Boracay sun | May 2015 issue by Boracay Sun

MAY 2015 | VOL. V NO. 5 | BORACAY’S MONTHLY NEWS ON RECYCLED PAPER

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COMPLETE LIST What’s in this issue...

03 IN THE NEWS 06 7107 ISLANDS 09 ENVIRONMENT 10 EXPAT FILES 11 LIFESTYLE 14 CENTERFOLD 16 CULTURE 17 PEOPLE 19 IN ROOM 20 INDULGE 23 HEALTH

#LABORACAY2015: the party is on! Michael Madriaga

aboracay is a term made famous as a summer party celebration in Boracay that happens on the week of the Philippine Labor Day and runs until the weekend. It is a conjunction of the words “Labor Day” and “Boracay”. No one can say for certain as to when Laboracay was first used but it has since

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became a word of mouth and a famous hashtag in social media recently. This unofficial feast marks the peak of the summer season on the island. Boracay is already famous as the popular summer destination and a few months ago, FoxNews.com even named it as one of the top island beaches for partying.

EXPAT FILES

LIFESTYLE

Every year, on Laboracay weekend, people from all over the country (and the world), looking to relax during the Labor Day holiday, flock to the island for non-stop partying and adventure. This year, tourists and locals enjoyed a five-day back-to-back parties and events that started on April 29 until May 3. All three stations were filled with music, dancing, food, and booze.

CENTERFOLD

HEALTH

Roxas City

Big Mountain

Wild Punch

Dragon Boat Festival

Summer Skin Care

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Hurray for May!

Each year, every first of May, we recognize the vital contributions of the working men and women to the economy of our country. May 1 or the Philippine Labor Day is declared as a holiday in honor of the workers or the labor force. In Boracay, people commemorate this day with a weekend of intense partying hence, the term “Laboracay” (Labor Day + Boracay). In recent years, Laboracay has become an annual unofficial feast in the island that brings all three stations of the White Beach in auspicious chaos. But May is not only for workers. We also look forward to this month to honor the person that brought us on earth – our mothers. Like what our writer Klaus Doring said, as we celebrate this special day, “may we find plenty other things than flowers, restaurant invitations, and confectionery for our beloved and most honored mothers”. Also, nationwide, Filipinos (especially the Catholics and the Aglipayans) anticipate and prepare for the celebration of Flores de Mayo or Flowers or May. Each day of the month is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and culminates with the final procession called the Satacruzan. And, just a few days ago, we were treated to a show of power and dexterity during the 9th Boracay International Dragonboat Festival. We lift our glasses to our dragonboaters who valiantly rowed the waters of Boracay. The dragon boats are still hot from your prowess. Well met!

COVER By EPIC Boracay

Hurrah indeed for May – a month full of festivities! THE BORACAY SUN FAMILY

WWW.BORACAYSUN.COM Managing Editor MICHAEL JEROME MADRIAGA Editorial Advisers BLANCHE BASCO & BETH JALEA Guest Editor SAMANTHA GO Art Director ALVA ALVAREZ Photographer JULIUS OLARTE Columnists PAULINE ASTRONAUT, JOEL JAMES CUBILLAS, KLAUS DORING, JEFFREY MANCAO, PO3 CHRISTOPHER MENDOZA, SHIVA NAND, MARLO SHOENENBERGER, RICA VELASCO Contributors JUN AGUIRRE, MARINA BENIPAYO, KAREN BERMEJO, KATE HAMMAREN, CHARISSE MOBO, PETER TAY, FRANCELYN VALENCIA Publisher THE BORACAY WALLSTREET INC. President & CEO MA. TERESA FAJILAN Sales and Marketing Manager MICHELLE ELIZON Operations Manager JOANN BARRIOS Boracay Sun Office Monaco Crossing Tulubhan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608 editorial@boracaywallstreet.com

The photo above is awarded 2nd Place in this year’s R.O.X. Outdoor Festival Photo Contest. It shows the latest and most exciting water sport activity in Boracay - the Flyboard. And we are proud to say that this photo was taken by our Art Director, Mr. Alva Alvarez.

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The Boracay Sun Family is proud of you, Alva. Congratulations!

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BORACAY SUN

IN THE NEWS

MAY 2015

Capitalizing in Youth Work: Euro-Asi BoracayTraining Kicks Off Karen Bermejo

uro-Asi, an international project on capacity building, kicked off with its first training module for the youth last March 2015 in Boracay. Also dubbed as “From Europe to Asia: Capitalizing Experience on Youth Work”, Euro-Asi is a 23-month long international project is a 23-month long international project involving seven partner non-government organizations (NGO) from Europe and Asia which aims to share with Asian partner countries, Europe’s best practices on formal education, youth mobility, and active participation. The training in Boracay is part of this capacity-building project, funded by the European Commission through its Erasmus+ program and in partnership with TDM 2000 International and One Media Boracay Inc. The participants, composed of Boracay locals chosen for their passion for community service, will be trained based on five training modules which will run from March to November of this year. During the training, European experts will fly to Boracay to conduct free training in the field of youth organizations management. The first training module is about “Management of Youth Non-Government Organizations (NGO)” and was conducted by Federico Gaviano of TDM 2000 International. The module focused mainly on how a youth NGO works and also taught participants on how to set up one. The four other tackled include

modules Project

to be Writing;

Human Resources; Communication, Visibility and Dissemination; and Financial Management. After every training, upon the return of the trainer to his/her country, evaluation and assessment will be conducted online via the e-learning platform. Meanwhile, the trainings in Boracay are also expected to provide a comprehensive preparation for the participants for the Job Shadowing opportunity in Malta in January 2016 or through the European Voluntary Services (EVS) opportunity in March of next year. In the Job Shadowing, one participant will fly to Europe for free for 21 days of further learning, while two will be chosen for the EVS program in Italy, Slovenia and Portugal. The EVS is a program of the European Union that allows young people to express their personal commitment through unpaid and fulltime voluntary service in another country. Young volunteers are given the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of the organization and, in return, to increase their knowledge and competence. Aside from Boracay, Euro-Asi training is also conducted simultaneously in Bali, Indonesia in partnership with Act Global.

23 APRIL 2015, BORACAY ISLAND - Just a day after the whole world celebrated the Earth Day, Ambassador in Paradise Resort (Station 1) launched their new state of the art eco-friendly generator system that uses biofuel by efficiently mixing diesel oil and waste cooking oil resulting to reduced diesel fuel use. Mr. Joop van der Tak of Ambassador (pictured bottom right) proudly unveiled the generator system to a crowd of media representatives and guests. He was joined by Renergy System inventors (pictured top and bottom left) who explained how the Renergy System technology works. They said that the new generator system could supply electricity to the whole resort during the power outages at a lesser diesel consumption. Boracay Sun will run a full story of this event and this energy-efficient technology next month.

BORACAY SUN

IN THE NEWS

Saving Boracay from Coliform Bacteria Jun Aguirre

esidents, provincial and local government officials, and other stakeholders were surprised when a recent news report indicated that there are areas in the resort island which are high in coliform bacteria. The report was sourced out from the February 21, 2015 press release of the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR). This is based on their sampling and monitoring of Boracay waters that they are conducting since 2014. Coliform bacteria has been defined as a rod-shaped bacterium, an example of which is Escherichia coli, a member of the Aerobacter genus. It is found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Its presence in water indicates fecal contamination and can cause diarrhea and other dysenteric symptoms. Based on the latest EMB-DENR monitoring, Bulabog beach has 2,100 Most Probable Number (MPN); Tulubhan- 1,000 MPN; Puka Beach –

10-20 MPN and Station 2- 35 MPN. The DENR press release cited EMB6 figures showing bacterial levels in Boracay waters that significantly exceed the DENR guidelines for recreational water. It was also said that the EMBreported coliform bacteria levels come from a drainage outlet that goes into the sea in Sitio Bulabog with numbers reaching 47,460 MPN per 100 millimeters. The safe level is 1,000 mpn/100ml for waters used for swimming and other activities with human contact. A week after the press release, DENR released a follow up statement saying that it is still safe to swim in the waters of Boracay. The outbreak is said to have no adverse effect on humans. As a precautionary measure, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje called on stakeholders to help maintain the good quality of Boracay’s beaches. He also said he has instructed the local DENR office to closely monitor establishments and apprehend violators of the Clean

Water Act. The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharging or depositing of any water pollutant to the water body, or such which will impede the natural flow of the water body; and the unauthorized transport or dumping into waters of sewage sludge or solid waste, among others. Anyone caught discharging wastewater into a water body will have to pay a wastewater charge. Despite the coliform scare, both foreign and local tourists still continue to flock to the beach. Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator, said that both foreign and local tourist arrivals registered a nine-percent increase in January and a ten percent increase in February. Data from the Caticlan Jetty port indicates that there are 133,598 domestic and foreign tourists who arrived in January. This is much higher compared to the 122,629 tourists registered a year ago. This February, 130,293 tourists were registered – 10% higher than the data in February 2014. “This month of March, we anticipate an only five percent increase since the holy week last year falls in the month of March. This year it falls in April,” said Maquirang.

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Although the outbreak is said to have no adverse effect on humans, reports say that it is posing a serious threat to the health of aquatic resources, especially the coral reefs which are more sensitive to the coliform bacteria. Jose Rodriguez of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) said they have monitored two unusual events leading to the deaths of corals last year - population explosions of coral crown of thorns, and nutrient indicator algae smothering reef surface area, blocking out sunlight. It was learned that around 20 hectares of corals were affected. “Both (events) are high sewage pollution event indicators in coral reefs. These detrimental events can now be linked to the DENR Report of high counts of fecal borne pathogen -E. coli, an indication of high sewage content and high nutrient conditions in the surrounding marine environment,” Rodriguez said Thursday. Meanwhile, different stakeholders on the island are doing their part to save Boracay from the negative effect of this outbreak to the tourism industry. Among the stakeholders involved are the local government of Malay, Boracay Foundation Incorporated, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and IndustryBoracay, Department of Tourism, and the Boracay Island Water Company.

The famous mystery house in the country’s capital is now in Boracay. Mystery Manila brings their heart-pumping live role-playing games on the island, which you will surely enjoy and make your Boracay experience one of a kind. Choose from three of their mystery rooms: Villainous Vault (steal information from an evil spy organization’s high security vault), Aztec Adventure (recover an ancient artifact inside an Aztec Ruin), and Chained Chamber (escape from being handcuffed and chained in a dark room). You only have one goal - get your way out of the room within 60-minutes or else, you will fail your mission. Prizes and freebies await those who will finish in less than 40-minutes. Visit Mystery Manila at the main road, Station 1, near the East West Bank.

police desk

Boracay PNP attends Manoc Manoc kids join 5th CommDev Seminar “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” project P03 Christopher Del Rosario Mendoza

P03 Christopher Del Rosario Mendoza

Fifty three other PNP personnel attended the seminar. They are mostly assigned at the Police Community Relations Section of various provincial and city police offices of Aklan, Negros, Iloilo , Iloilo City, and Bacolod City.

