APRIL 2016 | VOL. VI NO. 3 | BORACAY’S MONTHLY NEWS ON RECYCLED PAPER
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IN THE NEWS EXPAT FILES CENTERFOLD 7107 ISLANDS PEOPLE LIFESTYLE INDULGE
DANCING WITH FIRE
Letuli performed the first Samoan knife dance (called ailao) on fire. Fire dancing has been used since for sacred purposes and rituals, festivals and celebrations, storytelling and theatrics and at some point, healing.
here’s something magical about fire dancing. Whether the dance is performed in a traditional fire show or ritual or even the modern ones, there’s something beguiling about the dancers’ choreographed moves and the way with which they “play with fire” using torches or poi. An upbeat music adds to the excitement. Captured in photo, fire
In Boracay, fire dancing is a modern fire show signaling the start of the island’s nightlife. The White Beach comes alive with upbeat music and strings of fire. One can only marvel at the dancers’ inventiveness - instead of poi, some uses fire sticks, batons or torches; and some even perform fire eating. And just like fire dancing, Boracay certainly leaves any visitor breathless.
Beth Jalea
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dancing even makes quite an impression. The fiery shapes created from the poi’s movement seem to show an enticing imprint of the dancer’s expression. And while the live performances leave any spectator breathless, the photo tells one to breathe and imagine the story. It is said that fire dancing began hundred years ago in Polynesia with
the Maori people of New Zealand as pioneers being the originators of poi (a Maori word meaning “ball on a string”). Poi was used by warriors as a form of exercise to train for battle and hunting. Apparently, swinging the balls develop wrist strength and flexibility which helped in handling weapons. But poi did not become a tool for fire dance until the mid-20th century when Uluao
7107 ISLANDS
IN THE NEWS
EXPAT FILES
CENTERFOLD 10 Reasons to Visit Boracay
Bataan: Land of the Valor
Chef ‘Matsu’ of Hama
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Malay Local Volleyball Open
Malasimbo Festival
PEOPLE
EDITOR’S NOTE
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For such a small island, Boracay is big in terms of relaxation and entertainment. Our “party island” constantly makes it to the list of best beaches in Asia and in the world, getting the travelers’ nods for its idyllic and serene beaches, and for its day-long parties. In its 2015 Traveller’s Choice Awards, TripAdvisor named Boracay, specifically its White Beach, as the best beach in Asia. The White Beach received the top rank for its “calm, warm waters, gently sloping sand” which is “very relaxing”. In Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2015, our tiny island paradise ranked No. 15 in the Best Islands in the World. “Add in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region,” described the magazine. This juxtaposition of serene and party scenes is indeed what makes Boracay enchanting. A day in Boracay starts with a beautiful sunrise, a faint blush amid the clear morning sky, slowly kissing the island’s calm, gentle waters into wakefulness. The days ends with the sun gently slipping across the horizon, a vivid picture of an orange disc coloring the waters and the pale sky. Then, as if on cue, the beach comes alive with the sound of music and twirls of fire. Fire dancers entertaining visitors with a modern show of dexterity and grace signals the island’s nightlife. Indeed, summer in the Philippines is coming fast. And we join the Department of Tourism in saying, “Make sure Boracay is in your bucket list!”
COVER
THE BORACAY SUN FAMILY
By Alva Alvarez
WWW.BORACAYSUN.COM Managing Editor MICHAEL JEROME MADRIAGA Guest Editors BLANCHE BASCO & BETH JALEA Art Director ALVA ALVAREZ Columnists JOEL JAMES CUBILLAS, KLAUS DORING HOLLY GOLIGHTLY, RICA VELASCO
ma. teresa fajilan
OPTIMISM is a positive MAGNET. If you STAY POSITIVE, good things and people will be drawn to you! ~ Mary Lou Retton Hating someone consumes too much of your time and energy and this only means they are important. Forgiving someone makes them obsolete and moves you to more things to do. CONSERVE ENERGY...
Contributors JUN ARRIOLO AGUIRRE, KAREN BERMEJO, Holger Biallas, DOUGLAS FABILANE, PAUL FOURNIER, SPO1 CHRISTOPHER MENDOZA Contributing Photographers Dr. Lhen Brutton, Jack jarilla, JOSE EDWIN RAMOS, KRISTHINE DE TORRES, Sonny Abella-Vito Publisher THE BORACAY WALLSTREET INC.
~ Francis Kong It takes a STRONG person to do their own thing and not wait for anybody else to validate their existence. ~ Steven Aithison The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
President & CEO MA. TERESA FAJILAN Sales and Marketing Manager MICHELLE ELIZON Operations Manager JOANN BARRIOS Boracay Sun Office Monaco Crossing Tulubhan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608 editor@boracaywallstreet.com
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Copyright © April 2014 Boracay Sun. All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines. Except as permitted by law, no part of the Boracay Sun may be used, reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Boracay Sun. The publisher accepts no liability for the content correctness of any advertisement and reserves the right for editorial freedom of the press under the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article III (Bill of Rights) Section 4.
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IN THE NEWS
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Spreading HIV awareness in PH tourism areas Karen Bermejo
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ack to where it all started, Pedal for HIV, the lone organization authorized to distribute the “I am an HIV Positive Poster” in the country made another visit in this resort island for the nationwide HIV Positive Poster Tour de Pilipinas last March 6 to 10.
The activity is a nationwide tour which aims to combine cycling and tourism to promote a greater cause for the plight of the people living with HIV. “We aim to reduce the stigma associated with HIV by promoting awareness in key tourism areas in the country,” according to Pedal for HIV founder Faustine Luell Angeles. Angeles, a cyclist and a person living with HIV has launched the poster campaign here in Boracay in August last year.
Boracay PNP tightens security for summer
The HIV-Positive Poster campaign was originally developed by Grupo de Incentivo a Vida (GIV), a non-government organization based in Brazil. The campaign is a winner of the Bronze Lion award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival – Press Category. The poster, which is now distributed in different areas in the country, carries a drop of Angeles’ blood. It also contains information about HIV and how it can be transmitted.
police desk
SP01 Christopher Del Rosario Mendoza, PCR PNCO BTAC
Through the tour, “we aim to increase the visibility of the HIV Positive Poster, provide lectures regarding HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), empower the youth to become advocates and end the stigma and discrimination for persons living with HIV (PLHIV),” Angeles stressed. Touring PH for awareness The nationwide activity kicked off in Manila last February 15 and was graced by GIV head, Victor Silba. The tour is organized in partnership with The Red Whistle, an HIV awareness campaign that uses the arts and social media in its advocacy to normalize HIV and AIDS. Aside from Boracay, the tour was likewise conducted in Baguio, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo, Guimaras and Bacolod – among the top tourism areas in the country. These tourism destinations, according to Angeles, should be given attention when it comes to HIV awareness because of its high vulnerability to HIV cases. “Most people in these tourism areas engage in risky behaviours which makes them vulnerable to HIV,” he said. Angeles meanwhile lauded the Malay Municipal Health Office for its strong HIV awareness campaign in Boracay, and support for PLHIVs. During the Tour’s stopover in Boracay, a lecture on HIV and AIDS was conducted among the members of the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center, the Aeta community, and the members of the Philippine Association for Licensed Massage Therapy (PALMT). ‘Laboracay’ for a cause This summer, particularly during the much-anticipated Laboracay week, Angeles invites all HIV awareness advocates to storm to the beach for the #SAVESEXY Lifeguards Laboracay Race, a campaign to spread the word on HIV and end AIDS by The Red Whistle. With the continued awareness campaign, Angeles hopes that the goal of getting to ZERO – zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths, will soon become a reality.
