Summer Edition 2021

Summer Edition 2021

SUMMER EDITION AUGUST2021

12 WHAT’S INSIDE? TRENDS • Fashion 2021 • Summer Food and Cocktails

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VACC TO THE FUTURE • Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines

62 NEW!

• Author’s Corner: Featuring Jeff Crawford

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ELISE LEACH

On a summer escapade, our young cover star dishes out her summertime adventure with her family and discover why Anna Maria Island is the place to be this season.

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EC Magazines | Summer Edition 2021

Summer Edition 2021

ETHEL LEACH Managing Director GENER ZAFRA Project Manager ALEX ROSS Marketing Fulfillment Manager

CARLO RIVERA Editor EDGE JAVIER Art Director

JOMAR OUANO Graphic Designer/Artist

MATT ALASAGAS Graphic Designer/Artist

116 South Magnolia Ave., Suite 3, Unit F, Ocala, Florida, USA

www.ecpublishingllc.com

[email protected]

@ecpublishing.official

+1 800 483 1813

+1 352 644 6538

CONTRIBUTORS

“I would have to say it’s the beach in Greece. There’s something about this island that it’s so magical—especially during the sunset everything is just so majestic.” - KAYLAE ASTRIDA , writer

WHAT’SYOURMOST MEMORABLE SUMMER TRIP?

“Dapitan City, in the Philippines. It will always be a summer to remember every time I go back to my family’s roots. I always get acquainted with relatives whom I haven’t seen over the years. It was indeed the home away from home.” - ALEXIS GABUYA , writer

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Carmas McLaughlin

6 contributors the people behind the issue 10 CONTENTS

editor’s note vacc to back 12 trends fashion 2021 | men’s summer skin care | summer food summer cocktail | summer fragrance 26 coverstory elise leach 32 travel ethiopia go green places 44 fashion hand-pick summer fashion faves 56 vaccination stories

learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines here 62 author’s corner jeff crawford

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$9.95 Paperback 9781528901314

$4.49 eBook

9781528957021 126 pages

EDITOR’S NOTE

to BACK O SAY THAT SOCIETY HAS CHANGED OVER the past six months would be a monumental understatement. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped countless lives, most of them for T VACC the worse. We’ve lost a million lives, some lost jobs and livelihoods—it has taken a toll globally. But slowly traversing into these woe days of our lives are some hopes little by little emerges. With the vaccine rollout happening in the entire world, it sets us apart from the 2020s past. In this regard, EC dishes out stories on different vaccine brands and why it’s important to know all of these, and why you too should get one (I’m fully vaccinated by the way). Back to back with it is our youngest cover star Elise who takes us on her summer trip to the majestic Anna Maria Island. Further, we have also handpicked summer items to watch out for this year or next. We have curated the Resort season of fashion 2021—excited to have this shared with you, our readers. And lastly, we have a new section that focuses on the author’s journey towards their craft. We asked interesting questions and they answer boldly. For this issue, we start with author Jeff Crawford. We’re reaching summer and the year 2021 has gone fast. In a blink of an eye, we will be reaching the end of the year and welcome another summer, and we wish that with all that’s happening in the world, there’s always a silver lining, and of course, a summer to remember.

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ERIC MAWSÓN

TRENDS

SUMMER REDEFINE Temperatures may already be through the roof, but there’s still time to figure out what to have this summer season and get your reemergence wardrobe in order. You might want to shop these pieces below.

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by CARLO RIVERA

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1. KNIT BUCKET HATS If you’re still resisting the return of the bucket hat, we urge you to reconsider. Everyone else seems to have embraced them, so what’s stopping you. Pair your summer outfit with this hat for an added dose of sun safety, of course. 2. CHECKBOARD BIKINIS Maybe we all watched The Queen’s Gambit one too many times, or maybe we’re just getting tired of a traditional tie-dye, but checkerboard print are now popping up everywhere this summer—be sure to take this trend to the beach. 3. RECTANGLE SHADES If round sunglasses feel to John Lennon, oval sunglasses look too Jackie O, then this rectangles will feel just right. Inspired by the sun beams with a nod to 1970’s interiors. This warm, buttery ochre is surprisingly easy to wear and totally unexpected. 4. SQUARED-TOE SANDALS Who could have guessed those vintage Nine West pumps would be a hot item for this summer? Perhaps we can call that this fashion piece is making a huge comeback! 5. MIDDLE-SCHOOL INSPIRED ACCESSORIES Your school grader self is calling and it wants you to dig out your old friendship bracelets. Not to worry if you’ve lost them—these options are OMG-worthy! 6. FISHNET TOTES If you spend any time on Instagram, you’ve no doubt witnessed the rise of the now ubiquitous fishnet grocery bag. Keep it simple with a basic market tote—and then level up with a statement.

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TRENDS

MAN UP

Once again—because the environment is, you know, fundamentally broken—summer has managed to sneak up on us like some kind of sweat-drenched ninja. With that, humidity is upon us folks, thus let’s take care of that wardrobe transition pronto. Here’s what we can suggest.

