100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Filipino Ambassadors to the GCC
Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain – Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver
Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Alfonso Ver brings with him a wealth of experience in Foreign Service before his first ambassadorial posting in the country. His first foreign assignment was as Vice Consul, then promoted to Consul, in Guam (1996 to 2002). He later became First Secretary and Consul General, then Minister, Consul General and Deputy Head of Mission, in Ankara, Turkey (2005 to 2009), before he moved to San Francisco, USA as Consul then Deputy Consul General (2009 2012). At the Department of Foreign Affairs, he was Executive Director of the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (2012 to 2015).
As the head of the 60,000 strong Filipino community in Bahrain, the Ambassador has made his people’s welfare integral in his function. This year, a community center slated to further improve bilateral ties, is expected to rise in the country in time for the embassy’s 40th anniversary.
Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia – Adnan V Alonto
Ambassador Adnan Villanula Alonto comes from a family of politicians. He is the son of the late Senator Domocao Alonto and brother of Lanao del Sur Governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong. Since passing the bar exams in 1985, he has worked in many different law offices in the Philippines.
In 1996, Ambassador Alonto and his family left for the US. He then worked in several companies as a legal professional until 2016 before accepting his assignment from the President as Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With a little over two months in his position, he has already made strides in bridging the connection between the Philippine government and Filipino residents of the country. He says, “I am here to fulfill the mandate given to me by the President to ensure that the rights and well-being of our people are protected while they are working here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Philippine Ambassador to Oman – Narciso Castañeda
A seasoned diplomat having carried out Foreign Service posts representing the Philippines in the US, the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, France, and Chile, Ambassador Narciso Castañeda, now stationed in Oman, notes that all the work that he does is ultimately rooted in helping Filipinos, and solidifying the motherland’s associations internationally with other countries.
Last year, a significant advancement in the bilateral ties shared by Oman and the Philippines was made when Ambassador Narciso paid a courtesy call on Oman’s Minister of Justice, Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah bin Ali al Khalili. In the meeting held at the office of the Justice Minister in Muscat, Castañeda discussed ways of which the liaison between the two nations could be enhanced. Acknowledging the importance Filipinos towards the development of Oman, the success of the conference resulted in the Justice Minister conveying a willingness to help improve the significant bilateral bond. Not only is this triumph indicative of the Ambassador’s influence in the nation, it too highlights his commitment to his home and its people.
Filipinos have always regarded education as one of the most important facets of life. Wherever they are in the world, they strive hard to learn more, to know more and to apply what they have learned – and in some instances, they make it a point also to help others learn more.
Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) Program
Photo by: Alex Callueng
A flagship Executive Education program of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) is a non-profit six-month empowerment program that seeks to build the capabilities of Filipinos overseas to be change agents for their families, communities, and their home country. This capacity-building initiative consists of 12 full-day sessions covering four sessions each for Leadership, Financial Literacy and Social Entrepreneurship facilitated by highly-qualified resource speakers from ASoG and the ALSE consortium. By the end of 2017, the program has seen over 1,993 graduates, from a total of eleven countries.
Led by highly committed volunteers, the 2017 local secretariat is spearheaded by Benjamin Datinguinoo, Paul Moralde, Manuel Canlas, and Jr. & Leopoldo Garcia. The group is guided by its core advisers Jasper Adviento, Gina Valbuena, Armand Fernandez and Marian Celeste Carella. The group is futher supported by the LSE Alumni Association, led by JR Papel, along with the Alumni Council.
“Volunteerism is undeniably far from easy, especially when the intention to leave our home country is to explore opportunities for a better future,” says Gina Valbuena. “When you volunteer, your actions become focused outside of yourself, reaching out to where there is a greater need to serve without the thought of receiving in return. Though often an option difficult to undertake, this is an advocacy that every member of the Ateneo LSE community shares.”
Jr Papel adds, “The best way to create the new breed of entrepreneurial Pinoys is to educate and sharpen their current skills, challenge the employee mindset and encourage them to become social entrepreneurs. This refining of capabilities will eventually prepare and sustain them for their return and reintegration.”
Kababayan NPO
Photo by: Alex Callueng
A group of Filipino volunteers whose sole objective is to share their priceless time, skills, talents and professional expertise towards the betterment of kababayans in the UAE, Kababayan NPO (KNPO) has grown since its inception in 2015. The group which has trained some 5,000 graduates to date is composed of 60 volunteers coming from all walks of life. Lead by Elgene Bautista (President), Karen Bautista (Vice Pres), Jaymark Pangilinan (Audit), Jhoana gerologa(Finance), Charlene Josue & Micheal Pangilinan (Marketing), and Essa Puentespina (Deputy VP), KNPO’s majority is composed of trainers, as well as other volunteers working relentlessly to ensure a seamless operation.
