Directory Alphaland Corporation
The City Club
Aegle Wellness Center
info@alphaland.com.ph (02) 337-2031
Trunk line (02) 737-0000
Sales Office sales@alphaland.com.ph (02) 846-6205 +63999-886-4420
Reception tccfrontoffice@alphaland.com.ph (02) 737-0016
Reception info@aeglewellnesscenter.com (02) 737-0077 +63917-821-9795 +63949-889-6237
Corporate Events Marco Diaz mldiaz@alphaland.com.ph +63998-998-9998 Katherine Solis kpsolis@alphaland.com.ph +63917-858-9727
Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges Project Sales Manager Sienna Muncada slmuncada@alphaland.com.ph +63948-250-8387 +63917-804-5786
Editorial Team Anna Ongpin Editor-in-Chief Jemimah Uy Managing Editor
Membership tccmembership@alphaland.com.ph (02) 737-0000 loc. 109 or 113
Balesin Island Club Reception frontoffice@balesin.com.ph
Events and Banquets tccevents@alphaland.com.ph (02) 737-0000 loc. 108 or 136
Reservations reservations@balesin.com (02) 337-2055
Sports and Recreation sportsandrec@cityclub.com.ph (02) 737-0000 loc. 107
Concierge balesinconcierge@alphaland.com.ph +63908-887-4787 +63917-509-7190
The Residences at Alphaland Makati Place Reception reception@makatiplace.com.ph (02) 737-0070
Serene Nicole Ramos Cez May Acuña Katherine Solis Emerald Bañares Editors
Benedict Valdecañas, MD, MSc, FPOA, FPCS Jeromme Oliver Calleja Health & Fitness Editors
Jelyn Dades Diane Maria Tomas Jose Benito Alvarez Arian Tuazon Writers
Mafae Belasco Contributor
Jasmine Ortega Graphic Artist
ALPHALAND ATMOSPHERES is the lifestyle magazine of Alphaland Corporation. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Alphaland Corporation. Cover Photo by Cez May Acuña For interested advertisers, contact the magazine’s Advertising Sales Team at sales@alphaland.com.ph.
Contents Table of
Issue 2 | Jan-Mar 2018
President’s Message & Announcements
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2
2017 Highlights
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4
Mindful Eating Made Easy at UpMarket
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7
Chef Recommends
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8
RVO’s Wine Selection
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8
A Taste of France Restaurant Review
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9
Tim Yap’s Oasis in the Midst of Bustling Makati
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10
An Exciting Adventure Awaits You in Balesin
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11
Terminal City Club, Vancouver
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13
Demystifying Detoxification
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14
Triathlon Training in The City Club
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16
Spotlight on Aegle Wellness Center Medical Director Dr. Benedict Valdecañas
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17
Events Calendar
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18
The City Club Sports & Recreation Schedule
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20
Lifestyle The CITY CLUB: Tim Yap’s Oasis in the Midst of Bustling Makati
10
AN EXCITING ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU IN BALESIN
11
Demystifying Detoxification
14
Travel
Health & Wellness
1
Message President’s
We’re pleased to share this issue of Alphaland Atmospheres with you – our Club members, guests, residents, and friends. It’s the start of a new year, and in this issue of Atmospheres we’re excited to share features on what you can look forward to this quarter as well as highlights of recent events. And of course more dining recommendations for our foodie friends! On behalf of the entire Alphaland family, I would like to wish you a happy and healthy 2018. We hope you enjoy reading Atmospheres, and encourage you to share your feedback with us at info@alphaland.com.ph. ANNA ONGPIN
ANNOUNCEMENTS Balesin Island Club Realize your fitness goals for 2018 and join the Under Armour Fitness Retreat happening this January. Work out with Under Armour star athletes Gretchen Ho and Meggie Ochoa at a 3 day/2 night retreat in Balesin and #AssembleYourArmour. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further updates! Make your Chinese New Year weekend memorable by celebrating it with us. The Balesin Concert Series opens again this year with an exciting new lineup of artists to serenade you. For reservations, call the Concierge at +63908-887-4787 or +63917-509-7190. On March 29-31, head over to Balesin for a peaceful and relaxing Holy Week. We will be having our Holy Week Specials which include Easter Crafts and Easter Egg Hunt activities for the little kids and an extension of the Balesin Concert Series. Stay tuned for more details! Balesin Island Club has a lot more to offer our members and guests this 2018. Be sure to follow us on our Facebook page and Instagram account for the latest updates. MICHAEL A.P.M. ASPERIN COO & BALESIN ISLAND CLUB CEO The City Club This Valentine’s Day, invite your date to a romantic dinner at The City Club and be serenaded with sweet and mellow music. We will be serving special dinner set menus which will be available at our restaurants throughout Valentine’s week. Celebrate Chinese New Year with us and watch the amazing dragon dance performance. We will be offering the traditional Chinese rice cake tikoy to our members and guests. Our Executive Chef Mark Biddle is bringing back the Mark’s Prime Rib sharing platters! These ever-popular platters include tenderloin, baby back ribs, veal sausage, salmon fillet and roasted vegetables. For seafood options, head over to Balesin Islander and try our newest offering, Kilawin Lapu-Lapu, a dish that is also a favorite at Balesin Island Club. Bring along your family and friends for a hearty feast at The City Club! Contact (02)737-0000 loc. 104 or 105, or tccfrontoffice@alphaland.com.ph for more info. The City Club gym is the best place to shed those holiday pounds. Sign up for physical training packages by Pinnacle Performance and find the program that will best accommodate your fitness needs. Soon, we will also be introducing fitness camps to get your body geared up for the year ahead. For more info, contact the Sports and Recreation Desk at (02)737-0000 loc. 107 or at sportsandrec@ cityclub.com.ph. If you enjoy playing golf, join us in the upcoming Golf Expo. There will be contests and raffle prizes during this event. Be on the lookout for more details!