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6. SATURDAYS NYC “NICK” DOUBLE FEEDER TANK If you can’t afford an air conditioner, this is the next best (and much swaggier) thing. 7. JOHN ELLIOTT X SUICOKE SANDAL END CLOTHING Make like Tyler, the Creator and give these tech-y joints some run with your raddest summer suit.

1. J.CREW LUDLOW SLIM-FIT UNSTRUCTURED PANTS The rare work-appropriate trousers that you won’t mind wearing on the muggiest days of August. 2. LANDS’ END NATURAL OPEN TOP CANVAS TOTE BAG Good for the beach, the office, and everywhere in between.

3. TODD SNYDER + REYN SPOONER SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT Caution: the moment you own this shirt, you’re gonna want to plan and host a cookout just to show it off. 4. LIL KOOL “FLAME BOI” ATHLETIC SHORTS Shorts that are business in the front and party in the back, but the front’s business is partying. 5. DRAKE’S COTTON RUGBY SHIRT Yang-Yi Goh says—all the colors I wanna be wearing right now on one perfect, beefy shirt.

(All photos are courtesy to the Internet)

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TRENDS

1. KIEHL’S Leave it to the Kiehl’s constantly find skin-boosting nutrients that usually commonplace natural ingredients. The Kiehl’s Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque relies on the flower’s petals to refresh and soften otherwise dry skin. Matched with the hydrating aloe very, you’ve got something that will give you cool, soothing boost like no other. www.kiehls.com 2. LA MER Recapture your youth with the La Mer Lifting and Firming Mask, which banks on the brand’s more than 50 years of innovation and craftsmanship that immediately tightens and refines the skin. The product brings together La Mer’s legendary Concentrated Miracle Broth, that intensifies the natural renewal process and the new Concentrated Lifting Ferment, that enhances the skin’s density and elasticity for a sculpted look. www.cremedelamer.com 3. DR. JART+ This is Dr. Jart’s Shake & Shot Rubber Masks. For this one, you mix up the ingredients sort of like Betty Crocker cake batter to create a rubber mask. Out sound like a living Tom Cruise’s mask in Vanilla Sky nightmare. But once you get past that part, it’s actually very hydrating. This is a fun group activity to do with friends who like things that are a little creepy. www.sephora.com 4. INNISFREE Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Mousse Mask is what we all want for our masks to make us look more moist, but sometimes we’d like them to target few other skin nuisances while they’re at it. This pore-clearing mask has won over many fans including Meghan Markle’s MUA because it harnesses the power of volcanic ash from Korea’s Jeju Island and salicylic acid to deep clean without stripping skin

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MOISTURE FARMING There’s a reason why a bottle of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + sells every 5.76 seconds around the world—its dual action of moisturizing and strengthening the skin’s barrier has proven effective for getting healthy, hydrated skin. www.clinique.com

dry in the process. www.innisfree.com

MASQUE CRUSADE

This summer, give your skin that boost with these at-home facial treatments for that glowing perfection.

by CARLO RIVERA

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THAT SUMMER FRAGRANCE TRENDS Ah summer: bring on the rose, picnic, sunsets, crop tops, sunglasses, and oh all of these breezy fragrances—all of which are once again calling to upgrade your scent wardrobe.

by ALEXIS GABUYA

NEST NEW YORK’S WILD POPPY EAU DE PARFUM Calling all fruity floral perfume lovers: You’ll appreciate NEST’s head-turning Wild Poppy scent. GUCCI’S BLOOM EAU DE PARFUM Gucci Bloom is a summer staple, most notably for its floral notes of rangoon creeper, jasmine bud, and tuberose. Did we mention it looks great on a dresser? GABRIEL CHANEL ESSENCE EAU DE PARFUM Inside this charming bottle sits a beautiful blend of fresh florals: jasmine, ylang- ylang, orange blossom, and grasse tuberrose. A scent meant to evoke the brightest of blooms that will make you feel fiercely chic... as all Chanel perfumes do. CARTIER’S PUR MUGUET EAU DE TOILETTE Cartier is calling their latest trio of fragrances a “vibrant tribute to nature.” Dreamed up by master perfumer Mathilde Laurent, this one will take you to a trip through Lily Valley during peak season. It’s a single-note ingredient with a beautiful scent that can stand alone.

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LOUIS VUITTON’S SUN SONG A spritz of this savory scent will make you feel sun-kissed, thanks to the luminous and poppy notes of orange blossom and citron topped off with a spicy hint of musk. It’s guaranteed to be an instant mood-booster when you’re having one of those days. DIOR’S HAPPY HOUR We all could use a scent that symbolizes the best part of the day: happy hour. Dubbed it as the It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Scent, done the Dior way by master perfumer François Demachy who says it’s “the perfume of a lovable woman and has the taste of happiness.” Demachy combined jasmine and ylang ylang to evoke the freshness of this floral. TWILLY D’HERMES EAU POIVREE EAU DE PARFUM CHARMING TWILLY With perfume, presentation matters. So besides the fact that this bottle will look an absolute beaut sitting on your shelf, its scent is just as gorgeous. It’s a fun floral with a kick thanks to pink peppercorn paired with patchouli and rose to bring out your inner-femininity. TOM FORD’S ROSE PRICK EAU DE PARFUM A fresh bouquet of roses from Tom Ford, which is arguably every woman’s dream, is what this pretty pink bottle embodies. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill roses, though. Think: rose de mai, turkish rose and bulgarian rose topped with turmeric extract, pepper, patchouli, and more.

