Boracay Sun : August 2014 Issue by Boracay Sun

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AUGUST 2014

VOL. IV NO. 7

FR E E

BORACAY’S MONTHLY NEWS ON RECYCLED PAPER

WWW.BORACAYSUN.COM

<< HOME AT LAST! The indigenous Ati of Boracay are all smiles as they plant roots in a land of their own.

What’s Inside

CMY

Photo by Cha Santos

7107 ISLANDS OPINION PEEK-A-BOO LIFE & LEISURE PEOPLE IN ROOM CENTERFOLD EVENTS HEALTH & WELLBEING INDULGE ENVIRONMENT

Page 4 Page 7 Page 9 Page 12 Page 15 Page 18 Page 20 Page 22 Page 25 Page 30 Page 36

The Boracay Ati’s Journey from Eyesore to Treasure By Freida Dario-Santiago

The BATO’s rocky road to land ownership and independence is now paved with promise and security. THE BATO or Boracay Ati Tribal Organization members are finally settled and feel right at home at their ‘Lupaing

Boutique CHIC:

Stylish accommodations with attitude >>> Page 18

Ninuno’ (Ancestral Land), 2.1 hectares of land awarded to them as covered by a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on January 21, 2011.

Indoors is the new outdoors: Sports, leisure and family playtime

>>> Pages 12, 25 & 35

For the original island settlers who were lords of the land they roamed freely, who lived off the bounty of what they consider to be sacred land and seas, a mere 2.1 hectares (of the island’s total land area of 1,038.82 hectares to give

Special Feature:

BORACAY MISSIONS –

Making a difference where it counts

>>> Pages 20 & 21

way to the tourism boom) was the Promised Land where they could finally live in peace and security. But that parcel of land came with a price tag, one that cost them the life of

KILLER Floods:

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Lonely in paradise?

The threat of Leptospirosis

Snap out of it!

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Editorial

The “I” of the storm… THE MONSOON season always poses a challenge for Filipinos, across the country. None of us are spared from the pounding tropical storms that wreak havoc on our homes, our schools, our rice fields, our roads and the very fiber of our existence when all is lost in the eye of one storm. When all goes awry, the blame game begins.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

We blame the power company that continues to rob us without providing good service, the water and sewage company for the perennial drainage and flooding problems, the local government for the mess we call roads and infrastructure, the government for lack of planning and foresight, and government agencies toss the blame among themselves.

LAYOUT ARTIST SENIOR GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGNER ILLUSTRATOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

If you were glued to the FIFA World Cup games, you at least had the satisfaction of seeing some penalty goals at the end of it all. So meanwhile back on the renowned Boracay Island, sleep-deprived, many of us braved the floods to watch the semis and the finals together, and guzzled our drinks with good doses of debating on the many pressing issues battling for importance. And at the end of the day, we come to the same old conclusions – these are not new. Like broken records we rehash the same old songs and have memorized the scratches. But that was then and this is now, right? The truth is, ‘one of the best islands in the world’ is not impervious to the same lame excuses. The difference now though is that it has reached a tipping point and yet everyone seems to be taking their time, being too busy “doing their best”, and once again, we all just have to “wait and see”. Meanwhile, we brave the floods and try to grin and ignore it. In as much as the Boracay Sun tries to get to the bottom of many of these issues that have been ‘pressing’ for years, sadly we reach the same detours that point in all directions. Instead, we forge ahead in the direction of seeking out the good and the true. We choose to count our blessings, that we can sleep well at night and we can satisfy our hunger. Majority of our countrymen, women and children are not too lucky, but are not forgotten.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT COLUMNISTS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

This issue is devoted to unsung heroes who find the “I” to battle the storms of life, with and for the trodden, to try to make the world a better place for the helpless. People with a mission to walk the talk in being the change they want to see in this world, rather than laying the blame at the countless “you’s”. We hope that this issue sparks a flame of hope in your hearts, for your own rural or urban community, across this beautiful country. In these pages, are heartwarming stories of hope that might explain the warmth behind the genuine Filipino smile no matter the storm. And for our valuable Boracay Island guests, we point you in the direction of places to find your place in the sun, rain or shine! Last but not the least, as Boracay Sun welcomes its new management and takes on a new direction, I am stepping aside to give it room to grow. I am confident that what I started will bear good fruit. To everyone that supported my team and myself – our avid readers, valuable advertisers, amazing contributors, and to all of you who have shared your lives and your stories with us by gracing our pages, I shall be eternally grateful for your trust and confidence. Above all, to my awesome team, carry on and make me proud! I leave Boracay Sun in capable hands to continue to provide our readers with compelling stories that reflect the beautifully complex Boracay way of life we all work so hard to protect, and to keep our tourists informed about the fascinating experiences that distinguishes our island from the rest of the world.

Freida Dario-Santiago Rhanica Nuñez Lyra Tabalong Denise Tolentino Monique Tolentino Daniel Leemon Dr. Maria Cristina Teotico Marlo Schönenberger Sierra Bullock Rea Anchores Reo Mendoza Johnny B. Schmidt Amanda Virrey Pauline Astronaut Gary Fontaine Pia Miraﬂores Samantha Bouﬀard Mark Cabrera Peter Tay Katrina Tuason Jun Aguirre Azenith Resurreccion Kate Hammaren

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Cha Santos

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATOR

Asia Noble

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PRESIDENT & CEO Ma. Teresa Fajilan OPERATIONS MANAGER Aj Barrios

KEY ACCOUNT SPECIALIST Joyce Ann Moros (Boracay)

Peace and good vibes,

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FOR ADVERTISING / INQUIRIES Boracay: (+63 36) 288 2582 Mobile: (+63 917) 327 3940 Email: advertise@boracaysun.com

Editor in Chief editor@boracaysun.com “In solidarity we find peace.” – FVDS (Photo by Cha Santos)

CMY

letters Dear Editor, I just have a question, has anybody been doing anything about the flooding in Boracay? I left Boracay about a month ago but I have lived there for 6 years and I consider it my home. I’ve seen some pictures on my friends Facebook this morning. When it rained hard last night and when my friend woke up the next day he was counting his blessings that he was on the second floor of the house because apparently the water went inside all the houses on the bottom… These floods have been going on for so long, I complained before and I sent some pictures and I do

thank you guys for posting my concern on your newspaper but the floods are getting worse. I don't blame any of you. I know you guys try to do your best to help. It’s just so sad to see our island become like this. – Donna (July 4, 2014)

Boracay Sun theboracaysun theboracaysun _______________________________________

Dear Boracay Sun, Wow - your team is doing great things with the newspaper – more power to you and your team!!!! Congratulations,

LETTERS We would like to hear from you, our valued readers. Talk to the editor by emailing at editor@boracaysun.com. Send us your comments and feedback to editorial@boracaysun.com. _______________________________________

– Will Irwin

connectivity

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.

Connect with the Boracay Sun social media community today by joining us on Facebook (Boracay Sun), Twitter (theboracaysun), Instagram (theboracaysun), and by visiting us online at www.boracaysun.com. Post your Boracay holiday photos with us by using #boracaysun on Facebook. HEAVY traffic along the famed island of Boracay is not a laughing matter, but with no concrete solutions in sight, we decided to find out what Netizens thought about it. So last July, Boracay Sun conducted an online poll on Facebook.

PUBLISHER Boracay Sun Monaco Crossing, Tulubhan St, Brgy. Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island Email: editor@boracaysun.com; editorial@boracaysun.com info@boracaysun.com www.boracaysun.com

CNS

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

Cha Santos, Contributing Photographer

Asia Noble, Contributing Graphic Illustrator

We asked: “Which mode of public transportation do you think is most suitable for Boracay Island’s congested Main Road?” The answer choices were: Tricycle; eTricycle, eJeepney (The Comet); Motorbike; or Multicab Vans. Poll results revealed that the eTricycle was the most preferred (76%), followed by the eJeepney (14%), Multicab vans (4%), Motorbikes (3%) and Tricycles (3%). Goes to show that at least for these poll participants, the ‘king of Boracay’s roads’ is not popular at all. So join our next poll and be counted – it could be fun!

She started playing with SLR cameras when she was in college at the University of Santo Tomas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Advertising, Cha grew up in Quezon City and moved to Boracay in March 2011. Back in Manila, she worked for various ad agencies and design studios as a graphic artist and handled accounts like Jollibee, Nestle and Coca-Cola. Photography is one of her hobbies. She believes that creativity and color will be her share to the community newspaper. She is a backpacker and loves capturing moments on her travels, be it food, people or landscapes. She is a dragon boat paddler and a surfer too.

Asia Noble is a nomad. Her swashbuckling adventures (she takes no prisoners) have brought her to South, Central, and North America, Europe, and back home to South East Asia. She is currently rolling in the Maldives, Indonesia, and Cambodia before her triumphant return to Colombia, where she left her heart. She plans to explore Africa and the Middle East before settling in an as yet unspecified beach town to whittle away the time making baskets. Follow @natasian or see her work on http://pph.me/natasian.

Johnny B. Schmidt, The Returnee Chronicles Johnny B. Schmidt joins the Boracay Sun team as a correspondent for The Returnee Chronicles section. He hails from central and Eastern Europe. He studied Journalism and worked for several newspapers and magazines and as a freelancer. He traveled the Americas and the Middle East before setting foot on the Philippines (and Boracay) for the first time in 1983 on assignment. He soon became an expert on the Philippines and the rest is history. After going back and forth between Europe and Boracay he finally settled on the island and got involved in the associations which promoted Boracay and worked together with local community leaders to create a management for the island to cope with tourism. In 2005 he left the island and came recently back to stay another while.

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provincial news The Romblon Regatta – 3 Island Challenge By Daniel Leemon

The Philippines is a nation of islands, and sailing should be the sport of choice…at least that’s what Dennis Shepherd thought. JUNE 20 to 22, 2014 – Romblon Province. An Aussie who lived on his sailing boat for over 10 years, he stumbled onto the idyllic island of Romblon around nine years ago and decided to settle on terra firma. He sold his boat but never lost his love for sailing, and could never understand how nobody seems to be able to sail when growing up surrounded by water. So he decided to do something about it and introduce his old love to his newly adopted home.

and reaching out to the locals, especially the kids. He started to teach them how to sail and they took to it like fish to water. The club gained a bit of momentum and the next step was always an obvious one. A race. He chose a fantastic course – a natural circuit which he looks out onto everyday whilst having his morning coffee, around the three small islands which sit just off the Romblon west coast, whilst the weapons of choice were two-man catamarans, donated for the event by Dr. Reinhard Dietze of Tropicat, who flew in all the way from Austria to take part. Even the cameras showed up, with the event being covered by Pinoy Extreme half-course sprint-race, and then the real to feature in “Liquid”. thing. The weather picked up on the And it turned out to be everything it third day, making the conditions ideal, was supposed to be. Fun, friendly, and the competitors, by now familiar relaxed but spirited, an event which was with the different ‘dead spots’ and other congenial, and, most importantly, such trivia, completed the course just non-exclusive or restricted to the elite. over three hours. There were, of course, The idea was to navigate a double a few capsizes and broken masts along figure of eight through the three islands, the way. Whilst there were mantle piece but you got to choose your own course, prizes for the winners, there were also taking into account the wind, the tides, plenty of comical prizes for things like and the water behavior, and notifying the wooden spoon, being late for the the judges of your route only on the starting line, or wearing the craziest morning of the race to save people from outfit for the race. Something different playing ‘follow the leader’. in the world of yacht club regattas.

He started the Romblon Yacht Club and made it a non-profit making organization, only the second of its kind in the Philippines, making the joining fees low enough so that anybody could join, shunning the exclusivity of similar clubs One day of orientation, one day and a However, the real winners will hopeful-

Aklan Dengue Cases Up 63%

By Boracay Informer

CMY

no to Indiscriminate Fogging. THERE IS an increase in the number of Cuachon said Search and Destroy means cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever in cleaning surroundings and turning empty the province, according to the Aklan cans, bottles, coconut shells and old Provincial Health Office (PHO). tires upside down to keep away rainwaThe mosquito-borne disease has infected ter so dengue-carrying mosquitoes 266 people in the province from January cannot breed; while employing self-proto June 4 this year or 63.1 percent tective measures means one must wear higher compared to the same period of clothing that can protect the body from last year. Last year’s dengue cases for mosquito bites like long-sleeved shirts, the same period reached only to 163. long pants and socks. To avoid further increase in dengue cases this year, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon of the PHO warned the public to remain vigilant and to practice the 4S in preventing dengue. It stands for Search and Destroy, Self-Protective Measures, Seeking Early Consultation and Saying

ly prove to be the local people, especially the kids who got to ride on the boats during the first two days of orienteering, and who should go on to get more and more involved with the club as time goes on. Maybe one of them will be good enough to join the race next year. That’s the idea, and that’s the hope, and maybe soon there will be families being supported by kids who are grown up and who work in the sailing world, or, if we dare to dream, end up winning the world sailing championship. Who knows, it could happen…

Dengue is caused by daylight- biting Aedes egypti and aedes albopictus that live and breed in clear, stagnant waters. This infectious disease is manifested by a sudden onset of fever, with severe headache, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.

The PHO also warned the public that dengue is a reoccurring health problem. “One can get sick with dengue not just once, twice, or thrice but even four He also advised those who have symp- times,” he said. toms of dengue to seek early treatment. The PHO further advised the public to On the other hand, fogging is not always maintain the cleanliness of their advised by health officials as this is surroundings. very expensive, and besides, only the adult mosquitoes are killed but not the “If our premises are clean, we can wrigglers that are present in the water. avoid sickness. Cleanliness is next to

Godliness”, Cuachon said. PHO personnel in Aklan are also sustaining their activities in the conduct of information campaign throughout the province for the prevention of dengue. (With reports from PIA-Aklan)

Aklan Redistricting – SP urges passing of redistricting bill By Boracay Informer

Aklan deserves to be divided into two congressional districts, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan IN a resolution passed during the June 24 session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), the legislative body of the province urged both the Senate and the House of Representatives to give priority to the House Bill 112 filed by Aklan Congressman Teodorico Haresco Jr. The bill seeks to split Aklan into two congressional districts: the West comprising of the towns of Numancia, Makato, Lezo, Malinao, Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas, Malay and Buruanga; and the East, composed of the towns of Kalibo, New Washington, Batan, Banga, Balete, Altavas, Libacao and Madalag.

Resolution 139, the province has long been qualified to be reapportioned into two districts, having a population of more than half a million. The law requires that each congressional district must have a population of at least 250,000. Based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, Aklan has a population of 535,725. If divided, East district towns have a total population of 282,395 while the West has 253,330. He also said the province’s redistricting will lead to more effective and responsive representation of Aklanons in the Congress.

Haresco’s HB 112 was derived from House Bill 3860, which was initially authored by then congressman Florencio Miraflores who now serves as the governor of the province. While Miraflores’s HB 3860 was approved in the Lower House, it was stalled at the Senate committees on local government, According to SP member Emmanuel and constitutional amendments, revision Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz, sponsor of

of codes and laws, until the 15th Congress ended. Haresco refiled the measure in the 16th Congress on July 1 last year and is now pending at the Committee on Local Government at the House of Representatives while a counterpart bill in the Senate was yet to be filed. In his bill, Haresco cited that continued developments in Aklan results in the increasing number of workers from other provinces that settle down and establish their own families here. This then results in the increase in demands for programs and services in the province. “With 17 towns competing for limited resources, it is now imperative that a new congressional district be established to address the growing needs of Aklan,” Haresco said.

For his part, Governor Miraflores hoped that the measure would be passed soon. Miraflores said that Aklan deserves to be divided into two districts for its huge contribution to the national government through its booming tourism industry. He noted that once divided, Aklan districts would get a budget boost from the national government for further developments here. He said each district could get a minimum of Php200 million for development project and programs. (With reports from Janica Anne de la Pena)

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Boracay Sun

island news Boracay Maintains Strong Chance to Host APEC By Boracay Informer

mittee on security said that though it is mended that the APEC committee here not confirmed yet if the island will host should enjoin the community in its MEMBERS of the National Organizing an APEC meeting, Boracay’s popularity preparation. Committee for the Asia-Pacific Economis already an advantage. Citing Ecarma, Tirol said that the island ic Conference (APEC) visited anew Boracay Island for another round of “Boracay has a high chance that the should “adopt the APEC” as their own inspections of the potential venues and APEC ministerial meeting will be held and that private sector should also be facilities here for the possible hosting here. Evaluation is still on-going, but involved. Boracay was one of the sites for a ministerial meeting during the Boracay’s popularity is an advantage shortlisted to host the APEC meetings. since most are curious about the Others are Metro Manila, Clark, Tagay2015 summit of international leaders. tay, Albay, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao. much-hyped island,” he said. During the two-day inspection last June 23 to 24, the team led by Ma. Angelina Commodore Leonard Tirol of the Bora- An estimated 5,000 delegates from Sta. Catalina, the Deputy General cay Fire rescue Ambulance Volunteers APEC-member economies are expected Conference Management and Services (BFrAV) also said that APEC Usec. to attend the meetings. The Philippines Ambassador checked the island’s readi- Natalio Ecarma III, the Deputy Director first hosted an APEC leaders’ summit in ness including its conference facilities, for Security was impressed with the 1996 at the Subic Freeport. accommodations, security and emergen- condition of the island’s ambulance and APEC is composed of 21-member cy preparations, accessibility, utilities fire trucks. states, including United States, Austraand infrastructure. However, it might not be enough to lia, Brunei Darussalam,Canada, Chile, The APEC Malay Task Group, headed meet the needs of the island for APEC. China, hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, by Sangguniang Bayan member Rowen Tirol said that Ecarma suggested the Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua Aguirre meanwhile maintained that the group to request for additional small New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, island’s preparation is well organized medium size fire trucks from their South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, national headquarters of the Bureau of Vietnam and the host country, the and ready. Philippines. Fire Protection. Meanwhile, in an interview over Radyo Todo, Supt. Alden Agrande of the com- Tirol also said that Ecarma also recom-

Florita Submerges Some Boracay Roads By Boracay Informer C

CMY

the major reasons for the flooding.

To amend the flooding at the main road, some floodwaters were pumped and discharged to the beach. The activity however earned criticisms due to its harmful effect on the ‘prized’ White TOURISTS and residents had no choice Beach of the island, since the floodwabut to take a dip in the floodwaters that ter might be contaminated. submerged roads in some areas of the Meanwhile, in an interview over Radyo main road. Todo, Governor Florencio Miraflores Among the areas flooded were the urged local officials here to look into portions along the main road from the drainage system of the island. “The Station 3 in Barangay Manoc-Manoc to issue on the island’s drainage system is Station 2 in Barangay Balabag. Some one problem that should be looked upon transport vehicles also opted to tempo- soon,” he said.

Torrential rains brought by typhoon Florita caused floodwaters to rise in some parts of this top tourist destination island

rarily stop their operations to protect their engines. Unremitting rains also affected some business establishments especially along the White Beach area. However, aside from the continued downpour in the past days, the lack of adequate drainage is also eyed as one of

Miraflores noted that he would seek an immediate meeting with the Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez as the head of the Redevelopment Task Force and the management of the Boracay Island Water Company, which is in-charge of the pumping station project of the

island. Typhoon Florita which affected the country on the first week of July did not make a landfall in the Philippines but enhanced the southwest monsoon or "Habagat" that brought heavy rains and thunderstorms to the northern Philippines and other parts of the country.

Some portions of Boracay’s main road submerged in floodwaters due to torrential rains brought by typhoon Florita that hit the country in the first week of July.

tourism news PH Widens Tourism Campaign with P554.4-M Fund By Boracay Informer IN LINE with the Aquino administration’s efforts at elevating the Philippines as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released Php554.4 million to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) for the implementation of its marketing and promotional activities. The funding will support the efforts of the TPB to highlight the country’s products, landmark destinations, and

services, with the end goal of increasing added. tourism arrivals and investments to 10 Of the Php554.4-million fund release, million tourists by 2016. Php429.4 million will be charged “We’re already seeing more foreign against the Tourism Promotions Board tourists flocking to the country, and the Fund under the Special Account in the local tourism industry is now at its most General Fund to cover the first- quarter vibrant. This latest release supports our operating requirements of the TPB. efforts to bring more visitors into the The remaining Php125 million is part of country. While broadening the governthe promotions board’s regular subsidy ment’s tourism campaign will certainly and will be utilized for its second-quarbe a major component in our marketing ter funding needs. efforts, the fact that the country has so many to offer to both our domestic and Part of the TPB’s promotional activities foreign tourists is a definite advantage,” includes organizing the country’s particiDBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad pation in trade and consumer fairs and said. other related exhibitions and events. They also conduct invitational and “Further improving our growing tourism familiarization programs for wholesalers, industry will help create more business retailers, members of the media, and opportunities and generate more jobs in other influential groups and individuals tourism-oriented communities. This will to promote awareness and create a in turn complement our other efforts in demand for the Philippine tourist destipursuing our bigger goals of economic nations. expansion and inclusive growth,” he

tagay!

Dedicated to the late EPG USEC Reynaldo Dela Rosa, a Boracay advocate and former Boracay Sun columnist who believed in “One Island, One Goal”, Tagay! is devoted to positive news bites, and to saluting our island’s unsung heroes and achievements. As he liked to say, “Cheers and tagay to all you good people!”

TAGAY NEWS A Humble School Bridges the Gap Boracay Sun asks Claus Bauer to tell us the story behind the language school Paradise English ON November 25, 2005 Paradise English started simply enough with my wife and I arriving on the island from South Korea. We thought we should enjoy a year or two teaching on a beautiful island before returning to Canada. It was fun teaching in a bamboo and wooden school building. Things were going well until that fateful day in December of 2006. The day we finished building our first house, ‘Seniang’ – the millennium’s strongest typhoon at the time lashed the Philippines and had ripped apart everything. We decided to rebuild and start anew. After repairing and replacing everything in February 2007, we started growing rapidly, gathering teachers, students and support staff. What started as a small family-run language school has become a school with students from over 50 countries and with almost 30 staff members. We have learned a lot from our staff and students, always trying to become a better and more organized institute, holding on to our ideals and beliefs. Our goal has always been and always will be for students to learn the English language and to learn about themselves. The one thing I have always learned is that everyone brings something different to our school. Studying in a foreign country is one way people of the world learn from each other. The chance to learn not only a new language but also to learn about our differences and about oneself has always been one of the main reasons to study abroad. In the words of someone much wiser than I, “Education is the proper way to promote compassion and tolerance in society. Compassion and peace of mind bring a sense of confidence that reduce stress and anxiety, whereas anger and hatred come from frustration and undermine our sense of trust. Because of ignorance, many of our problems are our own creation. Education, however, is the instrument that increases our ability to employ our own intelligence.” – The Dalai Lama

Write us about your rants and raves, wake-up calls and good news at editorial@boracaysun.com.

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expat explorer ROMBLON - MARBLE MARVEL By Daniel Leemon Our Expat Files columnist ventures into uncharted territory as Boracay Sun’s Expat Explorer to share his intrepid travel exploits in a candid, no holds barred storytelling, that we may discover the Philippine islands vicariously through his meanderings as a foreigner in transit and a stranger in Paradise!

Fresh from the enriching experience that was my trip to Tablas, I hopped onto the ferry and took the next step, the next island, the next link in the chain… another trip, another day in paradise, another heavenly spot, ‘same same but different’… definitely another paradise and definitely a little different. ROMBLON is a place that punches well above its weight. Marble put it on the map but nobody seems to have realized that beyond that, it has a charm and character all of its own, representing the other face of the ever-so-friendly Filipino, as friendly as those on Tablas but not as effusive, more serene and nonchalant, more cool. Of course the nature and geography is just as stunning.