“Pulis ko, Titser ko” is a joint project of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 6 and the Department of Education-Western Visayas that aims to instill among pupils sharp insight into law and order to mold them into integral parts of the nation-building process when they grow up. It teaches young students lessons on obedience to laws and respect for law enforcers, crime prevention and avoidance, drug awareness, ethical and value enrichment, and patriotism/nationalism. Its vision is to turn the entire Western Visayan region into a community where young people become responsive, productive and law-abiding citizens, and where children refrain from not only getting involved in, but also stopping, crimes.

ix Boracay Police attend the 3-day Communication Development Seminar organized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) from March 16-18, 2015 at the Madja-as Hall of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6). They are P03 Christopher Mendoza, P03 Conrado Espino Jr, P01 Iriel Fernandez, PO1 Kristina Dajay, P01 Joner Bandies and P01 Jeanbee Carcole.

Staff of Police Community Relations Group and personnel from PRO6 served as lecturers of various topics. The seminar was conducted purposely as part of the preparation for the upcoming 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting which will be held on April 29-30, 2015 in Bacolod City, May 15-24, 2015 in Boracay Island, and on September 2015 in Iloilo City. The 59 graduates of the Communication Development Seminar will be deployed under the Sub-Task Group Community Project Management (CPM) during the APEC Meeting. About 2,000 delegates from 21 countries are expected to attend the said international gathering.

ixty five pupils from Grade Four-Acacia of Manoc Manoc Elementary School received their Certificate of Completion during the 5th Closing Program of the “Pulis ko, Titser ko” project. Five Outstanding pupils namely, John Paul Ursua, Carl Zedric Zubista, John Rey Zaquita, Ann Margarette Saavedra, and Joshua Bayonas received medals.

Mr. John Patrick Moreno of the Philippine Red Cross-Boracay was the Guest Speaker during the event. KD Fabilane of the Philippine Red Cross Youth-Boracay, a guest lecturer of the said program, also delivered her message. PSI Frensy Andrade, BTAC OIC, also gave thanks to the Philippine Red CrossBoracay and to the Manoc Manoc Elementary School for their continuous support towards every community and school-based activity conducted by the Boracay PNP. School Principal Democrito Barrientos II, in response, expressed his whole-hearted thanks and support to the Boracay PNP for such noble activity.

BORACAY SUN

IN THE NEWS

MAY 2015

12 APRIL 2015, BORACAY ISLAND - The Gateway Global Standard Service held their Annual Conference at the Boracay Regency Convention Center. The conference was organized by Ms. Daisy B. Sotelo, President of Triple V Worldwide Logistics Inc.. Owners and representatives of different shipping companies from the Philippines, Indonesia, China, India, Vietnam and Thailand, among others, are present during the event where shipment and cargoes exchange relations were discussed.

BonChon, the crispy chicken sensation raved about globally, is now in the Island of Boracay! Located at the Lime Hotel (Main Road, Station 2), BonChon gives beach bums that unique pleasure of savoring its original Korean fried chicken in a tropical paradise.

BORACAY SUN

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MAY 2015

Our Celebration of Semana Santa and The Evolution of The Barkada Joel James Cubillas

oly Week, to my neighbourhood barkada, has always been that time of the year. It is in this time where we could be away from our parents and be among the comfort of our barkada -not just my friends, my barkada -- the people who would surely take a bullet for me. Don’t get us wrong though, we still commemorate this religious occasion with our church and respective families. But come Black Friday and Good Saturday, we always make it a point to see each other and maybe down a keg or two. We always celebrate Semana Santa in various ways. There were times that we would go out of town and swim in pools or beaches, and there were times where we would simply gather round one’s backyard and cook laing (a spicy vegetable dish cooked in coconut milk). But no matter the location or the beverage, we would always be merry. We have also been doing this since time immemorial. Gone are the days when we would still seek our parents’ permission to join the “outing”; Now that we are in our mid- late 20s, we

can pretty much do whatever we want as long as our respective wallets and girlfriends permit us to do so. The most recent Holy Week was a strange one though. It seemed to have the smallest number of attendees, no thanks to distant working places and newfound families (yes, some us are now married with kids). It’s a bit distressing that we are now in the midst of this quarter-life crisis, the stage of utter perplexity; when the chore of prioritizing collaborative merry-making and individual responsibilities arises. We found ourselves in a private resort in Pansol, Laguna. We were almost sad and with a hint of nostalgia as we remembered some of our brethren who couldn’t join the annual gathering. But at least there was Darrel (a.k.a. Penguin, a.k.a. idol, a.k.a. pishan), one of my best friends who made me watch an x-rated film (starring Ina Raymundo) and at least there was Mak, the person who taught Argel (also present) what to do after watching the said movie. Cris was also in attendance. He was our main distributor of porn CDs. I remember one time when Cris swapped one of his most treasured CDs for a Teletubbies CD guised as Barely Legal# 69. There

was also Jet who has always been the story-teller of his naughty mishaps. I could go on and on in sharing our rather mischievous childhood but there would be no point in doing that, I suppose. Our Kuyas: Gary, Asis, Jay, Dawin and Donald were also in attendance. Their ages are now upwards of 40 and during every drinking session, they would always insist that their generation is better than ours. They are now bigtimers in their own careers, and our hapless group (the young ones) can do nothing but look up to them. Night-time came and the drinking session was almost over. We readied up to swim. I find it funny that we now seek a private hot spring waters resort rather than beaches with unlimited girls to ‘observe’, that we now favour bodily relaxation over anything else. Truth is, we are getting old. The talks about the good ol’ video games and NBA playoffs have lessened and the

spiels on business ideas, on how we all want to own a house, and on how badly we want to marry our girlfriends (if we only have the means) are the matters that now consume most of our drunk conversations. Our physical appearances, too, have been manhandled by Father Time. Our 6 pack abs and manly stances are now merely dusty memories. Most of us now sport tattoos but all of the tattoos in the world couldn’t cover up our bodies that have Shellanes for shadows. We dove to the pool like it was 2002 all over again. Then I heard once more the childish giggles which are a major part of who I have become. I waded to one corner of the swimming pool, submerged myself and thanked God that He blessed me with this motley crew who appreciates each other regardless of appearance, regardless of musical preference, regardless of distance, regardless of lifestyle, and regardless of time.

BORACAY SUN

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My Carrie Bradshaw Tour of the Philippines’ Last Frontier Beth Jalea

“I

wanted to call him but our love, volumes one, two and three, stopped me.” A famous line in Sex and the City’s latest movie from when Carrie Bradshaw broke up with Mr. Big after he stood her up in their elaborately planned library wedding. My love story with my own Mr. Big consisted only of two short-lived volumes though. In my own second volume, I find myself in Ms. Bradshaw’s volume two, when Mr. Big married another woman. My Mr. Big is not married yet but he seemed to have found a new relationship judging from the photos I saw. In a Carrie Bradshaw fashion, “I cried for a week and then I realised I do have faith; faith in myself, faith that I would one day meet someone... who would be sure that I was the one.”

Across Plaza Cuartel is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a majestic semiGothic structure that stands on the same spot where the small chapel was built by the Spaniards in 1872. The small chapel was where the first Catholic mass in Puerto Princesa was celebrated. The cathedral is home to the intricate wood carvings (the pews, stations of the cross, and heavy wooden doors) made by the inmates of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.

After a week of crying and three weeks of brooding, I found myself in the airport of Puerto Princesa one Friday morning. Like Carrie, I travelled with friends albeit not the friends who knew of my love demise. I kept to myself mostly and feigned headache when my companions missed my usual bubbly self.

Wood carvings also abound the city’s souvenir shops.

We toured around city proper on our first day. The lunch that we ordered was not even served yet when our tour guide fetched us from our hotel and on to a service vehicle that would take us to Plaza Cuartel, The Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, City Baywalk, Palawan Museum, souvenir shops, the Crocodile Farm, Mitra’s Ranch, and Baker’s Hill.

Plaza Cuartel was built sometime in the 1940s and once served as a stronghold of American and Filipino solders, and then later became a prison during the Japanese invasion in World War II. Now restored and opened to the public, the old garrison stands as a grim reminder of the gruesome massacre on December 14, 1944. 143 American prisoners of war (POWs) were burned inside the tunnel by the Japanese soldiers, 11 prisoners narrowly escaped. In the middle of the plaza stood a monument of an emaciated soldier emerging from a burning flame. The image is draped with an American flag and is standing on a stone platform where the names of the 143 POWs who were burned alive and the 11 survivors are listed.

Back in the hotel, the breakfast meal of oatmeal with fresh fruits that I was supposed to eat for lunch was served to me for dinner. My first night in Puerto Princesa was evocative of one of Carrie’s musings, “That night, I started to think about belief. Maybe it’s not even advisable to be an optimist after the age of 30. May pessimism is something to start applying daily... like moisturiser. Otherwise, how do you bounce back when reality batters your belief system and love does not, as promised, conquer all? Is hope a drug we need to go off of, or is it keeping us alive? What’s the harm in believing?” We ventured into the St. Paul Subterranean River on our second day. The Undergound River, as this “eighth wonder of the world” is popularly called, was accidentally discovered by Commander Bates of the English navy in 1850 while exploring the coast of Palawan. Commander Bates saw the subterranean river which he named St. Paul like the dome-shaped St. Paul Cathedral in London. The first documented exploration of the cave was in 1887 by the American, Dean Worcester. The cave under which the river runs through has a total surveyed length of 22 kilometers with navigational portion of 8.2 kilometers. It holds the record as the longest cave in the Philippines. Indeed, it is difficult to describe the cave’s beauty. The lines, shapes and colors that formed without anyone designing can only be attributed to the wonders of nature. Inside the cave was like a play of sceneries, each act as resplendent as the other. The stalactites and stalagmites throughout the years, formed figures and outlines

that resembled things, structures and personas. Most famous is what the guides call the “cathedral” resembling the dome of a huge cathedral. We also saw formations that resemble the Virgin Mary and a Giant Candle; and then a giant eggplant and mushrooms. The whole experience gave me a reprieve. The cave invoked in me a sense of awe and strengthened my belief to our Creator. Borrowing Ms. Bradshaw’s line and with a breathe of resignation, I say, “sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop figuring out precisely how we feel, stop deciding exactly what we want, and just see what happens”. Is it time to stop questioning? The answer is no, not yet. I know, because I have been to more places after Puerto Princesa. And I may have to travel more until the questioning stops or at least take a pause. I’d take my cue from Ms. Bradshaw, “But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.”

MAY 2015

BORACAY SUN

7107 ISLANDS

MAY 2015

To the Seafood City! Michael Madriaga

(third in the world) is located would take a lot of time as it is located a few kilometers from the city proper and may be reached via a 30-minute tricycle ride.

oxas City is located in the province of Capiz and is named in honor of our country’s 5th President, Manuel Roxas. Aside from being Capiz’ capital and center of industries, Roxas is also known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines because of its abundance of marine life. For us living in Boracay, Roxas is known as the nearest place to go shopping and to visit the movie theater because of its modern-style mall that would make you feel nostalgic for the malls in the Metro.

modern finish architecture while the latter is said to have a California-style façade. There are also three other notable structures in the plaza: the Roxas City Bridge or Old Capiz Bridge built in early 1900s and still in good shape; the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero; and a monument in honor of President Manual Roxas who was born in the city.