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TRENDS

SUMMER DEGUSTATION Just because we’re not in the mood to fire up the oven in the heat doesn’t mean there are summer recipes we still want to make ourselves—we can help. These are the summer recipes to keep in your back pocket—all season long. compiled by ROCHELLE BILOW of bon appetit

VIETNAMESE TURMERIC FISH SUMMER ROLLS This particular recipe is a homage to Hanoi’s classic Cha Cá Lã Vong, a dish of fried fish seasoned with turmeric, shrimp paste, and dill that’s served over vermicelli with lots of herbs and nuoc cham, a staple fish sauce dressing. This simplified version is married with the summer roll for a quick and refreshing nod to an otherwise perfect traditional recipe.

GRILLED SHRIMP WITH PALAPA An insanely flavorful condiment of palapa is made from toasted fresh coconuts and tons of aromatics—nothing can be done than topping it for any grilled protein—in this case, shrimps.

GRILLED CRISPY-SKINNED SALMON Adding an entire lemon—skin, pith, and flesh— to the sauce provides it with brightness and texture. That balance makes it a super versatile condiment that pairs well with grilled or roasted vegetables and is great as a topping for stews and braises come winter. And remember: You absolutely want to cook fish that still has its skin on.

KOREAN-STYLE HASSLEBACK SHORT RIBS Crispy bits. Charred edges. Burnt ends. They’re inarguably the best part of any piece of grilled meat and inevitably the ones in shortest supply. That’s the sheer brilliance of the boneless short rib. You can simply grill the scored short ribs on a standard grill grate without fear of losing meat to the fire below.

ULTIMATE BLT Two sweet-salty finishings let guests craft their own signature sandwiches, but if you’re a purist, leave them off and let the (excellent) bacon speak for itself.

BROTHY SEAFOOD CHOWDER The homemade stock makes all the difference in this flavorful, savory, perfectly smooth chowder. Look for a trusted seafood monger who filets and debones the fish themselves. They usually will have plenty of fishbones left over.

SOUR CHERRY PIE Adding almond flour to the pastry dough makes for a super- tender, toasty-looking crust.

DOUBLE RL RANCH BURGER Ralph Lauren’s signature burger. At his New York City restaurant, they use a mix of chuck, brisket, and short rib. If you have an awesome butcher, ask him or her to give you a blend, but you’ll get great results with chuck alone.

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TRENDS

APEROL SPRITZ This slightly bitter, mostly sweet Italian spritz was first integrated into homo sapien brunch rituals in the year 870 BCE. Probably. Ingredients • 2 oz. Aperol
• 3 oz. prosecco
• 2 oz. (or a top off) club soda
• orange slices Directions Add Aperol, prosecco, and club soda into a large wine glass over ice. Garnish with fresh orange slices.

CAIPIRINHA Brazil’s national cocktail, made with rum’s funkier Brazilian cousin, cachaça, will embolden you to either book a trip to Rio or make another Caipirinha. Either is a win. Ingredients • 2 oz. cachaça
• 1/2 lime
• 2 tsp. sugar Directions Slice the lime into 1/2-inch rounds, cube them, and muddle them in an Old-Fashioned glass with the sugar. Add a couple of ice cubes. Pour in the cachaça. Serve with a stirring rod.

MARGARITA The pinnacle of summertime drinking,

a Marg is made correctly with Cointreau and fresh lime juice.

Ingredients • 2 oz. silver tequila
• 1 oz. Cointreau • 1 oz. lime juice
• coarse salt Directions Chill a cocktail glass, and then rub its rim with lime juice and dip it in coarse salt. Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and ice together in a cocktail shaker. Shake and then strain into the glass over ice.

BOTTOMS UP The summer of 2021 redefined the summer cocktail. And while you’re at it, this sounds like an opportunity to make things up a notch. Gather your tools, wipe the dew from your brow, and mix up on the the best summertime cocktails below.

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GIN RICKEY Think a G&T with all the bubbles but sans that tonic sweetness. This highball is a glass of herbal, citrusy refreshment.

TEQUILA SUNRISE Chase those cheesy ‘70s cocktail vibes with this morning-after classic.

CUBA LIBRE A Cuba Libre is, simply, a rum and coke with lime. But that lime makes all the difference. Ingredients • 2 oz. rum (gold rum is best)
• 1 lime • Coca-Cola Directions Squeeze a lime into a Collins glass. Add 2 or 3 ice cubes. Pour in the rum. Drop in one of the spent lime shells and fill the glass with cold Coca-Cola. Stir briefly.

