Summer Quarterly Issue - 2018

IN-FOCUS: THE PHILIPPINES AND CHINA

PHILIPPINES

N o . 5 9 I Volume 09 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2018 SUMMER Quarterly Issue

ISSUE 58 — 01

Located in Montemaria, Batangas, home to the World’s largest shrine to Mother Mary.

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For your retirement, family vacation, and investment.

Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture project between Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development, Inc. and Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc., both of which are domestic corporations duly organized under the laws of the Philippines.

Lombard By The Bay is a township development that is located in Montemaria—the World destination, Holy Site, and pilgrimage center that is captivating and exciting not only the Philippines, but the entire World.

Lombard By The Bay breathtakingly overlooks the Verde Island Passage which is recognized by the United Nations as the “Center of the Center of Marine Bio Diversity in the World.”

LombardByTheBay.com I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com For inquiries, contact Rene Cinco at: (PH) +63-917-824-1555 or (USA) +1-213-596-5970 ISSUE 58 — 03

TIEZA TOURISM ENTERPRISE ZONES A Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) is a tract of land with defined boundaries and master planned to be developed into an integrated tourism complex with prescribed carrying capacities to host tourism enterprise facilities and services within the property.

Under the Tourism Act of 2009, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is the sole agency that designates, regulates, and supervises a Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) and administers incentives available to TEZ Developers and Registered Tourism Enterprise (RTE).

Criteria for TEZ Designation Any geographic area may be designated as a TEZ, provided it has the following characteristics: • Is capable of being defined into one contiguous territory with at least five (5) hectares land area • Has historical and cultural significance with existing or potential integrated leisure facilities • Is in a strategic location with easy access to transportation • Has at least five million dollars (US$ 5M) in investment

Who may apply for designation as TEZs? • Private entity created under Corporation Code • Local Government Unit (LGU) or any instrumentality of government in pursuit of its mandate • Joint Venture between Private and Public Sector

Main Types of TEZ • Private TEZ

Master planned and applied for designation as a TEZ by its private land owner or owners

• Flagship TEZ Identified and master planned through the joint initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and TIEZA, to be a TEZ that will be opened for investors

Process of Application Designation of TEZs and Registration of Tourism Enterprises

1

Securing of TEZ Application Form

2

Filing of Application and Payment of Filing Fee

3

Evaluation of Documentary Requirements

4

Submission of Development Plan

5

Ocular Inspection

6

Evaluation Report

7

Endorsement to TIEZA Board

8

Evaluation of Application by TIEZA Board

9

Issuance of Certificate of Designation/Registration

Download form at http://tieza.gov.ph/downloadable-forms/

and Other Pre-Designation Documents as Listed in the TIEZA Guidelines

An area may be designated as TEZ within three (3) to five (5) months 04 — ISSUE 58

FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL INCENTIVES for Tourism Enterprises within a TEZ FISCAL INCENTIVES Six-year Income Tax Holiday that may be extended for another six (6) years 5% Gross Income Taxation instead of paying national taxes (except real property tax) Net Operating Loss Carry Over (NOLCO) scheme for six (6) years Tax and Duty Free Importation on the following: • Goods and Services • Capital Investment and Equipment; and • Transportation Equipment and Spare Parts Tax Credit equivalent to taxes paid on locally sourced goods Social Responsibility Incentive through tax deduction of up to 50% of cost of environmental protection and cultural heritage preservation activities, and sustainable livelihood programs

NON-FISCAL INCENTIVES Employment of Foreign Nationals provided that the total number of foreigners shall not exceed 5% of total workforce Special Investor’s Resident Visa to be granted if at least $200,000.00 is invested in a TEZ and/or an RTE Lease of Land to foreign investors for a period not exceeding fifty (50) years; extendable for another twenty five (25) years Exemption from Requisition of Investment except in the event of war or national emergency and only for the duration thereof Foreign Currency Transactions wherein repatriation of investment, remittance of foreign exchange, and foreign loans and contracts are guaranteed

TIEZA has a one-stop shop to assist investors in getting all the necessary government documents and permits. This includes issuing the necessary VISA for foreign investors.

FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR ENTERPRISE OUTSIDE TEZ Limited to existing accommodation establishments outside a TEZ which shall undertake substantial expansion or upgrade of its facilities Income Tax Holiday for six (6) years, non-extendable Tax and Duty-Free Importation on Capital Investment and Equipment

Tourism Enterprise Zone Management (TEZM) Sector

7th Floor, Tower 1, DoubleDragon Plaza DD Meridian Park corner Macapagal Avenue and EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City

Metro Manila, Philippines, 1302

tez.secretariat@tieza.gov.ph

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TIEZA

FLAGSHIP TEZs SAN VICENTE | PALAWAN Location: Municipality of San Vicente, Palawan Total Land Area: 166,000 has.

Priority Area: Long Beach Cluster 883 hectares Located on the western shore of the northern portion of Palawan, San Vicente FTEZ is the ultimate general leisure destination. It features a 14.7 km long unbroken stretch of pristine white sand beach, a coastline dotted with picturesque islets, and a lush and unspoiled tropical forest.

Investment Opportunities • Cable Car System • 100-room Hotel with MICE Facilities • Museum • Café and Restaurants • Colonade • Cross • Amphitheater • Exterior Lighting • Landdscape Garden • PWD Accessibility • Health and Wellness Centers

Location: Municipality of Pilar, Bataan Total Land Area: 194 hectares Priority Area: Shrine Site – 50 has; Locator Site – 144 has Mt. Samat FTEZ is a historical, cultural, and heritage tourism zone that promotes the bravery and heroism of the Filipinos who fought for Philippine Independence during World War II. Its focal point is the Shrine Site which highlights the historical significance of the venue. The Shrine Site will be complemented by the TEZ Locator Site which will host commercial, leisure activities, and investment opportunities.

Location: Panglao Island, Bohol Total Land Area: 56 has Panglao Bay Premiere FTEZ, with a 750-meter t be the longest long beachfront, is said to stretch of white sand coastline held by a single property in the island of Panglao. It is poised as the first integrated leisure destination in the Philippines offering world-class services, facilities, and establishments.

• Waterfront Development • Cruise Port • Redevelopment of Children’s Playground • Redevelopment of Senior Citizens’ Area • Redevelopment of Japanese Garden • Redevelopment of Chinese Garden • Redevelopment of Light and Sound Complex 06 — ISSUE 58

• Water Utility • Power Utility • Lodging and Accommodation Establishments • 3-Star Hotel • Mid-Tier Family Resort Hotel • Mid-Tier Condominium/Hotel • Branded Beach Health and Wellness Resort • Top Tier Millennial Beach Resort • Branded Luxury Event Resort Hotel

MT. SAMAT | BATAAN

PANGLAO BAY PREMIERE | BOHOL

Investment Opportunities

Investment Opportunities

RIZAL PARK | MANILA Location: Roxas Blvd Ermita, Barangay 666 Zone 72, Manila Total Land Area: 54 has.

Rizal Park FTEZ is among the most popular, frequently visited, and highly acclaimed tourism destinations in the country. It is an important historical focal point, exhibiting a monument of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Composed of three different sections (Western, Central, and Eastern), the expanse of the area is designed to endorse the themes of culture, heritage, and discovery.

Investment Opportunities • Mid-Tier Family Resort Hotel • Mid-Tier Condominium / Hotel • Top Tier Millennial Beach Resort • Top Tier Signature Beach Resort • Branded Luxury Events Resort Hotel • Branded Beach Health and Wellness Resort • Three Bed and Breakfast Establishments • Marine and Beach Club • The Village Market Mall • Resort Hotel

PRIVATE TEZs Ciudad de Victoria Bulacan

Hijo Resources Davao

Multipurpose Indoor Arena

Diversified Development and Leisure Destination

It is a 58-hectare events complex with a seating capacity of 51,898. This arena provides a robust portfolio of service and recreational facilities, transport, infrastructure, sustainable townships, and prime residential condominiums.

It is a 350-hectare property composed of leisure villas, safari recreational site, urban parks, and resort hotel.

Queen’s Castle

Bravo Golf

Cebu

Negros Occidental Cebu's Golfing Haven for Recreational Activities

General Leisure and Recreation It is a 19.4-hectare general leisure zone operating quality accommodation facility with complete amenities such as swimming pool, spa and dining, chapel, and 9-hole golf course.

It is a 70-hectare property with four components: 18-Hole Golf Course and Hotel; Condominium Hotel Resort; Retirement Village; and Golfer’s Village.

Kingdom Global City Davao

General Leisure Destination It is a 26-hectare property that is envisioned to house the grandest integrated leisure, sports, and resort complex.

www.tieza.gov.ph

@TIEZAofficial ISSUE 58 — 07

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PHILIPPINES

PUBLISHER & CEO PRESIDENT & CO-PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVERTISING Vice President for Marketing & Special Events Vice President for Sales ASSOCIATE EDITOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT finance & administrative officer CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER SENIOR Multimedia DevelopeRS

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Email our Editor-in-Chief at RJ.Oriel@AsianJournalinc.com.

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RITCHEL MENDIOLA

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N . 5 8 I VO LU M E 0 9 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2018 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE O

B R E ATH TAKI NG WE DDI NG DE S T IN AT IO N S IN T HE PHILIPPIN ES (AND TH E I CONI C CH URC HES TO G ET M A RRIED IN ) Inside This Issue

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia ISSUE 58 — 01

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No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage of retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the Publisher. Asian Journal Publications, Inc. regrets that no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material, which will be returned only if stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed.

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KANDAYA RESORT – DAANBANTAYAN, CEBU CITY- PHILIPPINES Offering an enchanting and luxurious resort experience, an idyllic place to unwind amidst the northern tropical landscape in the island of Cebu, KANDAYA Resort is surely a dream place to be. Nestled in the coastal heart of the historic Daanbantayan, this piece of paradise offers an enviable mix of adventure, relaxation, and tradition to reinvigorate the body, refresh the mind, and uplift the spirit.

RELAX

REVIVE

NOURISH

REACT

ISSUE 58 — 013

Kandaya Resort: A Timeless Tropical Charm In The Heart of Daanbantayan, Cebu City, Philippines Be transported to a place where time sits still and the luxury of privacy, pleasance and ease welcomes you—KANDAYA Resort. Known as a timeless tropical charm nestled in the heart of Daanbantayan, Cebu City, Philippines is one you shouldn’t miss out your next holiday or weekend break and celebrations.

Unique Heritage Mindful of its town’s unique heritage, The name “Kandaya” refers to old Bantayan (presently called Daanbantayan), which traces back to the reign of Datu Daya, an ancient brave tribal chieftain who stood as protector of Kandaya and was paid homage by the settlers in the land until today with the celebration of “Haladaya festival”.

Designed Just For You Made with a strategic and elegant blueprint, the resort consists of the main building accentuating 18 contemporary-styled rooms and suites that overlook the resort's iconic infinity pool and 22 detached garden, beach and ocean villas, some with their own private pools. The best of local and international interiors and furniture are also spread out in the resort.

The Best Place To Celebrate Embracing its significant address, Kandaya Resort also offers the best place to celebrate any kind of occasion from anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and renewal of vows with the resort’s private functions namely Al Fresco, Datu Lounge and Balas Beach with elegantly-themed feasts inspired by the farm-to-table concept including locally sourced and freshly picked in-house produce for homemade breads and pastries, and courses on the menu.

One may discover more at www.kandayaresort.com/ special-occasions/ for a list of celebration offers.

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Epic breaks also turn into special moments with a romantic dining setup for couples with Kandaya’s Dine by Design concept in their own private villa or suite.

A Worthwhile Experience What’s more exciting is that parents and their teens can get the chance to horseback riding at Kuwadra with the aid of professional horse and pony trainers. Kids can also learn and have fun with arts and crafts at the Pony Club located within Kuwadra.

For adventure-seekers, Kandaya offers an exciting sea escapade for guests wherein they can explore the clear blue waters on kayak, jet ski or Hobie Cat and cruise to nearby Malapascua Island with outrigger boats outfitted with bean bags.

Guests are taken to Kandaya’s private beach where they can enjoy a barbecue or picnic session and snorkel at Coral Garden. By the end of the day, the beautiful sunset can be witnessed over cocktails or an intimate dinner served by Kandaya’s F&B team.

At the end of the day, rejuvenate at Daya Spa, where the experience will take off body aches from a day’s run with specialty body and foot massages, with a touch of essential oils are also available to relax both mind and body. For the skin-conscious, rejuvenating facials are also better options at the spa.

There’s more to the resort than you think with lifestyle amenities like a fully equipped gym, yoga studio and resort court for basketball, tennis.

Kandaya is also known as a top Traveler’s Choice on TripAdvisor and was rated 9 out of 10 in guest reviews at Booking.com, and awarded as one of the best luxury resorts in Cebu by Sunstar Best of Cebu and top 10 most romantic resort in Southeast Asia by Singapore Tatler.

Book your special days with Kandaya by visiting: www.facebook.com/KandayaResort @kandayaresort www.kandayaresort.com

&

For inquiries and reservations, contact: (032) 260-6006 or (032) 231-0961 reservations@kandayaresort.com

ISSUE 58 — 015

PRESIDENT DUTERTE ON HIS RECENT TRIP TO CHINA

“The nine business agreements signed during my visit yielded an estimated value of 8 to 9 billion dollars in investments. These are projected to generate more than 10,000 jobs for our countrymen and women.”

President Duterte’s China Trip Page 20

BE Grand Resort Page 52

After All Bar & Grill Page 96

2 MILLION TOURISTS PAGE 24

One Vast Sea of Opportunities Page 62

WAYS TO USE THE MANGO Page 98

Faith Tourism Page 26

the Lakeshore District of Batangas Page 68

Manila Street Food page 100

the 9th largest statue in the World Page 28

Sheridan Organic Farm & Eco Village Page 74

Small Business Ideas Page 102

Time to Invest Page 30

Lake Hotel Tagaytay Page 78

Eco-Friendly Interior Design Page 106

Trade Performance of Major Items Page 31

Callospa & Resort Page 82

“Blank Pages” Page 112

Erik Asinas: THE life OF an architect Page 32

Ilocos Norte Page 84

The Culture of the Carabao Page 114

Chef Jessie Page 37

The Tradition of the June Bride Page 86

Not Your Ordinary Gathering Page 116

Mimi Parrel-Pimentel Page 42

CHINESE CULTURAL INFLUENCE Page 88

LOVE OF COUNTRY Page 48

Chinese Food Filipinos Love Page 92

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE I KEEPING A JOURNAL

Multi-multitasking

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There’s so much going on isn’t there?

In our daily lives, we have our personal day-to-day responsibilities—to our faith, our family, our jobs, friends, projects, interests, and hobbies. Human beings are quite busy these days especially with how connected we are to sets of information and advances in technology.

You check your Facebook—you see your friends, colleagues, and family—they’re all so busy doing things (And if you don’t notice someone posting lately you think—they must be busy.). You check the news and see all of the things that are going on in the World and within your local community—there’s the headline—and then another story that looks and sounds like it should be a headline and then more top stories (which are quite abundant). And then there are even more sections of content and news of what’s going on in the World—from politics, science, medicine, travel, current events, technology, business, sports, food—you name it. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, no? Every single second, minute, and hour, there’s something new going on—on the micro level of your local community, region, state or province, and country and so forth on to the macro—World news.

To process all of these things it amazes me how our brains are wired to process, respond, and react to all of the information in the split of a second. And within this processing, we multitask—we check our email while talking on the phone all the while we’re in a meeting, eating, or doing something in addition to in general (hopefully not while driving).

Those were the days of simple multitasking. We are now in the dawn of multi-multitasking which is exactly as it sounds—multitasking while multitasking—all at once—seeing, saying, writing, hearing, posting, eating, and responding all at the same time on a myriad of things consuming our attention. However, recent studies in pyschology suggests that only 2% of the human population can actually multitask effectively and safely—the other 98% are in fact decreasing their productivity.

I’ve been quite busy with a multitude of projects.

With all of my responsibilities—they don’t stress, exhaust, or frustrate me—they inspire and fuel me. It truly makes me happy to be very busy. Each task of mine genuinely shares equal focus and attention.

