Goddess of Light

Candy Poster Book 2011

2011-11-05T14:44:00.001+08:00

This was one of the most fun projects I worked on this year with Candy's Art Director Steph. The poster book features photos of the hottest local and international stars, plus two giant posters of Sam Concepcion and Elmo Magalona.

Plus, it features the very first "Ed's Letter" I wrote! :)

The Candy Poster Book is available in all leading bookstores and magazine stands for only P150. Grab a copy now!

Running Man

2011-04-24T12:52:00.002+08:00

Despite the legions of fans literally chasing him down the road, actor and runner Piolo Pascual has learned to stay focused and disciplined when it comes to achieving his fitness goals.
By Angel Constantino
Photos By Dix Perez

Published: Runner's World Philippines, April-June 2011
Section: Cover Story

Last January, I officially joined the Runner's World team as managing editor. It was a great opportunity as it merged two of the things I love most—writing and running. One of the things I worked on was the cover story on actor and runner Piolo Pascual. He was very accommodating and easy to talk to despite being a big celebrity, and he had a lot of interesting insights as a runner.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

When Piolo Pascual geared up for his first 10-K—the Timex Run in November 2009—he did not expect all the buzz that would surround it. While running alongside his coach, Rio Dela Cruz, Piolo was oblivious to the crowd of runners, mostly women, trying to get his attention and doing their best to keep up. He was there for only one thing: to finish the race.

Running has always been a part of Piolo’s workout regimen. “It’s one of the most relaxing sports and I’m very comfortable with it,” he says. “I grew up not competing in any sports, but running has always been part of my routine for cardio. When I got into fitness, I would run to lose weight or to tone my muscles.”

When Timex invited him to join his first race, he welcomed the challenge. “It was very surreal,” recalls Piolo. “It was my first ever competition, the first time I got to start something and finish. It was really fulfilling since I’m not usually competitive.” And finish he did, with an impressive time of 47:56, ranking 23rd out 1024 10-K runners. The running community took notice—suddenly, he wasn’t just a celebrity who had joined the running bandwagon. His time was something runners not only admired, but also aspired to reach.

Piolo himself was surprised by his excellent performance at the race and the admiration he received. “It was flattering, of course, but it doesn’t end there,” he says. “You just have to keep getting better.”

Click here for another excerpt from the article on FemaleNetwork.com.

To read more about Piolo and for all you need to know about running this summer, grab a copy of Runner's World's first stand alone issue!

I had a great time working on this issue with art director Glen Concio, editor in chief Marie Calica, and team publisher Christine Ong.

Old World Charm

2010-11-06T21:10:00.000+08:00

For a couple who loves Philippine history—and who have a long shared history of their own—it was but natural to tie the knot with a Filipiniana-themed wedding, infused with traditional elements and family traditions.
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Pat Dy and Patrick Martires

Published: Martha Stewart Weddings Philippines, September 2010 - February 2011
Section: Real Weddings

I felt so honored when my good friend and boss, Mia Custodio-Dizon, asked me to write this article about her wedding. I enjoyed sitting down with Mia and her then-fiancé, Patrick, and talking about how their love story unfolded. When the issue came out, she texted me, "Thank you so much for the beautifully written piece. You made us and our wedding sound amazing, but at the same time you kept the sincerity which had me so kilig. It really felt so personal yet professional at the same time, like you wrote it not only for us, but also for every Martha reader. Thanks for the extra effort. It meant a lot to me that a good friend wrote it, and wrote it well." :)

Below is an excerpt from the article:

Dr. Patrick Dizon and Mia Custodio have been together for as long as anyone can remember. Their love story began in their junior year of high school, way back in 1993. They met at a soiree, which Mia attended in search of a prom date. Just two months after they met, Patrick and Mia became a couple. But it wasn’t until more than a decade and a half later (with Patrick now a medical resident) that the high school sweethearts finally wed.

Patrick proposed at the picturesque Fort Ilocandia Hotel in Ilocos. It was a special place that they both loved, as they had been there before on a vacation with Mia’s family. Patrick picked a spot on the hotel’s second floor balcony, and with the help of the hotel staff, prepared a beautiful set up with dessert, champagne, and rose petals that formed the shape of a heart. “I had no idea what was happening,” Mia says. “When I climbed the stairs and saw the walkway lined with candles, I stopped and started crying. It felt unreal.”

As Patrick and Mia are both history buffs who have always loved visiting old churches together, they very aptly decided to hold their wedding ceremony in San Agustin Church, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful stone churches. Their wedding date, December 19, was already a special one as both Mia’s parents and grandparents were married on that same day. For another touch of history, their arrhae was composed of pre-war coins that were used in all the weddings in Mia’s family.

For Patrick, the highlight of their wedding was seeing Mia walk down the aisle. “When she appeared from amongst the crowd, I suddenly got teary-eyed,” Patrick shares. “It was that feeling of being overwhelmed that comes with believing she's the right person for me.” For Mia, the high point was knowing that all the people who mattered to them were present. If there’s one thing she was thrilled to learn throughout the planning process, it’s the fact that she and Patrick make a great team. “We have different strengths and weaknesses,” she shares. “But together, we get things done quickly. And the best part was that the daunting task of planning a wedding turned out to be so much fun.”

The Candy Team with the newlyweds :)

For more tips on how to plan a wedding that is beyond the ordinary, grab a copy of Martha Stewart Weddings Philippines!

Grace Under Pressure

2010-10-31T20:41:00.005+08:00

A mainstay of the fashion and beauty scene, well-recognized on TV soaps, professional model, versatile actress, and adept TV host Angel Aquino rises to every occasion.
By Angel Constantino
Cover photo by Jay Tablante

Published: Women's Health, October 2010
Section: Cover Story

Angel Aquino couldn't be any more different from the character she plays on ABS-CBN’s popular primetime show, Magkaribal. Vera Cruz is a mean and conniving model-turned-fashion mogul who stops at nothing to get what she wants. Her piercing stare and shrill scream are enough to make you run in the opposite direction.

Angel, in real life, is friendly and down to earth. Dressed in a plain black button-down, shorts revealing toned, kilometric legs, and sandals, she warmly greets everyone when she arrives at the cover shoot. Her smile lights up the room as she candidly talks about her career and personal life.

The fact that she can portray a character so different from her is a testament to her skill as an actress. Angel admits she enjoys playing the villain. “I was excited about the role,” she says. “It’s fun because the show is about fashion. I get to dress up, play Barbie, and be a bitch without having to feel sorry about it. It’s a pat on the back when people tell me I’m doing a good job.”

Though she never had any formal acting lessons, she gets inspiration from her idols, veteran actresses Cherie Gil and Sharon Cuneta. “I watched a lot of Pinoy movies when I was younger. I know the silhouette of a kontrabida, what their head and neck movements are.”

One aspect Angel finds challenging about the role is when she has to cry. “It’s emotionally taxing; it doesn’t come easy for me,” she admits. “I’m not a Bea Alonzo or an Erich Gonzales,” she says, referring to her younger co-stars. “When I do scenes with them, I’m surprised that they can make their tears fall without batting an eyelash," she adds. "It’s easier for me to be angry because I can draw energy from the environment and the people around me. The emotional investment is not that much compared to crying, which you have to draw out from the deepest part of your soul.”

Angel says part of being an actress is being vulnerable. “If you just open your mind and heart to the situation and to your co-actors, the perfect emotion comes out of you," she says. "I used to process a scene too much. I didn’t want to expose myself before, but now I can handle myself better. I’m less afraid and more self assured.”

Angel’s past helped her become mentally and emotionally stronger. It’s no secret that she was pregnant with her first child Iana at 19; married, and then separated from her husband after her second child Thea was born. “It was a difficult time for me,” she says. “I was afraid to be on my own. I was only in my twenties and I had to take care of two kids. But my nanay assured me she would never leave me.”

Angel recalls how depressed she was when she was pregnant with Thea. “I wasn’t eating right and I’d stay up at night crying,” she shares. “I wish I hadn’t been so careless. I should have taken better care of myself and the life inside me. It’s something I’ve had to pay for and live with until now. I’m glad that God and my daughter are so forgiving. She doesn’t blame me for what happened to her.”

Thea was born with hydrocephalus, a medical condition characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. “She had an operation when she was a baby, and when she was 10 years old,” says Angel. “We didn’t expect her to be able to speak, read, or socialize with others. She used to have a hard time just saying a word." But miracles happen, and one happened to Thea. "She plays the piano and she communicates well now. Sometimes she even gives me advice about my personal life,” says Angel.

Iana, now 17, and Thea, 15, are Angel’s real-life angels. She feels happiest whenever they exceed her expectations. The biggest lesson she’s learned from her daughters is that faith will pull you through anything. “Faith is what has brought me this far with them on my own. I guess something inside me just trusted that I could.”

Despite her hectic schedule, Angel makes it a point to spend time with her daughters. “It’s nice because they’re both teenagers now. They like to do the same things I do, such as going to the spa or having facials. So instead of that just being my ‘me-time,’ I get to spend it with them.”

Angel’s only parenting style is to keep the lines of communication open. “I treat my daughters like my sisters, but when I need to put my foot down, I do so,” she says. “I talk with them a lot. I ask for their opinion and advice. I make sure they’re involved in my personal life. I don’t keep secrets from them because I want them to be open with me.”

Angel cherishes good health and regular fitness. She stopped eating beef and pork since 1997, and recently avoided chicken too. "I stayed away from meat that would be hard for the stomach to digest," Angel says. She'll make an exception for Peking duck, which her children love. But other than feasting on it once a year, Angel sticks to fish and vegetables. However, she does confess to having a sweet tooth. “I love sweets. It’s something I have to consciously stay away from." She looks at it as reward for eating healthily most of the time.

Angel has gotten hooked on Barre 3, a fat-burning workout that's a combination of Pilates, yoga, and ballet which sculpts the body and targets major muscle groups. “It’s not very high impact and it’s not boring at all,” she says. “You can vary the routine to make it work better for you. I’d do it every day, but with my schedule, I can only do it once or twice a week.”

To read the rest of the article and to learn more health and fitness tips, grab a copy of Women's Health, October 2010 issue.

Actress Angel Aquino with author Angel Constantino :)

Oh, The Places I've Been!

