Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Filipina Women

The Filipina On Top: Deconstructing Maria Clara – Part 2 of 2

An Illustrado Mini-Documentary

The Filipina on Top: Deconstructing Maria Clara

Getting to the heart of the Pinay’s Madonna-Whore Syndrome
Is the modern Filipina well-informed enough not to fall into bad situations? Or are we unknowingly contributing to our own problems?

A Timonera Grafik Production
Produced by Illustrado Magazine
Director/DP: Kamil Roxas
Gaffer: Charlie Drilon
Sound: Ed Aquino
Production Assistants: Choi Dalocanog, Rony Aquino
Make-up: Edilyn Menzies

October 13, 2015
Filipino Leadership Around The World

Excel V. Dyquiangco

Around the world Filipinos are making a name for themselves. In the field of government, arts and culture, technology, educations, sports, youth organizations, entertainment, and business and enterprise, they lead, manage and influence. Faye Corcuera, Vice President for Human Resources of the Bank of Philippine Islands once said that this is all about serving the Filipino people and their families. “Ultimately, this is the best way we can promote these values – to remember that we exist not only for ourselves, but to fulfill the needs of a larger community.”

Here are five Filipinos who are able to rise above the ranks in their respective spheres to show to the world what true and genuine Filipino leadership looks like – wherever they may be.

IRENE NATIVIDAD

Women Empowerment – USA

She describes herself as not just a dreamer but as a doer and a visionary, a persistent, determined and passionate individual who wants only the best for women – in their careers, in their homes and in their relationships. In the many years that Irene Natividad has been serving and seeking the welfare of women around the world as President of the Global Summit of Women, an annual international gathering of women leaders, she conveys a knowledge-sharing not quantifiable but gives inspiration and encouragement to be bigger and better in whatever their spheres of influences are. “Women’s careers are not a direct line to achievement. Instead, careers go up and down, with their highs and lows,” she says during an interview. “If you are not passionate about what you do, you cannot get through the lows. Don’t be a backseat driver in your life! Keep looking forward.”

Born and raised in the Philippines and exposed to different cultures and traditions earlier on, she hopes that in the next five years more women steps up in the community. “I hope my health continues to be good so that I can make this global forum available to more parts of the world,” she adds. “It takes persistence and commitment — it’s not like a dress you can just take off and put on the bed.”

RYAN LETADA

Social Innovator – USA

He wants to make a difference in the world. As Chief Builder and CEO of Next Day Better, an organization that links diaspora communities to create positive social change, Ryan Letada spreads ideas in action that produce a better future – actions that are Filipino in flavour and that are rooted in innovation, design and entrepreneurship. In fact in answer to the recent typhoon Yolanda that ravaged some parts of the country sometime ago, his organization brought together both Filipino and non-Filipino disaster relief experts, technologists, strategists and designers to build resilient and flexible communities. “I see a role for anyone to make a difference in the social entrepreneurial route,” he says. “I think this as a great opportunity, not just a generational thing but where anyone can get involved.”

An alumnus of Wheaton College and winner of the Ainslie Alumni Achievement Award last 2014 in recognition of the changes he brings about in the community through social change, he continues to exemplify Filipino leadership and make the whole world know about it. “We all have a strong call to action to use the gift that has been given to us – this scholarship, this community, this moment – to make our mark in the world,” he says.

LOIDA NICOLAS-LEWIS

Business Leader and Philanthropist – USA

Her love for classical plays and stories started it all. Loida Nicolas-Lewis who grew up in the quaint province of Sorsogon loving civic duty exemplifies a thought-provoking leader bent on promoting what the Philippines has to offer to foreigners and other to nations. In fact just last year she decided to stage Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere to prove that Filipinos are indeed world-class – and she claims, bringing it all together was indeed a challenge. “I also wanted Filipinos to enhance their love for the art, literature and country,” she says.

Now in her 70s and named one of the richest women in the USA, Lewis who is also a lawyer is also an advocate of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) which would allow Filipinos to stay and work in the United States without a permanent residence status for some time. She is an active supporter of the following organizations: Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian American Foundation, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and others. “We are all equal in the eyes of God,” she says. “What is important is what we do as stewards and manage what we have to do. I think that’s the most important.”