With the number of goals we hope to achieve, try not letting the process get to you—don’t let the stress win or defeat you from reaching your ultimate goal.

Even if you’re retired or well accomplished, you must continue setting goals and do all of them. Don’t stop, quit, or be satisfied—the World, the Philippines needs you accomplishing more. If you truly think about it, 24 hours in a day—that’s plenty of time. And if you’re a super-multitasker, it’s more than enough.

Roger L. Oriel Chief Executive Officer Asian Journal Media Group

ISSUE 58 — 019

President Duterte’s China trip yields 10,000 new jobs for Filipinos —The Economy writer Ritchel Mendiola

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio are swarmed by supporters during the President’s meeting with the Filipino community at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on April 12, 2018.

ARCEL VALDERRAMA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

ISSUE 58 — 021

On April 13, President Rodrigo Duterte arrived from his visit to China and Hong Kong, underscoring that his visit would yield 10,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Earlier that week, President Duterte was in Hainan, China for his attendance to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference as well as his working visit to Hong Kong.

According to him, his visit to China has yielded an estimated US$9.8-billion in investments, which would generate 10,000 jobs for Filipinos.

“The nine business agreements signed during my visit yielded an estimated value of 8 to 9 billion dollars in investments. These are projected to generate more than 10,000 jobs for our countrymen and women,” he said.

Included in the business agreements signed are the exploration opportunities on land reclamation and development by Shanghai GeoHarbour Group, building and operation of LNG receiving terminal by Jovo Group Co. Ltd, development of large tourism projects, electronics industry parts by Zhongfa Group, and infrastructure and construction project and thermal power supply by Haocheng Group.

Other Chinese companies like East-Cloud Biz Travel Ltd, China National Heavy Machinery Corp., Shanghai Shinehigh Biotechnology Ltd and Zhejang Dongyang Chemical Co. Ltd, and Sino BMG expressed interest in investing in the Philippines.

The President’s visit likewise forged six new bilateral agreements between the government of the Philippines and the Chinese government —

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio are welcomed by People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan prior to the opening ceremony of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2018 at the BFA International Convention Center in Boao, People’s Republic of China on April 10, 2018.

Image by Simeon Celi Jr., Presidential Photo

the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the employment of Filipino teachers of English language in China among them, which allows for the employment of 2,000 Filipino English language teachers starting this year and will be valid for two years, subject to renewal, as stated by President Duterte himself.

The Chinese government, reportedly, will also provide 500 million Renminbi in grant assistance.

President Duterte said that the leaders discussed the importance of an “open and innovative Asia for greater global prosperity” at the Boao Forum for Asia held in Hainan, China.

“We strongly emphasized the need for economic cooperation, coordination and collaboration to achieve the development our peoples,” President Duterte said.

The President said that both Philippines and China have committed to sustaining the vigor of the Philippine-China relations. He also added that the Philippines would continue to seek the expansion of areas for mutually beneficial collaboration, consistent with the laws.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on April 12, 2018, reiterates that he has been exerting effort in fulfilling his campaign of promises of addressing illegal drugs, crime and corruption. Photo by Valerie Escalera/Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio wave farewell to the send-off party as they prepare to board the Philippine Airlines Charter Flight PR001 at the Qionghai Boao International Airport on April 10, 2018 following a successful participation to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2018.

Also in the photo is the President's grandson Mateo. Image by Simeon Celi Jr., Presidential Photo ISSUE 58 — 023

First quarter sees over 2 million international tourist arrivals —Majority coming from the U.S., China, and South Korea writer Ritchel Mendiola

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), international tourist arrivals for the first mark of 2018 breached the two million mark — reaching another milestone.

DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said they already welcomed over two million foreign guests into the country in just three months compared to last year where it took until April to reach two million.

Tourism statistics showed that 2,049,094 international visitors came to the Philippines for the first quarter of the year, which is 14.80 percent higher compared to 1,784,882 for the same period in 2017.

Reportedly, the Chinese and the Koreans are the two key markets for the first quarter — together with the Americans, they comprise more than half of the country’s tourist arrivals.

From the more than 86,000 gap between the Korean and Chinese tourist arrivals in January, the Chinese closed the margin to just 7,838 in March, on a per month basis comparison. The Chinese is also the fastest growing market with 114,549 visitors for the month of March, at a remarkable 50.42 percent growth rate compared with the Koreans at 122,387.

First quarter Chinese travelers garnered 371,429 arrivals (54.53%) while the Koreans amassed 477,087 (8.22%) for the first three months of the year. Not to be outdone, American tourists ranked third with 284,946 (10.44%). ”Our target for the Chinese arrivals this year remains at 1.5 million as we strive for more quality tourists who spend more in the country,” Teo shared.

The usual activities of Chinese travelers in the country include shopping, sightseeing, and going on an adventure, while Chinese vacationers usually spend their time at department stores, souvenir and curio shops buying food delicacies, apparel, textile and garments, and arts and crafts.

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Department of Tourism targets faith tourism —1 million Intramuros Lenten visitors writer Jennifer Soriano

The Walled City of Intramuros received a million visitors, both from local and foreign tourist this past Holy Week The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Intramuros Administration (IA), arranged a series of events to promote the Walled City as a “holistic faith destination” in the country’s capital, Metro Manila.

This is the first time Intramuros opened its churches and chapels to pilgrims since World War II, in an effort made by the tourism department “to restore the vibrant religious culture” prevalent before the war.

“For a pre-dominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, the Holy Week or Lenten season is a perfect time to reflect, repent, and travel. We congratulate the Intramuros Administration and our Faith Tourism sector for the successful reopening of the Walled City for the Lenten season,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. The IA hosted the Visita Iglesia, a pious Roman Catholic Lenten tradition involving visitation to seven churches found inside Intramuros, including The Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, San Ignacio Church site, Guadalupe Shrine in Fort Santiago, Knights of Columbus Fr. Willman Chapel, Lyceum of the Philippines University Chapel, and Mapua University Chapel.

IA also installed Via Crucis stations, or a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers, along General Luna Street of the Walled City, which follows the Vatican II sanctioned New Way of the Cross.

Staged in front on the Palacio del Gobernador was the modern interpretation of the Senakulo or the dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ: His trial, suffering and death entitled “Martir sa Golgota”, by the Tanghalang Sta. Ana theater ensemble directed by renowned Lou Veloso.

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The DOT is pushing for more activities and events that strengthen faith-based tourism for the Catholic faithfuls catering to both the local and foreign tourists.

“We aim to capitalize on our unique Catholic festivals and Filipino traditions to pursue more Catholic pilgrims or faith tourists from Brazil, Mexico, United States, Columbia and Spain among others,” Teo said.

The Philippines is ranked as the third country in the world with a predominantly Catholic population following Brazil and Mexico. Philippines remains the largest Catholic nation in Asia.

According to DOT, the rise of spiritual tourism in the Philippines is anchored on the diversity and richness of the churches and religious sites open to the public.

“We will also highlight the numerous papal visits in the country with the head of the Catholic church as the focal influencer of pilgrimage and faith tourism,” Teo stressed.

Pope Paul VI visited the Philippines in 1970 while Pope John Paul II came in 1981 and 1995. In January 2015, the country made history for the world’s largest papal mass during the visit of Pope Francis with an estimated crowd of six million.

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NORTH AMERICA I EUROPE I MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA I ASIA I AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND I SOUTH AMERICA ISSUE 58 — 027

04 Cristo-Rei, Portugal (110 meters) Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, Brazil, the statue stands at around 361 feet above the southern banks of the Tejo Estuary. The statue was built in 1959 to thank God for sparing the country from World War II. 05 GuanYin of nanshan, China (108 meters) The 354 foot statue of the goddess Guayin was officially opened in 2005. The height of this statue was not determined by accident—the number 108 is considered to be sacred in Buddhist culture. The goddess is considered as the patron of children.

Local people pray to the statue for their health and wellbeing.

The Philippines is home to the 9th largest statue in the World writer Bianca Cruz

Statues and monuments are built all over the World for many different reasons. Some pay homage to gods, some attempt to immortalize men, and some commemorate important events.

Though statues and monuments can be found all over the World, there are a few that certainly stand out from the rest.

We have compiled 12 of the largest statues and monuments around the World that are definitely worth the visit.

01 Spring Temple Buddha, China (153 meters) The Spring Temple Buddha stands at 502 feet, making it the tallest statue in the World. The Buddha placed on top of a Buddhist monastery consists of 1,100 pieces of copper cast and weighs a total of 1,000 tonnes.

02 Luykyun Setkyar, Myanmar (116 meters) This 381 foot statue of the Gautama Buddha built by Bodhi Tahtuang Sayadaw, a venerable monk, stands on a throne in the village of Khatakan Taung. The structure took 11 years to finish and it now serves as one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The statue was built with stairs inside for visitors to climb up and see a panoramic view of the village.

03 Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan (120 meters) The statue was built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu or “True Pure Land School” in Japanese Buddhism. It weighs 4000 tonnes, stands at about 394 feet, and is made with bronze. Visitors can take an elevator up 279 feet to an observation floor.

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06 Emperors Yan and Huang, China (106 meters) The sculptures of two of the earliest Chinese emperors, Yan Di and Huang Di, took 20 years to complete, and commemorate politics and the economy. The 348 foot sculpture was reported to cost $22.5 million.

07 Sendai Daikannon, Japan (100 meters) The Sendai Daikannon or “The Guardian of the Hill” stands 330 feet tall on a hill, overlooking the city. The statue holds a jewel in its right hand and it is believed that this jewel can grant wishes. In the other hand, a water flask pours out “the water of wisdom”. Visitors can take the stairs or elevator to see a fantastic view of the mountains and the city.

08 Peter the Great statue, Russia (98 meters) The 322 foot monument of Peter the Great was designed by Zurab Tsereteli to commemorate 300 years of the Russian Navy established by Peter the Great. It weighs around 1,000 tonnes and is made with steel, bronze, and copper.

10 Great Buddha of Thailand, Thailand (92 meters) The tallest statue in Thailand can be found in the Wat Muang Monastry in Ang Thong province. The Great Buddha is made of cement and painted with gold. The construction begun in 1990 and was completed in 2008. It is believed that the Buddha watches over the valley of Ang Thong.

11 Grand Buddha at Lingshan, China (88 meters) Located at the south of Longshan Mountain, at the northern bank of Taihu Lake, the bronze statue stands at 289 ft. The Buddha is believed to be smiling over all living things and protecting all people.

12 The Mother Calls, Russia (87 meters) The Mother Calls stands at 285 feet, which makes it the tallest statue in the whole of Europe and Russia and also the tallest statue of a woman in the World. The statue weighs over 8,000 tonnes and is supported by 99 metal cables constantly in tension. There is a 200-step staircase at the base of the statue to commemorate the 200-day battle of Stalingrad.

Montemaria, Philippines (96 meters)

The 315 foot stainless steel monument dedicated to Mary, Mother of all Asia, overlooks the Verde Passage at the entrance of Batangas Bay. The monument is strategically placed on top of a chapel with a meditation garden.

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With continued decline of the Philippine Peso, 10 Million Overseas Filipinos look to invest —Portfolio writer Ritchel Mendiola

The Philippine peso’s value has been at risk since last year, when it became the worst-performing currency in Asia. For an export-oriented, import-dependent country like the Philippines, even a small change in the peso-dollar exchange rate can severely impact costs and prices, justifying the analysts and many Filipinos’ growing concern about the currency; after all, a weak peso aggravates inflation.

One positive outcome, however, from the peso’s tumble to an 11-year low is the increase of remittances thanks to more than 10 million overseas workers.

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The decline in the value of peso is spurring Filipinos to send more money home, fuelling consumption and economic growth, according to Lilian Karunungan of Bloomberg.com. At 10 percent of Gross domestic product (GDP), exports and OFW remittances are the two biggest sources of foreign exchange inflows to the country.

Irene Lim, a compliance analyst at a regional bank in Singapore, is being encouraged by the weaker peso to invest more back in the Philippines. “My Manila-based family gets to enjoy higher remittance, while I have more investment options given the extra cash generated by the favorable exchange rate,” she shared to Bloomberg. com.

Remittances from OFWs have been steadily rising over the years, climbing up 4.5 percent between January and May 2017 to $11.35 billion, according to the data of the nation’s central bank.

Regardless, the downsides of the weak peso overshadow its benefits. OFW families might enjoy the higher exchange rate, but that does not mean much when the costs of living increase alongside it. “The weaker peso helps only to a certain extent,” Marlyn de la Cruz, a domestic helper in Hong Kong, told Bloomberg.com.

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Building Dreams —Erik Asinas shares his life as an architect writer Ritchel Mendiola photographer Godwin Gasacao

Architecture is constantly evolving, combining modernism and futurism into concepts and designs that result into dynamic, breathtaking structures worthy of a second look.

Nowadays, every country has something to offer when it comes to architecture, from towering skyscrapers to fanciful houses— the HARPA Concert Hall in Iceland, the Bodegas Ysios winery in Spain, the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan, the Cabin Knapphullet in Norway, the Cayan Tower in Dubai, the City Center Tower in Manila, and more. Each and every one of these is designed to perfection, built to be inhabited and admired.

Behind all the stunning buildings that populate the world, there’s a team of creative minds who carefully planned, conceptualized, and saw the project through the end. Manila-based architect Erik Asinas of Arch Haus Asia, whose body of work includes the Koperasi Brunei, Jumeirah Heights, and Lombard by The Bay, sat down with Balikbayan Magazine and shared what it’s like to be someone who develops design concepts and brings them to life for a living.

“What we design, we must build. We make sure to translate what the client envisions, and transform that idea into a success...”

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An architect who values learning Like any other architect, Asinas dreamed of opening his own firm. “Many architects put up their own office because that’s how they can freely work on what they want,” he said. “If you are an employee, you tend to be controlled.”

He attained this goal in 1997 when he founded Arch Haus Asia, which equates to Asinas brand of design and architecture. Today, Arch Haus Asia is a merger of highly competitive design-oriented teams, providing the highest level of quality and more comprehensive services in the field of Architecture. As an innovative company, it strives to create a positive transformation of the human-built environment by building the future with distinct professional services and zeal for excellence.

As the principal architect, Asinas loves working with his team aside from overseeing their work. He prides himself for being a team player who prefers collaborative effort, always happy to be involved in every project. “I love working with people to gain more fresh ideas all the way from conception to finish,” he said, exhibiting an admirable eagerness to learn and discover more despite being in the business for more than two decades already.

A passionate designer Asinas’ architectural work is broad, covering extensive ground from landmark buildings, malls, hotels and resorts, residences, interior design, and master planning. Throughout his

“...What we design, we must build. We make sure to translate what the client envisions, and transform that idea into a success...”

architectural career, he proudly claimed that design was the skill that served him best in whatever project he tackled, and it is intrinsically tied in with his philosophy as an architect which is to design, build, and transform. “What we design, we must build.

We make sure to translate what the client envisions, and transform that idea into a success,” he explained.

With Arch Haus as a design firm, the projects they usually tackle revolve around design itself. This is where Asinas shines and thrives, treating every building like a work of art. His ability to masterfully balance function with aesthetic appeal, and his sensitivity to his clients’ spatial needs has truly placed him in the forefront of architecture, garnering the trust and confidence of many clients.

His latest undertaking: Lombard By The Bay Lombard By The Bay is a township development located in Montemaria, the newest religious tourism destination.

It overlooks the Verde Island Passage, the center of marine biodiversity, and is within walking distance from Mother of All Mary—the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world.

Erik Asinas, Chairman of Arch Haus Asia with Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, Corp.’s Chairman, Roger Oriel (Left) and Rene Cinco, President and CEO (Right).

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As the architect behind the residential development, Asinas wanted to encapture the view, the magic of Montemaria, and translate that into the condotel building. “I want Lombard By The Bay to complement what Montemaria has to offer—the statue and the landscape,” he explained.

He planned the landscape of Lombard By The Bay to emulate the winding road of its namesake, the Lombard Street in San Francisco. Its exterior is a mix of modern and industrial design, made to look elegant but not imposing for its residents. Its interior, on the other hand, is composed of marble and glass, exuding class and luxury with its monochromatic color scheme.

