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

The Pinays Take Charge Guidelines have been written to provide simple guidance specific to prevalent Pinay issues in the region – to inform, educate and alert Filipinas to possible causes of problems. The information and provided herewith come from insights from countless Filipinas interviewed or who participated in the research of this project.

To know more about Pinays Take Charge or to be a part of this movement email us at: admin@illustrado.co, or call (+971 4) 365 4543. You can also visit our website: illustradolife.com or our Facebook Pages – Illustrado Magazine, Go Pinay.

Living in the Middle East

Bear in mind that the Middle East has a totally different culture to the Philippines and certain behaviors and practices, which are considered normal or are tolerated in the western world, can get you into trouble.

Some ‘simple things’ that can get a woman in trouble –

• Chatting and smiling innocently and referring to strange males as “My Friend”
• Accepting a ride from a stranger or going into a stranger’s flat
• Allowing unknown males into your home
• Dressing in clothes which are considered too revealing – i.e showing thighs (wearing shorts), uncovered shoulders, cleavage and other sensitive body parts, especially in public areas or locations where there are a lot of bachelors

Did you know that these things are prohibited, punishable by law and can get somebody in jail?

• Getting pregnant out of wedlock
• Having a physical relationship with a man who is not your husband
• “Living in” (cohabiting)
• Public display of affections – kissing, etc.

…………………………….

Dear Empowered Filipina,

We are fortunate to belong to a country and community where we are recognized, treated with respect and provided equal opportunities.

However, we still have a long way to go towards achieving our full potential, especially outside our own country where we are sometimes looked at negatively, or where we can easily fall into bad situations.

It’s time that we face our pressing issues and take control of our life.

We invite you to take the Pinays Take Charge Pledge which hopes to inform and remind you of some simple guidelines that should help you towards success, and to avoid problematic situations.

This is a project that hopes to contribute to the Empowerment of Filipinas around the world.

Let us all take one step forward.

Go Pinay!

Taas Noo, Filipino!

The PINAYS TAKE CHARGE Pledge

1. My body is my own. I will take care and protect it, knowing full-well that I should not depend on somebody else to do so, or to make that decision for me.

2. I will be careful in trusting others, especially strangers and strange men. I know that by befriending strangers, or putting my safety in the hands of people I don’t really know, I could be putting myself in danger.

3. I will be aware of the rules and understand the customs and cultural sensitivities of my host country, and will adhere to these without fail. Ignorance is not an excuse and could land me in trouble.

4. I will dress appropriately at all times. I will dress depending on the place, the occasion, the people I will meet and the environment that I am going to.

5. I will be aware of my verbal and body language. I will be careful with what I say and what I do. I know that my words, actions and Filipino friendliness can sometimes be misunderstood as a sexual come-on by strange men.

6. I will protect myself and fight back, whether verbally, physically or otherwise, if somebody attacks or harasses me or makes me feel threatened. I will show them that Pinays are strong and will not allow themselves to be victims.

7. I will nurture myself. I know my worth and I will not settle for less than what I deserve. I will be true to myself and continue to grow my talents, my skills, and passions as I tread the path towards success and true independence.

8. I will live with self-respect and will safeguard – not sell out – my values.

9. I will make my own decisions and understand that whatever choices I make, I will have to be responsible for them completely.

10. I will love myself, knowing that nobody else can love me as wholly and completely as I can, and that I cannot give love if I have no love.

The post About Pinays Take Charge appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

And I am a fashionista. (Applause)

For a fashionista, life in Dubai can get very intense.  As in! As they say, you are what you wear.  That’s why a daster is connected to a feather duster – pang-Best in Day-Off, ika nga.

One Friday, I had to petsit Coffee – my neighbor’s puppy. Wow!  Paris Hilton has Tinkerbell and I have Coffee! I found the perfect outfit to hit the nearest mall – tank top, denim mini skirt, Manolo Blahnik-looking SM Parisian sandals and my faux Dior bubuyog shades.  I’ll show Dubai’s high fashion crowd what I’m made of!  Dizzizit, Paris B!  You are the universe!

Alas!  My would-be grand entrance turned into a major disaster!  While entering the mall, Coffee ran fast, disappearing into the crowd. So I did what any yaya would do – chase after my alaga, in my heels and shades!

