Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Filipino expats

  • Scrapbook: Chris Calumberan

    Scrapbook: Chris Calumberan

    Chris Calumberan Professional photographer Chris Calumberan started his career working for production companies in Dubai. He began by updating databases of model profiles for agencies. While understanding how the system works, he involved himself in model booking, location scouting and management as well as production assisting for TV commercials and print ads.   As a self-taught photographer, he started assisting mentors specializing in Portraits, Interiors and Food which molded him to become a general photographer. He found his niche and started specializing in portraits and fashion where he established his recognizable style in his works. Group hobbyists and semi-professionals consider him an inspiration for his willingness to share his talent by offering apprenticeship and mini-workshops. “It is all about visualization. As I shoot, it’s very important that I have the concept in my head. Before the actual shooting, I scout the location and get my measurements done (light source, compass readings, shoot timings). Everything has to be coordinated; from the subject, wardrobe, make-up, up to the last detail in post- production.  I learned this discipline while working with different photographers. For me, this is the ideal way to work.”   Check out his works on:  http://chriscalumberan.com/
  • Scrapbook – Jeff Vergara & Marc Guittap

    Scrapbook – Jeff Vergara & Marc Guittap

    JEFF VERGARA Jeff had no idea he would eventually end up as a serious photographer when he first handled his dad’s Polaroid and Nikon film as a child. This Computer Engineering graduate discovered digital photography in 1999, when he was tasked to take product shots using Sony Mavica, the first commercial electronic camera that stores images on a diskette. He learned the rudimentary basics of photography through self-study and long internet surfing sessions. Although Jeff’s work is more on graphic and web development than photography, he became serious with his passion for taking photos in late 2004. Over the years he has experimented with different techniques; usually mixing graphic design skills and inspiration from the masters of the craft. He has done numerous projects for company events, individual assignments, weddings and exhibits, and won a number of photo competitions. Lately, Jeff has focused more on portraiture, street and landscape photography which are his favorites. In 2007, he co-founded the Mideast Snipers (www.mesnipers.com), an online photography organization with a vast number of members with whom he shares his photography knowledge.  Jeff is also an avid blogger. He writes his online journal, “The Dubai Chronicles” (www.dubaichronicles.com) which features his photographic adventures and stories of daily life in Dubai. MARC GUITTAP Marc says his photography is – “first and foremost, an exploration.” An architect by profession, he dabbled with the camera to study light, views, angles and, most importantly to capture beauty. His love affair with the lens started with the need to put together a decent reconnaissance report as part of design requirements.  From there, he found himself slowly veering towards more creative pursuits. Marc’s collection of photographs runs the gamut of gritty documentary shots to polished architectural snaps to portraiture. All of them, however, are borne out of the necessity to understand beauty and express it without a single utterance. He says, “I believe that the latter are better left to the beholder- beauty is, after all, universally understood though its expressions and interpretations are utterly varied.” Currently, Marc professes that his over active shutter finger is an apprentice to his vivid imagination. He enjoys sharing his work and receiving constructive criticism from his peers in the field.
  • Filipino Slovenia: My Pinoy Life in Izola

    Filipino Slovenia: My Pinoy Life in Izola

    Filipino Slovenia: My Pinoy Life in Izola

    GIA RAMA

    Since when have you been staying there?  Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

    I am Gia Rama, a mother of one and the wife of a Slovenian engineer.  I remember meeting my husband in Cebu, Philippines. He was there on a project working as a commissioning engineer for one of the TransCo substations in Mandaue City where I was previously working as a secretary to the District 2 Department. That’s where it all started – the meeting of two hearts, and of two different worlds.

    My husband won my heart in so many ways. But moving with him after we got married, to a country which I never heard about was not an easy thing to do. I heard about ex-Yugoslavia and the neighboring countries but Slovenia? I never knew it existed.

    Tell us something about your host country and your life there.

    Slovenia is famous for their limestone caves, rivers, castles, and they have the biggest ski jump in the world. Other than this, the country is also famous for their wine. They make homemade wine which I enjoy so much.  Wine is always present in every house and in every celebration. The locals love get-together parties. Even sharing a cup of coffee with the family is important to them. They have close family ties like we do. Well, that’s what I see with my husband’s family. They love being together. Slovenians, however, don’t show their emotions too much. They themselves admit that they are quite cold. Some of them give you a certain reaction or look that makes you feel bad and small. But then again, it’s cultural and it’s just a matter of getting used to.

