Pinoy Global Access Issue 10 Complete

T H E
M A G A Z I N E
O V E R S E A S
F I L I P I N O S
ISSN N0. 1908-3335
PhP120.00 US$5.00
First Quarter 2009 - Issue No. 10
F O R
Kultura Filipino
Currimao Stopover
Medical Citys
Center for
Wellness and
Aesthetics
The Heart of
EMMANUEL D. Pacquiao
Also in this issue: Vivere Azure, Anilaos Hidden Treasure

Be Well Always Kultura Filipino Christopher Kahler Blazes New Trail
in Social Networking Technology
M P
Publishers Notes
anny
acquiao:
The Most Global Filipino of All
Richard & Roni Tapia-Merk
We expect this issue to be the most in-demand ever. The reason should be obvious. The most
recognizable Filipino today is on the cover.
His full name is Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, but he is best known as simply Manny Pacquiao, or,
better yet, Pacman. Anyone who has ever seen Pacquiao fight and has played the classic video
game knows why sportswriters christened him as such. He has been voted as the best poundfor-pound fighter in the world for good reason. Outside the ring, he is your typical, fun-loving,
God-fearing Pinoy with a ready smile and a quick wit. But inside the ring, he is one of the most
fearsome and fearless pugilists the world has ever seen. He is constantly on the attack, becoming
an unstoppable force of destruction once he gets started. Thus, the sobriquet Pacman.
This is Pinoy Global Accesss Manny Pacquiao Special. We are proud to have one of the most
comprehensive stories on Pacquaio ever written. Actually, there are several stories on the Filipino
gladiator, a comprehensive feature, a one-on-one interview, and a piece on his friend, mentor,
patron and fan, Luis Chavit Singson, himself a most colorful personality, but in the political,
rather than the sports arena.
We also have the usual bumper crop of feature stories on topics of interest to the global
Filipino.
Besides Pacman and Chavit, we get to meet a young IT businessman who is half-Filipino and
who plans to set the IT world on fire.
Everyone wants to be healthy and we have an inside look at one of the most modern medical
facilities in Asia, The Medical City. Specifically, we learn more about its Center for Wellness and
Aesthetics.
We also have two favorite destinations inside, one in the capital city of Manila and the other
in Northern Luzon.
The constant improvement of the Walled City of Intramuros never ceases to amaze us. This
place is a definite must-visit, not just for inbound tourists but all Filipinos as well. Then there is the
Ilocos Norte town of Currimao, which has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site. Both places bring
visitors back to a gentler time of a century ago, when life in the fast lane was unheard of.
Todays fast lane, Philippine-style, is best exemplified by the countrys public transport
system. The essay on those kings of the road known as jeepneys should remind Filipinos based
abroad that there really is no place like home.
We wont even ask you to enjoy this issue, as we know you will!
RICHARD MERK & RONI L. TAPIA-MERK

Publishers
BETING DOLOR
Editor-in-Chief
MA. ELENA M. VILLACORTE
Managing Editor
CITO BELTRAN
RIA V. FERRO
PABLO A. TARIMAN
RAMON C.M. BERMEO
Editorial Consultants
BOOTS ANSON-ROA
ANGELO V. PALMONES
Columnists
ROMAN J. DANIEL
Creative Director
WILLY AVILA
ROLANDO ANONAS
Photographers
MANOLET GARCIA
TEODORO L. PELAEZ
Contributing Photographers
NORBERTO SACRO
Overseas Photojournalist
ANGIE AYLSWORTH (San Francisco, USA)
BECKY GARCIA (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
FLORENCE MONTEMAYOR (San Francisco, USA)
TERESA REED
ANAGAILE & TENNY SORIANO (Canada)
RACHEL ANNE SPITALETTA (New York, USA)
JUN VICENCIO, (USA)
CHITA WILCOX (Paris, France)
Overseas Correspondents
BIBSY CARBALLO
LORENZO MERCEDES
VIC A. LACTAOEN
DIANA B. NOCHE
ANSELMO TALAGTAG, JR.
JADE-CERES VIOLET DOLOR
Contributing Writers
NATALIE C. PALANCA
NORIEL ILDEFONSO
EDNA JIMENEZ
MILLETTE G. HAMMOND
Special Projects, USA
ABBY T. ABARIO
ANNA C. BONIFACIO
KATHY U. PAGUIO
ED SANTILLAN (East Bay, USA)
RALPH FRANCIS WOLFE
Subscription
MALOU GABIANA
GENDA GACUD
Marketing & Promotions
MARIDEL C. TAPIA
VP PROMOTIONS
Pinoy Global Access
Published by MerkMedia, Inc.
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Tel. Nos.: 892-0160 to 61; Fax 892-0177
US No.: (415) 839-7297
Email: pinoyglobalaccess@gmail.com
First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS
CONTENTS
First Quarter 2009
Cover Story
6 The Heart of Emmanuel D. Pacquiao
Who Is That Pacman?
14 Pacman, Faithman
One-on-One Interview with
Manny Pacquiao
24
Special Features
21 Chavit Singson
As Pacquiaos Friend and Mentor
23 Interview with Ronnie Nathanielsz
30
35
Boots On
28 The Overseas Filipino Worker as Survivor
Lifestyle, Arts and Culture
30 Kultura Filipino
The Intramuros of our Dream Is Here
36 War Veterans Play As Tool for Lobby
s
Travel Destinations and Tourism

42 Vivire Azure, Anilaos Hidden Treasure
38
45 Currimao Stopover
Ilocos Norte Town Is a UNESCO
Heritage Site
First Quarter 2009
CONTENTS
Europe
50
45 Spring in Holland
Technology
47 Data Banking: How IT Improves
Heart Disease Treatment
Hometown News
49 Kings of the Road
38
Health/Wellness
52 Be Well Always: The Medical Citys
Center for Wellness and Aesthetics
United States and Canada
56 Letter from a Kababayan
Asia and the Pacific
59
59 Christopher Kahler Blazes New Trail

in Social Networking Technology

Christopher Kahler, CEO of Urbian Inc.
Pinoy Global Access Magazine Interview

COVER STORY
The Heart of
EMMANUEL D. Pacquiao
Who Is That Pacman?
By Victoria V. Ferro
Photo: Willy Avila
Photo: Ferdie Singh
The Pacquiao Family: (Clockwise, from left) Jemuel, Michael,

Manny, Princess, Queen Elizabeth and Jinkee
First Quarter PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS
I bought the tickets on a lark, a birthday gift to a friend. It was in July,

2006 when I scored upper box seats to the Manny Pacman Pacquiao vs.
Oscar Chololo Larios, the Mano-a-Mano fight at the Araneta Coliseum.
It would be the first time I would see the Pacman fight in the flesh.
The stage was set that day with one Filipino boxer after another
defeating their Mexican opponents, inspired in their home turf, each
winning fight bringing the moment closer to the main event.
When the time came for Pacquiao to meet Larios in the ring, it
was clear that these two warriors fought at a level higher than any of
the other fighters who fought before them that day. Every powerful
punch reverberated through the Big Dome; the impact on the muscle,
sinews and bone heard with great resonance through the space, and
even from a distance, the spewing of blood, sweat and spit. This was a
tough fight.
My friend and I cheered ourselves hoarse every time Pacman

connected with a punch. And when he took a hit, we winced. Our
bodies moved in our seats as if we were in the ring ourselves, punching
and ducking. Adrenalin rush. It was a blistering 12-round fight to the
finish. Both men took a beating, but especially the Mexican. Larios was
knocked down twice, first in the 7th round and then again in the 12th
round, but got back up both times, the second time, smiling.
Pacman was named the victor by unanimous decision. Larios,
the Jericho Rosales look-alike, was a victor too in his stubborn
unwillingness to stay down. I cheered for him too, the valiant underdog
who defied expectations by going the whole distance. But my loudest
cheers were for Pacman who successfully defended his IBC international
superfeatherweight title that day.
Before July 6, 2006 I did not know that a spectator sport could
be more electric, exhilarating and exciting than the best entertainment
events. Theres simply no comparison. Boxing has got to be one of the
most grueling, brutal, precise and taxing sports around, requiring of
champions extreme discipline, stamina, focus, courage, determination,
as well as an excellent sense of strategy, clear-mindedness, a willingness
to take risks, and most of all the readiness to make necessary sacrifices
to achieve the highest levels in fitness, strength, speed and technique.
Before this day, I wasnt too enamored of watching the sport perhaps
because of its violent nature. Its just not a pretty sport. And while
I did appreciate its rigorous discipline having practiced the sport
recreationally, what really piqued my interest in the sport is the rise of
the remarkable young Filipino who fought his way to the pinnacle of the
boxing world; to imaginations of people everywhere. The unassuming
probinsyano who first hailed from the mountains of Mindanao rising
to become the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, the highest
possible accolade in the sport of boxing.
Fast forward to December 2008, the memories of Mano-a-Mano
still fresh, I watched the Pacman vs. Oscar De La Hoya fight live on Solar
Sports cable at a Tagaytay Highlands venue while enjoying a sumptuous
Chinese lauriat. Not even the delicious food could distract me from
giving full attention first to the HBO 24/7 documentaries that aired
before the fight, and then to the fight itself.
Ironically, the ominous pre-fight threats of the larger, more famous
Golden Boy to take Pacquiaos heart came to nothing in the ring, where
Pacquiao fairly reduced him to a catatonic walking punching bag. While
I took no pleasure from the beautiful Golden Boys punishment, which
one commentator called a reconfiguration of De La Hoyas handsome
face, and another called an annihilation, I was jubilant at Pacmans
resounding victory over this erstwhile Goliath.
My prayers, together with millions of Filipinos were answered.
Pacquiaos superstar status in the global boxing arena was now cemented
and his name catapulted into the mainstream of world sports. Against
great odds, Pacman overpowered a living legend, and effectively helped
to end his illustrious boxing career. But he did it with his characteristic
class and style.
Pacquiao, who refuses to trash talk his opponents, and who will
not make public predictions of who will win fights in which he competes,
other than to say, Only God knows, assured De La Hoya rather sweetly
after the Golden Boys trainer threw in the towel before the 9th round,
Im sorryYoure still my idol. An endearing gesture from the man
who at that very moment not only strengthened his position as the best
boxer in the world, but also supplanted the Golden Boy as the sports
biggest box office draw.
Growing Global Appeal
Pacquiaos public appeal grew tremendously in the process of
preparing for the fight with De La Hoya. In the HBO 24/7 film series
that had camera crews follow Pacman and Golden Boy everywhere
they went for weeks before the fight, Manny exuded an aura of cool,
lightness of mood, even joviality, courtesy; and kindness, always
kindness. His brotherly affection towards his staff, Team Pacquiao, his
coach, Tatay Freddie Roach, and his fans who visited the Wild Card
gym was palpable.
Whether he is personally doing weigh-ins for his staff whom hes
motivated to compete in a weight loss contest, or singing a duet on
Videoke with his wife Jinkee, or giving away free thanksgiving turkeys
to Filipino families and others in need, you get the sense that Pacquiao
is happy, on an even keel, with the spontaneous propensity to smile that
gentlefolk have.
Even on the day of the weigh- in, when Golden Boy stared down the
Pacman in a threatening pose, you could not see a trace of aggression
or hostility on the Filipinos face, nor of being even slightly intimidated.
What I did see was a glint in the Pacmans eyes, as if he was buoyed by
some secret strength.
As the day of the fight unfolded, we saw a drama in contrasts.
Golden Boy was the picture of worry and dread as he marched with
tense and solemn demeanor with his entrance parade towards the ring,
seemingly very focused on his thoughts, unmindful of those around
him.
By contrast, from the Pacmans entrance parade emerged a fighter
fully at ease, joyful, excited, and open, greeting people as he went, very
aware of those around him. If he had any qualms, reservations, fears or
anxiety of any sort in that hour, he did not show it, not for a moment,
not outside the ring, and certainly not inside it.
In this manner, from outside of the ring as well as within, Pacquiao
appeals to fans and followers with unique charisma and character unlike
any other boxing star in history.
Outside the ring, Pacman is simply Manny, a friend to all, soft
spoken, gentle, sometimes distracted because of so many people
trying to get his attention, but once you have his attention, he is kind,
courteous, open to conversation. If you didnt know he was a fighter,
you would never guess it, because it would seem impossible that a
shred of violence could dwell in this soft-spoken, gentle man. However,
the extreme fitness of his body -- 6% body fat in early April -- hints at
the violence he inflicts on himself during training.
Outside the ring Pacman can be a friend even to his opponents,
always respectful, such as with Ricky Hatton, the British pugilist whom
Pacman will battle next on May 2nd, and who by contrast has not
stopped talking about how he will certainly destroy Pacquiaos hopes of
taking his Junior Welterweight Crown.
By contrast, Pacquiao is relatively silent, peaceful, unmoved by all
the verbiage. During their promotional tour of the UK in late February,
Pacquiao played a friendly game of darts against Hatton and lost
quite good-naturedly demonstrating that it is possible to drum up
attention for a fight in a fun, pleasant and friendly manner, sans the
usual threats, insults, bashing and bravado.
Once he steps into the ring, it is a different matter altogether.
Pacquiao transforms into Pacman, the Destroyer. He trains like a machine,
relentless and disciplined, constantly pushing himself to go beyond
physical limits. The Pacman internally expands in strength and stature
in the ring, morphing into the most exciting boxer in the world, blessed
with astonishing speed, exceptional strength, aggressive momentum,
wielding precise boxing skills and techniques with two of the fastest,
most powerful fists in boxing today. Moreover, he is unpredictable, a
tremendous asset in the ring. Most significantly, Pacquiao exhibits raw
courage, fearlessness, and passion that is breathtaking in a fight. You
know with some decisions he risks even his life.
The Great Communicator
Indeed, Pacmans most eloquent speeches are those he makes in

the ring, written both with his heart and with his fists. In the ring it
seems he communicates to the world not merely his own message but
a message from the nation he represents. Every blow echoes the fierce
First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL
and indomitable warrior spirit of the Filipino. Every knockout a ringing

promise that the Filipino nation will rise to conquer every obstacle to its
greatness, silencing even its most cynical and malevolent critics. Every
triumph of a new title won, an invitation for the world to watch and see,
that as far as the Philippines is concerned, they havent seen anything
yet of what this nation can do, of what this nation will be.
The truth is Manny Pacquiao is a very eloquent man, contrary to
those who criticize his use of the English language. His own column
titled Kumbinasyon [or Combination] numbers 140 published articles
written under his byline since the first piece came out in the Abante
newspaper and Philboxing.com on August of 2007. Taken together,
this collection of very elegantly written letters expressed in the Filipino
language, well convey the true nature of Pacquiao, his personality,
identity, his hopes and dreams, his philosophy of life and faith,
articulated in his own expression, his own words.
His columns which almost always begin with a courteous Kumusta
(How are you?) for his readers, are rich in expression with the cordiality
and consideration of Filipino culture.
Some of my favorite columns include Ang Kahalagahan ni Buboy
Fernandez where he takes the time to appreciate his close friend and
assistant trainer, Buboy Fernandez, a childhood friend from General
Santos City who has grown with Manny into a truly excellent boxing
trainer of world-class caliber and who functions as an absolutely
important member of his own coaching team. Manny fondly remembers
when he and Buboy as children both used to wear butas-butas na
salawal, trousers with holes in them.
In Tsismis: National Pastime, Manny cleverly answers the many
allegations that it is not actually he who writes the column, but
ghostwriters; he also wittily responds to those who criticize his English
and Tagalog language skills.
In Ang Aking Pinakamamahal: Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny describes
his love for his family, and especially his deep and abiding appreciation
for his wife Jinkee, whom he says has supported him all the way and has
been a wonderful partner in the life of sacrifice that is a boxers wife.
His recent column on HBO 24/7 reveals how he thinks about being
constantly followed by camera crews from HBO and GMA TV from the
time he wakes up in the morning to the time he turns in at night. He
poignantly reminisces about the time he and his family were very poor
and essentially invisible. In those days no one paid attention to them
and their needs, but now he is filmed even while brushing his teeth.
In Kahalagahan ng Sports and other columns where Manny writes
about fellow boxers, his strong dedication to fully supporting Filipino
boxers and Filipino sports in general is very apparent. In one such
column he wrote of how he spent some time watching young boxers
in an amateur boxing tournament in order to bring them inspiration.
He wrote that they too can excel at the highest levels with hard work,
sacrifice, discipline and dedication, adding Tiyak Yun! which means
Thats Certain!
In Napakasarap Mag-aral Manny talks about his love for learning,
and the great value he places on education. He remembers the years
when he had to stop his schooling to help his family make ends meet. In
10
those days he longed to go to school like other youth but could not. Now
he is thoroughly enjoying pursuing his studies in Business Management
at the Notre Dame University in Dadiangas.
Finally, in Pangunahing Misyon sa Buhay Manny divulges the real
reasons why he has decided to retire soon and enter politics. In his own
words:
Nabanggit ko rin po sa media kamakailan na marahil tatlong laban
na lang ang nalalabi sa aking boxing career at maaring magretire na ako
sa taong 2009 hindi dahil sa desisyon kong pumasok sa public service sa
taong 2010. Opo, ginamit ko ang katagang public service at iniiwasan
kong usisain ang pagpasok ko sa pelikula dahil marami na ang hindi
natutuwa sa pagbigkas pa lamang ng salitang politics. Sa totoo lang po,
ang aking pag-retire sa 2009 ay walang koneksyon sa aking pagpasok sa
public service sa 2010.
(I told media recently that there are probably just three fights left
in my career and I will retire in 2009, but not because I want to go into
public service in 2010. Yes, I use the term public service, which could
include my doing movies, because no one likes the word politics. My
possible retirement in 2009 is not connected to my desire to enter public
service in 2010.)
Dahil ito ang desisyon at mungkahi ng aking pamilya at mga
malalapit na kaibigan, ang pagsasabit ng aking gloves ay dahil gusto
kong magtapos ng pag-aaral, ma-enjoy ang aking pinaghirapan sa itaas
ng ring at makasama ko ng lubos ang aking pamilya at mga anak na
lumalaki na.
(It is the advice of my family and close friends, and I am hanging up
my gloves because I want to finish my studies, to enjoy what I earned in
the ring and to spend as much time as I can with my family, my growing
kids.)
Ninanais ko pong tapusin ang aking career na ako pa rin ay nasa
mataas na antas ng respeto sa ring at magreretire na kampeon. Ayaw
ko pong magtapos ang aking career na kagaya ng ibang mga boxer na
naging kampeon at nauwi lang na naghihirap sa huli ng kanilang buhay.
Ang iba ay nagreretire na may pinsala sa katawan at pag-iisip at walang
sapat na halaga ang kapalit nito.
Bukod dito, ang pinakapangunahing misyon ng aking buhay ay ang
pagtulong sa aking mga naghihikahos na kababayan at ang pagpasok ko
sa larangan ng public service ang magdudulot ng katuparan sa mithiing
ito.
(I want to end my boxing career at the top of my game and retire
a champion. I dont want it to end like other champions who ended up
poor in their retirement years. Some have even retired with permanent
injury to their bodies and minds. Nothing is worth this. My main mission
in life is to help the poor, and to enter public service is the only way I
can feel complete.)
Filipino Son
Mirroring his own words into what we witnessed of Manny in the