Co-ffffeeeeee!!!  Co-peee!!!  Koo-pe!!! I began to lose my new British accent. I checked out this Optical Shop but they said they don’t sell coffee…just sunglasses.  Halleeer??? Then I tried the café – they told me to choose a flavor from their menu.  Grrr….

Oh nooo…what will my neighbor say?  Must find that doggy now… but wait – Mango has a Sale!!!  Coffee must have guessed from my outfit that I’m planning to go to Mango. Aha! Finding Coffee and sale outfits in Mango – hitting two dogs with one stone! Dizzizit!!!

The shop was filled with Pinays – like hungry amazonas hunting for their japorms and killer weapons. Of course, birds with the same feathers pack together! Go kabayans – attaaaaaack!!!

Half an hour later, two blouses, one cigarette pants, and last season’s in-demand maxi-dress – all at half price, still no Coffee.  I’m really in deep seat now!  And thirsty. And famissed. So I hit Starbucks and ordered a Grande Mocha Props, “decapitated, without whiff cream, please.” I was almost crying – where’s Coffee?  What to doooo?!!!

Then I heard barking from behind.  A bunch of teenagers were playing with a puppy.  Hey, it’s my Coffee!!!  She quickly jumped over the table and ran towards me. I spilled my propuchino over my tank top – qebs! – Coffee is back!!!  As I thanked the kids, I noticed security guards approaching.  Was it my shouting?  I posed like Paris Hilton.  Dedma.

“Excuse me, ma’am, no pets inside the mall.”

(Dedma pa rin.) “What?”

(In thick British accent) “What the bloody hell do you mean?”

“Take your dog outside the mall now, Ma’am.”

“But she is not an askal. She’s European-bread. Her name is Coffee. And this is Starbucks!  Hello, coffee?  Starbucks?  Halleerrrr??!!!”

But no amount of brand dropping convinced the guards that I should be sashaying down their corridors. “No pets allowed,” they slammed on my face. But what about those ‘pets’ carrying shopping bags inside?  Sure, they might be fashionistas, but Coffee looks better than them!

….

Annie B.’s Fashionista Guide

The Budget Fashionista

K-Mart (Karama), Carrefour and Lulu regulars.  Adventurous but budget-conscious.  Nothing wrong with that, just don’t get surprised to find dozens of your clones at St. Mary’s.

The True-Blue Fashionista

Signature-shoppers in Saks Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols and Villa Moda. High maintenance trends followers. Expect clones in places like Cavalli, Mahiki, even Spinney’s.

The Pinay Fashionista

Practical but clever, SALE regulars.  Whether in Zara, Mango or Giordano – you look cool without hurting your pocket! Great finds help them blend in with Dubai’s trendy crowd.  Just make sure not to sit across your clones in Acoustic Pinoy or Jules Bar.

The Kabayan Anti-Fashionista

Standard kabayan costume – oversized basketball jersey, puruntong and tsinelas topped by an April Boy Regino-esque bull cap. Perfect for a miting de avance at the barangay hall!!!  But puh-leazeee!! Is this outfit appropriate in a bar inside a hotel, whether two or five stars?!!!  Unless you’re ten and below, check yourself in front of the mirror before hitting the next club, honey!

Remember, you are what you wear.  A faux fur jacket with a sweaty and oily face, even in the middle of December will not make you a fashionista – unless you’re headed to Ski Dubai.

The post Hello. My name is Annie B. And I am a fashionista. appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Angelita Castro-Kelly took the road less traveled. And as poet Robert Frost put it perfectly, that has made all the difference. 

In fact, it led her to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) more than 30 years ago, where she now holds two key positions, as Earth Observing System (EOS) Science Interface Manager and International Earth Science Constellation Mission Operations Manager (MOM). Angelita is the first woman and the first Filipino to have ever achieved such a feat at NASA.

She quickly points out, however: “One’s success is usually attained due to a larger team of people that work cooperatively with each other in order to reach their common goal. So, any success that I’ve been fortunate to experience is the result of not only my hard work, but of the people that I work with.”

In this multi-billion dollar program, they have three major EOS missions —Terra, Aqua and Aura — each satellite carrying several instruments that measure a specific phenomenon, she explains. Aura is dedicated to the atmosphere, Aqua to water, and Terra to land data. All three satellites fly in constellation with other earth observing satellites from France, Japan, and Argentina. Other countries, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Brazil, and Finland have instruments on the constellation satellites. These constellation satellites fly very closely with each other, within seconds to minutes at 705km to enable scientists to obtain concurrent data from the various instruments. Scientists then correlate the gathered data to study the Earth as an integrated system.