Ingredients • 1 1/2 oz. tequila
• 3 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice • 1 tsp. grenadine

Ingredients • 2 oz. gin
• 1/2 fresh lime • 6 oz. club soda (top off)

Directions Shake tequila and orange juice well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add grenadine and stir gently, for no longer than is necessary to produce layers of oranges and reds. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Directions Squeeze the juice from half a lime into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Drop the lime half in the glass. Pour in the gin, then fill the rest of the glass with club soda. Stir.

MOJITO Half the joy of a Mojito is in its construction—the picking of mint leaves, the muddling of lime and sugar, the top off of bubbly water. Take your time with this one. Ingredients • 2 oz. white rum
• 1/2 oz. lime juice (squeezed fresh)
• 1 tsp. superfine sugar
• 3 mint leaves
• club soda or seltzer Directions In a smallish Collins glass, muddle lime juice with 1/2 to 1 tsp. superfine sugar. Add the mint leaves, mushing them against the side of the glass. Fill glass 2/3 with cracked ice and pour in the rum. Pitch in the squeezed-out lime shell and top off with club soda or seltzer.

LONG ISLAND ICED TEA A little-known fact about LIITs: They don’t always taste like the water sopped up by a mop from the bar floor after last call. Make this recipe and you’ll understand. Ingredients • 1/2 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. white rum
• 1/2 oz. silver tequila
• 1/2 oz. Cointreau
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. simple syrup
• 3/4 oz. Mexican Coke Directions Shake ingredients (except Mexican Coke), then strain into a Collins glass over crushed ice. Top with Coke and garnish with a lemon twist. (All photos courtesy to the Internet)

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COVER STORY

ELISE & SUMMER With the interesting season, Elise Leach , the young author, shares to us the most anticipated time with her family and how she spends summertime.

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had a good time. It is ideal for families, couple, and anyone that wants lesser crowd and just hanging out at the beach without having to worry about anything. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment!

UR MOST ANTICIPATED time with our family is summertime! No school and we can go on vacation! This

still enjoy the beach without so much crowd. There are so many things you can do on the island. You can go fishing at the Bridge Street Pier or you can go an excursion. We rent a boat and did a 2-hour

summer, we decided to go to Anna Maria Island. There are three cities in Anna Maria Island (AMI) namely Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, and Holmes Beach. It is about an hour from Tampa and about two hours from Ocala. AMI has sugary sand, emerald green, and blue gulf waters. Anna Maria Island is mostly known paradise for locals. It has an “old” Florida charm with no high rise condos and has a laid back atmosphere. It is an ideal place to get away from hustle and bustle of the city. A peaceful place even during peak season. You can

Anna Maria Island is mostly known as paradise for locals.

But if you don’t mind the crowd, you can also go to Siesta Key too. One of my favorites! We stop by there for a day before heading to Ocala. Have a sun-kissed summer everyone!

dolphin and sandbar excursion. You can even bring drinks too and even alcohol! You can also rent a Tiki bar boat and cruise on a Sunset. We stayed there for almost a week and we really

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COVER STORY

Laid back and natural, Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to be this summer—it’s like only an hour away from Tampa.

With a seven-mile strip of beautiful white sandy beaches, this parcel of land is heaven sent—it lies between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida.

ANNAMARIA

Anna Maria Island is once a best-kept secret among

Floridians. It has always been known for its sugar-white beach coastline, emerald green and blue Gulf waters and quaint business districts. Today, it is known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting.

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Strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed on Anna Maria Island, giving it an old-time feel. And everything here is excellent—dining, seafood, as well.

ISLAND

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COVER STORY

GET TO KNOW MORE YOUNG COVER STAR ELISE LEACH

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what inspired you? I used to go to ballet class. The story is based on my experiences in the ballet school. How long does it take you to write a book? And what is your work schedule when you’re writing? It takes us few months to compile the story and have it professionally illustrated. I draw what is on my mind and create the story. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I like to draw and all my stories are interpreted on my drawings. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? Based on life experiences. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Ballet, painting, playing online VR games, playing piano. What does your family think of your writing? My family was proud of my book and motivated me to do more. We have books that are in progress and will be published soon. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing a book? It was just for fun but we push through and publish it. We never thought that it sells good too. Do you have any suggestions to help other writers to become a better? If so, what are they? Try and try until you reach your goal. What do you think makes a good story? I love to read about Unicorns. Kids love Unicorns.

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Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture- perfect Florida sunset over the Gulf of Mexico all in one day. Anna Maria Island is an ideal place to get away from it all. Beautiful tropical foliage embraces you as you relax, watch the dolphins play, and the manatees glide through the water.

Anna Maria Island is a place where “old” Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35mph. High rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent from our pristine vacation destination. EC

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TRAVEL

ELATED ETHIOPIA

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With rich culture and history, discover why Ethiopia is called to be the Cradle of Mankind and why it is a destination you should want to visit.

