Balikbayan Magazine - Spring Quarterly 2018 Feb|Mar|Apr Issue by Balikbayan Magazine

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

N o . 5 8 I Volume 09 February I March I April 2018 Spring Quarterly Issue

PHILIPPINES

B R EATHTA KI NG WEDDI NG DE S T IN AT IO N S IN T H E PH IL IPPIN E S (A ND THE I CONI C CHUR CH E S TO G E T M A R R IE D IN ) Inside This Issue

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia ISSUE 58 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 01

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

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LOMBARD BY THE BAY

For your retirement, family vacation, and investment.

Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture project between Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development, Inc. and Blue Stock Capital Holdings, Inc., both of which are domestic corporations duly organized under the laws of the Philippines. Lombard By The Bay is a township development that is located in Montemariaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; the World destination, Holy Site, and pilgrimage center that is captivating and exciting not only the Philippines, but the entire World. Lombard By The Bay breathtakingly overlooks the Verde Island Passage which is home to the most marine biodiverse rich areas on Earth.

LombardByTheBay.com I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com For inquiries, contact Rene Cinco at: (PH) +63-917-824-1555 or (USA) +1-213-596-5970 ISSUE 58 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 03

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

Issue 56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

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

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

ON THE COVER

St. Luke’s Medical Center

Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines. 56 — 01

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PHILIPPINES

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60 C o u n t r i e s . 10 1 C i t i e s .

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

I. North America I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1. Agana, Guam 2. Chicago, Illinois 3. Honolulu, Hawaii 4. Los Angeles, California 5. New York, New York 6. San Francisco, California 7. Washington, DC 2) Canada 8. Toronto 9. Vancouver 10. Ottawa 3) Mexico 11. Mexico City

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

9) Indonesia 38. Jakarta 39. Manado

25) Switzerland 61. Berne 62. Geneva

10) Malaysia 40. Kuala Lumpur

26) Belgium 63. Brussels

11) India 41. New Delhi

27) Hungary 64. Budapest

12) Nation of Brunei 42. Brunei

28) England 65. London

13) Cambodia 43. Phnom Penh

29) Portugal 66. Lisbon

14) Papua New Guinea 44. Port Morseby

30) Spain 67. Madrid

15) South Korea 45. Seoul

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

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

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

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

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

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

V. South America 58) Chile 99. Santiago 59) Brazil 100. Brasilia 60) Argentina 101. Buenos Aires ISSUE 58 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 09

PHILIPPINES

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

Roger L. Oriel

MAILBAG

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

Have any questions, feature ideas, comments, ideas, or complaints? Or simply wish to join our team of global correspondents and photographers? Email our Editor-in-Chief at RJ.Oriel@AsianJournalinc.com.

Kimberly delos Santos SHANNON BRIDGMAN, GREG TRINIDAD, ROCELLE AñABEZA, GERRY PALABYAB, LINA PALABYAB, KATrina DELA CRUZ NOEL TY GODWIN GASACAO, kristine tan CHARISSE TRINIDAD, RAE ANN VARONA, JENNIFER SORIANO, RITCHEL MENDIOLA, BIANCA CRUZ Jillian Peñalosa Arthur Sibulangcao, ROLANDo Manese

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

Roger L. Oriel

the asian journal publications, inc.

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY. 4 ISSUES FOR $40 per YEAR. IN-FOCUS: THE BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND RETIREES IN THE PHILIPPINES

I s s u e 5 4 , Vo l u m e V I I I APRIL & MAY 2017

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

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

GREAT GETAWAYS 24 THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS

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No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage of retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the Publisher. Asian Journal Publications, Inc. regrets that no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material, which will be returned only if stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed. BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE IS DISTRIBUTED IN 60 COUNTRIES AND 101 CITIES WORLDWIDE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, AND THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD OF THE PHILIPPINES. BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE IS ALSO AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN THE PHILIPPINES AT BOOKSTORES, INSIDE HOTEL AND RESORT ROOMS, RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, BANKS, CLINICS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS.

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www.THEFILIPINODIRECTORY.com

Discover amazing people, places, and things throughout the Global Filipino Community. ISSUE 58 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 011

TR AVEL x CULT U R E x LIVING

The Spring Issue

Five Breathtaking Wedding Destinations in the Philippines Page 75

Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program (32) I 7 Fashion Trends Hanging in Closets This Spring (42) Spring 2018 Makeup Trends (46) I 9 Beautiful Churches For Your Wedding (50) Make 2018 Your Visit Batangas Year (68) I Melba’s Farm (72) I The Wonders of Mimaropa (86) Annulment 101 (88) I The State of Marriage In The Philippines (92) 10 Filipino Wedding Superstions & Myths (96) I 20 Essential Wedding Planning Tips & Tricks (98) 10 Uncoventuonal Date Ideas For Couples (104) I Local Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat (112) Weightloss Transformations (115) I Meditation in the City (119)

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BUSINESS Publisher’s Note (18) Lombard By The Bay (20) 2018 Tourism Development Goals (22) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In Asia (24) Prosperity Index of Select Asia-Pacific Economies (26) Biggest Industries in the Philippines (28) Goodbye Cash? (29) Agriculture’s Turnaround in 2017 (30) The Filipino Inventor Helping People Drive Greener for Cheaper (38)

SPRING QUOTE FOR THIS ISSUE

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” -WARREN BUFFETT

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Everything about Azumi makes diﬀerent sense. We believe in details that are uniquely beautiful and sensibly diﬀerent, providing an experience that goes beyond what is pleasing to the eye.

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Photo of the Month

Mayon volcano awakens writer

Ritchel Mendiola The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) first reported a “phreatic” or steam-driven ash eruption at 5:06 p.m. on January 13, 2018. Provincial disaster officials in Albay quickly ordered immediate evacuation of residents in 16 barangays within the six-kilometer-radius of the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). On Sunday morning, of January 14, Philvocs recorded two phreatic eruptions, raising Alert Level 2 over Mayon. Nine hundred nineteen families sought shelter at four public schools in Camalig and Guinobatan, Albay, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC). By 8 p.m. the alert had been raised to Level 3 as the beginnings of lava flow were spotted. Nine volcanic earthquakes and 75 lava collapses were recorded on January 16, resulting in rockfall. Two kilometer high plumes of ash fell on barangays in Camalig, Guinobatan, and Polangui. The provincial government officially declares a state of calamity over Albay and Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal ordered a preemptive evacuation in five barangays inside the seven-kilometer EDZ south of Mayon. On January 23, Philvocs recorded eruptions, with Mayon emitting a giant five-kilometer ash cloud, followed by another three-kilometer column of ash past noon. Mayon also spouted a lava fountain around 600 meters high. Philvocs Director Renato Solidum said the volcano is undergoing strombolian activity, which means frequent and moderate eruptions can be expected. Authorities recorded four eruptions on January 28 at 12:45 a.m., 5:36 a.m., 10:33 a.m., and 3:25 p.m. Volcanic mudflows or lahar continued to be spotted in towns in Albay. More than 21,000 families or 81,200 individuals sought shelter in evacuation centers due to the volcano’s activities.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE I KEEPING A JOURNAL

The country is changing all around us—and simply put, it’s awesome.

Today, the Philippines ranks at the top—number one in government budget transparency in all of Asia according to the 2018 Open Budget Survey which is the World’s only independent and comparative measure of government budget transparency. Out of a score of 100, the Philippines scored 67—the global average is just 42. Think about that for a second. Our great nation the Philippines which has been known (throughout the World and locally) and ravaged by government corruption for decades now sits at the top as the most transparent nation in Asia. On the Department of Budget and Management website, taxpayers can seamlessly find what, where, and how much will be spent on each government department, agency, province—you name it. It is truly amazing and fascinating how thorough and transparent the Philippine Government has become. President Duterte ran for president on the policy and stance that he would make significant changes in the country. Whether you agree with President Duterte’s policies or not—we can all agree that he has undoubtedly stuck to what he said he was going to do. But it’s not just in government where changes are occurring—things just seem and feel different around here— its cleaner and safer. I recently arrived from the U.S. and the international airport has remarkably improved—it no longer looks or smells of third world. As I was approaching the dreaded immigration line, to my surprise, the lines weren’t that long as each kiosk had an official stationed and ready to greet each international traveler. It was pleasantly efficient. These details within our country’s systems and procedures are astonishing—it no longer takes months to open up and register your business—red tape is becoming a thing of the past (for most industries). People are no longer allowed to smoke in public places. Littering has seemingly become extinct (well, for central business districts for the most part). I liken the country’s growth to our traffic problem. We are slowly getting to where we need to be, but we’re making progress—we’ll eventually get there. Progress takes time—it doesn’t happen overnight—trust the process. Although it can be painstakingly slow, Rome wasn’t built in one day. It is just incredibly important that we don’t get off the path we are currently on towards our destination to greatness. Less talk, more action—more results.

Roger L. Oriel Chief Executive Officer & Publisher AsianJournalMediaGroup.com 018 — ISSUE 58

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

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

1 Agricultural 2 Residential 3 Commercial 4 Industrial ISSUE 58 — 019

Lombard by the B ay A world destination finds its future home in the heart of Batangas writer Ritchel Mendiola

Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development Inc., in a joint venture with Blue Stock Development Holdings Inc., launches its condotel project in the country. In collaboration with architect Erik Asinas of Arch Haus Asia, Lombard by the Bay is a semi-modern residential and commercial development consisting of 892 units and one commercial property that will soon wind its way to Montemaria, Batangas City. Lombard by the Bay, a two-hour drive away from Manila, is strategically located at the southernmost tip of Batangas Bay in Batangas City. It is situated on a plateau overlooking Verde Island Passage, which is considered the center of marine biodiversity in the world. As a township development in Montemaria, the newest religious tourism destination, Lombard by the Bay is within walking distance from the Mother of All Asia - Tower of Peace, the tallest statue of Virgin Mary in the world.

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“We not only envision Montemaria as a World destination for pilgrims and foreign and domestic tourists, but also the future home of thousands of overseas Filipinos—whether it be for their retirement, investment, or a vacation home when they return which is why we are so excited with Lombard By The Bay especially since Roger Oriel and Rene Cinco of Premier Asia Pacific truly share our passion, vision, and drive for helping the Philippines,” said Regina Mandanas, president and chief executive officer of Abacore Capital Holdings Inc. Lombard by the Bay will be perfect for pilgrims, devotees, and tourists alike seeking luxurious accommodations surrounded by a vivid green panorama and a 360-degree view of the calming ocean. Its groundbreaking began on December 20, 2017 and its completion is expected in 2019. “The breathtaking and serene views of the Verde Isle Passage, the tallest statue of Virgin Mary, the beautiful Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace, and the future home and travel destination for millions of people is incredibly exciting. But when I look around the entire site of Lombard By The Bay, what I think about and what drives us to work so hard are all of the jobs that we will create for the Philippines. And it’s not simply jobs for this project, but the trickle effect this place will have throughout the entire province of Batangas and the country at large. It is

truly an exciting and blessed day for all of us,” said Roger Oriel, chairman of Premier Asia Pacific. Added Premier Asia Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Rene Cinco, “I feel that this is one of the best condominium projects in the country. It is unique and will attract people all over the world.” Cinco is a leading expert in mortgage banking, residential and commercial property development, property management, and commercial financing. He is also an active member of the National Association of Realtors in the USA and the Commercial Marketing Group in Las Vegas, Nevada. Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development is a real estate company that believes in the economic development of the Philippines and catering to the needs of developers and buyers looking to expand their property and investment portfolio. Premier Asia Pacific’s mission is to reconnect overseas Filipinos back to their Philippine roots by offering a complete package of real estate investment services in the Motherland. 01 Groundbreaking site of Lombard by the Bay. 02 Ceremonial groundbreaking luncheon at the office of Batangas Governor, Herminaldo Mandanas. (Left to right) Shannon Bridgman, Director of Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program, Raphael John Oriel, Chief Business Development Officer of the Asian Journal Media Group, Roger Oriel, CEO & Publisher of the Asian Journal Media Group and Chairman of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, Inc., Herminaldo Mandanas, Governor of Batangas, Regina Reyes Mandanas, President & CEO of Abacore Capital Holdings, Inc., Rene Cinco, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, Inc., Eric Asinas and Pach Cansana, Architects of Archhaus Asia. ISSUE 58 — 021

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BIGGEST INDUSTRIES

WHERE THE TOP 1,000 PHILIPPINE CORPORATIONS ARE IN BUSINESS

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GOODBYE CASH? WHICH ASIAN CONSUMER MARKETS PREFER ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS OVER CASH?

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D are to lead . dare to inspire . dare to be great.