La Playa de Roxas La Playa de Roxas and People’s Park is located in the shoreline of Barangay Baybay facing the Sibuyan Sea. Here people can rent a small cottage and swim in the beach. The highlight of this part of the province though is the different seafood restaurants. True to the city’s title, Seafood Capital, it offers different kinds of fish and shellfish that some may not be too familiar with. The dishes are prepared “paluto” style, and are sure to be enjoyed in Baybay.

Roxas City is just a 3 to 4–hour van or bus ride from Caticlan (Caticlan – Kalibo, then take another ride from Kalibo going to Roxas City). Visiting the city and going around its attractions within a day is possible but, if you wish to spend a longer time and experience its nightlife, affordable hotels and inns are also within the vicinity for one to enjoy. The first place that I visited in Roxas City is, of course, Robinson’s Mall. As mentioned earlier, its modern-style reminded me of the ones I usually go to back in Manila. Here, they have our favorite local fast-food restaurants and boutiques. They also have four movie theaters, featuring the latest movies. These are actually the things I missed a lot and believe me, I thought of just staying there. But since I’m in a new place, my itch to visit the city’s major attractions won out. Halaran Plaza From the mall, you may ride the jeepney or rent a tricycle going to the plaza, which is about 5 to 10-minutes away. The plaza itself already has a lot of attractions you could visit like the Roxas City Hall and Capiz Provincial Capitol. The city hall has

Santa Monica Parish Church or Panay Church was built in the late 1600s by the Augustinian Friars. The 3-meter thick walls are made of coral stones while its floors are tiled with marble. Outside the church is a replica of its 10-ton bell, which locals call dakong lingganay or big bell. The original piece is still installed inside the church but sadly, it wasn’t available for viewing during my visit. Nevertheless, the replica still manages to give the feel of how gigantic the original bell is.

The Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral is also located in the plaza. The church was built in the 16th century and was renovated several times as the original structure was damaged by different natural calamities. Currently, it serves as a symbol of faith in Roxas City. Also located just a few meters from the plaza are the Panubli-on Museum and the Roxas Ancestral House where our late president was born. I wasn’t lucky enough during my visit as these establishments were closed, but I just looked at it as a reason for me to visit the city again. Therefore, I suggest you visit them during weekdays. Santa Monica Parish Church Going to the parish where the biggest bell in Asia

The place is really famous, not only to locals but also to tourists. During my visit, almost all of the restaurants were filled with diners and finding a good spot required some waiting time. But as soon as you’re seated and able to feast on their dishes, one wouldn’t actually care about the crowd and waiting in queue. The most important thing aside from freshness is affordability. A platter of baked scallops can be had for just P150. Good deal, right? I was actually surprised with what Roxas City has to offer. I was initially hesitant to go around the area and almost opted to just stay inside the mall. Though some of the attractions were closed during my visit, it just made me want to visit the city again and again. From watching a movie at the mall, to hugging the biggest bell in Asia, to filling my tummy with seafood, my Roxas experience is surely one for the books.

BORACAY SUN

Is it Safe to Swim in Boracay? Peter Tay

ou may be wondering if the waters in Boracay is still safe for swimming? Last March 3, the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) cleared Boracay as safe and clean for swimming. Atty. Jonathan Bulos, Regional Director of EMB-DENR in Western Visayas stated that the coastal water along White Beach is not hazardous. This declaration is in response to the news release posted on the website of the DENR citing EMB6-figures showing bacterial levels in Boracay waters significantly exceeded DENR guidelines for recreational water. The EMB-6 indicating high content presence of coliform bacteria in seawater surrounding the island was actually taken from the mouth of the drainage system in Bulabog, located on the eastern side of Boracay Island. Based on the latest EMB-6 data, total coliform bacteria at the front beach only reached 58mpn/ml. Therefore, it is very unlikely for the high coliform bacteria recorded in waters at the mouth of Bulabog Beach’s drainage system to reach waters on the front beach which swimmers frequent. Furthermore, through the strong leadership and political will of Mayor John Yap of the municipality of Malay, the Boracay Beach Management Program with the slogan “Para Sa Boracay Ako!” (For Boracay I will!) was launched. The program covers the seven priority areas: 1. Local Governance: Visitors and residents are reminded to observe municipal ordinances against littering, smoking, extracting sand and pebbles, etc.

ENVIRONMENT

MAY 2015

2. Coastal Resources: Volunteer groups continue to perform regular beach and underwater cleanup drives. Artificial reef domes are being deployed and monitored in strategic areas to revitalize marine and aquatic life along Boracay’s waters. New coral growth from the coastal nurseries are being transplanted to degraded reef areas, while mangrove swamps continue to be protected. 3. Watershed: Under the National Greening Program, Boracay’s CENRO (Community Environment & Natural Resources Office) is committed to planting an additional 120-hectares in the watershed areas to prevent soil erosion and improve water yield for safe and potable water on the island. This is in addition to the 428-hectares of forest plantations that have been established since 2008. 4. Water and Waste Water: Boracay’s water is certified to be safe for drinking straight from the tap, with meticulous testing to ensure that it is 100% compliant with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). It has also recently upgraded its sewage treatment facilities, where wastewater is treated to be safe for marine life and suitable for recreation activities upon discharge, complying with the Class SB Standard of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 5. Solid Waste: Boracay now has three new dump trucks for more effective garbage collection, while the materials recovery facility continues to improve the processing of residual waste. A sanitary landfill is being built as a more long-term solution to solid waste management. 6. Hazard Protection: Young and dynamic volunteers man from the Boracay Action Group, Philippines Coast Guard and Philippines Coast Guard Auxiliary. Trained personnel, new sea patrol craft, and upgraded communications equipment all ensure that the island has sufficient capabilities to respond to emergencies and assist in disaster relief.

7. Information, Education & Communication: Workshops, seminars and training programs have been designed for the local government units to improve quality services among all tourism frontliners and ensure that tourists have a memorable “Boracay Experience.” Social media is also being used to reach out to a wider audience through the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ BBMPTWG. Continuous efforts are done to make Boracay Island a memorable place to visit. The indomitable spirit of the locals strengthens the drive to these efforts.Let’s do our part to keep the beach clean. If you see anyone littering in Boracay, give them a gentle reminder of our goals and our mission. Don’t wait for someone else to clean up the beach. If you see trash as you walk, pick it up and dispose of it properly. Mabuhay Boracay!

BORACAY SUN

EXPAT FILES

MAY 2015

Big Mountain does Carabao Island! Kate Hammaren

he island buzzed with excitement as the news spread that legendary reggae/pop band Big Mountain had landed and would be performing at the intimate Charlie’s Steakhouse, one of the tour’s sponsors. The evening was a roaring success as the band blew the roof with two incredible sets, including long-time favorites ‘Baby I Love Your Way’, ‘Touch My Light’ and ‘Caribbean Blue’. The guys treated their adoring crowd to a signing session at the end before heading to their hotel for a much deserved good night’s rest. As it was Big Mountain’s last gig on their promotional tour of the Philippines, the band was treated to a trip to Carabao island. Big Mountain’s founding member Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney, Timothy Pacheco, Paul “Groove Galore” Kastick, Daniel Lopilato, Mikey Ortiz, Luis Castillo and their entourage, and a very lucky few (including myself) set out to a saling trip onboard one of the sponsors’ ship.

“I grew up in California, and I’ve lived in Australia and Hawaii. I first got into music as I played trumpet in school – I actually wanted to play sax, but mom got me a trumpet instead!” “My first band ‘Final Cut’ was a jazz band, the guy who ran the show was like my guide or mentor. Then I broke loose and started my own band when I was 21, called ‘Solpower’. My current band’s called ‘Psydecar’; we play reggae, but it’s more jazz-based – I like free-form jazz. Certain parts of songs catch your attention and I started noticing formulas like in radio hits, I wanted to make my own kind of formula. When you go out on a limb you get the rewards and that’s what keeps me interested, I can get bored and need to feel creative, when I play the drums I never play them the same way I do in other songs.”

“This is awesome!” said Danny Lopilato, vocalist and guitarist. “I love being in the middle of nowhere, I feel like I’m dreaming!” Whoops of joy filled the air as the ship moored off the pristine shore and everyone jumped into the cool ocean. After the invigorating swim and as the barbecue was fired up and wonderful aromas wafted over the cabana, I got chatting with percussion and vocalist, Tim Pacheco.

“Big Mountain happened when I was hanging out at Quino’s – he’s a really talented songwriter and so nice to hang out with – they needed a new drummer so I joined the band about a year ago,” Tim remembers. “I got to tour the States with all the guys, it was a real privilege, I really admire people I can vibe with. Quino and I do all sorts of acoustic together; we play congas, jam, chill out, sing with the drums; once you get the rhythm going, you get a really good vibe!

“I’m from all over really”, he laughs,

“There are so many talented people in

this world, it’s a shame that they aren’t all recognized. The vibe at Charlie’s last night was awesome,” smiles Tim. “Lots of talent can bring conflict, but it brought all the talented locals of Boracay together instead of competing against each other.” As attention turned to the sumptuous feast being served up, we all ventured over to the cabana where we were greeted with a feast of chicken, pork, grilled eggplant and zucchini. Sitting next to Danny, I noticed he had fish instead of meat like everyone else. “I’m pescatarian so I get special privileges,” he grinned before expertly de-boning his food and offering me the fish’s eye. “It’s all yours!” I laughed. The 34-year-old joined Big Mountain in 2011, making him just 14 when the 1994 Peter Frampton cover of ‘Baby I Love Your Way’ was first released. “I was a fan, I knew and loved the music – I used to drive my Valiant to college playing Big Mountain! Mikey and I met Pato Banton (of 1994’s ‘Baby Come Back’ fame) who was in ‘The Now Generation’; Pato’s guitarist had quit and I was asked to audition for them. That was my first taste of being in a band. I’d never played guitar in a band before but gave it a go!” “I love music, it’s in the family, my father was musical. I play guitar, keyboard, I’ve dabbled with horns and ukes, but professionally it’s guitar and keyboard, we’re all dabblers though.” “I don’t really have any one artist in particular who’s influenced me, but I’m

really into the Internet and I search for knowledge there, constantly trying to figure out what’s going on in the world. Different music is good at different times, I live in the moment, the now if you like and I think a picture or recording is a snapshot of a certain moment in time. That snapshot in time opens up the third eye.” He added, “Man, I love being on Carabao! It’s so chilled. I really hope we can come back next year!” The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging out on beanbags under the palms, motorbiking through the hills and beaches, snorkeling, sunbathing, and drinking delicious cocktails. At sunset, the band took one last dip before heading back to prep for their flight to Taiwan then the U.S. the following day. “For me,” said Danny, “The Boracay tour has been the best so far by miles. Coming back next year, I’m hoping for a 2000-strong gig on the beach!” With a sideways glance at Tim, he joked “We younger guys pull the strings and make it all happen, they just do what we say!” he laughs. “Boracay is awesome,” agrees Tim. “People are living this simple life, America’s like living in a bubble. Everything’s separated with doors and fences. We’ve met so many people here – they are so sweet. If I get another ticket back here, I’m coming back for sure!” “It really has been an amazing adventure today, man, I’ve never done anything like that, that was a whole new experience for me.” said Quino of the day.