“Education plays a vital role in our professional careers,” says KNPO President Elgene Bautista. “It helps open doors to better opportunities. With many Filipinos here in the UAE who would like to improve their skills but cannot afford the high cost of education, Kabayan NPO is here to help. KNPO exists for a goal, and that is to live up its mission statement: Advancing knowledge, transforming lives.”
KNPO’s work as organization is greatly validated when their students have excelled. Among their projects including the CCNA Boot camp for which a student garnered a perfect score of 1000/1000, twenty-two of its Massage Therapy students also took the TESDA NCII certification and brought home an unprecedented 100% passing score.
The Philippine Business School
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Launched in June 2017, under the visionary leadership and advocacy of its Chairman, Lyndon Magsino, the Philippine Business School (PBS) has a mission to shape Filipinos to become global business leaders of tomorrow. The success of PBS can be measured not based on the number of programs they have rolled out but based on the number of successful Filipino business tycoons who are dominating the business world.
Lyndon has envisioned that through PBS, Filipinos can be effective CEOs, CFOs, and owners of big global conglomerates.
“Filipinos are under-recognized by most employers while being left behind in the business world,” says Lyndon. “Recognizing the limitless and great potential, PBS paves the way to equip the hands and educate the minds of Filipinos to become industry ready, field experts, and global business leaders, believing that there is great potential in every Filipino to keep the competitive spirit and excel in their careers. When the time comes for them to make that daunting decision to either migrate to another country or come home to the Philippines for good, they have all the necessary learning and competencies to sustain a stable future not just for themselves but the nation as well.”
In its pursuit of excellence, PBS continues to collaborate with top tier institutions both internationally and in the Philippines such as the De La Salle University for its MBA programs. With barely a year in its operations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, PBS remains positive that with perseverance, more and more Filipinos in the Gulf would recognize PBS as a premier and trustworthy institution.
“PBS will continue to share knowledge, and perhaps be an example to our fellow Filipinos in thinking and striving to go beyond the glass ceilings,” says Lyndon. “To strive to excel in everything that we do so that other nations will see us as a nation of brains; where Filipinos are valued as influential in the workplace, in the Gulf and where success is not only possible but inevitable for everyone.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Dr. Michael Purugganan – Scientist.
A leading authority on plant molecular evolution and genomics, with over 130 research papers to his credit Dr. Michael Purugganan is a distinguished Biologist, who, through his undertakings has contributed a wealth of knowledge to the domain of Science. He reveals: “In my science, it is always part of our contribution to humanity’s knowledge. But I am conscious that this is also part of the Philippine contribution to world knowledge.”
Born and raised in Metro Manila, Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at UP Diliman and pursued further studies finishing his Master’s in Chemistry from Columbia University in New York City, and his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Georgia. He serves as the Silver Professor of Biology and Dean for Science at the esteemed New York University, USA, and is an affiliate professor here at NYU Abu Dhabi. He was also the director of the NYU New York Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (2010-2012) and the NYU Abu Dhabi Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (2012-2017).
In his laboratory at NYU Abu Dhabi, Michael leads a group of scientists who study the different date palm varieties, investigating their origin, evolution, and genetic makeup, hoping that they may encounter new ways to enhance date palm fruits. His work has earned him the Khalifa International Date Palm Award, bestowed on him by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan in 2015.
Through his breakthroughs, Michael shares that if not for curiosity, hard work, and persistence, he would not be where he is today. He tells us: “What allowed me to achieve is not thinking I couldn’t do something – if I thought it was worth doing, I would go for it. Also, not taking shortcuts and always doing more than what is necessary to get the work done. Finally, always being focused on excellence and making sure our work is world-class.”
Michael has these wise words to share with fellow Filipinos: “To compete in the global arena, you have to be ready to compete against the best in the world. And we Filipinos can do it, no matter what we do, if we put our minds to it and if we are never satisfied but always working to do better.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Illac Diaz – Social Entrepreneur
‘There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light.” – Vern P. Stanfill
Illac Diaz, might as well be called ‘Ilaw (light) Diaz.’ His endeavors have illuminated hundreds of thousands of poor families’ homes across the globe, and have also enlightened and inspired a generation of eco-warriors hoping to change the world for the better.
