Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Featured

Filipino Recipes: Ang Istorya ng Gayuma

Chef Mico Galligues share filipino recipes using ingredients known to stimulate desire. Read on as he spills his top culinary secrets.

Beyond the month of love, there’s always room for that mystic exotic potion we Filipinos know as ‘gayuma.’ Apparently, if you want to snatch someone else’s lover, or to cast a spell on your beloved, gayuma is what you need – nakakapraning! These mixtures are commonly sold around Quiapo and Baclaran. But be careful! They are not BFAD approved and maybe harmful to your health. So if you are not willing to risk ending up in a hospital bed, I suggest you might as well look into aphrodisiac foods instead.

According to ‘my friend’ Webster an aphrodisiac is a “food or drink that stimulates desire, derived from the name of Aphrodite (Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to my best friend Eros – you know, the fashion designer/photographer?). Here is a list of common aphrodisiac foods which you might already have in your kitchen – aniseed, almond, avocado, asparagus, banana, carrots, chili peppers, basil, chocolate, coffee, oyster, ginger, garlic, cilantro, rosemary, balut (duck embryo), edible snails, oregano, saffron, thyme, caviar, tuna, salmon, cherry, dates, strawberries, peaches, etc.

Many articles and books have been written about these ‘hot’ foods and even Dr. Margie Holmes will tell you to eat some of these foods to spice up your relationship. Trust her, she is a clinical psychologist, and trust me I’m a chef. So, I prepared some Filipino recipes with our aphrodisiac ingredients for a unique Pinoy menu na siguradong nakaka-in love! Una siempre ang number one sa mga barako – ang pang malakasan nating ‘Soup Number Five,’ then ang pambato ng mga taga Cavite, Navotas at Malabon ang ‘talaba,’ ang ‘beef trio’ na sigradong makakataba ng puso, and a sinful dessert to cap it all.

Soup Number Five

*Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 clove garlic, chopped

2 pcs onions, chopped

1 pack Tamarind Mix

2 liters water

1 whole cow’s organs

1 tbsp whole black peppercorn

1tbsp sibot similar to 5 spices

15 grams of black fungus (tengang daga)

4 pcs Chinese cabbage leaf

2 stalks of spring onion, chopped

Patis (fish sauce), to taste

Procedure: Boil the cow’s organs in water. Scrape with a knife to clean. Discard the water. Bring fresh water to boil, then add the meat and salt. Simmer until tender, remove the meat from the broth and cut into cubes. In a pan, heat oil then sauté onions and the meat, add the broth, peppercorn, sibot, and bouillon. Bring to boil and add the tamarind mix. Season with patis. Serve hot with cabbage, black fungus, spring onion and crispy garlic.

Oyster Shooter with Tomato Salsa

*Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

20 pcs oyster

500g ripe tomatoes

3 fresh green chili, deseeded

1g garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped

1 small white onion, finely chopped

1 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bunch coriander

Micro leaves for garnish

Procedure: Remove oyster out of the shells and set aside. Chop tomatoes, onion, garlic and coriander and mix together. Pour the limejuice and season with salt and pepper. Assemble the food.

Chef Mico Galligues

(Fooding Around: Ang Istorya ng Gayuma)

April 15, 2014
Filipino Designer: The Men of Michael Cinco

The Men of Michael Cinco

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Photo by: Eros Goze

Models: Paul Kiefer and Mauro Olguin

Shot on location at the XVA Art Hotel, Dubai

Much has been said about Michael Cinco’s women who live in a decadently elegant world all to their own, but not much about his men. We take a look at the designers’ growing line of men’s fashion – his latest foray, inspired by the romantic Castilian style icon – the matador.

His affair with men’s fashion started a few years ago when the designer began tinkering with men’s couture styling during his collaboration with Bench Body in Manila. Season after season, we would see a smattering of a few key pieces made for daring males when Michael Cinco would hit the runway. He might be known for dressing up Hollywood sirens Sofia Vergara, Britnes Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Dita Von Teese, among others, but he has also garnered attention for some of his amazing pieces worn by Chris Brown and Will.I.Am.

This fashion season around, however, the designer unveils a more substantial, albeit mini-collection, that’s set to whet the appetite of his growing clientele of male fashionistas from Dubai-to-Singapore-Manila and beyond.

Inspired by the romanticism of the handsome matador, Michael Cinco Homme features an interesting assortment of tailored jackets, capes, hooded tops, and shirts matched with sleek trousers. A focal point of the mini-collection is the richly embellished jacket which combines immaculate tailoring, classic detailing – florid forms and arabesque motifs, done in contemporary execution in the form of laser cut acrylics and rich embroidery. Another good example of the old and the new intersecting is his industrial feel neoprene hooded cape punctuated by intricate arabesque embroidery – its veritable piece de resistance.

“Young, fresh, adventurous and is still in touch with his feminine side,” is how the designer describes the Michael Cinco man. Certainly, his designs are not for the one-dimensional rugged male, but the multi-faceted man who is beyond raw masculinity – those who are brave enough to embrace the dramatically beautiful.