CMY

The beaches are varied, ranging from rough and coconut-strewn feral stretches of coast, sometimes sandy, others rocky and jagged, and others picture-perfect and postcard-like idyllic affairs. Light-brown sand stretches out into the distance sandwiched between mesmerizing turquoise warm waters and leaning palms practically touching the sea, the type which the Philippines is famous for, the type where a soothing melancholia permanently lingers in the air. The big difference here is that these beaches are quiet and empty, seemingly devoid of any life or activity, like forgotten jewels waiting patiently to be discovered. The roads are smooth and even, until you get to the undulating coastal gravel dirt tracks in the south of the island, and shaded by thick vegetation which weaves together overhead to form fantastic green corridors with slanting rays of light bursting through intermittently. There aren’t that many cars, but there are trikes, of course, and here’s the wonderful thing, they’re actually objects of beauty. Not the yellow or blue beaten-up monstrosities that we’ve come to loathe on Boracay, but multi-colored and individualistic, no two the same, painted in vibrant and flamboyant shades, almost living art. The interior of the island is striking, pure lush jungle, a strange juxtaposition of paved paths and dirt tracks winding through an untamed, but seemingly landscaped, tangle of trees and rice fields, solid houses dotted about within the usual Philippine vegetation confusion, no two trees the same but co-existing side by side in a kind of bewildering and overpowering harmony of green. The one thing which completes the effect and which sets it apart is the beautifully unremitting sound of birds, chirping and whistling, cicadas engaged in their delightful chorus, ever-present but hidden from sight. There’s only one town and it’s a real pretty one, absolutely alive with color and activity, a charming port at its heart, two or three expat-owned eateries, a very old church which even has the

Illuminatus Eye engraved proudly on the front, remnants from a couple of old forts, a buzzing food and wares market, a couple of main roads covering east to west and north to south, and a whole bunch of little alleyways interconnecting them to each other. And it’s in these alleyways where it all takes place. It’s here where people gather, where women ply their daily chores and neighbors chit chat with each other, where kids run around in groups pushing and jostling and laughing, where men stoop around in huddles and gamble with dice, others just lounge watching the proceedings. It’s here where you see the heart of the town, so charming, amiable, and laid back… really pleasant. And I like the people on this island. At first glance they seem a bit cold, no beaming smiles or vociferous welcomes, no nods of acknowledgement when crossing paths, they almost ignore you. But, then, when you engage them, you find that it was all a façade as I once again stumble onto that genuine Filipino warmth that defines the country and its people, totally friendly, hospitable and convivial, immediately inviting me to join them for a drink and a chat, smiles all around. They’re not unfriendly, they’re just cool, unflappable, not particularly bothered, impressed, weary, or at all affected by Westerners moving amongst them. They’re just normal, if they don’t know you why would they say hello? The little communities you go past are littered with groups of teenage kids lounging around, and they just look at you with intensity, like they’re inspecting you, as you ride past. But stop and chat with them and see them open up as they welcome you into their world, normal Filipino business resumed. They just genuinely don’t seem that interested, or at all envious, of anything going on in the outside world. And they don’t move quickly neither. The resorts are cute also, much care and effort going into the design, pretty gardens, nice rooms and furnishings, and the houses you see are all solid and sturdy, Spanish-style, brightly colored and freshly painted, positively gleaming in the sunlight. And there’s marble everywhere, columns on the roads, tables, chairs, stools, ashtrays, napkin holders, slabs of it just lying around, discarded, it’s like a marble wet dream. Marble. Yes, lots of it. There’s money here, and it all stems from that beautiful sleek rock that is much sought-after around the world. They say the quarries

are now running dry but only in so far as huge commercial quantities are concerned. If you take a ride up the mountain, you’ll find many little workshops working away, an overflow of marble in all sizes and stages of processing, lots of old equipment plotted around, people cutting, grinding, shaping, sanding, the whole place covered in white dust. And then take a look at some of the finished products, incredible variety, garden life-sized sculptures, figures, ornaments, paperweights, bowls, vases, cups, letters, boxes, anything you can possibly think of and then some. I want all of it. There’s other stuff here too, like some fantastic snorkeling, especially in the Turtle Sanctuary, watersports and sailing, paintballing, little islands you can visit for the day, a vast and very serene church retreat garden complex where you can stay and get away from it all, and, of course, the giant clam fossils that can be found, bizarrely, embedded into the ground forty meters above sea level. A great island painted with vivid brushstrokes, a colorful place where you can spend time idling, a place where time stands still, and, more importantly, a place which is still unaffected by the tourist bug. Gorgeous.

august 2014

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opinion

Boracay Sun

expat files Our Expat Correspondent Daniel Leemon has worn many different hats. He ran the cutting-edge music mag/fanzine called Milesahead back in the 90s, he’s worked in the TV and film industry, he’s written for various websites and magazines, he’s a professional youth soccer coach, he’s lived in various different countries in his peripatic life, he’s a loner who loves company, a social animal who seeks seclusion, a Greek patriot who loves England with passion, a deep and murky open-book, and a complicated simple man. And he loves snowboarding. And cheese.

JOKE LANG

CMY

they expect it, maybe because the locals I’m talking about are not running the businesses so they’re not that heavily ‘invested’, or By Daniel Leemon maybe because they have an inner wisdom In order to understand the Filipino that we don’t possess. Whatever, the result is that when you get angry and incensed culture, it is vital to understand the they genuinely look at you with bewilderimportance of humor and the impo- ment because they don’t understand what the tence of anger big fuss is, why you’re so enraged at what they perceive to be such a small problem. TWO things which often define Filipino Straightaway there will be a breakdown in people is that they seem averse to or incapacommunications. ble of getting too stressed, steadfastly refusing to get too riled up or worried over Secondly, bartering and arguing your case things which can infuriate the average West- assertively, and conspicuously, causing a erner. Also, their reliance on humor. Once scene and being loudly aggressive, is the you fully comprehend and learn to appreci- other thing, which will never work. Like ate this, dealing with the locals becomes a aforementioned, this can achieve your objecbreeze. tive in Europe or the States, but over here… how many times have you seen a Westerner In Europe we take work and prosperity very shouting the odds whilst the local this is seriously, we’re almost exclusively governed being aimed at looks away and becomes by ambition and driven by ‘success’, and so even more unhelpful? we take the obstacles, which are strewn on the road to victory heavily to heart, we This is because they’re embarrassed and they worry and stress until we’ve overcome them. would rather the whole situation just went In fact, we use stress as the fuel on the road away. At that point, they’re not bothered to success. Also, we have very recognized about making the sale, and they’re certainly parameters in the social aspect of business not up for giving you a discount – if interaction. An argument is not really such anything they’d like to charge you more. a big deal, and bartering aggressively by Giving it the old threat of “I’ll go becoming indignant with anger at what we elsewhere” doesn’t spur anyone into action perceive to be a bad deal is something we’re here, it just makes them shrug and hope that taught to do, since we then expect a type of you will. ‘shame’ brought on by our logic to force a But try some humor and see their demeanor better deal out of our counterpart. Neither of change in an instant. Laugh as you turn your these things can be attributed to the Filipino. pockets inside out and tell the trike driver First off, they don’t get too upset when that you’re a poor expat and for the price things are going wrong at work, they don’t he’s asking you expect a gold-encrusted start frothing at the mouth when they hit a tricycle with a blonde bombshell in the slight bump on the road, maybe because back. Then watch as they laugh and become

ful, and helps to keep the harmony, and, if it gets results, then surely it’s a no-brainer. You can’t live in someone else’s country and not interact with the locals, and once you understand their way then your stay here will be smoother and more enjoyable, and It may not make sense to us having grown you may even make friends with some of up in a different culture and being used to them and develop a deeper understanding of doing things in a different way, but we’re their culture. Also, we’re in their country. not at home anymore, and, over here, this is the way it works. And let’s face it, doing So, show some respect, and make a joke. things with humor is more fun, less stress- Send us your thoughts at expatfiles@boracaysun.com. a lot more accommodating. See how much quicker you reach a solution when you create a nice atmosphere whilst bartering, or when you’re dealing with their failure to understand with humor and empathy.

expat confidential DAVID GOLDBERG – Fighting the Good Fight By Daniel Leemon DAVID GOLDBERG has always been a man on a mission. And, as well as being an interesting and engaging character, he’s also been at the heart of just about all the good measures which have been implemented on this island since the influx of tourism started, and has actually attempted to put into practice a lot of other stuff which never quite made it off the cutting board. But he’s always tried... A journalist and editor by trade in his homeland Switzerland, he first came to this place in 1983, then continued to come back nearly every year for a few months or so until 1989 when the inevitable happened; he met his future wife and decided to put down roots.

dealing with wholesale, but it’s his extra-curricular activities which makes him so prominent. In the mid 90’s he got together with a bunch of other expats and they took it upon themselves to try to do something positive with the island. They formed BREA (Boracay Resort & Establishment Association) which in turn became BFI (Boracay Foundation Incorporated), and he has been fighting the good fight ever since.

They got the local people involved and over the next few years, as well as opening up the Korean market and launching a “Re-discover Boracay” media campaign, they have tackled and met head on every aspect of this island’s inner workings, and, even though “Back then it was very different here, like a each one has been a struggle, most of their Robinson Crusoe Island, you didn’t know objectives were ultimately reached. what time it was, what day or month even, They were proactive in the cleaning of the no internet, no phone, no electricity…it was waters after they were infested by the E.coli pristine, you just relaxed all day, maybe visit contamination, they helped establish and the only two discos that existed at night…” develop the sewage system, the disposal of He opened a small deli importing cheese and garbage, brought in more electricity, they chocolate (what else?) and continued to attempted to do something about the roads, enjoy himself, “living a beach life with a they even brought in the Secretary for business hobby on the side”, immersing Environment incognito so she could see himself into local culture by hanging out some of the problems for herself (which and playing cards with the locals. He opened ultimately incurred the local government’s the Heidiland Deli, as well as another outlet

wrath). They all even chipped in to conduct an MRF (Material Recovery Facility), and to clean up and re-purpose the rubbish on Bulabog Beach, but, really, there has never been an end to this crisis management. The early 2000’s saw him dealing with the issue of Land Titles, and the end of the decade saw him bringing in a team of scientists to prove the negative environmental impact the proposed building of big hotels on Caticlan’s beachfront would have. He speaks passionately about the future of Boracay and fears for the changes which could lead it down the ‘24-hour party island’ path, lamenting that “what we have today has nothing to do with the old Boracay…it’s highly commercial but still lacks infrastructure, we’re already at capacity level and looking to bring in even more tourists…” And there’s more, there’s always more. “We should implement a type of Jeepney to cater for all the workers who wait in line for an hour or more for a trike, maybe not allow the delivery of building materials on the weekends, force resorts to create parking space for their minibuses…” It seems there’s always another fire that needs putting out. Thankfully, it seems the fire within is still burning strong.

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opinion

august 2014

my boracay stories and beyond Part Nine: A Bolt from the Blue!

By Gary Fontaine Gary Fontaine is an Emeritus Professor in the School of Communications at the University of Hawaii. His interests center on persons, teams and organizations as they encounter the adjustment, performance and motivation challenges of "strange lands". He is particularly interested in the experiences these challenges produce, the strategies developed to deal with them, and the communication and other skills required to implement the strategies effectively. He lives both in Boracay and Mercer Island, a suburb of Seattle, USA. For more about both his interests, visit his website at www.sites.google.com/site/gfstrangelands/Home.

CMY

SO THERE I WAS early one morning in Bolabog on Boracay with my coffee in hand strolling on along the beach path, relishing in the paradise this is, checking how much rainwater had filled my baroto ‘bangka’ (native outrigger boat) overnight, admonishing my neighbor to put on more clothes before she bought orgasmically fresh pan-de-sal from our bread and taho vendor, watching the fishermen pull their night’s catch up onto the beach for their wives and daughters to later sell, and giving “magandang umagas” (“good mornings”) to neighbors.

the children of Boracay, a lesson was learned. One lesson is: “One of the most dangerous types of cloud-to-ground lightnings is a bolt from the blue. A ‘Bolt from the Blue’ is a cloud-to-ground lighting flash that typically comes out of the back side of the thunderstorm cloud and travels a relatively large distance in clear air away from the storm cloud” (Source: US National Weather Service “Lightning Safety” www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/bolt_blue.htm). Tell me about it! But, of course, what’s that to us? Have you ever watched parasails – like Ben Franklin with his kite –trolling for lightening off Caticlan as thunderstorms do what they do best, thunder across nearby Panay? Maybe that’s why the international ASTM guidelines for parasailing prohibit doing so “when a known lightning storm comes within 7 miles of the parasailing area” Photo by Maria Dubrovskaya (Source: www.astm.org/Standards/F2993.htm).

The sky was blue and absolutely cloudless, with kind of an ‘electric’ haziness to it (pun intended). In honesty, I did hear from some distant place – like maybe Carabao Island – a boom of thunder. But it hardly registered on my lines above, and I dropped my coffee mind. Then ‘out of the clear blue sky’, mug. The kids, swimming a couple a bolt of lightening struck the store meters away were lit-up by the fireball about three meters in front of me with and screamed. The ocean screamed. a simultaneous deafening thunder. The Parents came running from wherever to whole right side of my body was jolted grab them. But, of course, what are the odds? Me, whenever I walk the beach in that kind like I’d just stuck my hand in a But that was it – one humongous bolt I’ve already been hit, never strikes in of ‘electric air,’ I duct-tape my coffee 220-volt socket and went limp. A big from the blue, and no more. But, for the same place twice. Right. But, now, mug to my hand. buzzing fireball sped along the power

BORACAY FOUNDATION INC. CORNER Coral Reef Assessment training for the community of Malay! By Adel Al Karis L. Lumagod, Project Officer and Marine THE Boracay Foundation, Inc. will be conducting a series of trainings for the Local Government Unit of Malay staff including the staff of the office of the Municipal Agriculture Office, spearheaded by Denrick Augustus Sadiasa and Engineer Tresha Lyn Lozanes of the Environmental Management Service to create a technical team to assess the marine resources of the municipality of Malay.

brates such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and crustaceans will also be assessed as most of them are algae grazers and reef vacuum cleaners.

The training will be done for three days in Boracay Island, to ensure that they fully understand the coral reef assessment training. The participants need to pass the examination tests for substrate, fishes and invertebrates before they complete the training. The The Coral Reef Assessment is a study to result of the assessment will be used for monitor the percentages covered by the future reference, and this is the reason why substrate (hard and soft coral reef, rubbles, the training is of the highest standards. sand, and silt) using 100-meter transect lines. The assessment will be conducted semi-anFurthermore, the assessment covers the Fish nually, as one of the requirements of the Visual Census in which nine species will be organization to monitor the health of the identified and counted. In addition, invertemarine resources of the municipality, most

specifically in Boracay. Moreover, this is also to monitor the efficiency of the municipal ordinances when it comes to the implementation of marine protection laws. The Coastal Resource Management team has made a draft on the recommended amendments on the specific ordinance of coastal zonation in the municipality. The coral reef ment of the Municipal Ordinance. assessment will be conducted on the third week of August 2014 prior to the amend-

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11:31 PM

opinion

Boracay Sun

peek-a-boo Peek-A-Boo is a “sneak peek” at random eye-opening snapshots of scenes that caught our attention, that either depict the good, the bad, the ugly, or worse, neglected areas that deserve attention from the “powers that be”. 1. LAST issue’s Peek-A-Boo featured the seawall debris along the stretch of White Beach taken in June. We quoted RADM Leonard Tirol of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boracay Fire Rescue Ambulance Volunteers and Boracay Action Group as saying, “The results have yet to be seen in a month or so but meanwhile let us hope for the best.” Boracay Sun revisited the same sites and this is what we saw, exactly one month later.

2. Again, the bane of the ‘habagat’ season – flooding everywhere! A few nights before super typhoon Florita hit on July 7th, the rains began to pour in Boracay. Boracay Sun editor in chief Freida Dario-Santiago posted this photo on Facebook that received much concerned comments.

3. On July 5th, Monique Tolentino captured these scenes in D’Mall.

4. Photos by Charlie Gomez taken on July 6th and posted on Facebook with this message to Boracay Sun: “Thought to share these photos of the disgusting flood situation (and still rising, torrential rain right now as I’m writing this) en route to D'Talipapa from the main beach and main road. It’s been flooded for a couple of days now according to some of the local establishment employees. Many tourists/travelers are not impressed at all. Hope the island’s LGU will do something about it.”

CMY

choice. There is no functional drainage system and less space for the water to run off. Right now at least a dozen places pump water in the sea. And basically it is rainwater which is pumped out. Of course in some places it is mixed with overflowing sewage or septic tanks. It’s a sad reality, which obviously cannot changed. It’s not that this situation is new, it’s only worse!”

6. We ask Monique Tolentino gate. Here’s what she saw the Our source was right, pumping done every hundred meters or White Beach.

5. These photos by Azenith Resurreccion on July 5th caused a stir on social media. Her post said, “Sorry for posting this pero ito lang ba ang solution sa baha sa D’Mall? Tama ba toh?” (“…is this the only solution for the flooding in D’Mall? Is this right?”) A reputable source that wishes not to be named suggested, “Sorry to say there is no alternative. This is not to excuse anything or anybody. But with this rain the last days many have no

to investiday after. was being so across

7. As the days turned to weeks and the flooding got worse, the sad fact was that this old problem has reached a tipping point, and we can only conclude 2e that someone somewhere messed up big time, out of negligence, indifference or worse. As earlier mentioned, this is not new, only sadder.

This section is an awareness campaign and is open to your contributions. Send us your photos with the date, place and a short description at editorial@boracaysun.com. Your photos could make a big impact on Boracay Island.

the returnee chronicles APEC and the agonizing long road to progress

we have today. Imagine: Running parallel for much of its length and less than hundred meters away from one of the World’s nicest beaches, the main road has become an By Johnny B. Schmidt incredibly clogged, dirty and neglected “WHAT A MESS” was my first thought street. when I was sitting in a tricycle from Cagban Bottleneck jetty port to my house last April. While stuck in traffic and watching a couple of auxiliary policemen texting and chatting in the middle of the chaos, I thought about the last time I traveled this route about 10 years ago. At that time many people complained about tricycle drivers charging excessively, potholed roads, no streetlights and no real public transport system. Many meetings were held and plans made on how to improve the situation. One of the improvements was supposed to be the jetty port in Cagban, at that time about a year old. Everybody was excited about the positive changes the two jetty ports would bring for tourists and residents on the island: an organized public sea and land transport system with transparent prices would enable the government to control who’s coming in and out of the island plus, of course, would provide funds for the province and municipality for improvements to, among other things, the environment. Holy banana: What actually happened since was that those dreams turned into the chaos

The bottle neck, where all these motorized vehicles plus thousands of pedestrians, pushcarts and a dozen or so of courageous bicycle riders squeeze through are the areas of the D’Mall, Crafts and around station 3, which happen to have the only access roads to the East (Bulabog) and West (White Beach). Thus we have (one of) our logistical nightmare in Boracay! “In APEC there is hope” Later that day I ran into an old friend of mine, who I haven’t seen since I left more than 10 years ago. You could call him a ‘local’ or politically less correct – a native. Today he’s a well-established member of the community. I asked him how come the infrastructure is such a mess and what happened to all of these plans to improve life for both tourists and residents on the island? He didn’t give me a clear answer, but said, that the APEC break out sessions on the island in 2015 will be good grounds to bring order to the mess of the main road. This will be done by the creation of a municipal traffic code, he said. I pointed out

that implementation of the existing laws has always been the weak link standing in the way of improvements. He said, “That’s where APEC comes into the play. It will put pressure on the local agencies to implement. The same happened with the implementation of the 25 meters plus 5 meters set back along the White Beach. This was only implemented under pressure from outside agencies”. Well – we will have to wait and see if in a year’s time we see any improvement in the situation with the main road. We will have to live this rainy season with traffic congestion, speeding, ruthless driving, overcharging, flooding and dirt. And I still don’t know why things 5c only happen under pressure from outside here in Asia’s top beach destination.

Who uses our roads? 660 tricycles including e-trikes, 419 vans and multi-cabs, 84 trucks and 2,195 single motorbikes ply and squeeze into Boracay’s main road. That’s a total of 3,358 motorized vehicles. These motorized vehicles serve 289 resorts with 7,907 rooms, 260 restaurants, 70 spas and 70 travel agencies/tour operators. Each day they transport 20,000 employees (last counting May 2014), thousands of visitors, hundreds of transients, tons of cargo and construction materials, hundreds of school children and serve the population of 30,535 souls (as of the last counting) in Boracay. In the last 30 years the population of the island 5d has increased by 1,000 percent: from around 3,000 to 30,535. (Source: LGU Malay/DoT - May 2014)

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lifestyle & leisure

august 2014

continued from page 1 one of their own, and a journey of biblical proportions. The creation of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) in 1997, which protects the Ati from the threat of eviction, unfortunately, did not spare them years of struggling to claim their ancestral lands, rights and dignity. For almost two years, full ownership and occupancy of the awarded land remained a struggle, with claimants, namely Greg Sanson, Rudy Banico, and Lucas Gelito filing cases to revoke the CADT because of their alleged tenure of the land. Various forms of intimidation included fencing, erecting security guard houses, the filing of additional lawsuits to stall the legal procedure, and attempting to acquire “writ of possession” prohibiting them from building on the land. On the early morning of April 17, 2012, Ati tribe members peacefully marched in a procession bearing a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and successfully occupied a portion of the territory, building bamboo perimeter fences and temporary huts. This marked another grueling phase towards realizing their dreams. In November 2012, at least 20 security guards employed by J. King and Sons Co. Inc. (owners of the Crown Regency resorts) armed with shotguns tore down portions of the perimeter fence put up by the tribe. At the battlefront of these threats was 26-year-old youth leader and spokesperson Dexter Condez who was later murdered as a clear and shameful act of intimidation and violence against the Ati on February 22, 2013, a short distance from what is now the Boracay Ati Community Village in Sitio Lugutan, Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

CMY

A little more than a week after Condez’s first death anniversary, Daniel Celestino, a former security guard of Crown Regency was arrested, and is still awaiting trial at the Kalibo Regional Trial Court. The guard and his employers have repeatedly denied involvement in the killing of Condez, claiming he was at the hotel premises when it happened. Meanwhile, the Ati continue to seek justice for the senseless killing of Condez, with the help of the NCIP, DILG, NAPC and Katarungan.

Lola Binda

Such was the plight of Boracay Ati Tribal Organization or BATO, a name that distinguishes them as an organized community of people, deserving of respect rather than pity. The 56-year-old tribe chieftain Delsa Justo tells us that it pains her every time the police call her attention to the indigenous people found begging along the streets and beach pathways because by refusing any assistance from BATO to help get them organized in order to help improve their lives, they had no where to go. What many are unaware of, the vagrant indigenous people we see begging have nothing to do with Boracay’s original settlers. According to the BATO elders as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), most of them are nomadic Negritos from Negros and Guiamaras. Some have been ‘deported’ back to where they came from only to return again to resume their tourist hand-to-mouth existence, having been displaced, and with little choice but to live off the tourist island’s streets.