Illac Diaz is the Founder and CEO of Liter of Light – a global grassroots movement committed to providing affordable and sustainable solar lights to people with limited or no access to electricity. Starting modestly in the Philippines under the MyShelter Foundation in 2011, the initiative has since benefitted over thirty countries, recruited 1400 participants, and brought light to poor communities with some 350,000 bottle lights.
Illac’s project won the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) in 2015 at the first United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He has also recently facilitated a world record ‘The Largest Environmental Sustainability Lesson’ with the support of the ZFEP, creating a solar portrait in celebration of the “Year of Zayed” with 1400 solar lanterns made through the efforts of 280 young students from around the UAE. A milestone he considers as a great honor. At the moment, he is also preparing for the Dubai Expo2020 as one of the grant recipients whose work will be showcased at the landmark event.
A patriot with global aspirations for his country, Illac shares, “I would like to create a story of hope for the way young people see Filipinos; that as much as we receive so much charity and aid, we can also give solutions and contribute our share in making life on Earth better for people who need a helping hand.”
The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.
Annie B Chronicles – Illustrado Magazine
Hey mga avid readers! Eversince, lagi na lang tungkol sa akin ang nababasa ninyo, for a change let us give way to another masugid na tagasubaybay of my column – this time sya naman ang kamuhihan at pagtawanan nyo – charot!!! Nang maiba naman ang ihip ng hanging ngayong buwan ng mga puso. Mga kabayan, kilalanin natin si … Shawie at ang kanyang Kwentong OFW.
Dear Ate Annie,
Hello po! Muzta na po u, Ate Annie? Sana po ay nasa mabuti kayong kondisyon patanggap ninyo ng sulat kong ito. Simula pa lang ay nais ko na kayong pasalamatan sa pagtangkilik ninyo ng aking liham. Itago nyo na lang ako sa pangalang Shawie. Tulad nyo, isa ring probinsiyana – tubong Liliw, Laguna – di rin gaanong kagandahan ngunit balingkinitan naman ang pangangatawan kaya’s panalo ako lalo na kapag suot ko ay Mango at Zara – ayan, pareho din nga pala tayong fahionista. Half Chinese ang father ko kaya nabiyayaan ako ng makinis at maputing balat…yun nga lang medyo may pagka-kinky ang buhok ko ngunit salamat sa Sheila Straightening Cream, Maine N’ Tail Shampoo at Hanabishi Flat Iron (my bestfriend, I swear!) ay paminsan-minsan ko rin na-a-achieve ang Gretchen Barreto hairstyle ko. Simula elementary hanggang high school ay honor student ako – oo, may pagka-nerd din t nahirapang mag-fit in sa mga kaklase ko noon. Dahil masipag akong mag-aral, Accountancy ang tinapos ko at top 5 sa board exam ng batch naming. Impressive ba?
Well, sa kabila ng lahat ng achievements ko, maituturingg kong empty at malumbay ang aking buhay, Ate Annie. You see, isa ako sa mga libo-libong kababaihan na kung tawagin nila ay “No Boyfriend since Birth”. Tumpak ka dyan – Never Been Kissed, Never Been Touched ang beauty ko – kaya ako lumiham sa iyo – para sana naman, dala ng iyong tunong at mga tips, ay makahanap na ako ng aking Prince Charming. Yun Na!
Ewan ko ba, lahat naman ng pelikula, tv shows, magazines at books ay sinunod ko na. Pero talagang mailap si Kupido when it comes to granting me my very own Papa. But don’t get me wrong, Ate Annie – I’ve never had a boyfriend pero madami nang boylets ang dumaan sa aking mga palad. I’ve met and have been with several na but not one single guy had been what you can call true love – or totoong naging boyfriend ko.
Take the case of Yñaki, my first-would be-boyfriend sana during my college days. He’s so coño and tisoy – dreamboat talaga ng buong campus and number 1 crush ng bayan. Akala ko noon, um-effect na ang kaka-Angel’s Breath cologne ko, kasi he always looks at me whenever I pass by.
Then one Friday afternoon, after watching his basketball game, I was about to take a sip from the water fountain when all of a sudden someone pushed me – napasungalngal tuloy ako sa faucet! Grabe, kakahiya talaga – everyone laughed – kasi there was blood coming out of my gilagid na – gosh! Then when I was about to confront na the salarin, I turned back – it was Yñaki pala! Ay nag-blush talaga akooooo. In my head, I started hearing this Close Up Jingle, “Hey where’s the look in your eyes….” habang he was wiping the blood from my mouth. “Hey it’s you pala…siguro you got so thirsty from game noh?” I told him. After he apologized, he asked for my number. Oh-My_Gaaaaawwwwd!!!