The meaning of success “Success, to me, is being able to deliver what the client wants,” Asinas shared. He underlines the importance of having a good relationship with clients as key to delivering a successful project. “A successful project is when I’m given trust and confidence by the client. If you’re not given that, the project is bound to fail because there will be many interventions.”

His advice to young architects is to maintain a good work dynamic with your team and build a good relationship with your clients. “Be your own!” he added. “Don’t be afraid to let your imagination fly. There’s no such thing as an ugly design.

No matter how simple or traditional your design might be, as long as it came from within, then that’s good enough.”

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Avy Salonga, Business Development Manager, Pach Z. Cansana, Business Development Director, Eric E. Asinas, Chairman, K3 Gamboa, Design Manager

LOOKING FOR VACANT LAND TO BUY OR JOINT VENTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES www.PremierAsiaPacific.com Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com For inquiries, contact: Rene Cinco (PH) +63-917-824-1555 (USA) +1-213-596-5970 Gerry Palabyab (PH) +63-918-921-8182 (USA) +1-510-418-8079

Own land back home in the Philippines? Whether you’re looking to sell your property or interested in exploring a joint venture development project, partner with us and discover ways you can build your investment portfolio.

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www.LOVEOFCOUNTRYPHILIPPINES.com

The Philippines is not only home to pristine natural wonders and beautiful beaches, but also home to a vibrant, thriving, and booming metropolis that is filled with renowned hotels and resorts, restaurants, bars, shops, schools, investment opportunities, to a burgeoning music, art, culture, and nightlife scene. Come and see for yourself and rediscover the gems of the Philippines. We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Welcome to Love of Country.

Welcome home.

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Chef Extraordinaire —Chef Jessie reflects on her past, and looks forward to her future writer Ritchel Mendiola photographer Godwin Gasacao

You can tell a lot about a chef not only through the dishes they prepare, but also through the experiences they accumulated.

For instance, Chef Jessie Sincioco was the first ever Filipina pastry chef. She was handpicked to cook for His Holiness Pope Francis during the Pontiff ’s visit to the Philippines in 2015, and lately assigned to lead the preparation of the Gala dinner for the heads of state and delegates of the ASEAN SUMMIT 2017.

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But it’s not only the awards—and she has countless of them—or the menu of impressive dishes that are striking. When Balikbayan Magazine met with Chef Jessie one afternoon at her restaurant in the Rockwell Club, she was all warm smiles and friendly greetings as she welcomed us in.

Dressed in her immaculate white uniform, she never once lost her smile during her photoshoot for the magazine, or even after, when she sat down and shared her cooking journey, her Papal experience, and exciting developments about her restaurant.

Where her heart belongs Chef Jessie’s pursuit of culinary excellence both in the hot and cold section of the kitchen is unwavering as it is unparalleled.

“There was a saying that if you are a pastry chef, you can never be good in the hot kitchen,” she said. “But I somehow proved that wrong by being a good pastry chef and, at the same time, a good chef in the hot section.”

Chef Jessie loves cooking everything— but more than that, she loves a good challenge. “Nowadays, we’re doing a lot of catering and my clients always tell me to cook anything,” she laughed, sharing the various menu she had to prepare in her line of work, including but not limited to: Moroccan, Spanish, Singaporean, African, and Guatemalan cuisine. “I enjoyed doing all that. I really love working with food.”

But when asked if she has to choose between cooking and baking, she immediately answered the latter, sharing how baking was the one that brought her into the kitchen.

Basking in the muted afternoon light, Chef Jessie recounted her childhood days when she would leave the kitchen as soon as she smelled onions and garlic being sautéed.

“The smell clings to your skin and clothes— it’s just not pleasant.” But everything changed when she started working with cakes, cream, and chocolate. “Everything smelled good!”

According to Chef Jessie, baking and cooking are like heaven and Earth. From the way her eyes sparkled and her voice warmed with fondness, it’s no-brainer that baking is truly her heaven.

A blessed experience Chef Jessie has come a long way since winning the grand prize in the baking category of The Great Maya Cookfest in 1983 that basically launched her culinary career.

In 2015, she was chosen by the papal visit committee to put together and prepare a four-day menu exclusively for Pope Francis and 12 other papal guests.

“The idea of cooking for the Holy Father never came into my mind—not even in my wildest dreams,” Chef Jessie gushed. “It’s really something I wasn’t expecting, that’s why when I was told I was the one, I was jumping with joy! I felt blessed and I was also glad that it happened when I felt I was ready.”

Chef Jessie spoke of the Pope with open awe, describing his presence as magnetic and simply majestic. One anecdote she’ll never forget was when she served roast beef

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“It was drizzling, so I said my goodbyes from the entrance where there was some cover.

When they passed by, Cardinal Chito saw me and pointed me to Pope Francis. The Pontiff held out his hands and profusely thanked me— I was overwhelmed!” as the main meal for the pontiff. “I ordered the best slab of beef I could get. I told our supplier I don’t care how much it was, just give me the best slab of beef and it has to be chilled—never frozen,” she related. “When the slab was delivered, I thought of roasting the beef. I thought of slow roasting it so the outside will be seared and seasoned and when I bring it to the nunciature, I’ll just slice and cook the steak to their doneness. I had one waiter with me and I had him ask how the guests like their steak. When he came back to tell me their answers, he said the Pope wanted his steak alive!”

Clasping her hands, Chef Jessie continued, “When he said that, I couldn’t help but shout yes! Because my decision to slow roast the slab was right—so when the Pope cut the center, it’s alive but the outside is cooked and safe to eat.”

It was one of the moments in Chef Jessie’s life where she felt like everything fell into place. “It’s like knowing you’re guided and this is exactly what you should be doing without anybody telling you,” she said.

“When they were about to go to Luneta, they were already aboard the Popemobile,” she recounted. “It was drizzling, so I said my goodbyes from the entrance where there was some cover. When they passed by, Cardinal Chito saw me and pointed me to Pope Francis. The Pontiff held out his hands and profusely thanked me—I was overwhelmed!” When Chef Jessie asked if he liked the steak, Pope Francis gestured with his hands and said, “Yes, it was so tender. It was so delicious. Like the cow, moo!”

As a chef and a devout Catholic, Chef Jessie considers this experience as the highlight of her career; after all, nothing beats the experience of cooking for the Pope, the representative of Jesus. “In the Philippines, I can definitely say I am the Papal chef,” she concluded proudly.

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Each of her restaurants have different personalities, different highlights that set them apart from each other.

Giving back Everything in Chef Jessie’s life is super providential. Blessings upon blessing keep coming her way, so she thought of a way to give back.

“I don’t like people to forget about the historical moment of the Pope’s stay in the country. To help people remember, we will be offering all the menus that we served during the papal visit every year, from January 15—the day he set foot in the Philippines—until February 15,” she said. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Tulay ng Kabataan, the orphanage the pontiff visited across the Manila Cathedral.

Towering success In 2009, Chef Jessie established JCS Gastronomie Inc. Today, as president and CEO of the company, she is actively running three restaurants: Chef Jessie Rockwell Club, Top of The Citi

by Chef Jessie, and the newly opened Chef Jessie Grill at The Grove by Rockwell.

These restaurants all serve stellar and sumptuous culinary dishes that cater to the upscale market, but that’s where the similarities end. According to Chef Jessie, each of her restaurants have different personalities, different highlights that set them apart from each other.

On Top of the world Located in the heart of the Makati Business District, Top of The Citi by Chef Jessie serves high-end international and asian cuisines.

“It’s more of a corporate outlet,” Chef Jessie said, explaining that being on the 34th floor of a skyline of a tall building made it somehow conducive for corporate functions. “But people also 040 — ISSUE 58

find it romantic. It gets full every Valentine’s Day.” Top of The Citi offers a 360 degree view of the metro, and a dining area that can fit 120 people, with seven function rooms for 10 to 100 guests. “We’ve done a few weddings, birthday parties, and seminars there,” she said.

Famous for the Sea Bass with Goose Liver, Angus Beef Tenderloin, and Lamb Chop with Adobo Sauce, this executive fine dining restaurant’s menu is rife with dishes as spectacular as the view around you.

The baby in the family “Chef Jessie Grill is our baby,” Chef Jessie smiled. Located at the Grove by Rockwell along C5, right across Tiendesitas, this restaurant opened its doors on September 8, 2016.

“It’s our smallest outlet, seating only 50 people,” she said.

Still, Chef Jessie Grill is a must-visit place for people seeking a relaxing and cozy dining experience, and the taste of home cooked food. At a glance, you might shrug it off as a normal restaurant, simple without the flair and aesthetics of Chef Jessie’s two other fine dining restaurants, but once you take a bite of their delicious offerings, you’ll immediately know this is on par with the likes of Chef Jessie Rockwell Club and Top of The Citi.

This outlet’s casual but rustic approach to dining is already a hit, amassing a loyal following hungry for everything sizzling.

Its popular dishes include the Special Chicken Adobo, the BBQ Pork Spareribs, and Green Tea Cheesecake.

Chef Jessie Grill is a testament to Chef Jessie’s versatility when it comes to cooking—there’s just that certain Chef Jessie magic in her dishes that everyone can enjoy in any kind of setting.

Elegance at its finest “Chef Jessie Rockwell Club is the most elegant,” Chef Jessie said. “It’s a place where people would come in beautiful dresses and nice suits. It’s a place for entertaining business clients. But it’s also a place where people can relax and come in their most comfortable outfit if they want to.”

“This is also our outlet where people bring their guests because—according to them—if they come here, they get what they expect. So when they have important guests they want to impress, they bring them here,” she added.

Despite its rustic flourishes, the restaurant exudes elegance with its high ceilings and great windows that let in natural light.

The flooring is a mix of wood and tiles, the chairs are wooden, and everywhere you look is a feast for the eyes—oil paintings in gilded frames, fresh flowers in vases, and the outside view of the pool and garden.

It’s homey but still radiating class; luxurious but grounded, much like Chef Jessie herself—despite achievements and awards, she’s still very much humble and down-toEarth.

Chef Jessie Rockwell Club never fails to deliver international cuisine at its finest.

The menu is teeming with elegant dishes as fine as the setting itself and the restaurant’s loyal customers have earmarked the Pasta a la Jessie and Pan Fried Goose Liver Salad as staunch favorites.

New and exciting changes Chef Jessie Rockwell Club is set for renovation this April. When asked about her decision to have the restaurant renovated, Chef Jessie laughed. “It looks dated already! The chairs are more than 20 years old.” And while the chairs may look old, they carry a history in them that will never be replaced. Countless of dignitaries have sat on them—the President of the Philippines, starting from Joseph Estrada up to PNoy, among others.

“The new look will have a tinge of something Filipino. The new design will make the place become part of the garden, like an extension; it will compliment the view outside,” Chef Jessie divulged. “There will also be new chairs, and a new bar. We want the bar to entice people to drink and enjoy wine.”

Apart from the setting, there will also be changes in the curated menu line-up and its menu cover.

“I painted the design for the menu cover myself,” Chef Jessie shared. “I designed it with something people can identify with Filipinos. It’s a tree that when you see, you’ll immediately associate with us.”

The menu, like everything else, will have a Filipino touch. “I’m a classic chef so I cannot stay away from that,” Chef Jessie explained. “I will still keep a lot from the present menu since they all have followings, but I will add more dishes and make sure the presentations are different.”

Chef Jessie’s excitement for her restaurant’s new developments was palpable— there’s a spark in her eyes that was hard to miss, urging everyone to look forward to Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s new look. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that when it comes to Chef Jessie, expectations are sure to be exceeded.

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Mimi Parrel-Pimentel — In Her Own Words interviewed by Bianca Cruz

Mimi Parrel-Pimentel, a 45-year-old fashion designer from Cagayan de Oro, is taking the Philippine fashion scene by storm and is steadily making a name for herself worldwide.

As a college student, Pimentel spent her free time at her aunt’s dress shop, mindlessly sketching designs. She is now one of the Philippines’ most sought-after designers and has received the honor of being appointed the presidential fashion consultant of Malacañang, wherein she is in charge of dressing and styling President Rodrigo Duterte. This has led her to have the opportunity to design Duterte’s inaugural barong, as well as the barongs of the ASEAN ministers and the outfits of their spouses, cabinet members and other government executives when the ASEAN Summit was held in the Philippines in 2017.

That same year, the designer had also designed the Filipiniana gowns for the Miss Universe candidates during the Philippines’ hosting of the pageant.

Balikbayan Magazine sat down with the fashion icon and native of Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro at her shop on Jupiter Street in Makati, as she spoke about her roots, career, and plans for the future.

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Philippines Cagayan de Oro Branch and the year after, I established the Philippine Institute for Skills and Arts Development (PISAD), a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) accredited school. In the past few years, I have received various recognitions, such as the Business Leaders Award from the Business Week Mindanao Corporation (2012), and opportunities like joining the International Fashion Show in Canada and New York (2015).

In 2016, I was appointed the presidential fashion consultant of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. In 2017, I had the chance to dress up Miss Universe candidates in Filipiniana gowns and make the barongs of ASEAN ministers and outfits for their spouses, cabinet members and other executives from different government agencies.

I also joined Singapore Fashion Week that year. Earlier this year, I joined the House of Ikons fashion show in London. One of my advocacies is to help promote the local fabrics, particularly Mindanao silk, to give livelihood to the weavers.

Balikbayan: Tell us about yourself.

Pimentel: I was born and raised in Cagayan de Oro, and graduated with a degree in International Studies at Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan in 1992. After that, I studied fashion design at Madonna School of Fashion and Design and graduated in 1994. For the next three years, I worked as an in-house designer for my aunt, Jessie Sia. I got married in 1997 and established my own shop, Mimi Parrel-Pimentel Boutique and Dress shop. In 2000, I was an awardee of the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, as the Best Female Entrepreneur in Region X. I went on to pursue further studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology, London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins.

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“I find it exciting, challenging and amusing. After working with him for a while now, I have been able to observe and understand his fashion preferences and how he likes his barongs and suits to look and feel like. I found out that he is not that “maarte” with the designs. He is more after comfort than style. In fact, when I presented 10 designs for his inauguration barong, he chose the simplest one with only the Philippine flag embroidered on the left side. I also made some intricate designs but he chose the simplest. What’s nice about him is that he patronizes Mindanaoans and supports my advocacy to empower women farmers who play a very important role in the sericulture industry...”

Balikbayan: Where did your love for fashion design and dressmaking begin?

Pimentel: As a kid, I loved to draw cartoon characters. My mother opened a dress shop inside our house when I was 6 years old.

I remember that I loved playing with the sewing machines and buttons. When I was in high school, my aunt took over the dress shop after my father opened a construction business. The shop and construction business were both in one place. I started observing my aunt and how she dealt with clients and seamstresses.

When I finished college, instead of sitting around and doing nothing, I would sit at a table and sketch dresses. I realized that I had this strong interest in fashion. As time passed by, my aunt started noticing my potential and discovered that I had innate skills in fashion designing. She saw that I had these cohesive designs in my sketches and she offered me to make a design for her fashion show—it was a life-changing offer that paved the way for my fashion career.

The first collection that I made for my aunt was thought to be glamorous and started to have high demands. Seeing this, she brought me to Manila after I had graduated in international studies at Ateneo De Cagayan in 1992. There, I studied at the Madonna School of Fashion and Design for two years. As soon as I got back to my hometown, she hired me as the in-house designer for three years until she left to migrate to the U.S, and that was when I took over the business.

Being the successor of my aunt, I managed the business and slowly gathered loyal seamstresses and clients.

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Balikbayan: Where do you find or look for inspiration when creating a piece?

Pimentel: I gain my inspiration through some of the international artists like Elie Saab and Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Dior, among others. Traveling allows me to view the fashion trends in different perspectives as they come from different countries with diverse cultures. Furthermore, I get

inspired seeing distinct and native fabrics that are available in that particular country that cannot be seen anywhere else. The abundance and uniqueness of these fabrics are what keep me reminded that you can be infinitely creative in your own way—and that’s what makes fashion full of surprises.

Balikbayan: Where have you traveled?

Pimentel: I have traveled around some states in the U.S. like California, New York, and Florida, Washington, and Las Vegas. In Canada, I had shows in Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver. I have also traveled around Dubai, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. As I travel, I usually shop for fabrics that are only exclusive to that particular country.