A pledge of protection came from Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II who ordered policemen to arrest anyone who would trespass the 2.1-hectare property. “They (claimants) should respect the ancestral domain titles given by the government to our Ati brothers,” Roxas said during a visit to the Ati community. For the BATO, the ‘world’s number one island’ is not just a tourist destination – it has been Policemen were immediately tasked from the their home since the beginning of time. Aklan Provincial Public Safety Company and from the Boracay Tourist Action Center. Since ‘Boracay’ Island got its name from the Inati then, a police outpost has been installed by the (native language of the Negrito Ati indigenous Provincial Mobile Group of Aklan to protect the people) root words ‘bura’ (bubbling) and ‘cay’ tribal community 24/7. According to Evangeline (white sand). Despite Philippine history books Tamboon, BATO council leader, the claimants declaring the Ati or aetas as the forefathers and have since been silent. It is interesting to know first settlers on the Philippine islands, claims that that most of their young tribesmen hope to join the Ati were likewise the earliest settlers on the the police force someday. island had to be supported by the NCIP and

anthropological studies. Still, the debate lingers, and our indigenous brethren continue to be displaced and driven away from their homeland, throughout the archipelago. According to Boracay Ati oral history through four generations, their plight began during the emergence of tourism on the island of Boracay back in the 1970s. Prior to its ‘discovery’, Boracay was a lush and pure paradise where their ancestors lived peacefully in the mountains mainly hunting, gathering, and fishing for their food, which was in abundance. At some point, the Bisayas arrived from Aklan, namely the Tapos, Tirol and Yap families and together they lived harmoniously. Eventually, unregulated growth has led to the Boracay Island of today, where wetlands have been filled and developed, hills have been leveled, ocean life has been disturbed, leaving little left for these hunters, gatherers and fishermen to live on. Planting new roots In April of this year, the NCIP began constructions on the Ati Village. In an article in The Manila Times, NCIP Executive Director Marlea Muñez said that the Ati families would now own and enjoy the benefits of their ancestral domain as the government fast tracks the development of a new community that will help improve their living conditions. To ensure the sustainable development of the community, the NCIP chief added that they have

enlisted the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI) and other institutions. The move came after the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples affirmed the delineation

continued on page 35

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lifestyle & leisure

escape - off the tourist trail BULABOG BEACH – A HABAGAT HAVEN By Azenith Resurreccion AS the southwest wind blows high and mighty through the island’s popular White Beach, the eastern beach offers a calmer alternative as a destination for water adventures as well as other lazing out activities this season.

Dive Center & Helmet Diving, and Napoleon Sports. These operators offer standard rates for all activities, with price adjustments depending on the number of people availing of an activity and the time consumed on the services.

The convex-shaped Bulabog Beach is a world-renowned kiteboarding and windsurfing area during the Amihan season from October to May with the surrounding reef filtering the northeastern wind and creating a flat-water surface for a smooth and easy ride. During the Habagat season, it becomes an exclusive coast catering mostly to residents living around the area and to tourists vying for some fun and action on the sea.

Be it the edgy Fly Fish, the family-friendly Banana Boat, the liberating Jet Ski or Speedboat ride, the thrilling Helmet Dive, the exhilarating Parasailing, the breezy paraw sunset cruise or the stimulating island-hopping trips with snorkeling and fish-feeding, tourists of all ages can enjoy safe and unperturbed water action, rain or shine.

A short tricycle ride from the main road or less than a 10-minute walk from D’Mall, tourists can venture into their chosen water activities, with numerous water sports operators and cooperatives positioned along the two-kilometer beach.

There are two drop-off stations along the stretch of the ‘back beach’. One is along Bulabog Road 1, leading to Mt. Luho and another is along Bulabog Road 2 that can be accessed by D’Mall and Lake Town. Both stations are manned by booking coordinators for the legitimate operators such as BIA (Boracay Island-hopping Association), BIHA (Boracay Island Hopping Adventure Multi-Purpose Cooperative), Diamond Watersports, Red Coral, White Sand & Clear Water Sports, Milky's Dive Center & Helmet Diving, and Napoleon

However during not-so-good-weather days, it is best to seek advise from your resort's guest services officers, from a reputable travel agency, or from the local tourist information office on the safety of doing your desired activities. You can also book other activities such as ATV and buggy rentals, Mt. Luho Zipline adventure and the Zorb. What else can you do after an exhilarating Fly Fish ride? The allure of Bulabog Beach includes a unique ‘back beach’ vibe with specialty restaurants and cafés and local dives, pretty much like a hippie coastal town serving a niche market of residents, artists and backpackers. Several ‘turo-turo’ (Filipino cafeterias) along the side streets for a quick bite while you hunt for a perfect place to laze out.

Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast, for instance is a great place to have a quiet and delicious meal, a few steps from all the action but within the safe and undisturbed confines away from vendors and commissioners. It also makes for an idyllic private nook where tourists can spend a few hours reading a book or browsing the Internet over a potent cup of Vietnamese Coffee and a wicked slice of chocolate cake. Hangin Bar is a favorite hangout spot of the younger crowd and offers a variety of favorite comfort food any time of the day. The newest addition to their menu – The Hangover Sandwich is truly a must-try after a night of alcohol overload. If you are a meat-lover and want to load up on some sumptuous protein during your action-packed holiday, do it Viking-style at the homey Little Valhalla Restaurant. From hefty burgers to juicy steaks, it is definitely a great value for your money.

Levantin Bar is famous for their bi-monthly Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast Moonlight Parties and weekly Romanian Buffet dinner that serves indulgent savory specialties such as the hearty beef goulash and the delicious meatball soup. If you’re lucky, you might be able to enjoy the sight of the magical moonrise over this quiet side of the island. Otherwise, catch the sunrise which is every bit as mesmerizing as each Boracay sunset! Levantin Bar

CMY

escape - hit the spot The Island Club House By Mark Cabrera RAINY days can definitely dampen any plans for a day on the beach. On days when the rain goes sideways forcing you to hide behind windbreakers or to stay indoors, one tends to sulk about losing another day of fun and adventure in paradise. But you don’t have to. So where do we go to have a fun filled rainy Habagat day? To the club house of course! When I was growing up as a kid in Manila, my family used to frequent a sports clubhouse. The clubhouse was a great place for family bonding as we enjoyed a variety of sports and leisure activities together, rain or shine. We would swim at the pool; play basketball in the multipurpose indoor court, play billiards by the café – the works. Those were good memories of my childhood. What’s good about Boracay Island is that we actually have a venue that resembles a clubhouse. The Boracay EcoVillage Resort & Convention Center is primarily a convention center but with the facilities and amenities of a typical sports clubhouse. Let’s give it a second look from a brand new perspective.

with three high illumination LCD multimedia projectors that can be utilized in daylight settings with projections that can be simultaneously operated as a single projection or projected in three separate presentations. It is The Boracay EcoVillage Resort & Convention a perfect venue for concerts. Center opened its doors to the public in For sports fanatics like myself, the convention October 2008, at the Eco-Village Tourism center is a great sports center as the indoor Zone under the Philippine Economic Zone hall is convertible to a basketball court, a Authority (PEZA) at Barangay Yapak. Its volleyball court and several badminton courts. initial purpose was for conventions and conferThe use of the multipurpose courts is available ences to accommodate groups of 50 to 3,000 for a minimal fee of 600Php per hour until persons, with eight function halls for 40 to 60 5PM and 800Php per hour from 5PM to guests per hall and a carpeted main plenary 10PM. The basketball court complies with hall to accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 people. Philippine Basketball Associate (PBA) The entire convention center is fully air-condistandards. In fact, an All Star PBA game was tioned and equipped with a state-of-the -art held in Boracay a few years ago. Playing sound system using original JBL speakers and volleyball on the hardwood is also a welcome digital mixers and amplifiers. It is equipped experience compared to playing on cement

Water sports galore

floored barangay multi-purpose courts. The facility also has a provision for several badminton courts, where I have enjoyed playing the game with a group of badminton fanatics. Moreover, the convention center has a cool billiard table across the Courtside Grill, the convention center’s café. I still recall enjoying their menu at the grand opening. Aside from the convertible convention/sports center, EcoVillage for short (as it is known locally) also has facilities for water babies like me. Right outside the convention center are two beautiful swimming pools. One is a circular kiddie pool and the other is a huge pear shaped pool that is great for swimming laps. I was able to give swimming lessons to 60 kids here. What is great about this place is that it has access to two fabulous beaches in Boracay. From the swimming pool, there is a nature path going to Punta Bunga Beach, my secret surfing spot in the Island. And upon request, you can use the convention center’s shuttle to go to Puka Beach. The facilities in Puka beach include a restaurant/bar, beach cabanas with hammocks, beach beds, a beach volleyball area and the best part, the beach itself. So every time I visit EcoVillage, it brings back fond memories of my childhood. So turn an otherwise gloomy day into a day of fun filled surprises at Boracay EcoVillage Resort & Convention Center, and create a lifetime of memories with your family. For inquiries and reservations, you may call the following telephone numbers: (+63 36) 288 5826, 288 4110 and 288 4118.

august 2014

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august 2014

7/24/14

10:37 PM

lifestyle & leisure

Boracay Sun

travel blog

DUMAGUETE – The ‘City of Gentle People’ and timeless attractions By Diane Summer

ice-cold beers ready for us. On our way back to Dumaguete, Angelo took us to have the best halo-halo in the entire city, I couldn’t have thought of a better way to end the day.

This section is about journeys rather than destinations. Share them with us by emailing editorial@boracaysun.com. THE charming city of Dumaguete will always have a special place in my heart. Located in Negros Oriental, the province’s largest city and capital is where my paternal grandparents and father grew up. Our family albums are filled with beautiful sepia photos taken around Dumaguete, a place which has given many happy memories to all my siblings and I. As an adult, I make it a point to visit Dumaguete as often as I can. Its laid-back vibe and slow pace is always a welcome change from the chaos of the big city. It is still considered as one of the few remaining off-the-beaten-track destinations in the country. Touted as the “City of Gentle People”, it’s easy to feel at home here. Wherever you go, you’ll be greeted with smiling locals. Personally, I attribute this to the fact that they live a simple yet ideal life: free of traffic and pollution, have access to fresh air, they can see the ocean every day, and they eat well. Rizal Boulevard, a prominent landmark, will also give you a peek into how the locals like to end their day. By sunset, you’ll find the young and old alike, and lovers of all ages, gathering here to eat, people-watch, hold hands, or merely admiring the view.

CMY

Bais sandbar on a sunny day

Apo Island marine sanctuary a haven for snorkeling (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

As it was our last full day so I made sure to visit the local market before my flight back to Manila. Dumaguete is also known for the local delicacy called budbud kabog suman, which is best described as chewy bites of heaven wrapped in banana leaves. Of course, I also had to make a last stop at Sans Rival Bistro for a few boxes of silvanas to take home as pasalubong. Although I could go on and on about why I love Dumaguete, I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself. It’s no wonder many people visit Dumaguete only to come back many times over.

Twin Falls in Valencia (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

Chapel Point, Apo Island (Photo by Andre Snoopy Montenegro of Scuba Ventures Dumaguete)

When the sun goes down, Hayahay Treehouse Bar and View Deck is the place to be. I get to choose my dinner from the multitude of fresh fish and seafood, have some pizza, and top it off with an ice-cold beer. I love Hayahay not just because of the relaxed atmosphere and great music, but also because I’m likely to see some cousins or familiar faces around. I’ve also recently discovered that ZanZibar, just off the boulevard, is a great place to go to for dancing and affordable drinks. After almost three decades of visiting numerous islands and beaches around the Philippines, Dumaguete remains to be the only place where I’ve been able to swim with not just one, but many, sea turtles. So I arranged for a day trip to Apo Island, just 20 minutes by boat, where I spent an entire day swimming with these beautiful creatures. Swimming alongside them underwater, observing, and watching how they burrow themselves into soft coral is an experience that I could never get tired of. And the best part is, because Apo Island is a marine sanctuary, visitors are almost guaranteed of sea turtle sightings.

Dolphins galore at Tanon Strait (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Dumaguete again. I decided that my itinerary would be comprised of visiting favorite spots and places I haven’t been to since my childhood. No trip to Dumaguete would be complete without a meal or two at Sans Rival Bistro, a popular restaurant along the boulevard. It takes its name from mouthwatering buttercream and meringue dessert, a favorite of mine.

I booked a day tour with Angelo Villanueva of Dumaguete Outdoors, to take me back to Bais. That day was nothing short of memorable and Angelo was such great company; he even went as far as preparing delicious dishes for lunch and snacks on the boat, and the sandbar provided the backdrop to many of our beautiful holiday photos. He also asked us for any requests beforehand, so when we arrived to meet him, we already had a cooler of

Twin Lakes in San Jose (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

Travel Tips • Dumaguete has accommodations to suit every budget from hostels to beachfront resorts. Try www.agoda.com. Swim with the whale sharks or butandings in Oslob (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

• Contact Dumaguete Outdoors for a memorable time – they offer a great mix of adventures and tours of all the best attractions. • Dress down. Dumaguete is laid back, relaxed and casual. • Bring your appetite and an open mind. Many people travel to Dumaguete for the food alone. Savor the local delicacies and enjoy fresh seafood without breaking the bank. • Bring a camera, and don’t be afraid to get lost. The picturesque town is as colorful as its history.

I also finally decided to revisit a memorable beach from my childhood: Bais. Located just 45 minutes away, Bais is known for its beautiful white sandbar in the middle of the ocean. I’ve never seen anything in the Philippines quite like this, and I was happy to know that nothing has changed. (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

Dumaguete Outdoors specializes in eco-adventure tours focused on getting you up close and personal with the natural beauty of Negros Oriental and the Philippines. From watching dolphins play in the crystal clear waters of Bais, to mountain climbing the Horns of Negros, tours are customized at a minimal cost to the environment and its local people. You can teach them thru (+63 919) 747 7470, (+63 921) 693 2188, (+63 915) 733 6402, email info@dumagueteoutdoors.com, visit their website at www.dumagueteoutdoors.com and find them on Facebook.

• Dumaguete has numerous ATM’s throughout the city and most establishments also accept credit cards. Sumilon Sandbar (Courtesy of Dumaguete Outdoors)

• For divers, it is highly recommended to stay at Dauin, just 30 minutes from the city, where several dive resorts can arrange a trip for you. • Make friends! Dumaguete’s locals are friendly and will be happy to teach you a few words from the local dialect.

Local delicacy called budbod kabog

• Dolphins hibernate from November to March but chilling at the Bais sandbar is great all-year-round.

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Boracay Sun

7/25/14

12:00 AM

lifestyle & leisure

august 2014

reader blogs BORACAY SUN WANTS YOU to share your Boracay travel stories! This section is reserved for your Boracay travel stories. Email us at editorial@boracaysun.com.

The postcard-perfect beach

The Boracay I Know and Love

An aerial view of Boracay

By Dana Rodriguez “CABIN crew, prepare for arrival.” These are my five favorite words to hear on a flight, no matter where I happen to be traveling to, especially if it’s to one of our beautiful Philippine islands. But there’s one island that truly stands out among the rest – Boracay. I was lucky enough to be given the chance to live and work in Boracay for a year, immediately after I graduated from college in Manila. I accepted a job offer, was emailed a ticket, and within a week flew off to begin my new life in this island paradise. I felt at home in no time. Soon enough, I had forged friendships with some of the most genuine and fun people I’ve ever come across. What came soon after was one of the most memorable years of my life: ending each day with a different sunset, post-work beach walks, spectacular sunrises, and most importantly, seeing the island through a locals’ eyes.

While I had visited Boracay many times before, I had no clue that Angol and Diniwid existed. These two spots quickly became my favorite beaches when I was craving solitude away from the crowds. I was almost always to be found at TiBraz (which had just opened at the time), spending countless memorable evenings with newfound friends and enjoying good food. My first Christmas away from

home was a quiet celebration with delicious Spanish fare at Dos Mestizos. When I was in Bulabog, I spent most of my time chugging coffee at the cozy Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast. I was lucky enough to experience the legendary Hey Jude! Bar right before it closed down, which was synonymous to a ‘second home’ for many of us.

A front row seat to a spectacular celestial show every day

No one even noticed or cared if you wore the same swimsuit all year round. Work kept me grounded, and when the rains and brownouts struck, all you needed were friends and some rum coke. In retrospect, I was happy. Everyone was happy.

Although I arrived as a tourist, I felt that I could never see the island as one ever again.

Living on my own in Boracay made me question many things, but most importantly, just how much I needed to be happy. Island life is simple: no fancy wardrobe, heels, beauty products, or television needed. The only beauty products I needed were sun block and a regular dose of sunshine. The beautiful beach alone, and the company I kept, constantly supplied me with endless laughs and smiles.

Crepes at TiBraz

Mornings at the Lazy Dog

Sunrise in Bulabog Beach

The view from Spider House in Diniwid

After a year, I had decided to move on career-wise, and this meant moving back to Manila. Tears were shed, but I knew the goodbyes were only temporary. Moving back to the city took some getting used to. Even the most trivial aspects, such as traffic, wearing jeans and shoes, and having to get into a car, were all a bit strange. But I knew that everything was happening the way it was supposed to.

Although I arrived as a tourist, I felt that I could never see the island as one ever again. While tourists typically spend their time in the many hip spots around the island, parading around in their summer best, I still didn’t feel the need to dress differently and instead chose to spend time in places close to my heart. And while we all know that too-familiar feeling of time moving too quickly when we’re on holiday, I tried to avoid that this time around by savoring the experience as much as I could. This meant walking leisurely on the soft sand, listening to the island’s beats with every careful stride, smiling just because everyone around you is smiling too, and admiring the A few months later, I was views that changed with the color of the sky. able to visit Boracay again, I just felt that I had to acknowledge the magic this time as a tourist. I was overwhelmed by of the place. feelings of nostalgia as soon as I got in a trike from the jetty port. I immediately set out to Life on the island, it changes you for the visit as many of my favorite places as I could better, if you let it. fit into my four-day trip.

CMY

travel tips Peter Tay is general manager at Boracay Adventures Inc., an accredited tour guide with the Department of Tourism, and PADI Master Instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience.

BOOKING ONLINE the Terms & Conditions so that you will IS AS EASY AS… Read know what you are paying for, as airlines usually want to protect themselves from any liability. The airline may suggest to purchase AS we enter into low season (from June 15 to their insurance program, do take note that the September 30), tourists will be able to enjoy tickets are not insured unless you agree to special packages on accommodations and purchase it at a minimum expense. Remember activities in Boracay, with some special airline to review all the information. Once payment is rates. This is a great opportunity to travel to made, there will be charges for any corrections one of the world’s best beaches, rain or shine. thereafter. Charges may apply for web booking and some airlines may charge extra for credit Airlines card payments. Once you’ve reviewed the final At present, there are more than five airlines page and click ‘agree’ then you will be directthat fly to Kalibo International Airport and ed to a payment gateway. You will enter your more than three airlines that fly to the Boracay credit card or BancNet information and once Airport in Caticlan, from Manila or Cebu. The approved, you will be presented with the fares are usually cheaper via Kalibo but Locator Number. Take this down or print a consider the hour and a half road trip, copy of the e-ticket to be presented at the compared to a mere five-minute ride to the Check In Counter. Caticlan Ferry Terminal if you fly directly to Accommodations Caticlan. Many resorts also allow you to make reservaTravel agencies will assist you with your ticket tions online. The procedure is pretty much the reservations with a service fee that could range same as booking a ticket, you just have to from 500Php to 1,000Php. These airlines fly to follow the online instructions. The resort will Kalibo or Caticlan from Manila or Cebu: usually have a promo during low seasons, so click on the promo page to review the packagPhilippines Airlines (www.philippineaires. lines.com) Cebu Pacific (www.cebupacificair.com) Resorts work with different online booking Tiger Airway (www.tigerair.com/ph/en) engines; a popular and reliable one is Air Asia Zest Air (www.airasia.com) agoda.com. They are considered one of the Sea Air (www.flyseair.com) largest online booking engines in the web and When booking online, you can choose the do provide good services. The procedures are flights based on your preferred schedules or easy to follow and if you need to make any the prices presented but do take note that the changes, you can advise them in advance and price stated is not the final price of purchase. they will assist without charge. They offer

By Peter Tay

Once officially launched very soon, Boracay Sun Travel (www.boracaysuntravel.com), a subsidiary of Boracay Wallstreet Inc. and sister company of the Boracay Sun, will be the go-to site for travel booking, flights, and where to eat, stay and play in Boracay and beyond. discounts up to 60%, so review their website As Lonely Planet puts it: “Today, more than and find the accommodations that best suit ever, we're utterly convinced of the incredible your needs. importance of travel. It's only through travelThere are few local travel agencies that ling, through meeting people that we begin to provide accommodation packages, such as understand that we're all sharing this world.” www.myboracayguide.com or www.boracayad- They pose the question: “So how do we make ventures.com. Both companies provide packag- that ride not just a quick fairground twirl, but es for accommodations in Boracay including something that we can enjoy for our travelling budget accommodations that normally do not lives and pass on to our children and future appear in online booking engines. You can generations? By changing our travel habits and review their website and send them an email thinking differently about how, where and why to receive a quotation from them. You can pay we travel.” for your reservations online with the conve- With our new “baby” Boracay Sun Travel, we nience of PayPal with a minimum service fee. hope to inspire you to try a new, far more rewarding, way of traveling. Our travel experts Services will be your man-on-the-ground before arriving To search for the plethora of activities to in Boracay. After taking care of your travel choose from on your Boracay holiday, go to and hotel arrangements, we invite you to see Google and search for activities in Boracay. If more of the island through our list of advenyou like diving then click on Boracay Scuba tures, sights to see, people to meet, interesting Dive, and you will get a list of operators cuisine to try… the list is infinite. providing the services but the best is still to deal with an accredited establishment with the Department of Tourism (DOT). Trip Advisor is a good site to visit to find out about establishment ratings. During low season, various establishments offer packages for activities. Let them plan your holiday in Boracay. It is not advisable to deal with commissioners especially those without a license to operate. There have been reported cases of theft and in the event of emergency, these commissioners are suddenly nowhere to be found. My Boracay Guide and Boracay Adventures can also assist in booking your activities when you get to the island. My Boracay Guide has booths along the beach while Boracay Adventures is located across the road from Crafts De Boracay. Enjoy Boracay!

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june august 2014 2014

7/24/14

10:33 PM

people

Boracay Sun

boracay people Renowned for its beaches, Boracay’s allure lies in the beauty of its people. Like a kaleidoscope of colorful characters, the community’s unique and eclectic people are a potent blend that embodies the essence of a truly unique place.

CLAUS BAUER By Amanda Virrey

Follow this young woman’s adventures and misadventures on her quest for true love in Boracay, who wishes to remain simply, the Lonely Island Girl. Note: We just received this postcard from Lonely Island Girl. So in her absence, here are excerpts from a letter sent to Boracay Sun by Backpacker Dan from the March issue, recounting his own version of that fateful New Year’s Eve…

Photo by Denise Tolentino

CMY

CLAUS Bauer is known in Boracay’s dynamic society as a grassroots philanthropist and as the ‘big man on campus’ as the founder and president of Paradise English School. This gentle giant gives the word ‘cool’ a whole new meaning: someone who reaps the fruits of life through genuine acts of generosity towards the needy. He has elevated the quality of life of countless people living in impoverished communities in different countries through his developmental programs, including providing shelter, nourishment, reading classes, English classes, and many more means of acquiring life’s basic necessities to make their world a better place to live in. Claus inherited his nobility from his “The most mother, who as a life-changing young widow in her 40s, dedicated thing for her time in helping someone is to the poor. He remembers his learn how to mother, a petite read.” lady and devout Christian going downtown to the East Side of Vancouver to feed drug addicts and homeless people. He fondly describes his mother, as “someone who preached what she thought was right and doing it. That’s how I’ve always tried to live my life”.

from her sheer beauty, Claus was drawn by her intellect and willingness to serve others. Together, they returned to Mexico several times to continue their developmental projects.

