Elaine's box of chocolates

"Elaine’s box of chocolates"
Sun.Star Davao, April 16, 2016

“Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get”, uttered Forrest Gump in the award-winning movie with the same title.

Indeed, life is full of surprises, with its highs and lows; as well as unexpected twists and turns.

For Elaine Lim, her world changed dramatically at age 19. With only a semester short of graduating from her AB Communication Arts course at Ateneo de Davao University, she suddenly felt a slight pain in her left knee. Results from her X-ray and MRI tests showed tumor on her left distal temur.

“Everything went by so quickly after that day. Next thing I knew, I was flying to Manila to get further tests and treatment. From the airport, we went straight to the hospital where my doctor recommended biopsy (which further confirmed osteosarcoma, a cancerous tumor in a bone) and chemotherapy. For one year, I went through seven cycles of chemotherapy and several operations. Life, as I knew it, turned a full 360 degrees. All the truth I knew became no more. The only constant thing in my life that time was change”, recalls Elaine.

Relentless

Thankfully, in 2001, she was declared to be in remission by her doctors. She excitedly went back to Davao with a goal in mind and that is, to finish her studies. In 2003, the relentless Elaine finally got her much-coveted bachelor’s degree.

“My first work experience was with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation in Manila as a concept developer. Our group was designated to come up with ideas for new and existing TV shows on Channel 2. Eventually, I became a writer and segment producer of a show that involved women empowerment, a TV show idea which I strongly believed in”, describes Elaine.

“I also worked as a writer/segment producer for “Wazzup Wazzup”, a comedic-news program on Channel 23, which featured Toni Gonzaga, Vhong Navarro and Archie Alemania. I was likewise involved with “Breakfast at Studio 23”, a morning news show with Atom Araullo, Patty Laurel and JC Cuadrado as hosts”, she continues.

Dream job

In 2007, Elaine fulfilled her goal of working in a magazine. She transferred to Summit Media Publishing and was assigned at the then recently launched “Yummy” magazine.

“I have always loved writing and working for a magazine was my number 1 dream job. My editor then gladly took a chance on a newbie like me, with no prior magazine experience and hired me as an Editorial Assistant”, Elaine divulges.

Eventually, she was promoted to Assistant Style Editor and then to Associate Style Editor. Aside from handling several sections in the magazine and writing, she was largely involved with prop and food styling for the magazine.

“For an avid foodie like me, working for “Yummy” was truly a dream come true! “Yummy” shoots were always fun and what I loved most from working there was it always involved food—lots of them! And, we always got first dibs on the latest food trends and products”, laughs Elaine.

“Yummy also opened doors for me as a contributing stylist for other magazines like “Candy”, “Total Girl”, “Town and Country”, “Good Housekeeping”, “Martha Stewart Weddings”, “Disney Princess”, and “K-Zone”. I also became a stylist for restaurant menus and ad campaigns. In addition, my work helped me tap my creativity and talent in styling”, she narrates.

International foodie

Another delightful opportunity awaited Elaine in 2011. Upon getting an email for an invitation for a job interview for a publishing company in Singapore, she booked her flight, flew solo out of the country for the very first time, and landed the job she was called in for – as a writer for Food and Travel Magazine and BBC Good Food Magazine (Asian Edition).

“My tasks involved writing articles, food and prop styling, working closely with chefs and contributors, testing recipes, and my most favorite part: checking out the food scene and discovering new food finds in Singapore!”, smiles Elaine.

A few months after, her then boyfriend followed and moved to Singapore as well. In November 2012, Elaine got married to John Wilgeor Balaba, a former colleague in ABS-CBN.

However, while working in Singapore for several months, Elaine received a call from her father asking her to help him start a cacao business using machines he fabricated.

“Of course, I hesitated at first. I wasn’t ready or willing to give up my work and the life that I was just starting to build in Singapore then. But when I went to Davao for a short vacation for a family reunion in 2012 and saw the whole process of chocolate-making, I was impressed. Talking with my former colleagues in “Yummy” magazine further convinced me that starting this business was the way to go. Afterwards, I took a short chocolate-making course in Sydney, Australia to learn more and enhance my knowledge about chocolates”, shares Elaine.

Cacao de Davao

In April 2013, the father-daughter team launched Cacao de Davao, a company committed to producing chocolate products using premium cacao beans that are harvested and sundried in Davao, a source of the world’s best chocolate.

