Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

“It is a record of what Marawi looked before the government completes the rebuilding of the city. My first in Marawi was at the height of the siege when my husband & I brought blankets and mats to displaced residents in the evacuation centers. We also brought socks and underwear for soldiers and policemen.” ~Former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photo Exhibit will make you revisit the tragic backstory of the Maranaos featuring the heart-tugging photos of the Marawi siege aftermath immortalized by Former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque, wife of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who now works with PAG-IBIG fund, one of the government's key shelter agencies. during their official visits to Marawi.

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Mrs. Roque takes on a personal mission to capture and record the memories in Marawi City after the devastating war and just before the government completes its full refurbishments. To let the rest of the country understand the current challenges faced by Filipino Muslims in Mindanao.

Mrs. Roque's first visit in Marawi was at the height of the siege when her husband brought blankets and mats to displaced residents in the evacuation centers. They also brought socks and underwear for soldiers and policemen. On her second visit was with Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG officers to provide housing assistance to affected employees of Mindanao State University. and on her third visit was with Cielito “Honeylet” Avancena, President Rodrigo Duterte’s common-law wife, and the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association. They distributed cash assistance and relief goods to the women of Marawi.

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

This photo was taken a year after the siege, on the third level of the mosque. Task Force Bangon Marawi will rehabilitate the grand mosque, following pledges of support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

The Philippine flag is planted near the dome of Marawi's iconic Islamic Center.

Bato Mosque is historically significant to the Maranao. It served as the last stronghold of the rebels.

Bato Mosque

Located in Mapandi bride, Mapandi mosque is one of the many smaller mosques or masjids in the area. A Maranao explained that Muslims pray five times a day, so it is common practice for families to build easily accessible mosques near their homes.

Mapandi Mosque

Marawi is officially known as the Islamic City of Marawi, and its grand mosque - the city's icon - is referred to by the locals simply as the Islamic Center.

The exhibition explores the aftermath of the Marawi siege with a collection of photos taken at ground zero a year after the siege ended. There are many narratives from and of Marawi. This one is a story about the aftermath of human conflict but there are no people or guns in the pictures. The story is narrated through images of buildings that are deserted but still speak of the community that used to make it alive. The exhibit memorializes a vanishing landscape and attempts to engage viewers to provoke a greater understanding of the conflict.

The Osmena Street, which used to be a busy two-way commercial street that was home to the Marawi Doctor's Maternity, Medical and Children's Clinic, as well as shops selling hijabs and care accessories.

Osmena Street

The Agus River separates the battle are from the safe zone in Marawi.

This is Quezon Avenue. Rizal Park is located towards the left. Dr. Jose P. Rizal's bust can no longer be found.

Marawi is a city whose landscape is packed with mosques. The mosque view is taken from the second floor of another mosque.

The Islamic Center uses a modern sound system on its third floor to broadcast its call to prayer. The sound system was not spared from the shelling.

The Islamic Center's minarest has some damage from the shelling but is otherwise upright. From the minaret, the call to prayer is made five times a day.

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Residents spray-painted their names on their homes to mark their ownership. The expansive devastation caused by the Marawi siege — bullet-riddled mosques and cathedrals, crushed commercial and residential buildings and wrecked bridges and roads.

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

This is Mapandi Bridge, one of the three bridges approaching the main battle area that the military locked down. The Most Affected Areas (MAA) cannot be entered. This was an important bridge because it was the military's main supply route. Thirteen soldiers died here on June 9, 2017, as they fought to recover the area from the Maute Group

Mapandi Bridge

There are two big mosques within the most-affected areas (MAA), but there are some smaller mosques or masjids in almost every road. 

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

The Al-Farabi International Academy, Inc. bears marks of the siege. It is located along with the rotunda in the pumping area, near one of the three bridges that connect the battle area from the safe zone.

The Al-Farabi International Academy, Inc.

The sign of the four-story Marawi Doctors' Maternity, Medical and Children's Clinic lie on the ground. The city residents prefer to go to a private hospital for minor and regular medical consultations rather than the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, which was bigger but a bit farther. Around the hospital are structures that looked like residential houses but were actually business establishments. It was common for Maranao to hold their business on the ground floor and live on the upper floor.

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

"Bombang hindi sumabog" or unexploded ordnance (UXO). This is Menor Street, the road where the Islamic Center or Grand Mosque is located. Task Force Bangon Marawi allowed the city's residents to see their homes a year after the siege after officials felt comfortable enough that they have cleared the place of UXOs.

