BORACAY SUN | December 2015 - January 2016 Issue by Boracay Sun

DECEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | VOL. V NO. 12 | BORACAY’S MONTHLY NEWS ON RECYCLED PAPER

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COMPLETE LIST What’s in this issue...

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IN THE NEWS EXPAT FILES 7107 ISLANDS LIFESTYLE CENTERFOLD PEOPLE CULTURE INDULGE HEALTH ENVIRONMENT ADVERTORIAL

AND THE ISLAND LIVES ON Beth Jalea

T WAS BUKANG LIWAYWAY, the dawn, when the island was just waking up and the fishermen gather their gears, have their boats ready for another day or morning of fishing. The water was calm and gentle, beguiling like a lover’s kiss. And far beyond, the sunrise slowly peeks through, breathing out a warm blush of color. This is Boracay at dawn. Peaceful. Oblivious of the parties from the night before. The island remains steadfast despite environmental

7107 ISLANDS

threats and copius tourism activities. This year, 2015, we bore witness to a show of solidarity when longtime residents, expatriates and business owners gathered together in a candle-lighting activity and vigil to express their consternation to the continuous threats of development at Puka Beach and its surrounding forest. After this first show of force, the group gathers now every Thursday to continuously demand for sustainable and responsible development. And speaking of development, Boracay celebrated another milestone when it served as the backdrop

LIFESTYLE

CENTERFOLD

for the second round of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM2) and Related Meetings in May. Some 1500 international and local delegates graced the island’s crystal clear waters and world-renowned white beach. It was during this momentous event that the world knew of Boracay as an island *“borne out of the industry of the people and an entrepreneurial spirit delivering, rendering services willing to take chances.” *from the Opening Remarks of Undersecretary Laura Q. del Rosario at the APEC SOM2, 20 May 2015

PEOPLE

INDULGE

La Union

Casa de Arte

Boracay Sun Picks

Boracay Santas

Noche Buena Recipe

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Year-ends are our favorite because they’re all about letting go and setting new goals. Year-ends give us a chance to say good wishes to the old and pave the way to new and unfamiliar places. 2015 has been a delightful run, and we would like to thank those who stuck with us and came along for the ride. We could not have done it without you: we are funded entirely by our advertisers, and our readers fan those fund (pun intended). In this issue, we’re celebrating the year-end by producing stories that nudge us to revisit our heritage through museum tours (see our Culture section). We also penned a story of an amazing couple and their extraordinary house, and of how they gave in to serendipity and made this beautiful island their home (see Casa de Arte in our Lifestyle section). Most importantly, we’re ending the year with a sexy bang: we’ve compiled a list of accommodations in the island and their unique offerings, and also our best food experience (see Centerfold). This is our way of giving back to our advertisers who came along and stayed with us this year. And now, for our plan next year. We are setting our eyes to new destinations, new eats, new experiences. This time, more than ever, we are giving in to serendipity. Next year will be a more magnificent ride.

COVER By Dr. Lhen Brutton

Cheers to 2015 and our warmest welcome to 2016!

WWW.BORACAYSUN.COM Managing Editor MICHAEL JEROME MADRIAGA Senior Editors BLANCHE BASCO & BETH JALEA Junior Editors SACHI GO & SAMANTHA GO Art Director ALVA ALVAREZ Photographer JULIUS OLARTE & KARLA PARAYNO Columnists DENISE BENTULAN, JOEL JAMES CUBILLAS KLAUS DORING, HOLLY GOLIGHTLY, RICA VELASCO Contributors JUN AGUIRRE, PATRICE AVERILLA, KAREN BERMEJO, LOWELL CAUILAN, cumberreichenbach, PATRICIA HERNANDEZ, SPO1 CHRISTOPHER MENDOZA, PRINCESS ERIKA RUIZ, THINKERBELL Contributing Photographers DR. LHEN BRUTTON, ISLA GRAPIKA, JACK JARILLA Publisher THE BORACAY WALLSTREET INC. President & CEO MA. TERESA FAJILAN Sales and Marketing Manager MICHELLE ELIZON Operations Manager JOANN BARRIOS Boracay Sun Office

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Copyright © April 2014 Boracay Sun. All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines. Except as permitted by law, no part of the Boracay Sun may be used, reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Boracay Sun. The publisher accepts no liability for the content correctness of any advertisement and reserves the right for editorial freedom of the press under the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article III (Bill of Rights) Section 4.

BORACAY SUN

IN THE NEWS

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Boracay stakeholders participate in crafting PH tourism roadmap Karen Bermejo

embers of the academe, accommodation sector, travel agencies, tour operators, and some local officials in Boracay participated in crafting a roadmap meant to improve the tourism industry in the country.

The output of the group was conceptualized from the one day workshop on integrating tourism sector in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Economic Community or AEC held last October 28 at Boracay Tropics Hotel. The workshop was organized by the Department of Tourism and the United States Agency for Development (USAID), as part of their Advancing Philippine Tourism Competitiveness (Compete) Project. The Boracay group’s output will be utilized as basis for the Philippine Tourism Roadmap AEC 2015 and Beyond. The AEC envisions making ASEAN into a single market and production base, and a highly competitive economic region. It also aims to promote equitable economic development and to further integrate ASEAN into the global economy. Alex Macatuno, Division Chief of the Policy Formulation Planning Office of DOTCentral Office said tourism is a priority sector in the ASEAN. “Tourism is an economic driver for development,” he said. Macatuno said the seminar aims to position Boracay in the ASEAN, for it is one of the tourism jewels of the Philippines. During the workshop, participants identified programs and initiatives related to human resource and quality tourism; product development, and connectivity and travel facilitation. The DOT official also gave an overview of the proposed ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan for 2016-2025 which will be launched next year. The strategic plan aims to achieve two main objectives which are focused on enhancing competitiveness of ASEAN as a single destination. The same workshop is also conducted in other parts of the country, Macatuno said. Macatuno said the ASEAN integration is important for it will ensure more sustainable and inclusive tourism in the region. The ASEAN community is composed of 10 political and economic countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

police desk

PNP-AKG conducts AntiKidnapping Seminar for Boracay community

SPO1 Christopher Del Rosario Mendoza

ore than 100 participants attended the one-day anti-kidnapping seminar on Security Awareness/ Role of the Community in Kidnap for Ransom Prevention held at Eurotel Boracay recently. Participants came from Boracay Tourist Assistance Center, Philippine Coast Guard, Task Group Boracay-Phil Army and PNP Maritime Group, along with security managers/officers, establishment owners, force multipliers and NGOs based in the island. Spearheaded by the Philippine National Police AntiKidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) – Visayas Field Unit in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Malay, the event is a proactive approach to pre-empt any violence within the Visayas and to guarantee the safety of tourists particularly in Boracay. Police Senior Supt. Armando Lagiwid, Deputy Director of PNP-AKG affirmed that there is no kidnap for ransom (KFR) syndicates in the Visayas and no kidnap for ransom case was ever recorded in Boracay Island or Aklan. Psupt Orlando Yebra from the PNP AKG National Headquarters who authored books on Hostage Negotiation and Reviewer for PNP NAPOLCOM Entrance and Promotional Examinations served as the speaker of the said seminar. Topics include: The Law on Kidnapping, Trends in Kidnapping, Modus Operandi, Detecting Kidnappers/Suspicious Persons, KFR Group Targets and Categories of Kidnappers, Detecting Safe Houses, Preventive Tips (Education for Prevention, Community Responsibility), and Advantages of Reporting/Disadvantages To Police Authorities. According to Psupt Yebra, there were 25 kidnap-for-ransom cases in the country as of September 2015; 14 were recorded from Mindanao, nine from Luzon and two from Visayas (one in Bacolod and the other in Cebu).

BORACAY SUN

IN THE NEWS

BEIS donates school bus for Malay-SPED students

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Boracay tourist arrivals still increasing in numbers Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

Boracay continues to receive increasing number of foreign tourist arrivals despite missing tourism targets for two consecutive years already. A provincial government executive bared that the world-famous resort island may hit 1.65M tourist arrivals this 2015.

tudents of the Special Education (SPED) Program of Malay will now be able to go to school without the burden of commuting.

The Boracay European International School (BEIS) with the help of its Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) and the students of Paradise English, donated a school bus which will be used as school service of about 30 students of Malay-SPED.

Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang said that from January to September 30, Boracay has already registered close to 1.20M foreign and local tourists; 592,726 of which were domestic tourists and 33,667 were Overseas Filipino Workers. “For 2015, we projected to reach 1.7M tourists but we may not attain the target. Boracay is affected by the recent global MERS-COV scare and the recent kidnapping incident in Samal Island, near Davao City,” Maquirang said.

Claus Bauer, President of BEIS and Owner of Paradise English, led the turnover ceremony held on October 27 at Malay Elementary School.

While the 1.65M tourist arrival projection falls below the 1.7M forecast this year, the number is still significantly higher compared to the 2014 arrivals. Reports said that from January to December of 2014, Boracay has only registered 1,472,352 foreign and local tourists.

“We are fortunate that we are able to help,” he said. Bauer said they will also bring some people from Europe to share teaching matrix for SPED.

Vice-Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo said that the tourist arrival data last Halloween shows a promising turn-out.

Meanwhile, the Local Government of Malay pledged to shoulder the operation and maintenance of the school bus.

“It is noteworthy that November 1 falls on a Sunday and that weekend is not considered a long holiday. If November 1 falls on a regular day the number of tourists coming to Boracay may still increase,” said Quimpo.

According to SPED teacher Luneta Tumaob, most of the students could not attend their classes due to financial constraints. “It will be a big help for the parents and especially to our students who always wanted to go to school,” she said. The special class for persons with disability (PWDs) in Malay is the first in the province. The program, which started three years ago, caters to PWDs from the different barangays of Malay, including Boracay.