2010-08-19T22:19:00.001+08:00

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

I saw this map on Isladida.com and I thought I'd make one for myself. (I actually have a real map of the Philippines on my desk which I post pins on whenever I visit a new place in the country.) Looks like I'll have to do a lot more traveling to turn that C+ into an A! :)

Hitting the Trails in Baguio

2010-04-27T11:18:00.003+08:00

By Angel Constantino
Photos by Roland Aquino

Trail running combines two of the things I love to do most—mountain climbing and running. In contrast to mountain climbing, one does not have to bear the burden of a heavy backpack on one’s shoulders while trail running. And while running on the road can be a bit monotonous, the varied terrain and mountain views ensure that the runner will never get bored on the trail.

I woke up at about 4:00 am on Saturday, April 25, to participate in The North Face Trail Run in Baguio. The race began in Burnham Park at precisely 5:30 am. There were only about a hundred runners in the 22-km category giving it a feeling of exclusivity—after all, not a lot of people are crazy enough to go all the way to Baguio “to torture themselves.”

The first 10 minutes of the race proved to be a challenge as we were met with a steep, inclined road. My throat dried up and my heart beat fast as my body adjusted to the cool climate and the thin air. For a while there, I doubted if I would finish this race at all. Shortly before 6:00 am, we reached the old gate of Camp John Hay where the 11-km runners were gathered for the start of their race. They cheered us on as we jogged past and entered the trails.

Over the next few hours, we had to go through two extremes: steep ascents and sharp descents. The longer we ran down, the higher up we had to hike. It was fun to run downhill, but the instinctive reaction to slow myself down (in order to avoid rolling straight to the bottom!) made me think that my knees would pay for this later.

My favorite part of the trail was a long stretch of rolling terrain enveloped by pine trees. The fresh air—and the fact that I could actually run on this part of the trail—invigorated my spirit. At certain points, we were also blessed with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

By the last hour, I was drained of energy, like a car running on an almost empty tank. When we hit the road, signaling the last three kilometers, I gathered my remaining fuel reserves and decided to run for it (with Roland’s encouragement, of course). As we ran, we passed a few people who had opted to walk the rest of the way.

We finally crossed the finish line after three hours and 59 minutes. A friend wisely noted, “Angel, siguro you would have finished first place if you didn't stop for all these pictures.” Haha! Well, maybe not first place, but we probably could have run a little faster. The time never crossed my mind though as I was more than happy to stop and pose—it was definitely a good excuse to rest.

One thing I learned through all my years of running is that the sport becomes more enjoyable when one has proper training and the right mindset. Then, one feels the exhilaration of running through long stretches of open road without a care in the world—or in this case, one certainly feels the thrill of the trail.

The TNF Trail Run in Baguio is the author’s fourth trail running experience. The first was a 10-km trail run in Batulao, Batangas; the second, a 20-km run in Sacobia, Clark; and the third, an 11-km Valentine’s Day run in Nuvali, Laguna. The 22-km Baguio trail run was the best one by far. All trail runs were organized by The North Face Philippines.

Special Olympics: Caring for People with Mental Disabilities

2010-03-30T23:35:00.001+08:00

I made this video for my Visual Literacy class with Prof. Isabel Kenny (Asian Center for Journalism, Ateneo de Manila University, March 2010). It was part of a group project about mental health in Asia with my classmates, Bintang from Aceh, Indonesia, and Walter from Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Check out their articles in our website: mentalhealthasia.blogspot.com.

Special Olympics from Angel Constantino on Vimeo.

On March 11 and 12, 2010, a hundred athletes from all over the Philippines gathered at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City to participate in the National Athletic Games. But these are no ordinary athletes. They are members of the Special Olympics Philippines.

Omar is an 18 year old boy with Down syndrome from Davao City. He has been an athlete since he was 12 years old. This is his second time to participate in the National Athletic Games, where he competed in the shotput and running events. Aside from sports, he is also into the arts like painting and dancing.

Omar’s mother says he was teased and bullied as a child. Neighbors would keep their kids away from him. But in Special Olympics, Omar has found a place where he is loved and accepted by others.

In the Philippines, 3 to 7 per cent of the population are born with mental disabilities. Groups like Special Olympics Philippines believe that through sports, they can develop their talents and achieve their full potential.

Alex Babst, National Program Director of Special Olympics Philippines, says, "The Special Olympics is a worldwide organization. Right now we have 170 countries with 3 million registered athletes. Our mission is to uplift and work for the advocacy for the inclusion of intellectually disabled persons throughout the world. Special Olympics Philippines has about 10,500 members, all intellectually disabled. We’re really showcasing our athletes because we want to show our community that through sports they have the ability to succeed, to do their best, and to become winners."

Medals were given out during the event. Omar took home a bronze medal for running. His mother Joy says participating in sports improved his confidence and social skills.

In October, Omar will join the national games for rhythmic gymnastics. But for the meantime, he will celebrate his success with a victory dance.

String Sensation

2010-02-23T13:09:00.013+08:00

Be inspired to create sweet tunes with Noelle Cassandra, Asia’s only harpist-singer-songwriter.
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

Published: Candy Magazine, January-February 2010
Section: My World

FAST FACTS
Full name: Noelle Cassandra
Birthday: June 25
Nothing makes me happier than: sharing my original songs with a good audience.
Five words to describe me: determined, funny, athletic, quiet, loyal
My idols are: my mom and my music mentors.
If I could go to any place in the world, I would visit: Vancouver, to see all my childhood friends and family.
Claim to Fame: Awit and Aliw Awards Finalist, Yonex Badminton Doubles and Mixed Doubles Champion
Tips for being a top musician:
1. Be passionate.
2. Practice, pray, and work hard!
3. Take time to relax so you don’t burn out.

On playing the harp
I started playing the harp when I was four. Every day before school, I would wake up half an hour earlier to practice. It just became a way of life. In 2004, I graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a Bachelor of Music. I moved to the Philippines in 2005 and the experience has been good so far. People usually brand the harp as instrumental or classical music, but the type of music I play is mellow pop. It was a bit of a struggle to come out and say, “I’m a singer and I write songs too, and I want to share my music with all of you.” But I managed to do it!

On composing songs
I composed my first song when I was 17. I love sharing my music with others—it’s like my diary. You can tell exactly how I was feeling when I wrote it, so it’s really personal. It’s a challenge to make a song good enough to touch people while portraying exactly what it is you want to share. I also like to make it sound a bit different on the harp so that people will think, “Wow, I've never heard that before!”

Read more about Noelle Cassandra in Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue or log on to www.noellecassandra.com. Plus, watch a video of her playing the harp and singing Taylor Swift's "Love Story" on Candy TV!

That's me and Mimi trying to rock the harp and organ :)

Points of View

2010-02-22T11:44:00.013+08:00

Clueless about love? We got TV hosts Sam YG and Lia Cruz to answer your most burning relationship questions—and behind their witty banter actually lies some sage advice!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

Published: Candy Magazine, January-February 2010
Section: Relationships

First question! What’s the best way to get a guy’s attention?
Sam: Hello, recorder? I’m Sam YG and with me is Miss Lia Cruz!
Lia: I think the best way to get a guy’s attention is to just be yourself.
S: I was going to say the same thing.
L: Yeah right!
S: No, really! Be yourself—but of course, you’ve got to have character.
L: Yes, like an outstanding quality or trait. So if you think you’re good at badminton, you can try and develop that so you can stand out in your field.
S: Focus on your strengths and be very confident. Also, make sure you look him in the eyes.
L: And smile!

Once you’ve got his attention, how do you start a conversation?
S: I always ask the person about herself. If you’re talking, always say something that makes sense. It helps to read and to know what’s going on with the world. On the other hand, if you’re on the listening end, make sure you pay attention so that you can keep the conversation going.
L: You’re stealing all of my answers, Sam! I would start by asking the person about himself as well. There are so many possibilities and directions that a conversation can take from there.

How will you know if someone is secretly crushing on you?
L: I know that Sam is not so secretly crushing on me!
S: Ako kasi, I’m very open. I’ll tell you to your face if I have a crush on you. But for teen guys? Let’s break it down. He keeps texting—with smileys and “mwahs.” If he’s uneasy when he’s around you, then it could be a sign that he probably likes you. Or if he keeps checking you out in a subtle way.
L: Some guys are really good at hiding it, but in most cases, you can tell by the way he looks you in the eye and leans forward when he talks to you or when he really goes out of his way to do something for you or to communicate with you. For instance, every time you go online, he’ll chat you up.
S: Or magpapadala siya ng quote kahit laos na yun.
L: Ask yourself, does he treat you the same way your guy friends do? If the answer is no, then that’s a different story.
S: When it doubt, consult with others. Ask your friends! Just don’t assume.

Read more of Sam and Lia's conversation in Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue!

Behind the scenes with Lia, Mimi, Macy, Noelle Cassandra, and Sam YG

Prom Princess

2010-02-21T21:17:00.008+08:00

Cover girl Isa Abiera talks about her dream prom and how to make yours a night to remember!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Pat Dy

Published: Candy Magazine, Prom 2010
Section: On the Cover

FAST FACTS
Full Name: Isabelle Abiera
Nickname: Isa
Birthday: August 28, 1992
Where you’ve seen her: Astigs, Abt Ur Luv

A perfect prom is: having the best time with all your friends. Nothing can go wrong!

My ideal prom date is: Prince Charming.

My dream prom dress is: a red Valentino gown.

A unique theme for the prom: The girls would wear suits and ties, and the boys would wear gowns. Hehe!

One thing you should definitely do on the night of your prom: Go to the after party!

My ultimate prom essentials are: powder, blush, and lip gloss.

The sweetest thing that happened to me during prom was: when my date brought me flowers. He was such a gentleman. :)

My most embarrassing moment during prom was: when my shoes kept coming off.

My prom playlist:
1. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
2. “With or Without You” by U2
3. “Rock DJ” by Robbie Williams
4. “What You Waiting For” by Gwen Stefani
5. “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga

How to have the best prom ever:
1. Wear comfortable heels.
2. Buy a dress ahead of time, not just a day before—like me!
3. Be confident and have FUN!

For more prom tips, grab a copy of Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue, which comes with the special Prom supplement or log on to Candymag.com/prom!

The Candy Girl's Guide to an Amazing 2010!