HBO 24/7 film series first with De La Hoya, and now the new HBO 24/7
four-part series with Hatton (the first episode premiered April 11th) we
need to understand that in seeking to get a handle on the essence of
Manny Pacquiao, it is important to note that he is, first and foremost,

very much a Filipino. That is to say, embodied in the Pacman is a set
of qualities, characteristics, personality traits that can be identified as
distinctly Filipino, that which essentially he has refused to be taken
away from him. And unless you are a Filipino, or have lived in the
Philippines for a long time and lived among Filipinos, you are not likely
to comprehend this. But it is essential to understanding Pacquiao.
We observe from his column and in the HBO films that depict him,
Emmanuel D. Pacquiao embodies several Filipino leadership ideals or
characteristics discussed by author Ed Lapiz in his book Pagbabagong-Loob:
First is the concept of Husay or excellence. People can look to
someone with husay as their hero because he is able to achieve
excellence that other people, including they themselves have not.
Clearly, Manny has achieved husay in the sport of boxing perhaps
beyond any other human being in the planet at this time.
Second is Lakas, or strength, taken from the Filipino legend
Malakas and Maganda, or The Strong and the Beautiful. Filipinos look
for leaders that personify strength, which Manny reflects not only in his
physical strength but also in his dramatic triumph over adversity.
Third is the concept of Kalooban, which has no direct translation in
English, but which may be roughly translated as Soul. The ideal Filipino
Soul is defined by character that is good, stable, solid, courageous,
combining the strength of maleness and the compassion of femaleness
in one person. If you are a Filipino, you will understand how Alex Ariza,
Pacmans sparring, partner could call him a Juggernaut on one hand
and on the other listen to how Manny speaks softly and affectionately
about his mother in the HBO film. The Filipino Kalooban can contain
strength and softness in perfect harmony.
Fourth is Paninindigan or roughly translated, Conviction. You
have paninindigan if you are able to stand for what you think is right
even if you are the only one left standing. Mannys conviction is seen in
his commitment to a fight, no matter what the odds look like, no matter
the naysayers.
Fifth is Pakiramdam, that is Sensitive to and able to perceive
other peoples thoughts, feelings, needs. In Kumbinasyon, Manny
anticipates and responds to his fans and followers unspoken concerns
and questions, discerns their interests and addresses them. When
Manny says that he feels hurt when the country is in strife, turmoil and
trouble, he is sensitive to the people of the country, he is nakikiramdam.
Sixth is Pakikisama or Pakikipagkapwa-tao which is probably Manny
Pacquiaos most obvious Filipino trait. This is actually a very sublime and
profound concept that means I am also my fellow man. If he suffers
misfortune, I suffer misfortune. His wound is my wound. His triumph
is my triumph.
Despite his great wealth and ability to live anywhere in the world
he likes, in any type of home he likes, Manny chose to build a mansion
near the slums where he grew up, surrounded by family and friends.
He has contributed much to the community in General Santos City and
except for the armed guards and staff that accompany him everywhere,
he relates easily and normally to the people in the community as one
of their own. You note from this choice that Manny identifies himself
as part of a larger community, one that he has been a part of since his
youth. He does not distance himself from them after his triumphs, but
rather includes them in its rewards.
Indeed non-Filipino viewers of the HBO film series might have been
perplexed by the way the Pacman chose to live while training in Los
Angeles. He is very well able to afford a luxurious apartment and stay
there in quiet solitude to rest and recover after every training session.
But no, Manny chooses to be with his Filipino staff, the male-dominated
Team Pacquiao, a very large high-spirited posse that resembles a den of
brothers more than a place where a boxing star and his staff live. They
eat together, sing together, play darts together, try to get into shape
together, and are pretty much always together, mirroring the dynamics
of traditional Filipino families.
In vintage pre-colonial style, Manny is the boss of the group, but
he does not lord it over them, he is one among them, he cares for them
and guides them. Wherever they go, the group brings with them a
visceral cocoon of cultural familiarity that Filipinos recognize instantly.
Pacquiao thrives in the warm, festive, sometimes chaotic, environment
of living with his posse in Los Angeles, and with his extended family in
General Santos City. To live apart from such camaraderie and familial
bonding would probably be very uncomfortable for Manny, and likely
not be the optimal environment for him when preparing for a big fight.
Probably the ultimate expression of Pakikipagkapwa-tao
is Pakikiisa, which means unity. You and I are one. The Pacman
demonstrates this by his very clear understanding of his unique burden
or calling. He is keenly aware that his triumphs as a boxer actually
impact the unity of our nation. He is one with the Filipino nation. His
triumph is our triumph. This awareness motivates him to sacrifice and
do his utmost to win for his country.
Seventh is Malasakit, Roughly, that means to care authentically
for another, and to be willing to do something about it. It can also mean
being willing to undergo suffering or sacrifice in order to help another.
Ronnie Nathanielsz, a veteran sports reporter who has followed
Pacquiaos career since 1995, heard Manny say when he was just 16
years old that he aimed to serve in public office one day so that he could
help the poor. In fact, he dedicated much of his youth to helping his
family out of poverty. He endured the sacrifices necessary in the sport
to attain financial security for himself and significantly for his family.
He has since cast the net of his philanthropy much wider, contributing
to various causes such as sports development, education and hospital
facilities that treat cancer patients. He is constantly finding ways to help
other people as part of a culture where value is measured not by what
one has, but by what one gives away.
Eighth is Galing or power or super-humanness. Filipinos value
leaders who not only interact, empathize and communicate well, but
also if possible have some connection with the spiritual world. Like
Fernando Poe, Jr. as Panday, or Ramon Revilla as Nardong Putik, or
even Corazon Aquino as herself, Filipino leaders in our myths and
legends always had a mystical power or a source of power. Part of
Pacquiaos persona as he grows in popularity as a world figure is his
reputation of being somewhat of a mystic. He professes a deep love
First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS 11
Dyan Castillejos and Ronnie Nathanielsz interview Manny before his

departure to London
and intimate relationship with God whom he claims actually speaks
or has spoken directly to him. He has attributed every single triumph
and success he has achieved in and out of the ring to the blessing of
God. Apart from God, he fears nothing. I believe that this concept of
galing through authentic divine connection is an important key to
the heart of Pacquiao.
Ninth is Kabanalan which can be translated as pag-ibig sa bayan
or love of country. Manny loves the Philippines so much he is unwilling
to change residency or citizenship. He does not see himself living
anywhere else. He does not want his children to grow up anywhere else.
He is still intent on helping poor people through public service, more so
when he retires from boxing. From how he speaks of the Philippines,
you can perceive that his love for her, and especially her poor and
disenfranchised, is very deeply felt.
His love for the country is very much tied to his love for its beauty
in nature. Few people know that Manny grew up in the mountains of the
Saranggani province in a place called Miyasong; or that he once lived by
the sea. He is currently Chairman of the Task Force Luwas Kinaiyahan
(Saving Mother Nature) of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) of the whole Mindanao region. He took the position as
it gives him the opportunity to help protect the forests and mountains
of Mindanao. He is inspired by our pre-colonial hero, Lapu-lapu, whom
he says fought to protect our land.
Finally, there is Katapatan or Integrity. To the public eye, this is
probably one aspect where the Pacman is most imperfect. Most recently,
many Filipinos were disenchanted by Mannys alleged negotiations
12
with ABS-CBN, which were meant to supplant

his earlier agreement with Solar Sports and
GMA TV. He was accused of greed and failing
to keep his word. Filipinos, after all, still have a
culture of orality. The spoken word is important
to the Filipino culture. When a word or verbal
promise is not kept, the Filipino loses heart.
Many people lost heart with Manny after the
recent network wars over him. In fairness to
Manny, we dont know what really happened.
Different stories abound. It is easy to see how
he can get confused with his many advisers. I
can imagine how he can, like any businessman,
want to get a better deal, get access to more
reach, better coverage. The important thing is
at the end of the day, Manny chose to honor
his commitment to Solar Sports and GMA,
even apologized profusely to its respective
CEOs. Felipe Gozon of GMA said Manny is to be
admired for his humble act of contrition, which
he says is remarkable for a man of his world
stature.
Indeed his close friend and mentor, former
governor and now deputy national security adviser Chavit Singson, can
not get over how exceedingly good super bait and humble Manny is
and continues to be, which he says is very rare for someone who has
entered into the realm of money, fame and power that the champion
has.
He has won world titles in four weight divisions. He is the only
Filipino and only Boxer who has made it to the list of 203 Finalists for
Time magazines 100 Most Influential People list. At one point, he was
ranked 2nd on the list but now has slipped to 22nd. [Voting continues at
Time.com.] Even global superstars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and
Kobe Bryant are fans of the Pacman. They make the trip to visit him at
the WildCard Gym
in Los Angeles.
Mark Wahlberg,
Hollywood star
and Producer of
HBO Hit series the
Entourage, raves
about
Pacman
during one of
his visits in a
GMA news video
interview dated
April 13, 2009:
Hes the best in
the world poundfor-pound possibly
of all time. Hes
The champ strikes a pose with the writer.

so fast, powerful and most importantly, hes such a nice humble guy
outside of the ring.
Mystic Warrior
I used to think it must have been Mannys humble roots that have
helped him to maintain such groundedness in the face of previously
unimaginable fortune. After all, here is a young man who as a boy
helped his family make ends meet by selling donuts or cigarettes, and
would sometimes sleep on cardboard on the streets, just like many of
the poor homeless destitute we see around Metro Manila.
But now I am certain the reason is much more than his impecunious
beginnings, for it is possible for people who start out poor then come
into wealth to change their values and attitudes toward their fellow
men. Im convinced that the very essence and heart of Pacquiao lies in
his deep and authentic spirituality. It is a spirituality that is not merely
inherited from the lessons of a religious mother, which his vibrant and
colorful mother, Aling Dionisia certainly gave him. It is a spirituality
rooted in a true abiding relationship with the divine. There is no other
way to explain how he can remain peaceful, calm and joyful on the
edge of risking his life. No other way to explain how he of all people
would be the one to calm all his fans from De La Hoyas threats to
destroy him by publicly saying on global television: Why are you so
anxious? Its as if you dont believe God. There is no need to be anxious.
God is in control.
I could say many more things about Pacquiao, perhaps compare
him to Jose Rizal, who though he wielded a pen rather than his fists, had
many similarities to the Pacman. Rizal was also not very tall, but multigifted, loved music, himself practised boxing with his cohorts, also liked
to sport a moustache, and also became a unifying symbol to the Filipino