2018 Global Ambassadors Program LoveOfCountryAmbassadors.com AsianJournalMediaGroup.com Info@LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com 032 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ISSUE 58

Presented By

16 global ambassadors and their families and friends

GO BACK HOME AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR NETWORKS

the world

PHILIPPINES GROUP 3 GROUP 2 GROUP 1 Ages 13-17 Ages 18-29 Ages 30-49

TOTAL WINNERS

GROUP 4 Ages +50

Women Men

FI R S T AN N UAL Love of Country Global Ambassadors P rogram OFF I CI AL LY L AU N CH ED IN THE USA writer

Ritchel Mendiola As part of their continued mission to empower Overseas Filipinos and to promote tourism, investment, studying abroad, entrepreneurship, and retirement in the Philippines, the Asian Journal officially launches the 2018 Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program. The Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program seeks highly competitive and ambitious Filipino women and men who aim to fuel the economic growth and development of the Philippines, inspire their local Filipino communities, and thus, transform the Filipino future. The program welcomes women and men in four different age brackets to apply—that no one is too young or too old to create a positive change in the world and pursue their dreams, goals, and ambitions.

WHY JOIN? AWARDS & PRIZES 1) Top Winners: $750 2) 1st-Runner Up: $500 All delegates will receive certificates honoring their participation.

INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY AND EXPOSURE Win or lose, your life story, dreams, goals, and journey will be featured in international media publications.

LEADERSHIP NETWORKING Meet and connect with industry leaders from both the public and private sector.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Whether you’re looking for your next career path or strategic partners to grow your career, our program will help you get connected.

PERSONAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT AND CONSULTATION Our industry experts will help guide and grow your personal brand for your personal growth and success.

14-DAY ALL EXPENSE PAID TOUR OF THE PHILIPPINES Our tour program is both challenging, comprehensive, thrilling, fun, and most importantly, inspiring. ISSUE 58 — 033

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“YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD or too YOUNG to PURSUE YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS. ACCOMPLISHING GREAT THINGS IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE.” Individuals selected to participate will receive prizes, invaluable professional networks and career opportunities in addition to a 14Day all expense paid trip to the Philippines which will be filled with cultural immersion, exploration of tourist destinations, philanthropy and humanitarian work, artist, business, and leadership training, to investment insights. “In its pure essence, the Love of Country Ambassadors Program is about the sustainability and continued progression of the Overseas Filipino Community, Balikbayans, and also supporting the present and future economic health of the Philippines. Our great nation relies heavily on the support of overseas Filipinos to provide a quality of life for their loved ones back home. They pay for real estate, health insurance, a car, education, food, a smartphone, internet—you name it. But with immigration policies becoming stricter worldwide, the volatility of the global economy and geopolitics, coupled with an ageing population such as the baby-boomer generation preparing for retirement and a disconnected 2nd and 3rd generation of overseas Filipinos, we may see a profound slowdown in remittance,” said Roger Oriel, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Asian Journal Media Group. “This not only supports loved ones, but drives consumption which supports many businesses and so there is a ripple effect. If consumer spending is down, think about all those jobs in the Philippines and the loved ones that those jobs support. So number 1, our program hopes to ignite, drive, and fuel foreign travel, investment, studying abroad, entrepreneurship, and retirement in the Philippines. And number 2, the opportunity to win a free trip to the Philippines is truly a gift to all Overseas Filipinos—our modern day heroes,” he continued.

WHEN OPPORTUNITIES KNOCKS, WILL YOU OPEN THE DOOR?

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D octors I N urses I D entists I P harmacists I L awyers I F inance I A cademics I A rtists I A ccountants I G overnment E ntrepreneurs I E ntertainers I E ngineers I S ervice I ndustry I Parents I S tudents I R etirees I P hilanthropists I T echies

“...So number 1, our program hopes to ignite, drive, and fuel foreign travel, investment, studying abroad, entrepreneurship, and retirement in the Philippines. And number 2, the opportunity to win a free trip to the Philippines is truly a gift to all Overseas Filipinos—our modern day heroes.”

The C oncept of the P rogram

In an interview with Raphael John Oriel, the program’s co-founder, current Editor-in-Chief of Balikbayan Magazine, and Chief Business Development Officer of the Asian Journal Media Group said, “For several years now, one of the recurring questions that I’ve encountered from both readers and clients was how can we connect Overseas Filipinos back to the country, especially those who have already assimilated to the country they moved to or were born and raised in—that 2nd and 3rd generation of Filipinos. I see on my Facebook that my Filipino friends and family go travel to other Asian Countries and I’m thinking, why? How do I make them choose the Philippines instead? Why are they going to Thailand or Hawaii or wherever really instead of going to the Philippines? So for quite some time now, I’ve been studying what other countries do. So when I travelled to Israel for 3 weeks a few years ago to study and learn about their culture and tourism, I came across their program, Birthright Israel, which is an incredibly brilliant and spectacular program that truly connects and educates young Jewish people all around the World. It’s fascinating—those who participated in that program either visit Israel once a year, invested in the country, or actually moved back. But the most important thing was having an amazing sense of cultural pride after the program. After that trip, I returned to the Philippines and attended a beauty pageant—one of the more popular ones in the country. I spoke to many of the contestants after the competition and came to learn that there is no life sustainability or career support after they participate in those programs. The women who participate in those things end up getting exploited—have no choice but to become escorts, lack college degrees so they can’t find jobs, or even end up as single mothers. It made me incredibly angry—so we designed a program to help resolve some of these pressing issues. To be clear, I’m certainly not saying that beauty pageants are evil because they’re not. I have good friends in that industry who are truly good people. And those who participate can be incredibly inspiring and can receive a livelihood after joining. But there’s a dark side to that light. Our program, despite having a coronation and gala night is not a beauty pageant—our program is a cultural pageant and educational tourism program.”

14- DAY Trip To The P hilippines

“We are greatly looking forward to welcoming our inaugural class’ arrival in the Philippines. We’re putting together a comprehensive, exhilarating, challenging, yet fun 14-day cultural and adventure tour of the Philippines. Our goal is to create life-changing experiences and have our delegates say that they don’t want to leave or can’t wait to come back. And lastly, to encourage their friends, families, and colleagues to participate in our program. We are starting with the Filipino-American community this year, but by next year in 2019, we are looking to activate the program all throughout the World,” said Shannon Bridgman, Program Director of the 2018 Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program and former Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2016. The Asian Journal Media Group, now approaching three decades in business, is a leading Filipino multimedia agency serving the global Filipino industry. Asian Journal publishes over 7 million weekly community newspapers annually in the USA from California, Nevada, New York, to New Jersey. In addition, the Asian Journal also publishes a quarterly magazine that is distributed in 60 countries and 101 cities throughout the World in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Promotions Board, and Department of Tourism of the Philippines. To know more about Asian Journal and the Love Of Country Global Ambassadors Program, visit AsianJournalMediaGroup. com and LoveOfCountryAmbassadors.com. The deadline for applications is March 18, 2018. ISSUE 58 — 037

This Filipino inventor is helping people drive greener for cheaper writer

Rae Ann Varona

038 — ISSUE 58

Global warming is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues being faced by the world today. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector in the U.S. — which includes cars, trucks, trains, planes, ships, and freight — is responsible for nearly 30 percent of the nation’s total global warming emissions. That makes transportation the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, following electricity. As an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean that boasts tropical climate and sweeping coastlines, the Philippines and its more than 7,000 magnificent islands are also among the world’s most vulnerable to climate change effects. It’s no surprise that its transportation sector also plays a major role in contributing climate change — picture Metro Manila’s major thruways on any given day. From buses and taxis, to jeepneys and tricycles, the Philippine transportation sector alone accounts for 36.1 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion. In the U.S., every gallon of gas from cars and trucks emit around 24 pounds of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases, altogether accounting for nearly one-fifth of all U.S. emissions, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCSUSA). Furthermore, over 19 pounds per gallon of heat-trapping emissions come straight out of the car’s tailpipes. As a result, people around the world experience increasingly intense heat waves, rises in sea levels, and air quality related health problems such as asthma and other upper respiratory diseases in many of our communities. While efforts to combat global warming and air quality have heightened, they can be pretty costly. Electric and hybrid vehicles, for example, have been at the forefront of clean driving efforts, but not everyone may be ready to make such a big purchase. In fact, many drivers have been opting out of purchasing them. In the U.S., for example, electric vehicles have been on the market for quite a while, often supported by government incentives. But many drivers have remained hesitant in making a purchase. Of the nearly 34 million vehicles sold in the past two years in the U.S., almost all of them run on gas as reported by Business Insider. Tesla for example — perhaps the most prominent maker of electric vehicles — saw an initial decline in total vehicle deliveries despite coming out with its cheaper Model 3 car.

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Palace: Duterte still â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in full controlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of drug war showed Delos Santos being dragged by the police to the spot where he was killed. Witnesses also gave statements supporting the footage, adding that the police gave Delos Santos a gun and told him to run. The teenagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death has sparked public outrage, and various groups joined in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Justice for Kianâ&#x20AC;? rally the following Monday, August 21. Several rallyists expressed sentiments that Duterte

the controversial killing spreeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; particularly of the recent killing of a Grade 11 student during an antiMALACAĂ&#x2018;ANG on Tuesday, drug operation last week. August 22 assured that President â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malinaw naman na (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very Rodrigo Duterte remains â&#x20AC;&#x153;in full clear that) the president is in full controlâ&#x20AC;? of the Philippine Nation- control,â&#x20AC;? Abella told reporters. al Police (PNP)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enforcement of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crackdown Santos was killed during an antion illegal drugs. drug operation in Caloocan City In a press briefing, Presiden- on Wednesday, August 16 after tial Spokesperson Ernesto Abella allegedly pulling a gun on police refuted accusations that Duterte officers. has lost control of the police amid A CCTV footage, however, by DANA

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by MICHAEL

YAP Inquirer.net

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US aid conditions should

RECOGNITION. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes to Ozamiz City Police Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido during an awarding ceremony held at the Ozamiz City Police Station in Misamis Occidental. The president has awarded a number of operatives with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Heroism Medal) for the successful operations against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the province. MalacaĂąang photo by Karl Norman Alonzo

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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being questioned in connection President Maria Leonor â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leniâ&#x20AC;? with former Senator Ferdinand Robredo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongbongâ&#x20AC;? Marcos Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electoral According to the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resoprotest against Philippine Vice lution dated August 8, the retrieval team is tasked to locate and examine all ballot boxes in the provinces and cities subject to the poll protest in order to facilitate its retrieval and transport

SEPTEMBER 22- 28, 2017

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Forty-five years after the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured Filipinos of its commitment to uphold democracy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must remember that the martial law of today is not the same as the martial law of yesterday,â&#x20AC;? AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Wednesday, Sept. 20. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the eve of the anniversary of the declaration of martial law of 1972, the AFP passes on its assurance to the people that we abide fully by all the principles of our democratic IT BEGINS. Members of various groups attempt to break through a barricade way of life and that allowing vindictiveness to set up by policemen near the Department of Justice (DOJ) building in Manila rule will not be productive,â&#x20AC;? he added. on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The groups held a rally to protest the killing of drug At least 25 lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday endorsed the impeachment complaint ďŹ led against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Over 800,000 DACA recipients in fear

Inquirer.net photo

u PAGE A2 suspects.

STAR RANK OFFICERS. President Rodrigo Duterte does his signature pose with Interior and Local Government Acting Secretary Catalino Cuy, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa and the promoted Star Rank OfďŹ cers of the PNP in a photo opportunity MalacaĂąang photo by Rolando Mailo following the oath-taking ceremony at the MalacaĂąang Palace on Wednesday, August 30.