“In Cacao de Davao, we have single-origin 100% cocoa products like Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Roasted Cacao Nibs, Pure Cocoa Butter and Unsweetened 100% Chocolate Callets (Premium Tablea), which we are very proud of. We made sure no preservatives or fillers are added in the products—just pure and 100%. We also buy our beans from local farmers to promote sustainability. We also have ready-to-eat 70% Dark Chocolates with organic coconut sugar (plain, mint, calamansi and chili variants) which is a natural sweetener safe for diabetics and those watching their sugar intake; Durian-Filled Dark Chocolate; and 50% Cacao – Milk Chocolate with Cacao Nib Brittle. Our newest one, to date, is the Dried Mango Strips covered in Dark Chocolate”, explains the 36-year old Elaine.

As a bone cancer survivor, a part of Elaine’s advocacy is to help other patients by visiting them and sharing her story. Now, with Cacao de Davao, she is also trying to commit to donating a portion of its sales to UP-PGH’s Department of Orthopedics Tumor Unit with the help of her doctor, Dr. Edward Wang of Manila Doctor’s Hospital.

“Cancer left me with these valuable lessons in life: know that everything can change in a flick of a finger so cherish each moment, appreciate what you have and what your body can do. Take care of your health. Savor family time. Nourish friendships. Don’t hesitate or be afraid to ask for help when you can’t do things on your own, it doesn’t make you lesser of a person”, reflects Elaine.

“Travel. See more of the world. Do the things that move you. Open your heart to new people and experiences. And, with fervent prayer and unwavering faith, nothing is impossible with the Lord. Trust God’s plans for you”, she adds.

Just like the dark chocolates that she is passionate about, Elaine’s journey in life may have been bittersweet, but this brilliant writer/segment producer/food stylist/chocolatier/entrepreneur is definitely made of the finest ingredients full of positivity, energy, and purpose!

Cacao de Davao products can be purchased at Cacao de Davao, San Pedro Ext., Davao City. For inquiries/orders, contact (mobile) 09172502226; (Facebook) www.facebook.com/cacaodedavao; (Instagram) cacaodedavao; and (e-mail) cacaodedavao@yahoo.com.

Special thanks to Marisol Lagrama and Erika Soriano-Mata for Elaine’s Bayong de Humabi photos as well as Nikki Gotianse-Tan and Mima Tan for the Cacao de Davao photos.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Livin' the Disney dream

“Livin’ the Disney dream”

Sun.Star Davao, April 2, 2016

“I’m sure everyone’s thinking that it must be so great to be able to enter Disneyland every day. Well, let me tell you this, you are right. It is!”, gladly confirms 23-year old Ana Isabela Mempin or Belay.

For over a year now, Belay has been living her Disney dream as one of Hong Kong Disneyland’s energetic parade dancers tirelessly performing different roles in front of thousands of eager spectators.

The young Dabawenya’s fascination to work for Disneyland started a few years ago while she and her family were on vacation in Disneyland California.

At 14, Belay vividly remembers watching the Disney parade dancers with starry eyes. When she and her family went back six years later, Belay boldly declared to her mom Joy, “Ma, I’m going to be one of those dancers someday!”.

And, somehow, the universe made her ardent wish happen.

That thing called ‘tadhana’

                 

“One day, I was just browsing online and stumbled upon the Hong Kong Disneyland job opening announcement. Some call it an accident, I call it fate”, says Belay.

Describing the screening and audition process as “nerve-wracking”, Belay recalls that there were so many talented applicants in their batch. “I was almost disheartened. But, I passed the first screening and the rest is history”, states the Ateneo de Davao University Major in Entrepreneurship graduate.

Belay’s love affair with dance began when she was four years old. As a child, her doting parents, Joey and Joy, enrolled her for summer ballet classes at Locsin’s Dance Workshop and Royeca Ballet and Performing Arts School. Meanwhile, in high school, Belay took hip hop summer classes at LCB Performing Arts Center and joined the Ateneo Dance Club until college.

When she was 16, Belay was awarded a scholarship at LCB where she was able to strengthen her foundation in several disciplines, particularly: ballet, jazz, hip hop, belly and contemporary.

“Unfortunately, after four years, I had to give up my scholarship because the schedules were in conflict with my full time job at our family business. However, the passion for the craft was burning in me, and I just had to find an outlet to keep it alive”, intimates Belay.

So, the avid dancer enrolled for two classes at LCB, became a licensed zumba instructor and taught belly dancing and pole burlesque at Trimlab.