nation in the late 1800s. I can talk about Pacmans many interests and
pursuits such as basketball and darts and politics. But from the one-onone interview I was privileged to have with the Pambansang Kamao
February 26th at the Shang Palace of the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, the
night before he flew to the UK for his promotional tour with Hatton,
Pacquiaos mind was focused only on one thing.
It is the thing that if you mine the depths of the mans heart
and mind, and take everything away from him, even his own life,
would still remain. He says it is God himself. He agrees that it is
this ineffable divine connection which is like what King David in the
Bible had that gives him the strength to defeat his Goliaths.
Indeed Pacquiaos faith is not lost on his observers around the
world. Gareth Davies, the respected UK sportswriter in his article
Pacquiao has God and a Million Filipinos on His Side (posted on UK
Telegraph.Co.UK on April 1, 2009) writes about Pacquiaos growing
stature as a world figure and increasing public perception that the
fighter is also a mystic.
Which isnt surprising since he comes from a country rife with
mysticism and spirituality. I wonder if he isnt a mystic somewhat
akin to Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross or even St. Ignatius of the
Catholic tradition. He openly shares that God speaks to him directly. He
recalls to one journalist of one instance that God spoke to him in a dream
Son, why are you distancing yourself from Me? Anak, bakit ka lumalayo
sa akin? Manny woke up in tears. The champion openly confesses his
flawed humanity and imperfection, which in his acceptance, magnifies
his love and devotion to his perfect loving God. He admits it is only God
who determines who is blessed inside the ring.
It is this devotion that has kept Pacquiao grounded and able to
pass the character test of success. His deep knowledge and awareness
of Gods love for him anchors his response of love for God, love for His
creation, love for country and love for his fellow man. It is this same
knowledge that fuels the amazing faith that has brought him from
sleeping in cardboard boxes in the streets to being catapulted into the
global arena as the worlds greatest living boxer. And in this position,
Pacquiao has gained the greatest platform and opportunity, even if
only for given seasons, to galvanize the attention of an otherwise
divided global Filipino nation to an incredible focused unity.
I venture to say that this tried and tested faith, the faith that
prioritizes ones relationship with God above all else is that same faith
that dares to dream audaciously, the same faith that demolishes every
obstacle to greatness and destiny, the same faith that never attributes
glory to oneself but only to the Object of ones faith. It is the same faith
that Pacquiao received and absorbed as a little child, and which only
grew stronger and permeated deeper through the rough vicissitudes of
his life. It is Object of Pacquiaos faith that is his very source, center and
inspiration. His being is so full of the Substance of this faith, that he
cant help convey Him to any one who would listen. Dont tell God that
you have a problem. Tell your problem that you have a big God.
When asked what dreams he had left to fulfill aside from helping
his fellow man, he said that his one remaining goal would be to leave
this earth with his heart not distanced from the God that he loves.
13
Pacman, Faithman
One-on-One Interview with Manny Pacquiao
Makati Shangri-la Hotel
Shang Palace Restaurant
Photo: Ferdie Singh
14
Victoria:
Maraming maraming salamat [Thank you very much] Manny, on behalf of
Pinoy Global Access magazine Many readers of PGA are more interested
in the Manny whos not really the boxing Manny, but rather the other side
of Manny Pacquiao. You are the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
What do you think are the qualities that set you apart from other boxers?
Manny:
I think I have the blessing from God and because of my sacrifices. I am
dedicated to my career. Thats why I deserve everything I have achieved.
Victoria:
So talagang [truly] super hard work.
Manny:
[Nods] Hard work and belief in God.
Victoria:
You really have so much faith in God. Like with your De La Hoya fight, lahat
ng tao sobrang kabang-kaba. [Everybody was very anxious and nervous.]
I watched you in the documentary of HBO and you said Huwag kayo
mabahala. Para namang wala kayong tiwala sa Diyos. [Dont worry. If
you worry its as if you have no trust in God.] Where did that come from,
Manny? That faith?
Manny:
I always believe that without God we cannot do anything in this world,
in this planet. You have to believe God and do something for God. Then
youll be successful.
Victoria:
Was there an incident when you were young? Nung batang-bata ka pa
[When you were very young] did you have that faith already?]
Manny:
When I was young, we had to go to school and study but because
talagang mahirap lang kami even my mother walang trabaho, my father
also. Kaya hindi ko natapos ang pag-aaral ko. After that, I decided to box
kahit mahirap sa loob ng mama ko, napilitan ako because wala kaming
pera, walang trabaho. Start nun, dun na ang simulanapamahal na sa
akin yung boxing. Tapos nung napamahal na sa akin yun boxing, lagi kong
dinadasal kay Lord na sana sa pamamagitan ng boxing, maiahon ko at
matulungan ko ang mga magulang ko.
[When I was young, we had to go to school and study but because we
were poor, my father and mother had no jobs, I wasnt able to finish
school. After that I decided to box even if my mother didnt like it. I was
forced to because we had no money, no jobs. From there started my love
for boxing. Then when I came to love boxing, I kept praying to the Lord my
wish that I could, through boxing, be able to help my family, my parents
out of poverty.]
Victoria:
Anchor mo yon, di ba, ang faith? Ever since ba yon? [Thats your anchor, isnt
it? Your faith? Have you had it for a long time?] Was it something you got
from your mother?
Manny:
Ever since we were young, our mother taught us how to pray before we
eat, after we eat, before we sleep, every time we wake up in the morning.
Tinuturuan ka niya so talagang very thankful kami sa mother namin kasi
pinalaki niya kami na may faith sa God. [She taught us that way so we are
truly very thankful to our mother because she brought us up with faith in
God.]
Victoria:
Tapos, I notice in all your fights before you even step in the ring you pray
then whatever happens after you pray, ano yung mga pinepray mo? [What
do you pray for?]
Manny:
During my fight, before my fight, I pray to God na sana iligtas niya ako sa
kapamahakan. At siya na ang bahala. Pinauubaya ko sa kanya ang lahat.
Akoy isang tao lamang at nasa kanya ang pagbabasbas para manalo.
[During my fight, before my fight, I pray to God to keep me from harm.
And that I trust Him to be in control. I give everything to Him. I am just a
human being and the blessing to win comes from Him.]
Victoria:
Meron bang kinakatakutan ang isang Manny Pacquiao? [Does a Manny
Pacquiao have any fears?]
Manny:
Ang tangi ko lang kinakatakutan ay ang Panginoon. Except that, wala na.
kasi kung nakakaramdam ka ng takot, itanung mo sa sarili mo kaagad, bakit
ka kinakabahan? Yung faith mo sa God hindi talaga 100%. Pag kinakabahan
ang tao, ang faith niya sa God hindi talaga 100%.
[I am afraid of only one thing and that is God. Other than God, I fear
nothing. Because if you feel fear, ask yourself right away, why do you feel
fear? That means your faith in God is not 100%. If a person gets nervous,
that means that persons faith in God is not 100%.]
Victoria:
You really remind me of David in the Bible, of the story of David and
Goliath. Your fights are reminiscent of that story, especially with the
way you talk. Im just telling you that Im inspired and many people are
inspired because you have the David kind of faith, a man after Gods own
heart. Would you agree?
15
Manny:
I agree. Talagang naniniwala ako kasi like me Im always inspired because
I believe God. Kaya lagi akong inspired dahil sa kanya.
[I agree. I really believe that. Im always inspired because I believe God.
God is my source of constant inspiration.]
[Is thereRVF
a particular chapter or statement in that book that really struck you?]
Manny:
Dami! Halos lahat dun matamaan ka dun sa ano. Nagbabasa ka ba nun?
[A lot! Almost everything in that book had an impact on me. Do you read
that book?]
Victoria:
Kaya ka masaya palagi?
[Is that why youre always happy?]
Victoria:
Opo! Kasi I actually worked with Purpose-Driven Life before.
[Yes, because I actually worked with Purpose-Driven Life before.]
Manny:
Ya! Because I have a great God. Sabi ko nga sa kanila [Thats why I say]
dont tell God you have a big problem. Tell your problem that you have a
great God.
Manny:
Aaah! [with interest]
Victoria:
Wow, I saw you say that in the HBO 24/7 documentary with De La Hoya and
it was amazing. You sounded like you were preaching, like an evangelist.
It was fantastic.
Gaanong katotoo yung movieIm sure a lot of people are asking this,
lalo na abroad. How close is it to reality, the movie about you, yung sa Star
Cinema, yung starring Jericho?
[How close to the truth was the movie that Star Cinema produced on your
life, starring Jericho (Rosales)?]
Manny:
Actually, alam mo, yung movie na yun nasa 15% lang yung totoo dun.
TalagangI mean 15%, out of 100%, 15% lang ang totoo.
[You know with that movie, only 15% of the movie was true.]
Victoria:
Ok. So youre not very happy with it then.
Manny:
[Shakes his head and doesnt look happy.]
Victoria:
Oh okay, thats good. Im curious about that part in the movie na nagbabasa
ka ng [when you were reading the book] Purpose-Driven Life, totoo ba yon
[did that really happen]? And did reading the book really have an impact
on you?
Manny:
Purpose-Driven Life [nods] yes. Talagang malaking tulong non. Maganda!
Mapaiyak ka! [Yes that book was a great help to me. It was beautiful. That
book will make you cry!
Victoria:
Is there a particular chapter or merong isang kasabihan dun na talagang hit
you in particular sa libro na yon?
16
Victoria:
Are you really the one who writes yung mga piesa sa Philboxing? Is it
really you who writes those pieces?
[Are you really the one who writes the columns with your byline on
Philboxing.com?]
Manny:
Yung mga articles ko? Yung Kumbinasyon? [He nods with a smile.]
[You mean my articles? Kumbinasyon? (the name of his column in
Abante)]
Victoria:
Galing naman, Im so impressed talaga. [You write very well. Im truly
impressed.] There you said something about Lapu-lapu being one of your
inspirations, can you talk about that?
Manny:
Si Lapu-lapu kasi nakipaglaban yun kay Magellan. Hero natin yun kasi
binantayan niya yung lugar nating lahat.
[Lapu-lapu had the courage to fight Magellan. He is our hero because he
guarded our land.]
Victoria:
Kung di po kayo nakatira dito, where would you live? Where would you
want to live? Is there a country you would prefer to live other than this
country?
Manny:
Wala. Dito talaga ako.
[No other place. This is where I will stay.]
Victoria:
Would you ever change your citizenship? Would you ever consider that? If
you were offered it?
Manny:
[Shakes his head.]
Victoria:
Ganun ninyo kamahal ang Pilipinas? [Thats how much you love the
Philippines?]
Manny:
[Nods his head, with a sound that means yes and a peaceful smile on his
face.] Kung nagchange pa ako, kinuha ko na yung Green Card ko.
[If I wanted to change citizenship, I would have gotten my Green Card
already.]
I dont like it because it hurts me. Because that is our life. What happens
to our nation is part of our lives. People might wonder how I can say that
the place we live in is part of our lives. I can explain that very well. People
might ask what is the connection between the place we dwell and our
lives. That is what people dont know.]
Victoria:
How do you see yourself as a Filipino, compared to, say, mga Mexicans,
mga Americans, and other nationalities?
Victoria:
Your children can study anywhere. But I heard you decided and said, Gusto
ko dito sila mag-aral kasi ayaw kong mawala ang pagka-Pilipino nila.. [I
want them to study here because I dont want them to lose their sense of
being Filipino.] Can you say a little bit more about that?
Manny:
Alam mo merong mga mabait, merong hindi naman masyado. Pero walang
ibang katulad talaga ang Pilipino.
[You know there are people who are good, some who are not so good. But
Filipinos are a breed apart. Filipinos are truly unique.]
Manny:
Puede ko silang pag-aralin sa Amerika, kaya lang gusto ko sila dito magaral kasi ayaw kong mawala sa kanila yung ugaling Pilipino. Kasi kahit na
dugong Pilipino ka pero dun ka naman lumaki sa Amerika, hindi ka pa rin
Pilipino kasi yung ugali mo Amerika na.
[I can give them an education in America, but I prefer that they study here
in the Philippines because I dont want them to lose their Filipino values.
Thats because even if you have Filipino blood in you but you grow up in
America, you wont be Filipino anymore in the sense that your values and
behavior will be American already.]
Victoria:
You are continuing with your university studies, right? Saan po? [Where?]
Victoria:
Happy naman po kayo sa education nila sa Brent? Okay naman kayo don?
[Are you happy with the education your children are getting from Brent
School? Are you okay with it?]
Manny:
Happy naman. Ok naman. [with a smile]
[Yes I am happy with them. They are okay.]
Victoria:
Gaano kaimportante sa inyo ang pagiging Pilipino po ninyo?
How important is your Filipino identity to you?
Manny:
Alam mo napakahalaga sa akin ang pagiging isang Pilipino dahil unanguna, akoy Pilipino. At saka ayokong magkagulo ang bansa natin. Ayoko
kasi nasasaktan ako. Kasi buhay natin yan eh. Kasama sa buhay natin. Pero
baka magtaka ka kung bakit ko masasabing ang tinitirhan natin ay kasama
sa buhay natin. Ma-explain ko ng mabuti yan. Baka tanungin nila ano ang
koneksyon ng tinitirhan natin sa buhay natin di ba? Yan ang hindi alam ng
mga tao.
[You know being Filipino is so very important to me. In the first place,
Im Filipino and I dont want any problems or issues to beset our country.
Manny:
Notre Dame University
Victoria:
What are you studying po?
Manny:
Business Management.
Victoria:
Its interesting kasi obviously napaka-successful ninyo na in the sense that
if you dont want to study, you dont have to. So why are you pursuing your
studies pa rin po?
[Its interesting because obviously you are already very successful
financially in the sense that if you dont want to study, you dont have to.
So why are you pursuing your studies still?]
Manny:
Even when I was young, I loved to go to school. I wanted to finish my
school, my studies. Like what I said, mahirap lang kami noon. Kaya ngayon
talagang pinagpatuloy ko ang pag-aaral ko para ma-manage ko rin ng
tama yung pera kong pinagkakitaan sa boxing. Kaya management ang
kinuha ko, business management.
[Like what I said, we were very poor then. Thats why now I am continuing
my studies so that I can also effectively manage the money Ive earned in
boxing. This is the reason why I took up business management.]
Victoria:
May relasyon din ho ba yun sa intentions niyo po to run for public office?
[Does your studies relate to your intentions to run for public office?]
17
Manny:
Unang-una para di ka laiitin ng mga tao na wala kang pinag-aralan. Ang
dahilan talaga ay para mai-manage ko yung kinita kong pera sa boxing.
First of all its so that people wont be able to call me derogatorily as
someone ignorant or without education. The real reason is so that I can
manage my boxing earnings effectively.
Victoria:
Kasi actually Im a documentarist. I so love that documentary that HBO did
on you, that 24/7. What was it like for you that they were following you
around na sinusundan kayo saan man? Sa loob ng kuwarto, etc I mean
what was that experience like?
[Im actually a documentarist and so I loved that 24/7 documentary HBO
made on you. What was it like for you when you were being followed and
filmed everywhere you went? What was that experience like?]
Manny:
Okay lang. I mean masaya ako dahil sinusundan ka ng mga ganyan
kahit saan ka magpunta. Eh ang iba tinatawag pa sila para sundan, di
ba? Naiintindihan ko yan dahil kasama yan, bahagi yan ng tagumpay.
[It was fine with me. I mean I was happy that I was being followed
everywhere by these people. For others, they have to call people
to follow them, right? (Manny smiles as if to appreciate his good
fortune.) I understand the attention because thats all part and parcel
of success.]
Victoria:
Were you happy with the final product? Nung napanood ninyo? Yung
documentary?
[When you got to watch it? The documentary?] Did you like it? Were you
pleased?
Manny:
OO. Nagustuhan ko. Gustong-gusto ko. Kasi maganda ang pagkagawa.
[Yes. I liked it. I really really liked it. Because the film was very well
made.]
Victoria:
So compared to the Jericho Rosales film, versus this one, you really like the
documentary more.
Manny:
Siyempre. Kasi kung ano yung mga ginagawa mo
[Of course. Because whatever it is that you are doing]
Victoria:
Yun talaga yon.
[Thats exactly what they show.]
18
Manny:
Yun talaga.
[Thats it exactly.]
Victoria:
And ang ganda ng coverage nun about Freddie Roach and your relationship
with Freddie. [The coverage on your relationship with Freddie Roach in
that film was excellent.]
Its really wonderful. So youre really close and hes like your father, in a
sense.
Manny:
[Smiles and nods. Yes.]
Victoria:
Do you have any other passions aside from God and boxing that we dont
know about?
Manny:
I love to play basketballBasta mahilig ako sa sports.
Victoria:
Para sa inyo po, what do you think are the things that matter most in life? Sa
buhay po, ano ang pinakaimportante?
Manny:
Alam mo ang una sa buhay ko, ang relasyon ko sa God. Alam mo relasyon
sa God yun lagi pinakaimportante sa akin. Yun ang laging iniisip ko.
Baka lumayo ako o gaano ba akong kalapit sa Panginoon? Hindi porket
nagdadasal ka okay na yon. Kailangan palagi mong tanungin sa sarili mo,
malapit ka ba sa Panginoon?
[You know the first priority in my life is my relationship with God. For me
the most important thing is always my relationship with God. That is what
I am always thinking about. I ask myself, am I going further away from
the Lord? Or how close am I to Him? It doesnt mean that just because you
pray that everything is okay. You must always ask yourself, are you close
to the Lord?]
Victoria:
So, talagang totoo sa inyo ang intimate relationship with God?
[So an intimate relationship with God is very real for you?]
Manny:
Kailangan kasi tayong human may tinatawag tayong idol, hero natin,
mahal natin pero sa akin iba. May hero ako, may mahal ako, may bida ako,
ang Panginoon.
[We need this relationship with God. We humans might call someone or
something idol, hero or beloved but for me it is different. I have a hero, I
have someone I love, I have an idol (or the winning protagonist in a story),
and that is the Lord.]
Victoria:
Wow! Ang ganda [Thats beautiful.]
Manny:
Lagi tayong nagsasabi sa mga tao, sa mga mahal natin sa buhay I
love you. Sa Panginoon ba, nasabi mo na ba ang I love you? Tanungin
kita, nasabi mo na bang I love you. Madalas mo bang sinasabing I
love you?
[We often tell people, the people that we love in life, I love you.
Have you said the same thing I love you to the Lord? Let me ask you.
Have you told the Lord I love you? How often do you say I love you
to Him?]
Victoria:
Ako pa. Oo. Yung mga iba po hindi ko po alam.
[Me yes, I say that to the Lord. I dont know about other people though.]
Manny:
Madalas pa nating sabihin sa kapwa natin I love you; I love you sa
asawa natin.
[We say I love you more often to other people, to our spouses.]
Victoria:
Wala po akong asawa kaya si God lang talaga. (laughter)
[I dont have a husband so its truly only God. (laughter)]
Manny:
I love you God.
Victoria:
Ano pong mga dreams do you have remaining. Kasi Im sure marami na
po kayong nakamit. Youve reached so much of your goals already. What
dreams do you have remaining for yourself, for your family, and for your
country?
Manny:
Ive really done my dream to my family na natulungan ko na silang lahat,
even my brother and sisters, nabigyan ko na sila. Ang dream ko na lang,
hindi ko naman lahat matutulungan, kaya kahit papaano gamitin niya ako
para makatulong ako sa mga kapwa tao.
[Ive already achieved my dream for my family. Ive helped all of them
already, even my brother and sisters. Ive given to them already. My
remaining dream, though I may not be able to help everybody, is that
somehow God can use me to help others.]
Victoria:
How about for yourself? Do you have any other dreams or goals you
want to reach?
Manny:
My dreams? (as if surprised by the question)
Victoria:
Yes! For you! Long term.
Manny:
Long term my dream is talagang ako ay mawala sa mundo na hindi ako
malayo sa Kanya.
[Long term my dream is for me to leave this world without distance from
God.]
Victoria:
Wow, ang ganda naman. [Wow thats so beautiful.]
Manny:
Ang panaginip ko ay hindi ako malayo sa Kanya kasi lahat ng mga bagay na
nakikita mo sa mundo, pansamantala lang yan. At panghabang buhay ang
hindi mo nakikita.
[My dream is that I will remain close to God because all the things
you see in this world is temporary. What will last are the things you
cant see.]
Victoria:
Last question. Is there anything that the Filipino public does not know
about Manny Pacquiao? Theres so much coverage about you already but is
there something about you that people dont know?
Manny:
Alam mo bihira ko sinasabi sa mga tao ito. Ang hindi nila alam na kaya palagi
kong sinasabi sa kanila na Panginoon, Panginoon, magtiwala kayo kasi ang
totoo niyan kailangan lahat ng tao wala sila dapat ialay sa buhay nila kundi
ang Panginoon lang. Sino ba ang gumawa sa mundo? Sa ating daigdig? Di
ba sa ating daigdig completo. Lahat ng nandyan na lahat. Completo.
Sinong gumawa? Ang God. Di ba ang God? So sa Kanya tayo nanggaling,
diba? Dapat maniwala ang mga tao, magtiwala sila sa Panginoon, matakot
sila sa Lord. Ako? Billion of people sa buong mundo. Billions, di ba billion?
Ilang billion?
[You know its very rare that I tell people this. What people dont know
is that the reason why I keep telling people God, God, trust in God is
because that is truly what people need to do. They should give their lives
to nothing or no one else but God alone. Who was it that made the world?
Who created our planet? Isnt our world complete? Everything we need is
there. Its complete. Who made it? God made it. Wasnt it God? So we come
19
from him, dont we? That is my people need to believe in God, to trust in
God, fear God. Me? There are billions of people in the whole world. Is it a
billion? How many billions?]
Victoria:
6 yata e, 6 or 7 billion. [I think its about 6 or 7 billion.]
Manny:
7 billion. Masuwerte ako dahil ako isa sa mga kinausap ng Panginoon. Sa
billions of people, bihira ang tao na kinakausap ng Panginoon.
[Out of 7 billion people, Im very fortunate because I am one of those rare
individuals that the Lord has spoken to.]
Victoria:
Ano ang sinabi niya sa iyo? [What did He say to you?]
Manny:
Basta yung mga nasabi ko sa iyo nung mga nakaraan. May mga nasabi ako
sa yo dun na sabi ng Panginoon.
What I already spoke about earlier to you. I said some things to you that
the Lord told me.
Victoria:
Aaah okay. I will figure it out. [a bit lost]
Manny:
Like nareviewin mo ha tulad ng sinabi ko na sa kanya mo ialay ang
buhay mo. Siya lang ang nagiisang Panginoon natin. At yung ano ba ang
relasyon mo kay God? Gaano ka bang kalapit sa God, diba? Minsan may
tanong tayo, Gaano ka bang kalapit sa tao na yan? Sasabihin natin Close
kami niyan. Diba, ginaganoon natin. Sa mother natin, father natin. Saan
ka ba close, sa mother mo, sa father mo? A mas close ako sa father ko..
Pero ang tanong, gaano ka ba ka-close sa Panginoon?
[Like I said earlier, it is to God that we should offer our lives. He is our
one and only Lord. And what is your relationship with God? How close
are you to God, right? Sometimes we ask the question How close are
you to this or that person? We would say Were close. Isnt it we have
these kinds of conversations? How about to our mother or father. Who
are you closest to? Your mother? Your father?Oh Im closer to my father.
But the question is, how close are you to the Lord?]
Victoria:
Are you certain of your eternal parang kunyari lets say 50 years
later tapos dumating si Jesus. Are you sure that you will be with
God in heaven?
Manny:
Basta ako, God knows that I live my life like everyday is the last. I live
20
my life like everyday is the last. Anytime. Hindi ako kasi. Hindi
ako natatakot. Kasi, isa lang ang bida ko, Siya. One God forever.
Kahit anong sabihin nila. Sabihin nila, mga tao nagkakasala naman
tayoNagkakasala naman tayo tapos paulit-ulit nagkakasala
tayo pero alam mo ang katawan natin madalas nagkakasala pero
kailangan pag nagkakasala ka, sa mind mo. Pagnagkakasala ka,
nagkakasala ka sa mind mo at sa puso mo. Kailangan ang sa puso mo
pa rin, andyan ang Panginoon, sa mind mo, andyan ang Panginoon.
Pagkakasala mo sa katawan lang yan, iwanan natin yan
Inaamin ko nagkakasala ako. Araw-araw nagkakasala tayong lahat.
Nagkakasala ako oras-oras pero ang puso ko its deep in my heart
and in my mind, wala ng iba kundi ang Panginoon lang. Yun lang
talaga. Kaya, bakit ka matatakot? Kung gusto mo nang kunin ako,
wala akong magagawa, basta ikaw ang bida ko Di ba?
[God knows I live my life like everyday is my last. Anytime He can
take me. Im not afraid because I have only one hero, and thats
God. One God forever. Whatever people say, as people we will have
our faults, we will sin. We may sin over and over. We know our
bodies often sin, our minds often sin. And when we sin, we sin in
our minds and hearts. What is needful is that in our hearts, God is
there, and in our minds, God is there. If we sin in our bodies, lets
leave that behind. I admit I sinEveryday we all sin. I sin every
hour but but deep in my heart and in my mind, theres nothing and
no one else but God, the Lord. Thats it and nothing else! So why
should I be afraid? If God wants to take me, I cant do anything. But
no matter what, He is my hero, right?]
Victoria:
Maraming salamat. Alam ninyo po, you remind me talaga of David.
Kasi si David rin po, nagkasala diba? Pero sabi ni God, ang tawag ni
God sa kanya, a man of faith, a man after Gods own heart. So kahit
nagkasala siya, yun pa rin ang paningin niya, talagang a man after
His own heart.
Thank you so much. You know you really remind me of David.
Even if David sinned, in the eyes of God, he was a man after His
own heart.
Manny:
Hindi sinasabi ng Panginoon na maging perfect kang tao. Ang kailangan
lang niya ay marunong kang magsisi sa iyong mga kasalanan.
[The Lord is not telling us to be perfect persons. What is needful is
that we know how to be sorry for our sins.]
Victoria:
Amen. Marami salamat po. [Thank you very much.]
MVVF
SPECIAL FEATUREs
Chavit Singson
As Pacquiaos Friend and Mentor
By Pablo A. Tariman
Photos: Willy Avila
Two weeks before the much-anticipated Pacquiao-Hatton bout,

Luis Chavit Singson has a day full receiving assorted visitors in his
Corinthian Gardens residence.
This is a huge mansion typical of the houses in this high-end
village manned by guards who call owners before visitors are allowed
inside. It has a spacious living room highlighted by what looks like Van
Gogh and Rembrandt paintings and there is a curious baby grand by
the stairway. There is an album full of memorabilias from his bio-film
which starred Cesar Montano. One spotted a copy of his biography
entitled The Nine Lives of Chavit Singson. Another album gives us
a glossy pictorial of his Baluarte residence in Vigan. It is a gorgeous
vacation house with a baby grand piano, a zoo and a massive pool.
As you wait for the master of the house to wake up, you get an
idea who his visitors are. Aside from the usual trickle of media persons,
there are two town mayors and assorted ward leaders from Ilocos Sur,
an Italian-American who used to work in a Las Vegas casino and local
business executives heavy with business proposals.
Long after he retired as governor and congressman and later
losing a senatorial bid, Chavit Singson remains the political father
figure of his province. He now carries a new title -- deputy national
security adviser -- a job that makes it imperative for him to monitor
everything going on in the national scene.
Says he: This new assignment entails a lot of work and covers not
just the armed group but the socio-economic profile of the country.
I have to visit the provinces as often as I can and monitor everything
and make recommendations to the president. The work practically
covers all the departments. I have to check the soldiers in Mindanao
and find out how they are doing and you have to do a periodic report
to the president.
On the other hand, his most visible role is that of a friend and
supporter of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao. In a few days, he will be
off to Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Hatton fight.
Ive been a Manny Pacquiao watcher even before he became
famous, Singson confides in his well-appointed study room. At
a young age, he was already fast on the draw and vastly different
from other aspiring boxers. The first time I saw him fight, I knew he
was different. Aside from being fast and quick, his jabs have unusual
strength. I think his talent in the boxing ring is really God-given. On
top of that, he is hard-working.
Singson says he has been a boxing fan since the early 70s, years
before Pacquiao was born. Already governor of Ilocos Sur in 1971, he made
it a point to watch all the great fights here and abroad and he is familiar
with all the legendary boxers, among them, Mohammad Ali who had an
unforgettable fight at the Araneta Coliseum in the mid-70s.
In recent years, Singson has evolved from a curious fan to fatherand- brother figure and special friend to Pacquiao.
But the two are really worlds-apart in social, political and family
lineage.
Singson is the second among the seven children of Jos Singson and
Caridad Crislogo. His other siblings include Evaristo (Titong), Bernardo
(deceased), Fernando (Dodoy), Maria Olivia (Honeygirl), Jeremias (Jerry),
Germelina (Germy) and Jose, Jr. (Bonito).
But his Vigan roots actually date back to the 17th century. According
to Ilocos chroniclers, one Joaqun Ayco, a merchant from Oasay, China,
married a Chinese mestiza, Rosa Songnio, a Vigan native. Singsons
forefathers ruled Vigan as far back as the 1800s. The post of gobernadorcillo
was held by Don Len Singson in 1846, Don Estanislao Singson in 1852,
Don Domingo Singson in 1854, Don Toms Singson in 1858 and Don Jose
Singson in 1877. Chavit grew up in Vigan, where he led a normal childhood
with a very liberal upbringing and a lot of opportunity to play and make
friends. The family brought the first redrying plant to Ilocos in the 60s.
21
among legendary boxing champions.

