roots & wings winter issue 2013

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Roots&WingsC u l t u r e • P e o P l e • P l A C e S

Nr 17

t H e F i l i P i n o o n l i n e m A g A z i n e i n e u r o P e

www.rawmags.com

Please call our Marketing Consultant: Luz Bergersen (+47) 901 30 871

E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

Home Address: Mortensrudvn 12B, 1283 Oslo, Norway Head Office: G/F Carlyle House, 237 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London England SW1V 1EJ.

“ Closer to Paradise” A Landmark Development

Fernvale Living and Leisure Subdivision Poblacion 6, Coron, Palawan, Philippines HLURB Lic. To Sell # 26563

A 1st managed community in Coron With Perimeter wall Village gate with Security station With direct access to sea; with kayak basin Future dev’t.: boat dock exclusive for homeowners Location: 10 minutes from Coron town 30 minutes from Busuanga airport 25 minutes from Coron sea port Walking distance to PSU-Coron campus Almost opposite Coron Westown Resort and Coron Hilltop view Resort

The town of Coron A scenic getaway flanked by steep mountains and deep waters. This town is the tourist hub of Busuanga and the center of trade and business in the Calamian group of islands. A Diver’s Paradise - coral reefs & WWII shipwrecks Lush rainforest Beautiful beaches Mountains and hills for hiking Cool caves in different islands around Coron Hotsprings – fresh water and salt-water springs Calauit Safari – a slice of African Savannah north of Busuanga

Owner-developer: Jesus Vicente & Malu Fernandez Contact: Pops delos Santos, licensed Real Estate Broker [email protected]; http://filrealtor.com/

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We invite our kababayans in Europe to contribute articles on:

Roots&Wings

* Cultural Issues * Cultural Events * Places * Travel * Nature * Career Achievement * Business Development * Job & Study possibilities * Life- Enrichment projects , etc

* Other relevant articles on books, movies, fashion, design, food *

Please attach high quality photographs in jpg-format

We are looking for Bureau Editors in Rome, Madrid, Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin, Edinburgh, Dublin and other cities in Europe

Please send materials to our Editor in Chief Rachel Hansen at [email protected]

the Filipino online magazine in europewww.rawmags.com

Ma Victoria Madarieta

Marvi Ablaza Gil

Mayra Panganiban

Victoria was born in Legazpi City and grew up in Ligao, Albay. She studied at the Benedictine school in Albay and entered UP Diliman in 1981, majoring in Political Science, but shifted to European Languages on her 3rd year, hoping to get a higher average to enter UP Law school. However plans to pursue Law were postponed when she received a scholarship grant to study in Spain, a few months after graduation. What was supposed to be a year’s

study in Madrid, Spain, has become a lifetime stay, for 28 years later she is now settled happily in Barcelona with her family. For more than a decade now Victoria works for a multinational chemical firm, right now, as Assistant to the Legal Counsel of the Company as well as Assistant to the Country Head for the Iberian Pensinsula.

Marvi moved to Iceland in 2007. She works as a nurse & case admissions officer at the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit of the Landspítali National University Hospital in Reykjavík. Back in the Philippines, Marvi worked as a feature writer (lifestyle and travel), edited for a broadsheet and was operations director of a travel and tourism media group. She is also a published poet and fictionist in both English and Bisaya.

Mayra graduated with a distinction from St. Paul University and worked at Globe Telecoms for 5 years. She moved to Prague after receiving a scholarship grant. She was a part-time instructor at University of Northern Virginia while studying in Prague and eventually quit when she found a job at Deutsche Post DHL. Mayra obtained her company-sponsored MBA degree recently from University of New York in Prague with a concentration in

Management of Information Systems. She likes to cook and bake whenever she finds time. Mayra travels occasionally within Europe to meet friends and enjoys going to the gym.

Roots&WingsA quarterly online magazine for Filipinos in Europe, published by Rachel Publishing Company in Stockholm, Sweden. Its aim is (1) to uplift, create awareness and appreciation of Filipino culture and lifestyle (2) to serve as a bridge to lessen the gap between the expatriate communities of Filipinos living in various parts of Europe (3) to highlight touristic and historical places of interest in our home country in order to encourage and enhance local travel, tourism and commerce.

CONTENTSWINTER 2013

4 New Staff Members

8 Dear Kababayans

9 Artist in Focus – Bong Delfin

18 Special Feature – Madam Marie Luarca Reyes

22 Rod Cardenas Estrella -The Man Behind Flann O’Brien

26 Hilot by Michelle Fontanilla-Söderman

29 Jeth Infinite – rising new artist in London’s music scene

33 Vincent Soriano & the Art of Travel

39 Rosita Sumagaysay’ Art Exhibition in Cyprus

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NEW STAFF MEMBERS

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Roots&Wings

42 The United Bicolanos in Barcelona

46 The Music Behind the Twin City

50 Bringing Filipino Culture to Greece

53 Icelanders Migrate to the Philippines

55 The Philippines Club de Catalunya

62 The First Philippine Cultural Week in Stockholm

69 Bangon Kabayan – a collage of Fundraising/Gratitude Events

76 Greetings from Tangub City

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Cover: Painting by Bong Delfin

Jonathan A Coo Associate Editor

Rachel HansenPublisher, Editor in Chief

Jenny HansenLayout Editor

Hanna StenbackaBureau Editor

Stockholm, Sweden

Aina BauerCopy Editor

Luz BergersenAssociate Editor

Milagros F. ViernesBureau Editor,

Athens, Greece

Lyndy BagaresWeb Editor

John FlorencioBureau EditorParis, France

Reneé S.IkdalRepresentative

Desiree MunozBureau Editor

Ghent, Brussels

Marvi Ablaza GilBureau Editor

Reykjavik, Iceland

McKlien Ross OnoyaWeb Master

Mayra PanganibanBureau Editor

Prague, Czech Republic

Michael Vincent Ruiz Web Assistant

Stephanie Panlilio Bureau Editor

London, England

Victoria MadarietaBureau Editor

Barcelona, Spain

EDITORIAL BOARD

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Artist in Focus

DEAR KABABAYANS

Welcome to the Winter issue of Roots&Wings, the Filipino online magazine in Europe.

Since 2009, we make sure you get a new magazine for every season. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall always bring new insights, new inspirations, new discoveries, new life. When the strongest and wildest typhoon in the history of mankind made multiple landfall in the central region of our beloved country last November 8, 2013 destroying countless of precious lives and property, when the worst nightmare imaginable turned out to be a reality, we witnessed how the whole world reacted in solidarity quickly and selflessly. We witnessed people of all races and beliefs united with one goal to save lives and bring hope and comfort. We witnessed great heroism in varying degrees, we witnessed great courage and endurance, we witnessed a great desire to serve one another. Indeed, we are grateful and thankful to the whole world for their unflinching acts of kindness and generosity. The tragedy proved that there is hope and there is salvation not only for the Filipinos but for all human race.

It will take many years for millions of our unfortunate countrymen to return to normal life. Let us continue to lend our support to rebuild lives and provide a meaningful future for those who were adversely affected.

On a brighter note, we are delighted to welcome four new staff members in our

R&W team. We are a unique magazine in the sense that all our Bureau Editors are volunteers, eager to share with you glimpses of their fascinating community lives. We thank Ma Victoria Madarieta from Barcelona in Spain, Mayra Pangilinan from Prague in the Czech Republic, and Marvi Ablaza Gil from Reykjavik in Iceland.

We hope you will enjoy this Winter issue of R&W. Be inspired, be amazed, be mesmerized!

And it our great pleasure to wish you all the joys and blessings of the Christmas season and all the best for the new year 2014.

Mabuhay ang lahing Pilipino sa Europa!