I saw a beautiful girl. Loaded with enough ‘liquid courage’ I say to this girl. “Hi guapa,” (thanks for the Tagalog lessons mum). She smiled at me but didn’t respond. Straight after I found my friends and I began to tell them about the girl and mid-conversation a guy taps me on the shoulder… Next thing I know, (You can download past issues at www.boraguapa from the path kisses me, smiles (again) caysun.com/sun_issues_download/.) and runs off. “I can’t believe that just IT was the end of 2012 and I had been travel- happened, that was the girl!” ing solo around the Philippines for six weeks. My search ends as I see her with that smile. Where would my final destination be? I asked her to join me on the driftwood near Boracay of course (save the best for last)! the ocean. We had something special instantly Before even coming to Boracay I felt like I and I think both of us knew it. The fireworks had a connection to this place. My parents went off and as we shared our New Year’s met here in the 80s at Jony’s Mexican Restaukiss, I knew it was the best New Year’s ever. rant. My mum, a Filipina from Manila on We spent the whole night together singing, vacation and my dad, a backpacker from dancing, laughing, finding deserted beaches Australia trying to find his slice of paradise. and sharing our stories. The best New Year’s As a result of this romantic moment, I was ever. I saw her when I could the days after born and raised in Australia but will forever but sadly I had to leave Boracay. be the ‘Boracay Baby’. Time went by in the real world. I kept contact Then it was New Year’s Eve 2012/2013. with her when I could and returned to Dressed in a floral shirt I hadn’t worn yet, I Boracay for the next New Year’s, to be in her collected all my new Boracay friends and company yet again. Boracay is truly a magical headed to Exit bar. I was having conversations place. I still think about her a lot, probably with eccentric people that were both interestmore than she thinks. Will I be back one day? ing and hilarious. I noticed that in a short Try and stop me! time 2012 would be the past. I walked along – Backpacker Dan the path just to get some fresh air and there,

In 2002, while they were living in Korea, teaching English and raising their first child, Jordan, they met some Canadian friends who mentioned a white sandy tropical island in the Philippines, called Boracay. “When we came here for the first time in 2002, we thought ‘what an awesome place this would be to live in,’” he recalls. They eventually moved to Boracay in 2005 and set up Paradise English School in Bantud. “We always thought that we were going to stay here for two to three years until the children got older”, he says. Yet despite the massive damage to their school caused by the destructive typhoon Seniang in 2006, they were able keep their spirits up and rebuild the school. When Brent International School closed, they joined other parents and opened the Boracay European International School in 2008, which now shares a campus with Paradise English.

They then helped start the Boracay Education and Development Fund, a non-profit research organization dedicated to improving the quality of education and standard of living in the community. Under the Boracay Fund, as this NGO is also known, they have helped award a scholarship program to a Following in his mother’s footsteps, he set young 3rd Grade BEIS student, have taught his sights on sustainable humanitarian many students how to read, adopted two projects, starting with courses on Entrepre- barangays in Antique, and restored the lives neurial Business, Progressive Developmental of many families that were devastatingly hit Education and International Development in by typhoon Yolanda late last year. Now they Vancouver. are adding two new classrooms at the Yapak At the ripe age of 22, he was in Mexico Elementary School as a venue for them to helping to build shelters for the homeless. teach children how to read. He later went to the Baja region to help in This upcoming school year, the Boracay orphanages and community centers there. He Fund's goal is to teach 100 children to read, also worked with Canadian Crossroads under in these two new classrooms. Claus believes the Canadian International Developmental that, “the most life-changing thing for someAgency in Southern Africa to develop one is to learn how to read. It’s a basic programs on Developmental Education for necessity that can lead to many opportunichildren and the youth. ties. And when you help out others, you get There he met the love of his life, Staphanie, more in return. That’s what I instill in my who in 1994 represented her home country, continued on page 16 Swaziland in the Miss World Pageant. Aside

A naughty section devoted to blind items, seen, heard, and whispered to us by “The Little Birdie”! Note: In the June 2014 issue, Little Birdie chirped about the infamous Boracay Hater blogger (www.boracayhater.tumblr.com) who we loved to hate (along with). Unable to help herself, she um, helped herself by posting a very public shoutout to rendezvous with said Boracay Hater… I APOLOGIZE to all my loyal and adoring fans for not being able to provide you with juicy ‘seen and heard’ buzz on the island last month. I am happy to report that I have been blissfully caught in the throes of young love. I’m sorry Lonely Island Girl but I do believe that I have beat you to meeting ‘The One’. Last June, I sent a shout out to Boracay Hater through this column. I told him I would be waiting for him at a certain time and place. So one June afternoon, as I was sipping my sunset cocktail, I felt a faint tap on my shoulder and a soft “hello” - the rest shall I say, is (recent) history. Yes we finally met, and okay, maybe “blissfully caught in the throes of young love” may be too much of a statement but our bond is definitely strong and our mutual admiration is bordering, shall I say, on narcissistic? True to my expectations, he is as wonderfully witty and spontaneous as I thought. Though he was definitely far from who I thought he would be based on my own theories and suspicions, he was someone I’ve met before and someone whose charm and personality is the total opposite of being a ‘hater’. He shares the same qualms, complaints, as well as love for Boracay – which he said, is what brought him to create the viral blog site in the first place. He mentioned that no new updates have been made on the site since “there isn’t really a lot of things to hate on the island. Quite the opposite in fact!” So, in conclusion, though this Little Birdie has been known to reveal juicy details, Boracay Hater’s identity is one secret I dare not spill. With that, I leave you all hanging. (HA!) And who knows, maybe a collaboration would be in the works sometime soon? Just wait ‘til high season arrives!

Biking with the family in Olongapo during spring break

Exploring the mountains was of Sagada with the family

Got something to whisper to me? You can trust this bird not to reveal it’s sources, but I can’t promise I won’t say a word! Email editorial@boracaysun.com.

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Boracay Sun

7/24/14

11:57 PM

people

august 2014

boracay diaries The road to unity is paved with empathy. Boracay Diaries connects us all by depicting moments in the daily island lives of ordinary people, leading extraordinary island lives.

CHARMAINE MENDOZA By Monique Tolentino

A day in the life of your local canteen lady Charmaine M. Mendoza is a 22-year-old lady who runs a local canteen by the roadside of Tulubhan, in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island. Born and raised in Tulubhan, she chose to put up a canteen to gain independence and profit. She earns an average of Php3,000 a day and moonlights as a massage therapist on some days. Her story begins with how she dropped out of high school because of her friends’ influence. When she later realized the value of education it was too late for her to return. She started working for her aunt and when she was able to save up, enrolled herself and put herself through school until she was able to finish and put up a little business on her own. Charmaine gets up at 5AM every day to do household chores and make sure everything is ready for her day to start. She then heads to the market at 7AM to buy all the ingredients she needs for her menu for the day up until closing time, which is at 8:00pm.

Nakakasama ko yung pamilya ko araw-araw. Nagtatawanan habang sabay-sabay nagluluto at nagtatrabaho. (I get to be with my family every day. We get along and laugh at the same time while cooking and working.) What don’t you like most about your work? Ayoko sa mga customer na masama ang ugali. Kung ano anong hinihingi at inuutos. Araw-araw din ako nagtatrabaho at walang pahinga. (I don’t like the customers who give me attitude. The ones who demand a lot and order you around. I also work every day and never get to rest.) What is it that you do on the rare chances that you get to rest?

go to. The place is beautiful and there are always a lot of people. What I don’t like is that there can be a lot of jerks, especially to women.) But do you love the island? Oo naman. Dito ako pinanganak at pinalaki. Naging madali ang buhay ko dito. Paraiso sya para sa maraming tao at hindi naman nag-iba na mula pa noon, pairaiso pa rin sya para sa akin. (Yes of course. This is where I was born and raised. My life growing up was easy here. The island is a paradise for a lot of people and it hasn’t changed that much ever since, it has also been my paradise.)

Binibigay ko yung oras na yan para maka-bonding yung mga kaibigan ko. (I allot that time to bond with my friends.)

What do you love and dislike the most about What is your routine like when you get Boracay? home? Madali ang pera dito at maraming pwedeng Kapag tapos na ako sa trabaho, madalas gawin at puntahan. Maganda yung lugar at tagay, TV at tulog ang ginagawa ko (chuckpalaging maraming tao. Ang ayoko lang dito les). ay maraming gago lalo na sa mga babae. (When I get home from work, I usually just (Making money is fairly easy here and there drink, watch TV and then go to sleep.) are a lot of things you can do and places to Boracay Sun’s wise long-lost sister never fails to give the best advise on anything and everything

What is the thing that you love most about your work?

continued on page 15

under the sun & moon and over the stars. She's every girl’s ideal go-to gal with practical advise, both solicited and unsolicited, from a BTDT (been there done that) kickass life, old soul wisdom from a lifelong (and past life) career of mistakes and breakthroughs. So take it or leave it, but if we told you who she was, they might haul her back to prison!

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children and that’s what I want them to instill in others.” In between his humanitarian projects and responsibilities at home and at Paradise English, he takes the time to travel around the country with Stephanie and their three children Jordan, Eve and Shoalan in order to explore the country that has been ‘home’ for nine years. Twice a year he goes on dirt bike trips with a bunch of guys also living in Boracay. “You have to enjoy whatever you do and make time for the things you are passionate about”, he also adds, “Life in Boracay has been fantastic, we have met the most amazing people and are lucky to call many of them friends.” Claus Bauer obviously sees the good things in any given situation. He is the guy who goes out there and just does it. He also owes his success to his sense of dedication, belief in his capacities and in the enjoyment he finds in everything that he does. “Sometimes it boils down to luck, and I truly believe that I am lucky.”

DEAR SISTER MOON: I am 33 years old and single. I moved to Boracay over a year ago. It was the height of summer when I made the big move from Manila after being hired by a resort. It was definitely a promotion and a good career move for me, but to be honest, I have been focused on work the entire year and have had little time to really be with myself. This is officially my first Habagat season, since last year I was too busy with moving, adjusting, and spent the entire season in training. I am lucky to have made good friendships with the people I work with, and with a handful of acquaintances I’ve made on the island. But most of them are spending the next few months traveling, while I have yet to schedule my vacation leave towards the end of September. After work, I find myself glued to social media, without much to update about myself (I mean, why post about my drunken epiphanies and days alone at the beach right? How boring!). I do have a social life, don’t get me wrong, but its very superficial. I’m not one to spill my guts to the next bored person. I’ve joined the Pub Crawlers just for fun and got a kick from the frenzy it offered, but still, I end up alone with my four walls, my laptop and my music. Not that bad really, except for the reverberating silence and the pinch of Dirt bike trip with wife Stephanie to Moalboal, loneliness and homesickness. Cebu and Negros last month How do I deal with this Habagat season, when most of the time I have no choice but to stay indoors with my lonesome self? I have run out of things to do at the office too, and my boss has had to send me home, with a pitiful look on her face. – LONESOME IN BORACAY

Dirt biking with Boracay buddies

a state of mind that one can control and change. Sounds to me that you can easily turn your lonesomeness and lack of things to do around by having a different perspective. Since you can’t change the fact that it’s rainy season and many of your usual company are out of town, why not use this time to explore new things? Are there classes offered on the island that you have been curious about but never had the time to check out? Think: Zumba, pole dancing, yoga. How about a water sport? Getting into a new type of activity is a great opportunity to ‘broaden your horizons’ and make new friends. Ask about discounts for locals (I know most of them offer this concession). Also, think of the money you are saving from not going out for drinks! There are also activities that don’t cost money like boogie boarding and going for long walks around the island to name a few. The latter is an activity that may sound boring at first but you’d be surprised at how fulfilling it can be to discover ‘off the beaten path’ parts of the island while you get fit and clear your mind. It’s something you can do alone or ask an acquaintance you’ve been meaning to get to know better but haven’t been able to get past the superficial / drunken small talk that a bar environment provides. Lastly, it’s good to learn that amusement doesn’t necessarily have to come from socializing with others. Yes, connecting with others is a vital part of being human but at the end of the day, we have to start by knowing ourselves and being OK with solitude. Habagat season can be a time for self-reflection and self-nurturing. Use this time to take a break from the fast-paced, frenzied vibration that takes over the island the rest if the year. This time can be used to relax, restore and recharge. Your mind and body (especially your liver) will thank you for it and will be ready to take on the peak season in top form.

DEAR LONESOME IN BORACAY: 20 years ago, back when I first moved here as a 20 something, I once blurted out loud “I’m bored!” A much older bohemian/world traveler type acquaintance shouted from across the bar “If you're bored, it’s your fault!” I was looking for sympathy or understanding and Once you learn how to cope well with sort of felt offended at his response but after (Second from right) Claus with Susanne Trischsolitude, you’ll always be OK because “whergiving it some thought, I understood what he berger and Red Cross volunteers in a post-super ever you go, there you are!” Happy Habagat meant. Boredom and loneliness are oftentimes typhoon Yolanda outreach in San Isidro and enjoy YOUR SELF! Write to Sister Moon at sistermoonadvise@yahoo.com – the more gory details, the better!

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june august 2014 2014

7/25/14

3:35 PM

people

Boracay Sun

visionaries RADM Leonard Tirol – Man on a Mission

Photo by Denise Tolentino By Katrina Tuason

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directly to Kalibo in the event of an emergency. The local government (LGU) had THE Tirol family has had roots on Boracay approved the funding but it remains to be Island since the late 1800’s. They are one released as of press time, “two years in the of the founding families of Boracay, and one waiting and still hoping”. of the few families who have titled land while most people on the island hold a tax Leonard quickly adds, “There are good declaration for their properties. people from the private sector that are willing to help, like Mayor Sandy Javier,” Leonard Tirol was spending time on the owner of several businesses on the island, island as a child together with his family, and he hopes that more would come out and coming six times a year for family reunions. follow his good deeds. He adds, “They earn In 1969 he introduced his childhood friend millions in their businesses, and I hope they the late Steve Tajanlangit to Boracay, togethwould give back some of the blessings to er they would think about what could be the island.” done with the island. Leonard has many ideas on how to improve In the 1980’s when Boracay Island was still on the island. He mentions doing away with an untouched paradise, Leonard decided to the many commissioners seen walking the put up a resort called Vista Del Mar where stretch of White Beach hounding tourists to Mandarin Hotel stands today. At that time do activities from paraw and boat sailing, his cousins had already owned several banana boat, snorkeling – “these commisresorts on the island. His vision was to keep sioners are given permits by the local his resort low key, natural, using nipa and government, and naturally if beholden they other local materials. The island was far are their captured voters”. He recommends from what it is today, it was a long stretch centralizing all activities to the mainland, of beautiful white beach, no electricity or which is a convenient ten-minute ride from concrete structures. the island. Move the paraws, pump boats Boracay was already well known in parts of and activities off White Beach, restoring the Europe and popular in Italy and Germany. beauty of the island by giving back to the Famous Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida tourists and locals alike the beautiful stretch vacationed on the island and word quickly of beach without having the view blocked got around. The likes of Claude Van Damn by pump boats. “This way people on the was a frequent visitor. There are still certain mainland are given a livelihood without parts of the island you can go to, to recap- having to add more people to the island,” he ture the lost paradise such as Punta Bunga explains. or Ilig-iligan. Leonard recommends to the local governLeonard says this is not the Boracay he ment, to have more control on the construcenvisioned with all the concrete structures all tion on the island and to encourage investors over. “People began investing in the island to build staff houses on the mainland for the with the local government being blinded by workers, or that this should be one of the money coming in and not providing any conditions for a permit. “This avoids squatguidelines.” Leonard says, “I put the blame ter problems and will also lower the petty on the local government, who else, for how crime rate usually committed by construction the island has developed through the years. workers.” Leonard commends the local The present government is doing their best police for doing a good job considering the but progress has already taken over. Depart- population increase on the island. ment of Tourism secretary Butch Jimenez is He believes that the local government doing a great job trying to protect Boracay together with the local investors should and to meet its needs.” come together and decide on the direction You can see and feel Leonard’s passion the island should take and how it should be when he speaks of serving the people of promoted. He points out that it is safe to say Boracay. Leonard has personally organized that the influx of tourists the island on the Boracay Fire Rescue And Ambulance certain dates are party people. “For example Volunteers (BFRAV), having bought fire in front of White House resort alone over trucks, ambulances, jet skis and other rescue ‘La Boracay’ weekend there were over 2,000 equipment. He is the adviser and consultant people. These tourists who come to party, for the Boracay Action Group (BAG). BAG fill the hotel rooms and restaurants, they is usually the first responder during emer- bring revenue to the entire island. With all gencies on the island, having the PNP, Coast the regulations on noise curfews, stating that Guard, Army, Maritime Police, MAP, and bars must lower their volumes on sound other force multipliers as its members. “With system will eventually backfire on the the increase of tourism the island has no island. The island will lose the partygoers, first class medical facilities or trauma will lose the crowd and the sponsorships centers. Small clinics are popping up and along with it that comes with these events thriving by overcharging the tourists. Cruise due to soaring permit charges. Will Boracay ships that come to the island have better take the direction of a party destination like facilities on their boat than the island itself.” Ibiza or will it be stopped?” Leonard says, “I am trying to help by providing the services that are lacking here.” He mentions the famous John F. Kennedy quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” What can we do and give back to Boracay? He has been focused on the purchase of a sea ambulance for the island to bring patients across the channel, with a solicited ambulance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under his group,

Leonard’s other passion is animals and he has opened the first and only interactive animal sanctuary called Boracay Wildlife Expo, located across from Fairways and Bluewater Resort. The star of the show is Wally D’ Croc who even has his own Facebook page. There are other animals such as snakes, monkeys, wild boars, wild cats and parrots. Entrance to the Wildlife Expo is Php300 per person. It is a fun activity to do on the island, made more fun since

Boracay Sun had the opportunity to go with Leonard himself.

“There are good people from the private sector that are willing to help… They earn millions in their businesses, and I hope they would give back some of the blessings to the island.”

There is no doubting this man’s passion and love for the island and its people. We should all take a lesson from Leonard and do our part in giving back some of our blessings to this beautiful place we all call home. Of the tourist, all he asks is to at least keep our beach clean, in short, he emphasizes, “NO LITTERING. After all, it’s our beach that made Boracay what it is today.” Leonard with the Boracay Action Group and their fleet of fire tucks, ambulances and other rescue equipment

Commo Tirol organized the BFRAV and also the BAG with Col. Sam Nacion, the current Provincial Director. In photo the BAG responds to a fire call on overloaded electrical and cable wires behind Two Seasons and Sur Resorts

Two of the BFRAV Equipments purchased by Commo Tirol for Community Service. Whatever Blessings the island has given him he gives back to the island a helping hand in terms of Fire and Ambulance FREE Services

BAG spearheads a life-saving beach buoy project along the stretch of Boracay's famed White Beach

Commo Tirol formed the Boracay Fire Rescue and Ambulance Volunteers, BFRAV of the Boracay Action Group (BAG)

Regularly gathers members of the Boracay Action Group on polishing their skills with the issued firearms. "It always pays to be ready and in tip top shape for any eventuality that may harm Boracay

Family Bonding in Australia

At Brgy. Balabag Plaza with the Phil. coast Guard Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena and Coast District Commander Western Visayas, Commo Ybañez, and Commo Mike Labatiao

(Center) Leonard Tirol flanked by the writer Katrina Tuason (left) and Boracay Sun EIC Freida Santiago, with members of BAG at the action center

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Boracay Sun

7/24/14

11:51 PM

in-room

august 2014

room reviews Boracay Sun’s guide to finding the right accommodations, with helpful reviews.

BOUTIQUE CHIC By Daniel Leemon Here we go with this month’s roundup of unsuspecting hotels and guesthouses, this time focusing on the ‘Boutique’, places which sit slightly outside the homogeneity of big resorts and chain hotels, places which are normally themed and have a unique personality… once again, this is not a complete list, nor is it necessarily the best of the best, just our humble choice for this month, as the mood takes us…

HAMPSTEAD BOUTIQUE HOTEL A FANTASTIC boutique hotel, tucked away right behind Balabag Plaza and up a little track, an intimate and cozy place, uniquely different, part hotel - part art gallery, and with a beautifully arresting reception/lounge that catches your attention, the curious sculpture to the side and some old style suitcases covered in old-style stickers adding to the unusual look. A chromed-up kitschy and futuristic multi-angled reception desk, fronting an orange-themed restaurant/bar with booth-like seating and stained-glass partitions, copper-topped tables and interesting copper-piping framed pictures on the wall, a separate cigar and single malt whiskey room with all the paraphernalia the connoisseurs would demand, the whole ensemble with a relaxed lounge bar-cum-speakeasy feel to it.

wooden cabanas, decking at the bar area, and overlooks the beach, albeit with a road and a building in front down below. You can also bring-your-own food and have a DIY cookout.

The rooms, 4,400Php for the seven Superior Rooms and 6,700Php for the one Suite Room, are slick and stylish, compact and snug, beautifully decorated with more minimalist paintings, which are actually for sale, wallpapered-feature walls with cool paisley patterns, they all come provided with a fresh coffee machine, which is a nice touch, and they have lovely views at the back where they face the hilly and lush green interior of the island. There is also a villa which is part of the hotel but located a further 30 yards up the hill, starting from 18,700Php for 6 people, swish and spacious, multi-colored, from the glass windows to the different cushions scattered around the distinctive sofas, and which comes equipped The stairs and hallways are like a minimaliswith a nice swimming pool in an enclosed tic living art gallery, eclectic ceramic wall little courtyard. Fantastic for a family or a hangings and wooden sculptures, group. abstract-type paintings with understated colors but vivacious brushstrokes, and simple A great little hotel, punching well above its but chic random seating, whilst the library is weight, friendly and cool and located within nice and open with a few books and board a stone’s throw from the beach or the nightgames. The rooftop bar has a couple of clubs.

Amenities: AC / Hot Water / Wi-Fi / Cable TV / Fridge / Safety Deposit Box / Library / Rooftop Bar / Breakfast / Bike Rentals / Activities / Daily Cleaning Service / Laundry / Airport Transfer / Back-up Generator Contact Details: Tel: (+63 36) 288 2469 Mobile: (+63 917) 566 2698 Email: sales@hampsteadboracay.com Website: www.hampsteadboracay.com

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THE TIDES

Amenities: AC / Hot Water / Wi-Fi / Cable TV / Fridge / Safety Deposit Box / Breakfast HIDDEN from sight and right in front of / Bike Rentals / Activities / Spa / Gym / your eyes amidst the D’Mall madness, a Swimming Pool / Rooftop Bar / Daily Cleansmall corner opening between the Heidiland ing Service / Laundry / Babysitting Service / Deli and a restaurant in the marketplace, Airport Transfer / Back-up Generator nothing more than a wide alcove but revealing a mammoth tardis-like boutique-ish number with around 60 rooms, a spacious and palatial-aspiring-but-casual reception area where you’re welcomed in with a refreshing cold towel and a drink, and where you’ll find some unique little stool-chairs made up of dozens of wooden cylindrical sticks clumped together and squeezed into a frame, peculiar but surprisingly comfortable. You then walk on to the enclosed courtyard concrete oasis, around which are all the rooms, so much space yet right in the heart of the congested action. There’s a nice spa, a small but well-equipped gym with brand-spanking new equipment, and a lovely breezy rooftop terrace bar with partitioned seating and a raised swimming pool. The rooms, with prices at 4,675Php for Essential Rooms and 6,175Php for Exceptional Rooms, are all spacious, luxurious, with a neat and clean design with black wooden furniture and understated decorations, and, though they’re all laid out the same way, each one has a different feature wall, wallpapered with different colors and patterns for each room, minimalistic and unassuming, nicely individual in a kind of quiet way. The Exceptional Rooms have a bathtub, which is a great touch, and some of the Essential Rooms have a small little veranda, whilst the corridors running alongside have interesting and quirky pattern designs stickered on the walls. The look and lavishness of a grand hotel, but with a subtle feel of boutique.

