M A G A Z I N E F O R C E B U PA C I F I C
•
JUNE 2016
RED REPUBLIC Why China is aglow with the scarlet hue
SLOWLY BUT SHORELY Surf-central Siargao’s easy pace is making waves
Local color We bring you the vibrant shades that make places unique and so alive
Welcome aboard A note from the chief
Strength in numbers Something exciting and potentially revolutionary is afoot, and Cebu Pacific is proud to be a part of it. The airline has always subscribed to the idea of constant innovation — the very idea of Cebu Pacific as the inexpensive alternative was born of this mindset — and is always among the first to embrace technologies that make the experience of travel easier for the flying public. Now we've joined forces with other champions of low-cost mobility in the region to form an unprecedented multiairline cooperation. The Value Alliance — with Nok Air (Thailand), Scoot and Tigerair Singapore, Jeju Air (South Korea), Tigerair Australia and Cebgo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cebu Pacific — will allow customers to view, select and book the best
Lance Gokongwei CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
available airfares on flights from any of the partner airlines directly from each partner website. This is made possible thanks to new interline technology developed by Air Black Box (ABB). What does this mean for travelers? The Value Alliance opens up a combined number of 160 destinations across Asia Pacific. The possibilities for new adventures have just risen exponentially and, with a little help from like-minded friends, the world of Cebu Pacific just got bigger.
SMILE is published on behalf of Cebu Pacific Air by Ink Publishing Pte Ltd • 51 Changi Business Park Central 2, The Signature #04-11A/12, Singapore 486066 • tel: +65 6324 2386 • fax: +65 6491 5261 • www.ink-global.com • www.cebusmile.com MCI (P) 124/02/2016 All articles and photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the airline. All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at the time of publication.
ADVERTISING Group Publisher Mohan Gopal Advertising Manager Bong Dy-Liacco Senior Brand Manager Andrew Lugtu Brand Managers Blessing Dizon, Nastassja Lacsamana Digital Sales Manager Nerisse Barcelon Commercial Director David Bloomfield Tel: +65 6324 2386 Email: smile@ink-global.com INK Chief Finance Officer Jim Campbell Chief Executives Michael Keating & Simon Leslie Associate Design Director Terence Goh Chief Sub-Editor Jonathan Evans Editorial Director Alexandra Karplus
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Airline updates From Team Cebu Pacific
The value of a great alliance, p148 “Exciting times are coming — I just had the pleasure of working with other leading low-cost airlines in the region on an alliance that will further change air travel in the region.”
GUIDE TO AIRLINE SECTION
151 Flight mode Inflight safety guidelines and strategies to staying comfortable in the plane
MICHAEL SZUCS Chief Executive Adviser
152 Airport intelligence Get to know the airports in our network for better navigation. In the spotlight this month: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)
Ready for more fun?, p149 “It’s that time of the year for our annual awesome race across the network, Juan for Fun, now on its 5th year. Are you following the action?”
153 Network maps Need to find out where we fly to? Check out our international and domestic route maps
156 Onboard treats
CANDICE IYOG Vice President for Marketing and Distribution
Hungry? Check out the menus for onboard meals, snacks and beverages
Guam gets more visitors, p148 “More affordable Cebu Pacific fares to Guam — 40% less compared to other airlines — have helped boost tourist arrivals.” ALEX REYES General Manager, Long Haul Division
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Onboa rd Shopp ing, p159
Editor’s note
This month in Smile
Colorful fishing boats in Vietnam’s Mekong River
Hue on my mind Do you have memories of traveling in black and white, or do you remember them in full-color HD? Or, does hindsight somehow lend the past a filter of one dominant hue? I’ve always been interested in the idea that colors that stand out in our minds are telling of what moved us most about a place. White, gray and warm brown come up when I think of an old trip to northern Japan — it was the start of wintertime, and the slow-falling snow was so otherworldly and poetic. By contrast, Siargao is a multi-colored riot thanks to a surprisingly diverse community of interesting people who have come to call it home (page 66). I loved the cream-colored sand and the whole blue-and-green spectrum of the sea, but it was the personalities that the place has drawn to its shores that give it more texture. When Mark Parren Taylor thinks of China, it comes up in shades of crimson and scarlet (page 88), because the color of good fortune is intertwined with most aspects of Chinese life. Lester Ledesma thinks of Asia in a spicy palette of green, orange, red and mustard, thanks to the many varieties of curry available (page 80). For photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, Hong Kong will always be bright with neon (page 94). Beyond color codes, our memories and dreams hold even more complex and revealing connections, and if unlocking these associations interests you, the Carl Jung Circle Center in Manila (jungcirclecenter.ph) is a good place to start. Happy reading!
Tara FT Sering Editor
Reader tip: You can find even more travel ideas in Smile’s digital platform, waytogo.cebupacificair.com
IS THERE ANY PLACE YOU ASSOCIATE WITH A PARTICULAR COLOR?
Marlon Espino Art director “Manila with rainbow colors — for the jeepneys, graffiti on walls, sari-sari stores.”
Kat Zuño-Mateo Deputy editor “Tokyo with pink — I went there last spring and the cherry trees were in bloom.”
Jonathan Evans Chief sub-editor “Taipei with green — even in the heart of the city you can see forested mountains all around.”
Delle Chan Digital editor, Waytogo “Bangkok with yellow — from its golden stupas to its monks in saffroncolored robes.”
Aaron Low Photo editor “Sydney with turquoise — the color reminds me of the pool at Bondi Icebergs!”
June 2016 Smile 7
Our crew this issue
Squad goals
WE ASKED THIS MONTH’S TALENTED CREW OF CONTRIBUTORS “WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?” AND HERE’S WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY
Blue and green brigade
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Purple people NICOLAI SVANE AND CAROLINE SCHMIDT/
TOMMY SCHULTZ
THE DANISH CONNECTION
Photographer and shopping guide, “Market day special”, p45 “The color of the ocean at Tubbataha is an indescribable electric blue that I haven’t seen anywhere else.”
Photographers, “On the crest of a wave”, p66 “Our favorite color is purple, and shades like lilac. It’s mystical and spiritual. The color of the cosmos. And, of course, ‘Purple Rain’.”
LESTER V. LEDESMA
REN BAUTISTA
Photographer and writer, “Locally sauced”, p80 “Blue-green. It reminds me of the sea or the sky, depending on my mood.”
Hair and makeup artist, cover “In the certain shade, it’s a very striking color that stands out without being too loud, unless you want it to be.”
EDGAR ALAN ZETA-YAP
MAYA CALICA-COLLINS
Writer, “Mighty domes and minarets”, p74 “I love spending time in green environments — bodies of water, forests and verdant country. They relax, recharge and get me ready for the next adventure!”
Writer, “The dying of the light”, p94 “It just adds a pop of color to anything — whether it’s my wardrobe or my artworks.”
MIKE AQUINO
JOF SERING
Writer, “The breakfast club”, p34, and “Flying colors”, p64 “Blue has always been my favorite. It’s one of the most relaxing colors to see when traveling, and a welcome sight when you’re stressed out with the random vagaries of the trip!”
Set designer, “On the crest of a wave”, p66 “I have a few pairs of purple lounge pants and socks, and my phone casing is purple. I guess I unconsciously gravitate towards it — I’m not sure why.”
Get social
Goodies from our network
HOT SHOTS HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE #MYSMILESNAP PHOTOS ON INSTAGRAM. TAG YOURS AND GET A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED NEXT MONTH
@vincebry felt he was on top of the world at Mount Pulag
@nikelotitlla's shot shows that the water's clear and the company's cool at Apo Island
Jump shots are better with a view of the sunrise, as @jamieglannister shows here
@zarahabu's smile brightens up a gloomy day at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
We're jealous of @gotmarked's playground in Bukidnon
Write to us, join our contests, show us your pics and stay updated. Follow us on Smile Magazine for Cebu Pacific and smilemag. And catch up on old issues of Smile at ink-live/emagazines/smile.
Reporting the buzz
KC Ramirez Rounds up some cool exhibitions and events to check out
12 Smile June 2016
Roy Macaraig Recommends some essential gear for running in the dark
Jakeena Malli Heads to Hong Kong to try the rainbow toast that drove the internet crazy
Ruben Nepales Chats with Maroon 5 frontman and The Voice judge Adam Levine
Zane Ronquillo Helps you decide where to go and what to do across the network this month
Outtakes
Shooting the cover
THE MONEY SHOT We found the perfect spot for this beachy top shot on the front yard of Isla Cabana Resort, and to get the angle we wanted, photographers Nicolai and Caroline clambered up a step ladder. We traveled a great distance to shoot this cover and got a lot of help from the elements — dark clouds muted the sun in all the right places, giving us the contrast we were after. Great job, Mother Nature!
WHO’S WHO
We gathered a crew of interesting personalities — all Siargao locals — to model for the shot. Super pro, guys, super pro.
TEAM SMILE AT WORK
Jet Jet
Teaching photo editor Aaron Low how to eat local ice candy
Makeup artists Ren and Jem head off to Cloud 9 for an afternoon of surf lessons Manette Alcala
Nicolai displays some, er, commitment to the job
A quick post-shoot goodbye groupfie
Sanne Sevig
The Danish Connection find some downtime aboard the Peter Pan
MAGAZ
INE FO R CEBU PA C I F I
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JUNE 2 016
RED REPUB
Why China
TARY • JUNE 2016
And how some global villages on our local shores, by sheer diversity of the residents, defy the one-color theme
And because we’re perpetually on beach mode...
ISSUE
We’ve been obsessing over the idea that places bring to mind specific colors
• THE COLORS
14 Smile June 2016
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Trending
Exclusively on waytogo.cebupacificair.com
Need some travel inspiration? VISIT WAYTOGO FOR EXHILARATING DESTINATION FEATURES, AS WELL AS UPDATES ON THE HOTTEST EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN THE REGION. 8 NATURAL WONDERS YOU MUST VISIT IN THE PHILIPPINES From Banaue’s rice terraces to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, these works of art crafted by Mother Nature will take your breath away
TOP 5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS IN ASIAPACIFIC Planning a family holiday in the region soon, but not sure what your options are? There’s something for everyone in these fun-filled cities
9 UNIQUE EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN HONG KONG Hong Kong Island might have the shopping and nightlife, but Kowloon and the New Territories hold a host of pleasant surprises for the curious traveler
Watch out for this logo in the pages of Smile for web exclusives — videos, interviews and travel checklists.
WATCH COOL VIDEOS
HANOI IN BLOOM The peaceful flower villages around Vietnam's capital offer welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city
16 Smile June 2016
CREATE A TRAVEL KIT ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN TRAVEL MOOD BOARDS WITH THE WAYTOGO STORIES THAT INSPIRE YOU. Register for a travel kit at waytogo. cebupacificair.com
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FINOLEATHERWARE.COM FB + IG: FINOLEATHERWARE
Flight plan
66
June 2016
The colors issue
On the crest of a wave Get to know some of the people giving Siargao its global-village vibe
96 The dying of the light Marvel at these photographs of Hong Kong’s soon-to-be-gone neon signs
74 Mighty domes and minarets Visit these eight impressive mosques next time you’re in Malaysia
88 Crimson tide Find out the various meanings of the color red in Chinese culture
June 2016 Smile 19
Flight plan
June 2016
60
The creation of Adam Father-to-be Adam Levine chats with us about the beginnings of Maroon 5, and his latest projects
THE BUZZ
24 Sensory overload Take this quiz to find out which events to fit into your itinerary this month 29 A tribute to the past and present Reasons to get excited about Manila’s new National Museum of Natural History
40 Daddy dearest We rank some of the best and worst fictional dads for Father’s Day 45 Market day special Shop for Philippine-made souvenirs, and colorful home accessories from Bali
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Trip journal Heading for any of Cebu Pacific’s 64 destinations? Get recommendations from our correspondents.
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES
32 Say cheese! Our writer tries the rainbow cheese toastie from Hong Kong
The
buzz What you need to know about this month
INSIDE FUN DISCOVERIES NEED TO KNOW Join these folks at the Colors of Freedom Run on June 12
STUFF WE LOVE EXPERT ADVICE TRAVEL TIPS GABFESTS
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The
buzz
START HERE
I’m headed for…
COOL EVENTS
Sensory overload There’s no shortage of interesting things to see and do across the network this month. Take our quiz to find out what to fit into your holiday
Prefer to relax, catch a show?
SINGAPORE
Want drink discoveries?
Coffee & conversation is more my style.
Gimme ice-cold beer!