Pag-uwi ko ng dorm I made suhol to all the girls there by treating them to ice cream so that no one will use the phone muna before me. The around 3:30am he finally called! Super kilig!!! He asked me to go out with him, basta isama ko daw ang friend ko para hindi naman dyahe. So the next day I brought along Mika, Paola and Ronna Mae – my prettiest classmates – to my date with Yñaki. He brought din five of his team mates – we all had fun at Shakey’s! I was so kilig and ecstatic kaya I volunteered to pay for the bill na – syempre milestone in my teenage life yun kaya I wanted it to be perfect. The guys all exchange numbers with the girls then we went home na. I was expecting Yñaki to call that night pero almost 5am na the phone didn’t ring naman kaya I decided to sleep na lang. Baka sobrang nabusog sya with all the pizza and the mojos that he ate kaya baka maaga sya nakatulog.
After that weekend I saw him sa campus, I approached him and make kamusta. Sabi nya nadyahe daw sya after our first date. Hihihihihi!!! Kaka-kilig talaga. I told him there’s no problem. The he asked if I had merienda na (how thoughtful!) so I offered to treat him sa Digman’s Halo-halo. There, he opened up his heart to me. He said over the weekend he couldn’t stop thinking of this girl daw. He’s had a crush na daw on this girl since last sem pa and he’s glad he’s met her na finally. OMG!!! I was starting to sweat like a pig…could he be describing me???? But he’s torpe eh. He looked at the clock and had to eat and run lang kasi he had basketball practice pa daw. Anyway, I didn’t get to sleep that night. I played all of my Julia Fordham CDs and that made me feel more in love.
The next day, I waited for him sa may locker area but he had basketball practice na naman – so I waited pa rin until it finished at 7:30pm. After their practice, I surprised him by ordering 2 barrels of KFC – kasi I know na gutom na sya. He shared the food with his team mates and they made us kantyaw pa. Uuuyyy…kilig to the max naman!!! Kaya lang he was so tired na kaya he went home after eating na. It’s ok – I understand naman eh. It’s hard to have a jock for a boyfriend – he has to divide his time and attention between me, his studies and his game. Imagine? Dapat masanay nalang siguro ako. The next day he left a note with the tindera in our canteen. It said he wanted to meet me after class daw – very important – and that he took his 6 burgers na rin, abonohan ko na lang daw muna kase he didn’t have barya that morning.
So yun na – that moment that I’ve been waiting for. Siguro he’s finally going to propose to me. So I skipped my last period and nagpa-fresh ako sa ladies CR for one hour. I’ve waited for about two hours sa labas ng gym pero ok lang. The he came – with matching one dozen red roses and a box of Choco Mallows in his hands. Kunwari hindi ko sya nakita-syempre dedma muna konting pakipot noh??? The he covered my eyes with and asked, “Guess who?” Aaaayyy…kilig to the bones talaga, Ate Annie!!! Then he said, “Shawie, I know you’re such a nice girl and that you won’t let me down. I’ve got this one huge favor to ask sana eh…” Ako naman, “Really???” Nakanganga lang ako waiting for him to say the right words… “Can you….” He said, nahihiya pa. “Whaaaatt baaaa??” (Dali, inip na inip na ako!)
“Can you give these flowers and chocolates to your friend Mika for me?”
“Yesssss!!! Bigla akong napasigaw! Pero haaaa??? Teka, parang mali yata yung narinig ko. Huwaaattt???!!!
I wanted to ask you if you can give these to Mika, she’s my crush eh,” sabi ng damuho.
Nagdilim ang paningin ko Ate Annie, umikot ang paligid at gumuho ang mundo ko. Lintek na Yñaki yan, matapos kong ilibre eh gagawin lang pala akong bridge para ligawan ang classmate kong si Mika!!! Nag-walk out ako, Ate Annie. Hindi ko matanggap na gagamitin lang pala ako ni Yñaki. Buong akala ko eh ako na ang napupusuan nay ayun pala yung kaklase kong tadtad naman ng anan sa mukha?!!! Lecheeee!!! At duon nagwakas ang kabanata ng lovelife ko with Yñaki. Ni wala man lang holding hands, grabe!