Hindi ko pa siya nakikitang magyabang
even if he has all the right to be.
How does he see the PacquiaoHatton fight?
Chavit says he has a trained eye
for likely winners after watching
many landmark boxing fights here and
abroad. My intuition is that he will
knock out Hatton in the first to fifth
round. They practically share the same
height. But Hatton is smaller than De
la Joya and a bit slow. Ang style ni
Hatton parang laging nakabukas kaya
Chavit Singson answers questions from this writer with Rhea Ferro and Richard
madaling pasukin ni Manny. So I predict
Merk during the interview in his office.
a knockout in the first five rounds.
Moreover, Chavit doesnt see
the coming fight as Mannys biggest
challenge. I think his biggest fight will
be the one with Floyd Maywether, Jr. if
it materializes. This will easily translate
into his biggest paycheck of anything
from $20 to $30 million plus revenues
from pay-per-view. Actually, potential
losers from Mannys fight stand to earn
more. They have to talk a lot on TV and
sound confident because if they dont, no
one will bet on them. So Manny doesnt
mind some of them actually bragging
about their so-called invincibility. Kung
hindi sila magyabang, talagang walang
pupusta sa kanila.
The Champ with his friend and mentor, Chavit Singson, in a hotel in Makati before
He likes to think good politicians and good boxers have many
his departure to London to promote his fight with Hatton.
things in common. After more than 40 years in politics and still
It is also common knowledge that Chavits paternal (Singson) deeply in it, he compares the demands of boxing to the exigencies
and maternal (Crisologo) families have dominated the political of business and politics.
environment of the Ilocos region for generations.
He opines: Politics is like business. In both, you have to work
On the other hand, Pacquiao was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon in hard to make it grow and flourish. You have to pay attention to
1978 from a poor family before he moved to General
your ward leaders and you dont abandon them
Santos City in South Cotabato. His professional
even if if you have to put your life on the line.
Manny
is
different
boxing career started at the age of 16 (at 106 lbs-Thats how I stayed put. Lagi akong nakatutok sa
from all the boxers
light flyweight). His early fights took place in small
mga leaders ko.
local venues and were shown on Vintage Sports Blow
Now knowing Manny that close, will the
I came to know. For
by Blow, an evening boxing show. His professional
peoples champ make a good politician?
one, he is a natural,
debut was a 4-round bout against Edmund Enting
Chavit concludes: There is no doubt he
Ignacio on January 22, 1995, which Pacquiao won via
will
make a good politician although still a
very deeply religious
decision, becoming an instant star of the program.
reluctant one. He is sincere, he came from the
and with a refreshing rank of the poor and he knows how to listen.
The rest is of course history.
So what did Chavit see in Pacquiao when he
humility which is rare Youd be surprised but Manny is very intelligent.
first met him?
Sa boxing, hindi lang suntok ng suntok yan.
among legendary
Manny is different from all the boxers I came to
He plans everything from practice to strategy
know, he says. For one, he is a natural, very deeply
and the final attack before his next winning
boxing champions.
religious and with a refreshing humility which is rare
knockout.
22
Interview with
Ronnie Nathanielsz
Veteran Sports Analyst and Commentator
As a discoverer of Pacquiao at the age of 16, what were your early
impressions of him? What were the circumstances? You said that at this age,
he had already stated his intention of running for public office, right?
Longtime boxing people and friends Rod Nazario, Lito Mondejar and Moy
Lainez teamed up with Vintage Sports to telecast the top-rated weekly boxing
show, Blow by Blow.
The fights were usually staged at the Mandaluyong Gym which was
constructed at that time by Mayor Ben Abalos, a passionate boxing fan.
Pacquiaos third fight in his career and his first on Blow by Blow was staged
in Bacoor, Cavite when he defeated Rocky Palma on May 1, 1995.
My initial impression was that he had no finesse, threw punches from all
angles but had power and the most important element, courage.
I recall that perhaps two years later he told Rod Nazario in my presence that
he wanted to run for public office because he wanted to serve the poor people
in his area.
What is your view of the recent network wars brouhaha over Pacman? Does
this issue tarnish Pacmans credibility considerably or not at all? What do you
think really happened?
The network war was unfortunate. It didnt need to happen. ABS-CBN
has, through the years, done a substantial amount to help grow the image
and popularity of Pacquiao not just nationally but internationally with their
extensive coverage especially by Dyan Castillejo who did a remarkable job.
Even though ABS-CBN didnt have the rights to several of Mannys big fights
which had been acquired by Solar Sports, they provided incredible coverage
which is a tribute to them. They saw the value of the story and didnt let the
fact that the fight was on a competitive channel affect their judgment in terms
of providing extensive coverage for their viewers and in the process clearly
benefiting from it. Truth to tell they did a much better job than GMA and Solar
Sports.
Pacquiao has an uncanny knack of getting out of trouble in terms of his
image. Once he starts training and the stories come out of how well he is doing
and Mannys built-in charisma and conduct in public in a boxing or sports
environment, helps people forget any wrongdoing in a hurry.
His credibility was questioned if not tarnished by some American journalists
and a few Filipinos but not too many, surprisingly. In fact, it was turned around
to make ABS-CBN and Dyan Castillejo look bad which I thought was unfortunate
because most people didnt know what really happened.
Pacquiao and a few around him thought ABS-CBN did a much better job of
covering Manny. Manny too had expressed, whether he will admit it or not, a
desire to try and move by offering to buy out his contract from Solar Sports.
Thats why Gabby Lopez and Mr. William Tseng met over breakfastto try and
hammer out an agreement. But it didnt work.
Meantime, Manny, according to his lawyer Franklin Jeng Gacal didnt
consult him although we know that Gacal met with ABS-CBN officials precisely
on the issue.
Manny, according to Gacal himself, received a fairly substantial amount as a
down- payment for the Hatton telecast from ABS-CBN hoping that something
could be worked out.
Solar stood firm along with the backing of GMA and that was it.
Was it you who first wrote of Pacman starting off as a bakers assistant and
sleeping on cardboard boxes? What was the sleeping in cardboard boxes all
about? Does that mean that his family didnt have a roof over their heads?
23
RN: Our early footage shot in General Santos City for the hugely successful
DVD The Manny Pacquiao Story by Viva Productions had a recreation of
Manny selling pandesal. He started boxing as an amateur early and most of the
time lived in the home of his trainer Cordero. Pacquiaos mother Dionisia
had a small sari sari store and they did have a rather rundown shack they
called home.
What is it about him that has allowed him to rise, as HBO Sports put it in its
latest Pacman greatest hits video The most exciting fighter in the sport today
and arguably the best pound-for-pound?
He has the amazing capacity to train like no other fighter. He kills himself in the
gym. He is sharply focused. He never underestimates an opponent and never puts
him down. He is respectful to his opponent and to the sport itself.
His aggressive style, his remarkable hand-speed, the way he moves in the ring
and his willingness to take on any fighter, even at a higher weight, his friendly
disposition and the smile etched on his face as he enters the ring all add up. Add
to that his act of kneeling in his corner and praying before a fight and making the
sign of the Cross, going down on his knees and thanking God when its over has
endeared him to fans and those who cover the sport.
All this provides a dimension of excitement and by beating all the Mexican
legends Barrera, Morales, Marquez and in recent fights WBC lightweight
champion David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds set him apart. He has
won titles in five divisions and with the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. he
arguably is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.
Who is the most influential person in Pacmans life? What is your take on his
very public spirituality?
Tough question. But I figure its his wife Jinkee and their children who
collectively make him turn away from wrongdoing and have helped him mend
his ways especially after two daughters were born.
Others who probably exert some guidance rather than influence are President
Arroyo who always showed care and concern for him even before Manny became
the superstar he is today, Luis Chavit Singson, Secretary Lito Atienza, Freddie
Roach for sure in boxing terms and promoter Bob Arum.
24
In fairness to Manny, he is obviously influenced by his mother who is a very

religious lady and in fact wanted Manny to become a priest. So in that sense its
nothing new. He is spiritual and built a nice little chapel in Cebu near Rex Wakee
Saluds gym last year.
His spirituality is made public not by him but essentially by media, particularly
television.
Whos going to win the May 2nd fight?
It will be a tough fight because Ricky Hatton hasnt been beaten at 140 pounds
and lost only once to Floyd Mayweather Jr at 147 pounds. Besides, Hatton is a
solid body puncher and could hurt Manny if he connects with strong blows to the
body. Besides, he is a brawler, pushes his opponent against the ropes, hits and
then grabs preventing his opponent from hitting back.
Overall, Manny is so much quicker, moves so much better, comes at his
opponent from different angles and throws rapid-fire combinations backed by
power. Besides, he is always in perfect condition. Add to all this is his courage
which can never be questioned. In the end whether it ends in three rounds as
Roach says or in eight or nine as I believe it will Manny should win. If he doesnt
our nation will weep.
What do you think is the essence or heart of Manny Pacquiao?
He desires to do good. He is sometimes far too kind and generous to a fault.
He forgives people who do him wrong, easily. He has supreme confidence and
indomitable courage. Intrinsically, for all his faults, real or imagined, he is a good
young man.
COMPARISON CHART 1
MANNY PACQUIAO
RICKY HATTON
30
30
Record
48-3, 36 KOs
45-1-32 KOs
Height
56 1/2
57 1/2
Reach
67 inches
65 inches
Age
Titles Won WBC flyweight title, IBF super bantamweight

title, WBC super featherweight title, WBC
lightweight title
WBA welterweight title, IBF/WBA junior

welterweight titles
Key Fights Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, Erik Morales Fights

1, 2 and 3, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel
Marquez Fights 1 and 2, Marco Antonio
Barrera Fights 1 and 2, Agapito Sanchez,
David Diaz, Jorge Solis, Oscar Larios
Jon Thaxton, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Jose Luis

Castillo, Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Urango, Luis
Collazo, Vince Phillips, Ben Tackie, Kostya
Tszyu, Carlos Maussa, Juan Lazcano
Key Wins Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, Erik Morales Fights

2 and 3, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel
Marquez Fight 2, Marco Antonio Barrera
Fights 1 and 2, David Diaz, Jorge Solis, Oscar
Larios
Win Streak
9-0, 6KOs
Jon Thaxton, Jose Luis Castillo, Paulie

Malignaggi, Juan Urango, Luis Collazo, Vince
Phillips, Ben Tackie, Kostya Tszyu, Carlos
Maussa, Juan Lazcano
2-0, 1KO
Adapted from an article by Mark Vester
Advantages
Power - Pacquiao
Chin - Even
Skill - Pacquiao
Speed - Pacquiao
Reach - Pacquiao
Height - Hatton
Experience - Even
Stamina - Pacquiao
Betting Favorite - Pacquiao
Media Favorite - Pacquiao
Fan Favorite Pacquiao
25
Boots On
THE OVERSEAS FILIPINO

WORKER AS SURVIVOR
By Boots Anson-Roa
We Filipinos are renowned
and
the world over for our
uncharted
many attributes and values:
indifference
our love of God, warmth,
of which people confront
hospitality, respect for elders,
him initially. As he spreads
our Bayanihan spirit or sense
the Gospel of Truth about
of community, our unique
his country, his people and
humor that enables us to
his work, he is continuously
lau
gh at our own foibles
challenged by the trappings
and many others that far
of cultural difference. There
outweigh certain traits that
is the language barrier, the
blot our slate as an ethnic
work ethic, the religious
race.
practice, and the dynamics
treads
on
strange,
territory,
or
the
animosity
Among the former, it is
of interpersonal relations,
perhaps our resilience that
even the dictates of law and
has given us Filipinos a global
morality.
face worth reckoning. And
As an OFW from 1982
where resilience is concerned,
to 1993, first as a Philippine
again, perhaps no sector
Embassy attach and then
of our population can outdo the Overseas Filipino
as a Washington DC bank officer, I was not spared
Worker (OFW) as leading exponent and paradigm.
the travails of working in foreign shores, amidst a
The OFW is both an ambassador and missionary

of our country.
Like the diplomat, he sells his countrys best traits
through his presence, words, and, most importantly,
different culture, although afforded opportunities

to work in simulated home grounds within the
confines of the Embassy and with the Filipino
Community as a social milieu.
through his deportment and achievements by way
Just the same, there was a lot of initiation to
of work and community involvement. What foreign
undergo; some of them dramatic, but more often
nationals see of him is deeply imprinted in their
amusing if not outright funny.
psyche as Juan dela Cruz or the Filipino Everyman.
On my first meeting with an American, after
Like the missionary, the OFW leaves hearth and
engaging in business conversation, I said: goodbye.
home; most of all the love and comfort of family,
He answered: See you later and left. Meanwhile, I
26
27
Of course, the day before, I got my first shock when

he chided me for calling him Sir and Mr. Cotman
and insisted that I call him, the bank president,
Linwood instead. Up until I left the bank seven
years after to return to the Philippines, I had yet to
call him Linwood, but adjusted in every other way
to his work ethic.
Once I had to go to another superiors home
for some emergency paper work on very short
notice. It was dinnertime. I half-expected that, as
in the Philppines, I would be invited to table, kahit
pabalat-bunga. But since I had no appointment nor
stayed waiting for him to come back, not knowing
invitation, I waited at the receiving room. No offense
that later meant any other appointed time except
meant on the familys part, Im sure, just the premium
later that afternoon. I took it as overtime, but
they put on appointments and formalities.
then, I learned that overtime in the US had to be
But, as in the case of every Filipino I knew in and
authorized and pre-approved. I only realized that
out of work in the US that patience, commitment,
I was mistaken on both counts until the security
a modest attitude, resilience and the ability to
personnel approached me and advised me that
improvise and make do with what was not available
everyone had gone home and that we were not
was the hallmark of the OFW.
allowed to loiter in the workplace after work. Well,
At the end of my term at the US bank, prior
so much for my first nalipasan ng gutom caper.
to repatriating, my bosses paid me a tribute at a
Pete, our kids and I guffawed at the experience over
sendoff attended by the banks officers and gave
dinner.
me rather precious going- away presents. But what
I wondered early on why everyone called
remains unforgettable was the presidents reference
everyone else hey. At first, I would get offended
to me as this Filipina who introduced a new work
and would politely give my name to be addressed. I
ethic in our bank, after which the officers gave me
was met, of course, by mild shock and a perception
a standing ovation. I cried. I felt I couldve died that
of some arrogance in me. Eventually, I realized that
very moment and gone straight to heaven.
heeey actually was a term of endearment. I have
As members of the ethnic minority, my family
not used it in any context to date. I feel more at ease
and I had survived 11 challenging, learning and
calling people by their names.
sometimes, humbling years in the US. But it was
The first time I served coffee to my American
these that brought out the best of the Filipino in
boss, he gave me such a strange look, like: Nobody
us, the pliancy of the bamboo that characterizes us,
makes my coffee except me. I had to explain that
that ultimately carve in us the endearing qualities of
it was my act of deference; not in any way meant
survivors. At the end of our stay, we knew that it was
to preempt his privilege to make his coffee to taste.
these values that spawned whatever achievements

we may have enjoyed.
28
29
Lifestyle, Arts & Culture
Kultura Filipino
The Intramuros Of Our Dream Is Here

Text by Bibsy M. Carballo
Photos: Willy Avila
If domestic and foreign tourism appears to be getting a shot in the

arm, it can only be because of people like Ace Durano at the helm of
the Department of Tourism (DOT), Cecile Guidote Alvarez at the National
Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Anna Maria Bambi Harper
at the Intramuros Admistration (IA), and dozens of private individuals
like Barbara de los Reyes and Carlos Celdran whose passion and
dedication are indescribable.
As colorful, gaily painted kalesas, karuwahes, and a modern version
of the tranvia ferry tourists around the storied Walled City, a rush of history
accosts and mesmerizes them. Intramuros means within the walls,honored
by King Philip II of Spain with the title of Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad or
30
Distinguished and Ever Loyal City, which served as the political, cultural,
educational, religious and commercial center of Spains empire in Asia. With
goods loaded on galleons bound for Acapulco, Mexico, the Spanish for 300
years continued what Tagalog chief Rajah Sulayman saw way before them in
Intramuros when he made it his fort and trading center.
A walking tour of Intramuros that Celdran has hugely popularized
may include any of the 27 highlights of the Walled City including Fort
Santiago, Palacio del Gobernador, Bagumbayan, Baluarte de San Diego,
Rizal Shrine, Baluarte de San Gabriel, Plaza de Roma, Manila Cathedral,
Puerta Real, Puerta de Isabel II, Bahay Tsinoy, Puerta de Sta.Lucia, Baluarte
de San Andres, Aduana, Plaza de Santa Isabel, Parian gate, San Agustin
Bayanihan Dance Company welcomes the guests at the presentation of Kultura Filipino .
Church, and Plaza San Luis Complex.

Under the term of current IA head Harper construction of the
remaining walls of the Maestranza began. This is the only section
still to be restored by funding from Japan acquired during the term
of Senator Richard Gordon as tourism head. The rehabilitation of the
Almacenes Reales or Royal Warehouses has been completed with brick
walls strengthened, roofing installed, featuring a collection of Marian
images, antique doors and windows serving as dcor a perfect place
for functions. The Visitors Center located at the baluarte de San Francisco
circa 1662 is spruced up. The Boy Scouts and Makati West Rotarians
teamed up and planted 500 fire trees to make good Harpers vision of a
city of flaming colors in the future.
Over at the Plaza San Luis complex, Barbaras and Intramuros
Administration are holding Kultura Filipino in cooperation with the DOT.
The newly launched cultural production has answered numerous requests
from tour operators, individual tourists and educational institutions for
regularity in performances that would depict the life and ways of Filipinos.
Shows by Filipino artists recognized here and abroad, are shown regularly
Tuesdays and Thursdays at Barbaras Restaurant at Casa Manila.
Kultura Filipino showcases performances that depict the life
famous
Bayanihan
Dance Company, the
internationally known
Halili Dance Company
who has brought honor
to the country, even
young performers like
bossa nova singer Sitti
who provides guests with
a sampling of modern
renditions of old songs.
Durano has said the Kultura Filipino should establish Manila, a
city entrenched in history and culture, as a major destination in terms of
cultural awareness as the project aims to be one of the highlights of their
city tour packages.
With these performance nights firmly in place, what is now to stop
them from expanding the tourism package to include the visual arts such
as sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and cinema and other
performance arts like theatrical productions?
Anna Maria Bambi Harper, Intramuros Administrator, in a huddle with Charge

DAffaires Manuel Perez Iturbe of the Venezuelan Embassy.
and ways of the Filipino through artists like The Mandaluyong Childrens
Choir which won top honors in the 2004 World Choir Olympics, the world
A calesa provides nostalgia and convenience to visitors around Intramuros.
From left, Casa Manilas Barbara De Los Reyes, Pinoy Global Acces s Roni Merk,
DOTs Elizabeth Nell, and DOT Secretary Ace Durano, in attendance at Kultura
Filipino presentation in Casa Manila, Intramuros.
31
Kultura Filipino also showcases a wide array of delictable Filipino dishes

prepared by Barbaras Restaurant for all the guests to feast on
One of the evenings highlights, Sayaw sa Bangko.
An evening of lively festivities at the Kultura Filipino in Intramuros.
19th Century Evenings, on the other hand, provides visitors a taste

of how it was then with food, dcor, authentic costuming, dances and
music of the era beginning May 12 during Heritage Month. Partners in
this enterprise are the IA, DOT, Camp Suki and Ramon Obusan for authentic
costuming, and Barbaras for 19th century cuisine. Traditional afternoon
soirees called tertulias will be held during which young ladies sing and play
the piano. The dances of the period and classical Filipino songs or kundimans
will be performed. Visitors can have photos taken in traditional costumes
of the period. The venue can also be booked for debuts, anniversaries, and
weddings with all the trappings of the 19th century.
In tandem with cultural performances is the perennial search for
souvenirs and gift items. At the new Museum Shop in Fort Santiago
can be found a whole new selection that Harper herself developed
and conceptualized to integrate Chinese, Spanish, American, and Asian
influences on the Filipino. Together with the usual key chains and
magnets, will be found tin pots, wooden boxes, tote bags, dinner sets,
towels and pillow cases, a fan inspired by the Letras y Figuras of 19th
century painter Honorato Lozano at only P450. The collectors item is
a Noritake tea set for four in porcelain from a 1790 print of Juan de
32
Cuellar at P8,300. Only 60 sets remain since the Noritake Philippine

plant has closed.
Perhaps the most ambitious undertaking of the IA will be the
building of the Intramuros Museum. Dr. Jaime Laya who headed the
IA during the Marcos era left the post but not before having acquired
6,000 pieces of antiques, carefully chosen and documented. This
collection is said to become the largest under one roof after the
museum is built.
But many things still need to be addressed. In the offing are: the
development of the American barracks into a functional going concern;
rehabilitation of 22 public bathrooms all over the Walled City; rebuilding
of the Maestranza gates destroyed during the American period; a light
and sound historical presentation; a garden tour along the puertas and
baluartes that could be planted with all kinds of native Filipino flora;
continuation of archeological diggings started during the time of Laya;
and the revival of tennis courts in the Aurora Gardens reminiscent of the
days when Dwight Davis, American governor-general of the Philippines
from 1929 played tennis in Intramuros. It is in honor of him that the
prestigious Davis Cup has been named.
It is now proudly stated in its brochures that Intramuros lives on, within
the walls, within ourselves. More than that, Intramuros is beginning to live
again, in the hearts and understanding of a generation rushing towards
promises of a better future yet aching to step back and better appreciate
their roots and what makes them unique from the rest of the world.
War Veterans Play

as a Tool for Lobby
By Bibsy M. Carballo
We caught the repeat of Tanghalang Pilipinos

powerful drama Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street,
adapted by Rody Vera from the short story and
subsequent novel by Benjamin Pimentel about
the plight of a handful of Filipino WW2 veterans
waiting for justice.
Subsequently, we read of efforts in the
US Congress to reconcile two versions of a
bill that would benefit these Filipino war veterans a
recent one called Senate Bill 366 that includes a rider
providing additional benefits to the Filipinos; and the
controversial S-1315 passed last April 2008 without the
equity rider. The new Senate Bill filed Jan. 29 this year
by US Senator Daniel Inouye (Hawaii, Democrat) has
once again raised the hopes of around 10,000 veterans
in the Philippines and five thousand in the
US. The rider authorizes a onetime payment for $15,000 to
Filipino veterans who are US
citizens and $9000 for noncitizens including those
in
the
Philippines. Inouye, chairman of the Appropriations

