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Directory Alphaland Corporation info@alphaland.com.ph +63.2.337.2031
Reception tccfrontoffice@alphaland.com.ph +63.2.737.0016 Membership tccmembership@alphaland.com.ph +63.2.737.0000 loc. 109 or 113
Sales Office sales@alphaland.com.ph +63.2.846.6205 +63.999.886.4420 Corporate Events Marco Diaz mldiaz@alphaland.com.ph +63.998.998.9998 Katherine Solis kpsolis@alphaland.com.ph +63.917.858.9727
Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges Project Sales Manager Sienna Muncada slmuncada@alphaland.com.ph +63.948.250.8387 +63.917.804.5786
Events and Banquets tccevents@alphaland.com.ph +63.2.737.0000 loc. 108 or 136 Sports and Recreation sportsandrec@cityclub.com.ph +63.2.737.0000 loc. 107
The Residences at Alphaland Makati Place Reception reception@makatiplace.com.ph +63.2.737.0070
Aegle Wellness Center Reception info@aeglewellnesscenter.com +63.2.737.0077 +63.917.821.9795 +63.949.889.6237
Balesin Island Club The Alpha Suites Reservations info@thealphasuites.com +63.2.337.2000 www.thealphasuites.com
Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. Reception unwind@topofthealpha.com +63.917.109.7449
Reception frontoffice@balesin.com.ph Reservations reservations@balesin.com +63.2.337.2055 Concierge balesinconcierge@alphaland.com.ph +63.908.887.4787 +63.917.509.7190
The City Club Trunk line +63.2.737.0000
Editorial Team Anna Ongpin Editor-in-Chief Emerald Bañares Managing Editor Con Valdecañas Annaflor Sagum Editors Marty Ilagan Dr. Jason Peñaranda Contributors
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Chef Valerie Nombre Edda Lizarondo Sienna Muncada Luisa Banta Rechilda De la Cueva Evan Spargo Diane Tomas Writers
Jasmine Clarisse 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 of The Bird's Nest, Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. by Annaflor Sagum Interested advertisers may contact the magazine’s Advertising Sales Team at sales@alphaland.com.ph
Contents Table of
President’s Message & Announcements
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Event Highlights
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Chef Recommends
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High-Definition Virtual Golf at The City Club
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An Exclusive Sneak Peek at Manila's Premier Jazz Bar and Lounge: Top of the Alpha by Louie Y.
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Jose Mari Chan and His Gift of Fifty Years of Beautiful Music
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Spending the Holidays in Baguio With Loved Ones
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Reciprocal Club: Capital Club East Africa
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Concierge Recommends: Celebrate Christmas and New Year Around the World Balesin-style
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Issue 5 | October - December 2018
Lifestyle Top of the Alpha by Louie Y.
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Travel
Health & Wellness Naughty Nibblers' Food Guide To Santa's Nice List
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How to Stay Fit When Traveling This Holiday Season
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Spotlight on: Rico Sison, Alphaland’s Head of Design
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Events Calendar
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The City Club Sports & Recreation Schedule
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Jose Mari Chan
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Spending the Holidays in Baguio With Loved Ones
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Celebrate Christmas and New Year Around the World–Balesin-style
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President’s
Message The "ber" months are here again, and with them the prospect of holidays, family time, and celebrations. What could be better than spending Halloween in Balesin, Christmas in your own log home in the mountains above Baguio, and New Year's Eve at the new jazz bar Top of The Alpha by Louie Y, with a luxurious suite or two for family and visiting friends at The Alpha Suites? Read up on all of these in this holiday issue of Atmospheres and see how we've got you covered for the holidays and everything in between. 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 Ber-y Balesin The Halloween and Holiday Seasons are upon us and in Balesin, there are countless ways, reasons, and occasions to celebrate with family and friends. Here are just a few you can’t pass up... A spooktacularly fun Dia de los Muertos-themed trick-or-treat party awaits your little ones this coming Halloween weekend. Have them costume-ready for a fun-filled afternoon! The Philippines’ King of Soul Janno Gibbs is also set to perform once again on our concert stage on Saturday, November 3, on the same long weekend, so prepare for a night of exceptional Filipino music and talent at this exclusive concert experience. By popular demand, renowned Healing Priest Fr. Fernando Suarez will be back in Balesin to celebrate Sunday Mass on November 4. Also this coming November, we are expecting to harvest our second batch of the sought-after juicy guapples which are grown right here on the island. These luscious fruits are freshly picked from our Guapple Farm and may be brought home with you. They’re a delicious reminder of your sweet time on the island.
JERIC MARIANO Balesin Island Club General Manager The City Club For the first time ever we are hosting The City Club’s Halloween Fun Run on Saturday, October 27. Packages for the event include overnight stays at The Alpha Suites for one or two nights. After the run, we’ll have a BBQ party by the pool. Get your costumes ready now! Check with our reception desks for more details. Celebrate and give thanks with family and friends at our Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet on Thursday, November 22 at the Club Lounge. There will be a special performance by the one and only Prince of Broadway, Jon Joven. Attendees will also get a chance to win special prizes! Friday, December 7, we are throwing a Christmas Social at the Club Lounge for our members as a thank you for their continued patronage. Live music by Red Picasso along with great food and drink will be served throughout the evening. Join us as we usher in the Christmas season with a bang. Look back on the year that was and welcome 2019 with your City Club family at our New Year’s Eve Countdown. Enjoy the night with amazing food, free-flowing drinks, and the beats from our special guest DJ to amp up the night. Reserve early to guarantee a table! We’re already nearing fully booked status so if you need to book an event, contact our Banquets Team now. On behalf of The City Club team, I would like to thank all of our loyal members who’ve helped us reach new levels. Now that we have The Alpha Suites luxury serviced residences, the Club offers more to our members and guests than any other membership club in the Philippines. Happy holidays to you all!