Rachel Hansen Founder & Editor in [email protected] Bong Delfin

Talent, hope, faith, and perseverance…by Luz Bergersen

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Artist in FocusArtist in Focus

Root&Wings is happy and proud to present a Christmas treat to our beloved readers, with a feature of Bong Delfin, a talented young man who defied odds, came to Denmark as an au pair, discovered his artistic talents, and has a whole bright new world opening up for him..

Congratulations on winning the Artist of the Year Award at the 3rd Kerteminde International Art Festival. Your achievement has brought great honor and pride as well as inspiration and encouragement to our community in Europe. How or why did you come to Europe?Well, I was looking for better opportunities in life. Last November 2011, I was able to come to Denmark to work as an Au Pair, which seemed to be the only possibility for me to enter the country. I have a degree in Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. I was actually working as Service Advisor at Toyota General Santos City, Inc. when I met a Danish client, Mr Mogens Larsen who was very kind and helped me to find a host family here in Kerteminde. His wife Anna had been one of the previous au pairs of my host family, Rudolf and Vini Iuel. Anna and Mogens Larsen are now living in General Santos City.

Did you do any further studies or special courses when you arrived in Denmark?Yes, I did, it was a requirement for au-pairs to study the language. I was asked by my host family whether I would like to study the Danish language, or attend a Drawing Class which was conducted in

Danish. I decided it was best to go to the Drawing Class where I can study both Art and the Danish language!.

Tell us about how your painting career started..When I was 13 years old, I was very keen to make some extra money so I learned to do T-shirt/silkscreen printing, which I think helped develop my artistic talent over the years. It also helped me financially to finish my engineering degree. My father is a government employee and my mom is a plain housewife. I am the eldest of three siblings and we were a bit unstable financially so I have to find ways to help the family.

The first painting that I ever did was during last December 2011 which I then presented as a Christmas gift to my host family. They were so amazed and started to motivate me by giving me painting materials. I also received a lot of painting materials from friends which I made into artworks to give away as gifts to them.

In the summer of 2012, the 2nd Kerteminde International Art Festival, a great event with over a hundred artist participants coming from all parts of the world, took place in the town where I live. I was able to witness the whole artistic event and was mesmerized by all

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the many amazing artworks on display. I decided to prepare myself for the next year's festival.

So, everyday, after my au-pair work, I spent hours in study and research and taught myself how to paint. After awhile, I was able to do a significant number of paintings which made me ready to do an exhibition. Through contacts, I was invited to put on my paintings in galleries and at some other events.

In the summer of 2013, I was fortunate to be included amongst the 32 artists who passed the rigid censorship for the 3rd Kerteminde International Art Festival. It was a great moment for me. And afterwards I won the Artist of the Year Award for 2013! Incredible! This award gave me an automatic entry to the next year's festival 2014. We were altogether 102 artists from 12 countries and I am so thankful and grateful to my fellow artists who voted for me..

Now the rest is history. I was invited to Images Festival, Asian Culture Festival and P-NOISE Festival.

All artists have their inspirations and role models, some artists have inherited their artistic talents, where did your influences come from? I have been told that there are some artistic talents running in our family. How I wish I had been taught how to paint when I was young then probably I am a master by now.

My inspiration comes mostly from music of all kinds. I often get my painting subjects and titles from music lyrics, lines and titles. In the beginning, I think I was inspired and influenced by Van Gogh since I liked Impressionism a lot. I also get much inspiration from Gustav Klimt, whom I consider a real master with a great attitude.

How would you describe your style?I do not really know how to call my style yet. Let me figure it out when I start to go to the Art School. But it was influenced by Klimt, the Art Nouveau, ancient and tribal arts, calligraphy and street art that I incorporate in all my works. I also use stenciling which is distinct in most of my works. Being a newbie, I have not really established specific themes or subject yet. It is all mixed up at the moment. But I have made a series of work that portrays images with social relevance, like peace, war, hunger, poverty, etc. Are the artworks for sale, if yes, where can our readers view them?Yes, the paintings are for sale. Please check my public pagehttps://www.facebook.com/rossbertdelfin

This page is being updated with descriptions of the painting under the actual picture. One should be able to see if the painting is still available for sale. Everybody can open the page even

without a Facebook profile.

What do you work with now? I have a commissioned work right now and I am also working on a new series of paintings for my show on February next year in Aalborg.

What are your career plans for the future? I recently enrolled to study Art for one year in a vocational school in Odense, after which, I will try my luck to get a scholarship in a University or Art School somewhere in Europe. I am rather confident that new opportunities will come up for me, maybe in Norway or Sweden or Iceland? Are there art scholarships, grants, sponsors or gallery shows, that can sponsor a visa to stay longer in Europe? I really want to pursue this art career and make a living out of it. Do you have other interests and hobbies? I was into a lot of sports earlier. I played much basketball and football. But then when I started to paint I just focused on

that and had no time for other interests any more.

Do you take part in Filipino community activities?Yes, I do. I took part in Babaylan Denmark activities and some Filipino events here in Denmark. And also the fundraising event for the earthquake victims of Bohol in Copenhagen.

Do you have a special message to the ‘kababayans’ in Europe, or anywhere in the world? Thanks to all who have been following and supporting my Art. And to my kababayans, wherever you are in the world, just keep up the good work and make our country proud. My European friends always keep on telling me that we are the most polite people in the world. I hope we always prove them right. Mabuhay and God Bless.

Just follow me on my Facebook page for more updateshttps://www.facebook.com/rossbertdelfin

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Special FeatureSpecial Feature

MADAM MARIE LUARCA-REYESinterviewed by Rachel Hansen, photo from MLR archives

Please share with R&W readers, some insights into your busy and exciting life. I was born in Manila, partly raised in Batangas City and educated by the Religious of the Good Shepherd (St. Bridget’s College) and in Manila by the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (St. Theresa’s College). I have dabbled in post graduate studies in Sociology in the USA, the Netherlands and Italy.

I am co-founder and currently Executive Director of the New York-based The Global Share Resource Foundation. I am retired as manager at Citigroup Inc. in 2008. Past involvements include managing a Philippine government-run program for Out-of-School Youths, co-founding the Maria Montessori Cooperative School, a nonprofit educational institution, co-founding the Youth and Student Travel Association, an educational travel program, and I founded and managed Artists' Village, Inc. that assisted Filipino artists launch their careers.

We have one son, Paul-Philippe, a New York lawyer and who is recently wed to Meghan Towers, also a New York lawyer.

What are your interest and hobbies? I like reading topics in world’s ancient and modern histories, biographies of leaders who have influenced the world, current world events. I enjoy Museum hopping, would like to do gardening and painting.

What is it like to be an Ambassador’s wife, the countries and places you have been posted to?For me an ambassador’s wife is a title that carries job responsibilities. The title opens doors and can be leveraged to organize projects that benefit Filipinos overseas. My husband has been posted to New York, Myanmar, Mexico, Chile, South Africa (accredited to 7 other countries in the region) and then Italy with coverage of Albania, Malta and San Marino.

Marie Luarca-Reyes, wife of Philippine Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Virgilio Reyes, is an active, indefatigable, pragmatic, amiable lady who is deeply involved and engrossed in a myriad of activities to support and promote the Philippines not only in Italy, but in the rest of Europe, be it in the fields of tourism, arts and culture, business and industry. This much gifted lady has mastered the art of multi-tasking. Madam Marie Luarca-Reyes is European Representative for the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Executive Director of European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) and many more..

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Special FeatureSpecial Feature

Can you tell us about your current role as Executive Director of ENFiD – European Network of Filipino Diaspora, and as European Representative of CFO - Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)?ENFiD is still at the infancy stage. We have just submitted its registration papers in Malta where the first board meeting was held. We are due for the 1st Annual Membership meeting which we hope to take place in Spain sometime in the 1st quarter of 2014, when the Yolanda activities have quieted down a bit. The 18-country members have been active in their respective spheres and report to the ENFiD Secretariat for sharing with others.