DIOSDADO BANATAO

Engineering Visionary – USA

Known as the Father of Semi-Conductors, Diosdado Banato or Dado as he is fondly called by his peers is no stranger to difficulties. While growing up in the sleepy town of Cagayan Valley he walked barefoot to school and experienced studying without the help of electricity. His father who was a farmer always inculcated in his heart the importance of finishing school – and the values he taught him paid off. After graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology, he moved to the United States to take his Masters at Stanford University. The first company he put up failed and he tried and tried again – this time he succeeded. Presently he is the co-founder of Mostron, Chips and Technologies, and S3 Graphics, and designed the first chip being used in all personal computers nowadays.

Earlier this year during a forum he gives this advice to those who want to make it big in the industry: “Challenges lie everywhere – from starting the product to raising the money. The problem is big and you can divide it to chunks but those chunks contribute to everything. It’s a massive amount of problem. It has to be a burning desire because you will really be put to the test. If a person quits, he was really not meant for that. You will have to continue despite worse conditions. Everybody will be successful if it’s not easy.”

RIA REYES

Technological Pacesetter – Japan

The first time she stepped foot in Japan, her only thoughts were studying and finishing the language course she planned to take. But after a year of staying in this part of the world, Ria Reyes found herself enamored with its people and its sites and decided to pursue her working relations there. At first it was challenging to look for a job because she didn’t speak the language that much but after constantly trying, she landed a break – a Google Japan break, that is. “As part of the staffing team, I am in charge mainly of the entire hiring process for people (mostly Japanese nationals) who are applying in Google Japan – from initial screening stage until job offer acceptance,” she says. “I work closely with various sales and marketing teams in our company on hiring the best candidates for Google Japan. Aside from Japan, I also work on some roles to be filled in other APAC countries such as Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong.”

Ria armed with a degree in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines in Diliman believes that proper education is still the key to a long and successful career and life. “Proper education will definitely bring you places,” she says. “Let me say though that it is not about the scientific or technical terms we learned, thick books we read, nor Math problems we solved in school. It is more about the way we dealt with daily challenges and the decisions we make at each and every task that will help determine how we face life as adults.”

Source:

http://www.pmap.org.ph/content/research/challenging-the-filipino-leadership-an-interview-with-faye-corcuera/

http://www.philstar.com/business-features/2015/02/28/1428644/five-business-lessons-dado-banatao-pinoy-bill-gates

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-ravanona/trailblazing-women-irene-_b_7101464.html

http://pinoygazetteofficial.blogspot.com/2014/01/ria-reyes-only-pinay-working-in-google.html

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/loida-nicolas-lewis-an-advocate-of-all-things-correct-and-filipino/

https://www.possefoundation.org/ryan-letada/

http://makilalatv.com/post/60175718827/episode-1-social-good-guest-ryan-letada

August 10, 2015
Filipino in UAE: It’s What I Do

May 2015 – It’s What I Do

Jowin Provido

Marketing and Events Executive
Emaar Malls, Dubai

My Job

I work as Marketing and Events Executive in one of the largest conglomerates in the Middle East and around the globe, Emaar Malls. My main task is to research and analyze marketing trends, identify target markets, plan thematic campaigns and develop strategies. I also manage the budget, as well as administer and evaluate the success of each campaign. My job demands long hours, especially in the lead up to a campaign launch, but the satisfaction after a successful campaign is enough reward in itself! I oversee several Emaar assets including Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Marina Retail, Pier 7, Gold and Diamond Park, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai Retail and Community Centers in the Meadows, Springs, Greens and Arabian Ranches.

I always give my best effort on the job and sometimes it goes beyond marketing. Like for instance, I had this project launch at the Dubai Marina Mall and we were undermanned. So as not to delay the project, I ended up taking care of marketing, technical, security and housekeeping. At the end of the day it’s about getting the job done.

My work day

My typical day often starts with checking emails, afterwards writing a list of ‘things to do’ which I gradually work my way through – although the list tends to grow rapidly! Depending on the stage of the campaign, it will determine the duties but typically, my time is best spent outside the office, where I can be inspired to conceptualize and gather ideas, at the same time, observe the latest market trends!

Career advice

While we might think that we chose a life or career path, sometimes, life can change our plans and we might suddenly find that an opportunity has chosen us. I never imagined that I will be working in the Marketing industry, until the Creator led me into this profession, which in turn, opened my eyes to creativity and flared up my passion.