Balikbayan: Who are some fashion icons you look up to?

Pimentel: Among my choices are Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe. For local celebrities, Lucy Torres, Dawn Zulueta, and Gretchen Barretto, because they all have taste and class.

Balikbayan: How would you describe the perfect client?

Pimentel: Customer satisfaction is the toughest part in running a fashion business. For me, when you make a design for a client, it has to fit his or her personality and synchronize with his or her daily habits.

A perfect client is someone who is open to new ideas and design concepts. And most of all, someone who trusts you as the designer.

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Balikbayan: Can you name a client who was the most fun to work with?

Pimentel: President Duterte! He is a funny person, easy to deal with, and mostly, he is a good payer. He will not use what you made for him if you will not accept his payment.

He is a great man, and always loves to joke around. (Laughs) Balikbayan: What is it like working with President Rodrigo Duterte?

Pimentel: I find it exciting, challenging and amusing. After working with him for a while now, I have been able to observe his fashion preferences and understand and how he likes his barongs and suits to look and feel like. I found out that he is not that “maarte” with the designs. He is more after comfort than style. In fact, when I presented 10 designs for his inauguration barong, he chose the simplest one with only the Philippine flag embroidered on the left side. I also made some intricate designs but he chose the simplest. What’s nice about him is that he patronizes Mindanaoans and supports my advocacy to empower women farmers who play a very important role in the sericulture industry. “Mindanao silk,” a product of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental was what President Duterte wore during his inauguration. And to complete it, I also added his favorite pants, which were made of corduroy.

Balikbayan: What was it like dressing the ASEAN leaders?

Pimentel: It was an honor to dress up the ministers. It was a rare opportunity to meet and talk to these powerful people on Earth.

Balikbayan: Do you have some advice for aspiring Filipino designers?

Pimentel: One of the biggest misconceptions that I get is that in order to be a fashion designer, one must have all the shades of a pencil, all those coloring materials, and all those expensive machines. But I tell you, you can start off with [just] a pencil and paper. Mix that together with passion and effort, and dedicate some time to it. Then you will find yourself riding the train towards your dream to become a well-known and a world-class fashion designer.

Balikbayan: What are your thoughts on being the fashion icon of Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro? Pimentel: Being a fashion icon means setting future trends. It also means being timeless in your style.

Balikbayan: What is next for you?

Pimentel: I’m looking forward to my international shows. I’ll have a series of shows abroad in the upcoming months. I was invited to the House of Ikons in London this past February, so I had been busy preparing for my collection. It is a 20-piece collection with various designs like casual wear, formal wear, and barongs as well. The series of shows for “Hibla” will soon make its way to New York, San Francisco, Vienna, China, Japan, and Australia. I am also currently working on the gowns for former first lady Imelda Marcos and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.

Mimi Parrel-Pimentel is excited for the things to come and aims to help elevate Philippine fashion and local fabrics in the worldwide fashion scene. You can find her shop on Jupiter Street in Makati where she and her team are ready to cater to your custom gown, dress, suit, and barong needs.

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The Journey of Rediscovery Begins Here —Love of Country writer Ritchel Mendiola

Launched this year by the Asian Journal Media Group, the Love Of Country Global Ambassadors Program offers the gift of a life-changing, all-expense paid trip to the Philippines to highlycompetitive and ambitious Filipinos who have what it takes to create real change in the world and transform the Filipino future.

Individuals selected to participate are awarded with prizes in addition to a 14-Day tour of the Philippines filled with cultural immersion, exploration of tourism destinations, investment insights, philanthropy, business and leadership training and networking, artist and career opportunities, and environmental impact.

Love Of Country Global Ambassadors Program, born out of several questions on how to reconnect Filipinos back to the Philippines and how to awaken Filipino pride and spirit, not only brings back Filipinos all over the world back to their homeland and teach them about our country’s vivid history and culture.

This program is also a large, vital piece in Asian Journal’s mission to empower overseas Filipinos, and to promote tourism, investment, studying abroad, entrepreneurship, and retirement here in the Philippines.

Applications for 2018 is now closed. Applications for the 2019 Global Ambassadors Program is officially open to Filipinos all over the World.

Start your application today at LoveOfCountryAmbassdors.com.

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The first inaugural class of the Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program. To learn more about each delegate and to apply in 2019, visit LoveOfCountryAmbassadors.com.

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Consulate General Adelio Cruz gives INSPIRING lecture to THE INAUGURAL CLASS OF THE Love of Country GLOBAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM On Sunday, April 22, 2018, the Love of Country Global Ambassadors delegates attended an inspirational lecture by Honorable Consulate General Adelio Angelito Cruz. The lecture was about “Ethics/Social Graces, and Dealing with Diplomats” as part of Love of Country’s mission to impart knowledge that can ultimately help the delegates in attaining success and changing their lives.

The workshop leader, Honorable Consulate General Adelio Cruz is a career officer of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. He was conferred the Gawad Mabini Award, with the rank of Dakilang Kamanong (Grand Cross) by President Rodrigo Duterte on September 13, 2017 for his efforts in facilitating the mass repatriation of over 5,800 Overseas Filipino Workers from 2014-2016 in Libya.

Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2016 JOINS THE LOVE OF COUNTRY GLOBAL AMBASSADORS Program TO SERVE AS THE PROGRAM Director Filipino-Australian Shannon Bridgman might be better known as the titleholder of Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2016, but that’s not the only accomplishment she’s proud of. Among them is being the Program Director for the Love Of Country Global Ambassadors Program.

In a short interview with Asian Journal, she shared how she found herself managing this position. “Asian Journal has sponsored various pageants and events in the US and the Philippines for many years. Our investigative unit interviewed many pageant delegates and we came to discover there is not a lot of support and sustainability after the pageant ends. Since the beginning of Asian Journal, our corporate aim is to empower all Filipinos. We wanted to create a platform to ignite, uplift, and fuel the economic growth and development of the Philippines, and inspire the Global Filipino 050 — ISSUE 58

Community. It just so happened that I had completed my reign as Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2016, and Asian Journal offered me the position of Program Director, due to my familiarity of pageants and experience as a balikbayan moving to the Philippines.”

As the Program Director, Shannon plans, organizes, and delivers the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the organization— which is to awaken Filipino identity and build a lasting bond with the motherland and people of the Philippines, and reinforce the sense of Filipino community and spirit worldwide.

“We want to provide every Filipino around the world with the opportunity to visit their homeland and learn about their roots. In doing so, we strive to arrange a memorable, life-changing, and rewarding 14-day tour that will show Global Balikbayans just how much the Philippines has developed and prove that Filipinos are really world class,” she said.

Connecting you to your roots, dreams, and goals.

2018 Global Ambassadors Program LoveOfCountryAmbassadors.com Info@LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com #LoveOfCountryPH I #LOCA

Presented By

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BE Grand Resort —Bohol writer Ritchel Mendiola

BE Grand Resort is one of the most luxurious yet relaxing waterfront resort on the balmy Panglao Island in Bohol. Owned and managed by property developer Enrison Land Inc. (ELI), BE Grand is the sister resort of BE Mactan, a boutique resort located in Mactan Island, Cebu. The resort is just 40 minutes away from the Tagbilaran Airport, and 35 minutes from the city’s shopping and commercial district.

Spanning 2.9 hectares of sun-soaked land, BE Grand Resort is uniquely envisioned to encompass the beauty of its independent locality and environment.

It combines chic contemporary design with laid-back elements for a fanciful but comfortable ambiance—making BE Grand Resort the perfect home away from home.

At BE Grand Resort, guests can enjoy the diverse dining options, take a refreshing dip in the pool, unwind in its various amenities and facilities, or go on a cultural adventure. There’s no shortage of activities to do in this resort, and anyone who stays here is sure to have a holistic experience they can relive long after the golden summer season is over.

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Pleasing to the eye There’s always something to look at in BE Grand Resort. The lobby that welcomes guests upon entering is adorned with furniture designed by Kenneth Cobonpue, best known for integrating locally sourced materials with innovative handmade production processes.

Aside from Cobonpue’s signature pieces that include The Croissant Collection—an eye-catching lobby seating and ornamentation—the resort also boasts of artworks made by Johnny Alcazaren, a CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee. His works at BE Grand include two five-story murals in the atrium and a smaller piece on the wall of the Bridge’s wet bar, all of them showcasing the natural wonders of Panglao and Bohol.

These murals are intended to be visual catalysts to help etch the Bohol experience in the guests’ minds.

BE Grand Resort has a picturesque setting made even better by its gardens, which are the focal point of the resort. They include a menagerie of palm trees, accent shrubs and water plants for a wonderful flora and foliage view. This greenery enhances The Villas’ gardens act as green walls for privacy and ornamental displays to capture the essence of a garden paradise.

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Relaxing accommodations BE Grand Resort is a sophisticated waterfront hideaway perfect for an indulgent and idyllic summer escapade. The atmosphere is pleasantly relaxed, with wonderful staff, and accommodations that will make guests feel right at home.

More than half of its rooms and suites afford a stunning view of the sea and the free-form pool while the rest offers the refreshing forest greens with a silhouette of Balicasag Island and neighboring provinces of Siquijor and Negros Oriental. Each room is furnished in dark wood with coral accents for an aesthetically-pleasing design.

For a better BE Grand Resort experience, rooms are provided with modern conveniences like a large flat screen TV with cable, Wi-Fi accessibility, mini-bar chiller, wooden sliding louvers leading to a private balcony, and bathrooms equipped with hot and cold rain shower rain shower enclosure and bathtub.

There are 19 private villas for guests who prefer privacy and languid relaxation—all of them equipped with a wide range of deluxe amenities that include a TV with 24-hour cable news network, operatorassisted telephone with bathroom extension, fully-stocked bar and snacks, flat screen TV with premium cable channels, hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room electronic locker, and villa host services.

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Dining at its finest BE Grand Resort boasts of varied dining options that will undoubtedly satisfy and suit every palate. Guests also have the option of dining privately by the waterfront— under a starlit sky, with the sand beneath their feet—if they are in the mood for a romantic dinner with their special someone.

There are five restaurants and bars guests can choose from: The Food Hall, the all-day dining, Asian Bistro serving traditional and contemporary Chinese and Filipino cuisine; Bridge Bar, an alfresco poolside restaurant offering an irresistible array of sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, and pasta alongside a selection of beer, liquor, wine, spirits and its signature cocktails; Monkeybar, a bar featuring al fresco dining offering cool refreshments beneath a pergola or under the shade of ancient mangrove trees; Lune, an alfresco rooftop lounge provides panoramic views of the sea, with Balicasag Island in the distance, offering tapas, cocktails, and an extensive beverage list; and The Boathouse, two-storey restaurant featuring an alfresco deck area and an air-conditioned section, with an inviting view of the pool.

It’s exclusive to The Villas’ residents and requires an advanced reservation for nonVilla residents.

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Endless fun Boredom is out of the question at BE Grand—there’s something for everyone whether you prefer peace and solace, or exhilarating adventure.

Guests can enjoy the leisure and wellness facilities that BE Grand readily offers—the swimming pool, gameroom, gym, and tour desk for sightseeing. Thrill-seekers can quench their love for adventure by playing water sports activities or signing up for diving lessons. There’s a custom-built dive pool aptly called The Dive Pool conceptualized by reputable diving operator Scotty’s Action Sports Network for those who want to learn.

BE Grand also has a superb spa offering carefully thought services provided by highly trained therapists. The Spa by Asmara Spa has nine treatment rooms each with its own shower and toilet. They are all fully-equipped for massage services, body scrubs, and foot spa. Some rooms are designed for couples and one over-sized room can accommodate families, groups, and spa parties.

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Ideal wedding destination BE Grand is a 208-room resort featuring a one-stop service offering guests all the facilities and supports that any special occasion needs. A choice of a pillarless ballroom seats up to 170 for a banquet and 350 for a cocktail set-up. The outdoor Event Garden offers a unique tropical setting and can accommodate up to 200 for a banquet; while the Waterfront Garden offers a more romantic setting and can seat up to 600 banquet-style.

With its waterfront setting, scenic landscape, state-of-the-art facilities, and attentive, professional service, BE Grand Resort is truly the ideal location for events and special occasions—weddings, being among them.

For couples who dream of an intimate ceremony overlooking the stunning seascape, or a vibrant reception in of the resort’s Villas, BE Grand will certainly meet expectations and turn dreams into reality.

Couples have three options for their dream wedding location: the rooftop (Lune), waterfront, and the grand ballroom.

BE Grand can also design a unique experience for guests during their time in the resort, from arranging transportation to planning activities such as yoga lessons, spa treatments, and explore the numerous dive sites that abound Panglao Island and much more.

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Socially and ecologically responsible Environmental enthusiasts will be glad to know that the management of BE Grand Resort strongly believes in taking the initiative in the conservation and protection of its vicinity.

BE Grand is the steward of the Danao Marine Sanctuary, a sanctuary located 95 meters away from the resort’s waterfront and extends to the next property. It is a joint project between the resort and the local barangay to help protect the marine resources within this area. As a Marine Protected Area, fishing and collection of marine life is strictly prohibited—this includes the gathering of shells and corals washed up on the sand.

Conserving the environment is vital to BE Grand, which is why one of their priorities is to reduce water consumption and minimize water pollution through water recycling. One of these efforts is by wastewater treatment. The resort’s wastewater goes through an in-house treatment plant wherein it is processed for reuse. After treatment, treated water is used for gardening and flushing system in each water closet.

BE THE SPARK is the official flagship of all conservation programs by BE Resorts.

— With summer on full blast, the thirst to go on an adventure is higher than ever. Whether you’re craving for a peaceful and relaxing vacation, or a fun and indelible experience, BE Grand Resort is here to cater to all your needs and meet your expectations.

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The Philippines —One Vast Sea of Opportunities writer Jennifer Soriano

May is the Month of the Ocean, and for this year, the theme underscores the richness of the Philippine seas and the vast opportunities they can provide for the sustenance of life on Earth.

“The Philippines, One Vast Sea of Opportunities,” so goes the theme.

Philippines has 36,000 kilometers of coast, almost 30,000 square kilometers of coral reefs and about 1,170 square kilometers of mangroves, which makes it one of the world’s richest countries in terms of marine biodiversity.

With its rich marine biodiversity, the country is considered as the “global center of the center of marine biodiversity.”

The seas that provide them livelihood and subsistence to around 40 million Filipinos is under serious threat.

Important fragile marine ecosystems around the country are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to overfishing, illegal fishing, pollution, climate change, destruction of critical marine habitats, toxic chemical pollution from industries, human sewage and plastic garbage from cities suffocate what were once pristine waters.

We humans are to be accountable for the destruction. We are the problem, but we too, are the solution. Here are simple habits we can adapt to help save our seas.

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“With its rich marine biodiversity, the country is considered as the “global center of the center of marine biodiversity”... ...The seas that provide them livelihood and subsistence to around 40 million Filipinos is under serious threat.”

01 Travel the ocean responsibly Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything in the water.

If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option. According to Globalcitizen.org, “The best tip is to look at the emissions and pollution impact. Look for cruise ship lines that let you know they use scrubbers to get clean emissions, and ask them about their sewage treatment and disposal policies.

Unregulated cruise ships emit sulfuric acid which leads to ocean acidification.”

02 Say no to plastic “Of all the hazardous materials littering our seas today, plastic poses the greatest threat,” said Emma Snowden, project officer of the Marine Conservation Society, in an article by The Guardian. Experts say every year plastic causes death and injury to hundreds of thousands of seabirds and marine species through swallowing and entanglement.

In the long term, plastics can break down into tiny particles which are eaten by smaller species and passed up the food chain. “In a sense we’re eating our own waste,” said Snowden. Reduce or totally avoid sachets and straws.

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03 Use reef-friendly sunscreen A study conducted by Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology revealed that most sunscreen products contain chemicals that are harmful to marine life. “One such chemical, oxybenzone, has a toxic effect on young coral, causing endocrine disruption, DNA damage and death.

In essence, it poses a major ecological conservation crisis because it prevents new corals from populating an area,” the study says. Check at the label when purchasing sunscreen. Opt for sunscreens that does not contain the said harmful chemical. Better if you can use sunscreen with natural ingredients.