2
NICHOLAS BELASCO THE CITY CLUB GENERAL MANAGER
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3
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY P A R T Y
PHOTOS by LUISA BANTA
3 R D A N N U A L W I N E F E S T I VA L
PHOTOS by NICO BELASCO & CEZ MAY Acuña 4
H A L L O W E E N AT B A L E S I N I S L A N D C L U B
PHOTOS by LUISA BANTA
TA B A C A L E R A R E L A U N C H
PHOTOS by NICO BELASCO & JEMIMAH UY 5
H E A L T H Y H O L I D AY S A T T H E C I T Y C L U B
PHOTOS by JEMIMAH UY
BALESIN ADVENTURE TRAIL RUN
PHOTOS by CEZ MAY Acuña & RUNRIO 6
LIFESTYLE SECTION
Mindful Eating Made Easy at UpMarket by Jelyn Dades
“A healthy kitchen provides the foundation for a healthier you.” Opt for gourmet, natural and artisanal goods without the hassle of dealing with the heat or rain at weekend markets. From organic ingredients to internationally acclaimed products, UpMarket at Makati Place has it all!
TOP PICKS Junk-free and tasty. These are two phrases that best describe Take Root snacks. From their award-winning kale chips, nutritious bliss balls, and dairy-free granola bars, these products take healthy snacks on-thego to a new level.
Consume more fiber from fruits through juicing. Try Mambo’s guyabano, mango and passion fruit juices—they have no artificial colors or flavors, and no preservatives!
Flaxseed helps improve digestion, promotes clear skin, lowers cholesterol, reduces sugar cravings, and balances hormones. Plus, it’s super-easy to incorporate into your meals! Just add 2 tbsp of flaxseed to your yogurt or smoothies, or sprinkle to coat chicken and fish dishes.
NEW ON THE SHELVES Improve your mood, endurance, mental clarity, and hormonal balance with Greenola’s Organic raw maca powder. Add 1 tsp to 1 tbsp maca powder to your daily smoothies for an instant boost!
Easy Cures’ Himalayan Pink Salt is helpful for maintaining PH balance, improving hydration, circulation and sleep, and averting muscle cramps. Use it sparingly as a substitute to rock or iodized salt when preparing meals. You can also use it as a natural body scrub to eliminate rough, patchy skin. Muscovado is less processed, thus retaining more sugar cane nutrients, making muscovado a healthier sweetener. II Cane Organics muscovado sugar is produced in Negros, the Philippines’ sugar capital, and is certified organic by the USDA. We highly recommend you add a Muscovado Cube to your daily cup of coffee! 7
CHEF RECOMMENDS
by Chef Sawan Edo
Sawadee Khrup! Thai cuisine, known for its focus on balance, detail, and complex flavors, is at the top of everyone’s gastronomical adventure bucket list. It puts emphasis on intricacy, color, texture, and taste. Experience these unique and appetizing flavors without travelling all the way to Thailand. Head over to Salathip at The City Club or at Balesin Island Club. at the same time. Pad Thai is the kind of food that easily gets you hooked and makes you want to come back for more.
Yam Somo There are many wonderful dishes in Salathip that you will enjoy. One specialty is the Yam Somo or Pomelo Salad. You may have seen or tasted one of the many versions of this Thai specialty. Its key ingredients are the sweetest pomelo, coriander, lemon juice and sliced tomato. It’s fresh, zesty and simple. You can toss in some chili slices into the mix to give it a nice kick!
Tako
Thai Iced Tea
A perfect way to cap off a truly unforgettable Thai meal is by enjoying the local dessert called Tako (soft tapioca wrapped in pandan leaves and topped with desiccated coconut). Filipinos may liken this to their own Maja Blanca, but without the corn. This treat is delectably light and boasts a silkysmooth texture.