Check out the Singapore Coffee Festival. Taste different specialty coffees and local kopi from 100-plus exhibitors bringing top coffee roasts from around the world. It’s an educational showcase, too, for coffee fans who want to learn to make their favorite drink. Experts are on hand to share everything they know in talks, workshops and lab sessions. Expect top tips on barista techniques, latte art styles, basic home-brew skills and coffee business basics. June 9-12, F1 Pit Building; sistic.com.sg
Beerfest Asia grows in scope this year, bringing more than 500 bottles of beer, cider, whiskies and spirits for everyone’s enjoyment. More than 18 countries brought their best brews here to compete in the Asia Beer Awards. These include traditionally strong beer-makers such as Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Hungary, the Netherlands, France, Australia, the UK and the US, so you’ll get quite the education in beer appreciation. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, with live music, guest DJs and comedians providing the entertainment, and trademark Singapore cuisine to pair with the drinks. June 16-19, Marina Promenade; sistic.com.sg
24 Smile June 2016
Something for kids, please.
I’m chasing the classics!
Singapore is the latest stop in the touring hit Shrek – The Musical. The show, of course, stars everyone’s favorite green ogre, his crazy BFF donkey and other quirky characters in a kingdom far, far away. June 8-19, Marina Bay Sands; sistic. com.sg
Catch Les Misérables as it heads back to Singapore. The Cameron Mackintosh production has been re-imagined for today’s audiences, featuring the beloved songs and characters. The scene set-up, staging and orchestration have been tweaked, helping inject new blood into the classic musical without dulling its rousing impact. Until July 17, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay; sistic.com.sg
METRO MANILA
Want to see big trucks dueling?
How about a punk musical?
Watch five-ton trucks race through a customized obstacle course, ripping through the track and setting off into the air over vehicles and dirt mounds at Monster Jam. Most exciting of all are the trucks and their daredevil drivers doing tricks and smashing through things in their path. June 18 & 19, Mall of Asia Arena; smtickets.com
Catch the popular punk-poprock opera American Idiot. Based on the US band Green Day’s concept album from 2004, the show follows the story of three young men post-9/11. This is the South-East Asian debut of the Grammy- and Tony Award-winning production. From June 24, Globe Iconic Store; globe.com.ph
NOTEWORTHY
Manila Urban Design Week
BANGKOK
I love shopping when I travel.
I love catching shows!
Thailand reminds tourists again why it’s one of Asia’s shopping capitals. This month, visitors are greeted with all-day bargains at over 15,000 shops in 100-plus malls and department stores with the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2016. Boutique shops are offering uniquely Thai products and international brands. The discounts get as high as 80%! June 15-August 15, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
Cyril Magic Up Close & Personal, which premiered in Hong Kong, has finally reached Bangkok. Cyril, also a TV sensation, is the consummate modern performer who understands storytelling and the power of a personable stage presence — you’ll be charmed and awed at the same time. Gates open 30 minutes before the show; be there early so they don’t close the door on you. June 16-19, KBank SIAM PIC-GANESHA Theater; thaiticketmajor.com
BY ZANE RONQUILLO; PHOTOS BY MIGUEL YEE BACAOCO (MNL URBAN DESIGN FESTIVAL); GETTY IMAGES (HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL)
HONG KONG
Party at night?
Or make merry in the day?
Beer, food, music — now that’s an irresistible combination. Expect the San Miguel Beerfest 2016 to be packed with all the fun people who can’t resist this kind of night out. This is the largest such event in the annual Hong Kong calendar, where locals and tourists alike mingle with bottles of their favorite brew in hand. June 10-12, Central Harbourfront
Thousands of rowers descend upon Victoria Harbour for the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, a much-anticipated event. Soak up the competitive spirit, the sound of drums, paddlers using all their might, colorful uniforms and boats, and the rush to the finish line. The best spot to catch the races is Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. June 1012, Central Harbourfront
Dream up a better Metro Manila at the 2nd Manila Urban Design Festival. The week-long festival kicks off on June 26, and features an interesting line-up of exhibits, workshops, talks, performances and tours that aim to inspire thought and action on important issues facing the metropolis today. The festival takes the dialogue on urban issues out of the conference room, and invites people from all backgrounds and interests to celebrate Metro Manila as it is today, and dream a better future for the city. The festival is organized by Viva Manila and Curiosity Designs Research. Follow fb.com/ MNLurbandesign for complete details on the events.
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The
buzz KIDS SPECIAL
Watery realms THREE THINGS TO SEE AT SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM’S ANNUAL ART SHOW FOR CHILDREN, “IMAGINARIUM: OVER THE OCEAN, UNDER THE SEA”
Lose yourself Let your imagination come to life at Future World, a digital dream in Singapore’s ArtScience Museum
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reate a digital dream town with your own drawings of cars, buildings and even fantastical spaceships. Design a game of hopscotch and see the floor panels change color as you play. Then make music with giant globes as their sounds and colors mutate. At Future World, you create your own experience and choose your own adventure in an interactive and immersive digital playground — ArtScience Museum’s newest, and Singapore’s largest ever. As many as 15 spectacular installations can be enjoyed by everyone — in fact,
1 Marvel at Underwater Labyrinth’s luminescent “corals” made of more than 1,300kg of sugar, chocolate and various other confectionery.
2 Play at Where is Mogus?, which is filled with cute, crocheted deep-sea animals of different sizes that the kids can play with.
Admission times are 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm and 5.30pm (last entry); marinabaysands.com
WORKSHOP ALERT
Learn calligraphy from a master One of the foremost Spencerian calligraphers in the world, master penman Michael R. Sull will be visiting the Philippines for workshops. Learn about script fundamentals on June 30 or dive into the “Spencerian Bootcamp” on July 1 & 2. Workshops will be at A Space, Makati, and all skill levels are welcome. Visit mpsullmnl.weebly.com for more information.
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3 Enjoy theater show The Sounds of the Estuary, about a tiny community performed by puppets.
“Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea” runs until August 28.
WORDS BY KC RAMIREZ; PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEAMLAB, JANICE WONG, MULYANA AND PAPERMOON PUPPET THEATRE
MUST SEE
kids and adults might find a regular new playground here. Start with a stroll through luminous moving flowers then, in between galleries, gaze at the 7m-tall virtual waterfall. For the finale, visit the stunning Crystal Universe, which simulates space with 170,000 LED lights. Your own movements will influence the 4D design, creating a digital cosmos that you’ll witness only at that moment. Built with the award-winning, Tokyobased artist collaborative teamLab — described as an “interdisciplinary group of ultra-technologists” — Future World is a permanent exhibition that will evolve with more installations. Visit the ArtScience Museum, and take time to explore them all.
The
buzz
FOR UPDATES ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, VISIT GOO.GL/HELHJQ
RECENT OPENING
Go crazy for Peanuts NEW MUSEUM
A tribute to the past and present The upcoming National Museum of Natural History presents Philippine history in a cool location
WORDS BY CHARMAINE BAYLON (MAIN); ARTIST'S PERSPECTIVES COURTESY OF DOMINIC GALICIA ARCHITECTS
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ocals and visitors will have an exciting new landmark to look forward to before the year ends: The National Museum of Natural History in Rizal Park, Manila. Work is under way at the former Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism building, and the design team can’t wait for people to see their favorite areas — such as the Marble Hall and central courtyard with the Tree of Life. “Seen from outside, the glass dome — which is 40m in diameter and composed of alternating panels of glass and aluminum — sits perfectly on the neoclassical façade of the existing Antonio Toledo building,” says architect Dominic Galicia, head of Dominic Galicia Architects. So what can we expect? “The lift inside the Tree will take you to the fifth floor, which houses the geological exhibits and complex origins of our archipelago. You may then walk down to the fourth level for terrestrial life forms,” explains Tina Periquet, principal designer of the interior-
design firm Periquet Galicia. Afterwards, you can proceed to marine life on the third floor, and the Palawan-themed galleries on the second floor. The project is not without its challenges. First off, it is both a heritage and an old office building, so certain features had to be maintained. They also had to consider the air ducts, pipes, ceilings, foot traffic and weight of the exhibits. And then they had to marry all these with their vision of a contemporary space. Technology and sustainable solutions — like their use of proper ventilation, LED lights and windows that can let in as much natural light as possible — are helping them to realize this transformation. In the end, the goal is clear. “We want the museum to tell the story of this country, in a setting that reflects our heritage as a fusion of Western, Eastern and indigenous bloodlines and cultural influences — a fitting showcase for the Philippines as one of the richest repositories of biodiversity on the planet,” concludes Tina.
The world's first Snoopy Museum opened last April at Tokyo's Roppongi. Visitors will be able to see original cartoons from Charles M. Schulz Museum's collection. New exhibitions curated by the museum will be launched every six months, and will feature rare Peanuts memorabilia, as well as Schulz's pre-Peanuts works. The museum will have a section on unpublished sketches, too. The Snoopy Museum is a seven-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Roppongi station. snoopymuseum.tokyo/en
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The
buzz COOL DIGS
Beachside bliss Isla Cabana Resort in General Luna, Siargao gets our two thumbs up for certified family fun
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1 The new premier cabana called Naked Island, after Siargao’s famous sandbar 2 A view from the top of the expansive Isla Cabana sprawl 3 Pancakes and other pastries are staples in the daily breakfast buffet
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f you’re taking the whole brood out to Siargao for a much-needed dose of tropical island recovery — quality time together or apart, a constant sea breeze, bottomless coconut juice — park yourselves at our favorite local, Isla Cabana Resort, where the staff are friendly and the beachfront is perhaps the best on the island. The long stretch of white sand is rock-free — the perfect place to keep four-year-olds with a minipail and shovel occupied for hours. And when you’ve had enough of the sea, two pools make for cool alternative hangouts. But what the resort really has going for it is the space it offers — it just feels big and refreshingly open everywhere, from the shared dining and lounge areas
to the cabanas, especially along the new row of accommodations unveiled earlier this year. At the brand new premier cabanas, you can watch the sun rise and set from the privacy of your own terrace — dining on grilled seafood, soaking in the jacuzzi, taking Instagram snaps and giving everyone else #vacationgoals (there’s free WiFi in the whole resort) — your view of the Pacific unimpeded. Rates start at PHP6400 in the traditionally lean months of June to August. Isla Cabana also has other temptations you’d expect from a family-friendly
resort. There’s a semi-alfresco dining area where a breakfast of fresh tropical fruit and savory fare is served daily; a weights gym if you’d like to keep fit on your holiday; a spa to check in to after a long day of island-hopping; rental mountain bikes in adult and kid sizes on which to explore the inner dirt roads of town; and kayaks and standup paddle boards for an adventure out at sea. And then there’s something extra: playful dogs wander about and sidle up to guests, hoping to get petted, giving the place added personality and an extra homey feel.
Isla Cabana Resort, Barangay Cambutuanon, General Luna, +63 928 559 5244; islacabanaresort.com June 2016 Smile 31
The
buzz NEW RESTO ALERT
VISUAL TREAT
Say cheese! Jakeena Malli tries the colorful internet sensation from Kala Toast in Hong Kong
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ou might’ve seen it online — the rainbow grilled-cheese sandwich by Hong Kong’s Kala Toast. It became a viral sensation recently, with outlets such as The Huffington Post and Buzzfeed running news stories about it. Called KALAful, the sandwich is filled with tomato-, lavender- and basil-flavored cheeses in red, blue and green respectively, plus a combination of cheddar, emmental, gruyère and mozzarella. If you’re put off by the colors, don’t be — they’re extracted from actual tomatoes, lavender blooms and basil leaves, said Kala Toast owner Jack Tam.
The cheeses, meanwhile, are sourced directly from Europe. The KALAful surely looked good onscreen, so when I found myself in the city, I headed for Tsuen Wan to try it out. I ordered the king size (HK$42), which had twice as much cheese as the regular (HK$35) one. The bread was toasted nicely — a bit crisp on the outside, but moist on the inside. The taste was well balanced, with the tomato, lavender and basil flavors complementing the saltiness and sweetness of the cheese. It was a bit oily though, so you might want to share the snack with a friend.
Kala Toast is at Shop 6, G/F, Cheong Tai Building, 4 Tsuen Hing Path, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong; kalatoast.com
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Foodies visiting Cebu will have one more eating place to add to their itinerary. Set to open this month, The Pig & Palm is Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton (above) and his wife Irha’s first gastronomic venture in the Philippines. The Pig & Palm is the 16th in the couple’s highly successful restaurant group, The Social Company, which spans London, New York City, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai and Sydney. “It has always been Irha’s dream to bring some of the success of The Social Company back to her hometown of Cebu,” said Atherton. “It gives me great joy to open a Social destination here as my love letter to her.” Guests will be able to enjoy modern Spanish tapas and pork plates, such as Jamón and Manchego Toastie with Quail’s Eggs, Lechón de Leche with Spiced Porkfat Roasted Carrots and Herb Dressing, and Pulled Pork Burgers with Spiced Tomato Chutney and Avocado. There’s a brunch menu as well, featuring inventive egg-based dishes. Ingredients will be sourced from the best farms in Cebu. The Pig & Palm is located at MSY Tower at Cebu Business Park.