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oracay PNP under the leadership of PSINSP Nilo A Morallos is on full alert especially this summer.
Thousands of tourists are expected to flock to this resort island mainly for vacation and some to witness the festivities that made Boracay renowned globally such as the beach volley finals, LaBoracay, and the international dragon boat festival. To ensure the safety and security of our tourists, Boracay PNP is deploying its personnel to the different identified strategic areas in the island and even at the Puka Beach, Din-iwid Beach, Bulabog Beach, and the Mangrove area. On February 15, Public Safety Savings and Loan Association Incorporated (PSSLAI) donated two ATVs to Boracay PNP which are now being used in patrolling the 4-kilometer White Beach. These ATVs and the 18 newly installed CCTVs of MDRRMO are great help in preserving and maintaining the peace and order situation in the island. Regular beach patrolling which is a proactive approach to deter the occurrence of any lawless activities is also being conducted together with Task Group BoracayPhilippine Army and PARDDS-Boracay. The Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, PNP Maritime Group and Boracay Fire Rescue Ambulance Volunteers are also conducting random seaborne patrolling. Other force multipliers who also help Boracay PNP in maintaining and ensuring the safety and security of the island are Kabalikat Civicom-Boracay, Kabayan Action Group, Malay Auxiliary Police, Barangay Tanods and other members of Boracay Action Group.
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IN THE NEWS
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Boracay hosts first Malay Beach Volleyball Open Michael Madriaga photos by jack jarilla
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ore than 80 volleyball players joined the first Malay Local Beach Volleyball Open at the White Beach Station 3 last March 12 and 13.
The event was organized by Dublin-Abawag Architectural firm and some local volleyball enthusiasts with the support of the Malay -LGU, with the aim to make the island become one of the finest sporting event destinations especially when it comes to beach volleyball. Participants composed of Malay-born athletes, residents and even tourists from the different town of Malay where grouped into two categories: 4 on 4 and 2 on 2. For the 4 on 4 matches, Laking Angol Team faced Bar Brazil Team at the championship round. Bar Brazil won the top spot and Richie Gellang was hailed as the MVP. Bar Brazil also made it to the championship round in the 2 on 2 matches but they failed to beat the Islanders Team whose solid hits and service enabled the latter to bag the championship points. Islander’s Reolene Inaudito got the MVP award in this category.
List of Winners and Special Awards: 4on4 Winners
2on2 Winners
Champion Bar Brazil Laking Angol 2nd Place 3rd Place Ambulong
Champion Islanders Bar Brazil 2nd Place 3rd Place Aldam
Special Awards
Special Award
Best Server Best Receiver Best Digger Best Setter Best Blocker Best Attacker
Arnold Maming Aljun Delos Santos Dandy Canalita Dave Tapus Elivir Dublin Dindo Pialante
Best Server Best Receiver Best Blocker Best Attacker
Roelene Inaudito Adam Wagner Ritche Gellang Gabriel Maverick
MVP
Roelene Inaudito
MVP-
Ritche Gellang
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Rotary Club of Boracay received multiple awards in Zamboanga DisCon Douglas Fabilane Photos by Sonny Abella-Vito
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otary Club of Boracay bagged six awards in the recently-concluded Rotary District 3850 Convention (DisCon 2016) in Zamboanga City.
The Club received the Highest Club Attendance Percentage Award, the Membership Highest Net Gain Award, the Membership Highest Percentage Award, and the Membership Highest Retention Award. At the start of Rotary Year 2015-2016, President Tobias Möckel spearheaded the massive recruitment of new members that lead to the unprecedented number of inductees. The Club’s Milk Feeding Program also gained recognition at the DisCon and was conferred the “Best Club Signature Project” Award. 2016-2017 Vice President Lhen Brutton’s photo depicting painted hands of Rotarian volunteers after painting the Yapak Day Care Center in August 2015 was awarded the best “Rotary is Fun” photo. The Most Outstanding Club Secretary was awarded to Past President Prime Dizon. It was PP Dizon’s second Most Outstanding Club Secretary Award, the first was awarded 10 years ago also in Zamboanga City. The DisCon 2016 which was held last March 2 to 6, was attended by the Incoming President Teresa Fajilan-Bech, Incoming Club Secretary Aldo Yap, Past President Dang Romero and 2017-2018 President Elect Howell Javonillo. Rotary District 3850 is a fun Rotary District composed of 53 strong clubs. It is the “Fun District” riding high on its rich diversity of cultures and languages, serving communities in the western Philippines through literacy, health and disaster response.
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Consultation workshop on bill pushing for national sex offenders registry held in Boracay Karen Bermejo
Photo by Jose Edwin Ramos
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he Asia Foundation (TAF), a nonprofit international development organization conducted its 4th inter-agency consultation workshop on Child Sex Offenders Registration and Notification Bill, at Microtel Boracay last March 16. It was attended by representatives from the government, private sector and civic society organizations. Lawyer Eric Mallonga, TAF consultant, said the output from the workshop will be used and incorporated in the final draft of the bill which they hope to be filed this year. The bill aims for the establishment of a national sex offender registration database for the Philippines and ensure the protection of children particularly from online abuse and exploitation.
Representatives of The Asia Foundation with the participants of the 4th Consultation Workshop on Child Sex Offenders Registration and Notification Bill in Boracay.
“This public consultation aims to inform the public about this bill and to involve them in crafting the final draft,” Mallonga added. Children protection in tourism areas
The drafting and advocating for the said bill, according to Mallonga, is part of the 3-year program funded by the Australian Embassy to the Philippines and implemented in partnership with the different national government agencies.
Mallonga said they have chosen tourism areas in each region as the site for each consultation workshops, saying the presence of foreign tourists makes children in these areas vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
The series of consultation workshops was started in the last quarter of 2015. Prior to Boracay, the consultation workshop was already held in Subic, Zambales for Region III provinces, in Cagayan de Oro for Region X and in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro for MIMAROPA and Batangas region.