Angelita led the development of agreements and procedures with all the member satellite teams and countries to ensure that they all fly together safely in accordance with established guidelines. She chairs a working group meeting composed of engineers and scientists, which meets face-to-face twice a year. The teams coordinate their daily and special activities via telecons and electronically linked systems.

Prior to the launch of the satellites, Angelita, the first EOS MOM, developed the overall EOS Mission Operations Concept that became a basis for implementing all EOS missions. She worked with various flight engineers, ground system developers, scientists in the US and with international partners in Japan, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, and Finland to understand their requirements and develop specifications for a control center that would be able to send commands to the satellite and a ground system that would be able to capture and process data from the instruments.

After the launch, her role evolved to that of Science Interface Manager, as she continues to act as a bridge between the scientists and the ground system and operations team.

Reaching for the Stars

Growing up in Sampaloc, Manila, Angelita had shown early on that she was far from typical.  With her keen interest in Math, she eventually found herself among the very few enrolling in BS Mathematics and Physics at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where she also spent her elementary and secondary education.

“(It) seemed like a good thing to do,” she rationalizes. “The two subjects provide a good foundation for many career possibilities, including Medicine.” Back then, her paternal grandmother wanted her to be a doctor like her departed father, who also served as captain in the US Armed Forces in the Far East.

Angelita is the youngest among six children in a family of achievers. Her oldest brother is a doctor, one was a former ambassador and Minister of Foreign Affairs, another is a lawyer, and her two sisters were UST professors. Both their grandfathers became mayors of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. But she never felt any real pressure to follow someone else’s footsteps.

It was her mother, a pharmacist, who “stressed the importance of having a good education,” she says, while her “siblings’ accomplishments served as an inspiration.” She even attributes her diplomatic skills to her late brother Ambassador Pacifico Castro.

Space — stars, planets and astronauts — was another youthful fascination for Angelita. She discloses, though, that her idea of NASA during that time was very limited to rocket ships, following the visit to Manila of Friendship 7, the rocket ship of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.

Conquering Space and Time

After she earned her degree, Summa cum Laude, Angelita moved to the US to pursue graduate studies in Physics at the University of Maryland. The transition proved to be quite challenging. “It’s easy to get lost in a country such as the US,” she recalls. “I had a bit of a cultural shock, finding myself among people of diverse faiths and cultures.” It was her strong faith that sustained her all throughout. Luckily, too, her, mother and two siblings were living nearby.

“In graduate school, the number of women was very small,” continues Angelita. “The 4-story Physics building had only one restroom for women.” She had the same experience when she first began working at NASA.

“I was usually the only woman in a roomful of men at technical working group meetings. Most of the men treated me politely and some were even helpful; one or two had an attitude but eventually came around, Angelita recounts. “The initial challenge was to show them that I was just as capable as they were to do the job. The trust and respect came once they saw that I could contribute to the success of the mission.”

At Goddard Space Flight Center, she also made more awesome discoveries: “the depth and breadth of the space endeavor, the diversity of scientific and engineering disciplines, and the many career opportunities to contribute to the space program.”

One of them was being the Project Manager of the Shuttle/Spacelab Data Processing Facility, where she learned about negotiating with space personnel at other NASA centers and in other countries – a preparation towards becoming the EOS MOM.  Then, she started making history.

One Step for Angelita

Her contributions to the several missions she spearheaded at NASA were soon recognized by both her kababayans and colleagues.

In 1993, she received then President Fidel Ramos’ Presidential Award, Pamana ng Bayan for Science and Technology. She was also named one of UST’s Ten Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Science and Technology.

Over the years, NASA has conferred her the following honors: Goddard Space Flight Center Exceptional Service Medal, Manned Flight Program Launch Honoree, Astronauts’ Manned Flight “Snoopy” Award, GSFC Exceptional Performance Award, Flight Project’s “Mission Impossible” award, and recently, the NASA Honor Award Exceptional Achievement Medal (2007, 2009, 2010), and numerous group achievement awards including the NASA Honor Group Achievement Award for the Constellation Mission Operations Working Group. She was also acknowledged as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US by the Filipina Women’s Network.