WORDS BY KAT MATEO (SIDEBAR); PHOTO BY JAKEENA MALLI
Island feast
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LOCAL CHOW
The breakfast club Mike Aquino visits two very different hangouts in Manila to hear the tales behind the taste
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ory Aquino. Gloria Romero. National Artist for Literature N.V.M. González. Pan de suelo in hand, I’m in very good company. Breakfast at the storied Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City consists of thick
slices of traditional Filipino bread with an even more prestigious pedigree than your run-of-the-mill pan de sal. “It used to be the most popular bread in the Philippines — it was the original bread, before pan de sal came along,” proprietor Wilson Lee Flores explains as I bite into the thick slices of Kamuning Bakery’s pan de suelo. As opposed to your typical pan de sal — egg-sized portions of light, airy bread — pan de suelo is fist-sized, crisp on the outside and dense on the inside. “Suelo is the Spanish word for ‘floor’, because it is baked directly on the floor of the wood-fired brick oven, or pugon,” Wilson tells me. “When the Americans came later on, they said, ‘That’s not the modern way of baking, you should use tin pans!’ So it became pan de sal.” The quintessential Filipino breakfast, as it turns out, is not as ancient or set in stone as you’d think. Kamuning Bakery’s biggest seller is a throwback to older methods, yet its retro feel wins ardent fans just as more modern breakfast outfits like Pi: Breakfast
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and Pies win theirs with nouveau takes on classic agahan (breakfast) favorites. Artisanal attention Kamuning Bakery’s story goes back to 1939, when its ancient pugon started pumping out pan de suelo from this spot off Kamuning Road. First built as a spin-off of the Los Baños Bakery in Singalong, Manila, the bakery and its puffy product garnered a long and illustrious fan base over the years: academics like Dean Armando Malay and N.V.M. González (“It’s also the bread referred to by González in his famous story ‘The Bread of Salt’,” Wilson tells me); celebrities including Coney Reyes, Richard Gomez and Gloria Romero; and former president Cory Aquino, who often came in person to pick up her breakfast bread. Today’s Kamuning Bakery serves a pan de suelo sampler with small plates of pork menudo, chicken adobo and home-made corned beef. None of the pre-packaged stuff for patrons: the large hunks of corned beef look hand-cut. Wilson insists on an artisanal attention to the source that shines
NEW S ECT ALERT ION !
What do p places eople in dif ferent ha settin ve as their t g f irst o meal o neday? F f ollow our mo the nthly chronic le.
FILIPINO FOOD
Chew on this
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1 One of the pancakes you can try at Pi 2 This tapsilog from Pi features Kitayama Wagyu beef 3 Kamuning Bakery 4 Pi's Spamsilog has caramelized Spam cubes, kimchi rice and ramen egg with a dash of pesto 5 Coffee at Kamuning Bakery 6 The pan de suelo sampler
• Pan de sal Traditional breakfast bread rolls made from flour, egg, yeast, sugar and salt. • Kesong puti Soft white cheese made from carabao’s milk • Longganisa Philippine sausage usually made from ground pork and minced garlic • Silog A set meal that comes with fried rice (sinangag) and egg (itlog)
Where Kamun
ing Bakery go es back to basi future, raising cs with its pan rice-and-mea de suelo, Pi lo t breakfasts be oks to the yond traditiona l roots
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A distinguished journalist, he was the dean of student affairs of the University of the Philippines at the height of student uprisings against martial law. Armando J. Malay: A Guardian of Memory (the Life and Times of a Filipino Journalist and Activist) by Marites N. Sison and Yvonne Chua makes for a riveting read. The late novelist, poet, essayist and National Artist for Literature left behind a mountain of literary works, but a good place to start is The Bread of Salt and Other Stories. The screen legend’s career began in the 1950s, when she quickly became a favorite female lead, and continues to thrive in these times of full-color HD. Political pundit.
from even Kamuning’s newer offerings. “Our kesong puti is from Laguna, our longganisa is from Lucban,” Wilson tells me. “We buy our own beef, do our own tapa. Our tapa with rice is a favorite of Teddy Boy Locsin — he said it’s the best tapa on Earth he has ever tasted!” Bake to the future Today the flipside to Kamuning Bakery’s old-timey approach to breakfast finds a steady stream of customers not far from Kamuning Road. Malingap Street in UP Teacher’s Village has become part of the Maginhawa Street food renaissance of the past few years, driven early on by maverick eating spots like Ed Bugia’s Pi: Breakfast & Pies. Filipino silog lovers beat a path to Pi for Ed’s subversive take on tried-and-true rice, meat and egg classics. Take Pi’s Beef Sirloin Tapa, assembled from premium ingredients: Kitayama Wagyu beef imported from Bukidnon, stir-fried and served atop kimchi-infused garlic rice, then completed with a five-minute egg with a creamy yolk, the same kind of egg that you
find in a hearty bowl of Japanese ramen. Chef Ed refuses to go “full-on fusion”, but the addition of Japanese and Korean touches to classic Filipino breakfast favorites already elevates Pi’s silogs to their own breakfast universe. Where Kamuning Bakery goes back to basics with its floorbaked pan de suelo, Pi looks to the future, raising rice-and-meat breakfasts beyond traditional roots to connect with pan-Asian influences. To go by just these two favorite cafés, Manila breakfasts have both an illustrious past and a promising future.
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Kamuning Bakery 43 Judge Jimenez cor K-1st St, Quezon City, +63 2 929 2216; fb.com/KamuningBakery Pi: Breakfast & Pies 39 Malingap St, Teacher’s Village, Quezon City, +63 2 931 2337; fb.com/breakfastnpies June 2016 Smile 35
The
buzz FUN RUN
Celebrate freedom Running is a liberating thing to do, so what better way to celebrate the Philippines’ 118 years of independence than a fun run? The Colors of Freedom Run at Bonifacio Global City on June 12 is exactly that. Participants will be given colorful Afro wigs they can wear during the race, and Holi powder they can throw out. (They had us at “Afro wigs”.) colorsoffreedom.net
RUNNING GEAR
Glow for it! 1
Whether you prefer early-morning or late-evening runs, here’s some essential gear to make sure you’re visible and safe VEST IN SHOW Wearing a reflective vest might feel like overkill, but it's essential — especially if you’re running in the dark. Choose one that is lightweight and will stay in place. Salzmann Safety Sport Vest, PHP693; lazada.com.ph 1
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2 ALL CAPS Even when you are cresting a hill, you want to be seen. Wear a running cap with a reflective line on the bill, like this one from Under Armour. S$39 at underarmour.com.sg
3 GET AHEAD If you are planning on running on a trail in the dark, you will require something more than reflectorized gear. Choose a head lamp so that the illumination will go where your eyes are. Petzl Tikka 2 LED Headlamp; PHP1,779 at galleon.ph
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UP IN ARMS These armbands aren’t only reflective, they have LEDs too (PHP504; lazada.com.ph). Glow sticks — yes, like the ones you wear at rave parties — are a cheaper option (pack of 100, PHP1,710 at lazada. com.ph).
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5 LIGHT FOOTED Many running shoes have reflective elements on the upper. Asics upped the ante through its Lite-Show Technology, which provides all-over reflectivity — making it perfect for running on dimly lit roads. Gel Cumulus 17 Lite-Show; US$99; asics.com
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WORDS AND SELECTION BY ROY MACARAIG
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We are where you need us tto be. b ONLY 10 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NAIA)! AND JUST WITHIN REACH OF MAJOR TOURIST & ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS!
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1. Cultural Center of the Philippines 2. World Trade Center Manila
Makati
WORLD TRADE CENTER METRO MANILA
3. MOA / SMX Convention Center 4. Baclaran Church Taguig
5. Solaire Resort & Casino 6. Resorts World 7. NAIA Terminal 4 8. NAIA Terminal 3 9. NAIA Terminal 2 10. NAIA Terminal 1 11.Villamor Golf Course 12. LRT 1
Pasay
NAIA ro
QU IRIN O AVE NO NUE YA QU IN O AV EN UE
ad
13. PNR
NI
Manila bay
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SMART REASONS TO CHOOSE
Windsor Beds
Super Shower
LCD Cable TV
Free Wi-Fi
Safe & Secure
Transport Access
Fun Vibe
Service Plus
The
buzz Edito r pick ’s “Th is boo me tea k made r up — KM .”
READING LIST
Daddy dearest To celebrate Father’s Day, we rank some of fiction’s most memorable dads — from loser to super
HUMBERT HUMBERT Appears in: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Humbert is the worst stepdad ever. He married Charlotte so he could get close to her 12-year-old daughter Dolores, aka Lolita. When Charlotte died, Humbert acted on his desires.
JACK TORRANCE Appears in: The Shining by Stephen King Jack tried to murder his wife and son, which could’ve made him the worst in this list. But he was possessed by a demon, so we cut him some slack.
HARRY WORMWOOD Appears in: Matilda by Roald Dahl Harry bullied Matilda and didn’t support her at all. He may not be as evil as Humbert and Jack, but he’s a bad dad nonetheless.
THE MAN Appears in: The Road by Cormac McCarthy The Man does all he can to protect his son and keep him safe. When the world as we know it ends, you’d want your kids to have a dad just like him.
DANIEL LEBLANC Appears in: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Daniel built a scale model of their neighborhood so his blind daughter, Marie-Laure, can learn how to navigate the city streets on her own. Every kid needs a father as nurturing as him.
ATTICUS FINCH Appears in: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Atticus is morally upright, and taught his children to treat everyone with respect, regardless of skin color and social status.
WORDS AND SELECTION BY KAT MATEO
DAD METER
NEW RELEASE
Graphic fantasy
If dad loves comic books, then he might fancy a copy of Comic Book Lab’s latest — War of Whispers. Set in the Philippines during World War II, the comic book follows a Filipino boy, Julian, who’s on a quest to deliver an important message to the Americans in Leyte. He encounters creatures from Filipino and Japanese myths along the way, making him question his grasp on reality. Available at all Comic Odyssey branches.
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Artist's perspective of Solinea's Ultramarine amenity
Southern comforts WITH ALVEO LAND’S SIGNATURE DEVELOPMENTS, YOUR WORK AND LIFE CAN COME TOGETHER IN CEBU CITY Artist's perspective of Solinea Lazuli
If you’re looking for a piece of property as a strategic base for your business, as a smart investment, or as the perfect home for you and your family, look no further than Alveo Land in Cebu City. Here you can enjoy all the benefits of living and working in the Queen City, with all the best that the South has to offer. A PLACE FOR LIVING WELL Every day will feel like a vacation at Solinea, Alveo’s first multi-tower development in Cebu. Located right across the Ayala Center Cebu, the property features resort-inspired amenities such as the Ultramarine, a 6,000sqm resort lifestyle zone that has a 1,000sqm multi-experiential pool complex, a play park and a children’s play area, plus a clubhouse with function rooms, a gym, a pocket garden, a dance studio, game rooms and a roof deck. Lazuli, Solinea's latest tower, even has an outdoor lounge with
hammock cabanas, a yin-andyang meditation pod, a function room, and a Me Nook, for those moments when you just need to be by yourself. Currently on offer are studio, one-, two-, and threebedroom units. A PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS AND SOUND INVESTMENT The BPI Cebu Corporate Center at Cebu Park District, one of Alveo’s flagship projects for business in Cebu, is an innovatively designed 18-storey building. Among its key features is a glass façade that maximizes natural lighting in all 168 units. It’s also equipped with office building essentials such as 100% backup power, CCTV, fire detection and smoke alarm systems, and telecoms and broadband provisions. The best part? BPI Cebu Corporate Center units are not just for lease — they’re for sale. Typical office units range from 68 to 143sqm.
Solinea and BPI Cebu Corporate Center are joint projects of Alveo Land and Cebu Holdings Inc. Call +63 2 848 5100 (Metro Manila) and +63 32 417 1777 (Cebu) or visit www.alveoland.com.ph for more information. You may also visit the showroom at 3/F Ayala Center Cebu.