To complement the wonderful flavors of your three-course meal, order a glass of Thai Iced Tea. This delicious tea is made from camellia flower and served with milk.
PHOTOS by MARTY ILAGAN
RVO’S WINE SELECTION Clos Apalta 2011 Colchagua Valley, Chile “The most highly regarded wineries in Colchagua Valley are the Lapostolle and Viu Manent. Their best wines are Clos Apalta (Lapostolle) and Viu Miguel (Viu Manent). The 2011 vintage was a great year and compares favorably with the best Bordeaux and Burgundy reds.” – RVO
Pad Thai Another popular dish is the Pad Thai. This well-known Thai noodle specialty is offered by street vendors as well as by the most opulent restaurants in Thailand. Pad Thai is a delicious dish of stir-fried noodles mixed with egg, peanuts, shrimp, and chicken. Make sure to squeeze a generous amount of lime onto the noodles, as it brings together all the unique flavors of the dish, making the Pad Thai sweet, tangy and savory all 8
This rare, single-estate red blend is made with uncompromised quality. The grapes are sourced from non-grafter vines planted in the 1920s that are harvested and de-stemmed by hand and vinified in Lapostolle’s state-of-the-art, gravity-fed winery to preserve the utmost flavor. This wine features cool aromas of cola, coffee, blackberry, stewed plum, herbs and minerals. Young, but opening toward ripe and expressive red fruit, such as plums, red cherries and dry figs with notes of mocha and sweet-spicy hints of vanilla and clover which set up a ripe and rich, long lasting finish. This wine pairs best with hearty and flavourful meat dishes such as steaks from The City Club’s own Mark’s Prime Rib. Inquiries & reservations: (02) 737-0000 loc. 104 to 105, tccfrontoffice@alphaland.com.ph
A Taste of France Right Here at The City Club A restaurant review by Mafae Belasco A Taste of France serves up amazing French cuisine in its stylishly decorated restaurant tucked in the far corner of The City Club. My husband, Nic Belasco, and I call it the hidden gem of the Club. If you are a meat or seafood lover, you will most certainly enjoy the food.
Barbecued Pork Ribs, Braised in Red Wine, Buttered Haricot Vert and Baby Corn
Baked Oysters “Rockefeller” with Spinach and Hollandaise
My top dish recommendation is the Barbecued Pork Ribs. The ribs are flavorful and so tender that the meat just falls off the bone. This dish comes with a side of brown rice pilaf perfectly complemented by the buttered haricot and baby corn.
I highly recommend the Baked Oysters Rockefeller–a personal favorite of my husband and mine. Since we are seafood lovers, we usually get the Rockefeller and the Bouillabaisse to satisfy our cravings. Not only does A Taste of France offer haute cuisine, it also provides a sophisticated ambiance–the perfect venue for a dinner date or a night out with friends. Early in the night, members can enjoy a romantic dinner with their dates. As it gets closer to midnight, the once intimate space sublimely turns into the “it” place for the younger Club members. The lights are turned down, a DJ plays hip hop and EDM music, and the place is packed with the younger crowd for After Hours! If you want to unwind with cocktails and great music, I definitely recommend checking out this event!
Grilled Rib-Eye Steak, Buttered Haricot Vert, Garlic Butter Sauce The rib-eye steak is incredibly juicy and tender, seasoned with just the right amount of rosemary. The steak is paired with buttered haricot and dressed with garlic butter sauce, which gives it a nice kick of flavor.
Anything from savory seafood to the most tender meat, intimate dinners to lively After Hours music, A Taste of France has it all. PHOTOS by NICO BELASCO
9
The City Club: Tim Yap’s Oasis in the Midst of Bustling Makati Famous for his impeccable fashion taste, strong social media presence, and star-studded event productions, Tim Yap is the man of the moment. He is a trendsetter, a cultural top dog, a soughtafter eventologist, and a high-profile influencer of the young and the creative. “I am happy to make people happy. There’s a certain connection one has when doing media work that gives you a pulse about what’s now and what’s next.” Tim previously hosted The Tim Yap Show, his self-titled celebrity talk show on the GMA network and morning radio talk show The Playground on 99.5 PLAYFM. He is the editor and creative director of “Supreme,” the pop culture section of The Philippine Star. Currently, he is working on a new TV show, a new nightlife concept, his event company Yaparazzi, and a number of other passion projects. When he’s not busy appearing on TV, hosting events, or managing his business enterprises, Tim heads over to The City Club at Alphaland Makati Place to loosen up and relax. He calls the Club his oasis. “It’s where I tune out from everything and just focus on myself and where I want to go to next.” One of Tim’s favorite spots in the Club is the gym. Aside from the vast space and the world-class fitness equipment, he mentions that what he likes most about the Club’s gym is its privacy. Being a prominent social figure, he deems it important to have a personal space to work out or, as Tim likes to call it, to meditate. “I love the privacy of having my trainer come and work on the things I need to work on.” For 2018, Tim has a new fitness goal. “I have yet to indulge in the boxing facilities of the Club,” he shares excitedly. Among the nine specialty restaurants in the Club, Tim cites Balesin Islander as his personal favorite: “It’s like a great picker-upper, Filipino comfort food at any time of the day!” The lumpiang ubod is his favorite. He adores this light, healthy, and yummy dish and even tells us that he often has it served for his meetings. 10
by Jemimah Uy
What Tim likes most about The City Club is its location. “I like that it’s right smack in the center of the action yet it provides you with the peace and quiet of an escape.” The City Club, located on Ayala Avenue Extension in Makati, is a three-hectare private club that caters to members’ every lifestyle need, from business and entertainment to leisure and wellness. “It’s really my second home, my secret cocoon, and my private headquarters,” says Tim.