Nang maka-graduate ako, nagtrabaho ako sa isang multinational accountancy firm – kokonti ang gwapo sa office kasi puro mga nerd at geeks sa math ang karamihan sa kanila. Isa si Robbie sa iilan lang na may hitusura at may porma sa department naming. Matangkad sya, makinis ang balat, at talaga namang japorms kung mag-outfit. Syempre, madaming girlash ang ume-emote sa kanya – super friendly sya kaya’t close sya sa lahat ng kababaihan sa office.
In one of our company outings, nagkasabay kami sa pagsha-shopping noon sa SM. I was so busy looking for a swimsuit nang mangkasalubong kami papuntang dressing room. He was trying on 5 different kinds of Speedos – talagang fashionable sya – imagine tatlo ang baon syang swimming trunks sa outing samantalang overnight lamang naman yon? Sya ang pumili ng swimsuit na binili ko – syempre para maging close kami kailangang tanggapin ko mga advice nya. After paying for our swimwear, kiladkad nya ako sa Rustan’s para mamili naman ng lotion – sya daw ang bahala sa akin. Pumili sya ng walong iba’t ibang klase ng lotion – may SPF 20, bronzer, after sun, moisturizer with Vitamin E at at kung ano-ano pang halaman – tinuruan nya akong mag-proper skin care – para daw hindi ako tumanda – grabe, na-feel ko talaga ang concern nya sa akin – mayamaya hindi na balat ko ang pinakialaman nya, sinamahan nya ako sa sa Propaganda Salon para ipa-style ang aking buhok – hindi daw kase bagay sa shape ng face ko ko ang hairo ko – oh dib a? Na-conscious ako bigla kasi wala akong kamuwang-muwang pinagdidiskitahan na pala nya ang aking fez! Eh ako naman, sige lang – discover me….control me…I’m yours!!!
After ng outing namin, mas naging close pa kami. Sabay kami nagla-lunch and that’s when he introduce me to the art of fine dining – puro kasi sa fastfood ko lagi sya inaaya eh he’s so health conscious pa naman. He taught me how to appreciate gourmet food – pati tamang pronounciation ng French cuisine natutunan ko becoz of him. Sosyal di ba? At take note ha? Madalas sya pa ang nanlilibre sa akin. Kaya obviously wala syang balak perahan lang ako. He helped me bloom into a pretty swan – hindi na ako mukhang librarian kung manumit mula noon – naging fahionista na ako! Thank to him kasi every weekend pinapahiram nya ako ng mga collections nya ng mga magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair at Cosmopolitan. Pati mga favorite DVDs nya shine-share nya sa akin like My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Devil Wears Prada and Brokeback Mountain. Bukod sa pagiging stylish at gourmet eater nya, super sensitive din sya at very thoughtful. Tuwing lalabas kami, he always gives me 5 sheets of Gatsby’s Oil Control Paper Powder – para daw hindi ako oily. O di ba?
When his birthday came, I was so flattered kasi I was the only one from the office that he invited. He’ll introduce me daw to his friends – it’s time na daw. Aaaawww!!! Eton a yun…he will finally expose me to his friends – malamang to get their approval. Knowing how fashionista he is, I maxed out my credit card and got a Prada dress – the one he’s been convincing me to buy dati pa – all for the love of Robbie.
Na-late ako noon sa party nya nagpa-parlor pa kasi ako para siguradong super ganda ako when I meet his friends. When I came, puno na ang condo nya with all of his guest – puro boys! At puro cute gaya ni Robbie. Most of them are flight stewards, advertising executives and interior designers. Nakakatuwa sila kasi all they talk about is food, fashion, travel and showbiz – hindi tulad ng sa ibang parties ng mga boys na puro kotse, gadgets at babae na lang ang labing pinagbibidahan. Here, everyone is so cultured and sophisticated. Sa totoo lang, ang dami kong topics na hindi maintindihan – pero oo lang ako n goo kunwari hindi ako bobita. Napansin ko na ako lang pala ang only girl na guest and Robbie kept on calling me “girlfriend” in front of everyone with matching snap ng fingers – kaya halos matunaw ako sa kilig. Naghintay lang ako for the right moment when all of a sudden I noticed some of the guest – boys ha? Cuddling each other…na shock ako. Ate Annie. Weird sa paningin ko yun. I walked out dun sa eksena and looked for Robbie. When I opened the door nagdilim ang paningin ko, umikot ang paligit at gumuho ang mundo ko, Ate Annie! Nahuli ko si Robbie may kayakap na mhin! O.M.G!!! “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” ni Celine Dion ang tumugtog sa isip ko.