04 Don’t buy items exploiting marine life Avoid purchasing items like coral jewelry, shark products, and tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles) Such products are directly linked to the destruction of fragile coral reefs and marine ecosystems in general.

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05 Join organizations supporting the ocean There are numerous organizations advocating to protect the ocean and marine life. Find a national or a local organization where you can give support in kind—financial and volunteer activities. For one, International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer effort for ocean’s health. Around the world, many organizations gather on beaches, coasts, rivers, waterways and underwater dive sites to collect trash and record information on the debris collected.

Objectives of the celebration include better waste management policies/ plans, product packaging designs and advocating environmental consciousness among the people.

06 Practice sustainable and safe seafood choices Demand and unsustainable fishing practices loss of habitat result to depletion of fishes in the sea.When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both sustainable and healthful. Overfished and endangered varieties include bluefin tuna, Atlantic Cod, red snapper. In restaurants, avoid ordering dishes such as shark fin dumpling, turtle soup and Chilean sea bass.

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07 Be an eco-friendly pet owner Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Ensure that no ingredient was sourced from any endangered variety of fish. Do not flush cat litter for it may carry pathogens harmful to marine life. Wildcaught saltwater fish shouldn’t be placed at aquariums, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water.

Such practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem.

08 Promote and influence ocean conservation in your community Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you advocate for marine conservation projects.

Patronize restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood. Speak up and raise your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter. Letting the policymakers and food establishments know your advocacy in protecting the ocean is a proactive way any concerned and responsible citizen could simply do.

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10 Educate yourself and share the knowledge All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind.

We will be more encouraged to protect the oceans as we learn the issues being faced by such a vital part of our environment. After gaining knowledge and understanding, create awareness by sharing the knowledge to inform, educate, and inspire other people.

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On a road and food trip to the Lakeshore District of Batangas

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writer Rose Muñoz-Landicho photographer Peter Cons Serica Rojas Edison Manalo of WowBatangas.com

ALA EH, kumusta ga?

Malambing they’re not. But Batangueños are open, friendly, and straightforward, with a temper that can be as strong and potent as the legendary kapeng barako. They are easygoing, and will always welcome a stranger who’d wander through their land steep in culture and blessed with natural attractions.

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A-ah, ay ka galeng!

Through the years, government efforts to develop Batangas have resulted in excellent road networks, satisfactory infrastructure facilities for transportation, telecommunications and power. All these augured well to boost the province’s eco-tourism.

Today, visitors are continually drawn to Batangas because it is conveniently near Mega Manila, making its heritage, culture, natural resources, man-made landmarks easily accessible. Surprisingly, a day tour and even a weekend getaway are affordable to the average Juan.

So if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines and got just a few days to spend, you don’t have to go far. South of Manila just a couple of hours or even less is a destination that’s heaped with diverse attractions. And since the province is quite huge in terms of land area, you might want to take a tour of the Batangas Lakeshore District of three cities and five towns—Tanauan, Lipa, Sto. Tomas, Talisay, Malvar, Balete, Laurel, and Mataasnakahoy—that embrace the famed Taal Lake.

Its rich natural attractions—with Lake Taal, the Volcano Island, and Taal Volcano at its core—are incomparable. Its culture and heritage—vivid and intense. Its people—warm, friendly, and gracious. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go on a road and food trip in Batangas.

Handa ka na ga kabayan?

A slew of distinct, robust sing-song voices easily tell you that you’re in Batangas. From the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), make a short stop at any of the restaurants that line the highway along Sto. Tomas.

This is where you’ll find the best-tasting piping hot bulalo—a Batangueño stew of slow-cooked tender beef shanks and bone marrow swimming in clear broth made more flavorful with vegetables like petchay, corn, potatoes, and cabbage.

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01 Go on a romantic cruise on Lake Taal onboard the chartered yacht Queen Fisher.

02 Within a 5-minute drive away from the pilgrimage site Marian Orchard is the famed Lake Taal.

03 Dragon boat and tug-of-oars on the lake 04 The Tempus by Sajid Imao at the ASEAN Garden, FAITH Colleges 05-06 Two Hearts Promenade and Sacred Heart Tower Plaza, Marian Orchard 07 The Mater Fidelium Chapel, FAITH Colleges ISSUE 58 — 069

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After your initial taste of ala-eh cuisine, drive on to Tanauan City, the birthplace of Gat. Apolinario Maranan-Mabini.

Know more about this genteel hero at the high-tech Museo ni Apolinario Mabini in Tanauan. One of the biggest museums under the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the shrine exhibits the life and heroic deeds of Mabini.

It is open from 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday.

From the Mabini Shrine, head on to the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library along Mabini Avenue, the ancestral home of the family of the late president Jose P. Laurel before it was donated to the government.

This public library is open from 8 am to 5 pm.

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An educational institution worthy of a visit is FAITH Colleges, located along the JP Laurel National Highway. Known for its innovation and technology-driven education, FAITH Colleges is dubbed as the garden campus of Batangas. Its expansive grounds feature the ASEAN Garden, the Japanese-inspired Serenity Garden, and the College Promenade where the statue of the Virgin Mary called Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher) atop a 30-ft vertical pillar watches over the entire campus.

FAITH Colleges is also home to notable art installations: the Tempus that stands at the heart of the ASEAN Garden and welcomes visitors to the high-tech NuSpace Center building is a work by multi-awarded artist Juan Sajid Imao. Designed to be 09 interactive, the Tempus is a modernist rendition of three young individuals carrying a globe with a geodetically engineered sundial on top. Meanwhile, artist Julie Lluch created the larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Apolinario Mabini that was donated to the City of Tanauan. A replica of the Lluch sculpture may be viewed at the school’s Mabini main building. The school chapel—Mater Fidelium—is a treasure trove of artworks: here you will find the wooden crucifix and the Mother of the Faithful by Vox Angelus Bustinera, the Way of Mary

by Nemi Miranda, and a wooden tableau of the Stations of the Cross by Angono artists.

Next pit stop is the town of Malvar.

You wouldn’t want to miss Batangas lomi.

Check out the road side carinderias along 10

the national highway for a taste of this authentic local noodle dish of hot soup thickened with cassava flour made more flavorful with the generous amount of meat cuts and seafood toppings.

A-ah… ay ka-ganda From here, head on to Balete for some rustic vibe. Drive to Balete through its winding rural roads dotted with honey bee farms. Farm owners will be more than glad to show you how they harvest wild honey, and offer you free taste of their produce. Of course you wouldn’t want to pass the chance to pick up some bottles of raw honey. You should also try their vinegar honey, perfect for fresh green salads.

Make a full stop at Balete’s famed pilgrimage site, the Marian Orchard.

Managed by the Marian Orchard FAITH Foundation Inc., the Orchard is a collection of gardens spread over five hectares of land filled with bougainvillea blooms, roses, yellow bells, and fruit-bearing trees. Points

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of interest are the Sacred Heart Chapel and Tower, Apostles Row, Halls of Petition and Thanksgiving, Dome of Mary Mediatrix, and the Marian Plaza where you will find the Chimes of Mary, 12 bronze-cast bells from the Netherlands. When at Marian Orchard, spend quiet moments of prayer and reflection at the Via Crucis, a linear garden with life-size statues depicting the passion of Christ, or pray the rosary at The Rosarium.

08 The Mater et Magistra at the College Promenade watches over the entire campus of FAITH Colleges 09/10 At one of the honey bee farms of Balete 11 Batangas Bulalo 12 Ginataang Tambakol 13 Batangas Lomi 14 Crispy Tawilis ISSUE 58 — 071

Relax in any one Lima Park Hotel’s tastefully-appointed guestrooms

At the end of a full day, come home to the luxury of Lima Park Hotel After moments of reflection, it’s time to drive all the way down Balete’s national road that literally ends at the shores of the famed Lake Taal. Here, you can bask in glow of the golden sunset while enjoying a cup of a hot kapeng barako paired with suman.

If you’re up to it, go kayaking or try your hand at rowing a dragon boat on Lake Taal. The more adventurous can explore the beauty of Batangas’ world famous treasure. Hop on a Taal Lake Cruise and navigate through Lake Taal to discover the numerous islands and rock formations that dot the lake on board the 30-seater Lady of the Lake catamaran, or the more romantic Queen Fisher yacht.

Enjoy nature at its best. The cruise will take you to the bird sanctuary of San Nicolas, one of the towns under the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape. Every year, migratory herons and egrets escape the cold winters and seek shelter in San Nicolas.

You’ll also find kingfishers and ducks here. Find some time to go on a lava walk. The trek along the Lava Walk on Volcano Island in San Nicolas will take you over a terrain of black basaltic rocks that are actually hardened volcanic materials spewed by Taal Volcano in past eruptions. Before leaving the island, bring home some dried fish that is a source of income for the small local community on the island. Choose from biya, bangus, red tilapia, even shrimps—all caught from the lake.

After the tour, take with you the delicious goodness of Batangas. Drop by Balete’s talipapa for some tawilis, the world’s only fresh water sardine. You shouldn’t miss sumang magkayakap, a local delicacy made from glutinous rice (kaning malagkit), wrapped in banana leaves, then bundled together.

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Parine kayo!

After a full day, quiet down at Lima Park Hotel, cited as the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice and Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Philippines as voted by travelers worldwide. The first and only 4-star hotel in Batangas, Lima Park Hotel offers excellent service, well-appointed guest rooms, and unparalleled amenities.

Unwind by taking a few laps in the expansive Horizon Swimming Pool, pump up at the gym, take a spin on a bike, or jog amidst refreshing green pines while taking in the beauty of Mts. Makiling and Malarayat.The foodie in you should check out Brew Company for artisan coffee, cakes, pastries, and savory breads. The Asian Flavours serves local and Asian cuisine.

On a more laid-back mood? Settle down at the La Terrazza Deck while watching the sky turn from fiery orange to a rich magenta before settling to the deep-set blue of the night. Take a nightcap at the La Terrazza Bar. Thursdays and Fridays are jazz and acoustics nights, while you can enjoy unlimited beer during happy hours every day of the week. When you are ready to call it a night, our turndown service will simply lull you to a good night of blissful sleep. May all your sweet dreams come true.

Lima Park Hotel is a four-star 136-room business and leisure hotel located only 60 minutes away from Makati via the South Luzon Expressway and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway). Lima Park Hotel is located in Lima Commercial Center, Malvar, Batangas. For reservations and tours, contact: +63 43 981.1555 and +63 917 504.2385. Send us an email: reservations@limaparkhotel.com. Visit www.limaparkhotel.com.

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LimaParkHotelph.

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Sheridan Organic Farm & Eco Village A quiet haven away from the city writer Ritchel Mendiola

Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of city life once in a while, so if you find yourself needing a quiet sanctuary you can escape to, Sheridan Organic Farm & Eco Village will welcome you with open arms.

Immerse your five senses in this vivid wonderland of fauna and foliage—take in the lush greenery, listen to nature’s cacophony, inhale the freshness of air, enjoy the organic offerings, and experience the simplicity of bucolic life, away from whatever monotony the metropolis usually afforded.

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Managed by Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa, Sheridan Organic Farm & Eco Village is located in Barangay Cabayugan., Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It’s seven kilometers away from the resort in Sabang Beach and 75 kilometers from the city airport. Private vans are available to pick up and drop off guests for easy access. Accommodations include mountainside villas and a dormitory complete with hotelstandard beds and linens, and designer toilet and bath.

Sheridan Organic Farm is a 50-hectare agri-tourism farmstead committed to an integrated farming system that promotes sustainable agriculture, organic farming and biological diversity. Up to 80% of the resort’s food requirements come from the farm which also produces the only black rice in Palawan. Meals here are served with only the freshest produce for a healthy, farm-to-table dining experience.

This idyllic haven provides reprieve like none other, but visitors can also choose to while their time away by engaging in different activities that Sheridan Organic Farm readily offer—tree planting, animal feeding, rice planting and harvesting among others.

Guests who wish to make their experience their very own signature countryside immersion are welcome to customize their Sheridan Organic Farm itinerary. Corporate farm tours with accommodations, and school tours for specialized academic tracks in farming and scouting, family camping, and private group or individual farm immersions can all be scheduled. Sheridan Organic Farm is perfect for people craving respite from the fast-paced city life, and those who want a taste of what it’s like living in the countryside.

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Lake Hotel Tagaytay writer Ritchel Mendiola

Perched along the sweeping slopes of Tagaytay ridge is a place where you can relax and have fun. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, founded in 2009, is one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the City of Smiles, Tagaytay. Set at a prime location at the heart of the city, this three-story Mediterranean-inspired hotel provides a majestic panorama of the world-famous Taal Lake and Volcano.

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay’s accommodations offer a balance of repose and functionality without sacrificing its fancy aesthetics.

Designed with the guests’ comfort in mind, each room includes toilet and bath, a television set, a mini bar, free Wi-Fi, and a view of the Taal Lake.

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Meals are served via the hotel’s in-room dining service, or at the Al Dente By The Lake restaurant, which serves appetizers and soup, main courses, and desserts and drinks.

The menu here is a mixture of international dishes and Filipino favorites—guaranteed to satiate any craving, and satisfy every taste.

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay’s amenities and facilities are readily available to use and enjoy. Banish boredom in the game room, keep an active lifestyle by hitting at the fitness gym, take a dip in the indoor swimming pool or in the infinity pool outside that affords the view of the Taal lake and volcano.

The hotel also has function rooms guests can use to host momentous events and celebrate special occasions like weddings or debutante balls.

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay has become a favorite hotel destination of both local and foreign tourists. Each stay here is guaranteed to relax and revitalize guests while also invoking a new sense of appreciation for one of the country’s natural wonder—the Taal lake and volcano. You’ll be waking up with a smile everyday here at Lake Hotel Tagaytay.

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Callospa & Resort —Antipolo A Unique Garden Spa that can be only found in a simulated rainforest mountain of Antipolo. Experience serenity in a perfect hideaway. Nature awaits in your own private haven. Return to yourself and commune with nature.

Callospa is a place of Discovery and Tranquility for your mind... Body and Soul... Surrounded by flora mist and waterfalls...Truly an Oasis.

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MASSAGES 01 Stone Massage Massage with heated stone 02 Mandara Twins Healing Massage (2) Therapist 03 Herbal Compress Sweddish with Herbal Compress 04 Massage Ventosa Cupping with Massage 05 Signature Massage Swedish Shiatsu Ref Thai Comb BODY TREATMENTS 01 Regular Body Massage All natural Pumice Sand Cream 02 Black Mud Wrap Body Scrub/Dead Sea Mud 03 Whitening Scrub Scrub/Papaya Grits/Goats Milk FACIAL TREATMENTS 01 Basic Pressure Point Facial 02 European Essentials 03 Facial with Collagen 04 Essential Whitening 05 Basic Facial/Diamond Peel 06 Galvanic Anti-Aging Facial NU Skin 07 Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

For more information, visit www.CallospaResort.com or contact Callospa@Yahoo.com.

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Ilocos Norte—the best alternative to Boracay writer Ritchel Mendiola

Ilocos Norte is becoming the new tourist destination in light of Boracay Island’s total closure as more and more local and foreign tourists flock to the province.

According to Provincial Tourism Officer Aianree Raquel, more tourists are expected to visit this northern gateway of Luzon this summer, as visitors consider alternatives to Boracay.

Just this Holy Week season, Ilocos Norte saw an influx in their tourism as the province welcomed over 500,000 day visitors, posting an increase of at least 115 percent in three years, from the recorded 232,678 tourist arrivals in 2015.

Among the top 10 destinations in Ilocos Norte, the UNESCO-World Heritage Site of St. Agustine Church in Paoay is the most popular. Other top destinations include the Bangui Windmill Farm, the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, the Karpurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos and Cape Boajeador in Burgos, La Milagrosa Cove and gateway in Badoc, he Marcos Heritage Trail, the Davila seafood area in Pasuquin, the Batac riverside empanada, and the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Most hotels, homestays, and other accommodations are reportedly fullybooked.

The steady increase in in tourist arrivals only shows that Ilocos Norte is doing well in its promotions, as stated by Provincial Tourism Officer Raquel. But he also reminded all tourism stakeholders in the province to learn from what happened to Boracay.