Committee, is one of the three remaining WW2
veterans in the US Senate. He is said to have stated, Its
a matter of honor and the good name of the United
States.
The story of
the travails
of these veterans in the

US who have elected
American citizenship while waiting for
their chance to return home is the heart-rending tale of
Mga Gerilya made palatable by humor and a superb
cast of veteran theater denizens under the direction of
Chris Millado.
33
Many have already been helping Filipinos

involved in the long lobby in the US Congress.
Ernesto Carolina, undersecretary of the Philippine
Veterans Office who watched the plays opening
night, along with a dozen members of the Veterans
Federation of the Philippines was reported to have
tagged as many as 500 veterans dying monthly
without receiving the benefits accorded war
heroes.
When Senate Bill 1315 was approved providing
annual $3600 for single veterans or $300 monthly,
$4500 for married veterans, $2400 for surviving
spouses, this was
already welcomed by
many veterans. After
waiting for 62 years,
one could understand
their feelings. At least,
they would be able to
afford to be sent home
in a casket to be buried
in their homeland;
not put in a box with
their ashes thrown to
the wind (an integral
and
heartbreaking
concern
verbalized
in the play). They
feel they do have to
34
be content with crumbs in their hand-to-mouth

existence.
Is that enough? When you offer yourself to the
service of the country, is that all you get? These
are our heroes. Why should they practically beg
for things they truly deserved? moans Fernando
Tata Nanding Josef, artistic director of Tanghalang
Pilipino.
The set by Clint Ramos is stark and modern, very
much conducive to mobility. Lighting by Dennis
Marasigan takes care of making the scene changes
from flashback to present understandable; sound
by Jethro Joaquin establishes the milieu clearly.
Media coverage could easily drum up enough
interest and noise that could reach all the way
to Congress and the White House. This is an
opportunity for Pinoys abroad to join hands and
patronize a production that will honor our veterans
and help get them out of their miserable state.
As Tata Nanding has said, This production is so
timely. The public, especially the youth should be
interested in the story. We want the young to know
the dilemma of our poor soldiers, and also inspire
them to take care of our elderly. They should not
be deprived of what they actually deserve.
Email the author at bibsycarballo@yahoo.com
Travel Destination & Tourism
CURRIMAO STOPOVER
Ilocos Norte town as a UNESCO heritage site
By Pablo A. Tariman
Photos: Willy Avila
Currimao in Ilocos Norte is about 465 kilometers

northwest of Manila and it is a bucolic town. It can be
found before you reach the northern border town of
Paoay where the historic town church is an unrivalled
UNESCO heritage site.
On its eastern border is Badoc town where the
Lunas -- painter Juan Luna, General Antonio Luna and
the first Ilocano violinist, Manuel Luna came from.
Just a few minutes away is the town of Batac,
the birthplace of former President Ferdinand Marcos,
while just a song away is Laoag City where you land
and depart by air. The land trek takes between eight
to 10 hours and it is a trip that gives you a smooth ride
from Balintawak to Tarlac by northern diversion road,
a horrible traffic from Carmen, Rosales to Urdaneta,
Pangasinan and a view of the South China Sea from La
Union towns to the first town and cities of Ilocos Sur.
Currimao is about an hour and a half
from Vigan City where you get a taste
of your first pizza ala pinakbet and
pizza ala Ilocos longaniza
from Caf Leona.
What I
have done is
actually just
to preserve
my Ilocano
heritage for
all the world
to see
Dr. Joven Cuanang,

Owner of Sitio Remedios
and Medical Director and
renowned neurologist of
St. Lukes Hospital.
35
Groaning with Vigan Ilocanized pizza, you arrive

in Currimao on a late afternoon when the noonday
heat has started to subside. Past Marco Bridge, you
proceed to barangay Victoria and here you find a
beach resort like no other, a virtual heritage village
reflecting the cultural heritage of Ilocos Norte.
This amazing recreation of a mid-century Ilocos
Norte village sitting on an 18,000 square meter lot
-- is called Sitio Remedios and it is owned by Dr. Joven
Cuanang, medical director of St. Lukes Hospital.
For the renowned neurologist, the place is both
refuge from his hectic Manila hospital schedule as
well as his own house of childhood memory. He was
the youngest of three children born in Batac town
from a couple named Remedios (from whom the
resort was named) and Mariano Cuanang who were
public school teachers. They were largely influenced
by the first batch of Thomasites. Dr. Cuanangs
memory included the leisurely walk or a bicycle
ride to and from school in Batac, reciting poems of
Longfellow (Songs of Hiawatha, etc.), playing Love
and Devotion and Noche Azul on their upright piano
and the weekends in Currimao beach.
During the era of the Galleon Trade, it is said
36
that Moro pirates frequented the coast of the China

Sea. As protection, the Spanish authorities built
watchtowers in two strategic points, one at the tip
of what is now called Arboledan Point and the other
at Barangay Torre. Whenever pirates appeared on the
horizon to attack the village, the people manning the
watchtowers warned the people by shouting correr
which means to run. At the time, the pirates were
known among the natives as cumaws, a name which
struck fear and terror among the inhabitants.
The local chroniclers wrote that was how
Currimao got its name.
For the record, Currimao was once a barrio of
Paoay town and was created as a municipality by
Executive Order No. 59 of the then Governor General
Francis Burton Harrison on December 28, 1920.
Currimao town ( now with 23 barangays nestled on a
3,590 hectares of flat, upland, rolling and forest lands)
became a separate town on January 21, 1921 with the
late Don Julian Aglipay as the first municipal president
as its town head was earlier known.
The entrance to Sitio Remedios begins on a 70meter long Avenida de Azucao dotted with stones
and boulders that came all the way from Pasuquin
37
town. The ancient bridge which highlights it are made

of antique bricks that came all the way from several
Ilocos Norte towns. On the sides are cacti of different
varieties and assorted plants -- maguey, kalachuchi,
katuray, capas-sanglay, cadena de amor and other
local plants.
It is an area where you can start your Holy Week
ritual because the fourteen Stations of the Cross are
captured on cement plinths in the shape of lotus
flowers.
Just after the chapel, you see rows of Ilocano
houses with their original look and named after
several Ilocos towns namely Balay Batac, Balay
Dingras, Balay Radrillo, Balay Puraw, Balay Piddig, Balay
Bacarra and Balay San Nicolas. A room in Balay Piddig
is named after pianist Cecile Licad who inaugurated
the place in May 2006. (By coincidence, the piano
talent discovered by Licad in her Tuguegarao concert
in 2002 is from Piddig and has since then become a
scholar of the Philippine High School for the Arts and
now enjoying full schoalrship in a northern Carolina
school in USA.) In still another house, you find a Manny
38
Garibay mural of El Vibora, depicting the bravery of

Gen. Artemio Ricarte. In the living room on the second
floor, you see portraits of Juan and Antonio Luna, who
come from the neighboring town of Badoc.
Balay Piddig also has the upright piano that used
to occupy the doctors ancestral house in Batac. He
made a replica of that Batac house in other Ilocos
Norte-inspired houses in the resort complete with his
parents wedding picture retouched and given a new
look by Bencab.
The idea for a heritage resort started one day on
December 31, 2005 when on his birthday, Dr. Cuanang
started fantasizing about a place where he could
nurture and preserve Ilocos Heritage while reliving
landmarks of his Batac childhood. Intently listening
was architect Rex Hofilea who the following day
gave him a sketch of his idea for the place. In a few
days, they were rescuing old Ilocano houses about to
be demolished in various parts of the province and
preserving them before they metamorphosed into
firewoods. When the various houses were done, Dr.
Cuanang used his prized collection of family heirloom,
Photo: Willy Avila
antique furniture, locally woven white cotton linens

and paintings from his Manila galleries as materials for
interior dcor.
What came out is complete replica of a quaint
Ilocos community in the 50s. What I have done is
actually just to preserve my Ilocano heritage for all the
world to see, he said.
As we get to the end of his story, we see a good
portrait of the Filipino artisan as Ilocano.
Todate, the resort is a virtual cultural center in
this part of Ilocos Norte. After Licad opened it with a
recital in 2006, Raul Sunico followed and later violinist
Coke Bolipata who played at Teatro Ilocos. Historical
lectures are conducted in a hall called Centro Ilocos de
Juan Luna all within Sitio Remedios.
Meanwhile, we enjoy a quiet routine in the
heritage resort.
In the early evening, we wade through the
seashores and see the lights flickering in the horizon.
The sea is quiet but it is dark. We retreat to the
swimming pool and hear the sound of waves. Amid
candlelights, we dine on Ilocano food and nearly
requested Ilocano songs.

On an early morning before we motored back to
Manila, we watch fishermen go out to the sea in that
lean but brittle boat. The oldtimers say fishermen here
still use the traditional three-kilometer fishnets and
sing the popular Ilocano song Pamulinawen to help
coordinate the laying of nets and provide relaxation
for arduous fishing expedition.
Towards noon, we dine on pinakbet and sashimi
from the fresh tuna caught during the day.
Everything you encountered in Sitio Remedios is
part and parcel of memory of Dr. Cuanangs parents
who lived in that genteel era of an Ilocano past.
My own recent memory was hiring a truck and a
piano tuner that travelled 465 kilometers from Manila
to get to this town. Todate, I still cant forget the sight
of Licad playing a Mozart Fantasy with a view of a
tranquil Currimao Sea in the background.
(Sitio Remedios is located in Brgy. Victoria,
Currimao, Ilocos Norte. For details, call Ray Boy
Barona at 0917-332 0217 or log on to sitio_remedios@
yahoo.com. For reservations, call 702-0888.)
39
VIVIRE AZURE, ANILAOS

Text and photos by DIANA B. NOCHE
The multi-tiered beach resort as seen from the ocean.
We go stir-crazy when cooped-up in packed cities

for long periods of dry-as-dust times so we vacation
to small towns that bring unknown tranquility to our
hearts. Anilao, in the province of Batangas, is one
such town, a sought-after area with those seeking an
alternative lifestyle that mixes contemporary culture
and traditional rural life in a charming crossbreed.
While Anilaos slow, relaxed atmosphere may yet
become Thailands Phuket or our own Boracay which
are at all times awash in tourists, the seaside resorts
lining up Anilaos coastline are nevertheless still at
their not-quite-so-backwater development stage,
offering comfortable lodgings and services, gentle
sun and more fun for your money. And when in Anilao,
we might as well have the best there is. Vivire Azure
is a five-star experience, and with its huge plan for
future expansion (the resort currently is perched on a
half hectare plot of precious seaside land), it might be
seriously considered, as it is highly recommended, for
a second home to relax in and feel loose as a goose.
A visit to Vivire Azure is something exceptional
to remember your getaway by. The two-and-a-half
40
hour drive past the SLEX toll booths opens up to an

uncluttered horizon, away from the long and honking
traffic jams you left behind. A few minutes from the
Mabini town proper and once you have squeezed
your way through the thick crush of market goers and
tricycles, the dramatic landscape along the two-lane
San Teodoro road stretching itself up the wooded
slopes of gentle, unpretentious hills is one of Vivire
Azures own rewards. The whole view reinforces the
The main lounge with entertainment features
such as chess, karaoke and wide-screen tv.
HIDDEN TREASURE
There is always a spot for contemplation.
feel of being in Sausalito, that chic beachside resort

overlooking the city of San Francisco in California. The
ascent is non-resistive; all you see are warm, tranquil
beaches below, a few crags, and deep-souled forests of
trees growing to enormous heights with huge trunks
and arms prolific with growths of strong vines. In some
parts of the journey the hills make a gruff plunge to
the sea; at some points they merely fade away into
undeceptive coastal plains. In between these green
The two-bed unit has a spare bed.
growths are houses of the more prosperous families

built on the higher ground to capture the seas
panoramic vision as other small houses follow the
curvings of the hills.
Designed by Richville Companies, the five-level
Vivire Azure resort opened in March of last year. Built
in three years, the resort roosts 70 meters above sea
level, precipitously cuddling the rugged contours of a
cliff so that the guests, at each level, find themselves
in a wide, quiet, breathtakingly simple landscape:
the sea which alters its blue from turquoise green to
swimming pool-deep cerulean; a wall of trees that
provide haven for birds and butterflies; and a 24/7
sound of foamy seashore. The roofs are made from the
long, braided leaves of reeds and woven palm fronds.
The stairs, following the configuration of the hill where
the resort sits, are made of wooden planks inlaid with
pebbles, shells and castoff corals. Even the tree stumps
that serve as side tables at the seaside goofing off
area were washed ashore. There are thirteen suites,
including one labeled presidential, caf, bar, a fourand-a-half feet deep edge pool that overlooks the sea,
41
The Marikaban Strait and the El Sombrero is just

a few minutes away for island-hopping.
a breakfast lounge called Cenare, a game room for

billiards, and the Meditare, where one gets pampered
with a massage until you are lulled to a restful slumber.
The tree house, large enough for a family, is a great
spot for breakfast and for afternoon latte when it is
particularly striking to hear the hush of an impending
dusk. The rooms were styled by interior designer Rony
Bugay, and are provided with tons of cheerful throw
pillows on the porch where you sit on and watch
the sun make a slow, orangey descent behind the El
Sombrero Island and the Marikaban Strait.
Well-ventilated and breezy with the salt air, the
rooms are homey and without the feel of transcience
common to most hotel rooms. And for those who
refuse to leave their office behind, Vivire Azure has
Internet access. Cooking is impeccable, the meals
(Filipino, American, and continental) creative but not
complicated --- you feel yourself drooling as you stab
a good serving of beef steak at your plate. The service
is unharried and pleasantly courteous.
Elmer Garcia, the resorts resident manager, will
move mountains to please his guests. Kayaking,
anyone? Snorkeling? Peek below the seas surface. In
Anilao, the fish dont go on vacation. There are several
schools of tropical fish (they used to find their way to
some Cartimar pet shops until Anilao residents realized
that these are natures treasures and should not be
disturbed). Two rafts provide secluded togetherness
(or aloneness) out in the sea perfect for moonlit
dinners as waves lap against the bamboo rafts.
For disaffected city dwellers who feel that the
weekend is a time to merely get through, Vivire Azure
offers immediate, affordable, and satisfying break. Take
some time off, flush the mental knots out of your head,
come to Vivire Azure. And find yourself coming back.
42
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ahcps@comcast.net
44
Europe
Spring in Holland
By BECKY GARCIA
Spring is in the air and the flowers are all

abloom. All roads lead to Keulenhof where all
the beautiful flowers that Holland is famous for
are there for visitors from all over the world to
see and enjoy.
The Museum of Bags and Purses in
Amsterdam is the first of its kind in the world,
showcasing a fine collection of handbags
made from Philippine fibers and shells. These
are designed by internationally acclaimed
Filipino designer Cora Jacob, also known as
Cora Jacobs. Being so well known, she has been
commissioned by high-end fashion houses like
Givenchy, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent to make
bags for them and have been seen carried by
Holllywood stars and royalty alike, such as
Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor
and Kim Basinger.
Cora earned the accolade indigenous
genius during the 80s in the fashion capitals of
the world when her ecologically chic handbags
made of raw materials from the Philippines like
bamboo, jute, raffia (grass), sugar cane, shells,
beads and leather landed in the shelves of high
fashion stores like Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth
Avenue.
At the opening day, she caught the
attention of a member of the royal household of
Hollands Queen Beatrix, Mistress of the Robes
and close confidante of the queen Madame
Martine Louise Amelie van Loon-Labouchere,
who cut the ribbon.
Cora flew in 300 bags from the Philippines
that are on display at the worlds largest museum
of bags until May 3. It is like a homecoming
for Cora whose first customers back in 1978
were the Dutch. The exhibit dubbed as Woven
Chic Summer Collection 2009 is part of the
celebration of National Arts Month organized by
the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands.
Sigrid Ivo, daughter of museum founder
Hendrikje Ivo, was also impressed by the colorful
Ribbon-cutting of the Cora Jacobs Exhibit. From left: Ambassador Romeo

Arguelles, Mrs. Arguelles, Madame van Loon Labouchere and Cora Jacobs.
Cora Jacobs buntal and mother-of-pearl collection.
collection inspired by tropical themes like the

sea, lush forests, tropical fruits and the sun.
By the way, in conjunction with this
exhibit, former First Lady Imelda Marcos
donated two Philippine-made bags from her
personal collection. So anyone who visits the
museum will see Mrs. Marcoss bags on exhibit
there as well.
At the opening, Philippine Ambassador
Romeo Arguelles welcomed both the Filipino
and Dutch communities who all admired the

exquisite designs of the bags. Some even
bought the bags on display.
Cora also flew to Paris to conduct
a similar exhibit. Congratulations, Cora.
Filipinos are proud of you.
On another occasion, one of the pioneer
Filipinos in The Netherlands, Liza Aguado
Moncado, celebrated her 50th birthday at the
Fokker party hall in Hoofddorp. The color motif
45
Cora Jacobs with Ambassador Romeo Arguelles, Madame Martine Louise Amelie van Loon, nee Labouchere, Mistress of the Robes to her Majesty
the Queen; Mrs. Arguelles and Sigrid Ivo, the Museum Curator.
Bags donated by Mrs. Marcos, side-by-side
Madonnas bags, collectors item bags of Fendi, Dolce
and Gabana, Chanel and other bags belonging to
royalties.
Liza Aguado Moncado, (right) celebrated her 50th

birthday at the Fokker party hall in Hoofddorp.
46
of the party which was fuchsia and tangerine

gave the hall a very festive atmosphere.
Organizing this party for her were her two
lovely daughters, Liezl and Marizza, while
Liza and husband Mar were in the Philippines
attending Lizas class reunion in Quezon.
She arrived a few days before her party and
was so happy to find that everything had
been so well organized. Liza and Mar have
a successful door- todoor business sending
balikbayan boxes to
the Philippines.
There was a nice
program presented by
her close friends and
family, mostly singing
and dancing. Friends
of Liza who call
themselves the Golden
Ladies did a surprise
dance number. Ditto
with the Totoy Bibo
girls and the Hagupit
Boys. The Aguado
clan serenaded her with a touching song
composed by good friend Jun Ortega which

brought Liza to tears. At the latter part of the
evening, a six-layer birthday cake made by
niece Dorie Cosip was rolled out.
A Filipino party is never complete
without dancing so everyone ended up
dancing until midnight. And not to forget the
long buffet table of Filipino dishes prepared
by her family, kumpares and kumares, from
lechon to dinuguan, pancit, embutido, and so
many kakanins like ube, bibingka, bilo-bilo
and other Filipino sweets.
While the guests enjoyed their dinner,
they were entertained by talented singer
Ramil Magtibay. Filipinos really know how
to enjoy life. Wherever they are in the world,
they stand out.
About 300 guests were invited. Special
guests were Ambassador Arguelles and newlyarrived vice consul Cynthia Pelayo. Also there
were Pieter and Connie Kinkel and daughter
Aileen, who runs the Sari Sari Store, Ricky
Tuazon, Ruby Cumba and the whole family of
Liza. Sister Elma with husband Boy Balmaceda
who has a travel agency in Holland were all
there to help her celebrate her milestone. To
Liza, wishing you more candles to blow.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway
for the Philippine Independence Day picnic
on June 6. See you there!
Data Banking: How IT