TRAVEL SECTION
PHOTO by MARTY ILAGAN, EMIR KAHN BAUTISTA, OWENS LARAYA
An Exciting Adventure Awaits by Jose Benito Alvarez, Serene Ramos, Jemimah Uy You in Balesin! A private island that is worlds away from the madding crowd of the city is Balesin Island Club — known as a destination of unmatched natural beauty. Only 25 minutes away by Alphaland’s private aircraft, the island boasts more than 7 kilometers of pristine white sand beaches, lush tropical scenery, and jewel-blue waters. With the island’s seven villages patterned after renowned destinations like Bali, Saint-Tropez, Toscana, Mykonos, Costa del Sol, Phuket, and Balesin (representing the Philippines), you’ll find something new to do, see, eat, and experience during every visit.
PHOTO by FRANK CALLAGHAN
What to Do? The New Year is a great opportunity to check items off your bucket list. For the adventure-seekers, we recommend activities such as wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, wall-climbing, and kayaking. If you’re into discovering underwater treasures, we suggest snorkeling or scuba diving. For quiet afternoons, try a leisurely horseback ride along Balesin’s gorgeous shoreline. Or take a golf cart or mountain bike and explore all the different corners of the island at your own pace. Our long weekends and holidays are also filled with local and international guest artists. Check out the schedule in our Events Calendar (page 18). 11
spices; sautéed and served with fried egg, garlic fried rice and atchara) and enjoy the picturesque view of the island’s main beach and the Sierra Madre mountains of the mainland in the distance, right from the comfort of your table.
PHOTO by MARTY ILAGAN, EMIR KAHN BAUTISTA, OWENS LARAYA
Must-Visit: The Balesin Private Villa There’s a new jewel on the island — The Balesin Private Villa! The Private Villa is a slightly smaller version of the Balesin Royal Villa with a unique charm of its own. The villa houses eight bedrooms and provides a stunning view of the ocean. On the main floor, there is an airy salon with lush indoor greenscape, a library, an office, and a fully equipped kitchen which includes a wine cave. On the lower ground floor, there is a karaoke room, a bar for late-night cocktails, and a lounging area where you can play billiards with your friends. Outside the villa is a stunning 400 sqm swimming pool with integrated whirlpool. By the private white-sand beach are four cabañas: two dedicated to dining, one for open-air massages, and the other for leisurely lounging. The Balesin Private Villa is the perfect venue for families and groups of friends to relax and reconnect in low-key luxury.
Lamb Ribs
For lunch, head over to Thanassis Taverna in Mykonos Village for some Greek food and ambiance. Start off your meal with the Melitzano Zalata, an appetizer of roasted white eggplants, pine nuts, Greek yogurt and spices, that goes perfectly with the freshly baked pita bread. Follow that with the Shrimp Saganaki, served hot in a clay bowl. And for the main course, try the classic favorite Moussaka and the Lamb Ribs that are grilled to perfection. Make sure you save room for dessert because Mykonos has the best Chocolate Mousse, which you can also pair with a serving of Baklava.
Where to Dine? From distinctive cultural fare to local dishes, Balesin serves the best authentic cuisine from all around the world, just a golf cart ride away.
Banchan
Finally, before the day ends, head over to Han Gang at the Clubhouse, and enjoy the rich Korean flavors of the thinly sliced Beef Bulgogi, Grilled Marinated Beef Short Ribs (Kalbi), and Jap Chae, glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables. The small side dishes, or banchan, served with your meal will provide even more variety. Tapsilog
Start your day with a hearty Filipino breakfast at the Balesin Sala. Try local favorite Tapsilog (beef tenderloin marinated in a sweet and tangy mixture of sugar, soy sauce, garlic and other 12
Experience total tranquility and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in beautiful Balesin. Make your next Balesin adventures extraordinary by having our Concierge team design your itinerary!