Artist's perspective of BPI Cebu Corporate Center
The
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Marke Day t Specia l
FABULOUS FINDS
True colors Determined to liven up his Bali pad, photographer Tommy Schultz peruses the side streets of the island for bright finds with a story to tell
PHOTO BY TOMMY SCHULTZ
“T
he coolest thing about the wood from this table is that you can see it’s been repainted and refinished since it was built,” explained Jake Mackenzie, one of the designers and concept artists behind the signature style of Bali’s most stylish surf shop, Drifter Surf Shop, on Jalan Oberoi, also known around these parts simply as Eat Street. He was telling me the story behind a unique coffee table that also happens to be the centerpiece of the coffee
shop within Drifter. “They don’t strip the old paint, they just paint over it. It has layers and layers of color that tell a story. When they start stripping it back, you see all the beautiful colors and textures that were hidden underneath.” The table was once the hull of one of Bali’s distinctive fishing boats, protected by countless layers of brightly colored paint to protect the wood from the tropical sun and salt of the sea. Jake then sanded the wood
to reveal a kaleidoscope of paint beneath and create a singular piece of furniture to complement the shop’s laid-back ocean vibe. I felt like a geologist reading the history of time in sedimentary layers as I leaned in for a closer look. Red, blue, green, aquamarine — each one represents a year on the open sea for the old boat. I’ve been on a home-improvement mission for some time, looking for pieces that not only look good but can also spark a conversation. But it was at that moment, thanks to Jake’s story as inspiration, that my decorating project finally found focus: what if I scoured the island’s many boutiques for pieces that would bring the story of Bali into my living room? And with this theme in mind, that’s exactly what I did that afternoon.
June 2016 Smile 45
The
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2pm First stop: Jalan Kunti II, a twisting side street clustered with a seemingly endless array of interior-design shops. Just 300m east of Sunset Road, the main thoroughfare in Denpasar, the sign for Igun Ku — Boat Furniture and Antiques caught my eye. I thought to myself: Perhaps I might bring a bit of Drifter’s beach-influenced charm
back home with me. The shop is crammed to the ceiling with beautiful relics of Indonesia’s seafaring culture. Boat wood has been fashioned to create everything from towering bookshelves to stylish nightstands. With a bit of friendly negotiation, a savvy shopper could bargain for an amazing deal here.
bid starts
$27
"With a bit of fr iendly negotiatio n, a savvy shop could bargain fo per r an amazing de al here"
less than
$25
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3.05pm Just a short ride from Igun Ku, the bold colors of the Riyan Lamp Shop grabbed my attention. The style here is retro-chic with beautifully finished teak wood, accented with a strong palette of 1960s primary colors. The red lamp that I was especially drawn to started at US$27 (without any haggling).
Visit waytogo.cebupacificair.com/bali for the best things to see and do in the island. 46 Smile June 2016
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4.15pm Next stop was Bain Art, the quirkiest stop yet. Antique gongs hang before a showroom crammed with a bewildering collection of carvings, curios and a few things I couldn’t categorize. No worries about buying a “same old same old” gift here! I asked for the price of a set of three hand-painted red mahogany bowls, nestling within each other. Bidding started at just $30.
bid starts
$30
starts at
$6.50
bid starts
$30 SHOPPING TIPS
Haggle like a pro
starts at
PHOTOS BY TOMMY SCHULTZ
$39
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5.30pm An afternoon of shopping can fly by, and the sun was dipping as I rushed to my last stop — Jaya P. Glass, purveyors of Bali’s ubiquitous beach bean bags. A comfy-looking cobalt-blue recliner beanbag starts at US$39, and an elegant orange velvet pillow hovers around US$6.50. Also at the shop: a bin of crayon-colored “penjors”, a stylized version of the ornamental bamboo decoration used at most traditional Balinese ceremonies. These start at just US$2.70. It’s early evening and the shops here are shutting down, but in just an afternoon of exploring I’ve already begun to discover what designers like Mackenzie have known for years — exploring Bali’s many outlets for interior design can reveal a kaleidoscope of beautiful and unexpected colors.
Start low Offer 50% of the initial price and go from there. Always make eye contact when you make your bid, and keep things friendly with a smile. Talk like a local Use “berapa harga”, the local way of asking the price. Know your zeros The Indonesian rupiah is around 13,000 to the US dollar. Take four zeros and about 25% off to quickly convert the numbers. Try not to give yourself away by using a calculator.
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PRETTY PICKS
Local luxe Support the work of craftsmen in the Philippines with these über-stylish, artisan-made home accessories
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1 Anahaw Serving Platter Handcrafted from food-safe resin by MSA Silay Export based in Bacolod, these whimsical anahaw leaf trays are a musthave for fun and chic entertaining at home. PHP515
2 Kapayas Pilo Storage by Stanley Ruiz for Hacienda Crafts This storage piece is made of T’nalak, an abaca-based tapestry that’s woven so meticulously it takes a week to complete. PHP2,530
Buri Metro Tray by Stanley Ruiz for Hacienda Crafts Both modern and traditional, the Metro Tray looks like an industrial sculpture but is crafted from buri palm leaves by artisans of Hacienda Crafts. PHP3,850 3
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5 Anguilla Desk Tray Set Spruce up your workspace with the Anguilla stackable tray set, which is made by Gawad Kalinga artisans. They are crafted from jute sack, saguran and T’nalak. PHP550
MEET THE DESIGNER
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STANLEY RUIZ
Stanley Ruiz was recently named by the interior design and lifestyle salon Maison&Objet Asia as one of its Rising Asian Talents. Ruiz’s works merge traditional craft techniques with modern design, and have been featured at the Museum of Arts and Design and the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York. Check out his collaboration with Negrosbased exporter, Hacienda Crafts.
All products available at seektheuniq.com 48 Smile June 2016
WORDS BY KC RAMIREZ; PHOTOS BY VIC GUERRERO; BUBOY CANAFRANCA (STANLEY RUIZ)
4 Belize Multipurpose Tray The set consists of three trays in sabutan basket weave made with T’nalak, and crafted by artisans of the Gawad Kalinga Village in Negros Occidental. PHP2,300
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Urban oasis HERE ARE FOUR GREAT PERKS YOU’LL ENJOY WHEN YOU OWN A UNIT AT ACACIA ESCALADES
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THE CONVENIENT LOCATION Whether you have school- or college-aged kids, or you’re a young professional working in Ortigas or Libis, Acacia Escalades in Pasig City is a nice spot to be based. It’s located near the business hubs of Ortigas and Libis, and a short ride away from reputable schools and universities. The Medical City is also a stone’s throw away, as are shopping, dining and entertainment destinations such as Robinsons Metro East, Eastwood City, Sta. Lucia East Mall and Frontera Verde.
PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR RECREATION Among the amenities you get to enjoy at the mid-rise residential enclave are adult and kiddie pools, a gym, a function room, and a children’s playground. There’s also plenty of greenery integrated in the property’s design. What’s more, Acacia Escalades will have its very own Robinsons Supermarket, so everything you need is within easy reach.
WELL-DESIGNED UNITS You can choose from studio, one- or two-bedroom units at Acacia Escalades. But no matter which one you pick, you’ll have your own electric and water meter, a standardfinished kitchen counter, and a standard- finished toilet and bath. Two-bedroom units also have space to accommodate a washing machine.
SAFETY AND SECURITY At Acacia Escalades, you and your loved ones are safe and secure. Aside from standard safety amenities such as fire exits, automatic sprinkler systems and emergency power supply, there will also be CCTVs installed at strategic locations.
Acacia Escalades is a project of the Robinsons Communities brand under the residential division of Robinsons Land Corp. It is located at the corner of Amang Rodriguez Ave and Calle Industria, Pasig City. For more information, call +63 2 248 5888 or visit robinsonscommunities.com/acacia-escalades Phase 1: HLURB LS No. 029250 Phase 2: HLURB TLS No. ENCRFO-15-11-030
The
buzz HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL FOR WORK?
HIGH FLYER
Edgar Cayanan General manager, Paradise Hotels & Cruises; based in Halong, Vietnam
I usually travel around five times a year out of Vietnam for business trips.
What is your preferred time for flying and why? I like to choose flights that enable me to arrive at a destination early in the morning so that I can have the whole day ahead. This helps me save time during trips. Window or aisle? Aisle. What is your preferred accommodation — chain hotel, boutique hotel or Airbnb, and why? I prefer boutique accommodations for their personalized customer care and attention to detail in terms of service. What is your preferred mode of transport — taxi, Uber or rental car — and why? I usually go for rental cars because they give me more flexibility and independence. Which app do you use most when you travel, and what do you use it for? I am not too much into apps. I use a mobile phone to access the internet and to listen to music.
TECH
Track your spending with these apps It's time to put your paper envelopes in the recycling bin and download Mvelopes. The app will help you create a budget and track your spending.
52 Smile June 2016
Mint will warn you when you're about to go over your budget. It will also give you tips on how to save money.
Expensify makes claiming businesstravel expenses easier. It can scan and capture your receipts and create expense reports.
Penny will help you get a grasp of your daily spending through graphs and text messages — just like a personal finance coach.
INTERVIEW BY CHARMAINE BAYLON; PHOTO BY LIEM TRAN
When and where was your last holiday? I went back to the Philippines in February. What I enjoy most is spending time with my family. Last time, I stayed in Pampanga with them for a while, then we went down to Boracay. I really love the place; for me it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The
buzz SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Smooth transit
BRIGHT MIND
Keep clam and carry on Dr. Neo Mei Lin highlights the giant clam’s significance in marine conservation
W
ith the spotlight on whales, sharks and coral reefs, it’s easy to forget that other marine life forms need our help too. The humble giant clam is one of them. Dr Neo Mei Lin, a Research Fellow at the Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore (NUS), champions the bivalve’s cause. Her proposed study, “A Trifecta Integrated Assessment for Prioritising Conservation of the Giant Clams”, has given it some much-needed attention — and won her a 2015 L’Oréal Singapore for Women in Science National Fellowship as well as a grant of S$30,000. “When people think about marine conservation, giant clams hardly come to mind,” observes the scientist, who was also recently recognised in the Healthcare and Science category of Forbes’ inaugural “30 Under 30 Asia 2016” list. “Giant clams have played an important role in our lives for millennia,” says Dr. Neo. “They’ve served as a coastal food resource and a source of material for their calcified
shells. Their presence helps keep the reefs and reef organisms healthy. Conserving them safekeeps an entire ecosystem that uses or depends on them — and that includes humans. “However, what was once a sustainable resource has now been almost depleted due to increasing human populations and demand. And I feel that the most challenging problem remains overharvesting from reefs. Dead shell remains have been dug up from coral reef beds, which are destructive to the clams and reef structure.” Education is key. Through her study and research, Dr. Neo aims to give the giant clam a fighting chance. “We hope to identify distinctive giant clam species that will require higher conservation priorities, and redirect resources to sustainably manage them before it is too late,” she says. You can do your part, too. “Make a conscious effort not to buy giant clam products, especially those harvested from the wild,” she suggests.
Dr. Neo Mei Lin chronicles her marine conservation efforts and other facts about the giant clam at meilin5giantclam.wordpress.com
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Thanks to a joint venture between Singapore’s SMRT Services and the Netherlands’ 2getthere, Singapore and the rest of the region may soon be a step closer to seeing automated minibuses on their roads, or in “closed” environments like campuses and hospitals. The two companies will work together as 2getthere Asia Pte Ltd to promote and operate the transport system, which can reportedly work even in bad weather guided by magnets along a route. Although it won’t be around just yet, the public will get the idea — and the benefits and advantages — when 2getthere presents the 3rd Generation Group Rapid Transit (GRT) in Singapore before the year ends. Each minibus can hold 24 passengers and run up to 40km/h. The vehicles are expected to be rolled out before the end of this year. smrt.com.sg
WORDS BY CHARMAINE BAYLON; PHOTO BY AARON LOW; COURTESY OF SMRT CORPORATION LTD
2GETTHERE’S AUTOMATED VEHICLES CAN MAKE GETTING FROM POINT A TO POINT B HASSLE-FREE
The
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TRAVELER WE LOVE
Vito Selma You can’t go wrong with the designer’s favorite spots in his hometown of Cebu
ito
e’s an award-winning furniture and homeaccessories designer who studied in San Francisco and Milan, and worked in the latter as well as South Africa. He travels a lot for business and pleasure too, but he always finds his way home to Cebu. “This small city in between the mountains and the sea is my anchor. I love to travel and see the world, but I’ll always return to Cebu to rest my head and feet,” admits Vito Selma, who was born and raised in Cebu, and is currently based in Mandaue City with his design team. “Cebu is abundant with materials and home to many talented craftsmen,” says Vito. “I’m so thankful to be surrounded by these, as they constantly inspire me to create and work hard.” Vito’s products have appeared in magazines such as Elle Décor, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Living Australia. Clean and modern, his pieces are primarily made of wood and influenced by shapes found in nature. If there’s one thing Vito appreciates and looks for in a destination, it’s the food. “I make it a point to take a cooking class in every new country I visit,” he says. “Food says so much about a country and its history. My favorite food cities are Fez in Morocco and Florence in Italy.” But at the end of the day, nothing beats the hometown charm of his beloved Cebu.