“What’s very important now is for us to keep our development sustainable. And we should be able to manage the environmental impacts of tourism in the province, so that we will not experience the same situation,” he said.

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A well-informed community is a thriving community.

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Your community. Your news. Your journal.—Since 1991.

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The Tradition of the June Bride —Why June is The Most Popular Wedding Month writer Ritchel Mendiola

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June has always been present in the list of most popular wedding months. Its popularity can be attributed to its weather — golden sun, blue skies, soft summer breezes, and vibrant flora. An ideal summer wedding that feels like a vivid dream.

With it being summer, brides and grooms and their guests can easily take extended leave from work since many occupations are lax during this season. It is also the ideal time for light clothing — diaphanous wedding gowns and dresses that offer a touch of whimsy, and formal wear that aren’t too stifling and hot on the skin.

But more than that, no other month has truly been intrinsically related to weddings and marriage. June’s popularity for weddings can be traced back to Roman times when the people believed in Roman gods and goddesses. Back then, they celebrated the festival of Juno, wife of Jupiter and the goddess of marriage and childbirth, on the first day of June. It was believed that Juno will bring prosperity and happiness to those who will be married on her month.

In medieval times, the tradition of marrying in June continued because that’s the month a person’s annual bath usually fell in. Yes, annual bath — one really thorough bath after winter. This is when the brides, naturally, smelled and felt the freshest, but just to be safe, they carried a bouquet of flowers to mask body odor. Hence the origin of carrying a bouquet down the wedding aisle.

The media has also reinforced the connection of weddings and the month of June numerous times. The 1948 June Bride — starring Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery — and the song June Bride from the 1954 musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers are some classic examples.

So it’s no surprise why June is such a popular wedding month. Couples may take a page or two from history and go for a June wedding; after all, when you marry in June, you’ll be a bride all your life — at least, that’s what the song says!

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China’s Cultural Influence on the Philippines writer Jennifer Soriano

China and the Philippines have shared a long enduring relationship. Just look at the over 400 year-old Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, being situated in the Philippines. Throughout their long withstanding historical ties, they have shared inter-ethnic relations, territorial disputes, maritime conflicts, diplomacy and foreign policy, trade and economic partnerships.

Dr. Michael Gonzales, a Historian, Anthropologist, and an Educator who teaches a popular course on Philippine History Thru Film at City College San Francisco, tells the Philippines’ relationship with China is by far the longest the Philippines has ever had with any country outside Southeast Asia.

Long before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, China has been dealing with the Filipinos. No wonder we Filipinos have acquired some of their habits that we have ingrained in our own Filipino culture. Let us look into some of the Filipino habits with Chinese roots —mostly about superstitions agricultural technique.

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Always looking for a bargain Frugality is an integral part of the Chinese culture. In fact, the classic Chinese text Dao De Jing states that the three greatest treasures one can have are love, frugality, and generosity.

In an article by Xin Lu, entitled Chinese Money Habits—How My Culture Influences my Attitude Towards Money, he explains how, haggling is a way of life in China. “If you ever visit China you have to ask at least 50 to 75% off in stores,” he shared. Lu added that this Chinese behavior earned the Chinese the cheapskate stereotype.

This rings a bell for Filipinos who love ukay-ukay (Philippine adaptation of flea markets), bargain shops, and sale items. Those with street smarts perennially ask, “walang tawad?” (Can I have a discount?) everytime he/she buys. And why not? This means getting the same quality for a lesser price.

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Lighting Fireworks and firecrackers in New Year No New Year celebration would be complete without fireworks and firecrackers. This belief which originated from Chinese could ward off bad luck and the evil spirits. The fireworks display is also their way of starting the new year with a bright and colorful start.

Setting up of 12 round fruits during New Year A few days before New Year’s Eve, Filipinos would put 12 round fruits on their table.

The number 12 symbolizes the months in a year. Feng experts say this practice would attract happiness, prosperity and good healthy in one’s family.

Grafting of fruit trees Grafting is an agricultural technique in which a section of a stem with leaf buds is inserted into the stock of a tree. It aims to connect two different plants so that they would grow as one, and would combine the attributes that naturally don’t occur in a single plant.

Giving cash as gifts “In China, red envelopes (ang pao) are the standard gift for any celebration, and they are considered the best gifts because the recipient can do anything with the money,” Lu stated.

During new year and birthdays, Lu adds that Chinese children usually receive cash gift and they end up saving this for the future.

Although there are some Filipinos who thinks that receiving cash gifts are less thoughtful, there are also a number of Filipinos who prefer cash as gifts, especially during weddings, to avoid duplication of gifts. Some prefer cash as gift because it gives them the freedom to save or to buy whatever they really need or want.

Wearing red or bright colored attire for happy occasions Red is the most popular color in China.

Unlike in Western countries, the color significantly implies positivity—mainly good fortune and joy. Red resembles blooming, enthusiasm, celebration, vitality and creativity.

In China, this bright color brings fame, good luck and wealth.

The Filipinos have adopted this practice of wearing or associating wearing red or brightly colored clothes during Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or during one’s own birthday. Meanwhile when mourning, a number of Filipinos wear white clothes, similar also to the Chinese burial practice.

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Chinese Food Filipinos Love writer Jennifer Soriano

Chinese food has definitely won the taste of the Filipinos. Not convinced? Just look around and you’ll see that Chinese food is practically everywhere-siopao in convenience stores, siomai stalls in terminals or even carinderias, and sweet and sour dishes offered in restaurants.

No matter what occasion, whether be it big parties or a quick dinner takeout, Chinese food will always be a favorite because it’s cheap, delicious and readily available. To celebrate the classic oriental flavors that we Filipinos came to love, we’ve put together a list of some of our best-loved Chinese food!

To find the best Chinese restaurants—or any restaurant in the Philippines, visit LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com.

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25-27 May 2018

World Trade Center Metro Manila Philippine Trade Training Center

IFEX Philippines is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on ethnic and specialty food, seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables, beverages, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic, and healthy food products.

The event is the premier business-to-business platform for local and international food companies to discover new markets, launch new products, and transact business with the world’s biggest buyers.

PRODUCT SECTORS • Seafood and Marine Products • Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages • Coffee, Herbal teas, and Cocoa • Fresh and Processed Seafood • Fruits and Vegetables • Grains, Cereals, and Commodities • Herbs and Spices • Meat and Poultry • Natural, Healthy, and Organic Products • Specialty, Ethnic, and Gourmet Products • Food Processing Equipment, Packaging Materials, Refrigeration, and Storage

GALLERIES OF FLAVORS

Food Philippines Hall The premier venue for the country’s top and emerging food export companies to promote Philippine food products and strengthen links with buyers, importers, and retailers in the global market.

International Hall It showcases the top food products from the leading companies and manufacturers, as well as allied industries, around the world.

Island Seafood Pavilion An extraordinary showcase of world-class seafood products and ingredients locally sourced from the coasts and diverse marine environments of the different islands across the Philippine archipelago.

Coastal Culinary Cuisine A gathering of the top international and local experts in a culinary journey through the Philippines’ most iconic and distinct regional seafood cuisines, presenting an exquisite experience of the country’s heirloom flavors and cooking traditions.

The Marketplace A one-stop retail shop of premium food products ranging from seafood products, fruits and vegetables to meat and poultry, processed foods, homemade regional delicacies, as well as personal care and wellness products and allied services.

Food Export and Investment Seminars Your source for new ideas and updates on the latest regulations, trends, and innovations in the food industry from renowned experts, researchers, lecturers and members of the academe.

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Yang Chow Fried Rice Chinese and Filipinos share the love for rice. A chinese version of sinangag (fried rice), yang chow is a popular wok fried rice dish in Chinese restaurants around the world. Every Chinese dish would not be complete without pairing it with a hot mound of Yang Chow.

Sweet and Sour Pork The fusion of tender meat, crunchy vegetables and bits of tangy pineapple covered in a reddish sauce is an all-time Filipino favorite. It must be the Filipinos’ undying love for sour that gives a satisfying kick in their palates.

Wonton soup Wonton soup contains small plump dumpling filled with savory minced pork and shrimp,which are boiled in a flavorful stock loaded with vegetables.

This hearty warm bowl of a classic Chinese delicacy makes a healthy choice during rainy season.

Hopia Hopia is considered a Filipino pastry but it was the Fujian Chinese who introduced the recipe to us. Similar to the moon cake, it is a pastry filled with sweet bean paste. Hopia has various flavors but among the Filipino favorites are the Hopia Munggo which is made from mung bean paste and Hopia Baboy, which is made from winter melon, green onions and pork fat.

Siopao Originally, Siopao was called “baozi,” which means “steamed buns. In the Philippines, the history of siopao began with the Chinese entrepreneur, Ma Mon Luk. He traveled to the Philippines back in 1918 to flee from a broken heart. Eventually, he made fortune and is considered the perpetrator of the siopao, siomai and mami business in the Philippines. Today, the siopao can be found in most Chinese restaurants, convenience stores, and even in the streets. It’s perfect treat for those who are on-the-go and for people who enjoy a simple yet delicious snack in a budget.

It was developed as a meal on the go for workers, as it could be consumed without utensils and the outer skin of the bun could be peeled off if dirtied by the diner’s fingers.

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After All Bar & Grill —Where friends and family come together writer Ritchel Mendiola photographer Godwin Gasacao

Having a good set of friends is one of the best, if not essential, things in life. Friends you can hang out with, you can share your setbacks and victories with, and—if you’re lucky—start a successful business with.

That’s how After All Bar & Grill came to fruition in the first place. This resident hang-out place in SM Jazz is owned by 24 gentlemen who love good food, good music, and good company. “We came up with it spontaneously—which is probably the best way to start something,” shares Jess Villiongco, one of the many co-owners.

“We wanted a place where we can have get-togethers.”

This makes the restaurant’s name so much more meaningful. After All originated from a 1989 hit song performed as a duet by Cher and Peter Cetera. It tells the story of people who still end up together after all they’ve been through—like it’s fate, like it’s meant to be, and perhaps that can be applied to what this restaurant symbolizes, as well.

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A year after its establishment, After All has already amassed a huge and loyal following. It’s easy to see why.

“People can come here to jam, especially those who like to sing,” Villiongco says.

“After All is a place for hang-outs. It has a cozy atmosphere.”

The ambiance is comfortable and friendly for all ages—whether you’re a baby boomer or a millennial, you’ll certainly feel at ease in this restaurant. The interiors make for a sleek and contemporary design, with the bar area having a decorative shelf full of varying wine bottles that easily attracts the eye.

The menu is quite exceptional, and while After All is more of a bar resto that specializes in bar food and drinks for the after-work crowd, they also offer lunch at affordable prices. Some of their best dishes are the Romanian deviled squid, deep-fried crispy pata, beef salpicao, and crunchy pork sisig—all delicious and satisfying.

Their craft cocktails still take the spotlight though. These alcoholic drinks are interesting in that not only do they taste good, they’re also aesthetically-pleasing. Crowd favorites include After Sunset, After All’s take on the classic Tequila Sunrise; Calibre, their rum-and-coke served in a glass rimmed with rock salt; and Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, a vodka-based apple shake inspired by the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan.

One exciting thing to keep in mind is that After All is planning to offer dishes primarily for sharing when you come in big groups of two or three. They’re also going to offer unlimited steaks during special days so keep your eyes peeled!

There’s a live band performing every night so patrons can not only enjoy the food and the company, they can also enjoy the music—the perfect After All dining experience.

From the interiors to the menu, everything about After All speaks of comfort. It’s a place you can treat as a respite after a long day’s work, and also a place you can make good memories with your friends; after all, that’s what this bar and grill is all about.

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Easy and Delicious Ways to Use Mango writer Bianca Cruz

The Philippine mango is the most produced fruit crop in the country, next to banana and pineapple. You can find them anywhere: the streets, the stores, and if you’re lucky, growing right outside your door.

There are countless ways we can incorporate mango into a dish, but we have made a list of the easiest but incredibly delicious ways to use mango.

01 Mango float The classic, easy-to-make, refrigerator cake is the perfect dish anyone from amateur cooks to experienced chefs can create with minimal effort and maximum reward. The mango float mainly consists of graham crackers, all purpose crème, condensed milk, and mango layered over and over. Feel free to add your own twist by adding more fruits or different flavors like cinnamon or chocolate.

02 Mango sago The mango sago is an uncomplicated dish that is an undeniably mouthwatering combination of sweet, diced mangoes, coconut milk, dairy or plant based milk, tapioca balls, and sugar. This refreshing treat is best served cold so, don’t forget to pop it in the fridge!

03 Green mango with bagoong A popular street food in the Philippines is green mango with bagoong or shrimp paste.

The sourness of the mango and saltiness of the bagoong make an interesting clash of flavors that will definitely make you crave more.

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04 Mango salsa A Filipino spin on the famous Mexican dip and condiment. Throwing in a Philippine mango in the usual mix of tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, vinegar, fish sauce, and oil will satisfy your craving for a Filipino twist.

05 Green mango and tomato salad Flavor and texture come to play in this much loved Filipino salad. The crisp, sour mango, plump tomatoes, pungent onions, fresh cilantro, and sweet and salty vinegar and fish sauce create a zesty explosion in the mouth that yell out Filipino flavor!

06 Mango ice candy This delightful frozen snack is simple enough to invite the children over to the kitchen for some productive fun. Grab a big bowl and combine mashed ripe mangoes, evaporated milk, condensed milk, water, and a sweetener of choice and place them in ice candy cellophane wrapper or a mold before popping it in the freezer until completely frozen.

07 Mango sticky rice This Thai inspired dish is made up of only mango, glutinous rice (sweet rice), coconut milk, coconut crème, salt, and sugar. Pandan leaves may be added as a garnish for an extra local touch.

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Manila Street Food

04 Day Old Chick A day old chick deep-fried in bright orange batter, Kwek kwek style. And just like Kwek kwek, it tastes best with spicy vinegar.

Manila is home to some of the world’s best and cheapest street food. In almost every corner and every street, you can find food being sold by local vendors. They are so all over the place that you can even find them in the middle of traffic and hopping inside buses while it’s moving.

Food is a great way to get to know and understand a country or culture.

With that being said, we have come up with a list of Filipino’s favorite street food that you simply cannot pass on when hitting the streets of Manila.

05 Isaw Isaw is one of the local street food finds that may scare some travelers. But who can blame them? This snack is made out of barbequed chicken or pig intestine! I promise you that it doesn’t taste as unappetizing as it sounds. If the barbequed version doesn’t satisfy you, watch out for the fried ones!

writer Bianca Cruz

01 Fish Balls Deep-fried balls made out of fish paste.

You have a choice of dipping it in sweet, spicy, or sweet and spicy sauce. Don’t forget to try the squid balls, too!

02 Kwek-kwek Quail eggs deep-fried in a bright orange batter until it is crispy. Kwek kwek is best served with spicy vinegar, but tastes just as good with any of the fish ball’s sauces as well.

03 Betamax Dark rectangular blocks made out of pig or chicken’s blood on a stick. It has a liver-like texture, taste, and consistency.

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06 Pig’s ear The pig’s ears straight from its head to the grill. Grilled with the classic street food barbeque sauce, this chewy snack is best served hot and dipped in spicy vinegar.

07 Taho This healthy classic Filipino breakfast food is made out of soft tofu, tapioca balls, and caramelized syrup. Taho vendors can only be found in the morning, so make sure to keep an ear out for a vendor yelling out “Taho!” before they run out!

08 Mango Bagoong Indian mango with shrimp paste. The sourness of the Indian Mango and the saltiness and fishiness of the bagoong create an interesting contrast of taste that is bursting with flavor.

09 Balut Balut is a developing duck embryo that is eaten directly from the shell. Expect to sip a little bit of it’s tasty soup before you get to the to the chick. It helps not to look and also goes down better with a dash of salt and vinegar.

10 Dirty Ice Cream Do not worry, dirty ice cream isn’t exactly dirty. They coined the term “dirty ice cream” from a mother’s warning to her child to think twice about eating ice cream sold on the streets. Look out for vendors pushing metal carts that store three flavors of ice cream with cones and cups on display. You can also choose to have your dirty ice cream placed in bread, making a Filipino dirty ice cream sandwich.