F A COUNTRY’S UNIQUE WAY of life and history is what gets you going, you have lots to be excited about in Ethiopia. What is remarkable about this empire

on the red sea in northeastern Africa, is its cultural heritage, being home of the Ethiopian orthodox Church, considered one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Apart from a five-year occupation by Mussolini’s Italy, it has never been colonized and the monarchy ended only in the coup of 1974. But to fully experience and understand Ethiopia’s distinctive culture and history, the best way is to visit the various sites that dot the region. From museums and castles that define its origin, to exciting towns and townships and quaint villages, there’s lots to see and do. Upon arrival, we were met by Henok Tsegave, a knowledgeable tour guide who promised everyone an unforgettable experience in Ethiopia. We were more than eager to start out adventure. ADDIS ABABA is the capital city of Ethiopia and Africa’s undisputed diplomatic headquarters of the African Union. Interesting sights include the Merkato, the sprawling market that’s home to anything and all things Ethiopian that you’d ever want to purchase, from pungent spices to other interesting paraphernalia. Centrally located is the Radisson Blu Hotel, which sets new standards for the discerning travelers. Combining excellent service with ultra-modern rooms, a world-class restaurant and a well- equipped business center make Radisson a perfect base for exploring Ethiopia and its neighboring towns. The national museum houses artistic treasures as well as many of the most precious archeological finds, such as
the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of

by QUENNIE RETUYA

Friendship Park in Addis Ababa

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TRAVEL

which is ‘lucy,’ the partial skeleton of a specimen considered to be
the earliest child. Why Lucy? Interestingly, while the fossils were dug up, the popular Beatles song entitled lucy in the sky With Diamonds was being played repeatedly. LALIBELA (The eighth Wonder of the World) is a town on the north, famous for monolithic rock-cut churches and is considered one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities. Each church was carved from a single piece of rock to symbolize humility and spirituality. It has been said that they were built with the help of angels, as they are exquisitely chiseled in the stone. Among the churches we visited was Bete Medahine Alem, House of the redeemer, which is the largest with a vaulted dome, four aisles and 72 pillars. Bete Maryam, House of St. Mary, is the most decorated among the rock-hewn churches. Isolated from the others and undoubtedly the most famous is Biete Ghiorgis, the Church of St. George, which is carved like a cross out of the red rock. The interior has no pillars, but four cross-shaped posts are connected to the central part. All the 11 churches in Lalibela are UnesCo World Heritage sites and represent a unique artistic achievement, in their execution, size and the variety and boldness of their form. GONDAR , the 17th century capital of Ethiopia and popularly called the Camelot of Africa, was home of many emperors and warlords, kings and courtiers who let the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century. Unfortunately, several historical buildings were damaged by British bombs during Ethiopia’s liberation campaign of 1941. Nevertheless, most of the famous castles and imperial buildings survived the ravages of time and form one of Ethiopia’s most captivating antiquities.

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OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP A girl grinds coffee beans during a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony; Fisherman on Lake Tana; Ethiopian Warriors and St. George’s Cathedral, Addis Ababa. THIS PAGE City scenes in Ethiopia.

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BAHIR DAR is the third largest city in Ethiopia, and is situated on the southern shore of lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, the longest river in Africa. Its main attraction is the selection of Ethiopian Christian monasteries, which are found on some 20 of lake Tana’s 37 islands. The monasteries date from the 16th and 17th centuries, and have changed little since their founding. They are simple huts decorated with colorful scenes from the Bible and lives of the saints. Ethiopians are a creative bunch and everywhere you go, something colorful and striking will catch your

exceptional international services, playing a significant role in connecting Africa to the rest of the globe. Today’s Ethiopia is more than a must-visit destination. It’s transcendent and magical, with a flair found nowhere else in the world, a spirit as expansive as the landscape with many opportunities and lots of soul. Go Fly and enjoy it. EC

eye. Whether it is the beautiful crosses and other religious objects masterfully created by silversmiths, or the intricate beaded works made by the local women, there’s plenty to choose from. What’s more, the arts and crafts are totally inspired by their past and include unique offerings like wall-hangings, basketry, etchings and other outstanding selections. So how does one get to experience the many exciting and exotic adventures? Ethiopian airlines, africa’s largest airline and aviation technology leader, recently welcomed its 787 Dreamliner, a new-generation Boeing aircraft. It has won several awards for its

OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP Blue Nile waterfalls; Fasiledes, Ethiopia. THIS PAGE City scene of Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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GO GREEN However you choose to define the word “green”, we’ve found a place that will suit it. From Iceland, which is green in nearly every sense of the word, to Seoul, South Korea, where the Skygarden entices travelers to once-derelict highway, there is green to be seen all of the world. All you have to do is get out and find it. by KAYLAE ASTRIDA

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA Floodwaters have shaped the steep canyons and cliffs along the Cuyama River in the northeastern corner of Santa Barbara County. But while its population is scarce, the area is one of the most dynamic producers of oil and gas in the country. Its green claim to fame are healthy crops like pistachios, wine grapes, and lettuce.