WORDS BY CHARMAINE BAYLON; PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES (TOPS, BUSAY)
to V according , s rm a h c Cebu's
Bantayan Island Three hours north of Cebu, the island of Bantayan is what Boracay was 15 to 20 years ago. It has miles of white, sugar-like sand and the clearest waters. It is also home to one of the best Italian restaurants in the country — Caffe del Mare.
Kawasan Falls This is probably the most photographed waterfall in the country. Although it’s busy with tourists, there are still moments in the day when you can have it all to yourself. My best memory is canyoneering down the Matutinao River and ending in Kawasan Falls.
Nalusuan Island I grew up spending my summers in Nalusuan. It is the perfect island getaway in Cebu as it offers a marine sanctuary, a sandbar and the best sunset in Cebu.
Tops, Busay Tops is home to the best view of the island. It is beautiful at any time of the day and it surprisingly gets chilly at night. Growing up, this is where I spent New Year’s sunrise with friends.
Shop for Vito’s collections at vitoselma.com June 2016 Smile 59
The
buzz STRAIGHT FROM HOLLYWOOD
The creation of Adam Maroon 5 frontman and father-to-be Adam Levine tells Smile about his beginnings in music, the making of his band in California, his judge spots on TV talent show The Voice and his new song-from-a-movie, “Go Now” ne of Adam Levine’s first gigs was at a high-school dance. It was reported that he was so painfully shy, he performed with his back facing the audience. “I did turn my back to them, although it was more like I was facing slightly inward,” he laughs when Smile caught up with him at the Four Seasons hotel in Los Angeles. Adam has obviously overcome his shyness. Aside from being the frontman for Maroon 5, he’s a judge and coach on The Voice. He is also dabbling with cinema. He landed his first starring role opposite Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in Begin Again, directed by John Carney (who also directed Once). The LA native sang the movie’s theme song, “Lost Stars”, which earned a 2015 Oscar nomination for Best Song. Adam also crooned the theme song, “Go Now”, in John’s new film, Sing Street. He identified with the movie’s story of a boy in 1980s Dublin who starts a band and moves to London. The 37-year-old singer, who was named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine in 2013, is excited about another role coming his way. He and his wife Behati Prinsloo, a Victoria’s Secret Angel, are expecting a baby girl in a few months’ time. “The baby can’t come fast enough,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to be a father, so I’m really excited. I think that there’s no more natural thing to be. I’m ready.” Maroon is a color, but also means “to abandon”. How many times were you abandoned by a girl? Once. Like one big time. There were not so many other times. But there were times when the person wasn’t interested, and I had to deal with that. Sing Street will probably inspire some to form a band. What motivated you to create your first band?
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The movie, honest to God, struck a chord with me personally because it was really like putting an Irish mirror to my childhood. These kids dressing like their heroes and writing songs to get the girls — that’s what we did when we were young. That’s where it all starts. It’s an inspiration, whether you want to impress a girl you like or you don’t really fit in anywhere. You want to find a community for you and your friends. When you’re in high school and you’re weird-looking and going through puberty, a band is a place where you feel like you belong. It’s empowering to be in a band. I loved all of that. John Carney knows what that’s like as well, so he painted that picture really perfectly. What was it like to play at a legendary LA club like the Troubadour at such a young age? Wow. I am on memory lane right now. I was in a band called Blurred Vision. It’s an excellent name [laughs]. They do these open-mic nights at the Troubadour every once in a while. I was 12. Everyone else was 13, so they were older than I was. It was amazing. I wasn’t the singer. I was a guitar player. But I got to sing one song, “Rockin’ Robin”. I thought I was pretty good. The band didn’t think so, because I got kicked out of the band a week later [laughs]. Maybe I was a threat to them or something. I remember that was a wild time. It was actually, strangely enough, the night [in 1992] that the riots in LA broke out. We weren’t really supposed to go anywhere. My mother had vivid stories of driving to the place in West Hollywood to see us play. People were shaking and rocking her car. It freaked her out.
The way you and Maroon 5 were discovered at a beach party in Malibu is quintessentially Hollywood. We were probably 17, and we played at a party. We had just made our first demo, and we were in high school. This guy — Tommy Allen — was jogging on the beach with his dog and he heard our band playing. It was one of those moments like out of a movie when Tommy was like, “What’s that sound I hear? It sounds really great.” He got our information, and we got him the demo, then that was it. That was the beginning. Who inspired you to pursue music? I had a music teacher — I always talk about him. His name was Garth Burke. He passed away many years ago. He was my music teacher in sixth grade. He was the most animated, soulful, amazing guy. He was the first guy who told me I could sing. I was probably nine or 10. I told him that was lame because I wanted to be a basketball player [laughs] and that if he ever told anybody, I’d be really embarrassed INTERVIEW BY RUBEN V. NEPALES; PHOTOS BY RUBEN V. NEPALES & GETTY IMAGES
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“I WRITE SONGS IN THE SHOWER, WHEN I CAN’T SLEEP, WHEN I DON’T WANT TO BE WRITING SONGS”
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because I didn’t want to be good at singing. Because it was stupid in my mind, you know. It’s really hard to explain how amazing he was, but he was my guy. I wish he was still around. I miss him. You’ve been to the Philippines three times now. Oh, man! You’ve got lots of love. They’ve got lots of love for Maroon 5 over there. There are different versions of The Voice around the world, including the Philippines. Have you seen some of these versions? It’s funny, because I’ll be in the Philippines or somewhere, and I’ll do a double take because I’ll think to myself: Oh, that’s not me — it’s the Filipino me! But it’s crazy — the reach of the show has been like a dream, almost. The contestants on The Voice are so good. How do you make your choices? I choose based on whatever I feel. Sometimes you could be having a good or a bad day. You’re tired, angry, happy or whatever emotion you’re feeling, combined with the way that voice sounds at that
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“I'M PRETTY WEIRD AND GOOFY, AND NOT LIKE THIS”
moment. That’s all I can say because otherwise, I don’t know. I have no method, really. How — and where — do you write your songs? I write songs in the shower, when I can’t sleep, when I don’t want to be writing songs. I’ll never sit down to write a song because if I do, it will be horrible. I get myself into trouble, because if I book a recording session to write music with somebody, and it’s coming up to that point and I’ve got nothing, I just don’t go. I just have to cancel it, because I get really uncomfortable if I’m not inspired, and then feel like it’s just me doing a job. I feel dishonest about it. I don’t like to force myself. I probably should; it would be a good exercise, but I don’t know. I just need to be thinking about anything other than music, and it will happen [laughs]. How have you evolved as a songwriter? I might kick my ass a little bit. I’m a little
bit lazier, a little more complacent, not quite as creative as I used to be, because it’s impossible to be as creative as you were when you were still trying to make it. When you were like: All right, I have to make a life for myself. You’re younger, so your emotions are all twisted and you don’t understand how to live. You’re trying to make it and you’re like: What am I going to do? There was a desperation back then that you can never, ever duplicate. It’s much harder to write music now, because you have to learn and find new ways to be sincerely creative. I’ve changed a whole bunch, but I don’t fault myself for it. I don’t think that will be a good thing. You just adapt. What are you like in real life, away from a probing journalist? I’m pretty weird and goofy, and not like this. I’m being awesome right now [laughs]. I am speaking clearly and my thoughts are complete.
Read our complete interview with Adam Levine at waytogo. cebupacificair.com
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES
buzz
IDEAS
Flying colors ONE HUNDRED AND 18 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH, THE PHILIPPINES FIRST FLEW ITS OFFICIAL FLAG, PROCLAIMING ITS INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN. IT’S ONE OF MANY FLAGS FROM ASIA AND BEYOND WHOSE COLORS CARRY IMPLICIT MESSAGES ABOUT A NATION’S CHARACTER, HISTORY AND POLITICS
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vidently, four colors are all you need to express the entirety of a nation’s visual identity in a rectangle. Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines use the maximum four, while both Indonesia and Singapore make do with a red-and-white emblem in a horizontal bicolor. “More than four colors are hard to distinguish, and make the flag unnecessarily complicated and expensive,” explains Ted Kaye, author of the North American Vexillological Association’s
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pamphlet Good Flag, Bad Flag. “[Ideally you should] use two to three colors from the standard color set: red, white, blue, green, yellow and black.” Flag designers work around this limited palette by pairing colors to specific meanings or messages. Some flag colors advertise their royal heritage, such as the yellow elements of Brunei’s and Malaysia’s flags. Yellow is a traditional signifier of royalty; Malaysia’s yellow crescent and star denote the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the
country’s head of state, while the yellow field on Brunei’s flag represents the sultan’s all-encompassing rule. Red and white have long stood for courage and moral purity respectively among the peoples of Asia. These color connotations are rooted in history: the redand-white bicolor now used by Indonesia is derived from the colors of the powerful Majapahit Empire, which conquered large areas of South-East Asia in the 14th century. Accordingly, red and white
BY MIKE AQUINO; PHOTO BY AARON LOW
pines, Philip e h t n I y is ag Da nal Fl io t a from N days, lly 16 ia ic f f o ne 12, 8 to Ju May 2 ce enden Indep Day.
have long been favorite shades for Asian flags, flying above free-market havens like Singapore, as well as communist strongholds such as China and Laos. Flag colors can also communicate a break with history. “The colors of the African National Congress [South Africa’s ruling political party, rooted in the black community] are black, yellow and green — the opposite of the colors of [South Africa’s former colonizers] the Dutch and English,” explains Ted Kaye. The red, blue and white
of the flag of Laos demonstrate a similar rebellion against the former status quo: it was designed in 1945 as a reaction to the old Lao royal flag, which was mainly red with a three-headed elephant in the center. The same goes for the Philippines’ flag. In 1985, then president Ferdinand Marcos mandated the use of a lighter shade of
blue and red. But after the following year’s EDSA Revolution ousted him from office, the colors were restored to the deeper tones used in the flag that was unfurled in Kawit, Cavite in 1898 at the declaration of independence, marking a new chapter both for the banner and the country it represents.
