Young Malaysian Pilot Inspires Others

A few days a go I had the chance to work on a very special project for a client of mine. My client, a public relations agency, represents Tourism Malaysia here in Vancouver. I was brought in to promote the visit and press conference of Captain James Anthony Tan, a 21 year old Malaysian pilot, who stopped in Vancouver this weekend to share his dream with others.

James Tan is on his way to becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world. He's doing it using a single engine Cessna aircraft he calls "Spirit of Malaysia". His goal is to fly 22,000 nautical miles and visit 20 countries on 4 different continents.

His main motivation is to inspire young people around the world to pursue their dreams and to show that anything can be achieved if you put your heart into it. Tan's achievement is even more impressive when we consider that he has dyslexia. Contrary to what many of us might think, he calls it a gift.

Attending aviation school was a challenge and he acknowledges that he has to study over and over, really focus on everything he does and check and double check everything. This training comes handy when reading instruments in mid flight.

His inspiration to do this incredible journey is a young boy with down syndrome he saw on the streets. James said he looked into his eyes and they were empty. He then realized he had to do something to inspire those who face challenges and disabilities "and the only way I know how to do it is flying."

James is a genuine, charismatic, and driven young man. In addition to earning his wings he has already established other flying Malaysian records. He's an entrepreneur who also currently runs two businesses.

During the press conference he was greeted by the Nisgaa Vancouver Community of Tsamiks to wish him a safe journey. A very special ceremony was conducted by Travis Angus, William Alex Watts and Terry Azak who embraced and praised him.

Before the conference I had the chance to talk to Sandra Ngoh-Fonseka from the Tourism Board of Malaysia about her impression of Tan. When she met him at the airport upon his arrival to Vancouver she said "I was taken away by his humble personality and the way he is respectful towards others. I can see how young people in Malaysia are proud of him".

James worked the press by being approachable, respectful, spontaneous, and direct. When someone asked him how he was embracing the culture of the places and people he met on his journey and how he was going to incorporate this knowledge in his life, he simply said it was a complex question and he would need time to think about it.

Some of the fun and interesting things Tan mentioned at the conference were:
Why are you doing this trip?
JT: I want to inspire people to dream and the only way I know how to do it is flying. The gift of dyslexia made me better.

Aren't you scared?
JT: Yes but I trust my education and abilities.

What have you learned from your trip so far?
JT: Another lesson I learned is to trust women around me.

How have you been received in other countries?
JT: In Taiwan they named me the "Second Tom Cruise"

What do your parents think about it?
JT: My parents fully support me they believe in my abilities.

Why did you choose Vancouver?
JT: Because is a beautiful city

I truly enjoyed assisting Tourism Malaysia. They are welcoming, warm, and respectful people. Tan is without a doubt a first class ambassador for his country that will make them proud and positively promote the country's own achievements.

Thank you Tan for your visit and Bon voyage!

TED Talks Rocks!

I can't wait for TED Talks 2014 in Vancouver! Just for the love of it I'll share one of my favorite quotes:

New Column “Ask a Mexican” Debuts in GSA Travel Magazine

A few months back I was contacted by Vickie Sam Paget, editor of GSA Travel Magazine. She invited me to write for their weekly newsletter Travellinx. I was both excited and honoured to be considered especially because I have worked many times as public relations representative with GSA promoting my clients.

After much thought I decided to write a column called “Ask a Mexican”. Not only will I be writing about tourism but also explaining cultural or social facts about the country. The idea is also to answer questions from readers, any kind of questions. Vickie loved the idea and the column was moved from Travellinx to the main GSA Magazine.

You see, I find that despite Mexico being such a popular tourism destination for Canadians, there are many, trust me on this, many misconceptions or myths about the country and its people. For example the issue of drinking purified water and a legendary unanswered question: can I drink the ice? Or the assumption that 5th of May is Independence Day, or that people take “siestas” in the middle of the day. You see where I am going with this? In some other cases I will be happy to talk about more serious topics such as safety, passport requirements for Canadian citizens or residents, current political affairs, etcetera.

Of course I cannot take all the credit for this idea because it comes from a regular column that first appeared at the LA Times. Even in California where there is a huge Mexican community Americans make many assumptions and do not know much about Mexican culture. A Mexican-American editor took matters into his own hands and decided to help correct misconceptions and explain why Mexicans do things or act in a certain way.