Crediting the light of our lives Klaus Doring

ay is the month of celebration in the Philippines. 400 years of Spanish colonization has left behind many traditions, one of which is the most colorful feast of feasts celebrated nationwide - the “Flores de Mayo”. The purpose of this tradition, as is well known, is to honor the Blessed Mother in Heaven, who is the model of virtue and love.

family of today can now mean a mother raising her children all by herself, or a father doing the same thing.

In a few days, we will be celebrating “Mother’s Day”. We are all requested and invited to honor our “mothers on earth”. Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1913 in the United States and was quickly adopted as an unofficial holiday all around the world. Ever since, it has been a bit controversial because many women feel that a bunch of flowers presented to them only once a year, and very often with a guilty conscience, is not just enough. But the always pragmatic Americans must have thought: “Better once than never!”

It is really easy to sincerely shape the great fate of a mother. More difficult is it to fulfill an inconspicuous day’s work with vividness and dignity. Innumerable fates of mothers in those times sink unknown like the sun beneath the horizon.

Meanwhile, we have all come a long way. Social structures, on the whole, and family structures, in particular, have changed enormously. Therefore, a

Anyway, we should give credit where credit is due. But must we do it only for a single day per year? What a sad and underwhelming declaration of love to someone who gave birth to us and made it possible for us to stay on earth.

A Happy Mother’s Day and a hearty salute to all fathers too, binded with the wish, that also during the other 364 days, we all might find plenty other things than flowers, restaurant invitations, and confectionery for our beloved and most honored mothers. My dear readers, please allow me to share some very personal insights. My Mom, born a few years after

World War I, didn’t enjoy most years of her life. She’s gone through the not-so Golden Twenties, Nazi Germany, World War II, famine, being the family’s only breadwinner after her Dad passed away and later, as a refugee from East Germany. And then, she was diagnosed with cancer. But, with God’s grace, she survived. For 17 years now, she’s lived with me and my family here in the wonderful Philippines as an expatriate. I love you “Mutti” (German word for Mummy!). Thank you for everything. May God give you more power and good health along with many more years of an enjoyable and peaceful life in the Philippines.

BORACAY SUN

pet corner

LIFESTYLE

MAY 2015

Dog Lover or Dog Hoarder? Jeffrey Mancao

s a dog breeder, I have known individuals who are so in love with their numerous pets but unfortunately, it’s all talk and hardly any action. Their pets suffer from lack of grooming and attention, malnourishment, and even no exercise. We must educate our friends, relatives and children that once we have a pet it is our commitment, passion and responsibility to provide the utmost care and comfort. The idea of owning an animal but not actually caring for it is quiet alarming that’s why I have chosen to discuss what is Animal Hoarding. Animal Hoarding In order to be called an animal hoarder, a person must have a number of animals at home that are not receiving the lowest stock of care and love. Most animals kept by hoarders are gruesome, dirty, and infested with parasites. Another problem is the effect on the local environment, which can include flea and tick infestations and improper waste management. Wretchedly, the hoarders themselves typically are breathing in the same unsanitary environment as their animals,

sometimes without a functioning kitchen or bathroom. Animal hoarders are socially secluded, impulsive and to be associated with attachment problems to other people. In other countries, failure to provide appropriate care for animals is a crime and penalty is really serious. Here in the Philippines, we have REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485 - AN ACT TO PROMOTE ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE PHILIPPINES, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998” Again, we must not tolerate hoarders, instead let’s educate them on how to be good pet parents because they lack the emotional knowledge to appreciate the reality of others. They also fail to understand how others think and feel. They tend to decide FOR their animals how they feel, for example, “My animals love me”… even though they are clearly suffering from lack of care. Hoarders also lack awareness of their animals’ distress, or make up their own rules for what constitutes distress. Animal hoarders often have other mental disorders, such as object hoarding or dementia. They also typically lack insight or awareness of their situation,

and many demonstrate a lack of empathy for other creatures, including the animals in their hoard. Helping Hoarders and Their Animals Experts agree that increasing public awareness of animal hoarding as a psychiatric condition will result in earlier detection of hoarding cases. Also, standard policies for effective interventions must be implemented, and should provide assistance for both the animals and the hoarder. In most animal hoarding interventions, the animals are removed, but the hoarder receives no further attention. Since hoarders don’t comprehend that the animals removed from their care were severely neglected, they typically turn right around and start a new hoard. They need to receive mental health treatments immediately to prevent any recurrence.

If you’re concerned that a neighbor, family member, or friend may be an animal hoarder (or an object hoarder), you can make your own hoarding risk assessment using the HOMES Scale. If you feel like your suspicions are warranted, contact your local humane society, police department, or animal control department.

BORACAY SUN

LIFESTYLE

water Babies

Yogini Kids Pauline Astronaut

MAY 2015

t’s been a few months since my eldest daughter started Yoga for Kids at the Vessel at Mandala Spa & Villas. The first Saturday she attended, she followed little of what the instructor was doing and wandered around most of the time. Understandably because at just three, she was the youngest of the class. Regardless, the week after, she asked me to bring her back. This time around, she was more focused and learned songs and poses. The instructor is soft-spoken and sings fun children’s songs related to yoga. They learn to do all sorts of poses with creative names like the baby, the tree, the mountain, the butterfly, the warrior, and the eagle. Afterwards they are taught the sequence of movements including all aforementioned poses following a great story line. At the end of the hour, everybody lays down to relax. We’ve all heard how beneficial yoga is for our mind and body, that’s why so many of us are practicing yoga at home or in classes. But it amazed me to see how great it could be for young children after only a few classes. It not only improved my daughter’s coordination and flexibility, it also strengthened her body. My daughter is also learning how to follow rules like not running around, not leaving the mat, and waiting for the instructor to tap her mat so she can stand up and put her shoes on.

Wild Punch Charisse Mobo

en-year old Reynald slips as he throws his best punch against his 6-year old brother but then quickly regains his footing. In his worn-out slippers, he goes on to throw yet another blow, this time learning from his previous mistake. His younger brother, who has yet to start formal training has already become accustomed to using defensive tactics. Reynald, having realized that he had punched a lot harder than what his brother can normally take tilts his head sideways and smiles charmingly at a nearby friend standing outside the ring. He gives a smile that can melt the heart just as quickly and intensely as a power punch can break a bone, and leaves you wondering; where does this sort of relentless passion come from? Boxing has long been regarded as a struggle between life and death, but has anyone asked what happens in between? If champions are measured by the number of punches landed and matches won, why not count every step made and every breath taken as well for surely you will find that the whole will not equal to the sum of its parts. Often, as is the case with boxing, passion of this intensity are born out of a dire need to survive. It has become common knowledge that those who are willing to go through rigorous

Above all, she is learning how to center herself. For instance, when her attention is all over the place, I catch her stopping to sit and sing a mantra while using her fingers to practice the sequence she learned. Sometimes before dinner, she will tell me to lay down next to her and ask me to close my eyes. She will then sing the mantra she learned at the end of the class,effectively calming us both. It’s really never too early to learn how to feel great!

work without immediate gratification must do it because they do not have a choice. Lives of known fighters around the world, including Manny Pacquaio, have been well documented and many have concluded that boxing is the most accessible sport for poor and unschooled children that can be a springboard to improve their living condition. Since boxing entails fighters to risk their lives to offer spectators a display of martial arts, it must be geared towards entertainment and the pursuit of money and fame. However, a closer look at the situation may give us a different way of looking at human conditions and a deeper understanding of life, in general. How do we explain the unrelenting drive to put in long hours of practice in the absence of immediate rewards? Where does one find the motivation to wake up in the morning, regardless of what happened the night before, to train kids for free? What propels someone to build a gym with limited funding and clear intention not to profit from it? Do we care to know? Sadly, in a place where visitors outnumber the locals, and many locals are displaced and residents disconnected, no one is really asking these questions. You have to take a boat trip across Boracay Island to the port of Caticlan to begin to gain awareness of what truly happens between sunrise and sunset. Then, you can learn that life is measured not by winning or losing but by moments between rise and fall. What matters is revealed in every inhalation and exhalation because champions are formed not by abandonment of one’s current life but through humble surrender to yet another day of living and learning. After all, if we look at history, we can clearly see that real champions are overcomers not over achievers. Champions understand that neither the past and the future are as important as the present. At Wild Punch Boxing Gym, the Boracay incantation comes alive. In 2003, Cha Cha Tolosa built the gym along the Caticlan shores with his own hands and together with his wife, Miguela, runs the gym for free for the local kids who are willing to dedicate some of their time for the pursuit of a greater sense of freedom. Cha and Miguela were set to

do their share towards the preservation of life because it is the right thing to do, not necessarily because it is the smart thing to do. In an island where fame and fortune have become the mainstream battle cry for endurance, there are still those who have maintained a silent embrace towards a sense of communal responsibility. Thus, we honor them. Indeed, something wonderful happens with the simple realization that if each one gives their fair share, then there is enough. Wild Punch Boxing Gym has touched more than 100 lives of children, and more if you count their families, and even more when you count the people those kids will impact in the future. Such is how quality of life is preserved, not just for the chosen few, but for the greater good. It is in acts of kindness outside the realm of our own reality that we become part of a greater circle of life. Wild Punch Boxing Gym is a player in the preservation of the values

of dignity and strength and a reminder that no matter what happens around us, there are places where freedom remains free. At the Wild Punch Boxing Gym, every child can be a contender. As with the rest of the locals and residents, Wild Punch Boxing Gym has been witness to so many changes around it. Development has its drawbacks as well as its perks but here lies a modest and untapped source of magic that is open to those who are willing to be enchanted. Here we witness how small acts can be significant in the preservation of balance in the midst of development. The sun continually rises and falls from the nearby horizon and on many days, it blazes with vibrant colors in festivity with those who have come and conquered and in salutation to yet another day preserved with dignity and grace. And when it is dark, Wild Punch Boxing Gym becomes the light for those in need of it.

