Balikbayan Magazine Dec-Jan 2012 Foreword

   In all my travels, I’ve never seen people more warm and welcoming than Filipinos.  

   Whether you are in the United States, Asia, or Middle East, no group of people is more ready with a kind smile and that “kababayan” aura that never fail to make you feel less alone especially when you’re traveling solo in an unfamiliar turf.

    Growing up in Manila—and with my alma mater standing proud right in the middle of España—I’m a witness to the country’s urban evolution.  I've seen the rise of world-class infrastructure and entertainment hubs not only in Manila but all over the country; I've conquered the many “adventurism” spots that almost made an iron woman out of me; I've tasted the freshest produce—including the intriguing durian fruit—and the finest local cuisine each amazing Philippine destination has to offer; and lastly, I've witnessed over and over just how strong a balikbayan’s love for the country really is.  It is, absolutely, the tie that binds.

   It is with this fervor that I joined Balikbayan Magazine as the new managing editor.  The new editorial team is composed of the so-called “2nd generation”—young blood, as others call it.  In these pages you’ll find not only tales of triumph, not just places of interest, not just features on the “most wonderful time of the year”, but the strong, almost intoxicating, element that binds us all—the love for one’s country.

    As I write this in a coffee shop along Ayala Avenue, I could see the famous avenue light up with its annual Christmas display.  I now end this foreword sincerely wishing that may the holiday season light you up with so much joy and may this issue bring you a lot closer to home.

Merry Christmas from Balikbayan Magazine!

KATHERINE C. EUSTAQUIO

Managing Editor

Balikbayan Magazine

Asian Journal Publications


______________________________________________________________

Balikbayan Magazine is published bi-monthly by Asian Journal Publications, Inc.  Send subscription inquiries to subscription@asianjournalinc.com and advertising queries at advertising@asianjournalinc.com

ASIAN HEADQUARTERS 
2nd Floor Unit D & E Fort Palm Spring Cond., 30th St. corner 1st Ave.
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel: (632) 856-1661 or (632) 856-4921



USA HEADQUARTERS
LOS ANGELES
1150 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017-1904
Tel:  (213) 250-9797     Fax: (213) 481-0854

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
841 San Bruno Avenue West, Ste. 12-14, San Bruno, CA 94066
Tel:  (650) 583-6818      Fax: (650) 583-6819

LAS VEGAS NEVADA
3700 W. Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Tel:  (702) 792-6678      Direct:  (702) 591-2178      Fax: (702) 792-6879

NEW YORK
5 Penn Plaza, 19th Floor, NY 10001
Tel:  (212) 655-5426       Fax: (212) 655-9241

NEW JERSEY
2500 Plaza Five, Harborside financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311
Tel:  (201) 484-7249       Fax: (201) 484-7201