Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Filipina

  • 6 Laws Every Filipina in the UAE Should Know

     

    By Barney Alamazar, Esq.

     

    Here are some significant female-oriented laws in the UAE and the Philippines that Filipinas should be aware of.  These laws were created to help protect and advance the interests of women in relation to their work, family life and the community in general.

     

    1. UAE Labour Laws

    Equal pay for equal work – Article 32

    A working woman shall be entitled to the same wage as that of a working man, if she does the same work.

     

    Night shift prohibition – Articles 27 & 28

    Except those holding managerial, technical and medical positions and during emergency situations, women may not be made to work from 10 pm to 7 am.

     

    Article 29

    Women may not be employed where jobs are hazardous, harmful or detrimental to health or morals.

     

    Maternity Leave – Article 30

    • 45 days with full pay if she has completed 1 year of service; otherwise, 50% pay
    • Up to 100 days of unpaid maternity leave if there complications resulting to pregnancy or delivery
    • Maternity leave is not deductible from annual leave

     

    Paid Nursing Break – Article 31

    18 months from delivery, a mother is entitled to 2 additional breaks each day (maximum of 30 minutes each)

    Note: Household service workers are covered by immigration rules, not labour laws. Hence, complaints must be lodged with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

     

    1. UAE Immigration Laws

    Visa sponsorship

    Daughters, regardless of age can remain on their father’s sponsorship as long as they are unmarried (sons can only be sponsored by their parents until age 18, unless they are enrolled in a university).

    A working woman can sponsor her husband’s visa which is renewable annually.

    A mother can request the court to transfer the visa sponsorship of her children from their father to her.

    Wife’s visa depends on the validity of her husband’s visa

     

    Giving birth in UAE

    • You will need to apply for your baby’s UAE birth certificate within 30 days of delivery
    • To obtain Philippine citizenship of your baby, register the birth with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
    • You can apply for passport for your newborn at the same time you register the birth
    • Apply for a residence visa for your newborn upon completion of the steps above

     

    Notes: It is illegal to be unmarried and pregnant in the UAE. The original passports and marriage certificate of the parents will be required for the issuance of the birth certificate. If the father is not in UAE, immigration stamps to prove that you were outside of UAE at the time of conception has to be presented.

    If your baby was born in the UAE and has a health card, immunizations and vaccinations are free.

     

    1. Family Code and Civil Code of the Philippines

     Article 15 of the Philippine Civil Code provides that laws relating to family rights and duties, or to the status, condition and legal capacity of persons are binding upon citizens of the Philippines, even though living abroad.

    A petition to terminate the father’s parental authority over the child pursuant to Article 229 of the Family Code of the Philippines can be filed by the mother even if both of them are outside the Philippines.

    What can be demanded from the father?

    Article 194 of the Family Code

    Support comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family.

    Note: Section 3 B (3) of Republic Act 7610 of the Philippines, otherwise known as the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act considers the unreasonable deprivation of the child’s basic needs for survival such as food and shelter as a form of child abuse.

     

    1. UAE Personal Status Law

     

    Marital Problems & Family Disputes – how to deal with them –

    • File a complaint against your husband at the Family Courts
    • Bring passport and marriage certificate (attested)
    • A counsellor will help you reach an amicable settlement
    • If settlement is not possible, you will be referred to the judge for divorce

     

    Last Will and Testament

    If you do not have a will in the UAE, the default rule is your son will get twice more than your daughter. 

     

    If your husband dies leaving no children, the wife gets 25% inheritance but if the wife dies leaving no children, the husband gets 50% inheritance.

     

    1. UAE Penal Code

     

    Crimes against honor – Article 359

    A punishment of confinement for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding ten thousand Dirhams or either punishment shall be inflicted on any person who obstructs a female in such a manner as to violate her prudence by word or deed, on a public road or at a frequented place.

     

    Child Support – Article 330

    Shall be punishable by confinement for a period not exceeding one year and by a fine not exceeding ten thousand Dirhams or by one of these two penalties any individual against whom a self-executing judgment is rendered, imposing upon him the payment of alimony to his spouse, any of his relatives or legal dependents, or the payment of salary of the guardian or foster-mother or rent of a house and who, after three months from the day on which he has been warned to pay, refrains from performing the obligation although he is capable of fulfilling it.

