The 2018 Autumn Quarterly Issue

I N - F O C U S : T H E R E A L E STAT E L A N D S C A P E I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

PHILIPPINES

ISSUE 60 — 01

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

02 — ISSUE 60

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 60 — 03

04 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 05

06 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 07

08 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 09

010 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 011

PHILIPPINES

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

Roger L. Oriel Cora M. Oriel Raphael John C. Oriel CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Geralou Sagun SHANNON BRIDGMAN Vince Samson Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro

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

Kimberly delos Santos GREG TRINIDAD, ROCELLE AñABEZA, GERRY PALABYAB, LINA PALABYAB, KATrina DELA CRUZ NOEL TY GODWIN GASACAO, kristine tan RITCHEL MENDIOLA, NATHALIE ROBLES Jillian Peñalosa

Circulation ManagerS

Arthur Sibulangcao, ROLANDo Manese

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

JENNIFER SORIANO, BIANCA CRUZ

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

MAILBAG Have any questions, feature ideas, comments, ideas, or complaints?

Or simply wish to join our team of global correspondents and photographers?

andy tecson, DING CARREON the asian journal publications, inc.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INCORPORATED PUBLISHER & CEO PRESIDENT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING managing editor

Roger L. Oriel Cora M. Oriel Elizabeth Hilario Sison Belle M. Sison Monette Adeva Maglaya Ivy Manalang CHRISTINA M. ORIEl

VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER, LAS VEGAS

Robert Macabagdal

VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Joseph Peralta

executive editor=usa new york & new jersey editor-in-chief northern california orange county & the inland empire editor-in-chief philippines

philippines headquarters FORT PALM SPRING BUILDING 2ND FLOOR, UNITS D&E CORNER 3OTH STREET & 1ST AVENUE BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, Taguig City Telephone: (+632) 856-1661 Email: info@asianjournalinc.com Online Presence: BalikbayanMag.com Facebook.com/BalikbayanMagazine Twitter.com/BalikbayanMag INSTAGRAM.COM/BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE Tablet version available at: iTunes.apple.com Search: Asian Journal For subscriptions, back issues, and other circulation concerns please contact us at info@asianjournalinc.com.

USA OFFICES

momar visaya

Los Angeles 1210 S. Brand Blvd.

Glendale, CAlifornia 91204

malou liwanag-bledsoe

Telephone: (213) 250.9797 San Francisco suite 136

billy dela cruz

1799 old bayshore highway burlingame, california telephone: (650) 689.5160 Las Vegas

SUBSCRIBE TODAY. 4 ISSUES FOR $40 per YEAR. 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.

BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE IS DISTRIBUTED IN 60 COUNTRIES AND 101 CITIES WORLDWIDE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, AND THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD OF THE PHILIPPINES. BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE IS ALSO AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN THE PHILIPPINES AT BOOKSTORES, INSIDE HOTEL AND RESORT ROOMS, RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, BANKS, CLINICS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS.

012 — ISSUE 60

suite 200 2770 south maryland parkway las vegas, nevada 89109 Telephone: (702) 792–6678 New York & new jersey 2500 plaza 5 harborside financial center jersey city, new jersey Telephone: (212) 655–5426

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENTERPRISE ZONE AUTHORITY

P

BANAUE HOTEL AND YOUTH HOSTEL

H

I

L

I

P

BALICASAG ISLAND DIVE RESORT

P

I

N

E

S

CLUB INTRAMUROS GOLF COURSE

INTRAMUROS AND RIZAL’S BAGUMBAYAN LIGHT AND SOUND MUSEUM

GARDENS OF MALASAG ECO-TOURISM VILLAGE

ZAMBOANGA GOLF COURSE

2009

sales@tieza.gov.ph ISSUE 60 — 013

B USI N E S S & T R AV E L Rising Nation—page 18 2018 State of the Nation Address ON THE COVER—PAGE 22 Lombard By The Bay A World-Class Township Development Forecast I THE ECONOMY—PAGE 30 The real estate landscape in the Philippines INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS—PAGE 36 Profile of the Filipino worker Industry I LEADErS—page 42 Beyond the Marcos Name Matthew Manotoc on his budding political career, promoting Philippine basketball talent TRAVEL I INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS—page 46 Asian travelers leading the family travel surge Industry I LEADErS—page 50 Arnold T. Gonzales Tourism Promotions Board Officer-in-Charge Business I entrepreneur—page 56 First Annual Travel, Trade, & Consumer Expo best Restaurants—page 58 Chef Jessie: How to make events more special TRAVEL I Hotels & Resorts—page 60 Lima Park Hotel: Come to your only home in Batangas TRAVEL I Hotels & Resorts—page 68 Club Balai Isabel The green initiative with Balai Organiks travel I Hotels & Resorts—page 74 Apo View Hotel: 70 Years of Luxury and Heritage Taste Buds—page 78 Monde M.Y. San: Taste of Success Health & Wellness—page 80 The Coconut: Proof that nature cares

page

88

CulturE 20 Things no one will tell you when visiting Manila

014 — ISSUE 60

Transportation—page 82 Jorivim Transport: Taking you to the Philippines’ best attractions Balikbayan Journals—page 84 A Balikbayan gets the Ambassador treatment LIFESTYLE I CULTURE—page 92 Why Filipinos can’t give up their rice Living I self-improvement—page 94 What to include in your emergency survival kit

WHERE DOES THE GO?

r

Mariano Marcos State University website

Banaue Rice Terraces

Road to Seven Falls Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

40% CHED

10% NCCA

50% TIEZA

Support for tourism-related educational programs and courses

Support for the preservation, conservation and protection of the Philippines’ historical and cultural heritage

Funding of TIEZA’S infrastructure projects, capital outlays and administrative expenses

Commission on Higher Education

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENTERPRISE ZONE AUTHORITY

P

H

I

L

I

P

P

I

N

E

S

ISSUE 60 — 015

PUBLISHER’S NOTE I KEEPING A JOURNAL

Civility in the Time of Fake News It's astonishing to me how people can be fooled by fake news.

I'm not sure if it's because I've been in the news media and publishing industry for nearly three decades that I can spot a fake news story when I see them—perhaps similar to how an expert jeweler can spot fake diamonds and pearls.

The plague of fake news is equal parts scary, concerning and fascinating to me. Fake news spreads like wildfire. It seems to spread even faster than fact based-real news. But why?

In order to understand this, we first need to understand how the brain processes information.

Studies in human psychology suggest that the way our brains interpret new information is shaped by our confirmation biases— that is, we gravitate to ideas that support and promote our own existing beliefs. Whereas how we process the opposing view—we instantly interpret it to be untrustworthy and false. This is what psychologists call motivated reasoning—we reach conclusions that we want to reach—the information that serves our interests and advances our personal agendas better. Our tendency to believe that people who disagree with us are wrong, biased, and irrational is what psychologists term as naive realism.

Our confirmation biases and naive realism does not fully explain why fake news spreads quickly. The primary goals of media companies are to garner attention and generate traffic— to get humans interested in their stories for the sake of likes, shares, and clicks which leads to generating more ad revenue— the corporate bottom line. It’s important to keep in mind that information is the product of media companies—information is the business.

016 — ISSUE 60

However, the influence of mass media and technological tools such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to seamlessly share information is proving to be problematic. Whether or not something is even true, if we are exposed to information repeatedly, our brains start to process that information as fact—what psychologists call the illusory truth effect. When more people start talking about the same story it starts to feel and seem as though it is the actual truth.

Combining the illusory truth effect with politics is dangerous.

Although misinformation and political propaganda has been around for centuries, fake news being weaponized by political parties on social media is serious and cannot be taken lightly.

Which is why society as a whole needs to be held accountable— words matter—and words often times do in fact lead to action.

Today, it seems as though media companies don't even disguise their political biases—whether liberal or conservative. For us at the Asian Journal, both sides of any debate and discussion, we try our best to keep things balanced so that you can shape your own opinions. It is true that we certainly strive to focus on positive news much more so than doing click bait—those negative news stories that aims to scare you. One thing is for certain of which you can be sure, you'll never find us publishing fake news to push our agenda or doing "take down" pieces on someone—that's not us and never will be.

Roger L. Oriel CEO & Publisher, Asian Journal Media Group

ISSUE 60 — 017

Rising Nation

2018 State of the Nation Address

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Joint Session of the 17th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on July 23, 2018.

KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

018 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Joint Session of the 17th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on July 23, 2018, lauds the members of the House and Senate for fast tracking the passage of the Ease of Doing Business Act. The President then cited that the enactment of the law will significantly contribute to the fight against corruption and the improvement of service delivery. Also in the photo are Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO 020 — ISSUE 60

KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shows a gesture of respect to Former President and incumbent Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, actress Helen Gamboa, and Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo after delivering his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Joint Session of the 17th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on July 23, 2018.

KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOT0 ISSUE 60 — 021

Investment I Real Estate

A World-Class Township Development Lombard By The Bay is located in Montemaria which is strategically located at the southernmost tip of Batangas Bay in Batangas City, Philippines. The site is 30 minutes away from the central district of Batangas City and accessible by concrete roads and by sea. It is situated on a plateau that overlooks the Verde Island Passage. This is the central entrance to Batangas Bay where local and international vessels coming from the Southern Philippines enter the China Sea to use the Batangas International Port. Montemaria is a pilgrimage center dedicated to Mary, Mother of All Asia. The 96 meters high Statue of Mary, the Mother of All Asia, is dedicated to Peace and Unity of the peoples and countries of this part of the world. It will be the icon and pilgrimage destination not only for the Philippines, but for all of Asia and the World. As of 2018, the Monument is the 9th largest statue in the World— even bigger than the Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA.

022 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 023

Development Overview Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture development project between Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development Corp. and Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc. TOTAL LAND AREA 2.1 Hectares TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS 866 Units PHASE 1 Building 1 164 units Building 2 Clubhouse DATE OF COMPLETION Second Quarter of 2020 INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS 01 Development site is adjacent to the Statue of Virgin Mary.

02 Resort setting with magnificent view of the bay.

03 High-quality asset with world-class exterior and interior design.

04 Designed by award winning and internationally renowned Architecture and Design Firm, Arch Haus Asia.

05 Montemaria is located on top of the Batangas Bay Peninsula facing the Verde Island Passage, reputed to be the U.N. recognized “Center of the Center of Marine Bio-Diversity of the World.”

PROPERTY TOURS Prospective investors and buyers may visit the project by appointment

024 — ISSUE 60

The total land area of the Montemaria development is approximately 130 hectares which includes the following township* projects: 01 Condominiums, hotels, and resorts 02 Commercial developments such as a shopping center which includes restaurants and cafes 03 Housing, residential subdivision, and retirement village 04 Golf Course 05 Spa and Wellness Centers 06 Water Park 07 Marina and Fisherman’s Wharf *Subject to final development plan ISSUE 60 — 025

Amenity Pool 026 — ISSUE 60

The Main Lobby

Residential Floor Hallway

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

Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development Corp’s mission is to build world-class, world-renowned, iconic developments throughout the Philippines.

The company aspires to generate lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with investors all over the world. Premier Asia Pacific’s goal and mission is to reconnect overseas Filipinos back to their Philippine roots by offering a complete package of real estate investment services in the Motherland. Premier Asia Pacific in its pursuit of service excellence in the real estate industry in Asia and the rest of the world provides meaningful insights and analysis on the real estate industry. The company is driven and inspired to create thousands of jobs in the Philippines in order to ignite and fuel economic development throughout the country.

Abacore’s principal real estate subsidiary is Omnicor Industrial Estate and Realty Center, Inc. (Omnicor). Through Omnicor, Abacore holds interests in various real properties located in the province of Batangas. AbaCore Capital Holdings, Inc. is a holding company whose shares are listed and traded in the Philippine Stock Exchange (trading symbol: ABA). The company gives prime importance to innovation and entrepreneurship with a social conscience.

In this connection, the company abides by basic corporate values underlying good corporate governance, but transcending these because of the consciousness that business must be at the service of integral human development.

Lobby Elevators ISSUE 60 — 027

Artist perspective. Designed by Arch Haus Asia

028 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 029

Forecast I The Economy

The Real Estate Landscape in the Philippines writer Ritchel Mendiola

Owning a property is a life goal for many—a place you can call your own, your home. It’s a sign of stability and security, not to mention it’s an investment that will only increase in value with time.

In the Philippines, the rise in Filipinos purchasing real estate shows no signs of stopping. According to a report released by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on June 29, rates to purchase houses in the country rose by 2.1% in the first quarter of 2018.

Compared to the Residential Real Estate Price Index (RREPl) of 113.9 in the same quarter last year, it rose to 116.3 this year.

The RREPI measures the average changes in prices of different types of housing units like single detached/attached houses, duplexes, condominium units, and townhouses over a period of time based on data from housing loans granted by banks.

