Doña Elena brings Origen Flamengco Show to the Philippines

Doña Elena, the leading brand of Mediterranean products in the Philippines, brings Origen Flamenco Show to the Philippines.

I've always been a fan of Doña Elena (as I've shared their pasta before). 

Before the show began, guests enjoyed fine Doña Elena wines as well as tapas with Doña Elena ingredients.

Origen Flamengco Show

The Origen Flamengco Show began as scheduled.  The performance was inspired by the music of the legendary Paco de Lucia, a Spanish virtuoso flamenco guitarist, composer and producer.

It was unlike anything I have seen before.  You could feel the passion of the Spanish dance group as they tapped into the soulful beats. 

Origen harmonizes the old and deep sound of the flamengco guitar by Alberto Marin together with the flamengco singers and the fineness of the flute. 

Watch here for my favorite parts of the show.  Although this is Origen's first time in Manila, the group intends to be back in November.

Both Origen and Doña Elena showcases the exquisite Spanish heritage.  Origen as an art and Doña Elena in bringing out quality and healthy Mediterranean food products.

It was a truly unforgettable night of food and art for all.  Thank you for this Doña Elena!

You Are Called to Rescue: Let's Stop Human Trafficking Together!

A few weeks ago, I was "Called To Rescue".  

The event was organized by Called to Rescue supporters Stephanie Henares, communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia and Boutique Burger Kitchen (BBK), a family-oriented diner from Chef Carlo Miguel of Draft Gastropub. 

What is Called to Rescue?
Called to Rescue is an international non-profit organization founded in 1988 by Dr. Cyndi Romine, who is one of the leading authorities in the fight against children injustices. 
Called to Rescue combats child trafficking in three ways:

1. prevention through education and training of youth of all ages and their parents
2. dedication to the child until he/she has experienced healing
3. continuation in every aspect of child trafficking awareness.

Called to Rescue Philippines was officially registered as a non-governmental organization
(NGO) in 2009, with Mr. Anthony Pangilinan as its Officer-in- Charge.

What is Human Trafficking?
Actually, the definition of human trafficking varies depending on which law so it makes it difficult for the layman to understand.
Human trafficking is the buying and selling of men, women and children within countries and across borders in order to exploit them for money.  Human trafficking is a large-scale profit scheme which involves syndicates.  It is overtaking arm smuggling and drug trafficking because kids can be used more than 20 times per day.
It is very broad covering many illegal activities such as:

• Forced labor
• Debt bondage
• Trafficking for sexual orientation
• Child labor
• Forced begging
• Trafficking for organ removal
• Forced marriage (mail order bride)
• Trafficking in domestic work
• Child soldiers
• Rape or Date Rape

Factors Affecting Human Trafficking in the Philippines

• Lack of awareness 
•  Did you know that there are more than 500,000 cases of human trafficking in the Philippines last 2016 alone?  And, there are over 30 billion cases worldwide.  I was really surprised by this because most human rights cases in the Philippines focused more on Extra-judicial killings, disappearances and torture and it didn't occur to me even during my human rights violation research as a law student that there is such an issue.  And, this lack of awareness over the issue is what I think is the main factor why it became such a big problem. 
• It's not as uncommon as we think.  There was even a case where the perpetrator who sold young teens in BGC is a wealthy Filipino-Chinese residing in Corinthian Village who had two rooms just for girls.  And, Tindr was used as a means to lure girls in.
• Poverty 
• Philippine as an archipelago
• Friendly culture
• Lack of parental oversight 
• Lack of implementation of laws
• Corruption
• Weak judicial system
• Court congestion
• Shortage of prosecutors
• Although laws are continuously being developed:
• ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons (ratified February 2017)
• RA 7610 as amended on 2003 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) 
• RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) 
• RA 6955 (Mail-order brides)
• RA 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act)
• Revised Penal Code
• Art. 202 (prostitution)
• Art. 341
• PD 442: Labor Code of Philippines
• Philippines Constitution
  

What Can We Do?
So previously I said I was Called to Rescue.  What do I mean by that?  How can a private person like me take part in such a big issue? Well, we can do A LOT actually. 