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Catch the photo exhibit in the following SM Malls:

• Megamall (June 3 to June 11)
• Southmall (June 24 to 29)
• Sucat (July 22 to 28)
• Rosario (August 5 to 11)
• Telabastagan (August 25 to 31)

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Picturing Marawi Photographs by Mylah Reyes Roque

Generous support for "Picturing Marawi" has been provided by SM Supermalls, with help from the National Museum of the Philippines.

Century Park Hotel Treats Dads on Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, dads deserve comfort and rest from their tiring duties as both the protector and provider of the family, after all, they are the foundations of our homes.” ~Anthony Tan, CPH’s General Manager

Century Park Hotel Manila announces its offerings this coming Fathers Day! If May was a month to honor the queen of the household, June is the month to celebrate Fathers, the foundation of families. Dad's the main man on June 16 as he gets a free lunch or dinner buffet for every 3 paying guests at Cafe in the Park.  For a minimum spend of P1,200 at the Atrium Lounge, dad can also have a free local beer or house wine.  A free sushi cake awaits the special man of the day at Century Tsukiji also for a minimum spend of Php 1,200.00.  

At homes, fathers are usually perceived as the reserved and quiet member of the family but behind the facade of strength and stability lies a heart that can also provide care, comfort, and warmth.

Century Park Hotel recognizes the great tasks that fathers accomplish for their children. To sons, fathers are role models they look up to, while to daughters, fathers are the first to treat them like a princess.

This is why at CPH, #DadsMyMan! On June 16, 2019, Fathers enjoy a Father’s Day Special at CPH!  Get 1 FREE buffet lunch or dinner for every three paying guests at Cafe in the Park. Buffet prices start at Php 795.00 net (kids 6-10 years old) and Php 1,495.00 net (adults).

Consequently, for a minimum spend of P1,200, dads can drink a free local beer or a glass of house wine at the Atrium Lounge. They can also enjoy a free sushi cake at Century Tsukiji also for a minimum spend of Php 1,200.00.

To know more about Century Park Hotel, visit www.centurypark.com or contact information@centurypark.com.ph and telephone number: (632) 528-8888.

Launched in 1976, the Century Park Hotel remains as one of the finest hotels in Manila. It is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation and enjoys a mix of local and international patrons. The renowned establishment has over 500 rooms in varied types and facilities for a complete dining and leisure experience.

Century Park Hotel to hold a live-cooking demo at MAFBEX

“Chef Huey is one of our talented chefs at CPH, I am looking forward to how he will amaze the MAFBEX crowd with his cooking expertise.” ~Anthony Tan, CPH’s General Manager

Chef Huey Marcial

Century Park Hotel, will be participating at the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo this coming June 12-16, 2019 at the World Trade Center. Their very own Sous Chef, Huey Marcial, will hold a live cooking demo on June 14 from 1:00-2:30pm. 

The Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) is up for another run! Founded in 2006, MAFBEX has established a topnotch trade affair in the world of food and beverage. This 2019, the exhibit will be held on June 12-16 at the World Trade Center.

For several years, MAFBEX has been the melting pot of the biggest trailblazers and passionate newcomers of the industry with over 500 different booths all about food trade. The event also gives attendees a chance to interact with companies and professionals from Europe, US, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and Korea.

Different cooking and hospitality competitions are also featured in the event. This year, Chef Huey Marcial, Sous Chef of Century Park Hotel Manila, is taking part in the live-cooking demonstration at MAFBEX.

Huey Marcial

Chef Huey has made rounds around the world of the hotel and restaurant industry because of his expertise in cooking. With a degree in hospitality and culinary arts, Chef Huey started in the Asian buffet of Mandarin Oriental Manila, later on venturing as a Commis/Kitchen Helper at Makati Shangri-la and The Peninsula Manila, where he learned pastry making and Indian cuisine.

He has also worked at Sunland Hotels, Maldives as Chef de Partie where he was trained to please the taste buds of the international world, even receiving a Silver Medal during his participation in the 2016 Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary also in Maldives.

Currently the Sous Chef of Century Park Hotel, Chef Huey is in charge of developing dishes with the Executive Chef and takes delight in creating gastronomic experiences for the guests.

Wondering about the dish he will prepare for MAFBEX? Make sure to catch his cooking demonstration on June 14, 2019, 1:00pm-2:30pm at the World Trade Center.