According to the data of the Caticlan Jetty Port, Boracay received some 1,537 foreign and 2,099 domestic tourists on October 28; at least 1,743 foreign and 2,132 domestic tourists arrived on October 29; around 2,236 foreign and 1,773 domestic tourists registered on October 30; and around 1,493 foreign and 1,393 domestic tourists were recorded on October 31. On November 1 where Halloween is at its peak, Boracay welcomed 1,601 foreign and 566 domestic tourists excluding 8 overseas Filipino workers.

BORACAY SUN

IN THE NEWS

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

PWD-friendly tourism pushed in Boracay Karen Bermejo

here are about one billion persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the world, according to an official of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). Twenty-five percent of them are capable to spend and travel, making them a potential market for tourism destinations like Boracay.

“Thus, tourism destinations in the country should be PWD-friendly,” NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga said. Citing Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or the Accessibility Law, Zubiaga said tourism areas should have accessible and safe environment for all; not just for the regular tourists but for PWDs and the senior citizens, as well. “Establishments like resorts and restaurants in Boracay should install facilities and other devices that enhance the mobility of PWDs,” she stressed. She revealed that Boracay lacks these necessary facilities currently. “Transport terminals and some accommodation facilities in the island are not accessible for PWDs,” according to her. The NCDA therefore urged the Local Government of Malay (Malay LGU) and the tourism stakeholders in the island to have accessible facilities for PWDs. “Every hotel should have at least one room accessible for PWDs,” she added. Aside from being a potential market, PWDs can also participate in economic activities, Zubiaga said. “PWDs can produce products which could be bought by the tourists and they can also provide services,” she said, citing the many blind massage therapists in the island. Intervention Meanwhile, more than 100 tourism frontliners in the island attended a one day Seminar on Handling Persons with Disability (PWDs) in Tourism Industry last October 28. The seminar was spearheaded by the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office and DOT 6 with NCDA. It aims to teach frontliners in the tourism and business industry on how to deal with customers with disabilities such as those with orthopedic, hearing and visual impairments. Among the participants were front desk officers, hotel and restaurant personnel, transport operators and tour guides in Boracay. Demonstrations on practical and appropriate ways on how to handle guests with different disabilities were conducted. Physical Therapist Joanna Tay Meren of Physiocare Clinic gave a demonstration on how to handle orthopedically handicapped persons. Special Education Teacher Luneta Tumaob of Malay Elementary School and Armi Joy Gonzales of Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center gave lectures on handling persons with visual and hearing impairment, respectively. A lecture on the basic courtesies for PWD guests, on how to communicate with them, and handle their special needs were also conducted. Rzalio Sanchez, Chief of the Information, Education and Communication Division of NCDA gave a lecture on the key mandates on disability and the overview of the Convention on the Rights of PWDs. Sanchez stressed that it is every PWDs right to have access on tourism. ”There is an urgent need to defend and protect the rights of PWDs. They have been deprived for so long,” Sanchez ended. On his part, Malay Mayor John Yap said Malay LGU is also set to train a team to cater to PWDs and senior citizens going to the island.

BORACAY SUN

EXPAT FILES

From Turmoil To The Tate: Tracy Emin’s ‘My Bed’ hOLLY gOLIGHTLY

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

The piece was exhibited at the Tate Gallery in 1999 as one of the shortlisted works for the esteemed Turner Prize. Although it did not win the prize, it continued to be a source of fascination. “In all honesty, I never believed all the fuss and everything that would be caused about it,” says Emin, “I had no idea. I think in the 1990s British art was making such a huge impression on people and all the tabloids were actually genuinely interested in it, regardless of how they set it up, and so that made the public interested in it. I think the Bed captured people’s imagination; it was a good thing for zeitgeist of the time.” “When I’m installing the Bed, it’s kind of really sad and very depressing because I’m actually going into a time capsule of my past. All of the things that are round the bed no longer relate to my life at all, but I’ve got to say I’d be really stupid to be unhappy about this moment.” ‘My Bed’ was bought by British businessman and co-founder of a leading UK advertising agency, Charles Saatchi, for a whopping £150,000 (roughly PHP10.6M). Saatchi displayed the artwork at the Saatchi Gallery’s first exhibition when it opened its new premises at County Hall, London. Saatchi also went on to install the Bed in a dedicated room in his own home. The artwork was to be auctioned in 2014, however the £800,000-£1.2 million estimate was deemed too low by Emin’s New York dealer. ‘My Bed’ was finally auctioned off at Christie’s, London, for a little over £2.5 million (that’s a whopping PHP177.3M!).

British artist Tracey Emin poses for photographers next to her 1998 artpiece, titled ‘My Bed’ at an auction house exhibition space in central London. / www.pressherald.com

ne of the most talked-about and controversial pieces of art in UK history is a bed. Not an unusual painting or a beautiful sculpture, carved lovingly over many back-breaking hours, using only the best, rarest materials; just a plain, everyday double divan bed, the sort millions of people across the globe sleep in every night. ‘My Bed’, a work of art created in 1998 by the acclaimed British artist Tracey Emin, simply shows her slept-in, unmade bed, with a number of random items from the artist’s room abjectly scattered on the blue carpet next to it.

Today, Emin is thrilled to have her best-known work back in the famous Tate Gallery in London, where it was first displayed 15 years ago. It will rest at the gallery for at least the next 10 years. “For me, it was important to bring it back to Tate Britain,” reflects the artist. ‘My Bed’ is a flagrant bearing of the soul, an invitation into someone’s most personal, private space, in all its unpretentious, raw emotional glory. It is the aftermath of a soul-destroying nervous breakdown. It is someone confessing and accepting that they are not strong, not perfect. Says Emin: “It is my 1998 monument to the heartache of a relationship breakdown, a portrait of a young woman and bringing it back to the Tate Britain, and showing it with paintings of my choice, I couldn’t be happier about that; it’s just brilliant.”

The seemingly innocent artwork, however, generated sizeable media commotion as the grubby bedsheets appear to be stained with body fluids and shocking personal items like underwear stained with menstrual blood, condoms, cigarette butts and empty bottles of alcohol lay discarded amongst other common bedroom clutter, such as slippers and a small, stuffed dog. Well-known for creating art that makes a statement, Emin allows the viewer to a glimpse into intimate details of her life to help them engage with her expressions of universal emotions thus, creating a connection with her audience. She claims that the Bed is as it was after she had been in it for several days, suffering suicidal depression brought on by relationship turmoil. “In 1998 I had a complete, absolute breakdown,” says Emin, “and I spent four days in bed; I was asleep and semi-unconscious. When I eventually did get out of bed, I had some water, went back, looked at the bedroom and couldn’t believe what I could see this absolute mess and decay of my life.” But instead of getting back into it, she saw an opportunity. “I saw the bed out of that context of this tiny, tiny, bedroom and I saw it in just like a big, white space. I realized that I had to move the bed and everything into the gallery space.”

Tracey Emin, is an English artist known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork. Emin produces work in a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, film, photography, neon text and sewn appliqué

The Heart Of The Matter On Holidays Klaus Doring

ow is your heart, my dear readers? I don’t mean this as a medical question.

Just remember: it is December. Christmas is in the air. The nights and mornings are cooler although here in the Philippines we are suffering from the weather phenomenon, El Niño. Christmas songs are played over the radio since September. And Christmas advertisements and even promos are being seen on TV and in newspapers and magazines since then. Christmas is the time to be merry and jolly. But, let’s be honest, for some of us it also the time when we feel loneliness and homesickness the most. I also know it to be true for many Filipinos overseas. The most meaningful Christmas party and joyful gathering couldn’t delete the missing of the beloved ones in the Philippines. Merry Christmas, yes, but with a very heavy heart... . One can always go back to the heart. And during these times, it’s really allowed. The heart somehow has a way of bringing us back home again and giving

us meaning and peace wherever we are. The heart has a way of comforting and assuring us, if we can’t be together with those people we love and miss much. The heart and prayers could keep us warm during the deepest winter and during the maybe loneliest Christmas. Try to remove CHRIST from CHRISTMAS. What is left, is MAS... “Many Are Sad”! Make sure that during this season, Christmas is in our hearts and do not allow this heart to be like a crib, full of dirt, broken glass and nails. Take time out from our busy schedules and seemingly endless work and tasks - to take a pause should be really important for all of us. Pray in the quiet chapel or somewhere in your surroundings, forgive and mend a broken friendship or relationship, think about people who we need in life; it’s time to do good deeds. Yes, Christmas is in the air, or more rightly, Christmas is in the heart. How is your heart now?

BORACAY SUN

7107 ISLANDS

Discovering La Union:

A Guide to Tangadan Falls Patrice Averilla

lot of us might think that La Union is only known for its surf spots, but little did we know that there’s a hidden treasure that lies in the small town of San Gabriel, just a 20-minute jeep ride from the town of San Juan.