So, don’t be afraid to try new things! Be a risk taker, don’t quit! In this competitive part of the world, your determination and passion will mark you and your future.

…………………

Cristina Rita A. Casiple, CSCP

Global Sourcing/Category Manager
Eltek AS, APICS

My Job

I am currently Global Sourcing Manager (for batteries) for ELTEK, a Delta Group company,that deals in trading of telecom equipments with headquarters in Norway and regional offices all over the world. I am based in the regional office for MEA in Dubai.

I have been with the company for 9 years. I started in 2006 as Customer Support Representative – the only Filipino in the office for about two years. In 2011, I was promoted to Logistics Manager for Dubai reporting directly to the Managing Director. Because of the scope and complexities of my work, I became interested and fascinated with Supply Chain. Thus in 2013, I committed myself to taking the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional exam in April of that year and became a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). In Jan 2015, I was promoted to Global Sourcing Manager (Battery). My role and responsibilities have now moved from regional to global/Corporate.

My job has also given me lots of opportunities to travel, meet new people and gain more confidence in speaking to and in front of many people. All in all, aside from being very challenging, going from regional to global, has been very rewarding.

My work day

A typical day would normally involve touching base with my boss based in Norway, either via email or SKYPE, coordinating and having meetings with different Corporate Departments, our various regional offices (also via SKYPE or video conferencing), and suppliers. It also mostly involves preparation of strategic plans, analysis of data, and doing trainings and presentations.

My new role has also taught me to be more flexible and to be available almost all the time as I am working with people of different nationalities and different time zones as well. My working days are either from Sundays to Thursdays or Mondays to Fridays and working hours from as early as 8AM to as late as 11PM. However, I make it a point that I always have a two day weekend – one day spent on chores as well as time with friends, and the other day is my ‘me time’ when I relax and recharge.

Career advice

If you want to succeed in anything and everything, you need to have three qualities – a positive attitude, a grateful heart and a love for what you do/for what you have. If you have these, they will reflect in everything you do, including your performance at work. And performance will always speak for itself. When you feel good about yourself and/or about what you do, everything else just flows smoothly. Everything just falls into place.

You have to be in a good place with yourself in order to feel confident that you can succeed. And when people feel that you are confident with yourself and what you do, they trust you more and have confidence in you too. This is when your success starts. And your success starts with you. With you believing in yourself, your capabilities, and believing that as a Filipino, you can.

And yes, we can. Yes, the Filipino can compete with the rest of the world, and succeed.

July 7, 2015
Philippine Laws Affecting Overseas Filipinos

By Atty. Barney Almazar

Our government treats its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families. President Aquino, in his social contract with the Filipino people, committed to transform the government to one that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity, and when its citizen do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protections will still be the government’s priority.

Overseas Filipinos and Overseas Filipino Workers, explained

According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Filipinos who are outside the Philippines are termed “Overseas Filipinos” or “OF” and fall into 3 different categories of migrants: permanent, temporary and irregular.

Fifty percent of OFs are permanent migrants, permanent residents or immigrants in the countries where they live, or are spouses of foreign nationals.

OFW would fall under the second OF category, the temporary migrants whose legal stay abroad is temporary owing to the employment-related nature of their stay in their host country. OFWs are expected to return to the Philippines following the expiration of their employment contracts.

Irregular migrants, the third category, consists of those who are not properly documented, or who are without valid residence or work permits, or who may simply be overstaying workers, tourists, pilgrims or other visitors in a foreign country.

The estimate OF headcount in the UAE per category as of December 2012 is – 1,711 permanent, 722,621 temporary and 207,230 as irregular, totaling 931,562.

Right to Travel

The Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8239) affirms the inviolability of the constitutional right of every Filipino to travel abroad. The law mandates the State to uphold the integrity and credibility of the Philippine passport. Thus, the Department of Foreign Affairs has the duty to issue passport or travel document to any citizen of the Philippines who complies with the requirements to Act.