11 Turon Wild banana wrapped in egg wrapper and deep friend in brown sugar. The sugar and egg wrapper create a crunchy and crispy barrier around the soft and sweet wild banana. Sometimes, it is also made with Langka or Jackfruit.

12 Banana Q Wild banana or Saba deep-fried in oil with brown sugar, adding an extra crunch contrasting the soft wild banana.

They also do this with Kamote or Sweet Potato and it is absolutely delicious!

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Small business ideas to invest in for your loved ones in the Philippines writer Jennifer Soriano

For most of us, summer means taking a break from school or from your job. But for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, every season is a perfect opportunity for every business, and for this summer, we have compiled small business ideas or jobs perfect for the summer.

Aside from making money, starting a summer business/job can help you gain valuable experience and learn soft skills such as leadership, commitment and dedication. So it’s definitely worth a shot.

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www.THEFILIPINODIRECTORY.com

Discover amazing people, places, and things throughout the Global Filipino Community.

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Food OR Beverages Stall We know all too well how hot it can get in the Philippines when summertime approaches.

Take advantage of the heat by venturing into a food/beverage business. Some summer food/ beverage Filipinos so dearly love include halohalo, homemade ice-cream, ice-candy, shakes, sago’t-gulaman, mais con yelo and buko juice.

Pet Caretaker During summertime, families will most probably be out for vacations and their pets will be left alone in their homes. For pet lovers, this might be a good opportunity to earn extra money by taking care of dogs or cats. Basically, what you’ll do is simply feed, groom, play or walk them around, and clean after when they pee or poop. eBook Writer You don’t have to have an English or Creative Writing degree to write an eBook.

Of course that helps, but as long as you have good command of English, are passionate, creative, and patient, you could be an eBook writer. There are several outlets for aspiring eBook writers, just like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. There are some writers who, after publishing their materials online, have secured deals from prominent publishing houses. You could start by improving a material that you already have.

Ice Maker This is one of the easiest business ideas that you could think of since ice is indispensable, especially during summer. Given that you already have a freezer at home, you will only need to buy a container for the ice. To accomodate more, you could buy a chest freezer.

Virtual Assistant Want to hone your skills while earning while just using your desktop/laptop? Virtual assistance is a good idea. Filipino virtual assistants are of high demand today. First timers earn from P18,000 to 35,000 pesos per month.

Fashion Retailer Summer is the time where people want to look fashionably cool. Buy swimsuits, sunglasses, colorful tops and beach shorts in wholesale to get discounts and sell them at lower prices compared to malls. Don’t forget to promote it on your social media accounts for an added potential customer reach. Also, if you have a relative or friend from abroad, you could ask them to ship fashionable finds at significant lower prices and have them shipped over to the Philippines.

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Simple new ways to make your home eco-friendly writer Jennifer Soriano

With the ever-increasing threat of climate change, green living has been one of the best options we can do as individuals to reduce the harmful impacts of our actions and behavior. Contrary to the common notion, living a greener lifestyle is not that hard or expensive. In this issue, Balikbayan Magazine shows you simple things you can do for your home to reduce your water and carbon footprint to save and conserve our Earth’s resources for the next generations.

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In the Kitchen Shade that fridge Putting your refrigerator in a place that can be reached by the direct sunlight can cause the machine of the refrigerator to overheat and makes it work harder to cool itself, thus increasing power consumption.

So, move your refrigerator in a shady part of your kitchen.

Know what you want before opening The length of time or frequency of opening the refrigerator is inversely proportional to the energy costs. So, decide what you want before opening the refrigerator. Also, after opening, make sure it is properly closed. Home Energy Magazine states that door openings account for 7% of the total fridge energy use.

Use low-energy appliance Although a bit pricier than their standard counterparts, low-energy appliance helps you save money in the long run. Appliances labeled with “Energy Star� uses 10%-50% lesser energy than their older counterparts.

Ensure proper flow of air Refrigerators produces heat so proper ventilation is a must. 7.6 centimeters is the suggested distance between the back of the refrigerator to the wall to ensure proper air flow.

Use eco-friendly cleaning agents Instead of using chemical that can be harmful to our skin and environment, choose eco-friendly options such as vinegar.

Vinegar is known to naturally kill bacteria, germs and molds. When you want some shine and remove stubborn stains, add a mixture of baking soda to your cleaning mix.

Save on Dishwashing You can save energy by avoiding the prewashing option, running only on a full load, and air-drying the dishes instead. If you only have a small number of dishes, wash them by hand instead.

Use cloth instead of tissue paper Tissue papers add up to the waste in the kitchen. Cloths can be reused while tissue paper are disposable and takes more resources to be produced, so opt for the former.

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Use eco-paints The ingredients of conventional paints may include formaldehyde, heavy metals and harmful chemical known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Those VOCs are released in the air out while painting - and for up to five years after the brush used have dried.Eco-paints contain low levels of volatile organic compounds.Plant-based, water-borne paints are the best buy, followed by plantbased, solvent-borne ones with natural solvents. Try to avoid those with titanium dioxide.

In the Bedroom Re-purpose Instead of buying new furniture, be creative and reuse or repaint your old furniture.

Or if you are thinking of buying a new one, just donate your old furniture to charity shops or Furniture Re-use Network. That way, your old chair or cabinet will be used for a greater purpose.

Use wool Regular polyester is made from petroleum, a byproduct of processing oil, and that’s not eco-friendly. Instead of the usual polyester blankets, use wool instead.Wools are easier and more eco-friendly to use.

Eco-friendly mattress Foam mattresses are largely petroleumbased, meaning they are not the most sustainable option. Most mattresses available aren’t very eco-friendly, either. So, buy a mattress that will last as long as possible.

This is one way to reduce the negative impact of their production and disposal.

This would mean less waste and fewer greenhouse gases over time. Another option is to buy a mattress that’s not treated with synthetic chemicals and toxic materials.

Sleep with organic sheets The cotton plant has a less environmentally friendly history. Conventional or the non-organic cotton is actually one of the “dirtiest” crops because of the heavy use of pesticides involved in growing the plant.

Some of the pesticides used have been labeled as hazardous to our health. 25% of insecticide use is accounted for cotton linens. Cut this back by opting for organic cotton or bamboo fibers.

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Use eco-scents Ditch the synthetic fragrances, chemicals, and aerosols and opt for the natural and safer option. The best option is 100% essential oils. There are many ways in which you could use essential oils—include them in your homemade cleaning products, use a diffuser or simply fill a small jar with baking soda, add 20 drops of essential oils, cover and shake.

Top with a lid with holes and set it in a discreet place. Replace the content every week.

FOR THE Bathroom

In the living room

Install a low-flow toilet Toilet flushing accounts for the 30% of the total indoor water use. This way, you are both saving yourself money and precious water.

Use CFL Bulbs Trading 1 incandescent light bulb for 1 Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, can save you 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s 66% more energy savings.

Shave the smart way When rinsing your razor use a cup of warm water, rather than rinsing it on a running the tap water. That way, you can save a considerable amount of water.

Use extension leads You can reduce your home’s consumption by 15% when you use multi-socket extension leads. Just make sure to unplug it when not in use.

Install low-flow showerheads A family of four could save approximately 160,000 tons of water in a year if they opt for a low-flow showerheads. Shower manufacturers are producing showerheads that can reduce your household water consumption without a noticeable difference to your usual shower experience. The term “low flow” is generally defined as a showerhead with a water consumption rate of 0.5 to 2 gallons per minute (gpm).

Open your windows An excess of humidity causes mold. If there’s no mold, of course, you won’t be needing those harmful chemicals to wash them off.

Put a spider plant Known to remove indoor air pollution, spider plants are perfect natural air purifier for your bathroom. Spider plants also create a classy aesthetic to your bathroom.

Fix leaky toilets, tanks, and faucets Leaking toilets, if left unattended, can waste 757 liters of water in a day. If you see a leak, get it fixed as soon as possible.

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THE GARDEN Plant Native species Instead of exotic plants and trees, opt for indigenous plants and trees that can adapt to the climate. These species will be easier to maintain and creates a friendly habitat for local wildlife.

Utility room Let it dry naturally When washing your clothes, especially during summer, opt to let it hang dry naturally. You reduce 2-3 kilograms of carbon emissions if you do so.

Use concentrated detergent Concentrated detergents have reduced packaging and creates a smaller carbon footprint due to cheaper transport cost compared to unconcentrated counterparts.

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“Blank Pages” —Album tells Farewell Fair Weather’s journey in OPM writer Gerry Palabyab

After more than two years of waiting, Farewell Fair Weather (FFW) band finally launched its full-length album “Blank Pages” at the Social House, Circuit Mall, Makati City last April 20, 2018. FFW, one of the Philippines leading OPM bands first launched it EP in May 2012, that featured their first popular single “Rough Skies” at Fat Brother, BGC. The Friday SRO crowd at the Social House never had it better. FFW always sounded better with Strings and Brass, backed up by three lovely back-up singers that enriched their sound. The album features fourteen (14) original compositions by the band and runs a full 75 minutes from beginning to end. At the moment, Blank Pages (with about 53,000 followers at Spotify as of April, 2018) top bills the rest of their popular songs like “Rough Skies”, “Beyond” and “Sakali”, with an average of about 13k monthly listeners at Spotify.

Not bad for a bunch of college kids from UST who merely wanted an “electronic musical” outlet from their regular classical guitars and piano routines at the UST Conservatory of Music. Mic Manalo, the lead singer and vocalist wrote all the songs, except for one, “30 Second Vacation” which she wrote in collaboration with Isagani’s younger siblings, Josemaria and Alvaro. Mic was a classical guitarist and a Music Education graduate. Isagani Palabyab the keyboardist is a B.S. in Music Technology, minor in composition graduate. He arranged most of the music in collaboration with the other members of the group. Kim Jin Hue, a classical guitar virtuoso who has won in classical guitar competitions around Asia, is the group’s lead guitarist. He graduated with honors at the UST Conservatory of Music. Nathan Muriel, the bassist, is an Industrial Engineering graduate also from UST but has become one of the best in his musical trade. Mark Villena, the only one from the University of the Philippines, is the group’s drummer, and comes from a musically pedigreed Villena family. The sixth person in the group is Leng Guerrero, another Music Technologist, as their Sound Engineer, who ensures that they sound as good as their music material.

Blank Pages, as a song caps the band’s roller-coaster story: their jour-

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ney from a group of struggling young college students who just wanted a break from their classical music routine, to what they are now, a more matured young artists and musicians. At the start, they just wanted their music to be heard as they did the bar circuit (Route 196, 70s Bistro, Saguijo, 12 Monkeys, etc.) from 2012 through 2014. They won Jack Daniel’s “Chosen One” search in 2015 almost by accident because they were a late entry. The selection came a bit of a surprise to them and many others as they bested other veteran and more popular bands.

But the “Chosen One” became a lucky break and nearly a heart-breaker as well for the group. The band underwent a series of “transformation and challenges” during their stint as Jack Daniel’s “Chosen One”.

They lost their original drummer who chose to continue with his own jazz band but gained a new one in the person of Mark Villena. They learned a lot of lessons businesswise and became more independent in the process. The six-member band has never been closer to each other as they are now. Their tightness and unity as a group have become their strong assets to overcome bigger and more daunting challenges as they continue to grow and mature. Under a new business manager, the band has renewed its enthusiasm and went on to complete their album. Thankfully amidst their challenges, their music did not suffer and in fact became better and better. In the album, Blank Pages, Rough Skies, Beyond and Sakali are getting a lot of listeners as we write. They topped JAM 88.30’s online featured OPM search for top hits a couple of times (Rough Skies and Beyond).

Blank Pages is a well-produced album, now available in CD and will soon be at Spotify. Digitally mastered at Metro Manila’s leading digital studio’s, not to mention, FFW’s own recording studio at “Coupe De Maitre”, it features FFW’s clean and unique sound. It is unique because one cannot pinpoint their music’s genre. Officially, one may say that they are a mixed jazz-fusion band. While they have lively and nearly rock-sounding selections, interwoven in their songs’ instrumentals, their music are meant to be listened to, not necessarily dancedwith. Thanks to the latest music technology, new apps and devices, they were able to put together an album that this writer thinks as music to keep and collect. What is even more remarkable is that the band members, like many Filipino musicians, have their own day-jobs to keep in order to survive. They have to physical struggle to manage their time between their life as musicians and their day-jobs. Well FFW is on-its way to reach the cross-roads of their profession. Farewell Fair Weather is a young group that is still evolving. Blank Pages album is a good start, a great way to debut into the recording industry. Definitely, FFW is a group to listen to and watch out for.

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The Carabao —“The Beast of Burden” writer Jennifer Soriano

Growing up in the province in, I’ve had my fair share of seeing carabaos plowing in the fields or wallowing in the mud as if enjoying the limited time off from their strenuous work in the fields. Much later in life, I learned that this animal holds a high status in our country being the Philippines’ National Animal. Carabaos are deeply embedded in our history and culture, and plays an important role in strengthening the Philippine agriculture sector, thus contributing to the economy.

A reliable partner in the fields The carabao has been a faithful companion to Filipinos. History shows us that these animals have taken an important role in shaping the country’s history. The Filipinos worked on the fields for agricultural produce such as rice, sugar and cash crops for export during the Spanish colonial period.

To get the job done, the farmers would have to rely on their hardworking and patient carabao. The good amount of profit they earned eventually gave way to well-off and educated Filipinos. This caused the envy of the friars who accused carabaos as bestias cargadas de oro (beasts laden with gold).

Until today, most farmers still consider carabaos as the most reliable ally in doingthe heavy works in the field. No wonder carabaos are dubbed as the “beast of burden”.

An article written by Anselmo S. Roque for the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in 2015, reveals that the strength of the carabao in the helping farmers contributes to USD1.48 million to the Philippine economy. Aside from work in the field, carabaos are also reliable partners in pulling lumber, and other heavy materials on kariton (carts) and kareta (sleds).

Carabaos in our vernacular If you’re a true-blooded Filipino, you’ve probably heard about the terms, “Carabao English, Balat-kalabaw, and kayod kalabaw.”

Carabao English. Filipinos use English as a major form of instruction. It is widely used in our country , from government and business transactions to medium of instruction in pre-schools to post-graduate level.

Quite the contrary, there are still Filipinos who are not proficient in the English language, mainly because this is only their second language. For the sake of entertainment, we have evolved how we use English language in popular culture. We make fun of how someone, especially comedians, would translate a Filipino sentence or phrase into English directly. This is what we call “Carabao English”.

Kayod-kalabaw This phrase is used to describe someone who is hardworking, much like the carabao itself. For most Filipinos, the carabao is the perfect symbol of hard work.

Balat-kalabaw Attributed to the animal’s thick and sturdy exterior, this phrase is used to describe someone who is thick-skinned, shameless, or insensitive.

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Kneeling Carabao Festival The Kneeling Carabao Festival is celebrated every 14th of May in Pulilan, Bulacan. It honors both the hardworking water carabao and San Isidro Labrador, which is the patron saint of farmers.

Street dancing competition, the carabao race, and the grand parade are the highlights of the festivity. The grand parade attracts the most attention since this is where the festival gets its name. For the parade, carabaos from different barangays are given a full make-over. Farmers make sure their coat is sleek and shiny. Their carriages or carts are adorned with colorful materials or products from their respective barangays.

In the midst of the parade, carabaos would kneel in front of the crowd to give thanks and ask for a bountiful harvest. Carabao races are also held leading up usually the following day.

Indeed, carabaos deserve to be recognized and be given importance. Without them, farmers would have a hard time producing our food on our table. We appreciate the efforts of the government, specifically the PCC, and other civic groups and organizations in promoting better nutrition, higher levels of income and improved general wellbeing of the rural farming families through the conservation, propagation and promotion of water buffalo as important source of milk and meat, in addition to draft power and hide.