I have been hearing about this for quite a while now but every time I’m in La Union, I only take advantage of surfing to make my 7-hour bus ride worth it. But when my friends and I went there recently, the waves are quite not nice to surf with and so we took the opportunity to check out the clandestine Tangadan Falls. As I wasn’t able to research about this hidden body of water before going, I thought the trek was pretty easy and the route was not as complicated. We rode a jeepney to San Gabriel. The driver dropped us off exactly where the tricycles going to Tangadan Falls were parked. Before we alight, he mentioned that the trek will probably last for around an hour so he suggested to bring water; we actually brought two bottles each, so we thought that they’re enough. The tricycle ride took us to Brgy. Dagup, the start of the trek. We hired a guide because there were actually no signs that lead to the falls. We did not know then that we were trekking the hard route, we thought that there was no other way — this is what happens when you don’t research and just rely on the people that live in the area and think everyone is a local. Our trek lasted for almost two hours instead of doing it for an hour and a half, and it was my fault because I suddenly tripped when I stepped on a slippery rock with algae. I thought I broke my arm and hip but after some rest, I was able to move. The trek was pretty hard for me, considering that I also have a meniscal tear on my left knee. When we went trekking, a huge storm just passed a few days ago so the soil was still pretty damp, and the rocks that we needed to step on were quite slippery and the current from the rivers were pretty strong. The trek had a lot of difficult obstacles like crossing rivers with strong currents, climbing a wall without a leash and jumping from one rock to another but if you trip, you’ll most likely break a bone, or bones. The trek was really challenging but all worth it when you reach the falls. It was really beautiful and I take it as a reward for surviving the trek. You don’t have to pay for anything, you just have to sign an attendance sheet so that the locals could monitor the people coming in and also probably for safety. You can also try to go behind the waterfalls, although it takes a lot of effort to swim because of the strong current and the slippery rocks, but it’s really wonderful once you’re behind.v If you like an adrenaline rush, jump from the top of the falls which is 50 ft high. Going back to the small town of San Gabriel, we decided to take the shorter and easier trek. It was shorter but there were a lot of steep stairs to climb at and it took us around 30-45 minutes to reach the place where we can ride a motorcycle that will drop us off to our jeepney ride back to San Juan. Here’s my itinerary in case you may want to visit this hidden paradise: Manila to San Juan, La Union • 2:30 AM – We rode the PARTAS bus from Cubao • 9:20 AM – Reached San Juan, La Union after 3 stopovers and dropped us off directly in front of the place where we stayed • (Paid Php 435.00 for the bus ride ) San Juan, La Union to San Gabriel, La Union • Take a jeepney ride to San Gabriel. Ask the driver to drop you off at the tricycle station that goes to Tangadan Falls (Php 15.00 Per Person) • It’s up to you if you want to take the hard trek to the falls. Ride a tricycle and tell him to drop you off at Brgy. Dagup • In case you want the easy trek, hire a motorcycle. (Php 125.00 per person) Going back has the same price and same route. I highly suggest for you to hire a guide especially if it’s your first time to go there. Patrice Averilla is a 23-year old blogger and traveler. In her blog (http://avelovinit.com), she describes herself as an eternally curious student of the world. “On my travels, I usually don’t carry that much pocket money to spend, because I’d like to think that you don’t really need a lot of money to truly experience a place. So on this blog, I have specific missions for my readers to travel often without using a lot of money rather, spend more on life experiences.”

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

BORACAY SUN

lifestyle

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

A Different Kind of High Joel James Cubillas

istening to KJWAN, a rock quintet headed by the ever animate Marc Abaya, brings too many a high school memory. Their albums KJWAN (2004) and 2 Step Marv (2006) helped me rock my way through my sebaceous gland induced years. Watching Marc in Youtube for countless times especially the live versions of his anthems: Daliri, Pintura and his hits with his glory years in Sandwich: Butterfly Carnival and Two Trick Pony, still gives me the proverbial chills. There is something in his swoon, something on how he owns the stage that appeals to the regular rakista. Yes, he may exude the brilliance of Scott Weiland one day and then perform ala Billy Corgan on the next but definitely, and because of his no-farts-given charm, he has become one of the best OPM front men of all time. Watching him in videos is a great thing. Seeing him perform on stage with less than ten feet away is another, simply a different kind of high. WG BANDWAGON

WG (Wally Gonzales) Bandwagon, according to their Facebook fan page is more than a handful of homegrown rock icons-- casting local heroes from Louie Talan to Kat Agarrado. But that fateful November eve, WG Bandwagon was Wally Gonzales (Juan Dela Cruz band), Marc Abaya

PHOTOS BY isla grapika

(Kjwan), Louie Talan (Razorback, Kalayo) and Reli De Vera (Kalayo, Sinosikat). It’s an honor to see the four of them jam like they’re not generations apart as Reli captured the raw sounding skins in JDC’s Beep Beep and Pinoy Blues. Louie Talan steadied it with his droning notes and undid it with his flashy fills and everything the Bass Gods have blessed him. Wally Gonzales exhibited his virtuoso self on the guitar as he jammed on point and effortlessly to the songs ranging from Led Zep’s Warpigs, to his guitar fret salvaging Wally’ Blues, to Kjwan’s anthemic Daliri. Marc Abaya was... well, Marc Freaking Abaya. It was a night to behold as the four may never share

the same stage at the same time again. We may never again see Marc shutting the eyes of Wally Gonzales as the latter commits adultery against his guitar. We may never have the chance to behold four rock icons as great as Abaya, Gonzales, Talan and De Vera in an intimate venue ever again. There may be no youtube vid to match the four’s psychedelia nor a single photo that could capture my joy in seeing them live. But, at least, I was there. I have something to tell my future kids about. Thanks to Charlie’s Steakhouse for making this grandiose gathering happen.

BORACAY SUN

LIFESTYLE

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Boracay Gift Ideas mICHAEL mADRIAGA

t’s the season of receiving and, most importantly, giving. Living on the island, away from the big malls, supermarkets, and bazaars, it may seem hard to find presents for everyone (from your inaanaks to your boss). There’s no need to worry though, as we are here to help you with gift suggestions that are purely Filipino-made and can be found at DMall and EMall (no need to explore the whole island with your shopping bags!). It’s time to do your Christmas shopping in Boracay! Soap Basket crafted by the Boracay Atis For moms, sisters and your lady boss. Starts at PHP 100 Each basket contains different scents and sizes of soap. Aside from having a fragrant bar, buying products like such helps generate income for the Boracay Ati Community. There are different stores selling these items, just look for the soap bars with the Ati Tribe label. You may also visit the community itself for lower prices, especially if you want to buy in bulk.

Islands Souvenirs’ Personalized Shirts For your sweetheart and for the whole family. Starts at PHP 360 Couple shirts are really fun especially if it’s personalized. You can have your names printed on the shirts. It’s also a good Christmas present for your siblings and parents. If you don’t want to have your name printed on the shirt, Islands Souvenirs also have lots of designs that can only be found in their store. Boracay Souvenir Shirts (DMall & EMall) For inaanaks. 2 Shirts for PHP 160 - 180 (PHP 100 each) Rather than buying clothes for your inaanaks in the mall or struggling in Divisoria, why not just buy shirts from Boracay? There are a lot of available designs and different sizes, from babies to adults. If you’re good in bargaining, you can even get more discounts!

Here & Now’s Recycled Purses and Bags (DMall) For co-workers and environmentalist friends. Starts at PHP 150 From small coin purses to large everyday bags made from recycled materials such as tin cans and tetrapacks, these items given as gifts not only helps the environment but also the community that crafted them.

Sunny Side Café’s Jams (Sands Hotel, Near E-Mall) For foodie friends, co-workers and godparents. PHP 290 per jar One can never go wrong with giving food as a gift. Sunny Side’s Mango Jam and Calamansi Curd is one of the best food gift ideas you could purchase in Boracay, and also the perfect way to enjoy the sweet sunny flavors at home. And, as how Sunny Side describes it as “the perfect gift for friends who weren’t able to come with you to Boracay!”

Islands Souvenirs’ Bag Tags (DMall) For travel buddies and friends who are always out-oftown. Starts at PHP 80 Beautifully designed bag tags are available in different colors. Best for our friends who loves to go everywhere! Other travel accessories like caps and totes are also available at the store.

Spice Bird’s Piri-piri Sauces (DMall) For foodie friends, especially those who love spices. PHP 225 per jar Here’s another unique flavor in a jar that you and your friends will surely love at home. Spice Bird’s Piri-piri sauces are made with the best chilies and other spices that you could now enjoy anywhere. You

may choose from the different varieties from the mild spicy to flaming hot sauce! Bamboo Speaker Amplifiers (DMall & EMall) For the music lovers, techie friends, and brothers. Starts at PHP 500 The original ones are available in different establishments and may cost a lot, but there are also replicas available on different souvenir shops in D’Mall, that costs less – and can be personalized! Lampirong’s Capiz Shell Accessories (DMall) For girlfriends and kikay friends. Starts at PHP80 Most girls love accessories, and here in Lampirong, necklaces and bracelets are made from capiz shells and can be worn in any occasion. There are also other capiz shell items like coasters and candleholders at very affordable prices. Tropikal Kalamansi Rum (DMall) For the boss and drinking buddies. PHP 909 per bottle Giving your boss liquor as present is always the safest suggestion. It is also best for your friends to make your celebrations a little bit different with this unique flavored rum. Tropikal Kalamansi Rum is available at different specialty stores in D’Mall. Personalized Pens For classmates and teachers. PHP 20 each A lot of souvenir stores in D’Mall are selling these cute pens. From animals to cartoon characters, you can have a one unique design for each of your classmates. You can even have their name written on it making it more personal. Don’t forget to double check if the pen is writing! You can also buy personalized key chains for the same price.

BORACAY SUN

LIFESTYLE

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

reconstructed. Many sleepless nights were spent, and much more resources; they spent more than what they planned. Oftentimes, they would question themselves, are the money, cries and frustrations worth it? Giving up then would have been easy; they could just stop and walk away. But there is also this burning hope and the pull of the island on their lives, not to discount the experience of having lived and tried to make something, a grand art. The construction continued. It took another four years for the couple to finally see the finish product. The house that was originally envisioned to be just a simple bahay-kubo is now a work of art, a living manifestation of the couple’s artistic expression. All around the main house are snippets of the couple’s artistry. The main hall is a high-ceilinged, open space, sparingly adorned with Asian furniture and decors. It exudes a certain kind of warmth and a welcoming atmosphere that, for me, is reminiscent of a traditional Balinese or Thai spa sans the surrounding lotus pond but with all the sounds of nature; one could hear birds chirping all over. Murals are everywhere. But what’s more remarkable is the reproduction of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam on a cavity adjacent to the dining area. One could surmise that such cavity was intentionally designed to accommodate this marvelous piece from the Sistine Chapel.