BORACAY SUN

EXPAT FILES

Soaring with the Dragonflies

Kate Hammaren

ragonboat racing is practically synonymous with the Philippines and seeing a long, skinny vessel armed with a crew of 20, seem to effortlessly glide through the waters of Boracay with such synchronicity is almost an everyday sight. Especially with the 9th Boracay Dragonboat Festival in the month of April! Organized by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association (BIPA), the annual festival is supported by the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Municipality of Malay. When asked to join the formidable Dragonflies team for training, I was initially a little reluctant. Four days a week, up at 5:30am, 6am start, training for around an hour and a half. Now, I’m all for a new challenge. However, I haven’t actually voluntarily arisen at this time of the morning for about four years. Let alone to do exercise. Then I thought: ‘What the heck?’ and agreed to meet the team at their boat at Station 2

Photos By Lhen Brutton

the next morning. Cue the 5:15am alarm. Really? It was still dark outside, but bizarrely I managed to haul myself out of my warm nest and headed down to the beach. Arriving, we were greeted with the most gorgeous sight – the tide was out, the light was hazy and there were no loungers or umbrellas, and hardly any people about. Definitely worth the early call-time. Introductions to the rest of the team done, we began the workout with a run from Aplaya to Willy’s Rock and back. I haven’t run that far in years. I was sure I was going to die. Or be last. Or both. Gasping for breath, purple in the face and almost passing out on the return trip, I was pleasantly surprised I didn’t have to stop, and recovered relatively quickly after half a gallon of water. It helped that we ran as a team in a crocodile of two runners abreast, so there was no competing and a good pace was set.

Next up was a long session of varying exercises: rowing exercises, core exercises – burpees, starjumps, planks, sit-ups, push-ups – you name it, we did it. It was pretty intense. Resting frequently got me through the pain. “We’re starting off with easy sessions this week,” explained Trudy Allen, Boracay.Travel’s Chief Executive and our trainer for the morning (in lieu of the team’s coach, Lilia Reuter). Day two was hard. Yet again in the depths of sleep, in a warm cocoon, I was completely out of it. Nope, there’s nothing for it, I promised I’d be there. My muscles were a little stiff after being rudely awakened the day before and some of the exercises were difficult to say the least. But I got through it and treated myself to a massage after breakfast to ease the aches. Tomorrow we have a day off! Week one was tough. However, by the middle of week two, I was extremely

MAY 2015

encouraged to find myself improving with every session. Honestly the difference completely surprised me. My planks went from a pathetic 5-10 seconds to a minute within 10 days and, despite the run being increased to Sea Wind Resort and back, not once did I stop and actually started to feel the beginnings of a second wind on the return leg. And most of all I was enjoying it! The trainers Helle and Trudy were fantastically encouraging, gently breaking us newbies in, and giving sage advice about lifestyle changes that could help energy levels and muscle development. But when were we to get into the boat? I couldn’t wait! Our first session was at the end of week two. We carried the ten-ton monster down to the water, and I was handed a paddle for the first time and shown the grip. Then the ‘A-frame’ position and the stroke were taught – it looked easy in theory but was harder in practice. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

BORACAY SUN

MAY 2015

World paddlers race at 9th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival Kate Hammaren

photos by: Alva Alvarez & julius Olarte

oracay opened her arms once again to welcome the different dragon boat teams from all over the world including Dubai, Singapore and North America as they arrive to take part in the much-anticipated 9th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival on April 23 to 25.

Dressed in their bright team colors and some in fancy dresses, participants and their supporters gathered at sunset on Station 2’s beach path last April 22 for a welcome parade led by a drum and lyre band down to the event’s location, Boracay Regency Beach Resort.

“We’re feeling really good,” said Renly paddling for the Boracay Sea Dragons, “although I think the Boracay All Stars team is our biggest competition.” And the Singapore Barbarians were excited to be on the island, saying: “Anything can happen in Boracay! We’re the fun team!” In the evening, teams were formally introduced and welcomed. The eye of the dragon was painted on, paddles were presented and there was a buffet and fire show, followed by the hilarious team dance shows – some certainly took it more seriously than others! Everyone was in high spirits. Teams gathered on the beach at the crack of dawn on day one (April 23) for the official opening of the races, signified by the traditional drum roll and raising of the team flags. Day one would see men’s, women’s and mixed teams battling out in 52 of 500-meter races in standard dragon boats (20 paddlers) and in small boats (10 paddlers), with a mixed masters event in the small boat category. Conditions were calm and cool at the start, with small waves. However, the weather changed and the water became choppy with rain showers throughout the day that resulted in few capsized boats. “The first race is the hardest and the most nerve-wracking,” said Boracay Dragonflies Team Manager, Trudy Allen. “There are lots of noise and anticipation, and you really have to focus on the drum at the front of the boat.” As the 500m finals in all categories arrived, tension mounted and teams were pulling together. Boracay teams had a good presence in the finals bar, the Mixed Masters and the Mixed Small Boat Finals, with the glory going to Boracay Dragonforce for taking Gold in the Men’s Standard Boat final. Silver medals were in abundance, too, for the island teams with the Dragonflies taking two from the Women’s Small and the Women’s Standard, and the All Stars also taking two from the Men’s Standard and the Mixed Standard. The Sea Dragons also fought a good fight in the Men’s Small Boat category, taking home their well-earned silver. The true winners of the day were Manilabased team, Pyros, who ended the day with three Gold medals in Women’s Standard, Small and Mixed Small Boat categories. Team DNA (Dragonboat Team of North America) was the only international team to take home a Gold medal from the Mixed Masters - leaving the Philippines very much in ownership of this sport at the end of day one.

MAY 2015

Day two dawned for the 250 meter sprints with the same race categories as the day before, panning out over another 42 races. “We’re feeling really good, excited for today’s finals!” exclaimed Boracay All Stars’ paddler, Ryan. “We’re not worried, we’re here to paddle and have fun!” On a high after their success the day before, the Pyros team said “We feel great, but it’s pretty tight between us and the Boracay teams! We felt nervous when the Dragonflies started pulling through, we always think number one, think positive to win!” The conditions were similar to the day before, minus the rain - calm to begin with, then choppy water later in the day. Heats were battled and won, and the participants for the finals emerged. Yet again, the Philippines reigned supreme, scooping up all the Gold medals, leaving the international teams with a well-fought Silver that was awarded to the Vancouver-based Starbucks Waverunners. Pyros streaked home again, grabbing another two Gold medals from the Mixed Masters and the Women’s Small Boat races. Boracay teams, Dragonflies and Dragonforce, were ecstatic to nail Gold medals from the much-coveted Women’s Standard and the Men’s Standard Boats, respectively. Silver medals were owned by the Boracay teams: Allstars took the Women’s Standard, Sea Dragons the Mixed Standard and Men’s Standard, and Dragonflies the Women’s Small Boat. Florendo of Boracay Dragonforce said of his team’s achievements, “We feel so great. Our team was nervous but passionate. It felt different this year, most of the team is participating and dedicated, working really hard. We will celebrate later!” “The teams were tough, the competition was tough, but trust and our game plan got us through!” said Philip from the Philippine Titans. Boracay Dragonflies Team Captain, Helle, was thrilled with the result, too. “We’re paddling as a team now. We trained hard, paddled harder and we will drink even harder tonight! We had experienced paddlers and we welcomed in our new paddlers, making them feel part of the team.” “We’re ecstatic,” said Paula, paddling with Pyros, who dominated the event, taking five Gold medals in total. “We worked really hard in the training, gym and water training every other day. We psyched everyone up, we wanted to own the Boracay races and we wanted to hold on to our titles. Tonight we’re going to celebrate! We’re going to drink and party until Monday then it’s back to training!”

BORACAY SUN

City Slicker

CULTURE

MAY 2015

How to Beach Bum Filipino Style Samantha Go

eaches are a beloved respite from city-living across the globe. From Europe to Australia, thousands of sunloving individuals flock to the shoreline to leave behind the stresses and chaos of the metropolis in exchange for the salty vibrancy that the sea has to offer. Although the idea behind escaping to the beach may be the same around the world, what happens when you’re actually already on it can vary greatly. This month, let’s take a look at how this idyllic beach life is played out on our home turf. The day usually begins quite early for some ardent fans of the beach to see the sunrise and enjoy the cool breeze that whistles across the lightly tinged sky. If you’re fortunate enough to be on an island like Boracay, take this time out to appreciate the world-renowned spectacle. Although granted, this isn’t always easy to do after a night of partying on one of the best party beaches in the world. A little later in the morning, the sun has already settled in and most people are beginning to wake up. Though most people will just be getting ready to grab their breakfasts which usually always includes beloved viands like tapa and tocino, there will already be those who are excitedly laying out their blankets on the sand, hoping to score a tan before lunch. So far, this routine doesn’t sound very distinctly of any one nation but as the day wears on and more people emerge, the culture surely follows. In the afternoon, there will be a plethora of beach-goers. Here you will find tourists, locals, and vendors strolling the

Photos By alvarez alva

seaside. If you’re looking for a place to relax for the day you don’t have to limit yourself to the spa, you can park a lounge chair or drape a towel on the powdery sand and forget your troubles right there. Some masseuses even roam the beach, offering different types of massages for a reasonable price. This way you can have your bodily aches tended to without losing any valuable away from the view. You may also observe locals expertly sculpting ornate sculptures from the sand. For a fee, some may create a personalized piece of sand-art for you. It may not have the longevity of marble but the artistry and photoworthy outcome merit the value. There are also locals who offer henna tattoos and braiding. Try both out to achieve a really chill vibe. Vendors will also be seen peddling their wares that consist of various items from shells to slippers. Popular vendors even have their “suki” who regularly buys from them. Ice cream or sorbet is one of the most common items sold on the beach; the perfect accompaniment to the blazing sun! If lunchtime rolls around, some fishermen sell their fresh catch to people on the beach. These are sold at a cheaper price than in a market, the catch (pun intended!) is that you’ll have to find a way to gut, clean, and cook it yourself. Ihawans are standard though, so it won’t be difficult to score one yourself. If you’re going to be more adventurous, why not try some Tamilok? This species of saltwater clam looks more like a

May the Flowers Bloom Samantha Go

very May, various cities across the Philippines bust out garlands of assorted flowers, beautifully decorated arcs, and send out their young ladies and gentlemen to walk in beautiful and intricate religionthemed garb as prayers are whispered to the heavens. As a country that treats both culture and religion as important staples in society, it is no surprise that the celebration of Flores De Mayo, or Flowers of May, is so highly anticipated and prepared for every year. This festival of praise began in the 1800s, with the publication of Mariano Sevilla’s Tagalog translation of “The Flowers of Mary or the Beautiful

Flowers that in the Meditations During the Whole Month of May are Offered by Devotees to Mary the Holiest.” Each day of the month is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and preceding the final procession and beauty pageant, nine days of prayer are devoted to Reyna Elena’s discovery of the Holy Cross. The Santacruzan, in honor of Reyna Elena (Helena of Constantinople), ends the month’s festivities. It was during the Spanish occupation that the Santacruzan became widely practiced by Filipinos. Ever since, the pageant and the activities surrounding it have become key parts of the May devotions.

worm than anything else but at the end of the day it’s still food. However, if that isn’t your speed, you can easily find practically every cuisine on the island. There is something for every belly in Boracay. Since you’re on the beach though, most visitors will be inclined to try the delectable seafood and the refreshing fruit juices and shakes that complement each other perfectly.

grabs your interest, there will surely be a school or instructor nearby to help.

