oct-nov australian filipina

One Voice at the Opera House ................This issue’s contributors .................Top 5 tips to finding a lender ........................A taste of Tinseltown .....Travelling do-gooder .....Valerie Tolosa Fashion ....................... The dizzying heights of an ancient city .......Secret mothers business ......................Postcards from Scandinavia ................The Devil’s 6 Commandments ........White chocolate mud cupcake recipe ...........

In my Kellyville home studio, I handed my 10-year-old One Voice

singing student a postcard of a room showing a 14-metre-long floor-to-ceiling woolen tapestry designed by Jørn Utzon and parallel to it the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour. She took it with a puzzled look on her face. “This is where you will be singing at the end-of-year concert, the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera house!” said to her.

“Sydney Opera House!” she said as her eyes filled

with excitement and hope while a smile beamed across her face. Then it turned to worry. Just as I had expected and exactly the reason why I gave her the postcard.

“Each night I want you to imagine yourself on stage singing and moving confidently in this room with all your friends and family happily watching you.”

I explained to her that before we could even begin to imagine what it is we want from a performance,

One Voice school of singing At the Abot Kamay charity event in Blacktown. Pictured with So You Think You Can Dance finalist, Rhiannon Villareal.

Ally Barrientos and Tina Bangel.

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Our October/November issue features some excitement and a little adventure.

We can’t wait for December to come because Tina Bangel’s One Voice school of singing will be performing at the Sydney Opera House (p1).

If you live in Sydney, head on to the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington where an indie movie is showing with Filipino actor Felino Dolloso playing the lead (p31). Be quick because it’s only until 24 November.

We also feature Daniella Serret, a young Australian-Filipina actress who’s set her sights on Hollywood (p5).

As a child I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient civilisation of the Incas from South America

(continued page 2)

One Voice to perform at the Opera HouseIt’s not everyday that young and talented Filipinos get to perform at the Sydney Opera House. Vocal teacher TINA RANOSO BANGEL shows it can be done.

we first have to believe that we have the capability to achieve great possibilities. Without belief, we would never even attempt to do anything about our dreams.

We are slowly but surely climbing the steps towards fulfilling our dream to sing in the most beautiful place in Sydney. To top off the excitement, Oprah will film her momentous show on the Opera house forecourt the day after our performance. We are all crossing our fingers hoping to catch a glimpse of Lady O.Set under the iconic sails, ‘Beyond the seas’

will feature students singing contemporary tracks focusing on countries around the world. Apart from celebrating our 7th birthday, we want to celebrate the school’s cultural diversity. We have been rehearsing every Sunday and in November, Rhiannon Villareal from Channel 10’s So You Think You Can Dance will conduct a dance workshop just to help the kids feel comfortable moving their bodies.

We have a few guest performers from the talented R&B group Revibe (Guy Sebastian’s support act during his tour in the Philippines)to African drummers. Award-winning dance

crew Kookies n Kream choreographed by Leizel Igadna will add that extra wow factor to the performance. To tie it all up, we are

honoured to have Mr. Rod Dingle as our MC.Our mission in the school is to promote

confidence and expression in our students and we endevour to give them every opportunity to develop their craft. What really brings a tear to my eyes and tugged on my heart strings was every student response to the question – “what do you want to get out of this experience?”, their honest reply was “to make my family proud!”

We thank each person involved with this special event from sponsors, friends and especially our families.

We hope you can support our budding performers, come and enjoy the songs that come from their heart!

* If you would like to sponsor our event or purchase tickets, please contact Tina Ranoso Bangel on 0414626004 or 98363389 or visit www.kindermusikwithtinabangel.com.au

The Australian Filipina is among the proud sponsors of ‘Beyond the Seas’.

and got totally jealous after reading about Erica Enriquez’s travels to Cusco, Peru (p17) where she also taught English to primary school children (p9). And if you’ve never thought of travelling to the Scandinavian part of the globe, maybe Michelle Roldan’s photos will change your mind (p22). Valerie Tolosa’s invitation to her store opening is on p12 and you can find a yummy recipe from Katrina Quesada on p33.

It wouldn’t be Australian Filipina if we didn’t give you some financial tips now, would it. In this issue it’s all about finding a good lender (p4).

On other news, as this is my final edition, I’d like to say thank you and farewell.