Duterte says Marcoses willing to return â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ill-gotten wealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE family of former President Ferdinand Marcos has expressed willingness to return their alleged ill-gotten wealth back to government, Philippine President Ro-

drigo Duterte said on Tuesday, ed during the two-decade rule ment],â&#x20AC;? Duterte said during bars], but they will return it.â&#x20AC;? Duterte said he would crethe oathtaking of new appoinof the late dictator. August 29. ate a team to negotiate andâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t name the spokes- tees at MalacaĂąang. Citing an unnamed spokes01 He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;They said, facilitate the turnover of the man, Duterte claimed that manâ&#x20AC;Ś the family said they will the family is willing to â&#x20AC;&#x153;open open everything and hope- we are [willing] to open [the wealth. He pointed out that everythingâ&#x20AC;? and return the fully return those found [by the books] and bring it [ill-gotten he will accept any explanawealthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including a few gold PCGG that should be returned wealth] back, including a few tions from the Marcoses barsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which were accumulat- to the Philippine govern- gold bars. Just a few [gold u PAGE A2

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ISSUE 56

Senate GOP makes last-ditch effort to repeal Obamacare

ManilaTimes.net photo by rene Dilan

AUGUST 9-11, 2017

PLAYING LOLO. President Rodrigo Duterte holds his grandson Marko, as the boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio looks on at the sidelines of the national convention for public attorneys held at the Manila Hotel on Monday, Sept. 18. ManilaTimes.net photo

Trillanes tells Duterte: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re checkmateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

excuses),â&#x20AC;? said Trillanes, who Center in Singapore, contain- land; the Cayman Islands; and by DANA SIOSON AJPress has been highly critical of the ing â&#x20AC;&#x153;193,000.â&#x20AC;? The president the British Virgin Islands. president. did not specify the currency of But in a statement on TuesOn Monday, September 18, the said amount. day, September 19, Trillanes MANILA - With his alleged According to Duterte, the said the bank teller of DBS Singapore bank accounts Trillanes flew to Singapore to the journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarterly onCenthe the asian chief senatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alleged account with Bank briefing in Alexandra Retail proven to be non-existent, personally disprove Senator Antonio Trillanes IV executiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allegations that the the DBS in Singapore is num- ter, Singapore, confirmed that said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now checkmate for senator has millions of unde- bered 178000296012 and is â&#x20AC;&#x153;no such accounts existâ&#x20AC;? when his accuser, Philippine Presi- clared wealth in several for- under the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;Antonio F. he inquired about the bank aceign accounts. Trillanes.â&#x20AC;? counts mentioned by Duterte. dent Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte earlier claimed that The president also accused The senator added that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Duterte, pusoy ka na. Checkmate ka na. Wag ka the opposition senator owns a the senator of having several also inquired if there was an

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PUNONGBAYAN

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Volume 27 - No. 64 â&#x20AC;˘ 3 Sections - 20 Pages

DATELINE N. Korea has no intention to use nukes against other countries â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;except USâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Philstar.com

THE impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was officially filed in the House of Representatives late on Wednesday, Aug. 30 after 25 lawmakers endorsed it. Lawyer Lorenzo Gadon expressed optimism that he had built a solid case to unseat Sereno on charges of failing to disclose her real net worth, buying a luxury car with public funds and pressuring judges to defy the Duterte administration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe I have a strong case when it comes to the impeach-

by DANA

THE Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), has formed a retrieval team to secure ballot boxes

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M UNITY N EWSPAPER

AFP assures Filipinos: We will uphold democracy

by DJ

be aligned with Duterte DATELINE adminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda -- Palace Supreme Court forms team to examine ballots Filipina pleads guilty to stealing $100,000 in Marcos vs Robredo vice pres. election protest from US Navy base

MANILA - Any conditions on assistance the PhilipKANSAS CITY - A Filipino woman has pines may receive pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $100,000 from a foreign aid (P5 million) from a United States Naval base agency must be in Japan, according to Federal prosecutors on aligned with the policies of President Monday, August 22. Cynthia Lopez Creseni on Friday, August Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 18, pleaded guilty to theft, of public money administration,

SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2017

.com

THE Democratic Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday, August 7, told the international community that it has no plans to use nuclear weapons against other countries apart from the United States. North Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho made the assurance during the 24th Asean Regional Forum (ARF), which was held in Manila, Philippines. Ri said that Pyongyang would â&#x20AC;&#x153;teach the US a severe lessonâ&#x20AC;? if it used military force against North Korea. The foreign minister, however, warned

anti-terrorism aid, rights concerns in PH by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE United States does not see any contradiction between its anti-terrorism assistance to the Philippine government and its human rights concerns in connection with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-illegal drugs campaign. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pointed out that helping the Philippines to combat terrorism,

particularly against the Islamic State (IS)-affiliate that attacked Marawi City in Mindanao, is part of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;national security interest.â&#x20AC;? This, he said, is not at odds with Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concern about the alleged human rights abuses and summary deaths linked to Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drug war. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see no conflict, no conflict at all in our helping them with that situation and our views of other human rights concerns we have with respect to how

they carry out their counternarcotics activities,â&#x20AC;? Tillerson told reporters on Monday, August 7. In a press briefing, the American diplomat called the attack in Marawi as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;tragic situationâ&#x20AC;? but added that the Philippine forces are â&#x20AC;&#x153;beginning to get that situation under control.â&#x20AC;? The fight has been ongoing since the IS-linked Maute rebel group attacked Marawi City on May 23, resulting in the deaths of nearly 700 militants, soldiers, and civilians.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With respect to the assistance weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re providing the Philippines Government to respond to ISIS, there is â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there really is no, I think, contradiction at all in the support weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re giving them in the fight down in Marawi and Mindanao,â&#x20AC;? Tillerson said. He said that the U.S. has been providing Manila with information and surveillance equipment, which includes a few Cessna aircraft and a few drones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re providing them some train-

Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina still in need of bone marrow match

growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines. 56 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 01 ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S been almost five months since Matthew Medina first learned about

by Dana

AJPress

Patricia Paz â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tishâ&#x20AC;? Bautista Inquirer.net photo

Wife exposes Comelec chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

SioSon

Both Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed forces Chief eduardo AĂąo denied reports that members of the military are being recruited to join a coup dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;etat plot against the administration of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing to worry. thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no coup,â&#x20AC;? Lorenzana told reporters after a senate hearing on thursday, september 14. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have not received any such report. It only came out in social media so I view it as fake news. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible that only one Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Inquirer.net photo or two persons were trying to

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SePtember 15-21, 2017 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

AFP, DND: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No coup plotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; against Duterte admin

USA

sow some discord,â&#x20AC;? he added. During the hearing, senator Antonio trillanes IV sought to clear his name concerning reports of an alleged destabilization plot. trillanes cited a facebook post from a certain â&#x20AC;&#x153;General Kakikalaâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;whom he later identified as Gen. Joselito Kakilalaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that a â&#x20AC;&#x153;popular politicianâ&#x20AC;? has been recruiting members of the Philippine military Academy (PmA) class of 2006. A screen capture of the post provided by the senatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp, which was originally written in filipino, read: â&#x20AC;&#x153;this politician is a fool. the Armed PAGE A2

DATELINE

Hurricane Irma makes a move

NEW BELGIAN ENVOY TO PH. President Rodrigo Duterte engages in a discussion with newly-appointed Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Michel Goffin after the latter presented his credentials to the president at the MalacaĂąan Palace on Wednesday, September 13. MalacaĂąang photo by Robinson NiĂąal Jr.

Trump set to attend US-ASEAN summit by Dana

SioSon

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

in PH in November, likely to visit China DATELINE PH govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intensifies post-disaster response from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

September 2-5, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 69 â&#x20AC;˘ 4 Sections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 34 Pages

Hurricane Harvey leaves massive cleanup process

trump is set to attend the state visit to Beijing when the AJPress U.s.-AseAN (Association of two leaders met for the first time foLLoWING his scheduled southeast Asian Nations) sum- in Palm Beach, florida. they visit to the Philippines, United mit and the east Asia summit also met on the sidelines of the states President Donald trump in the Philippines in November. G20 summit in July. trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible trip to China will likely make a stop to China the U.s. president is also expected to later attend the Asia in November will come amid this coming November. A reuters report on tuesday, Pacific economic Cooperation tensions over North Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ad Al Hussein

the category 4 tropical storm harvey revealed massive cleanup challenges as it made an exit on friday, september 1. meanwhile, surrounding areas brace for the floodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repercussions, and hurricane irma makes an appearance in the Atlantic ocean. hurricane harvey took an exit friday after about a week of extreme winds and rainfalls across large parts of texas and Louisiana. the storm made three landfalls with sustained winds of around 130 miles (215 kilometers) per hour, making it the most powerful storm to hit the U.s. since Katrina in 2005. At least 45 deaths suspected to be harvey related have been recorded so far and the numbers are subject to change as first responders continue their searches. With thousands of homes and infrastruc-

Duterte to put national interest first in reacquiring Marcos â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ill-gotten wealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhiLiPPine President rodrigo duterte is studying â&#x20AC;&#x153;how best to proceedâ&#x20AC;? on the reported offer of former President ferdinand marcosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; family to return portion of their alleged ill-gotten wealth back to the government. malacaĂąang, on friday, september 1, assured the public that duterte will put the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest first in any possible agreements with the marcos family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We understand that certain parties have indicated to the President that there may be an opportunity for the assets of

the marcos family to be turned over to the republic,â&#x20AC;? duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spokesperson ernesto Abella said. According to him, no clear decision on the proposal has been made yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As this matter becomes clearer, we will advise what further action will be taken to finally obtain justice,â&#x20AC;? the Palace official added. earlier this week, duterte claimed that the marcoses are willing to return a portion of wealthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including few gold barsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; which were accumulated during the twodecade rule of the late dictator. President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, Aug. 29 said the Marcos family had agreed to return As of last year, the Presidential Com- their vast unexplained wealth, including a â&#x20AC;&#x153;few gold bars,â&#x20AC;? to the government. In photo is

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Trump admin slashes millions from budget used to push Obamacare President donald trump has insisted for months that â&#x20AC;&#x153;obamacare is already

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former first Lady Imelda Marcos.

Philstar.com file photo

Filipinos accused of links to Marawi City siege ordered freed by Jim

Gomez Philstar.com

mAniLA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Philippine prosecutors have dismissed rebellion complaints against 59 men who were stopped by police and army troops at two checkpoints in the south and accused of attempting to join islamic state-linked militants who laid siege to a southern city.

So how then can people do their part in helping the environment without spending too much money? In comes Filipino inventor Dennis Alvarez, president and CEO of IC Motoring Technologies, Inc., who found a way to help drivers drive greener for cheaper through a breakthrough Philippine -produced bio synthetic engine lubricant.

“Necessity, the mother of all inventions ”

Alvarez — a CPA by profession and MBA graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila — took a turn in his career to help fight environmental harm and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. “Necessity is the mother of all inventions,” said Alvarez, quoting one of Plato’s most famous sayings. Hailing from Bayambang, Pangasinan, Alvarez has been called a “pride of Pangasinan” by the Pangasinan Brotherhood who gave him a Certificate of Achievement Award in 2017. In 2011, Alvarez joined the Filipino Inventors Society, becoming its chairman just two years after. Also in 2011, he won Best Invention at the Inventors Exposition Week in Quezon City, Philippines — an award he won again the next two years qualifying him as a Hall of Famer. Internationally, he received a silver medal in 2017 at the second annual International Innovation Competition in Toronto, Canada; a bronze iENA medal in 2015 by the International Federation of Inventors Association in Nuremberg, Germany; and a gold medal award at America’s largest invention trade show, InventHelp’s 2014 INPEX show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. IC Green — which stands for Internal Combustion Green technology — is in simple terms, a balanced formulation of mineral and biosynthetic oils that allow for a more responsive engine, thus optimizing the combustion process and generating a more powerful engine with noticeably reduced emissions. Tested by organizations like the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications’ Land Transportation Office, as well as the Philippines’ authorized Caterpillar dealer Monark Equipment Corporation, IC Green products have been proven to protect, lubricate, maintain normal engine temperatures, and even clean engines. Now, the company is making its way to the American market with the support of Alvarez’s wife, Dr. Grace Belinda Basilio-Alvarez, vice president of IC Motoring Technologies, Inc. The couple had formed their U.S.-based company in 2017, located in Hawaiian Gardens, California. Likewise, the company also receives enormous support from another Pangasinense, Jacqueline Ferrer, vice president of American Pacific Container Lines, Inc. in Long Beach, California.

C oming to America

The reception of Alvarez’s IC Green in the U.S. has quickly been picking up speed, being touted by auto professionals like Filipino auto guru Ben Alameda and Bill Montgomery, a booster in the U.S. auto community. “It is a known fact an engine’s lifeblood rests squarely on the oil we buy for our cars. There are dozens of brands to choose from and most exceed the manufacturer’s specifications,” said Alameda who is also a two-time West Coast Pro 5.0 Champion and Muscle Car Nationals champion in drag racing. He said that many of the oils though, vary from brand to brand in how long they can protect our vehicle’s engines — some oils sold are nothing but recycled oil in a new container, he added. Having been featured in over 50 automobile publications, appeared in a number of television shows on channels like the Filipino Channel and the Discovery Channel, topped numerous car races, and spent 29 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, Alam040 — ISSUE 58

eda knows his way around cars and has become a respected name in the automobile industry. “Very few products sold today have gains without negative consequence, and this one proves it has that in every bottle,” said Alameda. Now retired, he runs a racing engine business under his own name and has become a firm believer of Alvarez’s IC Green products — he’s currently fixing up a race car to represent the company that will be appropriately named IC Green. After running a number of lengthy tests (nearly 1,000 miles between Palmdale, California and Las Vegas, Nevada), he found additional miles and cooler oil temperatures in all trials. “Anytime there are gains in mileage, it is an obvious result of a more efficient running engine,” explained Alameda. “Meanwhile, a drop in oil temperatures also prolongs oil life between change intervals, providing added protection and a longer lasting engine with fewer serviceable problems in the long run.” “For me, whenever I expect to carry or pull a heavy load perhaps towing a trailer, boat or RV — IC Green will give that added protection an engine needs,” added Alameda. “There can be nothing worse than going on a long vacation only to be sidelined by engine issues that could have simply been prevented.” Montgomery, also having extensive experience in the auto industry, said he noticed right away how quiet his engine became. “The response was quick and the ride smoother than before,” he added. Montgomery’s experience includes running a Factory Mazda Drifting program for two years, helping Mattel bring their Hot Wheel brand’s drifting campaign to Mexico, writing the car show rulebook for the International Show Car Association (ICSA), and working as a consultant for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Stylefest. He’s also one of the people behind Prime Motivation, a non-profit organization that looks to help disconnected youth stay in school and explore career goals through career-tech education. With the additional goal of community involvement, Alvarez and Montgomery have agreed on a partnership that will bring Alvarez to high schools in California and across the U.S. “My team is excited to join forces with IC Green, to bring knowledge and understanding with the technology and training that will be provided for the students,” said Montgomery, adding that jobs and scholarships will be a part of the picture. He added, “Coming from the Philippines, Alvarez brings top quality products that will help the environment through his research and development. Let’s welcome them to the United States with open arms.” For IC Green, the goal is all about helping everyday drivers save fuel, save their engine, and ultimately help save the earth in an easy and affordable way. With IC Green, anyone can — as the products’ slogan says — “Fight pollution, with the now solution.”