Kaya pala, mahilig sya sa culture at arts – pati na sa beauty and fitness eh isa syang Dyosa!!!! Akala ko pa naman din nagagandahan sya sa akin kaya panay ang offer nya ng make over at tips – kasi type nya ako…ayun pala ginawa lang nya akong isang manyikang pilit na binibihisan at inaayusan!!! When he introduced me to his friends as his “girlfriend” eh amiga pala at hindi syota ang ibig nyang sabihin….walanghiya – natanso ako, Ate Annie!!! Nagdugo na naman ang puso ko – muli akong umasa sa wala.
Matagal ko ring ipinahinga ang puso ko. Everytime kasi may makikilala ako naging defensive na ko baka masaktan lang ulit ako at um-effort tapos saw ala rin naman mauuwi.
Hanggang sa napadpad nga ako ditto sa Dubai – to seek greener pastures – and more diversity when it comes to men. Since madaming foreigners ditto, the more chances of winning – ika nga ng promo ng Hope & Winston.
Hanggang sa makilala ko si Ahmed, Ate Annie. Nag-aabang ako noon ng carlift sa labas ng St. Mary’s pagkatapos ng misa – naligo na ako sa sarili kong pawis sa sobrang init sa labas ng biglang may humintong Ford Focus sa harapan ko. Bumukas ang bintana at bigla ako napa-hesusmaryahusep sa sobrang kagwapuhan ng driver nito – si Ahmed nga. Blue eyed at blonde sya – grabe sa kakisigan. He offered me a ride – miski gusto ko ng tumalon papasok sa bintana eh nagpakipot ako – ayoko nga, akalain pa nya easy to get ako noh? “No, thank you…I’m fine, “pa-girl akong tumanggi. “Are you sure habibi?” Coz there is blood coming from your nose already,” pangungulit nya. Aba, nang tignan ko sa bintana ng kotse nya eh nagdudugo nga ang ilong ko!!! Ang init kasi eh. Since wala namang dumadaang ibang sasakyan eh pinagbigyan ko na rin sya. Mukha naman mabait kaya siguradong safe naman sa kanya. After nya ako ihatid sa flan namin, we exchanged numbers. Since then, lagi kaming lumalabas – nanonood ng sine at nagsha-shopping tuwing weekend. In a span of two weeks naging super close kami – pero hindi naman nya ako nililigawan. Inisip ko baka since foreigner sya, hindi na uso ang ligawan sa kanila. Basta ako, sakay lang, enjoy the moment – ang sarap ng feeling kapag magkasama kami eh.
After one month of knowing each other, he invited me to his flat. Wala kasi yung flatmate nya nagbakasyon so wala syang kasama at nalulungkot sya. Excited at kilig akong pumayag, Ate Annie. Pagdating ko sa flat nya, nagulat ako dahing naka-boxer shorts lang sya. Medyo kinilig ako pero teka, hindi pa nga kami magsyota eh presko na sya? Nang umupo kami sa sofa eh bigla nya akong hinalikan. Aba, nataranta ako!!! “Wait!!! Shuhada, what is this?” tanong ko sa kanya. “What do you think habibi?” Sabay kindat at tingin niya sa kin ng super-lagkit. Napagtanto-tanto ko ang ibig niyang sabihin, so medyo panic ako. “Oh noooo no! I’m not even your girlfriend yet!” Biglang tawa ni Ahmed, “hahahahahaha”, para siyang si Ruel Vernal. “Habibi, you cannot be my girlfriend, not even my wife. You are Filipina.” Sabe ba naman? “So why do you go out with me if you’re not going to make me your girlfriend?” pangungulit ko pa. “Habibi, we have fun only…no strings attached. No commitment, no problem!” tigas mukha nyang pinadiinan sa akin. Ang kapal ng mukha nya, Ate Annie! Again, nagdilim ang paningin ko, umikot ang paligid at gumuho ang mundo ko. “How dare you, I’m Dalagang Filipina – Maria Clara all the way!!!” pagmamalaki ko. Binigyan ko sya ng mag-asawang sampal sabay walk out. Simula noon, hindi ko na sinagot lahat ng phonecalls, text at Facebook messages nya. Ano palagay nya sa akin, kalapating mababa ang lipad? Excuse me!!!