CASA DE ARTE The Art of Living beth jalea

t all started in Switzerland. Basel, specifically; a city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland that is home to 40 museums, the city of culture for connoisseurs. A fitting venue for what Ronnie and Jenny described as “the best jewelry show in the world.” Jenny and Ronnie, a couple of jewelry designers from Taiwan, were having the time of their lives, crafting the most unique, intricate and luxurious pieces of jewelries and having the distinct opportunity to showcase their masterpieces to the world. More than a decade ago, that is. Because of the SARS epidemic, the couple was forced to cut short their expedition; they had to leave Basel. At that time, people who had come from Asia were advised to leave and were forbidden to do business in Europe.

To nurse their broken hearts and, at the same time, plan for their next course, the couple decided to take refuge in the island of Boracay. The island back then was not as vibrant as it is now, but just as beautiful. Its crystal clear waters, powdery white sand, and beautiful sunset were anything the couple could dream of for a refuge. They were charmed. And so one pivotal phone call later, the couple found themselves signing off a purchase agreement (handwritten on a piece of paper) for a piece of land covered with lush trees and vegetations just off the elevated portion of Cagban. The idea of constructing a new project thrilled Ronnie and Jenny all the more. They were excited to build and continue their artistic expression; instead of small designs, they’ll be doing large scale! Cement will substitute for gold, paint for silver, hollow blocks for gems and stones. The couple was ecstatic. For them, it was an inspiration in the form of a simple phone call. Five years later, the house is still being constructed; cements and hollow blocks were broken down, wood fixtures re-built, the house redesigned,

While inside the King and Queen Going up, I had painted ceilings. what looked like

main hall, I could stare at the Creation of Adam forever. But the lure of the thrones right at the top of one of the guest houses is simply hard to dispel. to pass through a maze of guest rooms with gigantic bathrooms, and cloud And there it was, the Red Queen’s throne and that of her King built atop a boat.

But like any other fairytale, the story must come to an end. And just as they say, an artist cannot hold on to her art forever. One must learn to let go in order to create new pieces and in the process, discover new places as well as experiences. There is a decade of stories to tell, experiences to recount about this house. But until the new owners come along, the couple and their daughter are the living storytellers… and curators of this house that we call, Casa de Arte.

BORACAY SUN

TRAVEL TIPS

LIFESTYLE

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Keep Memories in Photobooks

Denise Bentulan

dmit it, photo albums are virtually obsolete. In the digital era, most people just upload their photos to their social media accounts and forget about them. I have made this mistake once. I uploaded my photos from high school up until college to Multiply, thinking the albums would be there for life. Unfortunately for me, and perhaps, for a lot of us, Multiply shut down last year. I didn’t even have the time to save my photos. So long, high school and college memories! I have learned from that since. Looking at pictures on print rather than on a screen or device is different. With photobooks, you can design your pages the way you want, make them tell a story, or even write a story. You can display them along with your coffee table books or on a shelf in your bedroom. They are tangible little reminders of your adventures.

are magazine quality 170 GSM acid-free paper. I find their colors to be the most true-to-life. By default, these square photobooks have 40 pages. If you want more, you can pay for extra pages (they can make up to 200 pages). Softcover photobooks start at PHP1250. Expensive? The good news is, you can grab these for only PHP0 to PHP349 whenever they have offers on know groupbuy sites in Metro Manila. Their shipping fee starts at PHP 300. This is because their production center is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Production time and shipping may take a few days (my first order came after 4 days) to a couple of months (my second order took more than a month to arrive). PHOTOBOOK PHILIPPINES

There are three most used photobook services in the Philippines at the moment. Let’s see how these applications could help in keeping our precious memories.

I have mixed reactions regarding the quality of their photobooks though. I got two but of differing qualities. The first one was a mess, they screwed up cutting the pages, so the page numbers and a string of numbers (presumably the file name) are only shown on the bottom left side. The pages are only held together by binding glue and it spreads open flat very easily. The second one, which is bound more sturdily with glue and stitches, is better. The paper they used, is pretty decent. The cover is a semi matte premium 230 GSM paper, and the pages

The last one that I have tried is Fotosnaps. Its app interface is similar to the previous two, but I had a difficult time rotating images. I’m not sure if it had an option to rotate in-program, but it messes up the orientation of the polaroid frames, too. They use semi-glossy 170 GSM acid-free papers for the pages, while the cover is made of similar material but with a seemingly higher GSM. They are also perfectly bound but the colors sway towards the cooler side. Some of my pictures turned out bluer than they originally were.

PHOTOBOOKMART You just have to download their program to create your photobooks. It’s pretty old school though (if you’re a Mac user, you will not like this), so you might want to layout in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign or Photoshop then just paste them in the program as images. But if you’re in a hurry, they’ve got templates and frames and clipart and backgrounds for you to use.

Fotosnaps

My second (and now most used) service is Photobook Philippines. Among the three, this is probably the easiest to use (albeit all being very similar). Again, a program needs to be downloaded off their website to create projects. Both the cover and pages are made of 190 GSM photo luster paper (which is basically like softened photo paper, as in the ones they print your ID pictures on). They aren’t too glossy either. However, the colors tend to be on the darker side. If you like your pictures bright and sunny like I do, you might want to adjust your brightness before uploading them to the software. Small square photobooks (6in) start at PHP1200. But of course, me being me, I would not pay that price. I got mine for only PHP10 each at Metrodeal. Although they have an office here in the Philippines, all books bound for Asia are shipped out from Malaysia. Standard shipping is PHP140, while express shipping is at PHP300. Priority shipping is PHP500. Note: If you order more than one, you might still need to pick it up from the post office. Some of my photobooks were shipped out and delivered within a week. Some took as long as two months.

For the 6×8 softcover 48-page photobook, prices start at PHP1095, but I got it for only PHP 545 (free shipping) from CashCashPinoy. Unlike the two companies mentioned earlier, Fotosnaps is based here in the Philippines, so I got my photobooks pretty quickly. I would not choose one as my particular favorite because each one has its own pros and cons. But one thing’s for sure – whichever service you pick, I recommend turning those ‘.jpgs’ into photobooks now. You might just thank me later.

BORACAY SUN

LIFESTYLE

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Calligraphy for Christmas Patricia Hernandez

ne of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising hobbies is modern calligraphy. Traditionally, calligraphy is the craft of writing letters in uniform but now it is a mix of your own handwriting combined with individuality, giving it more of a personal touch. Almost anything can be personalized with modern calligraphy, and it is so easy to do. In fact, people who practice this craft can use it for most things that involve having to write or print out words. These include invitations, banners, announcements, typography and for any occasion or event such as weddings, birthdays, and soirees, and Christmas is not an exception. Christmas gift wrapping is, to a lot of people, an art that is performed every time you wrap presents. Not only is Christmas celebrated every year, it is also one of the biggest holidays celebrated around the world. Almost every household and family celebrates this special occasion, and most people give presents to their loved ones, which is why gift wrapping is quite important, especially to those who love giving a bit of personality in the way they wrap their present; making it sort of a way of recognition. Here are a few tips on how you could create your own Christmas gift wrapping with the use of modern calligraphy: Invest on Basic Tools & Know Basic Knowledge. Having the proper tools for calligraphy is important because it would be easier for you to achieve the specific look you are going for. However, having the tools does not guarantee perfection in the first few trials. Remember that in calligraphy, traditional or modern, downward strokes are thicker and heavier while upward strokes are lighter. Tools help, but

always remember to always practice in order to achieve the calligraphy style you are aiming for. Personalize Your Gift Tags. It is very easy and cost effective to personalize your gift tags. All you need are your basic calligraphy writing tools, paper and a puncher. A typical gift tag would be 2 x 3.5 inches, but you can use whatever size you would like, depending also on how big your present is. After that, write your words with your tools and you are good to go. Take note that gift tags are small, meaning you have to budget your space wisely and have proper grip control on your writing tool.

Make Your Own Gift Wrappers. If you are not planning to give out big presents for this holiday season, you could just make your own gift wrappers for small presents. They are easy to make and you would not have worry about running out if you accidentally cut a wrong piece off. All you have to do is start with words that you would like to have on your wrapper - it could be a quote or any Christmas related words. Continue until your entire paper is covered with your calligraphy word pattern and voila! Your gift wrapper now embodies the holiday spirit. You can even duplicate your calligraphy gift wrapper by scanning it into your computer and printing out copies.

BORACAY SUN

CENTERFOLD

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Boracay Sun Recommends

ith so many lodgings and eating places that Boracay has to offer, no experience in each joint is alike. Every year, or make that, every season, establishments update their looks, introduce new menu, or primp up their style. Not to mention each quarter or year, a new hotel or restaurant is opened, thereby providing a number of choices for the discerning tourists. In this issue, Boracay Sun lists down some of the hotels and restaurants we’ve been to and spill the beans on what makes them stand out.

Ambassador’s Al Fresco No other place at the White Beach offers such beautiful sunset view but Station 1 and the best place to have the front row seats is at Ambassador’s Al Fresco Restaurant. Among the musttries are their pancit, seafood pizza, and caldereta. They also have our international favorites like curries, and steaks, plus a wide array of desserts and pastries! And for the best sunset experience, have a sip of their refreshing cocktails – our favorite is their mojito!