M5 Makes a Mark for the Philippines in Asian Fashion

Michael Cinco has just made a mark for the Philippines by being the first Filipino inaugurated as a member of the Asian Couture Federation, together with highly acclaimed Asian designers including Japan’s legendary Kenzo, Yumi Katsura, Junko Koshino, China’s Guo Pei, Singapore’s Frederick Lee, Indonesia’s Sebastian Kuniyawan, Korea’s Lie Sang Bong and etc.

The Asian Couture Federation or ACF is a newly formed organization based on the long-established Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. The ACF aims to provide a “platform for recognizing, promoting and nurturing the most exceptional design talent in the region”.

Missing this season’s fashion event in Dubai, where he is a regular, the designer is also set to debut at the Singapore Fashion Week on the 16^th of October, where he is set to showcase his own brand of couture alongside international greats like Alexis Mabille, Julien Fournié, Stephane Rolland, Pierre Balmain, among others.

October 23, 2013
Filipino Photographers: Ozki Realubin & Robert Castro

A platform for Filipino photographers from around the world. Robert Castro

Robert Castro took up photography as a serious hobby back in 2010 and since then, it has become a passion for him.

“Through the lens, I am able to express a creative side I never knew I had. It is a personal outlet. Whenever I capture a face or a scene, I become a part of it–not only as a spectator but also as a sort of storyteller. I guess that’s what every photographer becomes when we “click” the shutter. Our individuality comes out in how we convey that story.”

Castro started shooting simple portraits during the weekends as the official family photographer and later discovered that his heart lies in landscape photography. “Here, I can creatively express my love for the beauty of nature and all of God’s creations,” he says.

Ozki Rialubin

Ozki Rialubin describes himself as an artist and graphic designer who stumbled upon the infinite world of photography. That was way back in 2008.

“Since then, it has been a journey of continuous discovery. I embraced photography, applied my passion as a digital artist and focused on my main interests on architecture, urban landscape and documentaries,” he shares.

Rialubin’s degree in Architecture and previous work as an architectural renderer/designer helps in being a photographer. Currently, he is a 3D graphic designer for an international engineering firm.

August 21, 2013
Beauty and the Beach: The Filipina and her bikini

By: Anna Oposa

“Filipina girls/they’re unforgettable/bikini and t-shirt on top.”

~ A parody of Katy Perry’s song, “California Girls”

A bikini and a t-shirt on top—in extreme cases, shorts and t-shirt on top–was probably what most Pinays would wear on the beach. Ten to fifteen years ago.

Now, our sunny shores are filled with Filipinas donning two-piece swimsuits in various styles and prints. This month, Illustrado explores why Filipinas dove into this trend.

From a one-piece to a two-piece

“About ten years ago, I would already see bikinis splattered all over the summer issues of the biggest Philippine women’s magazines. They had headlines like, ‘300 bikinis for the summer.’ Naturally, women want to be in vogue,” says Ria, 24, a social media manager. She holds a master’s degree in Luxury Brand Management from Instituto Maranggoni in Milan, Italy.

“Wearing bikinis started off as a trend I wanted to join. Swimwear brands hadn’t come out with fashion forward one-pieces then, only those that looked like they were for the Olympics,” Ria explains.

Clars, a category manager for a food and beverage company, says she started wearing bikinis 13 years ago, when she was 25 years old, due to the encouragement of her friends. “At first, I was self-conscious because I have an unusual body shape,” she shares. Clars describes her body as “top heavy with a narrow waist but not your typical hourglass body figure”.

“Some girls were already wearing them in the Philippines, but not as common. Today parang mas nakakahiya pa if you’re in a one-piece,” Clars says with a smile.

Bikinis in the Philippines

With the Philippines’ many white-sand beaches, it only seemed natural for Filipinas not just to wear bikinis but produce them.

In 1997, SWIM Philippines Inc. and its retail store Nothing But H2O were established. Over the last 16 years, Nothing But H2O has grown into the prime swimwear store in the country. Anemone is its first house brand. According to Lauren dela Cruz, who is part of the business development team of Nothing But H2O, founder Dimples Balaguer-La O created Anemone with a belief “that the Philippines should be the ultimate source of swimwear because of our never ending summer.”

For fashion designer Twinkle Ferraren, her swimwear line was inspired by homesickness. “TWINKLE FERRAREN Swimwear was conceptualized in 2003, during my first winter experience while studying in London. We were coming up with concepts for clothing lines as a project for school,” Twinkle recalls. “I started missing everyone back home, especially the weather. I wanted to create a brand that encapsulated and represented that part of the country.”

TWINKLE FERRAREN Swimwear offers embellished, bespoke, limited edition swimwear. The brand also offers a new multi-wear swimwear concept, where one can wear the pieces several ways.