Those interested in learning more about or purchasing IC Green products such as the Green Oil Enhancer, the WOW 10 Motor Oil Enhancer, or the Fuel Power Booster, can visit www.ICGreenAmerica.com, email admin@icgreenamerica.com or call (562) 402 - 7778.

Filipino autoguru Ben Alameda President of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Lino Caringal Jr., presents a certificate of excellence to Philippine inventor Dennis Alvarez, who is from the province of Pangasinan on March 18, 2017 in Long Beach, California. Caringal Jr. was joined by former Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Eddie Ferrer and Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA Chairman of the Board, Nieves Coquia. Alvarez was joined by his wife Grace Alvarez (to the right of the picture). The board members and officers of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA were in the background looking on.

Alvarez poses for a congratulatory picture on receiving a certificate of excellence from Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA. He is joined by from left to the right of the picture Pangasinan BrotherhoodUSA 2016-2017, Lino Caringal Jr., Philippine Deputy Consul Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, wife Grace Alvarez, former President of BASC Oscar Camacho, PBUSA Chairman, Nieves Coquia, PBUSA Board Members, Rhenee Ferrer and Lina Cabal.

Dennis Alvarez, President and CEO of IC Green with inventor and former boxer George Foreman.

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7 fashion trends hanging in closets this spring writer

Ritchel Mendiola

For a preview of the upcoming season’s trends, look no further than the Fashion Week shows in London, Milan, Paris and New York. For Spring 2018, we got a glimpse of fashion designers’ fresh takes on different styles — from pastels to plastic — that will surely shape everyone’s spring closets.

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02 Pastels

This spring, expect to see a softer approach to colors with pastels and dusty tones. From lilac to duck egg blue, clothes were given a more feminine and dreamy feel as models floated on the catwalks.

0 1 Sequins

Glitter is proving to be prevalent this 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whether through makeup or clothing, everyone is finding ways of mixing sequins and sparkle into their everyday looks. On the runway, sequins shimmered and added a vibrant twist to the outfits. ISSUE 58 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 043

03 Fringe

Making a surprise comeback this spring, the celebratory element made clothes livelier and more dynamic on the runways. The new Â iterations of fringe provide a festive, playful look, yet retain a sophisticated appeal.

05 Lavender

Lavender is expected to be the next big color takeover, replacing millennial pink. Shades of lavender turned knits, dresses, and even formal wear into softer-looking ensembles.

04 Sheer

Transparency was the predominant trend in during the runway shows. The intrinsic lightness and fluidity of sheer, skin-revealing fabrics elevated silhouettes and provided diaphanous dresses with an elegant, whimsical allure.

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07 Denim

Denim was given the high fashion treatment, as the material took the form of jackets, skirts, and even suits. Tailored for a simple, daily elegance, expect the resurgence of dark denim in your wardrobe for spring.

06 Plaid

Forget your go-to florals, this pattern play is the superior print headliner this season. Designers reinterpreted plaid to give it a more mature, chic look.

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S pring 2018 makeup trends writer

Ritchel Mendiola

With spring quickly approaching, we turn to the Fashion Week runways to forecast the makeup looks that will surely trend this season. From Paris to New York, it seems that the two major beauty statements fell on opposite ends of the spectrum. While some went for dreamy looks with eyes, cheeks, and lips flushed in pink, others were seen sporting bold and eye-catching embellishments. Take a look at the top makeup trends for 2018, as you may be inspired to incorporate them into your own routines.

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01 Sparkle

We were all witnesses to glitter being embraced in 2017 — from glittery eyes to glitter highlights to even glitter bath bombs, everyone just went gaga over the sparkly material. This year, if the Fashion Week runways are any indication, it seems the glitter trend isn’t going anywhere, only transitioning from subtle to intense. Models gracing the catwalks were seen with glitter-saturated hair, sporting holographic perspex liners, or wearing rhinestones around their eyes and sequins tapped on their lips — clearly the new way to twinkle this 2018.

02 shine

The glowier, the better is this year’s mantra as the trend of highlighted skin shows no sign of stopping. Layers upon layers of illuminator and highlighter were swept onto the high points of the models’ faces to create an ethereal glow. Make room in your makeup arsenal for pure-gold highlighters — this is the pigment you’ll undoubtedly see more of this spring.

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o 3 P retty in pink

Different shades of pink from pastel to rose gold were seen all over models’ faces at Spring 2018 Fashion Weeks in London and Milan to add a romantic edge on their look. The pigment was grazed on the cheekbones at Valentino, smudged on the eyelids at Brock Collection and Cynthia Rowley, and glossed on the lips at Gucci. With the color’s feminine mystique and ability to look pretty on any skin tone, it’s no wonder pink will still be a trend this year.

0 4 E Y E - OP ENER

They’re not as dramatic as Twiggy-influenced lashes, but clumpy lashes are a noteworthy comeback. Spidery long and layered with mascara, the resurgence of this look was mainly shown at Dior’s Spring 2018 show and others were quick to follow suit.

0 5 W ell-rounded

Just like red lips, lined eyes are a perennial classic, and variations of them were seen on the runway shows. Whether it was thick black eyeliner applied around the eyes or Amy Winehouse-inspired, models’ eyes were dramatic and attention-grabbing. And the talk of the town? The cat-eye flick being overhauled by the rounded one seen at Jason Wu, Tom Ford, and Miu Miu.

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9 B EAUTIFUL CH U RCH ES FOR YO UR WED D I N G I N TH E PHILIPPIN ES writer

Jennifer Soriano

Latest research says fewer Filipino couples are getting married, even more so when it comes to a church wedding. Still, a church wedding is an ideal choice, in a country populated predominantly by Catholics. Whether you want something nature-inspired, history-laden, or something downright otherworldly, you will find a church that can match your dream wedding. The end goal? Of course, a beautiful start to your happily-ever-after. Here is a list of the top churches to get married in the Philippines.

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DOOR #1 RETIREMENT

DOOR #2 VACATION

DOOR #3 INVESTMENT

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01 SPO U SAL O F MA RY AND J O SEPH C H A P E L Talisay, Batangas photographer Godwin Gasacao

With just the church’s name, who would not want to get married in here? Tucked away on the outskirts of the Club Balai Isabel Resort, the Spousal of Mary and Joseph Chapel is a magnificent church for couples who seek a tranquil setting for a solemn wedding. The wood and cement façade complements the peaceful garden, with a stone fountain strategically located in front of the church. The chapel features exquisite interiors with its high white ceilings, stained glass windows and open side walls framed with wood. Natural lighting harmonizes with the beautiful wooden interior as the sun’s rays beam into the chapel’s windows. To add to the overall historic feel, the ruins of a 17th-century church can be found right outside the structure.

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02 Callao Cave Chapel Peñablanca, Cagayan

Callao Cave is the go-to place for an unearthly and spellbinding kind of wedding. The structure, made from natural rock formations, creates an otherworldly ambiance. The Callao Cave Chapel is the main draw of Peñablanca’s Callao Cave. The area is naturally illuminated by an large opening above. Its lighting comes from the natural roof crevice and with the addition of soft light from lamps, the effect is quite magical. (The wedding scene in local Filipino film The Mistress was shot here.)

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03 S to . Ni Ăą o C hapel Pagkilatan, Batangas photographer Godwin Gasacao

The Sto. Nino Chapel stands on a 2,000-square meter land as part of the peaceful and serene five-hectare land of Montemaria in Batangas City. The chapel is a replica of the Chapel of the Holy Infant Jesus in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Montemaria is strategically located 30 minutes away from the central district of Batangas City, and accessible by concrete and by the sea. The site is situated on a plateau overlooking the Verde Passage and the entrance of Batangas Bay.

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04 Manila Cathedral Intramuros, Manila

Manila Cathedral is suitable for a classic Romanesque-Byzantine-themed wedding. This 444-year-old church, which has undergone numerous preventive repairs, has stood the test, not just of time, but also of catastrophes such as earthquakes, bombings, fires, and typhoons. This church — regarded as the premier cathedral and the Episcopal See of the Archbishop of Manila — is the most visited church in the Philippines’ capital city both by the locals and foreigners.

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05 San Sebastian C hurch Quiapo, Manila

The church was completed in the year 1891 and is a very popular destination known for its unique architectural characteristics. It is the example of Gothic architecture and is the only steel-made religious place in the Philippines. It was also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site and historical landmark by the government of Philippines. It has been said that the church was reportedly designed by Gustav Eiffel, the man behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The structure was prefabricated in Belgium and it took six ships to ferry it to the Philippines.

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S an Agustin Church Intramuros, Manila

Built between 1587 and 1606, San Agustin Church is considered the oldest church in the Philippines. The church is the only building that remained intact after the destruction of Intramuros during World War II. With its great historical and cultural merit, it was hailed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church boasts of its massive, stunning Spanish-era architecture. The carved doors, chandelier, and paintings make for picturesque wedding photos. ISSUE 58 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 061

07 M t. Carmel C hapel ( Tukon Church) Basco, Batanes

If you want your church to be a forecast of your marriage, then consider holding it inside Mt. Carmen Chapel. Built as sturdy as possible using stone, storms could never put the church (or marriage, for that matter) down. The chapel also offers an overlooking view of the gentle slopes of Basco’s sprawling hills and soft curved-mountains. The church was a dream-come-true of the family of former Congressman and Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad for the people of Barangay Tukon, a highland village of Basco. The chapel was built in late 2007 and publicly opened in 2008 in time for the wedding Julia Abad, Secretary Abads’s daughter.

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www.LOVEOFCOUNTRYPHILIPPINES.com

The Philippines is not only home to pristine natural wonders and beautiful beaches, but also home to a vibrant, thriving, and booming metropolis that is filled with renowned hotels and resorts, restaurants, bars, shops, schools, investment opportunities, to a burgeoning music, art, culture, and nightlife scene. Come and see for yourself and rediscover the gems of the Philippines. We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Welcome to Love of Country. Welcome home. ISSUE 58 — 063

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08 The M inor Basilica of O ur L ady of the Most H oly R osary of Manaoag Manaoag, Pangasinan photographer

Noel Ty

The church is one of the Philippines’ most-visited Roman Catholic Pilgrimage sites. Many people from across the Philippine archipelago come and visit the town of Manaoag, Pangasinan, where the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is enshrined. The church embodies Spanish-Romanesque architecture mixed with German and Italian Renaissance designs. A big octagonal dome surmounts at the point where the nave and the transepts converge forming a cruciform contour. The fourpillared façade is topped by the statues of St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Margaret of Hungary, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Dominic of Guzman. The walls of the shrine, meanwhile, bear giant murals, about the more famous miracles attributed to the Lady of Manaoag.

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09 Transfiguracion Church of Calaruega Nasugbu, Batangas

Situated at a garden-like setting atop a hill, Calaruega Church creates the perfect romantic ambiance for your wedding. It offers a stunning view of the small hills of Nasugbu and Tuy of Batangas and Mt. Batulao. Lush trees and a colorful variety of flowers accentuate the vicinity of the church. On top of this, the cool Tagaytay climate makes the place more serene and relaxing. Since the church is quaint, it is appropriate for an intimate guest list. An image of the Risen Christ, sculpted by Filipino artist Ben-Hur Villanueva in 1996, greets visitors outside the chapel. Its faĂ§ade is a replica of the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain.

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

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M ake 2018 Your Visit Batangas Year Come home to charming Batangas WRITER Rose Muñoz-Landicho PHOTOGRAPHS BY Peter Cons, Edison Manalo of WowBatangas.com

MALAMBING they’re not. But Batangueños are open, friendly, and straightforward, with a temper that can be as strong and potent as the legendary kapeng barako. They are easy-going, and will always welcome a stranger who’d wander through their land steeped in culture and blessed with natural attractions. Through the years, government efforts to develop Batangas have resulted in excellent road networks and satisfactory infrastructure facilities for transportation, telecommunications and power. All these augured well to boost the province’s eco-tourism. Today, visitors are continually drawn to Batangas because it is conveniently near Mega Manila, making its heritage, culture, natural resources, and man-made landmarks easily accessible. Surprisingly, a day tour or even a weekend getaway is affordable to even the average Juan. So when you’re planning a trip to the Philippines and got just a few days to spend, you don’t have to go far. South of Manila just a couple of hours or even less is a destination that’s heaped with diverse attractions. And since the province is quite huge in terms of land area, you might want to take a tour of the Batangas Lakeshore District, composed of two cities and six towns around the famed Taal Lake—Tanauan, Lipa, Malvar, Balete, Sto. Tomas, Talisay, Laurel, and San Nicolas. Its rich natural attractions—with Taal Lake, the Volcano Island, and Taal Volcano at its core—are incomparable. Its culture and heritage—vivid and intense. Its people—warm, friendly, and gracious. Here’s your all-year guide to rich Batangas. The great escape. Your perfect getaway starts at Lima Park Hotel, cited as the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice and Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Philippines as voted by travelers worldwide. The first and only 4-star hotel in Batangas, Lima Park Hotel offers excellent service, well-appointed guest rooms, and unparalleled amenities.

