Balikbayan Magazine October-November 2011 Vol.2 No.10

THE ASIAN JOURNAL MAGAZINE

october - november 2011

5 must see

mega manila havens

the black eyed peas take on manila

Volume II number 10

once on this palawan

regina lopez & pasig river

fritz friedman: the road to hollywood

a conversation with the umali brothers: governor “boy” umali & congressman “rey” umali

Destination batangas city& oriental mindoro

US$ 5.00•PHP 150.00

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Publisher & CEO Roger L. Oriel

Table of

President & Co-Publisher Cora M. Oriel

CONTENTS

Vice President for Business Development Raphael John C. Oriel Editor in Chief Lito Ocampo Cruz

ISSUE NUMBER 21 / OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2011

Managing Editor Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe Associate Editor Danielle Clara Dandan Creative Director & Photographer Raphael John C. Oriel Editorial Assistants Kristine Bernadeth Manaog Rowena Mara Diocton

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Travel

Contributing Editors Ruben Nepales, Prosy dela Cruz, Cynthia de Castro, Rachel Estuar, Janet Nepales, Rene Luis Mata

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Essence of Place

Destinations

Contributing Writers Christina M. Oriel, Jose Victor Torres Contributing Photographers Christina M. Oriel, Alvin John Adriano Hydee Ursolino Abraham, Andy Tecson Team of Writers Billy dela Cruz, Julie Matienzo Senior Graphic Designer Richard Erpilo

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Leaders

History

Team of Graphic Designers Bienvenida Salazar, Valory Lim Kendrick Tan, Joyce Balansag Alvin John Adriano Vice President for Advertising Noel Godinez Vice President for Sales Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro Vice President for Circulation & Special Events, Philippines Vince Samson Circulation & Special Events Director, USA Ed Ferrer Circulation Manager Arthur Sibulangcao

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Philanthropy Printed in the Philippines. Distributed in the Philippines for newly arrived balikbayans at Duty Free Philippines, as well as at select hotels, resorts, restaurants and cafes and major bookstores and magazine distributors. Circulated at special events and through subscription in the United States of America.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage of retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. regrets that no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material, which will be returned only if stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed.

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Arts

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Entertainment

Accounting Managers Ria Fabro, Gemma Fabro Balikbayan Magazine is published

by Asian Journal Publications, Inc. 2/F Units D&E Fort Palm Spring Cond., 30th Street, cor. 1st Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1200 Philippines Tel. (632) 856–4921

USA Advertising Offices Los Angeles 1150 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90017-1904. • Tel. (213) 250–9797 San Francisco 841 San Bruno Avenue West Ste. 12-14 San Bruno, CA 94066 • Tel. (650) 583–6818 New York 5 Penn Plaza, Ste. 1932 New York, NY 10001 • Tel. (212) 655–5426 New Jersey 2500 Plaza Five, Harborside Financial Center Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (201) 484–7249 Las Vegas 3700 W. Desert Inn Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Tel. (702) 792–6678

Website www.balikbayanmagazine.com Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/balikbayanmagazine Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/balikbayanmag For subscriptions, email subscription@asianjournalinc.com

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ISSUE No

21

kEEPING A JOURNAL

FiNdiNg Our Way baCk

By Roger L. Oriel, Publisher Asian Journal Publications, Inc.

T

“ LOVE OF COUNTRY IS BACK IN ST YLE ” has emanated through the pages of Balikbayan Magazine since its inception in 2009. This past summer I had the opportunity to see the Philippines through the lens of different travel companions – three of my five children: Raphael John, a graduate of the University of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA, Christina, a sophomore at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Carina, an 8th grader at Archer School for Girls in Brentwood, CA. Though they have made frequent trips to the Philippines when they were much younger, some uncertainties arose prior to our trip, such as the possibilities of experiencing culture shock and bouts of homesickness. However, as time progressed, I was glad to observe them taking the initiative to immerse themselves in the local culture and customs, to the extent of requesting that they only be spoken to and converse in Tagalog. It was during this trip that I began to rethink the true meaning of “love of country.”

Upon exiting Ninoy Aquino International Airport, exposure to the bustling streets of Metro Manila is inevitable. It is a characteristic of the city that we sometimes find ourselves griping about; however, what we fail to acknowledge is that this congestion is a defining quality evident in every major metropolis across the globe. For every flaw we dwell on – traffic, pollution, and overpopulation, among others – several compensating attributes we tend to overlook exist. To love one’s country means we must be its goodwill ambassadors, not its main detractors. We can start by promoting the natural environment that cannot be found elsewhere, highlighting the world-renowned hospitality of our people, and encouraging Filipinos overseas and non-Filipinos alike to revisit and explore business opportunities found in our own country.

There is no concrete definition or one way to manifest devotion to a country. It is this care and affection that compels us to travel to sights seen in the past and learn about our ancestry. As parents and the primary teachers of our children, an interest in family heritage 4 pages.indd 4

HE TAGLINE

whether through integrating traditional Filipino dishes into meals or being their tour guide on a trip to the Philippines. I encourage you to share a journey back home with your children and grandchildren. It will be an enriching experience during which you can reconnect with your roots and even, like myself, view the country through a refreshing perspective.

In this issue, we recognize Filipinos who exemplify love for one’s country. We feature Fritz Friedman, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Publicity at Sony Pictures Entertainment, who paid homage to his heritage by championing the plights of Filipino WWII Veterans who fought alongside their American allies, but were stripped of their benefits through the Rescission Act of 1946. This Hollywood bigwig shows that he continues to stay true to his roots. Also featured is Gina Lopez, managing director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., t h e philanthropic arm of media titan ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. Here she shares her current mission to clean up the Pasig River, an endeavor that will take some time but has already exhibited signs of progress. She defies all odds and breaks through barriers with her philanthropic works by providing a better life for Filipino children and preserving the environment for future generations to enjoy.

Thinking about one’s love for country also propagates walks down memory lane. A lot of balikbayans return to the Philippines to attend milestone high school and college reunions. Personally, I was able to reconnect with my high school and college batchmates, some of whom I have not seen for more than thirty years. It is amazing how we grew separately, yet immediately picked up where we left off. During these gatherings with classmates, retirement was already a topic of discussion. The rise of real estate developments throughout the country has made it easier to retire or semi-retire here (meaning, living half of the year abroad and the other half in the Philippines). A recent Wall Street Journal article validates that real estate is booming in the Philippines, as a spate of new construction signals.

With the economy expanding at 7%, its highest rate in three decades, and with remittances from more than 10 million overseas Filipinos expected to increase 7% in 2011, demand for new homes is strong and investment opportunities are abundant.

A quotation by the late Pulitzer Prize winning journalist John Ed Pearce succinctly captured a shared sentiment amongst us who made a new home for ourselves elsewhere in our youth, “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”

As we advance in years, we discover ourselves finding our way back to the Philippines.

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1. BAGUIO FUSION OF FOOD & ARTS

2. MANILA CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Enjoy the cold breeze in the City of Pines while indulging to its rich arts and food. Start your day right at Café by the Ruins - a once garden theater and home of the first civil governor. Explore Filipino artistry through BenCab Museum that features the works of national artist, Benedicto Cabrera. Visit Oh My Gulay restaurant owned by artist Eric de Guia a.k.a. Kidlat Tahimik at Session Road; a vegie restaurant that has an interesting unstructured design and mismatched decors. Another art space and vegie fine dining is Bliss Café and experience the ‘bliss’ through their art exhibits, art films and meditations.

One of the busiest cities, Manila has the best people, big shopping malls and eclectic nightlife. Manila is the best hub to party, shop and dine. The colorful city is the home of the Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls in the world and the venue for the country’s biggest events and concert.

Hotels, casinos, bars, and restaurants are abundant in the districts of Ermita and Malate. Historical churches like San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral and Asia’s only all-steel basilica San Sebastian Chruch also stand proud in the city.

Travel Guide

Pack 5 mega your manila bags& enjoy havens 8 pages.indd 8

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3. ORIENTAL MINDORO THE NEXT BEST ALTERNATIVE

4. PALAWAN ISLAND OF THE GODS

Home of beaches and waterfalls, Oriental Mindoro is a paradise not known too many. Besides the famed Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro has alternative beaches and falls to explore to. Pandan Island is a 30-hectare islet surrounded by white sand. The town of Bulalacao has 13 beautiful tiny islands that is composed of islets, white beaches, falls, diving sites and virgin forests perfect for those who want to have an adventure. On the other hand, Tamaraw falls in San Theodoro is a series of tiny falls connecting to a main waterfall that is flowing down to the waterbed below.

Blessed with a rich biodiversity, no wonder why Palawan is called “Island of gods.” The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the world’s exotic animals.

Coron has the best under water sceneries. The World War II shipwrecks are only found here and its untouched water is an aquatic paradise. El Nido offers crystal clear water and wonderful dive spots. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a cave with an underground river coming directly from the sea.

5. BATANGAS CITY HISTORY NEAR THE METRO Short-listed as the next liveable city in the world this year, Batangas City is one of the fastest urban communities while preserving the history encrypted to its name. The 120-year-old house of the AcostaPastor family preserved the original capiz window, persiana, old photos, achtay bed and karwajes. On the other hand, Batangas City has its own church museum that houses precious relics, statues and centuryold books. The “Basilica Minor” of the Infant Jesus and Imaculada Conception still models the original Renaissance façade architecture.

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TRAVEL GUIDE / HOTELS

MICROTEL INN&SUITES AJ PRESS

Since 1989, Microtel Inns and Suites have provided consumers with the best value for their money. As one of the fastest growing hotel franchise brands, it has already established more than 300 hotels in the world, including nine in the country. Standing firm in their vision of giving the best service possible, it’s no wonder why J.D. Power and Associates have ranked it highest in guest sat-

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isfaction for guest service among economy hotels for unprecedented ten consecutive years now. With proven track record and sustainable growth, Microtel Philippines provides travelers with high quality accommodations with a minimum cost in tourist destinations like Batangas and Cavite. It offers the public the same country charm-feel and amenities just like in any Microtel in the world.

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Microtel Inn & Suites Cavite Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Amadeo Road, General Trias, Cavite 4107, Philippines Tel: (63.46) 509.3333 Fax: (63.46) 509.1111 Mobile: (63.917) 551.7878 Email: eagleridge@microtel.ph Website: www.microtel-cavite.com

Microtel Cavite

The scenic trip on the way to Microtel Inn & Suites Cavite brought us one picturesque town after another. From Kawit, is another historic barangay known today as Tejeros, where the Katipunan once convened to form the Philippine government. Looking at real estate developments by the window will keep your eyes busy despite of the long drive. If you have been watching Sharon Cuneta’s The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition, you have probably seen the rolling hills and fairways of this vast golfing mecca in General Trias, Cavite, named Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club. The real gem of the place, however, is the one that welcomes visitors and members alike as they enter the premises. The quaint country inspired Microtel Inn & Suites along Amadeo Road greets guests with laid back atmosphere, signaled by the signature peach of the hotel’s exteriors. It is also attached to the astounding Eagle Ridge that gives guests the access to visit the place.

The tour begins with the Sports Complex -- where a whole gamut of

sports facilities offers visitors a truly exciting and physically challenging stay. For indoor activities, one may opt to play basketball or even tennis in the club’s well-maintained courts. Fitness buffs may also make up for lost “getting-fit” time with the club’s gym facilities. The swimming pool at the back of the sports complex is always an inviting sight for people young and old. Walking further, one could also visit a very busy bowling and billiards section, where regular tournaments are held. Also, Microtel Inn & Suites in Cavite is practically a stone’s throw away from Tagaytay City. Being so, it’s also near the various Cavite towns that surround scenic cliffs —Amadeo, the coffee town and home to the Sanghiyang live coal dancing; Silang, an agroindustrial zone; and two bustling cities, Dasmariñas in the East, and Trece Martires in the West. Gen Trias is now easily accessed by way of the newly opened Manila-Cavite Expressway, which runs from the Coastal Road onto the Kawit, the Philippine Independence town.

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TRAVEL GUIDE / HOTELS

Microtel Inn & Suites Batangas First Philippine Industrial Park Sto. Tomas, Batangas 4234, Philippines Tel (63.43) 405.6957 Fax (63.43) 405.7010 Mobile (63.917) 823.9058 Email sto.tomas@microtel.ph Website www.microtel-batangas.com

Many people truly enjoy the breathtaking views in Microtel.

Cavite, and if one is excited for a road trip to see more scenery, then the nearby Batangas province is an added pleasure. Microtel's installation in Batangas provides a setting that marries the province's rural views with its rapid urban developments.

The drive to the business and family hotel was relatively quick, as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Star Toll made it easy to arrive in an hour. Another reason for the short trip was how easy it was to find Microtel Batangas. Signs were almost present at each block and stoplight, and its prominent yellow structure standing on the First Philippine Industrial Park will surely catch your eyes.

The hotel expanded to 78 rooms in 2008 due to dramatically increasing demands. In fact, the hotel stayed resilient even during and after the global economic crunch. What’s more impressive is that Microtel Batangas bagged the Community Relations Award in 2009, and bested other Microtel hotels all over the world.Among the hotel’s amenities include a garden and pool. Microtel Batangas also offers venues for sports events and activities like basketball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, volleyball and even darts. Parking areas are also guaranteed, given the ample spaces available all-day long. Seminars,

meetings or conferences can be held at Microtel, as their function room is fit to serve up to 50 people. They also provide guests with overflowing coffee in the lobby. To push the meaning of hospitality to a higher lever, Microtel also has packages and personalized trips to offer. One is a special Enchanted Kingdom weekend package for four people for only P4,500 (inclusive of breakfast). They are also more than willing to craft for you your personalized trips to just about every popular destination around the province like Villa Escudero, Taal Lake and San Juan Beach.

All Microtel rooms, whether it is single, double or suite, are also furnished with Queen-sized beds that meet the American Chiropractic Association standards, cable television, multi-function telephone system with IDD and NDD, WiFi ready data port, full size bathrooms with hot and cold water, built-in desk and furniture. All rooms are also equipped with fully automated fire safety system and key card entry system for security and safety purposes. For a Suite room, guests enjoy additional amenities such as Queen sofa sleeper, refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave oven, kitchen counter with sink and bath tub.

Surely, any one who visits these places and stays at any Microtel will have a great time.

Microtelbatangas

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MicrotelMallofasia The (affordable) life of the rich and famous.

As the biggest, and probably the grandest, Microtel property in the country; Microtel Mall of Asia (MOA) has a lot in store for all types of guests.

The 12-storey hotel, the tallest of all Microtel chains in the world, has been accommodating guests in 150 luxurious rooms since its inauguration in December 2010. Equipped with Suites, Double City View and Double Sunset View rooms, Microtel MOA is a sought-after hotel all throughout the year.

Just like most of its fellow Microtel properties in the Philippines, Microtel MOA has no lean seasons, thanks to corporate people and balikbayans flocking the hotel every now and then. And because of its proximity to SMX Convention Center, World Trade Center and Manila Bay, Microtel MOA is usually fully-booked during conventions, concerts and events.

In fact, just recently, fans all over the country and other parts of Asia dashed to save a room at the hotel to watch international pop star Justin Bieber live at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Microtel MOA’s roof deck, which also holds the 5-feet-deep swimming pool, is the best place to witness the weekly grand fireworks display of SM every Friday and Pyro Olympics which will be held on February 12, 19, 26 and March 5 and 12 at the Manila Bay. High entrance fees, visitors could opt to pay for a room instead. For approximately P6, 000 per night, guests could be assured to have one of the best viewing spots for the famous firework competition around.