Twinkle, like the team behind Anemone, is also passionate about producing a proudly Filipino line: “Since 2005, it’s been my advocacy to produce and source everything locally as much as possible and always to have a hint or touch of something Philippine-made.”

Turning point

There are many reasons why the bikini has gained popularity steadily over the years. Ria thinks that the “growing Western influence, media presence, and increased sense of liberation” caused the trends to tip towards the bikini.

“It could also be because the Filipina is traveling more often now. Being more exposed to other peoples, cultures, lifestyles and traveling bring about confidence in oneself,” says Twinkle.

For Lauren, the spike in bikini sales is more about availability. “I think the turning point was really having swimwear styles available in the country,” she muses. “When Nothing But H2O first opened its doors, there was no store like it. It gave Filipinos direct access to a wider selection, more up-to-date swimwear pieces. It has grown and responded to the needs of the Filipinas by empowering its clientele to celebrate their bodies and express their personalities by making available a wider selection of styles and sizes to the Philippine market.”

“There also so many local and foreign brands with different price points,” Clars adds.

The bikini and the body

With easier access to designs and price points, Filipinas of all ages can now be seen in bikinis. Twinkle divulges that she clients who are “way past 50 years old.” “Even one woman who’s over 70 years old!” she exclaims.

Clars, at 38, wears her bikinis with pride. “There are so many styles and cuts that create optical illusions, like high-cut bottoms or tankinis,” she says. “There are also so many designs and sizes to suit your age and personality.”

For Ria, another reason why bikinis are so popular is because they can be mixed and matched. “It won’t be obvious that you only have 2 or 3 bikinis,” she pauses. “And most importantly, it’s so much easier to pee!” she says with a big laugh.

The diversity in styles and sizes prompted Anemone to upload a “Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body” guide on their Facebook that can also be seen in their stores. “We want our clients to be comfortable in whatever it is that they will buy while being comfortable with their own body. Whatever decision they make in purchasing or wearing our swimsuits, we can be sure that we have helped them in making right decisions when it comes to swimwear,” Lauren says.

The future of the bikini

Ria sees no expiration date for the popularity of bikinis in the Philippines. “With social media and more foreign fashion influence, swimwear in the Philippines can go in many different directions all at the same time. This ‘trend’ is going to stay for a very long time!”

“Swimwear in the Philippines will keep growing, until we get into that state where it’s not a big deal and one can flaunt it generously,” says Twinkle. “There will be more innovations, styles, brands and women wearing it. We are a tropical country after all, and that means we have 7,000-plus islands we need to fill up with women in bikinis!”

May 26, 2013
Filipino Photographers – Ernie Manzano and Joel Fontanilla Jacla

A platform for Filipino photographers from around the world.

ERNIE MANZANO

Photography enthusiast Ernie Manzano is an architect by profession but his passion for taking photos of landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes, brought him to the field. Starting with a point and shoot camera for his travels in Dubai and in the Philippines, he eventually bought a DSLR camera to take better shots.

Now, every weekend is reserved for his hobby and friends he met along the way who became his photo-walk buddies. “We share ideas about photography, post processing and I learn a lot from them. I feel so glad when my friends and other people appreciate my works. Sometimes I receive comments but it’s okay, because I know from my mistakes I will learn more,” says Ernie.

To enhance his skills, he even attended photography workshops. A Daniel Cheong-fan, Ernie says most of his landscape and cityscape photos are digital blending. But he also does portraits sometimes, so his skills will not be limited to landscapes.

“My passion will never stop, I am eager to shoot more and learn more so I can share more beautiful things I see with my eyes and capture with my camera,”

JOEL FONTANILLA JACLA

Dubai-resident Joel Fontanilla Jacla hails from La Union, Philippines. An aircraft technician for Emirates airlines, he says his interest in photography started in 2008. He relates that when he bought his first DSLR in 2008, he did not have any idea on how to use it, so he practiced and explored a lot.

He says he was first attached to the beauty of nature and made it as his subject. Since then, his photos have evolved into capturing scenic beauty, wonders of nature, as well as individual and group photos that give inspiration to those who see it. For Joel, one of the best thing about photography is being able to “waking up early in the morning to captivate the sunrise and staying late to wait for the sunset have became my passion.”

May 5, 2013
Filipino Photographers: Rita Marie Abiog & Marlon Bautista

A platform for Filipino photographers from around the world.

My first professional stint in photography was as a sports photographer in York University, where I was studying Marketing. During that time, I was also building my portfolio by asking friends, and even strangers, to model for me. After that, I went to Elite Models and presented my portfolio to my first mentor, Matti Gidilevich, who helped me professionalize it.

Then, I went home to Manila and presented my portfolio to designer Randy Ortiz, who liked my work. Since our meeting, I have worked with him multiple times. He also introduced me to stylist/columnist Luis Espiritu, who also became one of my mentors.

In the end, I learned that in this business you have to have people who believe in your ability to produce breathtaking images. However, I also recognize that I am a mere instrument to show people the beauty that God crafted in this world.

