PHILIPPINE AIRLINES’ INFLIGHT TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL Charles C. Chante Simeon S. Ventura Jr. KARA MIRANDA FRANCINE M. MARQUEZ IRA H. INQUIMBOY PAULINE F. CAJIUAT KIM G. VENTURA MANNA Z. MARQUEZ ARIEL E. DALISAY
Vol. 31 No. 4 April 2009
Publisher Editor-in-Chief Art Director Copy Editor Editorial Coordinator Editorial Assistants Researcher Creative Consultant
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Lucio Tan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Henry So Uy Deputy Chief Executive Officer and EVP-Commercial Group Jaime J. Bautista President and Chief Operating Officer
EASTGATE PUBLISHING CORPORATION Charles C. Chante Chairman of the Board Luis B. Quisumbing Vice-Chairman Simeon S. Ventura Jr. President sammy l. chan Vice-President, Operations jeimIE quijano Louie Gamboa Thunder Ilustre Len Hogan Nerie Silvestre-Correa SHENA BELLA R. DACASIN Lorie M. Fernandez Efren C. Carag
Account Managers Production Officer Accounting Officer Project Coordinator Business Services Consultant Legal Counsel Manila, Phils.
Website: www.philippineairlines.com Wapsite: wap.com.ph/pal/
Photo by Nicky Sering
Mabuhay Magazine is published monthly for Philippine Airlines by Eastgate Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2009 by Philippine Airlines. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by Philippine Airlines or Eastgate Publishing Corporation. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising and editorial material. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Address all correspondence to: Mabuhay Magazine, Eastgate Publishing Corp., Rm. 704 Prestige Tower Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. Road., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. 1605 Tel: (632) 635-7348, 635-9067, 633-4004 to 09, Fax (632) 635-9221. E mail: <info@eastgateph.com, jventura@eastgateph.com. Mabuhay is authorized in the Philippines under PCFM Cr No. 388. Color separated and printed in the Philippines by Velprint
Majestics Break, Catanduanes (see page 30)
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April 2009
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e d i t o r ’ s
n o t e
Vote For Palawan’s Underground River
Photo by Paolo Petrignani/La Venta
T
he unique journey of our Davao based contributor Jojie Alcantara inside Puerto Princesa’s Underground River (left photo) is this issue’s cover story. Her surreal boat ride can be likened to going inside the bowels of the earth and seeing amazing sights of stalactites (rock formations protruding downwards), stalagmites (protruding upwards), and cathedrallike chambers for a length of 8.2 kilometers. This exceptional river together with the huge protected tropical forest that surrounds it is formally known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. This river is also vying to be one of the World’s Best Natural Wonders, a global competition where people from all over the world can email their vote. Currently, Puerto’s Underground River is running in 2nd place while the top slot is occupied by Brazil’s mighty Amazon River. So do find time to vote and place the Philippines on the map by voting for this amazing river at the contest’s website: new7wonders.com.
Simeon S. Ventura, Jr. Editor-in-chief For comments and suggestions, you can email me at jventura@eastgateph.com 4 M A B U H AY
April 2009
Photo by Francis Magalona
We bid farewell to Francis Magalona, more popularly known as “Francis M” who recently passed away last month after a courageous battle with leukemia. Better known as a rap singer, songwriter, and a noontime TV entertainer, not many know that this passionate creative person was also a highly skilled photographer who has contributed photos for us. Pursuing his passion for photography, Francis joined the Camera Club of the Philippines, the country’s oldest and most prestigious. When he was just a probationary member, Francis, although he was a celebrity, gamely and humbly did all the club’s menial tasks like carrying the props that were needed in their regular activities. He proved his creative mettle by garnering top awards in the Camera Club’s highly competitive regular contests. This is quite an accomplishment because although relatively a neophyte, he competed and won against some of the country’s top professional and amateur photographers who are the mainstays of the Camera Club. One of his photos (above right) won third place in the club’s on-thespot competition of Baguio’s 2007 Panagbenga Flower Festival, which we published in Mabuhay magazine’s February 2008 issue. When he would visit our office to deliver his images, Francis had no celebrity airs and would patiently oblige us when we asked for more images. Only God knows why sometimes lives, especially of those who are good, are cut short. We will always remember Francis M well and with fondness.
Sections 04 10 12 58 64 84
StraitsKitchen, Grand Hyatt Singapore (see page 22)
Contents Vol. 31 No. 4 April 2009
22 IN FULL SWING
CYNTHIA ROSENFELD makes your trip to Singapore exciting with her list of the newest haunts in this dynamic island nation.
28 ART ON THE BEACH
Life’s a beach at the 2nd Bagasbas Beach Eco-Arts International Festival, where artists installed their eco-themed works on the shores of Daet, Camarines Norte.
30 REVEALING CATANDUANES
Long a surfer’s secret, this island in Bicol exhilarates intrepid travelers with its jagged coastlines and strong waves from the Pacific Ocean. NICKY SERING discovers the island’s surprises beyond the surf.
34 GENTLE GIANTS
We, at Philippine Airlines, are happy to have you on board. Please sit back and relax, and allow us to make your flight enjoyable. For your own safety and convenience, please observe the regulations listed at the back pages. “Mabuhay” is a Filipino verb in the form of a command: “live!” It is also a wish: “may you live!” Whoever says it wishes you the great gift of a long and full life. It is both a blessing and a lusty cheer. “Mabuhay” (ma-boo-high) is such a large word that it lends itself to a wide number of secondary uses: welcome, congratulations, thanks, godspeed, hello, good luck, cheers, posit, sante, viva, kambei, aloha, and many other expressions of goodwill. All these are a part of life; but it is the gift of life that makes them possible. “Mabuhay,” in other words, is an invocation and a celebration of life itself.
ON THE COVER
A surreal world awaits you inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Photo courtesy of Paolo Petrignani/La Venta (www.laventa.it)
What do you do when a shark the size of a bus opens its mouth in front of you? Better not faint because these whale sharks that swim yearly to Donsol, Sorsogon are harmless. JOHN OATES talks about snorkeling beside these endangered creatures.
38 7 UNKNOWN BEACH ESCAPES
Leave everything behind and get lost in these virginal beaches. Next thing you know, you’re praying that summer stays forever.
44 BASTIONS OF FAITH
Churches mirror the Filipinos’ religious devotion as much as its rich local culture and history. Heritage conservation architect MICO MANALO reveals the beauty of six unique churches around the Philippines.
48 RIVER DOWN UNDER
It’s a different world down inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Although dark and surreal, JOJIE ALCANTARA recounts her unforgettable boat trip to this Philippine wonder.
52 ROAD TRIP IN TROPICAL PARADISE
Surfer photographer TOMMY SCHULTZ explores the less traveled island of Lombok, Indonesia on his motorcycle and finds bliss in the breathtaking views.
Erratum: The March 2009 issue was color separated and printed in the Philippines by VelPrint. 6 M A B U H AY
April 2009
Editor’s Note What’s Up Travel Log The Lighter Side PAL Pages Last Frame
CONTRIBUTORS: Vol. 31 No. 4 April 2009
✍ Working as a conservation architect has taken MICO MANALO around the Philippines to see its architectural patrimony, work on some of them, and educate communities on the importance of saving its built heritage. In the process, he has contributed to a guidebook on Ilocos Norte, and has been involved in the “cultural mapping” of the historic towns of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Taal, Batangas. On page 44, he explains the intricacies of one-of-a-kind churches found all over the Philippines.
✍ Back in the UK after a year living in Southeast Asia, JOHN OATES is determined to return to the Philippines later in 2009. Writing about snorkeling with whale sharks in Donsol on page 34 made him miss the Philippines even more, with the experience of seeing such huge creatures heading straight for him easily one of the most exhilarating things he has ever done. John hopes to write a guidebook on the Philippines soon.
✍µ
Writer and photographer JOJIE ALCANTARA’s love for the unexpected leaves her constantly traveling with only one thing in mind: to capture unusual and memorable images. On page 48, she explores the surreal as she takes the underground river tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan and fumbles with her camera for one good shot of fascinating rock formations in pitch black. It didn’t work in a swift moving boat. Instead, she relates the rush of adrenaline as the trek gave her two hours of heightened senses.
✍µ
Travel has always been a central theme in the works of photographer and writer NICKY SERING. When not traveling, he’s busy working on his personal project of documenting the lives of boxers who are struggling to find glory in the ring. On page 30, he explores the Bicol region’s easternmost island. Being in Catanduanes made him feel like being taken back in time. There were no fastfood franchises, cellphone signals were very erratic, the roads were shared by animals and tricycles, and the people were very laidback. He enthuses, “I felt so detached from the city, and I loved every moment of it.”
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What’s Up APRIL 2009 California Poppy Festival April 25 to 26 Head over to Lancaster City Park and celebrate the bloom of California’s state flower, Californian Poppy. Festivities include performances by well-known jazz artists. www.poppyfestival.com
this country celebrates the New Year. www.whatsonwhen.com
HONG KONG Tin Hau Festival April 18
Celebrate summer!
Hong Kong celebrates Tin Hau’s (Goddess of the Sea) birthday with a colorful parade of floats in Victoria Bay. While you’re there, don’t miss the fireworks display, lion dances, and the market. www.discoverhongkong.com
Philippines
SINGAPORE
LOS ANGELES
Butanding Festival April 28 to 30 A street parade highlights the Butanding Festival in Donsol, Sorsogon, which offers thanksgiving to the whale shark, the main source of the city’s tourism industry.
World Gourmet Summit April 7 to 26 Master chefs and winemakers from all over the world congregate at the annual World Gourmet Summit of Singapore to showcase some of the best in cooking and winemaking. Activities include workshops, talks, and exhibitions from different parts of the globe. www.worldgourmetsummit.com
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show April 1 to 5 Dubbed as one of the largest horticultural shows in the world, this impressive flower show attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. www.melbflowershow.com.au
Let these festivals put a sunny smile on your face
Pana-ad sa Negros April 12 to 21 Considered the biggest festival of the Negros Occidental province, the Pana-ad sa Negros, features the different crafts and tourist attractions found in the region. Head over to the Pana-ad Park to discover what this province has to offer. www.bacolodcity.gov.ph
BANGKOK Songkran in Thailand April 13 to 15 Be sure to bring your water gun or water balloon when you go to Thailand because the Songkran Water Festival is how
Hi, how are we doing? I’d be happy to hear your comments, suggestions, and concerns on how we can continuously improve our service. Send me a note at jjb@pal.com.ph Jaime J. Bautista President and Chief Operating Officer Philippine Airlines 10 M A B U H A Y A p r i l 2 0 0 9
SAN FRANCISCo International Beer Festival April 25 A must attend for beer lovers. The annual International Beer Festival is a chance to enjoy the different kinds of beer from all over the world. www.sfbeerfest.com
Travel log april 2009
Ooh-la-la! Jaw-dropping views like this of the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay through the awesome stargate, art works by Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, and Dale Chihuly, and the gorgeous interiors designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Kevin Roche make this hotel simply irresistible. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore; tel. (65) 6 337 8888; www.ritzcarlton.com
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l o g PORCELAIN. Cool, urbane, with white-clothed light balls adorning the ceiling. Grab some tasty dim sum treats and mingle your way into Porcelain’s bar. Feel like taking a punch? Order the Pacquiao Punch—a splendid mix of brandy, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, orange and pineapple juice, and more—a total knock-out. Best to drop in during Crazy Hours, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. By Nikka Sarthou
Ground level, Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig; tel. +632 856 7442; e-mail porcelain.porcelain@ yahoo.com
Suroy-Suroy Sugbo See the most interesting sights of Cebu’s countryside with the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo (leisurely journey around the province of Cebu) program started by Cebu City’s Governor Gwendolyn Garcia (pictured below). This amazing program takes tourists to towns and cities in the province, from beaches and resorts down to historical landmarks and local markets and bazaars. You will be greeted with impressive presentations of local dances and entertainment performed by the warm locals, and you will even get to try out the specialty dishes of each town! Try out the latest addition to the tours, which is the first ever urban adventure highlighting the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu and the town of Cordova where tourists can go island-hopping. For more information, check out the
Suroy-Suroy Sugbo website: www.suroysuroy.cebu.gov.ph
Flip and Flop! It’s summer in the city! Do you know? Since the 60’s till today, every pair of Havaianas is still produced in a single factory in northern Brazil using the same closely-guarded secret rubber formula. Havaianas is available in All Flip-Flops, Aloha Boardsports, Celio, FiveForty Surfshop, Gas, J&S Surfshop, Manila Polo Club, Moana, Nail Spa, Rustan’s, ROX, Sepatu, Souk, Stoked, The Zone, Kidsports, and Orange Juice; www. havaianasphilippines.com 14 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
The Northern Escapade includes Bantayan island, the Enchanting Camotes tour of the four island towns, and the most sought after Southern Heritage Trail, now on its third year.
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An oldie, but a goodie. This sushi bar is the first and oldest running Japanese restaurant in Davao and is the only joint in the city that serves whole carved tuna fish in its bi-weekly buffet.
Ground floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City; tels. +632 729 9760 to 61. Photo by Jorem Catilo
Buffet every 15th and 30th of the month for Php595++. Tsuru Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Branches: Main : J. Camus Street, tel. (082) 221 0901; Branch : Damosa Gateway, Lanang, tel. (082) 233 0501
Chatteau 1771. Mustard yellow walls, delightful black and white paintings, and low-lit ambient lights set the romantic mood in this “No Borders Cuisine” restaurant. French, Italian, and Swiss dishes are parts of the menu. Order the Salmon Rockefeller (Php670/US$14)—soft salmon fillet covered with creamy spinach sauce and topped with delicious Emmenthal cheese—a dish that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, but will definitely satisfy your date.
Senior Dermatologist, Bernadette Sayoc-Ugalde
Flaunt It! Balikbayans coming home for the summer shouldn’t worry about showing off a little more skin in time for bikini season. The best way to flaunt your smooth, hairless skin is to try out the laser hair removal treatment at Let’s Face It. This process is much more effective than waxing, says Let’s Face It’s Senior Dermatologist, Bernadette Sayoc-Ugalde. Instead of paying for a lot of waxing sessions, you can get your money’s worth for just a few laser hair removal treatments. This treatment does not cause scarring, it has no side effects, and most importantly, the effect is long-lasting. A laser machine is used to lighten the hair, and eventually remove it. Let’s Face It treats all hair baring areas of the body except for the eyebrows. And if you’re wondering if it’s at all painful, just imagine the feel of a rubber band being placed and released from your skin. Easy breezy, right?
For more information, contact any of the Let’s Face It branches: Alabang Town Center (tel. +632 807 5411); SM Bacoor (tel. 046 970 6322); Festival Mall (tel. +632 771 0448); SM Southmall (tel. +632 800 3291) 16 M A B U H A Y
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Chi’s Brick Oven Kitchen. Popular for their wood-fired brick oven dishes. Must-tries: Puchon or brick oven style lechon kawali (pan-roasted pork) with soy vinaigrette, and the scrumptious dessert pizzas like the Blueberry Cheesecake Delight. By Nikka Sarthou/Photo by Justin
Ventura. Unit 105 Aguirre Ave., B.F. Homes Parañaque; tel. +632 820 7210; website: brickovenkitchen.multiply.com; closed on Mondays
Cielo’s Jewelry. Trinkets and beads in different bold colors should set off your tans beautifully this summer. Cielo has just the right baubles for you. To order, check out her website: cielofronterasdesign.multiply.com Rainbow Y necklace (Php350/US$7.30)
FUN and MONEY
WINNERS! Puerto Princesa City, Philippines By Cris Geramie D. Manuel
y, Philippines General Santos Cit By Alvin R. Lim
Meg Marcial Manila
I was traveling alone in a small plane from New York to New Jersey. While we were waiting for take off, the voice over said, “Welcome to Delta Airlines, we are pleased to serve you. If you like our services here, kindly tell your friends. We would like to serve them as well. Oh, tell your enemies also! We would like to take their moneys too. Have a good day!” Everyone in the plane shared a good laugh!