Contact Details: Tel: (+63 36) 288 4517 Mobile: (+63 917) 542 8344 Email: reservation@tidesboracay.com Website: www.tidesboracay.com

LUGAR BONITO LOCATED right on the main road at nightclub strip central, just next to the thick of the action and a mere fifty yards from the beach, with only six rooms spread over two floors, and with a slight intangible Mediterranean feel to the whole place. The rooms - ranging from 4,000Php for two people, 5,000Php for three, and 6,000Php for four - are cozy and intimate, well thought-out in layout and intelligently compact. Each room has a different theme, with a subtle rustic touch, and they all have a wonderfully kitschy and intriguing flavor to them. The walls are what you notice first and you think you’re hallucinating; painted white but the surface is undulating and uneven, like the walls are rippling and moving and swaying to their own rhythm, alongside the mismatched tiles you get in some of the bathrooms, all done on purpose for effect. But the stars of the show are the decorations and furnishings, all re-purposed items, a new one catching your eye every time you look around, an old metallic wine cooler now acting as a towel holder, an old walking frame stretched out and remodeled as a little bench, a rusty bird cage now acting as a lamp, different parts of a wooden boat taken apart and put back together again to make a multi-colored chair, or the bed headboard, or

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june august 2014 2014

7/25/14

12:24 AM

in-room

Boracay Sun

room reviews shelving units, all of it rough and untreated Power Rewards for Discovery Hotels’ and captivating because of it. Like useful Loyal Travelers folk-art. DISCOVERY Leisure Company Inc. An individualistic warm and snug little (TDLCI), the management company of place. Discovery Suites, Discovery Shores Boracay, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Club Amenities: AC / Hot Water / Wi-Fi / Cable Paradise and Discovery Primea (opening in TV / Fridge / Safety Deposit Box / BreakSeptember 2014), is rolling out the red fast / Bike Rentals / Activities / Daily carpet to honor its regular patrons and Cleaning Service / Laundry / Airport Transinternational travelers with the launch of My fer / Back-up Generator Discovery Elite (MDE) last June 15. Contact Details: My Discovery Elite (MDE) is not the usual Tel: (+63 2) 475 6827 loyalty program where benefits are limited to Mobile: (+63 917) 327 3970 hotel services. Aside from room upgrades, Email: info@lugarbonitohotel.com weekend stays, and free meals, members can Website: www.lugarbonitohotel.com use their accumulated points for gifts certificates, merchandise from exclusive boutiques, spa treatments, invitation to exclusive events, and many more. My Discovery Elite program is tailor-made for today's discriminating travelers who actively utilize mobile technology for work and leisure and likewise bringing social media at the forefront of exciting rewards and happenings. The eco-friendly tool allows MDE members to access their exclusive privileges, check point balance and redeem their awards via mydiscovery.ph. All these can be done from their desktop computer, or through their mobile wallet.

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My Discovery Elite (MDE) members can look forward to a whole new world of rewards and privileges. The longer they stay the more benefits they enjoy. Jose C. Parreño, Jr., TDLCI's chief operating officer tells Boracay Sun, “We see a great opportunity to serve our frequent guests better through the My Discovery Elite loyalty program. This is why we have invested in the program and on its distinct benefits so that we can continue to extend high quality service to those who frequent Discovery hotels.” Parreño adds, “We have chosen tie up partners that will spruce up the loyalty program to entice travelers to always choose Discovery hotel whenever they travel on business or leisure.” Every time members book a room or dine in any restaurant at Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise and very soon at Discovery Primea, accumulated points can be used to avail of the exclusive offers featured in mydiscovery.ph. Members also enjoy special discounts when they shop at Aranaz, Zalora, VMV Hypoallergenics, or when they dine at partner restaurants like M Cafe, Chelsea Cafe, or use their cards to get discounts from stores

Discovery Shores Boracay

such as Bric¹s, Cole Haan, Versace Jeans, Massimo Bonini, Oilily, and INCASE, among others.

Rewards at your fingertips Users can avail of their rewards and privileges any time they wish via their mobile wallet. By simply clicking the One Bedroom Serendipity Suite at Discovery Suites "redeem" key, they can instantly book their weekend adventure, or purchase their dream gadget. They can easily monitor accrued points and get priority access to exciting offers that are exclusive to members. MDE's mobile-friendly feature is truly a traveler¹s best buddy. Aside from the seamless redemption of accumulated points, members get special rates when they book their hotel via mydiscovery.ph. They have instant access to other travel information related to their itinerary, round-the-clock assistance, and many more. “The rewards go beyond the luxurious service that The Discovery Leisure Company has been known for. We want to be part of every traveler's memorable experience. And part of extending good service, is directly Club Paradise addressing their needs, even on the digital level. This guarantees a richer, a more fruitful travel experience for our patrons,” Parreño adds. My Discovery Elite loyalty program is a privilege extended to regular guests of Discovery Suites, Discovery Shores Boracay, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Club Paradise in Palawan, and Discovery Primea. For inquiries, call the Membership Services at (+63 2) 719 8888 or email The beachfront room at Club Paradise

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Boracay Sun

7/25/14

12:53 AM

august 2014

BORACAY MISSIONS “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; For it is in giving that we receive; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” – St. Francis of Assisi BORACAY SUN pays tribute to unsung heroes who are committed to do what they can to make the world a better place for the helpless. People with a mission to go where others would not dare, to reach out into the darkness, to seek out the poorest of the poor, to be an instrument of hope for the hopeless, we salute you.

THE FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION

BABIES OF BORACAY - A labor of love

BORACAY FUND - A call to arms

RED CROSS – Keep on keeping on

By Daniel Leemon

Charity has become a business and there are many who have become cynical at what they perceive to be mere lip service on the part of big corporations. But there are still many in the business world that still find time and money to help out.

Any charity enterprise that wants to succeed has to be, to a certain degree, fueled and driven by passion. This makes Babies of Boracay (B.O.B.) an absolute certainty to be around for a very, very long time.

There is a recognizable pattern which is stitched onto the Boracay fabric and which goes largely unreported…in times of trouble and crisis, the expats who’ve made this place their home go to a lot of trouble and effort to help.

ITS founder and organizer Chelsey Hall is positively bursting with fervor and genuine enthusiasm at what she sees as a way to make a real difference to the community by helping the young kids of Boracay, as well as the mums who she’s trying to empower by getting them involved.

Turn to page 26 for this story.

Boracay NGOs’ Acts of Charity By Amanda Virrey

Having spent time working in an orphanage in Africa, she came to Boracay on a mission, having already secured funds from an anonymous benefactor, to establish something simple to provide basic learning for local kids by way of a playpen, with special emphasis on nutrition, as well as setting up future workshops where the ‘mummies’ can acquire new skills which may lead to alternative sources of income.

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BORACAY Wall Street Incorporated (BWSI), the umbrella which this very publication falls under, might be a business enterprise but it also has a wide-ranging Social Responsibility Program dedicated to sponsoring a whole host of different projects and donating to countless different charities over the years, in Boracay and beyond, and indeed are committed to donating 10% of all future earnings to charity. They have an ongoing relationship with Red Cross on this island, providing the funds for a myriad of projects as and when they’re needed, they are one of the contributors in the fairly new Babies of Boracay, and they have donated to many of the worthwhile causes on Boracay in the last few years, including the various different projects in the aftermath of Yolanda, which they are still donating to. They were responsible for reforestation on Tablas, they led the Reef Rehabilitation and Protection program there, they’ve built five health centers, three of them in conjunction with the Rotary International Club which Chris Bech used to be the president of, four schools in Tablas and Samar, as well as rebuilding and restoring many classrooms in already existing schools, they have implemented feeding programs at elementary schools on both islands, both medical and feeding programs for the elderly, lots of arts projects for young kids, they support orphanages in both Cavite and Samar, they have been involved in deworming and anti-dengue campaigns, the list is long and varied and all the different programs are ongoing. But the most important enterprise they’re involved in is the scholarships they provide for the 300 or so students they’re putting through school, from elementary all the way through to university. “The only way to help the people in this country is to give them an education, help them to become self-sufficient…” says Chris Bech, CEO of BWSI. And they did this directly. As well as going by referrals from people they knew, they also went into the villages and sought out the kids in need. Despite initial resistance from parents who couldn’t see the point in their kids going to school when they saw their future as a village life pre-ordained, they slowly built up a roster of different kids of all ages who they offered full scholarships to, paying for books, food, travel, school uniforms, anything that was needed, as well as school fees, laptops, housing, and living expenses at University level, with the only requirement being hard work. “They have to have good grades and show some sort of aptitude, but more than that, they have to be motivated…” Chris emphasizes. At the time of writing there are nine kids who have been put through school, from the age of ten, through high school and now on to university, and the support doesn’t just end there, with work experience opportunities offered to them within the organization during their summer vacations. Charity is important but it’s always going to a short-term thing. The long-term solution is to empower people, enable them to help themselves, and education is the key. And this group is doing their best to help unlock a few doors.

THIS is exactly what happened when Yolanda hit. A few well-meaning expats got together and formed the Boracay Fund in order to try and help “Education is an equalizer. And I wanted to give in the aftermath of this devastating catastrophe, kids some sort of discipline, or structure, to dealing with it with action rather than words, prepare them for when they go to proper school”, direct involvement as opposed to directing from she explains. “And I chose Boracay because of the sidelines. There were no formal arrangements the strong western influence. I wanted to go and no official meetings, just a genuine will to where there would be the most exposure, maybe help at ground level, and, without too much build it from there and export it to other places”. rhyme or reason, the group splintered off as different people took on the responsibility of She found a plot of land on Tambisan, where a different regions destroyed and left in ruins. dilapidated shack stood, and she went to work, rebuilding and extending what she now calls her Claus Bauer, President of the Boracay Internation“little bamboo doll house” to include a kitchen as al School amongst other things, and Susi Trischwell as a greenhouse in the back. She secured the berger of Aria, somehow ended up going inland services of a couple of well-meaning volunteers onto Malay. The plan was simple. They got some and then went out to the community to reach the money together by digging into their own pockets families, who welcomed the scheme since the and asking for donations from friends, spent it on whole idea is that they help to run it, or as she what they thought were the most essential items, so passionately explains, “I didn’t want to come asked the Red Cross who’s been hit the hardest, in like the big white thunder, I want BOB to be then went and distributed it accordingly. theirs not mine”. Seven ‘mummies’ became The road was long, and strewn with debris and volunteers - and there are also a couple of live-in fallen trees, and they reached their chosen destinavolunteers from abroad, and the whole thing took tion region to find it flattened, the streets full of off very quickly with around 80 kids already roaming homeless and hungry people. They first registered, and up to 40 kids attending on any went to San Isidro, then San Francisco, then a given day. few other places on a type of exploratory The routine is pretty simple, playtime, nursery rhymes in both English and Tagalog, music classes, dance, painting, outdoor games, and the all-important feeding program where emphasis is placed on the little details like washing their hands, taking their plate up to the counter after they’ve finished, saying thank you. The idea is to establish some life skills, which will be needed in school itself and beyond. The website will soon be up and running and direct donations will be possible, with transparency on where the money is going. There are also grand expansion plans in place as they look to set up BOB 2 in November, then one in Tablas, one in Caticlan… And judging by the passion of its founder, it will just keep on growing. For donations and more information find Babies of Boracay on Facebook.

giveaway walkabout, literally standing in the middle of the street together with the Barangay Captain and just handing out packages they’d prepared, a selection of materials, like tarpaulin, nails, and rope, and foodstuffs, like canned sardines and rice, as well as medicines, managing to help maybe 300 families at a time. “The amazing thing was that there was no stampede even though these were desperate people. They queued up nice and orderly…” Claus says. They came back and formulated a more long-term plan. They continued to raise money from local donations, but then also reached out to friends abroad and used social media to spread the word. Their missions of mercy turned into a regular thing, and all subsequent efforts concentrated on one town, San Isidro. Claus explains why this came to be. “Once, when we tried to give them more tarpaulin for shelter, they assured us that they had enough and told us about another place nearby which was in more need for it. This impressed us.” The goal changed from emergency assistance to sustainability, and the money got redirected to stuff beyond a mere food survival pack; they built a new school, around twenty new homes, a few fishing boats to allow people to sustain themselves, and now they’re building a new community boat which will act as an emergency services vehicle, as well as a tool for transporting water to the disparate islands in the area. Donations have slowed down somewhat and the near future will see this group’s efforts directed towards more local affairs like building new classrooms at the Yapak school and continuing with their program of teaching local kids how to read amongst others. “We started with a broad vision, now we’re trying to narrow it down a little, concentrate on more local but high-impact deeds”, Claus explains. Some people talk, others act. Whilst many expats enjoy the sunshine and cheap beer, this group are quietly getting on with the job of giving and trying to make a difference to their adopted home. For donations and more information please visit the website at www.boracayfund.org.

AMONG the Non Government Organizations (NGOs) on Boracay that that function for the benefit of humanitarian and environmental reliefs most especially caused by devastating calamities, are the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) and the Philippine Mermaids Swimming Academy (PMSA). Being an organization composed of a growing number of local establishments, the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) has a stock full of plans to deliver to the most needy of the island community and that of its neighbors. It also sustains the wages of four Bantay Dagat sea rangers who have been deputized by the LGU Municipal Agricultures Office to ensure that Boracay’s coastal waters are protected from illegal activities like illegal fishing, which have been abused for tourism. In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, BFI’s Christmas Party for a Cause raised funds for the Balabag Elementary School building, which not only was severely damaged by the typhoon but was also a designated venue for evacuation. Last month, three classrooms were installed with new roofs, new jalousies, fresh paint and many more improvements. Many other charitable acts include a donated desktop PC to the Boracay Police; relief goods that served 2,000 families, plus roofing materials and cash for the severely affected families in Barangay in Libacao, Aklan; school supplies for 65 children from the Ati tribe; cash sponsorship to support four Boracay PNP personnel for their advanced schooling in the PNP Academy; and cash donations for the setup of the Red Cross First Aid Station in D’Mall. The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy (PMSA) is a humanitarian and nature-driven organization. With a fast-growing global reputation, the benevolent sea creatures – the mermaids of PMSA are out to rescue humans and animals. Under the banner Project MOM (Mermaids on a Mission), the PMSA began its environmental conservation advocacy last year with an outreach program called the Mermaid Therapy Program, with free workshops and dental care for special needs children, basic first aid and CPR for rural fishing communities in cooperation with Red Cross Boracay. When reports of calamity-stricken towns around Boracay reached the island a few days after Typhoon Yolanda made its landfall, PMSA founder Normeth Preglo along with Carlos Blanch of Fisheye Divers organized the collection of funds and relief goods for the population of Maniguin Island, a tiny island off the coast of Antique Province in the Southwestern side of Panay Island. Along with other active mermaids, they voyaged on board the M/V Maruja dive boat to this remote island and distributed the goods. Last summer, Project MOM answered the call to save stranded dolphins in the northern part of the country. At Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, two days of courses and photo-op sessions raised funds for the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, an organization that was caring for three stranded dolphins. This fundraising event was carried over to Boracay a week later with awareness programs headed by a Marine Biologist of the BFI, with special media coverage by Euro News, and their program “Learning World” on TV. These NGOs are reliable, credible and always willing to achieve a mission for a good cause. So if you want to extend your help to the needy while you’re vacationing on the island, just get in touch with the BFI or PMSA.

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june august 2014 2014

7/25/14

12:53 AM

Boracay Sun

POOREST OF THE POOR,

NO MORE By Freida Dario-Santiago Photos By Cha Santos

Missions of love and solidarity for our Boracay Ati brethren THE Boracay Ati Tribal Organization’s (BATO) journey to self-determination and empowerment is one of hope, determination, and above all, love. An outpouring of compassion always followed their suffering, and in the darkest of times, they were never alone. Having witnessed much, with much more support left unknown, nothing but sheer love for our brothers and sisters of color could have delivered such an unrelenting support through decades of struggle. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish Ati Mission (OLHRPAM) C

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After visits to Boracay Island back in 2000, then Kalibo Bishop Monsignor Gabriel V. Reyes (now Bishop of Antipolo) decided to embrace a mission for the diocese on the indigenous people (IPs) and immediately set to work by inviting some sisters from the Daughters of Charity (DC) missions to visit the island and to see to the indigenous Ati of Boracay. True enough, the DC missions were directed towards the IPs at the time, so they welcomed the invitation wholeheartedly and started sending sisters to live among the Ati. Although there were NGOs visiting the Ati in the 90s, none were permanent. This was the beginning of OLHRPAM’s selfless work with the community. To this day, the DC mission is sustained under the OLHRPAM, under the guidance of Reverend Father Arnaldo ‘Nonoy' Crisostomo and the direction of Bishop Talaoc of the diocese. According to Evangeline Tamboon, BATO council leader, the support from Fr. Nonoy – known to be an outspoken defender and spokesperson for BATO, Fr, Jomil and Fr. Edwin has been overflowing, offering their support even through the most difficult (and dangerous) times, particularly after one of their youth leaders, Dexter Condez was murdered (read more on page 10), and the parish has been there every step of the way. Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (DC) Mission The DC missionary sisters first came to Boracay in 2000 and they have lived with the BATO to this day – that’s 14 years of unbridled commitment. Sr. Ma. Flor Jalmasco, D.C., a DC missionary for the past 17 years who has been living with the Ati since May 2013 is referred to as the Sister Servant (Mother Superior in other orders). She says, “Our mission is not superiority but to serve the local community.” Acting as the project coordinator, she describes her job as “the one who animates the local community or congregation, the people entrusted to our care.” Sr. Elvie Oliamot

who has been around for three years is in charge of land advocacy and education, while Sister Teresa Villarin who arrived in May of this year and is a nurse by profession, is in charge of health. She tells us that from the beginning, their role was to be like mothers to the Ati community, teaching them to walk on their own, rearing them as best as one could, while being sensitive to their indigenous sensibilities. It was the DC sisters that worked on acquiring the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) for years, which was eventually awarded to BATO by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on January 21, 2011. Sr. Flor defines the DC’s main mission in Boracay as “Guiding them to grow towards being self-governing, and spirit-filled.” Spiritual guidance is not a matter of religion but making sure there is time for spirituality, without depriving them of their culture and rituals. We witnessed how the children tugged at her habit, how the women whispered into her ear, and how the men waited for direction. Her involvement in their daily lives has no bounds – from playing with the kids, accompanying birthing mothers, playing referee to husband and wife. Breakfast is served with good doses of maternal advice, and on her days off, she enjoys cooking for the community. She sums it up with a quote from DC co-founder St. Vincent de Paul: “Your smell must be their smell. What you learn in the universities is nothing compared to the university of the poor.” With good humor she adds matter-of-factly, “Pati nga kuto, may kuto na kami.” (“Even lies, we have lies already.”) She adds, “No matter our struggles with the DILG and LGU, the providence and grace of God is overflowing.” According to Tamboon, “Their mission is to care for the people. They communicate on our behalf and are teaching us to speak for ourselves. By 2016 we will be on our own so slowly, they are helping us get used to handling our own affairs.” Sr. Flor is confident that they will be ready. “Fr. Nonoy challenges me to encourage them to integrate with people and so I try to teach them humility and equality – that it means not expecting any special treatment.” Of their detractors who say that the sisters do more harm than good by trying to influence the Ati, she says, “This is the mission of Jesus, to go to the marginalized and let them experience Jesus’ love through you. The challenge is to find the poorest of the poor. In Boracay, the Ati is the poorest of the poor, they have been deprived for so many years. And when you die, God will ask only one question: “How did you love, and who did you love?”

Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI)

Champions

In 2010 ADFI president Benjamin Abadiano, a Mangyan and a Tagbanua leader, helped facilitate the visioning activity of the BATO. The minority’s vision, mission and goals are now articulated in their ADSDPP. Apart from the major support for various community development programs and constructions, ADFI also provided technical and financial assistance for the ADSDPP, development of IP learning materials and curriculum, development and management of the Ati soap enterprise and trainings on leadership, bookkeeping, financial management and organizational development.

The Boracay Ati have countless champions who prefer not to be named, but time and again, the Ati members have acknowledged them for their silent commitment through the years such as Dr. Rabin Sarda of Hey Jude Hotel who donated 10 houses, sponsors the monthly feeding program, is responsible for some scholarships including teacher Lourdes’ – one of two fulltime teachers at the Ati learning center. Tamboon said, “He is really the most loyal of supporters ever since, we cannot even begin to count all the good he has done. There are many more like him and we are forever grateful.”

Their long-term goal is to help make the community and its people self-sustaining and fully empowered. According to Kristine Sumalinab, ADFI program officer for special projects, “BATO will continue to be our partners in advancing the IPs agenda. Should they need us, we will still be there especially in terms of strengthening their IPO and in sending more IP youths to school.” ADFI is confident that by 2016, the community members will be fully empowered to independently implement their development plans, run their own school, manage their livelihood programs and strengthen their own natural resource management practices. ADFI’s advocacy program hopes to reach the poorest of the poor. Their mission is to seek to uplift, empower and transform the disadvantaged in society towards attaining their full human development, through direct intervention or in partnership with institutions and communities, as co-stewards of human and environmental resources. Their culturally sensitive services are rooted in faith, love and justice. To learn more about the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc., their advocacies and how you can help support their missions, visit their website at www.assisi-foundation.org or email them at assisi.foundation@gmail.com.

Another staunch supporter is lifestyle designer and Nautilus owner Pj Arañador whose advocacy called ‘Project Dimension’ spearheads an empowerment project for the Boracay Ati women. Commissioned by the NCIP, he works as a volunteer, and already he has forged a collaboration with ADFI, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Brother international, Smart and Nautilus. Still in the works, the ultimate goal of the livelihood project is to put money in their pockets for their daily sustenance to start with. Indeed, blessed are those who teach men (or women) how to fish. You can reach Pj at pj_aranador@yahoo.com and visit his blog site at www.pjaranador.blogspot.com. Arañador raised a fine point, “I think, we all should just give them space, empower them and let them move on.” For this writer who has witnessed the Boracay Ati’s plight through the years and their eventual rise from the rubble, this moment is their time to settle in, settle down, take it all in, and in stride. I am just overjoyed to see their genuine smiles that can light up the darkest skies. As I left the village on my most recent visit, they were singing hymns in preparation for Sunday mass. Hope and gratitude resound in their voices, and the most beautiful thing is that they now sing in harmony, as one. To find out how you can support the Ati people of Boracay, you may call the BATO office at (+63 36) 288 2623, email Sr. Ma. Flor Jalmasco, D.C. at florjalmasco@yahoo.com, and find Boracay Ati Community on Facebook. Donations for the school (which will be a pre-school, elementary tutorial, adult literacy and cultural awareness learning center), and other development projects are most welcome.

Boracay’s future leaders? The future looks promising for the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization’s children. You may very well be looking at the barangay captains, parish priests, resort managers, or even the future mayor of Boracay!