– Rita Marie Abiog

An accountant-auditor by profession, I was christened Marlon Manalang Bautista. But on the side, as a site administrator, frustrated writer and now, a wannabe photographer, I go by the name “Firefly”.

Since I was young, I already love taking pictures of anything under the sun. I also prefer taking the picture than being in the picture.
For the past three years, I have been honing my skills with focus on portraits and beauty, because beautiful people fascinate me. The craft of photography has infused me with much passion and determination and I know I have still so much to learn. But my passion will never cease like a firefly in the dark.

– Marlon Bautista

March 21, 2013
Illustrado Profile: Unraveling Melisa Le Rue

Photography by Mansoor A. Bhatti

With a mixture of electronic music, jazz, soul and indie vibe, Melisa Le Rue’s vocal prowess not only touches the soul, it ignites the spirit. Princes Nedamo discovers the refreshingly unique voice of the songstress who has the Gulf spellbound.

Describing herself as ‘loca-loca’ (meaning crazy), this half-British, half-Pinay singer/songwriter is proud of her quirks as she journeys in the realm of music in the Gulf and abroad. Her music is a mixture of eclectic tastes and styles, influenced by her upbringing and exposure to different cultures and backgrounds.

Early start

Like many aspiring singers, Melisa discovered her passion for music at a young age. “I’ve always loved music, especially writing and singing. It’s therapeutic for me. I feel strongly about something and start writing a song about it to express what I am feeling. It’s like [having] a massive weight lifted off my shoulders.” She relates that she started sharing her talent with the world way back her teenage years when some of her friends asked her to perform at small events. “Myspace really helped me launch myself online and I started performing with some indie artists in the UK and Europe and began to develop my own style.”

Today, Melisa Le Rue is now a familiar name in Dubai’s music scene. She has appeared on several TV and radio shows, among them is the MBC Dubai morning show Sabah Al-Khair Ya Arab last October 2011.

Photography by Lafi Abood, Dress by Daze Tan

Back to her roots

Born from a mother who used to live in Leyte, Melisa says the Filipino trait she inherited is the ability to laugh in spite of problems. “It’s an attitude and a perspective in life. Why waste your time being sad or angry? Filipinos don’t take themselves or life too seriously and are grateful and appreciative of what we have. As a singer, you put yourself out there to receive a lot of criticism and rejection. People will judge you from the way you sing, to your choice of songs, to what you’re wearing, to the style of your hair. I would’ve given up a long time ago were it not for the love I have for music, and the attitude to just get on with it and keep smiling no matter what,” says Melisa.

And appreciate her, the Filipino audiences do! “I got most of my experience growing performing at fiestas in both the UK and the Philippines. Song and dance routines mainly, and of course, karaoke. The crowds were really supportive and into it–which was great! It’s always fun to perform for a Filipino crowd!”

Dress by Daze Tan

The message of her music

Melisa makes sure that what she puts in her songs are positive and inspirational. “My album is a mini-autobiography. It starts out with the story of a lost soul, someone who doesn’t quite know their place in the world and feels a bit different and alone, but full of heart and determination to be found! It’s exactly how I felt at the time when I wrote that song. It is about how I learned to let go of whatever it is in your life that is holding you back, to going on an unknown adventure, to appreciating the beauty of life. It’s about human issues, but expressed in a simple and fun way with some great eclectic beats produced by UK producers Adam Nicholas and Colin Emmanuel,” shares Melisa.

Melisa’s music is a melting pot of both new age and traditional sounds. “You will hear a lot of my main influences are jazz, soul, world and electronic music. I love percussion rhythms, jazzy melodies, soulful harmonies, and exotic tribal sounds. I also like the combination of live and electronic sounds. However, I’m an old soul really when it comes to most things, especially music. I love Pilita Corales and the old Cha-Cha style music. I love that period of music where Spanish music was mixed in with Filipino music. I also adore the tribal music from Filipino history and have heard some amazing Filipino choirs perform impressive renditions of famous tribal songs.”

Passion for passion

Aside from being a singer, Melisa is also passionate about helping people, especially when it comes to women’s rights. “A few years ago I organized a music event called ‘History is herstory, too’ which featured female singers, musicians, artists and poets, to raise money for some Filipino female migrant workers who needed some help to get home and be united with their families after having a rough time. I also try to support RISE ABOVE in Cebu with small fund raising projects. They do great work like the recyclable bag project that gives women a means of livelihood to support their families, as well as a daycare center for children, and dental care and education. I hope to do more and more in the future.”

To know more about Melisa Le Rue, you can check her via her website: melislerue.com.

March 21, 2013
The Filipino Hollywood Mafia

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Last year, Illustrado reported on the adobo and sticky rice-loving group in known in Hollywood. Known as the Filipino Hollywood Mafia, they have made Filipino talent shine in Tinsel town. Excel V. Dyquiangco introduces us to two of its additional members.