Make others SMILE, and EARN!
Travel is always full of funny and amusing surprises. Mabuhay is opening a new forum where readers can share their humorous anecdotes, experiences, photos, and get paid. Funny Signages – Take and send us photos of amusing signages, menus, etc., such as the one below and indicate where you took them. If your image is published, we will send you 1,000 pesos. Travel Tales – Write in not more than 100 words anything funny or unusual – a joke or an experience. If your entry is published, we will send you 500 pesos. *All materials must be original and Eastgate Publishing Corporation does not guarantee its publication and is not responsible for returning materials that have been sent. Please email materials to info@eastgateph.com or jventura@eastgateph.com 18 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
History APRIL 2009 is said to have given birth to the modern environmental movement. April 26, 1994 Multiracial elections were held for the first time in the history of South Africa. With approximately 18 million blacks voting, Nelson Mandela was elected president and F.W. de Klerk vice president.
April 1 April Fools’ Day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes. In some countries, the jokes only last until noon. Elsewhere, in Ireland or France for instance, the jokes may last all day.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
Then and now
Of pranksters and green-minded savers
Philippine History April 5, 2000 The Clean Air Act instituting the phasing out of leaded gasoline takes effect.
April 22, 1986 The Government bans export of endangered wildlife.
WORLD HISTORY April 11, 1983 Harold Washington became the first African American mayor of Chicago, receiving 51 percent of the vote. Re-elected in 1987, he suffered a fatal heart attack at his office seven months later.
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April 22, 1864 “In God We Trust” is included on all newly minted U.S. coins by an Act of Congress. April 22, 1970 The first Earth Day is held in the U.S. with more than 20 million Americans participating in coast-to-coast rallies against the degradation of the environment. Earth Day founder Sen. Gaylord Nelson proposed the day of protest to force the issue onto the national agenda. The gathering
April 25 Radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) was born in Bologna, Italy. He pioneered the use of wireless telegraphy in the 1890s. By 1921, Marconi’s invention had been developed into wireless telephony (voice radio).
April 26 Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was born in Hertfors, Connecticut. He helped design some of the most famous parks in America including Central Park in New York, the Emerald Necklace series of connecting parks in Boston, and Yosemite National Park.
April Fools’ Day illustration by Kiranraj; Headless Horseman photo by Windell Oskay
April 11, 1973 President Ferdinand Marcos approves the country’s membership in the Asian rice trade fund established officially at the 29th session of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE).
April 15, 1912 In the icy waters off Newfoundland, the luxury liner Titanic with 2,224 persons on board sank at 2:27 a.m. after striking an iceberg just before midnight. Over 1,500 persons drowned while 700 were rescued by the liner Carpathia, which arrived about two hours after Titanic went down.
April 3 American writer Washington Irving (1783-1859) was born in New York City. His works included: Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and historical biographies such as The Life of Washington.
F
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At a dizzying 165m in height (as tall as a 42-storey building) and 150m in diameter, the Singapore Flyer is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest observation wheel. Each capsule holds 28 people and measures 28m inside, making one roughly the size of a bus. One rotation lasts 30 minutes. Its design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and the London Eye, and it was officially launched in April 2008. By August of the same year, more than a million tickets had alreay been sold. Photo courtesy of Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd. 22 M A B U H A Y A p r i l 2 0 0 9
Singapore speeds toward economic progress and gets ready to shed some shackles. CYNTHIA ROSENFELD finds out where the fun is coming from.
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: sleek unisex restrooms at Supperclub; Supperclub’s ultra-modern main dining area, La Salle Neige; Pluck’s homey interiors; al fresco dining at Casa Verde; The couple room’s stone bath at Damai Spa, Grand Hyatt; Damai Spa’s surreal corridor
T
hose who think stylish innovation and the strictness of Singapore must be mutually exclusive should take another look at the quickly evolving island nation where indigenous talent flourishes these days and at any hour visitors can have a shocking amount of fun. Even the business hotels are no longer boring towers filled with standard amenities. Grand Hyatt Singapore (10 Scotts Road; tel. +65 6738 1234; www. singapore.grand.hyatt.com) just opened the Damai Spa, a Thai stone and falling water-filled haven designed by Japan’s Super Potato. Walk down the calming blue lit corridor to 11 minimalist treatment rooms including one sky-lit couples’ suite with a sexy bathtub carved from one giant rock. The cool gym with switched on attendants happy to share their training tricks, features the latest Kinesis equipment plus 49 television channels on all the cardio machines. Afterwards, treat yourself to at least one meal at Straits Kitchen, a thoughtful buffet that brings the best of Singapore street food into air-conditioned comfort. Taste local flavors like popiah, an elongated summer roll filled with braised turnip, prawns, boiled eggs and peanut, and ayam santan curry, the Malay chicken curry with fresh coconut milk, an entire array of Indian dishes, plus authentic American burgers and Australian sirloin. Rooms here have recently been given a clean sweep, now redesigned in stylish blond wood and warm hues with a long work desk, aerodynamic chair, plenty of sockets for traveler’s gadgetry plus a roomy marble bath with separate sunken bath and nifty two-way closet. Notable room renovations have also turned the newly coined Mandarin Oriental (5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square; tel. +65 6338 0066; www.mandarinoriental.com) into one of Singapore’s most worthy five-star contenders. Each of the calming, neutral-hued 527 guestrooms and suites features a pillow-top bed, a roomy closet, a sizable work station, wireless access and an ergonomic desk chair. Even when Formula 1 is not in town, the view from the Marina Bay-facing suites makes a memorable impression, taking in Singapore’s vibrant business district, the Merlion, Singapore’s whimsical “lion mates with mermaid” mascot, and out past its ever busy harbor to the South China Sea. Notice the brand’s signature fan shape in the soaring atrium designed by John Portman, en route to the small but serene spa, to the sprawling resort-like swimming pool, or to the multiple dining destinations featuring authentic dim sum, sublime sushi, to hearty Italian from a just-arrived and much celebrated chef who’s generating much deserved
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buzz. If funds allow, rooms with Club Lounge privileges allow guests to access this top floor spread with private meeting space, computers with printers, panoramic views, and complimentary cocktail hours with delectable snacks. Travelers with tighter budgets can spread out inside the expansive standard accommodations at The Fairmont Singapore (80 Bras Basah Road; tel. +65 6339 7777; www.fairmont.com), the North American brand’s first Asia outpost. The location above the sprawling mall, Raffles City, and across from the historic Raffles hotel (with cooperative signing privileges between properties) provides for both business travelers and pleasure seekers while locals swear by the in-house spa and the hotel’s roomy pool that offers relief from the city-state’s swelter.
When Singapore became an independent republic in 1965, its GDP was only US$1.9 million. Fast forward to 2007 and it boasts of a GDP of US$159 million, which continuously grows.
Shopping consumes the day for most Singaporeans who all at once seem to stroll Orchard Road, Singapore’s central drag lined with luxury and discount outlet filled malls. While this lengthy stretch of indulgence can overwhelm, concentrate on a few insider secrets to make the most of your stroll, starting with the Exquisite by Salon 916 (Orchard Parade Hotel #01-11, 1 Tanglin Road; open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; treatments start at US$18) for a hair wash that feels more like massage. Next, nip across the road to Flaming Queen (#B1-12 Palais Renaissance; tel. +65 6235 3918; www.flaming-queen.com; open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) where original scented candles like Tige de Bamboo and Zen let exotic scents like sandalwood and jasmine flower linger after the Singapore journey ends. Detour down Scotts Road to Far East Plaza (14 Scotts Road) where bargains abound like the jaw-dropping bikinis at Sheer Romance (#01-96; tel. +65 6235 8852; open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) then go to Wisma Atria (435 Orchard Road) where a notable local name, Southaven (#01-12/13; tel. +65 6734 6608; open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.), purveys well-cut and attractively- priced cotton frocks. Settle in for a latte like the locals do inside ProjectShopBloodBrothers (#03/41-44 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road; tel. +65 6735 6765; open daily 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) while gleefully reviewing all recent purchases before heading off to one of Singapore’s more intimate shopping neighborhoods.
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 25
Arab Street is an emerging attraction among those exciting spots. Arab merchants first settled here during the 1820’s and sidewalks still bustle with shoppers haggling over sparkly fabrics and spices in some of the original shops. Modern chic has moved in along Haji Lane, a narrow stretch running parallel to Arab Street, centered around an intimate incubator for local talent that doubles as an old fashioned ice cream parlor called Pluck (#31-33 Haji Lane; tel. +65 6396 4048; open Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Shop for artful gifts made locally like evening bags designed to resemble boom boxes and vintage cameras, retro home furnishings, and cotton tees designed by a Singaporean but outsourced to create jobs for villagers in rural Philippines. The delectable homemade ice creams and sorbets range from sublime chocolate to indigenous flavors like soursop, red bean gula malaka and the quickly addictive earl grey and fig. Linger here before heading on to vintage-filled closet size spaces like Dulcetfig (#41 Haji Lane; tel. +65 6396 5648; open Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and nascent local brands like Soon Lee (#56 Haji Lane; tel +65 6297 0198; open daily 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) with its enchanting murals and cheerful tunes. Don’t forget to look up at the shiny dome of Sultan Mosque, Singapore’s largest and most majestic. Another day, make your way to Chinatown where small grocery stores still stock dried seahorses, birds’ nests and sharks fin while signs in Chinese advertise traditional lantern makers. Alongside, hip retail like Front Row (5 Ann Siang Road; tel. +65 6224 5502; www. frontrowsingapore.com; open Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) feature up and coming Asian designers while tiny storefronts like Flair (33 Erskine Road, #01-02; tel. +65 6538 7505; open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Egg3 (33 Erskine Road #01-10; tel. +65 6536 6977; open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) offer lifestyle gadgets and indulgent knickknacks. Refuel at the stylishly simple dim sum eatery Dim Joy (80 Neil Road; tel. +65 6220 6986; www.dimjoy. com; open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) that boasts chefs from China’s Guangdong Province who work behind a glass wall that allows diners to watch them wrap juicy ingredients in gourmet thin dumpling dough. As night begins to fall, pour your own wines from the nifty enomatic machine that features little known and well priced bottle finds from around the world at Tiffin Club (16 Jiak Chuan Road, Chinatown; tel. +65 6323 3189; www.thetiffinclub.com; open Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.). Nestled between incense filled Buddhist temples and Singapore’s seedier hotels, this new insider’s address
starts the day serving homemade oatmeal with brown sugar and vanilla, French toast and a selection of omelets, all accompanied by Graffeo, by far the best coffee in town. Linger in the overstuffed club chairs or on the loft level couches until lunch and even dinner, when the menu expands to gazpacho shots, mouthwatering burgers with homemade ketchup and lambsicles, an amusing moniker for Dijon-crusted grass-fed lamb with polenta and spring onions. Equally new and notable for all day dining is Casa Verde (Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre, Cluny Road; tel. +65 6467 7326; www.lesamis.com.sg; open daily 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.) which is set inside the Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s sprawling and central green lung. Comforting breakfasts like corned beef hash are followed by an all-day menu of homemade Italian sandwiches, pastas, and wood fired pizzas, the specialty of Chef Lucio, who moved here directly from Venice, Italy. The quirky wine list features eco-friendly bottles notable for screw caps instead of corks and good value labels that are doing brisk business in these lean times. Singaporean gourmands and bold face name chefs like Anthony Bourdain make a point to drop by at one longstanding restaurant that they prefer to keep under the radar. Understandably so because Mag’s Wine Kitchen (86 Circular Road; tel. +65 6438 3836; www.magswinekitchen. com; open Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 pm. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is a culinary gem overseen by former banker Mag Tang, recently knighted for her work importing from France’s Champagne region. Her compact kitchen turns out coffee bean and tea leaves infused smoke duck breast salad, foie gras terrine macerated with port and Armagnac and lamb poached in olive oil for an hour then seared so as to melt in the mouth. Even solo travelers will feel comfortable here, taking a seat at the communal central table, optimally angled to receive this kitchen’s intoxicating aromas. Travelers who won’t be satisfied until they have tasted the very latest, should book ahead for a bed at Supperclub (Odeon Towers, Level Two, 331 North Bridge
The Lion City sure has things to roar about! It has the world’s fourth largest foreign exchange center, it is the “World’s Easiest Place to do Business” in 2009 according to the World Bank, and the third least corrupt nation and third most motivated workforce in the world according to the IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Report 2008. 26 M A B U H A Y
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Road; tel. +65 6334 4080; www.supperclub.com; open daily 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.). The first Asian offshoot of the Amsterdam original, this duplex lined in all white beds that do double duty as dining banquettes is generating much buzz in straight-laced Singapore for its intentionally racy hostess Mistevious, a cross-dressing blonde who “mans” the door between impromptu performances on the dance floor, occasionally with whips. Either tuck into the five “surprise” course dinners served with great panache such as sauces squeezed out of syringes and gourmet fare inside Styrofoam just for fun or arrive after 11 p.m. to take up a spot around the low lit Rouge Bar. Don’t miss the unisex powder rooms and La Chambre Privée, with Singapore’s biggest bed. Insight
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here is no standard Singaporean. The tiny island nation has been a true melting pot since ancient times when it played a strategic role in the spice route between Asia and the Middle East. Though the island is only 247 square miles, Singapore is home to Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street, each reflecting that culture’s unique architectural, gastronomic, and religious heritage. Singaporeans move seamlessly among these traditional neighborhoods but also gravitate to the latest fusion cuisines in areas like Dempsey Hill, an old British army barracks. In fact, it would be correct to describe the unifying characteristic of this diverse nation as their passion for food. Hawker centers, Singapore’s ubiquitous open air food courts, bustle with customers throughout the day and night, there is rarely a street scene without at least one food vendor and private dining rooms are always packed with revelers who always dream of marking an important life occasion with something delectable involved.
Useful website: http://www.littleindia.com.sg/
Though Singapore’s been loosening up, it’s still steadfast in making sure that the people observe the rules: no littering, no selling, possession or purchase of chewing gum unless accompanied with a prescription, no smoking in public (except for designated areas in night spots), no spitting, no jaywalking, and no possession of pornographic materials. Should you be caught in the act, be ready to shell out S$300 (US$196) up to S$5,000 (US$3,238). PAL flies between Manila and Singapore four times a day. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www. philippineairlines.com. A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 27
RT A ON THE Beach
These nature-inspired artworks find their perfect location against a backdrop of sea and sky. DR. REUBEN RAMAS CAĂ&#x2018;ETE describes the unique installations. Photos by AARON VICENCIO
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n September 29 to October 3, 2008, the Daet (Camarines Norte) Arts Council and the Our Lady of Lourdes College through artist Dr. Joaquin Palencia, organized the second Bagasbas Beach International Eco-Arts Festival. Curated by scholar Dr. Patrick D. Flores, artists got the chance to reach out to the local communities in the area to help draw attention to the growing dire straits of the global ecology.
Do you want to join the next BBIEAF in 2011? Visit www.bbieaf. org or email jgp88@yahoo.com for proposals or inquiries. 28 M A B U H A Y
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Filipino artist Mark Salvatus erected an enigmatic bamboo installation and recycled plastic sculptures (photo above and inset) with the help of seamstresses from San Jose, San Vicente town. The sculptures looked like giant jellyfish emerging from the sea, or fancy parasols decorated with the tentacle-like refuse of our supermarkets and shopping sprees to shade us from the unrelenting summer sun. This installation celebrates the diversity of artistic talent of our islands and the close links we establish with the seas and nature.
The bulk of Wire Rommel Tuazon’s Noah’s Ark (right photo) rises from the Bagasbas surf at the crack of dawn. Tuazon’s artwork invokes the country’s deep iconic links to Christianity, and the comforting feel of shelter amid the eternally renewing energy of nature. The ark serves as the community’s temporary viewing deck and museum by the sea. On its walls, drawings made by children from Borabod, Daet City speak about their own lives as future inheritors of the earth.