To know more about Century Park Hotel, visit www.centurypark.com or contact information@centurypark.com.ph and telephone number: (632) 528-8888.

Launched in 1976, the Century Park Hotel remains as one of the finest hotels in Manila. It is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation and enjoys a mix of local and international patrons. The renowned establishment has over 500 rooms in varied types and facilities for a complete dining and leisure experience.

Five ways that you can embrace the green lifestyle

“Philippine Geogreen is determined to help more Filipinos embrace a sustainable lifestyle, whether in their own homes or in their businesses. This is why we have brought in many innovative solutions to the country. Over the past ten years, we have helped thousands of Filipinos discover sustainable and cutting edge solutions, and we would like to make this widely available to all. Our goal is to get everyone to cut back their carbon footprint.” ~Liza Morales-Crespo, Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Geogreen

Philippine Geogreen, is the country’s leading supplier of green products, who has been providing innovative solutions to homes and businesses. Their advocacy has made it possible for Filipino homeowners to have livable, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally sustainable dwellings.

Given the current issues on unbearable heat, water interruptions and the general environmental issues that the country experiences, we feel that by keeping Filipinos informed of the possible alternatives, we can all do more to live environmentally sustainable lives and push for businesses and our government to do the same.

Climate change is a reality that none of us can ignore. In the race to save the planet from its adverse effects, all of us can do our part to ensure that we lessen our carbon footprint and live a sustainable lifestyle.

While the task at hand may seem daunting, companies like Philippine Geogreen, with its line up of innovative solutions, make greener living within reach for homes and businesses.

1. Turn air into water

• Believe it or not, you can actually get water out of the air, thanks to the Philippines’ hot and humid weather. Geogreen’s atmospheric water generator (AWG), water is extracted from humid ambient air, literally allowing you to create water out of thin air. Water vapor in the air is condensed by cooling the air below its dew point, extracting water in the process. This device is designed to render the water potable with multiple stages of filtration, making it safe for home, commercial, and industrial use. It even allows you to bring down your water cost.

2. Choose energy efficient fans

• To survive the Philippines’ hot weather, we all need electric fans. However, not all fans are created equal. Philippine Geogreen combines energy efficiency and aesthetics in its Haiku Fan. The Haiku fan is a small ceiling fan made with an award-winning motor and controls that deliver a silent operation without compromising comfort. It generates a cooling effect that is 80% more efficient than conventional ceiling fan motors. Haiku’s airfoils and central motor housing blend together into a single, seamless organic form, beautifully wrapped in a sleek, modern package. Moreover, all Haiku fans exceed ENERGY STAR registered requirements for ceiling fans from 2012-2018, making it the most energy-efficient ceiling fan available in the Philippine market.

3. Maximize natural light

• Nothing can be more beautiful and energy-efficient than having natural light illuminating your home. To ensure that you can get sunlight into your home, get the Solatube Daylighting Systems. This brilliant system is specially engineered to capture the sun’s rays creating brighter and more expansive rooms. The Solatube can be installed in as little as two hours and requires no structural changes to the building.

4. Keep the air clean using the power of light

• Believe it or not, you don’t need air purifiers or vacuums to clean the air. An innovative solution by Philippine Geogreen allows your walls to clean the air! LumActiv is a paint coating that has the capacity to clean the air once it gets activated by either sunlight or electric light. It can also keep building exteriors clean by breaking down city smog and makes the exterior glass cleaner for a long period of time, thereby reducing the need for repainting and maintenance.

5. Stop dredging

In maintaining beaches and coastlines, there is no need to practice dredging or purchasing new sand. Geogreen offers its groundbreaking product, Sherlock, a technology that protects and restores coastlines in a sustainable manner. 

Philippine Geogreen, Inc. was established to address the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible building products in the country. It is the authorized Philippine distributor for some of the best energy saving fixtures in the U.S., including Solatube Daylighting Systems, Big Ass Fans, Topps Products, and Solar technologies, as well as many industrial innovations that promote environmental sustainability. Its clients include top Filipino and multinational firms and organizations in the country.