“How I was able to juggle all of that and keep up with my day job, with my father as my boss, I may add, is still a mystery to me!”, chuckles Belay.

New roles

“The life of a Disney parade dancer is kind of like that of a cast member in a musical. We come in, warm up, do our makeup, perform, rest, and prep again for our evening parade. It's just like the day of any performer, except more magical”, describes Belay enthusiastically.

Belay reveals that various roles are assigned to the parade dancers. They are then trained for a few days depending on the difficulty of the role.

But, being a Disney parade dancer is not the only new role that Belay is playing in Hong Kong. For the first time ever, she is also experiencing life as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

“This is my first time to live away from home. Growing up, we were blessed to have all basic needs readily available and I think everyone would agree with me that one of the biggest struggles when living away from home, especially in a different country, is to have to do everything for yourself. No one else is there to pick up your dirty clothes from the floor, or wash your dishes, or make your bed, or nag you to do all of that!”, laughs Belay.

Paying the bills was also one of the biggest reality checks. Thankfully, despite their comfortable social status, Belay’s parents always made it a point to instill in them the value of saving. So, budgeting was not that much of a struggle.

“Actually I was so frugal during my first few months that I turned down every invite from colleagues to go out for dinner or some drinks”, reminisces Belay.

Biggest reward

“The biggest reward for me as a performer, and I speak for all performers, is the smiles we see while we are out there”, expresses Belay.

“What I think is even more heartwarming is when I see my fellow Filipinos cheering us on. When we hear them scream "kababayan!", we sometimes can't help but tear up. It's like a little taste of home”, she continues.

Belay considers seeing all the families and missing her own as the most challenging part of working overseas. “Being the second child in a brood of five and having two of the kindest and coolest parents, I miss going home to them. I miss being part of my siblings' milestones. I also miss having a car. I miss my yayas!”, divulges Belay.

“That's why, when you do get the chance to watch fellow Filipinos perform overseas, don't forget to show your support. It's far greater than all the riches in the world!”, Belay points out.

The brilliant performer’s advice for aspiring Disney dancers is an inspiring quote from no other than the founder, Walt Disney, himself, "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

“And most importantly,...whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)”, the bubbly Belay concludes. 

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Up close and personal with the King Archer

“Up close and personal with the King Archer”

Sun.Star Davao, March 19, 2016

#CantWaitToEatDurianLater

I read this hashtag on the Instagram post of Jeron Teng the day our alumni association was scheduled to host dinner for him and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers Basketball Team in Davao.

Jeron’s love for durian was even further validated when I received a text message from Gerry Achacoso, a DLSU alumnus involved in the school’s sports program, “Ma’am, Jeron has a special request for tonight. Durian lover pala siya. Perhaps, that’s the Dabawenyo in him”.

For the unfamiliar with the country’s collegiate basketball scene, Jeron Alvin Teng, the small forward for the De La Salle Green Archers, is the youngest son of Davao native and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) sensation Alvin Teng (nicknamed Robocop) who once played for San Miguel, Pepsi, Sunkist, Alaska, among others.

Alvin and his wife are blessed with four children, namely: Alyssa, Almira, Jeric (a former University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers basketball player now with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters) and the youngest, Jeron, DLSU’s King Archer.

In 2013, the Teng brothers made headlines when their respective teams closely played against each other during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 76 Men’s Basketball Championship Games. Jeron impressively led the Green Archers in winning in the finals and was awarded as the Most Valuable Player.

Recently, the soon-to-be 22-year old Jeron added another feather to his cap by being voted as the Favorite Asian Sports Star at the prestigious Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016, beating Malaysian diver Pandelela Rinong, Indonesian footballer Kim Kurniawan, and Singaporean footballer Irfan Fandi.

What makes Jeron so endearing to his legion of fans? My one-on-one interview with him gave me a glimpse of why he is such a darling. Well-mannered, charming and unaffected by fame, he would ask personal questions about my family and I after the interview. He even obliged the alumni and their kids to countless photo ops and video greetings, without showing any hesitation even after a tiring afternoon of playing at the Araw ng Davao Basketball Tournament at the Almendras Gym.

With 390,000 Instagram followers and still counting, it is no wonder that the sharpshooting King Archer has bulls-eyed the hearts of many!

***

How does it feel to win as the Favorite Asian Sports Star at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016?