My role as Executive Director is to make sure the networking system among members are alive and good practices shared, initiate efforts that will bring needed workshop training to members, and source grants to conduct its training and conference activities.

What are the main goals of ENFiD…and, what have been achieved since its inception? The goals of ENFiD are: a) primarily to create a sense of nationhood outside

of the Philippines b) collectively lift the ideals and aspirations of Filipinos overseas and c) recognize the injection of Filipino culture as enhancements to the adopted countries’ cultural and social processes.

What does it mean to be Executive Director of ENFiD?

The role of ENFiD Executive Director is still evolving and it is an honor to help define it for the next occupants.

What are your duties and responsibilities as CFO representative in Europe? The position is largely experimental given that CFO has yet to determine if a more permanent presence is essential

overseas. For now the experiment is opening possibilities to engage Filipino organizations to become more aware of CFO and its programs.

You are also Founder/Executive Director of Global Share Resource Foundation. Can you tell us more about this Foundation? The foundation started in 2001 (registered in 2003) when like-minded New York professionals of different nationalities

“Let us strive towards excellence

in artistic & scientific

endeavors and make known worldwide

our indigenous products...”

and religious persuasions decided to occupy their free time raising funds to assist small poor communities in livelihood skills training and education. The nationalities represented in the group dictate the projects assisted (Latin America, Africa and Asia).

What is your role in the Foundation of our Lady of Peace Mission?Sr. Eva Maamo, a surgeon and religious member of the Sisters of St. Paul involved me to investigate means to sustain the operating funds of the foundation so it can continually support feeding centers and free health care for the poor of the urban slums.

Being an Ambassador’s wife is a full-time job. How do you manage your time effectively? The dynamism of the Filipino communities in Italy is a great wealth of resources without whose volunteerism I would be hard pressed to do meaningful projects.

We read about the great success of the Fibre Philippines /Fashion promotion in Rome? Did it generate investment opportunities for Philippine fashion industry? Yes, the Fibre Filippine was a media success and opened the curiosity of the likes of Valentino and Ferragamo houses to experiment with our textile. It is too soon to tell if investments will pour into growing our natural fabric – but the conversation is ongoing and hopefully

the Fiber Development Authority of the Dept of Agriculture and the CITEM of the Dept of Trade and Industry will not let the buzz die down.

Italy is a country with one of the largest number of Filipinos abroad? How is the general situation of Filipinos in Italy? What do they work with? Are they integrated into social and working life? Italy is very welcoming to the Filipinos. They easily integrate into the Italian work life but I think the social integration is still an ongoing process, language being a major barrier. Italy moreover has instituted a process for Filipino migrants to be represented in the counsellorship of the municipality’s political mechanism. Can you tell us about your other ongoing projects and activities? We are working on the formation of a Filipino Community and Civic Center physical structure in cooperation with the City of Rome.

Lastly, do you have any message to the Filipinos in Europe, the youth, or any special group? Overseas Filipinos are 10-million strong. Let us use this number as a force to give meaning on what it is to be a Filipino not only as contract workers, but also to strive towards excellence in artistic and scientific endeavors, and make known worldwide our indigenous products. Ours is yet an emerging culture, keep the smiles that define our engaging characteristic.

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Business FeatureBusiness Feature

Rod Cardenas Estrella The Man behind Flann O´Brien, a

popular Irish pub in Barcelona

by Ma Victoria Madarieta in Barcelona

How long have you been running the business?I was already running Flann O´Brien since 1994, that s almost 20 years ago!

How did you get started or what got you started?In the 90’s I was working as Administration manager for an Irish construction engineering company that was building the Arts hotel here in Barcelona, when my bosses, who were mostly Irish and English, decided to put up the 2nd Irish pub here in Barcelona, so they got me to administer it financially for them. You see, three of my bosses were Irish and I had previously worked with the firm in Ireland and, in fact, I pursued my master’s degree at the University of Dublin. Well, I was at the same time still working for this international firm, and travelling a lot then from Ireland to Barcelona, until I got tired, and decided to settle down here in Barcelona, because I had made really nice

friends. Then in 1999, they offered to sell it to me.

What do you like most about what you do?I like meeting people and giving it my personal touch. I enjoy making people feel good, and I do not mind serving to please others. It is part of the job. I think it is inborn in us, Filipinos, this personal touch; and always with a smile.

How would you describe your typical clientele?They are typically adults between 18-45 years of age, office workers in the Diagonal area who come from work. Well, some couples and tourists too, and from different cultures. International, we may say.

How do you capture your market? Do you have publicity campaigns? Do you have to introduce innovative ideas

It is but likely that when you enter a Chinese restaurant you expect it to be run by Chinese. And so with an Irish pub, one would think it is owned by an Irish Man. But the owner of Flann O´Brien, a successful pub in Barcelona, is actually a Business Administration graduate of the University of the East in Manila, Rod Cardenas Estrella. What he started managing for his Irish colleagues in the early 90’s eventually became his in 1999, when he bought the business from them.

Maria Victoria Madarieta, our Bureau Editor in Barcelona, happily shares with us a rare Q&A session with Rod Cardenas Estrella wherein he enthusiastically reveals some top secrets of his success as a pub owner and generously giving us some tips on how to run a tough business smoothly and effectively.

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Business FeatureBusiness Feature

periodically? Well, the first two years I had to work hard to get the initial clients. Locally, it is basically by word of mouth; if they like the place, they come back and tell others. But to capture Barcelona visitors or non-locals I was subscribed for 4 or 5 years to a magazine for foreigners “Barcelona Connect”, putting ads there. Then after that, it is word of mouth that also works for tourists. Nowadays we have the internet, and if you search for the “best Irish pubs in Barcelona”, of course, we are there.

And I also try new activities for the pub, for instance, we hold the “Pub Quiz”, and the people from the British school come for the “Quiz Bee”. And we promote language exchange - foreign students who want to learn Spanish come to the pub, and those who want to learn English do likewise.How do people react when they find out

Flann O’Brien, an Irish pub, is actually owned and run by a Filipino?Happily surprised, I think. But I do not understand why that question. What do you mean by it?

Well, it is but natural to expect an Irish bar to be owned or run by Irish people.Did you know that there are around 52 Irish pubs in Barcelona and many are run by non-Irish? Nowadays I think people venture into new things.

Do Filipinos come to your pub? If yes, what makes them come?Oh yes, young people who like music, mga barkadas, and also slightly older groups of friends. They sing and listen to live music.

Have you seen an evolution in the business culture or concept in Spain, and mainly in Barcelona, from the time

you came till the present?Well in the 90’s it was really aggressive, and now with the crisis, it has gone down.

Has the global crisis, and more specifically, Spain’s recession, affected your business?Of course, everybody. I am just a tiny part of the economy. If big and older companies are closing down, you can imagine. You just have to adapt to the times.

Did you have to adapt your prices or projects to the present situation?Budget has to be adapted to the crisis. It is basic, if demand goes down, your budget has to go down; less demand, less budget. For instance, in my case I noticed that before, people drank up to 5 bottles, now they drink half, so I lessen the stock supply. I also lessen personnel, if needed. So to say -Go with the flow.

What would you consider the secrets or the basics of making a business work, in your case, a pub?I use the KKK motto- that s “kayod, kayod at kapal-mukha”. But wait, will all the readers understand me? Are the readers all Filipino? Ok, to translate, that’s “Hardwork, hard work and do not be shy” Dare, give things a try, and do not be embarrassed when doing it. But you have to be realistic as well, so before launching something, you should do a project study, after all it s your bread and butter. Then as I said from the start, you have to give your personal touch. You have to be physically present. It is good to be there to give a

hand when needed, and also, you can observe how your personnel deal with things, so you can give advice or improve things. You cannot delegate everything, precisely because it needs your personal touch.