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Boracay Sun

7/25/14

12:24 AM

events

august 2014

island happenings A storm is coming! By Monique Tolentino

“Anyone who thinks sunshine is pure happiness has never danced in the rain.” – Anonymous WE are at the height of Habagat and yes, a storm (of fun filled island activities that is) is coming! No matter how harsh the weather can be the island that never sleeps doesn’t run out of happening events to suit your mood this crazy monsoon season. Checkout the surge of these #HabagatHits for the month of August. For more updates, join us on Facebook and visit our website at www.boracaysun.com. Tell us about your upcoming events, two months in advance, by emailing editorial@boracaysun.com.

at 7:30PM onwards. Find them on Facebook: WHERE: Beachfront of Bulabog at the back www.facebook.com/levantin.boracay. area near 7Stones Boracay Suites. For inquiries & reservations call (+63 36) 288 2763) or email reservations@levantinboracay.com. VENUE/HOST: THE VESSEL AT MANDALA SPA & VILLAS

VENUE/ HOST: APLAYA BEACH BAR AND RESTAURANT

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Moon Parties with the distinctive island vibe and incredible music by resident DJs Erwin Edralin and Reo Mendoza – beloved by the locals as “the best DJs in the world,” who promise to take Boracay on an unforgettable WHAT’S HAPPENING: Every Day Aperi- journey until sunrise on these special dates, tivo (11 to 1PM); Every Day Sunset and get a chance to party with Boracay’s Sessions; Every Day Detox friendly local aliens! WHY GO: Aplaya offers breakfast, aperiti- WHERE: Lugutan Beach, South of Bulabog vo, lunch and dinner. The menu consists of Beach. Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Regular cocktails are available, but Aplaya’s signature drinks are a must-try! Come by bask in VENUE/ HOST: CUTIECOOL NAIL the beach vibes with some chill house, funk, SALON house & live music at this beachfront chill-out spot. Every Day Aperitivo – one drink + one tapa for Php200 Every Day Sunset Sessions – happy hour from 4 to 8PM on selected drinks and beers Every Day Detox – Detox juices, food corner specials and cocktails MONDAYS – Wine club/ Little Italy alternating from week to week WEDNESDAYS – Ladies Night Out: Special treat for ladies with a 50% discount on all our pasta dishes and drinks from 5 to 10PM. Happy hour is also available for gentlemen until 8PM FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS – Life chill house vibes DJ from sunset to sundown depending on the week. WHAT’S HAPPENING: Treat yourself to SUNDAYS – Sunday brunch SPECIAL DISCOUNTS are available to the perfect place for relaxation and self-pamlocals & residents (10%) and senior citizens pering during this crazy monsoon season open on Mondays to Saturdays. (20%) upon presentation of official ID. WHERE: Find them at the Boracay Beach WHY GO: A cute, cool, comfy nail salon Resort beachfront, between Station 1 and 2. with the island's most creative nail art designs. Enjoy our special promos for every day of the week as well as discounts for VENUE/ HOST: AREA 51 TOP SECRET Boracay locals. PARTY FACILITY WHERE: Plazoleta, right next to Juice Bar WHAT’S HAPPENING: Full Moon Party on Station 2 on August 11 and Black Moon Party on August 25 WHY GO: Situated away from the party VENUE/ HOST: LEVANTIN strip, AREA 51 ‘Top Secret Facility’ WHAT’S HAPPENING: Romanian Buffet, reinvents what it means to party in Boracay, Moonlight Party with an underground vibe where free spirits WHY GO: Beachfront live entertainment, are allowed to soar in a relaxed and unpre- body painting, vampire-inspired happy hour tentious party atmosphere, reminiscent of the alongside a Romanian buffet, and buckets of old Boracay, promising a unique clubbing fun! experience. One has never really partied in Romanian buffet (every Thursday) starts at Boracay until they step foot in AREA 51, 6:30PM onwards. known for their legendary monthly Full Moonlight party (August 12, 2014) starts

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Yoga and Dance Classes Regular daily classes are at 9AM, 12NOON, 2PM, 4PM, and 7PM. Classes are Community Classes, which are donation based. WHY GO: Experience the magic of The Vessel, Visit and join the island's unconventional souls as they celebrate life with the life enhancing activities and events. Classes available are Yoga ( various types from Kundalini, Tantra. Vinyasa Flow, Mantra, Ashtanga) and Dance ( Zumba, Belly Dancing, Jazz, Pole Dancing and Crossfit. Avail the 10 Pass Class for Php3,500 good for 3 months WHERE: Mandala Spa & Villas, Along Angol Road Station 3 Brgy. Manoc-Manoc. For Inquiries contact: The Vessel: (+ 36 36) 288 5888; Mandala Spa & Villas reception:

(+ 63 36) 288 5858; Mobile: (+63 917) 506 4943, (+63 0915) 414 7193 and (+ 63 999) 712 2665; email: thevessel.msv@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevesselmandala or visit their website: www.mandalaspa.com.

VENUE/HOST: TRUE YOGA WHAT’S HAPPENING: Daily Yoga classes at 9AM Offering Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow & Anusara-inspired classes. Avail of the special Weekly Unlimited Pass (unlimited yoga for 7 days) for only Php1,500 and a Drop-in rate of Php400. Mats are provided. If you are an island resident or staying for at least 1 month, ask about their monthly rates. The same great, inspiring, well trained and seasoned yoga instructors of True Yoga on White beach now hold a weekly afternoon class every Wednesday at 4PM at The Vessel at Mandala Spa & Villas – an utterly amazing and space to practice and an awesome venue meet other soulful yoga practitioners. The same drop-in rate applies at Php400, with a special 25% discount for island The Vessel at Mandala Spa & Villas residents. The classes vary between Vinyasa entrance is along Angol Road, Flow, led Ashtanga and Anusara depending Manoc-Manoc (behind Mandala Spa & on the teacher for that week. Villas). For inquiries, call Nicole at (+63 WHERE: True Yoga is located at the 2/F 917) 700 2292, (+63 918) 916 2252 or of True Food Indian Restaurant, Station 2. email nicolerasp@yahoo.com.

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june august 2014 2014

7/24/14

11:51 PM

events

Boracay Sun

events PHILIPPINE RED CROSS CHILI COOK-OFF PART II By Monique Tolentino

THE ANNUAL Chili Cook Off Competition, a seasonal fund raising activity to help the Philippine Red Cross Boracay-Malay Chapter Boracay Sun's Lyra Tabalong and Monique Tolentito help generate funds to sustain its disaster no with the Red Cross organizers preparedness training and youth development activities in Boracay and Malay is now on ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM TAKES its second year. This said event is meant to HOME THE BELT be a “fun, fund day enjoyment” while at the same time showcasing the flair of Boracay’s By Monique Tolentino own local chefs. FIGHT FANS, friends and the island family The chili cook-off panel of judges consisted of Swedish MMA fighter Zebaztian Kadesof Wilhelm ‘Bollie’ Bolton, Chef Philip tam gathered together on June 27 at Epic Schauli and Paul Tomlinson. Among the Boracay for the viewing party of PXC 44 establishments represented by their respective which took place at the UOG Fieldhouse in chefs were: 7 Stones Boracay Suites, Guam. Ambassador in Paradise Resort, Ariel’s House/Boracay Beach Club, Asya Premier The main event featured the 23-year-old Suites Boracay, Boracay Haven, Boracay Kadestam’s shot at the 170-pound title Regency Beach Resort & Spa, Crafty’s against PXC’s undefeated black belt BrazilRooftop, Kings Cuisine, Maya’s Filipino & ian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Josh Calvo. The Swede Mexican Cuisine, Nagisa Japanese Restau- was in control for the entire duration of the rant, The Deck @ Blue Dawn, The Tides fight, outpointing Calvo with his strikes and Hotel Boracay, True Food Indian Cuisine, dominating all the rounds except for one takedown in the fifth and final round. Calvo, Valhalla Bar & and Zapravka #2. meanwhile, did have his moments but hardly 7 Stones Boracay Suites bagged first place gave his opponent any difficulty. After five taking home Php5,000 in cash, kitchen appli- tough rounds and some vicious leg kicks ances and a perpetual trophy followed by from Kadestam, the fighter was awarded the The Tides Hotel Boracay coming in at belt in a unanimous decision by the judges. second place with Php3,000 in cash and kitchen appliances. Third place went to On July 11, ‘The Bandit’ was warmly greetMaya’s Filipino & Mexican Cuisine with ed by his Boracay family, friends and fans Php2,000 in cash and kitchen appliances at Fusion Lounge and Sports Bar in Bulabog while Crafty’s Rooftop won the People’s Beach for his much awaited island homecoming and victory party. The belt was on Choice Award. display, screens all over the bar showcasing Zeb’s previous fights and flowing drinks. The night was capped off by the legendary monthly Full Moon Party at Area 51. Zebaztian Kadestam has been training with Legacy Gym and has been settled on the island for more or less two years.

PMSA mermaids immerse in a Reef Restoration lecture by BFI's JM Lumagod at Balinghai Beach Resort

TRIPLE S INVITATIONAL

‘The Bandit’ Zebaztian Kadestam

PROJECT MOM SAVES THE SEA By Amanda Virrey Photos by JM Lumagod FOLLOWING their dolphin-saving campaign at Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay on May 10 and 11, the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy reasserted their true claim of the sea at the Project MOM or Mermaids on a Mission event in Boracay on May 23.

“2GO Travel has sponsored this promising athlete for some time now, and we have seen him grow from his win-after-win status until now, as world champion. Zebaztian is a Swedish fighter based in Boracay wherein we, as 2GO Travel, support Boracay's tourism, especially the island's ‘Sports Tourism’ development. We wanted to let the world know that Boracay is not only a beautiful beach destination, but also a venue for many sports activities which is now the adopted home of our chosen champion!” – Stephen Tagud, VP 2Go Travel

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7Stones' first place winning entry

“Zebaztian trains intensely hard every day in order to be the best fighter possible. Congratulations to him achieving a most deserved first championship belt. Zeb has brought honor and glory to himself, Legacy Gym, his family, friends and Boracay!” – Barry Chew, MyBoracayGuide “It's a true pleasure representing The Bandit. I applaud his tireless work ethic and commitment to social responsibility. These are two unmistakable qualities of Zebaztian as mentor for young athletes and as a true World Champion. I see only great things in his future, and am thrilled to be involved. “ – Aaron Civitarese, Positive Vibration Patrons Co-founder

The full day marine campaign began with mermaid classes and photo-op sessions with tourists at White Beach in front of Fish-Eye Divers. Afterwards, the mermaids, led by founder Normeth Preglo wagged their glittering tails on the shore for an official press video, to be included in Project MOM’s special feature at Learning World, a TV program in the globally acclaimed Euro News channel. Together with the Boracay Foundation, Inc. and Balinghai Beach Resort, the mermaids attended a Reef Restoration lecture presented by marine experts JM Lumagod from the BFI and Jan Balquin from the LGU, followed by the much-awaited coral planting in support of the Boracay Beach Management Program beyond the cove of Balinghai. The sinking of a mermaid statue into a huge rock in the depths of Balinghai was PMSA’s grand offering for the vibrant fishes laying their eggs within the area. Proceeds of this event went to the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN). To know more about Project MOM the PMSA’s marine advocacies, find Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy on Facebook.

Euro News shoots a video of the Mermaids on White Beach

FEATURING more than 35 of the world’s most influential kiteboarders, the prestigious Venyu Triple-S Invitational runs during the first week of June at REAL Watersports in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Invited Riders and wildcard winners compete in three disciplines — Surf, Slicks, and Sliders — showcasing the planet’s most progressive kiteboarding action for a full week. (Source: www.triplesinvitational.com) This year, the girls in the league rode harder than ever, including local kiteboarder Paula Rosales, the only Filipino invited to join this league, who demonstrated that kiteboarding is a progressing sport in Asia, especially in the island Boracay. Triple S Invitational overall winner Colleen Carroll was training hard in the cable parks around Asia, especially in the Philippines and spent two weeks in our sunny little island paradise to train for the said event. Read about their travel to Asia-Thailand and Philippines at www.stanceplanet.com.

Boracay kiteboarder Paula Rosales struts her stuff

This year’s Triple S girls

Overall winner Colleen Carroll claims her prize

The chefs behind the 1st place masterpiece

Chili Cook Off II participants and organizers

REAL Watersports in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

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7/25/14

12:23 AM

page 16 and 25.pdf

june august 2014 2014

7/24/14

11:57 PM

health & wellbeing

Boracay Sun

leisure guide Boracay Sun reviews Boracay’s top leisure activities.

Boracay Racquet Club: A Place Where You Can Smash! By Mark Cabrera GOOD NEWS Boracay badminton fanatics! We now have a new indoor badminton haven. The Boracay Racquet Club opened it doors last July 14 at Zone 1 Diniwid, Barangay Balabag, Boracay. How it Began Boracay resident couple Greg and Chicklette Keyser have been playing badminton for years. They started playing badminton with a small group of friends in a gymnasium in Barangay Yapak, and soon enough, the group of badminton enthusiasts grew. Boracay residents Bong and Amanda Tirol tried the sport joined the badminton group. Bong Tirol, a former varsity player, found out through his running gadget that given the same amount of time, playing badminton burns almost double the calories compared to running, which is his primary mode of exercise). He discovered that playing badminton was more challenging in a fun way. In badminton, you play against someone or a team. You are challenged to use technique, strategy, skill and teamwork. You are challenged to train hard to develop endurance and the skills needed to win.

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Badminton became a part of the group’s lives that whenever they would go to Manila, they would play badminton in ‘authentic’ badminton courts. At those badminton courts in Manila, they noticed that there was a huge difference playing in the Boracay gymnasium turned makeshift

badminton court. Actually there are three major differences between playing in a makeshift court and a dedicated badminton court: First, in a technical badminton court, the game is more in control. When you smash hard without aiming, the shuttlecock goes out. Second, the air in an ideal badminton court is denser than a higher and wider gymnasium, thus affecting the performance of the shuttlecock and the gameplay. Thirdly, dedicated badminton courts have rubber flooring, mostly called a Taraflex mat. The rubber mat hugely aids footwork and somehow reduces the tension and impact on a badminton player’s knees and joints. Upon realizing this, Bong Tirol and Greg Keyser thought of building a dedicated badminton court in Boracay Island. The idea was received with enthusiasm, support and encouragement, even from non-Boracay residents who expressed excitement at the prospect of traveling to the island just to play at the brand new racquet club. So together with Chester Gellido and Atty. Raymund Lachica, Tirol and Keyser built Boracay’s first dedicated badminton court. Bong’s ever-supportive father, Admiral Leonard Tirol, was generous enough to share his property which is now the site of Boracay Racquet Club.

The facility initially has two badminton courts with Taraflex mats on wood

goal is to produce a world-class player from Boracay Island. As such, they offer training sessions for island residents, with two trainers from Manila who are available to teach and train aspiring athletes. They are encouraging the youth to try this sport and are offering the indoor facility as an alternative playing area especially during Habagat season. Greg also added that this sport is way to lure the youth away from negative influences in the community.

Rates The Boracay Racquet Club is at Zone 1 Diniwid, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island. They are open from 7AM to 10PM. Rates are at 200Php per head (play all you can) from 7AM to 4PM and at 350Php per hour from 5PM to 10PM. Trainer fee is 300Php per person per hour.

The facility has two badminton courts with Taraflex mats on wood flooring. Wearing Sports Program badminton shoes or other non-marking Aside from having an authentic indoor Indeed, this awesome indoor facility is a rubber shoes are highly recommended. For badminton court, according to Keyser, their smashing idea! reservations call (+63 999) 883 7968 or (+63 939) 936 2459.

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Boracay Sun

7/24/14

10:33 PM

health & wellbeing

healthy you After graduating from the University of the Philippines, “Doc Girlie” found herself in Boracay and has considered it home for the past 15 years, deeply committed to a love for learning and in ensuring and providing the best health care possible for its residents and tourists, operating Metropolitan Doctors Clinics and Laboratory.

LEPTOSPIROSIS is a real threat By Maria Cristina Teotico, MD Habagat and the rains are here again, bringing with it a whole slew of diseases we need to protect ourselves from. As second in the series, we will try to give you a bird’s eye view of another real threat during the rainy season: Leptospirosis.

There are two main types of Leptospirosis: With mild Leptospirosis, a patient experiences muscle pains, chills and possibly a headache. 90% of cases are of this type. Severe Leptospirosis on the other hand can be life threatening, with a risk of organ failure and internal hemorrhaging. This occurs when the bacterium infects the kidneys, liver and other major organs. Experts are not sure why some patients develop the severe form, but people who are already very ill, such as those with pneumonia, young children under five, and elderly individuals are more susceptible.

Data from the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Epidemiology Center showed that the number of cases as of August 2013 alone reached 2,471, 62% higher than previous years.

Why is Leptospirosis bad? M

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Leptospirosis affects a wide variety of organs, like the brain, liver and kidneys. In its late stages, if left untreated, it can cause meningitis, liver damage and renal failure. According to Dr. Tayag of the DOH, “One out of 10 of those infected by Leptospirosis can have complications that can cause death. This includes acute renal failure requiring dialysis.”

According the to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the time between exposure to a contaminated source and falling ill can be as short as two days, to as long as four weeks. Anyone with a history of wading through flooded waters and high-grade fever lasting more than two days should be brought to the nearest facility for evaluation.

The problem with Leptospirosis is that it appears similar to other diseases. In its early states, mild Leptospirosis is hard to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to flu.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection acquired mainly by wading in water contaminated by infected rat’s urine. This is highly endemic in the Philippines. Outbreaks usually occur during the typhoon season.

How do we know if someone has Leptospirosis?

What are the symptoms?

What is Leptospirosis?

Human leptospiral infections can occur when mucus membranes and skin are contaminated by the urine of infected animals, or upon ingestion of contaminated food and water, all of which may occur when an individual is exposed to flood waters. Thus the occurrence of freshwater flooding after typhoons or increased rainfall can lead to an increased risk of Leptospirosis.

Even without a wound, Leptospirosis can enter the body through mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

Contracting the disease When water with contaminated urine (mostly from infected rats) comes into contact with open wounds, eyes, lips, or the genitals and anal area, the disease can immediately be transmitted to humans. Protection is prevention Avoiding wading in potentially contaminated water and prevention of direct contact anywhere in your body with floodwater, especially if you have open wounds (even just a scratch), is the best protection against Leptospirosis. Using waterproof clothing such as boots or gloves is also helpful.

Common symptoms include high-grade fever, chills, diarrhea, reddening of the eyes, severe headaches that can come on suddenly, muscle pain particularly in the lower back and calves, nausea, poor appetite, and skin pain.

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PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE 1. Keep your house and surrounding areas clean. 2. Parents should instruct children not to wade or swim in floodwaters. 3. If exposure to flood waters is unavoidable, protective gear such as boots, goggles, overalls, and rubber gloves should be used. 4. All food and drinking water should be protected against contamination. Fresh vegetables and fruit should be washed in previously boiled or clean water and then cooked or peeled. 5. Boil drinking water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Physical filtration through ceramic or charcoal filters is not adequate for Leptospirosis. 6. Food should be protected against rodent attack or contamination. 7. If children are exposed to flood waters, antibiotic prophylaxis may decrease occurrence of clinical disease and mortality. Prophylactic antibiotics should be given under the supervision of a physician, who can give advice regarding effects, precautions and contraindications for these medications.

Prophylaxis is not 100% effective. Prevention of exposure is most prudent. Monitor all those exposed for the occurrence of symptoms of leptospirosis. The early signs of infection occur between four and 10 days after exposure, and usually begin with a fever and an influenza-like illness. Headaches, sensitivity to light, muscle and joint pains, vomiting and fatigue are also common. Seek medical attention once these symptoms are noted. Leptospirosis is a real threat especially during floods. It's a difficult disease to diagnose and treat. So for those wading in the floods, especially those with open wounds, take Doxycycline 200mg maximum dose once weekly, EXCEPT CHILDREN, PREGNANT and LACTATING WOMEN and those with known ALLERGY to Doxycycline. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to ask and consult your health professional. Keep safe.

Severe Leptospirosis affects vital organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, and the brain. The symptoms include fatigue, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, coughing up blood (in sever cases, the patient chokes on his own blood), swelling of hands, feet or ankles, jaundice (yellowing of eyes, tongue and skin), confusion/disorientation, seizures, and stiff neck. If left untreated, these are life threatening. Disclaimer: It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you may have.

safety tips The regular section Safety Tips by Marlo Schönenberger of Red Cross Boracay-Malay chapter is making way for the special feature on Boracay Missions (Continued from the centerfold).

RED CROSS – Keep on keeping on By Daniel Leemon

Some organizations have been around for so long that it’s sometimes easy to take them for granted, familiarity breeding a kind of passive blasé regard, a kind of ‘what-have-you-done-for-me-lately’ attitude. Quite a lot as it turns out… THE Red Cross on Boracay have been relentlessly doing their bit for the community for a very long time but it’s only when you really delve into their activities that you realize just how wide-ranging and hard-working they really are. They are involved with so many projects that it’s practically impossible to talk in depth about all of them. They are involved in a lot of community-based training in Disaster Management, giving lessons and instruction on how to recognize potential risks in their area, how to prepare for them, and how to deal with them should they occur. They draw out maps of a region and help the locals work out where the risks are, where a river may overflow, potential fire hazards, areas which would be the weakest and most affected by an earthquake, before then training people up on First Aid, CPR, evacuation procedures, fire drills, and anything that may be of help in an emergency situation.

They helped repair classrooms and offered food relief and clothing after Yolanda hit, working together with various groups like the Boracay Fund, and they also run Blood Donation programs and education on Health & Hygiene, as well as psychosocial support for people who’ve been involved in catastrophes. But it’s their work with the youth that deserves the biggest credit. They have established a division called the Red Cross Youth, through which they not only educate and train up local children of all ages on a vast array of topics and skills, but they also do something far more important… they empower them and teach them how to take on responsibility, a mindset which is so vital in every aspect of life but which does not come naturally to the average child from the provinces. They set up a Red Cross Council in each school, made up solely of students, whereby the students take command, organizing and leading different exercises and educational sessions. They have all manner of meetings, field trips, youth camps, and training days where they’re coached and taught a vast array of skills, like CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard training, and where they take part in team building activities and crisis management preparation techniques. They even manage to make it super fun and competitive by hosting an annual First Aid and Lifeguard Olympics on the beach where different schools take part in races and events designed to test their knowledge and proficiency at what they’ve learnt.

The kids, who are also introduced to other NGOs in the region and taught the basics of environmental issues and conservational practices, get together and elect a president, and that kid ends up sitting in on the Red Cross Board meetings, getting more invaluable life education. The Red Cross has also set up an entirely different project for these kids but with the same end goal. T.E.D. (Technology Education Design) is a very simple idea, just a forum to teach public speaking, where the kids take the stage and give a talk on any subject within the T.E.D. umbrella. The reason for this, as well as the different camps, team building exercises, and the Youth Councils, is to give them something which is invaluable: confidence.

it is one of the most recognizable symbols on the planet. The Malay chapter of the organization is a mere blip on the radar yet the work they carry out is beneficial to so many people, but it goes by largely unnoticed, mostly due to the fact that they’ve been a part of the landscape for what seems like forever. But these guys just keep going. Kudos and respect. For more information and for donations please visit their website at www.redcross.org.ph or find Philippine Red Cross Boracay Malay Chapter on Facebook.

It’s all very well having the skills and the knowledge to do whatever it is you wish to do, but if you don’t have the confidence to believe that you can be successful then all your skills will merely amount to wasted talent. This is especially important in the poorest regions in the provinces where the kids grow up thinking their life is pre-ordained and where aspirations tend to be pretty limited. This is possibly one of the most important aspects of the Red Cross effort, despite the many other wonderful facets to their organization. It all started in Switzerland in 1859, it has achieved so much all over the world, and

Turn to page 20 for the special section on Boracay Missions.

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june august 2014 2014

7/25/14

12:00 AM

health & wellbeing

Boracay Sun

bikini body always and forever Sierra Bullock with her Master of Science in Nutrition and over 15 years of teaching yoga is a Holistic Health Coach, Mother, Wife, Mindful Schools advocate and CrossFit enthusiast!

Coping with Allergy Season By Sierra Bullock ALLERGIES are debilitating. They stop us in our tracks and can wreak havoc on an otherwise perfect day.

Plan of Action Remember we spoke a few months ago that consistency brings results. Allergies are complex so let’s keep this simple, accessible and most important, let’s be consistent.

1. Revisit and practice consuming nourishing foods and beverages. Avoid all depleting With the Habagat winds come a variety of foods especially sugar- and alcohol-containallergens. Allergies have a lot to do with ing foods and drinks. Avoid packaged pollen, but it also comes from the food we sauces, ketchup, and dressings etc. that eat. No, I’m not going to focus on food contain sugar - read labels. Our body is allergies, however they do go hand in hand. designed to cope with about two teaspoons Remember, for ‘bikini bodies’ food is medi- of sugar a day. More than that disrupts our cine, and the food we consume will contrib- body’s ‘sugar equilibrium’. These disruptions ute to making our symptoms better or worse. stress our body and overload the adrenal glands and pancreas (endocrine system), Most of us with these types of allergies which are critical to controlling allergies. focus on the nose/sinuses, itchy eyes, itchy throat and difficulty with breathing. It is 2. Drink adequate amounts of water. Water important to keep in mind that the systems is nectar for our body and you (allergic of our body are all interconnected. Our body person) need to have enough water intake to functions not as separate parts but as a keep all the nutrients you are consuming in complete, integrated, interdependent whole. a solution available to repair cells and With our approach to allergies we need to provide nourishment. Most importantly, water consider the immune system, endocrine is required to flush chemical and biological system, nervous system, body’s electric toxins and waste products from cells. It is system, psychological system and digestive this flushing that helps to reduce the total overload of the allergic person. system. Depleting foods adds to our allergic inflam- 3. Avoid foods and plant products that cause matory response, and harm our digestive inflammation such as members of the nightsystem leaving most of us with some kind shade food family: eggplant, potato, tomato, altered intestinal permeability also known as pimento, peppers and tobacco.