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PHOTOS BY THE DANISH CONNECTION
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Locals meet at a sari-sari store
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Shore finds at General Luna Surfer Jet Jet Aparente 4 Cross-island journeys aboard a colorful jeepney 5 The boardwalk at Cloud 9 3
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ON THE CREST OF A WAVE Swathes of deep-green mangrove forests, perfect crystal-blue waves and abundant stretches of beige sand: there’s much to love in the palm-fringed surfer’s paradise of Siargao. But this freshly minted tourism darling has something else going for it — small towns with a global-village vibe and plenty of local color. By Tara FT Sering
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t’s midday in the town of General Luna in Siargao Island and the tide has pulled so far back that we tread in ankle-deep water for what feels like a kilometer just to get to the Peter Pan, a commercial pump boat waiting in the shallows, too big to get any closer to the shore. The vessel, whose outriggers are fitted with nylon lounge nets, is designed to ferry groups of up to 20 people on island-
hopping tours to the more popular spots across the sound. There’s shape-shifting islet Guyam, which two decades ago had not more than 57 towering coconut trees; right next to it is Daku, which is given the local word for “big” for the sole reason that it is indeed bigger than Guyam; and completing the circuit is Pansukian, a sandbar in the middle of the sea, the size of about three football pitches, between Daku
and the mainland that’s earned a touristfriendly moniker, Naked Island. These, along with the famous surf breaks that dot the Siargao coast, are what have made the once remote and uncharted destination a growing tourism goldmine — slowly but steadily over the last two decades, before hitting a headline-grabbing stride three years ago. “General Luna, for one, is still pretty much a small town,” says
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resident Abe Tolentino. “You go to one place and chances are you know more or less everyone there. That’s still the case for the most part, but months ago I walked into a café and 90% of the people were tourists.” It’s an island whose fortunes have largely been defined by surfing — among the earliest tourists who made the long trek to Siargao before the airport in Sayak was built were surfers following rumors of perfect, curling barrels. Today much of the tourism action is concentrated along Siargao’s south-eastern coast where you’ll find its most famous wave, Cloud 9, as well as Jacking Horse, a smaller wave that on this off-season trip is crowded with beginner surfers and their instructors. In recent years the teardrop-shaped island has branched out — there’s swimming and diving (GoPro on selfie sticks entirely optional) into the crystal-clear tidal pools of Magpupungko; kayaking or standup paddleboarding along the Malinao mangroves’ serpentine waterways; big-game fishing in the municipality of Del Carmen, west of the island; and boating and island-hopping. “Watch out for sea urchins,” our boatman tells us before promptly stepping on one, the broken black spikes cutting neatly through his rubber flip-flops and toes. I’m horrified, but he shrugs off the sting with a wild-eyed grin, telling me that he’s used to it, that pain is all in the mind. I tell myself that a day out in Daku Island, just across the way, is possibly worth a minor injury — eating a delicious seafood lunch prepared at one of the village households and served at a rental beach hut, sipping coconut juice straight from its thick husky shell, frolicking in rolling waves that break on the shore — but I give my companions a onceover anyway, wondering which of them might secretly harbor the heroism to pee on a sea-urchin wound. We carry on towards the boat without another word, anxiously clutching our market stash — eggplant, saba bananas, calamansi and chilli, grill-ready slinky octopus, juicy slices of black marlin and a whole watermelon for dessert. Village people The first time I visited General Luna, nicknamed GL, was in the late 1980s, back
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when locals knew exactly who wasn’t from around town. Leaning out of second-floor windows or sitting hunched on doorways, they would hold us in a steady and piercing gaze as we walked the length of a dusty road past the elementary school and the church towards the beach. Today that route is paved with concrete and peppered with commercial establishments — including a pizza place called Aventino’s and a laundromat — and ends in a busy fish-andproduce market, a jetty and a boardwalk currently under construction. Almost three decades ago, it was a scene out of a western, without the tumbleweeds, and we’d soldier on, acutely aware that townsfolk were trying to figure out where we were from, and what we could possibly be doing such a long way from Dapa, Siargao’s main port town. The little kids were friendlier and followed us in small packs, elbowing each other for turns to throw questions: “Uma’y imo ngayan?”(“What’s your name?”), “Haman ’kaw pasingud?” (“Where are you going?”) and “Tan-awa ini!” (“Look at this!”), gleefully holding up some kind of gelatinous loot from the deep. Years later, with a much bigger population and significantly changed complexion, the island is home to a village of relative newcomers from around the world, including other places in the Philippines. My own sister Jof moved to the island last year and instantly felt at home. Abe’s family have called Siargao home as far back as five generations; Abe himself spent most of his younger years in Paris,
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where his mother served as ambassador, then worked in Manila, before relocating to Siargao permanently in February this year. Moving from capital cities to the country was an easy decision to make. He’d bought a large parcel of land further up the coast towards the north, in the town of Union (pronounced “oon-yon”) in 2000, and it turned out to be a very wise investment. Five years later, with the help of local carpenters, he built his dream house. “You can really enjoy the outdoors and live more deliberately, spending time doing what
The Peter Pan gets ready to set sail Cafe Loka’s surfboard menu on the Jacking Horse Trail 8 Surf champ Manette Alcala and her son, future superstar Kai Kai, are all zinc-ed up and ready to surf 9 Entrepreneur Javi Garcia, originally from Spain, and his lounge boat, Mina 10 Apple pie à la mode at Lunares Café along the main highway 11 Diving and swimming at the Magpupungko tidal pools 12 The dining deck of Ocean 101 6 7
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you really want to do,” he says as we take a stroll across the expansive grounds, trailed by a heavy-breathing and burly American bulldog named Bruce, one of Abe’s 10 dogs. “Here you have the opportunity to lead a less complicated life.” It’s a sentiment shared by Cocoy Davis who left the soul-crushing traffic jams of the big city for the shirtless-on-amotorbike lifestyle of the island. Like many of those who have moved to Siargao, he came for the surf and stayed for the gentler way of life that has, for all its challenges, so enamored him. He says, “I have so much time to do things, because I don’t have to spend all that time in traffic.” Five years ago he found an abandoned property and turned it into a charming and airy home, preserving most of the features
of the original house, like the veranda where there’s now an inviting dining area. This is sometimes where his partner Sanne Sevig, who moved to Siargao from Sweden around the same time he did, works with members of her environmental initiative, Nature Kids. “We collect pieces of plastic trash on the beach, clean them, cut them up and make stuffing for throw pillows,” she says, handing me a fluffed-up pillow. It feels soft, as though stuffed with down feathers. She likes to refer to their neighbourhood as “the jungle”, but by this island’s standards, their neck of the woods, with wild weeds growing on the sides of unpaved, muddy roads, is a prime location. Not far from Cocoy and Sanne’s house live Peter Gaña, owner of the Peter Pan, and his wife Stephanie, who hails all the
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way from cold and faraway Switzerland. She moved to Siargao in 2009 and has since learned to speak the local dialect of Surigaonon, complete with a languid inflection peculiar to the island. I tell her that she’s got the accent down pat, and she almost coos her agreement, “Amu”. By now locals have become used to a fair-skinned brunette with amber-colored eyes sounding just like anyone else. She counted about 12 resorts when she first arrived; now there are 48. “A lot of those changes happened in the last six months.” The community spirit is strong everywhere I go on this side of the island, where nearly everyone knows each other. Everyone I meet seems to get their hair done by Keiko Tsukamoto, an entrepreneur and hairstylist from Japan who had lived in New York, then China, before finding her way to Siargao, where she has spent the last three years. Somehow I manage to run late for a hair appointment with her, and when I turn up at her bright and modern onechair salon at the Greenhouse resort, she’s as bubbly as the night before. I ask what makes her so happy living here, and she echoes what I’ve been hearing from many others: “People are connected to each other and with nature. Reminds me of what’s important in life.” The happy village vibe, although not without its small-town syndrome, is especially notable in Stephanie’s house. On this slow yet steadily busy Saturday morning, she’s chatting with a house guest,
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Bassam Younes, who’s originally from Lebanon but moved to Australia before going on a 33-years-and-counting wander of the world. He’s organizing a beachside meditation session for the following day, while two students from the school that Stephanie runs plant themselves with casual familiarity on the porch, giggling over something else entirely. Sea the difference Calling budding tourist beach havens “the next Boracay” is an exasperating, if not downright unfair, habit that’s gone on too long. Those who have moved here understand that Siargao’s appeal is exactly that it isn’t Boracay, and posits itself as offering something else entirely: a slower pace, a more chilled-out vibe. It’s a much bigger island, there’s far more space — and its handful of nightspots are well spread out. That’s including the double-duty spaces that serve as basketball courts by day and discos by night, decked out with a string of flashing lights and a couple of speakers blasting at full volume. Siargao is no longer the sleepy island it was two decades ago and infrastructure has caught up, too: there’s the highway,
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Siargao 2.0 Check out waytogo.cebupacificair.com for where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Siargao this month.
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A small beachside village alley Sanne and her dog, Batman 16 Tim Paddon, owner of surf shop Fat Lips, beside a poster of local surf hero John Mark Tokong 17 Abe and his four-legged buddy, Bruce 18 Surf instructors in the ’hood 19 Stephanie in her home 15
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The sandy beachfront of Isla Cabana Resort
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Sabala Art House, a local arts and crafts souvenir shop 22 Keiko and her constant canine companions
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the concrete road running the length of GL to Cloud 9, and soon a convention center (albeit one that looks rather out of place) will guarantee a steady stream of visitors, this time on business. Siargao for non-surfers, the kind of tourism that’s less dependent on seasonal swells, is coming into its own. “We get a fairly good crowd almost all year round now,” says Susan Brandstetter as she rings up my order for a long black at Cafe Loka, a semi-outdoor coffee shop and snack bar right on the Jacking Horse trail that she and a partner opened just a few months ago. Susan and her husband Gerry Degan, who helps organize the annual local and international surf competitions, own the six-cottage Sagana Resort and have lived part of every year in Siargao — they spend the three months of the wet season back in their native Sydney — for the last 21 years. They’re among the few people who’ve witnessed this side of paradise morph from a kind of niche haven to a destination with broader appeal. Now the island has its homegrown superstars, like the charming Manette Alcala, a diminutive surfer whose entire family has been steeped in the sport. Her brother, Piso, is a champ who competed in Bali with fellow Siargao star John Mark
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Tokong. Meanwhile Manette’s son, Kai Kai, is making waves of his own. Proud locals like to say that the barely 3ft-tall wunderkind learned how to surf before he could even swim. So much so that these days, every square inch of the beachfront is considered redhot real estate, driving some people further inland, up gentle sloping forests for some peace and quiet, away from the “bustle”. Tawin Homestay, for instance, is a drive up a stony, unpaved path that winds into pitch darkness at night. “It’s nice and quiet here, and some people prefer it that way,” says Fabio Benni, originally from the Italian city of Bologna by way of Zanzibar, who runs the four-apartment block that hosts long-staying guests. “You get a nice view of the hills and, without the light pollution,
the stars at night. So you pretty much get everything — town and country.” For avowed cityfolk like me, the mark of a livable town is often the standard of coffee. If a steady supply of quality beans somehow makes it somewhere, it means the networks of access are in place and trade routes are well established. “You mean genuine espresso?” asks Fabio. He points to Lunares Café, run by a fellow Italian named Gabriele and his partner Sheila, along GL’s main highway with the serviceable name of Tourism Road. I head out for breakfast with Jof, who greets everyone we bump into. In Siargao, the sun rises just after five and 8am carries the buzz of midday. I order an americano, take a sip and think: Man, I could live here.
Cebu Pacific flies to Siargao from Cebu, and to Surigao City from Manila and Cebu. cebupacificair.com
Awesome structures
MIGHTY DOMES AND MINARETS Elegant mosques — both classic and contemporary — punctuate the multicultural landscape of Malaysia as lasting testaments to Islam, the nation’s most professed faith. As Ramadan approaches, Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap highlights eight of the most outstanding mosques travelers can marvel at across the country
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Awesome structures
Ubudiah Mosque KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK Rising above a royal town with its golden dome and minarets, Ubudiah Mosque ranks high on lists of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. Built from 1913 to 1917, it was designed by British government architect Arthur Benison Hubback, the man behind other iconic colonial-period buildings such as Kuala Lumpur’s Jamek Mosque and the railway stations in Ipoh and KL. Its architectural style is described as IndoSaracenic, a fusion of Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture with the Gothic Revival and Neoclassical styles favored during the Victorian era. It was commissioned on the orders of the Sultan of Perak as a thanksgiving gesture after he recovered from illness.
SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR Just outside Kuala Lumpur, the state mosque of Selangor is a stunning edifice. With a capacity of more than 24,000 worshippers, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is the largest in the country, and the second-largest in South-East Asia after the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. Nicknamed the “Blue Mosque”, the magnificent building has a blue and silver central dome and blue stained-glass windows. Four 140m-high minarets, the world’s tallest such grouping, flank the central dome and pierce the sky.
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PHOTOS BY EDGAR ALAN ZETA-YAP (CRYSTAL MOSQUE)
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
Malacca Straits Mosque MELAKA CITY, MELAKA Erected right along a sandy beach, Malacca Straits Mosque is a captivating structure with elegant stained-glass windows on a 40ha man-made island near the World Heritage-listed city of Melaka, sometimes spelled Malacca. A popular subject of photographers, the structure is supported on stilts over water, creating the illusion that it is floating when the tide is high. Doubling as a lighthouse, a 30m-high minaret is its prominent feature, guiding passing boats, ships and aircraft. The architecture blends Middle Eastern influences with Malay decorative elements like the beautifully carved pulpit made of teak.
e of the most stunning These places of worship stand as som landmarks in Peninsular Malaysia
Sultan Sulaiman Mosque KLANG, SELANGOR One look at Sultan Sulaiman Mosque and you know it’s one of a kind. Designed by British architect Leofric Kesteven, this royal mosque was built from 1932 to 1934 with a striking architectural style drawn from unusual sources: Western Art Deco and Neoclassical cathedral design. It is topped by semi-circular domes, which are painted yellow — the color of Malay royalty. The religious complex also houses a royal mausoleum, where sultans and members of the royal family are laid to rest.
Crystal Mosque KUALA TERENGGANU, TERENGGANU An iconic landmark of Kuala Terengganu, the Crystal Mosque sits gracefully along the Terengganu River on Wan Man Island. The futuristic building of steel and glass reflects magically on the river, especially at night, making it a much-photographed landmark. It is the centerpiece of the Islamic Heritage Park, which also features scaled-down replicas of 22 important Islamic monuments from across the globe, including the Taj Mahal and Dome of the Rock.
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Visitors’ etiquette
Awesome structures
Popular mosques are often open to non-Muslims outside prayer times, but do make sure to observe these rules During Ramadan, it’s best to visit before sundown in order not to disturb locals as they break their fast inside mosques. In addition, don’t smoke, eat or drink in the proximity of mosques during the fasting month.