Technology
Improves Heart Disease Treatment

By Angelo B. Palmones
Good news for Pinoys overseas! Heres how

information technology or IT has improved the
quality of care of patients with
cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A
noted cardiologist explains the
nitty-gritty of heart disease data
banking that can be accessed
by doctors even outside the
Philippines.
Thanks to research and
modern technology, risk factors
have been identified and
significant advances made in
CVD treatment. However, risk
factors vary widely from country
to country, with socioeconomic
and cultural factors coming into play.
To address the overall health burden of CVD
in the country, health professionals must be aware
St. Lukes Heart Institute: At the forefront of patient care.
of disease frequency and risk factors

prevalent among patients, according to
Dr. Antonio S. Sibulo, Jr., Director of the St.
Lukes Heart Institute and Past President
of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA)
and ASEAN Federation of Cardiology.
Moreover, Dr. Sibulo continues,
health professionals need an organized information
gathering and storage system that can accurately
assess quality of care and the
actual impact of the different
cardiovascular
treatment
strategies and technologies on
treatment outcomes. Such a
system provides data that help
us benchmark standards of
quality care, which translate to
higher levels of patient safety
and success of care.
In 2004, the St. Lukes
Heart
Institute
launched
its
Cardiovascular
Disease
Information System (CVDIS), the
first, most advanced and most ambitious project of
its kind in the field of cardiovascular informatics in the
Philippines.
The CVDIS
is a unique
m o d u l a r
information
system
that
collects clinical,
demographic
and procedures p e c i f i c
information
from all patient
encounters at
the Institutes
47
cardiovascular units. The data is quality controlled and

encoded at each cardiovascular unit then electronically
downloaded to a central storage server. The system is
designed to generate standardized procedural reports
and store such data in the form of patient-specific
electronic files in cardiovascular disease. To date, the
system has compiled more than 120,000 procedural
records of over 60,000 patients.
Data gathered from the Heart Institutes exercise
ECG laboratory in 2006 indicate that the top 3 CVD
risk factors among almost 8,000 patients were family
history of heart disease, high blood pressure and high
cholesterol. No adverse events were noted in more
than 14,000 procedures, affirming the high standards
of safety and technical proficiency of the laboratory
staff, Dr. Sibulo says.
Since going online in 2004, the CVDIS has enrolled
more than a thousand patients undergoing cardiac
rehabilitation. Seventy percent of patients were male.
Top risk factors reported were high cholesterol, high
blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. No
procedural complications were noted.
In 2006, the Department of Invasive Cardiology
reported a total of more than 1,600 patients who
underwent coronary angiogram and angioplasty.
Angioplasty success rate was more than 98%,
with rate of adverse events a low 2%, all not lifethreatening. Data gathered for 2007 to date indicate
a 100% procedural success rate for stent implantation
and plain balloon dilatation. Almost 7 out of 10
48
patients were men. Top risk factors reported for those

undergoing coronary angioplasty were (in descending
order) high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prior
angina (chest pain), smoking, and diabetes. Prevalence
for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes were
higher than the nationwide rate.
These data tell us that once cardiovascular
disease is present, the patients risk factors increase
and their significance become more pronounced, Dr.
Sibulo explained.
Sixty-five percent of the 303 heart surgeries at
the Heart Institute in 2006 were coronary bypass
procedures. Average age was 58 for male patients
and 67 for women. Top risk factors for bypass patients
were high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prior heart
disease, and diabetes. Coronary bypass success rate
was more than 98%.
The CVDIS provides a powerful clinical data base
that enables St. Lukes Heart Institute to evaluate its
performance and keep it at par with the worlds best
cardiac centers. It helps us make recommendations to
maintain and upgrade quality of care as well as conduct
research to further the science of cardiovascular
medicineall for the benefit of the cardiac patient,
Dr. Sibulo said.
Hometown News
KINGS OF THE ROAD

Text and photos by DIANA B. NOCHE
Talk about amusing shocks. A jeepney ride is like an

earthquake: expectedly brief but possibly dangerous,
doing its coup with an intensity that unerringly scares
people. Considerably a long-standing thorn in the paws
of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory
Board (LTFRB), the present-day, high-concept jeepney
--- borne out of patched-together World War II junk -- is built for speed with a gruff and extra tough body
so it can sail through the streets seamlessly (on Good
Fridays when a jeepney driver has the street practically
all to himself ) or crisscross them during hellacious
traffic jams).
In much the same way, the jeepney driver is likewise
made of stuff that is supposed to scream machismo.
Both jeepney and jeepney driver --- macho for macho
--- are imbued with the make-it-happen mentality of a
Pinoys super self-confidence, that Bahala na gungho spirit. The image is deeply entrenched and brings a
unique eloquence to the popular slogan Basta jeepney
driver, good lover.
Like it or not, the jeepney is here for keeps. It is
one of the spirits of our roads and an essential part of
our culture. A jeepney ride is still the best and most
inexpensive mode of transportation and for getting

the feel for the flavors of the country. As in most
cases, and keeping all things in perspective, this Pinoy
contraptions mainstream functionality, as well as its
predictable discomfortability, must be experienced
and felt. If you are disposed to having anxiety sieges,
riding the jeepney may not be for you. The heart
thumps faster at every brake --- the tires squealing
like airplanes at touchdown --- as the jeepney master
gives full rein to his inner outlaw. Most jeepneys ply
short distances but these short trips can be dramatic
experiences.
Take the early morning ride as the sun is about to
rouse from its sleep and youll be whisked from one
world to another where the unobstructed road is the
arena for warfare and the driver, psyched for the day
and still smelling of kapeng barako, is the soldier,
convinced that slaving the gas and brake pedals is
the quickest route to earning the days boundary.
Mercifully, the short trip is over; you sigh with relief
and get off the vehicle quaking. Towards the afternoon
once you survived the early morning trip, the urban
experience continues. Henceforth, its a roll of the dice.
49
Temper, temper, temper.

There are times, of course, when the ideal is set
aside in favor of compelling necessities such as roomy
pockets so you take the ride and cross your fingers a
little more tightly as you sail through the honking traffic
bottlenecks, signal jumpers, the shudder of wheezing
buses and the belching tricycles (and its de-padyak
cousin), pumped-up motorcycle radios as well as the
jeepneys own unlistenable music, darting pedestrians
ignoring the Metro Manila Development Authority
(MMDA) warnings of Walang tawiran. Nakamamatay.
Screaming babies, passengers jabbing you with their
elbows, and baggages crammed and stacked together
leaving little wiggle room, and if youre not lucky on
some days, the occasional holdupper.
The jeepneys idiosyncratic accretion from the
Willys Jeep relic of the past to its present radical
mutation --- successfully pioneered by Sarao Motors
and replicated by quite a number of motor shops -- is the high priest of unorthodoxy. This sleek-bodied
roadrunner, originally used to transport World War II
military personnel and light ammunitions, is created
for speed freaks, its engine pumped-up to rev in a daily
ready-to-rip mood. Befrilled with unusual details yet
retaining its ultramasculine chic, the jeepney struts the
streets in a substantially hallucinogenic onslaught of
rainbow and neon colors that characteristically shriek
of femininity. Its chameleon nature can be whimsical
and absurd or artlessly utilitarian.
Others are either sporty or sexy and cute. The
minutiae have touches of crass --- buntings, fringes and
ruffles hemming the mini curtains, and wind chimes-- and on the dashboard, icons profoundly Catholic, the
popular
ones
being a rosary, a
tiny crucifix, the
Black Nazarene,
Mother
Mary,
and the Sto. Nio
in spangled getups --- enough
passports
to
qualify for heaven.
And what is a
macho drivers
jeepney without
some prints of
seductive chicks?
A
jeepney
is principally a
macho
thing,
50
First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL
high and low, of godly-mindedness and earthiness,

a festival of illusions and emotions that, by sheer
necessity and economic practicality, is a component
of an every-mans daily life. To ride in a jeepney is
to subject as passenger under the crotchetiness of
nature (a toasty temperature that soaks the shirt with
sweat and a wet climate with blinding rains and deep
ruts on the road after a heavy storm and street floods)
and of man (the driver with his contentious way of
earning some spending money, smoking despite the
No Smoking sign posted somewhere on his vehicle,
and co-passengers huddled together in mutual need
to get their thing done).
Despite the jeepney (and its driver) being
considered as a bad grape in the LTFRB and MMDA
fruit salads, and forced off the commendatory
driving habits by a relaxed national policy on road
habits and courtesies, there is a common latitude
that this landscape should not fail to define.
Its quotidian worth, for instance, which gets
sidestepped due to an inconstant human factor. As
the globe tightens its belt and we open our wallets
less often, it should be a crime against wisdom and
good sense to use a gas-guzzling private car when
other less expensive means of transportation such
as the jeepney can take you where you intend to
go. If you can ignore the unpleasantness and are
ready to take in a dose of lifes reality, by all means
take the jeepney. A jeepney ride opens up human
emotions. It is about making do with what we have
and of making lemonade out of the lemons we
encounter along the way.
It is wisdom invariably to be had and saved up
in order to make us wiser or, at least, tolerant and
adaptable.
The list of Filipinos who made it and those

who are still making it is rather long but
nonetheless worth emulating.
Pinoy Global Access

chronicles
the
strides
and accomplishments of
Filipinos abroad so that they
may serve as an inspiration
to all of us.
E
B
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Richard Merks
Filipino Songs
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Health & Wellness
Be well always
The Medical Citys Center for Wellness
and Aesthetics Goal for Its Patients
By Beting Laygo Dolor
52
52
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2009 2009
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FirstQuarter
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PINOY GLOBAL
The wellness lifestyle
There really is no universal

definition of what he calls the
wellness lifestyle, according to
the doctor, but he said: It is a
decision, it is not a medication,
it is something that a patient
needs to realize and for himself
or herself to decide to live a
healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Balburias is the perfect
poster boy for the Wellness
Center. At 38, he looks a
decade younger than his
biological age, looking for all
intents like an intern instead of
the internist, the adult disease
specialist that he is.
He credits good family
genes for his youthful
Dr.
Balburias is
the perfect
poster boy for
the Wellness
Center. At
38, he looks
a decade
younger than
his biological
age, looking
for all intents
like an intern
instead of the
internist, the
adult disease
specialist that
he is.
aPhoto: Willy Avila
True beauty, its been said,

emanates from the inside out.
A truly beautiful person -regardless of age, race or gender
-- is one whose pleasing external
appearance is a result of internal
good health.
It is behind this principle that
The Medical City put up its Center
for Wellness and Aesthetics. Our
philosophy is beauty through
holistic health, Dr. Rolando A.
Balburias, consultant director
of the Wellness Center, told
Pinoy Global Access in a recent
interview.
He referred to the Wellness
Center as a one-stop shop
wherein patients are provided a
venue to be able to determine the
status of their health.
The Center utilizes the principle of being promotive
of wellness and health. When we become promotive,
we become pro-active. When we become pro-active,
we become preventive.
The paradigm now, he said, is to prevent rather
than find a cure for illness.
The practice of wellness is not new, he added, but
it is only in recent years that it has taken a prominent
place in health care, plagued by rising costs practically
everywhere in the world, including the US and the
Philippines.
Even employers are into wellness programs, he
said. They see the importance of having a corporate
wellness program because it lessens absenteeism and
stress in the workplace.
The saying may be old but has never been truer.
An ounce of prevention truly is better than a pound
of cure. But when the best possible cures are needed,
they are available.
The Medical City along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City

City
was designed as an ideal home for the Wellness
Wellness
Center. There is no hospital feel to the place.
appearance and said he has never had to undergo any

of the specialized treatments offered by the Wellness
Center. But he does practice what he preaches, he
added. This means maintaining a proper diet and active
lifestyle. Within the hospital premises, for example, he
eschews taking the elevator when moving from floor
to floor.
More than the physical aspect, a wellness lifestyle
must be holistic. You must address
not only the physical, but the mental,
social, even spiritual.
The trouble with the wellness
industry, however, is that some people
look for quick fixes. This can be a
problem for us doctors, he told Pinoy
Global Access. Some people look for
these quick fixes which are available,
but which have no real long-term
benefits, he said..
This is precisely what the Wellness
Center tries to avoid. The wide range of
products and services they offer should
not be treated as a shopping list, but
rather as all possible options from which
a tailor-fit program should be arranged
in consultancy with ones preferred physician.
The wellness lifestyle that he speaks of may be
ideal for those who are still in relative good health, but
is a must for those who have chronic illnesses such as
diabetes or hypertension. Or obesity, for that matter.
Never too late

Thankfully, Dr. Balburias said it is never too late
to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and this is where The
Medical Citys prized facility comes in. And Filipinos are
Dr. Evelyn Gonzaga performing a simple hair removal

procedure or Mini Gentlelase using Alexandrite user.
53
Photo: Willy Avila
Hotel-like lobby of the Center for Wellness and Aesthetics.
more aware now of the need for clean living. Still, the
mortality rates of the country indicate that more work
needs to be done to inform the public of the health
risks they are under.
Bad diets, vices and lack of hygiene are some of
the woes besetting the Filipino people, he said. Many
diseases, even fatal ones, can be prevented, he said.
Cardio-vascular diseases are the most common of
the preventable causes of death in the country, and
this is almost always due to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Ditto with diabetes. Even cancer is a lifestyle-related
disease, he said.
Inherited genetic traits may play a role in ones
general health, according to Dr. Balburias. Our genes
are the bullets of the gun, but our lifestyle is the
trigger, he said. Having genetic predispositions to
certain ailments does not automatically lead to ones
having those illnesses.
Something can be done, and the Wellness Center
provides the needed products and services. All kinds
of packages are available for whatever a patient needs.
The hospitals rates cannot be considered inexpensive,
but are not beyond reach either. A complete executive
check-up, for example, is priced at around P20,000, or
$400.
It is not a question of whether their prices are high
or low, but whether the patient gets good value for
money. In this regard, The Medical City delivers the
best possible value, according to the doctor.
Looking good, feeling good

The aesthetics side of the medical service they
offer is what is popularly known as plastic surgery. The
doctor said that such a procedure is not necessarily a
luxury. And vanity may not be the overriding reason
54
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2009 2009
PINOY PINOY
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FirstQuarter
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to have surgery to correct inborn imperfections or

damage caused by a variety of factors such as disease,
aging or accidents.
If a person feels good about his appearance, then
he or she becomes more productive, he said.
Put up more than five years ago, the Wellness
Centers patients are not just the obvious such as
movie stars and models whose line of work demands
that they look as good as possible, but also executives
and OFWs, housewives and ordinary employees.
Foreigners as well as Filipinos living and working
abroad have been their most avid clientele since they
began operations. Again, not because their prices are
high or low, but because they deliver good value for
money.
The doctor is not impressed by the rise of doctors
offering over-the-counter operations and beauty
Main lobby of the Medical City Nursing Center Tower.
treatments like liposuction. Being part of an ethical

industry, he gives the thumbs down to doctors who
market themselves.
At the same time, he sees the medical tourism
industry as a boost to the Philippine economy. The
downside is that hospitals are still competing instead
of working together to
achieve this common
goal of making the
Philippines
like
Singapore or Thailand,
two Asian countries
where medical tourism
is a big dollar earner.
But he said there is
no question that Filipino
doctors are at par with
the worlds best, which
is why the exodus of
local physicians to the
West continues.
More hotel than hospital

The Medical City along
Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City
was designed as an ideal
home for the Wellness Center.
There is no hospital feel to
the place.
We
are
a
hotel
pretending to be a hospital,
he said with a smile. He
was not completely jesting,
though. Only the presence
of so many doctors, nurses,
orderlies and other medical
staff serves as a reminder that
the place really is a hospital,
one of the most modern in
the country.
For one, that alcoholbased scent common to most
hospitals anywhere is almost
totally absent in The Medical
City. And its glass exteriors are
seen more in modern office
buildings and yes, hotels,
than medical centers.
Beyond its impressive
exteriorsandinteriors,however,
are the main reason that The
Medical City is a beehive of
activity their doctors.
There may be a handful of
well-known Class A hospitals
in Metro Manila, all of which
claim to have the best doctors
in the Philippines, but the
ultimate proof must be the
high percentage of patients
who leave the place looking
and feeling better than when
they first came in.
Dr. Balburias can be
forgiven when he says that
they have the best physicians
in the country and that
the medical services they
offer are at par with any of
the worlds best. They are
committed to insuring that
when patients leave, they do
so looking and feeling better,
from the inside out.
55
USA & Canada
n
a
y
a
b
a
b
a
K
a
m
Letter fro
a California town
in
s
n
io
at
r
eb
el
c
d other
Filipino Easter an
Dear Sis,
Happy Easter! Wow, how time
first
flies! I cant believe that the
er,
quarter of 2009 is over. Rememb
a
last January, I promised you
ll,
picture of our Sto. Nio. We
ure
finally, Im sending you the pict
our
of our Sto. Nio enthroned in
Our kababayan from Ontario,
on
Set
n
An
eth
zab
Eli
parish, St.
Beth Manangan
io.
tar
On
in
y
nit
mu
Catholic Com
ersary Feast last January
We celebrated its 16th year Anniv
to be able to express our Filipino
12. We have been very for tunate
Sto. Nio Feast starts our year
religiosity in our parish. The
here.
and is always a big celebration
y
members of the Filipino Ministr
Flores de Mayo organizers and
ic community
of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cathol
Sagalas and Consor ts Flores

Palm Sunday celebration.
ly Filipino Mass that is

As you know we have a month
of the month at 7pm which
celebrated every second Saturday
r native language.
is when we pray and sing in ou
ir, lectors, extraordinary
Aba, completo kami ng cho
s.
ministers, ushers at altar server
rt with the procession of
During the celebration, we sta
gels, both boys and girls. Then
our Sto. Nio with our little an
fellowship.
comes the mass followed by our
a Pilipino, maraming
Alam mo naman tayong mg
g ating lechon sa menu. For
handa at hindi mawawala an
e our Sinulog dancers. Every
the enter tainment we featur
at least 300 parishioners of
year, this event is packed with
56
de Mayo
ans, Nigerians, Hispanic,

various ethnic groupsCaucasi
ong others.
Por tuguese, and Vietnamese, am
tacruzan celebration
Next is our Flores de Mayo & San
rs to Mama Mary. During
in May wherein we offer flowe
the Ave Maria while the
the meditation, Maela sings
as Consor t offer a bouquet
Reyna Elena with Constantine
to our Virgin Mother.
g say mo. After that, a
May mga sagalas pa kami, anon
y is read.
prayer poem composed by momm
sa Na yon featuring
In August we have our Pista
d again a lot of food. This
all the dif ferent folk dances, an
lture that we share with
is another part of Filipino cu
other cultures.
year with a beautiful
Then, Simbang Gabi closes our
g and saya. We profess our

liturgy. Everyone wears baron
g to a wonderful prosperous
gifts of offerings of thanksgivin
our Filipino Cross made of
year.lighted parol to guide us;
wers, Filipino bread and last
bamboo, fruits & vegetables, flo
Ruiz statue.
but not least, our San Lorenzo
a iba-ibang kakanin
Sa fellowship naman ay mg
arroz caldo at pandesal.
ang aming handa.. Mayroon din
. Para ka talagang nasa
Siyempre, mainit na tsokolate
Pilipinas.
ipino religiosity here
Amazingly, we practice our Fil
n when we were in the
in the United States more tha
Philippines.
marami pa kaming
Nakakatuwa dahil mas
a kagawian dito sa America.
natutunan tungkol sa ating mg
(Holy Week), we start our
Kamukha ng Mahal na Araw
journey with Jesus
in a retreat, and
then liturg y and
washing of the feet
Amazingly, we
sa Huwebes Santo
mula 7-9 ng gabi
practice our
at pagkatapos ay
y
sit
io
lig
re
o
in
lip
Fi
adoration ng Holy
Sacrament hanggang
here in the United
12 midnight, at tuloy
States more than
na sa Pabasa (singing
Passion of Christ)
when we were in
mula 12 midnight
.
es
in
the Philipp
hanggang 12 pm.
nggang 12:30. Normall y,