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‘leaky gut syndrome’. This ‘leaky gut’ creates more inflammation in our body causing our allergic symptoms to get worse. So if your primary immune system is deficient and you have a ‘leaky gut’ your position with the Habagat winds and allergies does not stand a chance.

4. Avoid being outdoors when it’s windy and pollen count is high (it’s time to enjoy the Bulabog side of the island). Plants release most pollen in the morning and some of them before the sun rises. Limit your outdoor activities in the morning or wear a dust mask. They are available in the pharmacy stores in D’Mall and along the main road.

5. Those of you with long hair or wear your hair loose, put on a hat when you go outdoors then leave the hat outside when you go indoors and remember to wash your hair at night to reduce pollen in your bedding. You can even bring a change of shirt to the office to help reduce your symptoms while at work.

CABBAGE (Homemade Sauerkraut) Yield: 1 gallon; Serving Size: 1/2 cup Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes

6. Allow yourself at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. The immune system does all of its hard work when you are sleeping. The less sleep you have the less time your immune system has to keep you healthy and eat up the free radicals that cause inflammation.

2 medium cabbage heads (about 2 to 3 kilos), cored and finely shredded 2 tablespoons sea salt

7. Vitamin C with bioflavanoids and/or quercetin helps reduce inflammation in the body. If you are inspired to treat your symptoms with natural supplements, consult a certified nutritionist or holistic health practitioner. 8. Cultured and fermented food and beverages contain good bacteria such as probiotics and enzymes needed for proper digestion. Help rebuild your gastrointestinal tract and keep it strong with cultured foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi etc. and fermented beverages such as kombucha or fermented coconut water (buko juice). For an inspiring read on fermented foods check out Sandor Katz’s book “Wild Fermentation and The Art of Fermentation”. A note on yogurt: Although it does contain probiotics, yogurt made from milk causes inflammation and those of us with sinus allergies will help reduce symptoms if they avoid all diary products. Restaurant Tip: The Fry Man across the lake from D’Mall serves a variety of fermented vegetables with all their meals. It’s one of my favorite places to go when I want a good boost of probiotics and digestive enzymes.

A simple recipe to make traditional, lacto-fermented, homemade sauerkraut using only cabbage, salt and time. Ingredients

Procedure 1. Toss cabbage and salt together in a large mixing bowl and begin to squeeze the cabbage and salt together with your hands, kneading it thoroughly to break up the cellular structure of the shredded cabbage. 2. When the cabbage has become limp and releases its juice, transfer it to a sauerkraut crock or vegetable fermenter. Pack the salted cabbage into the crock or fermenter as tightly as you can, eliminating air bubbles. A kraut pounder is particularly helpful in packing the cabbage tight within the crock. 3. Continue packing the cabbage into the container until the cabbage is completely submerged by liquid. Cover loosely and allow it to sit at room temperature, undisturbed, for at least 1 month and up to 6 months, testing the sauerkraut every few days until it is done to your liking. Transfer to the refrigerator or other cold storage where it should keep for at least 6 months and up to 1 year. Sierra’s Tip: if you do not have a crock or fermenter, you may use a large jar with a wide opening then use a plate or smaller jar to weigh down the cabbage then cover with a cheesecloth or cloth to keep insects and flies out of jar. Recipe from Jenny McGruther of Nourished Kitchen (www.nourishedkitchen.com/homemade-sauerkraut/)

Let me know what health & nutrition topics you would like to read about here, or share your healthy recipe or restaurant tips to bikinibodyalwaysnforever@gmail.com.

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7/24/14

10:37 PM

health & wellbeing

get fit

glass wall. The gym has an in-house fitness room reminded me of an exclusive Golf instructor, Sandel Francisco. Celebrities have Club. In case you left your shoes at home, been seen working out a sweat at this gym. no worries because the Health Club has clean gym shoes for you. Sightings of Hollywood celebrities are a common sight as they Mark Andrew J. Cabrera is a jack-of-all-trades. THE HEALTH CLUB enjoy the Shangri-La’s exclusivity and privaHe is a business consultant, culinarian, entrepre- at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa cy. neur, coach, sports fanatic, lifeguard, and a Open from 6AM to 10PM

devoted family man.

august 2014

BODYFIT20 GYM Open from 10AM to 7PM

LEGACY GYM BORACAY

Boracay’s Fitness Gyms

Open from 8AM Mondays to Saturdays, personal training on Sundays

By Mark Cabrera During Habagat season, the strong winds and occasional rain will make the playing conditions of the beach very challenging, making it almost impossible to do fitness activities outdoors. So what do the athletes and health buffs do when the beach is closed for their fitness activities? How do they maintain their fitness levels? They go indoors! Boracay Island is now equipped with indoor fitness facilities that can accommodate all types and levels. This is the second of two parts.

THE FITNESS CENTER at The Tides Hotel Open from 9AM to 9PM

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Location: Second floor, The Tides Hotel, D’Mall, Station 2. Contact number: (+63 36) 288 4517 local 8005 Rates and Inclusions: Daily rate is 300Php, monthly rate is 3,000Php, quarterly rate is 6,000Php, semi-annual rate is 10,000Php and the Yearly rate is 15,000Php. The gym rates include free use of the roof deck swimming pool, hot and cold shower, drinking water and free Wi-Fi connection. Facility Equipment: Body - Solid gym equipment include the treadmill machine, bike machine, elliptical machine, smith machine, a multi-press machine and a solid cable crossover machine. The gym also uses solid end rubber dumbbells, a rubber Olympic grip disc set and several gym Balls. They also have a boxing bag, Olympic bars with collars and an Olympic EZ bar with collars. Special feature: The membership packages include free use of the roof deck swimming pool. You have a very nice view of The Tides Hotel center garden from the gym’s

Location: The Health Club is situated at the heart of Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa in Barangay Yapak and is equipped with world-class amenities. Contact number: (+63 36) 288 4988 Rates and Inclusions: Membership fees are as follows: Joining fee is 14,000Php; semi-annual fee is 36,500Php, and annual fee is 56,000Php. This exclusive health club offers the following membership benefits: Access to all the Health Club facilities: gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi; outdoor tennis courts; resort beach and swimming pool; and access to Adventure Zone and the Entertainment Center; Complimentary one (1) hour use of the following non-motorized water sports activities: kayak, snorkeling, Hobie cat and paddleboard; Complimentary round trip scheduled shuttle service from D’Mall to the resort; 20% discount on food and beverage from the resort’s restaurants and bars and at CHI, The Spa; 5% discount on salon treatments; and 10% discount at Regalo Boutique; Yoga class (Tuesdays and Saturdays at 4PM) and Zumba class (Mondays and Fridays at 4PM). Facility Equipment: The Health Club is proud of their Life Fitness line of exercise equipment. It’s a complete line of cardio and strength machines that are very well maintained. In fact, Life Fitness sends a technical staff to check on the fitness machines quarterly. Aside from the gym, members also can enjoy playing air hockey, arcade basketball, Ping-Pong and even video games in the Entertainment Center and the Adventure Zone. Special feature: Aside from the complete list of state-of-the-art exercise equipment and the world-class amenities mentioned, The Health Club is also proud to carry Shangri-La’s brand of five-star treatment from the gym, tennis, yoga, Zumba, and swimming instructors to the gym attendants. Their locker

Location: 0915 Diniwid Road. The Gym is located at the top of a mountain within a Diniwid residential area. From Diniwid road heading to the beach, look for the “Legacy Gym This way!” sign and take a short hike along the path to the top of the hill. Contact number: (+63 908) 535 1939 Rates and Inclusions: Training fees are 500Php per session, 800Php per day for all scheduled sessions, 3,000Php per week, and 10,000Php per month. Training plus room accommodation fees are 6,000Php per week and 20,000Php per month. Private lessons are 800Php for Boxing, 1,000Php for Muay Thai and 1,000Php for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Kindly contact the gym for local rates and promos. Facility Equipment: Legacy gym is a fighter’s gym with two boxing rings, 11 punching bags, speed bags, a full size octagon cage, and weights equipment. They also have 10 private rooms available for visiting fighters and guests. Special feature: Legacy Gym offers a hardcore, tough and highly effective fitness alternative to Boracay’s Gym options, with multiple martial arts training sessions. Aside from traditional Muay Thai that Legacy Gym has long been known for, they are now focusing on Western boxing. They also have a world-class MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, which is currently thriving in the Philippines. Legacy Gym Boracay has become a destination gym among fighters around the world.

Location: Islakite Kitesurf School, Bulabog Beach. Contact number: (+63 36) 288 5352 Rates and Inclusions: EMS sessions are 1, 000Php per session, inclusive of the use of Body Fit20 facilities, rental of exercise suits, one-on-one sessions with the fitness instructor. Facility Equipment: BodyFit20 gym is equipped with a state of the art Miha bodytec EMS (Electro Muscular Stimulation) machine sand individual EMS body suits. There are no treadmill, elliptical or cardio machines in the facility. Special feature: BodyFit20 is the only gym that offers a unique EMS technology for health and fitness in the country. From a technical point of view, it is a full body training exercise using impulse current. This is achieved by applying EMS electrodes to the skin directly above the muscle. EMS is simply a selective intensification of electrical stimuli from the outside. You gain the best results if you are working out actively while using our EMS device. Muscles are further stimulated through the electrodes while doing a series of low-impact exercises. This combined training leads to an additional increase of tension producing highly effective training results. Your personal trainer can control each muscle group by adjusting the training intensity according to your individual goals. With EMS you achieve visible and tangible success in a very short time. Bottom line, you only need 20 minutes of EMS fitness training a week to achieve the same results as going to a regular gym three times a week. This fitness system helps in your muscle formation, weight reduction and back stabilization. So if you have a very busy schedule and you want to minimize the risk of injury while lifting heavy loads, then this is the perfect fitness regimen for you. Time to sign up!

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june august 2014 2014

7/25/14

12:22 AM

people

eureka

by their tattooed bodies that in 1692, he bought Prince Giolo, a native from Miangas (a southern island part of the Philippines) and brought him to England for a public As Lewis Carroll’s inquisitive Alice in exhibition to showcase his fully tattooed Wonderland said, “Curiouser and curiouser!” body. A special section for curious minds explores the intricacies of pop culture, probing into the “Tattooing used to be a ranking and a way origins of modern trends, in a fun sociological to prove accomplishments within the tribe. expedition towards understanding our madly In the Igorot tribes, it was a reward to a astounding world and appreciating our warrior after practicing headhunting,” humanity today. Pauline Astronaut is a Mass explains Khym Gangis, tattoo artist and Communication graduate from ISCOM Paris owner of Under Ground Tattoo, in station 2. and studied journalism, sociology and Audio- They would use tattoos to distinguish the visuel/Multimedia as her areas of specialty. status of the headhunter in the community and how many heads he collected during a hunt.

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The Kalinga tribe would start by tattooing the hands and wrists of the hunter after their Probing into the Filipino’s indeli- first kill. The more heads he would sever in ble history engraved through future hunts, the more elaborate the design. Tattoo designs and styles varied depending tattoos on the region or the tribe. Some warriors ONE thing most people want to tick off even wore tattoos on their heads as signs of their bucket list when coming to Boracay is strength. to get a permanent or a henna tattoo. No But this art was not reserved only for the longer considered taboo, tattoos have men. Women were often tattooed to serve as become an accepted form of personal clothing, to enhance their beauty and help in expression, a fashion statement of coolness fertility. Tattoos were, indeed believed to the world over, or something to commemo- possess spiritual and magical powers that rate a milestone (or a really wild night!). But would protect and give strength to the did you know that tattoos have been a part people. of Philippine history way before the Spanish Way before the magnetic and rotary tattoo occupation? machines, the methods and tools of ancient Tattooing in the Philippines was first Filipino tattoos would also vary from tribe documented when the Spanish explorers to tribe. Some would use a sharpened object landed in the Philippine Islands at the end like a thorn, wood or animal bone and of the 16th century. The Bontoc Igorot, attach it to a stick. They would tap or poke Ifugao and Kalinga people of Northern into the skin with a wooden hammer until Luzon are the most recognized tattooed the ink is applied. Other tribes would make indigenous peoples of the Philippines. The numerous cuts to the skin then rub some natives of the Visayan Islands were even black powder into the wound. The black called ‘pintados’ (the painted ones) by the pigment often came from tree resin and soot. Spaniards when they first visited this part of Back then, tattoos were not for everyone. the country in 1521. Most of their body was Most tribes had one tattooist and one had to covered in tattoos, with the exception of be worthy of having a tattoo. their hands and feet. In the National Museum of the Philippines, Privateer William Dampier was so impressed one can admire the tattooed body of

By Pauline Astronaut

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mummy Apo Anno, that has been preserved for 400 years. He must have been a great warrior and hunter, judging by the tattoos covering his body from the forehead to the soles of his feet. Unfortunately, the missionary schools started to discourage this practice in the late 1940’s, after World War II. If you go to North Luzon, you might see people older than 60 wearing tattoos but not the younger ones. Get inked safely

Boracay Sun

Cebu and raised in the Buga Buga mountains of Leyte, Khym grew up watching his grandfather carve wood as he told him stories of his own grand-dad, a traditional tattoo artist. Khym learned how to carve and to draw. In 1992, he discovered tattoo machines in Cebu. Hired by Dagat and Dencio in Boracay, Khym worked and honed his craft for four years before winning the Tattoo Wars 2011, after which he opened his own shop. He still loves doing traditional bamboo tattoos but tells us that the environment must be ideal. His dream is to build a kubo (hut) on the mainland near the river, where he could bring his guests who want to experience the traditional tattoos. “It’s different to focus on traditions when you are in a building. It’s important to do it surrounded by nature, without crowd, noise. There should be a fireplace and open air,” Khym explains.

When choosing a shop to get inked, always remember to get to know the establishment and artist. Ask to see their license, if they are using disposable needles, and where are their inks come from. If this is your first tattoo, ask to test the ink on a very small part of your skin so you know if you are allergic to the ink or not. For regular blood donors, remember you are required to wait a year after getting a tattoo or getting P&P Tattoo at the center of D’Mall opened pierced before giving blood safely. in November 2011. A very well established Boracay Sun recommends: tattoo shop with four branches around the country, it is owned by Ron Poe (a One of Boracay’s most renowned tattoo well-known DJ and the son of the late FPJ). shops is Yanninks Tattoo in Station 3, You are in good hands at the Boracay owned by Ryan Saltiga. Approached by branch with in-house artists Kyle and Bongz. Hollywood actor Michael Madsen, lead Famous actor Jericho Rosales chose Kyle to singer of the band Journey, Arnel Pineda and ink him before his wedding in Boracay. Manny Pacquiao, Ryan believes they chose him for his skills, and the trust followed. The 34-year old family man who also sings and plays the guitar at Bombom and Pats Creeks Bar, was discovered in Cebu in 2002 by a group of tattoo artists and he became certified in 2004. Now settled in Switzerland with his wife Jessica and their two children, Ryan is a head artist at 2NDSKIN Tattoo/Piercing in Zurich. The company, which has four studios around Zurich, hired Ryan for his style in tattooing, which is more realism tattoo art. Despite moving to Switzerland, his tattoo shop didn’t loose any of its fame. Ryan’s right hand man Bebot and his four in-house artists are there to take 1908 postcard care of your tattoo needs. traditional Under Ground Tattoo located within Exit bar, is owned by Khym Gangis. Born in

view of young Igorot male

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Boracay Sun

7/25/14

12:16 AM

indulge

august 2014

gourmet guide NICE PLACE WORLD FOOD ART CAFÉ By Monique Tolentino Boracay Sun’s restaurant guide with ratings and reviews by a select panel from the staff, local foodies and F&B professionals, to help you decide where to dine in Boracay. HOLE-in-the wall restaurants rarely conjure up positive attributes when it comes to the quality of food. Most impressions on these obscure establishments are that they will never be up to par with your value-for-money as most restaurants. However, there will be hidden gems here and there. Keeping an open mind and having a taste for new dining experiences will help bring out your inner foodie and will take you to new epicurean heights you never thought you would reach.

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for itself. With its all around good vibes and the chill, laid back environment, this little specialty restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and a must-try dining experience for tourists. Just make sure to bring extra patience along with a good appetite! Visit Nice Place World Food Art Café on Facebook.

Nice Place on Nice Street

Nice Place World Food Art Café is one of the latest additions to the fast growing roster of restaurants in the Bulabog area. Take it at face value and enjoy it for what it is – a small, homegrown and kitsch specialty restaurant. It’s everything that comes to mind when you say ‘art café’. The restaurant is adorned with artwork by various local artists (which are for sale), on some nights you may catch an open jam session and a quick visit to the second floor will lead you to one of Boracay’s newest tattoo shops. The dishes that Nice Place offers are nothing short of masterpieces themselves. Top recommendations are the Stuffed Dynamite Poppers – a generous serving of chili peppers stuffed with cheese, wrapped in batter; Beef Rogan Josh Curry Meatballs – meatballs with a twist! This dish brings an explosion of exotic flavors which you can’t quite grasp, but will leave you craving for more and make this a staple dish to order whenever you return; then there’s, the Nice Place Burger – a burger that ‘Dolphy, the Joker’ by James Mendoza comes with its own instructions, it’s a hearty serving of bone marrow patty, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and American cheddar with a side of potato wedges. Nice Place is owned and operated by Malaya Pasion and Datu Yap. A quick word with one of the owners revealed exciting and positive projections for that Bulabog road. “Well my vision for Bulabog is to have more small specialty restos and call it ‘Boracay Eat Sreet’. In that way, we can attract tourists and other travelers to engage in boosting the Bulabog economy. Meanwhile, Datu and I have been toying with the idea of having our own version of weekend Stuffed Dynamite Poppers night markets in the street where Nice Place is, prioritizing the artists, musicians and small entrepreneurs with their own products, and a flea market to spice it up more. We wanted to call the street, ‘D’Nice street’ – in the tradition of ‘D'Mall’, ‘D'Talipapa and so forth. But this thing will require a lot of help to put together, especially since Datu and I have other things on our plate. It will be awesome if people like you or your outfit could actually help us in making this thing possible in the nearest future... That's the vision so far,” Malaya reveals. The name of the establishment speaks Nice Place World Food Art Cafe CEO Datu Yap

The nice guys of Nice Place with CEO Datu Yap (2nd from right), co-owner Malaya Pasion (center), Chef Justin Ponce-Enrile Yenko (in between), Andrew Espiritu and the gang

The Nice Place Burger

Mixed media pieces on display by Norielle ‘Skinny’ Herrera

Co-owner Malaya Pasion

Chef Justin Ponce-Enrile Yenko, food and operations director

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boracay sun recommends Restaurants Astoria Boracay Dinner Buffet at Astoria Boracay; (+ 63 36) 288 3657 Hama at D’Mall plaza, Station 2; (+63 36) 288 5978 Pirates’ Arm Bar & Restaurant at Paradise Garden Boracay Resort; (+63 36) 288 3727 to 30 Sea Breeze Café at Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Spa, Station 2; (+63 36) 288 6111 Star Lounge at the 3F of The District Hotel, Station2 Sunny Side Café at the Sands Hotel beachfront, Station 3 Sushi Shi-ro at Road 1-A Bulabog; (+63 36) 288 2587 or 288 3727 Tsukiji Sushi Bar at Sea Gaia Dive & Resort, Station 1; (+63 36) 288 3661 Resto-Bars Aplaya at Boracay Beach Resort, Station 2 Hey Jude South Beach along Angol, Station 3 Spider House at the end of Diniwid Beach cove Star Lounge at the 3rd floor, The District Hotel, Station 2 White House Beach Lounge at White House Beach Resort, Station 1

Discovery Shores Boracay along Station 1; (+63 36) 288 4500; www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com Frendz Resort along Station 1; (+63 929) 8023801 Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast at Bulabog Beach; (+63 36) 288 4128; www.thelazydogboracay.com Mandala Spa & Villas, main road, Station 3; (+63 36) 288 5858; www.mandalaspa.com Nezima Beach House at North White Beach; (+63 36) 288 5798 Ralph’s Place Bulabog Beach; (+63 36) 288 3374 Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort and Spa at North White Beach; (+63 36) 288 4988; www.shangri-la.com Treehouse is along Angol; (+63 36) 288 4386; (+63 916) 341 4031 / (+63 929) 293 8477

Hey Jude South Beach

Ralph’s Place

Ariel’s Point thru Ariel’s House (+ 63 36) 288 4853 X-treme Fun Flyboarding at (+63 910) 230 0000 Gypsea Divers at (+63 999) 900 0100 Mandala Spa & Villas at (+63 36) 288 5858; www.mandalaspa.com

288 2815, (+63 999) 909 2178 288 5573 Aria Pizza 288 5947 Bite Club 288 2410 Boracay Kitchen 288 6223 or 288 5573 Café del Sol 288 6784 Chopstick 288 4455 Cocomangas 288 4283 Cyma 288 3601 Demario Pizza 288 1459 Gerry's Grill 288 5978 Hama 288 4790 Kasbah Moroccan Café 288 2876, King’s Cuisine (+63 917) 894 2404 288 6236 McDonald’s Boracay 288 3409 or 288 3737 Niu Ohana Bar & Resto 288 5340 Real Coffee 288 2542 Sbarro 288 1777 Shakey’s 288 6014 Smoke Resto 288 2787 Thai Basil 288 2283, Tilapia 'N Chips (+63 917) 328 7123 288 2369 Tito’s Grill Valhalla Bar and Restaurant 288 5979 288 5550 Yellow Cab

Diniview Villas

Balinghai Beach Resort at North White Beach; (+63 36) 288 3646; www.balinghai.com Blue Lotus, main road, Station 2; (+63 36) 288 3380 Boracay Kite Apartments along Bulabog Road near Bloomfield; (+63 36) 288 1482 Diniview Villas at Diniwid Beach; (+63 917) 799 2029; www.diniviewboracay.com

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Sunny Side Café’s Blueberry and Cream Pancackes

Spider House

Boracay Sun

FOOD DELIVERY DIRECTORY lberto's Italian Cuisine

Leisure Activities

Accommodations

X-treme Fun Flyboarding

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kusina affairs Boracay chef Rea Anchores, one of the kitchen masters behind the well-loved Smoke Restaurant introduces Filipino cuisine 101 for foreigners, with insights on Filipino cuisine, enticing recipes and foodie insider tips on where to grab the best Filipino grub.

august 2014

seafood in the market and ask one of the family, here are two recipes that you might restaurants to cook it tinola-style. (I suggest want to experiment on. Chef June Vino of trying it with fresh mussels!) Damiana’s Restaurant kindly shared his recipe for their Chicken Tinola and another Should you have a craving of this wonderful is my mother-in-law’s Pesang Isda recipe. soup and would like to share it with your Enjoy!