     

    1. Cybercrime Laws

     

    Defamation – Article 21

    Punishment of imprisonment for a period of at least six months and/or fine ranging from AED150,000 to AED500,000 to whoever using a computer network, electronic information system or any information technology means for the invasion of privacy of another by publishing news, electronic photos or photographs, scenes, comments, statements or information even if true and correct.

     

    For more information, readers can visit www.gulflaw.info or call 04 444 9404. Gulf Law and volunteer Filipino lawyers hold monthly free legal aid and seminars at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

  • It’s What I Do: Jan Barlow

    JAN BARLOW

    Entrepreneur, PBC Abu Dhabi Chairman

    Abu Dhabi, UAE

     

    Jan BarlowRecently elected as the Chairman of the Philippine Business Council in Abu Dhabi, Jan Barlow is a formidable mix of a business woman and tireless community leader who considers time as a doting wife and mom an essential and worthy part of her life. 

     

     

     

    My Career

    I am co-owner of Pacific Consulting Services, a consulting company in Abu Dhabi. We write policies and procedures for local and multinational entities, as well as other services such as training manuals and catalogues. My husband and I have had this business since 2000. I joined PBC in 2008, and have been involved with PBC events and projects since then. I think success comes simply from doing what you say you are going to do. It is not about being brilliant or inspired. With our customers, if we say that we are going to provide a deliverable on a particular date, we have to do that. We tell our daughters the same thing: keep your word and fulfil your commitments.

     

    What do Filipinos need to do to get ahead globally?

    It is not about traits. It is simply about delivering value for customers or employers. This starts with being competent, and not making excuses – no “palusot”. If we can think clearly, start with realistic plans and deliver results, we can succeed. Obviously, education is important, but more important is personal integrity and effort.

     

    My dreams and aspirations

    I am a mother, so my main attention is on my daughters. I want them to grow up to be good Catholic ladies and to choose suitable husbands. I am also interested in being able to guide our community members, particularly if they have plans to set up businesses. One thing that we really need in PBC is a knowledge base, and I would like to start building that, so that people with entrepreneurial ambitions can obtain checklists or guidelines for particular types of business.

     

    Living life to the fullest everyday

    As a working mother, I am usually up and about till 12 midnight and make sure that the man of the house is served dinner no matter how late he comes home. My usual day starts with a cup of coffee at 7am while giving a foot rub to our dog – Lili. By 8:30am, I am seated at the farthest corner cubicle of our office, if not out with client meetings or doing onsite duty, checking all my emails and answering each one of them (including the Council’s). At 10am, normal rounds with different projects, checking all due dates and internal meetings with our production team. At 12 noon, I am absorbed with finalizing against checklists due deliverables – forms, flow charts, procedures and policies. Work continues until 5pm.  By 5:30pm, out of the office (as a rule) or I will get a boot from Mr. Barlow, and should be at the house by 6PM. If at home with Mr. Barlow, I prepare dinner and we eat together while the girls sit with us and we listen to their stories of the day. By 7:30pm, if very busy, I go back with Mr. Barlow to the office to wrap up more work, if not, then I stay home with my girls – and do the never ending “have you done your homework”.  By 11am, I switch off home Wifi and I am usually cleaning up cupboards or reading a book, till Mr. Barlow comes back home again.

     

    My Mantra in Life

    I am a Roman Catholic. The Church teaches us how to live.

  • It’s What I Do: Iman Suguitan

    Iman Suguitan

    Entrepreneur and Cacao Farming Advocate

    Dubai, UAE

    Iman Suguitan is a contemporary Muslim Filipina who is both an entrepreneur and community advocate.  She runs her own business, contributes to the Muslim community, whilst pushing forward a social entrepreneurship initiative, at the same time preparing for a family with her husband.

     

     

    My Career

    I am the founder and managing director of Ahsant Premium Hotel Supplies & Specialized Gifts. I am also the brand director of Nypa – a lifestyle brand offering furnishings and amenities to hotels. I am in this business because I love establishments that give a sense of relaxation and beauty, and hotels do that! The first time I ever stayed in a 5-star hotel in Manila, the middle income-bracket, young, tropical city girl in me thought, “Wow, this is heaven on earth! Air-conditioning all day, you don’t need to clean up, it’s so quiet, it’s so luxurious!” My staff in Ahsant and I take great pleasure and pride in being able to contribute to the guests’ unique hotel experience.