Angelita emphasizes, though, that she’s also been very fortunate to work for managers who’ve given her the chance to blossom in her career because they trusted her with the responsibility of representing NASA at meetings with other organizations in the US and abroad.

Her mother had been very helpful too. “My Mom came to live with us after the birth of our third child. (She) made it possible for me to go to work every day and be able to concentrate on my work without worrying about the children,” she shares.

She and her husband Dr. Francis Kelly, also a physicist, consider their three children both an achievement and a blessing. “I made a decision after getting married to take time off to learn to be a wife and eventually a mother.  I have no regrets losing four years when I could’ve been working,” reveals Angelita who spends most of her free time with her grandkids. “I think women shouldn’t put off marriage and having children just to have a career.”

One Leap for the Filipino

Maybe she was born under a lucky star. Maybe it was written in the stars. But she’s still most thankful to God for His many blessings. “Whatever success I have today is from God, who gave me the grace of a education, and who gave me a wonderful family and a loving husband,” Angelita says humbly.

Any advice she can give to kababayans who still hesitate to walk the road less travelled?

For anybody to succeed in their career, she believes one needs to “develop strong skills in written and oral communication, a good attitude, a willingness to get the job done no matter what, and flexibility. Don’t do only what’s required—go above and beyond if needed.”

But more importantly, she believes in staying true to Filipino values: being God- and family-centered, honest, hardworking, and determined.

“Never forget to pray! Take God with you whatever you do and wherever you go,” Angelita underscores. “Trust in Him — He’ll guide you to places you haven’t even dreamt about today.”

Even in space.

The post Angelita Castro-Kelly: NASA’s Fearless Filipina Diplomat appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

By Aby Yap

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

Many have started out zealously – as if audience to Bro. Mike’s “siksik-liglig-umaapaw” moment – then gradually ended up disillusioned and more embittered than ampalaya that they often go on a tirade about the 7,107 reasons why the Philippines and Filipinos suck.

Others excel at it naturally and pass with flying colors, and make the world the way it is today.  Running like normal. Good.

Then there’s the rest of us who give it our best shot, have a few misses, bounce back again, and still come across the dreaded Singko, try hard as we might to master everything. Yet we don’t drop out of the course. And we won’t ever.

Because it’s fun learning about being Pinoy and living as one. Plus, there’s no such thing as Maximum Residency Rule. It’s all unli.

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. In your neighborhood/barangay reside your uncles, aunts, cousins, and relatives-in-law up to the fifth degree.

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. So what if the priest got angry during your baptism? You’ll always be guaranteed at least two dozen Aguinaldos every Christmas.

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! Others use repeated names, e.g. Noy-noy. Some insert the mahiwagang “h,” e.g. Rhoy. As to why they do that, ah, there lies the mystery.

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. More forms – of facial reactions, that is – to be discussed.

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! The key is filing your VL the soonest time possible.

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. Off the road, you can take the LRT/MRT but expect heavy body bumpin’ and sweat sharing.

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. It’s always all you kanin!

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. To help your on-time friends cope, text them “Patience is a virtue.”

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. To bond with our happy and gay kababayans, speak in Bekimon. To turn your stalker off, text him/her in Jejemon. Jejeje.

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. For your pampatulog, drop some P5 coins into the community videoke machine and sing a la diva.

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. We head off to the mall only when there’s a mega sale, we need AC, or Coco Martin is having a mall tour.

F113: Reel Beauty – Required, 10 Units

Prettifying the Filipina. Is it Miss Universe, Vicky Belo, or Snow White? Whoever’s fault it is, we can no longer stop buying papaya soaps and flat ironing our hair, aargh! And now someone else is saying that you’ve got to have foreign blood to be beautiful and world-class. Please, does anyone know where to get it?

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. Once Tito Boy has interviewed you, you can launch a political career.

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 Onli in da Pilipins: BA Filipinology appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Illustrado threw a community event for Filipinas in the UAE on the 6^th April 2012, at the Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

Dubbed the “Day of Sisterhood” the whole day affair dedicated to celebrating “Pinay Power” saw a gathering of 400 Filipinas from all walks of life, who came together for a whole day of learning and bonding.

An offshoot of Illustrado’s Women of Substance campaign, an advocacy devoted to the empowerment of Filipinas in the region, the Day of Sisterhood’s became a venue where attendees were provided useful information on topics that could help them enrich their lives.  The event also became a platform where the women were able to fearlessly discuss personal concerns and issues, especially those related to reproductive health and sexual empowerment.