Artist Kawayan de Guia takes us to a floating world (photo below), in which small outrigger fishing boats or bancas soar above the scorching sands of daytime Bagasbas Beach on tall bamboo stilts, poetically evoking a vanishing tradition among the people of Uno, Mercedes town that is threatened by overfishing and industrialized fishing fleets. The floating boats also poetically convey the spiritual feeling of carrying the memories of the sea to the distant havens of our ancestors.
PAL flies between Manila and Naga daily on Air Philippines operated flights under a codeshare agreement. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 29
Besides being landmarks, the twin rocks of Virac are a favorite spot of daring beachgoers. Here, the natural rock outcrops are your diving boards. And your pool? Waters from the Pacific.
Revealing Catanduanes The rugged island’s location gives it two things: great surfing potential and the absence of crowds. NICKY SERING explores the easternmost island of the Bicol region
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s local surfing’s popularity grows, overcrowding has plagued most of the known surf spots in the country. Catanduanes’ spots, although spoken about in hushed tones, have seen its share of hardcore wave riders who welcome its rustic ambience, limited road network, unexplored coves, and the absence of a fast-food franchise. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, this island on the eastern side of Bicol has been accustomed to the onslaught of typhoons from the Pacific. Yet, the resilient spirit of the Catanduenos has made them overcome this anomaly of nature and made them realize the gold mine that its swirling winds bring. Miles and miles of surf blasting on jagged rocks, sudden downpours, exotic food, and the promise of an adventure day in and day out make Catanduanes an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. There’s a lot of exploring to do in Catanduanes. Within a 30-kilometer radius from the capital city of Virac, you can chance upon a cave, a secluded cove, an unexplored reef, or your own secret surf spot.
reef are strong, which is dangerous for inexperienced surfers. Only advanced surfers or the stupidly courageous hit the waves here. Stay in the rustic Puting Baybay Resort (mobile no. +63926 710 7811; fan rooms at Php400/US$8 a day) or indulge in the penthouse suite of Angie’s Bed and Breakfast (mobile no. + 63919 439 5141; www. angiesbedandbreakfast.com; rates start at Php1,000/US$38) for a breathtaking view that stretches to the Pacific Ocean. Deck with a view: be swept away with views of the Pacific from the penthouse of Angie’s.
10 ways to explore the island:
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Go surf in Puraran. Merely 40 minutes from the city in the Municipality of Barras, Majestics Break is considered the best in terms of its swells. Winds from the sea collide with shore winds to create a magnificent barrel that Lacey King, an Ohio native now based in Barras, describes as feeling “one with God.” The currents on the beach and on the
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Visit the crab center in Barangay Palnab. Learn how king crabs are cultured, starting from the crablets to the plate. On average, crabs grown at the crab center weigh 1.8 kg. Catanduanes, which supplies crablets to most of the king crab growers in the Philippines, aims to be the crab capital of the country.
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Head out to Batong Paloay for some divine time. Visit the Batong Paloay Church in San Andres, which houses the miraculous gem with the image of the Virgin Mary. It is believed to be growing in size every year. Pilgrims flock to the church in search of a miracle.
Marvel at the Bato Church in the town of Bato, which was built in 1883 from coral stones.
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Hike up to the Sto. NiÑo tower. The 1.4 km trek is a good way to loosen those joints and be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the city of Virac.
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Dive at Panganiban. Ismael Rendon, a dive explorer who’s made Catanduanes his residence, considers the reefs in Panganiban a world-class dive site. Clown fish, manta rays, and sun fish are common sightings.
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Go sport fishing, and catch a live blue marlin. Get into a battle of wits and brute strength against big game fish. Contact the provincial tourism office at tel. +6352 811 3225 for assistance.
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Shop at handicraft centers in the city, or better yet, go into the heart of where they were made. Head out to Hawan Grande to the shop of Caesar Angeles and be toured around. Wall frames made of bamboo, driftwood, and abaca range from Php250-Php600 (US$5-US$13).
Sleepy it may be, but the billboard- and pollution-free surroundings of Puraran Beach (photos below) give you a break from urban stress.
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See how abaca (banana plant hemp) carpets are made. These carpets have made their way into the homes of the rich and famous. The abundant Abaca has been the major source of income for Catanduanes’ residents. Have a picnic at the Twin Rock Beach Resort. Located nine kilometers from the city center, it has been a local institution and a favorite destination for weekenders because it has a lot of open space. It’s enclosed in a cove so the water is calm, which is ideal for swimming especially for kids. Also, its proximity to the city makes it very accessible for residents of Virac.
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Unwind at several watering holes in the city. Dine at Park and Grill, fronting the seaport, for a taste of the local exotic delicacies such as karakol (snails cooked in coconut milk) and cabacab (grilled mountain frog). Dishes are affordable at Php150-Php300 (US$3-US$6) per order. Grab a drink at nearby Seaside Restaurant while listening to the waves crashing on the rocks. Or take in the nightlife at the Midtown Café where local bands play.
a Go • Surfing season is from September to November. For non-surfers, the summer months of March to May are ideal as this is the driest season for Catanduanes. These are the months when typhoons are rare.
h Stay • Marem Pension House, which started out as a homestay, has now expanded to 36 rooms.—136 Rizal Ave. cor. Rafael St., Sta. Cruz; tel. +6352 811 3439; www.xanga.com/marempensionhouse; rates start at Php775 (US$16) The Twin Rock Beach Resort in Igang is already a tourist spot in itself, featuring the twin islands that sit on its cove. — tel. +6352 811 1707; www.twinrock.com.ph; rates start at Php1,200 (US$25)
p Contact • For assistance when traveling to Catanduanes, call the Department of Tourism office at +6352 811 3225. You can also log on to www.catanduanes.gov.ph for more information. PALExpress flies between Manila and Virac daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www. philippineairlines.com.
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Gentle Giants
Every year, these whalesharks migrate to the warm waters of Donsol, Sorsogon. JOHN OATES, who’s thankful that they can’t bite nor chew, had a once-in-alifetime swim with them
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Top photo courtesy of WWF Philippines/Jürgen Freund; Inset photo by Toppx2
e had been staring out to sea for half an hour. The water was a beautiful clear turquoise, but we had not seen any tell-tale dark shapes beneath the calm surface. Although we had been told that at this time of year a sighting was practically guaranteed, perhaps this would not be our lucky day. Then the spotter hanging on to the mast shouted something in Tagalog, and the calm was broken. “On the right side, go go go,” our guide insisted as we pulled on our masks and snorkels. Within moments, we were swimming frantically after him. Then...we paused. Had we missed it? The guide pointed underwater. Ducking our heads into the water, we followed his finger but still saw nothing. Suddenly there it was, just where he had promised, looming up ahead of us. It was immense, and it was heading straight for us.
“Suddenly there it was, just where he had promised, looming up ahead of us. It was immense and it was heading straight for us.” There may be other fish in the sea, but none are as big as whale sharks or butanding, its local name. They have been recorded as reaching up to 12.5 meters in length, roughly as long as a typical passenger bus, and there are confirmed reports that they may get even larger. They are not whales in fact, but gained their name both from their 34 M A B U H A Y
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Top photo: Philippine map shows location of Bicol region where Donsol is located; Above, In 2007, around 11,000 tourists visited Donsol (up from 7,000 in 2005) and generated a revenue of Php12 million.
immense size and from their method of feeding: they filter two tons of plankton (small drifting organisms) and krill (shrimp-like crustaceans) each day through mouths up to 1.5m wide—which is pretty big when it is a few meters away and gaining on you.
Photo-identification, which is currently carried out in Donsol, has shown that over 200 individual animals visit these waters. It has also shown that some animals return to Donsol year after year. -WWF First reported around South Africa in 1828, whale sharks today are often sought out by scuba divers, and it is regarded as a rare treat to spot one. For years, in this part of the Bicol region in the Philippines, fishermen had been driving the creatures away because they damaged nets and scared away smaller fish. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an ecotourism program was developed in 1998 allowing visitors to snorkel with these remarkable creatures. My own trip to Donsol was an unqualified success. The briefing was short and to the point, boiling down to “no touching, and stay out of the way of the tail.” Whale sharks have no interest whatsoever in harming snorkelers, but their powerful tails can deliver quite a blow if you get in their way. We were assigned a boat and a Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) who served as our guide during
the trip. We were off to scour the sea along with a couple of dozen other boats. Within half an hour we were in the water. Whale sharks are relatively slow swimmers because, unusually for fish, they use their entire bodies to propel themselves. Still, the first whale shark seemed fast enough as it dove right beneath us and into the depths. After that the sightings came so rapidly that after a while we didn’t bother taking off our flippers once back on the boat because we knew that we would soon be returning to the water. Over the course of three hours, we notched up an incredible 16 encounters. We were never lucky enough to have an extended period with a whale shark—they have been known to stay with snorkelers for up to 20 minutes— but we certainly had our share of time with the gentle behemoths. No complaints here.
Go • The peak season is from February to May, when algal blooms mean that plankton levels are high, although there can be sightings any time after the southwest monsoon season ends in October. Easter is very busy. • Vans bound for Donsol are available at the Legazpi Satellite Market. It is usually a one-hour ride. • A trip costs Php3,500 (US$75) per boat for up to six people, plus Php300 (US$6.50) registration per person (reduced to Php100 for citizens of the Philippines). Mask, snorkel, and fins (flippers) can be rented for Php300. See www.ecotourdonsol.com or call Donsol Municipal Tourism Officer Nitz Pedragoza at mobile numbers +63917 868 1626 and +63919 707 0394 for more information.
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Photos by Toppx2; Illustration by Brian Aldred
It has been discovered that a formula used to find celestial objects can be used to identify whale sharks based on their spots. Whale sharks’ spot patterns are like fingerprints in that no two are alike, and tagging individual animals will greatly aid conservation efforts.
Save ‘Em!
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nteraction with the whale sharks is controlled: only 25 boats are allowed out at one time with a maximum of six tourists per boat, and there is supposed to be only one boat per whale shark once one is spotted. According to Elson Aca, Research Coordinator of Whale Shark Tracking in Donsol for the WWF, these rules are unfortunately sometimes broken. There are fears that the increasing numbers of tourists will drive away the whale sharks, and the creatures are known to be injured by boat propellers. Elson points out, “We cannot be sure that tourism activity causes the injuries since these whale sharks are migratory. It may have been caused by other boats from nearby municipalities or provinces.” Boats in Donsol have thus started using propeller guards during the whale shark season. Understanding the routes taken by whale sharks is important. WWF has for this reason attached satellite tags to whale sharks to follow them while leaving Donsol. One shark reached the shores of Taiwan, a country which just recently put protection on these charismatic animals.
Faced with those huge mouths, many people wonder whether they might accidentally be swallowed by a whale shark. But rest assured that the creatures’ gullets are much too narrow to accommodate a human so there is no chance of you becoming a modern-day Jonah. PAL flies between Manila and Legaspi ten times a week. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www. philippineairlines.com. A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 37
You wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve guessed that this is in Palawan, but in fact, this beach is on the opposite side of the country. Dinagat Islands, located north of Surigao del Norte is the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 81st and newest province. (Photo by Toby Martin)
7 Unknown
Beach Escapes
Tired of the usual beaches? Then heed the call of scorching sun and warm summer winds that beckon a trip to these off-the-beaten shores south of the Philippine capital
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Mystical Island
Province of Love There’s something mysterious and magnetic about Dinagat Islands, a province located south of the Leyte Gulf. Adventures are in store for those who do not seek the luxury of hotels. What you have waiting for you are lodging rooms (sometimes built on stilts), homestay accommodations from warm villagers, and fresh, crawling seafood catch from the wet market right on your table. Dinagat is a four-hour ferry boat trip from Surigao City, but the rock formations you’ll see along the way will divert your attention from the long journey. You will find yourself busy with trips to hidden waterfalls, mountain lakes, caves, virgin mangrove and bonsai forests, historical houses, bat sightings, and the most unforgettable romantic sunsets by the ocean. No wonder Dinagat Island claims itself to be the “Mystical Island Province of Love.” From Surigao, you can book a ferryboat at the pier, which sails daily to the islands at intervals. http://www.dinagatislands.gov. ph. —Jojie Alcantara
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A captain’s sanctuary
Often overlooked as a rest stop used by local fishermen, Cebu’s Capitancillo Island is a little piece of paradise where you can get away from the crowd. This tiny outcrop of limestone coral lying in the Camotes Sea is classic Robinson Crusoe, with swaying palm trees and a small beach. Interestingly, it’s named after Captain Cillo—an American Navy captain who beached his boat on the island during WWII. But you won’t need a navy ship to get here; it’s less than an hour by boat from small towns, such as Sogod, north of Cebu City. The island is open to the public, with a docking fee of
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Php300 (US$6) for all boats. For the most complete trip to Capitancillo, join one of the day trips from nearby Alegre Beach Resort and Spa (www. alegrebeachresort.com). The resort offers daily full-service trips to the island (minimum 2 pax) for US$85 per person, which includes the boat trip and one of the most incredible beach barbecues you can imagine. Even Robinson Crusoe didn’t have it this good. –Tommy Schultz
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Little boracay
It takes almost two hours of a smooth, scenic ride from Davao City to a municipality called Sta. Maria in Davao del Sur. Here you will find Mariscal Beach Resort, otherwise known as Little Boracay. Mornings bring in high tide, but by noon, the waves pull back to sea and expose a wide expanse of white crystal sands. This private location is owned by the long-time Mayor of Sta. Maria, Rudy Mariscal. The resort is simple and accessible, with enough amenities and privacy for its guests. On the shore, young men offer banca rides (Php20/US$0.42) for a tour along the shoreline. Cottages cost only Php1,000 (US$21) a day. It’s easy to reach Little Boracay by public transport as buses bound for Malita cost between Php80-Php150 (US$2US$3). From Malita, you can ride a tricycle (Php20/US$0.42 per head) to the resort. Entrance fee is Php20 (US$0.42). —Jojie Alcantara
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almost hawaii
In the 1970’s, American aviator Charles Lindbergh flew to the Philippines. Circling Mindanao in his plane, he caught sight of this horseshoe-shaped beach bordered by a dazzling blue sea. Landing immediately, he exclaimed that it was “just like Waikiki in Hawaii!” He has
With pristine beaches like these, who would mind being stranded in them? Clockwise from top left: Cebu’s Capitancillo Island (by Tommy Schultz); Davao del Sur’s Little Boracay (by Jojie Alcantara); Sorsogon’s Libanon Beach (by Emmanuel Ferrer); Surigao del Sur’s Waikiki Beach (by Jojie Alcantara)
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just christened the white beach in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. Its coastline is kissed by spectacular blue waters of the Pacific with powdery white sands. The varying shades of blue waters tempt you to take a plunge and on a beautiful morning, an awesome sunrise greets you. Affordable resorts have now mushroomed around the coastal areas due to Waikiki’s growing popularity. Waikiki Beach is accessible via the town of Tandag, which is three to four hours from Butuan. For transportation assistance, call the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office at tel. +6385 815 6040 or +6385 341 8413. —Jojie Alcantara
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black beauty
Big rocks, fine black sand, and big waves are the enchantment of Libanon Beach. It’s the only beach in Sorsogon that has black sand, which is why it is aptly named Black Beauty. Not very far from shore, there’s a part that the natives call “Ngarolan.” They say it’s a good dive site because of its undisturbed coral reefs. Boats and guides are available to accompany visitors in exploring the area. Libanon has no resorts yet, but in the nearby town of Bacon, two to three kilometers away, there’s Tolong Gapo Beach Resort that offers cottages for rent. From Legaspi, Sorsogon can be reached in 45 minutes by van. Fare is Php75 (US$1.50) per head, but if you want to hire a van, the average fee is Php750 (US$15). From Sorsogon, you have to ride a tricycle or jeepney for 10 kilometers to reach Libanon. –Emmanuel Ferrer
From the fine white sand coves of Sarangani (this photo by Rhonson Ng) to the rocky shores of Canibad Beach (right photo by Cyril Montinola), Mindanao has them all.