“We need to see to it that foreigners who have records of sexual offense in their own country should not be allowed to enter our country,” he said. Mallonga added that tourism areas like Boracay should always be vigilant about the threat of sexual offenders. “Sexually violent predators are more cunning than a terrorist,” he stressed.
Boracay is the fourth area in the country where the consultation workshop was held. The same consultation workshop will also be held in Cebu, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Davao and Manila. Meanwhile, the one-day workshop in Boracay was attended by representatives from the different government and non-government organizations including the Department of Tourism-Boracay, Boracay Redevelopment Task Force, Kool Earth Aklan Inc., Kiwanis International Club of Kalibo, Commission on Human Rights 6, Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) – Aklan, the Malay Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Women & Children Complaint Division of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center, Kapisanan ng mg Brodkaster sa Pilipinas-Aklan Chapter, Aklan Press Club, and the Philippine Information Agency.
Strong child protection policies The TAF consultant said there is also a need for stronger child protection policies in the country. “While some areas in the country have proactive polices on protecting children, there are still areas that need attention,” Mallonga also noted. In this coming election, Mallonga therefore urged voters to choose leaders, especially in Boracay, who will prioritize child protection in their platforms. “We are hoping that the next leaders of our country will prioritize children’s protection,” he ended.
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Boracay delegates to join EuroAsi mobilities in Europe Karen Bermejo
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elected delegates from Boracay will train in well-established non-government organizations in Europe for the international project, EuroAsi - From Europe to Asia: Capitalizing Experience in Youth Work. EuroAsi is an international project coordinated by the TDM 2000 International, an international network based in Italy. The project’s primary goal is to transform the experience acquired in Europe into “capital” for the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) youth organization. It is funded by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission, under the KA2 Action “Capacity Building” of the Erasmus plus programme youth chapter. Last March, four of the delegates started their 21day job-shadowing program while other delegates will participate in a 3-month European Volunteer Service starting this April. Joining the job shadowing program are Marlo Schoenenberger, Primo Dizon, Liza Gamo and Cristian Gelito. During the program, the participants will have the opportunity to learn while observing and working alongside the regular staff of their respective host European organization. Meanwhile, chosen participants for the EVS are Rona Liza Inocencio, Anahaw Cahilig, Chanieli Gadon, Mary Jance Perlas and Karen Bermejo. The young participants are expected to contribute to the daily work of their respective organizations and, in return, increase their knowledge and competences. The Filipino delegates will be hosted by TDM 2000 International as well as by the following European
partner organizations: TDM 2000 Italy, Synergia from Portugal, TDM 2000 Malta, and KUD Plac from Slovenia. Likewise, delegates from Boracay are representing One Media Boracay Inc., the Philippine partner organization of the project.
from the European organizations. They were trained based on these five modules: NGO (Non-Government Organization) Management, Project Management, Human Resources Management, Financial Management and Communication, Visibility and Dissemination.
About the project
The EuroAsi project is also supported by nonprofit organizations in the island such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay, Rotary Club of Boracay, the Philippine Red Cross BoracayMalay Chapter, Boracay Foundation Inc. and Boracay Yuppies and by the Local Government Unit of Malay and the Boracay Informer.
EuroAsi is a 23-month capacity building project for young people between the two continents which started in 2014. Aside from the Philippines, the project is also implemented in Indonesia with Act Global as the partner organization. Thus, Indonesian delegates will also join the mobilities in Europe. Prior to the mobilities in Europe, the participants in Boracay and Indonesia were trained by representatives
After the project, the delegates are expected to share and bring back to the community what they have learned from their experience in Europe.
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El Niño to hit Boracay in April, May – PAGASA Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
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oracay may experience El Niño in April and May, according to a Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) official report.
“It (the island) will experience the phenomenon late due to its “unique weather pattern”,” said Engr. Oscar Tabada, officer-in-charge of Pagasa Visayas based in Cebu City. “Other provinces in Luzon and Mindanao have been feeling the effects of El Niño since January this year,” Tabada said. “The nearby provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental have been bearing the brunt of the dry spell brought by El Niño, albeit gradually, since late last year.” Pagasa Visayas said El Niño’s delayed impact in Aklan may be attributed to the National Greening Program (NGP), the government’s nationwide massive forest rehabilitation initiative that started in 2011. The NGP was initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as part of its mitigation and adaptation measures against global warming. “While we cannot be certain about El Niño’s effect on Aklan’s agriculture, we anticipate that this will have an effect on tourism in Boracay,” said Tabada. Tourists, especially those who want to enjoy island-hopping activities, are advised to drink plenty of water and wear comfortable clothing. They are also warned against possible heat stroke. “We must all be aware of the hottest and coldest time of the day for our personal references for safety and healthy living,” Tabada added. The hottest time of the day is from 12 noon to 2:00 PM while the coldest is from from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Weather forecasters all around the world considered the year 2015 as the hottest year on record. This year, scientists have yet to monitor whether it will surpass records or not.
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Make Music - Not War! Klaus Doring
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usic - from the Greek word, mousikos, and pertaining to one of the nine muses in the Greek mythology - is the art of combining sounds or sequences of notes into harmonious patterns hopefully playing to ears and satisfying to our emotions. An insipid and dry explanation - I must confess. Can you, my dear readers, imagine a life without music? For me, it would be such a monotonous and boring world. I don’t think only about the musical “mayfly” or the so-called “musical nine days wonder”. Music is not only groove or techno. I am not against these or other music trends, because each generation has its own music development but we do have greater riches of different kinds of music by going back to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance (which means ‘rebirth’), the Baroque Age, the Classical Period, and the Romantic Era up to 1900. The Western tradition of music has its origins in the chant tradition of the Early Christian Era. Everybody can develop his or her own passion for music. When I was four or so, I grew up already with those kinds of music. I asked my parents voluntarily if I could get piano lessons. It was easy for us because the church organist at that time was our neighbor and a proud owner of a grand piano. I listened to my first organ recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. My passion for music was in the stage of development that made it possible for me to join the school band. The Beatles - and Rolling Stones later - era followed - much to the disappointment of my parents and grandparents, who still dreamed of their music, such as jazz and swing back in the Golden Twenties. Everybody has his or her own music philosophy. I learned from my dentist friend in Los Angeles, that her patients lose their state of anxiety by listening to soft background music while having their teeth attended to. A gynecologist explained that if a pregnant woman mostly listens to classical music, her child might hear, learn, find out and experience another (better?) development than other children. The church reformator Martin Luther (1483-1546) explained it in this way: “Many times, when I was in terrible darkness, I prayed - and I listened to music, which delivered and refreshed me!” The German poet and composer E. T. A. Hoffmann said in 1801: “If you start simply by being speechless, music will take over!” And Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), without doubt one of the true and just awesome Western composers said: “Music is utmost revelation than an wisdom and philosophy!”