Only a few days after the first publication I was happy to receive an inquiry from a travel agent in Edmonton about restaurant options in Puerto Vallarta. Since Vallarta is my home town, I was excited to be able to answer her question with suggestions tested and approved by me, my friends, and family.

In case you are also interested in hearing about good restaurant options in PV I will be sharing the link to this publication once the issue is published.

For more information about GSA and their latest issue visit www.gsapublishing.com
Follow Vickie's tweets @GSATravelMag

5 Lessons Science Fiction Taught Us

My husband and I belong to different generations and we are from two different cultures. Nevertheless I am aware that there are Science Fiction and Comic book lovers all over the world. You see, I was never into comic books growing up so my exposure to super heroes was only watching cartoons on TV and I was simply more interested in sports and playing with friends than watching TV. Just like you and many other millions of people, while I was growing up I watched reruns of the original Star Trek and Quantum Leap and also watched, on TV of course, the Star Wars original trilogy.

I guess you can say I am the generation that grew up between the launch of original Star Trek and Star Wars saga. In addition, I never saw a single episode of Doctor Who, Battle Star Galactica or other Sci-Fi classics.

Since we have been together I have learned more about Science Fiction classic stories and characters than ever before. I understand the fascination around super heroes, mutants, and time-space traveling aliens. More than that, I understand and appreciate the deepest of the stories, in some case the inspiration for social changes and complexity of its characters. Here are also some other things I learned about and from Sci-Fi:

1. Geek is the new cool

With very few exceptions Marvel and DC Comics inspired movies are making it big in the mainstream market:  movies like Avengers, Iron Man saga, Captain America, Thor, Dark Night saga, Spiderman (forget the latest one), Hulk (not the first one), X-Men saga, upcoming Wolverine, and others. In addition, shows such as The Big Bang Theory have gained a huge fan audience. Although it certainly reinforces some stereotypes it hits a geek nerve in all of us. It shows us that it's ok to quote Star Wars or Star Trek for everyday life moments.

Also huge among a wider audience is The Walking Dead zombie apocalypse story that now is a prime time Sunday night presentation; followed by a one-hour Talking Dead talk show where cool celebrities give their five cents about the new episode. Reality TV is also catching up with shows about comic book stores and an upcoming American Pickers style of show will feature a guy looking for collectible toys.

2. It’s not about super powers but about human condition

Super hero stories in comics, for the most part, show us the story of misfits, awkward and struggling to fit in. Persons like us that just happen to have super powers. Most characters fight personal demons and even insecurities that prevent them from being the person they can be. This internal, perhaps never ending, story is what all of us in one way or another deal with personally, professionally, or spiritually.

We will never be perfect or feel 100% satisfied and sometimes things will go wrong, the important things is to carry on and keep trying, just like Spiderman.

3. Live a little

There's nothing quite like the spirit and atmosphere of a Comic-Con. People decide to let loose and live their fantasies paying tribute to their favourite character by wearing costumes of super heroes or Sci-Fi characters. It's fun, entertaining, and empowering. I think there should be more events like Comic-Con where we can free ourselves from our inhibitions and have fun sharing with others a passion and admiration for an idea or a fictional character.

4. Good science fiction transcends time

Ultimately good science fiction is about social and human issues such as inequality, discrimination, spirituality, moral and ethical choices, and how we relate to each other regardless of our origin or culture. This is the ultimate value that Star Trek brought to its time by dealing with current 60s social issues in a way that was non-confrontational, such as introducing a black woman in a leading role playing a professional and accomplished officer. What was their secret? Placing this story and character in a future traveling through space, a setting and context where all viewers could relate.

To me one of the finest examples is Ray Bradbury's literature. All of Bradbury's stories are relevant to this day and can touch any reader. Bradbury did not mean to write only about advanced time machines, space craft or specific alien races but about the human condition.

5. Science fiction inspires generations

There is a generation of people out there who dreamed about working on projects that would lead to that future presented in science fiction stories such as Star Trek. From space craft to medicine, robotics, telecommunications, and design, people have actually created many of those gadgets or technologies only imagined back in the 60s.