What tips or advice would you give to Filipinos who want to start a business?First study the location, and the market. Make a Feasibility study or a Project study. Then do not finish all your investment at the very start. Leave some, just in case. Then once in, keep on. There s no “sorry, I ve changed my mind” in business, there s no backing out, once in. Kaya dapat alam mo ang papasukan mo (you should know what you are getting into). If you have no experience, think 100 times. Sometimes false starts happen, but that is usually because you did not study the business well before getting into it. Dapat pag-aralin mo muna bago pasukin (you should study it before going into it). But then, of course, life is a learning experience and in the end you shouldn t be judged by the number of times you fail, rather by the times you rise and try again.

That s right.You seem to agree with everything I say. Did everything I say make sense?

It s perfect. Thank you for your cooperation, Rod.

For more information visit Flann Obrien Barcelona on facebook.

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HilotHilot

Hilot – the art of Philippine Traditional Holistic Treatment

Words and photos by Michelle Fontanilla-Söderman in Stockholm

Hilot is a more than half a millennium old healing art that is performed through the use of bare hands, herbs and plant

oils. This ancient method of massage could heal various pains and illnesses in the human body and is still widely practiced in the Philippines.

The term “hilot” is used until these days as the professional name of the woman who serves massage therapy exclusively for women. The Filipino people in ancient times consider hilot as the miraculous art of healing.

Even now, some may still consider hilot as a miraculous method of healing upon knowing the real depth of its capacity to heal. Its pain healing treatment serves as a defence or preventive measure to avoid the occurrence of more serious body ailments. This therapeutic massage is of significant value from childhood until old age of a man. It benefits even the infant who is still in the womb of the mother.

Hilot is the oldest and most secret of the Filipino healing arts in the Philippines. It is very rare for masters of this practice to divulge their secret of healing.

This type of healing supposedly dates back to the first civilization of the Philippines (approximately 5th century).Based on my research and experience, there has been no early documentation that has been saved of this traditional treatment. This ancient art of healing is either learned from master practitioners who passed it on to their apprentices. It can also be learned through exposure and hands-on practice as inherited from the elders of the family. At the age of 7, I became an apprentice to my mother’s father, my lolo Pedro Fontanilla, an Ilocano Albolaryo (which is the male version of Manghihilot). He taught me how to decipher the mysterious art of hilot.

As I grew up, I developed a passion towards this traditional art of healing.

Before my lolo Pedro left the physical world, he left me one golden rule: that it is my obligation to pass on to the next generation and preserve what he had taught me. This is why I have dedicated myself for more than 20 years now (still intending to extend more years of research) to this field. I have gone to some parts of the Philippines meeting some Manghihilot or Albolaryo and expanded my understanding and widened my respect about hilot.

I also travelled some parts of Asia to expand my knowledge on different massages being practiced in this part of the world. Shanghai, China was my first destination in 1996. Here I learned about acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Thailand was my second destination in 2005. Here I

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Hilot

observed and experienced the traditional Thaimassage. In 2006, I moved to Stockholm, Sweden and expanded more on medicine massage and the theories governing it. I attended a formal school to learn about Rosenmetoden which has the closest similarity to Hilot. I also attended in this same school a course on using organic and plant-based materials for body treatments and skin care. Aside from these, I also attended several seminars and workshops about massage, spa treatments and healing in different parts of Europe. On this same year, I also launched Sarinla-Hilot massage and spa treatment services. During the succeeding years, I was able to observe and document more about the connection between healing, relaxation, touch and which vital factors are necessary to create a balance in our body, mind, spirit and heart with a more holistic approach.

In 2009, after almost 17 years of professional experience and observation, I discovered that the approach to healing the body should be a holistic one, that is considering not only the physical aspect, but as well as the psychological-, emotional- and spiritual aspect. I decided to take a course on basic psychology and at the same time, I attended a lot of workshop and seminar on meditation, yoga and mindfulness.

This knowledge expansion gave me a wider view and a richer understanding on how touch affects the human body- from the time we are being conceived until old-age. It also helped me to understand the

connection between childhood memory and adulthood, the cause and effect of pain and sickness, and the balance that our entire life cycle needs in order to survive. Thus, Sarinla-Hilot Healing Art is born because of these reasons. This healing haven gives me more freedom and flow when I perform my unique concoction of healing methods, using raw materials and tools from nature, plant-based herbs and oils and combining both traditional- and medicinal massage and body care treatments. I have observed positive results and is currently involved in a group of professionals planning to document more about the benefits of massage, particularly Hilot.

Hilot is still being practiced to varying degrees or levels in the Philippines, but has now found its way to many parts of the world. Here in Sweden, together with my apprentices, we have already started to expose the wonders of hilot and we intend to share it to the community. Our main goal is to help preserve one of the Philippines’ living treasures- the healing art of HILOT.

Sarinla-Hilot Healing ArtKungstensgatan 28AStockholm, [email protected]

FB: Sarinla Hilot Healing Art

Jeth InfiniteRising new artist in London’s music scene

By Stephanie Panlilio in London Photos from Jeths archives

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MusicMusic

Jeth Infinite, a.k.a. Lil’ Jeth, has been a newly accomplished RnB artist since 2002. He has lived in Manila and Quezon City before moving to the UK the same year. Jeth has devoted himself to his music and has created his own opportunities; creating, directing and producing his own music videos which have been released worldwide. He has also held live performances around London at venues such as the Coronet Theatre as well as performing at a Fashion show to support the charity, ‘Help for Heroes’. Jeth has really embraced his career and has become a remarkable Filipino artist in London.

As an independent musician, he is an encouraging role model for all young people, proving that with hard work and determination, dreams truly are infinite!

What motivated you to pursue your career?Music started out as a huge passion for me, I started writing my own lyrics back in 2002 when I was still in year 8 at school and a lot of people in my year showed a lot of love to me doing what I do. When I started putting up my own songs online and started to get more people listening to my songs and appreciating my work, that’s when I wanted to pursue it more. Now, I want to represent Filipinos as an Urban music artist and rapper as we don’t have a lot of that in the global charts.

Who is your role model/inspirational artist that influenced your career? I used to listen to a lot of Nas, Eminem, LL

cool J and Bow Wow when I was getting into the genre. I wanted to be as successful as these artists and have the similar support they are getting from their fans. However my sound is my own, but if you have to analyse my style it’s kind of the mix of all of those artists.

Do you enjoy old hip-hop/RnB music as well as Urban music?I love the 90’s music and the early 2000’s sound. I take a bit of my style from there. I enjoy listening to any music as long as I can relate to them. From the early Usher, Backstreet boys, Nsync, LL Cool J, Bow Wow, Ja rule to current Urban artists like Ne-Yo, Big Sean, Wale and Tinie Tempah.

Are there any other genres of music you enjoy as well as hip-hop/ RnB?I like listening to rock too! Growing up in the Manila, I was exposed to a lot of Linkin’ Park, Parokya Ni Edgar and Eraserheads! I love Parokya Ni Edgar’s first Album! I like all of the songs on that CD!

How/when did you get the opportunity to compose your own music? Ever since the beginning I have been making my own opportunity. My first song was just recorded using a standard headset and that’s it! But my school friends loved it. It was back in 2010 when I actually invested more money towards my equipment and I built my own home studio. There, I started making a lot of songs and mixtapes that I have uploaded to YouTube.

What forms of advertising are you able to acquire for your music, has it had an impact on your career? My music video for “Fallin” was aired all over the Caribbean, Asia and some states in the USA through cable music networks which helped attract some international interests. My story was featured on a 2-page spread article on a prestigious magazine, ‘Countryside La vie’ based in my City, which helped give me some recognition and credibility in my City. ‘BBC introducing’ is also supporting me and would play my latest singles on their regional shows, which really helps to maintain my presence. The best promotion though, comes from my friends, fans and supporters that would share the word about my latest music videos on Facebook.