The growth in the country’s real estate market is due in large part to the increase in demand for residential and commercial properties driven by rising urban population growth, housing needs of business process outsourcing (BPO) employees, and remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Rick Santos, chairman and CEO of the property consultancy firm Santos Knight Frank (SKF), said, “Philippine real estate market is sustaining its momentum with the country’s bullish economy, young demographics and consumption-driven market.”

Santos also added that the upward trajectory of the Philippines’ real estate industry will continue as Metro Manila’s office, retail, and residential sectors continue to expand.

With its various infrastructure projects planned, the region is truly becoming a destination for global real estate investment.

030 — ISSUE 60

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY OR A JOINT BUSINESS VENTURE? 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.

1 Agricultural 2 Residential 3 Commercial 4 Industrial ISSUE 60 — 031

Office sector In a recently released report by global real estate services company Colliers International, a total of 470,000 sq m (5.1 million sq ft) of new office space were completed in the first quarter of 2018—the highest in any quarter in Metro Manila’s history. The total office stock in Metro Manila has now been pushed to 10.2 million sq. m (110 million sq ft), driven mainly by the Quantum Building by Greenfield Properties, Circuit Makati Corporate Center One and Vertis BPO Phase Two both by Ayala Land, and Meridian Park Towers Two and Three by Double Dragon Properties.

The vacancy rate stays below 6 percent despite the completion of 470,500 sq m (5.1 million sq ft) Gross Leasable Area (GLA).

Alabang registered the lowest vacancy in the first quarter at 2.13%, mostly due to a rise in gaming locators; meanwhile, Makati and Fort Bonifacio both registered vacancies below 4%.

The strong demand for office space has pushed average rents upward—Metro Manila’s weighted average lease rate got a boost of 9.11% year-on-year (YoY) rising to P984.93 per sq.m. in the first quarter of 2018. Among the central business districts (CBD) in Metro Manila, Makati commanded the highest lease rate at P1,308.44 per sq.m. Fort Bonifacio followed with its P1,082 per sq.m.

032 — ISSUE 60

Retail sector Despite online shopping platforms proliferating and offering new items by the day, new malls are still opening across Metro Manila. Shopping mall developers have learned to cater to the increasing demand of mall goers for a different and brand-new shopping experience. The recently-opened Ayala Malls Feliz, for example, features the largest Timezone branch in the Philippines.

According to Colliers’ report, more than 150,000 sq m (1.5 million sq ft) of leasable space was completed from the fourth quarter of 2017 to the first quarter of 2018, raising Metro Manila’s stock to 6.77 million sq m (72.9 million sq ft) of leasable space from 6.63 million sq m (71.3 million sq ft) in the third quarter of 2017.

From October 2017 to March 2018, four new malls opened across Metro Manila with Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) covering more than 80 percent of the new leasable space. Other malls across the metro have been expanding to offer new retail experience to consumers in this period, as well. Powerplant Mall’s 5,600 sq m (60,300 sq ft) expansion features the first Nespresso outlet in the Philippines; meanwhile, the renovated Podium mall in Ortigas Center offers foreign brands like Tsujiri, Paris Miki, and Wolfgang’s steakhouse.

Knight Frank’s market report says the overall retail space vacancy in the major Metro Manila malls is at an astounding 1.30% as of the first quarter of 2018. Average lease rates range from P700 per sq.m. per month to P2,000 per sq.m. per month— with Makati posting the highest retail rents at an average of P1,600 per sq.m. per month.

FEATURED

BAGUIO CITY

TAGAYTAY CITY

QUEZON CITY

QUEZON CITY

FOR

For inquiries or to enlist your properties for sale or rent, contact: Rene Cinco: (PH) +63-917-824-1555 I (USA) +1-213-596-5970 Gerry Palabyab: (PH) +63-918-921-8182 I (USA) +1-510-418-8079 Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com I PremierAsiaPacific.com

RENT PROPERTIES OR SALE

ISSUE 60 — 033

Residential sector As of the first quarter of 2018, total residential condominium stock in Metro Manila CBDs reached 107,300 units, as stated in Colliers’ market report.

The breakdown of the stock is largely in favor of Fort Bonifacio, accounting for 26 percent of total stock in CBDs or 27,500 units. Makati, on the other hand, has 23 percent of the total stock or about 25,000 units. Ortigas follows with 17,500 units or 16 percent, while the Manila Bay Area inches closer with 15 percent of total stock or 16,600 units.

The vacancy rate declined, signifying that demand is real and urgent. Vacancy was down slightly to 12.4 percent from the 12.6 percent of the fourth quarter last year. Manila Bay Area showed the biggest decline to 15.0 percent from a high of 19.1 percent as its growing Chinese community shows strong demand.

Only Fort Bonifacio showed an increase in vacancy among CBDs. The average residential property prices continue to skyrocket as demand gets stronger. Fort Bonifacio and Bay Area recorded the highest year-on-year (yo-y) increase in property prices with 47 percent and 30 percent growth rates respectively. Fort Bonifacio and Bay Area prices now range from P137,000 to P480,000 per sq.m. and P123,000 to P264,000 per sq.m.in the said areas, respectively.

According to BSP, 73.5 percent of the total property loans were used for new home purchases—of which half were condominium units.

One factor to the increase in demand is the worsening of the traffic situation in Metro Manila. With the congested roads and getting stuck in traffic for hours, commuters are more compelled to seek living spaces proximate to their workplaces.

Property forecasts There is no doubt that the country’s real estate industry is growing and will continue to grow as 2018 stretches on. Colliers predicted a sustained GDP growth over the next three to five years will help drive the strong performance for the property sector.

It also predicted that residential condominium leasing in Metro Manila will continue to be challenging— driven by the influx of new condominium completions in major business districts and fringe locations.

Another is that industrial park developers are heading north of Manila, with DoubleDragon recently acquiring a 6.2-hectare lot in Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac. Northern and Central Luzon’s rising viability as an industrial hub is backed by the Xu Liang Dragon Group’s commitment to develop a 3,000-ha mixeduse special economic zone in Pangasinan.

Colliers is also expecting that developers will continue to pursue more township projects in areas outside of Metro Manila such as Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao as land values are being unlocked by road expansions.

034 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 035

The Economy I Insights & Analysis

Profile of the Filipino Worker writer Jennifer Soriano

Balikbayan Magazine takes a look at the current state of labor and employment in the country based on the latest available quarterly Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority, released last March 2018.

Conducted four times a year, the surveys asks a representative sample of around 44,000 households all over the country about their employment circumstances in the immediate past week of the interview, giving a glimpse of the current labor situation.

It’s also worth to note that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are not considered part of the labor force in the Philippines. Hence, in the LFS, data on economic characteristics of household members who are OFWs are not collected. For the LFS reports, they are excluded in the estimation of the size of working population, that is, population aged 15 years and older, and in the estimation of the labor force.

036 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 037

Employment Rate Increased The employment rate in January 2018 surged at 94.7 percent which is equivalent to 41.8 million Filipinos employed, comp ared to January 2017 employment rate of 93.4 percent. This latest employment rate is the highest in all of the previous January rounds of the LFS since 2009.

The services sector remained the top employment contributor with a share of 55.9 percent, while the industry sector is at the lowest at 18.1 percent Employment in agriculture grew by 8.4 percentage points to 26 percent employment share, employing an additional 841,000 workers.

Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) Increased Labor force participation rate (LFPR), which includes people 15 years old and above also increased by 1.5 percentage points, rising to 62.2 percent in January 2018 from 60.7 percent of January 2017 This means the labor force also grew from 69.4 million a year ago to 70.9 million this January.

Female LFPR bounced back to 47.5 percent or a 2.3 percentage points increase from 45.2 percent in January last year, which reflects a sharp decline in the number of economically inactive married women and females who backed out of the labor force due to domestic duties.

Unemployment rate down Notably, the unemployment rate dropped to 5.3 percent, the

038 — ISSUE 60

lowest rate recorded for all January rounds of the LFS in the past decade, which is within the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 target of 4.7 percent to 5.3 percent for this year.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia earlier said that these improvements in the labor market “ signals that the economy is responding positively to the economic reforms and programs that the government has been laying down,” Pernia said.

“But despite these encouraging numbers, the government must continue to raise investments and improve productivity, which in turn, will help boost the productive sectors of the economy and encourage the generation of higher quality employment opportunities,” he added.

Underemployment rate up Amid the growing labor force population in the country, the PSA saw an increase in underemployment. The underemployment rate in the country soared to 18 percent in January 2018 from 16.3 percent in January 2017.

This equates to approximately 7.5 million underemployed Filipinos compared to last years approximately 6.4 million.

Among the sectors, the agriculture sector has the highest increase of underemployment at 36.2 percent, compared to last year’s 32.8 percent PSA defines underemployed as “the employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or an additional job, or have a new job with longer working hours.”

www.THEFILIPINODIRECTORY.com

Connecting sellers with buyers ISSUE 60 — 039

040 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 041

Industry I Leaders

Beyond the Marcos Name

Matthew Manotoc on his budding political career, promoting Philippine basketball talent Coming from such a prominent Filipino family — with grandparents Ferdinand and Imelda, mother Imee as Ilocos Norte governor, and uncle Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who was a senator and ran in 2016 for the vice presidency, the results of which are currently under an electoral protest — you could say a political career is somewhat inescapable younger members of the Marcos clan, like Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

The 29-year-old, third-generation Marcos entered the political arena in 2016 when he ran for senior board member of Ilocos Norte’s 2nd District, which covers Batac City and the municipalities of Badoc, Dingras, Paoay, San Nicolas, Banna, Solsona, Nueva Era, Pinili, Currimao, and Marcos.

He continues to be an agent for Filipino basketball players under his company, Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management. Sports, which he considers a life-long passion, have guided his political platform of health and wellness, youth development and entrepreneurship.

Manotoc was recently in Los Angeles for a week-long trip to meet with local loyalist groups, such as Bongbong Marcos (BBM United) and Governor Imee Marcos for Senator, and the Ilocano disapora.

In an exclusive interview, the Asian Journal spoke to Manotoc about his rise to politics, the future of Philippine basketball, and of course, how it’s been carrying the Marcos name.

Asian Journal (AJ): How has the reception been from the people you’ve met during your trip to LA? Matthew Manotoc (MM): It’s very heartwarming. A lot of them are obviously nostalgic. It comes from our region, they call it the “Solid North” for a reason. They’re fiercely loyal and sometimes I’m not sure exactly why. But we really appreciate it and that’s the main point I wanted to make when I spoke to [these groups]. Even for me, I never necessarily saw myself entering politics but the loyalty they’ve shown us over the years is really overwhelming and inspiring. It’s one of the reasons why my family and I continue to serve.

042 — ISSUE 60

Matthew Marcos Manotoc AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

writer Christina M. Oriel

“Manufacturing is something we really need to focus on — industrializing.

Having an industry of our own wherein we create certain products even.

We have that on a small scale. We can still do a lot with tourism.”

AJ: In your conversations with these groups in LA, what have they been sharing or what issues have they’ve been raising?

MM: A lot of people obviously want to know what’s the latest with my uncle Bong’s protest or appeal in addition to my mother’s campaign — is it final? What is she running for? I think, more than anything, it’s been so much warmth, appreciation, and complimenting my family, which is a little weird at times honestly. I get it a lot even in Manila because I think the people who like us will talk to us and the people who don’t like us probably won’t talk to us. So the things I hear tend to be positive of course. But obviously, I know there’s another side to it and I try not to get too carried away with all of the positive comments.

AJ: Years later, your grandfather’s presidency continues to be a divisive topic among Filipinos. How do you deal with the critics?

Ilocos Norte 2nd District Senior Board Member Matthew Marcos Manotoc and his mother, Governor Imee Marcos, in front of the province’s capitol building.

MM: I get that they are totally entitled to their own opinion. In addition, there is another side to the story or for most maybe that is the story. There are multiple sides or faces to what happened. I think more than anything, for me, like I’ve accepted it. It’s very personal to me because of my family, my grandfather but I didn’t live through it. I understand why my uncle, my mom, and even my aunt — the direct children — it’s hard for them to really admit certain things, that there were mistakes or errors.

Like my uncle Bong for example. It took him a while. Initially he was saying, ‘No, I won’t apologize.’ Then he softened his stance to eventually come around to saying, ‘of course there were mistakes and if people are offended by that, then I’m sorry.’ He kind of apologized but of course it didn’t make everyone happy.

But I think what people underestimate is how sentimental or emotional it is for them. That was their father, that really was their hero. He was everything to them so it’s not easy to criticize your own hero or your own father.

For me, I’ve heard multiple sides of it so I wouldn’t criticize him but I’ll readily admit that he wasn’t perfect and that there were mistakes that he committed.

There are many theories as to why things ended the way they did.