2010-02-16T13:33:00.006+08:00

We break down 12 goals for every aspect of your life and what you need to achieve them. In just 12 months, you'll be able to bring out the best in yourself!
By Angel Constantino
Illustrations by Ben Deluyas and Nicole Lim

Published: Candy Magazine, January-February 2010
Section: Special

I love working on specials like this because it helps our readers achieve their goals one step at a time. This goal guide contains big and little goals, things to arm yourself with, as well as "The Big Result," which shows what you will gain in the end. At our last meeting, the Council of Cool girls said they really liked this special. I also came across a Candy Girl's blog, saying she was inspired by it. :)

To see the rest of the goal guide, amazing fashion spreads, beauty tips, celebrity features, relationship advice, and more, grab a copy of Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue with Taylor Swift on the cover!

Namaste!

2010-02-13T10:13:00.003+08:00

Relax and recharge your bod with these way fun yoga poses.
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

Published: K-Zone, February 2010
Section: Way to Play

I first met yoga mom Michelle and her super cute kids last year when I styled a shoot for Smart Parenting's Website. I had the privilege of meeting her family again at this shoot for K-Zone, and as always, it was fun seeing her guide her kids through the different yoga poses.

Practice yoga with certified YogaKids instructor, Michelle Ressa-Aventajado. She conducts classes in her Alabang studio and at Pulse Yoga in Greenhills and Makati. For inquiries, call 384-8043 / 0920-9472759 or log on to www.pulse-yoga.com.

For the newest cartoons, movies, celebs, anime, toys, crafts, techie stuff, video games, wrestling, puzzles, comics, jokes and more, grab a copy of K-Zone—the magazine where kids rule!

Batter Up!

2010-01-24T22:50:00.004+08:00

Nail those homerun hits with the Paref Southridge School Mustang Baseball Team!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

Published: K-Zone, January 2010
Section: Way to Play

A few months ago, Cara and Lio of K-Zone assigned this section to me. After a few shoots for them, I realized how much fun working with kids could be. This shoot was especially cool since the kids' moms prepared pizza and juice, and gave me a whole box of cupcakes (which I shared with the K-Zone team)! A few weeks after the article came out, Mrs. Cherry Tan, one of the kids' moms who helped me arrange the shoot, texted me: "Hi Angel, this is actually long overdue but nevertheless let me still say a big thank you! Also, Martin would like to say thank you very much for featuring their baseball team. He and all his teammates were so happy when they saw the article and pictures."

For the newest cartoons, movies, celebs, anime, toys, crafts, techie stuff, video games, wrestling, puzzles, comics, jokes and more, grab a copy of K-Zone—the magazine where kids rule!

Eyes of the Blind

2010-01-12T13:51:00.020+08:00

Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Evelyn Caja oozes with passion and enthusiasm for her work. She reveals why there is no greater satisfaction than teaching her visually impaired students.
By Angel Constantino
Cover photo by Monica Barretto

Published: Star Teacher, December 2009 - January 2010
Section: Cover Story

Ms. Evelyn Caja is truly one of the most passionate and inspiring teachers I have ever met. She dedicated her life to teaching special children. If all teachers could be like her, students in the Philippines would definitely excel!

Roselle Ambubuyog graduated Summa Cum Laude and valedictorian from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Mathematics. She now works for a company based in Spain that develops software and provides training for the blind to gain access to technology.

Carolina Catacutan is a Cum Laude graduate of Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines. She is a professional writer, teacher, and founding member of ATRIEV or the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired.

Roselle and Carolina are both visually impaired and successful in their fields—but their similarities don’t end there. Both were also students of special education teacher Evelyn Caja at Ramon Magsaysay High School.

Seeing for the Blind
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, Evelyn lived a simple life. Every other year, her family would move from one place to another, depending on where her father would be assigned. She says, “Medyo hirap yung elementary, high school, and college days ko because my father did not earn much, but I survived. I’ve always believed that poverty is not a hindrance to success.”

Evelyn graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the Philippine Normal University in 1967. “I chose that course because teachers were in demand at the time. It was also the only course my father could afford. My tuition fee was only 60 pesos a semester. Coke only cost 10 centavos at the time!”

It was during her college days when she first encountered a blind student. “When I was doing my practice teaching in PNU, there was a blind student mainstreamed in the class where I was assigned. Ang galing galing niya even if she was totally blind! It was my first exposure to a blind student in the regular program.”

It wasn’t until six years later when she pursued her interest of teaching the blind. She was employed at a public school in Zamboanga del Sur when she heard of a scholarship program for a master’s degree in Special Education, Teaching the Blind. “I decided to take the exam. Fortunately, I passed and was sent as a government scholar to PNU in Manila.”

Evelyn was supposed to go back to Zamboanga del Sur to start the program for the blind after finishing her graduate studies. However, due to Martial Law and the war in Mindanao, she decided it would not be safe to go back. Instead, she was hired as a SPED teacher by the Philippine National School for the Blind.

She recalls, “I enjoyed teaching there, but it was different from what I saw in college, where the blind students were mainstreamed with the seeing students. At PNSB, classes are composed of all visually impaired students.”

After 10 years of teaching at PNSB, the mother of a newly blinded child in grade four came knocking on her door. “It was Carolina’s mother,” Evelyn shares. “I told her I couldn’t enroll her daughter at PNSB right away because she needed to learn Braille first to cope with the work.”

Evelyn spent the summer teaching Carolina and enrolled her the following school year. “Magaling yung bata,” Evelyn recalls. “I knew she had the potential to be enrolled in a regular school together with seeing students. In the school for the blind, there was no challenge, no competition for her since they are all blind. So after she finished elementary at PNSB, I mainstreamed her in Ramon Magsaysay High School, which was the only school in Manila that had a program for the blind at the time. They didn’t have a SPED teacher then so every time Carolina would have an exam, she would call me and I would go there to administer it.”

When Carolina graduated in 1984, Evelyn became the SPED teacher in Ramon Magsaysay High School. “We have hearing impaired and visually impaired students. They are fully enrolled, fully mainstreamed together with regular students. I help the blind with their work, like a tutor. They report to me after their classes or during their vacant periods. I administer their exams and help them with their assignments after school. My priority is mathematics since it’s highly visual.”

Passion for Work
Evelyn believes that if you truly love your work, you can overcome any challenge. She says, “I wouldn’t be staying this long in the program if I am not enjoying my work. There is no greater satisfaction in life than seeing my blind students transform and succeed in their work.”

When Roselle Ambubuyog came into the school, Evelyn already knew she was an exceptional student.

Evelyn fondly recalls, “When I started working with her, I saw that she was really one of a kind. I believe she had all the factors needed to succeed—good genes, a good family support system, and a positive attitude towards work. She was not affected by her loss of eyesight. Instead, she took it as a challenge.”

In the four years Roselle spent at Ramon Magsaysay, she and Evelyn grew very close. Evelyn says, “In the morning, she would attend her classes. In between periods and during breaks, she would bring her baon and eat with the SPED teachers. I spent almost every afternoon working with her on her assignments.”

Even after she graduated from Magsaysay, Evelyn and Roselle kept in touch. “Mrs. Ilacad [Roselle’s other SPED teacher at Magsaysay] and I were invited to her college graduation at the Ateneo,” Evelyn recalls. “When I saw her graduate, I was on cloud nine! We were very proud to have been a part of her life.”

Teaching Special Children
While working in Magsaysay, Evelyn also became a teacher at the Center for Developmental Intervention Foundation in 1987. CDIF is the special education school based in the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. In 1996, she became the school principal. “Since my work in Magsaysay starts in the afternoon, I come here in the morning. As an administrator, I supervise the school, the teachers, placement of students, and more.”

The school currently has 110 special students and 23 regular students in the junior kinder and senior kinder levels. Evelyn says, “Our special students have autism, mental retardation, seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and language disorders. True and true, I deal with special kids from day to night.”

Evelyn explains that once doctors assess the special children at PCMC, they are referred to CDIF for education and intervention. “All our students are patients of the hospital. After the hospital does assessment, they give us their evaluation so we can plan what kind of program would be appropriate for the child.”

Evelyn loves dealing with special children, but she admits that it can be challenging to deal with their parents. “I understand that it is not easy to have a special child. Actually, our number one problem is acceptance. Parents think we can cure their child, but what they have is a lifelong disorder. This is why the hospital also has parent education to help parents understand their special child.”

A Truly Outstanding Teacher
For her work with visually impaired and special children, Evelyn has been granted numerous awards. Most recently, she was conferred the 2009 Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) by Metrobank Foundation. Because of her impressive work with the visually impaired, she has even been dubbed as the “Anne Sullivan” of the Philippines (Sullivan tutored the famous deaf-and-blind American author Helen Keller.) Evelyn was also recently inducted into the DepEd Hall of Fame for the teaching profession.

Evelyn attributes her numerous awards to God. Being a pastor’s daughter, she has always been very spiritual. “I believe God is rewarding me for all the work I have done for special kids whom He loves, and for staying in the Philippines instead of working abroad.”

There was a time when Evelyn also dreamed of joining the migration of teachers to other countries, where the pay is higher. “I already had the opportunity to work abroad,” she shares. “I had passed the written and oral exam, and I was about to sign the contract. It was 1995 and I was teaching at Magsaysay, where I was handling around nine visually impaired students. When I told them I was leaving, they were all crying and begging me to stay.”

That night, Evelyn prayed hard about whether or not to sign the contract. “I prayed, ‘Lord, help me decide. You know what’s best for me,’” she shares. “My family told me they would support whatever decision I made, as long as I was happy. When I woke up the next morning, it was so clear to me! I felt so lighthearted and ready to return the contract. There was no doubt in my mind.”

Until today, Evelyn has not regretted her decision to stay in the Philippines. After winning the Metrobank Search for Outstanding Teacher (SOT) in 2001, she won the Thomasite Centennial International Visitor Award and was sent to the United States for free in 2002. “I visited almost nine states and I was able to observe their special education program,” she shares.

For her work as a special education teacher, Evelyn truly deserves all the awards she has received. Though she has never been married, she considers all of her students as her own children. Roselle and Carolina are just two examples of the many students whose lives she has transformed. No doubt, there are so many more out there who will always be thankful for the love and guidance she has given them. Evelyn believes that any teacher can be successful as long as they have love and passion for their work. “Kapag mahal mo ang trabaho mo, mamahalin mo rin ang estudyante mo. ‘Pag mahal mo ang estudyante mo kahit may kapansanan siya, lahat magagawa mo.”

Star Teacher is distributed for free to all the partner schools of Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation. You can also subscribe at a very low rate of P340 for one year. Call 882-8776 for more details.