That rate is already inclusive of a sumptuous breakfast for two and free use of the swimming pool.

The rooms, of course, are of very high standards as they measure up to the international requirements for all Microtel chains all over the world.

The best thing about the rooms is the bay view that guests could enjoy.

In five years time, the rooms at the other side of the hotel could enjoy the ecstatic and Las Vegas-like view of the planned PAGCOR City just a few steps away.

But since the space is limited, Microtel MOA staff assures that the room and restaurant guests get the most convenient parking areas.

For guests who wish to attend the Catholic mass, the Shrine of Jesus is just a walk away from the hotel.

The hotel holds events like debuts, weddings, birthdays, reunions and corporate conventions in the over 200-seater function room at the second floor.

Located directly by the 4th largest mall in the world and a very quick drive away to the seafood stretch of the Macapagal Seaside Boulevard, Microtel MOA offers the convenience of a sumptuous array of food choices at Millie’s Restaurant.

Named after Microtel’s President and CEO Jose Mari del Rosario’s late mother Millie, The Millie’s Restaurant at the lobby of the hotel offers some of the best-tasting food in the metro. Try their pastas and grilled shrimps, as they are popular among guests. Their classic Tiramisu is a hit as well.

The menu for drinks is also remarkably unique. From orange-ginger shake to a wide collection of imported wines, your meal could never taste wrong. You could also ask the well-trained staff to help you figure out the best food and drink combinations that will suit your mood.

For inquiries and reservation for Microtel Mall of Asia, call tel. no. (63.2) 403.333, mobile no. (63.917) 590.5914, fax (63.2) 659.4226 or e-mail mallofasia@microtel.ph or visit their website www.microtel-manila.com.

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Microtel Puerto Princesa

If finding that perfect beach where one can relax in his/her own peaceful nook is a requirement, then anyone will be awed with what Northern Luzon’s Palawan province has to offer.

In the past few years, Puerto Princesa has gained ground by becoming one of the hottest tourist spots in the country. Its Underground River, said to be the longest underground river in the world, clinched a spot as one of the 28 finalists in the “New 7 Wonders of the World” search.

Puerto Princesa’s Mayor Edward Hagedorn has been very active in promoting tourism. Now, Puerto Princesa has become such an indemand tourist spot both with domestic and international tourists that the 50 rooms at the hotel are often on fully booked status all year round.

Located at Emerald Playa Beach and Nature Park in San Jose.

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guests can relax or engage in exhilarating water sports at the beach.

Microtel Puerto Princesa is only hotel in Puerto Princesa with a beachfront, spacious and cozy accommodations and excellent service – at very affordable rates. Indeed, guests would surely feel they have captured a truly wonderful vacation experience at Puerto Princesa.

The hotel also offers tour packages that can be tailor-fitted to the guests’ schedules or preferences. These include tours such as the Underground River, Honda Bay Island-hopping, and half-day City tours. For the adventure-seekers, there’s Dolphin-watching, whaleshark-watching, firefly-watching, Ugong Rock spelunking and zipline, and the Irawan Eco-park.

Surely, any one who visits these places and stays at any Microtel will have a great time.

Microtel Inn & Suites, Puerto Princesa The Emerald Playa Beach & Nature Park San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Tel (63.48) 7230977 Fax (63.45) 985.1975 Mobile (63.906) 518.3282 Email puertoprincesa@microtel.ph 9/28/11 3:41 PM

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TRAVEL GUIDE / HOTELS

Experience Filipino Traditions at The

Mabuhay Manor

Ever heard of a Balikbayan Hotel? In case you haven’t, then The Mabuhay Manor should give you an idea. As the first balikbayan hotel in the Country, The Mabuhay Manor brings back all the great Filipino Traditions for the balikbayan to enjoy.

Since they have been away from the country for so long, they would definitely want to relieve those practices and culinary delights that they have missed. The Mabuhay Manor is so designed as to be as balikbayan-friendly as it can, from its cuisine to its rooms.

No new guest can get past the door without a welcome drink in the form of sago’t gulaman. As soon as he enters the festive Mabuhay Manor, everything Filipino is displayed and ready to be enjoyed. There are sungka and dama boards at the lobby, games seldom played nowadays.

From here on, the balikbayan guest can choose from Mabuhay Manor’s abundant list of things to do.

“Usually, a balikbayan can afford to stay in a five-star hotel but the thing is, they are all the same. At The Mabuhay Manor, we celebrate the Filipino spirit. We offer stuff you won’t find in any other hotel,” says Dennis Sebastian, the hotel’s property manager.

Sebastian is referring to among others, the hotel’s unique menu that includes balut and iced candy. Yes, balut, that love-it-or-hate-it delicacy made of fertilized duck egg. He explains, “We have a resident balut vendor—actually a staff dressed up as one—who goes around the hallways shouting ‘Balut!’ every 30 minutes, from 7 to 10 p.m. It’s a big hit among our balikbayan and foreign guests,” he says.

Another unique Mabuhay Manor feature: the big rooms. Every room is designed to be spacious so as to accommodate the balikbayan boxes that guests carry with them.

“We found out that they bring an average of 8 to 15 balikbayan boxes, so the rooms have ample space for these. We also noticed that balikbayan usually arrives by himself or with his travel companions on the first day. On the next day, the number of occupants have increased due to the arrival of their relatives, “he laughs.” “We are always ready for these sudden increases in numbers.”

True enough, guests can choose from The Mabuhay Manor’s wellappointed rooms. These are the Balikbayan, Executive, Family, and Team

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suites, as well as Deluxe, Premium and Superior rooms.

The Mabuhay Manor has three restaurants that offer Pinoy cuisine.

Lola’s, found at the second floor, showcases traditional Filipino breakfast fare as dried fish and kakanin. Sutukil is The Mabuhay Manor’s favorite and brings to the merry mix of sugba (grilled), tula (simmered in broth), and kilaw (drenched in vinegar). Guests can choose their seafood and have it cooked the way they want it. Or they can dine off to Sala at the lobby where light Pinoy snacks and lunches such as bibingka, beef steak, binakol, pancit guisado, and the hotel’s signature banana chocolate chip cake.

“Our foreign guests love our breakfast spread because it comes with our specialty rice cakes and a puto vendor. At night, we have the harana by the poolside. Balikbayans love to sing along to kundiman songs,” Sebastian says.

The Mabuhay Manor continues the Pinoy way with even more traditional favorites. How about playing piko (hopscotch)? The hotel has areas for this game, with the staff willing to moderate the round.

Guests will soon be able to check out the Manor’s shelves for their fill of classic movies. They can borrow these discs and watch them in the comfort of their own rooms.

Since it’s all about coming back together at The Mabuhay Manor, the hotel is offering a reunion package for homecoming parties. Sebastian adds, “We will be the one to organize your class reunion for you. We will do your invites, we will ask for the database and do the calls & even set up the videoke. We are going to take the pictures and put them together in an album. Once they leave, we’ll hand them the album as well. Just tell us how you want it and we will customize your budget.”

“We are on the right track.” He declares. “We take the concept of value for money very seriously. The Mabuhay Manor has lot more in store in the coming year, and we are confident that balikbayans, foreign travelers and locals will be proud of what they will experience here.

The Mabuhay Manor is located at 2933 F.B Harrisson cor. Ortigas Street, Pasay City.

For more information call (02) 702-2700 or (02) 519-7893 to 98 or log on to www.mabuhaymanor.com.ph.

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F1 Hotel: There’s nothing like the first one

Standing magnificently at The Fort skyline is the 31 -storey Best Western Premier F1 Hotel, the first-ever luxury hotel in the city.

The Fort Bonifacio Global City is home to big names in several industries like banking, education, retail, information technology and medicine. But as the next emerging central business district of the metro, The Fort never had its taste of a luxurious hotel until Best Western Premier F1 Hotel started opening its doors to hotel guests, food enthusiasts and events coordinators last September.

As the first and only Premier brand of Best Western International in the country, guests could expect more than the typical five-star hotel — world-class service is embedded in every transaction and stay.

Rooms and design

The rooms are more than comfortable. They are well designed to suit the needs of all sorts of guests, from corporate people trying to keep up with their busy schedule, and to families and couples who just want to break away from their monotonous yet home-sweethome for a night or two. Interconnecting rooms are available to allow bigger families to “stay together”.

Earth-tone colors and accents fill the rooms and lobby areas, giving out both contemporary and warm vibe. The interior layout, as well as the building’s distinctively trendy appearance, was carefully designed by design giant Uo2 Architects Inc., the company responsible for some of the best buildings and interior designs in Metro Manila. And despite the business-class treatment and image, F1 Hotel General Manager Chad Davis assures that the 243-room full-service hotel is still a haven for kids of all ages, thanks to the child-friendly swimming pool and babysitting service.

The hotel is also a perfect choice for people visiting their loved ones who are confined in the nearby St. Luke’s Medical Center Taguig. “We have rooms conducive to families and a fun environment,” Davis said. “We want to be their home away from home. They just have to relax and let us look after them.”

Functions and food

180 guests all at the same time. There also lies the pool and sky garden landscape that is perfect for guests to hang out into.

Underneath the restaurant is the five-level parking area where guests will be assured of their vehicles’ security. Across the hotel is another ample parking space, adjacent to an upcoming Ayalaowned mall.

The manager and staff

Hailing from some of the world’s most exquisite hotels and restaurants, Australia-native Davis is a true commoner of the luxurious business. He held on the title of General Manager for three hotels in Australia for seven years and ran his own restaurant for three years. He later moved to Manila in 2001 to work for InterContinental Manila, Shangri-La and Enderun Colleges.

Now, Davis manages a total of 200 young, vibrant and customerfocused staff of F1 Hotel.

“We want our guests to have the best experience, especially because we are the only Premier brand of the world’s largest hotel chain in the Philippines. Everything here is in their fingertips,” according to Davis.

Unibuilt President Vince Abad Santos shares the same sentiment. He is also happy to welcome competition in The Fort area, but they will come a lot later. By then, the power duo believes that F1 Hotel has already established good relationships and loyalty with clients.

Since we will be the first in the fort, we will do all to set the high standard in the area, Abad Santos said.

With over 4,000 hotels in 90 countries under its brand, Best Western International is the world’s biggest hotel chain. It has maintained a sophisticated aura and credible track-record of service and commitment to guests all over the globe. g *** For inquiries about Best Western Premier F1 Hotel, please call (632) 928.8888 or fax (632) 846.7377. You may also log on to www.bestwesternpremierf1hotel.com

F1 Hotel’s opening date seems to be the most ideal time given the “ber-months” are already on the roll. Davis said the hotel already has a long list of reservations not just for guest rooms, but for function rooms as well.

“By December, I can see that all of our nine function rooms and restaurant will be full with events like graduations and family gatherings,” he added.

And what would these events be without food? Filipino chef Nino Ante will take care of that. Lovers of Asian food are set to have best meals of their lives when they try out the international cuisine lineup matched with Asian flavor by F1 Hotel’s ultra-classy resto, the “F” at the 5th floor. Ante has a rich experience with Asian food, given his five- year work in Shanghai, China.

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balikbayan October – November 2011

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TRAVEL GUIDE / GETTING THERE

A NEW TWIST IN TRAVELING UP NORTH Victory Liner’s new luxury buses give a whole new meaning to comfort.

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f you’re a regular traveler of the north like Baguio, seeing Victory Liner buses dominating the highways is not a new scene. More likely, using its services isn’t your first time too.

However, this year, your bus travel to the City of Pines via Victory Liner has been given a new twist, which is more comfortable and classier. This is because the 66-year-old bus company is offering passengers an upgraded experience in their road-savvy and relatively new luxury buses.

Although this exclusive service has actually been around since the early 2000s, not a lot of travelers know and realize that for a little more, they can get extras that are not present in their usual bus ride.

For an additional P300+ in the regular air-conditioned bus fare, a traveler can experience the 29-seater bus, pampered by the stewardess with clean bottled water and a pack of chocolate biscuits. Snacks are also readily available inside the bus, which saves travel time as there is no need to stop in any stores along the North Luzon Expressway and the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

At the beginning and at the end of the trip, the stewardess – donned in red blouse and skirt — will announce the usual travel details you hear on a plane; save for the life jacket demonstration and dance numbers for some. In some trips, hip, entertaining music will be played in the bus to serve as your wake-up call.

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Passengers can also enjoy a more generous legroom, making the five-hour trip to Baguio a breeze. Yes, you read it right — with the luxury liner, the trip will be cut by one hour because it won’t be allotting time for stopovers on the road.

Another comfort feature is being able to do your personal business within the confines of the bus. Victory Liner’s luxury bus has a small restroom, similar in an airplane, that assures you of being able attend to your personal needs regardless of where you are on the road.

Living up to its promise of bringing passengers to Baguio faster than other public mode of transportation, Victory Liner strongly suggests that seat reservations and bookings be made in person, as the liner follows its bus

departure schedules religiously. However, one does not have to worry about falling in line to purchase a ticket – Victory Liner has set up a special lane for luxury bus passengers. A note though – passengers have to keep in mind that trips via luxury buses are not as frequent as the regular air-conditioned buses.

Given all these perks that are not offered in an ordinary air-conditioned bus, backpackers and travel junkies won’t find a reason not to shell out a little over P300. Weighing the options, a little extra add-on fare can maximize this exciting trip up north, right? Victory Liner’s luxury buses gives you the chance to appreciate the glorious window views of the Cordillera stretch embraced by fog while slouching comfortably on your soft, captain seat.

For more information on bookings, fare and/or branches, log on to www.victoryliner.com. pages.indd 21

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TRAVEL GUIDE / GETTING THERE

Victory Liner Living Up To Its Name

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ith more than 65 years of rich history, it may be safe to say that a transportation giant like Victory Liner Inc. (VLI) has lived up to its name.

All businesses have their own share of defeats and glories, as well as stories of how they started. But it seems that no other bus line in the country has ever tread the same path that VLI took.

The looming days of the Japanese occupation in the Philippines paved the way for Jose Isaac Hernandez’s talent in mechanics to shine effortlessly. He was commissioned by both the Japanese forces and the guerillas to fix their service engines and firearms. The demand was high, and the Japanese were strong patrons.

However, the Japanese didn’t see VLI as their friend in business. Some soldiers, according to VLI’s history data, accused its patriarch and his brother-in-law of scavenging.

As a result, they were tied up to the end of boat and were dragged along a riverbank. On a separate incident, Jose was also accused of providing aid to rebels. The Japanese brought him to the prison at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila where he managed a diet of salt-covered rice

balls that were reportedly rolled on the ground for the prisoners to eat.

The end of World War II made it possible for Jose to venture into a new business. He saw the potential of used and abandoned M-38 Jeeps and six-wheeler Chevy trucks which the Americans used as weapons carriers.

He gathered spare parts and turned them into a delivery truck to enable them to continue their original business of trading patis (fish sauce), bagoong (fish paste) and rice.

Since the roads and other modes of public transport were still inaccessible and unavailable due to the war, Jose’s delivery truck became one of the staple free public utility vehicles for all sorts of travelers — Filipinos and Americans. The latter would voluntarily pay for every hitch, making public transport appear like a more profitable business for Jose and his family.

And yes it was. Jose eventually shifted the family business and tapped the help of a Chinese friend, Po Chuan, to customize a bigger truck that would be able to fit more passengers comfortably.

Picking the business name was probably easy for Jose.