AJ: As you continue your political career, you’ll inevitably always be tied to your family but how are you making a name for yourself ?

MM: Personally, it’s nice to be in local politics where I really have...an impact on actual people that I can see. As a senior board member of the province, we’re on the legislative side and we draft ordinances and resolutions so I’ve been able to pass certain ordinances over the past two years.

I think [what] perhaps separates me is sports, for example, which I’m very passionate about. My platform when I ran was health and wellness through sports and the youth, because I am young. Also entrepreneurship because I’ve started my own basketball agency. That’s what I push — the sports and the youth factors are maybe what distinguish me from my family, even though my mom has been very supportive of the youth since she was a founding member of Kabataang Barangay back in the day. She’s always recognized and supported the youth sector.

AJ: What are some of the accomplishments in the past two years as senior board member of the Ilocos Norte province that you can share?

MM: I wouldn’t necessarily say in the past two years but maybe in the five or 10 or since my mom has been in power: the poverty has gone down, the infrastructure has improved, commerce has grown. Generally, if you go to Ilocos, people are quite impressed. We’re always blessed with a very diligent population — Ilocanos are known to be kind of stubborn, thrifty, and hardworking. We benefit from that. If you look at San Nicolas, we have call centers that have entered in the last few years. Robinsons [Place] in San Nicolas has expanded almost three-fold. Manufacturing has diversified so our province has definitely grown. The province is at a pretty good place but obviously there’s a lot of development that can still happen.

AJ: What should the province focus on in the next five to 10 years?

MM: Hopefully bring more business in, that’s key for Ilocos. Currently, I’m reviewing the investment code. I really want to make sure that incentivizes businesses. It’s tough, though. In the past two years, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that most of the laws and ordinances exist but it’s just a matter of practicing and implementation. I think that’s where we often fall short...That’s where the bureaucracy and the systems and the enforcement are really lacking.

Manufacturing is something we really need to focus on — industrializing. Having an industry of our own wherein we create certain products even. We have that on a small scale.

We can still do a lot with tourism. We’re kind of an under-the-radar destination. When people think of Ilocos, they think of Vigan first because it’s a World Heritage Site...but it’s not in our province. We have the sand dunes, we have forests, the beach, a huge lake.

You get a lot of environmental attractions so I’m hoping we can step up our tourism in terms of operationalizing certain sites, developing more around [them], and accessibility.

It’s tough because sometimes a new waterfall will be discovered, for example, and it’s not really managed, you have one guy there overseeing things but it takes a lot of coordination from the barangay to the municipality to the government...It’s not easy to do all the time.

AJ: You studied in the U.S. for college, what was it like going and taking that perspective back home to the Philippines?

MM: Honestly, sometimes I wish I were a lot more Ilocano in a sense or even more Filipino because I spent about eight years in the Philippines but I went to an international school and I went to Ateneo for about a year.

Sometimes I struggle even with myself beISSUE 60 — 043

cause there are certain elements of myself that I think are Filipino and there are certain elements...that are more international, which a part of that could be American because I Iived here for almost 4 1/2 years. Those are certain things you don’t agree with people on and I think that’s the upbringing here and certain cultural differences. But now that I’m spending more time in the Philippines, I also see it from their perspective. It gives you a broader, multicultural perspective which I think helps. But what I like to work on is being on the ground, getting that grassroots experience. It’ll take time, which I’m willing to invest in.

I wouldn’t say it was a big adjustment but sometimes there are certain issues and you see them both ways, you’re even torn yourself. You have a Filipino perspective and an American perspective and you see them clashing. If anything, it gives you more to contemplate and evaluate in your head because you have more factors.

Perhaps that’s a result of being more open-minded. It’s obviously a benefit, but as I said, I do think I’m not Filipino enough so that’s something especially as a public official now that I have to work on.

AJ: To you, what does it mean to be a Filipino and that identity?

MM: It’s hard to define because I think the ‘Filipino’ is evolving, especially with so much international movement...[and] because we’re very multifaceted and eclectic ourselves. It would be hard to pinpoint what is a Filipino, but I think the culture is what is unique to us, our hospitality that everybody talks about, the warmth that you receive from a Filipino wherever you are. The biggest thing is really the strong culture that we have that many people are working to sustain despite all the changes going on.

AJ: With the international perceptions of the Philippines, as someone who is living in the country, what do you want people to know about what’s really happening there?

MM: I suspect the way things are reported here tend to be negative. Duterte still enjoys quite a high popularity level…It has eroded a little bit, which I think is a result of 1) the drug war, which some people think that he’s overdoing and 2) recently, the TRAIN [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act] laws that passed have taken a big impact. It’s also heightened inflation and that’s what people are struggling with. A lot of people are questioning — they understand that the [government] wants to raise money for the Build, Build, Build program but it shouldn’t hurt the poorest and the masses who are struggling day to day. But ultimately, these are growing pains. I really applaud the president for his vision and his independence. He is a very strong leader who has a ton of conviction and is a principled man.

Infrastructure, for example, is something that we need so one way or another we have to find a way to finance that. Hopefully... we find ways to limit the difficulties people are experiencing now with the higher inflation. The other day when I left [the Philippines] growth slowed down too from the 7-8 percent they wanted to 6 percent so I think the rise in inflation had an effect on that too. I don’t think they can adjust the TRAIN since it’s been passed so let’s see how things move forward. Now with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also back in the picture, her being an economist, it seems that Duterte’s team is quite amenable to her and her people’s input so hopefully they can come together and control the economy because that’s crucial.

AJ: Shifting gears to your work in sports and your agency, how have you been recruiting more basketball players in the Philippines?

MM: Our agency is called Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management (EMBM) that we started in 2011. We manage PBA players and have about 20 players right now. The biggest names are probably Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright. We also help out collegiate players so we want to open doors for Filipino Americans 044 — ISSUE 60

to see what basketball is like in the Philippines and how much it has to offer and potentially play in the PBA. We want to help Philippine basketball in general. In addition, we try to assist with basketball development on the grassroots [level]. We also do a lot of sports marketing and for corporate brands who want more of a basketball slant. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about, being someone who has played basketball and continues to do so.

AJ: What is the future of basketball in the Philippines?

MM: I think we’ll always be good. But now, what it’ll take for us to be a great, it depends on how we define great. Well, that’s not true because Australia is now part of our crew. We’re probably top three to five in Asia. FIBA [the International Basketball Federation] — it’s a weird rearrangement — changed the groupings so Australia is now part of the Asiatic region, which personally is really unfair. We can’t compete against Caucasians so it’s really tough. See, that would be our limitation in the future of Philippine basketball is that we’re just physically inferior, but in terms of skill, our skill is second to none. Even our ability is really high and the basketball culture is so strong so we’re always going to produce great talents and terrific players.

The question is if we can form a strong national team wherein they play together and play team ball. Nowadays, kids growing up are victims of social media and YouTube and they just see highlights so it kind of encourages them to be individualistic which runs counter to the right way to play basketball, which is team oriented. That’s something I would want us to move towards...because that’s what succeeds.

AJ: What’s next for you political wise?

MM: I don’t know. It’s something people have been asking me.

It’s too early to say so I wouldn’t want to commit to anything. I’ll definitely be running again next year but I don’t know in what capacity. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the Ilocano people. We’ll see what the cards have in store for me.

AJ: What’s some advice your family has given you as you build your career?

MM: I don’t think there’s one word of advice in particular.

They’ve always strived and...whatever you do, try to be the best at it. There’s that certain track record which they have and really practice. They’ve been very lenient in a sense where they’ve let us essentially do what we like. But there’s also that expectation that whatever you do, you have to do it well and do it right. It’s not necessarily something they’ve preached but over time, it’s something you absorb and internalize and try to practice yourself.

AJ: Seeing your mom and other women as top leaders in the Philippines, what can people learn from them?

MM: [Female leadership] has come a long way. Most Filipinos, I don’t think, don’t have any problem with female leadership. With (Cory) Aquino, GMA, we have had and currently have a lot of female leaders. Given there are still some traditionalists who perhaps would rather not have female leaders, I think especially the younger generation is supportive of female leaders. Honestly and I’ve read some about the subject, there is so much that male leaders can learn from female leaders, like being more compassionate, collaborative, which sometimes our machismo and masculinity kind of get in the way of. I’m glad to see Filipinos be more amenable to female leaders and...that goes hand in hand with the LGBT issues.

We’re slowly chipping away from the older mindset and it’s great to see. I think that’s going to grow wherein we’re only going to become more open-minded especially with social media and everyone has a voice. People are starting to appreciate varying voices nowadays more than ever perhaps. *This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

A well-informed community is a thriving community.

www.ASIANJOURNALMEDIAGROUP.com www.ASIANJOURNAL.com

Your community. Your news. Your journal.

Since 1991.

ISSUE 60 — 045

Industry I Insights & Analysis

Asian travelers leading the family travel surge

Agoda releases findings from its global ‘Family Travel Trends 2018’ research New school semesters may be looming or already underway after the mid-year break, but that doesn’t mean families are packing away their travel gear just yet. In fact, new research from Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing online travel agents (OTAs), has revealed seven out of 10 families globally take at least two family vacations a year, with Asian travelers taking more than twice as many family trips as their Western peers (five trips a year versus two).

The Agoda ‘Family Travel Trends 2018’ survey, conducted by YouGov, found that just 18% of travelers globally take only one family holiday a year, while over 34% have taken more than five family trips in the past year. Asia dominates this multi-holiday trend with a remarkable 77% of travelers from Thailand and 62% from the Philippines, claiming to have taken five or more family breaks in the past year. Conversely, only 7% of British travelers took more than five family trips, with the UK also most likely (34%) to take only one.

Trend towards shorter, more frequent family vacations While family travel is growing globally, details of who with and for how long families take vacations varies across the globe.

A 4-7 night stay is the most popular duration for family holidays globally but there are large variances across markets. In the UK, a 4-7 night stay made up 41% of family travel in the past year, compared to only 20% of family travel for Thais. Instead, family vacations of more than 14 nights are taken by almost a third of Thais but only 11% of Malaysians. Vietnamese, Malaysian and Chinese families are most likely of all travelers to take 1-3 night vacations.

Asian travelers engage in more multigenerational and extended family trips The Agoda ‘Family Travel Trends 2018’ survey also looked into who was included in family vacations and found that while 35% of global travelers have taken a holiday with grandparents, travelers from the UK and Australia are the least likely to have done so, with only 13% and 20% of travelers embarking on them respectively. Thais (66%) and Indonesians (54%) were most likely to have included grandparents in their holiday plans. This trend is also reflected when looking at extended family members with Thais and Indonesians most likely to include siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles in their vacation plans.

It is not just family members that the Americans, British, Australians and Chinese don’t travel with, they are also the least likely travelers to go away with other groups of friends, with only 22% of Americans, 23% of Brits, 26% of Australians and 27% of Chinese having done so in the past year. Meanwhile, almost half (48%) of travelers from the Philippines tie up with a group of friends for some of their vacations, closely followed by Vietnamese and Malaysian family travelers at 43% and 40%.

046 — ISSUE 60

Hotels still dominate family accommodation preferences More people used OTAs (international and local) to book family holidays in the last 12 months according to the findings of the Agoda ‘Family Travel Trends 2018’ survey which also revealed that hotels are still the most popular accommodation for families, followed by holiday homes, B&Bs and all-inclusive resorts. Cost, safety and activities were the top global considerations for when planning family holidays compared to holidays with non-family or alone.

“The family travel segment is growing rapidly and the needs of this group of travelers are unique and diverse,” explained John Brown, CEO, Agoda. “All families have different requirements, which is why we pride ourselves in offering an array of accommodation options from hotels, holiday homes or fairytale castles at a budget that suits them. Furthermore, families can use Agoda’s family-friendly filters to find places with babysitting or kids clubs, additional facilities such as kitchens or to request adjoining rooms, providing a more enjoyable overall booking and travel experience.”

Quality time with family is the biggest driver for family travel With longer working hours and countless distractions from modern living preventing families from spending time with each other on a day-to-day basis, it’s no wonder that travelers globally look forward to quality family time (68%) the most on family trips. Relaxation (66%) and trying new things (46%) came out as second and third preferences.

British and Singaporeans are the most adventurous on family trips. Exploring new cultures as a family travel experience is most popular among these two groups (48% and 46% respectively).

Chinese and Thai travelers are the least likely to investigate new cultures on their trips, (both 29%).

Biggest concerns When examining anxieties relating to family travel, concerns about falling sick (36%), the standard of accommodation (21%) and family disagreements (16%) ranked highest for family travelers globally.

Brits seemingly have the least worries when it comes to family holidays, with nearly a third (27%) saying that they have no concerns at all.