“I feel like flying after entering a church, praying and listening to the music of heaven!” the German poet Friedrich Schiller (1759-1809) philosophized about music in his drama “Maria Stuart”. A simple melody can make us feel happy, sentimental, smiling or crying, aggressive or relaxed. A form of light entertainment in which songs, dialogue, dance, and humor combined with a not too serious plot is as much as important as a dramatic opera or the single musician or street singer, not being a man of culture, but entertaining us people. Let’s develop our own passion for music, so that we may see the great resources for our daily life, if we accept, that music plays a rule in it. Make music - not war!
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Festival Review
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Puerto Galera’s Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2016 Holly Golightly
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love festivals. But not just any commercial festival with worldfamous headliners, hundreds upon thousands of partygoers, and queues that would go around the world twice. No, a REAL festival for me is one of escapism to somewhere secret, enchanted, mysterious and magical. Where playing in the forests, and splashing in lakes and rivers is the norm, trying new things and discovering new music genres, artists and sounds. My favorite festivals are in the green, summery woods and fields of England, where bonkers costumes are designed and created over months, and citydwellers drop all their inhibitions for four days of mind-bending merriment. Those are the reasons why I was super excited to hear about the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, held this year on the first weekend of March in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The event appeared to embrace everything I consider to be important in a small
festival: a stunning location (in one of the world’s ‘Most Beautiful Bays’, no less, with jungle-clad mountains and sunny beaches to boot!), quirky, imaginative art and light installations, new talent to discover, and an ecoconscious and conservationist attitude. What is Malasimbo Festival? On its 6th year now, the festival ‘blends traditional and contemporary arts and culture together with music performances, while working towards the protection and sustainability of the environment. It is held outdoors on a grass-terraced amphitheater, at the foot of Mount Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay. Heading for the hills The plan was to camp on the mountain so we could immerse ourselves in the true festival spirit and live simply for a few days. We arrived after an overnight
journey on the ferry from Boracay and found ourselves on Puerto Galera’s White Beach. Hiring motorbikes for our stay meant we could be independent, and could easily travel up and down the mountain. However, this is not a necessity as the festival provides jeepney shuttles to and from the town, for a small daily fee. Driving up the side of the mountain to set up camp on the festival grounds, the views are breathtaking: huge green valleys, walls of jungle towering above, the deep blue bay below and the heady smell of frangipani wafting through the heat. The site is set 250m above sea level so it’s quite a climb! At the registration and entrance area, party-goers are issued with an electronic wristband to be loaded up with cash – a genius detail as it prevents you from having to carry money around thus, potentially reducing crime. Load a little at a time – once the cash is on the
bracelet, there are no refunds. Magnificent Malasimbo Malasimbo is stunning. Set in the center of a natural amphitheater, the main stage is flanked by banks of green grass, surrounded by tall, swaying palm trees and a small collection of huts serving food and drinks. There is another stage set under a treehouse in the pretty Mangyan Tribal Village, and local tribespeople sell pasalubong wares made from nito and pine. The undulating topology of the area means there are quite a few little hills to negotiate, but you’re rewarded with gorgeous views of the whole festival and there’s natural seating carved into the hillside. At night the whole place is lit with colorful neon lights, casting dramatic shadows and making the palm trees seem even taller. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Of course the main focus of the weekend is the music, art and lighting: top Filipino and some international talent is celebrated, with music genres ranging from soulful jazz, to reggae and dancehall, high-tempo tribal drums and even an orchestra! On the opening night, to begin with, there was a very chilled vibe, lulling the crowd into a false sense of relaxation. Suddenly the pounding drums of troup ‘Brigada’ filled the night, whipping up the crowd into a frenzy and setting the pace for the rest of the evening: up-tempo favorites from the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys were covered by the talented Reo Brothers and a wild performance from Japanese DJ Chikashi Nishiwaki kept the high energy going until the wee hours. On Saturday evening, the act of the night was a stunning solo performance by one of the world’s most distinctive, inventive and prodigious young musicians, British artist Jacob Collier. His one-man, multi-instrumental, multi-visual format of music left the crowd in awe and begging for more. Said Jacob: “It’s amazing being here in the Philippines! I started the whole thing in my room, wanted to get it out there, and started working 3D and 4D images into my music.” A complete contrast to the hi-tech of Jacob’s performance was acoustic guitar trio, Triple Fret, who opened with a unique version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, which had the crowd, of course, singing along. On the last night, the vibe was very mellow, featuring stunning vocal acts from artists Reese Lansangan and June Marieezy – Lansangan’s voice-loop cover of Imogen Heep’s ‘Hide and Seek’ on the Mangyan Village stage was haunting and totally captivating. True to Filipino time, be prepared for long evenings sometimes stretching through to sunrise – the relaxed pace meant acts often ran into the very small hours. The art and light installations were intriguing, with pieces designed to work in harmony with the nature of Malasimbo. Boracaynons were excited to see an installation by their own Melanie Gritzka-del Villar, entitled ‘The Rise’. “It’s recycled driftwood, used in last year’s festival and upcycled,” explained Melanie. “I work a lot with driftwood, and the owners had wood from last year and suggested I use it for this year, too. I thought a festival-style, comical totem pole would be cool, rising up into new life and meaning.” Festival need-to knows • Foodies need not be disappointed; although there’s not a huge choice being a small festival, the few stands offered traditional, yet extremely delicious Filipino fare: slow-cooked chicken ‘Dabo Dobo’ served in a half coconut with rice and delicious garlicky sauce, BBQ pork liempo, and little snack paninis with goat cheese. • Drinks-wise, you can refresh with a young coconut from the Buko bar, or dive into the alcohol – there’s even a sake bar! But the drinks prices were not for the faint-hearted; a Tanduay and Coke set us back PhP210 on the Saturday night and PhP270 on the Sunday night, and branded liquors were around the same price, with the beer (The Brew Kettle) at PhP150. • The camping is beautiful and a mere five-minute walk from the main stage. Uncrowded, shady, grassy spots can be found and boast of spectacular views overlooking Puerto Galera bay. Sadly no food or alcohol is permitted on site and the festival food outlets don’t open in the morning, so a trip into the White Beach is necessary for morning refreshments and breakfast. Nearby toilet and shower facilities are available, but were unpredictable – sometimes the water ran dry. • The only queues we encountered were for the toilets in the festival, in the full swing of the evening; otherwise, the entrance, bars and food outlets are remarkably queue-free! Result! • Toilets and showers: Hands-down the best-kept festival toilets I’ve ever been in! In the amphitheater, after each person, the CR is inspected and quickly washed down; there was even toilet paper available most of the time and running water to wash your hands! The showers are wonderfully rustic outdoor