It is no longer a surprise that more and more Pinoys are establishing a name for themselves in Hollywood. With some Pinoys taking to the limelight and others in the background, the Filipino presence is fast becoming the norm.

The ever-growing list now includes Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez who finished 1^st runner-up in the American Idol competition, Matthew Libatique, Black Swan cinematographer and Dean Devlin, screenwriter and producer of Independence Day and Godzilla.

“It brings us much joy to see Filipino talent given global recognition; truly Pinoy pride!” says freelance make-up artist Paula “Au” Mauricio who now shuttles between Los Angeles and Manila. “A lot of the globally known designers, producers, actors, singers are friends of ours, and we are privileged to know their humble beginnings. It is just heart-warming to see their works flourish.”

Mauricio, together with her husband freelance fashion photographer Maurice, are members of the Filipino Hollywood Mafia (FHM), group composed of Pinoys working in the television, film and the fashion industry—basically those who work the entertainment scene.

“It is a group that promotes awareness of the Filipino talent in the Hollywood scene,” says Au. “For FHM specifically, since it has a Facebook Group, it allows members to share their recent works, accomplishments, gigs, movies, job opportunities, among others. It really keeps us connected.” Mau adds that it was their friends, Emmy award-winning producer Michael Carandang (whom Illustrado featured in 2011), actor and producer Giselle Tongi-Walters and news reporter and writer Yong Chavez who recommended them to be part of the group. “Having the opportunity to shoot both in Los Angeles and in Manila is awesome!” she says. “Maurice and I have both had a lot of enjoyable work.”

Pinoy Bayanihan at Work

In October 2009, Mau was able to hold an exhibit of his work at LA Fashion Week, dubbed as the “Passion Revealed Show”. The exhibit was also featured in Balitang America. His work can has also been featured in various advertisement campaigns and magazines. One of Mau’s more notable campaigns was one for French cosmetic giant, Sephora.

Au, meanwhile, has done make-up for America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) Cycle 18 British Invasion winner Sophie Sumner. She has also headed the hair and make-up creative team of a fashion show featuring Furne One in LA Fashion week. It was no small task considering that she had to manage 30 make-up artists, 10 hairstylists, 60 models and 20 dancers.

“Showing our bayanihan spirit is very inspiring,” she says. “It helps promote awareness that there are a lot of talented and creative Filipinos in the industry. I love that I no longer hear ‘Where’s the Philippines or what are Filipinos?’ from foreigners.”

Because of such achievements in the industry, FHM loves to give back to the community and share our talents with the whole world. “The more that we individually become successful in our chosen field and we collaborate with other Pinoys, the higher the chances of increasing Pinoy Pride globally!” says Au. “If we have an opportunity and an option to choose the people we work with, why not find Filipino talent? For example, America’s Next Top Model All Stars Allison Harvard recently modeled and endorsed BenchTM in the Philippines. Through the recommendation and trust of Michael Carandang, we were fortunate to work and spend a lot of time with her while she was in the Philippines. We also did an advertisement campaign for G Fine Body Art in Los Angeles with Allison as the model. With all of Allison’s international followers and fans, we are proud to be getting compliments all over the world because of the work we’ve done with her.”

Getting Back to the Race

And what about all those stories that we hear about race?

“I guess we just have to live with racial indifference–I don’t want to use discrimination as it feels negative–as we see it on the news not only in the US, but also all over the world,” says Mau. “But with a lot of talents emerging from different parts of the world, it just makes you wonder if there is such [a thing as] an inferior race. With FHM, we are reminded that we are Filipinos in American entertainment making a difference in our own fields, with the support of our fellow Filipinos in the industry.”

“In my opinion, it’s not so much race as the issue,” adds Au. “If you were born and raised in California, I think you have the same opportunity as everyone else. There are so many successful Filipinos in different lines of work, not only in TV, film or fashion. I think if you moved to the States after high school or college; that seems to be more challenging. It’s difficult because you really start your network from zero. I’ve experienced this and the feeling of “second class citizen” is really there. You don’t have classmates or cousins or family friends from when you were young that are now doctors, lawyers, directors, managers, CEO’s and others. In order to succeed, you always need to work an extra mile to be noticed — although this is a blessing in itself and since Filipinos work an extra mile all the time, we have every opportunity to shine. What’s missing is sharing this with the world, to be globally recognized, which is bridged by groups like FHM and publications such as Illustrado!”

From MNL to LA and back

Mau and Au have recently opened a photo and make-up studio in Manila called Bottega Studio. “After living in the States for over twelve years, we recently moved back to Manila early this year. We are now bi-coastal, living both in Manila and Los Angeles. We still maintain clients in LA and we go back every 3-4 months for 3 weeks at a time. As individuals, through our work, we aim to continue to bridge the Philippines to the international scene.”