Right to be Protected

The Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (Republic Act No. 10022) concretized the government’s commitment to protect the rights and to promote the welfare of OF in distress. It also provided the framework for concerted government action in dealing with difficulties faced by Filipinos abroad by:

• institutionalization of the Migrant Workers Loan Guarantee Fund and the Legal Assistance Fund

• establishment of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Resource Centers

• issuance of travel advisory/ information dissemination

• establishment of Shared Government Information System for Migration (SGISM)

• establishment of National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO)

• creation of the Assistance-to-Nationals Task Force

• compulsory insurance coverage for Agency-Hired Workers

Right to Vote

The Overseas Voting Act of 2013 ensures equal opportunity to all qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad in the exercise of their right to participate in the election of President, Vice-President, Senators and Party-List Representatives.

• Filipino Dual Citizens can now also register and vote.

• No more affidavits binding Filipinos to return in 3 years. Under the old law, an immigrant or a permanent resident must execute upon registration an affidavit prepared by the Commission on Elections declaring that he or she “shall resume actual physical permanent residence” in the Philippines not later than three years from approval of his or her registration.

Special Protection for Women

Anti-Mail Order Bride Act of 1990 (Republic Act 6955) declares as unlawful the acts of profiting from the matching, offering and contracting marriage between Filipino women and foreign nationals. Aside from matching on a mail-order basis, the law prohibits similar practices using advertisement, publication, printing or distribution of brochures, flyers and other propaganda materials.

The law has been enacted to curb trafficking of Filipinos through inter-country marriage.

Republic Act No. 8171 of 1995 provides for the repatriation of Filipinos who have lost their Philippine citizenship by marriage to aliens and natural-born Filipinos, including their minor children, on account of political or economic necessity, to reacquire Philippine citizenship. Women who have lost their citizenship because of marriage may reacquire their citizenship by repatriation.

Tax Exemption

Tax Reform Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8424) provides that an individual citizen of the Philippine who is working and deriving income from abroad is taxable only on income derived from sources within the Philippines. Thus, income outside the Philippines earned by an OFW is not subject to Philippine tax.

The Balikbayan Law provided additional benefits to former Filipino citizens, Filipinos who have been continuously out of the Philippines for at least one year and OFW. These benefits include:

• travel tax exemption

• visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one year for former Filipinos

• duty-free and kabuhayan shopping privilege

• use of accredited transportation facilities that will ensure their safe and convenient trips upon arrival

• entrepreneurial training and livelihood skills programs

Are Overseas Filipinos truly protected?

The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that the number of OFW facing death penalty cases, most of which are drug-related, has reached a total of 88 as of March this year. On the other hand, victims of human trafficking totaled 1,135 in 2013 from 1,029 in 2012.

An average of 1,600 illegal recruitment cases were handled by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration from 2007 to 2011 indicating that each year, thousands of hopeful Filipinos are victimized by illegal recruiters, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration handled an average of more than 50,000 cases on-site annually from 2009 to 2013.

It is unfortunate that despite these laws, the government has not yet genuinely advanced the interest and welfare of the country’s modern day heroes.

June 18, 2015
Pinoys in UAE: It’s What I Do

IT’S WHAT I DO – April 2015

STEVE PADILLA

Architect & Coordinator –
Control Contracting & Trading Company
Abu Dhabi, UAE

My Job

I am an Architect/Coordinator for one of the oil and gas companies based in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. As architect and coordinator, sometimes I visit our site/yard to check if the design of barges, cabins and offshore structures are properly followed, meeting with our clients and consultants requirements (NPCC, ADMA-OPCO, GPC, Technip, ADGAS etc.). I also make sure that all our design and engineering deliverables are properly coordinated – checking all the drawings before submitting them to our client, coordinating with the vendor, draftsman to Discipline Engineer to Project Manager until construction. In my work, I collaborate with a multi-cultural team and professionals from all levels.

My Day

I’m just a typical professional with a lot of friends. My day starts with prayers with my wife right after waking up. We start our day thanking God for another day, another exciting day. At the office before work, we have some tea first and chat with fellow Filipino staff. After work, I fetch my wife at her workplace just across the street. In the evening we eat together and chat about the day’s events. Then, I do some small household chores to help my wife who is due to give birth in May. My wife prepares our food (breakfast and lunch) and clothes for the next morning. Thursday is our family day and date day. I always make sure to ask my wife to go out and relax and have fun – even if it’s just a coffee date, sometimes. Friday is our favorite day as we go to church together.