     

    What do Filipinos need to do to get ahead globally?

    It might sound harsh, but for me in order to get ahead globally, Filipinos need to stop patting themselves in the back the minute they accomplish something. Jack Welch said that the end of excellence is when people become so comfortable with what they achieved that they actually believe it’s ok to relax and be satisfied. If you look at the stalwarts of excellence of our generation, those who have really broken through the global scene, they show us that the key is discipline and a never-ending wanting to be better, and that want translates to hard work.

     

    Now there are traits though that we Filipinos should never lose. One is our ability to look at the glass half full. I see this when Filipinos thrive when the pressure is on at work, when we can laugh even at the most dire circumstances, when we are able to deliver great results despite bad company – may it be at work or at home. Malasakit at maagap, those are two superb Filipino traits.

     

    My dreams and aspirations

    I dream of a lot of children. Four. I’ve always wanted to be able to pass on all this knowledge to them, to leave a legacy. But while my husband and I are still waiting, I’m trying to do as much as I can for myself, the Muslim community and for our country. As an expat, I dream of a day when non-Filipinos start truly appreciating our contribution to this country. And maybe the greater dream is that we Filipinos need not go outside of our country and expect to be appreciated by other nations because we are already appreciated by our own government and our own countrymen.

     

    I think this could start by having a mindset of pulling each other up. Days of crab mentality are so last century. If we will ever become a truly great nation, we have to help each other. I will go back again to my earlier suggestion of just having a mentality of excellence. Beat your own record and on your way to the top, pull some people up, too. This is one of the reasons why we are championing this new social enterprise which I and my sister started. It’s called “OFW para sa Magsasaka” wherein the OFW invests his money into cacao farms in the Philippines, farmer tills the land, then they share in the income. Not one person or family just becomes rich, as what is happening now, as many as possible in the value chain will have financial success.

     

    One thing I have learned the past six years that I’ve been running Ahsant in Dubai as sole owner and director is that if you’re not too greedy, you can actually create equitable business, very simply, everyone is happy – from yourself, to your staff, to customers and suppliers. So my dream stretches to making even more people happy beyond Ahsant and beyond UAE! It would just be so good to help alleviate poverty among farmers.

     

    Then the selfish dream is to one day go back to the Philippines and stay there for good; I think I have the same dream as most OFWs, that we never have to leave children trying to earn money, that if we were to travel, it’s because we travel to enjoy and not because we’d lose money if we don’t fly back to the country where we are foreign workers.

     

    Living life to the fullest everyday

    I wake up for the first prayer of the morning – salatul fajr, and try as much as possible not to go back to bed. My sister and I work from about 6am to 8:30am on “OFW para sa Magsasaka” then we go to our respective offices to our regular work. I only work 4 times a week, something I started this year. I have two day-weekends plus Tuesday, my “knowledge day” wherein I only do things to increase or share my knowledge. Right now this is dedicated to Islamic studies and learning Arabic, plus I co-curate a blog called Sister, Sister, Brother (www.sistersisterbrother.blogspot.com) which is a journal of the modern Muslim which aims to connect with other cool Muslim professionals around the world who, like us never abandon our religion no matter how modern or how forward thinking we are. It also aims for non-Muslims to better understand us, especially in these times when beyond the Middle East Islamophobia is ever-present.

     

    I use weekends for exercise, seeing close friends or business friends, having chick-flick movie nights, and campaign for the causes I believe in through social media.

     

    I’m able to do everything seamlessly because of the people who surround me. My Ahsant team is superb.  My husband and sister are also my two best friends. Not only do they believe I can fly, but they keep me grounded. Islam is a huge part of how we enjoy our lives and we’re proud to say it.

     

    My Mantra in Life

    “Tie the camel and do tawakkul.” It’s from a hadeeth, or a story from the time of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) wherein He was asked “should we tie the camel first and then trust/rely in Allah (tawakkul) or should we rely in Allah then tie the camel? The Prophet answered, “Tie the camel then do tawakkul.”

     

    This means you work hard first and then you leave everything to Our Creator. For me, when I say work hard, that means I need to be sure that I gave my utmost best; may it be for a product we are developing, a speech I’m crafting, or even the weights I’m lifting in the gym. So when things don’t happen as I want or I don’t get the results which I want, it’s very easy to say – “It was simply not meant for me because I did my absolute best.”