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camp out!
Though Canibad Beach used to be a quiet and isolated hideaway in Samal Island, it has long been frequented by foreigners and locals who camp in for the night. The sight of the creamy sands and crystal clear emerald waters is enough to make you want to immediately jump in the beach. Farther along the shore are rock formations perfect for photo shoots. You can also hire bancas to take you along for a relaxing sailing. You pay Php20 (US$0.42) for the entrance, unless you are planning to stay overnight, then you can rent a cottage (around Php100/US$2 and up) and await a splendid sunrise. Others come with their tents and settle on the shore. From Davao City, one can take a 20-minute ferry boat to Samal Island, and take the rugged outback trip for one hour to Canibad. http://samalcity.gov.ph. —Jojie Alcantara
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the land down under
In the municipality of Glan, Gumasa Beach is popular for its fine white sands and startlingly blue sea. Small towns are protected by picturesque coves, where you can snorkel, kayak and dive down to shipwrecks that date back to the Spanish times. A quick walk around town affords you a view of colonial houses of Spanish influence. Sarangani is at the southern tip of Mindanao. On paved roads, it is reached in an hour from General Santos City. http://www.sarangani.gov.ph. —Jojie Alcantara
Cebu’s Secret Getaway.
RONNA CAPILI reveals a small island in Cebu that guarantees beach fun in style sans the crowd
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eaches rank high on the list of tourist spots in the Philippines. Being an archipelago made up of about 7,107 islands makes for many beautiful shores to visit, including the popular picks, Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. While these famous beaches live up to their promise, other shorelines are also becoming a hit, including Bohol, La Union, Zambales, and Pagudpud, partly for their potential for adventurous activities. But sometimes, travelers and vacationers look for a different scene—one that is more secluded and peaceful, perfect to build memories with the family. Pandanon Island, a small island off Bohol and about an hour away from Mactan Island, offers that tranquil sense of privacy in the midst of a sprawling shoreline. Pandanon is the new favorite choice of islandhopping tourists from the main island of Cebu. It has a humble population of 1,947 and a one-hectare sandbar where guests can enjoy picnics with their families and sometimes, even a romantic dinner for two. It’s almost like having the splendor of your family’s very own beach to get away from it all. Pandanon is a promising island getaway for travelers and families looking for something new in the Queen City of the South. Other islands around it are Caohagan, Gilutungan, Talima, and Olango, where active beach bunnies can try out scuba diving, dive safaris, fish
feeding, kayaking, and dolphin watching. Children can enjoy snorkeling in Pandanon’s waters where schools of batfish and clown fish, sea lilies, sponges, and corals can be seen all-year round. A hassle-free day trip to Pandanon can be taken with a new travel service group based in Cebu, Island Banca Cruises, which offers cruises to the islands along the Mactan Channel (including Pandanon) on its different bancas that are a far cry from simple outrigger boats. It boasts of motorized boats complete with iPod docks, bean bags, Wi-Fi connection, sunbathing decks and the comfort of having beverages and towels available during the travel. It offers various packages, which are suited to the desires of travelers, including sailing into the sunset just in time for a romantic dinner at Pandanon. Lunch barbeques, featuring Cebu’s famous lechon, or seafood buffets can be arranged by the cruise group. Visitors may also opt to ask fishermen to take them to Pandanon Island with their motorboats and rent the boat for an entire day. A quiet and humble yet beautiful island all for your family’s enjoyment? Yes, it exists. Experience Pandanon’s laid-back charm and a taste of the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
A Cruise rates start at Php500 (US$10) per person for a group of 12. Visit www.islandsbanca.com for more information. A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 43
Bastions of Faith
Heritage conservation architect MICO MANALO presents the intricate beauty of the heart of Filipino Catholicism, while JAN LA O’ shares with us his family’s cherished chapel.
Every effort was made to use indigenous or recycled materials in the construction of the Chapel of Cartwheels (this photo and inset). The flooring is a mixture of cement and sand from the nearby beach. The image of Jesus has oriental features, while the Virgin Mary is garbed in the Balintawak, a Filipiniana dress. The three cartwheels behind the altar —representing the Holy Trinity—are made of broken glass bottles: brown from beer bottles, green from 7 Up and wine bottles, and blue from the original bottles of milk of magnesia. (Photos on this spread by Andy Alvarez) 44 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
Hacienda Rosalia Chapel, Manapla, Negros Occidental As a thanksgiving for the blessings that the Gaston and Azcona families received, the Chapel of Cartwheels was built in 1967 on their hacienda. It is aptly called as such because the cartwheel is a dominant feature. The walling are carabao cartwheels which speak of the hardships and joys of farm life. The chapel’s circular form is that of a modern and stylized salakot (native hat made of palm leaves). At the entrance is the Holy Water container and baptismal font: a wooden mortar known locally as lusong, while the lamp stands are pestles used to pound grains of rice. Truly Filipino, the chapel was the materialization of what Monsignor Gaston imagined to be an expression of “Catholic Faith in the language and context of the sugarcane workers.” - Jan la O’
Church of St. Matthias, Tumauini, Isabela The small town of Tumauini hosts a church with a facade as exotic as its name. Here, the lowly red brick is transformed into a material of unparalleled decorative use as its builders had to commission the best carvers to execute the myriad of moulds that were used to create its kaleidoscopic patterns. At first glance, the façade is an imposing mass of red surmounted by a circular pediment, contrasted with the more restrained circular, whitewashed belfry adorned with garlands. A closer look reveals a riot of figures ranging from architectural details to medieval-looking saints stamped onto the clay surfaces. The triumphantly baroque church is also an exercise in discipline as the brick ornaments are numbered and placed in sequence.
Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church, Miagao, Iloilo The fortress-church never fails to amaze those who gaze on its façade— the epitome of Filipino horror vacui, or the filling of spaces with details. At first glance, it is massive, with its belltowers seemingly anchoring it to the hill. The facade avoided all intent of being simple, as it is literally drowned in rococo foliage with the image of its patron saint, a Spanish Augustinian friar who sent the first batch of Augustinian missionaries to the New World, ensconced in an ornate niche right below the coconut tree at the center of its pediment.
Church of Saint Joseph the Worker, Victorias, Negros Occidental The heir to a vast fortune built on the sugar mill in Victorias was the SpanishAmerican Creole named Alfonso Ossorio, who, right after the war, conceptualized a church that would serve the spiritual needs of the employees of the Victorias Milling Company. Upon its completion, it was to be the most criticized church as a conservative society reeling A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 45
from the devastation of war saw a stark modern structure rise in the middle of the sugar mill facility. Its clean linear composition is broken only by a mosaic made of broken glass. But the biggest shock came from the mural behind the main altar: a most unusual rendition of a stern-faced Christ, in a composition predominantly in red; thus its nickname as the “Church of the Angry Christ.”
Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio, Boljoon, Cebu The sleepy town of Boljoon in southwest Cebu is home to a church that has been considered a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum. The approach is stunning as one goes through a narrow, winding highway carved into limestone cliffs. At the last turn, the drama of Boljoon unfolds: a gleaming white coral stone structure set between the green mountains and a turquoise sea. The 17th century building has a square bell tower and a convento, the priest’s residence, attached to it, forming an ancient patio with the church building. Inside, a baroque splendor of unmatched quality and style is seen in the woodwork of its altars, pulpit and choir rendered in fine, almost filigree-like carving typical of Cebu.
San Sebastian Basilica, Quiapo, Manila If a church gets burnt and toppled by an earthquake, and the cycle of destruction seems to never end, give it to the wealthy neighborhood association to think of something that should last for eternity. This, of course, happened a little over 110 years ago as the residents of Quiapo decided to build an all-steel neoGothic wonder. Designed by Spanish engineer Genaro Palacios, the church was fabricated in Belgium while the interiors were enlivened by German stained glass. The neo-Gothic altars were done by the atelier of the great sculptor Isabelo Tampinco, while the paintings were executed by the school of Lorenzo Rocha. Rumor has it that Gustave Eiffel had a hand in it, too! Although the church has two patron saints (St. Sebastian, the patron saint of martyrs and soldiers, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel), people go here more often to offer novena to the latter. She is associated with the brown scapular, whose wearers are said to be saved from eternal fire.
Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Santa Ana, Manila
Top to bottom: Miagao’s Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church (by Lester Ledesma); Tumauini’s Church of St. Matthias (by Estan Cabigas); the old school beside the Church of Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio in Cebu (by Erwin Lim); Santa Ana, Manila’s Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned (by Estan Cabigas) 46 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
Even before the British laid siege on Manila in 1762, the Franciscans built the Church of Santa Ana by the banks of the Pasig River, in a suburb that would be the favorite haunt of Manila’s expatriate community as it was host to the British Club. Built of the toughest volcanic stone, locally referred to as adobe, the simplicity of its restrained Baroque façade conceals one of the city’s most revered treasures: the retablo (altar-screen) and the camarin (shrine) of the Lady of the Abandoned. At about 5:45 p.m., right before the Angelus is said, the light of the retablo slowly awakens, casting shadows over its gilded surface. Behind the retablo, the camarin shows off Manila’s best kept secret: a room made especially for the venerated Lady where she receives the community’s adoration through a huge silver baldaquin (fine silk with gold embroidery) set under an octagonal ceiling of exquisite baroque paintings. On Saturdays people go to the church to venerate the Lady as she is known to help the oppressed and abandoned.
The Church of the Angry Christ (by Andy Alvarez)
The neo-Gothic San Sebastian Church (by Estan Cabigas)
S
A Week of Remembrance
emana Santa or Holy Week, the Christian commemoration of Jesus’ death, signals not only the end of the 40-day Lenten season but also the onset of summer due to scorching temperatures. But for all the solemnity with which it is observed, Holy Week is one of the most colorful seasons, showcasing Filipino character, cultural traditions and sense of community. One tradition is the pabasa (“reading”), the chanting or singing of the vernacular narrative of Jesus’ life and death called the pasyon (“passion”). Readers take turns day and night in makeshift huts called kubol or calvario. Then, on Maundy Thursday, thousands of the faithful trek (barefoot even) to sacred places like the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Bulacan or Mt. Banahaw in Quezon. Others do the Visita Iglesia, visiting seven churches and praying before the Blessed Sacrament. The week’s highlight is Good Friday, when the sinakulo or passion play is presented. Residents and volunteers often participate to fulfill personal vows or give thanks. And from morning to noon, (mostly male) flagellants in parts of Bulacan, Pampanga and Laguna perform penitensiya (“penitence”). Wearing dark hoods, they walk through the town, beating their bare torsos with wooden sticks, asking others to whip them or cutting their backs with bits of blade. Afterwards, they wash themselves in a river or stream. The week’s activities turn from mourning to joy on Easter Sunday. At dawn, images of Jesus and Mary from opposite sides of a town embark on separate processions then meet at a point in a salubong (“meeting”). A little girl dressed as an angel lifts the veil on Mary’s image, then a choir (usually of children) erupts in song and showers the images with flowers. The celebration is a glorious close to Holy Week, but it is also a renewal of sorts: the week may be over, but the devotion will continue throughout the year. By Isabel L. Templo A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 47
RIVER
Down Under
In her first trip to the Philippines’ last frontier, JOJIE
ALCANTARA gets captivated by the Philippines’ longest
underground river, which is vying for a spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Images by PAOLO PETRIGNANI/La Venta
48 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
The underground river is actually a part of St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park. The park gets its name from the St. Paul Bay, which borders it to the north. Over 63,000 visitors toured the underground river in 2007.
m
y excitement upon visiting Puerto Princesa came from curiosity at first. I’m from Davao City, which has a lot in common with Puerto Princesa. Apart from both claiming to be the largest city in the country (Davao has a land area of 244,000 hectares, and Puerto Princesa has 253,982 hectares), both are also consistent and proud recipients of Presidential Awards like the Cleanest and Greenest Highly-Urbanized City in the Philippines. But once I arrived at the airport, my mind became more open to exploration. Puerto Princesa is teeming with lush forests, amazing species of flora and fauna (I have read that Palawan was once connected to mainland Borneo millions of years ago, thus having closer similarities with the wildlife of Borneo). Imagine living in a quiet provincial city with a tropical paradise within its borders. While a guided city tour was enjoyable, the highlight was still a day’s trek to the world renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The navigable part of its river inside the 4,000-acre cave stretches 8.2 kilometers in length (five miles) before it drains out into the South China Sea. The park is over 20,000 hectares in size with a core zone of over 5,000 hectares (almost as big as Makati City). While Palawan has claimed this treasure to be the world’s longest underground river, the title was surpassed by Vietnam’s Son Trach underground river reaching seven miles in length. The latest discovery in 2007, however, gave way to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with an underground river estimated to be 95 miles long. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for being the only national park in the country with a thick tropical forest cover within the city. Its unique merits have also earned itself a nomination in the New Seven Wonders of Nature campaign. We took a two-hour private van ride to Sabang town, passing through the beautiful limestone and marble cliffs of Cabayugan. In Sabang, we rode small motorized boats for 20 minutes to the St. Paul National Park, giving us glimpses of scenic mountain ranges, while coasting through emerald waters. After a short walk through the wildlife park and thick canopy of trees, we reached a quiet lagoon and put on helmets and life vests to start a twohour underground voyage with a funny and entertaining boatman named Oteng. Darkness closed in on us once inside the spacious, chilly cave. Natural ventilation provided cool air even as we went deeper into an abyss decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers. Oteng began naming these uncanny natural rock formations as we passed by: a Holy Family tableau, St. Peter with a dog
Vote for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to be included in the New Seven Wonders of Nature! Log on to www.new7wonders.com. A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 49
In 2007, Palawan was named the 13th best island in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine for its biodiversity, seascape, and landscape. Palawan is one of the few places in the world where a complete mountain-seaforest ecosystem still exists.
(not a rooster), large hanging vegetables, a sexy woman, two cats, and genital patterns that made us laugh. This was not a good place for claustrophobics, by the way. Its eerie blackness and alternating narrow and wide passages will consume you after 30 minutes, which is still halfway through the cave. The only light that shone came from the helmet of the boat’s first passenger. Whenever an interesting area was being pointed at, we waited until light would swing in that direction. I asked Oteng to hold the boat steadily so I could shoot various pillars in one spot, and he jokingly offered to drop me off and just come back for me later. While we were a noisy bunch of Filipinos, we passed by boats with foreign passengers who were hushed and stiff as cardboard cutouts, apparently nervous of the pitch black journey. We laughed our jitters off and made jokes all the way back to the mouth of the cave, relieved when almost blinded by sunlight. The long but thrilling spree in those deep chambers was certainly worth the experience, more so when your senses become acute in the darkness. Your imagination runs wild at sudden noises around you. It doesn’t help when your boatman nonchalantly tells you, “Oh, that’s just a crocodile.” For the record, lest you shudder, there are none inside that river. 50 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
P
Insight
uerto Princesa, the capital and only city of Palawan, was historically named by Spanish colonizers after Princess Eulalia who was born in 1864 to the reigning Queen Isabel II and Dr. Francisco de Asis of Spain. After the princess died, the city was changed to Puerto de la Princesa, and eventually, Puerto Princesa as it is known today. On the other hand, people attribute the name for its strategic advantages—a seaport that is geographically typhoonfree and can accommodate every sea vessel protectively in its realm, hence, “a princess of ports.”