The word “victory” then was heard everywhere, thanks to

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the strong and triumphant mood the Americans enveloped the country with. “Victory” became a household word and made Filipinos flash a V-sign with their fingers whenever Americans would pass by the streets of Manila.

The celebratory atmosphere and cheer were widespread, and so was Jose’s business.

VLI’s first terminal was located along the old street of Claro M. Recto Avenue, the Azcarraga, and Divisoria’s Juan Luna streets. Jose served both as the driver and the mechanic. He drove the first route of Batangas Pier-Divisoria, which changed in time to be DivisoriaOlongapo.

VLI was a very simple company then. Registered under the name of Jose’s second spouse, Marta, the company had almost all Hernandez family and extended family members working.

Over the years of clean management and satisfied customers, VLI finally found itself at its current location, at the north end of EDSA close to the famous Balintawak Bonifacio Monument.

Fast forward to 1979, the Securities and Exchange Commission figures showed VLI as the country’s third

largest transport company in terms of assets. Ten years later, VLI emerged as the second biggest inter-provincial bus operator in the Philippines.

With these recognitions, the company provided a new twist in public transportation by the construction of more terminals and introduction of meal stops, re-fuelling stations and resting areas for both passengers and staff along EDSA in Pasay and Quezon City, and Rizal Avenue in Caloocan City – now its major terminals in the metro.

VLI now has five terminals around Metro Manila and 12 in the provinces.

Fares are also made affordable, with the cheapest amount at P102 for a trip to San Fernando, Pampanga from either Kalookan or Cubao.

And to adapt with the changes of the times, VLI is now also offering the much-used free WiFi in all of its luxury buses going to Baguio. VLI also has 200 WiFi routers installed in 200 buses and there are more to come in the coming months. Balikbayans touring the country are urged to try Victory Liner, the so-called “local Greyhound service of the Philippines.”

For inquiries, please contact their main branch in Kalookan, (02) 361-1506 / (02) 361-4665 to 66 or email info@victoryliner.com. You can also log on to www.victoryliner.com. pages.indd 23

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Destination No

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The next most liveable city in the World

Batangas

The International Award for Livable Communities included Batangas City to compete in the Whole City and Project categories. After all, Batangas City is one of the few metropolises that have attained sustainability in almost all area. It is also regarded as a key city to promote growth in the country especially in the South Luzon.

Yet despite of the economic growth, the city still emanates a small town feel, an authentic Batangas experience.

This coastal city boosts its economy thru many projects and tie-ups. The Batangas International Port serves as an entry point to many goods coming from the Southern regions and other countries, making it as the

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Industrial Port City of CALABARZON region (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-RizalQuezon). Besides the important seaport, Batangas is also known for various goods such as their famed 90-proof lambanog, sugar refinery and kapeng barako. It is a passage way to other provinces like Mindoro.

The completion of Southern Tagalog Access Road assures visitors and businessmen from Manila a fast travel to the city’s markets.

Batangas is ready to serve the locality with programs for education, health, environment, etc. They have scholarship programs for families who are not capable to send their children to school. Scholarships are also given to students who graduated vale-

dictorians and/or salutatorians, giving them the privilege to study in top universities in the country.

They have an organized health care program to help the indigents and special children, which is free and can be used to receive medical needs. They also cater the needs of senior citizens by giving them a privilege card. Moreover, environmental programs are strongly promoted. The use of plastics and Styrofoam are prohibited. Tree planting is also one of the continuous projects of the city.

In spite of the economic abundance and progress the city is experiencing, it remains a home for cultural events, arts presentation

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With its abundant growth attracting investments in the area of tourism, trade, and commerce, Batangas is poised to be the next most liveable city in the World.

City

and historical facts. Artifacts are preserved and ancestral houses are still standing. They have kept their culture and heritage intact through various cultural events open for the public. They have a convention center and auditoriums that continue to showcase dancing, singing and performing of Batangeno talents.

What keeps people coming to Batangas is that the municipality has so many events planned throughout the year, not to mention tourist attractions that help boost their tourism. Just recently, the city observed the religious tradition of Papuan last July 19 wherein they reserve the night for praying and singing hymns to the Lord.

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People visiting the city may want to see the Plaza Mabini, located within the Poblacion. The Laurel Park, on the other hand, boasts of its sculpture in the center entitled Diwang Batangueno done by renowned artist, Ed Castrillo. In front of the Plaza Mabini is the “Basilica Minor� of the Infant Jesus and Immaculada Concepcion that models the original Renaissance facade architecture.

The city also has their own church museum that houses precious relics, centuryold books and statues. And if you are lucky enough to arrange a visit to Senor Antonio Pastor’s house, one may have the privilege to step inside the 120-year-old house owned by the Acosta-Pastor family.

Along with these manmade spots are the natural sites that have remained untouched.

There are numerous underdeveloped beaches that benefit only the local folks. Isla Verde, the center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world, is a good alternative to other known beaches. The place is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, with its calming sea and rich biodiversity. Mt. Banoy and Matoco Point also provide a panoramic view of the city and bay.

Indeed, Batangas City is a place of many great things. Although progress and development has build the city further, it has found a balance that has kept its charisma to locals and tourists alike.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALVIN ADRIANO

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Destination No

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Oriental Mindoro An Escape From the

Usual (Tourist) Spots To u t ed as t h e co u n t ry ’s “ em erg i n g eco-tourism destination,” Oriental Mindoro is for sure, a tropical paradise to anyone who visits it. With tourism as its highlight, the local officials continuously seek ways to show the richness of its biodiversity for it to be the next Philippines no.1 tourist spot.

Rich with a vast marine life, the island’s location is near the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the world. It is home for 2,983 rare algae, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, marine reptiles, and marine mammals. Besides its rich marine ecosystem, the famed Puerto Galera is voted as a member of UNESCO affiliated The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 2004. UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere Programme, designated Puerto Galera as a Biosphere Reserved in 1973.

According to pre-historic stories, there is a “Mountain of Gold” hidden in the countryside. The rumor circulated among the locals, the Mangyan tribes, Chinese merchants and soon Spaniards. From the rumor came out the name Mina de Oro, meaning “Mine of Gold,” in which the name Mindoro is derived. But whether the story is true or not, the real golden trea26 pages.indd 26

sure can be found in the white sand beaches, abundant marine life, interesting islets and rich culture and heritage.

Famous for Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro also has undiscovered and undeveloped tourist attractions in different towns.

Pandan Grande Island is a 30-hectare islet surrounded by a white sand beach that is not known to many. With minimal development done to preserve the beauty of the place, it offers great relaxation without the disturbance of television, emails and traffic jams of the metro. Its main attraction is scuba diving with shallow to deep diving sites just near the area.

Aside from Pandan island, Bulalacao, a town found in the tip of Oriental Mindoro, is being groomed as the “best alternative” to top tourism giants (Puerto Galera, Coron, and Boracay) in the region. Bulalacao, literally means meteor or shooting star, and has 13 tiny tails of untouched islands that is said to be the trails of the meteor shower according to an old belief. These 13 beautiful islands have the natural assets to compete with other resorts.

Bulalacao is also composed of islands and islets that offer white beaches, falls, dive sites and virgin forests that are great venues for

BY KRISTINE BERNADETH T. MANAOG 9/28/11 3:42 PM

island hopping.

Along with its beaches, Oriental Mindoro has several waterfalls scattered in the whole place. However, the Tamaraw Falls in San Teodoro always grabs most of the attention. Situated alongside the road, Tamaraw Falls is composed of several tiny waterfalls that links up to the main waterfall and gushes down the waterbed below. The Tamaraw Falls is a great alternative to those who want to take a dip but not in the beach. Its location serves as a great attraction to passers-by. The fall is named after the endangered native buffalo called tamaraw that can only be found in Mindoro.

Besides the beaches and falls, Oriental Mindoro is home to the third highest mountain in the country, which is the Mount Halcom. The Mangyan calls the summit of the mountain as “lagpasulap” or “high above the clouds” because of its breathtaking view.

It is a destination for experienced hikers and a home for a group of indigenous people. It is also popular because migratory birds and the tamaraw can only be seen there.

With its natural wonders, Oriental Mindoro is also a home for celebration. With so many things to be thankful for, several

festivals are observed in honor of saints, old traditions and bountiful harvests. Special presentations by the Mangyans are also celebrated to educate the people of their culture, craftsmanship, and music. Elaborate costumes and colorful props filled the streets of towns whenever there is a festival.

The Bahaghari Festival of Pinamalayan is always crowd drawer every year, that it rivals Rio de Janeiro of Brazil. With huge floats, colorful costumes and loud music, one can’t help but sway their hips as they witness and be a part of this annual event. On the other hand, Sulyog festival of Bongabong celebrates for the abundance of suli (bananas) and niyog (coconut) and, at the same time, to give thanks to Saint Joseph.

These are just some of the great spots and festivals in Oriental Mindoro that are not found elsewhere. Tourists mostly think of Boracay or Palawan as their vacation destination. However, with its rich resources and colorful festivals, there is no doubt that Oriental Mindoro is at par with any paradise in the world.

Top 3 Photos courtesy of the off ice of Congressman Reynaldo Umali. balikbayanmagazine.com

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Leaders ISSUE No

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Gov. Boy& Cong. Rey Umali Brothers by Blood&Politics

By Danielle Clara P. Dandan

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ooking at how brawny and established they are right now, no one would think that they used to sleep in one bed until one of them got married. But yes, they did since birth.

That’s how close the dynamic Umali brothers of Oriental Mindoro are.

In fact, it used to be the whole Umali family in one room and in one bed!

When asked how they are different from each other, the kuya, Gov. Alfonso “Boy” Umali, quickly answered with a carefree chuckle: “Ako yung funny type, siya yung serious type.”

The younger brother, 2nd District Rep. Rey Umali, just nodded in approval.

The more-than-an-hour interview was initially thought to be a serious one -- granted that high profile government officials are the interviewees -- but it turned out to be a rare moment when big names such as the Umalis let their guard down to share their human side.

It was dinner and the two only ordered one Ceasar Salad. And without being picky like most people would be, the brothers openly shared the salad plate with each other.

“You can view us as one. Di kami mahirap kausap. Tignan nyo ako lang inimbita nyo pero nandito siya,” Gov. Boy declared.

As the interview went on, it was the congressman who did more of the intellectual talk about their much-loved province. He carried with him a digital presentation of how they both envision Oriental Mindoro in the near future: a progressive, green province filled with efficient livelihood programs for the poor and a crowd-favorite of the tourism sector. Add to that the proposed superbridge that will lie on top of the sea connecting Oriental Mindoro and Batangas for faster transportation and an airport.

If approved, this would be a breakthrough for several sectors like transportation, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and communication that the Umalis will be forever known for. The super bridge will also be a record-breaker in the Guiness Book of World Records and a haven of protected marine biodiversity.

“It will happen (because) it can only happen now,” Cong. Rey asserted. “Oriental Mindoro is a gem waiting to be cut and polished.”

Power regeneration is also a priority for the Umalis. They’re focusing on Oriental Mindoro’s geothermal and wind power sources, particularly in Puerto Galera and Bulalacao.

Despite these technological and infrastructure-related advancements they are pushing, the Umalis have never forgotten about Mindoro’s natural beauty and wonderful environmental features that could be easily tarnished by human acts like mining.

“We are working on a master plan with DOT (Department of Tourism) and the focus is on ecotourism. We are preserving Mindoro that is why we strictly oppose mining in our province,” Cong.

Rey added.

The indigenous people are also well protected and loved by the Umalis. “We want to provide livelihood, education and health programs for our Mangyan community through our convergence program,” Rey said.

Values formation is also on the list of must-dos. In fact, the local government is partnering with the religious sector to help conduct seminars for the constituents.

Their vision for Oriental Mindoro is clear and couldn’t be shaken.

If what they showed us wasn’t enough to be considered genuine

passion, then we don’t know what it’s called.

Politics – such a lonely word?

Growing up, the two said they had no barrier and that they could freely talk about anything under the sun – that, including the world of politics.

We can safely imagine them discussing and debating politics in casual and family dinners together, but we can be rest-assured that their aims for Mindoro people are unanimously positive.

Hailing from a historical and political family, it seemed not a very far-fetched idea that the two would also end up in the same field, given the exposure they had when they were still little kids. The men in the Umali clan are prominent names in Mindoronean political scene, as a number of them, including their late father, have succumbed to the call of public service some decades ago.

Now the two are members of the Liberal Party, where President Benigno Aquino III also belongs. Gov. Boy serves as president of the League of Governors — an influential seat that the UST Architecture graduate takes neutrally, while lawyer and economist Cong.

Rey replaced his brother in the House of Representatives.

But both surrender to the fact that the usual sentiment by many Filipinos on politicians is not as pleasant as their real intentions.

With “Pnoy” around, the Umali duo is confident the Philippines will be able to eradicate the corrupt image of the whole government.

Gov. Boy also has a strike for Aquino’s detractors: “Matino yan (Aquino). Pero hindi superman ang pangulo, kaya magtulong-tulong tayo. Dati kasi wala na talagang pag-asa at tiwala ang mga tao.

Pero based sa mga recent surveys, nagbabago na.”

For Mindoro, the brothers believe that the latest election results marked the first-ever political synergy in the province, noting that their party has swept the elections with 15-0.

Hearing out balikbayans Just recently, the brothers went around Europe to personally see the condition of the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and balikbayans of Oriental Mindoro. And the feedback they’ve gathered was flattering, “We went around Europe and tackled to our kababayans the agricultural programs we are pursuing. We are happy to come home knowing that we have garnered their trust. Sabi kasi ng iba nagtour lang kami. Well, it was a working tour,” Gov. Boy quipped.

Now, the two are set to push a retirement village in Oriental Mindoro believing that they “have what it takes to satisfy the retirees and OFWs.” “We have the beach, the mountains, practically everthing,” Cong.

Rey said. “We’ve been receiving messages on Facebook from our balikbayans that they want to come back. Nabubuhayan na sila.”

Add to that the OFW program they are planning which will educate and help the families left in the Philippines to wisely utilize the remittances they are getting from their loved ones.

At the end of the day, the brothers agree that peace and security in the area is the golden key that would open all rooms for improvement in Oriental Mindoro.

“It doesn’t matter if you have the tourist spots and facilities. If you have crimes in your place, they won’t work,”CongRey said. “This is why we are providing livelihood programs for the poor so they will resort in good deeds and invite more tourists in.”

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Essence of Place No

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ONCE ON THIS PALAWAN

“Okay you can all jump off now,� our tour guide announced. The boat sat somewhere in the western Sulu Sea with Snake Island faintly in the distance. A momentary silence overcame us as we were unsure of how to respond. It took a few minutes before we concluded that our tour guide made a joke.

The hesitation, however, only diminished once we reached shore and hopped onto the soft white sand. Though a miniscule memory in comparison to the more significant ones created during a weekend trip to Palawan, it continues to cling to me.

BY CHRISTINA M. ORIEL

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ESSENCE OF PLACE / PALAWAN

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n a Friday morning we took the earliest flight out of Manila to Puerto Princesa. An hour later, tiny verdant islands encircled by the dark blue sea became visible as the plane made its final descent into the city. We exited the plane and crowded into a van that drove us to our hotel. Collective feelings of excitement, anticipation, and curiosity circulated among my family and me.

This rush touches upon the question of why we travel, whether the reason is to physically see a sight that a quick Google image search fails to suffice or to temporarily leave a smog filled metropolis and experience the beauty humans could not produce themselves. “Ang linis dito,” my dad proclaimed.

