Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: philippines

Onli in da Pilipins: 10 Things Filipinos Wish They Were Free From, Forevermore

By Aby Yap

So we take the bad with the good—and for that, every single one of us deserves a sparkly monument in Luneta! Because frankly speaking, it takes true martyrdom and sheer love of ‘Pinas to deal with the worst each day of our lives without calling it quits. We could only wish upon a star that none of these ever have to happen for as long as we live.

1. Traffic

The story of our lives. The dire situation of our main thoroughfares pays no heed to the basic right to get to one’s destination sans the stress. Traffic shaves a minimum of four hours off our daily existence – time we could use for something more meaningful than cursing MMDA.

2. BV

Shoo, Bad Vibes! Our morning officially starts with Facebook checking (or check-in) and it doesn’t help make the day worth looking forward to when news feeds reek of bashing, bullying, and beast-mode posts. Loosen up, people! It’s a wonderful world.

3. Corruption

Everyone claims to be vehemently against it and yet would rather settle traffic violations with a Ninoy bill when caught. So much for the son’s tuwid na daan (face-palms). Lest we forget, corruption isn’t exclusive to politicians, though they undoubtedly earn more.

4. Gossip

While it can prevent the rise of serial killers in our midst, think of all the lives tsismis could ruin. The fathers who work hard, the mothers who love unconditionally, the daughters… you get the drift. Let’s just stick to cracking showbiz blind items.

5. Brokenness

This #hugot goes to MRT/LRT. It’s One-More-Chance level heartbreaking to ride one. The AC malfunctions. The doors don’t close even while the train is running. The train suddenly stops and we have to walk on the railroad tracks to get out of misery.

6. War

As Boy George sang, it’s stupid. There’s no sense fighting over who’s the most kilig love team today. The truth hurts, but JaDine, AlDub, KathNiel, and LizQuen don’t care. We have too much going on in the Spratly Islands and Mindanao to worry about it.

7. Trapos

So what do you do with trapos, or worn-out rags in English? You throw them away. That’s what we should be doing to our traditional politicians then—pronto! Because we’re already sick and tired of the same, old, and boring lies este rhetoric, mga kababayan.

8. Elections

This warrants its own space after what happened in the craziest election ever in Philippine history. Friendships ended. Monsters arose. Logic died and nearly everyone became fantards. A national apocalypse every six years will have us all bleeding to death. Never again.

9. OA-ness

To be declared persona non grata for calling someone hipon or shrimp (zero face value, though very sexy) is a little too much. But we’re over-reacting, touchy, and juvenile like that. It’s an acceptable behavior as our telenovelas can attest, where everyone is in a sigawan/ sabunutan/ sampalan fest.

10. Philippine Passport

Traitors we’re certainly not, but we’ve grown weary of being treated like second-class travellers. We demand equality, and the understanding that not every Pinoy plans to go on TNT (Tago Nang Tago)! A lot of us simply want to Travel Nang Travel. Visa denied is dream shattered.

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ABY YAP

What makes the Pinoy tick? Aby Yap’s long-running column “Onli in Da Pilipins” often answers that question. She talks about artistas, the pabebe, and the familiar Pinoy life, turning it into something fun and extraordinary. With a talent for finding every Juan’s funny bone, Aby’s wit and obvious affection makes the Filipino a whole lot more lovable.

Find more of Aby Yap’s articles here on Illustrado Life.

July 14, 2016
Solo Travel: On my Own
By Kristine Abante

There are many reasons why solo travel for women, especially for pint-sized Pinays like me, can be less popular or a bit more of a challenge for those wanting to spread her wings and explore the great beyond.

Raised in a country that values community over independence, with most parents usually overprotective of their girls (And for a good reason, particularly if you lived in Manila where there is always that 50-50 percent chance of falling prey to the next scammer) being an independent traveler is not exactly encouraged in the Philippines. But as with any kind of exploration, the rewards almost always outweigh the risks.

There is something extraordinarily exhilarating and powerfully liberating about heading out into the unknown on your own.

I realize that long before the release of Eat, Pray, Love and the popularity of “travel-while-your-single” blogs, I have often ventured out by myself.

It started with short trips, like going to the bookstore or the mall at age 11, progressing from short walks, to taking jeepneys, trains, and then one day, discovering the so-called Partas bus line in Cubao that would let me travel as far North as I wanted to be.

There is still nothing quite like the feeling of waking up to a bus load of strangers after an 8-hour bus ride, on a crispy morning and having a century-old rustic city like Vigan in Ilocos Sur laid out before you like a gift waiting to be opened.

My very first trip abroad was a company sponsored press tour of Macau. I asked my boss if I could extend my trip to explore Hong Kong on my own. Again, I’ll never forget the excitement of having to find my way to the budget hostel that I booked, tucked in the inner city streets with a tattoo parlor downstairs. I hauled my luggage onto the old-school elevator the size of a fridge and checked in on a room that seemed custom-built for my size.

At 20 years old, alone in a foreign land, I felt like I was being born again, the world was fresh and ripe with every kind of possibility. For a moment I was free from the judgment and the requirements of others.

Years later, after a couple more solo trips, I would find myself hauling my luggage once again, this time on the steps of the Metro in Paris and eventually finding my way to mini café sipping French wine and celebrating my decade-long declaration of independence.

Sure there are benefits in traveling with a group of friends, and seeing the Eiffel tower with the love-of-your-life must be the stuff of our Hollywood romcom daydreams come true, but I would still suggest women in their prime to go out of their comfort zones every once in a while and dare to experience the world like nothing else.