Tito’s Resto & Grill If you’re in Boracay and happen to be looking for familiar Filipino dishes with unique twists, Tito’s Resto & Grill is the perfect spot. They serve the best chicken afritada and offer a new take on the classic pork humba. Located at Station 2, just near the D’Mall beach entrance, the restaurant’s easy-to-find location spares you the worry of getting lost for a meal. Its beachfront spot offers a gorgeous view of the famous Boracay sunset dipping into the serene White Beach. And while the resto-grill’s interiors amaze us with all the eclectic artworks and artisanal furniture, we prefer dining al fresco on the second floor where we are serenaded with music performed by bands at the local bar located just below.

Ole Spanish Tapas This to-die-for Spanish restaurant has been serving the island with its delectable menu selections for ten years now. Ole means “good job” or “well done”, a fitting meaning to what this famed restaurant can offer. Their specialties range from Spanish to Mexican to Cuban food; they also served dishes of Filipino, Japanese, American and Korean origins. Their best-selling main dish, the Paella Mixta, is certainly to-die-for. It consists of pork, chicken, Spanish sausage, with mixed seafood and vegetables. And they also serve two of our favorite Mexican dishes: their mouth-watering Burritos and their hearty, well-garnished Nachos.

Thai Basil Thai food’s popularity in the Philippines has been growing and it is not surprising that such unique taste has reached the shores of Boracay through Thai Basil. An authentic Thai restaurant located at D’Mall, Thai Basil provides any discerning palate with a taste of sump rap Thai (the way Thais eat) from their hot and sour coconut soup, minced meat salad and fish cakes down to their main dishes of deep fried seafood in thick curry sauce, stir fried chicken with cashew nuts and to their desserts with coconut milk base (their Ta-Ko is the best). They’ve got a selection of fresh fruit juices and shakes, too. Their Pineapple Basil Pleasure is indeed that, a pleasure.

Café del Sol Coffee shops have been our go-to place whenever we want to chill, have a quiet “alone” time, or for business meetings. Café del Sol offers just that! And aside from that perfect coffee cup, the café also serves pastries and breakfast favorites. Indulge in their varied selection of Filipino and western-style meals from toasts to omelets and sausages. They also have noncoffee based beverages from fruit shakes, juices to chocolate-based drinks.

Aria Cucina Italiana As far as comfort food goes, pasta and pizza are on top of our list and we get much of that at Aria, an Italian restaurant located at Station 2, beachfront. Among our favorites is their Quattro Stagioni Pizza, four pizzas served in one platter letting you partake their famous Napolli, Frutti di Mare, Bascaiola and Aria Special pizzas. And from among their pasta dishes, the marinara stands out. We just love how the fresh mix of seafood marries with the taste of al dente pasta and homemade tomato sauce. We found no shame or guilt in eating these healthy, authentic and delectable treats. As indeed, Aria only uses organic and the best fresh ingredients cooked in authentic Italian way. Buon appetito!

Charlie’s Steakhouse Steaks have always been well loved, especially when served for dinner at the end of a long day. And when matched with our favorite drink plus awesome live band music, the dining experience is taken to the next level, just like at Charlie’s. Charlie’s Steakhouse opened last August 2014, catering to those looking for mouthwatering steaks, ribs, imported beers, and live acts. It is housed at the YCL Hotel along the main road, Station 2, Barangay Balabag. For the music enthusiasts, Charlie’s is heaven on earth. Live acts from bands such as Razorbank, Dong Abay, and Big Mountain have graced it intimate stage and serenaded patrons and tourists alike.

Hama Japanese Cusine For those who has that occasional Japanese food cravings like us, Hama certainly delivers. We do not have any problem finishing our meals everytime we dine at this authentic Japanese restaurant (located at D’Mall) - thanks to Hama’s dedication of serving fresh, authentic, and superbly executed Japanese cuisine. You will surely love their ramen, which come in different flavors, and their wide variety of sushi, sashimi and maki. They serve imported beers and liquors from Japan, too!

Gasthof Cafe Lei Boracay Known for their Baby Back Ribs, which many consider as the best in Boracay, Gasthof is the ultimate choice for those who want to have a taste of different cuisines from Filipino to International delicacies. Located right at the beachfront entrance of DMall, everyone will surely notice this jam-packed restaurant. They also have fresh seafoods which you can buy per gram, and have it cooked depending on your desired style.

True Food Indian Cuisine

Indian food migh a limited market but True Food s bar when it come experience, makin a must-try while top choices inc Tikki, Maalu Cutle Tandoori. The r serves vegetable like hummus, veg and vegetable cu vegetarians on va

BORACAY SUN

might have arket in our country, od simply sets the comes to the dining making this restaurant while in Boracay. Our include the Aloo Cutlet, and Chicken he restaurant also etable-based dishes , vegetable samosa, ble curry, perfect for on vacation.

CENTERFOLD

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

LEGEND: Ambassador in Paradise Resort

WHERE TO EAT

Ambassador in Paradise is a top choice among tourists seeking luxurious accommodation with that distinct tropical vibe. This AAA resort is located in the peaceful stretch of Station 1, boasting of 60 stylishly designed rooms ranging from deluxe to presidential suites categories. Its rooms are spacious and most has balcony providing a perfect view of the beach, and the famed Boracay sunset.

WHERE TO STAY

Karuna Boracay Suites

7th Note Cafe We will never forget one breezy evening when we were invited to a special beachside dinner at 7th Note Café. Such a gastronomical treat gave us the taste and feel of how it would be to dine on the serene Bulabog beach one evening in June. The new menus prepared by Chef Christian Isip and his team are all romantics could wish for. That night, our adventurous palates were treated to a curried sweet corn soup, prawn cucumber salad 3-ways, featuring (yes, you guessed it!) prawns cooked in three different cooking methods; poached maya-maya; and to top them off, fresh green apple sorbet for desert. Romantic evenings aside, 7th Note Café is also well-known for their steaks and pizza dinners. And every month, diners are treated to themed events that surely bring one’s dining experience to a T.

Sunny Side Cafe We just can’t get enough of the plateful of sunshine from this all-day breakfast joint at Station 3. Drool all you want, all day, especially on the new menu offerings that we’ve tried such as their mouth watering Eggs Florentine - a perfectly runny egg dish poised atop a homemade English muffin drizzled with a delicately seasoned hollandaise sauce; and their Avocado and Bacon Smash which for us, is a smashing hit! We would certainly miss a meal and replace it with another breakfast meal if we are served the café’s Champorado – made with Malagos chocolate and served with a ripe mango, a scoop of caramel ice cream, and a strip of candied bacon. Top all that with a cup of artisanal coffee or a hot cup of Malagos chocolate drink and you’re all set for the day… or night.

Villa Caemilla Restaurant Villa Caemilla has made quite a niche in the island’s best dining experience through its delectable menu and fancy beverage lineup. Dining here is like travelling around the dining tables of the world. They have cuisines from different continents as well as Filipino favorites like Crispy Pata and Chicken Binakol. And for those with discerning sweet tooth, one can never go wrong with their Dutch Apple Pie, a Holland family recipe passed on all the way to this island for that comfy and homey taste. And speaking of comfort, guests get to chill in the hotel’s beachfront with an unobstructed view of the famous Boracay sunset. Be sure to order our favorite Ginger Mojito to tickle your senses more.

A world-class resort hotel located at Mt. Luho. Karuna is a Sanskrit word that means compassion, which, by its very definition, compels the good-hearted to shelter the distressed. Decked with numerous fully-furnished rooms that are filled with paintings, sculptures and various visually pleasing art, the resort is nothing short of relaxing. Each room or suite is uniquely designed with styles inspired from Thai, Balinese and Filipino culture. To add to the hotel’s novelty, instead of room numbers, you’ll find yourself booked in rooms named after the country’s famous destinations like Mactan, Davao or Batangas

7Stones Boracay Suites 7Stones is located at the center of Bulabog Beach where the fun and action happens especially during the Amihan season. This stylish resort has heaps to offer – your own private view of the beach, a swimming pool with a bar of various wine collection, large rooms and extra large suites, and sumptuous food served at the resort’s 7th Note Cafe. And, as if the island runs short on entertainment, 7Stones makes it a point to equip each of its rooms with flat screen TVs (in the bedroom and living room), DVD players with surround sound systems and hi-speed wi-fi and cable internet. A 7Stones experience is meant to last long so prepare for an extended stay.

Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel Villa Caemilla offers a unique setting with upscale yet affordable accommodations. Its suites and rooms are luxuriously furnished, some with king-sized bed, dining area, and a seating area to relax in after a day of water activities; a flatscreen TV with cable channels; wi-fi access, and private bathrooms. Guests are pampered even at the beach. Aside from providing a perfect and private spot for swimming and sunbathing, the hotel has beach beds and umbrellas ready. A roving waiter is always in attendance to cater to your every need.

Sheridan Villas Boracay For those seeking for a home away from home, Sheridan Villas is the best choice. It is located in an enclave at the peaceful Angol beach and is just a few steps from the beachfront. It is also the perfect spot for those seeking relaxation away from the party scene and just spend quality time with family and friends. Sheridan Villas also offers full service excursions, island hopping and more but guests may also plan their own foray. Station 3 houses the different “ticket booths” for various water activities like banana boat ride, helmet diving, and our favourite nowadays, Extreme Fun’s flyboarding.

BORACAY SUN

island souls

PEOPLE

hristmas is upon us again, and those who embody the spirit, feel a sense of giving to others.

There are those among us who personify and exemplify the spirit of giving all year round by doing their part to give back to the community. Let’s get to know these “jolly ol’ St. Nicks” in this paradise island of ours and appreciate their causes better.