efforts, each surrounded by a palm fence for privacy, and when you’re woken by the sunrise in a boiling hot tent, there is nothing better! • Crowd: Most Malasimbo-goers are in their mid-twenties upwards, with openminded attitudes, artistic flair, and a zest for adventure and the celebration of the outdoors. These guys know how to festival! • Other things to do: Included in your ticket price are a few workshops held in the beautiful Mangyan Village on Mount Malasimbo – turn your hand to yoga, poi, Capoeira or 3-ball juggling. In White Beach itself you can try diving, watersports, hiking, or just have a relaxing beach day to wind down before the evening’s entertainment on the mountain. Typical expenses at Malasimbo (prices in php): • Jeepney to and from White Beach and Malasimbo – 200 • Camping packages start at around 5,250 (including 3-day ticket) • Yoga – 400 • Chicken adobo and rice – 170 • Snack panini – 85 • Small bottled water – 60
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CENTERFOLD
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10 Reasons To Make Boracay Isl Next Vacation Destinatio
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CENTERFOLD
sland Your tion
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QUICK FACTS Boracay, the Island Paradise • • •
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Boracay is located approximately 315km (196mi) south of Manila; it is part of Aklan Province and is located off the northwest corner of Panay Island. The island is dog-boned shaped, just seven kilometers long and less than a kilometer wide at its narrowest point. Boracay has two seasonal weather patterns known locally as the Amihan and Habagat seasons. Tourism is at its peak during Amihan season (November to May) when the cool northeastern winds blow. Habagat or the monsoon winds blow during the rainy season (June to October) The island is also the site of an 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Graham Marsh Travel+Leisure Magazine named Boracay as the “Best Overall Island” in 2012 In 2014, TripAdvisor named Boracay as the Best Beach in Asia
White Beach is Boracay’s main tourism beach, it is about four kilometers long and lined with resorts, hotels, restaurants and other establishments. It is composed of three sections which are commonly referred to as “boat stations”: • • •
Station 1 – it has the widest beachfront and the best (and most expensive) resorts and hotels Station 2 – the center, where people come to eat, shop and party Station 3 – the southernmost section, ideal for those looking for a quieter area
Bulabog Beach is considered Asia’s top kite-surf destination. It is located on the eastern side of the island, opposite the White Beach. It has large waves and strong winds year-round, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Puka Beach is the second largest beach in Boracay, located at its northern tip. It is also called Puka Shell Beach after the white seashells (puka) which are prevalent in this area. •
The forest hill above Puka Beach is home to the flying foxes or fruit bats whose numbers are feared to have declined due to deforestation
The People and Tourism The first settlers in the island were Negrito people called the Ati. Later settlers came from the mainland Malay, Aklan, and eventually people from Manila and even foreigners from the world over. •
In terms of tourism, the island welcomed more that 1.5M foreign and local tourists on its alluring shores last 2015
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BORACAY We’ve narrowed it down from the simplest, so out-there activities, to the most adventurous, so out-of-this-life experience. Swim! Go sunbathing Build sandcastles Explore, go island hopping Snorkel Dive! Ride the wave and dance with the wind! (read: kiteboarding, parasailing, surfing, flyboarding, jetski, you name the watersport, Boracay has it) 8. Get to know the locals and even the tourists (socialize) 9. Learn to swim like a mermaid 10. Plant corals (yes, definitely out of this world but Boracay has a coral planting nursery where everyone can volunteer) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
*Contact us for additional information or comments. editor@boracaywallstreet. com | (+63 36) 2882582 | (+63) 9985582541
Paul Fournier is a creator of the website, boracaycompass.com, and the author of the ebook, “The Ultimate Guide to Boracay” – an awesome, useful, comprehensive guide that is free and can be downloaded from his website. This web developer from the Netherlands fell in love with Boracay the first time he set foot on the island’s pristine beaches. Paul is also passionate about sports. He’s into boxing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and island activities like snorkeling and swimming – anything that get his body moving and his heart pumping.
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7107 islands
| APRIL 2016
Bataan: Land of the Valor
Teresa Fajilan & Michael Madriaga
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very 9th of April, the whole nation commemorates the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan, also known as the Bataan Day. This special day was declared a national holiday to honor the bravery of the Filipino soldiers during the Second World War and to commemorate the Fall of Bataan. More than 70,000 of our fellow countrymen were forced by the Japanese forces to walk more than 87 miles from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga. Roughly 54,000 of them survived that death march while the others were left to die due to sickness and hunger. Bataan may hold a dark past, but the town endured all the pains and is now one of the best places to visit especially to have a glimpse of our history.
The Dambana ng Kagitingan and Mt. Samat A white cross built to honor the gallantry of the soldiers who fought for our freedom during World War II stands proud at the peak of Mount Samat in the town of Pilar. The Shrine of Valor, most commonly known as the Dambana ng Kagitingan is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, cross structure in our country. Completed in 1970, it has
become a symbol of Filipino bravery and also faith to the locals of Bataan. Mount Samat is also an iconic spot in Bataan as this is where the bloodiest fights during the WWII occurred. Now, it has a small museum and a park where the Shrine of Valor is erected. For those who would like to visit but do not have a private car, you may ride a jeepney from the bus terminal at Mariveles, just look for the ones going to Mt. Samat. You will be dropped at the foot of the mountain where you could then rent a tricycle to reach the top. If you’re looking for an extra adventure, a lot of tourists also climb the mountain by feet. Just make sure to bring refreshments as there are no local stores along the way, but there are rest areas.
for special events, due to the houses and structures that resemble Filipino-Spanish architecture. Even the pavements inside the hotel complex are made of bricks and cobblestones and going around, you have the option to ride a kalesa (horsedrawn carriage). There’s no need to travel long hours to Vigan just to feel nostalgic about how the daily lives of the people was in the Spanish times, Las Casas surely gives out the same feel, or even better! Even the staff and employees wear native costumes, adding to the better aesthetics of the compound. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is also a hotel. Different restaurants and activities are also conveniently located inside the compound for one’s comfort. For more details, you may visit their website: http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Bataan does offers everyone a walk through history and there is this socalled “time machine” that would bring you back to the Spanish days. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar has been gaining popularity recently, especially
April 9 of this year falls on a Saturday, if you have nothing to do on that day, try visiting Bataan and get to know more about our history and also to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our liberty.
Bataan is 2 to 3 hours drive from Manila. You may hire a private car or van or ride a bus to get there.
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7107 islands
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Music and Cycling: The Complete Experience joel james cubillas
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here is something in music that conditions our mood. It has this magical, psychological oomph that controls the day’s perspective. That’s why I follow this radio station (whose name can’t be mentioned), let’s just say that they’re the glorious reincarnation of the now defunct nu 107.5.
Photos by kristhine de torres
“This is the manliest hour in FM radio”, it said. “It’s time to up your testostrone count,” they followed with a voice of an elderly dinosaur. I grinned as I was expecting something heavy, something pummeling: an aural assault that would aid me in the nearing uphill. They played “God Gave Me You”. FM radio is weird.