And before you launch into Les Miserables-level of self-pity and start pretending that “he is beside you”, consider for a moment the perks of traveling on your own.

Top 5 things you get from traveling on your own:
1. Your schedule (and your life) is your own. When you travel alone, you don’t need to adjust to the expectations of others. You don’t have to be somewhere at 8am if you don’ t want to. You can sit in a park bench for as long as you like or go have a drink with a complete stranger without anyone telling you (except your inner intuition) not to.
1. You learn to rely on yourself. Self-sufficiency is key when traveling solo. Planning your itinerary, being responsible for your own safety, getting lost and finding your way – these are things that you are forced to master, and these skills will come in handy at any situation later on in life.
1. You learn to enjoy your own company. Lots of people are uncomfortable sitting by themselves, or eating alone by themselves. I am not one of those. By traveling solo, I learned to enjoy a good cup of coffee on my own, or take a walk down quietly in a beautiful city alone with my thoughts. Often we are too crowded with our connections with other people that sometimes it is good to be reacquainted with yourself, and find solace in knowing that YOU are enough.
1. You get to meet other people. Traveling on your own doesn’t mean being lonely. In fact, most times it runs the opposite. Without the constraints of a group or a significant other, armed with anonymity, you can easily open up to strangers or even fellow travelers and have the most amazing time with them. A great way to explore a new place is meeting locals and sharing the experience.
1. You become more interesting. I believe that when you travel solo, you get to have more “take-aways”. Aside from the knick-knacks and fridge magnets you bring home, traveling adds to you, your soul, your personality, your history. You get to have more interesting anecdotes at dinner conversations, more stories to tell your spouse or your boyfriend, your future kids and grandchildren. You actually get to own memories that belong only to you and that are yours to keep forever.
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Find more travel articles on Illustrado Life.
April 27, 2016
Filipino Abroad – It’s What I Do

Filipino Abroad – It’s What I Do

KRISTOFFER MENDOZA

Restaurant General Manager

II Café di Roma – Dubai, UAE

My job

I am a Restaurant General Manager. Being responsible for the entire business entails that, I manage operations, handle Human Resources, as well as accounting. I have been in Dubai’s food and beverage scene for more than a decade now, and this has enriched me with skills and knowledge that help me to fulfill my job.

My typical work day

My day starts with me briefing my colleagues on our daily target, tasks and updates in order for them to be fully aware and equipped with information they require to achieve what needs to be done. Then, I check my e-mail for any developments on orders, projects and reports. I inspect the whole outlet to check if everything is in good working condition, our standards are being followed and reports needed being done effectively and efficiently. Once it starts to get busy, I supervise operations. When all is well and functioning smoothly, I will then tackle my daily reports and updates on stocks and deliveries. At the end of the day, we tally all finances and provide a report to top management.

Career advice

We have all left our country to seek greener pastures. Once you are able to land a job, be the best that you can be and learn to develop yourself no matter what trade you are involved in. Be professional all the way, until your last working day. The world is very small. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll end up working for a former colleague who knows of what caliber of performance you embody.

Filipino Abroad – It’s What I Do

…………………….

CHARMAINE ROXAS NACUA

Sales & Marketing Manager

Histomer Swiss Italian Skin Care – Dubai, UAE

My Job

As the Sales and Technical Manager of Histomer exclusively distributed by JS International LLC, I am tasked to generate demand for my brand portfolio within my territory covering segments such as medical spas, beauty centers and dermatology clinics, to ultimately reach targets, while handling my clientele with the best customer service. To support my clients, I conduct monthly Histomer- Certified Classes in our office as well product knowledge refresher trainings to ensure that skin therapists and doctors are familiar with our product protocols.

My medical background as a Physical Therapy graduate, plus my stint with Pfizer Philippines gave me an edge in mastering my products by heart and skillfully communicating the benefits of my brand target audiences of different races and backgrounds. As part of my job, I also conduct product demos and customize marketing-related events or workshops in support to spa managers and owners assuring product satisfaction on the part of my clients and their valuable customers. I also create spa offers or clinic deals to promote the spa or clinic facial services using Histomer products as per special marketing arrangements.

My typical work day

I am blessed with a wonderful family; a loving supportive husband who runs his own mobile fitness and conditioning company and an adorable charming six year-old son who live in Dubai with me. So my mornings are always adrenaline-packed from 6AM – taking care of breakfast and preparing my son for school. As my work timings are flexible, I can effectively juggle my family and work responsibilities.

I check my emails and social media accounts and spend time feeding my soul as well. Then I check my appointments and meetings in my diary. Then, off I go to visit my clients in the field and check out leads in the area. There are days where I need to conduct trainings or workshops, then, there are also times where I hope from one door to the other seeking new accounts that have certain requirements which I match up with my solution products. It is a never-ending challenge and thrill to meet new faces and see places in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman which is my area of responsibility. The more I am exposed in the field each day, the more exhilarating it is for me.

Having been in Dubai for 12 years, I have had my shares of simple yet very hard beginnings. Through the challenges, I have developed patience in everything. It was nurtured in me when I went through all the hardship, the financial struggle, the job switching, the cultural adjustment, but what sustained me and my family is our strong faith and trust to our Creator who provided us with inner strength and a winning attitude that our life’s breakthroughs are on the way and it did happen and still is happening up to the present time. Glory to God!

Life advice

I urge you my kababayans to love God, to love our families and to love our country with all our hearts and we will start seeing our inner transformation unfolding. We should appreciate our spouses and focus on loving our families despite our challenges and lastly, we should look to our country with a renewed hope, patriotism and nationalism. Our nation is great and will become greater one day, ultimately making us feel that with conviction.