ISSUE 58 — 0115

Not Your Ordinary Gathering

—Every year, along the streets of Malaybalay, the seven hill tribes of Bukidnon gather to put on a one-of-a-kind spectacle writer & photographer Celine Murillo

Daybreak that late March came with a balmy breeze and a sheen that made the streets shine like silver. The soft, hazy light made everything like a dream. The streets were already busy. On it, people in strange and colorful clothing huddled and milled about. Together they made a pool of hues, a giant iridescent puddle of greens, blues and bright, bright reds. It was a special day, for today was the most awaited part of the Kaamulan Festival, which means, in just a few moments, the streets of Malaybalay will come to life.

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The festival’s origins are hinged on celebrating diversity. From the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather”, the Kaamulan Festival began in the 70s when local leaders decided it was high time they put a spotlight on the province’s indigenous heritage. Its goal is mainly to bring together the seven original inhabitants of Bukidnon.

These are the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. Over the years, the festival has earned praise for being the “most authentic” and only truly ethnic festival in the country.

It’s held usually throughout the month of March, culminating into the highly anticipated Civic Parade. Around half of Bukidnon’s 20 municipalities and 2 component cities participate every year, with the other half joining the next year.

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As I waited for the main event to begin, I recalled last night’s Piniliyapan to pass the time. I thought, if the cultural performances there were any indication, I am in for a treat.

The dramatization of a portion of the epic Ulaging brought me half confused and half thoughtful, prompting me to learn more about this ancient tale. The accompanying voices of the Kalayag choir had helped with the imagery. At one point, I sobbed while watching a lady chant ancient words. I could feel her pride with every syllable. What’s more is that, at the end of the evening, everyone gathered for an “indigenous” dance party. I tried to join in, doing my best to follow the traditional dance steps which only looked easy.

Suddenly, the sound of fireworks boomed all around, signaling the start of the spectacle. I walked down the main avenue and looked for a spot where I could watch while taking photos. All the while, I could feel the drumbeats rattling up my spine. I settled under the shade of golden trumpet trees, waiting for the procession to approach me.

0120 — ISSUE 58

Not long after, the pool of colors overflowed, inundating the silver streets with a flood of rainbow. The dancers stomped and gestured their way along, every move filled with meaning. The percussions rumbled ardently, as if to emphasize the meaningfulness of every routine. And meaningful they all were.

Each performance is derived from actual rituals sacred to the tribes. Sure, anyone was welcome to perform – young and old, even non-indigenous folks – but they must seek permission from the elders. Even the choreographers are required to show the routine prior for approval. This way, the dances remain as intact and as untainted as possible.

This is necessary, for the performances usually tell of the tribes’ creation myths and age-old legends. One contingent presented the tale of how a giant banog (Philippine hawk), with the help of baylans (healers), revived a datu’s (chieftain) heir after being bitten by a bunsalagan (lake spirit). Laaw – a towering dark spirit that gives favor to the people – was featured on another performance.

Animals sacred to the tribes are also incorporated to the dances. Movements that mimic horses, monkeys, and birds can be recognized in the routines. Prominent also are social interactions like courtships, weddings, and coronations. Daily life like fishing, planting and harvesting are also common themes. There are the war dances, too, that proudly showcase the fierceness of the tribesmen.

To be in the thick of it all, to simply be an audience, was mesmerizing. When I look at the performers’ faces, even amidst the strain of dancing in the heat, I could see the undeniable and unshakeable pride in their heritage. It is inspiring. Enviable to some extent.

I remember what a friend of mine had told me the night before: Indigenous people have a strong sense of identity because most of them had remained unconquered by foreign forces. Unlike most Filipinos, they are not stuck in an existential battle of cultures and biases.

I came to see Kaamulan without any idea of what it was all about; with fresh eyes, if you will – without biases. To see this kind of presentation, to see something legitimately ours celebrated was a defining moment. No doubt, I may come see it again in the years to come, but feeling of seeing it for the first time would always be the most special.

ISSUE 58 — 0121

In Focus

MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES What you need to know

Analysis

The Cost of Healthcare HOW DOES THE PHILIPPINES COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES?

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CAPITAL

DR. FE del MUNDO ——————

the economy

IS PANGASINAN READY FOR TAKEOFF?

The Artist

bangus

CARLYN NUYDA CALLOWAY ——————

NOT JUST ANOTHER FISH IN THE SEA

agriculture tourism

The Designer

DAVID TUPAZ —————— Real Estate

APPLEONE PROPERTIES

Exploring the Treasures of

pangasinan Reviving Urduja

Icons

A COMING OF AGE

Escapes

REDISCOVERING DIVING IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

OUR LADY’S CALL

VISITING MANAOG

RIZAL’S ROOTS

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

GINA DE VENECIA

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FILIPINA

Destinations

5 HOT SPOTS FOR A HEALTHY RECOVERY

0122 — ISSUE 58

dasoland family adventure park

AN UNEXPECTED EDEN

america in our hearts

A LANDMARK BOOK ON IMPORTANT FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES

SPECIAL INVES TORS’ GUIDE ON FRANCHISING IN THE PHILIPPINES

INSIDE: SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 2015 ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

INSIDE: CHRIS TMAS AT LIMA PARK HOTEL IN BATANGAS

S P E C I A L R E P O RT: P O P E F R A N C I S V I S I T S T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

JUNE & JULY 2014

Issue 39, Volume V

Issue 40, Volume VI

Issue 40, Volume VI

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

PHILIPPINES

THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Issue 41, Volume VI FEBRUARY / march 2015

MORE THAN JUST THE BASICS, MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS

EARTH-BAG HOUSE Andres P. Tamayo Sr. Foundation, Inc. joins hand with DataLand, Inc. and DDT Konstract, Inc. in rebuilding Lajala, Coron THE SILK RESIDENCES The Finer Things In Life THE OLIVE PLACE Balanced Living Defined

ART WALKS

Galleries. Restaurants.

MANILA CATHEDRAL

Restoring Historical Emminence MUTYA NG PILIPINAS BEYOND THE BEAUTY…

FORTITUDE ON A FRIDAY Meeting with the Families at the SM MOA Arena

More Than The Crown G TÖNGI

Her Passion. Her Craft.

THE PERFECT STORM Pope Francis visits Tacloban, Leyte

Her True Calling.

TACLOBAN A Year After

BELIEVE IN THE GOODNESS Encounter with the Youth at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila

PALAWAN

THE ANCIENT ART OF BATOK

The Luxe Life at Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

An ongoing series about the indigenous tribes in the Philippines

POPE APPETIT Chef Jessie Sincioco talks about her experience cooking for Pope Francis

I N S I D E : T H E S TAT E O F T H E E C O N O M Y

I N - F O C U S : A L P H A L A N D ’ S T H E C I T Y C LU B A N D M A K AT I P L AC E

Issue 41, Volume VI

Issue 42, Volume VI

FEBRUARY / march 2015

APRIL / may 2015

AMORITA

DISCOVER BOHOL’S “LITTLE DARLING” AND BE CAPTIVATED BY PANGLAO’S BREATHTAKING CHARM

BALESIN

INSIDE QUEZON PROVINCE’S EXCLUSIVE, LUXURY RESORT

AN ISLAND HIDEAWAY IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF BUSUANGA, PALAWAN

MALASIMBO

PUERTO GALERA’S ANNUAL FEAST OF MUSIC, ART, AND NATURE ISSN 2012-4589

THE TRIBES CALLED MANGYAN

MANAOAG

PUERTO GALERA’S CULTURE SHAPERS

THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MINOR BASILICA

9

Special in-Depth Feature: phinma property holDingS corporation

772012 458001 >

OUTLOOK: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, THE INTRICACIES OF POLITICS

In-Depth: the GolDen opportunIty for the travel InDustry

issue 47 , Volume Vii

Issue 47 , volume vII

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

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Issue 48, Volume VII

PHILIPPINES

APRIL & MAY 2016

Where luxury meets serenity

KEEPING A JOURNAL LABOR POLICY AS FOREIGN POLICY INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING THERE

GREAT GETAWAYS traversInG the phIlIppIne CountrysIDe

THE ECONOMY 01 UNINTERRUPTED, ROBUST TOURISM GROWTH 02 MORE JOBS, MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

OUTLOOK

TECHNOLOGY ARE WE MOVING FORWARD OR STANDING STILL?

another upGraDe for the phIlIppIne eConoMy

GREAT ESCAPES 01 CATCHING THE PALAD SANDBAR 02 TIPS FOR A BUDGET TRAVELER

NEWSMAKERS one-on-one WIth MIss unIverse, pIa WurtZBaCh

FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DESK ALEJANDRA “DADING” CLEMENTE PROFILES AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISA, JR.

TECHNOLOGY MarKetInG to the MoDern fIlIpIno

INFRASTRUCTURE

TABLE FOR TWO

HEALTH

noW ConneCtInG: free WI-fI natIonWIDe

Where to CeleBrate valentIne’s Day

eXerCIse toGether, stay toGether

CULTURE MALASIMBO: OF NATURE, MUSIC, & ARTS AMAZING GETAWAYS 01 SHANGRI-LA, THE FORT 02 SHANGRI-LA, MACTAN

HISTORY PAL’S 75TH YEAR BRINGS LOS ANGELES TO CEBU FLIGHTS

BATANES

RESTAURANTS & BARS 01 OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE 02 ABV: ALCOHOL BY VOLUME

PORTFOLIO: THE 2017 INVESTMENT ISSUE

INSIDE: MORE THRILLING REASONS TO COMEBACK HOME

IN-FOCUS: THE BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND RETIREES IN THE PHILIPPINES

S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T H E P H I L I P P I N E ’ S Q U E S T TO B E T H E B E S T D E S T I N AT I O N I N T H E WO R L D F O R M E D I C A L TO U R I S T S

S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T H E E M E R G I N G M E D I C A L TO U R I S M I N D U S T RY I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

8 Things To Do In Davao 72 Hours In Batanes Lombard By The Bay,

PHILIPPINES

APRIL & MAY 2017

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2016

Issue 55, Volume VIII I June & July 2017

Issue 54, Volume VIII

Issue 52, Volume VII

I s s u e 5 1 , Vo l u m e V I I

the asian journal business, travel & culture magazine

AMAZING ESCAPES

How to balance work and summer vacation as a family.

LIMA PARK HOTEL: REVEL IN EVERYTHING LUXURIOUS

A Tribute To Filipino Workers Norman Agatep Izakaya Kenta Japanese Restaurant

ON THE COVER

Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast Experience A Luxury Beach Lifestyle

AT LEISURE NURTURE WELLNESS VILLAGE: EVERY BALIKBAYAN’S SANCTUARY

CULTURE FILIPINO SUPERSTITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Q&A JOJI GREGORIO: OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD

TECHNOLOGY STARMOBILE KNIGHT SPECTRA: A WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONE

LEADERS GOVERNOR OF LA UNION, EMMANUEL “PACOY” ORTEGA III INDUSTRY RANG-AY BANK’S CEO, IVES NISCE BUSINESS 10 MODERN WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE

RESORTS WORLD MANILA BRINGS BACK THE BELOVED MUSICAL FEATURING AN ALL-FILIPINO CAST

RADAR

OUTLOOK

MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE

THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS, AND THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

TRAVELER

THE ECONOMY #NEWPHILIPPINES & THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

24 MUST DO’S FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2017

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

GREAT GETAWAYS 24 THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS the asian journal’s bi-monthly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

SPECIAL REPORT: IS MEDICAL TOURISM THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

BUSINESS INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS: BECOMING A BETTER BUSINESS LEADER & INVESTOR

Issue 57, Volume VIII I November-January 2018

Dr. Edgardo ‘Gary’ Cortez It’s More Fun In Batangas How To Haggle Like A Filipino Don’t Just Ask Why, Ask When Staying Fit As We Age Cost Analysis (USA vs Philippines) From Employee To Entrepreneur

Pocholo Paragas, COO & GM of TIEZA Religious Tourism on Limelight The First PH Subway System Rene Salud Social Media Trends for 2018 How Do Filipinos Celebrate Christmas?

Club Balai Isabel

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St. Luke’s Medical Center

I N - F O C U S : T H E F I R S T A N N UA L LOV E O F C O U N T RY G LO B A L A M B A S S A D O R S P R O G R A M S TA R T I N G I N T H E U S A

N O . 58 I VOLUME 09 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2018 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

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Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

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The Mother of All Asia and the Rise of Batangas’ Religious Tourism

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BREATHTAKING WEDDING DES TINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (AND THE ICONIC CHURCHES TO G ET MARRIED IN) Inside This Issue

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia ISSUE 58 — 01

THE QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON THE RISE OF THE PHILIPPINES. ISSUE 58 — 0123

REACHING THE FILIPINO C O M M U N I T Y A R O U N D T H E W O R L D. I. North America I) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1. Agana, Guam 2. Chicago, Illinois 3. Honolulu, Hawaii 4. Los Angeles, California 5. New York, New York 6. San Francisco, California 7. Washington, DC 2) Canada 8. Toronto 9. Vancouver 10. Ottawa 3) Mexico 11. Mexico City

II. Asia PACIFIC 4) Philippines 12. Metro-Manila 13. Angeles 14. Bacolod 15. Baguio 16. Butuan 17. Cagayan de Oro 18. Cebu 19. Cotabato 20. Davao 21. General Santos 22. Iloilo 23. La Union 24. Legaspi 25. Lipa 26. Lucena 27. Puerto Princesa 28. Pampanga 29. Tuguegarao 30. Tacloban 31. Zamboanga 5) Japan 32. Tokyo 33. Osaka 6) Australia 34. Sydney 35. MELBOURNE 7) East Timor 36. Dili-East Timor 8) Vietnam 37. Hanoi 0124 — ISSUE 58

9) Indonesia 38. Jakarta 39. Manado

25) Switzerland 61. Berne 62. Geneva

10) Malaysia 40. Kuala Lumpur

26) Belgium 63. Brussels

11) India 41. New Delhi

27) Hungary 64. Budapest

12) Nation of Brunei 42. Brunei

28) England 65. London

13) Cambodia 43. Phnom Penh

29) Portugal 66. Lisbon

14) Papua New Guinea 44. Port Morseby

30) Spain 67. Madrid

15) South Korea 45. Seoul

31) Italy 68. The Vatican 69. Rome 70. Milan

16) Singapore 46. Singapore City 17) New Zealand 47. Wellington 18) Myanmar 48. Yangon 19) Laos 49. Vientiane 20) China 50. Shanghai 51. Xiamen 52. Beijing 53. Chongqing 54. Hong Kong 55. Guangzhou 56. Macau 21) Bangladesh 57. Dhaka 22) Thailand 58. Bangkok

III. Europe 23) Greece 59. Athens 24) Germany 60. Berlin

32) France 71. Paris 33) Netherlands 72. The Hague 34) Austria 73. Vienna 35) Poland 74. Warsaw 36) Russia 75. Moscow 37) Czech Republic 76. Prague 38) Norway 77. Oslo

IV. Middle East & Africa 39) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 78. Dubai 79. Abu Dhabi 40) Jordan 80. Amman 41) Iraq 81. Baghdad

42) ISRAEL 82. TEL-AVIV 43) Egypt 83. Cairo 44) Syria 84. Damascus 45) Qatar 85. Doha 46) Pakistan 86. Islamabad 47) Saudi Arabia 87. Jeddah 88. Riyadh 48) Bahrain 89. Manama 49) Kuwait 90. Kuwait 50) Oman 91. Muscat 51) Iran 92. Tehran 52) Turkey 93. Ankara 53) Libya 94. Tripoli 54) LEBANON 95. BEIRUT 55) Kenya 96. Nairobi 56) South Africa 97. Pretoria 57) Nigeria 98. Abuja

V. South America 58) Chile 99. Santiago 59) Brazil 100. Brasilia 60) Argentina 101. Buenos Aires

SPECIAL REPORT: IS MEDICAL TOURISM THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

Issue 56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

Do you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

LEADERS Dr. Edgardo ‘Gary’ Cortez GREAT ESCAPES It’s More Fun In Batangas AESTHETIC How To Haggle Like A Filipino INVESTMENT Don’t Just Ask Why, Ask When RETIREMENT Staying Fit As We Age HEALTH Cost Analysis (USA vs Philippines) LIFESTYLE From Employee To Entrepreneur

ON THE COVER

St. Luke’s Medical Center

Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

01 — ISSUE 56

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