The City Club’s Featured Reciprocal Club: by Jemimah Uy Terminal City Club, Vancouver Heading to Vancouver on your next trip? Check out Terminal City Club, one of The City Club’s newest reciprocal clubs. Terminal City Club is one of Vancouver’s oldest and most respected private members clubs with a reputation for excellence in service and style. Initially established as a businessman’s club by then-Mayor Frederick Cope and a group of entrepreneurs in 1892, it eventually evolved into what we now know as Terminal City Club. The club has always been in the heart of the city’s business district, with some of its past and present members being Vancouver’s most influential businessmen and influencers. Terminal City Club is located in a modern, multi-functional highrise building in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district. Within the building are a myriad of curiosities from the club’s 125-year history: the pool deck statues were donated by B.T. Rogers;
the snooker tables were custom-built in England; and the liquor lockers are holdovers from the post-Prohibition years, back when the club offered mix and ice in order to pass provincial regulations. Terminal City Club is Vancouver’s premier business club, the best place in the city to meet people and make connections. It is also the ideal place to unwind, as it offers world-class recreational, sporting and entertainment facilities. While you’re there, don’t forget to try the club’s acclaimed food options. You can close business deals at the sophisticated 1892 Bistro, catch the latest hockey game at the Lions Pub, enjoy late-night cocktails at Cuvée Wine Bar, and savor the weekend with a hearty brunch at The Grill. 837 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC, Canada 604-681-4121 www.tcclub.com
The City Club Reciprocal Clubs Headed somewhere else? The City Club has seven other reciprocal clubs that can accommodate you during your visits: St. James’s Club (London), Capital Club Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Tower Club Singapore (Singapore), Capital Club Bahrain (Bahrain), Capital Club Nairobi (Kenya), Capital Club Lagos (Nigeria), and American Club Jakarta (Indonesia). Please contact Jela Daclan at 0977-841-3884 or 0908-886-8981 | jgdaclan@alphaland.com.ph for more information about how to avail of our club reciprocity arrangements. St. James’s Club 7-8 Park Place | St. James’s | London, | SW1A 1LS, England +44 (0)20 7316 1611 www.stjameshotelandclub.com
Tower Club Singapore 9 Raffles Place, Penthouse (62nd - 64th Floors), Republic Plaza Tower 1, Singapore 6737-3388 www.tower-club.com.sg
Capital Club Nairobi 4/7 Floor, Imperial Court, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya +254-70-90-38000 www.capitalclubea.com
Capital Club Dubai Gate Village, Building 3, Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), Dubai, United Arab Emirates +971-4-364-0111 www.capitalclubdubai.com
Capital Club Bahrain Levels 51-52, Harbour Towers East, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain +973-17-100100 www.capitalclubbahrain.com
Capital Club Lagos 6 Elsie Femi Pearse Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria +234-814-30000-74, +234-81450000-74 www.capitalclublagos.com
American Club Jakarta Jl. Brawijaya IV No.20, RT.5/ RW.3, Pela Mampang, Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160, Indonesia 62212702438/39 or 62217264559/61 www.americanclubjakarta.org
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Demystifying Detoxification by Dr. Benedict Valdecañas Medical Director, Aegle Wellness Center
Have you ever wondered how the human body can last a day in this toxin-laden world we live in? Or how it can selectively assimilate useful nutrients from the harmful substances you consciously put inside your body (i.e., food)? With your body having survived another 365 days of exposure to toxins, both inside and out, don’t you think you owe it to yourself to help it along?
excessive, can damage the liver cells. Antioxidants (such as vitamin C and E and natural carotenoids) reduce the damage caused by these free radicals. This is where the buzz of taking antioxidants comes from; if antioxidants are lacking and toxin exposure is high, toxic chemicals become far more dangerous and injurious not only to your liver but eventually to your whole body as well.
The answer lies in a natural process that your body undertakes each and every one of these 365 days—detoxification!
Phase 2 is commonly called the conjugation pathway, whereby your liver cells add another substance to a toxic chemical or drug to render it less harmful. This makes the toxin more fat-soluble, allowing it to be excreted through bile and feces, or more watersoluble, allowing it to be excreted from the body via watery fluids such as sweat or urine. The substance most commonly conjugated by your body to these toxins is glutathione. Yes, there is a more vital purpose for glutathione to be given intravenously than to just whiten your skin!