NICHOLAS BELASCO THE CITY CLUB GENERAL MANAGER 2
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Father's Day Dinner Buffet
Father's Day celebration at The City Club was another beautiful memory to keep for members and guests. The night was filled with great music by international theater artists T3IO, and some lucky attendees won exciting prizes.
Wine & Whiskey Festival
The 4th Annual Wine & Whiskey Festival was a big success! The evening was enhanced by a wonderful performance by the Prince of Broadway Jon Joven, while members and guests sipped their favorite wines and spirits.
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Aegle MED Talk
Aegle Wellness Center recently had its first series of MED Talk sessions last quarter with our own doctors: Medical Director Dr. Benedict Valdecaùas, and Medical Associate Dr. Luis Valencia. Don't miss the next MED Talk—sign up for our newsletter through www.aeglewellnesscenter.com
Balesin Coastal Cleanup 2018
Tie T he K not: A lphaland B ridal Fair 2018
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September 2018 marked the fifth consecutive year that Balesin Island Club participated in the annual International Coastal Cleanup. With close to 400 participants, everyone worked together to keep beautiful Balesin clean and pristine, and to make the initiative a success "for shore."
Luxury Serviced Residences in Makati
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Experience five-star luxury accommodation at special daily and long-stay rates — call +632 337 2000 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext., Makati City, Philippines 5
LIFESTYLE SECTION
Chef Recommends: Sakura at The City Club and at Balesin Island Club By Chef Valerie Nombre and Edda Lizarondo
For gourmets and foodies who enjoy the multiple layers of flavors and textures offered by authentic Japanese food, delicious discoveries await you in Sakura at The City Club and at Balesin Island Club. Our chefs have created these special dishes inspired by the wonderful cuisine of the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Sakura Maki Our supersized maki is densely packed for supreme satisfaction: wrapped up in each roll is a generous serving of tobiko (fish roe), cream cheese, kani, avocado, cucumber, and anago (eel). Every bite has a delightful crunch from the coating of deep-fried tempura batter topped with the tasty flavor of sautéed shrimp and aburi sauce.
Spicy Wakadori Here’s a terrific pairing with your favorite drink: tender cuts of deep-fried chicken, tossed in spicy mayonnaise and topped with chili threads. It’s wickedly savory from the dish to the garnish, and everything in between.
Kaki To Papaya Our signature dish, making the most of the bounty of both land and sea, exudes Japanese flavor with a tropical twist. Plump, juicy oysters bursting with freshness are grilled to perfection and gently drizzled with aburi sauce, then laid on a bed of grilled sweet papaya.
Beef Teriyaki From two words that mean “luster” (teri) and “grill” (yaki), our version shines with its distinctive taste and tenderness. We select only the finest tenderloin to grill, and drizzle the slices generously with our own freshly made teriyaki sauce.
High-Definition Virtual Golf at The City Club A Review by Marty Ilagan. Handicap index: 1.2
RVO’S WINE SELECTION Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia Castagneto Carducci, Italy, 2014
Tasting Notes Intense, concentrated and deep rubycolored, this wine offers elegant, complex aromas of red fruit. In the mouth, it’s rich and dense, yet harmonious, with sweet, balanced tannins. The wine has a long finish with a depth and structure that ensure its extraordinary longevity. Sassicaia means “the place of many stones,” and refers to the region’s gravel soil.
Wine Features Type: Red Grape blend: 85 % Cabernet Sauvignon 15 % Cabernet Franc
The City Club’s high-definition virtual golf simulator is a great weatherproof tool to enhance your game as it delivers crisp, stunning, life-like visuals. It’s perfect for players of all skill levels and ages who want to improve and sharpen their game. Not only do you have the option of playing your favorite championship courses, you also get to practice and find out what your bad habits are. HD Golf projects not only your ball’s flight and shot shape, but also records your ball’s “carry” distance, plus bounce and roll. In addition, launch angle, smash factor, and ball spin rate are also displayed to give you more accuracy so you can find out what driver loft or shaft stiffness is best suited to you. Invite some golf buddies and host a tournament or “nearest the pin” challenge for some competitive fun. You‘ll get to play golf in actual world-famous courses like Pebble Beach, the old course in St. Andrews, Pinehurst No. 2, and Bethpage Black just to name a few. And you can play rain or shine, day or night. Discover accuracy and realism you thought impossible from a simulator. Book your tee time now! 7
An Exclusive Sneak Peek at Manila’s Premier Jazz Bar and Lounge:
Top of the Alpha by Louie Y.
By Emerald Bañares, VP - Marketing and Special Projects
Manila’s King of Nightlife, Louie Ysmael, and Alphaland have teamed up to create the premier jazz bar and lounge in town, Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. It features all genres of jazz, performed by Manila’s finest jazz bands and talents plus acclaimed foreign artists, right in the heart of the lively Makati Central Business District. Top of the Alpha is the perfect spot for jazz lovers as well as those who simply need to unwind at the end of the day with a few drinks, good food, and a spectacular panoramic view of the metro from The Bird’s Nest, the lounge’s outdoor wraparound seating area.
The Bird's Nest, Top of the Alpha's outdoor lounge
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Louie Ysmael, Manila’s King of Nightlife
From the classic nightclub door canopy entrance at Alphaland Corporate Tower, a private elevator whisks you up to the penthouse floor, home to Top of the Alpha, and there’s also an express elevator from the 5th floor of The City Club. Once you step out of the lift, the warmly lit onyx bar, fully stocked with fine liquor, and plush seating beckon you for a drink. The walls of windows allow glimpses of the twinkling lights of Makati, adding to the special ambiance. The Piano Lounge, with a sleek, black grand piano and band set is complemented by a striking backdrop of waves of holographic walls.