Kampung Laut Mosque KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque JOHOR BAHRU, JOHOR A stately, white-painted edifice overlooking Johor Strait and Singapore, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is one of the most remarkable places of worship in the country. It was commissioned by the eponymous sultan, the “Father of Modern Johor”, in 1892. Taking eight years to build, it was completed in 1900, marking the start of Johor’s modernization. Its design is principally Victorian British with Malay and Moorish influences. Check out the minarets that resemble British clock towers.
Dwarfed by contemporary structures in terms of scale, the historical significance and architectural style of Kampung Laut Mosque make it stand out. Built in the 1730s by a group of missionaries who survived a dangerous sea voyage, it is reputedly the oldest surviving mosque in the country. Hand-crafted out of endemic cengal hardwood, the vernacular structure’s graceful, three-tiered roof and decorative carvings derive from a classical Malay style with Javanese influences. Despite its wooden construction, the mosque has survived two severe floods that swept across the state of Kelantan.
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque PUTRAJAYA Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque is a showcase of innovative architecture, standing along a man-made lake. It primarily serves the government workers of the ultra-modern administrative center of Putrajaya, just outside the nation’s capital. Seventy per cent of the materials used to build it are made out of reinforced stainless steel — hence its nickname, “Iron Mosque”. The minaret-less structure is kept cool by an integrated system of pipes carrying chilled water, and its open-concept layout encourages natural ventilation. A few kilometers away is Putrajaya’s principal place of worship, the rose-colored Putra Mosque, which is also worth visiting. 78 Smile June 2016
Dress modestly: men should wear long pants and plain shirts without slogans or messages, while women should don tops with sleeves which reach their wrists, ankle-length skirts or loose pants, and cover their hair with tudong or headscarves. Remove your hat, sunglasses and shoes before entering a mosque. Shoe racks are often provided near the entrances. Avoid making loud noises and engaging in boisterous conversations inside. Turn off your mobile phones or switch them to silent mode. While sitting, don’t point your feet at the kiblat (or qibla) — the direction of Mecca that worshippers face when they pray. Photography is often permitted inside mosques, but don’t take pictures during prayer times, or snap worshippers as they perform ablutions before prayer.
Cebu Pacific flies to Kuala Lumpur from Manila. cebupacificair.com
Food tripping
LOCALLY SAUCED There are hundreds of variations on the spicy curry dish. Lester V. Ledesma goes on the gravy train in Singapore to sample some of the myriad renditions of this Asian classic
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hick and tasty, curry comes in countless permutations. Despite the fact that everyone has tried it at least once in their life, this is a food that defies easy explanation. As a basic definition, curry dishes are complex combinations of spices and herbs that are cooked into a form of sauce. However, there are hundreds of different kinds of this so-called “curry” — some are sweet or sour, others are blazing with the umami savory taste. Most, if not all, carry some degree of spiciness — and they’re all amazingly tasty.
PHOTOS BY LESTER V. LEDESMA
A PASS AG TO IND E IA Brightco
lored c urr y sp mainsta ices are y in mo a s t Indian and gro markets ceries. Chicke battere n, praw d f ish c n, u tl ets and pumpk stewed in (opp osite pa with th ge) com eir own e dressin g of cur this typ r y in ical Sou th India n banana leaf me al
Indian curry To get a better understanding of curry, I pay a visit to one of Singapore’s favorite Indian restaurants, fully expecting that Samy’s Curry, established in the 1950s by an immigrant from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, would have some answers to my queries. “People make a big deal about curry, but it simply means gravy!” declares the head chef, Bhaskar Gandhi, as he puts on my table the hallmark of South
Indian dining: a large banana leaf that serves as both plate and placemat. “Indians hardly use the term ‘curry’. When you order food, you refer to the dish and not just the sauce. ‘Curry’ was what the British called the food that Indians ate.” Gandhi points to the mouthwatering spread being arranged before me. There’s a chicken leg covered in reddish-brown masala sauce, and a
thick yellow pumpkin gravy called koottu, among other items. At the center of this mini buffet, slathered in a layer of fragrant, tamarind-based fish curry, is a pile of biryani rice. “If you don’t know the names of these dishes, you’d probably use one word to describe them all,” chuckles the chef. Indeed, I’d call it curry, and what a big, beautiful showcase of curry this is. In no time I am fingers-deep into
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Food tripping
! RENDANG ES GOOD THAT TAST ffet
ini bu mpur is a m The nasi ca rice, but on ucy tidbits sa y, ic sp of ts its own rendang ge must-have plates of ) osite page plate; (opp a smile h it served w curries are n ia nes in this Indo restaurant
the food (Indian people eat with their hands). The chicken masala bursts with a sharp, savory flavor, while the koottu tones it down with its sweet, creamy notes. Behind it all is the slightly sour presence of the fish curry. The spiciness arrives slowly but steadily; soon I am gulping down lime juice between mouthfuls of food. This is a tiny sampling of Indian cuisine, of course, but what I’m eating right now is pretty much classic curry
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— a complicated masala, or mix of ground spices that include turmeric, cardamom, cumin and dried chilli peppers. These are cooked in a liquid base that can be anything from coconut cream to milk or even yoghurt. I leave the restaurant smiling, my lips tingling and adrenaline pumping from the chilli-induced rush. Exciting, too, is the thought that there is so much more yet to discover about this sensuous sauce.
Malay curry The following day I find myself in the ethnic enclave of Geylang Serai, tucking into a plate of extra-thick curry. This one has a lighter brown hue, and comes with slices of tender beef. I bite into one, and am greeted by a delightfully savory, coconut-infused flavor. I have just tasted the Malay answer to India’s culinary export. The almost dry, very intense rendang is the most cherished delicacy of the Bahasa-
speaking world, with many regions in Malaysia and Indonesia creating their own interpretations of the classic recipe. So widespread is this dish that both Burger King and McDonald’s paid homage to it with their own Rendang Burger offerings. At the Hajjah Mona hawker stall, however, it’s still the old school that rules. Owner Razak Ismail speaks of the effort needed to produce his family’s time-honored, great grandmother-
approved recipe. “We start preparing the ingredients around midnight. The rendang is slow-cooked for three hours to reduce the gravy, then we let it stand for a while to let the meat absorb the flavors,” says the fourth-generation master chef. “By the time our stall opens at 8am, the taste will be at its best. These are long hours, but rendang is no ordinary dish.” While Indian curry makes use of mostly ground spices, the rendang sauce features typical South-East Asian ingredients like
kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, ginger, coriander and galangal. These are pounded and blended into a fine paste that forms the heart of the recipe. Meat — usually chicken or beef — is then applied to this flavor base, and coconut milk is added to bring this wonderfully complex mix of flavors together. This cooking concept is also followed in neighboring countries, though the resulting curry dishes are totally different from the Malay rendang.
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Food tripping
Thai and Khmer curry Nowhere is this diversification better seen (or tasted) than in the culinary fare of Thailand, which feasts on almost a dozen different curry concoctions. Of these, the best known are the gaeng khiao wan and the gaeng phed — the instantly recognizable green and red curries that are now worldwide signifiers of the Kingdom’s cuisine. While they are both often enjoyed as
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thin, almost soupy curries on meat, they are surprisingly multi-purpose spice pastes that flavor many other recipes. It’s a versatility attributable to the Thai penchant for managing the “four tastes” of sweet, sour, salty and spicy, a philosophy that results in a creamier, more balanced, savory-sweet (but no less fiery) bowl. Dripped over rice with bits of chicken and eggplant, the gaeng khiao wan makes for an excellent plate
of green curry fried rice. The gaeng phed, on the other hand, can spice up a ho mok pla steamed fishcake, or turn a serving of pasta into an exotic — and truly delectable — Asian-fusion meal. Thanks to the popularity of Thai restaurants, it isn’t too hard these days to find a reasonably authentic rendition of these beloved gravies. I savor my gaeng on rice, knowing that this foodie expedition is just the continuation of
CURR YIN F (L)AV G A kha OR o gae n
g or r stall in ice an Bang d cur kok o ry overlo ffers ad (op s pice p osite Thai g page, reen left); and r ed cu are fa rries mous for th balan eir ced fl avors
my long-running love affair — okay, obsession — with the countless tastes and textures of curry. In Thailand alone, there are still items like the orange khao soi (“cut rice”), the saffroncolored phanang (a milder curry) and the pale yellow, spicy-to-the-bone nam ya (minced fish curry), less common varieties that have yet to make a significant impact overseas. Just across the border, Cambodia has its red-orange kroeung (paste) and
saraman (beef and peanut) curries, among many other ground, pounded, mixed and mashed preparations. In fact, you can go all the way west to India for original spice-heavy gravies, or north-east to Japan to find lighter, more European-influenced kare raisu (curry rice) combinations. Aside from its taste, the beauty of curry lies in the fact that it is copied, appropriated and influenced by every culture it touches. That’s a world’s worth of flavors, and
it will take a lifetime of eating to appreciate the dish’s multifaceted charms.
Cebu Pacific flies to multiple destinations across South-East Asia. cebupacificair.com June 2016 Smile 85
Color-coded
CRIMSON TIDE No country in the world is as deeply associated with one color as China is with red. A frequent visitor to the People’s Republic, Mark Parren Taylor decodes its various intriguing shades and their meanings across Chinese culture
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PHOTOS BY MARK PARREN TAYLOR
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1 Votive plaques at Prince Gong Mansion in Beijing 2 Building detail in the Forbidden City 3 Sichuan-style chilli prawn 4 Ornamental detail at Yonghe Temple in Beijing 5 Votive plaques at Prince Gong Mansion in Beijing
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Color-coded
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Sightseers in Tiananmen Square 7 A passageway in the Forbidden City 8 The Forbidden City’s Meridien Gate 9 Group exercise by the riverside in Guilin, Guangxi Province Detail on windows at the Forbidden City
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Red-letter days
W
hen I think of China, I see red. I see a landscape of shades and hues of red and scarlet and crimson: from chilli-loaded Sichuan food, candles in smoky temples and faded slogans daubed on village walls to the 100-yuan note, elegant calligraphy stamped with red-ink seals and the nation’s ensign — the “five-starred red flag” that is ceremoniously raised and lowered on Beijing’s immense Tiananmen Square each dawn and dusk. Although red is such a widespread color, it has somehow been imbued with cautionary connotations in most cultures as a warning sign in potential danger zones. According to some reports this was already true in Chinese culture as far back as 2,000BC, when the color was believed to possess a spiritual power that repelled demons, and so was applied to doors and the exteriors of buildings as a make-believe barrier. Yet red is also a representation of fire, and therefore of the sun and vitality — the very things that devils and fiends are defenceless against. As such the color red represents an evil-free condition, the reason why, for the Chinese today, it stands for happiness, good fortune and protection. It’s also the reason why red colors most of their important occasions.
During their big day, for example, a bride and groom will change from Western-style garb into traditional hong qua (“red suit”) wedding gowns, colored red to symbolise love and prosperity, for the elaborate nuptial banquet. They then spend their first married night in a redsheeted, red-pillowed bed. At Lunar New Year, red hong bao money packets are exchanged by people wearing scarlet tangzhuang jackets. Other Spring Festival traditions include pasting lucky red couplet banners at doorways and hanging crimson hong deng lanterns in corridors. And at almost any meal on any special occasion, russet-skinned roast duck, ruby lobster or red-edged barbecued pork fill rosy-cheeked diners’ stomachs, perhaps swilled down with a cup of “red tea”, as the Chinese call the black variety. A famous person is hong le, or simply “red”. If you’re jealous, then you’re “red-eyed” of the hong huo or “red fire” lifestyle they lead — meaning their life burns bright and ever more vigorous, like a blazing bonfire. Chengyu such as this — concise, elegant idioms and proverbs — liberally pepper the Chinese language. According to one classic example, “red ink stains red, black ink black”, which means “you’re judged by the company you keep”. For the Chinese people, red ink is good.