As a society we thrive by the pursuit of innovation. Science fiction shows us what we could achieve. It also inspires us to imagine what has not been created yet. Science fiction in literature, TV or comic books deserves to be seen not only as imaginary and incredible stories but as an inspiration of what we can achieve as society.

Welcome Spring!

Happy Easter! It certainly seems like is going to be a gorgeous weekend, perfect for Easter egg hunt, family gathering, special meals, and fun activities. My husband and I went to visit Stanley Park today. I do enjoy photography so as soon as cherry trees and tulips blossom I am ready to go outdoors.

Stanley Park is the place to be for families with young children. There are many fun activities anyone can enjoy:

• Vancouver Aquarium that is now featuring a special exhibit on Sharks & Rays: March 15th to April 1st open from 9:30am to 6pm
• Miniature Train ride: March 23rd to April 1st open from 10am to 5pm
• Easter Egg Hunt, crafts and visit from the Easter Bunny by the train station
• Playgrounds and water parks
• Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours: March 7th to October 31st from 9:40am to 5pm
• Pitch and Putt Green open October 9th to March 31st open from 9am to 4pm 
• Picnics and walks along the seawall

My favourite activity is to take pictures of flowers. Although still to early for the rose garden to blossom, there were some interesting flowers to look at. Here's a sample:

Cherry Blossom in West End

Tulips garden outside a West End apartment building

Beautiful image of a mom and daughter enjoying a quiet moment at Lost Lagoon by Stanley Park

Stanley Park rose garden

If you happen to know the name of the flowers please leave your comments. Have a great weekend!!

Why new Pope brings no hope for Catholics and non-Catholics

During the last couple of weeks news about the Conclave and election of a new Pope have been a main topic in international media, including Canada. There was a strong Canadian contestant but in the end the Cardinals decided to pick Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Some sources allege that he came second in the last election. He immediately adopted Francis as his name as homage to the poor. Since his election he has shown a simple and humble image trying to break away from the decadence that has long existed among the Catholic Church high ranking officials.

Notre Dame, Paris by Veronica Rivas

As a Mexican I was raised catholic however it’s been more than 20 years since I distanced myself from the Catholic Church. As I grew up and starting asking questions I found the institution was too rigid and failed to engage with young people. As I read more and attended a public liberal university I realized how shockingly different my point of view and opinions were from those of the Church I was raised in. As an adult I kept my Christian beliefs but I am definitely not a practicing Catholic.

I am sure at this point you are wondering what the point of sharing these thoughts is. I believe non-Catholics are wondering why this election matters and what does it means? Catholics on the other hand, for the most part are happy to see “fresh” blood, and finally a representative from the most prominent Catholic region in the world: Latin America. 

I think it is extremely important to talk about these developments because of the influence the Pope has on billions of people across the globe. Whether we want it or not he will be “guiding” followers, interacting with other spiritual leaders and trying to exercise his influence on governments. So it is worth analyzing what are the implications of his election.

To me it was no surprise a Latin American cardinal was picked. After all, this region of the world has the largest concentration of Catholics, although according to a recent article by Time World, numbers are decreasing at alarming rates. Humility and rejection of opulence seems to how the new Pope wants to differentiate himself from other Popes. However, if Francis has made a statement about the importance of carrying for the less fortunate among society, without a doubt it does not apply to all the marginalized people. In other words as long as you are gay, lesbian, transsexual, bisexual, transgender, pro-choice supporter, or pro birth control you will not be welcomed. Also not open to discussion is the matter of priesthood celibacy or inclusion of female priests. For now I will leave aside the situation of victims of sexual assaults by priests and the lack of response and accountability to bring them to justice.

A few years back when Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage, Francis, then Buenos Aires Cardinal, was not only against it but even made hateful remarks about gay unions describing them as “a scheme to destroy God’s plan”. When it comes to women’s health it is no surprise he is against abortion (under any circumstance) and against birth control. In addition, there seems to be a cloud of mystery regarding the Church’s actions or lack of them during the dictatorial regime in the 1970s.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona by Veronica Rivas

Looking at his own history, Francis has made more strong statements and taken a public stand against gays, pro-choice and pro birth control people than the right-wing military regime suspected of torturing and killing some 30,000 Argentinians. As a matter of fact, if he was against the regime he never mentioned it,at least not in public.