How do you manage to compose your music, what is the process and equipment required? The main first step would be finding the right instrumental. I would search the Internet for a good beat and pick out which sound I like the most and then buy it from the producer. Then I start to work on the lyrics; there is where I have fun the most, just trying to write the right the words to convey my message the way I want it to come across. Then I have my condenser microphone, mixer, audio interface, mac, adobe audition cs6 and an acoustically treated studio where I record my vocals and mix my songs. After that I’m faced with whole new works, which are the video production, promotion strategy and booking processes!

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When producing your own music videos, what is the nature of the work schedule and production process? My schedule for my shoots are very tricky and most of the time they are very strict and limited. I always have to work fast because we usually only have the location for a couple of hours. It’s always a lot of pressure trying to get many great shots as quickly as possible. It takes a lot of pre-planning; it would actually take me 3 weeks to plan a 3 hours of video filming on location. It all comes down to how well I prepare for the video shoot. It starts with figuring out what look I want to go for, writing my script, picking out the style of clothes, figuring out the suitable environment for the scenes, scouting for the location, getting permission to shoot on location, getting the crew organised for the same date, getting the necessary equipment to be on location, getting the planned camera angles on point and make sure that everybody turns up on the shoot and makes sure that the shoot finishes on time while having all of the shots I need. Then comes the editing; It involves a lot of improvisation, I learned that, no matter how well you plan every detail there are always things that are out of your control and you just have to improvise when things don’t go as smoothly as planned.

Is there any advice you can give to a potential Filipino/Filipina who would like to pursue their career in the music industry? ‘Take your time but use it wisely. Get to know the business as much as you know

your music but most importantly, enjoy what you do!’

What plans do you have for the future? Right now I am working on paper works to get my music videos played on UK music television. I am very happy that my EP is doing relatively well considering that I am still unsigned and independent. I am aiming to release an album or LP next year featuring bigger upcoming and established artists. A song with Charice would be great! The songs on this CD would be more personal and will have a lot to do about relationships and friendships.

Have you been to any concerts featuring your favourite artist (s)? No, not yet. Hopefully with the right amount of luck and crazy amount of work I would be able to perform alongside my favourite artists soon!

VInCEnTSORIanO& the art of Travel

Filipinos in Europe are often known as IT Professionals, Nurses or Au Pairs. Oftentimes, we hear stories about those who struggle to make ends meet or those who accept odd jobs to be able to send money and elevate the lives of their families back home. When we were younger, we were more aggressive and passionate about what we wanted to do but as we age and face the harsh reality, we tend to settle more on what life has to offer.

This the story of Vincent Soriano, who

moved to Prague a decade ago, started his own business in a city where English is not widely-spoken and a culture which is the exact opposite of what he was accustomed to.

Despite his busy schedule, I am deeply honored that Kuya V. gave me a chance to share his story to our fellow Kabayans in Europe. To those who want to get out of their comfort zone and follow their passion by venturing into something they believe in, this is a must-read.

by Mayra Panganiban in Prague

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When and why did you move to Prague?I moved to Prague in December 2002 and my reason was to start a Marketing and Sales company for Hotel and Airline industries. Why Prague? I fell in love with the city on my first visit in 1999. Back then, Prague was still one of the emerging markets and I immediately saw a business opportunity. At that time, I was working as Head of International Sales for a 5-Star resort in Thailand where my job was to expand our business globally. I was travelling around the world 70% of the time and this opened up my senses to what is out there.

What made you stay here? I started Art Of Travel as soon as I landed in Dec 2002 or I should probably say a year before that. The company's business has evolved since then which gave me more and more reason to stay here.

Do you have a family here in Prague? I have 2 grown up kids from my previous marriage. My eldest daughter is 23,

finished high school at the International School of Prague and completed her University degree in Amsterdam. She now lives with her mom in Hong Kong. My son also finished high school here at the Christian International School of Prague and is about to finish his University degree in Sweden. Recently, God blessed me with a second marriage. My current wife is a wonderful Czech lady I married in Sept 2011.

Businessmen like you have a very busy schedule, what do you normally do when you have free time?My free time is spent Taekwondo training. This gives me a sense of discipline. I earned my 1st Dan black belt back in 1985 but eventually stopped. A couple of years ago, I regained my passion and fell in love with the sport again. I have been training to earn my 2nd Dan next year and plan on competing in Open Championships within Europe. My other passion is music. I am a singer and a songwriter at heart. This paved

This is where it all started - Prague Castle, Czech Republic (Photo courtesy of Glenn Sanchez)

way in signing a publishing deal with Warner Music in 1998. I was blessed to have written songs which became hits in Asia. My biggest hit was sung by a famous Hong Kong artist who won a Grammy. It was eventually chosen as Pepsi’s theme song in Hong Kong and in China. I was also a recording artist in Thailand and my song hit no. 2 in the charts back then.

Now let’s talk about Art Of Travel, what is it about and what services do you offer?Our services cover different sectors of the hospitality industry. We are a Marketing and Sales Representative for various airlines in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. At the moment, we represent 6 airlines and I am happy to say that Philippine Airlines is one of them. After being banned for years, PAL

has recommenced its flights in Europe with London being the first destination. We also administer work for 26 other airlines and offer ticketing services both to individual and corporate clients.

Hotel marketing is the initial core business of Art Of Travel. As years passed, we have evolved and ventured into Destination Management to Czech Republic, Thailand and of course, Philippines. We have an e-commerce website where we offer hotels, tour packages and other tailored travel services to various destinations worldwide. We also have our own B2C and B2B websites.

How did you start in this business? Did you have the initial capital for this venture?I arrived in Prague with 1,500 dollars (USD) in my pocket and a contract to

Philippine Travel Exchange in Czech Republic

www.ArtOfTravel.eu co-hosted trip with Qatar Airways along with friends and agents from Hungary

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represent El Nido hotel in the Philippines, 2 other well-known hotels in Thailand and the Thai Tourist Board. In other words, my initial capital was "laway".

What is your greatest fear and challenge in having your own business?Uncertainty is always a fear for most people but this is always offset by "faith and trust in God". So it's your choice, to "fear" or to "trust in faith". In my case, I chose the latter.

What is the greatest lesson you learnt in this endeavor?As you know already, I am into sports so I would like to borrow some of my favorite brands slogan - Nike "Just do it" ... If it's in your heart and passion to start something, “You just have to do it". Adidas "Impossible is nothing" ... you really have to believe with all your heart

that you can make it no matter what the odds are and Apple "think different' … You have to think outside the box to see opportunities where others don't ...

How do you see yourself then when you were starting this business compared to where you are now?I have barely touched the surface. The last 10 years have been a trial and error but the start of 2013 for me is different. I have finally honed up the company's mission and vision so there is now a different purpose of why Art Of Travel exists.

What is the reason for your success and how do you measure it?I never measure success as probably how the world sees it. My only gauge is that I am everyday passionate about what I do and this and the sense of mission that

Vincent’s “Is it you? hit no.2 in Bangkok’s

billboard charts

Good old music days - with Toni Braxton

the company now has is what brings me to work every day ... that Mission is "to meet the travel needs of mankind with the best possible means and value".

What can you impart or advice to Filipinos living abroad who have the perseverance and yet still struggle and those who have limited resources to set up their business?Your passion is your compass and guide. So if you are passionate about something just go for it. If you have limited resources, don't let this be a hindrance to your dreams. If you believe in your

business idea strongly enough, you will most certainly get others to believe in it too and that's when everything starts to move regardless of how limited your resources are. As I mentioned in the beginning, I started with USD 1,500 in a foreign land together with "laway" capital.

For more information about Kuya V’s business, visit www.artoftravel.eu where you can book hotels and plan your travels. If you wish to contact him personally, you may send an email to [email protected]

Culture Travel Fair in Granada,Spain

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Airline Association Conference where Vincent (2nd row, 3rd from the right) represented Czech Republic and Slovakia office.