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The Marian Orchard offers solace, perfect for meditation and prayer.

Wake up to beautiful mornings. Before heading out for your day’s activities, take a few laps in the expansive Horizon Swimming Pool, pump up at the gym, take a spin on a bike, or jog amidst refreshing green pines while taking in the beauty of Mts. Makiling and Malarayat. Celebrate the life of a hero. The son of Tanauan Apolinario Mabini is marking his 154th birthday on July 23, 2018. Know more about this genteel hero at the high-tech Museo ni Apolinario Mabini in Tanauan. One of the biggest museums under the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, this museum exhibits the life and heroic deeds of Mabini. It is open from 8 AM to 4 PM Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy local cuisine. You have not been to Batangas if you haven’t indulged in a huge bowl of Batangas lomi, a local noodle favorite of hot soup thickened with cassava flour made more flavorful with the generous amount of meat cuts and seafood toppings. Check out the roadside carinderias along the national highway for a taste of authentic lomi. Relish the signature soup of Batangas Province. Easily a favorite, bulalo is a Batangueño stew of slow-cooked tender beef shanks and bone marrow in clear broth made more flavorful with vegetables like petchay, corn, potatoes, and cabbage. Take with you the delicious goodness of Batangas. You shouldn’t miss sumang magkayakap, a local delicacy made from glutinous rice (kaning malagkit), wrapped in banana leaves, then bundled together. Best served with a special coconut caramel sauce. Yum! Bask in architectural grandeur. Admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (San Sebastian Cathedral), established by Pope Pius X as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa in 1910. Travel back in time. Visit the Casa de Segunda heritage museum in Lipa, the ancestral home of Segunda Solis Katigbak who was the first love of Philippine hero Jose Rizal. Conquer the magnificent mountains of Batangas. Batangas is a favorite among hikers because of its breathtaking mountains and proximity to Manila. Climb through different peaks, experience the adventurous thrill, and witness the breath taking view from its mountain tops. Mt. Maculot is perfect for day hiking and for beginners. Pedal through the extreme terrain of Balete. Take a spin on your bike through the winding, picturesque trails of Balete, known as the Biking Capital of Southern Luzon. Go on a Bisikleta Iglesia. Are you a cycling enthusiast, a devotee, or both? Get on your bike and head out to visit the beautiful churches of the Batangas Lakeshore District. Every Saturday before Palm Sunday, witness the annual Bisikleta Iglesia, a unique pilgrimage tour on bike led by running priest Fr. Robert Reyes paticipated in by hundreds of bikers. Discover the world’s only fresh water sardine. At the break of dawn, head to the shores of Balete to watch fishermen haul in the day’s fresh catch of tawilis, the only freshwater sardine in the world found only in the Philippines, right at Lake Taal. If you’re lucky, the womenfolk can cook tawilis that you can enjoy for breakfast.

Test the rough terrains of Batangas Greenvale on your mountainbike.

Experience a unique religious and heritage tour on two wheels with Bisikleta Iglesia.

Test your strength with the one-of-a-kind Tug-of-Oars at Lake Taal.

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Explore the beauty of Batangas’ world famous treasure. Hop on a Taal Lake Cruise and navigate through Lake Taal to discover the numerous islands and rock formations that dot the lake on board the 30-seater Lady of the Lake catamaran, or the more romantic Queen Fisher yacht. Go on a lava walk. The trek along the Lava Walk on Volcano Island in San Nicolas will take you over a terrain covered in black basaltic rocks that are actually hardened volcanic materials spewed by Taal Volcano in past eruptions. Before leaving the island, bring home some dried fish that is a source of income for the small local community on the island. Choose from biya, bangus, red tilapia, even shrimps—all caught from the lake. Taal Volcano, up-close and personal. Did you know that Taal Volcano has 47 known craters and four maars? Find out things you did not know about Taal’s lake, volcano, and the islands at the Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC). Try your hand at rowing a dragon boat on Lake Taal. Want a twist? Gather the squad and try a unique tug-of-war (or tug-of-oars, if you please) on a dragon boat. It’s a great water activity for barkadas and families that fosters camaraderie and friendship. Take a wild leap. Experience swimming in the fresh waters of Lake Taal for an extreme adventure. Explore the beautiful gardens of Marian Orchard. Get lost in the myriad of exploding colors of flowers that blanket the instagramworthy gardens of Marian Orchard. Or partake of the Table of Plenty, where the fruits of the Orchard are harvested which visitors can enjoy. When at Marian Orchard, spend quiet moments of prayer and reflection at the Via Crucis, a linear garden with life-size statues depicting the passion of Christ, or pray the rosary at The Rosarium. Did you know that Balete is home to numerous honey bee farms? Drop by to see how honey is harvested, then take home a bottle of wild honey, or try the honey vinegar. Learn about honey-making, and taste authentic, pure honey harvested from the honeybee farms of Balete. Enjoy nature at its best. Bird-watch at the bird sanctuary of San Nicolas, one of the towns under the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape. Every year, migratory herons and egrets escape the cold winters and seek shelter in San Nicolas. You’ll also find kingfishers and ducks here. Come home to a delightful surprise. After a full day, quiet down at Lima Park Hotel’s La Terrazza Deck while watching the sky turn from fiery orange to a rich magenta before settling to the deep-set blue of the night. Take a nightcap at the La Terrazza Bar. Thursdays and Fridays are jazz and acoustics nights, while you can enjoy unlimited beer during happy hours every day of the week. When you’re ready to call it a night, our turndown service will simply lull you to a good night of blissful sleep. May all your sweet dreams come true.

Lima Park Hotel is a four-star 136-room business and leisure hotel located only 60 minutes away from Makati via the South Luzon Expressway and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway). Lima Park Hotel is located in Lima Commercial Center, Malvar, Batangas with contact numbers: +763 43 981.1555 and +63 917 504 2385. Send us an email: reservations@limaparkhotel.com. Visit www.limaparkhotel.com. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LimaParkHotelph.

Unwind at Lima Park Hotel’s La Terrazza Deck after a day of adventure.

Indulge in a sweet escape in any one of Lima Park Hotel's luxurious guest rooms.

Complete your Batangas food adventure with bulalo, the official comfort food of Batangueños.

Idyllic Lake Taal in Balete is ideal for water sports like dragon boat rowing and kayaking.

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Melba’s Farm

Secluded retreat in Talisay City, Negros Occidental WRITER Jennifer Soriano

Melba’s Farm is perfection in paradise. Enter an intimate place, feeling all the wonderful sensations that nature could possibly offer. Take in the fresh air amidst the magnificent view of the lush mahony trees at 600 meters above sea level in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Feel the exceptional breeze embracing your skin. After sunset, this destination transforms and becomes muted, except for the leaves which sways and sings at the rhythm of the wind. Melba’s Farm is located in the sleepy town of Masinglad. Most of the residents here rely on fruit farming and bamboo polemaking for their livelihood, so expect a fresh laid-back country scenery. The farm is accessible either from Bacolod City’s village of Granada or from the city proper of Talisay. The short drive to this place can offer you sights of rare birds clinging to decades old trees. Photograph the stunning silhouette of the nearby Mount Mandalagan. 072 — ISSUE 58

The farm resort has a pick-up and drop-off service from Bacolod which costs only Php 150 per person. Another option is to ride a motorcycle which is available at the village border for commute or as a lead in a convoy for a private car. The farm resort has a rustic clubhouse where meals are served. This is also a communal area for guests. Vintage pieces like an antique typewriter, portable massage table, and an old phone accentuate the area. The owner, Alvin Carranza, named the farm resort after his mother, where an enormous portrait of whom hangs on the wall of the clubhouse. On one side of the the rustic clubhouse is the swimming pool , while on the other side is a grassy terrain inclining downward. For a total nature experience, guests are encouraged to leave their footwear by the clubhouse entrance and go barefoot. Melbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm is perfect for quick hikes and for those yearning to escape and find their inner peace out into the woods.

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BREAT H TAK I N G H oneymoon D E S T I N AT I O N S in the P hilippine S writer Jennifer Soriano

Honeymoons are all about intimacy and seclusion. And when it comes to these standards, nowhere else in the world brings that solitude like the Philippines with its more than 7,000 islands to choose from! Whether you want exotic and far-flung, a seaside splendor to watch the sunset, or want budget-friendly options, Balikbayan Magazine has you covered.

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01 Siargao

Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island located in the province of Surigao del Norte in Mindanao. Being an archipelago of around 100 islands, Siargao has a lot to offer. But for honeymooners, it is recommended that you both take a moment off to stay at the Naked Island. True to its name, the island has nothing except white sand, patches of grass and plants and just a hut fit for two! Clear waters lure its visitors to take a refreshing dip. If feeling more adventurous, you can do surfing. As they say, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never Siargao without surfing! photographer Carlo Delanter

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02 Camiguin

Camiguin is considered a hidden gem of Mindanao. It may be the smallest province in the country but it is overflowing with untouched nature’s bounty and a colorful cultural heritage. Camiguin houses the lush forest reserves called the Mount Hibok-Hibok Protected Landscape. Go spring hopping at Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort, Sto. Nino Cold Spring and Bura Soda Pool or take a refreshing dip at the Mantigue Island or Katibawasan Falls. Finally, don’t forget to taste their sweet lanzones! In fact, they have a lanzones festival every October. Accommodations here are relatively cheap with hotels as low as Php1,000 per night.

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03 Batanes

If you plan to have your wedding ceremony at Tukon Church, might as well stay at Batanes — the northernmost and smallest province in the country — for a couple of days for your honeymoon. Interesting trivia about Batanes includes the fact that its residents are the nicest and most trustworthy people you’ll ever meet in your travels. The number of “honesty” stores is proof of these people’s honesty and trustworthiness. When choosing what to eat, beef is cheaper than pork since Batanes has vast grasslands that cattle readily feed on. photographer Noel Ty

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0 4 Siqui jor

Siquijor is synonymous with mystery and magic. Aside from its love potions and sorcery, Siquijor offers natural wonders that can leave you bewitched. Whatever suits a couple’s fancy, there are a multitude of adventures to choose from: either take a dip at Cambugahay Falls, have a foot spa session under Lazi’s 400-year-old Balete tree, watch the sunset at Tubod Beach, or if you are up to a more daring experience, go visit the cold Cantabon Cave.

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05 Bohol

Bohol is a suitable getaway destination for those with a shoestring budget. You get more than what you pay for because of its laid-back natural wonders. One of the best recommendations is to stay at a hotel with a view of the Chocolate Hills — nothing could be sweeter than cozying up with your spouse overlooking the majestic landmark. photographer Noel Ty

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Mimaropa today has become an economic and tourism powerhouse in the Philippines. The region’s high production of rice, corn, and other crops, fishery, and livestock increased the growth in the agriculture and fishery sector. Its industry sector, meanwhile, contributed 38.3 percent to the region’s total economy. The output of its domestic industries and cross-border migration also made Mimaropa one of the fastest growing region in the country. As of 2015, the whole population of the Mimaropa region is 2.9 percent of the country’s population, with Palawan having 849,000; followed by Oriental Mindoro with 844,000; Occidental Mindoro with 487,000; Romblon with 293,000; the only urbanized city of Puerto Princesa with 255,000; and Marinduque with 235,000 for a total of 2,963,360.

Innovative thinking

The wonders of Mimaropa writer

Ritchel Mendiola

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photographer

Teddy Pelaez

Danilo Intong, Mimaropa’s newly-appointed tourism director, said he wants to increase their contribution to the total Philippine tourist arrival chart. Palawan had already contributed one million, but he wishes the number would soar as they tap into new markets abroad through promotions. Intong has a discerning and creative mind. He aims on developing new tourism products throughout his term as part of his development plan for the region. “We should think out of the box,” he said in an article by Roger Pe of Business Mirror. “We should think, creatively, of other things because there are other ways of creating new products.” Right now, he is focused on Romblon since it is an emerging tourist destination that is easily accessible from Manila and South Luzon provinces.