Career and Life Advice

My message to my fellow Filipinos is simple. Put God first, enjoy your family, family bonding is very important. If family is lost, then there is no reason in working hard. Be happy for what you have, be humble and work hard even though nobody is looking at you. Enjoy your work. Don’t make enemies at work and try to be friendly and in times of need your fellow staff will be the one to help you. Make friends, a lot of friends and go out with them sometimes. Always smile in the work place. Learn the culture of other nationalities and, at the end, you will earn their trust.

Don’t be afraid to dream high. Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss. Talk to them and learn from them. At the end you will earn their trust as well. If you earned the trust of your officemates and your boss, that means promotions and salary increase. Be wise in saving money. We don’t know until when we will be working in this country. Try to learn the 10 20 70 savings system – 10% for God or whatever your heart wants to give, 20% for savings or much bigger depending on your situation, and 70% for the rest (rent, clothing, shopping gadgets etc.).

…………….

CHRISTIAN MAGADIA

Head Structural Engineer – Ted Jacob Engineering Group, Beca
Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am a structural engineer by profession. As a structural engineer I design buildings and infrastructures. I work closely with architects and other engineering professionals in addition to dealing with local authorities and decision makers. We are the mind behind all the magnificent structures and iconic monuments that make up a civilization and our responsibilities include designing comfortable houses for all of us to live in.

One of the most remarkable events in my career was when I passed the chartered structural engineering examination given by the Institution of Structural Engineers in the UK. Having a degree not recognized in the UK, I had to write a full technical report to prove that my academic knowledge and experience are at par with the UK Standards and is equivalent to a Masters Level in the UK. Achieving chartered engineer status opens a lot of career opportunities not only here in Dubai but anywhere in the World. The certification allowed me to accept a role in New Zealand to help in seismic design and retrofit of existing structures affected by the 2012 Christchurch Earthquake. I take pride that the quality of our education and trainings back home are at par with the best in the world.

My Day

As the head of the structural department in our company my day starts with planning and administrative stuff, to make sure the team has enough work and that they perform each task efficiently. Internal meetings will soon follow to monitor the progress of each project and follow up issues, programs, and deliverables. The next half will be occupied by external meetings with architects, clients, local authorities, and contractors. My day in the office will not end until I have a daily catch up discussion with our management to talk about finances, resources, and direction of the company. If I get lucky I may be involved in some hard core engineering work the following day!

Career and Life Advice

My message to our fellow Filipinos is to reach for the sky whatever role or position that you are currently in and enjoy while doing it. And the most important message is that we should all be proud to be Filipinos everywhere we go! Mabuhay!
……………

CLEOFE RINGOR

Office Manager – DSM Technology FZCO
Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am an Office Manager working in the oil and gas Industry in the Middle East. I have worked in the same company for quite a few years now and I’ve been enjoying since. As an Office Manager, you have to ensure that the office is running smoothly, overseeing the workloads of your co-workers. It’s never been easy to delegate tasks to your team, but I always see to it that everyone is happy and enjoying their work, and I try to create a healthy work environment for all.

My Day

There are busy days, and there’s time to chill, as well. My role on a daily basis is to check and complete pending matters, to recruit, screen CVs, liaise with agencies and authorities, meet with the clients, suppliers, lawyers – there are too many to mention. At the end of the day, your main challenge is your employer, how they are satisfied with your accomplishments and performance, and whether your tasks have been executed properly. Your aim is to impress them, to keep your job in the long-term and once you’re at the peak of your career, make the most of it and make yourself useful all the time, feed your brain so you won’t get obsolete in the market.

Career and Life Advice

I have started in a rank-and-file position, yet I told myself then that my career will not end there. I had many sacrifices, I have pushed myself to the limits in order to succeed and achieve my dreams, from being a receptionist to an office manager. My goal was to become a manager at the age of 35 but that didn’t happen. Because God is good! He answered my prayers earlier than I least expected and I became a manager when I was 32. It’s really not about how many trophies or medals you have earned in school, but how determined you are to produce a golden egg.

“Your dream will stay a dream if you don’t work hard for it.” Remember that – “knowledge is power.” You can do almost everything if you are smart, but refrain from doing bad. The one thing I have learned is to be fair to everyone, be kind and honest even if no one is watching you and share your blessings if you can. I must say that I am truly blessed that I am living the life of my dreams. To my friends, relatives and family who inspire me, thank you for your tremendous support, and to my Papa this is for you. I just hope you were here to see the person that I had become. I know you’ll be proud.