• Parents should oversee their child (Parents better to struggle than worry so don't give up!  Although before 9 out of 10 Filipino kids look up to their parents, now only 4 out of 10 do.)
• Don't give your kids gadgets; Lend them gadgets so you have degree of control
• Teach kids to say No
• Learn self-defense such as shouting and learning Krav Maga
• Share the awareness
• Join the community by liking Called to Rescue in Facebook
• Report trafficking, abuse, and cases of missing children with the Called to Rescue’s local hotline at (0917) 541- 0287, through their facebook fan page or website calledtorescue.com.ph.

FilipinaZ 2017: Jewelry, Fashion and Art Fair Created by Women For Women

This July 28-30, 2017 at the Penthouse of 8 Rockwell, FilipinaZ 2017 is back. 

Filipinaz is organized by the women of the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs who has long been advocates of uplifting women's lives.

Jewelry

There are many merchants showcasing jewelry this year: Alchemista, All That Glitters (handcrafted jewelry with imported previous gems designed by Amanda Luym and her partner Cacay Moras-Server) , Definitive Handcrafted Opulence by Ann Ong, Eccentric Limited (carabao horn jewelry) Kathy & Kathy Bespoke, Kuwintas, Otsirav'e by Carlo Evaristo, Judy Jewels, and Yerovi Jewelry.

For FilipinaZ, Alchemista will unleash its collaborative collection with Kyooreo’s Charming Baldemor-hand-carved minaudières embellished with metals and semi-precious stones.

Yerovi Jewelry.

 

Otsirav'e by Carlo Evaristo

Fashion

D'Oro Barandino

D'Oro Barandino will showcase their signature geometric and architectural-shaped minaudières, as well as soft-leather clutches and gold-plated brass jewelry.

Kababaihan Bags

Art

For art, there are lots of collections from multi-awarded painter Mario Panis, Ronna Manansala (granddaughter of Philippine National Artist in Visual Arts Vicente Manansala), Boysie Villavicencio, Kyooreo, Rocky David, Boy Sy and Bruno Art to see.

So save the date for FilipinaZ 2017 and own a special piece that is inspired by the strength, beauty, and sophistication of a true Filipina and her potential for doing great things for the benefit of society.

A Square (Formerly St. Augustine Square): Commercial Center in Baliuag Bulacan

It is my first time in Baliuag Bulacan.  The town is quite progressive.  We stopped by A Square (Formerly St. Augustine Square) - a relatively new commercial center.

Aside from the lush greens and wide floor space, it offers free WiFi. 

It is where Pag-Ibig Fund is located so it is a popular public stop.

A Square is also a great place to find good bargains since there are some start ups stores that can be found only there.

Honey Lyn sells imported affordable hand bags selectively picked by the owners.  This store also gave me an idea to wrap a around the bag handle to make it look stylish.

If you're looking for imported shoes that is budget-friendly, Icon Classic Shoes should be one of your considerations.

Selling school supplied since 1984, Adriano's Giftshop and School Supplies is there too.

Previously, I've shared about Uniqube.   Well, Pick-A-Box has a similar concept but the prices here are way cheaper!  Imagine you can buy a swim wear for only 99 php!

There are also sophisticated and specialized shops like Navarro's Furniture.

They have furnitures which are older than 100 years old. 

Travel agencies like Citigate Travelplus is also stationed here.

Cignal which is now the leading premiere DTH satellite provider is also found in A Square.  When you drop in for installation, they can install it within the day!

There is also a Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon branch here.

They offer promo rates on non-peak hours.

Nail Impressions provides nail art, massages and more.

For specialty Thai massage, there's Baan Khun Thai.

I love how serene the interiors are.

This place can make you forget your trouble and allow you a relaxing break.

There are also restaurants. 

Eat all you can is cheap here.

Nearby residents can consider treating friends and family for events at Apag.

Apag's Crispy Liempo is quite popular among diners.

Apag can house over 100 guests.

I also loved Bavarian Coffee's cozy interiors.

There will be more stores opening at A Square.  And, soon there will be food markets too.  Check them out!

A Square