Ta pos Sta tions of the Cross ha
hours dahil mg a bandang
wala kaming tulog for 32
naman kami sa baha y ng
5:00 ng ha pon ay pu punt a
ng Pasyon. Susundan ito ng
isang kaibigan at babasa uli
0 ng gabi sa simbahan. At sa
Veneration of the Cross ng 7:0
ma y Easter Vigil Mass kami
Sabado de Gloria naman ay
bi sa courtyard wherein the
na nagsisim ula ng 8:00 ng ga
e is set fol lowed by procession
cand les are lit and the bon fir
to the church.
in the Gloria. Normally,
Bells ring as the Lord is risen
s. Tapos the next day simba
mass finishes in three hour
. I am attaching a photo of
na
y
nda
Su
r
ste
Ea
hil
da
n
ma
na
olved. Never akong kumanta
the church. Talagang very inv
buhay ng Panginoon.
ng magdamag214 pages ng
do es no t ma tter wh ere
I gu ess my poi nt is th at it
we are far aw ay fro m ou r
we are , th at ev en th ou gh
no s. Ou r he ar ts an d sou l
ipi
Fil
ll
sti
are
we
d,
lan
me
ho
were rai sed an d ou r fai th
sea rch es for th e tra dit ion s we
wh ere ver we are . An d th ese
bri ng s for th th is rel igi osi ty
we sha re wi th ou r ch ild ren .
11:00 p.m. on Wednesday
Well, I guess Ill sign off now. Its
here in California.
Ate Beth
57
58
Asia & The Pacific
Christopher Kahler Blazes New Trail in

Social Networking Technology
What if you took a social networking engine like Facebook and add
a significant dimension to it, that is, make it location-based? Locationbased means having the facility to find and interact with people based on
their specific location real-time. This is done through the use of location
based systems like GPS or real-time enabled mapping software like
GoogleMaps. What if you are able connect with and keep in touch with
friends and business connections in the usual ways that social networks
provide but also seamlessly connect their activities to specific places realtime?
What if this facility can help you to communicate with people
outside your own personal or company network in a targeted manner,
based on the usual demographics and psychographics but also based on
locations where they live or work and on specific activities related to those
locations, also potentially real-time? Finally, what if you are able to enjoy
these benefits not just online on your PC but also seamlessly
through your mobile phone?
Think Facebook or Ning married to Google Maps and
the Phonebook with interactive functionality, and fully
integrated on the web and mobile phone. What do you
get? Introducing the groundbreakingUrbian Inc.
A brainchild of Filipino-Austrian Christopher
Kahler, 27 and Austrian partner, Abraham Muller, 30,
Urbian Inc. is set to turn the world of social networking
once again on its head. Urbian, which means denizen
of a city or urban area, offers a fresh portfolio of social
networking services to users and enterprises previously not
available in the market. In particular, Urbian offers value to people
living in dynamic, high density urban areas, where people are constantly
on the move and where we are constantly trying to locate people in
the course of a day. Incorporated in January 2008 in the United States,
Urbian set up its operations in Shanghai, China, with a young dynamic
multicultural team comprised of Asians, Europeans and Americans.
I interviewed Christopher Kahler, the young maverick CEO of Urbian
for Pinoy Global Access magazine last December while he was visiting his
family in Ayala Alabang in the Philippines. Since that interview, Urbian
has moved to larger offices, added staff, and clinched a deal that would
distribute Urbian services throughout China by the 2nd quarter of 2009.
Christopher talks about Urbian Inc., how its different from other
social networks and how it got started. He shares how they were able to
raise funding from VCs, and discusses their unique business model. He also
provides insight into the dynamic corporate culture of Urbian and his own
idea-centric management philosophy.
He shares how his Filipino family influenced his decision to become
an entrepreneur, shedding some light on the benefit of growing up half
Urbian, Inc. CEO Christopher Kahler (inset) as a toddler with his Filipino
mom, Cynthia Valmonte-Kahler and now as a young entrepreneur based in
China.
Filipino and half-Austrian. Eating Filipino fare such as ampalaya and
lengua is as familiar to him as enjoying coffee in a Viennese Caf. As a
struggling student, he performed guitar on the streets in Malaysia and
Vienna, valuable experiences where he gained insight into human nature
and the psychology of cultures that one simply cant learn vicariously.
Most interesting is how Christopher overcame daunting obstacles,
such as getting kicked out of university and fighting to be admitted back,
to eventually pioneer an original and relevant cross-cultural venture that
can potentially benefit the world.
He is unlike other technopreneurs with Filipino heritage who
emerged primarily through US universities and related technology ecosystems. Christopher Kahler, propelled by bonafide curiosity (a term he
coined) has invented himself from a inimitable blend of European, Asian
59
For Urbian workers, work and play go hand in hand.

and American cultural experience, evolving into one of the most unique
young leaders in global technopreneurship today.
According to Christopher, the global economic situation has been a
boon for Urbian Inc. We were lucky enough to raise some financing when
a lot of competitors couldnt and thats given us an edge. Chinas economy
is still comparatively solid, and apart perhaps from India is currently one
of the best places to be doing what were doing.
Christopher also plans to take Urbian, Inc. to other international
markets. Eventually, wed definitely like to take the concept abroad. We
are focusing all our resources on proving ourselves in the China market
first which if we nail would alone be a glowing success!
Christopher doesnt just carry vision into the brave new world
beyond web 2.0, he may very well embody it, with his hybrid background,
multiple intelligences, and strong social conscience.
What I found most impressive about Christopher, however, is what I
perceived as character that is quite well developed for a young man still in
his 20s. Despite his achievements, Christopher presents himself modestly,
humbly, at times even self-effacingly. And for someone who has an
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artists sensitivity to people, to the environment in which he operates,

even to what constitutes authenticity, Christopher exudes a kind of
solidity in his personality that cant be taught, but can only be borne from
being tempered through experience and keen observation, supported by
the decision to live by well-considered values and principles. Enormously
passionate about his work, he is charismatic and reserved at the same
time, an uncommon balance.
In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world
economy characterized by volatility and speed of flux, leaders who are
poised to succeed are those armed with well developed capacities in the
exercise of hard business and the soft arts, the supple use of left brain and
right brain, the sensitivity and adaptability of having lived inside different
cultures, the facility to make astute observations objectively from a
larger perspective, the energy to learn and act very quickly, optimizing
opportunities inherent in that dynamic environment, and the ability to
articulate ideas and inspire action of multi-lingual, multi-cultural teams
and publics. Kahler and his team may very well have what it takes and that
makes Urbian Inc. a company to watch.
Christopher Kahler, CEO of Urbian, Inc.

Pinoy Global Access Magazine Interview
Victoria:
Tell me about yourself and your company, Urbian Inc. and its products
and services.
Christopher:
My name is Christopher Kahler. Im half-Austrian, half-Filipino. My Dads
Austrian, my Moms from the Philippines. I grew up all over the world mostly
in Southeast Asia. I was born in the Philippines, moved about to Bangladesh,
Saudi Arabia, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, all over. Went to
undergrad in the States, took my bachelors in mechanical engineering there
with a focus in biomechanics, then I moved to Vienna, Austria and began
my graduate studies there in biomechanics. In grad school, I met one of the
partners Im working with now in my current project, Urbian Inc., which Ill
tell you about in a second. Hes Austrian, and we met up and came up with
the idea together there. And I have since moved to Shanghai in China to set
it up.
Ill tell you a little bit about the project. How we like to frame it is a customer
engagement solution for enterprises. The idea is to provide a platform
for companies. So for predominantly for offline, larger, multinational
companies, looking to increase their customer engagement, or their
engagement with the customers and users, as opposed to the very kind
of static, one-way dialogue that currently exists that companies typically
employ with advertising, billboards, TV ads and radio ads, web banners, that
kind of thing. We think that the future of engagement between customers
and users and companies will be a dialogue, so it will be bidirectional and
what we wanted to do was to create a platform to allow companies to do
that.
More specifically, how that works, its a location-based mobile social
networking application suite combined with a website that we design, host
and update for companies, branded for them, its proprietary. We handle all
their presentation. All their presence, we design for them. We work with
them in creating that so we are completely brand transparent. For us, we
have no real brand presence. Or the product is brand transparent for us.
We give them this tool, which they then, in turn, promote. How we differ
as well is we own the database, so we own the actual information about
the users and what that allows us to do is offer the same service to other
companies and give the opportunity to users of both to communicate with
one another. So that allows the network to grow at a much faster rate. It
provides a lot of value.
Urbian, Inc. founders: Christopher Kahler, with his

Austrian and Chinese business partners.
In controlling the database we allow the users in what we call door
networks to communicate with one another. So basically weve eliminated
the problem of having to seed and grow a very large network by ourselves.
Weve kind of shirked that off to our partners and in exchange we give it to
them for free. So thats our model. Thats how we distinguish ourselves from
our competitors at the moment.
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Victoria:
So you give the customized solutions for free?
Christopher:
We do, yes.
Victoria:
And in exchange, you just own the database?
Christopher:
Exactly. Thats right. So we sign a contract with them that we dont mess
with the database, we dont do business with advertisers directly. We give
them that control. We give them that interface. We have to own it to allow
them to target other users of networks. Thats another thing. If lets say,
a sports manufacturer wants to send a location based targeted tailored
advertisement to a shoe manufacturer or something or a ticketing company,
then they can do that through our network, so they can advertise cross
network. We charge a premium for that which is how we intend to make
money.
Victoria:
Do you divulge information from your database? Is that at all part of
your business model or not?
Christopher:
We anonymize data by reports. Its anonymized and generalized. Do women
age 18 to 24 tend to be more receptive to this kind of advertising, or do they
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tend to go to these types of places more? Because everything is locationbased but we dont sell data about our users. Obviously, a high priority for us
is data-protection, security, and privacy.
Victoria:
So ok, aside from the fact that youre working on a product that has
location-based services, what is the difference between you and Ning?
Christopher:
Us and Ning? Ning is predominantly web-focused. Thats one difference.
Another difference would be is that when you go to Ning, they very much
have a brand presence, Nings brand presence, which we dont have. Those
are the two main differences. So we remove our brand, and we make it
location based, and do it mobile. So its all those combined. Ning, I think, is
obviously a great company. I respect them a lot. And they may be the closest
to what we are doing.
Victoria:
But their business model is very different, isnt it?
Christopher:
I think, Im not sure, but I think they rely on typical web-based advertising.
We dont deal with advertisers directly. We charge our partners a fixed,
per thousand communication model, which is very easy to control. We
dont have to run around to 10,000 different merchants or 10,000 different
agencies. We only collect from our partners.
Victoria:
I think Ning charges for customized
solutions, if there are customers who
choose not to use the suffix .ning.com.
Theyve got to be monetizing their
database, which I understand they own
as well. Do you have any idea if there are
any similarities to your business model
at least on that aspect?
Christopher:
I think there are definitely some similarities.
I think if they go the traditional social
networking web-based advertising
revenue model, theyre going to have
some problems. Because everyone whos
implemented this model is. Personally, this
is a bit of digression of my own thoughts on
this. I think that the inability to monetize
eyeballs, monetize large databases is kind
of the end of web 2.0 as we see it. All these
massively inflated valuations of companies
such as Facebook and Twitter and Slide.com.
They just make apps for Facebook right? And they have a $500M valuation.
I think a lot of these crazy valuations are because of some kind of faith that
theyll be able to monetize tons and tons of users, right? Skype has that
problem already as well. They have this massive $4 point something billion
valuation and they havent been able to monetize that 100%. So I think
that how were going to make money from having lots of users. How we,
the people in the industry are going to do that will mark a new era in social
networking, a new era in mobile technology.
Victoria:
Very interesting.
Christopher:
When youre working in the industry, you think about it a lot. As an
entrepreneur as well, you have to develop your own philosophy, your own
views on how things are the way they are and how theyre going to be, right?
And of course if your thoughts arent your own then somebody has already
done it. If they are your own, then youre going to sound like a fool to many
people. Thats the price you pay for originality, right? As an entrepreneur, I
hope its original in a good way, not a cranky way. Time will tell, I guess.
Victoria:
So tell me what body of thought has informed your becoming an
entrepreneur. Was it your undergraduate study? Tell me the evolution
of how you got to where you are now.
Christopher:
As an entrepreneur, you have to have a certain sense, a powerful sense of
dissatisfaction with the way things are done, right? Maybe that sounds too
clich but you have to see ways where life isnt as good as it can be. You cant
really be an entrepreneur because of the profit motive itself. You have to be
sensitive to certain inefficiencies... And I think I had that. I think all

entrepreneurs have that. I dont think Im special in that way. In the sense of
being able to do things better. My Filipino side is chock-full of entrepreneurs
and I think it was pretty influential in my more formative years. Surrounded
by people who said, why dont you do your own thing? People who had
done it already, so I had this idea I could do it as well. I think if you come from
a family or come from a background where everyone is typically employed,
so not doing your own thing, it may sound more risky, I suppose. There has
to be a certain belief that what you are aiming to do is actually possible to
realize. And I think thats what, especially my Filipino side gave me.
Victoria:
So tell me about your undergraduate study, as far as how it formed
your mindset today. Where did you go to school anyway?
Christopher:
I did my undergraduate studies in the University of Arizona. I changed
my major a ton of times. I think my left and right brain, to use a probably
pseudo-scientific analogy, are well developed. So I started off in the
science side in mechanical engineering, moved to philosophy, then back to
mechanical engineering, then to media arts for a while. And I think the one
thing that really contributed to my current state perhaps, or current path
from undergrad was really a bonafide curiosity. I was kicked out of school. I
was quite a maverick, I guess.
Victoria:
Kicked out of school?! Where?
Christopher:
I was kicked out of Arizona. I had to go to community college, and then
fight my way back. I think it was that. I was just so annoyed at everyone
just studying just for grades, just for career. I really wanted to go to school
63
you could do that. Or Oh thats so cool. Seeing the peoples faces light up
and be really moved by something that just a couple of months ago was
just an idea, thats the ultimate thrill. Everything else just doesnt compare
to that.
Victoria:
What was your primary role in developing this company and this
product?
and to understand. Really understanding something. Really understanding

what it is to learn. Why knowledge is importantReally honing my sense
of curiosity. I call it bonafide curiosity. That was a painful, expensive,
tumultuous experience to finally get to that point. That was it really. Getting
kicked out of school was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Victoria:
Defining experience in a sense.
Christopher:
It was very very defining, yeah. I think a lot of people would have done it
more efficiently perhaps. Thats never been my thing. Its always been the
more roundabout path. That sums it up pretty much.
Victoria:
You sound like a Renaissance man.
Christopher:
[Laughter] I guess. I dont know. I think at the end of the day, Im just very
curious. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Good thing because when
you understand something, you understand it for the right reasons, but its
bad because its difficult to focus. I think a lot of entrepreneurs have that
problem. This need to realize something. A need to not just to have an idea
but to do it, to execute on it To have something that is just a concept and
see it become real as a product, as a software. To see peoples reactions.
Probably one of the really really amazing things is when you have an idea
and you can implement it and you can see someones life benefiting from
it. Its not just theory; its not just a proposal. You can see someones life
benefiting being changed by an idea. I think that drive to do that, that
impetus can be very distracting, because you want to do it for everything.
And I think it is a problem that I have as well.
Victoria:
So would you say that is your motivation? Could you give an example of
having created something that has benefited somebody else?
Christopher:
I would say with our product right now, its location-based, mobile, socialnetworking applications, and website. Ive seen users engage the application
in a way and be really positively surprised. I love this reaction I didnt know
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Christopher:
Im technically the CEO of the company. We try and stay away from that kind
of labeling you know. I think I benefit the company the most in giving people
the fuel to dream, the fuel to hope. When youre a start-up, you have no
money; you have no credibility, nothing except your idea. But oftentimes
an idea is not enough, you have to inspire. And I think thats what I bring.
I wish I could bring more, but I think thats what I bring at the moment to
the company. My other partner, the Austrian guy I met at grad school is our
main tech, CTO and architect. And my other partner is Bizdev because hes
much better at speaking and networking than I am. I think Im kind of just
like the guy that ties everyone together and makes sure we still keep that
dream, we still believe in the dream.
Victoria:
And what is the dream?
Christopher:
What is the dream? You know, to articulate it like that is tricky because
theres a lot of metrics that you can use to define that, financial, employees
or whatever you want to call it. I think for us, all of us, all the founders have
the sense of how the idea has reached its fullest potential that its evolved,
its matured, and its done, yeah. That doneness I suppose, that sense of
completion that is the dream. Its not a financial target; its not like $1 billion
dollars or something. Its that sense that now weve done it. Now we can
evolve, move on, sell, whatever, whatever it is. That I suppose is the dream.
Its that sense that weve completed it.
Victoria:
From your description of your role, you sound like the Chief Inspirator
of your company.
Christopher:
I think thats pretty good. Ill go with that. Im changing it right now
actually.
Victoria:
You said you dont want to have traditional titles. How do you then
negotiate your working relationships?
Christopher:
I think the thing is the hierarchy, right? I should say we botched it a couple
of times in the beginning developing the culture. Im obviously very young;
dont have much experience in this kind of thing. But we wanted to create
a really really cool culture that people felt free but also accountable. Find a
way that we can engage with our staff such that they can be always open,
always willing to try new ideas, while at the same time without it being
interested in what happened before that. Growing up as you said,