 The affair was graced by Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa who opened the event with a non-denominational prayer.

Most awaited during the affair was the open forum session with renowned psychologist, author and TV personality, Illustrado columnist Dr. Margarita Holmes who flew to Dubai especially for the Women of Substance and Day of Sisterhood events.

Digerati’s Lilian Lee Bautista (L) looks on with a smile

During the discussion, Dr. Holmes, together with host Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Illustrado’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, highlighted the message that women should make the right decisions for themselves and see to it that they protect their well-being – especially when it comes to their own sexuality as well as reproductive health.

WOS Honoree Engr Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi shares some insights

Lending their expertise on other useful topics for Filipinas were Engr. Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi (career advancement), Financial Consultant Bey Celso (financial literacy and planning), Style Consultant Agnes Aquino-Briggs (style, image and grooming), Sherwin Lim (investing and Philippine real estate) and Jhasmin Cipriano (Pinays Take Charge Guideline).  Also adding to the educational and fun aspect of the event were the demo on Self-Defense for Women conducted by Ibrahim Rubel Beltran, a mini make-up workshop led by locally renowned make-up artist Ginno Alducente, as well as the live painting session by artist Flordeliza Pesigan.

Other elements such as the hourly Titan Watches give-away, displays from local Filipina entrepreneurs and Pinay Make-Over, as well as the free bone scan from Anlene, give-aways from Dove, Ayala Land, Xpress Money, Dunia, Giordano, as well as refreshments from Al Ain Dairy, Arab Beverages and Galang LLC made for an enjoyable day of bonding the attendees will not forget.

The post Illustrado Day of Sisterhood appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Illustrado threw a community event for Filipinas from all walks of life in the UAE on the 6th of April 2012 at the Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers area, Dubai.  Dubbed the Day of Sisterhood (DOS), the day affair dedicated to celebrating “Pinay power” saw a gathering of 400 Filipinas who came together for a whole day of learning and bonding.

Seen here are Dove Friends celebrating their real natural beauty with the popular skincare brand.

Photos by Cristina Linaza and Mariyah Gaspacho

The post Dove Friends at Illustrado Day of Sisterhood appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

MELANIE LIMJOCO

Cabin Manager – Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi, UAE

My Job

In a span of two weeks I would have travelled to five continents, met a hundred and one new acquaintances, created memorable experiences while keeping them safe and comfortable – I am a Cabin Manager for the UAE’s national airline, which links the capital city of Abu Dhabi to the world.

A typical day for me

A typical day at work could be a quick 40-minute flight to Muscat or a lengthy 14-hour journey to Sydney. But long or short, all flights entail the same level of safety proficiency and service skills.

The job description of a cabin crew is first and foremost that of a safety professional. Oblivious to most passengers who see us as well-groomed individuals who are onboard to serve food and beverages with poise and flair, we are integral in making air travel safe.

Cabin crew are periodically trained and certified to: prevent as well as fight catastrophic fires, handle simple to complex medical emergencies, diffuse situations involving passengers who display disruptive or unlawful behaviour, minimize the hazards of turbulence and a potentially disastrous cabin decompression, as well as, evacuate all passengers during a dire emergency in a span of 90 seconds.

My role as a cabin manager entails more than these already daunting tasks, because as an onboard leader, I have the responsibility of ensuring that all cabin crew consistently adhere to both the safety procedures and service standards laid down by the airline. I deal with pilots and flight attendants drawn from more than 120 countries so the wide mix of cultures and mindset is my biggest challenge. I have to always make a conscientious effort in making doubly sure that I actively communicate to this group of various individuals and effectively lead them to a common goal which is: “To consistently deliver safe and inspirational experiences with warmth and respect,” as this is our airlines’ ardent promise to our valued guests.

JOCELYN REYES

Sales Executive

Bonnington Hotel & Residence

Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

My Job

As the Sales Executive in Bonnington Hotel & Residence JLT – the only family owned and managed business hotel in Dubai, I look after corporate accounts in Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village, part of Sheikh Zayed road and Jebel Ali Free Zone. My duty is to ensure that all corporate hotel requirements in the area, whether room reservation, meeting space or banqueting, are handled efficiently. Acquiring new accounts, rate negotiation, developing mutual business relationship with clients, looking after and assisting clients, are just some of the things I do.