    As for me, I have somehow accepted their ways, and now I love it here.  Although first, it was very hard. I arrived at the worst season – winter! For a tropical girl like me, arriving in winter was terrible. It was gloomy and cold. The worst thing was, I was home sick. I wanted to go back to the airport and get the first flight back to the Philippines.  But of course, I did not. I took a risk and gave it a try. The first few months were not easy. People were looking at me strangely. I did not have friends, no work and no social life – nothing! I remember crying because I felt so alienated. I met some Filipinas after a while and it got a bit better. But then I still felt sad. My husband was not around so much. He was travelling and working around the world – something I had to accept.

    But it was not all tears for us. It was interesting for me too. Winter meant snow! Yes! Snow! The first time I saw and felt snow, I was so amazed how it came down slowly from up there and it seemed like the world was so silent. But then again, this silence just made me lonely again. I was missing my family in the Philippines so much. I still do. So ok, the seasons changed and with the season, my feelings and emotions changed too. As I slowly felt the warmth of summer, I felt lighter. I started to go out and meet more people.

    What do you there do for a living and how do you keep busy?

    In May 2008 I got employed as a secretary in an engineering firm called CCE, d.o.o.  From that time, my life got busier, and of course, I was very happy about the fact that I was also earning. In the same year my son Grant, started elementary school. So I had to do double time working in the office, taking care of the house and helping my child with his studies. I am also into dancing lessons, and had the opportunity to perform for an audience.  I was also in a multi-cultural fashion show which was held in Izola. It was composed of women and children of different races. We had to present our national costumes and displayed our dishes which were open for free tasting. I also joined the 10 kilometer marathon just last year.  I am quite sure that I am not the only Filipina enjoying these opportunities.

    Is there a Filipino community there?

    This year, I was elected as President of the Filipino community here in Slovenia, another responsibility which I gladly accepted. There are about 80 Filipinos here. We gather once or twice a year for the Independence Day celebration and Christmas party. We have no major projects yet, but I feel that we will get there someday. Last year, our community here has done our part in helping the victims of the typhoon Ondoy. We have sent used items or clothing. Unfortunately, acknowledgement never reached us. I do not mean to make it sound like we lack attention or we need the world to know that we have helped. But my aim was for Slovenia, especially the Filipino community here, to be made known to the whole world. Slovenia exists… we exist here.

    Filipinos are far more vibrant and warm than the people here. Naturally, we are the open and friendly ones. People like us here. But of course, racism can’t ever be denied. But then again, generally, we are well-accepted and respected.  Most of all, they love our beauty; they love the tropical and exotic look that we have, our color. This is the very reason why I like getting a tan even if I am already dark.  In the summer, we go out and take advantage of the sun. We go to the beach almost every weekend. There are even times when we make use of the little time we have after work. But Slovenia is not famous for their beaches. We cross the border and go to Croatia to enjoy clean and clear waters.

    Your message/greeting to Filipinos across the globe

     

    Greetings to all Filipinos all over the world! Here’s wishing you good health and happines with your loved ones. Like all others, the Filipinos here are also working to make their lives better and, of course, with the intention to help those they have left back home. Let us all work together and make this happen without stepping on someone else’s rights. Let us respect each other, no matter the differences of jobs that we have. We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of God. Let us act this way.

  • Illustrado Magazine Launch – 20th September 2006

    It was in the year 2006 when Dubai witnessed the birth of Illustrado, the first and only Filipino lifestyle magazine in the Middle East. Glamorous attendees from the advertising, retail, fashion industries and more were spotted at the event at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai. To recall this momentous social event, here are some of the images taken from Illustrado Magazine’s launch party.

  • FURNE ONE: A One-on-One with ‘THE’ ONE

    By Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Photo By Eros Goze

    We have fondly given him the title “The ONE and only” – and quite rightly so. Virtually everybody that matters in the regional haute couture industry knows what makes this Dubai-based Filipino artist a stand-out in the world of elite style. However, unbeknownst to many, there is so much more that makes him unique, and that truly establishes “The One” (pronounced ‘oh-nay’) as somebody even larger, than “merely” a true fashion maverick well-ahead of the pack.