I looked outside the van window as we breezed through the main road. It was devoid of traffic and litter, a state that continued on for kilometers, no matter which direction we turned or district we drove past. There was truth in my dad’s observation, it was intriguingly clean. We learned that the island upholds strict anti-littering laws – a 500 peso fine for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and the third is a month in jail.

Upon reaching Microtel, located seven kilometers from the airport, the staff greeted us and directed us to our rooms. We changed into beach appropriate attire then walked behind the hotel, which overlooks Emerald Playa Beach – Microtel is the only hotel in city proper with this view and direct access to the beach. As a native of Los Angeles, California, visiting the beach has always been an integral component of my summers, be it a short drive to Malibu, two hours south to La Jolla, or four hours north to Pismo Beach. I have seen too many beaches to recall, but the view in front of me was extraordinary. The placid water with three small trees planted in the middle was reminiscent to a scene straight from a dreamscape.

My moment of basking in the view concluded when I was called back into the hotel lobby. A woman named Rommlyn, who would serve as our tour guide for the weekend, welcomed us with a beaming smile. She gave an overview of the day’s itinerary before we drove to Barangay Sta. Lourdes, where we boarded an outrigger boat. Our Honda Bay island hopping adventure would soon commence.

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A forty-five minute ride drew us closer to Pandan Island. We occupied one of the spacious huts situated on the sand and enjoyed the lunch Rommlyn prepared consisting of fresh vegetables and seafood. She listed the possible activities on the island, such as swimming, snorkeling, jet-skiing, beach volleyball, and spa treatments. After we digested our meal, the transparent warm water invited us in. Two hours later we boarded the boat and made our way to Snake Island, a sandbar that resembles the reptile.

The sun radiated brightly over Snake Island during our hour long stay. It is a smaller stretch of sand compared to Pandan, which explains why it felt more crowded. You can continue on with similar activities as the previous island and even feed bread to the fish.

A usual island hopping trip includes Starfish Island, however, we were exhausted from our day thus far and the sky transitioned into an ominous shade that signaled possible rainfall so we decided to return to the wharf.

For dinner we followed a recommendation to try Badjao Seafront Restaurant. To enter, you walk across a long wooden bridge into an open-air nipa hut like structure that rests 34 pages.indd 34

above a mangrove forest and overlooks the sea. Badjao is a tourist friendly spot that offers fresh hearty seafood dishes for a reasonable price, perfect for seafood lovers and pescetarians, like myself. In fact, most places we visited or dined at did not come with a price tag meant to trap tourists. What stood out to me in particular was that every dish came with piles of bright green seaweed with tiny bulbs. Out of curiosity, I tried a piece and felt the bulbs pop in my mouth, which gushed a salty liquid that tasted like the seawater I swam in earlier that day. We arrived at the restaurant just before sunset and watched the auburn and blue sky transition into blackness.

The following morning, Rommlyn, still with a large smile painted on her face even though it was quite early, met us outside the hotel and motioned for us to get into the van.

She informed us that Sabang Beach, where the Underground River is located, was two hours away from city proper. Although the Beatles sang about a metaphorical “long and winding road,” I would borrow that title to describe the zigzagging and at some points, unpaved, route towards our destination. The

bumpiness of the road kept us awake throughout our excursion, as did the van driver’s blaring 80’s heavy rock mix CD and Rommlyn’s detailed explanations of the history, flora, and fauna of areas we drove past.

One of the places pointed out was Viet Ville, a community where thousands of Vietnamese refugees lived after the fall of Saigon. I wish we had the chance to stop at the village but we were on a strict timeline. Next we stopped at Buena Vista Viewdeck for a stretch break and to take pictures of the surrounding islands.

The last stop we took before Sabang was Ugong Rock in Tagabenit. Ugong Rock is a limestone cliff containing caves, ready to be explored by adventure seekers. It is a fairly new attraction developed by the ABS-CBN Foundation and has yet to become a wellknown locale in Puerto Princesa. From the parking area we watched people zipline from the top of the rock across a rice plantation and land on an elevated wooden platform.

The zipline, measuring 75 feet high and 380 meters long, was a bit daunting at first and we were ready to go back into the van until we were convinced that climbing

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA M. ORIEL & RAPHAEL JOHN C. ORIEL

the cave would be an easy feat and you could go back down it without having to zipline.

We paid an inexpensive fee and wore the required gloves and brightly colored helmets.

First we walked through a dark cave then crouched down to squirm under a formation called the “humility rock.” Next, a steep wooden ladder takes you to the entrance of the cave to be climbed.

The cave’s interior is lined with unique rock formations that make a gong-like sound if you bang your fist against them. One by one, climbers clench onto two lines of rope, sans a harness, and step on the sides of the cave towards a narrow opening to an upper level of the rock. About thirty minutes later, we arrived at the top of the rock. We originally planned to exit the way we came up but it was too time consuming, so we decided to take the faster route by ziplining. With a harness around my waist, I walked on a platform and waited for the attendant to attach to me the line. After I was in a sitting position, he pushed me into the control of the breeze with my feet dangling over a lush field. In twenty seconds I landed on the other side.

It was an enjoyable experience that I would repeat, just without the climbing part.

Even if you are not the daring type, you do not want to miss out on this hidden opportunity.

We finally made it to Sabang Beach in time for a seafood buffet lunch. We then walked to the wharf and loaded onto an outrigger boat that took us to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Once docked, we entered the jungle setting where long-tailed macaques and monitor lizards roam. From afar we saw what we came to Puerto Princesa for: the Underground River, a World Heritage Site since 1999 and current finalist for the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” competition. The Underground River measures 8.2 kilometers but only 1.5 of it are open to the public. On a daily basis around 600 to 700 visitors take a forty-five minute tour. We eagerly put on our life vests and helmets, but had to wait for a bit since the number of boats inside the cave simultaneously is limited.

When our turn came, we rode an eightperson paddleboat navigated by an amusing man who also narrated the tour. Whoever sits at the front must hold the generator powered flashlight and shine it in the direction stated by the tour guide. The cave is pitch black,

except for light coming from the boats, and is chilly inside. Bats fly above in clumps – no fretting necessary as they stay away from visitors and the helmet on your head protects you from being pelted by their droppings – and emit a dominant odor that you become resistant to by the end of your journey. What are spectacular are the rocks shaped like a large mushroom, the Holy Family, Jesus, and a woman’s body. We departed the cave as torrential rain soaked us, the least of our worries because we were still astounded by what we saw. Thinking about my experience again, my sentiment remains the same it was when I stepped off the paddleboat, pure awe. It truly is a wonder of nature that cannot be fully described but rather must be experienced firsthand.

By Sunday we flew over the same tiny verdant islands encircled by the dark blue sea and returned to normalcy. Within the limited time we spent in Puerto Princesa, we were able to taste, but not extensively relish in what Palawan has to offer. It was simply a teaser.

Perhaps in a few years I will fill the empty space and explore another part of the island for an even more savory experience.

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WE’VE GOT

FIL AMERICA COVERED FROM HOLLYWOOD TO BROADWAY AND ONLINE You can judge the ASIAN JOURNAL by its coverage, content and circulation

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Business ISSUE No

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With over $15 billion worth of investments made in the Philippines from 1996 to 2004, it is safe to say that the country is one of the best places to not only relocate, but also to retire. Many would see this as a way to help strengthen the economy, but for Mike Gaviola, Chairman and CEO of Philippine Property Center, Inc. (PPCI), it is more than that.

Ensuring Patriotic Investment PPCI Chairman and CEO Mike Gaviola takes an extra step to safeguard Fil-Ams’ investments with UCPB GEN.

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edicated his life to promote patriotic investment to his kababayans in the United States, Mike Gaviola urges Filipino communities abroad to buy properties in their native land in the hopes that this will generate work for the Filipinos and an added factor to boost the economy.

Explaining that soon enough, baby boomers will retire, Gaviola said that Filipino-Americans’ retirement money goes a long way in the Philippines. In the United States, an average retirement more likely means staying in a nursing home and wait for the night to come — a not-so-rewarding scenario for Fil-Ams who have worked hard just to attain a good life in the future. However, according to Gaviola, “…If Fil-Ams will invest their money here [in the Philippines], they will have a better mileage. They can afford to live like a royalty. They can hire a maid, a driver, visit their relatives anytime and still have money.”

Gaviola’s goal on patriotic investment includes going to different cities in the US, where there are Filipinos to sell the idea of coming back home.

Through his company, they promote different real-estate properties in

the United States. Gaviola made sure that the real-estate properties he is dealing with have a good track record and an organized management. At present, he is with Vista Land promoting Lake Front, Sucat. For retirees, the area is the most ideal because it is a suburb away from fast-paced life of the city yet still very accessible.

Besides being a real-estate consultant, Gaviola also has an insurance company to secure the properties bought by the balikbayans. He explained his mission for venturing into insurance. “First, in order to provide our clients — most especially those in the US since their investment are all here in the Philippines — an insurance company for recovery value on their property in case of loss. Second, since the Fil-Ams are no longer familiar with the insurance players here in the Philippines, through our diligence we handpicked one of the 10 insurance companies, which is UCPB GEN.” UCPB GEN is one of the largest and most-trusted non-life insurance providers in the country. Established in January 1963 and one of the strongest players in the industry with more than 100 competitors. With UCPB, PPCI initiates to provide insurance coverage.

The company offers all kinds of insurance except for life insurance and HMOs. They have motor, fire, marine, personal accident, casualty and liabilities, engineering and bonds insurances. In the event of loss to the properties and its content, they provide the homeowners’ insurance policy with fire and lighting coverage.

Insurance coverage depends on the risk the client wants to cover and the amount to be insured. Gaviola mentioned that the company could cover certain peril/risk coverage or all perils/risk coverage. Moreover, the insurance can cover Acts of Nature and computers. However, they rarely cover jewelries, money and gun especially if it is of high value.

One can easily purchase the ideal insurance he needs in the company.

Basic requirements like full name, birth date, address and contact details are needed to process the insurance to be purchased. Other requirements will be added depending on the kind of insurance. Filipinos abroad can apply for insurance by just sending the necessary details and requirements of their properties in the country.

After all, Gaviola guarantees the customers that they are in the right hand. “We make sure that best services are given by being hands-on in every details. We work hand in hand together with the underwriters of UCPB GEN, and in case of loss PPCI is willing to assist its clients with regards to CLAIMS,” he said.

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a highEr lEvEl OF SECuriTy WiTh

UCPB Gen “we only Sell A PIeCe of PAPer, but when there’s a claim to be paid, that’s when we differ,” says Edgardo Rosario, Senior Vice President of UCPB GEN. It might not be known to many, but non-life insurance giant UCPB GEN was a saviour during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy in 2009. The destruction to properties probably still lingers vividly in the memory of those affected by the typhoon, but not for most UCPB GEN clients.

This is because the company shelled out a hefty Php 600 million to pay the claims of its valued clients who suffered the rage of the typhoon on their homes and other properties.

“We were issuing a lot of accounts yet with the grace of God

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we were able to settle all claims. Now, all Php 600 million (worth of claims) are already paid,” Rosario recalls. “If we were not ready then, we would have faced court cases and other worst-case scenarios.”

Given that the country is prone to natural catastrophes and extreme monsoon weather, Rosario could not find any excuse for Filipinos to procrastinate on their insurance plans.

But UCPB GEN truly understands the universal concern of people who often tend to neglect insurance plans and leave their properties at the mercy of climate change and Mother Nature’s moods – the cost or the insurance premiums.

“There’s always the tendency to make ‘tawad.’ But we try to convince clients that the cost of their insurance is a good value for

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“Our main role is to try to get them back on their feet after a tragedy,” Rosario says. their money,” he quips.

Rosario asserts that for a low fee of P3.50 per day, clients can avail of a UCPB GEN insurance package that will protect their homes.

The company is also capable of providing clients tailor-fit packages for particular needs. In fact, UCPB GEN has pioneered the first insurance package in the country that included a cover against theft of electronic devices like laptops and cameras. This unique and new service can be availed under the Expanded Home Excel package that also includes insurance protection for fire, flood, typhoon, earthquake, personal accident and liability.

“Our main role is to try to get our clients back on their feet after a tragedy,” Rosario says.

“We have a good treaty with our clients. While other insurance companies pray every night, we pay,” Mr. Vic Omamalin, Metro Manila Operation Head adds.

UCPB GEN has also created a one-of-a-kind motor claims service, the Gawa Agad Program or GAP. With Gawa Agad, clients are assured of fast, convenient and reliable claims services in two easy steps. (1) The client goes straight to any Gawa Agad Center and (2) submits the basic documents (excluding photographs and comparative repair cost estimates which are normally required by other companies). If these are in order, repair of the vehicle can be started immediately. For road accidents, the Gawa Agad Center can also transport the vehicle to their shops for repair.

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About UCPB GEN UCPB General Insurance Co., Inc. has been in the Philippine non-life industry for more than 48 years. The company ranks 7th among more than 80 industry players and is working to be on the top five in the coming years.

Currently, UCPB GEN has 19 offices in the country, with General Santos being the farthest south and Dagupan being the farthest north. There are also plans of expanding offices to other areas and of having “an agent in every town.”

UCPB GEN is proud of its many achievements over the years that include the ISO quality seal. Unlike other companies, all of UCPB GEN’s operations and offices in the country are ISO certified. Thus, clients are assured of world class services.

The company’s first ISO quality seal was awarded in 1999 with the ISO 9002 certification. Four years later, UCPB GEN emerged to be the first non-life insurance company to be handed with an ISO 9001:2000 certification. Then in 2010, UCPB GEN also became the

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first non-life insurance firm to have the certification converted to the new quality management standards of ISO 9001:2008.

Truly, UCPB GEN lives up to clients’ expectations through the tagline “Every day starts with you.”

Partnership with PPCI UCPB GEN recently entered into a dynamic team-up with marketing genius Michael Gaviola – the man who brought $15 billion worth of real estate investments to the Philippine economy from 1996 to 2004. This team-up will have UCPB GEN headed to being the most sought-after insurance firm for balikbayans and OFWs in the United States.

Gaviola will lead the US road show in September and Rosario is certain the Philippine Property Center, Inc. (PPCI) chairman and CEO will come home to the Philippines with a bag full of new believers and clients for UCPB GEN’s topnotch services.

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For inquiries on UCPB GEN’s insurance

packages and lines, you may call (632) 811-1788 (632) 811-8329 (632) 477-0912 (632) 477-0913 fax (02) 811-3333.

You may also send an e-mail to customer_service@ucpbgen.com or log on to www.ucpbgen.com.

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REAL ESTATE

A lot more room & lifestyle choices at Crown Asia’s Marina Heights Nowadays, when people look for home investments, they do not only consider its value and location, but they also consider their lifestyle options. Taking this into consideration, Crown Asia, a forerunner in building quality themed-inspired homes for the last 16 years, offers Marina Heights at Lakefront. Marina Heights is a 10-hectare peaceful lakeside community that is inspired by San Francisco’s Marina District. This community hopes to bring into reality what most people aspire to achieve with their hard-earned money— a home befitting the successful.

A home and lot at Marina Heights means living in the heart of the city, at the exclusive Lakefront community in Sucat, Muntinlupa City. Its proximity to premiere business districts such as Makati and Alabang, commercial establishments, key hospitals, distinguished schools and airports make it a highly accessible address.