La Venta La Venta Geographical Association (www.laventa.it) is a team of explorers and researchers from Italy, Argentina, and Mexico. They have done expeditions from the giant underground rivers of the Philippines to the mysterious Venezuelan Tepuis; from the blue depths of Patagonian and Antartic glaciers to the unexplored Mexican Canyons. The members share a passion for the underground world and the waters flowing through it. Their high-quality documentation has led to the publication of reportages on the most renowned international journals, publication of five large-format books, the making of two multimedia CD-ROMs and the filiming of international documentaries. La Venta believes that the earth still has endless territories that await to be explored, especially beneath its surface. This is why Le Venta’s activities continue to be extraordinarily strong and meaningful. PAL flies between Manila and Puerto Princesa nine times a week. PALakbayan tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com.
地下河 JOJIE ALCANTARA被菲律宾最长的地下河所吸引。 普林塞萨港（Puerto Princesa）到处是一片葱郁、茂密的森林，珍禽奇兽和奇花异草比比皆是。试想 象一下，生活在一个宁静的省城，其周围犹如热带天堂般逍遥自在，那感觉多好。 普林塞萨港拥有许 多值得游览的难忘名胜景点，其中世界闻名的普林塞萨港地下河国家公园（Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park）是游客的必到之处。在4000英亩的岩洞中有8.2公里长适于航行的地下河 川，该河水最后流入中国南海。这是菲国唯一的国家公园其城市被茂密的热带森林所覆盖，因此被列入 联合国教科文组织世界文化遗产。其独特的地貌也获得了新世界七大自然界奇观的提名。 我们乘着私人客货车前往沙邦（Sabang）小镇，耗时两个小时，途中经过Cabayugan的美丽石 灰岩和大理石峭壁。到达沙邦后，我们改搭20分钟的小型机动船到圣保罗国家公园（St. Paul National Park）。当船划过一片翠绿的水域时，我们瞥见了山脉迷人的风光。越过野生动物园的不远处，我们来 到一条河湖。一名叫Oteng的风趣船夫渡我们过湖，开始了我们两个小时的地下河游船穿行。 船只驶入寒冷的洞穴后，眼前顿时陷入一片黑暗。我们往布满钟乳石、石笋以及大教堂似洞 厅的深渊更深处前进，那里的自然通风孔带来阵阵的凉气。船夫Oteng向我们逐一介绍所经过的怪异岩 层。顺便提醒患有幽闭恐怖症者不适合到此游览。进入洞穴30分钟后，黑暗和宽窄交替的水路会让游客 感到害怕。船上首位乘客的头盔灯是唯一的光线来源，每当船夫指向任何一个有趣的地方时，我们需等 到灯光朝向那个方向才能欣赏。 有一艘载着外国乘客的船从旁驶过我们这班喧哗的菲律宾人船只，只见他们都很安静且全身 发僵，显然是被漆黑的旅程引致紧张不安。我们在回去洞口的途中一直以说笑的方式解忧，直到刺眼的 阳光重现眼前才松口气。在这些洞厅深处度过漫长而刺激的旅程，肯定会带给您难忘的经验，尤其是在 黑暗中您会发现人的感官变得更敏锐。四周围的突然吵杂声会激发您的无限想象力，当船夫漠然地告诉 您，“哦，那只是一条鳄鱼。”，您感觉更糟。尽管如此，您无需感到恐惧，记录表明河里面根本没有 鳄鱼。
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 51
Soak up one of the unforgettable sunsets youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever witness here at Seger Beach. Although Seger has a more arid landscape than Bali, more and more surfers are choosing it because it has lesser crowds.
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Road Trip in Tropical Paradise Lombok, the exotic isle east of Bali is painted with a landscape that’s perfect for a thrilling surf and a breezy roadtrip. TOMMY SCHULTZ goes around in his 100cc Honda Wave.
T
he opening riff of Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” is on repeat in my mental iPod as palm trees blur by, brilliant green against a tropical sky. I’m trying to remember the words to the second verse as my motorcycle speeds up the scenic coastal road on my way to Indonesia’s Lombok Island. Sure, a critic might point out that this anthem of the open road goes with a Harley—not the little 100cc Honda Wave I’m zinging along with—but as I turn my head towards the endless miles of sandy beaches and perfect waves, I don’t see any critics around. My brother and our friends Edi and Matt are beating the Bali crowds by taking the local ferry to nearby Lombok, the island located just to the east of Bali but a world away in its culture and people. We decided to bring our own transportation, and although it’s going to take longer than catching one of the short inter-island flights that ferry most tourists between the two islands, I’m already thinking that the journey itself will be half the fun—road trip!
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 53
We’re a few hours into the trip and already the sun is setting behind Bali as the ferry chugs along, leaving a white trail of foamy wake to trace our path across the cobalt sea. Brilliant shades of orange and yellow reflect from the misty clouds overhead. If I squint my eyes I think I can just about see Padangbai, the quiet port where we drove our bikes on to the boat in the heat of the midafternoon sun. After five hours of steaming across the Indian Ocean, our ferry belts out a sonorous horn, announcing its arrival to the port of Senggigi in Lombok like the rumbling of an enormous elephant. The boat has hardly stopped before the ramp is lowered and we’re back on our bikes, hitting the open road as the last light of the day glows red against the skyline of rolling hills surrounding us. We still have two hours of driving ahead of us before we’ll reach Kuta beach, where we’ll be staying tonight. And while it may share the same name as Bali’s most famous and heavily-touristed stretch of sand and sea, that’s where the comparison ends. Lombok’s Kuta is nearly deserted. Instead of being surrounded by dense lanes of t-shirt stands and trinket shops, this small community is isolated by endless expanses of rice fields punctuated by tiny villages where sometimes the only clue that anyone lives there is the wailing cry from the minaret of the local mosque. The next morning I wake up feeling already more relaxed. The dust from the road trip was washed off last night in a hot shower and as I walk along the shaded path towards the dining room of our resort the only sounds are the wind through the palms and rolling waves pounding the white coral sands of the beach nearby. After breakfast we’re back on the bikes for a short trip to Seger Beach (pronounced like ‘Shy-gerr’), about two kilometers from the center of Kuta. We could have taken one of the local horse-drawn pedicabs that are commonly found clip-clopping along the roads of Lombok,
54 M A B U H A Y
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The author’s brother climbs out of the sea, weary but happy after a surf session at Seger Beach. Uncrowded beaches, great waves and dramatic scenery await intrepid travelers to Lombok Island.
but I have to admit we were congratulating ourselves once again for bringing our own rides for the trip—it’s just so much easier to get around! As we make our way to the beach, small warung (family-owned) restaurants and guest houses of Kuta give way to a winding road lined with towering outcrops of volcanic rock and palm trees, but not another person to be seen. The beach itself is completely deserted, a wide strip of ivory-colored coral sand with each grain worn perfectly round from the surf. A large cliff looms above the famous surf break here. The view from the top of the cliff is spectacular—a panoramic expanse of Indian Ocean, perfectly-formed waves, and small island outcrops. After a few hours of swimming and surfing at Seger, it’s time for lunch and again we’re back on the open road. This time we traverse the Kuta coastal road through the village and up a steep volcanic hillside to reach Astari, a mostly vegetarian restaurant with the best view in town. Perched atop one of the steep hills overlooking the scenic Teluk Kuta, the restaurant has so much ambience that our quick stop for a bite to eat turns into a relaxing afternoon of reading and just relaxing with the view. Later in the afternoon we’ll take the trip to Mawi beach, about 45 minutes by motorcycle from Kuta. It’s yet another quiet and deserted stretch of island life perfected. With three days of beach, sun, waves, and motorcycling behind us, this is starting to feel like a great routine. As we are leaving Lombok on our bikes, it’s nice to think we found the open road to paradise. And even better, we brought our own wheels!
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A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 55
Pictured here is the view from a cliff overlooking Seger Beach and the peaceful bay that fronts nearby Kuta Beach. Indonesia’s third tallest volcano, Mt. Rinjani, is located here in Lombok. It erupted in 2004, thus covering the island in volcanic dust.
Insight
The Sasak People of Lombok
L
Stay • Good bets for places to stay include Rinjani Bungalows (tel. +62 370 654849), the Surfer’s Inn (http://www.lombok-surfersinn.com/), and G’Day Inn (tel. +62 370 655432).
Click
• www.lombok-network.com
Centuries before the bootleg DVD shops sprang up around Indonesia’s tourist spots, the traditional Wayan kulit (shadow puppetry) shows were the only form of cinema in town. Drawing on ancient stories, the shows tell familiar morality tales about the struggle between good and evil. And even if you can’t understand the Balinese dialect used by the dalang (puppet master and storyteller) the characters are always the same with recognizable roles. Typically the story unfolds after sunset with the flickering light of an oil lamp casting a glow on the stage. The puppets are handcut from a piece of buffalo hide and intricately painted. Nearly all are made in Puaya, south of Ubud. Nightly performances are held in Ubud, though the shows have been shortened for visiting audiences—a traditional show will usually last the whole night!
PAL flies between Manila and Jakarta daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. 56 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
Mosque illustration by Ryan Kabigting
ombok is often advertised to tourists visiting Indonesia as a version of Bali without the crowds. It can certainly feel that way when you first arrive in port or touch down on the runway—there’s no doubt the island is a lot less populated. And with a similar volcanic topography, Lombok really does look a lot like Bali in many places. The local Sasak and Balinese people even share a common language and ancestry, but from here the comparison is a bit more complex. The cultures of the two islands really are different. Most noticeably missing on Lombok are the intricately carved Hindu temples of Bali. Here, they are replaced with towering minarets and domed mosques because the majority of the population is Muslim. The pace of Lombok life also seems slower, and the people quite a bit more reserved than the Balinese. For some visitors used to an outgoing Balinese person this can seem unfriendly, but in truth they are just a little more cautious when meeting strangers. But after spending some time with the locals, you’ll likely find they are every bit as friendly and generous as the Balinese.
Go • From Jakarta, there are several flights going to Bali. Lombok is reachable via the ferry from Padangbai, north of Sanur on Bali’s well-maintained coastal highway. The boats leave approximately every hour, but plan on the potential for a short wait in port if you miss the previous ferry.
People. visual arts. trends. Gadgets. worthy causes... and everything else
The Lighter Side
“AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER”
The Circus Show Raymond Legaspi, a 2008 Philippine Art Awards Juror’s Choice awardee, was a former creative director who turned his back on 20 years of advertising to become a full-time painter. He has been mounting annual exhibits at the ArtistSpace since 2007.
Exhibit schedule: The Circus Show will run until April 7, 2009 at ArtistSpace, 2nd floor, Glass Wing, Ayala Museum. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free; tels. +632 757 7117 to 21 local 33; e-mail artistspace@ayalamuseum.org. It will also run in June at La Salle Bacolod, and August at the Momentous Arts Gallery in Singapore. 58 M A B U H A Y
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Read.
Punong Pinoy Series (Filipino Tree Series) Photo by Ryan Guevarra/Haribon
• The Manggachapui is endemic to the Philippines and is found in primary forests at low to medium altitudes, between 100 m to 400 m and sometimes up to 800 m. • A large species is 35 m tall and 120 cm dbh (diameter at breast height). The timber of Manggachapui, a lightweight Merawan, is generally used for bridges, shipbuilding and rough construction, especially doors, sills and flooring board. The bark contains tannin, which is used in the production of leather. Thus it is continually threatened by logging and kaingin-making.
Bark: 10 to 15mm thick and divided into short ridges joined diagonally to form a network pattern. Leaves: Oval-shaped, the lower surface is brown, dull, and smooth. FLOWERS: Petals are yellowish and bloom from May to June. It also bears fruits from April to October.
Just an old wives’ tale? Most of us have been warned not to swim right after eating for fear of cramps, vomiting, or drowning. But the American Red Cross gives no specific time to wait after eating before entering the water. As it turns out, it’s okay to eat then swim as long as the swimming isn’t too strenuous or the meal too heavy. The only thing you might suf fer from is a little discomfort from a heavy stomach.Illustration by Brian Aldred
The Jupiter Effect By Katrina Tuvera Anvil Publishing Inc.
The “Jupiter Effect,” which the author came across at in a library one day, is when planets align in a way that causes immense changes and tragedies on Earth. It is certainly an apt title for Tuvera’s debut novel on growing up during the martial law years. What gives this novel special significance is its focus on the proMarcos lifestyle, a bold move for one of this country’s younger fictionists, and one that can deftly open readers’ eyes. By Marguerite de Leon; Photo by
Noel Salazar
Tahanan: A House Reborn By Reynaldo G. Alejandro and Vicente Roman S. Santos Php2,350/US$50
Filipino teen wins first place at the 2009 Australian Open Francis Casey Alcantara of Cagayan de Oro and Cheng-Pen Hsieh of Taipei won first place in the Junior Boys’ Doubles event of the 2009 Australian Open. The pair beat Russian Mikhal Biryukov and Japanese Yasutaka Uchiyama at 6-4, 6-2. Sixteen year-old Alcantara is the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam event. Photo by Giovanni Arteaga 60 M A B U H A Y
April 2009
Coconut Philippines Php4,950/US$104
Blue Bloods By Melissa de la Cruz Php360/US$7.60 All books available at Powerbooks outlets nationwide.
Flying Car!
Cool finds
(Massachusetts, USA) The Transition combines the convenience of being able to fold its wings with the ability to drive on any surface road in a modern personal airplane platform. Stowing the wings for road use and deploying them for flight at the airport is activated from inside the cockpit. This unique functionality addresses the issues faced by today’s private and sport pilots. Terrafugia has been dedicated to bringing the Transition Roadable Aircraft (often called a “flying car”) to the General Aviation community since 2006. The two-place Transition will be a certified Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) expected to have its first customer delivery in 2010. Info and photos from www.terrafugia.com Specs: Cruise: 100 kts (115 mph) Rotate: 70 kts (80 mph) Stall: 45 kts (51 mph) Range: 400nm (460 mi) Takeoff over 50’ obstacle: 1700’ Fuel burn: 5 gph Fuel tank: 20 gallons Useful load: 430 lbs On road: 30 mpg, 65 mph
Convenience • Front wheel drive on the ground • Automotive-style entry and exit • Two place, side by side • Automated electromechanical folding wing • No trailer or hangar needed • Cargo area holds skis, fishing poles or golf clubs Safety • Drive in case of inclement weather • Proven 100 hp Rotax 912S engine • Full vehicle parachute available • Modern glass avionics • Automotive crash safety features
This deck provides 50 fabulous recipes for you to sip and serve whenever your festivities need a splash of class. Whether it’s the classic Dry Martini, a rosy Pomegranate Martini, or a fancy Chocolate Martini, each card will have you shaking (or stirring) like a true cocktail connoisseur. Php595/US$12.50; Available at Powerbooks outlets nationwide.
Photo by Noel Salazar
Share.
Listen. THE FAME Lady Gaga
19 Adele
The Martini Deck
Lady Gaga calls her music “pop art.” There’s some evidence of that in her debut album, The Fame. At best, though, this thumping, electro-fitted disco disc is a highly entertaining, very worthwhile gapfiller until the next Gwen Stefani album. By Eric Cabahug Released by MCA Music, available in all leading bars nationwide.
If you come across innovative products, worthy causes, and new trends, do share them with us. E-mail them at info@eastgateph. com or jventura@ eastgateph.com.