Agoda ‘Family Travel Trends 2018’ facts: Philippines •75% of Filipino travelers have traveled with their core family in the past year, 37% with their extended family and 53% with their grandparents and/or grandchildren •On average, Filipinos went on seven family trips in the past year •4-7 nights is most popular duration of Filipino family trips •Filipino travelers look forward to quality time with family (78%), relaxing (69%) and trying new things (52%) the most while on family trips •The top three concerns Filipinos have during family trips are falling sick (34%), the standard of accommodation (28%) and having disagreements with the family (17%)

ISSUE 60 — 047

048 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 049

Industry I Leaders

Arnold T. Gonzales Tourism Promotions Board Officer-in-Charge writer Ritchel Mendiola photographer Godwin Gasacao

Marketing veteran Arnold T. Gonzales was chosen unanimously by the Board of Directors, chaired by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, as Officer-inCharge (OIC) of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), following the resignation of TPB COO, Cesar Montano.

Gonzales graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1982 with a degree in Tourism. He finished his Master’s Degree from the De La Salle University in 1995.

Gonzales has been a civil servant most of his career, spending two years in the private sector as a tour coordinator, and then rising to Assistant Operations Manager at Rajah Tours Philippines Inc. Gonzales has been with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and TPB for 30 years, assigned to various tourism posts in the Philippines and abroad. When he was the senior tourism operations officer/marketing specialist, he pushed the marketing efforts of the DOT at Frankfurt and Paris offices, with focus on the Western and Southern Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Benelux countries, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East.) Prior to his designation, Gonzales has been serving as OIC of Domestic Promotions Department of the TPB. Gonzales was just settling in his new office as the Officer-in-Charge of TPB when he sat down with Balikbayan Magazine for a quick interview in June.

Balikbayan Magazine: How does it feel to be appointed as TPB’s Officer-in-Charge?

Gonzales: I’m humbled and yet challenged by the new assignment. Being the OIC entails a daunting task ahead, but with the support of the employees and the private sector, I feel empowered to handle this job.

I am also humbled yet overwhelmed by the positive response I’ve been receiving from everyone.

050 — ISSUE 60

“The public has the right to know where their taxes go so it is our duty to make sure that everything is accounted for. We will also ensure that TPB’s resources will be allocated to projects that are in line with our mandate —this means no more sponsorships of projects such as beauty pageants, fashion shows, concerts, and unnecessary sporting events.”

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.

ISSUE 60 — 051

Balikbayan Magazine: What do you think are the challenges you might encounter as the OIC? Gonzales: One of the challenges is basically the immediate implementation of projects. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat instructed us to pass through all projects to the Commission on Audit (COA) for review. Since there are a lot of projects, we’re being very careful in implementing these, to avoid any more controversies.

Balikbayan Magazine: What do you think should be an OIC’s best quality?

Gonzales: First and foremost, a TPB OIC should manifest exemplary leadership in managing the affairs of the office and its employees. A TPB OIC should focus on the mandate which is marketing and promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally as a major global tourism destination. He should consider certain factors in implementing a project. The project has to bring in international tourists as well as entice Filipinos to travel within the country.

Balikbayan Magazine: What are your plans and projects for TPB? Gonzales: I would not say plans, but my mission is to empower all employees and officials, ensure transparency in transactions of the corporation, and establish a work-life balance. And, of course, ensure that no corruption will happen in this organization.

Balikbayan Magazine: How do you plan on accomplishing those?

Gonzales: TPB is an ISO-certified worldclass organization that highly values transparency in all its transactions. We will continue to ensure that all processes are followed accordingly, and all projects will undergo proper vetting procedure before crucial decisions are made.

The public has the right to know where their taxes go so it is our duty to make sure that everything is accounted for. We will also ensure that TPB’s resources will be allocated to projects that are in line with our mandate—this means no more sponsorships of projects such as beauty pageants, fashion shows, concerts, and unnecessary sporting events.

052 — ISSUE 60

Connecting you to your roots, dreams, and goals.

2019 Global Ambassadors Program LoveOfCountryAmbassadors.com Info@LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com ISSUE 60 — 053

On empowerment for TPB employees, we have to constantly remind each and every employee of this organization’s rules and his/her role as a civil servant. And more importantly, they have to be given the opportunity to voice out their opinions and even make important decisions to be reminded that we work as a team, and not as individuals with personal agenda. There will also be no more unnecessary reassignment of career employees as this affects their efficiency and productivity.

One of the best ways to empower is to build a work-life balance culture that will allow each and every employee to see work not as a burden, but as an opportunity for growth. We will do this by allowing our employees to engage in trainings and activities that will not only improve their skills but also build their network toward growth and development.

With empowered employees, expect no corruption in this organization. But since corruption can also stem from poor leadership, it is my duty to lead by example, communicate and engage and treat everyone equally and with respect. The COO’s door is always open to show that we do not ostracize and there is no barrier between the management and its subordinates. We are one as a team and we will work as a team to serve the best interests of the country.

054 — ISSUE 60

Balikbayan Magazine: What is your vision for TPB in 2018 in order to make it a world-class organization worthy of the Philippine brand?

Gonzales: TPB over the years has sponsored various outfits whose objectives are aligned with our mandate to market and promote the Philippines as a major global destination.

But following the directives of Secretary Puyat in promoting farm tourism, heritage, and ecotourism, we will be moving forward and focusing on projects that fuel these avenues toward tourism growth. This means projects related to fashion shows and pageants will have to take a backseat. There are exceptions however, provided that we still apply the proper procedure in vetting and evaluating proposals.

In this connection, we are in the process of finalizing our guidelines for the vetting of financial sponsorships. The guidelines will have to be ratified by the board so that whoever sits as the COO will now have to follow the process.

DOOR #1 RETIREMENT

DOOR #2 VACATION

DOOR #3 INVESTMENT

NORTH AMERICA I EUROPE I MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA I ASIA I AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND I SOUTH AMERICA ISSUE 60 — 055

Business I Entrepreneur

First annual Travel, Trade, and Consumer Expo a resounding success The bustling SouthBay Pavilion Mall in Carson became the apex of the Filipino-American community last August 4 and 5 during the Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow (TTC).

The event is the premiere foray of the Asian Journal into a more active effort to drive Filipino businesses into the forefront of U.S. enterprise.

Project heads Cora Oriel and Roger Oriel welcomed around 30 participating companies to the TTC. Present at the ribbon-cutting were City of Carson Mayor Albert Robles, Councilmember Elito Santarina, Deputy Field Director Riezl Pe Benito, and Commissioner Alex Cainglet; Department of Tourism attaché Richmond Jimenez; EC Ferrer CEO Eddie Ferrer; actor Mat Ranillo III; community leader Trinity Foliente; Philippine Airlines Area Manager Michelle Narvaez; Ferdinand Soriano of Planet 63 & B2B area host; former Mutya ng Pilipinas Rosemarie De Vera; SouthBay Pavilion General Manager Cheryl Roberts; and the Asian Journal’s Editorin-Chief Christina Oriel and Vice President of Business Development Raphael John Oriel. Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz made an extended visit on the second day, spending many hours conversing with exhibitors and attendees.

With foot traffic of around 30,000 on summer weekends, the four zones of the TTC attracted people to products and services at the Exhibitor Row, entertainment from the Mainstage, seminars at the B2B, and Filipino food at the Sari-Sari Food Pavilion located outside. The wafting aroma of pork sisig and chicken adobo drew people to the food trucks of White Rabbit and Neri’s, and sago gulaman drinks from PopCupz and Hawaiian Shave Ice from TastyBlock. Mall-goers also received discounts to nearby House of Seafood.

Engaging the community were the raffles, with gift cards courtesy of the Asian Journal and promotional items. The round-trip ticket giveaway from Philippine Airlines, which after the first Saturday raffle, announced a surprise second ticket, which was raffled off on Sunday. Los Angeles Area Manager Michelle Narvaez delivered the good news that guests had another chance to win a trip to Manila. First winner Gerry P. will also enjoy a hotel stay courtesy of the Department of Tourism. The second PAL ticket winner is Erlinda P., along with gift card winners, Lydia D., Marieta L, Susana B., Bobby C. and Aerwin B. Mall-goers were treated to the wide variety of Philippine-sourced products on display which aside from the requisite handicraft products, showcased new inventive products. Nutridense’s Rice Mongo Curls attracted quite a crowd, and IC Green’s car engine display drew attention to the company’s main product, an oil additive that increases efficiency while being eco-friendly.

Philippine-sourced products were made possible by the Pangasinan Provincial Board in cooperation with EC Ferrer Customs Broker and Asia Pacific Shipping, with support from marketing company Planet 63 and the Pangasinan Brotherhood. The delegation that flew in from the Pangasinan included Maria Lourdes E. Utanes of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Provincial Board Secretary Atty Verna N. Perez, Maria Luisa A. Elduayan from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and Benita M. Pizarro, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator.

Lay Bare Salon, one of the largest franchises in the Philippines, was one of the more popular booths due to the free eyebrow threading service. Women flocked to the green and pink booth, which was busy

056 — ISSUE 60

throughout the two days of the TTC. Owner Fiona Hilario also gave a presentation at the B2B that Lay Bare is open to franchising in the U.S., where its hair removal services are already available at two branches in Los Angeles.

Also available in the Exhibitor row were sign-ups to the U.S. Army, the California National Guard and CSI Professionals, an employment placement agency and unions like the Los Angeles County Filipino American Employees Association (LACFAEA). Information for starting a business was also available at the Small Business Administration’s booth, with representatives of the Women’s Business Center run by PACE, a local non-profit that aims to give tools to develop sustainable businesses.

A wealth of information was available for various interests such as real estate (Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development/Lombard by the Bay, Megaworld), TV and cable (The Filipino Channel, Spectrum) and Chambers of Commerce (FACC-GLA and COFACC). Lombard

By The Bay was represented by Rene Cinco, president and CEO of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate, Susan Gross, country manager of Lombard by the Bay and architect Pach Cansana. Victory Cars, PNB Remittance Bank and Western Union’s engaging wheelspin promo attracted mall-goers for discounts and promo items. Filipino favorite Skyflakes many flavors were on display at Monde MY San. The Mainstage was graced by numerous local artists, but notably by two television programs. The National Asian American Coalition’s “Owning A Piece of America” had as guests Dr. Tess Mauricio and Dr. James Lee. A fashion show with garments from F21 Red featured the Love of Country Ambassadors. Models of all ages grazed down the catwalk to music by DJ Josh Evangelista, and showed off their talents in singing and playing musical instruments.

Artists who enthralled the audience with their music were saxophonist Ner De Leon, singers Annie Nepomuceno, Jona Peralta, classical tenor and actor Glenn Fernandez, Chris Venegas, Kenneth Laurente and Nathan Plantilla, Alvin Reyes, Louisa Tampi, Francesca McNellis, Maikee Pronda, Michael Keith, Bing Martin, and guitarist Ric Ickard.

Event Coordination staff of Music Arts Events Inc. kept everything running smoothly (Padsy Padre, Maan Co, Jay Robleza and Joshua Simon) along with emcee extraordinaire Nep Gonzales, who was joined

by Suzanne Perez on day 2.

Eagerly awaited was the appearance of Atty. Michael Gurfinkel, the star of Citizen Pinoy. The star lawyer gamely answered questions from the audience as the stage was bathed in sunlight from the atrium. Such is the dedication of the famed attorney, who amiably posed for selfies from the audience pre- and post-taping of the program.

On the other end of the mall were business talks and seminars, hosted

by Ferdinand Soriano. He lined up speakers such as Sarita Jackson of the Global Research Institute of National Trade, Eddy Sumar of ERS Consulting, and Pellson Lau who spoke on export financing, among other business presentations by exhibitors.

The entire weekend proved to be an endeavor that brought business many leads and brought them exposure to the public. Organizers declare that next year will be bigger and better to provide more resources and opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs, travelers, and more!

To learn more about TTC, visit TravelTradeConsumer.com.

The ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off the TTC on Saturday, August 4 and was joined by City of Carson Mayor Albert Robles, Councilmember Elito Santarina, Department of Tourism AttachÊ Richmond Jimenez, Philippine Airlines Area Manager Michelle Narvaez, Asian Journal management team, EC Ferrer CEO Eddie Ferrer, and Ferdinand Soriano of Planet63 and various community leaders. AJPress photos by Andy Tecson and Ding Carreon ISSUE 60 — 057

Best Restaurants

Chef Jessie

How to make events more special writer Ritchel Mendiola photographer Godwin Gasacao

Food has always been integral, if not central, to special occasions—may it be a birthday, an anniversary, a family gathering, or an event. Its importance lies not only in its ability to nurture, but also in its potential to bring people together and foster relationships with others.

Often times, food is what makes an event memorable; it leaves a lasting impression, even more so if it’s scrumptious. To achieve this, you have to find the right caterer.