Hollywood, and the movies that have entertained us for generations, has been called America’s greatest export to the world. And with the FHM growing in number and in recognition, is Pinoy talent on its way to becoming one of the Philippines’ greatest exports to Hollywood?

December 18, 2012
Filipino Photographers – Chaps Peria and Eric Fabro

A platform for Filipino photographers from around the world.
CHAPS PERIA For Chaps, photography is more than just a hobby; it is about appreciation. He believes it teaches a person to see the world from different perspective, both literally and figuratively. Chaps’ love affair with photography paired with his love of travel and exploration has spawned a portfolio of landscape photography. “I’ve been a DSLR user since 2010. I consider myself a novice, self-taught photographer,” says Chaps, who is a graphic designer by profession. “Working in the hospitality industry gives me exposure to food and interior photography and my love of travel and leisure helps me develop my skill in landscape and interior photography,” says the athletic Chaps who counts mountain climbing, running and cycling among his interests. “Learning the tides, moon phase, where the sun rises and sets are just some of the things photography allows me to enjoy,” says Chaps who adds, “personality wise, people who know me would agree if I’ll say I am a mystery with winning charm.” ERIC FABRO Eric Fabro came to love photography in 2009 when he found a group of Filipino photographers in Kuwait where he works. “I didn’t expect to take photography seriously specially in the field of wedding and portrait photography. I was invited by one of the members to be his ‘second shooter’ during a wedding photo coverage. Right after then I realized and felt something different.” Eric says that right then and there Ipower Photography was established as his carrier name. Eric explains, “’The ‘i’ is for “Icoy” which is my nickname, while “power” is a usual word that I used to describe appreciation for a photo. Simply joined, it makes for as ‘Ipower’ or ‘Icoy power’.” “The world is full of exciting events. I believe that photographers are observers who record frames of life. All photos are documentaries, documenting and celebrating life, and culture. But good photos tell a story with passion and in style,” says Eric, explaining his photography philosophy. “[Through photography] I read the personality of the person and capture their emotions: everyone has an interesting story waiting to be heard and my mission is to capture it through my photos.”

December 11, 2012
Going Solo: For these people, recession has meant SUCESSion

by Didi Paterno-Magpali reporting from Dubai

Mary Ann Santos reporting from Manila

The ongoing economic recession has caused a lot of turmoil in different countries: currency depreciation, price increases, unemployment and political unrest. Economists are bleak soothsayers, predicting that a prolonged recession will lead to an economic depression. But there are some people who have been able to make the most out of the current economic environment and have turned the recession into their own SUCESSion formula. Didi Paterno-Magpali reports from Dubai and Mary Ann Santos reports from Manila.

LAARNI EUGENIO: HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

Laarni Eugenio’s talent and experience working as a set decorator in one of the Philippine’s biggest TV networks, partnered with her husband Ariel’s keen eye for detail as a props designer, along with their consistent can-do attitude have helped establish themselves as one of the go-to wedding, events planning and design companies in the United Arab Emirates. Ariel’s Designs, which started out with just one warehouse seven years ago, now has expanded into three warehouses with a staff of 15 people of various nationalities– Indian, Nepali as well as Filipino.

It took them seventeen years of back-breaking work thousands of miles away from home: enhancing their skills, learning the ins and outs of running a business and gaining the trust and confidence of colleagues; seventeen years worth of savings and one window of opportunity before this husband and wife tandem broke free from the bonds of employment and went solo. And that window of opportunity was when their former employers decided to close down the company. Realizing that she knew how to run the day-to-day operations and could take the company to new heights, Laarni decided to take over the business from the management through a transfer of business license. It was Laarni, who took on the reins of the arranging the transfer of business license, legal documentation and other start-up requirements, while Ariel continued on as an employee in order to retain and continue their residence status in the UAE.

Starting business in the UAE isn’t easy for expats, as the law requires the support of an Emirati business partner on top of the many other business license requirements. But since the husband and wife team gained the trust of their former employer’s local sponsor, setting up shop was a breeze. Though the almost effortless beginnings didn’t mean that their entrepreneurial pursuit went on smoothly.

One of the many challenges of owning and running a business in the Middle East is the racial discrimination. Eugenio shares how Filipinos are often stereotyped “Racism has been here since the very beginning (of our business). And we’ve been here in Dubai since 1988. Hindi nagbago yun. May mga kliyente na lalapit sa iyo at hihingi ng proposal pero malalaman mo na lang na pupunta sa iba dahil lang (mas pinapabor silang lahi). Ganun talaga (dito). Tatanggapin mo na lang at mag move on. [Racism has never changed. There are clients who will approach you and ask for proposals, but, in the end, you would get to know that they’ve decided to work with other suppliers just because they were of a preferred nationality. It’s really like that. You just have to accept that racism is a fact of life in the Middle East and you move on.]”

But despite this Eugenio moved forward with her head held up high and it has paid off. Their company has gained the trust of clients, majority of them Arabs, through their natural talent, sheer determination to succeed, and more importantly, honesty.