I was working as a call centre agent back in the Philippines and moved to Dubai to join Wild Wadi Park in July 2007. Some of my friends back home didn’t understand why I chose to be a lifeguard in Dubai rather than stay back home while earning the same salary.  But for me it was a chance to see what life would offer me in another country.

It was hard work being a lifeguard but fun.  But as luck would have it after my probation, I was given an opportunity to join Jumeirah Living in DIFC as part of the pre-opening team as a Guest Service Executive. Two years later, I had the opportunity to join Burj Al Arab as a Sales Agent. Thereafter, I moved to Al Murooj Rotana as the Sales Coordinator, and then Bonnington Hotel & Residence in November 2010.

A typical day for me

I start my morning dancing to my favorite songs for some exercise.

Then I drive to the hotel and work begins with lots of smiles from our staff – from the entrance until I reach our office.

I send my day’s appointments to our Director, check my production, hotel and competitors figures and of course the hotel forecast, to keep myself up to date to be able to serve clients well. After which, I sit with our Senior Sales Manager for tea while discussing work, follow ups and advice I normally get from him.

Then it’s off for my appointments, of which I have around six daily.  I return to work after a quick lunch outside to deal with administration work – e-mail, follow ups, issue and chase contracts as well as reports.

Career advice

I believe in “sipag at tiyaga” (hard work and patience).  Dream big because nothing is impossible, work hard for your goals and be patient. Grab every good opportunity that will come your way because opportunity only knocks once. And most importantly, as OFs, we should save money and invest, avoid loans, if possible and help people whenever you can, because each help you give is a blessing that God will give you back.

The post It’s What I Do: Pinoy Talent On-the-Job appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Story by Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Photography: Eros Goze

Hair and Make-Up: Frankie Melendez

Rowena Gungon Niduaza brought pride to the Filipino community when she won the Toastmaster Competition in the UAE in 2005. That win took her to Jordan where she competed with winners from all over the Middle East.  There, she ultimately took the top prize, and became the first Middle East representative to the 2005 Toastmasters International Convention for World Championship in Public Speaking in Toronto, Canada.

That feat seems significant enough.  In reality, however, what’s even more significant was Rowena’s triumph on another level – how her win allowed her to keep a sacred promise and mend old wounds with her family.

Rowena had a flourishing career as a design and retail professional in the emirates. Just like most career women, she was consumed by a demanding job, while juggling motherhood, her work taking much of her time from her family, especially in lieu of frequent travels.  She was stopped in her tracks when she was suddenly diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1995.  Rowena and her husband were devastated. She shares, “I prayed as I’ve never prayed before. I asked for another chance in life – to live a life more meaningful and to live with a purpose. That moment made me realize how lucky I was for having such a loving husband, wonderful kids and a beautiful life. I cried but then I thanked God for all that He had given me. Everything, including my cancer.”

Ironically, going through that difficult period, turned into a breakthrough for her. Suddenly, she was forced to look at life differently and her priorities appeared clearer.  “I realized then that the substance of life is not about [work] success, but about the little things you see every day.”

Around the same time Rowena’s father, who was estranged from the family, died all alone in the Philippines. The loss was a deep source of regret for Rowena, and it created resentment from her dad’s family.

Come her day of surgery, little did Rowena know that she was fated to experience her very own miracle. After several tests at various hospitals confirming her illness, for some reason the doctors were not able to find any cancer cells and she was declared well.

Furthermore, having been told by doctors that her ovaries have been totally damaged, she was amazed that she became pregnant with her third child after five years. Rowena declares, “A thankful heart had not only healed my cancer but had also given me another gift, another life.”  

Ecstatic that she was given a new lease on life, Rowena recounted, “I made a promise to God to share my story and His message of love. My only request from Him was to bring me where He wanted me to share that story.”

As though it were a part of a grand plan, Rowena’s opportunity to fulfill that promise came when she got into the Toastmaster championships.  Her speeches in Jordan, entitled, “Why” and “Two Words” chronicled her journey through cancer and the unfolding of blessings and gratefulness she experienced in the process.  Her words resonated so much with the audience that many wept.