Rich in culture

Blessed with fertile soil, rich waters, and precious mineral deposits, the province of Marinduque sits at the center of the Philippine archipelago. It is best known for its unique and colorful cultural traditions such as the Moriones, a colorful tableau that depicts the life and death of Christ during the Lenten season. Marinduque also stages other festivities that include Kalesayahan sa Gasan every August, Haring Kalabaw Festival in Sta. Cruz, and the Bila-bila in Boac where street dancers represent butterflies. Aside from its heritage sites and old churches like the Boac and Sta. Cruz Catholic Church, Marinduque has its own share of natural attractions as well. Its underwater haven presents shipwrecks, excellent coral formations, and fringing reefs for snorkeling. The province also possesses many caves that are yet to be documented and fully explored. Bathala Caves, the most famous cave system in the province, are multi-tiered and complex network of seven mostly uncharted caves.

N ature ’s great wealth

A piece of heaven

Situated 15km off the southwest coast of Luzon is Oriental Mindoro. With its unspoiled scenic beauty and bountiful resources, this province offers a myriad of opportunities for nature-lovers, adventurers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Mindoro’s most famous tourist attraction, Puerto Galera (port of galleons), is the oldest settlement on the island. Boasting of breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and thriving undersea gardens, they continue to attract tourists and travelers into exploring this beautiful town. You can find Mt. Halcon, the third highest peak in the country, and Lake Naujan, the fifth largest lake in the country, in this province as well. The island of Mindoro is also home to the Mangyan, one of the major ethnic groups in the Philippines.

Dive into paradise

A province that glimmers with natural luster, Occidental Mindoro lies beyond the southwest coast of Batangas. It is the home to the endangered Tamaraw. The town of Mamburao is the province’s capital and seat of government; meanwhile, San Jose is the center of commerce and entertainment. Lubang Island, along with islands of Ambil, Golo, and Cabra, boasts of fine white sand beaches. Located at the center of the province is Sablayan, the largest municipality, which has its own municipal fish port where the trading and shipping of produce to surrounding areas happen. A haven of biodiversity, Sablayan is the jump-off point to Apo Reef Marine Park which is dubbed as the diving mecca of the Philippines. Declared as a national park and forest reservation, Mt. Iglit can also be found in Mindoro.

Touted as the Marble Capital of the Philippines, Romblon offers marble products on par with the best in the world. But Romblon isn’t just about marbles, it also boasts of natural resources and unspoiled beaches. Its lush lands and seascapes also offer travelers opportunities for adventure such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking. The province is also known for its Biniray Festival celebrated every January. Famed for its carnival atmosphere, merrymaking, dancing, and parade of exceptional costumes. There’s also a flotilla of vessels that circle around Romblon Bay seven times, depicting the Spaniard’s attempts of leaving the shores with the commissioned Sto. Nino statue on board.

World’s best island

For a province with numerous accolades as the country’s cleanest and greenest city, Palawan, which means “The Land of Beautiful Safe Harbor,” certainly lives up to its name. Its pristine islands, forests, and clear waters provide a beautiful haven for visitors seeking repose in nature. It has also been dubbed as the “Last Ecological Frontier” in honor of its one-of-a-kind ecological balance. Its natural wonders, outstanding biodiversity of marine life, and unique flora and fauna are the main attractions in the province. Its sanctuaries, hidden lagoons, limestone cliffs, and beaches which include (but are not limited to) El Nido, Coron, Malampaya Sound, and Tabon caves offer visitors an indelible experience. Palawan is also the home to two UNSECO World Heritage Sites: the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a marine park that has such a rich marine life, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which was also declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Vibrant festivities

The provinces of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan came together to celebrate the annual Mimaropa festival, this time in Odiongan, Romblon, last November 20-25, 2017. Locals, guests, and visitors witnessed the street parade, colorful street dances, and the dance showdown held at the Odiongan Sports Complex. The participants of Calapan City for the dance showdown were awarded third place, meanwhile the participants of Puerto Princesa got the second place. The grand winner for this year’s dance showdown were from Occidental Mindoro. ISSUE 58 — 087

ANNULMENT 1 0 1 : A RUNDOWN ON T H E PROCES S writer

Ritchel Mendiola Ending a marriage isn’t an easy decision, and the process is quite complicated as well — especially in the Philippines. As the remaining country in the world that denies divorce to its citizens, legally putting an end to an abusive or unhappy marriage can only be done through annulment. Annulment terminates a marriage, but goes a step further by nullifying it so the marriage never existed. “In order to leave a marriage legally and be able to marry in the church again, a person would have to get both a church and civil annulment,” Jill Alcibar, an attorney who specializes in litigation, labor law, and corporate law cases in Metro Manila, told Balikbayan Magazine.

G rounds for annulment

According to Alcibar, the grounds are exclusive in annulment. If the basis is not one provided by the Family Code of the Philippines, then the petition will be denied. This is where annulment differs from divorce; generally, one can file for divorce if one of the spouses no longer wishes to stay together in marriage — usually citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason. The Family Code of the Philippines, in its Article 45, provides the following grounds for annulment: 01 Either party was 18 years of age or over but below twentyone, and the marriage was solemnized without the consent of parents, guardians, or person having substitute parental authority over the party, in that order, unless after attaining the age of twenty-one, he/she freely cohabited with the other party; 02 Either party was of unsound mind, unless such party after coming to reason, freely cohabited with the other as husband and wife;

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03 Consent by either party was obtained by fraud, unless such party afterwards, with full knowledge of the facts constituting the fraud, freely cohabited with the other; 04 The consent of either party was obtained by force, intimidation or undue influence, unless the same having disappeared or ceased, such party thereafter freely cohabited with the other; 05 Either party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage with the other, and such incapacity continues and appears to be incurable; or 06 Either party was afflicted with a sexually-transmitted disease found to be serious and appears to be incurable. “An additional ground for annulment and which is the most popular ground in fact is Psychological Incapacity,” Alcibar added. This ground will be the last resort if the grounds in Art. 45 cannot be raised by the spouse wishing to secure an annulment. Psychological Incapacity is defined by the Family Code Art. 36 where it provides that “a marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization.” Psychological Incapacity contemplates downright incapacity or inability to take cognizance of and to assume the basic marital responsibilities; not a mere refusal, neglect, or difficulty — much less ill will — on the part of the errant spouse. “Irreconcilable differences, conflicting personalities, emotional immaturity and irresponsibility, physical abuse, habitual alcoholism, sexual infidelity or perversion, by themselves, do not warrant a finding of psychological incapacity,” says Atty. Alcibar.

Annulment in the P hilippines

The process of annulment in the country is tedious and taxing. “More often than not, you are only allowed to present one witness every scheduled hearing to allow the other cases to be heard. Your next scheduled hearing will range from two weeks after the last hearing if you’re lucky, and in some cases, three months,” Alcibar explained. The duration depends on the load of the trial court to which the petition is raffled, the number of witnesses to be presented, and the availability of the parties and their counsels and their witnesses. “If the other spouse challenges or opposes the annulment, it would be longer and would take years if they really fight it out in the trial court, to the Court of Appeals, and finally to the Supreme Court if either of them gets an unfavorable judgment,” she added. There are cases, however, where the decision of the court granting the annulment may come out within a year — if the defendant spouse doesn’t participate when summoned to court, and the petitioning spouse is able to prove the ground relied upon to declare the annulment after presenting his/her witness. To verify that there is no collusion between parties and that the evidence is not fabricated or suppressed, a public prosecutor is given the responsibility to appear on behalf of the state. In some instances, the public prosecutor, through the Solicitor General, will appeal a grant of annulment, which in turn, will delay the annulment. So while one might obtain their grant before the trial court in a year, it will still be prolonged by reason of the appeal.

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Cost of annulment

Aside from its tiresome process, annulment is expensive as well. Alcibar divulged the major fees involved in the annulment process which are the following: 01 Filing fees: P10,000 ($200) or less - This is payable filing a Petition for Annulment of Marriage before the Office of the Executive Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court of the province or city the petitioning spouse has been living at for at least six months. The filing fees can be under P10,000 if the spouse has no properties to divide. 02 Acceptance fees of lawyers: P100,000 ($2,000) and up This is the fee the lawyer will charge the spouse for taking on his/her case; however, there are some cases where bigger firms will charge more than that, i.e. P500,000 ($10,000). 03 Pleading fees: P5,000 ($100) – P15,000 ($300) each (P100,000/$2,000 average) - Pleadings are the documents the spouse submits in court, such as petitions, pretrial briefs, judicial affidavits, and others. 04 Appearance fees: P5,000 ($100) – P10,000 ($200) each (P60,000/$1,200 average) - An appearance is when the lawyer actually goes to court for a scheduled hearing. 05 Doctor/psychiatrist fees: P50,000 ($1,000) and up - To file for an annulment on the ground of psychological incapacity, the spouse will need a psychological report from a doctor or psychologist or psychiatrist to use in court as strong proof of psychological incapacity and the spouse would need to present them as witness. The bottom line is: annulment isn’t for everyone — it can only be granted for select individuals who can actually afford it. “This is why divorce should be allowed,” Alcibar said. “With the goal of preserving the sanctity of marriage, the end result is immorality. At the end of the day those who cannot afford annulment still leave their spouses, move in with another partner, and have children out of wedlock — because they have no other choice.”

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T H E S TATE O F M ARRIAGE I N THE P HI LIPPINES writer

Jennifer Soriano

Marriage is the ultimate manifestation of your commitment you can give to your partner. And in Filipino societal mores, a wedding could not simply be small affair, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an affair celebrated not only by the couple, but also of the unison of both families as well. However, it appears fewer Filipinos are tying the knot in the past decade as marriage seems to lost its shine for most courting couples. A report released by Philippine Statistics in 2017 reveals that there was a 3.6 percent marriage decline between 2014 and 2015. In the span of a decade, marriages decreased by a whopping 20.1 percent. The statistics, released in 2017 looked at vital data on registered local marriages from the year 2005 to 2015.

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NCR consistently had the most number of marriages

In 2015, the National Capital Region (NCR) accounted for the 14.0 percent of the total marriages, topping all the cities and municipalities in the country. It was followed by Region IV-A at 13.0 percent and Region III at 11.6 percent . These regions maintained the top three ranking, in the same order for the past five years.

“M ay ” brides

Contrary to the “June bride” tradition, most couples prefered to get married in May with 12.2 percent or 50,469 of the total marriages. It was followed by February with 11.1 percent and April with 10.4 percent Meanwhile, November got the least number of marriages with 5.2% of the total marriages or equivalent to 21,352. On a daily average, a total of 1,135 couples marry in 2015.

Women marry earlier than men

The median age at marriage for brides is 26 while it’s 28 for grooms. Teenage brides are five times more than teenage grooms. It is also interesting to note that there were marriages recorded involving those under the age of 15.

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F our out of ten marriages were solemnized through civil rites

There were 1,135 marriages solemnized daily through different ceremonies in 2015. Of the total 1,135 marriages solemnized daily through various ceremonies, 42.7 percent were done through civil rites. Other matrimonial ceremonies were officiated in Roman Catholic churches (36.2%), other religious sect rites (19.1%), Muslim tradition (1.2%) and tribal wedding rite (0.8%).

F ilipina brides with foreign grooms prefer A merican nationals

3.6 percent of total marriages in 2015 is involved with foreigners. Topping the preference of Filipinas were American nationals at 0.75 percent and Australians at 0.07 percent by Filipino grooms. Included in the topmost commonly prefered nationalities of the groom are Japanese at 0.39 percent, Australian at 0.23 percent and Korean at 0.22 percent. Also, Filipino grooms also preferred to marry American at 0.06 percent and Canadian at 0.04 percent.

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“The median age at marriage for brides is 26 while it’s 28 for grooms.“

The increasing practice of “ live - ins” has offset the decrease in marriage

Some couples who are legally qualified to wed have their various reasons not to give their vows --some say they can’t afford a wedding while others say they are not yet emotionally ready, while others can or cannot honestly tell you that they are comfortable with their present set-up ,which is cohabitation. Historically, non-marital cohabitation has been present in the Philippines even before the Spanish colonization, so it’s a relatively old practice. In a study by Midea M. Kabamalan, entitled New Path to Marriage: The Significance of Increasing Cohabitation in the Philippines states that “the increase of cohabitation as an alternative family form has given rise to the belief that the institution of marriage has weakened.” In another research by Bernice Kuang et. al, published in 2016 , entitled: The Unexpected Rise of Cohabitation in the Philippines: Evidence for a Negative Educational Gradient , states that “while marriage is widely viewed as ideal, especially for women, financial reasons (such as the economic burden of hosting a wedding reception and the costs of filing the necessary paperwork) and pregnancy are often cited as motivations behind cohabiting.” Another reason for cynicism toward marriages exemplified in the study was the influence of parents’ marital difficulties, hence the preference for cohabitation, especially in a country where divorce is illegal. ISSUE 58 — 095

10 Filipino Wedding S uperstitions and Myths writer

Jennifer Soriano There are plenty of Filipino wedding traditions and practices that are relevant up to this day despite the fact that they lack any logical explanation. Due to superstitious beliefs, couples and their family and friends practice these traditions and keep these superstitions and myths in mind instead of risking anything.