When it’s time for some fun, there are more common beach activities and there are more Pinoy activities, like the Palo Sebo (a game involving a player climbing up a greased bamboo pole to reach a coconut), and the Paraw (a local sailboat that can be rented). Granted the Palo Sebo is no longer as famous as it used to be but it’s still a challenge that both locals and tourist attempt from time to time, especially when one gets in the mood for those delectable bukos. In recent years, Boracay has become the home to many sports such as kiteboarding, dragon boating, ultimate Frisbee, and beach volleyball, so whichever of them

Of course, coming to the beach, especially one like Boracay, is primarily made to see the sights. Thus, snorkeling and island hopping are practically must-dos. Usually, most visitors will hire a guide and a boat to take them to dive spots or nearby islands. These trips sometimes include a meal and a beverage. If you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins or other exotic marine life joining you.

Before the procession, the Sagala, or beauty pageant, is held for all the devotees to watch. Following this joyful and energy-filled portion of the day, a more somber novena is prayed. Afterwards, the chosen participants finally begin the procession in their various attires that represent different biblical figures and symbolisms.

The Tres Marias follow suit. They are Mary Magdalene, holding a bottle of perfume; Mary, mother of James, carrying a bottle of oil; and finally, the Blessed Virgin Mary, holding a handkerchief for mourning.

At the start of the line is Methuselah, a hunched-over old man toasting grains of sand in a cart to represent the mortality of life. Next is Reyna Banderada in a long, red gown, representing Christianity’s preordained onset. After her are the Aetas, literally representing the indigenous people and their pagan beliefs. Following them are the Reynas: Mora, Fe, Esperanza, Caridad, Abogada, Sentenciada, Justicia, Judith, Sheba, and Esther. They symbolize Islam; faith; hope; charity; the protection of the poor and oppressed; the unjustly convicted innocents; justice; the biblical widow Judith of Bethulia; who saved her city from the Assyrians; the queen who was greatly astounded by King Solomon’s riches, power, and wisdom; and the Jewish Queen of Persia who intercepted King Xerxes, effectively saving her people. After the Reynas, the Samaratina, usually known as Sta. Photina, follows with a jug on her shoulder and represents the woman with whom Jesus Christ spoke at the well. Following her is Sta. Veronica, who wiped the Jesus’ face, and so wields a veil with the imprint of his face.

When the sun sets (don’t forget to watch this, too!) many locals turn in for the night just as the visitors spread out across the various bars scattered across the coast. Along the beach itself, one will hear loud music and see dancers dazzling onlookers with their flaming poi.

All in all, what makes the Pinoy beaches special is the marriage of the people and the island. The warmth and exuberance of the locals partnered with the impossibly picturesque views makes for a match made in tropical paradise heaven.

Lastly, the Marian titles walk with the appearance of being heavenly creatures. The “angels” are meant to represent the letters of “Ave Maria.” Namely, they are the Divine Shepherdess, the Queen of Stars, Rosa Mystica, the Queen of Peace, the Queen of the Prophets, the Queen of Heaven, the Queen of Virgins, and the Queen of Flowers. Both the Queen of Heaven and the Queen of Virgins are each surrounded by two angels. The highlight of the procession is the final walker, Reyna Elena. She is the most picturesque, surrounded by a large canopy of flowers, carrying the pivotal Holy Cross, with the company of her son, Constantine and the brass band that plays the rhythmical processional music, and of course, the float carrying the Blessed Virgin Mary’s carven image. The prolonged festivities of the Flores De Mayo and Santacruzan may seem arduous to tackle, but the devotees spend each moment in joyful celebration of their faith and the culmination of their culture. The procession is awe-inspiring; such so that even the least faithful of folk would not find their time wasted watching the momentous event.

BORACAY SUN

PEOPLE

MAY 2015

Building a Strong Future with Red Cross Youth Marlo Schoenenberger

or decades the Philippine Red Cross has been a national icon of health and safety for all. With the influx of new technology though, most young people are too busy using their gadgets or surfing the internet to participate in such organizations. Considering that the youth holds the future in their hands, it’s inspiring therefore to see that there are still a number of youngsters who are taking time to educate themselves and others in the hopes of encouraging more to join the Red Cross Youth. Here are their stories: Ivy Casimero Bantilan

“I found my classmate screaming my name one morning as I entered our school campus. His foot was bleeding so hard after he tripped on hollow blocks while walking. I immediately asked my other schoolmate to grab the First Aid kit in our Red Cross Youth (RCY) office while re-assuring my wounded friend. He thanked me after I cleaned his wound and controlled the bleeding. He said the pain was lessened, too.” YASSER T. MAMINGGEN (Boracay National High School Main) When I first came to Red Cross I had several questions boggling my mind, I felt uneasy. What’s going to happen? And who will I meet? Will I fit in? As the day went on though, the feeling faded away. I became more comfortable and as I sat, listened, and participated in different activities. Leadership and environmental activities made me aware with what’s happening around the Island. The journey of being a Red Cross Youth Volunteer is one where we don’t walk alone. We are guided, taught and equipped by the staff and our peers. They train us to be first aiders, environmental advocates, junior lifeguards and much more. We become warriors for nature. We become a voice for the people experiencing stigma and discrimination because they have an STD, HIV, or AIDS. We become lifesavers on land and sea. Red Cross opens and enhances the minds of young people like me!

Aira G. Ebreo (Malay National High School) When we hear the word “Red Cross”, saving lives, educating and motivating others came to mind. Red Cross Youth especially, is about bringing awareness to young people on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention. It’s about making friends, socializing with fellow youths from other schools, and it’s about developing the courage to speak in front of a big crowd. Being a Red Cross Youth is a big challenge for me. Being full of curiosity, I was confused but excited about being a first timer. On youth Peer Education Training, our Red Cross facilitators told us that we will personally educate other people! I said to myself, “Wow, is this true, na kami mismo mag-educate sa iba?” I was so nervous and shy that I couldn’t speak, but seeing my fellow Youth Peer Educator speaking with confidence inspired me. I said to myself, “Kaya ko ‘to!”. I inhaled deeply and asked my co-participants “Pwede ako naman pagkatapos ninyo?” They smiled as a reply. When we were done with the first group of students, we knew they learned a lot from us even if we are still young. We were very happy and we felt fulfilled as they paid attention to our every word. We are proud volunteers, and we will never regret being part of the Philippine Red Cross BoracayMalay Chapter. Many people were inspired and educated on HIV/AIDS through our efforts. I will treasure my experience as a Youth Peer Educator forever and I will continue this advocacy as long as I can. Just like me, all the volunteers have a big role and mission we can accomplish even in simple ways. We can begin at home, with our friends, then in our school, and in the community. Molena P. Manocan (Malay National High School) I was in Grade 7 when I first joined an activity with Philippine Red Cross as a volunteer. I really thought then, that volunteering for this organization was only for adults or those who have a higher educational level. I was thinking that the main focus of PRC is blood donation just

like what I see on tv, but, I was absolutely wrong. Thinking back on the first activity I joined, which was the Leadership Training, I realized that volunteering isn’t limited to donating blood but entails many other tasks. I learned that being a leadeir is not just about putting yourself in a stressful job, it’s about communicating and working together with your members as one, it’s about learning to have confidence in yourself, learning to trust in others, and finding fulfilment in what you do. When I learned to conquer my fears, more Red Cross activities opened up for me like First Aid Training and Youth Peer Education Program. I was never a “normal” student before who would mingle with friends after class or during free time. I remember myself just sitting in a corner alone waiting for somebody to approach me. But after those trainings, I learned to spend time with other teenagers. The most unforgettable lesson Red Cross has taught me is to enjoy life with other people. Today, I want to help other youths accomplish their goals and learn to foster their legacy. I believe that we cannot be that “someone” if we just ignore things around us. No single hand can clap alone. To my fellow youth out there, enjoy life with your buddies! Enjoy life with Red Cross! Riona Marnie Delos Santos (Boracay National High School Manocmanoc Extension) The truth is initially, I only joined Red Cross Youth for Extra Curricular Activities. That time I was busy impressing everyone, I was selfish. But as I Joined the Youth Peer Education Training, I felt that I wanted to help more people. I learned that there are a lot of things that I should do even if I’m only 12 years old. Little by little I’m becoming an active member and I am thankful that our RCY President, Ate Yasmin, informs me of our meetings and trainings. I hope that there are more like me who will join and let Red Cross change their lives. It’s a blessing to be part of Red Cross Youth!

BORACAY SUN

island souls

PEOPLE

MAY 2015

A Tribute to the Moms of Boracay rICA vELASCO

n celebration of Mother’s Day, we give honor to some of our very own mothers on Boracay Island by giving you a peek into their beach-mother lives. Along with these quintessential women, we honor all the mothers out there. We hope that the following stories will inspire your soul and warm your heart, as we show that although the day-to-day activities of a mother may vary, the love and nurture are ever-present. Beverly is a sweet and timid single mom to a 13-year old daughter. She can be seen roaming along White Beach around Crafts and in the Bulabog area, selling some local favourites; kakanin, ube balls, sampaloc, and even some vegetables. She has been selling these for eight years and prior to that she used to be a balot vendor. Beverly commutes an hour each way everyday from Nabas to Boracay in order to earn a living. She

works about seven hours a day and only takes a day off when the weather is bad, or if either she or her daughter is not feeling well. While being interviewed, Beverly’s voice broke and tears streamed down her face as she talked about the hardships of being a single mother. She has the difficult task of having to earn a living on a daily basis in order to provide for her daughter as well as her orphaned niece. It is highly admirable how she has the perseverance and determination to provide for her daughter and niece day in and day out; and singlehandedly support her child and put her through school. Her advice to single mothers out there is to always monitor their children. Although she is away from her daughter several hours a day, Beverly makes sure to ask her daughter’s teachers about her progress and performance in school. Her daughter hopes to finish college someday, and Beverly promises to work hard to make this dream come true. Glenda is a 66 year old mother of three and grandmother of eight. Originally from Altavas, Aklan, she moved to Boracay in 1975 to be with her husband. Her children are aged 37, 36 and 33. Her eldest grandchild is 14 years old, while her youngest is three years old. She had a laid-back and casual vibe with her wearing a “Kings Cuisine” jersey and easy smile. As the wife of the former owner and mother of the current owner of the famous BomBom Bar, like the cool grandmother she is, she likes to spend her time at the bar during sunset hours while having the opportunity to see her grandchildren. Glenda was a Music and Physical Education teacher for over 30 years before becoming a school principal in Balabag Elementary school for five years. She retired at the age of 60. They have a house in Kalibo; their children used to study in Kalibo for high school, and they would visit their children during weekends to check up on their progress in school. Being a teacher, Glenda was especially particular about the academic performance of her children. They also have a house in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, as BomBom Bar has another branch there, and they go there on holidays. Her three children all reside in Boracay and have their own successful businesses. Her eldest grandchild now