     

    Meet another Power Pinay in the UAE – Jan Barlow 

     

  • About Pinays Take Charge

     

    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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

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

     

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

     

    1. 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.

     

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Filipino Ladies Association for Growth (FLAG)

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Filipino Ladies Association for Growth (FLAG)

    Filipino Ladies Association for Growth (FLAG) - Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado

    Nowhere is the special role and capacity of women in facilitating cross-cultural understanding more apparent than in the case of the group FLAG (Filipino Ladies Association for Growth).

    Lu Cimafranca – FLAG Founder – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado

    Composed of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, and supported by a select group of prominent Filipina leaders, FLAG was founded by Mme Lu Cimafranca – wife of former Phil Consul General Head Hon. Frank Cimafranca in 2014, and is now lead by Mme Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes wife of current PCG Consul General Hon. Paul Raymund Cortes. Mme. Cortes explains, “FLAG’s main objective is to enhance the role of Filipino ladies in the UAE through active participation in community events. It focuses on women empowerment and the advancement and the promotion of Philippine culture. We hope to raise awareness among the various ethnic communities in the UAE about what the Filipina woman can contribute and achieve in this country’s multicultural landscape.”

    Speaking on the special role of women in the community, particularly the contribution that diplomatic spouses bring to the table, Mme Cortes elucidates, “Spouses provide the foundation for diplomats to keep grounded especially when the world of diplomacy and consular issues gets rough. In addition, we complement their work plans most often in socials and cultural events. There are many instances where the informal and back channels work more effectively than the formal and official route and this is where the spouses play a decisive and crucial role.”

    Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes - Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado
    Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado

    Last year, FLAG spearheaded the Terno Ball in the UAE which brought Filipino trailblazers and the diplomatic community together. The group has also provided support to some charity organizations. Continuing on, Mme Cortes shares, “We will be working on the Filipiniana Ball which we hope could showcase the uniqueness of Filipino fashion and highlight the renowned creativity that have produced superb talents like Michael Cinco, Furne One, and Ezra Santos. We also hope to plan more activities in the next couple of months.” She also adds that FLAG will also pursue worthwhile advocacies back home especially those related to disaster relief and support for less-privileged children.

    “We are excited to work with everyone here most especially in projects that would uplift the image of the Filipino in the emirates. Rest assured, I will continue playing an active role in ensuring that our women are empowered and confident of what they could contribute in this part of the world,” she concludes.

  • 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

     

     

  • The Filipina On Top: Deconstructing Maria Clara – Part 1 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

     

     

     

  • 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.

    dreamstime_6633872 Young-sun Teh 

    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.”

    FB_square

    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.

    dreamstime_xl_26760085

    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!”

     

  • Illustrado Day of Sisterhood

    Photos By Donald Rosales and Cristina Linaza

    Illustrado threw a community event for Filipinas in the UAE on the 6th 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.

    Event host, Lalaine Chu-Benitez – Illustrado’s Publisher & Editor-in-Chief welcomes guests with the Go Pinay mantra

    Phil Ambassador to the UAE Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

     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
    Renowned psychologist, author and TV personality Dr. Margarita Holmes discusses sexual empowerment

    No holds-barred discussion on sexual empowerment and reproductive health

    Digerati’s Arlene Pulido asks the good doctor a question

    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.

    Illustrado’s Johanna Dalocanog conducts a contest for Titan Watches
    Artist Flordeliza Pesigna dances salsa while completing a painting right in front of the audience

    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.

    Titan Watch winner Jewel Rovera with Illustrado’s Johanna Dalocanog

    Dr. Margarita Holmes with photographer blogger Cristina Linaza

    (Center) Regina Marauta at the Meeting Love Sports stand
    Free bone scan at the Anlene stand

     

    At the Xpress Money stand
    DJ Amor Dagdag of Tunog Pinoy (center) and companions

    Busy at the registration

    At the Dunia stand
    Photographers-bloggers Cristina Linaza and Mariyah Gaspacho
    At the Titan Watches standAt the Ayala Land stand
    At the Al Ain Dairy stand
    Light lunch and Arab Beverages refreshments

     

     

  • Dove Friends at Illustrado Day of Sisterhood

    Look who’s friends with Dove!

    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