01 One sibling at a time

In the Philippines, having your wedding in the same year as your sibling is bad luck. It is said that this will lead to the good fortune being split between the two pairs of newlyweds and could make room for bad fortune. If you think postponing your wedding due to this superstition will get you off the hook, think again. It is also said that postponing your wedding could also postpone the good fortune that is about to come. 096 — ISSUE 58

02 No peeking

Just like in many cultures, it is bad luck for the groom and the bride to lay eyes on each other hours before the wedding ceremony. It is believed that having a glimpse of their fiancé before the “I do’s” is equivalent to having a glimpse of their future, which, of course, is bad luck.

03 No last minute fittings

Brides are forbidden from wearing their wedding dress the day before the matrimony because it is said that it could bring bad luck to the wedding or may cause it to not push through at all.

04 WATCH OUT!

The bride and groom both have to be extra careful on their wedding day. If either of them breaks or even drops anything, it is believed that the marriage could also break in the future. The groom must also be cautious when handling the rings because if he drops them, this may signify that the marriage is not going to last. The same goes for the best man.

05 Toast the evil spirits away

Wedding toasts and clinking of glasses are highly encouraged because it is believed to scare and drive evil spirits away from the bride and groom.

06 EAT A P iece of cake

Since the wedding cake symbolizes fertility, the bride must eat the cake ahead of the groom. If they don’t follow this rule, it may cause complications in conceiving a child.

07 Carry the bride

After the reception, the groom is expected to carry the bride over the doorstep of their honeymoon suite or new home. It is believed that demons are waiting by the doorstep hoping to bring bad fortune to the newlyweds.

08 Skip the knife section

When picking out a gift for the lovely couple, it is best to avoid the knife section unless you want to break the marriage of your friend or relative.

09 Accidentally on purpose

The bride should step on her spouse’s foot (accidentally, of course!) if she wants him to be more agreeable for the duration of the marriage.

10 Make it rain!

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20 Essential W edding P lanning T ips and T ricks I N T HE P HI L I P P I N E S writer Charisse Trinidad

When planning your wedding, there are things that are nice to know, and then there are things you need to know. If you’re wondering whether there’s something you may have missed (or even if you’ve got everything under control), check out these indispensable planning secrets below.

01 G uests Come First

Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you’ll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there’s ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it’s not if you count the space you’ll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band and a dance floor. 098 — ISSUE 58

02 Listen to M other N ature

Heed the weather and other potential annoyances. Guests have been known to skip out early from hotter-than-hot summer tent weddings and improperly heated winter loft receptions. Bugs (gnats, deer flies and mosquitos) also swarm in certain areas during certain seasons. Consider renting pest control tanks to alleviate the problem or including bug repellent in guests’ gift bags. And if you want a sunset ceremony, make sure you know when to say your vows by checking SunriseSunset.com.

03 Check Your C redit

Take advantage of the high cost of weddings and sign up for a credit card with a rewards program. Whether it gives you airline miles or great shopping deals, consolidating all wedding-related purchases to this card will help you accumulate thousands of rewards points (which could be used for your honeymoon).

04 Pay I t F orward

Let one vendor lead you to another. Your wedding photographer can tell you which florist’s blooms really pop, and your reception manager should know which band packs the dance floor.

05 Lighten Your L ist

The easiest way to trim your wedding budget? Cut your guest list. Remember, half of your wedding expenses go to wining and dining your guests. If it’s costing you hundreds per person, eliminating one table of 10 can save you thousands.

06 G et O rganizationally Focused

In a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with vendors, notes you make during meetings, and photos or tear sheets from magazines you want vendors to see. Set up a special email address dedicated to your wedding, and store important vendor numbers on your cell phone. For on-the-go planning, download the The Knot All-In-One Wedding Planner app to keep all of your planning info digitally on-hand at all times.

07 Leave Some Room in Your Wallet

Your wedding budget should follow this formula: 48 to 50 percent of total budget to reception; 8 to 10 percent for flowers; 8 to 10 percent for attire; 8 to 10 percent for entertainment/music; 10 to 12 percent for photo/video; 2 to 3 percent for invites; 2 to 3 percent for gifts; and 8 percent for miscellaneous items like a wedding coordinator. It’s essential to allocate an extra 5 to 10 percent of your money for surprise expenses like printing extra invites because of mistakes, additional tailoring needs, umbrellas for a rainy day and ribbons for the wedding programs.

08 D on’ t B e Afraid to Ask

Your wedding vendors should be your go-to, most-trusted experts during the planning process. When working with them, you should feel free to really explore what it is you want—maybe it’s serving a late-night snack instead of a first course or doing a bridal portrait session rather than an engagement session. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them about what it is you want. Their job will be to tell you what you can and can’t make work given your wedding budget. ISSUE 58 — 099

09 Wait for a Date

Sometimes, last-minute planning can work in your favor. The closer your date, the more bargaining power you have. Since most people book their wedding venues at least six months in advance, calling for open dates two months prior to your desired time can save you up to 25 percent. And, Friday and Sunday weddings should cost about 30 percent less than Saturday weddings.

10 Prepare for Re j ection

Know that as a rule, about 10 to 20 percent of the people you invite won’t attend. Naturally, this depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday plans).

11 M ake a U niform K ids P olicy

You have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an “adults only” wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room or at a family member’s home. To prevent hurt feelings, it’s wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).

12 Prioritize Your P eople

Pare down your guest list with the “tiers of priority” trick. Place immediate family, the bridal party and best friends on top of the list; follow with aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends you can’t imagine celebrating without. Under that, list your parents’ friends, neighbors, coworkers and so on. If you need to make some cuts, start from the bottom until you reach your ideal number.

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13 Take It O ne S tep at a Time

Put together a wedding planning schedule and do things one by one, in a logical order, so you don’t take on too much too fast and end up with everything snowballing around you. Don’t hire any vendors before you’ve confirmed your date; don’t design your cake before you’ve envisioned your flowers; and don’t book a band before you’ve settled on a space.

14 No R ing, No Bring

If your guest list is bursting at the seams, assess the plus-one scenario. Do a faux seating chart in your mind, and imagine whom your single pal would sit with. If it’s a table of singles that she knows pretty well, then you’re all set. If it’s a table of couples (making her the odd one out) or if it’s a table of singles where she won’t know anyone, consider bending the rules. If asked why you’re not allowing single friends to bring guests, size or budget constraints or your parents’ never-ending guest list are always good reasons.

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15 Release R ooms

As soon as you’ve picked a date, start to look for hotels in a wide variety of price points. Many hotels allow you to reserve rooms for guests under a special wedding block and a reduced rate. You can then release any un booked rooms a month prior to your wedding. If the hotels you contact insist upon contracts with cancellation penalties, just say no—you don’t want to be responsible for rooms you can’t fill.

16 Schedule the S etup

You must make sure there’s sample time for setup. If you’re renting a venue and bringing in outside help, ask what time people can come in to start setting. See if they can do it the day before, or at the very least the entire wedding day, before the event starts.

17 G o Over G round Rules

Be prepared—ask the manager of the house of worship or site where you’ll be married for the list of restrictions (if any). For instance, is flash photography or bare shoulders prohibited? Or, if you’re exchanging vows outdoors, are you allowed to plant tent stakes on the lawn (which is often not allowed)?

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18 Classify Your Cash

Wedding budgets are all about balance. Start your budget planning by making a checklist of the crucial details, like the music, your wedding gown, the invitations, the flowers and the photographer, and assign a number to each—one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. (But everything can’t fall into the number one category!) For example, if a designer gown and fabulous food are what really matter, you may have to choose simple invitations and smaller floral arrangements.

19 H elp Guests Pay Attention

Make sure your guests can both see and hear from their seats. If people are seated farther than 15 rows back from your ceremony altar or podium, consider renting a mic and a riser. You’ll need to coordinate the delivery and setup with your ceremony space, so put your wedding planner or best man in charge of this task.

20 Be R ealistic with Your Time

When it comes down to the last month of your planning (and when you’re particularly harried) look at your mile-long to-do list and cut three things. Yes, cut three things. Not crucial things that you just don’t feel like doing, such as picking a processional song or confirming final details with all of your vendors. Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like handpainting “Just Married” signs, or baking cookies for all of the welcome bags. Cross them off and make a pledge not to think about them again.

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10 Unconventional DAT ES for couples to do writer

Jennifer Soriano Chocolates wrapped in fancy boxes, a bouquet of red roses with sweet notes, and fancy dinners come to mind when we think of Valentine’s Day. For most couples, this makes their Valentine’s Day special. Yet, for longtime couples, the practice of setting up a romantic evening may appear like a drill, rather than a surge of heartfelt emotion. With Valentine’s Day approaching, Balikbayan Magazine shares tips to add some spice to this intimate celebration with your loved one.

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Go to the airport and TAK E a random domestic trip

Feeling spontaneous? Then you can head to the airport without a particular place in mind. Close your eyes and point to the board. Book a ticket for the first flight you see and there goes the adventure. Don’t worry about the itinerary. Just savor your moment together. Nevermind getting lost. As author Erol Ozan said, “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.” Just don’t forget to bring extra cash, and of course, your trusty smartphone, in case an emergency arises.

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02 Learn about “ love” in a new culture

People around the globe celebrate their Valentine’s Day a little bit different from Filipinos. For example, in parts of Africa, women pin the names of their love interests on their shirtsleeves, while in Japan, it is also the women who express love to their partners by giving them chocolates. Try adding some of these unique worldly traditions to your own date night to make it a night to remember. You can also try saying I love you in your chosen country language.

03 Have a group date at someone’s house

A group date is a good example to introduce your new beau to your friends. Call your friends and organize an overnight group date. Divide the chores between yourselves. For example, women can do the decorating and think of games while men do the shopping and cooking. If you have invited single friends, don’t forget to invite someone for them so that he/she person won’t feel like a third wheel.

04 Volunteer to help those needing some love

Single? Why not instead of sulking in the idea of not receiving a romantic kind of love, nurture your idea of love into something more meaningful like doing a volunteer work? Send flowers to nursing homes, give chocolates to orphanages, make some homemade goodies or send love letters to people in caregiving facilities, or visit an animal shelter and play with the abused and abandoned animals. These are small acts but the thought behind them can make all the difference. Remember, we gain as much as we give. Most of the time, what we give bounces back to us a hundredfold. This activity is equally perfect for couples!

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05 M ake a vision board of how you want your lives together to be in the future

This is a good idea for the artsy, creative couples. Vision boards are collages consisting of images, pictures, quotes, affirmation of dreams, things or goals that make you happy. It’s Up to you how you want to decorate it. The goal of the vision board is to inspire your everyday life to attain your goals as a couple. Once you finish it, place it somewhere you can often see.

06 M ake a unique drink and name it after your loved one

Love mixing or experimenting with cocktails? Why not try on something new and name it after your loved one? You can even explain how the drink resembles your love for him/her.

07 G o on a date to reenact the first time you met

Put on your actor/ actress hat and relive how the two of you met. Don’t forget to add those awkward smiles and gestures, and the first conversation you had that started it all.

G o to the airport

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0 8 M ake a video for each other telling your partner (or friend or loved one) the top 10 things you love about them Not a fan of handwritten notes or letters? No problem. With the emergence of smartphones, creating a video is now easier. Take this opportunity to create a simple video enumerating the reasons why you love your partner or friend. Watch this together or with a group of friends. And not to mention, this activity is cheaper than the usual movie date.

0 9 Pay an artist to come do a sketch of the two of you

Instead of the usual photoshoot at a photography studio, opt for a classy sketch of you two as a couple. For a cheaper find, look for an artist or a Fine Arts student at the nearest university.

1 0 Find an open mic night and read something for each other

Receiving a poem written by your loved one is one of the most romantic gestures. But what can be more romantic if that poem is spoken to you out loud in a congregation of people looking at you as a reference or as a subject to a lovely poem? In the Philippines, open mic sessions are sprouting, as numerous groups hold their open mic or spoken word poetry nights at cafes and restaurants.

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5 Local frozen treats to beat the Philippine heat writer

Ritchel Mendiola With summer just around the corner in the Philippines, the heat will undoubtedly grow more stifling and unbearable. Sweatbeads start to dot your forehead, and you find that a cold glass of water isn’t suffice to cool you down anymore. However, don’t sweat it — because frozen treats are readily available wherever you look. Forget bingsu (Korean shaved ice dessert) and gelato (Italian ice cream), here are local cold sweets that will keep you chilled this season.

01 Halo - halo

Summer isn’t truly complete without eating a bowl of the iconic halo-halo. This shaved ice dessert has grown to be an important part of the Filipino food culture, loved by Filipinos young and old worldwide. No one can deny the deliciousness of this medley of sweet beans, tapioca, gulaman (gelatin), macapuno (coconut strings), with layers upon layers of fine shaved ice, a sweet scoop of ube ice cream, a divine slice of leche flan, drowned in creamy milky goodness.