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 61
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ASEANTA Best Tourism Photo
PAL WINS BEST TOURISM PHOTO Promoting tourism in ASEAN
Debbie Cuyegkeng (center), Philippine Airlines manager, receives on behalf of PAL the plaque awarded by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) for best tourism photo, from Hoang Tuan Anh (right), Vietnam minister of culture, tourism & sports of Vietnam. Others in photo are ASEANTA officials, from left, Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin, ASEANTA Secretary General; and Felix Cruz, ASEANTA President and a PAL vice president. 68 M A B U H A Y
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n award-winning image of a flock of migratory birds crammed on an islet at the Tubbataha Reef was recently judged Best ASEAN Tourism Photo by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) during the 23rd ASEANTA Awards for Excellence in Tourism 2009 held recently at Hanoi, Vietnam. Philippine Airlines (PAL) submitted the photo as an entry to the ASEANTA Excellence Awards after it appeared in PAL’s inflight magazine, Mabuhay. Erwin T. Lim, a 38-year-old dentist-photographer from Cebu City, captured the image while on a four-day live-aboard dive safari to the Tubbataha Reef. Erwin recounts, “The scene was so picturesque that I almost didn’t feel my skin burning under the heat of the sun. Lying flat on the sand, I slowly crawled my way toward the birds.” Erwin’s photo, taken with a Nikon D200 camera using a 70-200 mm f2.8 VR lens, was one of the 10 finalists (landscape division, professional category) in the first PAL Photo Contest held June to September 2007. Mabuhay magazine featured the finalists in its April 2008 issue. This time, the photo was picked among 40 entries that vied for seven awards recognizing excellence in tourism promotion in ASEAN. “There were many good entries, but we could only give awards to the best-of-the-best,” said Felix J. Cruz, president of ASEANTA who is also Vice President for Marketing of Philippine Airlines. Awards were also given to the best tourism article (“Penang Past & Present” from Silver Kris, Singapore), best tour package (“Intrepid: South East Asia” by Intrepid Ltd. of Thailand), best new tourist attraction (“Singapore Flyer”), best cultural preservation effort (“Cua Van Floating Cultural Center – Ha Long Bay Eco-Museum” from Vietnam) and best conservation effort (“A Journey to Keep the World Beautiful with Thai” by Thai Airways). Through the awards, ASEANTA encourages tourism development and promotion among companies, organizations and individuals coming from ASEAN. ASEANTA was formed in 1981 as the “umbrella” organization of national airlines and national travel agencies and hotel associations of the 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam).
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>> PAL PAGE >> ASIA’S FIRST AIRLINE
Philippine Airlines – Asia’s first airline – is the flag carrier of the Republic of the Philippines and the pioneer domestic airline of the country, with a 67-year history that is steeped in tradition and modernity. PAL first took to the skies on March 15, 1941 with a small twin-engine Beech Model 18 airplane, flying 212 kilometers from Manila to Baguio City, with a full load of five passengers. Upon the outbreak of World War II in December 1941, its airplanes were commandeered by the military and destroyed in combat. Post-war operations resumed February 14, 1946 with five ex-military Douglas DC-3s. In July 1946, PAL chartered DC-4s to carry American servicemen home to Oakland, California, making PAL the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific. In May 1947, PAL also became the first Asian carrier to fly to Europe by opening regular service to Madrid. This was followed by rapid expansion of services to Asia and the Middle East in the next two decades. By the 1970s, PAL international route network covered two-thirds of the world. PAL keeps in step with advancements in aircraft technology, acquiring the latest type suited to market demands and local aviation conditions. From the DC-3s that served as the workhorse in the 1940s and 1950s, Vicker Viscount turboprops and Fokker F-27s were added to the fleet in the 1960s. After the BAC111 jets were introduced in the 1970s, the McDonnel Douglas DC-10, PAL’s first wide-body aircraft, went into service on the transpacific route in 1974. The Boeing 747-200Bs jumbo jet replaced the DC-10s in 1979 on long-haul routes, while the Airbus A300B4s replaced the DC-8s on regional services. Today, the fleet consists of Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A340-300s, A330-300s, A320s, A319s and Bombardier Q300 & Q400 turbo-propeller aircraft. They carry an average of 12,000 passengers and 180 tons of cargo daily on domestic routes, and 10,000 passengers and 170 tons of cargo daily on international sectors. In May 2008, the PAL Express – the low-fares brand of Philippine Airlines – was launched out of Manila and Cebu, using a fleet of three Bombardier Q300 and six Q400 that fly to 22 inter-island routes. PAL’s six-decade tradition of warm Filipino hospitality has always been coupled with a strong commitment to continuous improvement of services and operations. Despite the many challenges, PAL remains focused on its vision of becoming a world-class Filipino airline.
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>> OUR FLEET Since its first flight on 15 March 1941, Philippine Airlines has flown almost 30 types of aircraft to fulfill various roles in its mission of providing the Philippines with an efficient and reliable air transportation as the flag carrier. Now with a fleet of 47 aircraft, PAL operates one of the youngest and best-maintained fleet in the region.
B747-400 No. of Aircraft: 5 Mabuhay Class: 50 passengers Fiesta Class: 383 passengers
A340-300 No. of Aircraft: 4 Mabuhay Class: 44 passengers Fiesta Class: 220 passengers
A330-300 No. of Aircraft: 8 Mabuhay Class: 42 passengers zFiesta Class: 260 passengers
A320-200
Q400
No. of Aircraft: 18 Mabuhay Class: 12 passengers Fiesta Class: 144 passengers
No. of Aircraft: 5 76 passengers
A319-100
Q300
No. of Aircraft: 4 Mabuhay Class: 8 passengers Fiesta Class: 126 passengers
No. of Aircraft: 3 50 passengers
70 MABUHAY April 2009
Job No: 47688 Customer: Mabuhay Operator: Raquel Date: 8 Jan 2009 Screen: 175L Proof: 1st
>> WELCOME ABOARD HAND LUGGAGE / You may carry without charge, one hand luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin. The hand luggage must not exceed a total linear dimension of 115 cm or 45 in, and should weigh not more than 7 kg or 15 lbs. If hand luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, hand luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable). In addition to the free hand luggage allowance, you are allowed to carry the following items onboard: a laptop with case; a small handbag; a coat, wrap or blanket; a walking stick or a pair of crutches; a small camera or a pair of binoculars; a reasonable amount of reading material; and infant’s food and carrying basket. SECURITY ITEMS / The following items are prohibited from being loaded in the hand luggage or inside the aircraft cabin on all Philippine Airlines flights: liquids and gels; sharp items and blunt instruments; explosives, munitions and fireworks; weapons (including replicas), accessories and martial arts devices; large and heavy tools; and other dangerous items contained in, but not limited to, Section I.D. 8 of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Model Security Program. All passengers travelling from/to the United States (including Guam) will be prohibited from carrying any type of lighter in their carry-on luggage and into security checkpoints. Please contact any Philippine Airlines Reservations or Ticket Office for the complete list of prohibited items. Prohibited items discovered during the security search will be immediately referred to law enforcement officers or appropriate authorities at the airport for disposition. Security Removed Items (SRI) shall be loaded in the aircraft cargo / baggage compartment subject to security clearance procedures by airport authorities. When traveling in the U.S.A., please give enough lead time for the stricter screening of both checked and hand luggage at all commercial airports. All bags will be subject to search; bags that set off alarms or otherwise raise security concerns will have to be opened for inspection. TAKE-OFF/LANDING / During take-off and landing, please ensure that your seat back is in the upright position and your tray table folded or secured properly. Hand luggage should be stowed in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. SEAT BELTS / It is Philippine Airlines’ safety requirement that passengers must fasten their seatbelts for the entire duration of the flight even when the seat belt sign is off. While you are sleeping, please fasten your seat belt over your blanket for the easy inspection by the cabin crew. This is to assure you of your uninterrupted rest during the flight even during moments of turbulence. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT / In the interest of flight safety, any transportable electronic equipment are not to be operated during take-off, climb out, descent, final approach and landing, except for personal electronic life support systems. Electronic devices which intentionally transmit radio signals should never be used for the whole duration of the flight. These include, but are not limited to: radio transceivers, CB radios, cellular phones, and electronic remote control transmitters. Transportable electronic equipment which are non-transmitters and without any accessories that would transmit/receive radio signals, such as laptop computers without Wi-Fi and wireless peripheral devices, video cameras / players, tape recorders / players, CD/ DVD/MP3 players, calculators, electronic entertainment devices and electronic shavers may be used after the safe use of these has been announced. Some flight conditions may require the discontinuance of the use of electronic devices and will be announced by the crew. Personal electronic life support systems such as hearing aids, electronic nerve stimulators, respirators may be used throughout the flight. NO SMOKING / In compliance with the Administrative Order 121 of the Air Transportation Office, smoking is strictly prohibited on all PAL flights, including when the aircraft is on the ground prior to take-off and/or after landing. EMERGENCY OXYGEN SUPPLY AND LIFE VESTS / In the event of a sudden drop in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop automatically in front of you. An inflatable life vest is located beneath your seat or in/under your armrest. Please watch the live or film demonstration of safety procedures, which will be given or screened prior to take-off. ALCHOHOL BEVERAGE / All drinks served onboard are complimentary; alcoholic drinks are served only to passengers aged 18 years or over. Government regulation prohibits passengers from opening and drinking
Welcome to Philippine Airlines! Here are a few reminders to ensure your safety and comfort on board. Have a pleasant trip!
alcoholic beverage other than what is served inflight. For the safety and comfort of all concerned, the cabin crew may decline to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be intoxicated. Alcoholic drinks are not available on domestic flights and Vancouver - Las Vegas -Vancouver flights. FIESTA BOUTIQUE / A selection of duty-free liquor, cigarettes, perfumes and other highquality gift items can be purchased during the flight from our Fiesta Boutique. We accept major currencies. From time to time, our Festa Boutique offers special giveaways and discounts. Please refer to our Fiesta Boutique brochures or inquire from our cabin crew. INFLIGHT BUSINESS CENTER / Individual onboard telephones are available on our Mabuhay Class in all A340s and selected B747-400s. These are found at the back of the Passenger Control Units (PCUs). Wall-mounted onboard telephones are available for Fiesta Class passengers. Our Inflight Business Center on all A340 aircraft is equipped with inflight phones and fax machine. Charge to passengers for both onboard telephone and fax transmission to anywhere in the world is US$8.80 per minute (or any fraction thereof, for phone) and per page (for fax) of airtime used. Stationery sets are available upon request. For assistance, please don’t hesitate to call the attention of our cabin crew. inflight amenities / On long-haul flights, passengers receive an overnight kit that contains grooming items and other travel essentials to make their flight as comfortable as possible. Mabuhay Class passengers are treated to additional amenities in their kit, such as branded toiletry products and handy travel accessories. Our cabin lavatories are also stocked with other toiletry products to help passengers freshen up for their arrival at their destination. For a more comfortable rest especially during long-haul flights, pillows and blankets are available upon request or can be found on your seat. You can generally recline your seat except those that remain fixed for safety or other physical reasons. We also suggest you tune in to the Tranquil Traveler channel of our Flights of Fancy inflight radio program to keep you relaxed during the flight. Fun and treats are in store for PAL Junior Jetsetter passengers ages 2-11 when they hop in for flight. They will be treated to special kiddie meals on all our international flights. For long-haul flights between Manila and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Melbourne, and Sydney, kids could play with Tom and Jerry, as the wacky cat-and-mouse tandem continue their endless chase onboard our flights, through the Junior Jetsetter activity kits, exclusively made for PAL. The Junior Jetsetter Activity Kits contain activity books, coloring materials, puzzles, stickers, writing materials and other collectibles, which provide children with hours of fun, while educating them on the different travel destinations. Two different activity sets, packed in easy-to-carry tote bags, are available for flights originating from Manila and for flights bound for Manila. BEFORE YOU LEAVE / Please check that you have all your belongings with you before you disembark. If you do find that you have forgotten something, check with our ground staff or write to Philippine Airlines, P.O. Box 1955, Manila, Philippines, Zip Code 1059. YOUR FEEDBACK WILL BE APPRECIATED / We encourage any comments or suggestions on how we can further improve our products and services. Please call our Customer Relations Office at telephone numbers 556-2588, 556-2152, 556-2589 or 556-2590, fax number 556-2157 or email
wecare@pal.com.ph.
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TOUCHDOWN MANILA
Get acquainted with the Philippines even before you arrive. These tips will guarantee a carefree and informed stay. PHILIPPINES AT A GLANCE / Stretching 1,839 kms. north-to-south off the southeast coast of Asia, the Republic of the Philippines has a total land area of 300,000 sq. kms. Its 7,107 islands comprise one of the largest island groups in the world. About 77 million Filipinos make up the population, 55% of whom occupy the largest island of Luzon. Filipinos comprise 111 cultural and linguistic groups of Malayo-Polynesian origin, with varying degrees of Chinese, Spanish and American influences. Majority are Roman Catholics, though a significant number are Protestants and Moslems. The Philippines is the world’s third largest English-speaking country after the United States and the United Kingdom. Filipino is the national language; English is used for commercial and legal transactions. Literacy rate is a high 94%. CLIMATE / The Philippines is a tropical country with an average temperature of 32oC (89.6oF). March to June are hot and dry (36oC); rains and typhoons abound from July to October; November to February are pleasantly cool (around 23oC) and dry. In mountainous regions, temperatures dip to about 15oC. Light casual clothing is recommended for daily wear and Barong Tagalog or coat-and-tie for business and formal functions. CURRENCY / The monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas supervises authorized foreign exchange dealers (at airports, hotels, major commercial establishments and all bank branches), and posts official exchange rates for most international currencies. TRANSPORTATION / Philippine Airlines flies between Manila and 19 cities and towns throughout the country. In Metro Manila, taxis, buses, jeepneys and a two-line Mass Transit System (LRT and Metrorail) provide public transport. In certain areas like Binondo (Manila’s Chinatown) and the old walled city of Intramuros, horse-drawn carriages or calesas ply short routes. International and local car rental companies provide chauffeured or self-driven limousine service. Large groups may hire medium-sized passenger vans or tourist coaches. SHOPPING / The Philippines is fast becoming a shopping haven, yielding great bargains if you know what to look for and where.
>>
The secret to a satisfying shopping expedition is to go where the locals go, whether it be to world-class malls, bargain-rich flea markets or “tiangges”, ubiquitous sidewalk stalls, or tiny “holes-in-the-walls.” Handicraft stores can be found all over the country, selling export-quality products like native baskets and hand-woven fabrics, exquisite shellcraft and fine jewelry, or oneof-a-kind home accessories. Antique shops are a rich source of Philippine antiquities such as carved wooden furniture, old religious images, unique tribal artifacts, or vintage collectible pieces. The country’s upscale malls carry international brands with prices comparable to those in Hong Kong or Singapore. Don’t forget to check out the kiosks scattered throughout these sprawling spaces. They sell interesting items you may want to bring back home – from household bric-a-brac to curio items, native delicacies, or even the must-buy souvenir T-shirt. NIGHTLIFE / Metropolitan Manila is considered a pleasure-seeker’s paradise, with an array of nighttime activities, from the soothing to the sinful. No wonder it has been consistently voted as Asia’s number one destination for entertainment and relaxation by expatriates. You can listen to whatever music you fancy from the country’s popular bands and singers, take advantage of “happy hour” drink promos at bars and pubs, dance up a storm at clubs and street parties, or cap an exhilarating night with a calming cappuccino at the corner café. Hotspots not to be missed are bohemian Malate in Manila, cosmopolitan Fort in Taguig, upscale Ayala and Rockwell Centers in Makati, and the trendy Libis and Timog D istricts in Quezon City. FOOD / Filipino food may puzzle the first-time eater. Philippine history is largely responsible for this complex cuisine: on a matrix of native dishes akin to those in the rest of Southeast Asia, Chinese traders input their culinary culture, Spanish colonizers added touches of Castillan and Mexican cooking, and U.S. colonization brought in convenience and fast-food meals. Eating in the Philippines can therefore be an outstanding experience at all budget levels. In recent years, a profusion of restaurants has emerged, many catering to continental European or exotic Asian tastes. There are some good Japanese restaurants, too, plus a smattering of Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and other cuisines.