The process of detoxification is an extremely complex one. But let me, as rappers would say, break it down! For the purpose of our discussion here, let’s define detoxification as a specific metabolic pathway, active throughout the human body, that processes unwanted chemicals for elimination: a pathway that involves a series of enzymatic reactions that neutralize and solubilize these toxins. Although every single system in the human body contributes to this process, let’s focus on the main organ responsible—your liver. Let’s look at your liver as a water-processing plant—yes, something similar to what we have in Balesin, which converts rainwater to something more useful for the island. The processing plant is made up of different parts, each of which clears out a specific pollutant in the rainwater. Your liver has different processes specifically designed for different kinds of toxins you put inside your body. These different processes are grouped into two: Phase 1 detoxification and Phase 2 detoxification. Phase 1 is the pathway that converts a toxic chemical into a less harmful chemical. This is achieved through various chemical reactions. During this phase, free radicals are produced which, if 14
Again, different toxins, whether from the food you eat or from the environment you are constantly exposed to, require different processes to be rendered harmless; some toxins require just the Phase 1 pathway, some require just the Phase 2 pathway, but most of the toxins in our world today require both pathways. In his book Detoxification and Healing, Dr. Sidney Baker states that 80% of the energy the body manufactures goes towards aiding the detoxification organs, specifically the liver. We’ve always believed the immune system is the most important system in the body, but we now know that the detoxification system is just as important. We are blessed with a built-in detoxifying mechanism. Every single day we should work to make sure that our diet and lifestyle support this wonderful detoxification system. Here are a few tips to get us on the right track.
Minimize Unnecessary Carbs. The liver is responsible, apart from its cleansing duties, for converting unused carbohydrates to its storage form, fat. This is where we get most of the fat from, more than the contribution of excessive fatty food intake. This is how one gets a fatty liver: when this conversion overwhelms transporting fat from the liver, fat builds up within it. Excessive carbohydrate intake, particularly simple sugars, diverts muchneeded resources from your liver’s main function—that is, detoxification.
Move More. This increases your body’s demand for fuel, hence the burning of more calories from all the carbohydrates you eat, leading to less fat conversion. Regular exercise stabilizes your body’s fuel utilization, thus keeping your metabolism constant. Not to mention, it burns excess fat stored by the liver after 365 days of excessive eating.
Drink More Water. The detoxification processes of the liver require a lot of elements, particularly hydrogen and oxygen from H2O! Your body’s daily fluid requirement is three liters, roughly ten glasses. Drinking a glass of water per hour is a good habit to develop.
Get Good-Quality Sleep. Much of the 80% of the energy needed by your liver is harnessed when not much activity is happening; that is, when you are asleep. In addition, many of the hormones and enzymes needed by this detoxification process are produced only when we are sleeping. Therefore, we mostly recover from our toxic lifestyle at bedtime.
Supplement. Since the liver uses up a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and elements, these must be supplied and replenished at a consistent rate. We don’t get everything our liver needs from our diet, no matter how well-balanced we think it is. Unfortunately, not all the nutrients our liver needs are best given orally; glutathione, for one, should be synthesized by the body itself. And guess where? The liver. Since orally given glutathione is also broken down by the liver, it is best given intravenously. Speaking of providing nutrients to your body to facilitate its detoxification process, medical science has developed protocols for just that purpose. These protocols are designed to diagnose your specific deficiencies as well as toxin load, clear out accumulated toxins, and replenish your body with much-needed micronutrients. And this is why you can even Plan Your Detox Program with your doctor. Or should I say your Aegle doctors. For inquiries & suggestions: bdvaldecanas@aeglewellnesscenter.com
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Triathlon Training in The City Club by Oliver Calleja
Triathlon used to be considered a bizarre form of self-torture engaged in by endurance junkies who had gone over the edge. Now, triathlon has gone mainstream and thousands of men and women, and even young boys and girls, participate in numerous triathlon races in the country and abroad. Preparing for these races is not that easy. A triathlete has to put in hours of training not just for one sport but for three different disciplines – swimming, biking, and running. At The City Club, training for triathlons has now been made possible and convenient; there’s no need to transfer locations to complete all the work you need on your swim, bike, or run training. race; therefore, training can also be the most demanding in terms of logistics and schedule. To train for cycling, you may have to ride your bike in loops on the Mall of Asia grounds or go out of town to CaviteBatangas or Rizal. All these can be time-consuming because of the travel involved, and dangerous because of all the vehicles sharing our roads. With the Club’s cycling program called WattUp, you can ride your bike in the confines of the gym – safe and dry, without compromising the quality of your training. All you need to do is bring your own bike and schedule a session with our expert cycling trainer. Swim Most pools in the metro are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Our pool, with a designated 25m lap area, is open from 6AM to 10PM. Longer hours mean you can schedule your swim training before or after work, or sometime in between. We also have our resident swim and triathlon coaches Kaye Lopez, Noy Basa, and Al Gonzales to help you realize your swim and triathlon goals.
Run Running outdoors is always ideal, but running on the treadmill has its advantages. Read: http://www.triathlete.com/2015/02/training/dreadmill-benefitstreadmill-training_112345/amp We have six treadmills that are always available for you to do your run or brick sessions. Bike Of the three disciplines, cycling is the longest segment in a triathlon 16
Whether you are an experienced triathlete or planning to do your first triathlon, The City Club is the place to be. All you need to do is “tri.”