I call their playlist “controlled spontaneity”, where songs from all decades belong only to one category -- rock. Not those tacky, power-balladish ones you hear after nonsensical liners and pre-historic chortles of DJs; but the kind that makes you want to sit on a couch and be a potato, or be outside of your house and be proactive.
Afterwards, while trying not to listen to the balls-less song (it’s a decent song, it’s just not made for outdoor activity accompaniment) and also trying not to imagine Alden Richard’s facade void of pores, I thought of the songs I would want to hear whenever i’m in the middle of a steep incline or just breezing my way onto the office. FAST PACE
One time I was on a bike and, as usual, with my headphones on and myself darting nowhere, my radio station ran out of signal and I was forced to change the frequency.
In a fast-paced journey, I’d like to listen to aggresive songs as my cadence could groove with a rythm section’s double-bassed ruthlessness, or
the straight-forward wordings of punk. On the other hand, when the ride is fast-paced but the mood does not demand the brutality of heavy metal, I’d listen to stongs with a generally upbeat, endorphine-induced tempo. My lactic acid would do their work well whenever I’d hear these songs: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Messhugah - bleed Incubus - redefine Green day - jesus of suburbia Rage against the machine: sleep now in the fire 5. The proclaimers - im’m gonna be (500 miles) 6. Peso movement - bawal simangot 7. Talata - margarita RELAXED PACE When in a slow, relax-tempoed ride, I’d rather listen to songs rich in aural textures, poetic almost dreamy lyrics, and with rythms so slow time itself could have taken a coffee break:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Musical o - lips Deftones - minerva Jose Gonzalez - Cycling Trivialities Greyhoundz - karmic Smashing pumpkins - mayonaise Juan Dela Cruz - maskara Ely buendia - wanted bedspacer
Yes, my music preference is as broad as Toni Gonzaga’s mandible, but they’re songs that gets me into my groove. The general public would not recommend a cyclist to do anything other than focusing on the road. Althogh that rings true, I, on the flipside, think that choice music completes the journey and I could only suggest that the speaker’s volume should not be in full blast and must be kept in a level wherein car honks and other sounds of rural/ urban environment aren’t overwhelmed. Cyclists, too, shoud steer clear from over-the-head/ enclosed headphones for they have sound isolation/ external noise cancellation properties.
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PEOPLE
| APRIL 2016
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Q: Where do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now?
Kitchen profiles
In five years I still want to improve my skills. Especially now that I have just took the step as an executive chef. In 10 years, well, it is every chef’s dream to put his name on a brand, gusto ko ako naman, ‘Matsunaga’ na. I wanted to have a Filipino-Japanese fusion restaurant. Q: What is your favorite dish or cuisine? Of course Japanese. I love almost everything about Japanese cuisine but my favorite is still katsudon. But when it comes to other cuisine, (I’d say) Meditteranean. No particular dish in that cuisine, I just love its simplicity and how the natural flavors of the ingredients are still present. Q: Is there anything that you don’t eat? Snails? (Laughs) Well basically I don’t eat what I don’t see. Eating is almost like cooking, you use all your senses. And of course, before you eat something, it must be visually appealing as well. Q: what is something that you can’t give up eating? Fried chicken. One of the regrets of accepting the job here in Boracay is that my favorite (fast food) fried chicken is not here. I’m very simple, I can’t live without the ‘joy’ of fried chicken. I can eat that almost everyday. Q: Any tips for those who aspire to become chefs in the future?
Chef Kristoffer Matsunaga Hama Japanese Cusine Michael Madriaga
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ama Japanese Cuisine, our favorite Japanese restaurant in Boracay welcomes their new chef, Kristoffer Matsunaga or “Chef Matsu”. This young kitchen professional started cooking when he was 17 to support his family. Now, more than a decade after, he found his way to Boracay as Hama’s new executive chef. Get to know more about the man who plans to introduce new delectable dishes to the island in this interview. Q: When did you realize that you wanted to become chef? Since I was young. I started cooking when I was 17 years old. But since I was four, my mom already taught me how to cook. Back then I was only cooking fried dishes. The first (not fried) dish I learned how to cook is menudo, which became one of my specialties at home. Q: Who is your inspiration when it comes to cooking? Definitely my mother. But a few years ago she passed away, so now my inspiration is my family. My favorite dish that she used to cook, which she also taught me is menudo. Right now I could say that my menudo is better as I have already improved my skills. We use the same ingredients but what makes our recipe special is cheese. Q: How about your family, what is their favorite dish that you cook? I don’t cook that much in our home as I’ve already taught my wife how to cook. I trained her because she’s not really that familiar when it comes to cooking. Right now she’s the one cooking for us. My favorite dish that she cooks is chicken adobo. I’m not actually sure how she makes it special, but it’s delicious and we all love it. But whenever I cook for them, they love my katsudon. Q: How’s working with Hama so far?
I am very new in Hama, (I’ve been here less than) a month. But so far, I love the environment, Boracay is such a welcoming place. For me this is a new challenge, that is why I accepted the job even though I had to leave my family in Manila. Q: What is your happiest moment as a chef? Every time I see a happy customer. Even in my family, whenever I see the smiles on their faces, for me that’s the happiest. It relieves me, nakakawala ng pagod. Even if they don’t say anything, I can see in their faces that they’re happy. Q: Was there a time in your career that you almost quit? Well, for me, if a chef didn’t think of quitting at one point in their career, they aren’t working on their full potential yet. But I love cooking, that’s just what’s keep me going. Q: Who is Chef Matsu inside and outside the kitchen? Mostly just the same. But I’m the type of guy who doesn’t bring my job at home and vice versa. The problems inside or outside the kitchen should stay where they are. Also I’m not strict inside the kitchen, as long as we get to do all the things that must be done, and the outcome of the food is always one hundred ten per cent, okay tayo diyan. I’m also the type of person that if there’s a problem, I just laugh it out.
Be humble and start low. Like me, I started cooking when I was 17, but I only had one job back then and that’s to cook rice. For months I have been cooking rice, I mastered it. Eventually you’ll start to learn each skill one step at a time until you realize that you already know almost everything. The problem with chefs right now, especially the new ones and fresh graduates, they might have graduated in big schools but it doesn’t mean that they are already above all else. Experience is still the best teacher, there are a lot of things that you will not learn in schools. Q: If you were a dish, what would it be and why? I’d be a burger, because it all started very simple, just patty and bread. But now, it grew so big and it has been so versatile. There are different variations right now in the industry and there’s always a new version of the burger coming out. But even in its simplest form, it’s still good as itself, just like me, I can be simple or very extravagant.
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island souls
PEOPLE
| APRIL 2016
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Island Paddlers and Their Story of Rowing rica Velasco
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his month we are welcoming the dragonboaters in the island once again. Thinking about the colorful dragonboats, the thrill and shrill of paddling and the nightly socializing and bonfires get us all hyped up already. So hyped up that we wanted to introduce to you some of the friendly and competitive paddlers that we met here in Boracay. Get to know them and learn how and why they fell in love with the sport.