Marina Heights showcases homes that are stunning to behold even from the outside. Facades of homes are true to

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the American-inspired style with its clean lines, vibrant hue, elegant porch and numerous windows for ample light and tiled roofing. At Marina Heights, families can experience living with a lot of leisure and lifestyle choices. From cool walks in the morning with Laguna de Bay as backdrop, to enjoying the amenities available to its residents such as swimming pool, clubhouse, parks and playground. At the end of the day, dine and be entertained at The Wharf, offering a variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

Having a home at Marina Heights means having more space to accommodate a growing family. The homes are generously spaced with floor areas ranging from 89 to 211 square meters.

The lawn can double as your children’s private playground or a place where one can show off their green thumb.

Marina Heights gives a lot more room, a lot more leisure and lifestyle choices that owning a home and lot brings. The best moments in life don’t have to be worlds away. You can find them here at Marina Heights.

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REAL ESTATE

strategic commercial development AT PRESIDIO

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For inquiries, please contact (+632) 584-1182 / (+63) 917-8576494.

You can also contact Vista Land International Marketing at (213) 402-0584 / 1-866-978-0987.

at Lakefront: keepING THE RESIDENTS’ NEEDS IN MIND Presidio residents surely consider themselves lucky when they purchased a unit, however, this time, they will realize they are luckier. With the commercial development in full swing, a richer Presidio community at Lakefront will welcome them with wide, open arms. The seven-hectare neighborhood will soon enjoy a variety of both high-end shops and service outlets like boutiques, restaurants, cafes, drug stores, water station, laundry shop, bills payment centers, internet café, banks and bakery. A socalled kid’s row will also rise and will include a playschool and the famous Kumon review center. All of these developments will be situated down the stretch of the Lakefront Avenue by December.

One of the country’s major supermarkets, Puregold, is also set to cater to both Presidio residents and outsiders this October. A covered catwalk connecting the supermarket and the neighborhood will be created to bring safe and exclusive access to unit owners of the seven condominium towers: Picasso, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet, Bellini, Renoir and Da Vinci. Streetlights are also being erected.

“In choosing our locators, we see to it that

they could provide the basic needs of our community first. Then we could just provide space for the nice-to-haves later on,” Leny Luya, Division Head of Vista Land Commercial Group said.

For one commercial kiosk, an entrepreneur will shell-out a rental fee of P8, 500 per month. Luya stressed that the commercial spaces are just for lease and the ones for sale in the property are the residential units only.

Aside from the extensive commercial development, Luya confirmed that a fivestorey building will stand once the Da Vinci tower is completed.

“Its cut will be different from the existing seven condominiums,” she added.

Presidio also offers shuttle service that will help residents from all over the area to easily navigate in and out of the property. Currently, Presidio has eight operating shuttles that could transport over 10 people in one ride.

Presidio is strategically located 15 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Skyway. It is also near malls like SM Bicutan, Filinvest Festival Mall and Alabang Town Center, as well as Asian Hospital & Medical Center, PAREF Southridge and Benedictine College.

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REAL ESTATE

Pool Play hard at the sixth-level play deck of San Lorenzo Place.

San Lorenzo Place is the only transit-oriented development in Makati today.

Move with ease from San Lorenzo Place Makati is under considerable traffic gridlock every morning and evening rush hour. That is why, when it comes to choosing a residence near your Makati office, you should look at whether it offers you one distinct advantage: mobility.

Being the only transit-oriented development in Makati today, San Lorenzo Place offers residents easy access to the financial capital. Take the Magallanes MRT station right in front your home to the Ayala station to reach your office. And when the day ends, also pass by the Ayala station and reach your loved ones in a zip. This way, you hardly experience traffic at all.

“Since San Lorenzo Place is directly connected to the MRT, you get easy access not only to the Makati central business district but to Ortigas as well via the train stations. In a metro where almost every family has a need for a car and its associated costs, you get to save on transportation costs while doing your share for the environment by taking the more earth-friendly trains versus cars and buses,” noted Empire East Land Holdings Inc. President Anthony Charlemagne Yu. Empire East is the developer of San Lorenzo Place, which is strategically located at the corner of Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo) and EDSA. The mobile advantage of San Lorenzo Place extends to other interesting places in the metro. Go to the shopping mecca of Cubao 46 pages.indd 46

San Lorenzo Place Living Area This 2-bedroom model unit previews design options for homeowners in the San Lorenzo Place showroom at the project site.

in 20 minutes via the MRT. To cure your shopping itch further, trek to the bargain haunts at Divisoria by taking an LRT2 coach from Cubao. Once your shopping gig concludes, take the trains again to reach home at San Lorenzo Place.

The skyline of Makati plus the views of the treeline from your project’s neighbor, the exclusive San Lorenzo Village, will welcome you home. Other features that will relax you after your shopping trip include a swimming pool, tennis court, jogging path and outdoor spa at the sixth-level play deck.

As for the children’s educational needs, top institutions such as Don Bosco and Assumption College are well within five minutes from San Lorenzo Place. This means you’ve got easy access to office, school and shopping activities right from the comforts of your home.

For as low as P13,800 a month for a 1-bedroom unit, your family can look forward to being mobile in Makati from San Lorenzo Place.

Two-bedroom and three-bedroom units are also available for families that require bigger living spaces. *** To learn more about San Lorenzo Place, visit the showroom at the project site at the corner of EDSA and Pasong Tamo. Or call leading mid-income developer Empire East at (+632) 810-3333 or visit www.empire-east.com.

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History No

21

Bridging Life Waters

It is quite impossible to think of Manila today as a city that grew near a river. If one would stand at the edge of the Pasig River banks, he would be surprised to know that the black waters of the semi-living river once sustained the trade and commerce of a city.

Yet, Pasig River was the stuff of many stories, pictures, illustrations, legends, projects and other things that centered on every aspect of Philippine society.

It has flowed strong, died, and resurrected. It is a source and an indicator of the way of life of the Manileños, from the centuries past to the present. The Pasig was a source of drinking water; a waterway for travel; and the toilets, baths, and dumpsites of many factories and homes. It became an icon of urban decay until the call for its revival came in the 1990s.

The Pasig bisects Manila into the northern and southern districts until today.

Both ends of the river once linked two pre-colonial settlements of the Tagalogs. The entrance north through Manila Bay passed a delta where once stood the proud kingdom of Maynila ruled by Raja Soliman that was later replaced

by Fort Santiago of the Spanish city of Intramuros. The exit south of Manila flows into the Santa Ana district – where also once stood the ancient settlement of Namayan – and out into the settlements in Makati (derived from the old Tagalog word of the river tide movement or “kati”).

A description of the trade and commerce of Old Manila is never complete

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without the Pasig River. The American Express’ Manila and the Philippines traveler’s guidebook, gives a busy picture of the river in the early 20th century: “The Pasig River, which runs through the center of the city presents a fascinating scene – always changing, it is a striking panorama of native life as here ships from points of the northern and southern Islands, load and unload their many products. There are many canals or esteros emptying into this river….”

But the splitting of Manila into north and south by the river brought about the architecture and design of bridges that spanned it. These bridges were not only the links of the two areas – they were also examples of the height of colonial designs influenced by Spanish and American cultures.

The four grand dames of the Pasig River In Manila today, there are five major bridges that span the Pasig: the Ayala Bridge; Quezon Bridge; Sta. Cruz Bridge; Jones Bridge; and Del Pan Bridge.

Of the five, the first four are remnants of the Manila’s old glory during the colonial years. They were once known as the “four grand dames of the Pasig River.” The bridges linked the residential and business districts on both sides of the Pasig. Each has an interesting history.

The first bridge that spanned the Pasig was the Puente Grande (literally translated as “Great Bridge”), which the Spaniards built in 1632. This struc-

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ture lasted until the 19th century when it collapsed during the 1863 earthquake. In 1875, a bigger and sturdier bridge was built with a design of eight arches of iron and quarried stone similar to the ones in Europe. Known as Puente de España (“Bridge of Spain”), it crossed into Calle Nueva in Binondo into the heart of the business district.

In 1908, the Kemlein and Johnson’s Guide and Map of Manila and Vicinity described the sturdiness of Bridge of Spain: “Three hundred years (sic) of the city’s great traffic have failed to impair and strength of its eight arches. For centuries, it has stood the raging forces of floods, typhoons and earthquakes.”

The economic rise of the 19th century when the Spaniards opened the Philippines to world trade contributed to the building of additional bridges as traffic increased. The Claveria Bridge, more popularly known as the Puente de Colgante, was built in 1852 and connected the Arrocerros district in Ermita to Quiapo. It was a suspension bridge – a first of its kind in the Philippines – and was used solely for pedestrians and small vehicles. A toll fee was charged for every pedestrian and light vehicle that crossed the bridge.

Then in 1880, the Ayala Bridge was opened – a timber structure -- crossed into the San Miguel district from the Calle Concepcion side of Ermita. It was built in two sections that converged at a point near the Isla de Convalescencia

where the Hospicio de San Jose is located. This bridge didn’t last long. It fell into disrepair and sections of it collapsed ten years later.

The arrival of the Americans in 1898 and the eventual colonization of the islands gave rise to a public works boom that included the construction of new bridges and the redesigning of the old ones for an envisioned modern capital city. This time, the new colonizers introduced a new building material that would be popularly used for the next decades – concrete.

In 1905, the Sta. Cruz Bridge was built to provide a crossing into the burgeoning commercial district of Santa Cruz through Plaza Goiti from Ermita.

The bridge was also built to relieve the traffic on the Escolta from the Puente de España. Three years later, utilizing the foundations of the old bridge, the Ayala Bridge was built by the Americans. Both were now all-steel structures making them durable to handle the new cars that were being shipped in from abroad.

The Puente de Espana was demolished to give way to a larger bridge that crossed from the wharfs near the Manila Post Office into Calle Rosario in Binondo. Designed by Filipino architect Juan Arellano, it was a masterpiece of elegant design complete with pre-cast statuaries and electric lightposts. It was completed in 1922 and named Jones Bridge after William Atkinson Jones, the author of the Jones Bill of 1916, which granted autonomy to the Philippines with a promise of later independence.

In Quiapo, sections of the Puente de Colgante were demolished in the 1930s and replaced with a concrete and steel bridge designed in the Art Deco style. It was named Quezon Bridge in honor of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. It crossed into the district near the Quinta Market and Quiapo Church.

These bridges served the city and were part of the grandeur and beauty of Manila during the Commonwealth period, also called “Peacetime” by the older generation. But the destruction of World War II left them in ruins during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Reinforcing their defenses in southern Manila during the American advance in the city, the Japanese Imperial Army blew up all the bridges, leaving them collapsed into the Pasig River as tangled masses of steel girders and rubble.

The American military rebuilt temporary pontoon bridges to replace these infrastructures. It was only in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s that the bridges were rebuilt with war rehabilitation funds given by the United States. But the new structures were merely functional and barely shadows of what they once were during the pre-war times. The once-elegant Jones Bridge was a bare span that crossed into Binondo from the Manila Post Office. Gone were its statues and elaborate pre-cast decorations. (Only three of the statues remained after the war. One is on display at the Luneta while the other two are in front of the Court of Appeals building in Ermita). A new bridge – Del Pan – was constructed in the 1960s to serve the needs of the growing shipping industry and to connect the piers along the Port Area and North Harbor. The rest of the bridges were built to serve the public as the country got back on its feet.

In the next decades, the bridges became part of the Manila’s modernization and resulting urban decay. As the Pasig River succumbed to pollution from the wastes dumped from the different factories and houses along the riverbanks, the spaces under the bridges became homes to numerous illegal settlers. It was only in the 1990s, with the founding of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Project, that the government and private groups made an effort to clean and revive the Pasig River and its surroundings. The bridges, on the hand, were renovated and refurbished with lights that mark their locations along the Pasig with a soft glow in the city night.

As years passed, modern needs brought about the construction of more bridges across the Pasig throughout the metropolis. To date, there are 13 bridges spanning the Pasig River from Manila to Makati. But the four grand dames over the Pasig are still the treasured ones that preserve our country’s rich colonial heritage. They are still the bridges that span a river that gives life to an old city.

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Philanthropy ISSUE No

21

REGINA LOPEZ Social-Impact Environmentalist for Pasig River’s Revival

BY PROSY ABARQUEZ-DELACRUZ, J.D.

“water is a great teacher that shows us how to move through the world with grace, ease, determination, and humility. when a river breaks at a waterfall, it gains energy and moves on, as we encounter our own waterfalls, we may fall hard but we always keep moving on. water is brave and does not waste time clinging to its past, but flows onward without looking back.”

— Anonymous

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reamers knoW no bounds and see only possibilities. They are grounded in God’s infinite grace and envision no limitations to their dreams. They keep on no matter what, and step by step, they see that what they committed to do, defines them, and inspires the organizations they lead.

First there is Tony Meloto, who imagines the poor can be middle class in the Philippines, who keeps on, despite the odds and conflicts he faced. Today, Gawad Kalinga gets worldwide donations and has built homes for 2,000 communities.

Second, there is Loida Nicolas Lewis who imagines a school, so Sorsogonian children be educated in moral values, technology and enterpreneurship, then jobs or businesses as productive citizens in a global economy. The Lewis College now has close to a thousand enrolled students from K to college.

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beFore

Third, there is Dado Banatao who imagines strategic philanthropy as a significant bridge amongst Filipino Americans and Filipinos, funding science and technology researches, while producing high value goods that anchor a sustainable economy in the Philippines.

Today, his partnership with PhilDev (formerly Ayala Foundation) and the Philippine government has created a research consortium, involving seven universities, aggregating their scientific capacities.

Fourth, there is Vicky Wallace who imagines a bed and breakfast in Panglao, Bohol, using local crops and local labor. She is much ahead of her times when she conceived it decade ago, when organic cooking and baking was not in vogue yet in Bohol. Now, her visionary thinking for Bohol Bee Farms gives jobs to hundreds of Boholanos, while she raises her own bees, farms her own produce and makes new dips using malunggay, with food technologists as new uses for fruits and vegetables.

Joining this circle of spiritually grounded visionaries is Regina Lopez who imagines the Philippines as the eco-tourism capital of the planet.

“We are not Singapore or Hongkong, we are 7000 amazingly beautiful and spectacular islands. Many of us do not even know the beauty that exists in our country because these islands are not comfortably accessible, to discover the magnificence of Sibuyan Island in Romblon and to even [get] more saddened to find that a people living amidst such magnificence could be so poor,“ she said. Envision it like Hawaii, I told her. “Yes, yes,” she replied.

Gina’s transformational cleaning up of the Pasig River, a river long dead, like a landfill in one section, filled with mattresses, plastic bags, diapers, tires, bottles, and a dead carcass stench, has opened up collective imaginations and collective energies that kaya pala natin ito. Used to making a big splash, as part of a media-conglomerate family, was raised to look at the problem in a strategic way.

aFter

Watching her dad, Eugenio Lopez, by example, she learned from him, the importance of integrity and vision.

At a graduation speech in Ateneo de Naga on March 8, 2011, Gina challenged graduates “to commit to a life of integrity and honesty, upholding the truth with principled judgement. Never think you are small because with small thinking comes small dreams and small visions. Think big and dream big. Consider yourself as special with a defined mission. Believe that you can make a difference in this part of the world.” Bernadette Gavino-Gumba wrote in VoxBicol.com. Gina was asked to take over the Pasig River cleanup by former First Lady Ming Ramos. But before taking it on, she sought partnership with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR). DENR agreed, so she accepted. Later, she was officially appointed by Pres. Noynoy Aquino to chair the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, under the DENR, along with Metro Manila Development Authority, Office of Executive Secretary of the President of the Philippines, Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Department of Interior Local Governments, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Department of National Defense, Department of Transportation and Communications, GMA Network, ABS- CBN Foundation/Bantay Kalikasan and Unilever. The commission’s goal is to have a viable river of Class C quality, fit for fishing, boating and manufacturing water supply for food processing. Mind you, this is a fifteen-year effort of cleanup and revival. Many unsuccessful attempts have been made in the Pasig River, but the recent relocation of top polluting industries, like chemicals and petroleum, has happened. But, the unprocessed domestic wastes, to which only 7% of the households in Metro Manila are connected to sewage treatment, make the problem quite insurmountable.