studies in Kalibo, and eventually all the others will follow, too. She will let her grandchildren decide their own future residences, but for now she enjoys seeing the entire family every December 28th, which happens to be her wedding anniversary. Joanne, 32 years of age, is a familiar face around the island, often seen during sporting events or parties back in the day. This free-spirited lady fell in love with Boracay in 2007 and moved here shortly after. Joanne seemed to be the ultimate island girl. Easygoing and low-maintenance, she initially just wanted to bum around and enjoy the chill lifestyle. She had odd jobs here and there and was involved with the Dragon Boat competition for seven years. Eventually, she worked at Freestyle Kitesurfing School for four years. Joanne met Philippe while on holiday in Sri Lanka,

and together they have a son, who just turned a year old. Although her pregnancy was not planned, she was already 30 years old at the time, and she felt that shewas ready for kids. Motherhood came naturally to Joanne as she enjoyed the role and did not need time to adjust her priorities. She employs a helper to clean the house and complete chores so that Joanne can spend more time with her son. At times, when Joanne has to work, she leaves her son with the helper, but she makes sure that her son has a strong connection with her by giving him quality bonding time. When asked if she found motherhood to be somewhat daunting, she humorously mentioned that having a pet monkey back in college helped somewhat. While taking care of the monkey, she certainly learned the art of patience, which she is now able to put to good use. Her advice to new and expectant mothers is not to worry so much as everything comes naturally. Everyone has a mother’s instinct, and they should believe in themselves. Junila is the Transportation Director of My Boracay Guide. Originally from Malay, this 31-year oldmom has been working on the island for seven years now. She has been together with her high school sweetheart for 17 years and they have a 15-year old daughter. Her husband works as a bartender on a cruise ship and is home only every 10 months. Junila chose to have her daughter go to high school in Kalibo as she wanted her to explore and experience a new environment but they see each other only during the weekends in Malay. Her daughter is musically inclined and their quality time mostly consists of

Junila listening to her daughter play guitar. Aside from music, her daughter is also good at sports, specifically in badminton, swimming, and volleyball. Junila does not need her daughter to excel in grades. As long as she is passing her classes, Junila puts more importance in letting her daughter pursue her interests. Her daughter already knows that she wants to be a lawyer someday as she takes after her mother’s knack

for debating, or possibly even become a pilot. Junila believes in being more of a friend-type parent than a strict one. She talks to her daughter everyday and instills honesty in whatever she does. She wants to give her independence but maintains a strict guidance. No boyfriends until she graduates from college though -- explicit instructions from her father. Junila and her daughter seemed to have adjusted comfortably with the distance and have kept a close relationship in spite of this. For mothers who are away from their teenage children, Junila suggests to be mindful of their child’s activities and to guide them but to let the children grow independent, for this is an ideal way for children to learn about life. Aileen is a 38 year old mother of 3 boys. She moved to Boracay in 2006 as she and her husband

wanted a better quality of life that let them do more things in less time. They wanted to settle outside of Manila to be more hands on with the children, and time management is much easier on a small island. Aileen has had quite a track record of high profile jobs on the island, and has been working with Hotel Link Solutions for almost 3 years now as Director. Right off the bat, one can tell that Aileen is careerminded, but she manages to balance work and family precisely because she is in Boracay where she can get things done faster without the hassles of traffic or distance making her able to devote 100% of her time outside of work to family. She makes sure to watch the sunsets with her children, but has to stay up late to finish up her work. By choice, they do not employ maids in order to teach the children how to do chores. Aileen has an unconventional way of raising her children. She believes that getting an education does not necessarily mean learning everything in school. It is not just about the intellect but it is also about living life to the fullest. She wants her children to have a holistic life. They do not necessarily have to excel in school and she is intent on exposing them to other aspects of life. She and her husband try to have their children outdoors as much as possible, and as a result, her children are very much into swimming, frisbee, skateboarding, and skimboarding. When asked on how else she keeps her boys so wellrounded and disciplined, she had a simple but effective method, a somewhat corporate way of applying parenthood if you will. Rather than being strict and stern and making the decisions for her children, Aileen chooses to explain the situation logically to the boys so they can comprehend it better. Basically, she reasons out with her children as if they were adults. Not only does this method work, but it makes them learn in the process. The children are left to make their own decisions and consciously make the right choices. 5 featured mothers, 5 different backgrounds and family lives, all with one common denominator, their children are their priority and they want to bring up their children in the best possible way they see fit. It is not easy to be a mother, but these 5 women have proven to be exemplary in this role. Everyday should be Mother’s Day, and mothers should always be held in the highest regard for their selflessness and for making sure to give their children only the very best in life.

BORACAY SUN

IN ROOM

MAY 2015

Red Coconut Room review

Beach Hotel Boracay Michael Madriaga

or almost three decades, there has only been one resort in Boracay that has always been the top choice for most tourists, and that is Red Coconut. Perfectly located in the middle of the island where you could have instant access to D’Mall (Boracay’s shopping district) and to the White Beach where you could enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and dining. Red Coconut has all the amenities you need such as the Red Coconut Restaurant, Coco Bar, Coco Café, Souvenir Shop, and swimming pool. These easily accessible amenities provide luxury for their guests, as they no longer have to leave the resort just to experience what the island has to offer. The first thing you’ll notice about the resort is its use of native materials for the decors, and the façade’s rustic yet modern design that exudes the ultimate tropical island vibe. Another thing that amazed me is their very friendly and welcoming staff. Their front office clerks are very approachable and informative as they will also tell you all the things you need to know about the resort, including the rules and regulations. I stayed in one of their Deluxe Rooms, which has its own balcony with a beach view, and provides easy access to the resort’s swimming pool. There are other room categories in Red Coconut ranging from the Classic to the Presidential Rooms, and each of their 50 rooms are equipped with a cable television set, air-conditioning unit, mini bar with complementary coffee and tea, telephone line, hot and cold shower with bathroom amenities, safety deposit box, closet, and vanity table. Most importantly, it features an expertly prepared bed with fresh linens that are so comfortable, it will almost make you want to stay in for the rest of your day.

Room Service is also available. A small menu displayed inside the room showcases the different snacks and drinks that can be delivered to your room in just a few minutes. The dining experience in Red Coconut is also really exceptional; starting with the breakfast buffet that you can try upon your check-in to the different international and local dishes on their menu. A café that offers crepes and pastries is available for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Meanwhile, their bar is simply the best for those who want to watch the sunset while enjoying a cold bottle of beer or a glass of their favorite cocktail. If I needed to choose only one truly remarkable thing about Red Coconut, it is their accreditation as a Zero Carbon Resort (ZCR). A ZCR-accredited establishment operates with a reduced carbon footprint thus, contributing to a green tourism industry. The Zero Carbon Resorts engages 3R (Reduce – Replace –Redesign), which enables hotels and resorts to adopt basic to advanced measures for better environmental performance. (zerocarbonresorts.eu) Red Coconut is located on the beach front of Station 2. If you want to know more about them, visit their website at http://redcoconut.com.ph or you may call +6336 288 3507.

BORACAY SUN

INDULGE

MAY 2015

Thai Basil: Food diaries

Fresh. Authentic. Thai. Beth Jalea

y palate is wonderfully all-embracing but when it comes to spicy food, it’s taking the backseat. It becomes that shy novice, tentative to dip in a pool of hot, spicy flavours. Tasting a feast in Thai Basil, however, has got it all singing in the forefront.

A feast in Thai Basil consisted of a hot and sour coconut soup, minced meat salad and fish cakes for appetizer; a main dish of deep fried seafood in thick curry sauce, stir fried chicken with cashew nuts and steamed rice; and a dessert of sago pudding. Once all the dishes were served, we could smell that authentic Thai aroma – a mixture of sour, bitter, spicy and sweet. It was apparent that the chef does not only have the taste in mind, there was also a good amount of attention to details and intricacy. Each dish was freshly garnished, the vegetables artfully cut – everything was chosen to fit the rest of the meal. It was, should I say, a sump rap Thai (the way Thais eat)! Thai Basil’s Minced Meat Salad has slices of papaya that were carved like leaves, perhaps to blend with the other leafy garnishing. The meat was really spicy for my novice palate but when eaten with the papaya slices, my palate was in for a fresh juicy meaty taste with just a hint of chilli.

Another delightful spicy surprise is the Hot and Sour Coconut Soup (Tom Kha) with shrimp. It is made of coconut milk with a balance of hot and sour flavour and tossed with freshly cooked shrimp. And then there’s that chef compliment of Fish Cakes which I ate along with the soup. Yes, I found I’m instinctively good at mixing flavours in this experience. Of course, leave it to me, a desert eater, to try the Sago Pudding (Ta-Ko, P150) first. And, in between meals, I sip a little of their Pineapple Basil Pleasure believe me, pineapple and basil in a shake is a marriage made in heaven. They have Banana Karma and Watermelon Mint Cooler shakes, too. Now on to the mains of Deep Fried Seafood in Thick Curry Sauce (Chu-Chi, P450) - for seafood you may choose between prawns and boneless tipalia; and the Stir Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts (Kai Pad Med – Ma Muang, P280); and steamed rice. I could hear my palate singing. This I have to say, simplicity is definitely not a maxim in Thai Basil. The flavours are complex, uniquely Thai. Don’t take my word for it though. The pictures that you see here could not convey much of that complexity either. Thai Basil’s dishes are prepared by a Thai chef – how’s that for a push? (Thai Basil is located at D’Mall, Station 2, Boracay Island)