The Cover Team: photographer Monica Barretto, hair stylist Tony Dusich for L’oréal Professionnel, Star Teacher features editor Angel Constantino, makeup artist Tatin Yang for Lancôme Paris, and Mrs. Evelyn Caja

From Climbers to Sailors

2009-11-30T18:59:00.020+08:00

After braving the dangers of the world’s highest peak, the women of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team embark on a new adventure: sailing the Philippine seas on a replica of our ancestors’ boat.
By Angel Constantino
Photo by Dix Perez

Published: Women's Health, November 2009
Section: Life Skills

I first met Janet, Carina, and Noelle shortly after they got back from Everest. I interviewed them for a feature in Candy magazine and was inspired by what they had accomplished. Meeting them again as they embarked on the Voyage of the Balangay was equally inspiring. Amidst these trying times, I believe it is people like them who remind us every day that yes, the Filipino can!

Below is an excerpt from the article:

On May 16, 2007, Janet Belarmino-Sardena, Carina Dayondon, and Noelle Wenceslao, became the first Filipinas and the first Southeast Asian women to reach the peak of Mt. Everest. After doing this seemingly impossible task, you’d think they’ve already achieved their dreams; instead, it instilled in them a greater sense of responsibility. They came home empowered and raring to share the lessons they learned, inspire the youth, and spread their adage across the country: Kaya ng Pinoy.

After Everest, the team’s expedition leader, Art Valdez, came up with the idea to build the Balangay, the Philippines’ ancient boat. “Art instilled in us a love for our country,” says Dayondon. “Everest seemed impossible, but we showed the world that it is possible. As mountaineers, this was our contribution to the country, to inspire the youth. The ‘Voyage of the Balangay’ is another contribution to the country. It’s closer to our hearts since we are an archipelago and we’ve been using boats since early history,” she adds.

The Balangay is a wooden boat, 15 meters long and 3 meters wide, with a nipa cover. Thousands of years ago, it was a common form of transport in Southeast Asia. “The waters were our highways and the Balangay was used to transport people and goods. When the Spanish came, they discouraged boat-building. They took us away from our natural environment in order to conquer us,” says Belarmino.

In the beginning, the team never thought their simple idea would turn into an epic voyage. “We just wanted to sail, to have an adventure,” says Belarmino. “But over time, we realized the impact this project could have on Filipinos. Simple fishermen to academics who wrote their thesis about this showed their support. Like Everest, which started as a dream, this became a reality.”

Planning the Voyage
The main purpose of the voyage is to rekindle Filipinos’ love and respect for water. “We are an archipelago but we don’t have that consciousness, that passion for the water,” says Belarmino. “Just look at Manila Bay, it’s very dirty. We are island people and water is our natural environment, but we don’t know how to take care of it. In terms of our vessels, we don’t have adequate safety standards. There are so many accidents at sea.”

Another important thrust is to reconnect the present to our glorious past. "Before the Spanish came, we had our own government, our own traditions and culture. We were very independent. But we were made to believe that we were an inland people," says Dayondon. "We want to re-educate the youth about our history. That’s why some Filipinos today don’t even know how to swim or are afraid of water." Surprisingly, Dayondon is one such Filipino. “I’m from Bukidnon and I’m scared of the water,” she says, referring to her mountainous and landlocked home province in Mindanao.

Planning the Voyage of the Balangay was not done haphazardly. Since August 2008, the team spent up to eight months researching, conducting interviews, and consulting historians and experts. They also enlisted the help of the Badjaos from the Sitangkay and Sibutu islands in the southernmost part of the Philippines. The Badjaos are one of two groups of people (the other being the Ivatans of Batanes) who still possess the skills to build the ancient boat.

Resources and funding were their major difficulties, and the start of their travel was delayed. But the team knew there was no turning back. “We’ve experienced much worse in Everest. With this project, we’re confident since we are in the country,” Belarmino says. Construction of the boat began in April. The team prepared themselves by learning the necessary skills to sail the Balangay. “In Everest, we had Sherpas. Here we have the Badjaos to teach us,” says Dayondon. They also enlisted the help of the Philippine sailing team.

When the boat was finished, the team took regular rides on the Balangay to master their skills. For Dayondon, dealing with her fear of water was an extra challenge. “Once when we rode the Balangay, the waves were really big. Napaiyak ako sa takot at yumakap sa poste (mast). That’s what I have to face now—to not be afraid and to believe in the craftsmanship and skills of the Badjaos.”

As much as possible, the team wants to stay faithful to the traditional way of sailing. “We plan to sail during the daytime only,” says Belarmino. “We should be at every port by 5 p.m., dock, and spend a couple of days in each town.” Most of the original members of the Everest team are part of the alternating crew of 23. A support vessel accompanies them on their journey.

Though the team planned to set sail in June, they opted to delay their scheduled departure due to the stormy weather. “In Everest, we learned that man is nothing compared to nature. Once you disrespect nature, mamamatay ka talaga. That’s why we decided to maximize our time to complete our gears. Mother nature will allow us to sail eventually.”

For more information and updates on the Voyage of the Balangay, log on to www.balangay-voyage.com.

To read the rest of the article, and for more awesome fat-burning tips and stories of inspiring women, grab a copy of Women's Health—it's good to be you!

Live Like a Star

2009-11-27T23:04:00.017+08:00

Who says you need to be a celeb to get star treatment? You can live the good life right here at Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal!
By Angel Constantino and Mia Custodio
Photos by Patrick Martires

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: Field Trip

1. Lounge by the pool and aim for a sunkissed glow. Don’t forget those glam sunnies and a chic swimsuit!

2. Stage your own scene from High School Musical 2 on the bridge by the pool. Get ready to belt out the lyrics to “Gotta Go My Own Way” as you channel Gabriella bidding a dramatic farewell to Troy.

3. Ask your dad to teach you some golf basics and strut around the course like you’re the next Tiger Woods.

4. Grab your journal, sit on the balcony of your room, and list down your blessings while gazing at this breathtaking view.

5. Have your own fashion shoot by the pool—or even in the pool—just like in America’s Next Top Model. (Just make sure your camera is waterproof!)

6. Go for a jog around the compound then dip into the jacuzzi to relax your tired muscles. Better yet, have a Shiatsu or aromatherapy massage right in your bedroom!

7. Enjoy a hearty meal at the pool bar. Try the Mixed Grill Plate for your main course. For dessert, don’t miss the Mango Panacotta with blueberry and orange garnish. Yum!

8. Gather your barkada and have a posh slumber spa-rty like Blair Waldorf’s at the Presidential suite. Then, get the most blissful beauty sleep in this ultra-comfy bed.

ESCAPE THE CITY
Located in a highland valley along the Sierra Madre range, Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal is just 45 minutes away from the Ortigas business district by private vehicle. Whether you’re with your family or friends, this mountain sanctuary is the perfect place for a quick and relaxing getaway!

For more information, e-mail rizalreservations@thunderbird-asia.com, call (632) 651-6888, or log on to www.thunderbirdresorts.com/philippines.

A snapshot of the Candy Team after our fun planning-slash-bonding session at Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal

For more awesome features, grab a copy of the November 2009 issue of Candy. :)

Countdown to New Moon

2009-11-21T18:16:00.005+08:00

Here’s why watching New Moon will be the best early Christmas present you can give yourself!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: On the Cover

1. The transformation of Jacob Black. In New Moon, Jacob goes from scrawny teenager to full-fledged werewolf. To play the role, actor Taylor Lautner had to go through a physical transformation as well. At the 2009 Comic-Con, Taylor shares, “I knew Jacob's character changed a lot so if I wanted to continue portraying him correctly, I had a lot of work ahead of myself. As soon as I finished filming Twilight, I started hitting the gym. I got a personal trainer, ate a lot of good food—proteins and good carbs—and cut the sugars. It was a lot of work but it was definitely worth it.” We sure can’t wait to see him flex those muscles. Go, Team Jacob!

2. New director, new script. We’re all excited to see how Bella, Edward, and Jacob grow in this movie and we’re confident Director Christ Weitz will take New Moon to a whole new level. He says, “It’s a really extraordinary cast they’ve assembled for the first film, and I was very keen to work with them… Once I read the books, I realized they dealt with all these deep emotions everyone feels like love, heartbreak, and the ecstasy of reunion.”

3. More action, more drama, more love. While Twilight introduced us to Bella and the Cullens, New Moon explores the world of werewolves. Taylor says, “I'm excited that there are werewolves involved now because they definitely step up the action in the movie. There's also a different dynamic. Now it's not just this romance between a human girl and a vampire, but the beginning of a love triangle.”

4. The breakup scenes. We’re all for happy endings, but we all love a good breakup scene as well—and this movie has not just one, but two! At the 2009 Comic-Con, Kristen Stewart shares, “It's my favorite scene in the movie. We call it a breakup scene because Jacob basically tells Bella that they can't be friends anymore and he's transforming.” Taylor adds, “It was also painful to shoot because it was 35 degrees and we were being poured rain on and it was ice cold.” Meanwhile, Rob’s favorite was Edward’s breakup scene with Bella. He says, “Hopefully it'll come off as having quite a few more levels than the relationship in Twilight. It completely bypasses all the supernatural elements of the story as well, which I found quite interesting.”

5. The Volturi. If you thought James, Laurent, and Victoria were scary, wail till you meet the Volturi, a coven of vampire royalty who implement the laws of their world—with creepy red eyes to boot! They're played by a cast of new and veteran actors including Dakota Fanning (Push, Charlotte’s Web) as Jane, a high-ranking and powerful Volturi member, and Michael Sheen (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans) as Aro, their fearless leader. We can’t wait to see how Bella tries to save Edward from this intimidating pack of vampires—even scarier than those werewolves.

Photos courtesy of Pioneer Films and Summit Entertainment

For more on Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and New Moon, grab a copy of Candy's November 2009 issue and the Candy New Moon Special—available in bookstores and magazine stands nationwide!

Robert on the Rise

2009-11-21T17:30:00.009+08:00

Just because you won't see him as much in New Moon, doesn't mean you're going to forget about him. Here are five reasons why hottie Robert Pattinson will always be your leading vamp!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: On the Cover

1. He has evolved as an actor. Rob first caught our attention four years ago as sweet Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Robert has since moved on to star in more serious flicks such as The Summer House and Little Ashes. But nothing could have prepared him for the role of Edward Cullen, this generation’s most loved vampire. At the 2009 MTV Movie Awards where he won Breakthrough Performance Male, he thanks Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke “for casting me when I was completely unemployable.”