Kaya heto ako ngayon, Ate Annie – sugatan na naman ang puso at bugbog na bugbog na ang damdamin. Bakit ba nangyayari ang mga ito sa akin? Mabait naman ako at masunuring anak, mapagbigay sa kapwa ko at lagging nananalig sa Maykapal – pero bakit parang sinasadya ng tadhana na paglaruan akong tuwing mapapasabak sa romansa ang puso kong ito? Bakit ako pa, what’s wrong with me?!!! Help naman, Ate Annie. Alam kong iksaw lang ang tanging makakatulong sa akin – given your extensive experience and world-renowned exptertise when it comes to matters of the heart. Bigayn mo naman akong na advice on how to catch the perfect guy and avoid the mistakes I did before. Puhleassseeeeee???
Lovingly yours,
Shawie
……………………….
Dear Shawie,
Sa palagay mo mauuto mo ako porque pinuri mo ako? Kung ako nga walang jowa eh sa palagay mo ikaw pa uunahin ko? Ako muna noh?!!! May pa-perfect guy ka pa dyang hinahanap, bakit perfect girl ka ba? Wala ka bang blackheads sa noo at warts sa leeg mo? Maputi ba ang batok mo at siko? Wala ka bang split ends? Hindi ka ba bad breath kapag bagong gising ka? Kaya mo bang sabihin ito ng paulit-ulit: “Peter Pieper picked a peck of picked pepper…???” May multiple entry US visa ka ba? Pwes, kung hindeh eh wala lang karapatan mag-ilusyon ng perfect guy kasi ikaw mismo hindi ka naman perfect girl. Gets mo?
Pasensya ka na kung medyo harsh itong sasabihin ko. Tatanga-tanga ka kasi eh. Sus, sa simula pa lang hindi mo na nakita ang signs? Campus heartrob papatol say o eh inamin mo na ngang hidi ka naman kagandahan – eh ano ngayon kung balingkinitan ang pangangatawan mo – si Zorayda Sanchez din naman maganda ang katawan ah? May kilala ka bang tunay na lalaki na nangongolekta ng bawat issue ng Cosmopolitan at Vogue? Yang mga foreigner akala mo uubra dyan ang pagpapakipot at pag-iinarte mo? Next time gamitin mo yang kukote mo ha, hija?
Sabi mo matalino ka, CPA ka – sana next time read above the lines – if it’s two goods to be truth, magpakatotoo ka, sister! Tigilan mo na ang kakapanood ng mga telenovela na yan – hindi ka naman kasing ganda ni Marian Rivera para mag-expect na may Dingdong Dantes na naghihintay sayo noh? Harapin mo ang katotohanan – huwag nang mag-ambisyon ng hindi mo naman kayang abutin.
Pag may nanligaw sa yo na mabait at masipag, miski maitim ang gilagid at high waisted eh patulan mo na. Huwag nang choosy, tigilan na ang Dairy Crème, Dapat sayo mag-Fita – Fight to Win!!!! O sya, take care b’coz I care.
Lubos na nagmamahal,
Ate Annie J
Find more Annie B Chronicles and Filipinisms here.
Pinoy Artists in the Middle Easts That You Need To Follow. NOW.
The Middle East is home to a vibrant community of amazing Filipino artists.
Musicians, graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, filmmakers, videographers, poets, travelers, seekers and dreamers – energizing the Arab lands with their dedication and creativity whilst serving as grassroots ambassadors of Philippine culture.
They are the instigators of imagination, the purveyors of passion, the watchers of watchmen.
Here are some of them. Get to know them, and get to followin’.
MUSIC
We Left As Humans
Band
Style:
Post Rock, Math Rock, Ambient
Get into ‘em because…
They are just darn good musicians. So good, in fact, that you will not mind the lack of lyrics in their songs. If anything, it only serves to heighten the band member’s top notch musicality and melodic genius. Their music is well-conceived, deeply emotional, forward-thinking, and – in a strange way – inclusive yet tribal at same time.
In their own words…
“For us, music is the purest form of connection you can make with other people. It is the language of the soul. It inspires us to be better human beings. It is also the medium that we use to inspire others.”
Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube: We Left As Humans
Photo by: Francis John Cardenas
WYWY
Duo
Style:
Electronica, Synthpop, Torch Singing
Get into ‘em because…
WYWY’s sound is a throwback to the rebellious but deeply introspective spirit of early 90’s grunge, rock, and electronica. Think PJ Harvey, Morcheeba, and Portishead, with the openness and penchant for experimentation as Bjork and the trip hop UK group, Mandalay.