>> AIRLINE PARTNERS In order to serve you better, Philippine Airlines has linked up with its Airline Partners to offer you more destinations worldwide through its Codeshare Agreements. This allows PAL and its Airline Partners to jointly sell a flight sector, even if only one airline operates on this route. In Manila, Codeshare Flights operated by PAL and Air Philippines arrive/depart at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2, while Codeshare Flights operated by PAL’s other Airline Partners arrive/depart at the NAIA 1. For details on Codeshare Flights, please refer to the PAL Flight Facts and Flight Schedule on pages 81-82. When traveling on any of PAL’s Codeshare Flights, Mabuhay Miles members enjoy certain privileges. For specific Mabuhay Miles privileges per Airline Partner, please contact the Mabuhay Miles Service Center at (632) 817 8000. Mabuhay Miles members can redeem travel awards on PAL operated sectors only. The privileges listed in the table shown are applicable provided ticket sales and reservations are under PAL’s seat allocation (ticket should reflect “PR” in carrier designator box).
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MABUHAY MILES MILLION MILER & PREMIER ELITE ONLY MILLION MILERS ARE ALLOWED TO BRING ONE (1) TRAV ELING COMPANION TO THE LOUNGE CALL THE MABUHAY MILES SEVICE CENTER FOR EXACT FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE NOTE: PRESENTATION OF MILLION MILER’S MEMBER SHIP CARD IS REQUIRED TO AVAIL OF ETIHAD PRIVILEGES
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>> SERVICE GUIDE SPECIAL MEALS / Special meals may be requested on all Philippine Airlines international flights to cater to the various dietary requirements of passengers, for reasons of age, health or religion. These include: baby meal, child’s meal, western vegetarian meal, low-fat meal, diabetic meal, fruit meal, gluten restricted meal, moslem meal, asian vegetarian meal, seafood meal, hindu vegetarian meal, kosher meal and low-sodium meal. Please call PAL Reservations at least 24 hours before date of departure to ensure availability. PAL passengers can now compare fares across a seven-day period. Our online booking features a fully automated facility called “Calendar Pricing” that displays the lowest fare available over a seven-day range-three days before and three days after the planned travel date thus allowing travelers to decide quickly when it is most convenient and cheapest to fly. Experience the difference. Book online!For more information, please visit us at www.philippineairlines.com. PAL Mobile connects you to us while you are on the go! Our mobile site, www.philippineairlines. mobi gives you the more flexibility and convenience. With your web-enabled mobile phone, Blackberry or PDA, you can check the latest arrival and departure times, check flight schedules, track your Mabuhay Miles mileage, and know more about our latest news and promos. You can also access important advisories, travel essentials, contact information and a lot more! For more information on how to access the PAL Mobile site, check our FAQ at http://www.philippineairlines.com/faq/pal_mobile. Normal browsing charges apply. Please contact your mobile carrier for details.
Philippine Airlines is pleased to offer you the following services to make your travel experience not only convenient but delightful as well.
NEED TO RECONFIRM / Reconfirmation is not required for all Philippine Airlines flights. However we recommend that when making your reservations, you advise us of your telephone numbers at every stopover along your itinerary. This will allow us to call and advise you of any changes to your flight. AIRPORT CHECK-IN / For your convenience, Philippine Airlines offers the “Early Bird” advance check-in service in select airports, to help you avoid the rush during peak check-in hours. Checkin counters generally close 45 minutes before flight departure. If you check in after the counter closure cut-off time, you may not be accepted for the flight even if you are holding a confirmed booking. Always have your travel documents on hand. As with other airlines, Philippine Airlines may refuse carriage to passengers who lack the necessary travel papers. EXPRESS CHECK-IN COUNTERS / Senior Citizens traveling with up to two (2) traveling companions and passengers with NO CHECK-IN BAGGAGE on PAL flights departing from Manila or Mactan may avail of the express check-in service at designated counters. For more information on restrictions and check-in procedure, log on to www.philippineairlines.com.
AIRPORT LOUNGES / Philippine Airlines has Mabuhay Lounges in Manila (Domestic and International), Cebu (Domestic and International), Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mabuhay Class passengers, as well as Mabuhay Miles Elite and Premier Elite members, can unwind, dine and freshen up in these lounges before boarding their flight. In other International Stations, PAL has contracted the services of airport lounge operators to offer the same amenities to said passengers. AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE IN MANILA / For passengers connecting from a Philippine Airlines flight at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2, to a code share flight operated by any of its Airline Partners at NAIA Terminal 1 (and vice versa), a complimentary transfer service is available. A shuttle service is also provided to passengers from NAIA Centennial Terminal 2 to NAIA Terminal 3 (and vice versa) for PAL Express flights and code share flight on Air Philippines. This service is subject to certain conditions and qualifications. For more information, please inquire with any of our Transfer service staff at the arrival area.
Philippine Airlines introduces the RHUSH (Rapid Handling of Urgent Shipments) airport-to-airport service, the fastest way to ship cargo domestically or overseas. Enjoy the following advantages with RHUSH: highest priority in cargo, guaranteed space, fast and quick acceptance and release time, and money-back guarantee (conditions apply). But what makes RHUSH the hands-down choice is its guarantee that your cargo is released on the day you expect it. For particulars, please call PAL Cargo Sales and Reservations in Manila at (632) 831 3061 / 853 3062 / 853 3059 / 851 3063 / 879 5879 / 834 0362, or any PAL Office in your area.
>> FLIGHT TRANSFERS IN MANILA STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR FLIGHT TRANSFERS
Philippine Airlines offers worry-free transit procedures for passengers coming from an international flight with an immediate connection to a PAL domestic flight. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Centennial Terminal 2 in Manila, all you have to do is clear with Immigration, claim your baggage from the carousel, and proceed to the Special Customs Examination Counter for baggage clearance. You must then return your baggage to the carousel to ensure its loading on your domestic flight. If you’re a passenger onboard a PAL flight from the U.S.A., Canada or Narita and are connecting to Cebu or Davao, you can proceed directly to the PAL Domestic Terminal at NAIA 2 after clearing Immigration. You no longer need to have your baggage cleared in Manila, as the appointed Customs personnel in Cebu or Davao will take care of your baggage clearance. If you still don’t have your boarding pass for your domestic flight, you may proceed to the PAL Transfer Desk at the Arrival Area for assistance. You can then take the escalator or elevator located at the Arrival Lobby to go to the PAL Domestic Terminal. Airport Terminal Fees: Php550 for international departure and Php200 for local departure (paid in Philippine pesos only). Note that a Php200 Security Fee will also be collected by Manila International Airport Authority for international departures. Departing passengers for international destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist information counters (Tel. Nos. 524-1703; 832-2964) for the departure fees which may change without notice.
PAL Passengers from USA, Canada or Narita with connecting flight to Cebu, Davao or Laoag (for check through passengers only): 1. Disembark from plane and go through Immigration check. 2. Proceed to PAL Domestic Terminal (via escalator or elevator at Arrival Lobby). 3. Pay terminal fee of Php200.00 at the Domestic Terminal. 4. Proceed to the assigned gate for your connecting flight. Passengers from any of PAL’s International Flights bound for any PAL domestic station: 1. Disembark from plane and proceed to the 6. Return baggage to the PAL staff at the Transfer Desk to check in for your baggage area for reloading. connecting flight. 7. Proceed to PAL Domestic Terminal (via 2. Go through Immigration check. escalator or elevator at the Arrival Lobby). 3. Proceed to Baggage Claim Area. 8. Pay terminal fee of Php200.00 at the 4. Proceed to the Special Customs Domestic Terminal. Examination Counter for clearance. 9. Proceed to the assigned gate for your connecting flight.
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 65
Below are useful facts and figures about our flights and schedules.
DISTANCES AND FLIGHT TIME
FLIGHT FACTS
>>
>>
Distances and flight times may vary due to weather conditions, flight path changes and the type of aircraft utilized. FLIGHT TIME refers to the time from when the aircraft engines start up before take-off, until the aircraft comes to a halt after landing. MM MILES refers to flight miles earned when travelling on Fiesta (Economy) Class, as adopted from the IATA standards.
INTERNATIONAL
DOMESTIC
ROUTES AND SECTORS
ROUTES AND SECTORS MM MILES FLIGHT TIME RESERVATIONS
Manila - Abu Dhabi - Bahrain - Bandar Seri Begawan - Bangkok
4,352 4,580 781
2:05
00971 2 6351700 00973-17225650 extension 212 (603) 2141-3899
1,368
3:15
(662) 633-5713/14
MM MILES FLIGHT TIME RESERVATIONS
Manila - Bacolod
298
- Basuanga
1:10
(034) 4341595/1596
1:05
(0919) 5112797
- Butuan
489
1:30
(085) 341-5156/5257 226-4777 LOC. 6328
- Cagayan De Oro
486
1:30
(088) 857-2294
1:15
(055) 209-2885 (055) 533-8885 (055) 209-9228
- Busan
1,515
3:45
(8251) 466-0333
- Calbayog
- Beijing
1,797
4:25
- Doha
4,528
8:15
(8610) 6510 2991 2992 / 2993 (974) 455-8760
- Catarman
1:15
- Dubai
4,294
8:45
(055) 251-8996 (055) 500-9886
- Fukuoka
1,445
3:30
- Caticlan
1:10
- Guam
1,596
3:40
- Ho Chi Minh
1,002
2:30
712
2:00
(036) 288-7536 (036) 288-7538 (036) 288-7539 (032) 234-2586 (032) 234-2713 (064) 431-0136
5,296
10:15
- Hongkong - Honolulu - Jakarta (via Singapore) Manila - Singapore
1,732*
(671) 632-1615/ 17/ 19 (848) 827-2105/ 06/ 8272 (852) 2301-9300 1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653 ** (6221) 300-15758
1:35 3:40
- Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu) Manila - Kota Kinabalu
(603) 2141 0767
1:55
Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur - Las Vegas (via Vancouver) Manila - Vancouver
6:15
(9714) 203-3788/ 316-6632 (8192) 415-3288
3:35
Singapore - Jakarta
2:25 7,393*
16:15 12:05
Vancouver - Las Vegas
1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653 **
2:40
723
1:55
1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653 ** (853) 8898-2552
- Melbourne
3,927
8:00
(613) 9600-2898
- Osaka
1,651
3:55
(816) 6444-2541
- Nagoya
1,741
4:00
(8152) 588-7131
- San Francisco
6,978
12:00
- Seoul
1,624
4:00
1-800-435-97251800-635-8653 ** 0082-1544-1717
- Shanghai
1,152
3:10
(8621) 6279-8765
- Singapore
1,476
3:35
(65) 6336-1611
- Sydney (via Melbourne) Manila - Melbourne
3,883*
10:50
(612) 9279-2020 / 2228
- Los Angeles - Macau
7,290
12:30
731
2:00
- Tokyo
1,879
4:15
(813) 5157-4161
- Vancouver
6,560
12:05
714
2:10
1,060
2:40
1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653** (86592) 239-4729 / 30 / 65 (852) 2301-9300
617
1:45
(603) 2141-0767
- Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu) Cebu - Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur
1,634*
5:00
- Seoul - Tokyo
1,884 2,024
- Hongkong - Kota Kinabalu
66 M A B U H A Y April 2 0 0 9
349
1:15
- Cotabato
552
1:30
- Davao
597
1:45
(082) 222-0366; 226-4604
- Dipolog
438
1:30
(065) 212-2355/2356
- Dumagete
390
1:15
(035) 422-8577
- General Santos
647
1:45
(083) 552-5282/ 553-8856
- Iloilo
280
1:05
(033) 333-0040/ 41
- Kalibo
250
0:55
(036) 262-3260; 262-3263
- Laoag
257
0:55
(077) 670-8533/8451
- Legaspi
250
0:55
(052) 481-0780
1:20
- Puerto Princesa
364
1:15
(053) 255-4261 (053) 561-9758 (048) 433-4565/ 2561
- Roxas
311
0:55
(036) 621-0244
- San Jose
0:55
- Surigao
1:40
- Ormoc
- Tacloban
352
1:10
(043) 491-1604 (043) 491-1923 (086) 231-9680 (086) 826 8589 (053) 321-2212
- Tagbilaran
387
1:10
(038) 411-2939/ 411-3552
- Tuguegarao
1:00
(078) 844-9238
- Virac
1:10
(052) 811-2880 (052) 811-2881 (062) 993-0330/2955
- Zamboanga Cebu - Ozamiz
530
1:30 1:00
(088) 521-5565 (088) 521-0462
1:30
- Taipei
- Xiamen
- Cebu
8:00
Melbourne - Sydney
Cebu
9:00 9:58
(8862) 2506-7383
1:45 2:25 4:25 4:40
0082-1544-1717 (813) 3593-2421
* refers to direct mileage ** exclusive Reservations numbers for Business Class passengers, Mabuhay Miles Elite & Premiere Elite Members
PAL Reservations Office Telephone Numbers in Manila * (63-2) 855-8888 * (63-2) 855-7888 (exclusive Reservations numbers for Business Class passengers, Mabuhay Miles Elite & Premiere Elite Members) * (63-2) 855-1000 (dedicated e-ticketing number) For more information visit http://www.philippineairlines.com
>> FLIGHT SCHEDULE
For flight bookings and/or flight availabilities, please contact a PAL office nearest you.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS MON
TUE
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WED
THU
LUZON Manila - Busuanga 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Busuanga - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Laoag Q Q Q Q Laoag - Manila Q Q Manila - Legaspi 2Q 2Q Q Q Legaspi - Manila 2Q 2Q Q Manila - Puerto Princesa 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Puerto Princesa - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Tuguegarao Q Q Q Q Tuguegarao - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Virac Q Q Q Q Virac - Manila VISAYAS Manila - Bacolod 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Bacolod - Manila 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Calbayog Q Q Q Q Calbayog - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Catarman Q Q Q Q Catarman - Manila Manila - Caticlan 11Q 11Q 11Q 11Q Caticlan - Manila 11Q 11Q 11Q 11Q Manila - Cebu 8Q 9Q 8Q 8Q Cebu - Manila 8Q 8Q 8Q 8Q Manila - Dumaguete 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Dumaguete - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Manila - Iloilo 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Iloilo - Manila 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Manila - Kalibo 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Kalibo - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Manila - Ormoc Q Q Ormoc - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Roxas Q Q Q Q Roxas - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - San Jose Q Q Q Q San Jose - Manila Manila - Tacloban 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Tacloban - Manila 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Manila - Tagbilaran 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Tagbilaran - Manila 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Cebu - Bacolod 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Bacolod - Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Cebu - Butuan Q Q Butuan - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Cagayan de Oro 2Q 2Q Q Q Cagayan de Oro - Cebu 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Cebu - Caticlan Q Q Q Q Caticlan - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Dipolog Q Q Dipolog - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Gen. Santos Q Q Gen. Santos - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Ozamis Q Q Ozamis - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Puerto Princesa Q Q Puerto Princesa - Cebu Q Q Q Q Cebu - Tacloban Q Q Q Q Tacloban - Cebu Q Q Q Q Cebu - Zamboanga Q Q Q Q Zamboanga - Cebu MINDANAO Manila - Butuan 1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q Butuan - Manila 1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q Manila - Cagayan de Oro 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Cagayan de Oro - Manila 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Cotabato Q Q Q Q Cotabato - Manila Manila - Davao 7Q 7Q 7Q 7Q Davao - Manila 7Q 7Q 7Q 7Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Dipolog Q Q Q Q Dipolog - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Gen. Santos Q Q Q Q Gen. Santos - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Surigao Q Q Q Q Surigao - Manila Manila - Zamboanga 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Zamboanga - Manila 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Zamboanga - Davao Q Q Q Q Davao - Zamboanga LUZON LEGEND Q codeshare and operated by Air Philippines Q Q Q Q Manila - Naga Q Q Q Q Naga - Manila Manila - Puerto Princesa 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Puerto Princesa - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - San Jose Q Q Q Q San Jose - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Tuguegarao Q Q Q Q Tuguegarao - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Virac Q Q Q Q Virac - Manila VISAYAS Q Q Q Q Manila - Bacolod Q Q Q Q Bacolod - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Calbayog Q Q Q Q Calbayog - Manila Manila - Dumaguete 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Dumaguete - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Manila - Iloilo 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Iloilo - Manila 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Cebu - Bacolod Q Q Q Q Bacolod - Cebu Q Q Q Q Cebu - Iloilo Q Q Q Q Iloilo - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Tacloban Q Q Tacloban - Cebu MINDANAO Manila - Cagayan 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Cagayan - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Manila - Davao 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Davao - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Cebu - Davao 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Davao - Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Bacolod - Gen. Santos via Cebu 2Q 2Q Gen. Santos - Bacolod via Cebu 2Q 2Q Davao - Bacolod via Cebu 2Q* 2Q* 2Q* 2Q* Bacolod - Davao via Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Davao - Iloilo via Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Iloilo - Davao via Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Cebu - Gen. Santos Q Q Gen. Santos - Cebu Iloilo - Gen. Santos via Cebu 2Q* 2Q* Gen. Santos - Iloilo via Cebu 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Ozamis Q Q Q Q Ozamis - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Surigao Q Q Q Q Surigao - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Zamboanga Q Q Q Q Zamboanga - Manila
FRI
SAT
SUN
2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q 11Q 11Q 8Q 9Q 2Q 2Q 5Q 5Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 4Q 4Q 3Q 3Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q 11Q 11Q 8Q 8Q 2Q 2Q 5Q 5Q 2Q 2Q
4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q 11Q 11Q 9Q 9Q 2Q 2Q 5Q 5Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 4Q 4Q 3Q 3Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q 4Q 4Q 3Q 3Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
1Q 1Q 5Q 5Q Q Q 7Q 7Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 3Q 3Q
1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Q Q Q Q 7Q 7Q 7Q 7Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Q Q * Next day connection Q Q Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q* 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q* 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q
2Q* 2Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q* 2Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Flight schedules printed in these pages are correct and current at time of printing.