2. He stays true to himself. You’d think being the hero in one of the biggest movie franchises ever would make Rob’s head just as big. But this cutie doesn’t seem fazed by all his fame and fortune. When asked how being a part of Twilight changed him at the 2009 Comic-Con, he said, “I'd like to think I haven't changed that much… it's kind of extraordinary. I don't think any of us expected any of this to happen.”

3. He can adapt to change. New Moon literally spelled new changes for the cast and crew of the Twilight saga. A new director, Chris Weitz, came on board, and Rob had to deal with less airtime than before. He says, “I was much more of a supporting role in this one. I did a lot of my first scenes doing the apparitions which involved me saying maybe one word a week. It was one of the most relaxing jobs I've ever done. Chris was a very peaceful presence and I got on really well with him. I had a pretty much stress free job for three months. It was great for me. All the pressure was on Taylor!”

4. He knows that girls can save guys too! “There are so many people looking at Edward like a romantic hero. In New Moon, the way that I read it anyway, he's just so humbled," shares Rob about his favorite book from the series. "He's looking at Bella and thinking that he loves [her] too much but he can't be around. He deliberately breaks up their relationship which I think is a very painful and relatable thing. In the final fight sequence, Bella ends up saving Edward, as she does in every single one of the books. So it's really funny how everyone looks at Edward as the hero, but he's been continuously saved by the damsel in distress.”

5. He loves his fans (a.k.a. you!). Robert won Choice Male Hottie and Choice Movie Actor for Drama at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. In his acceptance speech, Rob sent a special shout-out to his fans. He said, “Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it. I have to say, the hottest teens to me are the Twilight fans.”

Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films and Summit Entertainment

For more on Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and New Moon, grab a copy of Candy's November 2009 issue and the Candy New Moon Special—available in bookstores and magazine stands nationwide!

Michael Jackson's This Is It

2009-10-31T21:06:00.003+08:00

By Angel Constantino
Photo courtesy of Sony Music Philippines

Published: Spot.ph, October 2009
Section: Movie Reviews

This Is It is a film about what could have been.

From March through June 2009, Michael Jackson and his crew were busy preparing for his final comeback—a series of sold-out concerts that would have been staged in London’s O2 Arena—if it weren’t for the 50-year-old performer’s death on June 25.

The movie gives audiences a glimpse of what went on during those rehearsals. It begins with Michael Jackson’s dancers talking about their experience of working with the King of Pop. Some of them are teary-eyed and barely able to speak, as performing with MJ has been their lifelong dream. A few minutes into the film, as snippets of the auditions are shown and the lucky chosen ones perform “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” with MJ, you begin to get immersed into their world.

This Is It is not an ordinary documentary. While there are a few interviews with different people who worked on the concert with MJ, this film is more about his music. Film director Kenny Ortega, who was also MJ’s creative partner and the director of the stage show, did an inspiring job of selecting the most poignant moments from over a hundred hours of rehearsal footage. The smooth transitions from different periods of rehearsals (with MJ and the dancers in different outfits) allow you to see the progression of the songs, which were arranged in the same order as they would have appeared in the concert.

But unlike the experience of watching an actual concert where everything is smooth and polished, this movie allows you to actually feel like a part of it. You see the mistakes they made, hear the odd instructions MJ would give that somehow make perfect sense (“Let it simmer…” he tells his musical director while rehearsing, “The Way You Make Me Feel”), and finally witness something close to the end product. Even the combination of high definition videos with blurry, low-resolution images gives the film an intimate feel—as if you’re seeing something you weren’t supposed to...

Read the rest of the article in Spot.ph!

Live the Adventure

2009-10-18T14:54:00.007+08:00

A project for my Multimedia Journalism class with Prof. DJ Clark (Asian Center for Journalism, Ateneo de Manila University, October 2009)

Live the Adventure from Angel Constantino on Vimeo.

Every year, AMCI Mountaineering Club conducts the Basic Mountaineering Course, a five-month long training program that aims to promote the sport of mountaineering and equip trainees with the necessary skills to survive in the mountains. The course is composed of a mix of physical activities, academic lectures, and training climbs, where trainees can apply the skills they have learned and appreciate the beauty of nature.

This video shows what this year’s Basic Mountaineering Course was like through the eyes of two trainees, Charles Ty and Lelet Volfango. As they have experienced, mountaineering is not just about having physical strength, but also about having the patience, mental fortitude, and willpower to go beyond one’s limitations.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Video
I made this video as a final project for my Multimedia Journalism class with Prof. DJ Clark. The topic is close to my heart because I myself was a trainee back in 2005 and have been an avid mountaineer since I was inducted into the club.

I really wish I could have documented all the events of this year’s BMC since it started in June. However, due to time constraints, I was only able to join two major events: their third training climb in Mt. Pulag and their orienteering weekend in Corregidor Island.

On our second night in Mt. Pulag, a storm hit the mountain. Our tents were literally bending at the poles and a lot of the trainees and AMCI members could not sleep a wink because they were wet and shivering inside their tents. While trekking back to civilization the next day, needle-like rains pelted our faces and we were buffeted by winds so strong that we almost toppled over even with our heavy backpacks.

When I asked Lelet about her experience at the time, she said: “In the midst of the fierce weather, it was also beautiful in a way. It’s a different kind of beauty—it’s fierce, it’s in your face. It’s just you and nature and God. When we were in the grasslands and I was [on the edge of the] cliff hanging on for dear life… at the back of my head, I thought, I’m so scared but this is so cool! I hope I can get to the other side. I’m glad I’ve been given the chance to go there and see it and experience it.”

I wanted so much to include that quote in the video, but it’s long enough as it is. And I couldn’t very well whip out my camera during that crazy weather while I myself was hanging on for dear life. I really wish I could have documented those moments though. Now that would have made for a great story!

The photos at the beginning of the video were taken by Roland Aquino during our climb of Mt. Pulag in 2006. The photos show Mt. Pulag at it’s best. I showed these photos to the trainees and encouraged them to go back to Pulag during the summer so they can see the awesome views for themselves. Roland also took the photo of Mt. Apo when we climbed the mountain in 2007.

Videos for the interviews with Lelet and Charles were shot with a video cam I borrowed from the office. Photos and videos of the Pulag climb, orienteering weekend, and interview with Tonyboy were shot with my Canon Ixus 850IS. I also borrowed a few photos from Mardel and Maida, my teammates during the Pulag climb. A big thanks also goes out to Carlo, Tina, and Marissa—the other trainees whose interviews I was not able to include in the video—and my other teammates Renelle, Merari, Jay and Nelson.

I really enjoyed working on this video as well as all the projects for my Multimedia Journalism class. Hopefully, I can further upgrade my skills and equipment to come up with even better, high quality videos in the future—videos of people who have amazing stories to tell.

November Update: Both Charles and Lelet have successfully completed their induction climb at Mt. Apo and are now AMCI members. :)

Task Force Ondoy Going Strong in Ateneo

2009-09-28T19:35:00.002+08:00

A personal project inspired by my Multimedia Journalism class with Prof. DJ Clark

Published: Ateneo.edu, October 2009

Task Force Ondoy from Angel Constantino on Vimeo.

September 28, 2009, Quezon City — Task Force Ondoy is in full swing at the Ateneo College Covered Courts. Volunteers are busy receiving donations, repacking goods, and preparing for deployment to areas struck by the typhoon.

According to volunteer Eric Santillan, mobilization for Task Force Ondoy started last night. It was spearheaded by the Ateneo Sanggunian, the university’s student council, with the help of some Jesuit social organizations.

Santillan is heartened by the sheer number of goods and people who came to help. “Last night it wasn’t this big. Donations were coming in and organically it just grew and grew. Now we have around 800 to 900 volunteers from everywhere. I saw a grade 5 kid volunteering and a 70-year-old grandmother sign up. People of all ages came. We are helping out several areas, like the Gawad Kalinga areas of Ateneo. I heard they are also sending goods out to Barangka, Marikina. Just this afternoon, they sent to Cainta, which is probably the hardest hit area right now.”

Volunteers first sign up at the registration booth. A short orientation follows so the volunteers know what to do. Various donations are also welcome. Santillan says, “Water is really needed right now. Slippers would be a good thing to donate. There’s also a need for mattresses, blankets, canned goods, and plastic bags for the individual packing.”

Ateneo Alumnus and singer Miguel Escueta has been going around giving help where it’s needed. He invites others who are capable to help out too. “Me and my family were fortunate enough not to be hit badly by the storm. For the people who are still okay, I think it’s your calling to help out as much as you can. A lot of people are in need of help, they’re stranded, they haven’t been able to come home, and they don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s useless if you stay home. Try to do whatever you can. There are a lot of relief centers—in Alabang, in Paranaque, near Quezon City. Just ask around and for sure you’ll be of great use around the Metro. Be informed and do what you can.”

Typhoon Fails to Dampen Spirits of Candy Fairgoers

2009-09-27T16:39:00.003+08:00

A project for my Multimedia Journalism class with Prof. DJ Clark

Published: Candymag.com, September 2009

Candy Fair 2009 from Angel Constantino on Vimeo.

September 26, 2009, Manila — Despite the heavy rains and floods caused by Typhoon Ondoy, loyal readers of Candy magazine braved the storm to get to the Candy Fair at the Mega Tent Events Venue in Pasig. Candy is the Philippines’ number one magazine for teens and the fair is an annual event for their readers.

Candy’s Team Publisher Christine Ko explains more about the magazine and the Candy Fair. “We help Candy girls about every aspect of their lives like school, relationships with their friends, families, and boys. We tackle all their interests: books, pop culture, music, movies, the latest celebrities, and other stuff like fashion and beauty. The Candy Fair is an annual event which is basically a gathering of all the Candy Cuties, the Candy girls, and the TeenTalkers.” TeenTalkers are members of TeenTalk, the message board of Candymag.com.

At the fair, guests could go around the different booths to play games, shop for items like accessories and bags, watch a fashion show by clothing line Terranova, and interact with the Candy Cuties—a pool of the cutest guys the magazine features every year. The Candy girls could even “get married” to a Candy Cutie of their choice at the Goldilocks Marriage Booth.

Actors and former Candy cover boys Dino Imperial and AJ Perez also graced the event despite the storm. They came up with an impromptu dance tutorial which the girls enjoyed.