With more than 20 years of experience under her belt, and countless of awards to prove her mastery, Chef Jessie Sincioco is the one every event and celebration needs.

Her unique brand of catering combines culinary art and creativity, making any event unique and truly an indelible experience.

“LOCA is all about providing every Filipino around the world with an opportunity to visit their motherland and learn more about their roots. Its core mission is to ensure the future of the Filipino people and culture by strengthening Filipino identity and Filipino Global Communities— a sentiment that Chef Jessie echoes.”

058 — ISSUE 60

Recently, she participated and sponsored dinners for the Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program on July 16 and 17, 2018 at the Chef Jessie Grill, and Chef Jessie Rockwell Club respectively.

LOCA is all about providing every Filipino around the world with an opportunity to visit their motherland and learn more about their roots. Its core mission is to ensure the future of the Filipino people and culture by strengthening Filipino identity and Filipino Global Communities—a sentiment that Chef Jessie echoes.

“I personally think it is a very good way of rekindling, if not igniting, the nationalistic and patriotic sentiment that is in the heart of every Filipino, most especially those who have comfortably settled in the foreign lands,” she said.

“The good ambassadors can remind all of us that we have to love our roots, our culture, most especially the land of our birth, our one and only country, the Philippines. We have to do our share and contribute to the development, growth, and success of our country while we are alive, because if we don’t, who will?” she added.

Food is an expression of cultural identity. There are countless of ways to learn about a country’s culture, but the easiest way is, without a doubt, through food.

In order to introduce the Filipino culture to the Love of Country ambassadors, Chef Jessie prepared a menu for the July 16th dinner filled with dishes that not only make you immediately think of the Philippines, but also dishes that are certainly missed

by Filipinos living in the US. “I chose dishes that best represent our cuisine like sinigang, kesong puti, alugbati salad, bistek, adobo, halo-halo,” Chef Jessie explained.

“We did family-style service at Chef Jessie Grill since that is how Filipino families eat their meals. I want them to experience that style of eating and how all the food that are served on the table are shared,” she continued.

For the July 17th dinner, Chef Jessie welcomed the LOC ambassadors in her restaurant at the Rockwell Club and swept them off their feet with her fine dining offerings.

The menu consisted of Chef Jessie’s ciabatta bread rolls, butter and special dip; caesar salad with prawn popcorns; and cream of dubarry soup enhanced with blue cheese for the appetizer. To cleanse the palate, a serving of raspberry sorbet soon followed.

Roast beef tenderloin in goose liver sauce, and pan fried parrot fish fillet in mustard sauce served with rice vegetable risotto and sautéed vegetables were the main course. For dessert, a demitasse of chocolate soufflé was served to cap off the lovely dinner.

“We served the kind of cuisine that we specialize in and show how the scene in the food industry has evolved through the years,” Chef Jessie said.

Indeed, Chef Jessie exceeded expectations with her culinary artistry and brand of catering—which doesn’t really come off as a surprise seeing that she once catered a sit-down dinner for 3,200 pax at the SMX Convention Center back in November 2009 and also lead the preparation of the Gala dinner for the heads of state and delegates of the ASEAN SUMMIT 2017. With these kind of achievements, one would not doubt Chef Jessie’s dedication to her craft, and commitment to bring something new and elevated to the table everytime she prepares for an event.

ISSUE 60 — 059

Travel I Hotels & Resorts

Come to your only home in Batangas Malvar, Batangas, Philippines—In a worldwide release of winners, LÍMA PARK HOTEL bagged the TripAdvisor® 2018 Travelers Choice award, and is cited as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Philippines.

The annual TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice awards are given to exceptional properties or establishments that have received consistent positive reviews from millions of travelers.

According to TripAdvisor, the Travelers Choice award is the highest citation that it bestows on a property. With this recognition, Lima Park Hotel now belongs to the top 1% of best hotels worldwide.

“There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by your guests. The TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award is a remarkable vote of confidence that will inspire us to bring a notch higher our continued commitment to excellence,” Lima Park Hotel Resident Manager Edilberto P. Evangelista Jr. declared.

Back-to-back win And for the fourth straight year, LIMA PARK HOTEL received another traveller-determined distinction—TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for 2018.

060 — ISSUE 60

“TripAdvisor is excited to announce the recipients of the 2018 Certificate of Excellence, which celebrates businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition allows us to publicly honor businesses that are actively engaging with customers and using feedback to help travelers identify and confidently book the perfect trip.”

CALABARZON tourism champion At the 4th CALABARZON Tourism Summit, Lima Park Hotel received from the Department of Tourism the Tourism Excellence award recognizing it as the best hotel in Batangas.

Specifically, Lima Park Hotel was cited for its “valuable contribution in adherence to tourism accreditation, quality standards and services, generation of data and information on tourist arrivals, both for overnight and same-day visitors, and initiating programs aligned to the National Tourism Development Plan of the Department of Tourism.”

DOT Region IV-A, in particular, cited Lima Park Hotel for its innovative approach to tourism that even includes community development and environment protection. The Hotel has been consistently promoting tourist arrivals in the Lakeshore District of Batangas province by creating tour experiences that include the Lake Taal cruises and Marian Orchard pilgrimage site in Balete. The hotel is also involved in numerous annual multisectoral and community activities such as the Batangas Development Summit; the Batangas Earth, Wind, and Water Festival; Karipasan Run for Wellness; Bisikleta Iglesia, among others.

Crown jewel of Batangas. Your perfect getaway starts 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. When you stay with us, you will enjoy exceptional support like guaranteed uninterrupted water and power supply; dedicated high-speed telecommunications connectivity; and well-maintained internal road networks.

This TripAdvisor distinction officially lists Lima Park Hotel as among the top 1% of best hotels worldwide.

Suite dreams. Indulge in a stay that is both relaxing and delightful. Combining the functionality of a business hotel with the first-class amenities, comfort, and luxury of a five-star exclusive club, Lima Park Hotel welcomes both leisure and business travelers with 136 Superior, De Luxe, and Suite rooms.

ISSUE 60 — 061

The good life. Unwind and relax in Lima Park Hotel’s F&B outlets where you can indulge in satisfying culinary delights ranging from Asian fusion to continental classics.

From the boardroom to the ballroom.

Lima Park Hotel is home to Batangas' biggest pillarless grand ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 guests. For more intimate gatherings, we offer a 250-capacity premiere ballroom, an all-glass 150-capacity function room by the garden. The Lima Park Pavilion (in photo) right beside the hotel houses various sized events spaces for meetings, conferences, conventions, corporate events and personal milestones like weddings, birthdays, debut, among others.

062 — ISSUE 60

The Picasso Room

Fidelis Ballroom

Batangas Grand Ballroom

Crown jewel of Batangas Being the first and only four star hotel in Batangas, Lima Park Hotel affirms its reputation as a premier destination of choice for both business and leisure.

The Hotel complex houses the biggest pillarless ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 individuals, making it the most sought-after hub for conventions and social events in the province. Guests may also choose from the 280-capacity Fidelis premiere ballroom, the all-glass 150-capacity Occasions Garden House, and nine other smaller events spaces perfect for meetings, conferences, conventions, corporate events and personal milestones like weddings, debutante balls, birthdays, and more.

Lima Park Hotel’s amenities are a cut above the rest, offering 136 well-appointed guest rooms ranging from Superior, De Luxe, Premiere Luxe, Suite, Executive Suite, and a Governor’s Suite. Whether your stay is for business or leisure, the Hotel’s strong and stable wi-fi keeps you connected at all times. Top-notch facilities such as the gym, lifespa, expansive outdoor swimming pool, children’s playground, team-building park, and lush pocket gardens make for a truly relaxing and delightful stay.

From sun up to sundown Whichever room you choose, you will wake up to beautiful mornings that offer breathtaking views of Mt. Makiling and Mt. Malarayat. Before heading out for your day’s activities, we suggest that you take a few laps in the expansive Horizon Pool or a refreshing dip in the two smaller pools. The Hotel has a fully equipped fitness center so you don’t miss out on your daily workout routine. Or why not take a morning spin around the techno park on one of our mountain bikes that you could use for free.

Every stay comes with complimentary breakfast. The Asian Flavours offers delightful Filipino and continental breakfasts. You may take it outside by the pool area where you can sip your coffee while catching up on your morning reading fare. Needing a few more minutes in bed? In-room service is just a phone call away.

Wanting to spend a day on a tour? Go on one of Lima Park Hotel’s more popular destination jaunts that include the Taal Lake Cruises on board a 30-footer catamaran and a trip to the breathtaking Marian Orchard, a garden pilgrimage site located in Balete, Batangas. Very soon, indulge in world-class shopping right at the Hotel’s doorstep when The Outlets at Lipa opens in time for Christmas 2018.

ISSUE 60 — 063

While you’re out on a tour or conference, we’ll freshen up your room, replenish supplies, and care for your laundry. After a full day, you can quiet down at the La Terraza 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 and maybe another dip at the pool. La Terrazza offers pastas, salads, bisteccas, and pizza. The lobby coffee shop Brew Company specializes in artisan coffee and delightful cakes, breads, and pastries. Or simply indulge yourself in a drink while watching the splash and shooting fountain by the pool surrounded by wellmanicured gardens. Thursdays and Fridays are acoustics nights, while it’s unlimited beer during happy hours every day of the week.

What are you waiting for? Come over for a most delightful stay in your only home in Batangas—Lima Park Hotel. This is where you should be.

Have a great stay!

Lima Park Hotel is located only 60 minutes away from Makati via the South Luzon Expressway and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway). Lima Park Hotel is in Lima Commercial Estate, Malvar, Batangas with contact numbers: +763 43 981.1555 and +63 917 504 2385.

Send us an email: reservations@limaparkhotel.com. Visit www.limaparkhotel.com for more information. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/limaparkhotel. Follow us on Instagram IG@limaparkhotel.ph.

Try your hand at rowing a dragon boat on Lake Taal.

Want a twist? Gather the squad and try a unique tug-of-war (or tug-of-oars, if you please) on a dragon boat. It’s a great water activity for barkadas and families that fosters camaraderie and friendship.

064 — ISSUE 60

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-foot Lady of the Lake catamaran.

She said yes!

Love fills a lifetime And a lifetime begins today Celebrate moments of love so pure Create memories to last a lifetime, only at Lima Park Hotel For romantic milestones, Lima Park Hotel have designed special packages that can be customized according to the guests’ specific needs. Surprise her with an exclusive, romantic proposal-date on board the hotel’s yacht Queen Fisher at Lake Taal.

Capture pre-wedding moments in a prenuptial video. The Hotel can arrange for shoots in one of the more popular locations for prenuptial videos—amidst the charming gardens of Marian Orchard in Balete, Batangas.

ISSUE 60 — 065

Paradise Found On Your Wedding Day A joyful celebration Of commitment and love The promise to cherish To love and to hold With trust and affection Two hearts binding In a blissful union to become one Celebrate those special moments and occasions in your life at Lima Park Hotel. Our social events packages cover practically everything you will need for a worry-free celebration.

For your life’s milestones, we offer variety of packages that can be customized according to your specific needs. Weddings and pre-nuptials, debutante’s ball and birthday celebrations. Our event planners will be more than glad to assist you with your various needs like photo and video coverage, entertainment, venue styling, and many more. Great celebrations made the way you want it, only here at Lima Park Hotel.

066 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 067

Travel I Hotels & Resorts

The Green Initiative with Balai Organiks writer Ritchel Mendiola

Nowadays, more and more people are trailblazing their way to sustainability. Vegan skincare and eco-friendly products that provide innovative solid waste management solutions such as stainless steel straws are all the range, and the revival of the ethical fashion initiative is steadily cropping out, as well.

Another step towards living sustainably that the Philippines is taking is farm-totable dining. This movement has been alive for years, and growing stronger as more restaurants begin to source their ingredients from farms, so the food is picked at peak freshness and is bursting with flavors and nutrients. Dining farm-to-table is definitely more healthier—and helps support the local industry as an added bonus.

This is why Club Balai Isabel is committing to the movement. This resort is an ecotourism haven boasting of vivid green panorama and lush vegetation. Within its premises are six varieties of mangoes, over a dozen varieties of bamboo, hardwood trees, several varieties of macopa, as well as cacao, mabolo, tiesa, chico, caimito, santol, duhat, pomelo, oranges, balimbing, langka, banana and papaya.

Club Balai Isabel strongly believes in doing its part for the environment. Over the years, the resort has initiated change by asking suppliers to stop using plastic during deliveries and using reusable boxes or cartons instead, getting involved in and sponsoring community initiatives on recycling and waste management, and having their own recycling and waste management center that they share with the town of Talisay.

Now, the resort is introducing Balai Organiks — Club Balai Isabel’s very own organic farm.