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA Like New York City’s High Line, the Skygarden in Seoul turned a derelict highway into something magical. The dazzling space, which is open 24-hours a day, has bridges that connect it to adjacent commercial buildings, along with performance spaces, street markets, and libraries. One “library” of 24,000 plants, grouped according to the Korean alphabet, denotes the use of certain spaces — like a rose, which compelled Dutch architects MVRDV to build a theater nearby.

LLANARTHNEY, WALES The National Botanic Garden of Wales, set in the Carmarthenshire countryside, may be one of the most forward-thinking historic gardens around. Dating back to the early 1600s, the Middleton estate now features the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, a national nature reserve, and the new tropical butterfly house, among other wonders.

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HELSINKI, FINLAND Not only does this port city off the Baltic aim to rid itself of cars by 2050, it completed a pedestrian and bicycle corridor in 2012. The Baanas, or “rail” as it’s known in colloquial Finnish, conserved as much of its original rail line structures as possible while adding new lighting, foliage, and bike lanes. At the southern end of the trail, you’ll find ping pong tables, pétanque pitches, and basketball courts.

BERLIN, GERMANY In the Kreuzberg neighborhood of former West Berlin, where gentrification and rising rents are a hard reality, the nonprofit Nomadisch Grün (Nomadic Green) has built a vibrant garden on brownfield leased from the city. The aim of Prinzessinnengarten, which is entirely mobile, is to encourage others to start a garden of their own. The 25-person nonprofit makes money by selling food and soil.

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA With the addition of a 77-acre property in Encinitas, the Nature Collective, a Southern California nonprofit land trust, remains devoted to natural land preservation. Next year, the collective’s habitat restoration staff will work with volunteers to rejuvenate the property’s native plants and animals while creating trail connections for people to enjoy the space. Among the endangered species that live there are the San Diego pocket mouse and the California gnatcatcher.

PALAU This island off the Western Pacific is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the world — with a dynamic coral reef system and tropical landscape. As part of the Palau Expedition run by Blue Planet United’s Palau Project, American university students can study the natural and social systems of the island. Palau also encourages tourists to engage with the locals, be it by sipping tea with nomads or staying at an ecolodge.

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VÄXJÖ, SWEDEN Don’t knock the Southern Swedish city that calls itself

“Europe’s greenest.” In the 1990s, long before anyone was talking about climate change, Växjö’s city council vowed to ditch fossil fuels by 2030 and halve carbon emissions in less than 20 years. As of 2015, waste wood from nearby forests provided 90 percent of Växjö’s heat, and the rest of its electricity came from locally produced small hydro, wind, biogas, and solar power.

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VANCOUVER, CANADA This city is serious about tackling waste—a June report found 2.6 million disposable cups wind up in the trash every week — and it recently approved a controversial modular housing project to help the homeless. According to Mayor Gregor Robertson, walking, biking, and public transportation trump cars when it comes to transit.

ICELAND Iceland is green in nearly every sense of the word. It’s the only country in the world whose electricity and heat are entirely generated from renewable sources, and thanks to its sparse population, air pollution is hardly an issue. Despite its baffling name — a trick by the Vikings to discourage future settlers — Iceland’s summers are green and warmer than Greenland’s.

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12 in fashion 21 With the season coming close, we sit back and look at what we want—as we give you a closer look for inspirations for that wardrobe taking up a notch. FASHION

green

day

Bottega Veneta is sending out large canvas totes in the distinctive shade of green. Case in point is this stretch-knit skirt suit in with its buttoned-to-the neck cropped jacket and its carwash hem skirt is utterly winning.

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The collections brought by Proenza Schouler is a knockout dress in stretch jersy with dramatic print on the bodice will be similarly comfortable, but the reason that women will respond to it because it looks like a guaranteed good time. Who isn’t craving for that? silhouette

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FASHION

Raf Simons is so obsessed with the youth culture. But in this collection Simons seeks to explore more of the youth today—those with young people advocating causes. He uses memories and future visions and try to place them in today’s world.

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Stella McCartney’s resort collection was made at the height or in the depths of lockdown. It’s fitting then that his first look goes right back to what started McCartney out on the path to sustainability and her determination to show good- looking fashion. manifesto

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FASHION

When it comes to showing skin, less seems to be more this season, with strategically placed

EC Magazines | Summer Edition 2021 48 cutouts and slits that reveal bare slivers of flesh. Rosetta Getty and Prabal Gurung did this especially well, pairing minimalist and loose silhouettes with subtle peek of the ribs. pe k - a - boo

There seems to be a touch of the 80s in the suits that made their way down the runways. No-nonsense patterns and colors, power shoulders and a slightly boxy feel make these ensembles almost androgynous, although Fendi’s version with a pleated skirt is a more feminine alternative. suit yourself

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FASHION

b rho ahpo sody

The 60s may have injected themselves in Chloe collection, where Boho details like fringed hems, sturdy knits and thin scarves punctuated the looks. Match that up with flared jeans, and we’ve got something ultra flattering but just as chic.