multicultural, you mentioned to me before that you were culturally
confused. But theres got to be some benefit to that. I mean theres
got to be something there thats given you an edge I suppose, as you
navigate this.
Christopher:
I would say, being exposed to a lot of cultures, I think the common
misconception is you see how everyone is different but actually I think its
the complete opposite. It makes you see how everyone is kind of the same.
We use all these different criterion, criteria to distinguish people. How they
eat, how they act, how their familyare they very very like socially tight or
more solitary. We get caught up, I think, on those details and we latch on to
them more than we should and being exposed to a lot of different cultures
I think you see that people are just trying to be happy, wherever they are,
Americans, Europeans, Asians, everyone is trying to be happy. Maybe thats
given me an edge. I dont like to see it that way but its made me realize I
guess that everyones just trying to get the most out of life and win life. And
yeah, you see that first. You dont see what they eat or look like. You see
character. You see personality. You build relationships based on that because
you dont really have a choice as a kid, right? So like if youre surrounded with
people who arent ethnically similar to you, the only thing that you have is
character and personality, so I guess growing sensitive to that has been
helpful. Our team right now is completely multinational. My one partner
is Austrian, the other is ethnically Chinese but he grew up in Holland. We
have Austrians, Americans, and Chinese people. I think we get along more
because of personality and character, as opposed to cultural similarities.
Victoria:
Are they very much like you? Your colleagues?
like some kind of kids playground. I dont like that. I dont like the whole
anyone can just say anything and do anything. Now I think weve done it.
Id love to take this interview to our office so you can meet everyone and see
how it works now. But I think weve done it. Weve created a really really cool
culture. You know we have a marketing girl and she comes up straight to
me and tells me, No sorry, your idea is wrong. Its rubbish. You got to do it
this way. And I love it. I love that because it shows conviction, it shows that
shes really really on to something. And of course, the main dialogue is on
why. I would say the leading or strongest point is never who should have
the right idea. Its always idea-centric. Its always the winning or best idea
gets implemented. The best idea gets listened to. The best idea gets credit.
Not the best person, not the best anything. Its always idea-focused and I
think when you energize people on that, when you get people really really
passionate about coming up with good ideas that senior management
will listen to and implement, then you solve the problem. Thats poorly
articulated but its something like that. It has something to do with being
idea-centric and being honest.
Victoria:
Its not at all poorly articulated. It was articulated very well. So you
talked about your defining moment, your roundabout journey. Im
Christopher:
In some ways I think so. Were all very idea-centric. All very very curious, very
anxious, crazy people. So I think in that way, we share the same energy and
the same vision. But you know, its difficult to say if someone is like someone
else. I dont know anyone who is like anyone, right? But I think we share
important certain morals, important scruples, important attitudes and thats
the only way a start-up being as volatile as one typically is can consist.
Victoria:
Can you define like a couple of those shared scruples, morals, and
attitudes?
Christopher:
Loyalty and honesty at the end of the day. I believe its totally possible to
conduct business with integrity. A lot of people have this view that its
very very cutthroat and the only way you can make it is if you screw people
over. I dont believe that. I believe any advantage should come because of
your ability to work hard. So thats another thing. Well I think were very
very industrious. Everything can be compensated for with good ideas and
a really good healthy work ethic. So Id say work ethic, that idea that you
can conduct business with integrity. That old, I guess very commercialized
term, thinking outside the box. Id say that non-traditional problem solving
approaches is also something that characterizes. We also have the ability to
65
dream. The ability to be dissatisfied in a productive way, not in a way that

makes you bitter and cynical and bitch about the world.
Victoria:
You also mentioned crazy, I guess you mean in the best sense right?
Christopher:
Yeah. Crazy is definitely a defining oneThe whole team will work 100
hours in a week or work 50 hours straight and sleep on the floor. You know,
typical start-up drama. We slept in the same bed, my partner and I, because
we couldnt afford a real flat for half a year pretty much. Subsistence level, as
an entrepreneur, you dont pay yourself anything but work 10 times as hard.
So crazy is an accurate descriptor, even now still.
Victoria:
So talk about that process when you got the idea, then you came up
with your first prototype, getting your seed funding and so forth.
Christopher:
In grad school, a bunch of friends and I, we had these million-dollar idea
sessions on Fridays. It was obviously partially serious and also partially not.
We wanted to, like a lot of people, come up with an idea that would solve
all our financial problems. We could retire at 28, move to the Bahamas,
whatever. The fruit of one of these sessions was this idea that were currently
doing and you know when you have an idea, and you have these kinds of
entrepreneur clubs, its always this thought at the back of your mind: its not
actually going to get done. Its not actually going to get realized. Its just
kind of like fanciful dreaming. One of my partners and I though, we executed
on it right away. The next day we had already prepared all these studies, did
a lot of research to see what was out there. We did some preliminary coding,
preliminary design work, that kind of thing.
Victoria:
You did it in one day?!
think you think okay now, I can take a bit of a breather, its completely wrong.
It never ever happens. It just ups the speed and ups your self-confidence
with the thing you can do for the next step. And you end up doing more,
trying to do it quicker, trying to do it better. Its pretty much how it is.
Victoria:
Youre going way too fast Christopher. Can you back up a little bit? I
want to know from when you got this idea, tell me about the process
of creating your prototype. How did you know that it was finally ready
and so forth? Did you do it in a month?
Christopher:
It took about nine months to create a prototype that I felt that we were
comfortable enough showing to an investor. That was then. Now obviously
Ive learnt more. I wouldnt have shown it then. Nine months of pretty
serious work. I personally didnt do any coding. My partner does that. But
I do all the design work and we figure out the functionalities together. I do
the user interface, the UI. The mathematics behind some of the algorithms
but not the actual coding. So nine months of work.
Victoria:
So what do you think were the greatest challenges in actually creating
your prototype?
Christopher:
The technical problems, I would say. If a website, like Ning for example, you
have a few cross browser compatibility problems, but otherwise its quite
easy, its one set of code. When you do mobile applications for mobile clients,
you have to make it compatible on so many different phones and the number
of phones you have to get it working on is just growing with time, with new
releases and so on. So Id say that was really really tough. That is, getting it
functional on a broad range of phones and its still, I would say, our biggest
challenge. That is, getting it compatible. With a new idea, you have to test it
on 200 phones or whatever. Id say thats the toughest part.
Christopher:
We did something. Just something like feasibility studies and I realized
that this partner and I, like we were on the same track. It s like, Holy Cow!
Were going to do it. Its not just conversation. Its not just cheers over beer.
But you execute and you really do it. And thats just like compounding that
whole effect and we began just working on it like nuts. And it hasnt stopped
since then. We built a prototype.
Victoria:
What year was this? Can you name the date and the month?
Christopher:
Yeah, that was the end of February last year (I dont know the exact date)
when we had the idea. From February last year, designing and coding the
whole time. Then summer we brought in our third partner, Ken Lim. And
then when we had a prototype, a show prototype, we began looking for
seed money. We got that in November. Then the legal stuff, we incorporated
it in the States in January. I moved to China with everyone else, with all my
partners, and we set up offices there. So yeah, its just been, since then, you
know, just continuously expanding and developing faster. Every milestone, I
66
Victoria:
Are you happy with it now? I mean, whats your satisfaction level on
your prototype.
Christopher:
I would say, again as an entrepreneur, youre never really satisfied. Youre
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proud. You have your silent moments of pride. You say Wow, thats pretty
cool. I cant believe we did that. Its working. But its never ever near good
enough. I dont think youd be an entrepreneur if you were satisfied. Its
always like, okay, now that this is done imagine where we can take it.
Imagine what we could do if we had this feature. Imagine all the extra value,
how much more fun it would be. So I guess the answer is simply, Im not
satisfied. (laughter)
Victoria:
What are the functionalities and features you are most proud of?
Christopher:
Without getting too technical I guess if you want to have a location-based
service, theres a couple of technology options that you can use. You can use
GPS or you can use Cell Tower Triangulations or Cell Tower ID. You can use
Bluetooth. We decided on a system that allows user to define where they
were over mobile Internet using addresses, a physical address, using Google
Maps and to select from a predefined list of places that solves a lot of also
supplementing that with GPS though, and now were doing triangulation.
So that idea, is that people I think in our user studies, that was really well
received. People understood. So where we are right now, you enter an
address, as opposed to trying to figure out how to turn your GPS on and see
your location on a map, which is kind of abstract. I would say the locationbased aspect Im pretty proud of. Also, we have a really tight integration of
our web and our mobile phone suite. Like a lot of mobile companies tend to
see web as kind of a necessary add-on and vice versa for web companies. We
design both from the ground up with the database designed to interact very
closely together, to make a product that people use online, when at work or at
home, and then offline when they are away on the phone. I think thats how
its going to be in the future as well. You cant just be a mobile company, you
cant be a web company, you have to be an information company, like Google
and that means providing value wherever you are, which is nowadays either
on your phone or on your computer, or when youre sleeping. (laughter)
Victoria:
Now can you talk about the process of funding? Congratulations by the
way, thats a great achievement!
Christopher:
Thanks very muchEntrepreneurs are so hell-bent on their idea. Theyre
so passionate about everything. Its really just an annoying obstacleits
just something that has to be done. This convincing a VC of the brilliance
of your ideas, right? Ive come across entrepreneurs who were extremely
extremely arrogant. Ive come across more arrogant entrepreneurs than
venture capitalists because you know, entrepreneurs tend to think, my idea
is going to change the world, youre going to use it, its just genius, wheres
the money, right? For us, I think were a bit more maybe the European
side, or maybe the Filipino side, I dont know, I guess, a bit more modest with
that. We tried really hard to just show the value of the product, to show why
we think it would add value to lives. But of course we had our stories with
VCs. Most of them rejections of course, thats the case for most people. Yeah,
and learnt a lot in the beginning.
68
Victoria:
So how many rejections did you get before you got your yes!
Christopher:
Actually our first, our seed round, we got no rejections. This was the first
person we spoke with.
Victoria:
WOW!
Christopher:
We were just lucky. And right now weve secured some more funding in this
round, but we decided to continue raising in light of the positive investor
response. And weve had a few rejections from those already. Some because
the companys too smallYeah, its a great process. You learn an amazing
amount about yourself, about your company, about your products. All of
the things that you kind of cursorily pass over, you really now think about,
you ponder. I guess, an entrepreneur, as he or she evolves, thinks more and
more like a VC. And you see that a lot. You see a lot of entrepreneurs who
join companies or who have successful companies leave there to become
VCs. You realize you know what it takes to have a good company. But its
an entertaining, crazy, crazy experience. You know, as a kid, you can go
into a room talk about a couple million bucks right, and youre trying to be
all serious. Youre trying to be like I do this thing all day, everyday. Im not
fazed by it. But of course 5 minutes before, youre crapping yourself. And
if you get a good response, youre dancing, dancingyou knowlike a
madman. Yeah, its good fun.
Victoria:
Adrenalin, huh?
Christopher:
Tons of it you know, Six Flags is great and scary movies are great but
nothing really beats that kind of adrenalin rush.
Victoria:
So how much funding did you get in your seed round?
Christopher:
In our seed round, we got 150,000 Euros. This round, I cant disclose yet until
we finish it but its going to be at least 250,000 Euros.
[Note from an email received from Christoper on April 1, 2009: 2nd
round negotiations went very well. We raised 250k at a very respectable
valuation.]
Victoria:
Who are your investors?
Christopher:
Also, I cant disclose that. Im not sure if theyd want to be known.
Victoria:
You alluded earlier in the interview re: how your family has influenced
you. Can you tell me a bit more about your Filipino side?
Christopher:
I think the sense of family is very very strong in Filipino culture, right? I
would normally spend one vacation of the year with my Filipino family, and
one with my Austrian family. I adore them obviously both sides equally. But
how family is conducted. The business of family is very different in both.
In the Filipino side, its much larger. My Filipino family, that side has many
more members. I think its the sense of family closeness that regardless of
whatever happens that you always have your support from everyone. Its
very very close. Very warm and I think what that does, or what that did to
meobviously I cant speak for everyonebut what that did for me was it
gave me a lot of confidence. That I felt like I could go and pitch an idea to my
family for my life, my career or whatever and my family would find someone
to help me. They would have really really good responses. They would work
together, with a lot of emotional support, and try and guarantee it, or try
and increase the likelihood of success. And thats exactly what happened
with this companyObviously, Ive had a lot of nervous moments, a lot of
insecure moments, and sad moments in the beginning, even now. And my
Filipino side of the family was very supportive of that, very very warm. And I
think it wouldve been impossible without them, without that kind of classic
Filipino support. It sounds clich but its difficult to explain. The European
side is colder, not less loving, but colder. Its more independent, I guess. It
stresses more on finding your own way and being autonomous and solving
your problems on your own. Its harder, you know. The Filipino side is more
like, its great, lets all get together and talk about it and see who we know,
and see what we can do, and what do you need from me, what do you need
from my family or whatever. And I think that helped a lot.
Victoria:
Kind of like a warm blanket?
Christopher:
Yeah, Im feeling fuzzy now and may cry. But I think that helped. Definitely. I
think a lot of Filipinos who know what other families are like will understand
what I am saying. Its this sense of family unity and closeness, an unrelenting
willingness to help regardless of the circumstance. Its also why Filipinos
get far in life because of that. In the States, I think the statistic is [Filipinos
are the] 2nd highest earning ethnic group behind Japanese or Chinese or
something. I think one of the reasons is because of that cohesion. Everyone
helps each other, tries and guarantees the success of everyone in your clan.
Thats my unprofessional, uninformed theory.
Victoria:
Who are your role models and they dont need to be Filipino. Who do
you really look up to?
Christopher:
My Filipino grandmother. Actually, Im in her house right now. She is a role
model for me. I dont really have role models. Not really role models per
se, just people I really admire, right. So no one I say, I want to be like this
person. Just people with uncharacteristic concentrations or uncharacteristic
development of certain traits that I think are important in leading a good
life. Ultimately its that, right? What makes life good. My grandmother is
one of those people that possesses a trait that I think is really important in
leading a good life. The ability to put everyone ahead of yourself. Yeah, its
like you can see a lot of people, theyre waiting for my time, waiting for time
to talk about their problems, waiting for a chance to stop helping. Like you
can see for a lot of people, when they help, its taxing. You can see that it
causes them a lot of distress, right. There is a cost to something, right. This
is an exchange for something that is ultimately what I want. She has the
characteristic where its the opposite. This is something that is far beyond
me. If I had an iota of what she had then I think I could call this life a success.
Sounds really corny but thats really what I think. Everyone else I tend to
look up to its not because of character or personality but its more because of
some sort of ability or something.
Victoria:
Im jumping to another topic. Why did you choose to go to Shanghai?
Christopher:
Purely for commercial reasons. The Chinese market is, everyone says, insane.
But its really really insane. The entire population of the United Kingdom,
that number of people, buys mobile phones every year. Thats the idea of
the scale. So its really really really insane. I think its the sheer scale thats
exciting. If you get an idea in the States and it has a lot of penetration
and shows a lot of traction and you get 10% of the population, thats 30
million people, right? And that would be a glowing, resounding success. In
China Shanghai where I live at the moment is 18 million people actually.
Officially its more than that probably. So the sheer number of people you
can potentially influence, the number of lives you can potentially better is
amazing. And thats why. I dont really enjoy living there. I miss Europe. I
miss living in Europe. Its that. Its the scale.
Victoria:
Whats your favorite place in the whole world?
Christopher:
I would have to say Vienna. Its really great. Crappy place to work compared
to most places in Asia. Definitely Shanghai. Its far more static, far more
69
established. Everything has been done. Everything is on system. Its slow.

But thats what makes it great for life. I like those things when you can just
take it easy and you can enjoy joie de vivre kind of stuff. Yup those places are
often crappy to work because everything has already been established. All
the vacuums have been filled. And Shanghai feels like you are in the middle
of a hurricane. It is so dynamic. Everyone is there to do something. Everyone
is there to invent himself. Everyone is there, like I said earlier, to win life.And
that kind of spirit, energy, dynamism is really really amazing for business.
And if anyone wants to launch a start-up, I would highly recommend looking
at China for that reason.
Victoria:
So I heard that you also play the guitar?
Christopher:
Yeah.
Victoria:
Is it professional? Do you go out there and jam? What kind of music
do you play?
Christopher:
Its pretty boring stuff. I like a lot of classical stuff. A lot of Spanish romantic
classical stuff. But I also like a lot of Baroque music: Bach and that kind of
thing. Tango as well, modern stuff. Flamenco.
Victoria:
Theres nothing boring about that by the way.
Christopher:
Okay, cool. I never played professionally. I never studied professionally. Its
just something I picked up, I guess, over the years. I busked in Malaysia and
Vienna for survival.
Victoria:
What do you mean? What does that mean?
Christopher:
After undergrad, I lived in Vienna looking for a job so I could afford to end
myself to grad school. And I couldnt find anything. I couldnt find anything
decent anyways. I didnt want to work in McDonalds so I decided to busk
instead.
Victoria:
What does that mean? Play on the streets?
Christopher:
Yeah, I got a license you know. I was like a hobo, wore poor looking pants
and didnt wash.
Victoria:
On purpose?
Christopher:
On purpose, yeah. Just to give myself a bit more credibility. It was a good
experience!
70
Victoria:
What did you learn?
Christopher:
You learned that if you want help, ask poor people. John Steinbeck said that
in Grapes of Wrath in a much nicer way. But thats how it is. I played in the
central districts where rich tourists went by and no one gave me anything.
I made all my money in the student district, by the university, where poor
students were. And they would say, ok heres a euro or two or something.
That was really valuable. That blew my mind. I was expecting like these
Japanese American tourists to like look at some young Asian kid on the street
and throw me a 10-euro bill or whatever. Thats not the case at all. It was the
students who had nothing. That was valuable I think.
Victoria:
Do you have a long-term personal vision for yourself? What would it
be? No set time limit.
Christopher:
No set time limit. I want to create a university. I want to start a university
is my goal actually. I would love for this company to work and exit nicely,
financially and have enough funds to set up a university. I mean it sounds
pretty crazy. Everyone thinks Im already crazy. But to set it up with my
current partner actually. This is a dream we both share as well; to create an
institute. Call it university, call it an athenaeum, whatever you want. But
basically a place a place where people canactually, preamblehow
I anticipated university life to be. I was very very shattered in my actual
experience. You know I thought there would be people running around
having deep thoughts. Everything sounds wonderful and nave right now
but thats how I thought. In high school I thought, really smart people go
there and there are great ideas and everyone looks like Plato or something,
right? Obviously its not. It s tons of beer and messing around. Largely I was
with the studious people as well but that original idea of academics and the
supremacy of intellectual life, put it that way, is something that I still want
to do in a pure way in the institute. Where theres no admissions. Theres no
tuition. Its all funded. Its all non-profit. And everyone comes together who
has an idea and they do it there. Wed pay professors and pay people to give
talks, give lectures, like an Agora or something. Its a bit loosely defined right
now but thats what I want to do. Definitely what I want to do, eventually.
Leave the private sector and go entirely non-profit. I mean if I can afford it.
Thatd be really great.
Victoria:
Wow, thats awesome! Is there anything else youd like to tell the world
about Urbian?
Christopher:
I would say for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur, its an absolutely
miserable life. Its crap. You work like hell. You dont get paid or anything.
But I would highly highly suggest that you do it anyways. Just do it. Try and
do as much with this life as possible. And I think becoming an entrepreneur
is a good way to do it.
71
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T H E

First Quarter 2009 - Issue No. 10

Also in this issue: Vivere Azure, Anilaos Hidden Treasure

The Most Global Filipino of All

Richard & Roni Tapia-Merk

RICHARD MERK & RONI L. TAPIA-MERK

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009

Travel Destinations and Tourism

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009

59 Christopher Kahler Blazes New Trail

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

Photo: Willy Avila

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

Photo: Ferdie Singh

The Pacquiao Family: (Clockwise, from left) Jemuel, Michael,

First Quarter PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

I bought the tickets on a lark, a birthday gift to a friend. It was in July,

My friend and I cheered ourselves hoarse every time Pacman

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

Growing Global Appeal

Pacquiaos public appeal grew tremendously in the process of

The Great Communicator

Indeed, Pacmans most eloquent speeches are those he makes in

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL

and indomitable warrior spirit of the Filipino. Every knockout a ringing

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

Mirroring his own words into what we witnessed of Manny in the

Manny Pacquiao, it is important to note that he is, first and foremost,

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS 11

Dyan Castillejos and Ronnie Nathanielsz interview Manny before his

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

with ABS-CBN, which were meant to supplant

The champ strikes a pose with the writer.

to sport a moustache, and also became a unifying symbol to the Filipino

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

Photo: Ferdie Singh

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

Two weeks before the much-anticipated Pacquiao-Hatton bout,

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

among legendary boxing champions.

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS

In fairness to Manny, he is obviously influenced by his mother who is a very

Titles Won WBC flyweight title, IBF super bantamweight

WBA welterweight title, IBF/WBA junior

Key Fights Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, Erik Morales Fights

Jon Thaxton, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Jose Luis

Key Wins Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, Erik Morales Fights

Jon Thaxton, Jose Luis Castillo, Paulie

Adapted from an article by Mark Vester

THE OVERSEAS FILIPINO

We Filipinos are renowned

the world over for our

many attributes and values: