Workshop
 

Reiki Workshop by Pamposh Dhar,
June 6,2008

Pamposh Dhar is a certified Reiki Master, practitioner, and counselor and has been initiated into all three degrees of the Usui system. During the workshop, Pamposh explained how Reiki works and how it’s an alternative method and non-intrusive healing technique. She also demonstrated a ten (10) minute Reiki session on Rebecca Jackson. Rebecca felt very relaxed and at peace after the ten (10) minute Reiki session. Usually Reiki sessions are one (1) hour long.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". Therefore, Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy or “universal life source”. The energy is considered intelligent energy which means it knows where to travel in the body and heal. The practitioner serves as the channel between the "life force energy" and the client. The energy works holistically in the body healing physical and emotional ailments. Reiki helps you release negative energy and unwanted feelings. It is very important for the Reiki master to be detached emotionally from the person he/or she is performing Reiki on so that negative energies are not transferred. In essence, Reiki should be an enlightening and personal experience.

On behalf of AWCP, I would like to thank our speaker Pamposh Dhar and host Kathy Gold.

 

Italian Cooking Class with Chef Robert

The Italian cooking class was held on May 26, 2008 at Asli Faber’s home. This night was a wonderful gastronomic experience for the eight participants and a 5 year old (Madee). Everyone lend a hand in chopping ingredients, marinating, stirring, whipping, and of course tasting. Enthusiastic 5 year old Madee kept asking Chef Robert, “What can I do next?” Robert was very accommodating and happy to have Madee help in the kitchen.

We had a 5 course Italian meal which made us appreciate the diversity of Italian cuisine. The 5 course meal included:

Antipasti
Crostinis with 3 toppings (white bean, tomato caper, and tapenade)

Primi
Aquacotta (peasant hearty soup)

Secondi (Select one)
Fish baked in Parchment with Caper Sauce

OR
Roast Chicken with Fennel

Contorini
Grilled Vegetables with balsamic vinaigrette

Dolce
Fresh fruit with Zabaglione

Everyone brought a bottle wine of their choice to accompany the delicious meal. Chef Robert did a great job guiding us through the recipes and offering helpful tips for home cooking.  I would like to thank Chef Robert for sharing his culinary expertise with us and Asli Faber for hosting. We would forward to the next AWCP cooking class!
 
Workshop on Volunteering in the Philippines

The workshop on volunteering possibilities in Manila was held on 18 April 2008. Ms. Nicollete Sinclair, ADB Spouse Liaison Counselor led a dynamic discussion focusing on different motives for volunteering ranging from purely philanthropic to those related to professional development. She specially stressed the opportunities to update professional skills through volunteering and bridge over long pauses in employment that accompanying spouses often face.


We also had an opportunity to learn more on some of the local NGOs that are open for volunteering. Representatives of Virlani, NGO helping street children captured our hearts with their versatile programmes and commitment for street children. Cecily Burdett also introduced the ‘Thursdays for Others’ Union Church of Manila outreach programme offering numerous opportunities to support vulnerable children and people in Manila. Their programmes are opened to all, not just members of the UCM.


Whatever the reasons for volunteering, personal fulfillment is guaranteed. Volunteering gives us opportunity to change lives of those less fortunate while enriching our own.


AWCP would like to thank Barbara Thomanek for hosting the workshop. If you are interested in volunteering, you may found out more on the Virlanie Foundation through their website www.virlanie.org, while you can get more info on the ‘Thursdays for Others’ check AWCP website www.awcphilippines.org/specialinterestactivities.html
 

Belly Dancing

Five enthusiastic and brave ladies joined the Bellydance workshop on December 4, 2007.  Ivy Tubens gave an introduction on  “What Bellydancing is?” and the origins of Bellydancing. The class started with warm-up exercises to prepare the body for dance movement. Several basic belly dance movements (e.g. hip thrusts, chest shimmies, undulations, etc) were demonstrated and repeated several times for muscle memory. At the end of the class, the movements were combined into choreography using the popular song by Shakira, “Hips Don’t Lie”.  Thank you ladies for dancing so nicely!

  


FILIPINO ART WORKSHOP

Red Mansueto and Ross Capili were our guest speakers at the Filipino Art Workshop held at One Workshop in Makati. Red Mansueto focused on how Filipino artists are influenced by their environment. It has been a trend that Filipino art depicts third world objects (e.g grasslands, cows, huts, fishing, etc).  However, as information, travel, and internet has become more accessible to Filipino artists, their art has evolved to more creative and abstract themes. 

Rose Capli focused on using technology such as computers and software packages to enhance art. He stressed that technology should “only” be used as an extension of the artist’s work.

Below are several art galleries and art museums to visit. For further information on location/directions, you can contact Red Mansueto at 0917.534.4938 or Ross Capili at 0917.627.3193.

Galleries

1. One Workshop, G/F 2241 La Fuerza Plaza II, Don Chino Roces Ave corner Sabio St., Makati
2. Izukan Gallery, Makati City
3. Gallerie Astra, Makati City
4. The Drawing Room, Makati City
5. Pinto Gallery, Antipolo
6. Pelaggia Gallery, Tagaytay City
7. Galleria Duemila, Pasay City
8. Arts & Associates Gallery, Pasay City

Art Musuems

  • The National Museum, Manila
  • The Metropolitan Museum, Manila
  • 3. The Ayala Museum, Greenbelt 4, Makati
  • The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila
  • The Yuchengco Museum, Makati City
  • The Vargas Museum, Quezon City
  • The San Agustin Museum, Manila
  



Finances for Expat Women

The workshop on Finances for Expat Women was held on 27 September 2007. Paddy Starnes, financial adviser from South Africa spoke about importance of financial planning and investing for women. Planning for future - comfortable lifestyle and retirement - was the main theme of the workshop. We learned when to start managing our financial assets, how to boost our savings and retirement plans and how to build up sucessful financial portfolios.

Our next workshop is planned for November 5 and will cover Filipino art.

 

Food and Wine Pairing Workshop

The American Women’s Club launched a great new reason to get out of the house and learn about different things. The club will now offer different workshops monthly. Our first workshop was a Food and Wine Pairing discussion, that was hosted by AWCP member Tamara Tutnjevic and the discussion was led by Stewart from Forth and Tay. Stewart taught us the difference between grapes, wines, and how to pair them with food that will compliment each others flavors. See the attached Food and Wine Pairing Cheat Sheet.

For more questions on food pairing or buying wine, please don’t hesitate to contact Jocelyn or Maricar with Forth and Tay at (632) 671-8643 .

Please check the Calendar for upcoming Workshops.

Food and wine pairing cheat sheet