We should be proud to be Filipinos and that someday soon we will go home for good and bring our world-class expertise and talents to be utilized in building our nation together through the help of God.

January 18, 2016
IT’S WHAT I DO – DECEMBER 2015

EDUARDO VIRAY

Buying and Merchandising Manager – MEA Region

CLARKS – Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

I am the Buying and Merchandise Manager of C & J Clark International for Middle East and Africa including their Turkish Subsidiary. Clarks is a British, international shoe manufacturer. Our company has over 1,000 branded stores and franchises around the world and also sells through third-party distribution.

I am responsible for driving commercial business goals through product and merchandising strategy across the MEA region. I am also responsible for all regional product selection for our franchise partners which entails setting up their product portfolio selections every season according to market requirements and needs. Part of my job is also analyzing market and competition and providing recommendations and insights crucial for business decision making. I also conduct regular trainings on seasonal product strategies and focuses.

I was originally a Project Development Officer for the Planning Division of NEDA in Bulacan. But fate brought me to merchandise planning job in retail for which I am very thankful for. I had found my passion in fashion and worked with some of the best retail companies and brands in the Middle East, including Mikyajy where I got my foundation on merchandise planning. Thereafter I moved to Majid Al Futtaim Fashion and where I worked for 5 years – starting out as Wholesale Sales Support Manager, and then Senior Buyer for brands Juicy Couture, Jane Norman, Fat Face, Mexx and Lucky Brand Jeans. I then joined Burberry Middle East as Regional Merchant in 2012. I then briefly joined Al Tayer Group handling planning for the Men’s Department of Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales before joining Clarks.

Apart from meeting a lot of cool people, one of the perks of my job is traveling. For the last 10 years in Dubai, the only thing that kept me sane is the fact that I get to travel to different countries almost every other month. It’s great but it’s also exhausting. But hey, no complaints, I get to travel all expenses paid!

MY TYPICAL WORK DAY

My work day starts while I am behind-the-wheel. Driving gives me clarity. That’s when I start thinking about what has to be done during the day. I am quite an organized person, so as soon as I sit at my desk I do my priority list. I typically have meetings throughout the week, either with my general manager, our franchise partners, UK counterparts, or my assistant.

As a planner, I am well organized. Any deviation in the plans will be a huge headache for me. I am very keen on details. Hence, I review and analyze all reports. I manage and control pricing architecture, sales and forecasting for Clarks Shoes in the region and hence numerical data analysis and reporting is very crucial to my day to day routine.

However busy my day is, I also make sure that I have time for small chats with colleagues and friends. That provides me a boost whenever I feel drained at work. During the weekends, whenever I get the chance, I visit my friends and brunch or dine out with them. I also love to watch movies and go to the beach.

CAREER ADVICE

Be yourself. Be proud of being a Filipino. Acknowledge that you are a talented individual and that you can do needs to be done. Filipinos are very diligent and have an unbelievable resilience. Our work ethics are the best in the world; we have the best minds there is. Our attitude and our positive outlook in life define the culture that we have and we must embrace that. Living in the Middle East for 10 years has taught me many valuable things but one thing stands out – equality! In Dubai, equal opportunities are there regardless of nationality. We just have to believe that we can do it, and do it better!

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BETTY GUEVARRA

Division Manager –Merchandise & Planning

AL TAYER GROUP – Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

I am associated with one of the largest groups of company in the Middle East. My core experience is in Merchandise Planning and Buying. As the head of a division, I have a team who supports me in achieving our division goals & KPIs. What is really good about working in this region is that you get to work with different kinds of people from different parts of the world. My team is quite diversified – composed of Irish, French, Moroccan, African, Egyptian, Lebanese, Sri Lankan, Indians, British, Belarusian and of course Filipinos.

Apart from leading a team, I get to travel to meet the principals and top executives at the luxury beauty brands. I’m exposed to reading/reviewing legal contracts, store designs and concepts, as well as brand management. It is my responsibility to ensure we have the right assortment of brands in the stores and we create an atmosphere where our customers feel delighted leaving our store feeling beautiful.

MY TYPICAL WORK DAY

The first thing I usually do in the morning is check my calendar then read specific folders (emails from the management) in my inbox plus go through the daily sales report. Then, I have a quick catch up with my team – we call this daily huddle. In here we briefly share news, concerns and our priorities for the day. In a lot of cases, my day is packed with back-to-back meetings. After meetings, I pass on the information to my team for action. I also have my TO DO list – often these are quite strategic so until, and when these are finalized they remain in my list. As the division head, it is typical for me to be approached by someone either seeking help, solution or a decision, every single day.

I joined this company as Administration Assistant where my role is to do what I was told to do. With the grace of God, I reached a level that a lot of Filipinos would probably aspire for. Currently I rank the highest amongst the Filipinos in the company. I take the pride in representing Filipinos at the office, especially when I discuss business strategies on a quarterly basis with the top management like to CEOs, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and General Managers. To be part of the Executive Team, can get very challenging. The expectations are huge and you have to be ready and prepared all the time.

One of the best and most interesting tasks I do is coaching. I realized I can motivate people and this is something that comes naturally to me. I had a colleague who was very challenged with his previous manager, and was about to resign. Due to restructuring, he was moved under my leadership. I saw great potential in him – coached him regularly to ensure he achieved key milestones. It has been 4 years since then. He has been promoted 3 times and is now one of my Seniors, confident enough to lead the division in my absence.