“Naranasan ko na kahit nagawa mo ng maganda yung trabaho at natapos na yung kontrata, pagdating sa bayaran ng balanse, magrereklamo sila, kesho panget at sasabihin sa iyo na babaan ang presyo. Hihingi sila ng malaking discount. [I’ve experienced that even if I’ve done the work well and delivered everything in the contracts, clients will complain that you didn’t do a good job at all. Then ask for a huge discount.]” Though Eugenio had anticipated this, she never had the heart to pad proposals just to secure profits for the company. She is firm in her principles in doing business “I am honest in business. (Sa mga ganung sitwasyon) either kunin mo yung pera kahit lugi ka (o wala ka makukuha). Basta (importante sa akin) meron ka makuha kaysa wala. Prinsipiyo ko na lang kikitain ko yun sa susunod…Hindi naman ako pumasok sa business para kumita ng malaking pera. [In those situations, you either get the payment even if you lose a lot of money or you don’t get anything at all. It is more important that I earn something instead of nothing at all. I just believe that I will earn that in my next projects…I did not set up the business just to earn huge amounts of money.]”

Eugenio stresses how love for the work, rather than love for money, is more crucial for entrepreneurs to succeed “Di naman lahat ng gusto natin makukuha natin. May trials, may challenges talaga…Masestress ka, pero kung love mo ang job mo, you will take (everything) as a challenge, (whether) good or bad. [We won’t get to have everything that we want. There will always be trials and challenges…You will feel stressed, but if you love your job, you will take everything as a challenge.”]

MILO TORRES: BAYANIHAN SPIRIT IN THE DESERT

Unlike Laarni and Ariel Eugenio, who left employment by choice, Milo Torres had to face entrepreneurship in the UAE head-on because of circumstance. He was terminated by his former employer due to corporate restructuring and budget cutting. But thankfully, the company did not immediately terminate his residence visa, which would have meant losing his permit (along with his wife and son) to stay in the UAE. The companyactually renewed his residence visa, which was valid for three years, to allow him to find a job to replace the one he lost “It was a fresh renewal of (residence) visa as I had just finished 6 years of staying with them. It was actually a good gesture from my employer. I did not ask for it. I was a very good employee…it was just unfortunate that my services (were not required by the company anymore).”

Torres, though was a full time employee as a senior engineer / network administrator at that time; he started moonlighting as a website designer and photographer. This, little did he know, would be the saving grace of his sudden unemployment. He was an active volunteer in the Filipino community as a computer trainer. In fact, he was one of the founders of the Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers society and he is the publisher of the currently inactive Overseas Filipino Workers’ portal, OFW Zone (http://ofwzone.com). Torres started to concentrate his efforts on his freelance projects while job hunting. It was then he realized how he could actually make it on his own, that he was earning more as a freelancer specializing in web design and photography than what prospective employers were offering him as a senior engineer.

After more than a year of freelancing, with the help of funds from his savings, Torres decided to register his business to make it official. Getting a business license would be a springboard to expand his business, an opportunity to work with medium to large companies, apart from his regular clientele. “And since I got my (business) permit from TECOM, I was able to (handle bigger) clients like Dubai Duty Free, Sharjah Duty Free, Patchi Chocolates, British Business Group. Maersk, Air France and Dubai Outdoor Media among others.”

“Networking and mingling with the community plays a very important role in any business as you are actually building good (relationships) with people. In fact, until now, I still receive referrals from my computer students from as far back as year 2000.” Torres proudly shares his key learning on entrepreneurship. It was then he truly felt the Filipino Bayanihan spirit, where he indeed experienced the full on support from the Filipino community “In the first five years of the business, most of (my clients) were Filipinos or were influenced by Filipinos. Now, it is a mix of nationalities.”

Torres thinks that being an entrepreneur is “one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences” in his life. He is extremely proud to be his own boss: being hands on in all aspects of the business, managing his own time and using his skills and creativity to the fullest. Yet he still recognizes that going solo is not a bed of roses. “Going into business is not an easy task. You have to work extra time when the economy is low or when competition heats up. Pressure is always there, unlike being employed where (you) just have to work 8 hours a day without worrying about the business. There are lots of responsibilities and plenty of administrative details that are not fun. You can’t please everyone and have no guaranteed salary.”

Despite the many challenges, Torres remains positive and encourages his fellow kababayans not to be intimidated by going solo. “To start and run a successful business needs a lot of information, but the basics are simple: maintain a positive attitude, stay informed with the current market, stay focused and motivated, plan well, know your customers and keep monitoring all monetary transactions. If you can take that simple advice, you can be a successful entrepreneur.”

FROM THE PHILIPPINES

OWEN SANTOS, FREELANCE WRITER

Owen Santos was previously the Features Editor of Marie Claire Philippines, the local counterpart of the international magazine franchise. When the magazine ceased its three-year publication run due to a new direction adopted by the media company, Owen became a freelance writer. She didn’t scare off at the thought of going independent despite the trying times.