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No matter how old we get, there’s something that draws you to the unabashed girliness of pink and we found out how to make it work in any occasion—wear it the way you love it. pink - y swear

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FASHION

Elie Saab never stopped believing in the power of fashion—and all the work around—to evoke a beautiful spirit. In any case it would be difficult to outshine the saturated primary colors Saab used generously here on pieces like yellow caftan and flowing cobalt blue evening looks.

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do for d ni

The Americana classic seemed to be all the rage. Whether it was weathered with frayed hems at Public School, a Versace crop top, and creations from Oscar Dela Renta it once again shows why denim in fashion is such a classic.

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FASHION

These days, Emilio Pucci’s iconic print isn’t the only one grabbing attention on the runways. Designers have colored their maxi dresses with a variety of patterns, elevating classic shapes into new chic heights.

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Comfortable, flattering, and incredibly stylish in that “I woke up like this” kind of way. A lot of iterations made its way down the runway, but these choices are the stuff we dream to have. pa pja a mnt as

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FEATURE

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VACC TO THE FUTURE Here’s to hyping up the vaccination and why we need to take that shot. by ALEXIS GABUYA

ITH SO MANY things going on, it’s hard to keep up—from the latest TikTok dances to what’s BTS’ next single, even Keeping Up With The Kardashians has become a dreading task. However, if there’s one thing that we have to be aware of and be cautious of is this hopefully near ending COVID-19 pandemic. It may have crossed our minds at one point that this could be the W

vaccinated will. It’s like what Augustus Waters says, “It’s a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.” What’s the point of having vaccines available if we don’t use this amazing scientific discovery to its fullest potential. Yet, with so many different kinds and studies, how would we know which is which and why this debate over “the best one is the one that is available” is still ongoing.

end of the human race and that this could be the start of mass extinction, but then again, science has indeed brought us back to reality and remind us that there is hope for the world and yes, the human race. The warriors of this century have finally arrived, hope is indeed at the tip of a syringe -- the vaccines, fore-bringers of a mask-free and covid-free world. Let’s get things straight: it’s not the vaccines that bring forth the world that we so desire but getting

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FEATURE

MEET THE GANG

So far these eight vaccine brands have been granted permission to execute as they have been proven effective with a higher percentage of efficacy, a disclaimer that this list may have been edited as of writing.

MR. POPULAR, Pfizer BioNTech Efficacy Rate: 95%

TAKING THEIR TIME, Oxford-AstraZeneca Efficacy Rate: 70.4%

LESS WANTED, Sinovac CoronaVac Efficacy Rate: 51% Developed By: Beijing-based

Developed by: German BioNTech Company and U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer Shots Required: 2 doses, 21 days apart With this being the first vaccine to earn authorization from the U.S and the first ever to use the mRNA genetic material (Time Magazine), it’s no wonder why this brand is the one being sought out the most. Though popularity may have brought this vaccine to fame, no other licensed vaccine has used this type of technology as this has never been previously licensed to humans.

Developed by: University of Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca Shots Required: 2 doses, 4-12 weeks apart While every other vaccine is taking shots, this one here is taking their time, slowly and surely. This vaccine uses the same technology as for Ebola and though it has been authorized for emergency use, it has not quite yet received the green signal from the Food and Drug Administration of the US (NY Times).

biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Shots Required: 2 doses, 28 days apart It’s no secret that there have been people who decline their shots when hearing that this is the vaccine they will be getting. Though this has been approved by the WHO for emergency use, most countries European and North American countries do not allow entry if you have been vaccinated with this brand.

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FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, Gamaleya Sputnik V Efficacy Rate: 91.6% Developed by: Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology Shots Required: 2 doses, 3 weeks apart The Russian Government has already authorized its use since last year even before early-stage trial results (Nature Briefing), but despite the high efficacy rate, there have been ongoing controversies regarding this brand as rare side effects are in question and still seeking approval from the WHO.

ONE-SHOT WONDER, Janssen Efficacy Rate: 66.1 - 66.9% Developed by: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Companies of Johnson & Johnson Shots Required: 1 dose This FDA-approved vaccine is for emergency use and is known for its one-shot wonders. Though there have been certain cases wherein side effects include blood clots after receiving the vaccine.

INDIA’S MIRACLE, Covaxin-Bharat BioTech Efficacy Rate: 80.6% Developed by: collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). Shots Required: 2 doses, 28 days apart This underdog brand has shown promising results after its phase 3 trial and has been approved for emergency usage in India since its drastic increase in covid cases and other countries as well. The developers aim to create a vaccine that is affordable and safe.

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FEATURE

SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR, Moderna Efficacy Rate: 94.1% Developed by: ModernaTX, Inc. Shots Required: 2 doses, 28 days apart Like Pfizer, this brand uses mRNA technology, though the slight difference in number, doesn’t mean that this is less effective.