The best fulfillment I get is when I see someone from my team grow and be promoted – to me this is success.

CAREER ADVICE

Believe in yourself, stay hungry and don’t settle for less. Get acquainted with the kind of person you ought to be. Don’t give up on your dreams, they are worth fighting for. It has always been my mantra to keep striving for more and often I ask myself ‘how could I have done this better?’ This will help you improve yourself.

January 18, 2016
I Won’t Be Home for Christmas

Excel V. Dyquiangco talks with those who occupations will keep them away from their families during the holiday season.

Sad but true. There are many occupations right now that require employees to work even during the holiday season. Call center agents, seafarers, flight attendants and pilots are just some of the people who work nonstop when everyone is just celebrating – and in very high spirits – during Christmas Day.

How do these people and their families then cope with each other’s absences? What do they do when homesickness or loneliness settles in?

Kristine Odessa Policarpio – Parungao (Call Center Team Leader)

8 Years in Service

The first Christmas Kristine spent away from her family was in 2004, her first year as an employee. Because she was single back then and it was a new experience for her, it was kind of exciting as she has never celebrated holidays without her relatives. “Basically, call center employees would bring their “handas” from home and eat together during our breaks or go partying after their shifts,” she says. “You would see some logging on their phones to call or send messages to their loved ones or simply greet the people stationed near them. For us, holidays were just an ordinary working day. We simply shrug off that lonely feeling and endure the 9-hour shift. You’re lucky if those days fall on your assigned days off.”

For Kristine, the Christmas Eve is the most challenging day to report for work. Imagine leaving your house in the middle of festivities, passing by empty roads or homes where you see merriment, envying people who are on vacation. “When I was promoted, I was able to spend one holiday out of office per year – either Christmas Off or New Year off,” she says.

“But this year will be totally different as I have my own family and with my son who just turned a year old. This would definitely be the most painful and tears would definitely flow. But at the end of the day, this is the profession that I chose. I marked the question: “Are you willing to work on holidays?” with a check upon my employment so I have no choice but to deal with it.”

Kristine says that what she would surely miss is to be able to greet, kiss and hug her family as the clock strikes 12 on Christmas Eve, but she remains optimistic, “But the holidays are just two out of the 365 days in a year. Some adjustments can always be made.”

Christian Mercado (Flight Steward / Cabin Crew)

Philippine Airlines, 11 Years in Service

December 20, 2008 is a date Christian can still remember clearly because not only would he be leaving for San Francisco, but he would also be leaving his family behind. This trip he considers a blessing since he would only be gone for five days but still, the longing is evident in his heart. “It was really hard for me to leave since it was my daughter’s first Christmas and I wasn’t be able to spend it with her,” he says. “It was a little sad, but I know I can still spend a lot of time with my family even after Christmas.”

So when the airplane finally landed in the USA, he decided to shop for gifts for his family. Later, he called his family at home to wish them well. When it was time to go back to the Philippines, it was already Christmas Eve. Up in the air, he celebrated the holidays with his co-workers and the rest of the cabin crew by having “Noche Buena” meals in the galley. At the same time, he and the others exchanged gifts.

As the nature of his work dictates, Christian has had to sometimes spend holidays away from his family. On some occasions, he has celebrated Christmas in another country with his friends.

“I am blessed that my wife and I have friends and relatives I can spend Christmas with while in the USA and Canada,” he says. “And I spend it the same way as I would here in the Philippines. Of course, things would even be much better if I am with my wife and my kids. We usually have a small gathering with our families, have dinner, and play game boards while waiting for Christmas so we can open our gifts!”

Does he have plans of shifting professions so he can spend time with his family during the holidays? “I love my job,” says Christian. “My wife was a former flight attendant and she understands. Most people work all week, with perhaps one or two days off over the weekend. Most receive one to two weeks of vacation per year. As a flight attendant, I have the ability to group my flights together in a given month, and have 1-2 weeks off every month! And that is in addition to my regular vacation time!”

Doz Rendon (Seafarer)

2 Years in Service

An on-the-job training during his third year in university prompted Doz to agree to being on board an international vessel for one year. He was gong to be traveling the course of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ecuador, Chile, Panama Canal, Mexico and Seattle, Washington. When he learned of this work, he didn’t want to leave the country and his family since this was the first time he would be dispatched. They were all crying at the airport.

Over the course of the one year, it was aboard a vessel where Doz spent his birthday, Christmas and other events – alone for the first time.

“Christmas just breezed through since I was working in operations on a tanker ship during that day,” he says. “No celebrations or decorations since everything is just critical; anything may happen. It was only when we were done with work and we started to set sail that we had the time to celebrate and decorate for both Christmas and New Year.” When he saw his fellow comrades getting ready to leave the ship, he wanted to just go home with them. At night when all was silent and the work was done, he read the letters and the slum book given to him by his family and friends. “My mother gave me two devotional books during this season,” he says. “I also bought and brought several books. I just read and re-read it and surprised myself since I’m not a reader! But with the loneliness on board, there was nothing I could do but to engage in some form of leisure.”

His only form of communication with his family was purely through email – with a limit of 160 characters and which came in late since had to go through a satellite before reaching the respondents. His homesickness was relieved upon reaching the port; the he could call his family and greet them even though the holidays were already over.

He admits that the first three months on the ship was really difficult but as time passed, he got used to the routine.

This year Doz is setting sail again, this time around the country of Venezuela. He was hesitant at first when he learned of this journey since he would be spending Christmas away from his family again. But when he thought of their needs, he dutifully and joyfully accepted the mission. He already knew how he was going to make his time onboard another fruitful year.