The private rooms
Tabacalera Cigar Divan
The lounge also has three elegant and well-appointed private rooms, each with its own music dock for those who prefer to be their own DJ and perfect for parties of up to 10, as well as a Tabacalera Cigar Divan featuring the country’s finest handmade cigars. With a capacity of approximately 190 people, the lounge is also an exceptional venue for private parties and events.
The City Club and Balesin Island Club members are invited to the Grand Launch on Wednesday, October 17, 6PM. RSVP to VIP Manager Pia Uy at +63917-799-2019. Top of the Alpha by Louie Y opens to the public on Thursday, October 18. It will be open Mondays to Saturdays, 5PM to 2AM.
34th floor, Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext., Makati City
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Jose Mari Chan and His Gift of Fifty Years of Beautiful Music By Emerald Bañares, VP - Marketing and Special Projects
Multi-awarded singer-songwriter, commercial jingle and motion picture score writer, and businessman Jose Mari Chan’s musical journey started the classic way: he was discovered while he was hosting and singing in a campus variety show in Manila. His gentle voice and original songs caught the attention and hearts of many, competing with international sensations the Beatles and the Beach Boys, who were dominating the local music scene at the time. Fast forward to five decades later: he now has a number of Awit Awards (the Philippine version of the Grammy Awards) under his belt, including two Album of the Year awards for “Constant Change” and for the ubiquitous holiday favorite “Christmas In Our Hearts”—these two albums also earned the unprecedented Diamond Award and Double Diamond Record Award in Sales, respectively. He’s also popular in the region—his classic song “Beautiful Girl” in particular was a hit in other Asian countries, and also earned an Awit Award for Best Produced Record of the Year. 10
Jose Mari Chan is truly an incomparable music icon, and on top of that, a remarkable businessman. Ask anyone who knows him personally, and they’ll describe him as a Godfearing man who remains humble, genuinely kind, and passionate. He was indeed very kind to share with us a few highlightsof his remarkable 51 years in music.
From being an Economics student at the Ateneo, how were you able to shift to your passion for music? Even in high school in Iloilo and all through college in Manila, music was always a hobby I loved and enjoyed. I was part of a band in Ateneo that performed in parties. I was singing in various campus variety shows in Metro Manila and eventually, I became a regular host or an “emcee” in these shows. That was when television discovered me. Pete Roa of ABS-CBN offered me to host a teenage TV Show called “9 TEENERS.” The year was 1966. I was in junior year at the Ateneo at the time, taking up AB in Economics. Singing my original songs on TV widened my exposure and it led to an independent record promoter named Sonny Lozano who, in 1967, the year I graduated, offered to produce my first-ever commercial recording. The song was “Afterglow” flipsided by “Pines”.
In these past 51 years of my musical journey, I have written and sung of teenage dreams and castles in the air, of first meetings that lead to romance, about broken hearts and love lost, of finding one’s true love, bringing up children and growing old together. I have written several motion picture scores and lots of advertising jingles. I have had failures in songwriting competitions but I never allowed them to knock me down or discourage me. I just kept doing my best. I feel that over the years, my enduring and lasting works are my Yuletide songs. “Christmas In Our Hearts”, a 28-year old duet that I recorded with my daughter Liza, has been loved and embraced by generations of Filipino music lovers here and abroad. It carries the real meaning of Christmas. For me at my age, it is a perfect gift for these 51 years of my songwriting career. Can you share what your favorite part of being a Balesin member is?
You’ve mentioned that the conception and success of most of your songs were due to your wife, Mary Ann. The song “Refrain” in particular you’ve said is the most heartfelt song you’ve written for your wife (your girlfriend at the time), when she left for Japan. Can you tell us more about how she reacted to your song, and how your music has played a role in your love life?
For me, Balesin is a perfect getaway from the concrete jungle of Metro Manila. I feel one with nature when I breathe its air and wade in its beaches. I especially enjoy bringing my children and grandchildren to Balesin.
Mary Ann Ansaldo and I were boyfriend-girlfriend for about 3 years. She was in Maryknoll and I was already working in our family sugar business. After graduating from Maryknoll in 1969, she decided to give one year of her time to work as a lay missionary in the Assumption School in Osaka. It was during this separation period that I wrote the song “Refrain” to express my heavy feeling of emptiness. We both decided to marry the next year, 1970, and together went to Japan to work as a missionary couple in that same school. What is your philosophy when it comes to songwriting and your music career? GOD has blessed me with the gift of music, and everyday I carry a grateful heart. Striving to do my best in what I do best—that has been my life’s guiding principle and my way of giving back. My songs mirror my person. As an artist, composing and songwriting express my views of life and my innermost feelings, written in melodies that are easy for music lovers to sing.
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TRAVEL SECTION
Spending the Holidays in Baguio With Loved Ones By Sienna Muncada, Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges Sales Manager Cool, fresh air, hot batirol, queso de bola, colorful lights everywhere, and carolers on the street—these are classic signs that it’s that time of the year again–Christmas! Baguio City is undeniably one of the best destinations in the Philippines this time of year. The cold weather and the abundant pine trees have always been inviting, but there’s an even greater allure during the holidays. You feel that love and the spirit of giving is in the air, you find yourself greeting strangers, helping others and smiling more, and just being a kinder and more cheerful person in general. The best place to spend the holidays in the City of Pines is in your own luxury log home at Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges. Imagine yourself lounging on a cozy couch, blanketed by the warmth of the crackling fireplace against the cool Baguio climate, having a great conversation with your loved ones over coffee or hot cocoa, the scent of pine trees, plus the delicious aroma of your Noche Buena filling the air. Wouldn’t that be great? Aside from the four-, five-, and six-bedroom log homes, Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges now offers two- and three-bedroom quadruplex units, built for large and small families alike. As with the bigger lodges, the log homes will be fully furnished and have a modern rustic style. Each has its own deck with a barbecue grill, outdoor dining area, lounging area, and—the cherry on top—a breathtaking 12
view. They are perfect for family vacations, peaceful getaways, and out-of-town holiday reunions!