Rostered by the real-life couple, Mckie and X, WYWY’s music is characterized by haunting melodies, drawn-out instrumentation, and compelling beats that make for an experience that is simultaneously alien and familiar.
In their own words…
“Music is our emotional outlet, it saves us from stress and depression. We survive because of it.”
Facebook: @wywymusicofficial Instragram: @wywy.music Twitter: @wywymusic SoundCloud: WYWY Music
Verdad
Band
Style:
Progressive, Post-Rock, Metal, Reggae
Get into ‘em because…
“In Vino Veritas.” In wine there is truth – something it has in common with Dubai-based band Verdad.For something that is so heavily laden with searing guitar riffs, Verdad’s sound
is bound by a transcendent earnestness – like a corner prophet speaking universal truths through cuss-filled vitriol. The diversity in influences is certainly refreshing – you hear glimpses of Rage Against The Machine, Sublime, and Incubus during their S.C.I.E.N.C.E era.
In their own words…
“Verdad is Spanish for “Of the truth”. We live up to this name by staying true to ourselves and letting our individual influences merge and mutate into what we call our own collective identity. We love it because this has been our outlet and what we believe to be the highest form of expression.”
Facebook: @verdad.music SoundCloud: verdad_music
Soniq
EDM Collective
Style:
Dirty House, Tribal House, Afro House
Get into ‘em because…
Fact: Filipinos love to party. Another fact: Filipinos are severely under-represented in the Middle East’s emerging electronic dance music scene. This is where Soniq comes in as the lone Pinoy wolf in a pack that is predominantly western. They can spin with the best of ‘em, make the crowd go wild as well as any John Doe or Jane Smith – but what they have is that very Filipino sense of aiming to please. They are not the stars of the party. They leave that job to the audience.
In their own words…
“Being a DJ is really all about your love for music. Once you have this down, everything else will flow.”
KLS Martin Group – Middle East Representative Office
MY JOB
I am an Office Manager who wears different hats. Our company is an established manufacturer of medical instruments produced in Germany. Working for KLS Martin Group Middle East is challenging yet fun filled at the same time. I have been privileged to organize courses and exhibits. I have worked closely with highly respected surgeons from all over the region and the world. I started as a customer service agent and was given the privilege to be trained in Germany to learn the ins and outs of handling customers’ sales orders and quotations, software programs, logistics and about the company. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity. After a year, another blessing knocked on my door when the management moved me one step ahead and became the Office Manager.
My Typical Workday
My typical day starts with a silent prayer and a cup of coffee. When I’m in front of my laptop that means one thing… work mode. I make sure I cover all the deadlines, reports, our boss and office bills, signatures and stamps. And did I mention signatures? Despite the language barrier, working hand in hand with our head office in Germany has taught me to smoothly handle the accounts, HR, events, and overall office management.
Message to my fellow Filipinos
I look at the Filipinos around me in a pool of different nationalities and I can only wish for life of joy and true beauty and to always love your abilities and roles, whether you are a working mother or stay home dad and that includes all the awesome roles out there too. It is beautiful to live life for a meaningful purpose, authentically, and with no regrets. So reach for the stars and never stop, because you are a Filipino. Kaya natin to!
I work as a Senior Interior Designer at MJU Engineering Consultancy. As a Senior Interior Designer I am tasked to provide Conceptual Designs & 3D renderings for the interior Spaces of a Project to be later presented for approval of the Client. I am also responsible for performing preparing the Working Interior Design Drawings for the approved designs. I work closely with the managing Director who is also hands-on on all projects, so I make sure I’m always on my top performance and achieve all tasks necessary. It maybe terrifying at first but when you get the hang of it and built a proper means of communication and rapport, you will feel it’s much easier to get the job done as opposed to having a manager in between you & your boss.
My typical work day
A day in a life of a Senior Interior Designer consist of checking emails in the morning, sending out request & attending meetings for suppliers, coordinating drawings to contractors, and occasionally updating with the Boss for any upcoming projects.
Message to my fellow Filipinos
In our daily jobs, it is easy to be comfortable and just do whatever. We just stick to what’s in our job description, thereby missing out on opportunities for our companies to see that we can perform better. It’s time for us to step out of our comfort zones and do beyond our regular call of duty to prove to the world that the Filipinos are indeed a cut above the rest when it comes to diligence and work ethics.