Teofilo Padilla (Rig Physician)

1 Year in Service

Teofilo Padilla has been working as an offshore Rig Physician (an oil drilling doctor in the middle of the sea) in Saudi Arabia for a year now. He found his first Christmas in 2010 a whole new experience. “It’s really difficult to be in the offshore rigs where work is nonstop,” he says. “Christmas and New Year holidays are split by two relieving offshore doctors. One can get the Christmas holiday and the other, the New Year. Unfortunately that year I had to work for both holidays. I spent my Christmas on my rig and on the 28th of December, had to jump-ship to another rig to spend New Year there.”

He adds that the only way he coped with the loneliness of spending the holidays without his family was to keep the communication lines open. “Lucky enough, social networking is already available to keep myself in the loop with what’s happening at home,” he says. “Somehow, I’m updated online but the physical presence is different. Still, I was with my family in spirit.” Aside from his family, he misses preparing for Christmas in the Philippines. When decorations are already put up by September, he starts experimenting new recipes for the holidays. “I crave the native food, the fun, and the booze,” he says.

Unlike in the Philippines where the celebration starts as early as September and where Noche Buena hails the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas at work offshore is just another regular day. The celebration starts during lunchtime on Christmas Day. No alcoholic drinks; no lively Christmas program or anything like that. There’s plenty of food, though, and kababayans share jokes and eat together.

“It’s a real sacrifice to work overseas,” he says. “The loneliness that I feel especially during the holidays often overwhelms me. There really is no place like home.”

January 10, 2016
Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Being Single During the Holidays

Dealing with Being Single During the Holidays

By Kristine Abante

“Single. There’s a certain dignity to it”, goes a line from an old 90’s cult movie favorite, but this quote is especially challenged during the holidays, when the temperature starts to drop, love is in the air again and you start to notice that snuggling in bed with your comforter watching silly rom-com movies just doesn’t seem to be enough to compensate for the general lack of body warmth around you.

And if you’re Filipino, it’s the time of year when there’s no escaping the myriad of Christmas parties and family reunions that will bring you face-to-face to that 98% chance of being asked the dreaded holiday question – where is your significant other? Or when are you getting married?

It can come out loud from your old pesky uncle who has had way too many San Miguels, or your very concerned Tita, your recently married friend, or it can be a discreet look of pity from those who are already too embarrassed to ask you for the nth time (like your Mom) but make no mistake about it, the question will come up.

The truth is whether it bothers you or not, whether you care enough to admit it, being on your own during coupledom’s peak season is not an easy task, but there is definitely a silver lining to it all and that is – “Hindi ka nag-iisa, gurl (or boy)!”

There are plenty of certified SMP (Samahan ng mga Malalamig ang Pasko) members out there.

We talked to some of our fabulous Filipino singles on how they cope with being on their own during the holidays.

Affected much?

Danabelle Gutierez, a writer based in Dubai who recently published her collection of love poems “I Long to Be the River” says that sometimes she feels she’s like the last single person on earth, but other times it doesn’t matter.

“I have been single for 11 Christmases. This Christmas would be the twelfth. Honestly there have been more Decembers where I don’t even think about it. I mean, sure, it would be nice to drink hot chocolate, cuddle up next to someone by the fireplace in a log cabin, while it snows outside, but I live in Dubai so there’s a slim chance to that fantasy. “

“My best survival tip is to live your life, surround yourself with the best people, eat all the best food, and make good art. If you’re a writer, write. If you’re a painter, paint. Whatever medium it is that you use, just make good stuff, and keep doing it”, adds Danabelle.

Admittedly a hopeful romantic, Dubai-based marketing Exec Kate Narvaez opens up on her holiday blues. “It bothers me sometimes spending weekends alone or going out to a club or a restaurant with friends and not have someone hold your hand, dance with you, or just generally be cheesy with. I’m used to being single, holidays or not, but I have to admit it would really be good to meet someone special, someone for keeps.”

The good and the bad

Betsy Vergara, a Finance consultant based in New York shares that there are two sides to the coin, the best and worst part.

“One of the perks of being single during the holidays is the element of openness to spontaneity. If you are a willing subject, you never know what’s in store for you during random invites to parties with other single friends. There’s also that freedom of doing the things that YOU would feel like doing, no need to please others. You can have one year that crazy/busy/crawl back to your apartment tired and hung over, and the next year, you can be a total hermit. You can do what your heart pleases.”

“The worst part is the constant reminder that you are not in a relationship. The Christmas events that are solely targeted for couples. Seeing coupledom PEAK everywhere esp. during the holidays, in the parks, restaurants, movies, in media. I mean EVERYWHERE!”

“Honestly we all have the tendency to crave affection from a beloved, but there’s no need to feel alone. As for me, I live in New York, where as they say ‘anything can happen’, so you never know, I’d rather enjoy and be optimistic,” Betsy adds.

Yvette Camba, a self-confessed scrooge who works for Emirates Airline also shares the sentiment. “I like the freedom and it doesn’t really bother me, but being surrounded by couples doing all sorts of PDA (public display of affection) sometimes gets to you. I suppose they’re entitled to that. For the most part it’s just irritating when you get asked all the time about ‘why are you single?’ like it’s not allowed, or it’s such a crime to be on your own. Otherwise I love December, the nice weather, the jolly vibe, minus the traffic and freakish consumerism, I enjoy the joie the vivre feeling it brings. ”

Fight for your right to party

Jake Javellana 31, video editor, who has been single since he moved to the UAE says that he’s immune to all the holiday coupledom stress.