Rendering of 2-Bedroom Quadruplex Unit
Rendering of 3-Bedroom Quadruplex Unit
Schedule a visit to Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges and see for yourself how owning a log home will have you living the dream year after year.
The City Club Reciprocal Club: Capital Club East Africa
By Rechilda De la Cueva, Marketing Officer
Our reciprocal club in Nairobi, Capital Club East Africa, is Kenya’s premier private business club. Boasting a stylish, elegant and welcoming interior, the Club offers a number of top-flight facilities including a fitness center with certified personal trainers, fully equipped meeting rooms, and flexible event spaces for parties and events. Its rooftop level is the social heart of the Club, with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and an al fresco bar and restaurant.
casual drinks with friends or colleagues at the Members Bar. The Club also offers chauffeur services to take you to your hotel or your next destination in the city.
While you’re there, you can choose to dine in style at a variety of restaurants: enjoy seasonal continental cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in The Signature; host a private celebration or business meeting in one of the plush private dining rooms; try the contemporary fusion-inspired menu with a view at the Rooftop Grill; unwind with whisky, fine cigars and shisha at the Rooftop Bar and Lounge; or have
4th to 7th Floor, Imperial Court, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya info@capitalclubea.com www.capitalclubea.com Tel: +254 70 90 38000
With over 500 members including corporate leaders, ambassadors, and distinguished government officials, Capital Club East Africa is the perfect place to make new connections, entertain, socialize, and relax in comfort and style.
The City Club Reciprocal Clubs Headed somewhere else? The City Club has eight other reciprocal clubs that can accommodate you during your visits. Please contact Assistant General Manager Oliver Calleja at +63.2.737.0000 loc. 103, +63.917.802.9024, or jmcalleja@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
Terminal City Club Vancouver 837 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC, Canada 604-681-4121 www.tcclub.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, +234-814-50000-74 www.capitalclublagos.com
Capital Club Dubai Gate Village, Building 3, Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), Dubai, United Arab Emirates +971-4-364-0111 www.capitalclubdubai.com
Tower Club Singapore Raffles Place, Penthouse (62nd - 64th Floors), Republic Plaza Tower 1, Singapore 6737-3388 www.tower-club.com.sg
Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club 310 Williams Road North, Toorak VIC 3142, Australia +61 3 9829 1556 www.rsyltc.org.au
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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New Year's Eve at the Clubhouse
Concierge Recommends: Celebrate Christmas and New Year Around the World–Balesin-style by Luisa Banta, Balesin Island Club Concierge Manager
Although many enjoy spending the holiday season at home with their loved ones, travel fanatics also enjoy getting away to soak up some Christmas sunshine. If your idea of the perfect holiday includes beautiful beaches, a unique taste of different sights and cultures and plenty of delicious food, Balesin is calling. Traditions Spending the weeklong Christmas holidays with family and friends is a long-standing tradition for most families in the Philippines. Every year in Balesin, we celebrate Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Christmas tradition which includes a series of nine dawn masses, held at the Balesin chapel. Simbang Gabi starts as early as 4AM, and begins on December 16 with the final Mass at midnight of December 24. The traditional Filipino Noche Buena is also one of the highlights of our Yuletide festivities on the island. The center of this sumptuous midnight feast is the Lechon or roasted pig. The Noche Buena in Balesin is a joyous celebration, with family and friends dropping in to wish everyone a merry Christmas at the Clubhouse. From Western culture, Santa Claus also goes around the island to bring some Christmas cheer and gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You might also chance upon a group of Christmas caroling kids who make their way around the villages.
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Santa visits
Where to Dine? The weeklong Balesin Yuletide celebration isn’t complete without the best gastronomic treats from all over the world. Costa del Sol Village’s culinary favorites, the famous cochinillo and Paella Valenciana, paired with sangria, are perfect to set the festive ambiance with their authentic flavors.
At Mykonos Village, plan on the Roast Leg of Lamb and Baklava, a sweet dessert made of layers of phyllo pastry filled with baked pistachio, pine nut kernels, pecans and walnuts. Both are popular Greek Christmas and New Year delicacies.
Martin Nievera performs at the Clubhouse Performance Theatre
Roast Leg of Lamb
The kids are also kept busy during the Yuletide week as we prepare various Christmas Crafts activities for them at the Balesin Sala veranda and at the Children’s Playroom.
Going down the Asian path, spice up your Christmas at Phuket Village with these three popular festive dishes: Moo Kathiau Prik Thai (pork belly with garlic), Pla Neung Manao (steamed fish with lemon sauce), and, for a sweet ending to your meal, Kao Niew Mamuang (sticky rice with ripe mango). You may also celebrate Christmas Eve Italian-style in Toscana Village with a light seafood meal such as Branzino al Pomodoro, Basilico e Ragù d'Oliva (Pan-roasted sea bass, tomato, basil and olive ragu) or Frutti di Mari Pizza, as it’s common for some Italians to not consume meat (and also sometimes dairy) during this occasion. Craving something sweet and familiar? Our dessert hub, Sunset Sweets, is the place to be! This is where we offer various seasonal delicacies including Christmas cakes, pastries, cookies, and special Filipino treats such as bibingka and puto-bumbong. Celebrate like the Indonesians do and grab some cookies at Sunset Sweets, as this is a tradition during the holidays in Indonesia. What to Do? Aside from the gastronomic holiday treats, Balesin also offers a stellar line-up of performers for the Balesin Concert Series which is a crowd-favorite nightly feature starting Christmas Eve all the way until the New Year’s Eve countdown. The Clubhouse Performance Theatre is lively and bustling, filled with members and guests as our roster of popular artists such as Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, and Gary Valenciano give spectacular performances.