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Aegle Wellness Center Medical Director Dr. Benedict Francis Valdecañas
by Arian Tuazon
Dr. Benedict Francis Valdecañas has a strong academic background, having completed postgraduate training in Hyperbaric Medicine at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas; Master’s degrees in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of the Philippines; and Epidemiology from the Ben Taub Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He had his residency at the St. Luke’s Medical Center Institute of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and his fellowship in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy at the Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has established his authority in sports medicine and orthopedics through various local and international medical organizations. He is the immediate past president of the Philippine Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and a board member of both the ASEAN Society for Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy and the Asia Pacific Knee Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine Society. He is the founding chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics in Cardinal Santos Medical Center and a faculty member of the Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery. He is an associate professor at the European Council for Aging Research and Education, a diplomate of the Philippine Board of Orthopaedics, and a fellow of both the Philippine Orthopaedic Association and the Philippine College of Surgeons. Dr. Ben keeps abreast of clinical updates and medical breakthroughs to apply in managing the health and wellness of his patients. For several years now, he has specialized in regenerative medicine research for both hospital-based programs and clinical applications. He utilizes the latest findings that molecular biology has to offer in optimizing health and human performance through customized micronutrient supplementation, personalized exercise programs, and careful attention to diet and nutrition. To leverage his superior credentials and expertise where he feels they add the most value, Dr. Ben chooses to practice in the Philippines—specifically, in the country’s leading integrative health and wellness facility, Aegle Wellness Center. He dedicates his practice to empowering his patients to take control of their own health. Unlike conventional medical practice wherein patients are given a “quick fix” for their ailments, he takes time to help his patients understand their current health status and guides them through making the right interventions based on their needs and capabilities. He envisions changing the way we regard our health as a second priority, and aspires to change the course of medical practice, focusing more on prevention than cure. Indeed, Dr. Ben is a person who makes the world healthier one patient at a time. 17
EVENTS CALENDAR January - March 2018 THE CITY CLUB Date February
16, Friday
March April
31, Sunday 1, Sunday
Event Chinese New Year Post-Valentine Concert Calligraphy Workshop Easter Sunday Activities
Venue Atrium Ballroom Atrium Atrium
BALESIN ISLAND CLUB Date January
27, Saturday
February
17, Saturday 30, Friday
March
31, Saturday
Event Assemble Your Armour, Women’s Fitness and Wellness Retreat Balesin Concert Series Easter Crafts Easter Egg Hunt Balesin Concert Series
Venue TBA Clubhouse Performance Theatre Balesin Sala Rico’s Hideaway Clubhouse Performance Theatre
Inquiries & Reservations The City Club (02)737-0000 or tccfrontoffice@alphaland.com.ph
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Balesin Island Club +63908-887-4787 or balesinconcierge@alphaland.com.ph
Aegle Wellness Center The City Club (02) 737-0077, +63917-821-9795 or +63949-889-6237
Balesin Island Club +63917-323-2017 or +63998-582-3962 info@aeglewellnesscenter.com
The City Club Fitness Camp Achieve your 2018 fitness goals with The City Club’s Fitness Camp. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on this exciting new program. Golf Expo Calling all golf enthusiasts! We will be holding a Golf Expo at the Club, including golf training programs featuring our state-of-the-art high-definition golf simulator. Be on the lookout for more details! Post-Valentine Concert Valentine’s is just around the corner. Celebrate this special day with your family, friends and loved ones here at The City Club and enjoy the special menu we’ve prepared just for this occasion! There will be special performances from the country’s finest artists. Stay tuned for further details. Easter Activities Grab your baskets and hop on over to The City Club for some Easter fun! There will be an Easter egg hunt and many other activities that you and your kids will enjoy.
Balesin Island Club Assemble your Armour, Women’s Fitness and Wellness Retreat In partnership with Under Armour Philippines and Aegle Wellness Center, Balesin is hosting a fitness and wellness retreat for women. This exciting event features Under Armour ambassadors Gretchen Ho and Meggie Ochoa. Balesin Concert Series Celebrate the Chinese New Year weekend with a special performance from of one of the country’s promising artists and get a chance to win surprise giveaways! Balesin Holy Week Specials Have special family bonding time in Balesin this Lenten season. Catholic mass will be held every day of the week, and there will also be fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy to welcome Easter!
