eh. Sus, sa simula pa lang hindi mo na nakita ang signs? Campus heartrob papatol say o eh inamin mo na ngang hidi ka naman kagandahan – eh ano ngayon kung balingkinitan ang pangangatawan mo – si Zorayda Sanchez din naman maganda ang katawan ah? May kilala ka bang tunay na lalaki na nangongolekta ng bawat issue ng Cosmopolitan at Vogue? Yang mga foreigner akala mo uubra dyan ang pagpapakipot at pag-iinarte mo? Next time gamitin mo yang kukote mo ha, hija?

Sabi mo matalino ka, CPA ka – sana next time read above the lines – if it’s two goods to be truth, magpakatotoo ka, sister! Tigilan mo na ang kakapanood ng mga telenovela na yan – hindi ka naman kasing ganda ni Marian Rivera para mag-expect na may Dingdong Dantes na naghihintay sayo noh? Harapin mo ang katotohanan – huwag nang mag-ambisyon ng hindi mo naman kayang abutin.

Pag may nanligaw sa yo na mabait at masipag, miski maitim ang gilagid at high waisted eh patulan mo na. Huwag nang choosy, tigilan na ang Dairy Crème, Dapat sayo mag-Fita – Fight to Win!!!! O sya, take care b’coz I care.

Lubos na nagmamahal,

Ate Annie J

Find more Annie B Chronicles and Filipinisms here.

The post Annie B Chronicles: Kwentong OFW: Maalaala mo pa kaya? Magpakailanman appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

WARNING: This program isn’t for the unadventurous and/or the humorless.

Are you bold enough to major in BA Filipinology? See what it takes to earn a lifetime degree.

F101: Family Few NOT – Required, 10 Units

Understanding that the family isn’t just the basic unit of society; it is the society—at least for the Filipino family. A typical household consists of yourself and your parents, siblings, grandparents, and yaya who’s probably a distant kin, too.

F102: The Godfather (and the Godmother) – Elective, 2 Units

Discovering child-rearing assistance. Since many Filipino parents believe that the more, the many-er and the money-er, you luckily have a dozen of reluctant ninongs and ninangs.

F103: What’s in a Name – Elective, 2 Units

Identifying yourself. In ‘Pinas, most babies are called Baby and most little boys are nicknamed Boy. A brown dog is Brownie while a black one is — guess what? Blackie!

F104: Actions Speak Louder than Words – Required, 5 Units

Reading into the Filipino’s non-verbal language. You can point direction with your lips, either greet or provoke someone by raising an eyebrow, smile to show you’re happy/embarrassed/shy/clueless/deadma, or not have any facial reaction at all when you’re tampo.

Filipino Lessons: BA Filipinology

F105: Happy Holidays – Required, 10 Units

Listing down the many reasons to be happy and to party. Fiestas every month, Christmas as early as September, summer vacation, no-class days come the rainy season — we have so much to celebrate!

F106: The Road – Required, 5 Units

Exploring the streets of Manila. Be ready to do it at a snail’s pace during rush hour. Want it or not, the city’s roads could be downright horrifying when traffic is real messy and the jeepney you’re riding is a mobile disco.

F107: Our Daily Bread – Required, 5 Units

Debunking this claim because it’s rice that we need to survive. That is, sinangag for breakfast, steamed rice for lunch, lugaw for merienda, arroz valenciana for dinner, and suman for midnight snack.

F108: Yummy! – Prerequisite: F106, 5 Units

Digesting the idea of what’s yummy to the Filipino. Jollibee Chicken Joy brings us gastronomical joys. Lechon and chicharon warm (and kill) our hearts. We love what most people would find yucky: duck embryo, chicken head/neck/butt/feet/intestines, pig ears/blood/intestines, crickets, frogs, dogs… are you hungry yet?

F109: The Latest – Required, 5 Units

Recognizing Filipino Time. Because we’re staunch believers of the saying that “It’s better late than never,” Filipino Time means arriving 30 minutes to 3 hours late. It depends on the traffic/weather/mood or whatever reason we could think of.

F110: Speech Power – Elective, 5 Units

Leveling up your communication skills. It pays to be multilingual. To enter showbiz, talk like Kris Aquino. To pursue a call center career, exaggerate the American accent. To run for public office, declaim in straight Tagalog.

F111: That’s Entertainment – Required, 10 Units

Expanding your interests. There’s no dull moment in the Philippines. Visit your neighbors as soon as you wake up for the hottest news. Come home by lunchtime for your favorite variety show. Do the telenovela marathon from afternoon ‘til night.  

F112: Do the Haggle – Elective, 5 Units

Managing your finances. Remember this: every self-respecting Pinoy can smell the nearest tyangge/ukay-ukay and he/she calls it a done deal only if a tawad has been made — even if it’s just a PHP5 discount.

F113: Reel Beauty – Required, 10 Units

Prettifying the Filipina. Is it Miss Universe, Vicky Belo, or Snow White? Whosoever fault it is, we can no longer stop buying papaya soaps and flat ironing our hair, aargh!