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Boracay Santas Rica Velasco

Finn Ronne is a Canadian who moved to Boracay 10 years ago. Finn is behind “Finn’s Bleeding Heart Club”, a club that is now supporting six schoolchildren at Hagdan Village, helping them get better access to education. Finn had his first contact with Hagdan Village when he set out to help a family he encountered while biking around the island. The family would smile and wave at him every time he passed by. So touched was he by this interaction that he decided to help them out, seeing that the family is in dire need. He started to bring them food regularly. He also managed to solicit help from his friends all over the world and raised PHP400,000 to bring six children to school, and feed and build houses for the village families. Hagdan Village has 12 school children and he aims to help all 12 of them eventually. There are also some businesses on the island (namely Boracay Beach Club Resort, Ariel’s Point and 7 Stones Boracay) that help out his club, and Dr. Howell Javonillo of AMC conducts free medical check-ups for the children. In Norway, Heldal Eiendom helps a great deal as well. For those interested to share, please e-mail ronnefinn@hotmail.com or send him a message at his Facebook account (Finn Ronne) and he will gladly give details on how to donate to Finn’s Bleeding Heart Club. Michel van der Kleij is a European who has been frequenting Kalibo for the past 12 years with his Filipina wife who is a native of Sebaste, Antique. Michael started the Aklan Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (ARCC), an animal shelter, after constantly finding stray cats and other animals around their house in Kalibo.

Mark Cabrera started the Boracay Swimming Club last 2006 with a bunch of swimming enthusiasts who would meet every afternoon and swim on the island’s pristine waters. Nowadays, this same Club has become a community-based club, encouraging parents to enrol their children and form a swim team. The Boracay Swimming Club, now being a family organization, is currently being promoted by the joint efforts of active parents, namely Hannah Sacapaño, Claire Yap, V-Anne Fabilane, and Lara Buenaventura, among others. The swimming programs are facilitated by competent and qualified coaches for both pool and open water – Mark himself, Joe Tindog, Rodel Escanillan and Don Milanes. The objective of this club is to teach people how to swim, and let everybody enjoy swimming and share their love for it. The Club is currently raising fund to build a community pool and also have a swimming scholarship program. For those interested in the Club’s various programs or if you want to donate and help would-be swimming champions, just contact Mark at 0920 9829840 or any other member of the club. Mar Schönenberger seems to have “helping” ingrained in his DNA. This Administrator and Board Member of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) BoracayMalay Chapter has worked at St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo (clinical practice) for three years and also served at the Malay Municipal Health Office (public health practice) for two years.

The Center has been in full operation since 2010 and has become a menagerie since then. Animals from neighbouring provinces like Roxas and Ilolilo and even from Manila were flown in for shelter, caring and even training. Some of these animals were disabled and in need of special attention. The Center aims to promote the welfare of all animals in Aklan (which of course includes Boracay Island). They concentrate on the rescue and rehabilitation of domesticated animals such as cats and dogs, although there are ideas of venturing into wildlife protection such as the macaques or monkeys that are kept captive under deplorable circumstances. They also do projects for spaying/ neutering and vaccinations. Education is very important, as the human factor is probably the most significant when it comes to animal welfare, so they have done presentations at Kalibo Pilot Primary School and also in Boracay International School. At present, Michel and his wife are caring for around 60 dogs and 50 cats. They provide help through temporary veterinary care (though some disabled animals remain with them permanently) and they have managed to find a home for others. Right now, they are also in the process of constructing a new facility in Linabuan Sur. They also pride themselves in providing income for a large number of families directly or indirectly, and are able to provide financial aid to typhoon victims. They believe in supporting the community around them in every way that they can. Those who wish to donate to the Center can do so via PayPal: aklananimalrescue@ gmail.com, which is also their email address. Donations in kind, especially dog and cat foods, would also help.

Through the Philippine Red Cross, the number of people he has helped, directly or indirectly, has grown considerably. For the past four years, the PRC Boracay-Malay Chapter managed to train 25 lifeguards who rescued 218 people from drowning; transported 849 patients from Boracay to Kalibo; trained 3,453 people on first aid; trained 258 people on proper lifeguarding; enjoined 27 schools in Boracay and in mainland Malay and enlisted 5,480 students as members of Red Cross Youth; trained 1,408 volunteers in different barangays to respond during emergencies; and recruited 1,985 blood donors, where each donor can provide for three people, thus ultimately saving roughly 6,000 lives. All of these the Chapter accomplished by working closely with the PRC National Headquarters, the Local Government Unit of Malay and the stakeholders on service deliveries and policy management and also with the volunteers. To donate to the Philippine Red Cross, call their hotline at (036) 288 2068, or email boracay@redcross.org.ph for further inquiries. Should you have any questions, the current Officer in Charge is Mr John Patrick C. Moreno, RN, EMT.

BORACAY SUN

CULTURE

Preserving Our Heritage:

The Art of Piña Weaving Princess Erika G. Ruiz

photos by Michael madriaga

hat’s more stunning and elegant when it comes to handmade craft than Aklan’s very own piña cloth? Weaved from the heart and with the hands of hardworking Aklanons, piña cloth has been such a prominent product in Aklan. Whether fashioned into handkerchiefs, embroidered, worn by women as delicate baro and panuelas or by men as formal barongs, its fine fibers extracted from pineapple leaves speak of nothing more but the creativity and masterpiece that are undoubtedly world-class and proudly locally made. It was during the Spanish period that piña cloth began to thrive in Kalibo or, as it was then called, Calivo. Years passed and the development of piña cloth has continued to flourish. The complete elegance and authentic beauty brought by each stroke and curve of the piña cloth has come to the attention of many in various parts of the world particularly in North America and in Europe. Piña fiber became such an important cloth material that in 1571, it was considered as a worthy gift for royalty. In 1862, a handkerchief made of piña cloth was given to Queen Alexandra as a wedding gift for her marriage to Edward Vil. As proof, the handkerchief can still be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. With all of the high value and elegance found in the product of piña fiber, what makes this cloth much more superb is found in the process of how this masterpiece was created. With the use of our historic weaving machines and the right amount of patience, the Aklanons weave their hearts out into every strand of piña fiber to be made cloth. Going through different processes, this strong fabric can last for hundreds of years, proof of the longevity and masterfulness of Aklanon’s work of art for the next generations to come; the art of Piña Weaving.

Erika is a grade 10 student at Christ the King School, Kalibo, Aklan. In her IG account, Erika describes herself as a William Wordsworth and kind of Edgar Allan Poe person. She loves literature and a whole lot of nature.

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

BORACAY SUN

CULTURE

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

Juan Luna’s Spoliarium

The National Art Gallery, Museum of the Philippines

Beth Jalea

he historic hall which is now known as the National Art Gallery was the site of the 1934 Constitutional Convention chaired by Claro M. Recto. The convention paved the way to the successful framing and approval of the Philippine Constitution in 1935.

Exhibitions at the Gallery can be found at Level 2 (House Floor) covering Philippine art from the 17th to 20th century; the most notable of which is Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and Felix Hidalgo’s El Assesinato del Gobernador Bustamante. Juan Luna’s SPOLIARIUM: In the mind of Jose Rizal Neoclassical Sculpture

The National Art Gallery houses one of the country’s most well-known paintings, Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, which is the first work of art that greets visitors when they enter the National Museum. The Spoliarium is displayed across El Assesinato del Gobernador Bustamante (The Assasination of Governor Bustamante) by Felix Hidalgo who won a silver medal at the Exposition National de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid, Spain. The Spoliarium garnered the first gold medal.

Classical Art from the 20th Century

It is said that Juan Luna spent eight months to finish Spoliarium which, according to Jose Rizal in his speech at a gathering of Filipino expatriates in Madrid, “embodied the essence of our social, moral and political life: humanity in severe ordeal, humanity in severe ordeal, humanity unredeemed, reason and idealism in open struggle with prejudice, fanaticism.” In his opening toast, Jose Rizal enthused that, “Luna’s Spoliarium with its bloody carcasses of slave gladiators being dragged away from the arena where they had entertained their Roman oppressors with their lives… stripped to satisfy the lewd contempt of their Roman persecutors with their honor…”

Works of Felipe Hidalgo

by cumberreichenbach

Silvina and Juan C. Laya Hall

The Spoliarium became Rizal’s inspiration to carve his own niche in the revolution through the Noli Mi Tangere, which is said to be the “Latin echo of the Spoliarium.”

Drawings of Fernando Amorsolo

Works of Guillermo Tolentino

BORACAY SUN

CULTURE

Museo it Akean Princess Erika G. Ruiz

photos by Michael madriaga

DEC. - JAN. ISSUE

f reading gives you the satisfaction of getting to live a thousand lives, the same goes with the renowned Museo it Akean located in Martelino Street in Kalibo. Housed in the “Eskuylahan it Hari” or the School of Kings, nothing can be more fitting to describe Museo it Akean but the one particular signage you get to see the moment you step foot in the museum that says, “Museo it Akean is a credible ‘story teller’ about Aklan and her people...” Museo it Akean, with all its beauty and amazing wonders, is like a book wherein every corner holds different stories of heroism, patriotism and art. As you walk in the museum and embrace the historic feeling it exudes, it’s as if you are suddenly transported back in time and you get to be part of Aklan’s history. For years now, the Museo it Akean has continued to be one of the most visited places here in Aklan for people who are eager to discover the wonders it holds, all the stories it brought and all the successes and appreciation our good Aklanons are known for.