The fact that a Filipina claimed the top award, in a place where Filipinas were greatly looked down upon, made the moment even more meaningful.  “I stood there as a Filipina in a place where our women were referred to as ‘kamsa-kamsa’ [meaning five-five, it is a derogatory term to mean ‘cheap’ – Ed]. It gave me tremendous satisfaction to hold my head up high and see that everybody was applauding a Filipina.”

As she accepted her award, Rowena touched her locket which contained her father’s ashes and silently promised him that her speech at the World Championship in Public Speaking would be for him.

She didn’t win the competition, but her speech “My Father” gave her the chance to say things that were not said while her father was still alive and be heard by relatives who attended the event. Rowena emerged winning so much more – reconciliation with her family.

She said, “All this time in these competitions, I never really hoped to win.  I went there to fulfill my promise – to share God’s work and mend ties with my family. And thank God that He gave me a way.”

These days, Rowena makes it a point to celebrate life each day, focusing on her family and making sure that they constantly feel her love.

The specter of cancer has revisited her once again, but Rowena who participates in a cancer support group, will not let it bring her down.  She says thoughtfully, “For me, having the cancer was an advantage.  I was given a warning. I was able to prepare myself and my loved ones and be conscious enough to live right. All of us are going to die eventually and that can happen anytime without us knowing.”

More than anything else, she’s gained, is the gift of a deeper spiritual understanding which she shares with anybody who would care to listen. “Believe that there’s always a reason, a meaning for everything… it’s just like when the wind blows…we can’t see but we can feel it.”

The post WOS 2012: Joy – Rowena Gungon Niduaza, A Voice for Gratitude appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Story by: Toni Loyola

Photography: Eros Goze

Hair and Make-Up: Frankie Melendez

Her gift of wisdom helped her rise beyond the status she was born with. Not one to be hampered by circumstances, Marietta Morada used her knowledge to serve and give back to the Philippine government and Filipino community here in the UAE, proving very well that other than being gifted with superior intellect, she is also blessed with a good heart.

Marietta “Ayet” Morada’s story is perhaps a common one. Born a farmer’s daughter, Ayet had to weave ‘buntal’ hats so they could put food on the table. Some of her siblings (a total of six) even had to work as helpers and seamstresses. But this poor family was gifted with a child with remarkable intelligence, something Marietta said, she got from her father.

Excelling in academics opened many doors and opportunities for Marietta. In 1964, she was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City.  Known for its rigorous curriculum, studying at PSci meant that academic excellence was not only expected, it was demanded of it students.

For Ayet, it provided to be a conducive environment where excelled even more.

Graduating from PSci, Ayet became a full scholar at the University of the Philippines where she studied Mathematics. With her passion for knowledge and impressive credentials, many more doors opened for Ayet; this time to lucrative positions in the corporate world.

Instead of joining the private sector, Ayet decided to take a job at the Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO) in order for her to pay back the government that gave her the opportunity to finish her studies.

A big fan of numbers and having the knack for digging up and managing data, Marietta joined the said government agency as a statistician. There at the NSO, Marietta’s career flourished fuelled by her unquenchable thirst for information and knowledge. There, she also met Hector, who shared the same interest, and later became her husband.

Throughout her career, Ayet would be invited by multinational corporations and major conglomerates to join their ranks, but Ayet politely declined each time.   It was not a high profile corporate career she aspired for, but to give back in the Filipino tradition of “pagtanaw ng utang na loob”. To Ayet, being an Iskolar ng Bayan (a name given to all UP students because their tuition fees are subsidized by the government) had a deeper meaning and significance.

“I would not have been able to study if not for the help of our government. It was my time to give back.”

Marietta came to a crossroad when her husband, Hector received and decided to take a job offer in Dubai. After almost thirty years of serving the government, Ayet finally bid goodbye to the NSO. It was a fulfilling career, but she knew that in order for them to pursue their personal interests, it was time to leave Manila for Dubai.

Here in the land of gold, Marietta joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Back in 2003, when she started with the organization as researcher, she was the sole Filipino working there.  Combining talents and dedication to her job, she has risen over the years and now holds the manager position at the Data Management Center.  She has become to her colleagues an example of a true talented, respectable and hard working Filipina. Now, the 61-year old diminutive and young-looking Marietta is still an active contributor to the attainment of the objectives of the organization.

Career achievements and accolades never made Ayet forget to look back to the chances she was given and the doors that were opened for her through her education. She was always mindful of looking for ways to continue being of service to the Philippines.