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden! Celebrate Cheese as part of the Filipino Way of Life

“Cheese is such a wonderful food that you can’t outgrow it. It is indispensable to our culture and daily lives as Filipinos. Cheese is one of the earliest foods we taste and the delight of it stays on from infancy to adulthood. We have grown up with it and it has been part of our lives all these years. Cheese is practically a “no-fail” ingredient…you can even burn it and it still tastes good. We love cheese because it blends creaminess into our taste buds. It is comfort food!” ~Nancy Reyes Lumen, renowned Food Journalist and “Adobo Queen”

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Today is National Cheese Day! Everyone can relate to the deliciousness and creaminess that cheese, particularly the country’s number one cheese, Eden brings to the dishes we serve our families. Enjoy the many ways we celebrate our culture and traditions with delicious and cheesy dishes. Everyone can relate to celebrating the deliciousness and creaminess that cheese, particularly the country’s #1 cheese, Eden brings to the dishes we serve our families. 

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Today is the best day to ask, what’s your favorite way to enjoy Eden cheese? Do you like to eat it in the morning for breakfast, with the solid combination of freshly toasted pan de sal? Or maybe you like to mark your birthdays as many do, with cheese grated and melted over Mom’s or Lola’s delicious Pinoy Spaghetti.

“Eden has been helping moms make her dishes more delicious with creaminess and goodness for the past 38 years. Since the brand was launched in 1981 until now, moms can continue to enjoy the quality and deliciousness she and perhaps her Mother or Grandmother have loved for many years. It’s a promise we make to Moms, that when she uses Eden cheese for the dishes she serves her family, she is able to choose goodness for them.” ~Kristen Mendoza, Brand Manager for Eden cheese, manufactured by Mondelez Philippines

Here are some recipe's you can make with Eden Cheese

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Cheesy Buttered Garlic Brocolli

Cheesy Chicken Relleno

Cheesy Lumpiang Lechon

Cheesy Pesto Pasta

Corned Beef Sandwich

Dynamite Rolls

Spaghetti

Better yet, you might enjoy cheese when it’s part of traditional fiesta dishes you devour with rice, like Tita’s Caldereta, Mechado or your Ate’s special Buko Salad and Leche Flan for dessert. There are so many ways and occasions we use Eden cheese in our daily lives, that it has become part of our traditions and cultures much like the dishes we love. Whichever way you like to enjoy Eden cheese, you can be assured of its deliciousness and creaminess every time. 

Happy National Cheese Day from Eden

Celebrate National Cheese Day today by making your favorite dish or snack with Eden cheese.

Strong for Someone Advocacy: Building A Community of Support for Cancer Patients

“As a global organization of over 120 years, we commit ourselves to really doing what patients need next, not just in research but by way of assistance. In reality, while we produce medicines, what we do not understand is what else goes on inside a patient’s mind. And to be honest, while we aim for better outcomes physically, what they truly need is to be strong for someone. Our patients need our strength as well.” ~Dr. Theresa Martinez, Roche (Phils) Inc. General Manager. 

(from L-R) Dr. Clarito Cairo, Cancer Program Manager for DOH; Dr. Hiyasmin Alejandro, Chair of Multimedia Committee of PH Society of Medical Oncology; Dr. Marilucel Aganon from PCSO; Celebrity Vlogger Wil Dasovich; Aileen Antolin, VP & trustee for Program Development of Phil. Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc.; and Dr. Diana Edralin, Country Medical Director of Roche (Phils.) Inc.

In the battle against cancer, it's easier to be strong when you are STRONG FOR SOMEONE. Cancer is strong, but the fight against it is stronger, especially when there are people around us to battle this brutal disease with. In the Philippines, cancer poses major staggering challenges that menace so many Filipinos. Aside from being the second leading cause of mortality, many patients cry out financial setbacks from the hefty cost of treatment and the emotional torment along the battle journey.

Strong for Someone

Roche (Philippines) Inc. coordinated with different groups, including Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), a professional non-profit organization of Medical Oncologists that aims to advance the science and ethical, holistic practice of cancer care in the Philippines. This organization of doctors serves as the pillar in providing education on the latest treatment solutions and information available for cancer patients. Launched its Strong for Someone as the market leader in oncology in the Philippines. It is a great campaign that offers support for all Filipinos diagnosed with cancer, offering to provide so much for cancer patients, both financially and emotionally (monetary funds + support groups). Many of us are unaware that one of the most important things that could help someone get through the tough experience during battling with cancer was SUPPORT, unfortunately not available for everyone who gets diagnosed with the disease. Strong for Someone advocacy aims to inspire and ignite strength among cancer patients and their families by creating a nationwide community that will serve as their pillars of support. Strong for Someone is a multi-stakeholder campaign that provides access to information for cancer patients, caregivers, and their families on disease awareness, treatment solutions, funding sources, and emotional support. 