068 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 069

Going green Balai Organiks is where Club Balai Isabel grows their own vegetables, livestock, and fish that are chemical-free and only using organic wastes. It is anchored to the principles of organic, natural, and sustainable farming. Its design, facilities, crops, products, technologies used, management approach, and overall branding and image are consistent with the principles and advocacies of the resort.

Balai Organiks is all about zero waste and sustainable agriculture. As such, kitchen wastes are turned into compost and concoctions to be used as crop, livestock, and poultry supplement. Microorganisms are used instead of synthetic fertilizers, fish entrails are used to make food supplement for poultry, and poultry entrails are used to feed the fishes.

Balai Organiks also promotes living “back to basics” by employing tapayan with filtration system for water consumption — so that water bottles are not necessary anymore — and using pugon and griller to cook the fresh produce handpicked at the farm.

Balai Organiks’ facilities include vermiculture technology, aquaponics, aquaculture, greenhouse, and different areas concentrated on food processing, potting, and poultry — with concoction, roasting, and native pig areas coming soon. Here, guests can learn about the different processes and systems used in the farm as well as crop production and livestock raising.

With Balai Organiks, Club Balai Isabel not only provides freshly harvested vegetables and organic produce, but also a good family bonding activity for its guests where they can teach their kids about cooking and have a meal together; after all, having a sit-down lunch or dinner with family has always been a Filipino practice that should always be exercised.

070 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 071

There are two packages available for checked-in guests: Package 1 consists of full farm experience, minimum of 20 pax for PHP 950/head; Package 2 consists of cooked farm meal, minimum of 12 pax for PHP 950/head. For day tour guests: Package 1 consists of lunch at the farm, use of facilities and amenities, and one hour at the Aqua Park, minimum of 12 pax for PHP 1,850/head; Package 2 consists of lunch at the farm, and use of facilities and amenities, minimum of 12 pax for PHP 1,550/head.

Sustainable living Apart from going local, Club Balai Isabel aims to eliminate the use of plastics by planning to change from single-use packaging to package-free room amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soap), and encouraging guests to use refillable water containers. The resort also plans on switching to swimming pool salt system to eliminate the use of chlorine and other pool chemicals that have harmful effects on the human skin and the environment.

Furthermore, Club Balai Isabel plans on promoting the use of reusable/refillable water containers, and changing to reusable food take out containers in order to lower carbon footprint.

Club Balai Isabel has also started employing the classification of trash bins for its villas, suites, and cottages. Guests are urged to throw their wastes properly in the dry, wetrecyclable, and wet-biodegradable trash bins.

In return for complying, guests will receive a discount voucher worth PHP 500 or a free pizza coupon.

072 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 073

Travel I Hotels & Resorts

Apo View Hotel 70 Years of Luxury and Heritage Davao’s pride, Apo View Hotel, is celebrating its 70th founding anniversary. The premier hotel not only boasts of first class amenities and stunning views, but also a rich and colorful past that has endeared it to the hearts of Davaoenos.

Seven decades after the hotel first opened its doors, Apo View Hotel commemorates its humble beginnings by looking forward to the future by introducing innovations to meet the demands of the younger generation. Now managed by Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC), one of the country’s largest and fastest growing hotel chains, Apo View wants to accommodate the needs of millennials and other tourists who travel to Davao in search of adventure or relaxation.

074 — ISSUE 60

“Apo View isn’t just a hotel. It’s your second home. Wherever you came from—Manila, Cebu, or overseas, expect that you will be treated well at Apo View. We’ve housed families, companies, big and small groups for reunions, events, and gatherings. Our guests have come back time and again because we offer them security, privacy, and excellent service. We will certainly be around for more decades to come because at Apo View, history is made everyday” said Laurence “Louie” Pena, the new chief operating officer leading the Apo View Hotel team.

Established in 1948, Apo View is the first hotel that was built in Davao City and also the second oldest hotel in the Philippines. It is strategically situated at the heart of the bustling Central Business District (CBD) of Davao City. Its rich history transcended to decades of quality service and unmatched hospitality for travelers.

The Apo View management is working to usher a new age in the lodging industry by modernizing the hotel’s facilities, improving service, and by adding an international flair to the food they offer. Of course, the signature Davao touch will be always be there—a reminder of Apo View’s unique brand of hospitality.

Guests at the hotel are treated to a total cultural experience which highlights the heritage and traditions of Davao. Additionally, having the majestic Mt. Apo as your backdrop makes special occasions truly more memorable.

Access to Davao Attractions As Davao’s most prestigious business hotel, Apo View offers 182 well-appointed rooms that cater to various price points. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, dual-temperature shower, LED TV with cable channels, chiropractic beds and hypoallergenic pillows, room safety deposit boxes and free Wi-Fi connection.

Guests can also take a dip at the hotel pool at the 3rd level. For added convenience, the hotel provides valet service and backup generator systems to ensure constant electricity no matter what.

The weary traveler seeking respite from work or business can take advantage of spa services or in-room massages. Apo View also extends additional services such as travel arrangements, airport transfers, wake-up calls and tour packages to local and foreign tourists.

Because of its strategic location, only 30 minutes from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, and 20 minutes away from Santa Ana Pier Terminal, Apo View is a great jump off point for treks or adventure tours. Famous attractions include the Davao Crocodile Farm, the Philippine Eagle Center and Outland Adventure Park which houses Asia’s Longest Zipline.

ISSUE 60 — 075

First Class Dining Apo View Hotel is also known for its sumptuous food and mouth-watering delicacies. For decades, it has been the goto place for banquets and special occasions because it has mastered both continental fare and Davao specialties.

The Hotel also offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine available at the hotel’s all-day dining buffet restaurant located at the lobby, at Café Josefina, at the Blue Room, and at Davao’s oldest Casino, the Casino Filipino Players Club. Aside from the three restaurants, the hotel also offers a full-service 24-hour in room dining.

Each of the restaurants feature international comfort food classics served in a modern way alongside the best local dishes that Davao City has to offer.

Function rooms can house between 30 and 1,200 guests and are always booked well in advance.

Supporting Davao Tourism Tourism has always been one of Davao’s strengths. Now more than ever, tourists are flocking to Davao to explore nature, immerse in culture and festivities, and see various attractions. The city is expecting an influx of more than 200,000 tourists for the Kadayawan Festival happening on the third week of August.

Apo View Hotel sees the festival as an opportunity for guests to experience Davao’s heritage and traditions as well as the top-notch accommodations offered by the hotel.

See and experience what Davao has to offer. Book your next vacation and stay at Apo View Hotel.

076 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 077

Taste Buds

Monde M.Y. San Taste of Success

Everyone loves biscuits and crackers—they are simple pleasures that make everyday more of a treat. One of the best things about these pastries is their versatility; they can be sweet, savory, or buttery, easily catering to people’s preferred tastes. In the Philippines, a pioneering giant of the biscuit and cracker industry has been delivering oven-fresh, world-class baked goods that makes Filipinos enjoy the snack even more.

Monde M.Y. San is a household name in the country. It has been in the business of baking a wide assortment of crackers and biscuits since 1935. Founded by Mar Chew, he established the Escolta Ice Cream Parlor in Manila with his family and steadily achieved success in the ice cream and bakery business. Soon, it became M.Y. San Biscuits Inc. In 2001, Monde Nissin, a diversified food company controlled by Filipino-Chinese entrepreneur Betty Ang, acquired M.Y. San and renamed it Monde M.Y. San. Monde M.Y. San’s flagship brands are Fita crackers and SkyFlakes crackers—both of which are thoroughly enjoyed by consumers through many generations. Fita is known and loved by Filipinos for its perfectly blended sweet and salty flavor, making it the perfect afternoon snack to munch on. It has other variations like Fita Spreadz Spicy Tuna, Fita Spreadz Bacon, Fita Spreadz Cheese, Fita Spreadz Lemon, Fita Spreadz Chocolate, Fita Spreadz Strawberry, Fita Thinz Original and Fita Thinz Hot & Tangy to bring out the zest in snacking.

SkyFlakes, on the other hand, continues to be the number one undisputed cracker brand in the country since its inception in the 1960’s. Popularly known for its crisp taste and retention of oven-baked freshness, it is the ideal snack to treat hunger pangs and sate appetite between meals. It is the only Filipino cracker brand to merit the superbrands seal for market dominance, consumer trust, customer loyalty, brand longevity, and overall market acceptancy.

People can also enjoy the SkyFlakes many flavors like SkyFlakes Cracker Sandwich Condensada - inspired by the classic Filipino spread condensed milk, SkyFlakes Cracker Sandwich Tsokolate - crackers filled with rich chocolate filling, SkyFlakes Cracker Sandwich Mantikilya, SkyFlakes Cheese - crackers made more exciting with the classic flavor of cheese, SkyFlakes Onion and SkyFlakes Garlic - crackers with an added burst of garlic to spice up the usual snack experience. It also has healthy options for the health conscious: the SkyFlakes Fit Oat Fiber and SkyFlakes Fit Omega-3.

From its humble beginnings as an ice cream parlor, Monde M.Y. San has grown into a snack food giant that brought delectably wholesome baked goods into the new age. Its high standards for quality and use of select ingredients to deliver freshlybaked goodness have earned the company numerous awards and recognition for its brands, as well as the love and preference of Filipinos and even various international markets.

Monde M.Y. San’s constant innovation partnered with relentless quality assurance, driven by state-of-the-art baking facilities and stellar personnel are truly what makes it the most respected and successful cracker and biscuit manufacturer in the Philippines.

writer Ritchel Mendiola

078 — ISSUE 60

ISSUE 60 — 079

Living I Health & Wellness

The Coconut

Proof That Nature Cares Natural based products have always been the healthiest and safest choice for our bodies. Have you ever wondered which natural oil is best on skin according to both science and major-league beauties? For once, there is a common choice…surprisingly, it is from our own humble coconut.

The Miracle Fruit Internationally renowned scientists have hailed coconut as the “Miracle Fruit” due to its unequalled 300+ benefits. On skin, it works on several aspects: protecting, repairing, healing, caring and beautifying.

Hollywood’s Health & Beauty Secret Coconut has earned its now famous moniker as the “it” fruit due to its popularity of use amongst international celebrity A-listers. Here are just a few of them : Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Madonna, JLo, Rihanna, the Kardashians, Giselle Bundchen, Miranda Kerr and the rest of the Victoria Secret models…how much bigger names in beauty can you get?!

The Powerful Coconut Oil Coconut Oil far outnumbers and outweighs the benefits of other popular oils.

Amongst its amazing powers on skin are : Anti-Oxidant (for intense moisture, repair, and healing properties), Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, strengthens skin structure and elasticity, natural deodorizer, and the list goes on. To top it all, these benefits are all skin-friendly, meaning no toxic parabens.

What are Parabens?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives widely used to extend products’ shelf life.

They are linked to cancer, hormone and immune system disruption and other illnesses.

A study found that 99% of breast cancer tissues were paraben-laden. Easily absorbed into skin and blood, parabens are not easily washed away, but can be lessened by heavy sweating. But how many amongst us busy ladies really embark on regular heavy sweating?

080 — ISSUE 60

The Rescue Mission Our very humid climate and fear of looking too shiny and smell like ‘gata’ makes one think twice about using coconut oil daily. A recently launched brand comes to us like a hero—COCOLINE Naturals. Their lotion, body wash and beauty bar soap have captured the amazing powers of virgin coconut oil, mixed with other natural ingredients, to give us the smooth feel and fresh fragrance.

It gives a wonderful softness to the skin and a yummy scent that makes you want to bite it.

Hooray for the Philippines!

With our country being the world’s top producer of coconut oil, it only seems natural that the best beauty products made from it are produced locally as well. With a world-class formulation, products like COCOLINE Naturals makes us proud to compete in the global beauty market.

What about the Whitening fans?

Not to be forgotten, those who want to achieve fairer and younger-looking skin can also enjoy the powers of the coconut.

COCOLINE Naturals Triple Whitening line infuses the wonders of virgin coconut oil with skin lightening capability of papaya, kojic, and vitamin c. Aside from softer skin benefits, it has SPF 10 and provides a matte finish for that all-day fairer look.

ISSUE 60 — 081

Travel I Transportation

Jorivim Transport

Taking you to the Philippines’ best attractions writer Ritchel Mendiola

For the first half of 2018, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has recorded that the foreign visitor arrivals reached an all-time high of 3.7 million. It said tourist arrivals from January to June this year rose by 10.4 percent, compared to the 3.3 million recorded in the same period in 2017.

As the country’s economy continue to rise, so does our tourism growth. Because of this, the call for better transportation systems are expected. Transport is an integral component of tourism as it provides connections between regions and connects attractions, accommodations, and commercial services at destinations. In essence, transport plays an important role in enriching the travel experience of a tourist.