Vincent’s wedding ceremony in 2011

Rosita SumagaysayFilipina worker in Cyprus exhibits

paintingsby Miles Viernes in Cyprus

“Princess Margaret of Spain,” “Rosita’s Flowers” and “Lonely.” These are some of the paintings exhibited by Rosita Sumagaysay, a budding Filipina artist, at the European University Cyprus last July.

The exhibit was held during the joint celebration of the 115th Philippine Independence Day and Migrant

Workers’Day, organized by the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Nicosia, Philippine Embassy in Athens, Greece and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Cyprus.

Rosita is one of about 16,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Cyprus, most

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of them working as household service workers or “kasambahays.” With the support and encouragement of her Cypriot employer, Ms. Elena Vassiliou, Rosita’s innate artistic talent was developed.

Seven of her oil in canvass paintings were showcased in the mini-exhibit , a sidelight of the whole-day affair. They were presented to the officers of the Philippine Embassy in Athens, Greece and the Philippine Honorary Consulate of Nicosia led by Ambassador Meynardo Lb. Montealegre.

Sumagaysay is a live-in helper who works about six hours a day. During her free time, she dabbles in drawing and sketching. One day, her employer noticed her interest in visual arts and her talent, and provided financial support so Rosita could pursue her dream of painting more, of creating bigger images.

She enrolled Rosita in afternoon art classes where she further enhanced her skills. Every day after work, Elena allowed Rosita to paint in her house’s kitchen area. Elena also introduced Rosita to her

family and friends who also patronized Rosita’s work.

Rosita exemplifies an OFW who strives to improve her status in life. She was born in the city of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental,one of 12 siblings. There she was able to finish Associate in Computer Data Processing, a two-year college course. Like many of our kababayans looking for better opportunities, Rosita left the country in 2004.

Through an agency, she was able to go to Cyprus and work as a kasambahay .Rosita was not happy with her first employer. Fortunately, after her contract with the first employer, she was able to work with the father of Ms. Vassiliou, who eventually took her into her household

when her father died in 2008.

“I am extremely happy because Ms. Vassiliou is very kind, open minded, understanding and supportive,” Rosita told this writer. She said that Elena has expanded her horizons by taking her to see art exhibits, museums and art films. Elena has also introduced Rosita to her circle of friends who also paint.

(They) have inspired me to improve my work. I will continue to paint and hope to be a fine artist someday. Painting gives me peace and joy. It helps me relax after a day’s work , “ she added.

Note: The article first appeared in the Balikabayan Section, Arts and Culture of Rappler, on August 19, 2013.

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The United Bicolanos in Barcelona (UBB)

reaches out to Bicolano Youth through UBBEaP

By Dina Toledano, UBBEAP committee member in Barcelona

The UNIFIED BICOLANOS IN BARCELONA (UBB) which was founded on May 2009 is a region-wide organization duly registered under Spanish laws whose members come from the Region V in the Philippines known as the Bicol Region , hence the term Bicolanos referring to the Filipinos residing in said region. Incidentally, Bicolanos constitute one of the least number of Filipinos living in Barcelona.

As migrant workers, survival is not the only difficult issue that needs to be dealt with day by day. The psychological misery of being away from home makes life seem unbearable. The need to find a support group where one can feel that

sense of belongingness is the only way which could more or less recreate the balance of life.

For the Bicolanos in Barcelona, UBB affords social forum where social, religious, cultural and other worthwhile activities are organized for members and non-members including their families. In fact, from the time that it was established it has been actively involved in all Filipino Community activities reaching out, and exploring ways on how its existence can be most productive .As an organization, it has strived to make a difference as to the activities it has been launching.

Even if it is a civic organization , it has

Raffledraw: A raffle draw was held to raise funds for the scholarship project during the UBB Peñafrancia celebration in September.

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an annual religious Peñafrancia Fiesta celebration in Barcelona and Tarragona coinciding with the Regional Fiesta celebration in the Philippines considered to be the grandest Marian fiesta celebration in the country. This is an opportunity for all Bicolanos to gather as one people commemorating one’s home cultural celebration. Such activities continually nurture the Bicolano Spirit which binds us together as one people paving way to aspire for noble things for the upliftment of our needy fellow Bicolanos back home.

Hence, the birth of the UBBEAP which stands for UNIFIED BICOLANOS IN BARCELONA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

UBBEAP is a recently launched long term financial assistance project by the organization to financially handicapped but deserving students enrolled in post-secondary non degree technical, vocational educational training. For its initial implementation it will finance eleven students enrolled in a government run educational institution known as the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This project is in pursuance of the organization's objective as laid down in our constitution-and-by-laws of reaching out to our needy countrymen particularly those who reside in our home region, the Bicol Region. It is envisioned to be implemented on a long term basis with a proposal that it be considered the pet project of the

organization with a separate structure distinct from the rutinary functions of the organization but still under the supervision of the President being automatically the Chief Executive. If in the future, circumstances permit, it shall be worked out to be registered as a foundation so that it could be more effective in the outsourcing of funds to be able to reach out to both Bicolano and non Bicolano Scholars.

The economic crisis besetting our workplace here in Spain does not hinder us from eking out means on how we could be able to realize such noble objective. In the midst of these financial difficulties, we have more reasons to tighten our belts so that we could be more financially responsible not only for our own future but most importantly the future of our next generations. Sensibly, that future is in the hands of our young people who would take over the world of the adult of today; the world's future is in their hands. There is therefore every reason that we should afford them the opportunity to be transformed into the kind of beings we want them to be; bringing us therefore on what education can do in sculpting the kind of society that we aspire for. This way, we the members of the UNIFIED BICOLANOS IN BARCELONA despite of the lack of our physical presence in contributing to the molding of our Bicolano Youth back home, hopefully through the UBBEAP we could let them feel our willingness to reach out to them and that this is our

way of saying, we are most concern of their future and they occupy the most special places in our hearts.

At this point, it pays to acknowledge the unselfish so to speak , unconditional collective efforts extended by the UBB team from the time of UBBEAP's conceptualization , actualization of ways and means towards UBBEAP’s implementation.. Indeed, the road is rocky yet we chose to take the less travelled road. The mere thought that we would be touching lives which could eventually help in the attainment of dreams is a consolation that would ease

the longings of souls to do good thereby deepening our sense of altruism

Truly , we could all be "Men and Women for Others". This is not a privilege of the elite even the have-nots can also do the same if only we could give time to listen to the language of our hearts. By then, we could share in making our world a perfect place to live in.

Noted by:Mr. Emil Maravillas- over-all UBBEAP coordinatorMª Victoria Madarieta- President, Exec. Officers

Exec Officers: The UBBEAP committee is formed by the UBB Executive officers, 2 UBB non-officer members, and 3 collaborators who are non-UBB members.

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The Music Behindthe Twin-City

Himamaylan in negros and ans in Belgiumby Divina Porlares in Belgium

This year a twin-city agreement has been reached between our very own Himamaylan in Negros and the city of Ans

in Belgium. What may seem to be a government to government initiated collaboration, the initiative actually had interesting artistic roots. It was the gifted choral group, Erato Singers of

Ans, who fervently pushed the sister-city idea with one propelling objective in mind : to support the cause of the small farmers of Negros. The idea for a multi-dimensional synergy between the Himamaylans and the Ansois sprang to life when the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) came over to Belgium in 2012. One of their major

performances was in the province of Liege, and there, the UPSA members were warmly hosted by the families and friends of the Erato Singers. Such contact from a cultural level, not only forged a beautiful friendship between the musicians involved but more curiously, it sparked the attention of this quiet Belgian community to the plight of the struggling farmers of Negros whom they realized were still deprived of their agrarian rights. A decision to raise funds to support these farmers became almost instinctive to the Belgian choral group, as humanitarian gestures are not at all new to them.