A storyteller as it is, Museo it Akean shows lots of historical items handed down by our ancestors, all witnesses and living proofs of the lives of our early ancestors. You will also find photographs that showcase the magnificent places you’ll see in Aklan, its tourist spots and natural reserve. Some also show the everyday lives of the Aklanons. There are also real life paintings portraying the hardships, merriments and the culture of Aklan and its people. Artworks, religious artifacts, pina clothing and things made by our ancestors are also displayed and are worth all of the appreciation. To be able to witness and become knowledgeable of all the accomplishments our fellow Aklanons have done in the past, it has become such a challenge to aspire for greatness and excellence as our forefathers did. But with these aspirations, we have continued to create history and stories of heroism and pride for our beloved Aklan, with the goal of inspiring the next generations to come.

BORACAY SUN

INDULGE

Noche Buena: A Filipino Feast Like No Other LOWELL CAUILAN

he Filipino Christmas is the longest in the world. Usually, the preparation and hype starts as early as September, the start of the so called “ber” months. It has now become a custom to start the countdown to Christmas from September 1, up to the 24th of December. It usually ends on the feast of the Three Kings but the highlight of the Filipino Christmas season is always at the start of the Simbang Gabi or Night Mass and it reaches its most awaited point during “Noche Buena”. Noche Buena came from the Spanish words meaning “Good Night” or “Holy Night.” It is a Latin American custom that Filipinos adopted specifically from Spain

What is unique to us Filipinos is how we involve our families and relatives in this celebration of anticipation. It is one gathering that will always be a must-attend affair. Even our beloved OFWs come home just for the chance to celebrate Noche Buena with their families. It is a night where your favorite dishes are prepared and family secret recipes are shared while we wait for the reason of the celebration the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This Christmas, we want to share with you our classic Home-Made Ham and Mechado Antigo recipes that everyone will surely enjoy and remember. From your PACE family, we all wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

To know more about PACE and its culinary courses, please log on to www. pacemanila.com. Located at 2F Ciannat Complex Marcos Highway, Antipolo City and #2 Presidents Avenue, BF Homes-Tahanan Village, Paranaque City. Telephone numbers: 654.4862

1 kg

Procedure: Ham butt, chilled

Pumping-pickle 2 1 1 5 2 1 2 1 1 1

and Mexico. It is a tradition shared by many other countries where celebrations, mass, greetings, gifts and, of course, food will always be part of.

Ingredients:

HOMEMADE HAM

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½ cups ½ cup cup tsp ½ tbsp. (1/2 tsp.) ½ tbsp drop drop tsp.

Saturated salt solution Cold water Boiling water Curing salt Phosphate Ascorbic acid White sugar Oil of cloves Oil of anise Smoke flavor

Dry Cure: 1 ½ tbsp. 1 ½ tbsp. 1/4 tbsp.

Salt Sugar Phosphate

1. PUMPING PICKLE: Mix all ingredients in previously boiled water until all powders are diluted. Strain into cold water. Set aside. 2. DRY CURE: Mix salt, sugar and phosphate together until well combined. Set aside. 3. Pat dry meat. 4. Using a syringe, inject prepared pumping pickle into meat 1” apart; be sure to use up all the solution. 5. Pat dry meat and rub surface with prepared dry cure. Place meat inside a plastic bag and chill for 1 week. 6. To cook: simmer ham together with all ingredients for 2-3 hours. Once cooked, set aside to cool. Peel off skin, score fat then insert cloves on each intersection. Sprinkle with sugar then torch to caramelize. Cool, slice then serve with sauce reduction.

For Cooking: What each ingredient does for ham: ½ cup 2 cups few leaves 2 pcs 2 cups 1 pc 1/2 pc 1/2 pc

***

GARLIC FOCACCIA BREAD

Anisado wine Brown sugar Oregano Bay leaves Pineapple juice Cloves Whole Garlic Whole onion

21 x1” needle Cotton thread or ham net Paperlyne or cut wrap for curing and packing

Procedure:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup 1 ½ tsp 1 ½ tsp 2 ½ cup 1 ½ tsp 1/4 cup 1/4 cup 30 g 5 g

• Curing salt, which is pink in color, is used to preserve and fix the color of the meat while being cured. • Phosphate, used to make the meat tacky (slightly gummy to the touch), relaxes the meat muscle • to increase its water-holding capacity, thus locking up the spices. This contributes to the tenderness of the meat. • Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant and anticarcinogenic, accelerates color fixation while curing. • Oil of anise is the ingredient responsible for giving your ham that licorice taste.

Water, warm Yeast Sugar AP Flour Salt Olive Oil Canola Oil Garlic, slice Rock salt

Portion: 6 servings

1. Combine the first three ingredients. 2. Sift Flour and salt together. 3. Stir in olive oil into the water-yeast mixture. 4. Add Flour. Knead until smooth and elastic. 5. Form into a ball. Rest for 1 hour or double in size. 6. Punch. Knead. Roll out into rectangles about half an inch thick. Set aside. 7. Meanwhile, pour canola oil in a baking pan until all sides of the pan are covered in oil. 8. Transfer dough into a heavily oiled pan. 9. Stretch dough until it covers all sides of the pan. 10. Dimple top of the dough. Top w/ rocksalt & garlic slices. 11. Rest for 30 minutes or until double in size. 12. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 425F for 18-20 minutes.

BORACAY SUN

HEALTH

No Pill-ter:

Weight Loss Supplements Sachi Go

photo source- webmd.com

iet has been an issue for mankind arguably since the dawn of time. In the recent millennia, we’ve focused more on the “lighter” side of the spectrum. Everybody wants to shed some pounds, be it for the warm summer season or the cold ‘ber months.

A fad that has really blown up in recent times is the diet pill. There are different functions depending on the brand you get - some burn fat, block fat, induce “expulsion of waste” (bathroom break), or impede one’s appetite. With all of these seemingly easy and varying ways to get a handle on those love handles, it’s no wonder that everyone’s a-hoppin’ on the pill-poppin’. What is it that makes the diet pill more enticing to hopefuls around the country? Is it the availability? Are we just looking for a way to still at least ingest something so that we don’t feel depraved? Perhaps we simply need the forced biological discipline imposed by science and medicine.

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Diet pills are marketed to the public as “Weight Loss Supplements.” This feeds us (pun intended) the idea that we aren’t subtracting anything vital from our bodies. The word ‘supplement’ gives that positive connotation that we are simply boosting the weight loss and adding some helpful little vitamins to our ‘diet’. But sometimes, it creates a stigma that you absolutely need it in your system. Sometimes, it just becomes a crutch because relying on it makes you lenient on all the other factors of weight loss and you end up not losing any at all. What’s dangerous is when people overlook the fact that these are still essentially medicines. There are side effects, adverse effects, overdoses, and interactions just like any other pill in the market. However, there are many reputable and effective brands out there. If you just need a little help along the way to fitness and your physician has approved, then it’s good to know how to spot a fake diet pill and pick which legitimate brand is best for you. Some helpful pointers to remember when looking for your new weight loss supplement: Check the packaging - if the grammar doesn’t make sense and the label isn’t conclusive on the contents, then a background check is due; even legitimate companies aren’t required to prove the safety of their supplements (unlike those that offer prescription drugs) so if you aren’t familiar with the effects of their ingredients, some quick research can come in handy; don’t mix and match stick to one supplement and see how it works for you, because combining more than one type can be overkill (and harm your digestive system); “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean organic. Most supplements still mix in some prescription drugs to boost the effects of nature; look out for diuretics. Despite their effectiveness, they can really dehydrate you with misuse; if the marketing is too eager to please and seems overtly defensive on their approval, it could be sketchy; search for legitimate testimonials on the brand. A quick search on the internet can really help you weed out the bad seeds. So whether or not you decide to hop on the supplement train, remember that a ‘diet’ doesn’t always mean weight loss. Sometimes, you miss out on the things you really need if you just base your health off of how many pounds you’re packing. You may be unnecessarily depriving yourself of all the delicious meals the world has to offer. Stay healthy and happy eating!

photo sourse- dietspill.co.uk

BORACAY SUN

ENVIRONMENT

Last Stand for Paradise Thinkerbell

pHOTOS by JACK JARILLA

Last Stand For Paradise takes a stand on protecting the beautiful nature of Boracay and it works as a venue for discussing important environmental issues, in general. At the moment, a hot topic is the future of Puka Beach. Puka beach is known to be a pristine beach with a virgin jungle surrounding it that is home for the endangered bat specie called Flying Foxes. If the virgin jungle is destroyed, their last sanctuary is gone. Aside from the threat of losing the flying foxes due to human selfishness, it also has serious effects on nature and to those living on the island.

For tourism, the increasing number of visitors is a positive thing. Unfortunately, the effect on environment is different. The island is a living organism and it can’t handle this kind of development any longer. More visitors mean more pollution: more traffic, more sewer waste, more plastic being thrown on the beach and more resorts being built at the expense of nature.

Flying Foxes are the foresters of the mainland too, and that is where Boracay gets water from. If there are no bats fertilizing nature, it will eventually lead to de-forestation which will affect the soil and water sources. If people don’t realize how connected we are to nature and what kind of chain reactions our environmental choices can cause, in the end we are all going to pay the price.

Arman TJ, one of the organizers, is a well-known singer-songwriter and he is passionate about conserving our beautiful island. He believes that there has been too much negativity surrounding Boracay in social media; people are complaining that this island has become too polluted and there is nothing left to do to save Boracay. He resists this kind of attitude and states that this island is still a natural paradise: not a virgin anymore, of course, but still a rare gem that we should

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not give up on. He believes that it is also important to show everyone especially the children, how to protect the environment instead of passing on hopelessness.

or many years now, Boracay has always been a favorite holiday spot for travellers who want to enjoy a natural paradise: beaches with white sand, crystal blue sea and wild, green virgin forests. Because of its unique beauty, Boracay has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole Philippines and has been hailed as best in the world.