Christmas Crafts
For those who like to spend their holiday chilling with a good drink in hand, nice music, and a beautiful sunset, Bali Village’s Nusa Dua or Rico’s Hideaway are the places to go to. New Year’s Eve Countdown Our parade of festivities is concluded by our extraordinary New Year’s Eve Countdown Party. The celebration starts at 7PM at the Clubhouse with our spectacular international buffet spread and simultaneous live entertainment until the countdown itself, followed by an after-party at Costa del Sol’s Music Lounge until the wee hours of the morning. Everyone gathers in the Clubhouse for the countdown, where each person is provided with party favors and noisemakers. Balesin is always a good idea any time and any season, but truly, our Christmas and New Year festivities just keep getting better every year. So book your fun-filled holiday in Balesin now! 15
Naughty Nibblers’ Food Guide To Santa's Nice List By Dr. Jason Peñaranda, Medical Associate, Aegle Wellness Center It’s that time of the year again—when we use the holidays as an excuse to throw our diet out the window and feast at party after party with our social and business circles. While it’s not my intention to limit your fun this happy holiday season, I would like for you to be more conscious of where you might normally over-indulge with the rationale that Christmas only comes once a year. Being more aware of what food you put on your plate and its effects on your health can help you regulate your food intake but still enjoy the feast! Let’s determine if you’re on Santa’s Naughty or Nice list!
NAUGHTY: FATS. Expect lechon at most parties since it’s usually the centerpiece of grand Filipino celebrations. Chances are you won’t find as many fruits and vegetables on the long table as there are hams, bacon, sausage and a wide variety of cheese— all of which are high in fat. These holiday food selections can significantly impact your weight and heart health if consumed mindlessly, causing everything from uncomfortable diarrhea to effects as grave as clogged arteries that may lead to heart attack or stroke. 16
NICE: FRUITS & VEGETABLES. Balance the risks of fat on your health by incorporating fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber to help you feel full faster and for a longer period of time, thus making you consume less fatty food. Fiber also binds with excess fats in your system, preventing them from being absorbed, and leading them to be eliminated from your body. Don’t like fruits and veggies? Make creative combinations and blend them together as a smoothie.
NAUGHTY: CARBS AND SWEETS. Think rice noodles, pasta, and lots of baguettes. Add pastries, chocolates, and other desserts. They are made up of refined sugar that is digested easily and floods your bloodstream—not a good scenario for diabetics. A little bit of everything is better than a huge spike in your blood sugar. Excess sugar in your body gets stored as fat and will definitely make you gain weight.
NICE: FRUITS &VEGETABLES (Again). Fruits and vegetables are once again your saving grace. Fiber slows down the digestion of your food which means that the amount of sugars sent to your bloodstream is regulated, in turn preventing sugar spikes. Some vegetables like carrots and celery have low calories, are nutrient-dense and need more energy to be digested. They can make you feel full faster and longer, regulate your blood sugar, and use the excess calories from all the sweets you indulged in. If you’re not fond of fruits and veggies, supplementation may be your best option to meet your body’s nutritional needs and to undo the damage caused by unhealthy food.
NAUGHTY: ALCOHOL. The state of your drunkenness is not really a good indicator of how much alcohol your body can take. As a rule, alcohol in any amount is toxic to the liver. It’s a good thing that the liver can easily recover from a glass of wine or a shot of liquor on a daily basis. Beyond that amount, your liver, the body’s main metabolic organ, will suffer from cellular and tissue damage, affecting a lot of factors in your health. Don’t drink like you’re running out of alcohol! Holidays are social occasions—talk more and drink less.
NICE: CARROTS, CAYENNE, COFFEE, CIDER, COCONUT (5C’s). Apple cider vinegar and virgin coconut oil stimulate the liver to cleanse itself from toxins. Carrots provide the nutrients for liver tissue repair. Cayenne stimulates the recovery of liver function. Coffee in moderation reduces the risk of liver damage and diseases by as much as 50%. If you find yourself needing a quick remedy, Alcohol Detox IV Therapy might be your best option. It’s packed with the right combination of vitamins and minerals that aid in the repair of liver damage, and flushes out the remaining alcohol in your system to get you up and about after an unforgettable fun night. Christmas is a period of merriment and everybody wants to enjoy. We just have to take things in moderation. Follow these simple tips to get on Santa’s Nice List and receive your well-deserved gift— the gift of longevity and good health.
For consultations: Aegle Wellness Center – The City Club +63.2.737.0077 | +63.917.821.9795 | +63.949.889.6237
Aegle Wellness Center – Balesin Island Club +63.917.323.2017 | +63.998.582.3962
info@aeglewellnesscenter.com | www.aeglewellnesscenter.com
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How to Stay Fit When Traveling This Holiday Season by Evan Spargo, The City Club Circuit Training Coach
As the holiday season approaches, so too does the excitement for planning our next vacation. We start fantasizing about relaxing in exotic places, exploring new terrain, switching off from our busy lives with loved ones and of course, overindulging in delicious foods.
The best part about Tabata is that it can be done anywhere, with our own bodyweight and/or minimal equipment. When traveling, this is especially helpful, as our workout options are often limited to spaces such as our hotel rooms, parks, the beach, or stairs.