So in April 2014, the Erato Singers of more than thirty members, will embark in their unprecedented Philippine adventure, in what Ambassador Victoria Bataclan describes as « the first ever of its kind from Belgium, given its largely-sized delegation as well as its holistic three-pronged mission to deepen further bilateral relations at the grass-root level. » UPSA is enthusiastic to take the turn to extend its hospitality to the Belgian choir in a back-to-back concert in Manila. Immediately after this concert, it will be the city of Himamaylan’s turn to welcome these huge delegation of Belgian artists. The Negros based NGO, Paghida-et sa Kauswagan will usher

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them to their intended days of immersion with the agrarian reformed communities where they can officially hand-over the EUR10887 intended as aid for the farmers.

This multi-level visit has been in planning since a few months ago, when typhoon Yolanda was still unheard of. Now, with many parts of Negros left unspared by such super typhoon, this twin-city partnership, has already been put to

test. The First Councilor of Ans, Thomas Cialone,did not lose time to explore with the Philippine embassy ways for the community of Ans to extend help to Negros.

One story always leads to another ; and when it is predicated by good intentions, we feel that the world is in harmony, where, goodwill, like music, sees no cultural boundaries.

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Bringing Filipino Culture to GreeceBy Wilhelmina A. Mendoza in Athens

The Filipino and Greek communities here in Athens were lucky and privileged to have met the Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Prof. Felipe De Leon Jr. who was in Greece by invitation of the Philippine Embassy in Athens. He conducted a series of lectures which made them appreciate Philippine culture and arts. In his Lecture at The Philippine School in Greece (KAPHILCA), the faculty, the 3rd

year and the 4th year high school students learned a lot about living Filipino cultures. According to surveys, the Philippines is the most emotional country in the whole world and that it is where people feel most loved, Chairman De Leon said. He emphasized the importance of Filipino culture in the development of every Pinoy’s attitude which make them stand above others.

Chairman De Leon showed pictures of

Chairman De Leon together with the Phil. Embassy officials and the Board of Trustees and faculty of KAPHILCA-PSG

authentic Filipino products, places and events, some of which he took himself. Indeed, the lecture helped the students a lot to discover their roots as Filipinos especially those who have not been to the Philippines even once. “Naimpress ako dahil napakagandang impluwensya nito kung ipapalaganap natin ito sa buong mundo…at gusto ko itong makita kapag umuwi ako sa Pilipinas”, exclaimed Luigi Hernandez, a 3rd year High School student who, even if he had been to the Philippines, has never seen the beauty of our homeland and was amazed by the pictures that he saw.

“Higit lahat ang ating interes upang makatulong at maging daan kami o tools para sa mga estudyante namin na mag-aaral na malaman pa rin nila higit sa aming kakayahan ang kanilang nalaman tungkol sa ating bansang Pilipinas”, stated Mrs. Shirley Manigbas, a faculty member of the school who said that she will use what she learned during the lecture to be a more effective teacher and to promote our rich culture. During the open forum, the audience was given the chance to ask questions which Chairman De Leon enthusiastically answered. “They were very appreciative

A native house constructed in just a few hours and without any nails

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of whatever I said to them about our own culture”, he commented. In another lecture held at the reception hall of the Philippine Embassy, leaders of different Filipino organizations here in Greece were awed as they saw how talented Chairman De Leon is when he serenaded them with some authentic Filipino immortal songs like “Maalaala mo Kaya” and “Ang Tangi kong Pag-ibig”. They even got carried away and sang along with him. This is aside from the various information that they learned about Filipino culture, and the Filipino core values which are pakikipagkapwa-tao, pakiramdam, and kagandahang-loob, all of which we Filipinos are known for.The Philippine Embassy organized a

round table discussion for Greek Arts and Culture experts. The topic “What Makes a Filipino a Filipino” was discussed. The Greeks appreciated it very much knowing that Filipinos have a good image here in Greece . Among Chairman De Leon’s other activities during his short but worthwhile visit here in Greece were meetings with the E1 Directorate for Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece, Ministry of Culture and with UNESCO National Commission Greece Head Ekaterini Tzitzikosta. Discussed were cooperation and how to revitalize the cultural agreement between two countries.

Chairman De Leon and Ambassador Montealegre with the arts and culture experts during the round table discussion

THREE Icelanders, one of them pregnant have made their way to the tropical shores of Northern Philippines. Coming from a long line of Scandinavian settlers that came to Iceland in the 10th and 11th centuries, these Icelandic horses (a stallion, yearling and a pregnant mare) continue the Viking journey of their ancestors by making the longest trip ever for an Icelandic horse. The whole process

Icelanders migrate to the Philippines

Word & photos by Marvi A. Gil in Reykjavik

was handled by www.horseexport.is

“At first we thought that this was just a normal inquiry and that nothing will come out of it. We ve had inquiries from all over the world but never from the Philippines. Then the inquiry turned serious. It s the furthest we ve ever sent Icelandic horses to,” says Kristbjörg ‘Krissi’ Eyvindsdóttir who together with

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her husband Gunnar Arnarson run a horse breeding, training and export business in Norðlingaholt and Selfoss. Their daughter Þórdís Erla Gunnarsdóttir is also a horse trainer. All together as a family, the horses they breed and train have won numerous awards in Icelandic and international horse competitions.

The horses were accompanied by a handler, passing through mainland Europe and onwards to Southeast Asia. Boat, ferry and air travel were the means of transportation utilized. “It s very expensive to transport horses. Much much much more than someone on first class air travel. We believe that the new horse owner was really determined to realize this dream,” Krissi adds.

According to the Icelandic horsemanship

website www.hestafrettir.is, the new owner is Chito Aniban, a breeder whose farms are famous for producing world-class genetic quality boars and gilts for breeding. Aniban s also has a horse farm offering riding lessons in Alfonso, Cavite. “Chito would rather wait a bit before revealing more about his plans,” Kriss says. “However, as far as we know, it has really been his dream to own Icelandic horses and even prepared a special paddock using grass specially flown into the Philippines to prepare for them.”

Icelandic horses are famous for having two gaits in addition to the normal walk, trot and canter/gallop. These two additional gaits allow for its sure-footedness and ability to cross rough terrain. The horses are increasingly becoming renowned in world of horsemanship.

The Philippines Club de Catalunyabuilding bridges between two cultures

by Ma Victoria Madarieta in BarcelonaPhotos by Marco Pajo, Elton Sebastian, Karen Joy Salvador

The Philippines Club, the social communityThe Philippines Club de Catalunya was officially presented to the Barcelona public at the Pinoy party last September 30, gathering a crowd of roughly 200 that packed the 2 halls of the Philippines club (the locale). With such a huge turnout, the event was considered a big success. However the Club’s objective is not to be an occasional gathering place for Filipino- Catalan parties; The Philippines Club’s real aim is to promote cooperation and communication between the Filipino and Catalan communities.Hence it was but natural and almost

instinctive that after the typhoon Haiyan devastation of the Philippine provinces of Leyte, Samar and nearby provinces, the Philippines Club of Catalunya immediately organized a fundraising benefit dinner for the typhoon victims on November 17th.

The buffet dinner party featured Filipino cuisine, the main dish being the Philippine fiesta favorite, the lechon or roasted pig. Aside from the money raised from the dinner ticket, the Barcelona Exposure Club president, Ian Reyes, also put several of his photographs up for bidding, to help raise even more funds.

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to welcome new affiliates.

The Philippines Club, the localeThe Philippines Club is right next to the Philippine consulate, so although the Club s formal launching was in September, the Philippines Club, the place, has in fact already been open to the Filipino community, and has generously supported several activities and events organized by Filipino associations.

The first successful and colorful event held at the Philippines Club was in April, when RodelJuacallafilm and the BEC organized a Wedding exhibit with complete entourage, including cakes, table arrangements and other accessories.