June 2, 2015
Strong is the New Beautiful

Divine Masinsin by Alex Callueng

By Nicholo Jallores Photography by Alex Callueng; Hair, Make-Up and Grooming by Louise Monique Soriano

Dare we open a nasty can of worms: what makes a body “beautiful?” Is it the long, toned dancer’s limbs that extend unto eternity out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s torso? Is it the number of packs in Ryan Reynold’s abdomen? Must you have Kim Kardashian’s child-bearing hips, or Kylie Minogue’s compact buns of titanium? What do you need to be a respected citizen of the world: the immense musculature of an MMA fighter, or the streamlined physique of a lightweight boxer? Let’s make the query a bit more succinct: what kind of body does society demand of you, NOW? From the 1400’s to the early 16^th century, “voluptuous” was all the rage. Plumpness was regarded as a sign of wealth and ranking in the Renaissance society – the province of aristocrats and noble lords – whereas slenderness was reserved for the paupers. You weren’t thin because you wouldn’t eat; you were thin because you couldn’t eat. In the Victorian age, it was considered classy to be hour glass-y. Men and women alike wore tight corsets to achieve the ultra desirable V-shaped mid-section. It was not unheard of to break a rib or two to fit into a dress. The 1960’s brought us the hippies, the beatniks, and the mods. By then, rail thin was in – evidence of which was the era’s most celebrated model, aptly named Twiggy. A time jump into the 90’s would reveal the reign of gladiatorial supermodels, Baywatch babes and Calvin Klein underwear ads – until Kate Moss happened, and then it was the way of the waif all over again. Society’s standard of beauty is a poor benchmark because it constantly shifts and changes. What you consider ideal today could be completely ridiculous 10 years from now. You know what doesn’t change? The human ambition. What we want changes; what will never change is that we will always want more – out of our careers, out of our relationships, out of our bodies. Life offers endless opportunities for us to go bigger, better, and higher. We are on a never-ending quest to expand our territory, and what we need is the endurance and the strength to go after what we desire. Will and cunning alone won’t cut it. Oftentimes, achieving success comes down to pure physical fortitude. Foolhardy and shortsighted it would be to simply consider your body as a mere work of art, to be sculpted and fashioned in accordance to society’s fickle paradigms. Form is the norm; but your attention must be on function. Your body is a vessel and conduit for your ambition. Like a sword you must hammer it and hone it to a fine edge, all the better to cut through life’s everyday obstacles. Like an extraordinary machine you must keep it well-oiled and finely tuned, all the faster to get to where you are going. It bears noting that strength comes in all shapes and forms. Rock hard pecs and cannonball delts do not necessarily equate to cardiovascular resilience, just as it would be inaccurate to assume that a full-figured mother of three cannot possibly execute a proper Yoga headstand, or do more crunches than you in Pilates. A seasoned runner may outlast you in a marathon, but you may very well leave him in the dust in a Cross Fit class. There is no one-size-fits-all formula to achieving the “perfect” physique that ticks all the fitness boxes. In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you want to configure your body – which specific function you want it to excel at, and which abilities you can do away with. The point is to have the body that YOU need, and not just the one that everybody else wants you to have. Never mind skinny. Never mind sexy. You must be strong. Strength will take you places. Strength is power. Strength is beauty. We searched high and low for ambassadors who best represent this “strength in beauty” philosophy. May their hard-earned achievements serve as your blueprint as you transform and re-engineer your body into the powerhouse that it deserves to be.

THE WARRIOR SISTERS

DIVINE MASINSIN – GEL Master Trainer, PT and GX Instructor at Fitness 360

Divine Masinsin

RICA RODRIGUEZ – PTA Global Master Trainer, Group GX Manager, PT and GX Instructor at Fitness 360

Rica Rodriguez

Rica Rodriguez – Photo by Alex Callueng

Fitness Philosophy: “Keep Moving!” What they do: A holistic approach to building cardiovascular strength that integrates dance with sports endurance and weight training. What they eat: Eat clean, and train dirty! We follow a weight gain, lean protein program. We prepare our own food. It’s usually 3 main meals of grilled chicken or fish, measured rice or quinoa, and healthy salads. It’s a cool program because we still get to eat rice!

Filipina Women: Strong is the New Beautiful!

May 21, 2014