However, what we tend to neglect is exercise. We work hard all year in the gym and then lose the progress we make as soon as we go on vacation. Once our vacation is finished, welcome back to reality with the need to work twice as hard to burn off the weight we have put on.
Here are a few sample workouts where you can incorporate Tabata training on your next holiday:
So what’s the solution? What if there’s no gym where I’m going? What if I have limited time to spend exercising? This is where a training method called “Tabata” comes in very handy. Tabata training is a form of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) that alternates between 20-second intervals performed at a high intensity and 10-second stages of rest. This is repeated eight times for a total of four minutes. 8 x 20-second efforts (10-second rest in between) = Total of 4 minutes. This method of training becomes a highly exhaustive workout for those who want time-efficiency and effectiveness. Tabata’s bursts of high-intensity effort will raise your metabolism and heart rate in no time, because your body has to keep up with the high demands you’re placing on it. This will lead to the burning of fat due to the radical boost in your metabolism, which causes your body to continue to burn more calories after the workout. Also, the cardiovascular nature of this method provides benefits such as an increase in oxygen intake during exercise, which results in an increase in your stamina. High-intensity training challenges our muscles, and even just in a short period, it adds enough stress to our muscles for them to breakdown, repair, and grow. Depending on the specific exercises we choose, this gives us an opportunity to protect the hard-earned muscle mass that we spent hours working for, instead of letting it waste away through inactivity.
Squats
Jumping Jacks
Burpees
Workout 1: Squats & Push-ups Perform body-weight squats or holding a weight/piece of luggage for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then perform 20 seconds of pushups, and rest for 10 seconds again. Repeat both exercises 4 times, for a total of 4 minutes. Workout 2: Stairs & Jumping Jacks Walk briskly or run up a flight of stairs for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then perform jumping jacks for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds again. Repeat both exercises 4 times, for a total of 4 minutes. Workout 3 (Advanced): Jog/Sprint & Burpees Jog or sprint for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then perform burpees for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds again. Repeat both exercises 4times, for a total of 4minutes. Tabata training is a highly effective way to exercise with little time and can be done absolutely anywhere. Due to its high-intensity nature, this is a form of training recommended for those who have achieved some level of physical fitness. If you have any concerns about whether this type of training is suitable for you, be sure to consult your physician.
Check out schedules and rates in the Sports & Recreation Schedule on page 23. For inquiries and bookings: +63.2.737.0000 loc. 107 | sportsandrec@cityclub.com.ph
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SPOTLIGHT ON
Rico Sison
Alphaland’s Head of Design Rico Sison first met RVO in the mid-1990s, when Rico was working on landscape design for Tagaytay Highlands, the 750-hectare residential resort south of Manila. As they worked together on the "look and feel" of the resort, RVO realized that Rico intuitively understood his design vision and ideas, and the partnership grew to include interior design as well as outdoor and landscape concepts. When the opportunity to develop Balesin came around, RVO once again turned to Rico to advise on the design elements. "He gave me a map and photos of the island as it was then, and said 'Think about how we can do this.'" From RVO's overall concept of the separate villages inspired by destinations around the world, RVO and Rico worked with planners and architects to refine the details to achieve the authentic ambiance of each cluster of villas on the 500-hectare island. Rico lived on the island for several years during its development, the first week in a tent on what is now the Balesin Sala lawn, then on a cot inside the Sala, the first structure built by Alphaland on the island. Later, after Alphaland acquired a home and three lots–6,000 sq. mtrs.–from one of the old landowners, Rico remodeled the house into a whimsical, open-air 3-story cottage, with a widow's walk on the top floor, and lived there for the next couple of years. This cottage is now Rico's Hideaway, and it still retains the serene ambiance as well as the magical view of the open lawn and sea from the upper level. 20
by Anna Ongpin
Similarly, from the Ubud-inspired rice terraces of Bali Village, to the rustic interiors of Toscana Village, to the laid-back luxury of the Private Villas, Rico's master touch is evident all throughout the island. But Balesin was just the beginning. Since then, as SVP of Design for Alphaland, Rico has partnered with RVO to design everything from The City Club, to the Makati Place and Alpha Suites residences, to the Baguio Mountain Lodge log homes, to the new jazz club/nightspot Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. RVO calls Rico his design partner, the yin to his yang. A seemingly vague concept from RVO is transformed by Rico on paper to renderings, which are refined via an iterative process until they materialize as a finished structure. Changes are often made even during construction, as RVO sees it taking shape, and Rico expertly modifies and adjusts until it achieves just the "right" look. Part of what Rico loves about being part of Alphaland are the many and varied projects that range from large-scale resort design, like the soon-to-break-ground, 732-hectare Balesin International Gateway project on Patnanungan Island, to the totally different concept of the log homes for the Baguio Mountain Lodges mountain resort development. There's always a new and different challenge on the horizon, and for Rico, that's what keeps things interesting, exciting, and, ultimately, fulfilling.
Events Calendar October to December 2018 THE CITY CLUB
October
Date 17, Wednesday 18, Thursday 24, Wednesday 27, Saturday
November December
8, Thursday 22, Thursday 7, Friday 31, Monday
Event Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. Grand Launch Wine Appreciation Night Style and Confidence Workshop by Nika Diwa Zombie Fun Run Aegle MED Talk: Manage the BIG 3 Without Drug Dependency Thanksgiving Buffet Christmas Social New Year’s Eve Countdown
Venue Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. The Club Lounge Atrium Ballroom Auditorium The Club Lounge The Club Lounge Poolside
Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. Grand Launch The City Club and Balesin Island Club members are invited to the grand launch of the most exciting premier jazz bar and lounge in the Philippines, Top of the Alpha by Louie Y. RSVP to Pia Uy, VIP Manager at +63917-799-2019 or at puy@alphaland.com.ph. Members can take the express elevator from the 5th Floor of The City Club.