In May, a Tourism campaign session to promote Philippine tourism was set up for Barcelona travel agents, culminated by a buffet Filipino lunch introducing Philippine food.

In the evening, Spanish and Catalan guests were invited to a dinner showcasing Filipino cuisine, with the presence of H. E. Ambassador Carlos Salinas, Philippine Ambassador to Spain, as well as other Philippine Embassy officials.

On June 21, the Semana de Moda Filipina in Barcelona, featuring designer Bing Cristobal s creations, held its opening fashion show at the Philippines Club de Catalunya.

Filipino Professional Dancer, Rodel Espinosa, also offered free dancing classes for bidding, after an impressive performance together with his Spanish partner, Vanessa Delgado, showing their world-class skills.

The Filipino community in Barcelona is actually lucky to have among its members truly talented and enterprising people. Therefore, to encourage a more active participation of people from all walks of life and maximize such diverse resources, the Philippines Club has formed different committees to include these different aspects.

The Social Committee has, among its projects, the regular sending of balikbayan boxes with relief goods to calamity stricken areas in the Philippines. So, what initially were boxes of clothes and toys meant for Zamboanga, became relief goods for Bohol, while some goods that were collected for Bohol are on their way to the typhoon Haiyan victims.

The committee is also studying the possibility of setting up a summer nursery school for children of Filipino parents who have no one to leave their children with while working.

Aside from the free dance classes already being taught by Rodel and Vanessa at the Philippines club, the Cultural committee has started offering Tagalog classes to Spanish people interested in the Philippine language and culture. Spanish

classes are also going to be set-up for the new arrivals of the Philippine community, and eventually, English classes will also be available.

If you are the enterprising type you can join the Business committee, which has among its planned projects a weekly fair of Filipino food at the busy Barcelona Plaza Real , the square right next to where the Philippine Consulate and the Philippines Club are located.

For Filipinos who have just arrived in Barcelona and Catalonia, the Philippines Club holds periodical informative sessions, continuing the public service activity started by the Philippine Consulate General of Barcelona a few years ago.

A lot of activities are still in the planning phase and need the support and active involvement of its members, so everyone is encouraged to join and participate for their realization. The Philippines Club is still open for membership and would like

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A tourism event showing sights and places to visit in the Philippines

The dinner motif was in line with Tourism´s “It´s more fun in the Philippines “, Es mas divertido comer Filipino (it’s more fun to eat Filipino food).

Bing Cristobal at the Phil Club, flanked by Hon. Consul Jordi Puig, show director, Louie Simbe (left), and model, A. Hentschel (right).

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Estefaníadel Valle

Heidilyn Ko Cristina Averion Aaron Felip Adarlo

Jeff Bathan

Some of Bing Cristobal’s Black and White collection featured at the fashion show at the Philippines Club.

In a week s time, another event took place; the Lechon party which was the Hon. Consul’s way of celebrating his birthday and sharing it with the Filipino community in Barcelona, together with some of his local friends; while at the

same time, again promoting Filipino cuisine and other Philippine dishes. Well-wishers filled the place and the great ambiance led to a singing and light jam session afterwards.

This very sense of community and interaction is among the objectives the Club. Aside from fostering brotherhood between the Filipino and Catalan communities, it at the same time hopes to promote each culture to the other, through active participation and interaction between both, thereby allowing a natural integration of the Filipino community into its adoptive country, as well as nurturing cooperation and understanding between both cultures.

Welcome to the Philippines Club of Catalunya! Benvinguts a tots ! Tuloy

po kayo! Hoping to see you here soon.For membership enquiries, you may contact Christina Elloso at [email protected].

“The Philippines Club de Catalunya is a private non-profit organization

that aims to build bridges of dialogue and cooperation with the

Philippine society both in Catalonia and in the Philippines. It aims to be a meeting point, a link where two cultures, so different yet so alike,

converge as one, in a global vision of coexistence, respect and growth.”

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The First Philippine Cultural Week in

Stockholm, SwedenWords and photos by Rachel Hansen

Last September 16-21, Filipinos, Swedes and other Stockholmers were treated to a one- week festival showcasing

and celebrating Filipino culture in Stockholm, Sweden. Arranged by Rachel Hansen and hosted by the Philippine Center Stockholm, ENFiD-Sweden and Roots&Wings magazine, the week-long event garnered loads of positive responses and made many realize that indeed Filipino culture is unique in its diversity and intensity.

A 6-day Art Exhibition with artist Hermes Alegre was opened and inaugurated at the very chic Café Tjärlek owned and managed by kababayan Dinah Gärtner. More than half of the artworks on display were sold on the first day. To the delight of visitors, Hermes painted on-the-spot

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portraits of some of the guests, a much appreciated and enjoyable addition to the very colorful art exhibition.

A one-day film festival followed, showing two Filipino films courtesy of Mavshack.com, a Swedish company with head office in Stockholm, which is the leading global online broadcaster of Filipino entertainment.

The finale of the festival was The Kundiman & Klasiko Concert with our very own European-based Filipino musicians, soprano Armela Fortuna from France and pianist Aries Caces from Austria who charmed the audience with their magnificent rendition of classical songs and arias by, amongst others, Schumann, Mozart, Puccini, Gershwin, BUT it was the kundiman selections that ultimately brought tears of nostalgia on some of the guests, with songs like “Ano

Kaya ang Kapalaran?” “Mutya Ng Pasig”, “Pamaypay Ng Maynila”

At the Concert, an artwork donated by Hermes Alegre was auctioned off, and the proceed was donated to The Onesimo Bulilit Foundation upon recommendation by Armela Fortuna. Aina Bauer was the lucky auction bidder.

Lottery tickets were sold to raise funds to augment the many expenses incurred during the whole week festival. Josephine “Tipin” Lareza was the first prize winner of a round-trip ticket (to a favorite city in Europe) donated by Letty Simpson of Air Asia Travel. Other prizes were film cards with 3-months online streaming, donated by Mavshack.com, A One-Week Accommodation for 2 at Splendido Golf & Country Club in Tagaytay, and a 3-day accommodation for Two in Coron, Palawan, courtesy of Pops Torita de Wit, and four boxes with a dozen crystal glasses donated by Tony Rodriguez. Many many thanks to all our prize donors for your generosity!

The 2nd Philippine Cultural Week will take place on the last week of October 2014. The program for next year is geared towards engaging local talents or those Filipinos and their extended families in Sweden to take active part through Art Competitions, Folk Dance Competitions, Kundiman Song Competitions, A Food Festival, etc.. Further information will be made available through our Facebook pages in the Spring of 2014.

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For the last few weeks, kababayans from all over Europe have mobilized and organized various Fundraising & Gratitude events for the benefit of typhoon Haiyan victims back home. We share with you some photos of these special activities.

Bangon Kabayan!

Poster courtesy of Marvi Gil in Reykjavik

70 71Photos courtesy of Dennis Manaay in Paris Photos courtesy of Anny Misa Hefti in Berne

72 73Poster courtesy of Hilda Arenas in Dublin Photos courtesy of Caroline Fredriksson in Stockholm

74 75Poster courtesy of Grace Vasquez in Oslo

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Greetings from Tangub City Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines.

Submitted by Omar, photos by Boboi Costas.

At the 21st Christmas Symbol Festival.

With Tangub City mayor Philip Tan, Regional Tourism Council chair Jenny Tan, and writers Omar Einnarson and Clint Potestas

Thanks to Mayor of Tangub City, Mr Philip T. Tan and Mrs Jennifer Wee-Tan.

A panoshoot of Tangub City's square

Storybook Christmas.

A facade of an old church. Folksy and flamboyant, it shows the creativity of the whole community using local resources: crab carapace, lampirong, clam shells, and carved wood.

roots & wings winter issue 2013

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