BORACAY SUN

INDULGE

Dining Beyond Curry Michael Madriaga

hile most of us regard Indian dishes as spicy and mainly vegetarian, they also have a lot of variations that aren’t that spicy and have meat such as chicken and lamb in its ingredients. Indian cuisine is about mixing different herbs and spices to create unique flavors. If you’re searching for an authentic Indian delight or just looking to try something different while on the island, True Food Indian Cuisine Restaurant is the best place for you. From the restaurant’s façade to its interiors one will actually feel like they are dining in India (or at one’s home even, considering the comfy seat pillows). Plus, having an Indian chef adds to the authenticity of what the restaurant has to offer. For starters, we were served with True Food’s Green Salad (PHP 270). The fresh vegetables retained their natural sweetness and the vinaigrette complemented it well. Another dish that will surely boost your appetite is the Maalu Cutlet (PHP 190) – deep fried potato cutlets with sardines and cheese, this dish is so good that it has become our group’s favorite appetizer. The combination inside the crunchy coating of the potato cutlet provides a surprise inside your mouth. The Maalu Cutlet looks a bit similar to the Aloo Tikki, (PHP 200), which is just a combination of deep fried potato balls with spices and some chili paste, but it has its own unique flavor that makes you want to discover what’s inside. Amidst the plethora of starters on our table, my favorite one was the Vegetable Samosa (PHP 200). These deep-fried dumplings are stuffed with mixed vegetables and spices, paired with a sweet and fruity sauce - yum! Hummus (PHP 200) is one of the most common dishes served in Indian (or even Middle Eastern) restaurants, but True Food’s version just outshined all

those I have tried before. Their hummus is best paired with the different Indian bread varieties like Naan (PHP 130) – leavened bread baked in a tandoori oven, Paratha (PHP 150) – whole-wheat flaky bread, and Chapati (PHP 140) – unleavened whole wheat bread. After eating all those starters, you would wonder if we still have room for more. Well, our tummies are bottomless pits when it comes to food. We managed to reserve enough space for the main course. First was the Spinach Curry (PHP 350), which is perfect for vegetarians and those on a diet. The spinach cooked in coconut milk and spices, is hearty and has the right blend of flavors so as not to overpower the other dishes on our table. The Tandoori Chicken (PHP 390) is one of their dishes that I keep coming back for. These are chicken slices marinated in yoghurt, chili paste and spices cooked in a tandoori oven. Though it already has a mild chili flavor, extra chili paste on the side is readily available should you want to add more heat to your chicken. For the highlight of our dinner, we had the Chicken Couscous (PHP 530) – chicken beautifully cooked and seasoned to perfection mixed with vegetables and couscous. The dish is good enough for sharing, so try it with your friends and be delighted together! The perfect beverage for all the food we ate was the Lassie (PHP 130) or yoghurt drink. You have the option to have your drink sweet, salted or spiced. You may also mix some fruits such as pineapple, mango, banana, or papaya in your yoghurt shake to make it more exciting for just PHP 160.00. In our search for unique dishes in Boracay, True Food will always be at the top of our list. The taste and aroma of the exotic flavors will bring all your senses to nirvana. Visit True Food Indian Cuisine in Station 2 (beach front) and experience this one of a kind restaurant yourself.

MAY 2015

BORACAY SUN

Good Ol’ Ole! Reviewed by: Francelyn Valencia Words by: Boracay Sun Team

o appreciate and love a cuisine doesn’t require any one specific nationality, all one needs is an open mind and an even more open interest in food. The owners are not Spanish but their mutual love for Spanish food compelled them to open Ole, a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant in August 2005. Ole means “Good job” or “Well done” and Ole definitely lives up to this in terms of food, service and ambiance. The specialties of Ole are Spanish, Mexican and Cuban based but to cater to a variety of guests and taste, they also offer Filipino, Japanese, American and Korean dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During our visit, we tried their Gambas Al Ajillo (P380), a starter of panfried shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and chili fingers that will surely whet your appetite. Their best-selling main dish is Paella Mixta (P795), consisting of pork, chicken, Spanish sausage, mixed seafood and vegetables. This dish, which is good for two, looks intimidating but when you eat it the flavors come together on your taste buds to create an explosion of deliciousness. They also served us two of my favorite Mexican dishes: the mouth-watering Burritos (P395) that will truly satisfy you with every bite that comes with a bit of sour-cream sauce and salsa; and their hearty Nachos (P430) which is well-garnished and has an aroma that really fulfilled my cravings. Last but not the least was their Tabla Ole Especial (P690.00), composed of chorizo, sardines, olives, asparagus, jamon serrano, Spanish manchego cheese and salami. This is a fresh, chewy and fun-filled platter that you will love. This to-die-for Spanish restaurant has been serving the island with its discrete menu for ten years now. And, recently, Chef Ronie’s expertly prepared sumptuous dishes are captivating even more palettes with the opening of Ole’s branch in Iloilo City.

INDULGE

MAY 2015

BORACAY SUN

HEALTH

MAY 2015

The Skin That We Live In Marina A.S. Benipayo

here is no better time to regret ignoring skin care than when you’re in your forties. Take it from me. I am forty-seven years old and I know now that I should have started using moisturizers and anti-aging products as early as my twenties. But back then, when the term ‘globalization’ was still almost unheard of, and with the lack of resources, my skin care was limited to just soap and water; and ‘sun block’ was a scary, sticky thought. In the eighties, self-tanning lotions and using now-unimaginable products like cola and beer to quickly turn your skin into a golden bronze shade was the fad. Now I just realized it made me look more like a lobster than a sun goddess! In my early thirties, I started to notice brown spots on my upper cheek areas and my freckles, which used to be considered ‘cute’ in my childhood, multiplied exponentially. Thankfully, there are excellent makeup products that can temporarily cover them nowadays; but since many are still unaware about skin as it ages, allow me to share some facts to help us all realize how valuable this gift-since-birth is to everyone. 1. At any age, sunscreen should always be the number one priority in skin care. Ask anyone over forty and you’ll know that the sun’s rays are damaging today more than ever before. Using sun screen will give some extent of protection from its skin-damaging effects. Use a broad

spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a minimum 25 SPF daily and re-apply after every two hours of sun exposure. Take note that even if you’re under the shade, in your car, using an umbrella, or in a mall with a sky light during day time, UV rays from the sun can still have some effect on your skin if you don’t use sunscreen. 2. Exercise and diet management for stress reduction will assist in maintaining healthy skin. Unless you have medical problems, you don’t have to enroll in a gym or hire a health expert to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The rules are basic: have enough rest and time to sleep, engage in some physical activity for at least thirtyminutes/three times a week, follow a diet of less fast food and more of naturally-grown products, drink lots of water and avoid soft drinks and sugar-based products. You are what you eat. How you respect your body will show on your skin. 3. Pimples and acne are the main concern during our twenties. I still get a pimple every now and then, but in our twenties, our skin is in its peak of health, which also means it will be prone to harmful effects of the environment and whatever lifestyle you choose. To counter these, your skin will

tend to over-produce its natural oils which lead to oily skin; thus, creating a breeding ground for bad bacteria and eventually, pimples.

avoid too much squinting. The skin around your eye area is the thinnest in your whole body, making it the most prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Skin starts to lose its elasticity by 1% every year, starting at the age of around 20.

6. Can you now imagine how your skin will be once you reach your forties?

This is a biological fact – and so is skin aging every year. If you start using anti-aging products as early as now, you would be able to prevent the early onset of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. And please, do not be too mocking as to relate the word ‘anti-aging’ with your mom, aunt or your grandmother. 5. Fine lines to appear

and in

wrinkles start our thirties.

By now you would’ve lost about 10% elasticity in your skin, which is quite remarkable when you look at a magnified mirror. Your skin is similar to a rubber band, that as you keep stretching it, the more it loses its ability to return to its normal form. Avoid scratching and rubbing your face too much, and wear shades on a sunny day to

Skin hydration and moisturizing will be our best friend at this point. Not only do we see those tiny folds, you will also start to wonder where that healthy-looking skin tone and texture went off to. By then, you should have a daily skin care routine and regular visits to your favorite dermatologist just to try to either build new collagen or preserve the collagen and elastin you still have. It will always be best to accept your skin as it ages and do whatever you can to keep it healthy and young-looking. But in the end, don’t forget that no matter what age you are, aging gracefully does not only involve products and specialists. A balanced, strong mindset and positive attitude will also be the greatest accessories to complete your lifelong beauty regimen.

BORACAY SUN

EARTH YOGA

HEALTH

Yantra Healing

MAY 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Shiva Nand

antra comes from an Indian sanskrit word that generically means “instrument, contrivance, apparatus, or tool” but in essence the yantra is a representation of an object, thought or concept in a geometrical pattern that evokes an instantaneous state of meditative awareness. Yantras are the other side of the coin for the common word Mantra. Mantra is about a repetitive sound or frequency that evokes a desired emotional state like joy for example. As mantra is the sound, yantra is the body of that sound just as one’s voice is contained within one’s own body. What all humans can recognize are symbols that have been passed down for thousands of years from various traditions of all nations. In the Philippines, everyone can recognize the cross which, to many, represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but in the language of Yantra, this 2000+ year old symbol also represents an upward flow of energy. If the cross look like a simple

addition (+) sign then the energy would be equalized in all directions as the lines bisect through the center of each line. With the cross, we can easily see that the horizontal line is placed above the center point and thus most elements of this symbol are in the upper quadrant. This study of Yantra and Mantra has a role to play in the science of Tantra as it is the symbols (eye) and sounds (ear) that create a concrete impression upon the brain’s hemispheres. When the geometrical pattern of a yantra (symbol) is combined with mantra (sound), both sides of the brain can be equally engaged. It is this engagement and balancing of our brain and consciousness in abstract and concrete ways that allows us to reach a state of calmness to live a life that is not thrown around so easily by the waves of emotions and thoughts. Generally, a yantra is composed of a square on the outside with four projections forming a T-shaped structure, circles, a row of lotus petals, and some triangular forms inside the lotus petals. Sometimes two triangles overlap each other, making a six-pointed star; sometimes many triangles are superimposed on each other in a pyramidal form (refer to Sri Yantra image); and inside all of these forms is a center point or a symbol for a sound. Look at the center of the yantra printed here for at least 30 seconds and then close your eyes to see the after image. To be able to construct a yantra, one must have thick paper, compass, ruler, pencils, paint brushes and water colors or just go down to the beach in Boracay and use only one’s hands to carve the square with 4 gates, petals, circles and inner triangles into the sand. With paper construction or even using colored beans, we receive the enjoyment of playing with colors to produce the desired effect. Creating symbols that can evoke your own feelings or energy is a practical way to patiently go deeper into oneself. If you are in Boracay during the month of April and May please check the facebook group, Earth Yoga Boracay for details during the Earth Yoga Teacher Training. Mukta Nand has a lifetime experience of constructing Yantras and would be happy to help you on your Yantra experience.

Apparently, technique is something that needs constant work and I could see why, it’s quite an unnatural position, your body twisted down, your arms straight, pushed right forward ready to paddle. When we first set off in the boat, I whacked my fingers on the side. I mis-timed a few strokes and bashed the poor girl in front of me. I tired quickly despite feeling like my stamina had improved. But I loved it! It was such a great feeling being part of the team and feeling the boat drive forward with every uniform stroke. Suddenly we were all the way at Station 3! I was so surprised at how fast we’d gone, I’d been completely ‘in the zone’, and on the way back we tried out different stroke speeds and combinations. I’d never felt more mal-coordinated in my life, but enjoyed every moment. Week three was my final week, and we trained on land and in the boat every morning. I still found the A-frame technique tricky, but the feeling of being

out on the water in the boat, as part of an encouraging and dedicated team was unbeatable. My strength and stamina had improved more than I’d imagined, and I could actually see a slight definition in my upper arms and middle. The training of course gets tougher as the festival draws nearer and the competition heats up. There were eight teams in Boracay all competing for the crown; and it was anticipated to be bigger and better than the previous years, “embracing the renowned dragonboat spirit of sportsmanship and unbeaten international camaraderie”. The 2015 Boracay Festival program included a parade, welcome cocktails, opening ceremony for the teams and the traditional dotting of the ‘Eye of the Dragon’, as well as two days of exciting races, the awards dinner and farewell party for all deserving participants. I can still remember how I cheered: “Dragonflies! FLY!”