Thomas is an architect who is originally from Germany. He moved to Boracay eight years ago after falling in love with the island, an island girl, and her sweet little son. As soon as Thomas arrived on the island, he saw many opportunities to do sports. He initially played Ultimate Frisbee with the Boracay Dragons for three years and then proceeded to paddle with the dragonboat team, Bugsay Boracay, for five years. When the team split apart, he joined Team Airforce which was later re-named to Dragonforce. Thomas is now on his second year with the team, he also serves as the team manager. He appreciates the team’s dedication to the sport. The members have the right discipline and are punctual, they work hard and push themselves to the limits.
Trudy is from England and has lived on the island since 2011, managing an online travel agency. When she visited Boracay in 2010, she happened to catch the Dragonboat teams practicing; she decided then that she will participate in the sport someday. This goal was easier said than done. Trudy was recovering from Myalgic Encephalopathy back then, which made any sort of physical activity virtually impossible. For Trudy, being a Dragonboater is about being a good team player. You could have a flawless technique or staggering strength and endurance, but if you are not one with the rest of the team, or feel that you don’t need to train as much or take guidance, you can be as damaging to the team’s success as someone who is lazy and doesn’t want to train. “I’m the heaviest and biggest in my team but my role is that of the ‘engine’ section of the boat. So size and weight are not necessarily an encumbrance. It is very much about attitude and the commitment to being the best that you can be. A dragonboat team is only as strong as its weakest member – whether that’s physical or mental strength!” she shared. Trudy is part of the Dragonflies, a team that is highly competitive and known to be the “serious team”. The team has won medals in almost every race that they have paddled in. Trudy considers all of her medals to be special but she has a particular fondness for her Masters Medal won in 2014.
He believes that no matter what sport one is in, it is best to keep oneself fit all year long and not just during the season. And commit to the training not just physically but also mentally. “First of all, if you want to become a paddler, you have to have the right mentality to work out as a team and not to see yourself as an individual. There isn’t any other sport that I have in mind where team synchronization is that much important. Commit to your team, training program, and your mental strength and the physical strength will follow,” he shared. During the actual competition itself, Thomas says that a good spirit is always important - one must believe in their team, a team that has worked hard over the past months. His most memorable award is also the most recent – Boracay Dragonforce won the gold
medal in the 500 and 250 meters men’s standard boat categories last year.. Azy grew up in Davao Del Norte but her father is Aklanon. She has been coming to the island since 1999 and decided to become a permanent resident in 2004. Azy popularized hair-braiding and sand art in bottles back in the day. She currently works at the Sommelier Selection, and manages Bale Mi resort. She watched the first ever Dragonboat race in Boracay in 2001. She was enthralled seeing dragonboaters paddling as one, and hearing the drummers shout “Sabay!” She eventually joined in 2006 seeing that most of her friends are into the sport already. Her first race was at Bulabog Beach as the races at the White Beach had to be cancelled at that time due to a typhoon. It was a daunting experience paddling on shallow water. Since then, she has consistently improved on her paddling and dragonboat racing became her favorite sport. Azy says about her team, “Boracay Allstars is the meanest team. We love and hate each other. But we are family. Like a dysfunctional family who is hard on each other but care for each other a lot. We challenge each other to be tough but make sure that everybody has the best of fun. That is important.” For two years now, Boracay Allstars has consistently defended its title as champion in four categories in the Sabah International Boat Races.
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LIFESTYLE
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Hong Kong: The Ultimate Shopping Destination MICHAEL MADRIAGA
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side from Disneyland which hands down is the ultimate theme park destination for the young and young-athearts, there are also a lot of things that you can do and certainly must try in Hong Kong. Shopping is definitely one of those activities. Hong Kong was once hailed as a bargain hunter’s paradise. But such may be a thing of the past. Nowadays, you can find outlets of almost all international brands worth their logo line up the city’s busy streets. Here’s a mini guide that might help you navigate through those bustling streets: Mong Kok – definitely a bargain hunter’s paradise; from branded apparels to the basic must-haves, Mong Kok definitely has it. There are a lot of boutiques and fashion outlets that offer lots of discounts. Even the brands that we love here in the Philippines are available in Mong Kok, and for way better deals. Ladies, you will surely love Mong Kok as there are a lot of make-up stores offering your favorite brands, also for a lower price. There are also different food stalls around the area so you don’t have to worry about where you’ll be
special press release
having a rest after walking a lot from shopping. For people like me who prefer buying treats and pasalubong at the grocery store rather that the airport or specialty shops, Mong Kok also has a super market where items are priced cheaper as compared to the other stores. Tung Chung – When it comes to designer bags and signature clothing lines, the best place to visit is Tung Chung. Lucky for us, during our visit, most of these expensive stores are on sale, and we’re not just talking about small discounts here but rather price cuts at the price of a bargain! Everyone will enjoy shopping in Tung Chung, especially the gents. Most of our favorite sports apparel brands have an
outlet in Tung Chung. Imagine buying a pair of sneakers half of its original price, good deal right? Tsim Sha Tsui – a shopping paradise especially for “branded” hunters. The streets of Tsim Sha Tsui are lined up with global designer brands and luxury stores. Taking a stroll along Nathan Road and the streets crossing it is already a experience: logos of brands like Chanel, Prada, Ferragamo are all flashing their way to every shopper’s heart (pennypinchers beware!). Away from the “golden mile”, you may also slip in a number of plush malls such as the iSQUARE, The One, IFC, and Harbour City. People also visit Tsim Sha Tsui to have the perfect view of the Hong Kong skyscrapers
and witness the Symphony of Lights happening daily at the Harbour View. Temple Street – this is probably the best place to go “souvenir-hunting” in Hong Kong. The street’s night market offers everything, from clothes, souvenirs, toys, to different home improvement items. It’s like a walk in Divisoria, the prices might be a little bit more expensive, but the qualities of the items are way better. Temple street usually opens at 6:00 PM and peaks at around 9:00 PM, where most of the stores are open. You may also try different local delicacies and chinese food in Temple street like the oyster cake (definitely a must try!); and egg waffle, the best way to end your Chinese food trip.
What is it about Yoga? Holger Biallas
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n the previous issues I gave an overlook of Hatha Yoga, the effects and the systematics. Going deeper reveals the true pursuit: self realisation. The self that Yoga is aiming at is the true or high self of any human being, the essence that cannot be destroyed or even harmed in any way, the eternal spark that is identic in its quality with source itself. Hatha Yoga picks us up, where we are right now – namely in a physical body. The central axis of it is our spine and all postures (asana) are, more or less, working with exactly that, consciously and slowly bending and/or stretching it. The reason for this is to allow prana, the subtle life force, to move through it freely.