Wine Appreciation Night We have partnered with Ralph’s Wines and Spirits once again for October’s Wine Appreciation Night. Enjoy the evening with flowing premium wines and great music from the pop and R&B artist Miguel Mendoza.
Style and Confidence Workshop Join us for the Style and Confidence Workshop by Nika Diwa and a trunk show featuring Shape Shop. This will be a day to share your message, honor your body, stay up-to-date on wardrobe essentials, nurture your strengths, and eliminate the unnecessary.
Zombie Fun Run Kick off Halloween by dressing up in your best and scariest zombie costume. It's going to be a spooktacular weekend with lots of activities for the family!
Aegle MED Talk: Manage the BIG 3 Without Drug Dependency Wellness Expert at Simply Nature Asia, Mr. Shyan Lim, will discuss how you can prevent or manage blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, and cancer in the most natural ways possible.
Thanksgiving Buffet Celebrate and give thanks with family and friends and make your Thanksgiving feast to a sumptuous buffet here at the City Club with a special performance by the Prince of Broadway, Jon Joven. Attendees can also get a chance to win special prizes from us!
Christmas Social We are throwing a party for all City Club members to thank you for your continued patronage. Catch the performance of crowd-favorite Jon Joven and other promising artists.
New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebrate the year that was and welcome 2019 with your family and loved ones. Enjoy the night with good food and music by our special guest DJ to ring in the New Year. For inquiries & reservations: The City Club +63.2.737.0000 | tccfrontoffice@alphaland.com.ph
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Events Calendar October to December 2018 Balesin Island Club
November
Date 1, Thursday 2, Friday 3, Saturday
Event Balesin Concert Series: Jon Joven Halloween Party Balesin Concert Series: Janno Gibbs Aegle Wellness Center & RunRio’s Balesin Adventure Trail Run
Venue Clubhouse Performance Theatre TBA Clubhouse Performance Theatre
22 - 30, Saturday - Sunday
Balesin Concert Series: Holiday Special
Clubhouse Performance Theatre
31, Monday
New Year’s Eve Countdown
Clubhouse Dining
24, Saturday December
Mykonos Village
Halloween Party Plan your Halloween ahead and bring your little ones to Balesin costume-ready for a Día de los Muertos-themed trick-or-treat party. Have fun with music, food, games, prizes, and surprises this Halloween! Stay tuned for more details. Aegle Wellness Center and RunRio’s Balesin Adventure Trail Run By popular demand, we are bringing back the Balesin Adventure Trail Run!. Reserve your slots now at www.runrio.com. Balesin Concert Series: Holiday Special Complete your holiday getaway in your island paradise with our Balesin Concert Series: Holiday Special with your favorite artists Martin Nievera, Gary V. and more of the country’s world-class performers. New Year’s Eve Countdown Ring in the New Year on the island with your loved ones and enjoy a night full of sumptuous food and great music from our special surprise artist. For inquiries & reservations: Balesin Island Club +63.908.887.4787 | balesinconcierge@alphaland.com.ph
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The City Club Sports & Recreation Schedule PROGRAMS ARCHERY (KYUDO)
ARNIS
RATES
SCHEDULE
TRAINER/COACH
4 SESSIONS PHP2,600
SUN 9:45AM-12PM 1PM-3:15PM
MARTIAL JEUDY San (Third) Dan Kyudo
BY APPOINTMENT
JODEL CASTRO
ADULT 10 SESSIONS Member: PHP5,500 Guest: PHP6,000 PER SESSION Member: PHP600 Guest: PHP700 KIDS 10 SESSIONS Member: PHP5,000 Guest: PHP5,500 PER SESSION Member: PHP550 Guest: PHP600 10 SESSIONS COACH Member: PHP5,500 Guest: PHP6,000 TRAINER Member: PHP3,000 Guest: PHP3,500
BADMINTON
BADMINTON: ETC BADMINTON (ESCOSES TRAINING CAMP)
BALLET (BALLETWORKS MANILA)
BASKETBALL: BUSA BASKETBALL (BELASCO UNLIMITED SKILLS ACADEMY)
BOXING
PER SESSION COACH Member: PHP600 Guest: PHP700 TRAINER Member: PHP350 Guest: PHP450 QUEUING PHP250
QUEUING TUES 5PM-9PM
EMMANNE JULLEZA JBTC Julleza Badminton Training Camp
COACH & TRAINER By appointment
ALEJANDRO AALA Assistant Coach at Manila Japanese School
MON WED THURS FRI 7PM-10PM
LLOYD ESCOSES Badminton World Federation Level 2 Certified Coach, ETC Head Coach