“I enjoy it (being single) to a certain degree, since you can do what you want and you don’t have to consider anyone in making decisions. The best part would be the feeling of being free. I am not that bothered since I am not big on holidays to begin with. I try to be more outgoing, meet people or I take up a new hobby so I will be busy.”

Mackie Andres, 27, a sound engineer based in Manila also tries to take it easy and gets by his single status through tongue-in-cheek jokes.

“How long have I been single? As the Air Supply song goes: ‘All My Life.’ I don’t really enjoy it, but hey the best part is no drama, of course, there’s also no love! Haha! Anyway, look at all the food this Christmas!”

“If I could ask Santa for one thing this year it would be for this girl I like who is now online on Facebook to stop ignoring me. As much as I want to start a chat with her, I’m stopping myself because I know I will just be ‘seen-zoned’,” he says with a laugh.

Support groups and shopping priorities

Chai Boiles, 38, who broke up last Christmas with a long-term partner opens up about celebrating this Christmas alone.

“Do I enjoy it? Yes and no. Yes, kase may mga friends and sisters naman ako dito sa Dubai, so I have a good support group. The best part is that I don’t have to worry about buying a Christmas present for the boyfriend, tipid diba? Of course, you also miss the tight hugs, nothing is better than having someone to hug during the cold months and if I can ask Santa for anything, I want a husband!”

Ella Sison, 31, a chef based in New Zealand shares the same sentiment on the relief of not having to think about presents.

“Sometimes kasi you feel that your “obligado” to give them nice expensive gifts during Christmas, at least now that I’m single I don’t need to think about it. The best part is being free from commitments, but I have to admit there are nights when you just allow yourself to wallow in the loneliness.”

“The best survival tip is to keep yourself busy, be happy and love yourself even more. If you’re up to it, there’s plenty of dating apps you can check out. Of course it’s nice to have someone special, but at the moment I’d rather focus on my career more than anything else.”

Escaping the blues

If being single means not being committed to anyone, happy traveler and now Boracay-based, Christine Consas shares her fair share of being alone.

“I have been single for 6 years and 10 Christmases, not counting my non-committal 2-year relationship. I travelled with him first see how it goes and then I finally decided to go on my own, go home and pick up the pieces.”

“It’s great to be home for the holidays, I’ve been away for so long that it feels good to be surrounded by happy people and people who love you, you realize there’s really no reason to despair, everything will fall into place at the right time.

Make-up artist and Emirates Airline staff Erl Daguplo who has been single for 5 years says that it takes a brave woman to suck it all in.

“I’m enjoying the independence, but inggit strikes when you see all these sweet couples. For me, I normally cope with the holiday blues by using my travel perks to backpack to a faraway land and just get away from it all.”

While travelling may allow you to escape the hassle of dealing with the holiday blues, cabin crew Joanna Ardiente, who gets to fly all over the world for her job thinks it’s also what’s keeping her from not finding a stable relationship.

“For the most part I’m not that bothered to be single during holidays. This job has saved me from heartaches and going crazy but I must admit I do get a bit jealous, like when you gather up with friends, and you’re the only single person in the group there’s that moment when you start comparing yourself to them and thinking about how lucky they are while you sit there and wonder why you can’t have the same thing? Of course, you also start to realize that it’s better to stay single and wait for the right guy rather than just find someone less ideal to cozy up with, just because it’s the holidays.”

Wishing, waiting and choosing to be happy

Mykhel Reyes, IT professional based in Dubai is the single guy who doesn’t mind the wait. “I believe that in everything you do, you have to be intentional. During this holiday season, you can choose to be happily single, and you can also chose to love. For me, I already found the perfect girl it’s been three years since I’ve known her. I’m holding out for her because I love her and when you love someone you don’t just stop.”

For the girls who are also in the waiting line, Mykhel has this to say – “Remember you are WOW – Woman of Worth – worth pursuing, worth caring for, worth the wait.”

In the end, being single during the holidays is not so much about being alone as to opposed to feeling alone. Being alone may or may not be your choice but the truth is you really have no reason to feel alone.

So chin up, put on that warm smile, face the Christmas music and get ready to give and receive a dozen holiday hugs from the people who thinks you are a wonderful adorable person, albeit still single.

Read also: Holiday Survival Tips for Singles

December 22, 2015
In Search for Stories

Excel V. Dyquiangco

Introduction:

Filipinos are storytellers. In the world of journalism and media, they serve to bring tales that revolutionize, narratives that change, and sagas that challenge.

Here are four brave souls who have managed to cultivate an environment that’s definitely rich in Filipino class, culture and talent. Armed with much love for the country, they devote their whole lives to bring honour, prestige and style to the whole world–the Filipino way.

Ethel Cantor-Constantino

Host, I am Pinoy Proud Ako

Ever since she was young, Ethel Cantor-Constantino had always dreamt to be on television. The glamorous look and the popularity was what fascinated her. “I was particularly amazed with journalists covering conflict stories,” she says. “They were brave and beautiful! I dreamed to be like them to the point that when I graduated high school, I wrote this in our yearbook: ‘Ambition: To become a TV host.’”

Armed with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Communications Arts from Ateneo de Davao University, she worked for almost two decades in different TV stations in the southern Philippines until she got her big break after visiting a friend in the United States. A successful Filipino businesswoman in Queens, New York thought they could come up with a partnership to produce a TV show for Filipinos in New York, a show that would inspire kababayans around the world. In November 2014, they aired the pilot episode.