UNITED STATES Manila - Guam Guam - Manila Manila - Honolulu Honolulu - Manila Manila - Los Angeles Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Manila
MON TUE WED THU Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
FRI Q
SAT SUN
2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q
Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
5Q 5Q Q Q
5Q 5Q Q Q
4Q 4Q
4Q 4Q
Q 2Q Q Q
Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q
Q with technical stop in Guam
Manila - San Francisco San Francisco - Manila Q with technical stop in Guam
Q Q Q Manila - Las Vegas via Vancouver Q Q Q Las Vegas - Manila via Vancouver CANADA Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Vancouver Q Q Q Q Q Vancouver - Manila Q Q Q Vancouver - Las Vegas Q Q Q Las Vegas - Vancouver AUSTRALIA Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Sydney via Melbourne Q Sydney - Manila via Melbourne 2Q 2Q Q Q Melbourne - Sydney Q Q Q Sydney - Melbourne Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Melbourne via Sydney Q Melbourne - Manila via Sydney 2Q 2Q CHINA Q Q Q Q Manila - Beijing Q Q Q Q Beijing - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Shanghai Q Q Q Q Q Shanghai - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Xiamen Q Q Q Q Q Xiamen - Manila TAIWAN Q Q Q Manila - Taipei 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Taipei - Manila 2Q 2Q HONGKONG code share and operated by Cathay Pacific (Cebu-Hongkong vv) Q Manila - Hongkong 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Hongkong - Manila 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Q Q Q Q Q Cebu - Hongkong Q Q Q Q Q Hongkong - Cebu SINGAPORE Manila - Singapore 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Singapore - Manila 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q INDONESIA Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Jakarta via Singapore Q Jakarta - Manila via Singapore 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Singapore - Jakarta Q Q Q Jakarta - Singapore JAPAN Q Q Q Manila - Fukuoka Q Q Q Fukuoka - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Osaka Q Q Q Q Q Osaka - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Nagoya Q Q Q Q Q Nagoya - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Tokyo Q Q Q Q Q Tokyo - Manila Q Q Q Q Cebu - Tokyo Q Q Q Q Tokyo - Cebu KOREA Q Q Manila - Pusan Q Q Pusan - Manila Manila - Seoul 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Seoul - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Cebu - Seoul Q Seoul - Cebu MACAU Q Q Q Manila - Macau Q Q Q Macau - Manila THAILAND Manila - Bangkok 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Bangkok - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q VIETNAM Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Ho Chi Minh Q Q Q Q Q Ho Chi Minh - Manila MALAYSIA code share and operated by Malaysia Airlines Q Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Kuala Lumpur Q Q Q Q Q Kuala Lumpur - Manila Q Cebu - Kota Kinabalu Q Kota Kinabalu - Cebu Q Cebu - Kuala Lumpur Q Kuala Lumpur - Cebu BAHRAIN code share and operated by Gulf Air Q Q Q Q Manila - Bahrain 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Bahrain - Manila 2Q 2Q BRUNEI code share and operated by Royal Brunei Q Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Bandar Seri Begawan Q Q Q Q Q Bandar Seri Begawan - Manila QATAR code share and operated by Qatar Airways Q Manila - Doha 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Doha - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q UNITED ARAB EMIRATES code share and operated by Etihad Airways Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi - Manila
Q Q 2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
code share and operated by Emirates
Manila - Dubai Dubai - Manila
2Q Q
Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 67
Bacolod / Butuan / Cagayan De Oro / Cebu / Cotabato / Davao / Dipolog / Dumaguete / General Santos City / Iloilo / Kalibo / Laoag / Legaspi / Manila / Puerto Princesa / Roxas City / Tacloban / Tagbilaran / Zamboanga
DOMESTIC ROUTES
>>
CAUAYAN
SAN FERNANDO
CLARK
METRO MANILA
NAGA
SOUTH
SAN JOSE BUSUANGA
CATARMAN CALBAYOG CITY
CHINA SEA
ORMOC CITY
SURIGAO CITY
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 69
>> INTERNATIONAL ROUTES
70 M A B U H A Y
A pril 2 0 0 9
a.
Bangkok / Beijing / Fukuoka / Guam / Ho Chi Minh / Honolulu / Hong Kong / Jakarta / Las Vegas / Los Angeles / Macau / Manila / Melbourne / Nagoya / Osaka / Pusan / San Francisco / Seoul / Shanghai / Singapore / Sydney / Taipei / Tokyo / Vancouver / Xiamen
eu Al
A le u tia
la n n Is
an ti
R
ds
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 71
>> FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM
Take that first step to a more rewarding travel experience
IT ALL ADDS UP WITH MABUHAY MILES
TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH PHILIPPINE AIRLINES AND ENJOY A HOST OF PRIVILEGES THAT ADD UP TO MILES OF DIFFERENCE. OPEN TO ANYONE AGED 2 AND ABOVE, THE MABUHAY MILES FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO DELIVER TO YOU THE BEST REWARDS AND PRIVILEGES. AND AS YOU MOVE UP TO HIGHER ELITE LEVELS, MORE TRAVEL PRIVILEGES AWAIT YOU. PROGRAM ENROLMENT Applying for Mabuhay Miles membership is now more convenient than ever. Simply log on to www. mabuhaymiles.com or visit any PAL office. Enrollment forms come with a pre-numbered temporary membership card that you can immediately use to accrue Miles EARNING MILES Mabuhay Miles is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the market. With Mabuhay Miles, you can earn Flight Miles based on the actual flown miles on Philippine Airlines and on its code-share partners on paid tickets in any class of service. Earn 150% of actual flown miles in Mabuhay Class on all Philippine Airlines flights to and from North America. In all other flights, you can earn 100% and 125% of actual flown miles in Fiesta Class and Mabuhay Class respectively. EARNING MILES Mabuhay Miles is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the market. With Mabuhay Miles, you can earn Flight Miles based on the actual flown miles on Philippine Airlines and on its code-share partners on paid tickets in any class of service. Earn 150% of actual flown miles in Mabuhay Class on all Philippine Airlines flights to and from North America. In all other flights, you can earn 100% and 125% of actual flown miles in Fiesta Class and Mabuhay Class respectively. MABUHAY MILES PROGRAM PARTNERS Earning miles has never been easier! Philippine Airlines lines up a growing host of program partners where Mabuhay Miles members can earn additional miles to get that free ticket fast! Members earn miles with the following program partners… HOTELS AND RESORTS (worldwide and regional locations) Golden Tulip Worldwide Marco Polo Hotels Management Limited Pan Pacific Group Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts The Shilla Hotels & Resorts Tokyu Hotels Traders Hotels HOTELS & RESORTS (California, USA) Best Western Hotel San Mateo Crowne Plaza Foster City Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield HOTELS & RESORTS (Philippine locations) Boracay Regency Beach Resort Boracay Tropics Century Park Hotel Friday’s Boracayv Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort Microtel Inns & Suites Pearl Farm Beach Resort Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Taal Vista Hotel The Panoly Resort Hotel CREDIT & CHARGE CARD Allied Bank HSBC OTHER BANKS’ REWARDS PROGRAM American Express Diners Club Metrobank Security Bank Union Bank Standard Chartered Bank Citibank (for Philippine-issued and Guam-issued cards) Banco de Oro EastWest Bank BANK REMITTANCE SERVICES Philippine National Bank CAR RENTALS Avis Hertz CRUISE LINE Star Cruises TRAVEL INSURANCE Travelplans/PhilAm Insurance Co., Inc. TELECOMMUNICATIONS Mabuhay Phone Service REAL ESTATE Eton Properties, Phil., Inc.
72 M A B U H A Y
July 2009
tennis and badminton equipment. To apply, just proceed to any Philippine Airlines Ticket Office, fill out the enrollment form, and pay the corresponding application fee.
LIFESTYLE Cultural Center of the Philippines Time-Life International (Phil) Inc (Fortune and Time Magazines) Asian Therapeutics Inc (OSIM) Victorinox World Traveller AND GET DISCOUNTS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS... Enchanted Kingdom Burger King Xtreme Magic Sing Belo Medical Group EARNING MILES Mabuhay Miles is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the market. With Mabuhay Miles, you can earn Flight Miles based on the actual flown miles on Philippine Airlines and on its code-share partners on paid tickets in any class of service. Earn 150% of actual flown miles in Mabuhay Class on all Philippine Airlines flights to and from North America. In all other flights, you can earn 100% and 125% of actual flown miles in Fiesta Class and Mabuhay Class respectively. AWARD REDEMPTION For as low as 3000 Miles you can now redeem free flights on Philippine Airlines. You also have more chances of securing an award seat even during peak months with the Flexiflyer award option. With interactive and real time award ticket issuance at PAL ticket offices, Mabuhay Miles makes it highly convenient for you to redeem your travel awards! MEMBER SERVICE The Mabuhay Miles website at www.mabuhaymiles.com gives you one-stop access to useful services from Mabuhay Miles. With a pleasant design and userfriendly features, the website allows you to check your account balance, view your latest activity statement, update your personal profile, refer to the award charts, download important forms, and request for retroactive crediting of Miles. So log on today and experience the online advantage. Annual SportsPlus Subscription Level fee
Entitlement
Coverage
SportsPlus Philippines
US$30
20 kgs
PAL Philippine domestic flights
SportsPlus Asia
US$30
20 kgs
PAL flights within the Philippines/ Asia, and to/ from Guam
20 kgs
PAL flights within the Philippines/ Asia, and to/ from Australia/ Guam
1 piece not exceeding 20 kgs.
PAL flights to United States/ Canada
SportsPlus Global
US$120
TRAVEL LIGHT WITH SPORTSPLUS SportsPlus is a unique subscription -based program feature available only to Mabuhay Miles Members. As a Mabuhay Miles SportsPlus member, you are given extra free luggage allowance on Philippine Airlines flights for your golf, bowling, scuba diving, sportfishing, cycling.
EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL BENIFITS As Elite or Premier Elite Members, you also enjoy the following privileges: priority reservation waitlist, exclusive member reservations numbers, priority checkin, additional free luggage allowance, priority luggage handling, priority airport standby, access to Mabuhay Lounges and participating VIP Lounges, Sports Plus equivalent privileges, additional discounts and amenities from Program Partners, and many more. LIFETIME STATUS FOR MILLION MILES Mabuhay Miles Million Milers enjoy the benefits of Premier Elite Membership for life. This is our token of appreciation to those who have flown one million cumulative Flight Miles on Philippine Airlines.
Annual Qualification Criteria
Elite Level
Mabuhay Miles Elite
• 25,000 Flight Miles flown on Philippine Airlines or • 30 one-way segments in any class of service, or • 15 one-way segments in Mabuhay Class
Mabuhay Miles Premier Elite
• 45,000 Flight Miles flown on Philippine Airlines or • 50 one-way segments in any class of service, or • 25 one-way segments in Mabuhay Class
ENJOY THE DIFFERENCE WITH ELITE & PREMIER ELITE LEVELS A world of exclusive benefits await you as you earn Miles and attain elite levels of membership in Mabuhay Miles. As a Mabuhay Miles Elite or Premier Elite Member, you gain the recognition you deserve as a frequent traveler. There are more ways to qualify and you have the whole calendar year between January 1 and December 31 - to attain your privileged status. CONTACT US
Mabuhay Miles Service Center Postal Address Mabuhay Miles Service Center 2/F Power Realty Building 1012 A. Arnaiz St. (formerly Pasay Road) Makati City
E-mail Address mabuhaymiles@pal.com.ph
Telephone 8am-8pm, Mondays thru Fridays * Also accepts calls from 12pm-1pm Manila - (632) 817-8000 Cebu - (032) 340-8000 9am - 5pm, Mondays thru Fridays, Pacific Time USA / Canada - 1-800-747-1959 Service Lounge Hours Mondays - Fridays 8:30am - 5pm Saturday - 8:30am - 12NN
Facsimile (Manila) (632) 556-2800; 893-6884
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<< ONBOARD SERVICES
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES Complimentary beverage service is offered on all international flights. On long-haul flights, distilled water is passed around every-hour-on-the-hour in between meals to promote passenger wellbeing. Non-Alcoholic Beverages Cola / Diet Cola / Uncola / Diet Uncola / Dalandan (Lime) Soda / Orange Juice / Apple Juice / Ginger Ale / Absolute Distilled Water / Tonic Water / Soda Water / Lemon Iced Tea / Figaro Coffee* / Lipton Tea Alcoholic Beverages** Red Wine / White Wine Gin / Vodka / Whiskey / Brandy Selection of Beer * Figaro Coffee may not be available on some flights ** Alcoholic Beverages are not available on Vancouver-Las Vegas-Vancouver flights, and flights between Manila and Hong Kong, Xiamen, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh
INFLIGHT SNACKS
On flights between Manila and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and Honolulu*, Philippine Airlines invites you to enjoy our complimentary snack selection. These include Asian noodle soup, meat-filled buns, and pastries. Please request from your Cabin Crew your preferred snack anytime during your flight.
* Asian noodle soup are not available on Manila-Honolulu-Manila flights
READING MATERIALS We carry a number of Filipino and foreign language newspapers to keep yourself abreast with the latest news and current events. Our inflight magazine, Mabuhay, is available for all classes of service on all international flights. Our Mabuhay Class service on international flights carries an array of News, Business, Fashion, Travel and Sports Magazines, including some Foreign Language Magazines on selected flights. Please request from your Cabin Crew the selection on board your flight.
April 2009 M A B U H A Y
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No Ordinary Bird January 2009 Candaba, Pampanga
It was in 1914 when the Black-faced Spoonbill was last seen. Threatened by the destruction of their habitats, these graceful birds presently number only around 1,680. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even rarer to see one than to spot a great white shark. What excitement it must have caused bird photographer REY STA. ANA when he captured such a rare bird in flight using his Canon EOS 1D Mark II with a Canon EF300 F4L lens. He has had three previous encounters with the bird, but this one was the best shot wherein the spoon-shaped bill was very well-defined. Staying for five hours in the middle of the rice paddies was definitely worth it.
Give us your best shot Mabuhay Magazine is accepting hi-resolution (at least 300 dpi) digital images of people, places, and things from around the world. You may send your photos to 704 Prestige Tower, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines 1605 or e-mail them to info@eastgateph.com. 84 M A B U H A Y
April 2009