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But not Gina!

I asked Gina what are the current indicators they use to measure water quality.

“We go at BOD. Class C is 7 BOD (Oxygen in Demand). At the headwater, we are hitting 10, so we are almost there, the key is the sewage. Manila is a city of open sewers. By mid-September, we are targeting a situation where there will no longer be any sewage going in Estero de Paco, when that happens, the water will get clean dramatically. All the bioremediation and aeration we are using will kick in big time.”

Why? Paco Market is also installing its own wastewater treatment plant so no sewage water goes to the estero, and only treated water from the treatment plant.

Estero de Paco became Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission’s demonstrative project. It was the largest estero, the dirtiest and presented the most challenge. What once was a slum-dwelling estero, it is now bordered by agapanthus and rubber plants, complete with what Gina calls “island reactor, with cococoir to filter the water, and manmade waterfalls.” Next to it is a newly built Paco Market, with stabilized rents. She is currently seeking donors to help former vendors the first rights to go back to the stalls, at $1500 a stall. It is now a state-ofthe art facility, with better-managed and cleaner stalls, and no longer with added stench from nearby Pasig River.

Good News Pilipinas describes the magical ten months that transformed this waterway.

First, the transient population of 1,350 families was relocated to Calauan, Laguna, where they were given affordable housing options and livelihood training.

Their shanties were dismantled and KBPIP proceeded to dig up and remove the tons of garbage left behind by over 80 years of abuse to the waterway. When the time came to do the dirty work, slews of volunteers arrived to help clean up Estero de Paco, most of them students and military personnel.

After the estero was clear of physical garbage, it was time to clear the pollutants left behind. This was to be done in the greenest, most eco-friendly way possible. Coco coir was as imbued with a mix of helpful bacteria known to decompose garbage and is used to treat wastewater and sludge. The coir would act as a filter against larger contaminants and as a stabilizing material for the banks of the waterway, while the bacteria worked on eliminating harmful toxins from the water. To combat erosion, vetiver grass was also introduced. The grass would also help to clean the water, filtering it over time. KBPIP hopes to be able to reintroduce local aquatic life into the river soon.”

“We’re trying to incorporate air into the water, making it more capable of supporting life,” Harris says. “It’s important to involve and educate the people who live nearby, and not only those people, but basically every Filipino. As Gina Lopez says, it’s not just your river or my river—it’s our river, [it’s] everybody’s river.”

I asked Gina what gives her a unique perspective in seeing the fili– 52 pages.indd 52

pino potential of healing Mother Nature and their capacity for change.

While she grew up a child of privilege to the Lopez family (who owns prime real estate, utilities, biggest media network in the Philippines), high school at Assumption College, then college at Newton College of Sacred Heart (merged with Boston College in Massachussetts ), she dropped out to become a yoga nun for Amanda Morga (Path of Bliss), dedicated to the self-realization and service to humanity. Her commitment of 20 years led her to India, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria. She credits this part of her life as opening up her sights that poverty can be removed in the Philippines, “especially in the places which are beautiful, in these places, agriculture and eco-tourism is the way to go.” Her political will to see transformational change amongst the poor came about when she learned survival skills as a missionary in Africa. She found herself without a safety net of being part of a media conglomerate nor the connections of a well-placed family.

She learned that “when there is a will there is a way. That as long as one had faith in one’s convictions,onecanbuilddreams.Iended up with land, a house, a Children’s home, a school. To survive, I would go to businesses and tell them what I was doing and invariably I would get support. I learned how the poor live. I lived in the slums of Africa where one had to stand in line for hours for water, taking a bath and washing with a bucket, where there are no toilets. I had to sleep on the floor. It was hard but I developed an affinity with the poor...I know what it is like.”

Indeed she knows. She applied the first principle in doing projects for the impoverished, malnourished children.

When she came back to the Philippines, she took on these projects that made a splash, not with fame and glamour, but with social impact.

Bantay Bata is child welfare program of the ABS-CBN foundation, with eight regional offices now that provides rescue and relief for abused and sick children, while giving them quality home care and therapy, until they are united with their families or referred to appropriate child care agencies. For her work in designing an all

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around safety net for the abused Filipino child, she was recognized as one of the AAA awardees of Asian Institute of Management. She was a UNESCO Kalinga Awardee for popularizing science through her innovative media work on math, sciences, national heroes, seeking help from the Department of Education to showthesemodulesinclassrooms. In8,900 classrooms where they were shown, dramatic improvements were achieved in math and reading scores in addition to teachers’ training.

Her social-impact environmentalism appears to follow three principles in Van Jones’ Green Collar Economy’s book: first, equal protection for all, where the pain is minimized for the impacted group and their gain maximized; second, equal opportunity for those in pursuit of equity, where all are included; and third, reverence for all creation.

She states her principles as: “commitment to integrity, compassion to care for each other, to work together, reverence for the environment

and healthy lifestyle.” She shared her work in Estero de Paco, next to Paco Market, to a group of Filipino Americans gathered in Goldilocks in Cerritos one evening. We were all riveted to her presentation that most folks did not leaveuntilclosetomidnight. Housing for the informal settlers who lived on the banks of the waterways or esteros was first secured. They were relocated to a development called Bayan ni Juan, where concrete row houses were built, with a school and clinic in Calauan, Laguna. She is the first to say that she cannot do it alone, but together with a team of students, military, community volunteers, “where the cleanups were always a source of joy and kinship,” nothing seems impossible.

We confirmed the resettlement of these residents with a Calauan city council candidate, Grace Bondad Nicolas.

Grace is by profession, a project engineer and CEO of Grace Home Builders: “It’s under two projects (Binay compound and Bayan ni juan sa Calauan) so far, they are not living as squatters now, with decent concrete row housing for them, 15 to 21 square meters for each family, no electricity this time in most part. Calauan doesn’t have new investors to give them work, livelihood programs are not enough,

if no capital for families. [There is] a higher rate of crime now in Calauan, police force is 1:1700, which is not ideal. The barangay where it is located (Dayap) doesn’t have additional tools to support the overgrowing community. I interviewed some of the families, some said they don’t have work here so they went back to Manila. The Plus points -- the area is surroundedbymountains,so[thereis]fresh air for them, big roads inside and again they have their own homes. I spent months talking to the block leaders.”

Has the first principle of equal protection for all, with minimal pain and maximum gain realized?

Gina is the first to admit that more investors are needed to set up businesses which will employ local folks, much like the visionary Vicky Wallace, who did it for Bohol for her provincemates, and much like Loida Lewis who is educating her fellow provincemates in Sorsogon. In the meantime, Gina has prevented more respiratory diseases and a new imagination has sprung from these new Calauan residents. She has also revived a new feeling of bayanihan, kaya natin ito, and it seems nothing is impossible if we do it together. Even the second principle of equal opportunities for all is being satisfied. At Paco Market, most of these retail vendors are provided opportunities to inhabit the new market stalls.

“Nothing can stand in the way of a people united for a noble cause,” she said. “I have a deep resonance with the environment. My spiritual practice is feeling the divine, entering stillness, then feeling the Higher Worlds.

Whenonedoesthis,onedevelops a very keen affinity with nature. Divine Energy is in Nature.” Just like we felt the Divine, in seeing the almost glasslike waters of Monterey Bay in Northern California, the waters of Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, and the Camotes Sea inside Visayas State University’s campus, rehabilitated under the stewardship of President Joe Bacusmo in the last three years.

As to the third principle of reverence for all, Gina succeeded in eradicating poverty in Puerto Princesa, where she helped the community residents in building trails, a waterless toilet, a visitor’s center, and other visitor-friendly improvements. With this community – based tourism, the community benefited. She has eliminated poverty in this area in just a period of two years with very minimal investment in five communities living amidst these gorgeous surroundings. “It has even reached the stage where the profit is big enough to roll over to another community,” she added.

Like water, moving with grace, ease, determination and humility, Gina is indeed a social-impact environmentalist, who will soon earn her Green Peace awards from us, as a peace builder, healer and nurturer of Mother Nature, if not a Nobel Peace Prize award for innovative change in cleaning dead rivers and installing community-based eco-tourism. Forty-six more tributaries to clean up that emptyintoth ePasigRiver,soon,wewill have a new river, a highway of clean waters traversing Metro Manila, and will be a new source of life, as Gina Lopez and her river warriors have envisioned.

all Photos courtesy of Regina Lopez, ABS-CBN Foundation pages.indd 53

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Arts

ISSUE No

21

fritz friedman

The Road to Hollywood by rachel cometa-Estuar

A bright, breezy day in Southern California everything was abuzz around the cluster of studios in Culver City, a destination not quite that familiar to me. The intersecting streets, the strands of stores, the panoply of high-end cars straddled in between the tall buildings were indeed a splendid change.

Far from my traditional north-eastern locales, I traversed through daunting traff ic on the Interstate 10 freeway to try out something new-an adventure, a new experience, according to my friend, Prosy.

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balikbayanmagazine.com

PHOTO BY Hydee Ursolino-Abrahan 9/28/11 3:45 PM

audacity that gives one that “IT Factor” to gather courage and not run away from any challenge.

Had you been there those early years in Boston staring at this boy with the alabaster-like skin and big dark eyes, perhaps you too would have probably seen the signs. With a big personality and his ability to adapt to his environment, there leaves little room for question that there was a high probability for someone like him to succeed. Try looking at old photos of Fritz and that adorable and disarming smile dispels any doubt that this too would become one of his critical tools to help him get his way in his chosen field as he did as a baby.

Growing up he recalls the family home was always filled with friends and loved ones. The home was always the gathering place for special occasions and when folks needed to stay for longer stretches of time, too. The Friedmans were always ready to oblige, if the occasion called for it.

Fritz attributes his outgoing and tenacious personality to his parents. He fondly remembers the extraordinary boldness, generosity and exuberance of his parents who loved him dearly and were always supportive and showed him just how proud they were of their sons: Fritz and his younger brother, Aaron.

Dr. Fred & Mrs. Catalina Friedman were certainly the first to notice that Fritz was confident from the get-go. They unabashedly encouraged Fritz and Aaron to be bold, fun and always generous towards others.

The dashing young Fritz sharpened his mind and gentlemanly

T

he day could not have been more perfect. An adventure is only worthwhile when sharing it with a a very good and trusted friend. We could have just as well been teens with pony tails and bobby pins skipping down the halls of the Sony Pictures building like Winona Ryder and Claire Danes might have done while making the Little Women movie, but just as well, my friend and I were about to meet one of the renowned figures in the entertainment industry. A man who has been a catalyst for Sony’s corporate communication and global marketing thanks to his impeccable sensitivity to the nuances and patterns in the local and the global entertainment world. Like with anything new, my joy was palpable but slightly suspended in the air until the anticipated moment arrived.

“Money is a needful and precious thing,—and, when well used, a noble thing,—but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for.”

-Louisa May Alcott, Little Women The Early Years A precocious five-year old would travel half-way around the world in the mid-50s. Little did anybody know he would break down stereotypes and achieve the prestigious rank of being the first Filipino and Asian American male in various categories from college and beyond.

Some would describe the young Fritz Friedman as having just the right dose of what the Jewish call “chutzpah” or that non-malicious

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ways while attending Boston College High School, a private prep school run by the Jesuits. Well-spoken, mild-mannered and undeniably bright, Fritz stayed at the top of his game and always excelled in school. But there was also the intense and energetic side to Fritz that wanted to look into other interests outside of the routine prep school curriculum and gallivant to feed his curious mind. Like many young men, he went through a rebellious and impulsive stage.

Visiting the Philippines as a teenager quickly turned into just having fun and partying with his friends.

Well-traveled, young and erudite, Fritz was as gentle as a sheep but his considerable focus and tenacity to achieve his dream transformed the once impish youth into a perspicacious, fierce and nimble lion.

Like those in the Felidae/cat family that perfect their survival skills at a young age, Fritz learned early in life to make the best of even the mundane and saw the possibilities even in seemingly tedious jobs.

He perfected the art of customer service while working as an usher at Carnegie Hall and the rest of this story describes the depth of his understanding of not only the customer but also the worldwide market.

M

Never Second Guess The Fritz ention the name Fritz Friedman in certain circles and you will find out that he commands attention, gets people to listen and follow him. Then there are those who would tell you that they are intimidated by Fritz’s style and approach.

He understands and also expects others to understand that sometimes it is just about doing business. As far as what others say about him, he simply believes that, “The opinion of other people about me is not my business. They have a right to think what they want, I cannot worry about that. In my business, its not always about being nice but doing the right thing.” Easily lions make other animals quiver but for all its teeth glaring ferociousness, according to research, lions are also known as family animals and are highly social in their own communities.

Catalina Cornista Friedman was an Emergency Room nurse for thirty years at the Boston University Medical Center Hospital who died after a work-related accident and helping the people she loved to serve. Mrs. Friedman, or as many often called her “Tita Nena” is fondly remembered by her son as someone who taught him early in life to have a big heart for other people. Taking after his mom, Fritz loves being with

56 pages.indd 56

people!

Fred Friedman, M.D., completed medical school and residency at Boston University and Boston City Hospital. Warm, gregarious, generous, genuine these were the things Fritz treasured most and what he considers as the legacy his parents left with him and his younger brother, Aaron.

Having that legacy as part of him means he sees the world through a child’s eyes. He says, “When you’re a child, things around you are more acute, more intense and more distilled just because everything is a new experience to them.”

The best advice he can give to friends, employees and clients who aspire to make it in the entertainment industry is “to always be authentic and transparent.” It’s important to Fritz that he comes across as someone who is forthright and honest; which could explain why Fritz has friends both in high places, as well as in the trenches and the front lines.

If you are ever in the Hollywood area near the Hollywood offices of Sony Pictures Entertainment ask a woman named Candace, an attendant at the parking kiosk there, and she will tell you how much she loves Fritz. In fact, with much exuberance and fanfare she will tell you, “Fritz is her man!” Fritz’s friends are loyal to him.

Within his sphere of influence, family and friends trust him with their life and with their most treasured possessions: their children.

True to form, Fritz becomes like a surrogate parent while they attend universities stateside. I asked why he would do this, Fritz explains that, “This was standard for the Friedman family back in the Philippines and in Boston.”

Another quality he shares with the Felidae or cat family is the innate aptitude to know what’s up or down, skillfully rotate its body in midair and orient itself to land safely on its feet, also known as “righting reflex”. The more daunting the challenge, the more assiduous Fritz becomes. This quality helped Fritz quickly rise up within the ranks to become a senior executive at Sony Pictures. Fritz is now Senior Vice President of Worldwide Publicity for two divisions at Sony Pictures Entertainment. The first is Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Sony’s home entertainment distribution arm, and the other is Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, which produces and acquires content for Sony’s various distribution entities. In both areas, Friedman and his staff oversee all media related to the divisions including product publicity, corporate communications and special events as well as the overall

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRITZ FRIEDMAN publicity outreach for select theatrical releases.