    If there is anything that truly defines Furne One’s creations it is the word ‘grandiose.’  When you say Furne Amato, it has to be something huge.  Nothing is ever small; everything is maximal, dramatic, and larger than life.  We have seen his head turning creations on the catwalk and in the pages of reputable glossies around the region. We know of his “shock and awe” attitude to color that is uniquely his, the strong style statements he creates, as well as his “take it all the way” bravado when it comes to design elements which are truly distinctive – whether it is in his irreverent mixing of crystals, patterns and embellishments, or his exaggerated hips or any other latest style fixation of his.  A tough act to follow, but the one thing that perhaps matches Furne’s grandiosity in aesthetics is how he attacks work and the design process itself.

    Unlike others in the same creative field who look at the small things like elements, colors, or the details and inspirations du jour, Furne thinks and creates in 4D, High Definition, full fashion production drama. “I love films and I am fascinated by big productions especially movies of a gothic nature, or those that revolve around fairytales, vampires and wolves,” the artist shares enthusiastically, his eyes shining. “I think about all the details of the fashion process, from the tinniest embellishments of the clothes, to the fashion show, complete with the music, lighting, ambience, choreography, as well as the models’ styling, make up – the works.”  No wonder, Furne’s fashion shows are touted as some of the best and most-awaited in the country.

    A fashion designer whose penchant for the unexpected is well known, Furne professes, “When it comes to fashion, of course, I don’t like to be just like everybody else. Having my own identity is very important to me.”  He continues, “I design for my own pleasure and it is important for me to get the whole look right.  So more than just the dress, I also like to play with the styling.  Trying stuff and changing them around, until I achieve just the right and complete look.”

    And the process just doesn’t stop there. Seeing the artists creations on the ramp, is one thing, but having a front row peek at how he operates is quite another. Witnessing Furne One in action, one gets a grip of his true gravitas when it comes to his art and discipline. He is never big enough to get his hands dirty, and yet by showing what a consummate professional he is, one who is thoroughly concerned about his craft, who will move just about everything necessary to make sure that he gets what he needs and the richness it deserves, One is head and shoulder above the rest, not only by virtue of creativity, but also with his strong work ethics.

    For this month’s Illustrado fashion editorial, the designer, handpicked, set-planned and personally oversaw the casting, styling and phasing of what can only be described as an over-the-top shoot-cum-fashion show which featured 25 lavish haute couture gowns and six models captured in fading daylight.  It was elaborate, fussy and huge, but fabulously worth all the trouble – just like any Furne One concoction.  Alas, nothing is ever small when it comes to ‘The One and only.’

    “I work with my entire team.  I am open to suggestions and like to hear comments from my assistants.  I do not stop until I get it just right.  And of course, in the end, I follow my vision and what I think works best,” the designer remarks.

    From an entrepreneurial angle, this Cebu-born design visionary seems to have been blessed with a business acumen that is quite a rarity in the creative field.  While most designers are merely purveyors of style, One also displays the astuteness and savvy of a seasoned businessman – one who knows the difference between merely creating fashion, to one who is building a veritable couture business, which has attracted serious investment proposals, and one that is to be reckoned with in the future, not only in the Gulf.  Since the emergence of his fashion house in the last five years, Furne has built his brand, Amato, into a strong and reputed haute couture name patronized by an elite roster of clients, including royals.  Furne, together with his team of professional consultants, has also managed other aspects of his business including publicity, promotions, and launches of his new collections, with the measured shrewdness of someone who understands exactly how to market his brand.  His outward orientation towards the global runway and forays into style hubs like Los Angeles, Miami, and Germany via Germany’s Next Top Model by Heidi Klum, has bode him well and has added another level of prestige to his conquests on the ramps of Dubai, a feat still unequalled by his peers.

    In September, Furne is stormed London Fashion Week, to rave reviews, with “Love and War” an Elizabethan inspired collection featuring startling combinations of materials, textures and embellishments, presented to the sound of galloping horses in a dramatic production that is distinctly One’s.  The same collection has been showcased in Furne’s homecoming gala show in the Philippines under the auspices of the international charity organization at the Red Cross Ball, held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati with Philippine high society in glittering attendance.

    Still, with his undisputed success and his providential combination of creativity, hard work and innate business savvy, Furne, looks at his oeuvre with a distinct sense of pragmatism and gratitude. “I’ve been very lucky,” he says as a matter of fact. “There are a lot of good Filipino designers, a lot of hardworking ones too. But you also need luck to be successful.  And I have been very fortunate.”