Yup, I’m leaving the Australian Filipina magazine in the more-than-capable hands of Michelle Baltazar. Thank you Mich, for sharing the dream with me from the beginning of providing a high quality publication for our beloved Australian-Filipino community. I know our precious baby will be going on to bigger and better things with you.

Also, thanks to my lovely contributors, Katrina Quesada and Erica Enriquez, for approaching me and wanting to contribute to the mag. Thanks to Kat Mayo and my sister, Michelle Roldan, for having been there from the very first issue right up to now. And thanks to Valerie Tolosa for her beautiful creations in our fashion pages.

Last but not least, thanks to Jimmy Pimentel, for believing in Michelle Baltazar, Kristyn Maslog-Levis, and me, way back in 2005, and giving us the freedom to run with your wonderful idea that is The Australian Filipina magazine. We wouldn’t have been able to make our own dreams of contributing to the Filipino-Australian community without it.

And of course, thank you to all our readers, all the best and keep on reading!

Mimmette xx

(Editor’s Note continued)


Clockwise from top: Erica Enriquez, ValerieTolosa, Kat Mayo, Katrina Quesada and Michelle Roldan.

While it’s possible to generalise about borrowers’ requirements, ultimately no two people are exactly alike – and it’s a mistake to think that ‘one size fits all’ when it

comes to finance,” said Chris Acret, Smartline’s managing director.Smartline offers these top five tips for choosing a lender.

1Know your goals and develop a checklist so that you can assess lenders’ flexibility

“It’s a good idea to develop a checklist of things you’re looking for, but it’s equally as important that your checklist be flexible and that you’re open to potentially changing your priorities,” said Acret.

“For example, the lender you currently have your transaction accounts with may not have the best loan product to suit your needs or, simply, if one of your priorities is to have an offset account attached to your loan, you may not be able to access it via an ATM.

“Things that may seem unimportant now, could prove very inconvenient down the track.

2The interest rate is only one of many factors in your decision

Acret said that while interest rates are an important aspect of your evaluation, it should not form the be-all and end-all.

“Generally speaking, mortgages are held over a long period of time and this means that the cost of interacting with the bank, over what is usually many years, needs to be taken into account,” he said.

“A honeymoon rate might look attractive now, but it’s not likely to save you money when and if you decide to use the lender’s other services – such as repayment holidays, a redraw facility, a loan top-up or accessing your lender’s and other lenders’ ATM facilities.

“It’s important to consider the whole cost of the loan which means taking everything into consideration – from product features to product fees, which may incorporate application fees, annual fees and exit fees.

“At the start of the mortgage you may not think there is a possibility that you might repay or re-finance your loan within four years, but your situation may change meaning exit fees will become an issue.”

Exit fees are often referred to as ‘early termination fees’, which is the cost of closing the loan. Different banks use different terminology and

early termination fees can also be known as deferred administration fees, deferred establishment fees or early repayment fees.

3Consider lenders’ overall services and offerings

Lenders present a range of services and offerings that might not seem appropriate now but could be in the near future.

“Typically, our lives are changed by events that can make a difference to the way we view our mortgage,” he said.

“These life events might include taking an extended holiday, getting married, having a family, being promoted, changing jobs, being made redundant or starting your own business, and each of these has an impact that may mean we need different things from our home loan to suit these new circumstances.

“So, when considering lenders investigate all loan offerings – like whether or not you have the ability to switch from a variable to a fixed rate, substitute security or access redraw – and their services, such as access to ATMs, and internet and phone banking.”

4 Ensure your lender can work with you to get your loan structure right

Acret said that loan structuring, which covers the type of loan you use, how you fund the required deposit, what securities are provided and what type of payments you make, is important for any property purchase, but even more so for an investment property because of the associated taxation issues.

“As such, it’s important to make sure the lender you choose can structure your loan – or loans – in a way that suits your individual needs.”

5 Shop around

Australian lenders operate under regulatory guidelines designed to encourage responsible lending. One of the most successful aspects of these guidelines has been the Ability to Repay Test, which is commonly referred to as serviceability or borrowing capacity.

“Lenders must demonstrate they’re satisfied that borrowers can afford to repay their debt, but each of them interpret the Ability to Repay Test in different ways, therefore the loan amounts lenders deem to be responsible also differ greatly,” he said.