Despite the low turnout, Candy girl Ana Gonzales, who has been reading the magazine since she was in grade school, attests that the event was not a failure. “It’s super fun to interact with the Candy editors, celebrities, and all the Candy girls. It’s all rainy outside but here it’s super fun. Everyone’s having a great time with all the freebies and the program.”

Though the event was cut short due to the weather, the Candy girls went home with lots of goody bags, autographs of their favorite celebrities, photos with the Candy Cuties, and even more fond memories with their “best-est friend.”

Listen to the Candy Fair 2009 Podcast:

View the slideshow for more photos from the Candy Fair:
Click on the image to read the caption.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

My Favorite Place: Kapurpurawan White Rock

2009-08-28T01:03:00.000+08:00

Last summer, my friends and I went on a road trip to Ilocos. Of all the places we visited, the Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation in the town of Burgos left the biggest impression on me. Watch the video to see why.

My Favorite Place from Angel Constantino on Vimeo.

5 Top Spots to Run In Without Getting Lung Cancer

2009-04-30T13:50:00.006+08:00

City sidewalks are busy sidewalks dressed in exhaust and smog. Take these paths instead.
By Angel Constantino
Photo by Roland Aquino

Published: Spot.ph
Section: Entertainment

1. La Mesa Eco Park
Known as "the lungs of Metro Manila," the La Mesa Watershed Resort and Ecological Park in East Fairview offers runners a respite from the smog-infested streets of the city. The park is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it's best to go on weekdays, as the park tends to get crowded during the weekends. For only 50 pesos (P40 if you're a QC resident), you get to breathe in the fresh air as you run through trails with varied terrain. You can opt to run on the road around the park or go into the forested mountain bike trail. The entrance is near the Petron Fitness Trail and the butterfly garden, so you might just see some colorful butterflies accompanying you on your run. For an added challenge, run up more than a hundred steps that lead to the La Mesa Watershed, Metro Manila's primary source of drinking water. The dam is off-limits though so once you hit the fence bordering the dam, it's time to run back down again.

How to get there: From Commonwealth Avenue, turn right at East Fairview Subdivision's Winston Street (after Mercury Drug Store). Turn left at Dunhill Street and go straight till you reach the entrance to La Mesa Eco Park (www.lamesaecopark.com).

2. Ateneo and UP Campuses
Rows of towering trees line the streets of these two universities in Quezon City. Aside from providing runners with shade from the sweltering heat, their presence offers a sweet-smelling breeze. For a full workout, run the perimeter of the Ateneo campus, passing the Blue Eagle Gym and the Church of the Gesu, all the way around Bellarmine field. It's best to run before or after school hours to avoid heavy traffic. In UP, one can run around the 2.2 km academic oval, which has one lane exclusively for bikers and runners. (The whole road is closed off to motorized vehicles on Sundays.) But for a more scenic and challenging route, run around the outer periphery of the campus (You can try the route used by UP mountaineers for their qualifying runs).

UP also has a lot of large gardens and lagoons, so if you're feeling adventurous, go ahead and blaze your own trail. Be sure to have some fish balls, kikiam, and a fresh cup of taho (or two!) after your workout.

How to get there: Ateneo de Manila University is along Katipunan Avenue. To get to UP Diliman from Katipunan, turn left to CP Garcia, then turn right at the next intersection. Turn left at the end to get to the UP academic oval.

3. Fort Bonifacio
A favorite venue for road runs and marathons in Metro Manila, Fort Bonifacio offers routes for all runners, whether beginner or advanced. Since traffic is relatively light, the area is not as polluted and more peaceful than most city centers. For easy runs, one can simply run around the 1.2 km outer ring of Bonifacio High Street. But to really test your limits, try going all the way down to Bayani Road. Once you reach C5, make a U-turn and go back up Bayani Road, down to McKinley Hill. When we say McKinley Hill, we really do mean hill, as the steep inclines will put your strength and will power to the test. For most of the route, you can easily stick to the sidewalks to avoid vehicular traffic. But once you go down to Bayani Road, be careful as the road can get rough and there are a few potholes. It's best to run before the sun comes up as the air is still cool and there are very few cars on the road. After your run, try the Runner's Breakfast Tray at Paul Calvin's Deli. For P230, you get eggs, sausages, pancakes, toast and orange juice. But if you're on a budget, the King's Special in Chow King works just as well!

How to get there: From C5, turn right into the service road going to Fort Bonifacio. From EDSA southbound, turn left to McKinley Road, and go straight till you reach the Fort.

4. PhilSports Arena (formerly ULTRA)
A popular venue for concerts and big sporting events, this indoor sporting arena in Pasig city also offers a respite for runners who are tired of running on hard, paved roads. The 500-meter rubberized oval track is good for the knees and perfect for doing running drills and sprints. It's a popular spot for coaches to train their protégés and teach them the art of running. You can run anytime of the day until 9 pm when the lights close, but be sure to get your ticket (only 35 pesos) before the ticket booth closes at 6 pm. If the oval track is not tough enough for you, try running outside the perimeter of the oval. The steep inclines inside the PhilSports complex will surely test your mettle, without exposing you to the elements. After you run, you can go for a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool or have some of Aysee's famous sisig, right outside the complex.

How to get there: From Ortigas, turn to Meralco Avenue and go straight until you see the entrance to PhilSports Arena on your left.

5. SM Mall of Asia
It's not just the biggest mall in Asia, it's a great starting point for runners too! Across the Entertainment Mall is the promenade–a wide sidewalk right beside Manila Bay. Running here in the early morning gives you a whiff of the salty sea air. You'll probably also see dragon boaters training at the bay and various groups doing their morning exercises. Just be sure to look where you're going though, as there are a lot of cyclists there in the morning. If you prefer to run in the late afternoon, the famous Manila Bay sunset is no less spectacular. Nothing beats racing against the sun as it sinks into the water, its glimmering red-orange rays bleeding into the sky. You can choose to run around the perimeter of the mall passing the esplanade and the Shrine of Jesus, or go all the way to CCP. From there you can run towards the Rizal Monument and pay a tribute to the country's national hero.

How to get there: From EDSA, go straight to the end crossing Taft Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, until you reach the huge globe of SM Mall of Asia at the end.

Log on to Spot.ph for the latest news and entertainment features in Manila!

Trail Running 101

2009-01-22T10:36:00.004+08:00

On Sunday, January 18, I had a different kind of running experience. Instead of running on the paved streets of Manila, I ran (well, more like half-ran, half-wobbled) on the trails at the foot of Mt. Batulao in Batangas. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of my experience!

5:30 am I drove to Evercrest Golf Club with Roland and other AMCI members. It was 10-minutes away from Alfonso Hotel, our digs for the night. The road was winding and enveloped with a heavy fog, pierced by my headlights.

5:55 The 10-km runners assembled at the starting point, ready to conquer the trail. We said a short prayer and sang the National Anthem.

6:00 And we’re off! I was only wearing the sleeveless, dri-fit TNF singlet, my knee-length Mizuno leggings, a Nike cap, and Merrel running shoes. It was cold, but I didn’t mind. I wanted to feel the fresh air brush against my skin.

6:15 I wished I had worn my real hiking shoes. The trail was rocky and I could feel the stones under my feet. I ran slowly at first because it was still dark and I was concentrating hard on where to step, carefully avoiding sharp rocks and cow manure.

6:30 The sky was starting to get light, but the sun’s rays could not break through the thick clouds. I was starting to feel at ease and ran a little faster. By this time, the seasoned 20-km runners, who started running about 10 minutes after us, were beginning to overtake us.

6:35 I reached the water and first aid station with Roland and Kim. We took a quick break to have a sip of water and catch our breath.

6:45 The rest of the trail was gently rolling. It brought us around the hillside, where we could see rows and rows of cornfields. The craggy peak of Mt. Batulao loomed in the distance.

7:00 We had to go down a steep, narrow trail filled with loose stones and mud. Ropes were set up to guide us down. Thank God for the awesome weather. At least the ground was dry and our shoes and socks were spared from being caked with mud.

7:05 We crossed the hanging bridge with ease, then made a steep, uphill climb. I was out of breath by the time I reached the top.

7:15 We were back on the road, where Roland and I met Bitoy as we passed by the Chapel on the Hill. It was tempting to just walk, but we were encouraged to start running again when we saw other AMCI members taking pictures.

7:30 We made one final sprint and crossed the finish line!

7:45 After stretching and getting our freebies (Gatorade, Men’s Health September 2008 issue, and TIMEX discount cards), we grabbed our cameras from the car and took lots of photos.

8:15 We stood by the finish line to cheer for AMCI members in the 20-km category who were just finishing their runs. (Congratulations to my batchmate, Mercy, who won 1st place in the female division!)

9:15 We headed back to Alfonso Hotel to eat breakfast. Coffee, chicken tocino, one egg, and a cup of fried rice was not enough to restore our energy!

12:00 After a quick nap, we headed to Hawaiian Barbecue—my fave restaurant in Tagaytay—with Bitoy, Christy, Marga, Marris and Ver to have a hearty lunch of spam rice, baby back ribs, chicken, barbecue, assorted seafood, and sweet pineapples. Aaah… my favorite part of the day! :)

MTV Famous

2005-08-31T21:03:00.001+08:00

August cover girl Claire tells us why winning this year’s MTV VJ Hunt totally rocks!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, August 2005
Section: On the Cover

This was my first cover feature for Candy. Luckily, Claire was very friendly and bubbly, making my job a lot easier!

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Fast Facts
Full Name: Mary Claire S. Olivar
Nicknames: Claire, Claire-Bear, Clairol
Age: 19
Birthday: January 21, 1986
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Why did you decide to join the MTV VJ Hunt?
I thought it would be a really cool job and that I would meet a lot of great people. When I was in high school, I interviewed MTV VJ Sarah Meier for a project and she is just the coolest person for me. I know it sounds corny but meeting her really inspired me to get into this line of work.

What made you stand out from all the other people who auditioned?
The producer said what he remembered about me was that I wore a bright yellow top!

How did you feel during the auditions?
I auditioned in Megamall and it was nerve-wracking ‘cause there were literally hundreds of people. I had to wait for hours—I was applicant 168! I was trying to memorize my spiel while the people in front of me and behind me were also trying to memorize theirs. It was so confusing ‘cause we all had different spiels.

What was it like being with the other finalists?
It was really fun and the atmosphere was not competitive at all. Everyone was super nice and friendly. A lot of romances developed among the finalists too! Haha!

To read more, grab a copy of Candy's August 2005 issue!