As I sat there across from Fritz and my dear friend and mentor, Prosy de la Cruz, in what could be one of the best corner offices in Hollywood, I could not help but be in awe of this wonderfully talented man sitting with me and answering my questions about his personal and professional life. If his research topic and approach was not genius material what else would you call it? It was relevant for that period and the entertainment industry needed a mind that thought like Fritz’s mind. Someone who did not underestimate or diminish the power and influence that this industry has not only in the U.S. but also in the world culture. Fritz Friedman took what most of us would regard as simply entertaining and danceable music and took it to a whole new level. Through a scientific approach employing research instruments and tools of analysis, he tried to explain why class and culture were relevant factors to help determine how the music would be accepted by the market and consumers. He wanted to uncover the values and background of the people who created and listened to the lyrics of the top disco music of the 70s era. In it he found that the earlier music produced by the mainstream did not reflect the values of the disenfranchised groups such as Blacks, Latinos and gays.

O

A Foot in the Door ne would think with such a brilliant and creative graduate thesis that a man like Fritz could land a job easily. That was not the case for Fritz. He worked his way to the top.

He started as an usher and walked people to their seats at Carnegie Hall. He was the most polite and attentive attendant, as he himself described his approach and took pride in how he delivered the service. It was this customer-centered attitude that got him noticed.

Since joining Sony Pictures in 1980, Friedman has overseen the worldwide publicity, corporate communication and media initiatives for the corporation’s multi-billion dollar a year home entertainment company including some of its most successful campaigns from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the “Spider-man” franchise and “The Social Network” to the “Seinfeld” and the “Breaking Bad” TV-onDVD series. He also helped create and executed the strategic publicity campaigns for the launch of several new technologies such as DVD, Blu-ray Discs and the nascent and fast growing digital distribution formats. His creative and strategic mind has helped his company grow

from to become which are all attributable to the value and skillsets he brings to his job and company.

He keeps his finger on the pulse of the market and the community by keeping up with current events through his subscription to the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Variety and Nikki Finke.

He does most of his reading online. He believes that the packaged media is going to be a thing of the past. He believes that “digital distribution platform is the wave of the future.”

I asked him what he thinks will happen with the small and big screen mediums; and if it will follow suit with the gramophone and the turntable that have become obsolete. He indicated that what he knows for sure is “the media dissemination is dynamic. The future is mysterious but he and his colleagues enjoy change and adapt to it.”

When asked what advice he would give to young artists who are trying to make it in the entertainment industry he said, “Don’t lie, especially to the media! They will know when you’re being insincere. Authenticity is important in any form of communication.”

“I

On Heroes/Sheroes am a firm believer that everyone has the potential to be attractive, which is very different from being good looking, of course. Also, there are heroes all over the place and they come in different colors, sizes, etc. What is special about such people is that their strength comes from knowing themselves. In the end when I finally choose to retire, I can say that I chose my destiny and accomplished what I’ve set out to do because I never second guessed myself. I never blamed anyone else for anything that may not have turned out the way I planned it. I can die a happy man. ”

A

The Last Word lmost twenty years ago, Fritz was diagnosed with follicular carcinoma after his doctor tested him for thyroid cancer.

Death is not something he is afraid of because of his strong faith. He acknowledges that there has been a special force in his life that has helped him and given him favor. Yet in the same breath however, he did not want to fail to mention that, “what would cause me the most anguish and worry is what would happen to my partner when I’m gone.” Finally, he concluded with this, “Time is amorphous to me.

Life should always be about having fun!”

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Entertainment No

21

The

blaCk EyEd PEaS

I F T H ERE W ERE A M A S T ER’S D E G REE F O R eating balut, Apl.de.Ap, or Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr. would have graduated with flying colors a long time ago.

The Black Eyed Peas singer and rapper is proud of his Filipino roots planted in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga where he used to buy balut — a boiled and fertilized duck embryo considered a Philippine delicacy — from a street vendor in the corner and ride jeepneys to and from school. In one interview, Apl said he could eat balut even with his eyes closed.

It was also while riding jeepneys to Angeles City that the true blue balikbayan discovered the art of break-dancing, the talent that brewed his rise to fame in America with his high school friend and fellow BEP member will.i.am. He said he was enticed to try break-dancing whenever he would see Pampanga-native kids dancing it on the road.

His taste in music was well developed with his admiration for the Filipino band Asin, whose lyrics usually strike on the social welfare of the country and politics. “The Apl Song” bared his life in the Philippines and included the full chorus of Asin’s “Balita.”

Born in a poor family, the 36-year-old hip-hop superstar was abandoned by his African-American father and was raised by 58 pages.indd 58

his mother along with six younger siblings. At 14, an American sponsor formally adopted Apl through the dollar-a-day program pioneered by the Pearl S. Buck Foundation for abandoned or orphaned Amerasian children.

In one report, Apl recalled he was chased by kids in school, curious of where he came from as his appearance strikingly differed from his American classmates.

Now that high school’s long done, Apl and the rest of the BEP: Fergie, Taboo and will.i.am are set for their one-night only comeback to Manila at the Mall of Asia concert grounds to bring good vibes and music to Filipino fans. Expect to hear some of their hits like “Boom, Boom Pow,” “I Gotta Feeling,” “Meet Me Halfway,” “Don’t Stop the Party,” and “The Dirty Bit.” Futurainment Inc., a production company headed by renowned actor and successful restaurateur Marvin Agustin, brings the much-anticipated concert to the Philippines. Tickets range from as low as P800 to P10, 000 for VIP seats.

The concert this October 25 is one of the hundred shows the multi-Grammy Award winning electro-hip-hop group has sold out since their worldwide break through in 2004.

By aj Press 9/28/11 3:46 PM

WITH MARVIN AGUSTIN’S MULTI-MEDIA BUSINESS VENTURE, fUTURETAINMENT INC. IS SET TO BRING THE HOTTEST INTERNATIONAL STARS TO PERFORM IN THE COUNTRY. hAIled AS one of the beSt ACtorS of hIS generation, Marvin Agustin has captivated many Filipino fans both in the mainstream and indie film scenes. As an actor and product endorser, he has built relationships and connections in the world of media and advertising. But he proved to others that he is more than just an actor when he debuted as an entrepreneur and established his restaurant empire into posh spots of the metro.

Agustin has spearheaded the creation of 10 authentic and unique bistros that differs in both concepts and menu. One of which serves outstanding westernized Japanese food, while another provides a fusion of European and Japanese cuisines. Others are a mix of Filipino cuisines, seafood, Thai and Korean flavors and Chinese foods.

As a passionate entrepreneur, he plans to turn his restaurant empire to go global very soon.

And just this year, Marvin added the challenging title of concert producer to his resume, with Futuretainment Inc.. Being in the His 15-year stint inentertainment industry for fifteen years, makes itit is understandableno wonder why hehe ventured into concert production.

“Futuretainment has always been my dream…I have been dreaming of making things even more colorful here with a company like Futuretainment. Whatever makes Filipinos and people entertained and genuinely happy are things we want to do — one of them are live concerts with their favorite artists!” he shared in an interview.

Futuretainment Inc. is a multi-media company that focuses on bringing the best international artists closer to their Filipino fans here in the country. Relatively new in the industry, Futurentertainment Inc. with the help of Music Management International has already

marked its name to be the next biggest concert production company when they brought 30 Second to Mars, Bruno Mars, Maroon Five and Miley Cyrus (where Manila is the only Asian city included in her world tour) to perform live in front of their biggest fans in Manila.

Founded by Marvin and his colleagues last January, Futuretainment is committed to bring only the best artists to perform onstage through the company’s signature marketing strategy that will surely attracts the local market scene. With the knowledge and skills he developed from being an actor and restaurant owner, Marvin believes that the multi-media approach in a busy and fast-changing media environment will allow Fututuretainment Inc. to be versatile in its forward directions.

Futuretainment Inc. has already laid out its plans to expand and to produce other events such as fashion shows, theater plays and films. AgustinMarvin also assures the local music industry that Futuretainment will soon be producing more concerts and tours that showcase Filipino artists. In fact, Futuretainment Inc. is also set to produce Anne Curtis’ world tour.

As a fan, we asked him who are the artists he wishes to bring in the countr. “U2! I am a big fan of U2!,” he said and added, “I’d like to bring Coldplay and the original Queen of Pop, Madonna, soon too! I also would like to bring back the new ‘Queen of Pop’ Lady Gaga and Katy Perry!”

Now, Futuretainment is bringing back multi-Grammy awardee electro band Black Eyed Peas here in Manila on the 25th of October at the Mall of Asia concert ground – another effort to bring only the best artists and to guarantee the audience that Futuretainment Inc. means seriously fun business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOG ON TO WWW.FUTURETAINMENTINC.COM OR CALL (632) 577.3265 OR +63.947.396.4539. pages.indd 59

9/28/11 3:46 PM

Education ISSUE No

21

PUT YOUR KIDS

How do you plan to gear your kids for a brighter future ahead?

AHEAD How do you plan to gear your kids for a brighter future ahead?

It is natural for any parent (or even a guardian), to want the best for their children in everything — food, home, clothes, gadgets, t friends, and most especially, the best school. But just how dedicated are you in sending your children to the best universities in the country for college?

There have been a number of review centers for college entrance exams in Manila who are claiming that they are the most intelligent choice for you. However, one should note that there is only one review center in the Philippines that has proven itself in the field of education for over 16 years now – Ahead Tutorial and Review Center.

Owned by University of the Philippines (UP) – Los Baños Outstanding Alumna and award-winning businesswoman Rossana Llenado, Ahead has been breeding academic achievers through their variety of tutorial and review programs for almost all sorts of national and international examinations. With more than 10 branches now and counting, they were the first to introduce the entrance exam review for the country’s top three universities — Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and UP in 1995.

News about this unique review program and business spread like wildfire to parents and students, prompting the establishment of fly-bynight review centers to compete with Ahead. So far, nothing came close.

Ahead’s services are not limited to college entrance examinations though. They also offer basic to advance tutorials at all year levels, depending on the needs of each student. There’s also the Business English Skills Training Programs by AheadPro, another business run

by Llenado, targeted to help professionals build their confidence when engaging in the corporate world. For examinees of the International English Language Testing System and the Test of English as a Foreign 60 pages.indd 60

Language, AheadPro could help you ace the exams, as the British Council and IDP Australia recognize the program.

Believing in the competent skills of Filipino educators and understanding the need of the Filipino-American market for quality education, Llenado is now venturing on online or virtual tutoring services. The newest Ahead Interactive program aims to help Californian students first, and then reach out to more students in the United States later on.

Llenado also assures that students based in America will get equally competitive tutorials despite the geographical difference, thanks to the Internet.

The teachers Ahead is proud to have over 300 qualified tutors all over the country.

They are not your ordinary tutors — they are the topnotchers of their batch and they come from the top schools in the Philippines.

Tutors undergo the most stringent trainings, the hardest exams and the most critical observation periods. Llenado and her hiring staff also makes sure that the aspiring tutors are not merely bookish individuals with soaring IQ levels who fare poorly in EQ. They make it a requirement that a tutor must also love kids.

Paciencia Achacoso, Officer-in-Charge and Branch Coordinator for Ahead’s south branches, asserts the ideal tutor should have a good relationship with the child assigned to her.

“It’s not necessary for her to have a sibling or a kid to jive well with kids.

They just need to be friendly and able to relate to students and parents,” Achacoso says.

She adds that Ahead teachers even go the extra mile for the kids.

“There are times when the child needs to buy something from the bookstore

By DANIELLE CLARA P. DANDAN 9/28/11 3:47 PM

For inquiries please contact (632) 426-0034 to 36, (63917) 89AHEAD (24323), www.ahead.edu.PH, ANd rll@ahead.edu.ph.

but it is too late for him to buy it after the tutoring hours. In this case, we would contact his yaya to buy the materials he need for school the next day.”

How “it went Ahead” Llenado is far from the template of a traditional housewife. Though a loving wife and a caring mother of twins, you can’t see her killing time at home.

“Nakainip sa bahay e, after the household chores, wala ka nang gagawin kundi sunduin ang mga anak sa school,” she says.

The want to have a one-of-a-kind business and the need to stay at home for the kids was a good marriage of ideas for Llenado. This gave birth to the first organized review and tutorial center in the country, the Ahead Tutorial and Review.

The first branch was a footstep away from her house in Katipunan, Quezon City. The new branches came in smoothly, and in 2004, Llenado finally decided to have her brand franchised. This is why Ahead Tutorial and Review has branches in Lipa, Batangas and in Dagupan.

“Many parents were asking me how come we don’t have a branch at this and that. At that time kasi I couldn’t afford to have branches that are too far from home since I was afraid I might not be able to give more time to them,” she recalls.

Indeed, Llenado was the woman who changed the landscape of tutorial sessions in the Philippines for good. The center she established has an organized system of tutorials and appropriate reviewing environments – very far from the tutorial sessions in the good old days.

Before Ahead was born, tutors would visit their students at home, which, according to Llenado, is a vulnerable place for all sorts of distractions.

“Sa bahay may refrigerator, may TV, may toys. Nakakadistract sila sa concentration ng bata,” she adds. “Dati tinutor ko anak ko, sabi pupunta lang sa kwarto, aba hindi na bumalik. Hintay ako ng hintay, nanonood na pala ng TV!” Her philosophy in tutoring children is also noteworthy. Llenado believes that having someone professional tutor a child is more effective than having the actual parent do it. The logic? Kids will feel more obliged to follow and respect the tutorial sessions because they know the tutors — no matter how kind and patient they are — mean (serious) business.

Young and business-minded Llenada has been a literal working student back in UP, not only because she was working as a student assistant for the chancellor, but she was also a budding businesswoman. No wonder why she was included in the first batch of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 10 Filipino Entrepreneurs.

Early on college, she used to have her simple catering service even without a restaurant of her own. Actually, in first grade, she used to sell polvoron with her classmates as wrappers! Then eventually she ventured in producing the university’s trashcans. With a capital of only P20 per trashcan, she was able to sell them at P250 each.

But she can’t stop searching for more profit-making pastimes. So one day, while walking through the grove in UP Los Baños, an idea

popped into her mind: why not rent a stall in the university grove and do business?

The cum-laude-to-be then approached the person in charge for the stall rentals and inquired if she could put up a business. When asked about what she will sell to students using the stall, she answered “di ko pa po alam.”

Eventually she realized her product and it was a hit. Llenado claims her UP-labeled shirts even reached the main campus UP Diliman. She held on to the business for a year before moving to Manila.

One and only setback With her early exposure to business, Llenado sure had her share of defeat. In 2007, Ahead faced a crisis. It was the time when review and tutorial business boomed and competition blazed hotter. Review centers were like a popular convenience store; almost every street had one.

Thinking that lowering fees may keep them on top, Llenado dropped the prices of her services. But the move proved to be a failure.

“Parents became angry. They were asking me why we put our rates down.

They were afraid we also reduced our quality of service, where in fact, everything remained the same,” she recalls.

For a couple of years or so, Llenado says the company saw its lowest turnout of enrollees. Today, Ahead is back on track and is busier than ever.

“Honestly, yun lang ang masasabi kong naging failure ko sa negosyo…

Natuwa nga ako nung nangyari yun kasi at least the next time na tatanungin ako kung ano naging failure ko, may maisasagot na ako. Ang yabang kasi ng dating kung sasabihin kong wala,‘di ba?” she quips.

Llenado was talking about the time when she was called up on stage along with other recipients of the Top 10 Filipino Entrepreneurs award, and was asked on their failures in life and business. She was dumbfounded on what to answer.