“Also, some bank use different income sources in different ways, so a customer on a given income level may be able to borrow more or less with different banks.

“The borrowing capacity can vary so much from lender to lender that just going with the lender you currently bank with could limit your home purchase price – so it pays to shop around.”

Since the global financial crisis (GFC), lenders have developed a range of policy innovations and made significant changes to their lending criteria.

“Credit policies have always varied from lender to lender, but there is now much closer scrutiny being paid to loan applications and borrowers’ credit histories – including, for example, the number of credit applications you make,” said Acret.

* This article was sourced from a media release sent by Smartline. For more info, go to www.smartline.com.au

Top 5 tips to finding a lenderAccording to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers, while selecting a loan and lender can seem daunting, with a few ‘smart tips’ finding one to suit your individual needs can be easy.

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With a laser-like focus on working in Hollywood, Daniella Serret exudes a confidence and maturity beyond

her 22 years that can convince almost anyone she’ll be in the next summer blockbuster.

It doesn’t hurt her chances that she’s also been endowed with exotic good looks from her French father and Filipina mother. At least definitely not in the US where L.A. casting directors would comment on how she must get a lot of work back home. Sadly, Serret has to correct them and tell them the disappointing truth. “Ethnic actors still have it tough here in Australia, not like the US where they love them,” she said. “Australian media isn’t reflective of the ethnic mix we actually have.

“Most of the time they’re looking for a ‘look’ and most of the time they tell me I don’t have the right look.”

When the entertainment industry is slow to get on the ethnic bandwagon like they’ve been on for years in the US and UK, jobs for actors like her are scarce. But there are some out there and competition is fierce.

It’s no surprise that Serret has been working hard to build on her portfolio. She’s appeared in an episode of All Saints and played the lead in Tallulah Falls Apart, an indie film that also features fellow Filipino actor, Felino Dolloso – plus numerous other theatre shows and shorts.

The last couple years have proved the most fruitful after she was chosen from thousands to attend the Professional Actor’s Workshop in Los Angeles in 2009 and again, this year.

“We went to L.A. and did workshops with the best casting directors who gave feedback, told us what they liked and didn’t like about us and told us the behind the scenes secret about what goes on inside the casting room.”

With her heart set on an acting career, Daniella Serret is doing everything she can to ensure her Hollywood dreams come true,

discovers MIMMETTE ROLDAN.

A taste of

Tinseltown


”““You wouldn’t go to the Olympics without training every day for four

years would you? I think it’s the same thing with acting.”

The workshop is fantastic for actors wanting to break into the Hollywood scene because it gives them a chance to be seen by some of the biggest casting directors such as Joseph Middleton who cast the young vampires and werewolves of New Moon.

Barring connections through already famous names in the industry, for a budding thespian, a reading with the likes of Middleton is nearly impossible.

This is why vying for a place proved more challenging this year as the workshop opened up to the other Commonwealth countries, while in 2009, it was only Australia

No matter, Serret beat actors from New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the UK, proving yet again she belongs to the international cream of the crop.

Serret was desperately keen to

go back to Hollywood and show she’s got what it takes to break into the scene. To make sure she impressed the directors she studied her craft well and trained because, contrary to popular belief, acting is not just a matter of getting up in front of people and pretending to be someone else.

“I had to learn exactly what my type was,” she explained. “In the industry over there they say know who you are and who you come in as, because too many actors go to a casting call and say they’re this person or that but they give off something completely different.”

Not only did she have to be crystal clear about who she is, she also had to learn what her strengths and limitations are and she did this by doing acting classes. As many as she could possibly attend.

“You wouldn’t compete in the Olympics without training every day for four years would you? I think it’s the same thing with acting,” she said.

If her determination and positive attitude is anything to go by, it’s safe to say that Serret’s foundations for a successful career in acting is quite solid.

Feedback from the Hollywood directors were priceless, too. In 2009, she got a mixed bag of mostly good feedback and some

constructive ones. But this year, she got nothing but love.

Daniella Serret may have stars in her eyes but they’re never off the prize. Hollywood better be prepared because she’s already on her way there.

Is she going to make it? With great certainty she said, “I know I can make it.”