(L-R) Aileen Antolin, Vice President and Trustee for Program Development Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc.,; Wil Dasovich, Strong for Someone Ambassador Cancer Survivor; Jojo Flores, Cancer Survivor, and Advocate.

Cancer is strong, but the fight against it is stronger, especially when there are people around us to battle this brutal disease with. 

The Strong for Someone advocacy emphasizes that the fight in keeping cancer at bay is plausible with the right medical expertise, timely healthcare interventions and cutting edge pharmaceutical solutions; by making a life-saving solution available; and by forming a support system whose listening ears and helping hands will serve as a moral compass for the patient.


Besting treatment solutions
But Roche (Phils) Inc. country manager director Dr. Diana Edralin said many cancer-stricken patients abruptly bailout from undergoing treatment procedure due to personal reasons, availability of medicine or they just simply choose to concede in the battle. This is because they are not served with more comprehensive and in-depth information on the treatments and other options that they make take.

To address this concern, the organization coordinated with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), a professional non-profit organization of medical oncologists that aims to advance the science and ethical, holistic practice of cancer care in the Philippines. They also help to provide education on the latest treatment solutions and information available for cancer patients.

“We want our approach to be more on giving patients informed decision. Before we decide on doing or undergoing any particular treatment, they should at least have an informed decision. Gather all information they can get that are validated and from reliable sources and then decide. We advocate the choice of patients, but still, as clinicians, we want the best for our patients.” ~Dr. Hiyasmin Alejandro, PSMO Chair of Multimedia Committee

Strong for Someone

Financial access
As one of the most financially catastrophic illnesses, Roche (Phils) Inc. tapped the support of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to share both existing and upcoming programs that will lessen the financial burden among cancer patients and their families.

DOH Cancer Program Manager Dr. Clarito Cairo said the health sector has rolled out financial assistance programs for Filipino cancer patients and is continually working to widen its access sites in the coming months to help more cancer patients and survivors.

“Even before the enactment of the cancer law, we have the medical assistance program in 2017 and we have the medicine access program since 2011 for breast cancer, childhood cancer, and colorectal cancer. For medical assistance program, we cover the diagnostic and therapeutic expenses.” ~Dr. Clarito Cairo, DOH Cancer Program Manager

Dr. Cairo said with the signing of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, the DOH assistance programs will soon be scaled up and institutionalized for better accessibility, health outcomes and reduced financial burden.

PCSO also provides financial assistance under its Individual Medical Assistance Program. According to PCSO representative Dr. Marilucel Aganon, cancer patients can apply and avail of financial assistance from the organization anywhere in the country as long as they secure a complete copy of the required documents. 

Moral support
Strong for Someone is also endorsed by no less than television personality, model, and vlogger, Wil Dasovich, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017; but with the help and support of family and community, he was able to fight the disease. He serves as proof that a strong support group helps a cancer patient battle the disease better and stronger.

“While we recognize that better outcomes for patients are expected as new treatments are discovered and become available in the market, we also believe in the importance of the collective resolve of the patient’s support system to not give up and to be strong for each other. Each cancer patient needs to have pillars of support: their families, their doctors, other patients, government institutions, private organizations. We are here to bridge them together.” ~Edgar de las Alas, Campaign Lead from Roche

With this campaign, Roche, together with its partners and ambassador, aims to bring out strength from a network and community by using platforms that would further increase awareness on the advocacy campaign. These include videos and an interactive community page that will present cancer patient stories of survivorship to serve as an anthem of strength between patient and their loved ones. These channels will also serve as sources of information, engagement, and build connections from patients, doctors, support groups, and institutions that can help provide financial support.

Strong for Someone

Strong for Someone

Strong for Someone

I encourage you to join the Strong for Someone FB page and be a part of this community. And to everyone who has battled or is currently going through a great challenge, my prayers go out to both you and your family. ❤️

If you’re battling the big C or you’re supporting someone who is, join the Strong for Someone community and let us help you stay strong in this fight. Let us realize how important it is to be #StrongforSomeone.

Strong for Someone

Strong for Someone

Strong for Someone

Strong for Someone

To know more about Strong for Someone advocacy campaign, follow https://www.facebook.com/pg/StrongforSomeone.