“I Am Pinoy Proud Ako! is the first and only TV magazine show for Filipinos in Northeast America,” she says. “The 30-minute bilingual program features the lives of ordinary Fil-Ams, as well as the exceptional achievers and leaders in the community. It aims to inspire, entertain, and inform the public about the challenges, hopes, fun and accomplishments of Filipinos in New York and its neighbouring states.”

The response was overwhelming—they got letters from as far as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and London, asking the show to cover success stories from these places.

In the near future, she hopes to take up Masters of Arts in Social Journalism at the City University of New York. She says that Social Journalism is the use of wide and new tools and skills involving relationship-building, data, social media, and business to produce tangible impact that goes beyond page views and clicks or likes.

“For those journalists who want to make it big in other countries, build your skills, skills that you will love to do anytime, anywhere,” she says.

Jason Rogel

Actor, Kevin From Work

(photo credit DIANA TOSHIKO)

From the time he saw “The Sound of Music” and “Annie,” Jason Rogel knew he wanted to be one of those kids playing fun roles onscree. It wasn’t until high school that he really got to explore theatre and acting, and from that point on, he became hooked to a world of make-believe.

“My first job was in a TV commercial for the Royal Bank of Scotland,” he says. “I played an employee on a company retreat in the woods. No lines, but it was an amazing experience. We shot in the Sequoia National Forest, so I got to travel for the job which was all so new and exciting to me. All of the other actors knew it was my first Union job, so we all celebrated with drinks after the shoot.”

He considers his most memorable role to date is his portrayal of the character Larry, from ABC Family’s Christmas musical movie, The Mistle-Tones, starring Tia Mowry and Tori Spelling, in which they all had such a great time singing, dancing and shooting together. His dream role? To play the Engineer in the movie version of Miss Saigon, if Hollywood ever decides to make it.

“When it comes to actors I would like to work with someday, there are so many, and I got quite a random list. Right now, my top two would be Alfre Woodard and Gary Sinise. I have admired them both for so long, it would be amazing to actually get to work with them. Working with Lea Salonga would be awesome too!”

Right now, he is fortunate enough to be working on a new sitcom for ABC Family called Kevin From Work, where he has “regular” work schedule. Shooting happens from Monday to Friday, one episode a week. And like any other jobs, it has its challenges, but he says it is hard to complain about anything when he is lucky enough to be in an amazing show with great cast and crew.

His advice to Filipino actors wanting to break into the Hollywood mode: “In addition to being persistent, patient and keeping that belief in yourself and your talent, I would say make sure you have some good training. Be versatile and always keep improving your skills. Show them that the only reason Aaron Sorkin does not see Asian movie stars is because they simply do not cast Asians as movie stars, not because the talent is not there.”

Giselle Toengi

Host and Television Producer, Kababayan Today

Giselle Toengi is not a stranger in front of the television screen. Having acted in various Philippine soap operas and movies, she also dabbled as an MTV VJ back when people still watched music videos on television. At nineteen, she has booked a job travelling the world to interview pop stars and musicians, from Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin to Maxwell. Nowadays, she graces the small silver screen by showcasing her hosting mettle via Kababayan Today, the only daily talk show for Filipino Americans on free TV in all of North America, which is locally produced, and is a platform for the community to reach out to their kababayans to discuss topics important to them. Interestingly, not only does she host the show, she also produces, conceptualizes, edits at times, books guests, writes all the scripts and represents the show on various community events.

“I sent in my hosting and producing reel to LA18, an Asian American free-to-air station who was specifically looking for a host who could speak Tagalog,” she says. “My resume as a producer wasn’t as extensive as my hosting, but because I had graduated with a degree in Communication, I feel that it made me a good candidate for the position. The experience so far has been very fulfilling, but it certainly has its challenges. It isn’t easy breaking into a market like Los Angeles, where the capital of the entertainment industry is situated. But believe me, that didn’t happen overnight. It took many years of school and hands on experience for me to be able to fulfill the job requirements. As they say, timing and luck is half of it, but these are factors you can’t control. I choose to work hard on the things I can control: education, experience, and artistic collaborations.”

She recounts some passionate interviews on the show. Two of the most touching stories her show has featured was a grandmother reading a letter she had written for her nephew who identifies as a transgender man, and a tribute to Enzo Pastor on his one-year death anniversary.

“I hope that the audience realize that Kababayan Today is a platform for them to share what is important to them,” she says. “It provides our people visibility that our stories are important and should be celebrated.”

Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino

Columnist and Food Writer, AsianInAmericamag.com

A graduate of BA Communication Arts from Saint Paul University, Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino took on several jobs back when she was still based in the Philippines: she was then a copywriter in anad agency in Makati, and she later taught college courses at Assumption College. When she moved to the USA, the digital age of online publications opened many doors of opportunities, and she was able to land a job as a freelance writer.

“I started writing my blog ‘Asian In Americamag.com’ in 2010 because I love to cook and I have been cooking since I was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter,” she says. “When my sons were getting ready to go to college, I taught them how to cook. I used to write recipes for them on a yellow pad. Instead of handwritten recipes from me, my sons wanted me to send it digitally. My oldest son, Tim had gone to college at Drexel University in Philadelphia for web design. Both my sons Tim and Constante created the blog for me, as a way for me to record recipes so that they could read and cook from it even if they didn’t live at home.”

The blog took off, and now she doesn’t just cook and write recipes for her sons—she reaches a large audience from all over the USA and the world. Her YouTube channel is also available for those who want to learn her recipes. In 2012, she won a Doreen Gamboa Food Writing award for her essay ‘A Hundred Mangoes In a Bottle.’ “This was an essay about making mango jam and the summer memories I cherished as a child,” she says. “I submitted my entry. In a few weeks, I was told I won. It was memorable because the essay was about cooking with my late mother, whom I miss very much.”