* For more information on the Professional Actors Workshop Series, visit www.aipapaws.com.au

•


I've always wanted to visit Peru so I thought I'd go check it out – and teach English while I'm at it.

I went with an organisation called i-to-i that specialise in gap year and career break travel for those who want to do something different with their time abroad. They offer English teaching placements as well as conservation work with animals and building placements where you can help restore whole neighbourhoods.

Teaching English in Cusco, Peru caught my eye, so once I psyched myself up to do it, I signed up online. Within a few days I had a representative from the organisation contact me about my placement and the preparation for my work.

I was going to be teaching English to primary school-aged children but in order to do an English teaching placement, you had to complete a teaching course. They call this a TEFL certificate (TEFL stands for Teaching

English as a Foreign Language) and it helps with the work you've signed up to do.

Would-be-teachers can access the TEFL course online and complete it in bite-size modules. These weren’t as easy to complete as I thought. In fact, there was one module (the dreaded module four) that made me want to tear my hair out. It was on grammar, or, more precisely, how to teach English grammar to non-English speakers. I wasn't formally taught grammar in school myself so all of that was a bit of a hurdle for me.

As the departure date got closer I was reminded by the i-to-i rep about my home stay accommodation in both Lima and Cusco, and the arrival details at the airport in Lima. Someone from the Lima office of i-to-i would pick me up at the airport and drop me off at my home stay in town. The same would be done upon my arrival in Cusco. Phew!

My Spanish was (is, I should say) laughable so the idea of someone assisting me as soon as

Desperate to take a break from the rat race, ERICA ENRIQUEZ went on a quest to find out what else she can do with her time on Earth and landed high up in the Andes teaching little Peruvian kids how to speak English.

Travelling do-gooder


I was on foreign soil was a huge relief. Both home stay places were great. A

home stay is when a local person opens up their home to visitors. There is no reception, no lobby and no generic hotel décor. For the most part, you eat home-cooked meals, are able to meet and interact with family and friends of the homeowner and feel like you are a guest in their home instead of a customer in a hotel.

Having only stayed in Lima for two nights, I remember the home stay in Cusco the most. The Ochoa family made me feel like one of them, although they didn’t speak a lick of English. They fed me amazing Peruvian dishes, introduced me to their children and grandchildren and even invited me to their Father’s Day lunch.

The actual teaching placement was eye-opening. I worked in a local school teaching kids aged six to12 years old, alongside a Peruvian teacher whose only subject to teach was English. Her name was Margarita and she was a wonderful person and she made sure I got the most out of my teaching experience. But it wasn’t the teaching that made it an


unforgettable experience, it was the children.

They were rowdy, raucous kids with boundless energy, who gave me hugs as I entered their classroom and then plastered me with stickers from their own collection at the end of each lesson. They sat with me at recess and practiced their English with me. “Amarillo es yellow?” they’d ask me, and I’d answer with “Si, muy bien!”. Thrilled with my response, they’d beam with delight and offer me part of their packed lunches from home. The other teachers were friendly and would also try out their English on me.

In the end, I learned more from the staff and students than anything I could teach them. TEFL knowledge gained in Australia just became secondary to the knowledge I gained about the people of Cusco.

If you’re looking for time out from the daily grind that offers neatly-packaged activities for the lazy tourist, then volunteering in another country is not for you. If you’re looking to gain a new perspective on life, wanting to meet new people and understand life in another culture, then give your time to volunteer tourism, I guarantee you will come back a changed person.

* Fore more information, visit www.i-to-i.com

”“Thrilled with my response, they’d beam with delight and offer me part of

their packed lunches from home.

•


Valerie Tolosa requests the pleasure of your company…

Later this month, fashion designer Valerie Tolosa will open the doors to her new swanky store right at the heart of Oxford Street in Paddington – and we’re all invited!

Valerie is excited about her new home, which is only a few streets away from her previous address but a lot closer to Glenmore Road, Sydney’s fashion hub.

With more space to showcase her ready-to-wear, the new store will also feature her latest collection titled ‘The Tales of A Broken Promise’. Think lace, silk and ribbons – Valerie’s designs are lust-worthy yet ladylike. Demure yet devilishly sexy.

There will be a live DJ on the top balcony with champagne, margaritas and nibbles on arrival. Gorgeous Cosmetics will also provide complimentary makeovers to guests.