That’s why a number of Boracaynons took action on this development. Last October, a group of indigenous islanders, local artists, enthusiastic expats and all kinds of nature lovers started gathering together every week to bring awareness on the environmental state of Boracay. This peaceful, non-political, non-religious movement is called, “Last Stand For Paradise”, and I got to talk to some of the organizers.

For Arman TJ, it is also important that we think not only of ourselves but of the children who deserve to enjoy a clean and ecologically sustainable Boracay in the future.

I also spoke with Trudy from the United Kingdom, who has lived in Boracay for four years now and has witnessed negative development on the island’s environmental state. She runs a travel agency and is always looking for environmentally friendly ideas and wants to work with business partners who can guarantee ecologically sustainable solutions when it comes to travelling. She mentioned that European tourists want to spend their holidays in clean nature and if Boracay doesn’t improve ecologically, the European market will be affected. The remaining virgin beaches, mangrove swamps, indigenous creatures and green jungles should be protected for everyone to enjoy. If the island is covered with concrete, nature will die. Last Stand For Paradise gathers at 5:00 PM every Thursday at Station 1 beachfront, near the statue of St. Mary. Everyone can join in this peaceful candle-light demonstration and spend time with kindred spirits, sing along with local musicians and share ideas on how to conserve nature. Spreading the message of hope in social media is also crucial so people will realize that it’s not too late and nature can be saved. Check out ‘Last Stand For Paradise’ in Facebook or search the tag #LastStandForParadise. Joining our forces will bring more solutions and hope to solve environmental problems. Let’s take a stand for Boracay!

BORACAY SUN

ADVERTORIAL

Boracay AMC offers new lab and diagnostic tests

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Heidiland Deli - The Only Swiss Deli in Boracay Island Paradise!

rue to its vision and mission, Boracay AMC (Alert Medical Clinic) and Diagnostics Laboratory continuously pursuits to be the premier healthcare provider in Boracay. Its commitment to improve the overall health of the community is manifested by the clinic’s comprehensive quality care and service, delivered in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. Only a year old (Boracay AMC celebrated its first year anniversary last September 21, 2015), it has grown its clientele from recommendations of past clients and patients who have experienced the clinic’s outstanding care and service. With the acquisition of its new laboratory equipment ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay), Boracay AMC is giving residents and visitors access to laboratory tests that were not available before in the island and its neighboring towns. The laboratory and diagnostic tests are:

1. TUMOR MARKER - composed of: • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), a useful test for identifying and monitoring cancer of the prostate. • CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), a very useful test for monitoring response to therapy in breast, liver, colon, and gastrointestinal cancer. A useful indicator of recurrence or metastasis in colon or liver carcinoma. • AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein), assists in the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular • carcinoma (Liver cancer) or metastatic lesions involving the liver. Investigates suspected hepatitis or cirrhosis. Supports diagnosis of embryonal gonadal teratoblastoma, hepato-blastoma and testicular or ovarian carcinomas. 2. HEPATITIS B PROFILE 4 (Quantitative)- it detects exposure to HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and possible carrier status; screens donated blood before transfusion: also screens individuals at Frig risk of exposure. 3. THYROID FUNCTION PANEL – composed of • FT4 (free thyroxine), evaluates signs of hypothyroidism Cif hyperthyroidism and monitors response to therapy for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. • TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), assists in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. • FT3 (free triiodothyronine), assists in the diagnosis of T3 toxicosis. 4. HIV TESTING – evaluates donated blood units before transfusion; performs as part of prenatal screening; screens organ transplant donor; and tests exposed high-risk individuals for detection of antibody.

There is no need for Boracaynons to go far to avail of these laboratory tests because they are now readily available right here at Boracay Alert Medical Clinic and Diagnostic, Incorporated.

eidiland Deli, a first-class food shop that has become a haven for gourmands visiting and living in Boracay for 10 years now offers a wide variety of imported and locally manufactured quality products. Some of its best sellers includes: freshly baked Swiss whole wheat bread and other European breads, Swiss Yoghurts and Muesli, Australian prime meats and U.S. Certified Angus Beef Brand, selection of salami, hams, sausages and cold cuts plus a vast range of cheeses and finest wines from all over the world. Aside from that, the other “good finds” to buy in the deli are: Italian pastas and pasta sauces, choices of seasonings and olive oils, and of course, everybody’s favorite: Swiss chocolate, pralines, cookies, wafers, candies and crackers. Several tables and chairs are also set up outside the Deli for people to hang-out in under a cozy beach umbrella while enjoying a glass of wine, a Heidiland sandwich, or a cheese and cold cuts platter. Come and visit Heidiland Deli in the middle of the D’Mall to savor and experience a European ambiance in Boracay Island.

BORACAY SUN

ADVERTORIAL

THE BORACAY SUN FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR CONTRIBUTORS AND PARTNERS FOR BEING A HUGE PART OF OUR 2015! Metro Manila

Bonifacio Global City (Taguig City)

EDSA Shangri – La Mall Figaro Coffee Systems Inc. Figaro Outlets in Metro and Mega Manila Professional Academy for Culinary Education (PACE)

1521 Restaurant -Burgos Circle Agave Mexican Cantina - High Street BBW - Burgos Circle Bo’s Coffee - High Street Bugsy’s Bar and Bistro - Burgos Circle Café Juanita at the Fort - Burgos Circle Cav Wine Shop and Café - High Street Chicken & Beer - Burgos Circle Clawdaddy Restaurant - High Street Elias Restaurant - High Street Italiani’s Resturant - High Street Just Thai - Burgos Circle L’Entrecote - Burgos Circle Le Creperie - Burgos Circle Lorenzo’s Way - High Street Mango Tree - High Street Murray’s New Orleans - High Street Susi - Burgos Circle T.G.I. Friday’s - High Street The Coffe Bean and Tea Leaf - High Street The Wholesome Table - High Street UCC Park Café - Burgos Circle Uncle Cheffy - Burgos Circle Wild West Roadhouse Grill - High Street Wrong Wramen - Burgos Circle

McKinley Hill (Taguig City) B&T Mexican Kitchen Bag O’ Shrimps Detoxify Bar L.E.S. Bagels Lucky’s Burger and Bar Main Street Restaurant Marciano’s Pizza Pasta Steaks Nihonkai Tsukiji Sauceria Terrry’s Bistro Ukokkei Ramen Ron Wursty Wursty!

Samar Paradise Village Resort Coffee Hub , Catarman Bobon Municipal Hall

Romblon

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

Beachland Estates Odiongan Binucot Beach Resort Resource Reading Center – Romblon State University Sunset Cove Resort Tablas Fun Resort

COLUMNISTS AND CONTRIBUTORS Bong Pico Breven Deo Adriatico Bryan Madera Calvin Young Charise Mobo SPO1 Christopher Mendoza Denise Bentulan Douglas Fabilane Elmar Terlutter Gladys Estadian Grayson Gil Yanez Jeffrey Mancao Joel James Cubillas Joy Dimabuyu Jun Aguirre Karen Bermejo Kate Hammaren Klaus Doring Lara Danielle Cartujano Chef Lowell Cauilan Macky Angeles Marco Runas Maria Angeline Zalamea Dr. Maria Christina Teotico Marina Benipayo Marlo Schoenenberger Melisa Rili Patricia Hernandez Paul Muncada Pauline Astronaut Patrice Averilla Peter Tay Pia Miraflores Prime Dizon Princess Erika Ruiz Reynaldo Perez - Ramos Dr. Rhodelie Matbagan Rica Velasco Richard Cepeda Go Sachi Go Samantha Go Sarah Connor Shaun Jason Hannocks Soili Japinen Stella Marie Carreon Verna Fajilan-Brazil Wendy Padilla Xerxes Anthony Navalta Zora Trias Contributing Photographers AGS Photography Isla Grapika Jack Jarilla Joseph Priam Altovar Joana Paula Posadas Karla Parayno Karlo Clarides Dr. Lhen Brutton Louie Resterio Sundy Alvarez

Cebu Alpa City Suites Bayfront Hotel Big Foot Hotel Casa Verde Crimson Resort & Spa Goldberry Suites & Hotel Islands Souvenirs Radisson Blu Vacation Hotel Cebu

DECEMBER 2015

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LOGISTICS TEAM Dionysus Garzon Gisselle Cheng Mac Dunhill Calimag Jessica Guevarra Karla Marinel Mandia Mary Joy Nagpacan Richard Gonzales

JANUARY 2016

Hepa B Awareness Forum by Rotary Club of Boracay Eurotel Boracay, Station 2

PCBF Boracay Bodybuilding Championships Ambassador in Paradise, Station 1

08 – 10 ICTSI Philippines Kiteboarding Tour Season 3 Bulabog Beach

1 - 31 Extreme Burger Challenge @ Cielo Shangri –La Boracay Resort and Spa

BFI Christmas Party for A Cause Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Spa

1 - 31 Tea Time Promo @ 7th Note Café 7Stones Boracay Suites, Bulabog

Christmas Dinner @ 7th Note Café 7Stones Boracay Suites, Bulabog

Christmas Eve Dinner @ Villa Caemilla Villa Caemilla Restaurant, Station 3

18 – 20 Medical – Dental Mission of RC San Diego, California, RC Boracay and Sea Wind Resort Brgy. Manoc-Manoc

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet @ White House White House Beach Resort, Station 1

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet @ Mamita’s Mamita’s Grill Boracay, Station 1

PASKO! PASKO! Tree Lighting Ceremony Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa

Miss Philippines Earth – Malay Coronation Night Malay Activity Center, Poblacion

Red Cross Run for Humanity White Beach

Boracay Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival Balabag Plaza and White Beach

Do you have an upcoming event? Kindly send us the details through info@boracaywallstreet.com and we’d gladly publish it for FREE!* *Boracay Sun reserves the right to choose which events to include