Transport services are always available, growing and improving significantly by the day in order to provide and ensure customer satisfaction and overall pleasant travel experience—JORIVIM Transport is among them.

Family business JORIVIM Transport commenced its operations on January 8, 2000. The Gebanas primarily established the business of transport service in the airport in response to the request of their friends and relatives whose livelihood is in the taxi business. They have actually been in the business since the early 90’s, managing the cooperative transport service and later on grabbing the opportunity to establish its private taxi company before operating JORIVIM Transport.

The name JORIVIM is an abbreviation of the Gebana family members’ names: JO for Jose, RI for Richard, VI for Vic Rey, and M for Michelle.

082 — ISSUE 60

Stellar services Their principal service is to cater the incoming and outgoing influx of passengers—tourists, both locals and foreign; overseas Filipino workers (OFWs); and also balikbayans. They also transformed their property within the airport complex into a compact accommodation place called JORIVIM Apartelle when they saw the necessity of providing room accommodation to transient passengers in the airports.

Having been in the business for 18 years, JORIVIM Transport is confident that it has successfully showed its dedication to its mission and vision—that is, to provide decent jobs and services that will be a reflection of the work of its personnel, thus providing an excellent services to its clientele.

“Through the cooperation of individuals that comprise our company, we believe that we give our best effort to provide good service to our clients. They truly feel the security and convenience of the service we deliver,” said Richard Gebana, President and CEO of JORIVIM Transport.

Love of country Recently, JORIVIM Transport supported and participated in Asian Journal Publications’ Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program as its transport service. LOCA is a 20-day tour around the Philippines that focuses on strengthening Filipino cultural identity, Filipino communities, and building a long-lasting connection with the country.

“Our mission and vision coincides with that of the Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program. We know that reconnecting Filipinos from around the globe to their homeland will prosper economic strength and unity,” Richard said.

“Though far from home, they have expressed their love for the community. It will surely be greater if they revisited their motherland. We can work hand in hand in renewing the connection of global Filipinos to their families and country,” he added.

ISSUE 60 — 083

Features I Balikbayan Journals

A Balikbayan Gets the Ambassador Treatment writer Randolf Arguelles

The last time I was in the Philippines was 14 years ago to attend a family reunion in Cavite. Fourteen years ago, the Golden State Warriors failed to make the NBA playoffs, Donald Trump was a struggling casino owner, Beyoncé was still in Destiny’s Child, and my wife, Marijoy, and I had a two-year-old son, Alex, who tells me he remembers very little of the trip.

Today, things look quite different for the Warriors, Trump, and Beyoncé, and with the birth of our second son, Ethan, 12 years ago, there are now four of us in the family.

Moreover, both boys are now old enough to remember and appreciate family vacations abroad.

We usually vacation in Hawaii, but this year, my father, a retired diplomat with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, suggested we go with him and my mother on the 12th annual Ambassadors’ Tour. I was skeptical at first. The flight from San Francisco to Manila is long, and my Tagalog, which was never great to begin with, is very, very rusty.

Reflecting back on the experience, my whole family now thinks the Ambassadors’ Tour is the best way to experience the Philippines.

The Ambassadors’ Tour is an annual tour to the Philippines co-sponsored by the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Rajah Tours, one of the Philippines’ premier travel agencies.

Anyone can join the tour, though it was expressly designed to draw balikbayans back to the homeland and to encourage U.S.born Filipinos, especially the younger generations, to experience the country of their heritage. The various Philippine consulates across the U.S. and the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C., round up participants from their areas to take part in the tour.

084 — ISSUE 60

Randolf and Marijoy Arguelles with their sons, Alex and Ethan.

The itinerary changes every year. This year, the featured stops on the tour were Cebu and Bohol, bookended by two days in Manila. The accommodations were all five-star hotels: Nobu Hotel in Manila, Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, and either the Hennan Resort or the Bohol Beach Club in Bohol. All ground transportation was provided. Once we signed up for the tour, no planning was necessary on our part because Rajah Tours took care of everything.

Across the entire trip, we only needed beachwear and casual wear, with the exception of the wreath-laying ceremony on the first day in Manila, at the Jose Rizal monument in Rizal Park. For that one day, we wore Filipiniana outfits out of respect for the Philippine national hero. The tour group was joined that day by former President Joseph Estrada, now the mayor of Manila.

There were so many amazing stops on the tour that it is difficult to select just a few to highlight. On the second day of the tour, the first day in Cebu, we visited Magellan’s Cross, a monument that marks the site where Magellan landed in the Philippines and erected a bamboo cross, which is preserved inside another wooden cross, which is itself inside a cupola outside of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565. We visited the store of Kenneth Cobonpue, a world-class furniture designer whose pieces are sought after by the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

We also visited the Pro Food factory, where we saw how dried mangoes and coconut water are manufactured.

The next day we woke up at 5:00 a.m. so that we could take a three-hour bus ride to Oslob. The early rising was completely worth it. In Oslob, we were able to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, which the locals call butanding. It was a remarkable experience — one which all four of us will recall for the rest of our lives. For lunch, we were taken by a bangka (boat) to a nearby resort island for a traditional Filipino meal on the beach. As if we didn’t have enough to eat, our bus stopped by Carcar City on the way back to the hotel so that we could sample some of the local chicharron. For dinner, the approximately 300 of us on the tour were hosted for dinner by the governor of Cebu.

The entertainment for the night included some of the best Filipino cultural dancers we have ever seen.

ISSUE 60 — 085

On day four, we took a fast catamaran ferry from Cebu to Bohol. Our first stop was the tarsier preserve. Tarsiers are the smallest primates in the world. An adult tarsier is the length of the palm of your hand, and the babies are the length of an index finger. After the tarsier forest, we proceeded to the famous “chocolate hills� of Bohol, which are actually limestone hillocks that turn brown in the summer.

But because it was rainy season in the Philippines, they were green when we saw them.

For lunch, we were taken to the Loboc River for a lunch cruise on flat bottom boats. During lunch, we sang karaoke on the boat. It would not be a Filipino gathering without karaoke. At the end of the river, we encountered a floating platform with tinikling dancers and folk singers.

They invited us to dance tinikling with them. Fortunately, they slowed down the tempo of the clacking bamboo poles for us tourists.

On the fifth day, we went to Balicasag Island to go snorkeling and have a picnic lunch. We swam with green sea turtles and hundreds of fish, and we explored a 200foot underwater cliff just off the shore of the island. After lunch, some of us played volleyball and threw around a frisbee with the local kids. We had nothing on the agenda that afternoon, so we enjoyed the pool and the facilities of Hennan Resort.

That evening, the closing dinner for the tour was hosted by the governor of Bohol at a nearby hotel banquet hall. We were entertained by a fantastic band of local teenagers who were learning to play music as part of a poverty-reduction program sponsored by the regional government.

These musicians were professional quality.

It was quite impressive. The evening ended with dancing, complete with DIs (dance instructors).

086 — ISSUE 60

The next morning, we flew back to Manila and returned once again to the Nobu Hotel in the City of Dreams complex. We had one more day to say goodbye to the many friends we made on the Ambassadors’ Tour.

We met families and couples of all ages from all over the U.S. and the Pacific. The Hawaii consulate brought the largest delegation—they even brought a family from French Polynesia. The Philippine Consulate in Guam brought the fourth largest delegation. The mainland consulates and embassy brought families and individuals from San Francisco (third largest delegation), Los Angeles (second largest), San Diego, Houston, New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C..

The ambassador from the Philippines to the United States, His Excellency Jose Manuel Romualdez, headed the Ambassadors’ Tour—hence the name. We were joined on the tour by retired couples, by whole families, by individuals of all ages, from babies to senior citizens. Grandparents, parents, and children—all on the same tour, all enjoying the same unforgettable experience.

We flew back to San Francisco with many pleasant memories and pictures to remember the trip by.

Next year, the Ambassadors’ Tour will likely go to Palawan. Our kids asked us to sign up again for the tour 2019. If you would like to be treated like an ambassador while visiting the Philippines, you should as well!

ISSUE 60 — 087

Travel I Culture

20 Things No One Will Tell You When Visiting Manila writer Bianca Cruz

01 Don’t take a taxi.

When arriving at the airport in Manila, it’s best to book a car ahead instead of hiring a taxi. Taxis have a bad reputation here. A lot of them will refuse to take you where you want to go if it isn’t ideal for them, even if it’s prohibited by law. Another thing that they do is setting a fixed price instead of turning on their meter. I suggest you book a car with your phone. If a taxi is your only option, don’t get in the car unless they agree to turn on their meter and stick to what it says.

02 Traffic is quite terrible.

According to the Boston Consulting Group, Manila has the 3rd worst traffic in the world.

With the overpopulation of cars and people, poor roads and driving etiquette, it’s going to take you a while to get from point A to point B. The bright side is, there are a TON of billboards you can stare at during your commute!

03…And the traffic light is a mere suggestion.

Green means go. Yellow means hurry up. Red means hurry up before a cop sees you!

04 It’s the only country in the world where McDonald’s isn’t number 1.

Legend says that Ronald McDonald visited the Philippines sometime in the 1970’s and got stung by a giant fat bee that simply made better fried chicken.

05 Street kids will go up to you often.

One thing you should know about visiting Manila is there are an abundance of children wandering the streets begging for spare change or food. These kids are usually very sweet and will approach you with a big, bright smile. It is important to know that it’s best to give these children food instead of money.

088 — ISSUE 60

06 Street food has poor hygiene, but it’s delicious.

Manila is home to some of the best and cheapest street food in the world. Street food was never meant to be clean, but it is always delicious. You can find street food in Manila almost everywhere. You can get your hands on skewers, fruits, pastries, frozen treats, and much more!

07 Balut is not that bad.

I don’t care what you’ve heard, Balut tastes amazing! It isn’t the prettiest thing in the world, but you just have to close your eyes.

Trust me on this one, you won’t regret it.

08 Small, family owned bakeries are a must-try.

All over Manila, you will find small family owned bakeries that have a large and eye catching selection of bread. Do not just simply pass these by, ask the baker for their best sellers and I’m sure these are carbs you won’t regret!

09 There are hair and nail salons everywhere!

Want to treat your self to a hair treatment or a manicure? You don’t have to look too hard or spend too much. You can find these services all over Manila since Filipinos are obsessed with having good hair.

10 Public transportation isn’t the best.

It’s no secret that public transportation in the Philippines isn’t the best in the world. In fact, commuting here can be quite hectic. Expect long lines and delayed pick up times. Over here, a train could break down and it isn’t even big news anymore. But, hey! I bet walking on the railway to the next station will be the ultimate local experience!

ISSUE 60 — 089

11…And they keep buses and trains freezing cold!

If there is one thing you need to know about Filipinos, it’s that we love the AC! Manila can be hot, which explains why locals flood the malls to get a little bit of cool air. On trains and buses, drivers put the AC on full blast! Need to bring an ice cream cake to your friend’s birthday? Ride the bus.

12 The shopping malls are HUGE! Manila is home to some huge shopping malls, including the biggest one in Southeast Asia (which even has an Olympic sized skating rink!). Filipinos are big consumers and they make sure that there is much more to do in a mall than shop and dine.

13 Karaoke is a national sport.

Okay, it’s not exactly a sport, but we take karaoke very seriously. In a party or any special event, you can count on the karaoke machine to make it ten times more awesome. There are also karaoke bars all over Manila wherein you and your friends can get privacy in your own booth and sing your guts out!

14 It’s a mecca for whitening products.

If there’s one thing you’ll notice going into a supermarket or drugstore, it’s that there are whitening products everywhere. You can find everything from lotions to creams for almost any part of your body, like your armpits and bikini area. Although this is one negative effect of colonial mentality, it’s still quite interesting to see the huge aisle of whitening products.

15 Full body massages are dirt-cheap.

Imagine being able to afford a full-body massage every week… No, don’t imagine.

Just come to the Philippines.

16 Expect slow Internet.

In 2017 the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DITC) admitted that Manila is home to the slowest Internet in Asia, but is also the most expensive.

17…but it’s still the selfie capital of the world!

In 2017, TIME Magazine labeled Manila as the selfie capital of the world. Even with the slow internet, we, the Filipino people, all know that you should believe in your selfie.

090 — ISSUE 60

18 Mostly everyone can speak basic English.

Unlike our Southeast Asian neighbors, like, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in translation. Most of the people here know at least basic English. There is no doubt that you can strike up good conversations with the locals and won’t have any issues asking for directions or recommendations.

19 It has a large and fun expat community.

Well-organized pool parties, beach trips, club and bar meet-ups, these are the things that you should look forward to when being an expat or foreigner in Manila.

20 Filipinos are the nicest people in the world.

Manila isn’t the prettiest place on the planet and it isn’t the easiest area to live in or navigate. The reason why people all over the world come back time and time again is the people.