To top it all off, there’s a 30 per cent off sale on selected items plus VT goodie bags to give away to the first 100 buyers.

* For more information, go to www.valerietolosa.com or come to the launch party on 27 November. From 10am-6pm, 208 Oxford St, Paddington.

A city high in the Andes, with an altitude of 3,400 metres (to put it in context, Sydney is at a mere 42 metres, Mt.

Kosiousko at 2,228 metres), it is definitely a head spin of a town. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca empire, a civilisation of people who ruled during the 13th and 14th century in what is now known as western South America. Their language, known as Quechua, is still spoken today by rural people in the area surrounding Cusco known as the Sacred Valley. The Inca reign ended in 1526 when Francisco Pizarro arrived with his conquistadors, changing Cusco and the history of the New World forever.

The dizzyingheights of an ancient city

If you want your next travel destination to rival any place portrayed in an Indiana Jones movie and set in a culture with a contagious zest for life, ERICA ENRIQUEZ says Cusco, Peru is it.

As a result of the Spanish conquest, the city was left with both Spanish and Inca influences evident in the Spanish and Quechua street signage, ancient buildings that abound in the city and even in the faces of the people living and working there.

Most people come to Cusco before hitting the famous Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu, but it’s worth acclimatising first with a few day’s rest and regular doses of coca tea (a local drink made from coca leaves, said to help with altitude sickness) or soroche. Besides, just soaking up the atmosphere in the city’s Plaza de Armas really does make you feel like you’re an adventurer.

The Plaza de Armas is home to the cathedral, which was built in 1559 and rivals any European cathedral. It may also remind you of baroque-style churches built by the Spaniards in the Philippines. You can do a tour of the cathedral with a boleto turistico (a tourist ticket that grants entry to many attractions) or you can attend a Sunday mass, which is conducted in Spanish.

Previous page: The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. Above: A typical street in Cusco. Below: Plaza de Armas. Opposite page: The Corpus Christi, a religious festival.

Genuine church-goers attend, so pulling your camera out during a service is a no-no.

The San Blas area is also popular and it’s known as an artsy part of town filled with beautiful shops, galleries and restaurants, hence it attracts the tourists. So if you’ve got the time, money and energy (it’s up a steep hill) then it should be on your list of places to visit.

For a taste of Inca/Spanish architecture, don’t skip Qorikancha, just off the Avenida El Sol. Once a grand Inca temple covered in gold, it was turned into a church by the Spaniards, who stripped the gold and shipped it all back to Spain. An earthquake in the 1950s revealed the church’s strong ancient foundations and Qorikancha was again recognised as the important Inca site it once was and the Catholic church was left as a part of the structure. A tour of the site explains how important astronomy is in Inca culture.

If you’ve just returned from an epic trek and feel the need to unwind and let loose, there are bars and western-style clubs around the Plaza, particularly in Calle Procudores, nicknamed Gringo Alley due to the overwhelming amount of backpackers that flock there. You’ll find Western-style bars such as the Real McCoy, a British bar always crowded with travelers. For the hell of it, try Paddy Flaherty’s, diagonally opposite from Calle Procudores across the Plaza – it’s known as the highest Irish pub in the world!

Part of travelling is eating the local cuisine and Cusco has enough

”

“soaking up the atmosphere in the

city’s Plaza de Armas really does make you

feel like you’re an adventurer

restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Wander a little outside the main Plaza because the further you get from the main tourist areas, the cheaper and more authentic your meals become. The plaza right next to it, Plaza Regocijo, has lovely Peruvian restaurants such as Los Portales – reasonably priced good food and great staff too. If you feel like Western-style food, head to Muse in Calle Plateros. It’s funky, friendly and not surprisingly filled with tourists.

The high altitude means you need to keep two things in mind. Keep tabs on the weather before heading to Cusco because it can get quite warm during the day and then much cooler at night. Also, always wear sunscreen as the UV rays are a lot stronger there.

There’s accommodation here to suit all budgets. Backpackers head to Hostal Suecia I*, a charming little hostal right in the heart of the main tourist area. There’s also Misters Inkas*, which has cute little rooms and wonderful staff for those who can fork over a little more dinero. Getting to Cusco is muy fácil. LAN Airlines fly from Sydney to Santiago then to Lima. Star Peru fly regularly to Cusco. Check with your local travel agent when booking flights to ensure you nab a bargain. Prices go from around $1700 return.