F114: Career Orientation – Required, 10 Units

Climbing the ladder of success. The trick is to do it slowly, strategically, and surely. Here are the options: (1) Join PBB Teens then co-star with JLC in RomCom films. (2) Hire a voice coach and upload your videos on YouTube. (3) Train hard to be a boxer and join international competitions.

F114: Practice Makes Perfect – Required, 50 Units

As it’s been said many times, you learn by experience. So, enjoy your practicum and good luck!

The post Filipino Lessons: BA Filipinology appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Gee, Your Kabayan Smells Terrific!

Why Filipinos Smell Good

By Nicholo Jallores

It is an accepted dictum in modern medicine that the strongest mnemonic device out of all the 5 senses is the sense of smell. A whiff of the known and familiar could bring back a greater flood of memories than any sight, sound, taste, or tactile experience ever could. Warm pineapple and sugar reminds us of holidays back home. Grilled fish takes us back to barbecues by the sea with the family. The nose knows, it is said. Human beings in general are tenderly susceptible to the visceral and often jarring impacts of nose-stalgia.

Filipinos in particular are an olfactory sort. We spend a lot of time and money on ensuring that we smell good, or at the very least, that we don’t smell bad. According to Eden Strategy Institute’s Emerging Middle Class 2014 Survey, 4 out of 10 Filipinos cannot live without soap and shampoo. Personal hygiene figures highly in the Filipinos’ list of priorities, along with mobile phones and internet access. According to the report, most of us would rather forego health insurance and job security than lose our toiletries – in other words, it’s perfectly fine to be in the dirt, as long as our dirt doesn’t stink.

Our innate obsession with smelling good is hugely evident in Filipinos living in Middle Eastern countries. The sweltering heat of the Arabian peninsula offers the perfect environment for cultivating all sorts of maleficent odors, but amidst the stink clouds of hot acid and sulfur that urbanites have to contend with on a daily basis, the Filipinos manage to smell as fresh and dainty as young roses.

But what exactly is behind our propensity and dedication towards smelling good? What are the factors that define our relentlessly systemic approach to personal hygiene?

We have a few working theories.

1.) Filipinos generally don’t eat a lot of red meat.
Back home, beef is considered a premium item. Most of us grew up subsisting mostly on vegetables and white meats, with calderata and bulaloappearing only on the weekends or special occasions. Red meat is notoriously difficult to digest. Too much of it is likely to cause excessive perspiration and overproduction of surplus proteins and lipids, which can ultimately lead to body odor.

2.) Our food is not really all that spicy.
Compared to other cuisines, Filipino food is relatively rudimentary in terms of flavor compositions. We are comfort eaters, more than anything – we appreciate simplicity, heartiness, and sheer abundance in our food, with very little to almost no regard for flavor sets and textural diversity. Overloading on spices leads to excess sulfur in the body, which will eventually be eliminated through sweat and the breath.

3.) We’re all just water babies, really
The Filipinos come from a land that offers plenty of access to bodies of water. We have 7,107 islands – it would be safe to surmise that we also have around the same number of beaches, in addition to a stunning multitude lakes, rivers, brooks, and waterfalls. A typical Filipino family weekend getaway would be an afternoon outing at the beach. Filipinos just love water – a natural extension of which is that we love bathing. Other nationalities are even known to scoff at our insistence on taking daily baths. Imagine their consternation when they find out that some of us bathe twice a day – with plenty of “hilamos” and touch-ups in between.

4.) We tend to be overly conscious of other people’s opinions
Filipinos are very considerate and thoughtful – flip side of which is that we sometimes take self-consciousness to a ridiculous extreme. As a rule, we do not air our dirty laundry in public. We keep them locked up inside, and smother it with fragrances so the neighbors don’t notice. Our self-esteem tends to be heavily reliant on the opinion of others, so we go the extra length to make sure that we are pleasing in all respects, including the way we smell.

5.) We are sensitive of other people’s needs and comfort levels
It is often mentioned that we Filipinos are the preferred employees because of the level of loyalty and compassion that we are able to display through our diligence and hard work. The same can be said about our commitment towards maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene. It would be a matter of great tragedy for us to ruin another person’s day by walking into the room reeking of warm garbage. We take care of the way we smell mostly because it pleases us to please others.

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The post Gee, Your Kabayan Smells Terrific! Why Filipinos Smell Good appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

My Enterprise
Event Plus is a Dubai-based full-service destination management company. It offers a full spectrum of destination services such as groups and incentives programs, conferences, corporate events, teambuilding events, AV production, weddings, destination PR, sales representation, and corporate outbound group travel.

My Beginnings
I have been in Dubai since 2003. Just like most of our fellow Filipinos, I came here with a hope that I will only stay for couple of years. Then 2 years became 5 years, and next thing I knew I was already on my 10th year mark. Eventually, I decided that I didn’t want to be an employee anymore. In early 2014, I launched Events Plus. I did everything on my own, from the business plan, down to the website. I had very minimal capital. I even worked from home during the first 6 months to save cost. My hospitality experience, determination and dream were all I had to start with.