02 Ice candy

This frozen treat brings us back to our childhood days spent sucking on ice candies and licking our sticky-sweet fingers after. Whether you like it fruity or milky, ice candy is there to be your icy respite under the unrelenting sun. You can even make one for yourself at home — just pour powdered juice mixture into a slender plastic bag, freeze it for a couple of hours, and you’re good to go. 0112 — ISSUE 58

0 3 Sorbetes

Sorbetes — the Philippines’ traditional variation of ice cream — is unlike the similarly named sorbet. They are uniquely made from either carabao milk or coconut milk, and are served in sugar cones and even bread buns. Sorbetes are usually peddled by sorbeteros using colorful wooden carts with metallic canisters on the streets, earning the nickname “dirty ice cream.”

0 4 Sago’ t gulaman

With the glorious sun beaming hot rays down on us, our throats get more and more parched and are in need of something refreshing to drink. Sago’t gulaman — a Filipino beverage made of brown sugar water, gelatin (gulaman), and tapioca pearls (sago) — is always a thirst-quenching hit in the summer.

0 5 Mais con yelo

One of the most popular variations of halo-halo, mais con yelo — made by mixing shaved ice, sweet corn kernels, sugar, and milk — has both the texture and creaminess that make it such a sweet and cooling snack for hot afternoons.

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Amazing Weight- loss Transformations and H ow They Did It writer

Bianca Cruz Most of us have tried to shed off a couple of pounds and by now, all know that it isn’t the easiest task. Losing weight requires a 100 percent of your time and dedication. We often look at athletes or celebrities to find “fitspiration,” but it is somewhat unfair to compare our progress to people who have whole teams behind them, which include nutritionists, personal chefs, personal trainers, and more. These stories of amazing weight-loss transformations told by ordinary Filipinos will remind you that if they can do it, you can do it too.

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Re j ie R onquillo, age 32

I started last September of 2012. I used to weigh 338 pounds, the heaviest I have been. Now, in 2018, I maintain my weight at around 185 pounds. The most important factor [in my weight loss] is my outlook on life, diet, and consistent workout. My goal is to workout six times a week. I do cardio for 40 minutes and weight lifting for an hour. On weekends, I do long bicycle rides. I use the support of my family, friends, and the constant mental and physical challenges I want to conquer. I use the saying “that nothing is impossible,” because everything we dreamed of can be achieved. I also follow the fitness quote “sore today, strong tomorrow.” I love doing cardio, it challenges me mentally and physically. It’s also my basis on how far I’ve reached. I don’t starve myself and I always eat in between my major meals with a slice of fruit and drinking lots of water. I strictly follow a low sodium, sugar, and carbohydrate diet. Those are the main factors in succeeding my weight-loss program.

J.K. Sese, AGE 28

Back in 2013, I tipped the scale at around 225 pounds. That wasn’t even my heaviest weight to date. It was no surprise as I mostly spent my days sitting, studying, and drawing with a bowl of food on my right-hand side. The only exercise I would get was walking to the bus stop going to school. I had a lot of fit friends and to mask my insecurity, I would joke about having a set of rock hard abs. They were encouraging but I was never serious about it until I came across the keto diet, the scary sounding high fat and low carb diet, while scrolling through Tumblr. It sounded challenging as the Filipino food culture revolves mostly around carbs and sweets, but I just gave it a go. Carbs and obvious sugars were the first one to go. I stopped consuming rice and sugar and just like that, I immediately lost a few pounds in the first week. In those days, I never felt hungry as the fat intake was increased and I consumed vegetables instead of any form of rice. I wanted to up my game by working out, but I was terrified of people watching me look stupid in the gym or using the home gym equipment in our balcony (where our neighbors could see you work out), so I tried searching for exercises that you can do at home and discovered body weight exercises. It’s just the usual push-ups, squats, and burpees, but I felt the burn. My brother had a bicycle, so I borrowed it at times when he’s not using it and that added cycling in my regimen, too. In three months, I lost around 60 pounds. I stand around 5’6” and at that time I weighed 165 lbs. I’m still overweight, but I developed muscles and all my clothes are loose. Somehow, I overcame the fear of being seen working out so I added weight training and swimming too. At this point, I stopped obsessively weighing myself and focused on the great feeling I get when I eat good food and complete a challenging workout. The thing for me is, the restrictive ketogenic diet is not that sustainable in the long run. Now, four years later, I just take everything in moderation in food and in working out. Besides, overall health trumps aesthetics, any day. 0116 — ISSUE 58

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” – muhammad ali

E lena Pareja , 22

Ever since I was young, I always had a problem with my weight and I was insecure with my body. These are the normal struggles of a young woman. Last year, I turned 22 and I had made a commitment with my partner that we are going to pursue healthier lifestyles. I was very active when I was younger. I got exposed to different sports like badminton, boxing, and cycling. But as we all know, everyone goes through a “peer pressure” phase in their lives. I enjoyed partying and staying out all night as everyone does because it was fun. I made bad decisions, but no regrets. The choice we made last year was to try to work out as much as we can and eat healthier than before. It was not easy at all. I weighed around 175 pounds last January 2017 and my end goal was to drop to 120 pounds by January 2018. It was a goal that I had my mind focused on. Every day was a struggle to wake up early and go to the gym. I was not used to this type of lifestyle but with the support and help of my partner and my personal drive to change for the best I did it with no excuses. My diet consisted of whole foods, fruits and veggies, and a whole lot of infused water (lemon and cucumber). We also practiced intermittent fasting, which basically means we don’t eat for a set amount of hours — 16 hours of not eating and an 8-hour eating window to put in my macros and nutrients for my body. My exercises varied every day to lifting heavy and doing high intensity cardio. In addition, I exercised fasting (no meals before a workout) to maximize fat loss. I had proper supplementation to keep me strong and focused during workouts also my partner was there to support and guide me. The choice to change my lifestyle was the best decision I made. As Muhammad Ali said, “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” ISSUE 58 — 0117

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HOW TO MEDI TAT E NO MAT TER WH ERE YOU ARE writer

Bianca Cruz Reduce your stress levels and calm your anxiety with meditation. Taking a few minutes out of your day to pause and meditate will bring awareness, mindfulness, and a state of deep peace when practiced regularly. Though it may seem like living in the hustle and bustle of a city isn’t the most practical place to build a meditation habit, it’s much easier than you think and it’s where you need it most. Here are nine tips to incorporate a meditation practice into your daily routine.

0 1 Disconnect.

Say “BRB” to Facebook, Instagram, and everything else in between for just a while and switch your phone to airplane mode and disable the WiFi. Meditating when your phone is sounding off to every message sent to your group chat is more than enough to distract you.

0 2 SE EK a quiet space

Any place where you can be alone with minimal noise is ideal. Weather you’re inside your cozy bedroom or out in nature in your neighborhood park, less noise will benefit your meditation.

0 3 INVES T I N EAR P LU G S

Let’s face it, not all of us are going to have access to a completely silent place all the time. Whether it’s the outside noises from the busy city or the sounds coming from inside of your own home, a pair of handy earplugs can help tune them out.

0 4 S tay AwAke

When it comes to meditation for beginners, falling asleep is quite common. So, if you ever find yourself doing just that, don’t stress out about it. The quiet and relaxing energies could easily make time for a nap. You can avoid falling asleep by letting a little bit of light enter your eyes.

0 5 S it in a comfortable position

Try either sitting on a chair and sitting on the floor or on a cushion and decide what’s best for you. When sitting on a chair, keep your feet on the floor and your hands on your lap. When sitting cross-legged on the floor, your knees must be lower than your hips.

0 6 Find support

If your back feels uncomfortable and is in need of a little bit of support, you can always sit against a wall, bed, or cabinet.

0 7 L et go

Make no effort to control your breath. Instead, focus on the sensation. Feel your breath as it enters the nose, pass your throat, fills you chest, and exits through the nose as well.

0 8 P L AY MO OD MUSIC

There are countless meditation songs and playlists on the Internet that are available for free download and streaming, so feel free to use this as a hack for concentration.

0 9 T ry guided meditation

Be guided every step of the way in your meditation by listening to a podcast made for exactly for just that. Experiment with podcasts or recordings online — there are many free resources on the internet — until you can find or create your own routine. ISSUE 58 — 0119

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

In Focus

MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES What you need to know

Analysis

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

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CAPITAL

DR. FE del MUNDO ——————

the economy

IS PANGASINAN READY FOR TAKEOFF?

The Artist

bangus

CARLYN NUYDA CALLOWAY ——————

NOT JUST ANOTHER FISH IN THE SEA

agriculture tourism

The Designer

DAVID TUPAZ —————— Real Estate VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2

APPLEONE PROPERTIES

Exploring the Treasures of

pangasinan Reviving Urduja

Icons

A COMING OF AGE

Escapes

REDISCOVERING DIVING IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

OUR LADY’S CALL

VISITING MANAOG

RIZAL’S ROOTS

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

GINA DE VENECIA

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FILIPINA

Destinations

US$ 5.00•PHP 150.00

0120 — ISSUE 58

5 HOT SPOTS FOR A HEALTHY RECOVERY

dasoland family adventure park

AN UNEXPECTED EDEN

america in our hearts

A LANDMARK BOOK ON IMPORTANT FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES

SPECIAL INVES TORS’ GUIDE ON FRANCHISING IN THE PHILIPPINES

INSIDE: SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 2015 ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

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

INSIDE: CHRIS TMAS AT LIMA PARK HOTEL IN BATANGAS

JUNE & JULY 2014

Issue 39, Volume V

Issue 40, Volume VI

Issue 41, Volume VI

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

FEBRUARY / march 2015

PHILIPPINES

THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

MORE THAN JUST THE BASICS, MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS

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

ART WALKS

Galleries. Restaurants. MANILA CATHEDRAL

Restoring Historical Emminence MUTYA NG PILIPINAS BEYOND THE BEAUTY…

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

More Than The Crown G TÖNGI

Her Passion. Her Craft.

THE PERFECT STORM Pope Francis visits Tacloban, Leyte

Her True Calling.

TACLOBAN A Year After

Eastwood City

A pioneering township and the country’s first cyberpark

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

PALAWAN

THE ANCIENT ART OF BATOK

The Luxe Life at Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

An ongoing series about the indigenous tribes in the Philippines

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

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

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

Issue 41, Volume VI

Issue 42, Volume VI

FEBRUARY / march 2015

APRIL / may 2015

AMORITA

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

BALESIN

INSIDE QUEZON PROVINCE’S EXCLUSIVE, LUXURY RESORT

AN ISLAND HIDEAWAY IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF BUSUANGA, PALAWAN

MALASIMBO

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

THE TRIBES CALLED MANGYAN

MANAOAG

PUERTO GALERA’S CULTURE SHAPERS

THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MINOR BASILICA

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

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JUNE / JULY 2015

Special in-Depth Feature: phinma property holDingS corporation

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

OUTLOOK: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, THE INTRICACIES OF POLITICS

In-Depth: the GolDen opportunIty for the travel InDustry

issue 47 , Volume Vii

Issue 47 , volume vII

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

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

PHILIPPINES

Issue 48, Volume VII

Issue 49, Volume VII

APRIL & MAY 2016

JUNE & JULY 2016

Where luxury meets serenity

ESSENCE OF PLACE SOUL SEARCHING: BALAY SAN JOSE

KEEPING A JOURNAL LABOR POLICY AS FOREIGN POLICY

GREAT GETAWAYS traversInG the phIlIppIne CountrysIDe

OUTLOOK

NEWSMAKERS

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INSIDE: MORE THRILLING REASONS TO COMEBACK HOME

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

TABLE FOR TWO

HEALTH eXerCIse toGether, stay toGether

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

PROFILES AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISA, JR. CULTURE MALASIMBO: OF NATURE, MUSIC, & ARTS

GUIDEBOOK

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

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

BATANES PORTFOLIO

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

BALIKBAYANS+FRANCHISING: THE BUSINESS OWNER

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS RETIREMENT, MORE FUN IN THE pHILIppINES

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

Issue 54, Volume VIII

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

APRIL & MAY 2017

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2016

EXECUTIVE’S DESK RALpH SANTOS AND THE CASHLESS SOCIETY

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

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

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

the asian journal business, travel & culture magazine

CALLAO CAVE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DESK ALEJANDRA “DADING” CLEMENTE

TECHNOLOGY

Where to CeleBrate valentIne’s Day

ADVENTURE

THE pERFECT GETAWAY

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

one-on-one WIth MIss unIverse, pIa WurtZBaCh

ISABELA, STA. MARIA: THE STAR OF THE NORTH

WHAT TO PACK

TECHNOLOGY ARE WE MOVING FORWARD OR STANDING STILL?

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

COVER

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

another upGraDe for the phIlIppIne eConoMy

INFRASTRUCTURE

DISCOVERY

INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING THERE

AMAZING ESCAPES LIMA PARK HOTEL: REVEL IN EVERYTHING LUXURIOUS

AT LEISURE NURTURE WELLNESS VILLAGE: EVERY BALIKBAYAN’S SANCTUARY

CULTURE FILIPINO SUPERSTITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

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

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

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

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

RADAR MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE 1

PORTFOLIO: THE 2017 INVESTMENT ISSUE

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

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GREAT GETAWAYS 24 THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS

THE QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON THE RISE OF THE PHILIPPINES. ISSUE 58 — 0121

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