I find his comments and pronouncements against certain social groups may even contribute to marginalize, stigmatize, and endanger those individuals. Let me explain that in Latin America society, particularly in smaller cities and rural communities, society is quite conservative. Acts of violence or discrimination against gays are not uncommon. Women still face difficult barriers to access proper education, sexual health, work opportunities, and economic independence. Gender equality still very much a utopia.

When it comes to access to sexual education and dealing with unwanted pregnancies Time World mentions that “according to Human Rights Watch, 40% of all pregnancies in Argentina end in illegal abortions. Some Latin American countries, especially in Central America, suffer maternal mortality rates 20 times higher than Western Europe’s.”

In Latin America women victims of rape, incest or whose pregnancies endanger their life or the fetuses’ are not allowed to abort in 6 countries, in the rest of the region they face a kafkaesque  process, red-tape, and public humiliation before they can obtain an authorization. Government officials quite often delay the process so the window of opportunity to legally abort (before the 12^th gestational week) is passed before a decision is made preventing the abortion.

Recent reports about gang rapes, honour and spousal killings of women show a pandemic of gender related violent acts.This is the time to educate, empower, support, and provide opportunities for women in poverty and situations of disadvantage. They are often not provided with sexual education, access to birth control methods and have little or no option to decide about their pregnancies.

We have to recognize that for many reasons those who are against gay and womens rights are also against equality and inclusion. How can a Pope lead billions of people promoting outdated, hateful and discriminatory views to the upcoming decade?

I believe church should adapt and morph as any living organism to the social, technological and economical changes in the society. An institution out of touch with the needs and dynamics of new generations is no longer a place that embraces the idea of an inclusive society. After all isn’t the core of Western civilization to become a society of equal opportunities and respect of basic human rights?

Statue at a church in Paris by Veronica Rivas

Pope Francis, as a Canadian citizen I embrace the values of this country. I believe anyone should be allowed to get married and have a family, and women should have the right to decide about their sexuality and bodies. You represent little to no hope when it comes to promoting change.

Why having a hobby is no longer a low-tech activity

I must confess, I am a big fan of gadgets and technology. I am always finding ways to incorporate my smartphone, tablet, computer and of course, online activity into my hobbies. In most cases the relationship between a hobby and technology is pretty obvious such as photography or video games. Other cases, such as growing your own vegetables or composting, are not high-tech but rather hands-on, kind-of-messy activities.

In the past, as unusual as it may sounds, I have learned about technology and social media more by helping people not so techno-savvy. Technology should be thought of as a way to simplify things. In this case it's interesting how my Mom and Dad, not very comfortable with technology and social media can find a way to enjoy new or old hobbies and share them. Starting this year everyone at home (mom, dad, 2 brothers and me) have been using tablets. It has been remarkable seeing my parents learning how to use them to get tin touch with me and their grandchildren that live away. They also keep track of friends and family on Facebook, read emails, and keep up with the news.

However in recent weeks, since I introduced my mom to Pinterest she has taken social media sharing to a whole new level. She found others who enjoy doing the same hobbies she loves and she's now excited to learn new crafts, recipes, DIY projects and other activities. She has found groups of people passionate about cooking and other activities she does and has found a channel to share her creations through photo or video. Ultimately technology is meant to empower us to do more or to be more practical. Social Media give us the opportunity to have a voice and to connect with others regardless the topic, language or culture.

In my case, when it comes to growing vegetables and composting I have also found ways to use technology. For example, I found an App that helps me keep track of my harvest. I enter the type of vegetable and date it was planted and then it tells me what's the proper water and feeding schedule and when I should harvest it. I also like to share the progress of my garden through social media and look for articles and information about gardening and sustainability programs or initiatives in my city and neighbourhood.

Forums, blogs and social media are great places to find other like-minded people that enjoy sharing and providing support to others. I post photos of my garden on Facebook and Instagramusing my cell when I am working on it. I use apps to find compost facilities or find out where to buy worms.     

Technology has changed the way we interact, share, and obtain information. Suddenly we are now able to share with others, sometimes across the world, those fun activities we enjoy doing. This world becomes a bit smaller when we find out that others just like us are also excited about those little things that fill our Sunday evenings.

By all means let's keep sharing our hobbies and use technology to assist us with information, improving our methods and help us find others that also enjoy our pastimes. Life is much more fun when we have hobbies!