12 SESSIONS Member: PHP5,500 Guest: PHP6,000 6 SESSIONS Member: PHP1,200 Guest: PHP1,500 PER SESSION Member: PHP200 Guest: PHP250 KIDS AND ADULTS MONTHLY UNLIMITED PASS PHP4,000 12 SESSIONS for 3 MONTHS PHP6,600 PER SESSION PHP750 6 SESSIONS for 1 MONTH PHP3,500
KIDS WED & FRI 5:15PM-6:15PM ADULTS WED & FRI 6:15PM-7:45PM
10 SESSIONS Member: PHP6,000 Guest: PHP6,500 5 SESSIONS Member: PHP3,000 Guest: PHP3,500
SAT 12PM-1PM
PER SESSION Member: PHP700 Guest: PHP800 10 SESSIONS Member: PHP4,000 Guest: PHP4,500 PER SESSION Member: PHP500 Guest: PHP600
ANNA SUNTAY Cecchetti and RAD registered ballet teacher
NIC BELASCO Former Philippine Basketball Association player, Phoenix Assistant Coach
KRISTIAN HERNANDEZ BY APPOINTMENT ALLEN SIMBAJON Professional boxer, Elorde stable
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The City Club Sports & Recreation Schedule PROGRAMS
RATES
SCHEDULE
10 SESSIONS Member: PHP12,000 Guest PHP12,800 PER SESSION Member: PHP1,400 Guest: PHP1,500
BY APPOINTMENT
GROUP 8 SESSIONS Member: PHP4,000 Guest: PHP4,800 4 SESSIONS Member: PHP2,400 Guest: PHP2,800 PER SESSION: PHP700
MON WED FRI 7PM-8PM
PHP4,500 per MONTH
MON-FRI 7AM, 9AM, 12PM
CARLO LAZATIN
FOOTBALL (KICKSTARTERS)
10 SESSIONS Member: PHP8,500 Guest: PHP9,500 UNIFORM: PHP600
TUES THURS 4PM-6PM
MIGUEL ALEGRE Former professional football player
FUTSAL (PHILIPPINE FUTSAL ACADEMY)
8 SESSIONS Member: PHP4,500 Guest: PHP5,000
CIRCUIT TRAINING (SPARGO)
CYCLING
TRAINER/COACH
EVAN SPARGO Century Tuna Superbods Finalist 2014, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Sports Science
SAT 7AM-9AM SUN 7AM-10AM
RED AVELINO Asian Football Confederation Futsal Level 1, Head Coach Futsal National Team (Men's), Former Futsal National Team player
24 SESSIONS Member: PHP12,000 Guest: PHP12,500 SPECIAL CLASS 12 SESSIONS Member: PHP9,500 Guest: PHP10,000
GYMNASTICS
7 SESSIONS Member: PHP6,500 Guest: PHP7,000
EVERY DAY 1PM-3PM & 4:30PM-6:30PM
GERALD PILAPIL
MON, WED, FRI 7:30PM-9:30PM
ANTHONY LIM II
8 TO 19 YEARS OLD MON WED 5:30PM-7PM SAT 1PM-2:30PM 7 YEARS OLD AND BELOW SAT 12PM-1PM
SENSEI PRINCE ANDREEN SY 3rd Dan Black Belt (International Shotokan Karate Federation in the Philippines)
4 SESSIONS Member: PHP2,500 Guest: PHP2,800 PER SESSION Member: PHP900 Guest: PHP1,000 PHP1,000 REGISTRATION FEE PHP3,500 PER MONTH
JIU JITSU
KARATE
PER SESSION Member: PHP500 Guest: PHP600 PHP5,400 for 12 SESSIONS PHP3,800 for 8 SESSIONS PHP2,000 for 4 SESSIONS PHP550 PER SESSION 8 SESSIONS Member: PHP3,400 Guest: PHP3,800
KENDO
4 SESSIONS Member: PHP1,800 Guest: PHP2,000 PER SESSION Member: PHP600 Guest: PHP700
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WED 6PM-8PM SUN 4PM-6PM
KOJI IGARASHI
The City Club Sports & Recreation Schedule PROGRAMS
KRAV MAGA
RATES 8 SESSIONS Member: PHP3,500 Guest: PHP4,000 PER SESSION Member: PHP450 Guest: PHP550
SCHEDULE
TRAINER/COACH
TUES THURS 6:30PM-8PM
FRED NOGALES
10 SESSIONS Member: PHP8,000 Guest: PHP8,500
PERSONAL TRAINING
BY APPOINTMENT PER SESSION Member: PHP900 Guest: PHP1,000
ARNIE FIDEL Certified for TRX suspension, VIPR functional, Kettle bell, Dumbbells, bands and cable, Certified Soft myofascial release, foam and grid roller, Plyometric Sports Conditioning and Preparation for Boxing, Wrestling, Basketball, and Mixed Martial Arts JOEY DE VERA Bachelors Degree in Physical Wellness REX MIRAFLOR
PHYSIOTHERAPY/ STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
30 SESSIONS Member: PHP29,000 Guest: PHP30,000 20 SESSIONS Member: PHP23,500 Guest: PHP24,000 10 SESSIONS Member: PHP12,000 Guest: PHP12,500 PHP1,500 PER SESSION
BY APPOINTMENT
RHEYSONN CORNILLA
PILATES
10 SESSIONS Member: PHP10,000 Guest: PHP13,000 5 SESSIONS Member: PHP5,000 Guest: PHP6,500 PER SESSION Member: PHP1,200 Guest: PHP1,300
BY APPOINTMENT
IAN HONTANESAS
SWIMMING
8 SESSIONS Member: PHP5,500 Guest: PHP6,000 4 SESSIONS Member: PHP3,000 Guest: PHP3,500
TUES THURS 10:30AM-11:30AM
5 SESSIONS: PHP6,000 PER HOUR Member: PHP1,500 Guest: PHP2,000
BY APPOINTMENT
8 SESSIONS valid for 45 days Member: PHP5,500 Guest: PHP7,500
TUES THURS 6PM-7PM
10 GROUP SESSIONS PHP8,000 each for 2 PAX PHP7,000 each for 3 PAX PHP6,000 each for 4 PAX
SWIMMING: MERMAID SWIMMING SWIMMING STREAMLINE
ROXY BARRIOS
NOY BASA AL GONZALES
10 SESSIONS Member: PHP7,000 Guest: PHP7,500
TENNIS (BUSA TENNIS)
5 SESSIONS Member: PHP4,000 Guest: PHP4,500
SAT 10AM-11AM
MAFAE YUNON-BELASCO Multiple title holder (Australia, Philippines)
PER SESSION Member: PHP900 Guest: PHP1,000
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