Balesin Holy Week Catholic Mass Schedule March 26 (Holy Monday) 5:00 PM
Holy Monday Mass
March 27 (Holy Tuesday) 5:00 PM
Holy Tuesday Mass
March 28 (Holy Wednesday) 6:00 AM 5:00 PM
Holy Wednesday Mass Holy Wednesday Mass and Recollection with Confession for the youth
March 29 (Maundy Thursday) 6:00 PM
Last Supper Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; Vigil until 12 midnight
March 30 (Good Friday) 9:00 AM 3:00 PM
Stations of the Cross Liturgy, Veneration of the Cross and Procession of Sto. Entiero
March 31 (Black Saturday) 6:00 PM
April 1
Easter Vigil Mass
(Easter Sunday)
5:00 AM Easter “Salubong” Mass 10:00 AM Easter Sunday Mass 19
The CITY CLUB Sports & RECREATION Schedule PROGRAMS ARCHERY (KYUDO)
ARNIS
BALLET
BOXING
BELASCO UNLIMITED SKILLS ACADEMY BASKETBALL
BELASCO UNLIMITED SKILLS ACADEMY TENNIS
CYCLING
RATES
SCHEDULE
TRAINER/COACH
4 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 2,800
SUN 9:45AM-12NN 1PM-3:15PM
MARTIAL JEUDY
BY APPOINTMENT
JODEL CASTRO
PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 550 GUESTS: PHP 600 10 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 5,500 GUESTS: PHP 6,000 4 SESSIONS KIDS: PHP 2,200 DAY PASS: PHP 750
WED 4PM-5PM
5 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 2,200 DAY PASS: PHP 750
MON 6PM-7:30PM WED 6PM-7PM
PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 500 GUESTS: PHP 600 10 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 4,000 GUESTS: PHP 4,500
ANNA SUNTAY
BY APPOINTMENT
KRISTIAN HERNANDEZ
SAT-SUN 12NN-2PM
NIC BELASCO
SAT 9AM-11AM
MAFAE BELASCO
MON-FRI 7AM, 9AM AND 12NN
MARI AMISTOSO
MON, WED, FRI 7PM-9PM
LLOYD ESCOSES
MON-SAT 1PM-3PM 4:30PM-6:30PM
GERALD PILAPIL
PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 700 GUESTS: PHP 800 5 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 3,000 GUESTS: PHP 3,500 10 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 6,000 GUESTS: PHP 6,500 PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 700 GUESTS: PHP 800 5 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 3,000 GUESTS: PHP 3,500 10 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 6,000 GUESTS: PHP 6,500 PHP 3,000 PER MONTH PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 200 GUESTS: PHP 250
ESCOSES TRAINING CAMP BADMINTON
6 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 1,200 GUESTS: PHP 1,500 12 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 5,500 GUESTS: PHP 6,000 4 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 2,500 GUESTS: PHP 2,800
GYMNASTICS
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8 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 4,500 GUESTS: PHP 4,800 12 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 6,000 GUESTS: PHP 6,500 24 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 11,000 GUESTS: PHP 11,500
The CITY CLUB Sports & RECREATION Schedule PROGRAMS
JUDO
RATES
SCHEDULE
PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 550 GUESTS: PHP 650
TUE, THURS 4:30PM-6PM 6PM-8PM
4 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 2,000 GUESTS: PHP 2,500 8 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 3,800 GUESTS: PHP 4,300
JIU JITSU
KENDO (JAPANESE MARTIAL ART OF SWORDSMANSHIP)
PERSONAL TRAINING
PILATES
PHP 3,500 PER MONTH ONE-TIME MEMBERSHIP PHP 2,000 PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 600 GUESTS: PHP 700 4 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 1,800 GUESTS: PHP 2,000 8 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 3,400 GUESTS: PHP 3,800 PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 900 GUESTS: PHP 1,000 10 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 8,000 GUESTS: PHP 8,500 PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 1,000 GUESTS: PHP 1,200 10 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 10,000 GUESTS: PHP 13,000
TRAINER/COACH
RICK JAYSON SENALES SAT 8:30AM-10AM 10AM-12NN
MON, WED, FRI 7:30PM-9:30PM
ALI SULIT
WED 6PM-8PM
KOJI IGARASHI SUN 4PM-6PM
ARNIE FIDEL BY APPOINTMENT REX MIRAFLOR
BY APPOINTMENT
ANGEL ORTEGA
MON, WED, FRI 7PM BY APPOINTMENT
EVAN SPARGO
TUE, THURS 10:30AM-11:30AM
ROXY BARRIOS
TUE, THURS 6:30PM-7:30PM
NOY BASA
PER SESSION (CLASS) MEMBERS: PHP 700 GUESTS: PHP 800
SPARGO FITNESS (CIRCUIT TRAINING)
4 SESSIONS (CLASS) MEMBERS: PHP2,400 GUESTS: PHP 2,800 8 SESSIONS (CLASS) MEMBERS: PHP 4,000 GUESTS: PHP 4,800 10 SESSIONS (ONE ON ONE) MEMBERS: PHP 12,000 GUESTS: PHP 12,800
BEGINNERS SWIMMING
TRIATHLON SWIMMING
PER SESSION MEMBERS: PHP 600 GUESTS: PHP 800 8 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 5,500 GUESTS: PHP 6,000 8 SESSIONS MEMBERS: PHP 5,500 GUESTS: PHP 7,500
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