In 2004 Ayet and Hector joined the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) UAE chapter and became instrumental in helping put together the organization’s constitution and by-laws, as well as supporting the club’s objective of providing scholarships to deserving underprivileged youth, and facilitating workshops and training for Filipino youth in the emirates.

The couple also serves as informal advisers to the FILCOM, the umbrella organization of the Filipino associations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Currently, the couple is also exploring projects with the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) to bring licensing exams to Filipinos in the UAE and hopefully around the world.  In the future, she dreams of establishing a Filipino club for women where Filipinas can help each other and discuss issues.

Ayet’s life and career is testament to the fact that intelligence doesn’t diminish when shared. Rather, it is multiplied a thousand fold as it opens opportunities for others who, like Ayet, chose to give back by paying it forward.

The post WOS 2012: Love for Country – Marietta Morada, The True “Iskolar ng Bayan” appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Story by: Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Photography by: Eros Goze

Hair and Make-Up: Ginno Alducente

Engr. Emelyn Martinez cuts the picture of a respectable, well put together, progressive female professional, thriving in the male dominated field of construction. At just 34 years old, Emelyn has managed to excel in a highly competitive business area which, at times is “color and gender sensitive.”

Emelyn works as a Managing Consultant at Hill International’s Dubai, a claims group handling contractual disputes and arbitration proceedings in the sector. She’s worked her way up in the UAE, from being the Head of Planning at the Makati Development Corporation, to serving as planning consultant and then manager at several other companies, including one of the region’s biggest construction firms.

Equally significant, Emelyn was also the former President of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineers International (AACEI)-UAE – which she has grown into the largest chapter in the world outside their headquarters in the USA during her tenure – and where, she is the lone woman, and the youngest member of the board of directors.

Early in her career in the emirates, Emelyn experienced being told in job interviews that a Filipina would not be a good candidate for the job.  That didn’t faze her, however. Instead she just kept moving ahead.  One continuing source of frustration though was often being told often that she was “too young” for her work.

Speaking about her constant push to excel, the charming Bicolana recounted, “I’ve always dreamt of making it big someday. It was hard growing up without a father; we lost him when I was 10 years old.  And it was difficult for my mom to provide for all our needs. So I’ve always had this ambition to succeed.”

Going into construction was somewhat of a tribute to her father’s own work as a civil engineer.

“When I was young I was often told that engineering is only for men, but I decided to make it in the field, no matter what.”

Emelyn’s work ethic is her simple secret to success.  “I am very brave and I work hard. While most people my age would spend their free time clubbing or going to parties, I’m working and studying. Though of course, sometimes I go out with friends too.”

Indeed, Emelyn’s hard work is evident in her exceptional credentials. She has degrees in BS Civil Engineering from Bicol University and a Masters in Engineering Management Major in Construction Management from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Add to that her qualifications from the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI), the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines, and it’s easy to see where Emelyn has invested most of her efforts.

Currently, she is studying for a Masters in Law degree at the Robert Gordon University in Scotland.

Emelyn reinforces the adage that first impressions always count, saying that she makes it a point to establish her professionalism to make sure that she is taken seriously.  “Apart from dressing the part, at work, I also have a totally different persona.  I am very focused and disciplined.  But of course, outside of work, I am more relaxed.”

But even her idea of relaxation demands focus and competitiveness. Emelyn has been a marathon runner since 2008 but she candidly admitted that before that, she could not run even a 1km race straight. To Emelyn, this was again proving that anything is possible. “I ran a 42km marathon before, but I had to cut down this year since I suffered from shin splints. Hopefully, I can run my next race in April in Madrid. I am also trying to get into cycling.”

This year, Emelyn also used her participation at the Dubai Marathon for a much greater cause than merely sports; she ran to raise money for the victims of typhoon Sendong in the Philippines and received some AED10,000 in donations within two weeks of her campaign through her charity website. “It might not be a big amount but I think it should help quite a few people back home,” Emelyn shared.

Her little free time is spent volunteering in the community as a trainer and speaker, sharing her knowledge and experience with her peers, always making it a point to encourage, inspire and motivate other professionals to work harder for success through continuous education.

Emelyn’s stellar achievements are proof that nobody is too young to make a mark, or too feminine to lead.

The post WOS 2012: Ambition – Engr. Emelyn Martinez – Brilliant, Young & Unstoppable appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.