For those who want to follow her path someday, she has this advice: “Be yourself. Every person is unique. Nobody else has your story, your family or even your interpretation of the recipes you have. Be as real and authentic as possible, because readers can tell if you are who you really are.”

SOUNDBYTES/PULL QUOTES:

Ethel Cantor-Constantino

“For those journalists who want to make it big in other countries, build your skills, skills that you will love to do anytime, anywhere.”

Jason Rogel

“Be versatile and always keep improving your skills. Show them that the only reason Aaron Sorkin does not see Asian movie stars is because they simply do not cast Asians as movie stars, not because the talent is not there.”

Giselle Toengi

“I choose to work hard on the things I can control: education, experience, and artistic collaborations.”

Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino

“Nobody else has your story, your family or even your interpretation of the recipes you have. Be as real and authentic as possible, because readers can tell if you are who you really are.”

December 7, 2015
Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Patrick Fronda – Filmmaker

PATRICK FRONDA

Patrick Fronda is a multi-awarded filmmaker based in the United Arab Emirates. He started his career as a visual artist and later became a film editor and an educator teaching college students about the nuts and bolts of film-making at the Murdoch University in Dubai.

His notable works in directing include ‘Pump It’ and ‘I am a Star’. In 2013, Patrick dominated at the 48 Hour Film Competition sweeping 5 major awards including Best Film and Best Director for his wacky short – ‘Pump It.’ The film then represented Dubai at the Filmapalooza in the USA in 2014. In the same year, Patrick won 3rd Best Film for his entry at the Nikon Film Festival in Dubai. He was also a finalist at the Samsung Video Competition, where his work ended up being screened in Dubai International Film Festival.

Although there is little support to aspiring filmmakers in the country, Patrick remains steadfast in pursuing his passion. “Maybe we are lacking in resources but we have dedicated people who believe in film making. They are my strength, and without them I can’t do it alone. People like my students and some followers help me whenever I need a workforce. As long as there are audiences and people believing in my works, I’ll be doing what I love.” As for the absence of an industry here, he shares enthusiastically, “The UAE might not have an interest or plan to have a real platform here, but I am here to build that. My dream as a filmmaker is to establish a platform for Filipino film makers here – to build a name that we can compete with foreign and local directors.” He adds, “We are natural story tellers’ marami tayung pwede ikwento. I want to show more of our positive side rather than negative. Sa atin kasi, they mostly show only third world problems dahil patok sa first world countries yung ganung plot. But for me, gusto kong maiangat yung level ng thingking ng ibang lahi about us, and I want to tell that visually on film.”

November 8, 2015
Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: CADD for Kabayan

Most Influential Filipinos:

CADD (Computer Aided Design and Drafting) for Kabayan

CADD for Kabayan is one of those community organizations in the UAE that has changed the lives of Filipinos through skills education. Having trained over 7,000 individuals until December 2014, producing, 20 TESDA NCII Certified passers in Structural Drafting and developing 35 achievers, the group has facilitated a 360 turn in the professions of its trainees – transforming, for example, a salesman into a CADD draftsman, a secretary to draftswoman, a welder to a CADD technician, and a laborer into an Assistant Engineer.

Established in 2002, CADD for Kabayan is a non-profit organization that conducts technical trainings for OFWs and their dependents in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, providing ample knowledge to people who want to learn more in the fields of Engineering and Architecture and other-related sectors. The organization was put up simply to give a chance for OFWs to compete in the world of Information Technology. “Our group is a family oriented organization,” says Founder Engineer Orandantes M. Delizo. “We are only concentrating in the group’s technical skills and expertise which we share. We make sure our students receive proper training and are certified in their chosen skills.”

CADD which stands for Computer Aided Design and Drafting offers a wide range of courses: Basic AutoCAD, 3D Modelling, Studio Max, Sketchup, Photography and Video Editing, Drafting Courses, Revit and Microstation. These specialized trainings occur every Friday at POLO-OWWA in Al Ghusais from 8 am to 5 pm. “We are so fulfilled when we see our trainees become successful through the skills training we have shared with them,” he says.

November 8, 2015
Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Christopher Trasmaño – The Dance Champ

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Christopher Trasmaño – The Dance Champ

Christopher Frostyle Trasmaño – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

Break dance, sure he could do. But, breaking records is also something Christopher Trasmaño had proven to achieve. Holding the Guinness Book of World Record title for the longest hours of dancing for a dance/rhythm videogame using Xbox 360 Kinect Dance Central 2 is only one among the long list of successes that Christopher, a.k.a. ‘CL Frostyle’, carries throughout the years.

Christopher Frostyle Trasmaño – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

As a successful professional dancer, CL Frostyle has performed for many events in the hottest of venues in the emirates. He has also appeared in several commercials, music videos and concerts, managed three different dance studios in the Philippines, grooved with Gary Valenciano, Lani Misalucha, and had been the front act for Pussycat Dolls for the Manila tour. Also, he was featured in a music video of Philippine All-Stars.

Not slowing down to rest from dancing, Christopher would still want to break the world record he had already set. Guinness record aside, he has also set his eyes on pursuing his dream – to be known one day for being the humble CLfrostyle, champion of the masses and underprivileged bboys and hiphop dancers who have huge dreams of making it big, and finally, to own a dance company that sponsors Filipino talents and sends them overseas for competitions.

November 8, 2015