There is a certain manifestation of this force; it is called “kundalini shakti“ and symbolised by a snake that is rolled-up sleeping in the first of seven “chakras“ (muladhara), the energy centers along the spine, located at the pelvic floor. All different schools of Hatha Yoga are aspiring the same: the awakening of kundalini shakti. The word shakti (sanskrit) indicates a female energy and indeed, it is. When it wakes up it wants to move upwards inside the energetic tunnel being connected to the physical spine, the so called sushumna nadi, our main meridian. The dynamic female life force, shakti, wants to reach her male, motionless counterpart on top of the head, where the seventh chakra resides, shiva.This unification is called samadi, enlightenment or self realisation. The shakti then returns to the first chakra and leaves a human behind, who is no longer inside the misconception of being separated from source and/or others. All seven chakras are penetrated by the movement of shakti, but there are three different energetic knots in the way, the so called granthi. They have to do with overcoming fear, attachments and the ego. A yoga practice of certain contractions and movements, at pelvic floor, belly and collar bones, called bandha, allows to increase the prana flow and pierce the granthi, so kundalini shakti may pass through. This is done in connection with certain breathing techniques (pranayama). Yogis consider our breath to be the bridge that is connecting our body with the mind. Starting with the body and aiming at the mind by crossing this bridge is the strategy of Hatha Yoga. One of the profound psychological effects is, that we are growing into new positions concerning our mental setup, as we are working on yoga postures.
Diagnosis – Therapy – Yoga Tablas Island Tel. 0928 – 8737088 libertygardens@tutanota.com We get more sensible doing breathwork and more aware by meditating. Some western practitioners are surprised when they hear that all asana is just aiming at one single asana: an upright/stable (stira) and comfortable (sukha) sitting position for pranayama and meditation (dhyana). Lets not forget, the word yoga defines a state of consciousness and one of the famous ancient yogis, Patanjali, in his yoga sutras tells us exactly what it is and what it makes: “Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah. Tada drashtu svarupe avasthanam” - meaning: yoga is the condition in which the movement of thoughts comes to a stop.Then the observer is resting in his true, own identity.
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INDULGE
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| APRIL 2016
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what’s cooking
Hama’s Fresh Catch mICHAEL mADRIAGA
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can’t actually think of any other Japanese restaurant here in Boracay that offers authentic Japanese dishes for a reasonable price other than Hama. Even my friends, both tourists and locals, love every meal that they’ve tried in the restaurant. Hama always delivers excellent quality dishes made from the finest selection of ingredients. Just by looking at their well-garnished dishes, you’d surely dig in to your plate. Now that there is a new addition to the Hama Family, Chef Kristoff Matsunaga, expect new flavors on their menu lineup. Chef Matsu, as what his friends call him, added new variations and flavors to Hama’s dishes that will be launched this
month, just in time for yet another peak season and the upcoming Laboracay. Here are some of the new dishes that will surely whet everyone’s appetite: Itadakimasu! Madara Roll (Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll) – This one is for the maki lovers out there who do not want to have any raw ingredients in their rolls. It is made from fresh tuna slices with different secret ingredients rolled in Japanese rice and nori, topped with a special mayo mix that was perfected by Chef Matsu. The best part about these roll is that the spiciness will make you sweat, but still won’t overpower the natural flavors of the tuna and the nori.
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna – This is by far the most unique Japanese dish that I have tried, made from Japanese rice, fried until crispy, then topped with spicy tuna and fresh ripe mango, and drizzled with eel sauce. The combination of the different ingredients and the way it was prepared provides a symphony of varying textures and flavors. The sweetness of the ripe mango balances well the spicy tuna, and the crispy rice gives joy with every chew. This is definitely a must try for those looking for something new to tickle their palette. Salmon Tataki Karashi Sumiso – This is now my favorite Japanese dish. The half-cooked salmon slices has the perfect texture of sashimi for me, not
too flaky, medium cooked but without that raw salmon taste. The sauce made from vinegar, miso and mustard create such unique flavor I can’t quite describe but definitely complements well with that fresh salmon taste. I can’t wait to visit Hama again and try the Salmon Tataki Karashi Miso, and I would definitely order the other new dishes when I’m with my friends to let them taste the goodness of Chef Matsu’s creations. Hama Japanese Cuisine is located in D’Mall, Station 2. For more information, you may visit their website (http://www.hama.com. ph) or call them at (036) 288 5978.
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INDULGE
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Breakfast Around the World @CDS mICHAEL mADRIAGA
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utritionists agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And my appetite agrees, one hundred per cent. I wouldn’t call it a day without a warm, hearty breakfast meal. Thanks to Café del Sol, I can have my breakfast the way I want it anytime of the day. For more than a decade, Cafe del Sol has been the favorite of both locals and tourists who want to try different flavors of coffee and non-coffee based drinks. It is by far the best cafe to visit in Boracay when you want to stay away from the more familiar coffee shops that you could definitely try in other places. Not only that, whenever someone asks me about good quality cakes and pastries here in Boracay (considering the price, of course) Cafe del Sol is also on top of my list. The café offers various sweets ranging from our local favorites like cheesy ensaymada and rice bibingka, to the best coffee-matches like cheesecakes and specialty pies. Now, on to their breakfast meals. Cafe del Sol has a variety of breakfast meals on their menu: they have English Breakfast, Spanish Omelette, and even my favorite, Smoked Dagupan Bangus meal. Each meal is like a ticket for your palate to travel the world one breakfast at a time. For those who want to have a light, healthy morning meal, I suggest that you try their Mediterranean Breakfast meal. It combines blanched tomato, fried eggs, fetta cheese, and toast with butter and jam. What I love about this meal is the marriage of the flavors and aroma of fetta cheese, tomato and egg – the meal is just bursting with deliciousness that you wouldn’t believe it was just made from those three ingredients.
Another breakfast staple is bacon (who doesn’t love bacon?!) Those crispy thin slices of pork belly is heaven and there’s no better way to start the day right but by having bacon for breakfast! You can enjoy them in Cafe del Sol’s American Breakfast together with ham, eggs, and toast with butter and jam. Trust me, Cafe del Sol mastered the perfect way of cooking bacon. You’d probably order another plate! My favorite among the list is, of course, the Filipino Breakfast where you have a choice of either beef tenderloin tapa, chicken or pork longganisa, boneless
bangus, or pork tocino - all served with rice, egg and atsara (pickled papaya). Vigan longganisa is the new addition to their menu. If you haven’t tried it yet, there’s no need to go to the province as Cafe del Sol will bring you to Ilocos with this savory garlicflavored longganisa. So whenever you’re looking for that perfect start, suffering from a hangover, or late night, Cafe del Sol is open to serve you with your favorite breakfast meal. Cafe del Sol is located at the beachfront entrance of D’Mall in station 2.
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