Tribute to Your Best Friend

2005-08-30T21:34:00.002+08:00

Five ways to let your best bud know she's your number one pal!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, August 2005
Section: Bond, Girl!

Here is an excerpt from the article:

To preserve the wonderful memories of your friendship, direct a tribute video for your best bud! Take shots of your favorite things and your favorite hangouts, interview her parents, siblings, and other friends, and ask them to say something good about her or give her a special message. Don't forget to add some special effects and put her favorite songs on the soundtrack!

To read more, grab a copy of Candy's August 2005 issue!

Goal For It

2005-07-30T18:50:00.001+08:00

Here are some tidbits of inspiration to help you face your fears, live life to the fullest, and achieve your dreams!
Compiled by Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, July 2005
Section: Candy Candor

This is a collection of some of my favorite quotes. I compiled it for the July 2005 issue, with the theme "Make It Happen!" and Candy Teen Model Search Winner Ellen Adarna on the cover.

It's All in the Cards

2005-07-29T18:39:00.001+08:00

By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, July 2005
Section: Bond, Girl!

When my high school friends planned to go to a tarot card reader, I really wanted to go with them but I had work that day. Luckily, I managed to convince my boss to let me write a story about it. This article was the result. :)

Profile of a Dream Guy

2005-07-28T18:06:00.000+08:00

Searching for Mister Right just got easier!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, July 2005
Section: Candyman

I've always believed that knowing what you want is the first step to getting it—and that applies to finding the right guy as well! That was my idea for this piece, which was my first full length article as editorial assistant of Candy.

The New Kid in Candy

2005-06-30T21:37:00.001+08:00

In October 2004, around the same time Ines first assigned me to write for Candy, she told me they had an opening for the position of editorial assistant. I was really interested in the job but since I was still studying in Singapore at the time, I told her that if the position was still open by the time I got back to Manila, then I would apply.

As luck would have it, the position was still open when I returned home in January and I got the job! I had also applied for other jobs at the time but after a period of discernment where I weighed the pros and cons and listed my strengths and weaknesses, I knew I had to work for Candy—and I've had no regrets since.

I started in March of 2005. When I came in, they were almost done working on the May issue and were starting to layout the June issue with Katie Holmes on the cover.

This was also the issue where Ines introduced me to the readers in her Ed's Scrapbook. She wrote, "Meet the new girl in school, Candy school that is! Say hi to Angel, our new editorial assistant. Here she is with Hale's Champ Lui-Pio. Just a few days on the job and she's already hobnobbing with the stars!" Of course I was thrilled to have my picture in the magazine for the first time—and my name in the staff box!

Since they had already assigned the articles for this issue, I was put in charge of Caught on Candy, the section where readers' letters are published.

I wrote about my first few weeks at work in my old blog—about my first (and last) Candy Rap Awards, attending press conferences, helping out at shoots, and doing my first celebrity interviews with popular Pinoy bands Sandwich and Hale.

A few months later, as I was browsing through my old files in high school, I found a project my friends and I did for homeroom class where we imagined our visions for the future. I wrote, "I always imagined myself to be the editor of Seventeen magazine, or to go local, Candy magazine."

I guess I already knew what I wanted even then. Visioning really does work! :)

Beyond a World of Goodbyes

2005-04-18T19:56:00.002+08:00

A personal essay on the SIF-ASEAN Student Fellowship 2004 in Singapore
By Angel Constantino

Published: April 2005, Goddess of Light v.1

"Reach for the stars, fly high as you can,

Brave the wind, move the mountain,

You can do it, YES, YOU CAN!"

- From the song Reach for the Stars, sung by Tata Young

at the XIII Asian games in Bangkok

The summer of 2004 had just begun when I stepped into the Office of International Programs in my home university for my qualifying interview into the SIF-ASEAN Student Fellowship program. Dressed in my freshly ironed black slacks, red collared top and leather boots, I confidently entered the room with a bright smile and a ready heart. I took a seat in front of the panel of interviewers, which was composed of the head of the Office of International Programs, two Filipino fellowship alumni, and Mr. Gerald Yeo, Director of International Networking at the Singapore International Foundation.

After several minutes of talking about my personal strengths and abilities, sharing my passion to make a difference in the lives of my countrymen, and defending my choice of candidate for the upcoming Philippine Presidential elections, Gerald asked me a most unexpected question. He said, “Angel, I noticed you like to smile a lot. Tell me, what is it that makes you feel really sad?”

Having been caught off guard, I paused momentarily to think of an answer to this perplexing question. Finally I said, “What makes me feel really sad is saying goodbye.”

Reminiscing our days at NTU

Indeed, we live in a world of endless goodbyes. Having just graduated from my university a few weeks before the interview, I recalled the pain of saying goodbye to the people I cherished most in my four years of college. After I found out that I was accepted to the fellowship, I again went through a whirlwind of goodbyes as my family and friends gathered for traditional Filipino despedida parties celebrated in my honor as a way of sending me off into a new and exciting journey. Saying goodbye to my family and friends in the Philippines was not that difficult because though I was filled with trepidation at the idea of being away from home for five months, I was also filled with anticipation for the wonderful new experiences that lay ahead. Little did I know that only a few months later, another painful goodbye awaited me.

I remember the last day of the fellowship well. Hardly anyone slept a wink the night before because we were all doing last minute packing. Our rooms were turned upside down as we contemplated on what we wanted to take home with us and what we had to leave behind. In the wee hours of the morning of 10 December 2004, we lugged our overweight suitcases down several flights of stairs and hauled them into the bus. On the ride to the airport, we were silent, perhaps because of the fatigue we all felt or the dread of seeing the fellowship, not only for our batch but for the program itself, finally come to an end.

NTUers last complete photo. December 10, 2004.

Good thing our swollen eyes aren't obvious in this picture!

Arriving at the airport and seeing the fellows from the other universities was an intense and emotional period. It was not the first time the tears flowed. We had been crying since ASEAN Nite, during the fellowship reflections, on the bus ride to the airport for some, and perhaps even before that for others. Seeing everybody at the airport clad in their blue and grey “baseball” shirts with their luggage strewn about and plane tickets in hand brought down the reality that this was going to be the last time we would be together as a group. Indeed, it was hard to fathom how the people we were saying goodbye to during those moments had come to mean so much to us after what seemed like a very short four and a half months.

The NTU girls just can't let go of their favorite guy

At the end of the fellowship, it was difficult to say goodbye because for a few months, we had experienced life together. Some of us went to the same university, slept under the same roof, visited the same places, and participated in the same activities. But while we were having similar experiences, we also met different people, studied different subjects, and experienced the fellowship in our own unique ways. We grew close to one another because whether our experiences were different or the same, we immersed ourselves in each others' stories. Not only did we share in each others' joy and happiness, we also shared in each others' pain and sorrow.

During endless conferences that could last from midnight to sunrise, we laughed at each others' crazy antics, sang enthusiastically to our favorite songs, and ravaged our supply of fattening snacks. In the quiet moments, we shared our hopes and dreams, as well as our doubts and fears. When times got tough and we felt like we were hanging on to life by a thread, we cried with each other and held each others' hands. Not only did we see each other in our worst physical state—such as the times when we just woke up without having taken a bath, combed our hair, or brushed our teeth—we also saw each others’ faults, weaknesses and limitations. But even after seeing all these, we loved and accepted each other just the same.

Together through thick and thin, the NTU girls have become my best friends.

From L-R: Neuy, Giang, Susan, Me, Bong and Wina.

In the fellowship, we depended on one another. Whenever there was a new activity that had to be organized, we were there to lend a helping hand. For instance, during the Makan Fiestas, fellows from different countries helped the host country for the night to prepare the food, set-up the place, and clean up after all the food had been heartily eaten. During the ASEAN Stories Project, we worked late on many nights and helped each other with props and costumes because we wanted to make sure that all the ASEAN fellows would be able to put up a performance that would show the best their country had to offer. In school, when somebody was stressed out about a project or an exam, other fellows would immediately help the person study or work on the project even if it meant losing sleep as well. If they couldn’t help in a concrete way, they would give the person moral support by simply writing notes of encouragement or giving her a slice of her favorite cheesecake.

My kababayans have proven to be the most loyal and trustworthy companions.

The Pinoy Makan Fiesta. August 18, 2004.

From L-R: Wil, Richard, Maida, Gabby, Plim, Roy, Me, Rae, and Tope.

In the fellowship, we had disagreements, but we also forgave each other. While working on different projects, it was inevitable for different personalities to clash and for the fellows to fight for their ideas. I remember the ASEAN Beauty Pageant which caused a lot of strife among the fellows because both the contestants and the organizers felt pressured to come up with a unique performance in such a short span of time. Despite the physical and emotional stress, however, we managed to put on a great show which impressed our audience at the Raffles Institution.

The beautiful ladies of ASEAN!

Raffles Institution. August 17, 2004.

In the fellowship, we encouraged each other and we worked together to achieve common goals. During the ASEAN Student Action Project, we braved the heat of the sun and gathered all the strength we had to collect old clothes and newspapers to earn money for our new friends in Tanglin School. When a fellow was afraid to swing on a rope from one end of the pool to the other during Fellowship Camp, to walk alone across the forest of Pulau Ubin in the middle of the night, or to crawl in the dark amidst the cold knee-deep water inside the caves of Malaysia, the other fellows boosted that person’s confidence by assuring her that she could do it and that the other fellows would be right behind her. For ASEAN Nite, we practiced day and night to come up with the best possible performances and to remain true to our promise to reach for the stars and together achieve a brighter future for ASEAN.

"FAN-TASTIC!!!"

Fellowship Camp at NACLI. Spetember 25, 2005.

Without a doubt, we were blessed to have experienced the true sense of fellowship for four and a half months. But as Gerald always told us, “All good things must come to an end.” Such is the cycle of life. Seasons change, the tides rise and fall, and day turns into night. Renowned author, Paulo Coelho says, “One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through. Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters—whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished.”

Now that the fellowship is over and no matter how painful the goodbye, it is indeed time to let go and move on to the new and exciting experiences that still await us. For those of us who have graduated, it is time to find our passion and develop our careers. For others, it is time to go back to school, get immersed in their studies and extra-curricular activities, and share with their peers the insights they gained from the fellowship. But even if we have closed this cycle of our lives and gone on different paths, the impact of the fellowship remains etched in our hearts. I find it amazing how the fellowship continues to have an effect on my own life and on the choices I make even after it is over. Not only do I now have a greater knowledge of ASEAN, I also have greater concern for its affairs. The fellowship has made Southeast Asia, which was previously abstract, very real and concrete to me. I now care more deeply about Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Brunei because they are no longer just any countries—they are the homes of my friends.