Filipinos will never fail to welcome you with a big smile and make you feel like you’re home, even when you’re a thousand miles away.

ISSUE 60 — 091

Lifestyle I Culture

Why Filipinos Can’t Give Up Their Rice writer Jennifer Soriano

Filipinos are undeniably rice-eating people. We don’t consider something a full meal unless there’s rice on it. Restaurants in the Philippines offer unlimited rice promos to attract customers. There are other alternative staples picked up by average Filipinos such as noodles and pandesal, a quintessential bread roll in the Philippines. But still, rice is the ideal choice of the average Filipino.

No matter how many times our parents, doctors, and policy-makers tell us how too much eating of rice (polished) can be harmful to our health, they simply can’t make us give up on our rice. As a staple food, rice has its political, cultural and historical significance for us Filipinos.

Rice legend in the Philippines —it’s a part of our culture Rice symbolizes prosperity and good luck for the Filipinos. Just look at our traditions—we throw rice grains at newlywed couples and we provide rice to a newly built home before moving in as a way to appease spirits, to name a few.

Further, there is also a book entitled Alamat ng Palay , published by Adarna House ,which talks about the legend of the rice in the Philippines. The story is about a man and his family from a long time ago who rely exclusively on hunting and gathering to survive. Until one bad hunting day , the rice whispered the man instructions how to plant them so that they may not rely for hunting to be fed. The man did as instructed—he made a farm and planted the rice and learned how to take care of his rice fields. Eventually, he taught the other people about farming so that they too, will need not go from place to place to hunt for food. The theme revolves around the importance of rice and how God gave it as a gift to Filipinos for them to fight hunger.

Historical narratives to the present —it’s part of our history In a paper published by Filomeno V. Aguilar for the Philippine Institute for Development Studies in 2008, he cited research papers discussing that rice harvesting was a religious ritual, especially for the Cordillerans.

It was discussed how rice was initially not considered the Filipinos staple food back then since rice was scarcely produced , thus labeling it as a “prestige food”. It was served especially during festive occasions, which entailed spiritual rituals. Archaeological finds show that rice was once the food of the

092 — ISSUE 60

higher member of the tribe, and were given as a homage to the tribal chiefs.

Before rice, staple food in the Philippines were mainly root crops like yam and taro and millet, a fast-growing cereal plant that is widely grown in warm countries and regions with poor soils. According to the studies of Aguilar, rice was an indication of social, ecological, and geographic differentiation and was highly valued and desired, but was not considered staple food.

Fast forward to the Spanish colonization, plow technology was introduced to the Philippines by the Spanish. Amidst the development in farming methods, rice was made available all year long and was made available, not just for the elites, but also for the non-elites, thus, the start of rice being as the Filipinos’ staple food. From 1830-1870, export agriculture started due to the surplus in rice production.

With the stability in rice production, the Spaniards took interest in cultivating other crops, which means lesser spaces for rice farming. Through time, infestations and calamities weakened rice production. It was believed that rice technologies were insufficient to support growing population. This resulted to steady rice imports from 1870 onwards. Due to rice shortage during the World War II, the Filipinos relied on root crops to prevent hunger, however, there were not considered as “real food”, as they have assimilated rice as a real meal The 1960s marked a higher yield in the country’s annual rice production with the expansion of irrigation and the formation of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

The institute developed IR8,which aided in producing higher yields compared to the traditional cultivars. From 3.7 rice production surged to 7.7 million tons within two decades. This made the country the top rice exporter again. However, the development made another problem—IR8 required heavy use of pesticides, thus dwindling the population of frogs and fish specie by the 1970s.

While the 1960s saw a rice production sustainability, drought and economic problems hit the 1980s, thus the need to go into rice importing again.

In the 1990s, El Niño phenomenon hit the country, which then led to the importation of approximately 400,000 tons of rice. In 2010, Philippines was considered the top importer of rice, with a whooping 2,600 tons of rice imported. To date, the Philippines remains among the world’s biggest rice importers.

Rice, a political commodity In the most recent data of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), rice is considered the most common food item with 93.39 percent of households reporting its consumption. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) indicates that Filipinos, regardless of income bracket, remained to spend more on rice than any other food.

Time and again, with the Filipinos constant big consumption of rice, particularly the polished white rice, nutrition experts have advised Filipinos to diversify their food to be healthier. A politician has even suggested to ban unlimited rice and shift to other healthier options like vegetables, while the agriculture department is campaigning the consumption of brown rice, as a healthier alternative and as a means to boost rice self sufficiency and food security. However, a sad reality prevents the average Filipino to shift to this kind of diet: the higher market price of these so-called healthier options compared to polished white rice.

The basic law of supply and demand tells that because demand for brown rice is low, the price has become high. A bigger demand, thus, is the key to lower the cost of brown rice and make it accessible to more Filipinos.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) has been doing their efforts to promote the consumption of brown rice such as tapping local governments to issue ordinances and resolutions that will support the advocacy and reaching out to farmer groups to produce brown rice and sell it at reasonable price.

In conclusion, with all these cultural, historical and political significance of rice, we can say that Filipinos can’t or even never give up eating their moundful of delicious rice. Ethnographers say a culture of any kind works best and stand the test of time if it is well adapted to local conditions. In this case, it is not whether we should give up eating rice per se, but instead, it is a matter of supporting a healthier and sustainable alternative that entails a win-win solution to the general problem of malnutrition and food insecurity. The government’s advocacy for Filipinos to shift to consuming brown rice instead of the polished white rice, is promising. We are getting there—we just need to combine forces—the government, private establishments, farmers, and consumers, in the pursuit of this cultural sustainability.

ISSUE 60 — 093

Living I Self-Improvement

What to include in your emergency survival kit writer Jennifer Soriano

Disasters strike and it usually comes with little, or worse, no warning at all. When there’s no electricity and roads are impassable due to natural calamities like bad weather and earthquake, for example, it may take days for emergency help to reach your home.

For a disaster-prone Philippines, an emergency survival kit may be your determining factor between life and death in such crucial situations.Putting together an emergency survival kit is easy so you shouldn’t have an excuse for not preparing one.

The month of July is the National Disaster Consciousness month in the Philippines, for those who haven’t prepared their emergency kits yet, now is the right time. Emergency kits should contain the following items:

094 — ISSUE 60

Bottled water. Have enough potable water for you and your family for at least three days.

Experts say depending on health and body size, it’s estimated that a healthy person can last between 30 and 40 days without eating, while a person, on the average, can survive only for three days without water.

Food. Look for food that can be eaten with minimal preparation like canned goods and high-protein biscuits. Don’t stock up on salty or food with strong flavors as these will require you to drink more water.

First aid kit. The kit should contain the following, at the very least: Band-Aids, alcohol,, antacids, anti-allergy meds, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and other prescription drugs that you or a family member may need.

Swiss Army knife. This handy tool contains a separate knife, can opener, bottle opener, screwdriver, and a pair of scissor, making it an indispensable companion for outdoor and survival situations.

Clothes. During storms or floods, you might get wet. Getting soaked on your wet clothes will make you catch a cold. Include a thermal wear to keep you warm during the storm.

Flashlight and batteries. Chances are, the power will be out, so bring flashlight and extra batteries. Candles and waterproof matches are helpful, just in case you run out of batteries.

Toiletries. This is particularly important for women and children. Aside from the usual soap, toothpaste and tissue paper, bring a lot of sanitary napkins and diapers.

Large garbage bags. This is where you can place all of your items. Bring extra ones for trash and for emergency situations.

Umbrella. If you’re stuck in your rooftop or any open ground, this will shield you from the rain.

Fully-charged mobile phone. It’s a very useful tool in asking for help from the media and the authorities, although network problems are expected during typhoons and strong earthquakes.

Whistle. This is effective in calling attention to yourself, making it easier for rescuers to locate you. If you don’t have one, just bring anything that can create a loud sound.

Battery-powered radio. Listening to the news will keep you updated about the rescue operations. This device too, can help you to find a safe ground. Make sure that you bring a lot of batteries, though.

Cash. In time of extreme disasters, you may not know when you’ll get access to a commercial establishment. However, it would give you an advantage to keep a few cash with you.

Local map. When all your digital gadgets and internet connection fail, this will be your no-fail geographical guide.

ISSUE 60 — 095

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

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 VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2

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

US$ 5.00•PHP 150.00

096 — ISSUE 60

5 HOT SPOTS FOR A HEALTHY RECOVERY

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

Eastwood City

A pioneering township and the country’s first cyberpark

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

1

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

9

772012 458001 >

JUNE / JULY 2015

JUNE / JULY 2015

Special in-Depth Feature: phinma property holDingS corporation

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

1

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

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

THE FORECAST: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL, BUT FOR EVERYONE

PHILIPPINES

Issue 48, Volume VII

Issue 49, Volume VII

APRIL & MAY 2016

JUNE & JULY 2016

Where luxury meets serenity

ESSENCE OF PLACE SOUL SEARCHING: BALAY SAN JOSE

KEEPING A JOURNAL LABOR POLICY AS FOREIGN POLICY

GREAT GETAWAYS traversInG the phIlIppIne CountrysIDe

OUTLOOK

NEWSMAKERS

1

3

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

TABLE FOR TWO

HEALTH eXerCIse toGether, stay toGether

1

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

CALLAO CAVE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

GUIDEBOOK

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

TECHNOLOGY

Where to CeleBrate valentIne’s Day

ADVENTURE

THE pERFECT GETAWAY

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

one-on-one WIth MIss unIverse, pIa WurtZBaCh

ISABELA, STA. MARIA: THE STAR OF THE NORTH

WHAT TO PACK

TECHNOLOGY ARE WE MOVING FORWARD OR STANDING STILL?

MarKetInG to the MoDern fIlIpIno noW ConneCtInG: free WI-fI natIonWIDe

COVER

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

another upGraDe for the phIlIppIne eConoMy

INFRASTRUCTURE

DISCOVERY

INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING THERE

CULTURE MALASIMBO: OF NATURE, MUSIC, & ARTS

3

1

AMAZING GETAWAYS 01 SHANGRI-LA, THE FORT 02 SHANGRI-LA, MACTAN

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

BATANES PORTFOLIO

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

BALIKBAYANS+FRANCHISING: THE BUSINESS OWNER

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS RETIREMENT, MORE FUN IN THE pHILIppINES

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

EXECUTIVE’S DESK RALpH SANTOS AND THE CASHLESS SOCIETY BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

1

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

Issue 55, Volume VIII I June & July 2017

APRIL & MAY 2017

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2016

PHILIPPINES

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

BUSINESS

AMAZING ESCAPES

How to balance work and summer vacation as a family.

LIMA PARK HOTEL: REVEL IN EVERYTHING LUXURIOUS

GREAT ESCAPES 8 Things To Do In Davao DISCOVERY 72 Hours In Batanes PORTFOLIO Lombard By The Bay, The Next Big Thing In The Philippines THE ECONOMY A Tribute To Filipino Workers LEADERS Norman Agatep WINE & DINE 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

1

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

OUTLOOK

MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE

THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS, AND THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

TRAVELER 24 MUST DO’S FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2017 BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

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

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

Issue 57, Volume VIII I November-January 2018

PHILIPPINES

LEADERS

A Conversation with Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas

1

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

Q&A Pocholo Paragas, COO & GM of TIEZA CULTURE Religious Tourism on Limelight THE NATION The First PH Subway System FASHION Rene Salud BUSINESS Social Media Trends for 2018 HISTORY How Do Filipinos Celebrate Christmas?

AMAZING ESCAPES Club Balai Isabel

ON THE COVER

Montemaria, Batangas, the Philippines

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

BREATHTAKING WEDDING DES TINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (AND THE ICONIC CHURCHES TO GET 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 the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines.

56 — 01

01 — ISSUE 58 the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

BB COVER NOV-JAN 2018 REV 2.indd 1

ISSUE 58 — 01

12/20/17 2:45 PM

PHILIPPINES

Subscribe today and receive 4 issues per year for $40. For inquiries, email Info@AsianJournalinc.com or visit BalikbayanMagazine.com.

THE ECONOMY #NEWPHILIPPINES & THE MODERN LANDSCAPE 01 — ISSUE 55

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.

ISSUE 55 — 01

THE QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON THE RISE OF THE PHILIPPINES ISSUE 60 — 097

FOR FILIPINO COMMUNITIES 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 098 — ISSUE 60

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

PHILIPPINES

60 C ountries . 101 C ities .

-

As part of our continued mission to connect International Filipinos with travel, investment, and lifestyle insights and analysis in the Philippines, Balikbayan Magazine is available for your reading pleasure at 101 local and foreign Philippine embassies, consulates, offices, and outposts through a collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

ISSUE 60 — 099

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

60 0100 — ISSUE LombardByTheBay.com

I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com I Philippines +632-856-1661