* Hotel Suecia 1, www.hostalsuecia1.com; Misters Inkas, www.mistersinkas.com.

•


When are you having kids?’ It’s a refrain that many Filipinas are familiar with. Before the ink

dries on your marriage contract, family and friends are already anticipating the most rewarding – and most difficult – time in your life. But having children in Australia today is a different experience to what our mothers and grandmothers went through in the Philippines.

It’s a good thing modern medical care provides more options than home-birthing twelve children, as our grandmothers may have done. Ante-natal care is no longer just the province of doctors. In the public health system, you’re more likely to see your GP or midwives during your pregnancy, with occasional appointments with an obstetrician.

Most women will have at least two ultrasounds. Aside from detecting developmental abnormalities, ultrasounds provide the first pictures of your baby. You can find out the sex of your baby, and you’ll know if you’re carrying two or more babies, so you’ll have time to prepare for their arrival. Some facilities offer 3D ultrasounds, and you can start working out whether your baby has your nose or her father’s mouth before she’s even born. During your last trimester, you’ll be encouraged to attend ante-natal classes to help prepare you for the big day.

Perhaps the biggest difference you, and

your mother, will notice is in labour. Here, women are encouraged to labour naturally, if they can, and to be involved in the birthing experience. Partners are allowed into the labour ward and encouraged to actively support you. (Mention this to your dad and he’ll probably recoil in horror – the thought of fathers participating in labour can be a

horrifying concept for him and possibly for your mum, too!) You don’t have to deliver your baby on a hospital bed. Your midwife might encourage you to walk around, have a shower, and even labour in the bath. If complications arise, you or your partner will be informed every step of the way so you can decide how you want to proceed. After you give birth – assuming you didn’t have a Caesarean section – the first thing you’ll do is

take a shower. Your mum will probably find this shocking – there’s a Filipino superstition that says you shouldn’t take a shower within twenty-four hours of giving birth or you’ll get pasma. But after the sweat, the blood and the exhaustion, a warm shower can be a relief

When you move to the maternity ward, you’ll probably room in with your baby. Since many public hospitals no longer have a nursery for normal maternity patients, your baby will sleep with you in your room. Your nights will be exhausting, because even though you can page a nurse for help, they may not get to you straight away if there are other patients to look after.

If you’re lucky enough to be in a single room, you can arrange to have your partner or mother stay overnight to help you. Dads are not only encouraged but are expected to take an active role in caring for their new babies. This is great, because if you teach them how to change nappies, they’ll have no excuse to avoid it when you get home!

Once you’re home – sometimes as early as two days after delivery – you’ll really feel the difference, because … there are no maids here. Dishes won’t magically be done, laundry will pile up, and you’ll have Pizza Hut on speed dial. Those Sunday family dinners at your parents’ that used to be a chore will now seem like a godsend as you bring home a week’s worth of leftovers.

The greatest friction you’ll encounter with your mum will be in parenting your new baby. We’re surrounded by information – in books, online, and in parenting groups – all seemingly backed by scientific studies. It’s hard to overlook these in favour of our mothers’ advice. ‘I did it this way and you turned out okay,’ is something you may hear a lot. In Australia, parents are given much leeway to exercise our own choices and decisions without judgement. It’s easy to forget that our parents were guided by extended families, based on wisdom that owes less to science than to personal experiences, sometimes painfully learned. We may disagree and do things differently, but that doesn’t mean they did a bad job with us.

How wonderful, then, to find our differences fading into the background when you watch your baby trying new things, and see your parents smile and say, ‘When you were her age, you used to do that, too.’

Secret mother’s businessThe average Aussie family has less than three kids, but our parents who grew up in the Philippines did so in large households with enough siblings to form a basketball team – with a reserve bench. KAT MAYO looks at some of the intergenerational differences we may encounter.

‘

It’s easy to forget that our parents were guided by extended families, based on wisdom that

owes less to science than to personal experiences, sometimes

painfully learned.

“”

•Australian Filipina www.australianfilipina.com 21

Postcards from Scandinavia Pictures and words by Michelle Roldan

Previous page: Somewhere on the road from Stockland to Evenes on my way to the airport.