Traveling is a joy when you have generous friends to take you around!
Hanoi, Vietnam. December 15, 2004.

In the beginning of the fellowship, we were asked to write a letter to ourselves. This letter was then mailed to us at the end of the fellowship to remind us of where we came from and of how far we had come. A few days ago, I received that letter in the mail and as I read it again, I realized why it was so hard for me to say goodbye to my friends at the end of the fellowship. In that letter, I promised myself that I would build deep and meaningful relationships. However, I didn’t know at the time that to build relationships entailed a great risk on my part—the risk of being truly open, being vulnerable, getting hurt, letting others see my weaknesses, and allowing myself to love and be loved in return. Looking back at the experience now, I see that the only reason I had the courage to take that risk was because the other fellows took that risk with me. On the last day of the fellowship, one of the fellows told us that the fellowship “ruined his life.” I agree, because it ruined my life too—but in a good way. Indeed, being in the fellowship and building bonds was a risk worth taking because though the fellowship had to come to an end, I know that the friendships we have formed will continue to affect us in deep and profound ways.

Right now, I have no way of knowing what other effects the fellowship will have on us in the future. I have no doubt that in time, each of the fellows will be great political leaders, businessmen, teachers, ambassadors, and true inspirations in their own spheres of influence. I cannot predict when or under what circumstances our paths will cross again. All I know for sure is that beyond this world of endless goodbyes, the fellowship will live on.

Batch 2004 Fellows at the 2nd SIF-ASEAN Alumni Conference in Singapore. April 8, 2005.

Bicol CLC: Transforming Lives

2005-03-12T19:58:00.005+08:00

A trip to Bicol with friends from the Ateneo Christian Life Community left a big impression on me and inspired me to keep living the way of life.

By Angel Constantino

Published: March 2005, Goddess of Light v.1

The region of Bicol, located in the east central part of the Philippine Islands, is considered to be the second poorest region in the country. Its vast farmlands, rich natural resources, and smiling people, however, would make you believe otherwise. My adventure begins on the eve of March 3, 2005. Together with six graduating seniors from the Ateneo Christian Life Community (ACLC), I boarded a bus going to Naga City and embarked on an exciting journey.

Being a member of ACLC for four years largely defined my college life. It's a place where I matured as a person, developed my relationship with God, and formed deep and lasting friendships. Now that I have graduated, it is time to discern about whether or not I want to continue the way of life that I have tried to live out for the past four years. The trip to Bicol was a chance for my friends and I to be exposed to the larger CLC community and to help us discern about our commitment to CLC.

Mayor with a Cause
We arrived in Naga in the wee hours of the following morning. We were greeted by Mr. Sabas Mabulo, or "Mayor Abang" as he is fondly called. He brought us to the nearby town of San Fernando, where he grew up and which he now presides over. After resting and settling in, he brought us to the municipal office where he told us about the projects he has done for the town, such as building extensive roads and water systems. Being a CLCer, he tries his best to live out the way of life amidst his battles against the NPA, jueteng, and other maladies that come with traditional politics. It has been said that in order to change the world, we must first begin with ourselves and our sphere of influence. Mayor Abang may be a simple man living in a small town, but it is truly impressive how he has made a difference in the lives of his 27,000 constituents, as well as in the lives of the people he meets every day.

Clockwise from left: Mayor Abang, Son-J, Deacon Stan, Ate Salve,

Pearl, Angel, Kekek, Eugo, and Alfie. March 4, 2005.

The Maangas Fisherfolk
Our next stop was to the small, far-flung town of Maangas, a two-hour car ride and a 45-minute boat ride away from Naga City. This time, our guide was Deacon Stan, a veteran CLCer who formed several CLC communities among the fisherfolk, farmers, and indigenous peoples in Bicol. On our first night there, we were amazed because when we looked up, the sky was dotted with a million stars. Without the bright lights of the city, the stars were able to shine in all their splendor and glory. We could actually feel that we were in the Milky Way!

The next morning, we walked around the town and met the members of the CLC community in the area. They talked about their daily problems and concerns—poverty, lack of good education, lack of health services, and others. Amidst all of these, however, they never lacked in hospitality and good cheer. They told us of their experiences with CLC and how it has gradually changed their lives over the last three years. Pay Billy and May Ason, the elders of the community, told us about a time when food was scarce in the village and they gave away their last two bags of rice to the community. Simple and down to earth, their only request was that we remember them once in a while and help them in any way we could.

Of course, the visit would not be complete without a swim in the beach. Later that day, we rode a boat to a nearby island that had smooth white sand and beautiful seashells.

The view from Aguirangan Island. March 4, 2005.

Grass Art: A Testament to Philippine Ingenuity
On the way home from Maangas, we passed by the town of Pili where we met CLCer Mike Dychinco. He and his wife, Dinah, own a business that exports products to countries such as Australia and the U.S. We had a chance to tour their factory and see how their amazing products were made. Employing over a hundred workers and using natural raw materials found only in Bicol, Kuya Mike and Ate Dinah truly make the region proud.

Can you believe that cute little raccoon is made of grass? March 5, 2005.

Naga Pro: A True CLC Community
That night, we had dinner with the Naga Pro community, of which Mayor Abang and his wife, Ate Melyn, are a part. They have been together since their college days in Ateneo de Naga and have dedicated their lives to improving the Bicol region by putting up the Pagbicol Foundation, a non-government organization, and by striving to live out the CLC way of life in their different lines of work. It's amazing how openly we were sharing stories with each other, given that we had only met most of them that night.

Kuya Allan told us the story of how his kidney failed him a few years back. The person who donated his new kidney was Ate Salve, his unitmate. Together, they endured frequent trips to Manila to undergo a battery of tests, which were both physically and emotionally draining. Indeed, it was a lot for Ate Salve to undergo, considering she is not even his blood relative. And yet, being brother and sister in Christ, she gave her kidney wholeheartedly and told us her story with enthusiasm. As Ate Salve quips, "Kung walang community life, it's the end of my life!"

Ate Nancy told us of how her positive actions affect others in her workplace, while Ate Nhorie related how her husband eventually came to join their community after years of struggle. Mayor Abang further explained how his community encouraged him to run for public office but kept him grounded at the same time. It's admirable how they are able to impart the CLC way of life with others, not by preaching about it (because you can never really explain what it is), but by showing it through their actions.

When we asked them for advice on how we can make our own units as stable and prolific as theirs, they told us the following: 1) Set a permanent time and place to meet; 2) Have a common activity; and most importantly, 3) 'Wag Bibitiw. Don't let go and don't give up on each other. As Kuya Allan said, "I am an ordinary person living in an extraordinary community." Indeed, they may be simple and ordinary individuals but being a part of the CLC community allows them to lead extraordinary lives.

ACLCers and the Naga Pro Community. March 5, 2005.

Transforming Lives
The following day was another busy day for all of us. After hearing mass in San Fernando Parish, we conducted a recollection for more than twenty kids in Sa Harong ni Lord Retreat House. It was a fun event filled with games, story-telling, and other activities. In the evening, my six companions and I were distributed among the different members of the CLC farmers' community. I stayed in the home of Tatay Lito and Nanay Julie, who told me about how they were able to send their seven kids to school and uplift their lives through hard work and determination. Nanay Julie also told me of her experiences with the CLC community, how she has learned to appreciate and understand the gospel more, and how it has also transformed her own life.

Living in a predominantly Catholic country, Filipinos have always been criticized for using their faith as an excuse to accept their lot and to remain in the throes of poverty. After interacting with the different CLC communities of Bicol, however, it is evident that our faith, when taken to heart, can not only transform lives but can also transform society. Whether it is in a poor fishing village who struggles against economic and natural forces, a wealthy businessman who brings pride to his region, or a group of people who have dedicated their lives to living like Christ, these simple CLCers have transformed their own spheres of influence and many lives have been made better because of it. If all Filipinos did this, then imagine what an even greater country this would be!

Sightseeing Galore
Our final day in Bicol was spent going around the province of Camarines Sur. We visited the Cagsawa Ruins situated at the foot of Mt. Mayon, the volcano with a near-perfect cone. We went to the church that houses the miraculous Lady of Peñafrancia and we also got the chance to visit Ateneo de Naga. Of course, the trip would not be complete without shopping for food and souvenirs to bring home to our family and friends.

Cagsawa Ruins. March 7, 2005.

Our trip to Bicol was certainly an enlightening and grace-filled experience. Seeing how generously the different CLC communities give of themselves makes the decision to commit to CLC a more challenging and thought provoking one. I am thankful to my companions, Kekek, Eugo, Alfie, Jody, Pearl, and Son-J for being with me on this journey; to ACLC for organizing the trip; and to Deacon Stan, Naga Pro, and the fisherfolk and farmer communities for generously hosting us.

Thank you too for sharing the experience with us by reading this entry. Your comments are most welcome!

Get Ready for a Change

2005-01-31T16:58:00.000+08:00

Whether your life needs some tweaking or a major overhaul, this is the best time to find out!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, Jan-Feb 2005
Sections: Quiz and Me, Only Better!

This was my second published article in Candy. It was a two-part piece—first, the reader could take the quiz to find out what kind of "makeover" she needed.

Once the reader got the results, she could turn to the next page for a series of dares to help her be the best she can be.

The Jan-Feb 2005 issue with Chelsea Co on the cover was all about you!

Gifts of Self

2004-12-31T19:57:00.000+08:00

Creative and exciting ways you can make a difference this Christmas.
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, December 2004
Section: Me, Only Better!

I was still studying in Singapore when former Candy editor in chief Ines Bautista (who also happened to be my 3rd year high school English teacher) contacted me to ask if I was willing to write an article for Candy. I was assigned to write about ways to make a concrete difference during the Christmas season. Since the topic was close to my heart and it had always been my dream to write for a magazine, I readily said yes. Having just graduated from Ateneo a few months back and being a member of the Ateneo Christian Life Community, I had many contacts and ideas.

The article came out in the December 2004 issue with Nicole Hernandez on the cover. It was my first published article ever! I was ecstatic—especially to see my byline and my name on the list of contributing writers.

I didn’t know it then, but this article marked the beginning of my career in the publishing industry. :)