Wonder Soup

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use fish or mussels in the soup. The Luzon provinces, especially the Tagalogs, refer to fish tinola as pesang isda but in the Visayas By Rea Anchores area, it is still called tinolang isda. In Cebu, an island in the Visayas region, they have a THE rainy season has been drenching version of tinola using only vegetables Boracay and the rest of the country with called Utan Bisaya. It is a vegetable broth nonstop rain, and with it, the seasonal cough dish with of course ginger and a variety of and cold. A traditional Filipino dish that is vegetables like squash, long beans, tomatoes, a favorite for the inclement weather is the okra, eggplant and malunggay leaves. Tinola. If I were asked for an old wives’ tale cure for the common cough and cold, Tinola is such a staple food for Filipino this would be it. Just like the mythical soups families that even our national hero, Dr. Jose of other cultures, this soothing soup is good Rizal, loved to eat it and even mentioned the dish in one of his first novels, “Noli Me for restoring one’s health. Tangere” (“Touch Me Not”). Known for his Tinola is a ginger based soup that can be literary wit, Rizal was able to represent cooked with meat or seafood. It is the Filipino culture and how we show our ginger that defines this dish and gives it its respect and disdain to another person distinct tangy taste and aroma, as well as the through our food. In the said novel, Kapitan broth’s medicinal effects. It is believed that Tiago served chicken tinola to his guest if you drink ginger tea or salabat, as we call Crisostomo Ibarra, who then just arrived it, it can cure one’s cough or sore throat and from Europe. Ibarra was served the best even gives you a better singing voice. No part, which was the breast and to the dismay wonder Filipinos are fond of karaoke singing of the corrupt Spanish friar Padre Damaso, especially during the rainy days. who was given the neck part, which was A traditional tinola recipe would be cooked considered the least favored. The scene with chicken, green papaya, sautéed ginger, subtlety depicted what Filipino norms and onion and garlic, with a bunch of bird’s eye customs were and how even in food, one’s chili leaves thrown into the mix. In the culture persists. Visayas area, the use of malunggay (morin- If you ask me where to sample the best ga) leaves and sayote (chayote) is more tinola on the island, I would say, in any common. Both papaya and sayote are fruits Filipino home. But that said, you can also but papaya would be more seasonal enjoy it all over Boracay, or at these restaucompared to the latter. Green papaya has a rants: Station 1: Boracay Kitchen, Kolai sweeter taste but a mushier texture when Mangyan, Maya’s Restaurant; Station 2: cooked compared to the sayote, which is Damiana Restaurant, Pamana, Bombom Bar, much firmer but a bit bland in comparison. Smoke Resto, Jasper’s; Bulabog: Munchies; A variation to chicken tinola, some recipes D’Talipapa: You can buy your meat or

Fish Tinola (Source: www.angsarap.net)

PESANG ISDA (FISH TINOLA) Serves 2 to 3 Damiana’s Chicken Tinola (Photo courtesy of Chef June Vino)

DAMIANA’S CHICKEN TINOLA By Chef June Vino Serves 3 to 4 Ingredients ¾ kilo chicken, cut into pieces 3 thumb-sized ginger, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, sliced thinly 2 pieces chili fingers Fish sauce to taste 1 cup malunggay (moringga) and sili (bird’s eye chili) leaves 1 cup green Papaya wedges 4 cups coconut water 4 tablespoons oil

Ingredients 3-4 pieces tilapia or snapper fillets (medium size) 4 thumb-sized ginger, crushed 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 stalk lemongrass, pounded 2 cups rice washing 1 medium potato, cubed 1cup bokchoy or cabbage leaves 3 tablespoons oil Fish sauce or salt and pepper to taste

Procedure 1. Sauté ginger, onion and garlic in oil until soft

2. Add coconut water and bring to boil. Let it

and brown. Add rice washing and lemongrass. Let it boil. Once boiling, add potatoes and reduce heat to let it simmer. 2. Once potatoes are almost done, add the fish fillets. Add fish sauce or salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2 minutes then add the bokchoy or cabbage leaves. 3. Let it simmer for 1 minute until leaves are cooked. Serve hot.

simmer until chicken is tender. 1. Add green papaya wedges and chili fingers once chicken is halfway tender. Add fish sauce to taste. 4. Add malunggay and sili leaves once chicken and papaya are cooked. Serve hot with rice.

Cooking Tip: Rice washing is simply water from washing the rice before you cook it. Normally we throw the first water used to wash rice and we use the second wash for cooking soup. The rice washing gives the soup a richer flavor.

Procedure 1. Sauté ginger and onion in hot oil. Add chicken and cook until browned.

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desire

Look Good in Bad Weather By Monique Tolentino WITH the Habagat gloom and schizophrenic weather we’ve been experiencing on the island lately, it can be quite a challenge to dress to impress or feel warm and toasty without looking like you raided your grandmother’s linen closet. It can definitely be tough to dress for a rainy day because there are so many things to consider. From what type of material you can wear, to how to stay dry without sacrificing style, dressing well when it’s pouring out requires a little planning in advance.

Beanies & Crochet Hats – Beanies are always on trend especially in cold seasons. They not only add some style to your look, but keep your head toasty and dry as well. We love how they look paired with a chunky scarf. Check out The Beanie House on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thebeaniehouse), Beanie Bums on Twitter (www.twitter.com/beaniebums) and Fancy Crochet on Instagram (www.instagram.com/fcwadab) for colors and styles to suit your mood this season!

Boracay Sun

Kokoon – Kokoon by Headware is one of the latest babies by this multipurpose brand. Not only can it keep you warm on those cold days but it also serves as a full body cover, a sling bag another, a towel, skirt, and a scarf all in one. Currently offered in three colors (red, black, and blue), the Kokoon measures 177 x 77 cm and is available for Php1,195. Grab your own Kokoon from the following retail partners: in Boracay – Body & Soul, Hangin, Kite Asia, Happy Planet, Mandala Spa & Villas, Pinas Kite Boarding, Stables, Habagat; Planet Sports; ROX; Stables; Joanna’s (Balesin). For more information, visit www.facebook.com/the.headware.

pines and go for Php250 to Php350 per piece. You may also find a cute selection of these umbrellas with quirky designs at www.luckycowshop.com.

Dome Umbrellas – Umbrellas serve the purpose of shielding you from the rain, but they don’t only provide you with protection from harsh elements, the right one can also serve as a perfect rainy day accessory. Dome umbrellas are the latest and cutest trends this season! These are available in various online stores such as Cash Pinoy and OLX Philip-

Keep A Sunny Attitude - No matter what you're wearing, you'll stand out in the rain if you can manage to smile and be happy in your dismal surroundings. Embrace the day, and don't worry too much about getting wet - your smile will make up for any shortcomings in your outfit.

Don’t worry, though! It’s easier than most people think. You can avoid becoming a rainy day disaster, however, simply by looking for waterproof clothing that flatters your figure and appeases your personality. Here are some style ideas to brighten up your rainy day.

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Scarves – When it's raining and getting extra cold, layering up is the best style solution for any look and the perfect piece to use is always a scarf. It's not only a chic accessory but it can keep you warm and shield you from the rain, plus you have tons of options with how you wish to style it with your outfit. Whether you're sporting a sun dress or your favorite tank top and shorts, adding a colorful scarf is always a good idea. Scarves are available almost everywhere and can go for up to Php200 to Php500 and up depending on the brand and material. Checkout Color Blush Manila on Facebook (www.facebook.com/colorblush) to get your fix of this style essential.

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sunset to sundown WHERE THE SUN RISESt By Monique Tolentino BULABOG Beach is quickly gaining more popularity these days – mostly for being known as the number one kitesurfing beach in Asia. On this strip of sand you will see a different side of Boracay. Hilltop retreats, breath-taking sunrises and the awe-inspiring moon rise over the more quiet side of the island. Situated in the middle of the Bulabog beachfront, away from the semi eye-sore windbreakers of White Beach this season, is Levantin’s Bar and Restaurant. Now under new management, this local favorite chillout spot now offers a wide array and brand new cocktail selections, new special dishes and of course their signature dishes such as the hearty beef goulash – which is the perfect meal on those habagat days. Levantin offers a weekly Romanian Buffet every Thursday night and monthly Moonlight Parties that last until wee-hours in the morning, just in time to see that spectacular Bulabog sunrise. Other must-trys include: Levantin’s Tapsilog, Piggy in a Blanket, Garlic Chorizo, Liver Pat’e, Napolitana, Moussaka, Tuna Belly, Mahi-mahi, and Mango Crepes for dessert – all reasonably priced. The happy, lively and accommodating staff of this establishment deserves a special mention. Every single encounter with the waiters, cooks, and manager of Levantin leaves you feeling overwhelmed and extra special making you feel like everyone there will go the extra mile to provide you with great service and make sure you are contented and comfortable, all done with a warm smile. The overall atmosphere of Levantin on a regular day leaves you so relaxed that you will lose track of time as you indulge yourself in mouth-watering dishes and treat yourself to a well-deserved cocktail. Levantin Boracay is located along Bulabog Beach, Station 2. For inquiries and reservations call (+63 939) 937 9052, email them at levantinboracay@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.levantinboracay.com.

music

The Blind Side

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The Blind Side is a regular section dedicated to music fans looking for the perfect Boracay beach soundtrack, straight from local DJ Reo Mendoza’s playlist. Named after his weekly radio show “The Blind Side With Reo” on 106.1 FM and live streaming online at www.radioboracay.com/fm-106-1/ (every Saturday from 3 to 6PM). You’ll find DJ Reo arresting the Boracay crowds at AREA 51 on the monthly Jungle Black Moon and Full Moon parties. Known for his eclectic brand of dance and house music, he is unashamed of his populist appeal, and his raw musical sincerity comes through with every musical journey he takes you on. “A good DJ lives and breathes his music.”

Top Ten habagat dance music hits by dj reo mendoza

It’s all about Tech House, Deep House, House, and Techno! Bigger Than Prince (Jay Lumen Remix) - Green Velvet Jay Lumen comes out with a remix, definitely a dance floor filler.

La Boriqua - Rancha Tek, Stanny Abram, Dos Padres From the hit sample “Heater” to “Coco Loco” now comes “La Boriqua.”

Forget - Patrick Topping A hit making it the most ʻShazamedʼ track in Ibiza now!

Zona Norte - My Digital Enemy High energy track with a great vibe for those Habagat parties!

How I Do - Tapesh & Dayne S This is a great remix of the sample “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye

Con Son - David Penn, Hosse House music producer David Pennʼs latest in his annual “Ibized” compilation series which showcases the authentic Balearic sounds that have helped establish Ibiza as the go-to destination for the worldʼs most revered DJs.

Jungle Line (Eats Everything Modernisation) - Sundowners, Mystic Bill A re-issue from the classic stable, the record was a staple part of Luke Solomon and Kenny Hawkesʼ DJ sets throughout the Girls FM and Bar Rumba/ Space years.

All Night - Maurice Tamraz With this trackʼs familiar sample, you would make your way to the dance floor.

Rules Of Engagement - Gene Farris, Sonny Fodera Love this track from the “Cosmos” album and its Scarface quote.

Cafe Del Mar - The Groove Ministers, Fran Ramirez, Mich Golden A familiar track from way back that will blow our mind!

august 2014

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continued from page 10 and demarcation of 2.1 hectares of ancestral lands in Manoc-Manoc, Boracay, Malay, Aklan. When Boracay Sun visited the Ati Village last July, they were overjoyed to finally have running water from the Boracay Island Water Company. On the very same day, they received a surprise delivery of 30 rechargeable lamps with built-in radios (one for every home) courtesy of Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Following a meeting by Daughters of Charity Mission’s Sr. Ma. Flor Jalmasco, D.C. with the tribal chieftain and the BATO council leaders, we were given the grand tour. Construction of the 30 houses, the Boracay Ati Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAMPC) store, the livelihood center and sewing facility, and the Bihasin Ati Living Heritage Center have been completed, and on-going construction of the front perimeter fence (spearheaded by the NCIP and DILG) and the school were underway, to be followed by the construction of the Our Lady of Lourdes chapel.

The village was abuzz with men working the construction site, children five years old and above were gathered at the makeshift Tubuanan Ati Learning Center pre-school learning their Inati ABCs that encourages basic literacy and culture, women were making soaps at the livelihood center, students in uniform were coming home from the local high schools, while others were happily gathering ‘sikad-sikad’ sea snails while the tide was low, for cooking with coconut milk and vegetables for supper. On other days, they practice traditional weaving and

Boracay Sun

have yet to hear back from the resorts they have already presented to. The BAMPC store yields humble annual dividends and patronage refunds for each Ati cooperative member. According to Tamboon who also does the bookkeeping, it really isn’t much especially with so much borrowing and lending at the store. ADSDPP a roadmap towards self-reliance In February of this year, the affirmed draft of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan or ADSDPP was released. The ADSDPP was formulated by the BATO to promote the sustainable development of the Ati community with the help of the ADFI, the NCIP, DENR, and DILG. It represents the Ati’s commitment to sustain and develop their ancestral land, as a blueprint for various programs and projects aimed at long-term progress, and serves as a valuable testament to their ability to standup as a people. The ADSDPP underscores the Ati people’s rights as indigenous people and the importance for others to recognizing and respecting these rights. Above all, it portrays the Ati for who they truly are – a treasure. As assets for cultural tourism, the ADSDPP will empower them so that they learn to govern themselves, as a cultural, spiritual and self-reliant community. Once implemented, it bridges the gap and tears down cultural and racial barriers, providing an enriching interaction for locals and tourists with the indigenous people of Boracay who are the soul of the Filipino race.

Proposed Ati Community Boracay visual plan C

water baby Indoor Fun Time

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By Pauline Astronaut

Are your kids feeling stuck and bored at home? THE monsoon is here and with it, heavy rainy days that plunge the kids into long periods indoors. After getting home from a rainy school day, to avoid them catching a dreadful cold, it’s best to have your kids jump into the shower and change to dry and comfortable clothing. Then, you can enjoy some indoor family fun! Rainy days are a great opportunity to spend more intimate time with your kids and they can also enjoy this time with their best buddies. Invite a few of their friends at home and hit the board games. Monopoly, Backgammon, Guess Who, Clue, and playing cards are just some of the many games they can have fun with while challenging their minds. And if you don’t have any of those, just grab a piece of paper and play the Dictionary game. Simply pick a letter and each player writes down as many words that start with this letter as they can. After going from A to Z, you can be the one checking the scores. It is a fun way to have them review their spelling and vocabulary skills. If you have a big indoor space, Blind Tag or Hide-and-Seek are always a fun way to spend the afternoon.

They can learn how to follow a recipe, measure proportions and apply heat (depending on how old they are), to appreciate how their favorite snacks are made. It might spark a lifetime interest in cooking, and is a great way to make them aware of what they put on their plates, while giving them memories they will cherish forever. Always keep the recipes simple and fast, and let them decorate with icing, sprinkles and fruits! And remember, the mess is part of the fun, and so is the cleaning! On rainy days when you feel like having a more quiet time, you can share your love for books with your children. Pick a book or let them choose one, then find a cozy spot at home, make some hot chocolate. Read the book together if your children are still too small for reading on their own. If you have older kids, you can simply pick your own books and sit next to each other to enjoy a nice bonding time. Showing your child how enjoyable reading is can lead to an undying love for books, which will end the problem of boredom! After a long week at school, you can treat your kids to a nice TV dinner once in a while to celebrate the weekend. Don’t make it an everyday habit so it remains special and can be a great family memory. Prepare their favorite food; let them choose their favorite movie (even if you are not fond of it, you will be able to discover what your children love), and sit all together on the couch. You can even prepare popcorn for dessert! Even when it is raining, if the weather is still warm and the sea is calm, it might be a good idea for a quick trip to the beach to enjoy running in the rain and building a sand castle – something kids absolutely love! But before taking a swim, make sure that it is safe by asking a lifeguard on duty, then swim near a lifeguard station and let them know you are going in the water. Do not go too far and always stay with your kids. Stay safe and enjoy the wonderful rainy season!

Who doesn’t love a nice snack? Ask your kids to join you in the kitchen and be your little chefs. You can bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes, or make crèpes. It is always a nice way to teach them how to concentrate. Disclaimer: It is not the intention of the editor to advise on parenting. Children should always be accompanied by a parent or supervised by a trusted guardian.

During the course of its creation, they held an interfacing forum at the Balabag Barangay Hall on the first anniversary of their self-installation. Attended by 90 participants from various government agencies and the private sector, including this writer, a staunch advocate for the Ati of Boracay, BATO leaders presented their short- and long-term plans, to which participants pledged their support. A groundbreaking ceremoother crafts, passing on cultural traditions to their ny followed at the ancestral domain. youth. Already, Tamboon noted that the ADSDPP has Ati life was “back to normal” – the ‘new made an impact on the community. She said that normal’ being having a structure and a sense of the local community has begun to regard them place and security – something they never had differently; people have become more interested in their lifetimes, save for Lola Benedicta in knowing how to support their plans, donating “Binda” Egeron, who at 90, was the oldest to specific projects; and visitors seem to be in living Boracay Ati, who had spoken of tales of awe at what the community has been able to a Garden of Eden island paradise that was build and achieve for themselves, “no longer are abundant in food. A relative tells us that Lola we the ‘eye sores’ but now we have something Binda still has a complete set of teeth, but that makes people around us proud,” she adds. somehow she found no reason to flash us with In March of this year, DILG Secretary Roxas her Close Up smile as she slowly made her way expressed support for the implementation of the to her home carrying a plastic bag of cooked ADSDPP, stressing the need to mainstream the fish. Ati’s ADSDPP into the local development But yes, Evangeline Tamboon, tireless general planning and budgeting processes. manager for BATO and Program Management In his message on the ADSDPP, President Team coordinator says, they are happy. They are Benigno Aquino III said, “I recognize with great happy to sleep well at night within the comforts pride the publication of the ADSDPP for our of their own (three meter by three meter) brethren… We have shown that nothing is two-story Ati-designed homes, with stairs instead impossible for a people united in purpose and of the original ladder, she explains jokingly, solidarity. Let us cast our stake in establishing “because if we had ladders and someone decided the equitably progressive Philippines we have to remove it, we would get stuck!” She shows long sought, and hand down to future generaus her home that was being tiled, thanks to a tions a society built on integrity, compassion, generous local donor, but she was more thrilled and social justice.” to point out her backyard vegetable garden including one enclosed in a barbed wire fence The final and complete ADSDPP will be to protect it from one of the claimants who had launched along with the blessing of the built a concrete wall and structure to mark his livelihood center, Tubuanan Ati Learning Center territory. Tree seedlings have also been planted and Bihasin Ati Living Heritage this October, in along the roadside. celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month. Published by ADFI, copies will be distributed to Now that they were living on their ancestral government agencies and organizations who have domain, she says that they are indeed very committed their support. It is hoped that the happy, despite struggling for the staple two ADSDPP will serve as a guide for the LGU to meals a day that they shared as a community. incorporate the community’s plans with their She says that among the 25% working Ati, their own as mandated by the law; be a source of income (Php260 per day for garbage collecting; information for all; and will be an inspiration for Php200 for laundry service; Php260 per day other IPs to follow the BATO’s lead. minimum wage at resorts; and Php120-150 per day for construction work) is not enough and The Boracay Ati have definitely come a long she reminds us that they buy their food and way on their struggle for self-determination, but goods on the tourist island just like we do). their journey has only just begun. The heritage center and the soap enterprise will hopefully According to the May 2014 census, BATO is show the world that there is treasure within the comprised of 33 families and seven extended community that can definitely contribute to families, with a total population of 176 men, Boracay’s cultural identity. women and children. The brand new pump boat has been in use for fishing, but is very seasonal To find out how you can support the Ati people and can no longer feed the community. Instead, of Boracay, you may call the BATO office at they intend to use the boat for island-hopping (+63 36) 288 2623, email Sr. Ma. Flor Jalmasco, trips for tourists – a brilliant idea indeed. The D.C. at florjalmasco@yahoo.com, and find Ati would be the best tour guides, with the Boracay Ati Community on Facebook. Developopportunity to share the history of Boracay as ment projects for the village that are still in need its first settlers, and the stories behind the places of financial and technical support include the their ancestors named. chapel, boardwalk, birthing facility/clinic, boats for tourism and livelihood, and conference The livelihood programs include handcrafted hall/training center. accessories by the Ati youth, and the BATO bath soap enterprise, which is a work in Read about the unsung heroes behind the Ati’s progress. A variety of herbal soaps can be rise from the rubble in the special centerfold purchased or ordered wholesale. So far, they feature on Boracay Missions on pages 20 to 21.

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environment

august 2014

green solutions Road to Ruins?

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To minimize the worsening traffic situation, the local government of Malay is currently drafting a transportation code By Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre that enables the LGU to regulate the operations of both public and private vehicles on the island. The local traffic WHILE Boracay Island is considered as section,” said Miranda. It was not clear code is needed for Boracay for a strong one of the best beaches in the world, its how much the cost of the project would enforcement since not all national laws on traffic are applicable to the island. poor road network may contribute to the be. downgrade of the island’s tourism indusIn 2010, the DPWH announced that it The Boracay Sun hopes that they could try. was allocating Php80-million for the implement basic traffic rules, proper This, even as the Department of Public concreting of the circumferential road. It ‘stop and go’ traffic, ordinances requirWorks and Highways, the Aklan Provin- was later announced that landowners ing parking spaces for vehicles, and cial Government and the municipal have signed a Memorandum of Agree- create loading and unloading bays for government of Malay claim to be doing ment to donate a one-meter right of commercial establishments, while waiting for the Provincial Government to their best to fix the problem. way each. expropriate land and for the DPWH to Also, the Boracay Foundation Incorpo- Aside from the circumferential road the build the circumferential road and rated (BFI) a business group has DPWH also had other road projects, improve the main road. expressed its sentiments earlier to the which include the Php30-million Vice Governor Gabrielle local government of Malay to try its concreting of the Balabag – Aklan best to fix the poor road network, which Manoc-Manoc main road, the Php8-mil- Calizo-Quimpo who is a tourism indusis one of the many factors that cause lion Boracay Circumferential Road – try expert said that stakeholders must traffic congestion especially during peak Tambisaan Section, concreting of the also be blamed. season. Other factors that cause traffic Php15-million Balabag – Yapak Section “I have noticed that the stakeholders include loading and unloading of and the Php7-million Yapak – Puka themselves because of the construction visitors, construction materials that Shell Road Section. boom, pushed bringing in heavy trucks block roads and sidewalks, illegally Currently, the DPWH is waiting for the and equipment to Boracay in the previparked vehicles, no efficient public green light from the Aklan provincial ous years. The arrival of increasing transport system, and no traffic managegovernment for the expropriation of transportation also contributes to the ment and implementation. lands that affect the DPWH road already draining road sector,” said Quimpo. The worsening flooding is becoming projects. more and more of an inconvenience for Glenn Sacapano, Boracay Island chief Conclusion tourists and a menace for the island’s operation officer earlier said that the While each government agency claims residents especially during heavy rains local government needs to compliment in this resort island. Aside from the the national program for road projects poor road network, the unregulated for Boracay. garbage collection system causes the drainage system, which is still under The blame game construction, to clog, contributing to Mabel Bacani of the Boracay Redeveleven more flooding. opment Task Force in radio interviews The Department of Public Works and blames the Tourism Infrastructure and Highways (DPWH) estimates that Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for billions of pesos are needed for the lack of proper action on the clogged rehabilitation of Boracay’s roads. drainage system. The TIEZA has yet to Because of this, they have to slowly fix publicly announce their drainage portions of the roads prioritizing those program for Boracay. areas that experience heavy flooding. As this developed, the TIEZA and their In his recent report, Neri Miranda of the local counterpart the Boracay Island DPWH Maintenance Section bared that Water Company has already started they already have given an allocation to doing inspections on what went wrong the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force that caused the severe flooding. They for the improvement of the flooded road are currently setting up pumps for the section going to the Boracay Tourists flood control project for Boracay. Action Center. Tim Ticar of the Department of Tour“The task force had requested the ism-Boracay said that their department DPWH that they will be the one in would also help in the construction of charge for the improvement of the road additional pumping stations for this

to be doing their best in fixing Boracay’s road problems, none of them has so far admitted to having shortcomings, that for several years they neglected to fix the situation. The lack of resources, too much politics and the blame game contributes to the worsening problems while tourists, businessmen and residents are grieving for the lack of iron will of those in charge. As there is no end in sight to the worsening traffic situation and the perennial floods being experienced in this resort island, the local government bared that they are planning to build a bridge connecting Boracay to the mainland of Malay. The local government promised that the entry of vehicles would be properly regulated once the bridge has been constructed. It remains to be seen if the local government can regulate traffic with a bridge, looking at Boracay’s traffic situation in the last few years. It may be speculated that the bridge will lead to promising solutions but that is so many years down the long and narrow road. The local government being in the forefront of Boracay development needs to improve road traffic right now.

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