Well, it was really a big honor. It’s an international award. In the Philippines, I was the only Filipino who was nominated under the Favorite Asian Sports Star category. I feel blessed to have won the award. I’m really thankful to those people who voted for me. And, knowing the other nominees, I feel so honored because they were big stars and professional players from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

*Were you always interested in basketball as a kid? How did your father influence you in the sport?

Well, I started joining the varsity team when I was in Grade 3 at Xavier School. Growing up, I would watch my dad’s games. That really influenced me to really pursue basketball. At the start, it was just a hobby for me. While at it and the longer I played, I felt it was becoming a part of me.

*You started playing basketball at Xavier School and now DLSU, what is a typical day for a student-athlete like you?

With our new coach right now, we practice in the morning. We wake up at around 5:00 a.m. because we would practice from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. And, after, we still have to go to class in the afternoon. Then after the afternoon classes, it’s our time to rest and do additional school stuff. We sleep early at around 9:30 p.m. or before 10:00 p.m. Because, the next day, we have another practice.

*How do you manage your time in school, basketball and social life?

I just have to know my priorities. With the tight schedule of a student-athlete, the time for me to go out with my friends is restricted. I still see them though but I know my priorities. I know I have to do well in school for me to get to play at the UAAP. Basketball really requires many sacrifices.

*How did basketball shape you and your values?

When playing a sport, you really need to have discipline. Discipline with your sleep and the food you eat. Perseverance and practice as well as playing well with others. You really learn a lot from basketball.

      *You mentioned in a video interview that you hoped that the Nickelodeon award will inspire other kids to be a student-athlete like you. What programs do you support for kids?

From time to time, I meet up with kids, sometimes with less fortunate kids. Actually, that’s my plan, it’s almost my birthday on March 21 and I’m planning to celebrate it with my brother Jeric with some kids. Probably, we will play basketball and bond with them.

*Your father has roots in Davao. Do you still have relatives here? Do you still get in touch with them?

I have a lot of relatives here. Most of my dad’s side are from Davao. I rarely see them though because it’s usually my dad who comes here. I still get in touch with them whenever they are in Manila. They would visit our house.

*Growing up in the Teng household, did you have any Davao influence at home?

My dad was born in Davao and he speaks Bisaya but my mom is from Gumaca, Quezon so she speaks Tagalog. When it comes to food, I grew up eating durian. My dad lets me eat it. Even until now, my favorite fruit is durian. I also eat kinilaw. I got a lot of influences from my dad which I didn’t realize were Dabawenyo.

*How was it like playing against your brother Jeric and his team during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 76 Men’s Basketball Finals? And, how did you feel when you won against UST/Jeric?

My brother Jeric and I are very close. We share one room. When we were young, it was our dream to play against each other in the finals for the UAAP. When DLSU won the championship, I didn’t know if I would celebrate or mourn for my brother. I know it was my brother’s last year playing for the UAAP, and I kind of felt bad for him. I actually cried in front of him when I tried to console him. I had mixed emotions. We are both competitive. It was really awkward. But, at the end of the day, we are still brothers.

 *What is your impression of Davao and the people?

I’ve been to Davao a lot of times as a kid. When my grandparents were still alive, we would often visit them. My impression is that the people of Davao are very nice and welcoming. I think it’s the safest city in the whole Philippines!

      *I heard that this is your final year to play for the Green Archers, what are your plans after playing for the UAAP?

I’m almost graduating and I hope after my playing years with La Salle, I can reach the PBA. Siyempre, it’s my dream also to play as a pro.

*Aside from being successful in basketball, what are your other dreams/goals in life?

I know basketball won’t be there forever so I’m taking up business management. In the future, I hope to come up with my own business.

*Being a role model for the youth is such a huge responsibility. What do you do to live up to this   important role?

                   I have to be extra careful, especially with my social media accounts. I know that some of the kids might be able to read my posts. I try to be responsible. But, I just do what I do because I love what I’m doing. I just want to share my passion for basketball with others.

*What or who keeps you grounded?

Ever since, my parents have taught me to stay grounded. Because if you become too proud, God can take the blessings away from you. My parents remind us to be happy with all the blessings we have been receiving.

 *Any message for Davao fans?

I want to thank our Davao fans for giving the La Salle team a warm welcome. I’m just happy every time I come here. People are so nice. Maraming durian. That’s my favorite. And, we are really excited to hit the beach after our games!

Some photos are courtesy of Jeron’s Instagram account and Nickelodeon.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogpsot.com.