This page: The red house is in one of Lofoten Islands' famous fishing towns called Henningsvær.

Opposite page: A fluffy sheep on top of Storheia, Stokmarknes.

The fallen tree is also on top of Storheia overlooking a veiw of the island Børøya.

Oppsite page: The northern lights are as seen from my friend Arlene's balcony in Stokmarknes.

Then the monopoly looking buildings are the famous buildings of Bryggen in Bergen.

This page: The water was so still it made this photo possible, taken in the fishing town Henningsvær


Top: The barn atop Storheia.

The pile of rocks is on the very top of Storheia where people stack piles of rocks as a symbol of making it to the peak.

Opposite page:The pic of me on the deadly looking cliff is on Priekestolen also known as Pulpit Rock in Lysefjorden. It hangs 604 metres above the water below and it was extremely windy and there are no ropes, no chains and no protective fence!


The most amazing antique store I have ever been in - Magnussen's Brukt og Antikken - and these are just two of the rooms.


TheDevil’s

It isn’t every day that Filipino-Australians get to watch a Filipino actor in the lead role of a non-Filipino movie showing at an Australian cinema.

Heck, it hasn’t happened in the last decade ... or ever. Lucky for Sydney residents, there’s one playing right

now. The Devil’s 6 Commendments starring Filipino actor Felino Dolloso is showing at The Chauvel Cinema in Paddington from 11–24 November.

Felino plays Ares who convinces his step sister Nina (played by Gianna Pattison) to track down the thugs who brutally raped her so they can return the favour by torturing them. Sure enough, they encounter a few more seedy characters in their quest.

This independent action film tells of six revenge stories that intertwine with some drama and dark comedy thrown in for good measure.

* For more information on session times or buy tickets online, visit www.chauvelcinema.net.au or check out devil6movie.com

6Commandments

now showing

Where: The Chauvel Cinema, Paddington When: 11-24 November 2010


White chocolate mud cupcake Can anybody think of a yummier snack? Try this recipe from KATRINA QUESADA. It’s a delicious goodie that will get everyone’s tastebuds going.

Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesMakes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

125g butter, chopped

100g good quality white cooking chocolate, chopped (I love the Woolworths brand)

215g (1 cup) caster sugar

125ml (1/2 cup) milk

1 egg, lightly whisked

110g (3/4 cup) plain flour

1 tsp vanilla bean paste (Queen brand)

silver cachous (or your favourite collection of sprinkles!) to decorate

For the white chocolate ganache:

360g good quality white cooking chocolate

125ml (1/2 cup) thickened

cream

2-3 drops of pink liquid food colouring

Preheat oven to 160°C. Line twelve 80ml (1/3cup) capacity muffin pans with paper cases.

Combine the butter, chocolate, sugar and milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir for five minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth.

Remove from heat and transfer to a medium heatproof bowl and set aside for five minutes to cool slightly. Then gently whisk in the egg. Sift the combined flours over the chocolate mixture and gently whisk until just combined then stir in the vanilla.

Pour mixture evenly into prepared muffin pans then bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean. Turn onto a wire rack and set aside for one hour to cool completely.

Meanwhile, to make the white chocolate ganache, put the chocolate and cream in a medium heatproof bowl over a medium

saucepan half-filled with simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir occasionally until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Leave it in the fridge for one-and-a-half hours, stirring occasionally, or until ganache is spreadable.

Add the pink food colouring and stir until well combined. Use a round-bladed knife to spread cupcakes evenly with ganache and decorate with sprinkles.

Tips

Vanilla essence (Queen brand) can be used as a substitute for the vanilla bean paste – it works just as well!

Try separating the ganache into different bowls for a variety of different ganache colours.


I am 20 years old and in my second year of my journalism degree at UNSW, but this is my 3rd year at university having previously transferred from an Arts degree. I am doing my mi-nor in English literature, and I am absolutely loving my course. I want to be a feature writer at a lifestyle magazine when I eventually do graduate. I love reading Madison, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair and the newspaper. In its true form of recycled paper. But I'm not so old fash-ioned. I am an avid Facebook-er, sometimes Twitter-er and blogger, and a big-time Tumblr-er. I love my MacBook - and my Internet connection - to death.

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