My Struggles
Being an Asian entrepreneur with a start-up company is definitely not easy. We like to think that ethnicity doesn’t matter, but the reality is that some – if not most – people will assess you and your business at face value. And as a start-up company, the real struggle is to build a solid level of trust with your prospective clients. These are very challenging circumstances indeed, but you just have to plow through them, continue knocking down doors and give your 100%. One day, it will all pay off. This has been my experience as an entrepreneur.

We are now 4 people in the team with a representation office in UK and Germany. I’m also looking at setting up a satellite office in the Philippines, hopefully by next year. Despite the obstacles, I am proud to say that the future is looking bright for our company.

My Life As An Entrepreneur
The most obvious advantage of being an entrepreneur is being your own boss having the freedom to work whenever and wherever you want. You’re working for yourself and nobody else. You may find yourself working 18 hours at any given day, but in the end its all for you. Every day is full of opportunities.

But in as much as it is exciting and joyful, it can also be lonely and scary. The stress levels of making all the decisions can sometimes be overwhelming, and can put a strain on your personal life. Your work schedules can also be wildly erratic. However, the pro’s still outweigh the con’s. It’s all a matter of striving for work-life balance, and setting your priorities straight.

My Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
An entrepreneur’s life is not for everyone. It requires a lot of perseverance, determination, and most of all, patience. Always strive to give the best service to your customers and try to always say “yes,” even if their requirement seems impossible. It’s a fierce market out there. Your only edge is how well you serve the needs of your clients. If you think you have what it takes, go for it. Go for it now.

The post Pinoy Entrepreneur: Jennifer Ebrada appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

It might be difficult to emerge from the shadow of a successful artist.  Not so for Helena Alegre, wife and muse of renowned painter Hermes Alegre, whose brilliance and dedication to jewelry design has allowed her to shine in her own right. A top finalist at the National Jewelry Design Competition sponsored by the Guild of Philippine Jewelry, as well as at the Creative Asean Jewelry Design Contest, where she was the youngest in her category, she had a busy 2015 collaborating with Philippine fashion and CITEM designers.

This year, Helena is working on a series of commissions as well as a collaboration exhibit with Bahay Nakpil Museum and Dona Petrona Nakpil (Joyeria Nakpil). She is also gearing to mount her second one woman show while continuing her study on metallurgy and gemstones.

Here, she talks to us about her passion and her kooky obsession with insects.

My Passion

My passion for designing and creating sculptural jewelry in silver is a combination of science and the art of manipulating metals and silversmithing. I love art, science, music and beautiful things. I combine all of them with my designs in jewelry. Thinking about innovating on existing designs keeps me busy and sane. Culturally, I am able to me promote our hometown Paracale and Daet, Camarines Norte, where we are known for traditional filigree designs and where I learned the art of silversmithing. As an entrepreneur, it also makes me happy that in my own small way, I can provide jobs and opportunities within our industry. I get to exhibit my works in collaboration with the Dept. of Trade & Industry – Daet, Cam. Norte and also get the chance to exhibit at prestigious art exhibitions and art galleries in Manila. My passion expands my point-of-view and I get to know a lot of people from all walks of life.

My Process

I always start with a positive attitude and nice atmosphere. Flowers in my studio and at the dining table are a must. Every morning, I have my “muni muni” and coffee at Bagasbas beach. I listen to classicals and opera, and then blues while working. I stay locked inside my studio. I isolate myself from the real world and that’s where the magic begins.

From conceptualizing new designs, I hand-draw each piece, then when I’m ready, I melt the silver and press it into the laminador (rolling mill). I do play when I work. I enjoy cutting, bending, engraving, manipulating metals and polishing it.

Comfort food, coffee and good music make me creative. I also wander around the beach looking for objects that can be used as reference. I derive inspiration from nature. I love Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies) and Odonata (dragonfly). I am an entomologist by heart and give scientific names to my jewelry!  In my lifetime, I don’t think I’lll be able to execute the 350,000 species of beetles but still, I am doing it!

What Makes my Art Distinctive?

I always tell people “res ipsa loquitor” or let my art speak for itself. I want to hear from people and art critics what they think of my art rather than to explain what I think of my art. Although, some say that my art is polished yet raw, intricate yet minimal, feminine yet bold and provocative. There’s always balance and softness with each pieces that I create. They tell stories and there’s always a part of myself in that design.

Advice to Young Artists

• Every artist need time to wander to get inspired!
• Never copy or compete with other artists. At the end of the day, it is only you and your art that matters.
• Just be yourself. What others think of you and your art is none of your business. Just believe in yourself and go after your dream.
• Be an inspiration to others. It’s lonely on top. Let others accompany you. The world is too big to embrace all the blessings. Share it with someone.

“Follow what your heart desires and you will find your treasure.” – my fave quote from The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)

The post Artist Spotlight: Jewelry Designer Helena Alegre appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.