AWAITING, Novavax

Efficacy Rate: N/A Developed by: N/A Shots Required: 2 doses, 21 days apart

This uses the protein subunit technology which is also used in

Hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, shingles. Currently, it is still awaiting for Phase III Clinical Trial.

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WHY SO MANY? According to the World Health

WHAT’S THE ISSUE? Since we’ve established that vaccines have the same purpose, the issue of what to get is still a thing. Though several country governments have been accepting whatever vaccine donation the other countries are giving, some are still refusing to get a specific brand of vaccine or get vaccinated at all. Some say that it’s just a marketing strategy while others say what’s the point we’re all going to die anyway. Vaccines, in general, have created phenomenal

Organization, having many candidates for vaccine development increases its chances of finding the right one (yes, even vaccines need to be Mr. Right) to help us combat this virus. Each vaccine that does make it to a clinical trial result in one out of five success rates. Continuous development and further studies of vaccines ensure the efficacy and protection from this virus that the world greatly despises.

Vaccines, in general, have created phenomenal change in the field of medicine.Without it, we would still have been asking for miracles from a rock or have the whole human race extinct by now.

change in the field of medicine. Without it, we would still have been asking for miracles from a rock or have the whole human race extinct by now. As the pandemic continues to give us “until further notice” vibes, we must protect ourselves, our family, and others and look into the future. The advent of technology has created a path for us to avoid another global pandemic and solutions in cases something similar happens again. After all, history tends to repeat itself, let this be a reminder to get that JAB done. EC

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Vaccines differ in their composition and how they trigger the immune response to create antibodies. The Department of Health says that these antibodies protect the body from microorganisms and will serve as protection if or once the person gets infected by Covid. Think of it as trying to avoid wrinkles, so we use anti-aging products but human as we are, skin sags with age but because OF the used anti-aging product that we used prior, not as much or not immediately.

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AUTHOR’S CORNER

JEFF CRAWFORD Let us know a little more of Jeff Crawford as he dishes out some of the questions we’ve prepared for him.

equally consistent in different genres. Wherever my current interest takes me I can write as enthusiastically about that as I did the first book years ago. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? I’m always surprised when I hear from readers at what struck them as important, usually it’s about things that I had given little thought to. The endings which I work hard to write surprisingly always get a reaction, but it will be this or that character that I hear about, and it’s never the same characters that I think stand out that readers gravitate toward. What do you think makes a good story? To make a good read for someone it has to be fresh and imaginative. Never re-write the same book. You have to allow the reader to see what you as the writer sees, but not spoon feed them everything, some things are to be discovered and interpreted individually. Advice for those young readers who wanted to be like you someday. Write only when you have something to say that is worth reading, there is a huge difference between quality words and words. Write what appeals to you so your enthusiasm will propel the book. Be patient and somewhat unyielding in your writing, no one can tell me how best to tell my story. Turn off the word count until you are finished, it isn’t a homework assignment, it’s a book that once published belongs to the ages. Write it completely or don’t write it. EC

Tell us a short interesting narrative about yourself. I was born of Scottish decent on both parents sides in western North Carolina, but raised in central Florida. I started my vocational journey full time when I was still a senior in high school as a cowboy, and did that in one form or another for the next 30 years. Am an avid sportsman, with a passion for university of Florida athletics. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I prefer to write on small hand held devices rather than larger modern computers. I have written 3 books on an IPhone and 4 on an IPad. I think they lend themselves

to creating an intimacy when writing dialogue that you can’t feel with bigger computers. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? When not writing I still enjoy the outdoors. Hunting and fishing is something I’ve done since I was five years old. I also enjoy playing music, I’m self taught on about 8 different musical instruments. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? That I had the requisite patience which is a must when writing. Also that I have an ability to write

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PUBLISHING MADE EC! EC Publishing makes it possible for aspiring writers to easily achieve their dreams of becoming a published author.

EC Publishing LLC is a self-publishing company headquartered in Ocala, Florida. We are built on the concept of: “Understanding what writers and published authors alike, truly wants for their book, to be able to provide to them what they truly need in publishing. And in doing so, we’ll be able to help them succeed”. We therefore confidently say, we are the self-publishing company that aspiring writers and authors had been looking for to provide the book publishing services and marketing solutions they’ve always dreamt of. EC Publishing is dedicated in making a writer’s journey into published author as easy as possible. From first-timers to veterans, novelists to photographers,

we will always be on our top-most best to help and to prove that it doesn’t take a traditional publishing deal to bring a dream to life. EC Publishing is a publishing company focused and driven on producing high- quality paperbacks, hardcovers, and e-books that fulfills each of our customers’ book-publishing goals and needs. We care about your publishing success, so we are determined to get your book into the hands of readers everywhere. Make the opportunity. You can do it yourself, and EC Publishing has the superb solutions and the tools you specifically need for a smooth-sailing and successful publication. We will serve as an aid in turning your story into a book.

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