The key to overcoming economic difficulties, Santos explains, is to “develop your resourcefulness even more. With freelancing, you not only work on being creative but also on sourcing your own projects.” Although Santos is working independently, she advises it is best not to isolate yourself. “Put yourself out there, and keep in close contact with your network. You show people what you’re good at by expressing your ideas on how you can help them. You should not be greedy about your ideas and always expect a certain price on them,” Santos adds. To be highly successful in freelancing, “you should actively pursue projects confidently.”

To make the recession work for her, Santos adapted a different kind of attitude. “You do not focus on the negative when you write independently. You should also develop a different kind of discipline when you are freelancing since you come up with your own schedule as against the rigid 9–5 working hours in a company.” It was this discipline and work ethic that allowed Santos to work on a lot of income-generating projects and still have enough time with her mother who was recovering from an illness. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I was employed. It will be very stressful not only for my but for my mother as well.”

MARTINE COSIO DE LUNA, CHIEF BLOGGER/OWNER, DAINTYMOM.COM

Martine Cosio de Luna was previously a teacher in a progressive school for seven years, and an editorial assistant for a small publishing firm prior to that. When she had her son whom she wanted to breastfeed exclusively, de Luna decided start a blog about her experiences as a new mother. Her blog, Dainty Mom, began in March 2010, upon her return to the work force. “It started off as a free website on Blogspot (the free platform of Blogger.com). It all began as a diary wherein I expressed my thoughts as a new mom,” she recounts.

As she got into blogging more regularly, de Luna began to take writing jobs on the side, while maintaining her teaching position. She started off by working with different Internet marketing and copywriting projects that she acquired from Craiglist.com, a directory site. De Luna eventually got repeat clients from both Australia and the U.S. that guaranteed a steady income, enough to cover for the income she gave up as a full-time teacher. In June 2010, she resigned from her job at the school and went into full-time freelance work.

In 2011, de Luna bought her own domain, daintymom.com, and established it as a brand that is an inspired lifestyle for work-at-home moms (WAHM). The blog serves a dual purpose: (1) To promote values and information on how to be a practical WAHM and (2) to act as a launching pad for her freelance services of blogging and copywriting. Currently, de Luna is also extending her blog to other platforms offline. She is organizing an event called It’s a WAHMderful Life: A Work-At-Home Moms 101, a one-day workshop for is for moms who want to find their bliss working from home while making a home. (The debut workshop is this October 2012.)

How did de Luna successfully overcome the global challenges brought about by the economic recession? First, she became part of two global phenomena: Outsourcing and WAHM-ing. “Outsourcing is very much in-demand these days. The Internet has crossed boundaries, enabling clients to search for service providers worldwide,” she says. “WAHMs are also increasing in number as more women are leveraging the Internet to suit their lifestyle. They are also able to save from the reduced transportation cost and corporate attire expenses which can be allocated to more important expenses.” Through a career style that is flexible and based on her strengths, she is able to craft a work lifestyle that marries well into the family lifestyle she and her husband have agreed on. “By working from home doing freelance work, I am now able to spend more time with my son, even home schooling him.”

Secondly, (and in line with this philosophy of location-independent work), de Luna has professionalized the services that she offers as a WAHM. With the many service providers readily available, de Luna advises potential WAHMs to “start brand building and offering your services through online platforms, such as your own website,” in order to differentiate themselves. “If you want to be a freelancer, you have to invest in marketing yourself as the right person for the job. Through your blog, for instance, you can market yourself, create a following, and get potential clients to like and trust you. In gaining their trust, you can establish an ideal work-related relationship with them.” She also advises finding clients who are able to pay for services on a retainer basis, which helps bring in a steady stream of income.

JAYCE PERLAS, OWNER, PERLAS PUBLIC RELATIONS

Jayce Perlas was previously employed in a large network company before venturing in a partnership in Public Relations and eventually starting his own private independent consulting firm. “I was looking for new challenges in Public Relations and Corporate Communications,” says Perlas explaining to why he shifted from an employee to an independent consultant. “As an employee, you are just focused on your craft. As an independent consultant, you are challenged to extend your focus to Human Resources, Administrative work and Business Development.”

Perlas’ business formula actually works to his best advantage. “The economic recession is working to our advantage. With independent firms operating on the same media with huge multinational PR companies, providing the same and sometimes more superior services, we are certainly at an advantage. We do not incur extremely high overhead costs just to support an international franchise. We provide more personalized services to our clients. With global clients cutting down on corporate communications, a lesser priced but more efficient PR partner is a no-brainer.”

Perlas further adds, “A lot of companies are looking for alternatives to decrease spending on advertising but still communicate themselves.” He therefore takes on a role of enlightening clients on how Public Relations is a cost-effective communication tool versus using mainstream advertising. “We earn the trust of clients and establish a good working relationship with them. This is how we measure the success of a communications project.”

November 4, 2012