Compassion for educators Now with a load of achievements and success, Llenado believes she’s a tiny step away from materializing her long time dream of establishing a foundation for Filipino teachers.

In fact, the idea behind Ahead’s online and interactive tutorial sessions for American and Filipino-American students was to keep teachers in the country.

“Maraming cases of broken families dahil sa nag-a-abroad yung mga teachers natin. So one way na naisip ko is to put up the online tutorial program so we could keep them here in the Philippines and let them earn the same amount of money.”

Once the foundation is all set, Llenado says she will tap the help of the lawmakers to provide more benefits to the country’s educators. She also wishes to provide more training to teachers so they will be more adept to teach the country’s next heroes and government leaders.

This personal dream will surely come true, given the dedication Llenado is putting in the field of education.

“Malaki ang effect ng teachers sa bata so they should be given more value,” Llenado stresses. “Kapag magaling ang bata, dapat paglaki niya hikayatin siya ng magulang niyang maging teacher.”

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THE MOST POPULAR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM ON TELEVISION!

Leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKLE continues to provide answers to your immigration quesions.

Joined by an array of celebrities, with interesting stories you get relevant information and enteratinment in each episode!

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FRANCHISING

THE BUSINESS of PROVIDING CLEAN WATER Being in commodities has usually been stereotyped as being relatively stable albeit boring. Things don’t get any more basic than the water refilling industry, which poses a question, is there any room for innovation in this line of business.

This is the question that Carson Tan President and CEO of GQWEST Inc has pondered and worked at for more than a decade. In the course of finding the answer, he turned a single store from more than a decade ago to a network of more than 700 stores. Along the way, he has revolutionized the industry that has long been stagnating from years of price wars.

The story of Aquabest begins in 1997, when Carson Tan and a group of friends decided to enter the fledgling water refilling industry with a single Aquabest store under Bestlife Int’l Corp. in Diliman. Things were good at the start as purified water then was considered a status symbol. However, a combination of increased competition and mismanagement soon drove the company to the brink of bankruptcy.

While the other partners wanted to give up, Tan and Neil Delgado his fellow partner and currently the company’s general manager thought

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otherwise. Believing in both the company and the prospects of the water industry, he raised a million pesos and bought out the other partners in order to reorganize the company.

Turning around the company was easier said than done as most of the million pesos raised went to paying off creditors. “We had to immediately pay 750,000 pesos to our creditors because if we didn’t we couldn’t get the needed supplies. So you can imagine the difficulty of running a company with only 250,000 pesos in operating capital,” says Tan adding that he literally had to start with nothing in the office except two tables and a skeleton workforce. From this near death experience, Tan and Delgado turned the company now known as GQWEST Inc. around into a powerhouse in the water franchising industry.

One of the challenges they faced at the beginning was how to differentiate themselves from the mom and pop stores that proliferated the market. Initially, the company focused on adding more steps to the filtration process. However, competitors soon followed suit and the company realized they can’t keep it up needed to do something else.

That is when the company decided to focus on the core values of Quality, Service, Value, and Technology or QSVT. The core values express the

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company’s commitment to providing the best quality and service to their clients. Proof of the company’s commitment to excellence can be found in the ISO 9001 certification it received from Bureau Veritas. The ISO certification is given to companies who comply with globally recognized business best practices. To date they are the only water franchise in the country to receive this certification.

Another area the company has focused on is marketing and promotions as a way of communicating the brand itself. “We spend much on marketing and promotions because we believe that perception is also reality in the minds of our consumers. Although we believe that our water is good. If you communicate your brand with your consumers, at least, you are telling them that they are assured with the quality [and] not only the quality but also the service and value…We try to build and protect the image [of AquaBest]. Marketing is about continuously and profitably addressing the needs, wants and expectations of our target market and outperforming our competition” says Tan. The Aquabest brand itself has continued to evolve with its introduction of the Combostore concept seen as the future of the brand.

The Combostore franchise integrates three tried, tested, and successful concepts into one. Bundled in the package are the Aquabest, Laundrybest, and Oxyplus brands. Aquabest uses the most advance technology and its

exclusive Grander Technology that produces clean and healthy water that it is easily absorbed by the body, Oxyplus is oxygenated alkaline water that helps to neutralize the acidity of our body which is good for sickly people and Laundrybest is a Laundromat concept that reduces chemical usage thus making it earth-friendly.

In keeping with its commitment to giving added value, Combostore franchisees stand to benefit from the expanded target market and synergies resulting from the fusion of the three brands. The concepts offer a faster return period and better margins. It achieves greater efficiency and sustainability compared to other existing concepts by maximizing the use of every resource from the water to the manpower of each store.

Despite all that he has done, Tan remains enthusiastic about the future saying that the company will continue to lead the way for the rest of the industry. “As our company, embarks on the next stage of its evolution while we look forward to greater success we also expect more challenges but we are confident that our commitment to excellence and aggressive branding will propel us to even greater heights.” *** For inquiries about their franchising package, you may contact Lyn Cordon at this number +632-3710478 or visit their office at Grd. Flr., #883 Quezon Avenue Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Quezon City Metro Manila 1104 Philippines

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BELO BEAUTIFIES AMERICA Belo Skin Care in Glendale draws Fi-Ams all across america

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Glendale Clinic Opening Bash – Asia's Guru of Beauty, Dr. Vicki Belo with Managing Partner Anna Puno, Medical Director Dr. Eli Alegado, Aesthetic Nuirse Ron Cayetano. Celebrities Gary V, Martin Nievera, and Lani Misalucha sang during the event.

W

hen asked abou t her mission in life, Dr. Vicki Belo, dubbed as Asia’s Guru of Beauty and doctor to the stars, has often said, “I want everyone in the Philippines to look beautiful, one person at a time.” To the delight of the Filipino-American community, Dr. Vicki Belo has expanded her vision with the recent star-studded opening of the first Belo Skin Care Clinic in the United States. Launched a few months ago, the Belo Skin Care clinic located in Glendale, California has attracted Filipinos not just in the West Coast, but all across the country. Patterned after Belo’s flagship clinic in Makati, Belo Skin Care has nine treatment rooms with a spacious, well-lit receiving area.

In a recent exclusive interview in Glendale with Asian Journal, Dr. Belo said, “I’m so excited to be here. It’s been my desire for a long time to open a clinic in America. And I’m happy because from the day we opened, so many patients have already been coming, and not just from California. We have patients flying in from the East Coast, Middle America, Alaska, and even from Canada.”

The Glendale clinic has the same services Belo’s clinics in the Philippines provide, except for invasive procedures. The noninvasive treatments and products include Ultherapy, Fraxel, Light Sheer Dual Laser Hair Removal, Botox, IV Glutathione, Facials, Peels, Body Scrub with Bleach, Dermal fillers like Radiesse, Juvederm, Obagi products, and Glutathione pills. Dr. Eli Alegado a multi-awarded, US-licensed and Board certified Fil-Am physician

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whose practice of over 30 years involves specialties in different fields including cosmetic surgery, internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care. He partnered with Dr. Vicki Belo and Anna Puno to bring the Belo brand in the US. Alegado put up the clinic and wanted it to be exactly like the clinics here in the Philippines.

Alegado is currently the Medical Director of the US clinic. Dr. Alegado is assisted by nurse Ronald Cayetano and several aestheticians. Cayetano, who used to head Belo Medical Group’s Quezon City branch for 15 years, is a licensed doctor in the Philippines.

Heading the marketing, business and promotion side of the clinic/ medical spa is Dr. Belo’s friend and partner, popular concert promoter Anna Co Puno, who was the one who encouraged her to finally give the project a go. Known as the “Empress of Concerts,” Anna is the founder and head of Starmedia Entertainment, an international events company based in Manila and the US. “I’ve always wanted to bring the Belo brand here,” said Dr. Belo. “I was just looking for the right partners. Anna is a very good friend of my friends Ogie and Regine. I’ve seen how hard she works and that she’s very honest.” “I’m honored that Vicki trusted me to be her partner,” said Puno. “She’s an icon of beauty, not only in the Philippines, but even here, among the Fil-Am community.

That’s because she’s really very good in what she does. As for me, I am very business-oriented and I am good naman in marketing. So, we have been successful in this venture. Actually, we have been so

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Record Producer Composer Musician David Foster with fiancee Yolanda Hadid cutting the ceremonial ribbon with Dr. Belo and partner Hayden Kho and Anna Puno.

overwhelmed with the response of the market here in the States,” Puno shared.

Dr. Belo also revealed that 40 percent of her clients in the Philippines actually come from the West Coast. “They always ask me when I’m coming to the States,” she said. “It’s also good to have a place in the US where potential clients planning to fly to the Philippines for invasive treatments can ask questions and make preliminary preparations,” she added. Dr. Belo obtained her Bachelor of Science (premedicine) from the University of the Philippines- Diliman in 1978, and completed her Degree of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Sto. Tomas in 1985. She later got her Diploma in Dermatology in 1990 from the Institute of Dermatology in Bangkok, Thailand.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons and the American Society of Lipoplastic Surgery. She is the only Filipino doctor in the faculty of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a premier medical organization with over 5,000 members. Belo began her medical practice as a resident doctor at the Makati Medical Center for one year and then studied for another year in Bangkok.

When she returned in 1990, she opened her first clinic at the Medical Towers in Makati. Starting in a cramped, 44-square meter area, she successfully managed to expand her practice and business. Today, the Belo Medical Group has nine clinics strategically

located in Manila and accessible to a wider number of people. Tomas Morato and Trinoma in Quezon City, Greenhills in San Juan, Medical Plaza and Greenbelt Residences in Makati Mega Atrium and Podium in Ortigas Center, and Alabang-West Gate.

In March 2009, Belo opened its first clinic in the Visayas at the Ayala Center in Cebu. Dr. Belo pioneered tumescent liposuction and the Aptos Thread seamless facelift in the Philippines.

Her field of specialization includes advance techniques in phlebology from the Pauline Raymond-Martimbeau Vein Institute; dermatologic surgery from Scripps Clinics in San Diego, California; cutaneous laser surgery from Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and skin rejuvenation and laser surgery from St. Francis Memorial Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, California.

In 2007, Dr. Belo branched out into TV production with Belo Beauty 101, a 30-minute beauty and medical tele-magazine program, aiming to attract a global market for the Belo Medical Group. Now on its fifth season on The Filipino Channel (TFC) and catering specifically for Filipinos abroad, Belo Beauty 101 emphasizes that the clinic’s equipment, treatments and services are at par with international standards. It also seeks to promote Belo Medical Group as the premier destination for medical tourism in the region.

In 2007, Dr. Belo’s extensive experience in the medical field earned her the enviable citation from Thermage International as

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(left to right) The friendly staff of Belo’s Skin Care in Glendale. Partners All: Dr. Eli Alegado and Anna Puno.

Anna Puno, Known as the blockbuster Concert Producer pursued Dr. Belo to open a clinic in the US.

(left to right) Belo’s Skin Care Help deskline where beautiful and friendly Patient Care Specialists attend to the big US market. Spacious Reception area of Belo Skin Care Glendale clinic. Photo by Lorian Faustino. All white ,stylish and elegant clinic ushers the Belo Skin Care clients in US.

the number one doctor in the world who has performed the most number of Thermage procedures. The global award was both an honor and a dream come true for the Belo Medical Group and proves that Filipino doctors are now at par with other international medical practitioners when it comes to cosmetic dermatology.

Last year, Dr. Belo’s clinic received the Reader’s Digest Platinum Award for being one of the most trusted brands in Asia. The platinum citation meant Belo is three times more trusted than other brands.

Belo was honored by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top 10 Businesses of the Decade. She was also awarded by her alma mater, UST, the university’s Quadricentennial Award for Exemplary Service.

Last year, Dr. Belo was voted as the second most credible endorser in the Philippines, next to world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

The survey was conducted by market research consulting company, Synergy Business Consultancy. “We have a wonderful team here at Belo Skin Care in Glendale -- hardworking and very maasikaso. I am really excited to offer our services to our kababayans in America. They no longer have to fly to the Philippines to have our treatments and products,” said Dr. Belo. “I visit the Clinic every month to hold free talks and beauty seminars.

Hopefully, we can open more branches in other parts of the US like the East Coast,” she added.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8 pm, Belo Skin Care is at 1160 N Central Ave, Suite 201, Glendale, CA 91202. For appointments and other information, readers may call (818) 244-5811, (818) 244-5816, e-mail beloskincare@belomed. com, or visit www.belomed.com/glendale. pages.indd 70

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDY TECSON

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HEALTH & BEAUTY For more details or free consultation, visit The Zen Institute (A Medical Spa) at 69 Scout Rallos, Tomas Morato in Quezon City. (441-1712 or 352-5013), or Bonifacio Stopover, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig (856-2027 to 28).

Also, log on to www.thezeninstitute.com.

PRP:Not your ordinary facelift technology

T

hrough the yeArS, PlAtelet rICh PlASMA (PrP) therapy has been one of the major breakthroughs the Medical Science has ever produced.

This new technology has come to the fore and shown great promise in the fields of dentistry, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and even plastic and facial surgery. And in recent years, it has also been widely utilized worldwide in a non-invasive facelift procedure.

While PRP has been so popular in highly industrialized countries such as Spain, Japan and Thailand for almost a decade, this has just emerged as a new trend in the Philippines. Thanks largely to aesthetic medicine expert Dr. Mary Jane Torres, who introduced it locally via The Zen Institute (A Medical Spa) three years ago.

Using the healing power of isolated platelets from an individual’s own blood, PRP therapy helps rejuvenate the body’s soft tissues and bones.

Platelets are very small cells in the blood pivotal in the clotting process.

When formed in the clot, they release a number of enzymes to promote healing and tissue responses, including attracting stem cells to repair the damaged area. As they are utilized in injured or sun- and time-damaged tissue, they can induce a remodelling of the tissue to a healthier and younger state.

A good alternative it is to fillers, lasers and radio frequency treatments, PRP therapy can be used for skin rejuvenation. It can treat wrinkles, folds, scars, and wounds on the face. More so, it promises fast correction of deep lines and collagen production.

So how IS the ProCedure done?

According to Dr. MJ, a tube or two are drawn off

in such a way the platelets are taken for blood processing. She said: “We extract the blood from the anticubital or whatever veins that are visually seen. Then, we put it in our machine called proteal duografter [processing machine].”

While the skin is being numbed with a topical anaesthetic cream, the blood sample is spun for around eight minutes in the duographter so as to separate the red blood cells and the serum. “From the serum, we harvest the platelet using a platelet activator,” she noted.

The PRP is then drawn from the tube into a small syringe. Once prepared in the syringe, the PRP is injected in the cleaned anaesthetised skin. This technique, Dr. MJ added, may induce temporary swelling lasting for 1 to 2 days but resolves easily. Pain is minimal and is tolerated by majority of patients.

“After a thorough procedure, the effect manifests instantly and becomes permanent.

The patients will look young—10, 15, 20 years younger. They will look fresh even if there’s stress. Also, they can have tight skin, no eye bags, lines are superficial, no wrinkles. So in totality, it’s really an anti-aging procedure,” the aesthetic medicine expert stressed.

PRP therapy is part of the non-surgical facial procedures The Zen Institute offers to both men and women in their 30’s or above.

When combined with other treatments such as Endolift or Biochemical Lift and Signature Treatment (RESONAX), it promises to always have the best result of a facelift without the knife. balikbayanmagazine.com

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For inquiries, please call

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