Forbidden City, the palace and protector of imperial households from the early 15th century to 1912. Its initial construction took reputedly one million labourers and craftsmen 14 years to complete, using construction materials that ranged from the rudimentary (wall bricks made of compacted sticky rice and egg white) to the artisanal (“golden” paving bricks fired in Suzhou). The building blocks came from near and far, too: from rare Phoebe wood originating in the subtropical south-west to boulders weighing 200 or even 300 tonnes, quarried 70km away and transported during winter on artificial ice runways. But the key to the Palace’s decoration was the bruised-red paint job, which adhered to the tradition of 2,000 years of imperial building design. The red pigment was originally extracted from the mineral cinnabar — a cranberryhued ore. Though it occurs in Spain, Mexico, Turkey and elsewhere, some of the finest crystals are excavated in China’s Guizhou and Hunan provinces, as they have been for three or four millennia. These southern provinces are 1,500 miles from Beijing as the crow flies, and the lengthy journey along the Grand Canal and by land took several weeks. Combined with the
Great (red) walls of China Emperors issued their decrees in red ink from within the mysterious
Red is a representation
of fire, and therefore of the sun and vitality — the ver y things that devils and fiends are def enceless against June 2016 Smile 91
Color-coded
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labor-intensive nature of its mining and processing, it’s no wonder it was highly desirable. But there was a dark side. The rock has a built-in danger sign: its distinctive red color is a warning that the ore is formed of deadly mercury. The soft rock may be easily ground to make a rich, vibrant powder — known as vermilion or “Chinese Red” — but over centuries, even millennia, this poisonous dust took its toll on miners, craftsmen and others who came into close contact with it. Fortunately, safer production methods were eventually devised. Health risks notwithstanding, the pigment was a valuable commodity through the Ming dynasty, and as such became a symbol of status and wealth. It also offered symbolic protection against spiritual enemies — especially when walls are painted blood-red or carmine, and doors and columns lacquered scarlet. The association of the color red with life-force and strength also led medicine men of those times to enhance reviving tonics by adding the ruddy cinnabar powder to them. These concoctions included ingredients whose benefits had been proven over centuries — ginseng, cinnamon bark and Chinese yam, as well as more curious additions such as deer antler and seahorse — but the powder was included on the basis of superstition alone. The healthconscious upper echelons must have downed these drinks believing them to have extra potency thanks to their hue. But of course, it had the opposite
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effect: the tonic was now highly toxic. One famed preparation, known as gui ling ji, was created in about 1540 for the 11th Ming emperor to reside in the Forbidden Palace. Emperor Jiajing was a diligent but sometimes excessively cruel ruler who was the subject of many assassination attempts. Ironically, it was the work of his doctors — preparing his daily crimson “elixir of life” tonic — that may have cut short his existence, as he is widely believed to have died of mercury poisoning. China Red On 1 October 1949, when Mao Zedong, accompanied by an entourage of Communist Party grandees, climbed to the platform atop the Tiananmen gate, his hand might have gripped a vermilionlacquered rail or his fingers pushed against a “China Red” door. Once on high, while peering across crowds of flag-waving Red Guards, he proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Mao’s portrait has hung on the famous gate since that day, but now it looks out across a very different China — a country where traditions hold strong despite the upheavals of the 20th century, but also one where the new millennium’s economic whirlwind has given the landscape a radical makeover. Yet it’s still a country with a red heart — a heart that burns with a “red fire”. When Mao’s Cultural Revolution was at its zenith in August 1966 (known as “Red August”), vast Tiananmen Square — the sixthlargest urban plaza in the world — was crammed with thousands of Red Guard revolutionary students waving the chairman’s Little Red Book while singing “The East is Red” and other patriotic songs. It was a happy coincidence for
Mao and his party that communism’s emblematic color happened to be red. The iconic communist and socialist symbols, including the red flag and red star, were introduced by China’s ally Moscow in the former Soviet Union, and were taken to the Chinese heart instantly. The Red Guard claimed that it would make China “red from the inside out”, with the ultimate aim of turning the entire universe the same color. Certainly, when these red-armbanded youths were waving Mao’s famous tome in unison, they managed to turn Tiananmen Square a blushing shade of scarlet. Today the nearest you’ll get to such a public display is to head into one of the two fine parks that lie either side of the hulking, historic gate. In the early morning you’ll be sure to find a group of smiling retirees doing a synchronized redfan dance or swirling red ribbons on sticks. But beyond those parks and through Tiananmen, the Forbidden City looms, its walls and towers shimmering with carmine-red plasterwork.
Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to four destinations in Mainland China — Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and Guangzhou. cebupacificair.com
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11 Beijing roast duck at the Grand Hyatt Beijing 12 Dressing a hotel for a wedding in Guilin 13 A glamorous bar in Shangai's fashionable district 14 Tiantan, the Temple of Heaven, in Beijing 15 Hanging a red lantern in Zhongshan Park in Beijing
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Hong Kong when it dazzles
THE DYING OF THE LIGHT As the bright neon landscape that defined Hong Kong for decades gradually fades to a flicker, French lensman Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze chronicles the last days of these totemic electric signs through his photographs
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ong Kong has been called the city that never sleeps, and it’s a phrase embodied by the imposing neon lights that illuminate its streets until long after nightfall. “Neon signs are a trademark of Hong Kong’s streets and cityscape. They are deeply rooted in the visual culture here,” says photographer Romain JacquetLagrèze, who relocated to Hong Kong from his native France to shoot the brightly lit cityscape. But when the government deemed these neon lights unsafe and illegal, a process began of systematically phasing out these signs and replacing them with regular LED lights or illuminated banners. When the West Kowloon Cultural District (M+ museum) launched a crowd-sourcing project to gather photos of these neon signs in March 2014, Jacquet-Lagrèze heard about it. “I got quite hooked by it,” he says of the interactive exhibit that would celebrate these cultural icons on the brink of extinction. “On top of that, M+ contacted me to take some photos that could become the [leading] photos of
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the project.” He commenced work in the spring of 2014, and has been shooting neon signs since then. Jacquet-Lagrèze is passionate about the project, and it shows in the photos on these pages. First introduced to the former British colony in the 1930s, the art of neon sign-making was perfected by specialists who welded and burned glass pipes into unlikely shapes that came to life with electricity. “Neon signs require a lot of expertise and craftsmanship,” says the photographer. “They are all handmade by Hong Kong neon masters. The glowing part of the neon is put inside a glass tube that is shaped following very complicated patterns, like traditional Chinese characters for example.” While there is no stopping the government’s plan to phase out these neon signs, Jacquet-Lagrèze’s enthusiasm shows no sign of waning. “I see these signs as a record of what used to make Hong Kong so unique visually,” he says. Through his photographs, he hopes to preserve the memory of the city’s bright lights for many generations to come.
TEXT BY MAYA CALICA-COLLINS
SHOT LIES BENEATH Taking this photo in Hong Kong’s red-light district required some derring-do. “It was actually quite challenging to create, as I had to put my camera and tripod in the middle of the street, with many cars passing,” recalls Jacquet-Lagrèze. “I had to find the perfect timing, between two cars, to accomplish the shot. On top of that, a bunch of suspicious-looking people stared at me while I was taking the photo.”
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Hong Kong when it dazzles
PAWN IDENTITY This is one of JacquetLagrèze’s favorite photos, which depicts the traditional pawn-shop neon sign. “Since it is a close-up, we can see the details and imagine the work the craftsman put into it. The Chinese character looks like some kind of calligraphy art. On top of that, we see all kinds of colors with the other neon sign of a sauna in the background, so it’s a good representation of the vivid colors of Hong Kong’s streets.”
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TRAFFIC LIGHTS This very tall neon sign — located along Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok — hangs quite far from the building wall. “The government said it might be a danger for pedestrians or cars, and is actually one of the reasons the government used to eliminate most of the neon signs in Hong Kong.”
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Hong when DressKong up and go it dazzles
MONG KOK MÊLÉE In Cantonese, Mong Kok — where this scene was taken — means “busy meeting place”. “This market is at the heart of Mong Kok, one of the busiest places in the world. Thousands of people pass through every day, and the density of neon in this area is quite high.”
Cebu Pacific flies to Hong Kong from Clark, Manila, Iloilo and Cebu.cebupacificair.com 98 Smile June 2016
journal Guides to Cebu Pacific destinations
LOCAL COLOR
DARE YOURSELF AND RIDE A JEEPNEY NEXT TIME YOU’RE IN MANILA. TURN TO PAGE 139 FOR MORE THINGS TO DO.
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International
Australia
Brunei Darussalam
SYDNEY
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Christian Russo
Rowena Nanquil
Team leader
Finance associate
Head for Toko in Surry Hills and try their beautifully crafted Japanese classics and inspired modern creations like Moreton Bay Bug Tempura. Sip on a smoky Japanese single malt while your table is prepared. Entrees start at AU$16, mains at AU$26. Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge make for spectacular viewing from any of the venues on and around the harbor foreshore. The best view might just be right between the two at the Opera House’s Opera Bar, right on the water’s edge.
Adventurous foodies can go to Tamu Selera Night Market at the center of BSB to try some nasi ayam penyet and satay. This hawker center, located near the waterfront, offers Malaysian and Indonesian dishes on the cheap. Don’t miss the majestic Sultan Omar Ali Saiffudin Mosque located at the very heart of BSB near the Kampong Ayer water village. Check out the top of the main dome — it’s covered in pure gold. Craving some Pinoy food? There are branches of Jollibee in the northern Brunei-Muara district.
For an unforgettable experience, book a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. Do it at sunset — it’s amazing. AREA CODE +61 (2) TOUCHDOWN KINGSFORD
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Cambodia
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BEIJING
Christian Jose
Kinney Palma
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See a Khmer cultural performance while dining at the Amazon Angkor Restaurant. The buffet features local Khmer cuisine alongside other Asian cuisine, and some Western cuisine too. Price per person is US$10. Check out Wat Kesararam, Wat Preah Prom Rath and Wat Bo. These are some of the temples just around Siem Reap that are worth a look. Entry is free. Even though Cambodia’s currency is the riel, you can also use US dollars in Siem Reap. Avoid the hassle by bringing small denominations of your greenbacks when you go.
We searched for the best Peking duck and found it at Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant. We had a Lauriat-style feast, which cost us around CNY170 each. Go straight to the Forbidden City. This is the must-see attraction in Beijing, but prepare for a really long walk. Entrance is around CNY40-60. Buy anything with, or made of, jade as a memento of Beijing. It’s best to buy from legitimate stores found in malls or at tourist areas. It might be expensive, but at least you can be sure of the quality.
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GUANGZHOU
HONG KONG
MACAU
Dave Joseph Santos
Rons Nebre
Krizia Vargas
Graphic and web designer
Project director/wannabe surfer
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Try the afternoon tea package at FG Fine Foods at Po Park Shopping Mall. For CNY38, you’ll get a slice of cake plus coffee or tea. Try the chocolate muffin — it’s delicious!
Head to Hotshot on the beachfront of Repulse Bay. This restaurant pays tribute to the California lifestyle of the ’60s. Vintage surfboards and various artworks mounted on the wall add to the laid-back ambience of the place. Order any of their surf and turf specials, ranging from HK$480-$980.
I was in awe when I visited the Ruins of St. Paul. Your Macau trip will not be complete without visiting this famous tourist spot.
Check out the lively area of Beijing Lu. It’s very interesting to see how they preserved the road. Guangzhou is the right place for bargain hunting if you’re looking for a wide variety of inexpensive clothing, electronics and other consumer goods. They’re all over the place.
Go street-food sampling in Kowloon. Try local delicacies from the stinky tofu and siu mai to fish balls and bubble teas. If, like me and my family, you like to bust out your cold-weather wear, visit Hong Kong during the cooler months of November to February.
Macau is known as the “Las Vegas of the East” as it houses the largest casino in the world, The Venetian Macao. Ride the gondola to complete your Venicethemed experience. Also try the Skywalk at the Macau Tower. The experience gives you a 360-degree view of Macau. You’ll also get to see the breathtaking views while walking on a see-through floor. There’s bungee jumping available too.
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International
China
China
Indonesia
SHANGHAI
XIAMEN
BALI
Jody Salas
Bong Antivola
Jenny Peñas
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If you only have a day, visit the Shanghai Botanical Garden in the morning to work up an appetite then go to Tianzifang — a restored and modernized Shikumen residential district. Spend the entire afternoon until late night hanging out in cafés, bars and art galleries, rummaging through bargain items and trying local street food. Wear something comfortable. Walk around The Bund, and admire the contrast between traditional architecture on one side and the modern skyscrapers right across the river.
Rasta Corner is the new reggae bar/ restaurant that’s home to Filipino dishes like tocilog and cornsilog (CNY30 per set meal). Filipino band members jam at this joint after their gigs. It’s located just beside The Key at Haiwan Park. Go to Wanshi Botanical Garden. Constructed in 1960, it is a meticulously designed garden around Modanyan Reservoir that lies on the northern slope of Shi Mountain.
Two words: Babi Guling. You have to try it at least once when you’re in Bali. Many restaurants offer this dish but the best I tried was in a Babi Guling Pak Malen, a small roadside restaurant. Spend a day at Waterbom. The park has amazing waterslides and even a poolside bar where you can hang out. They even allow you to bring your camera on some of the slides so don’t forget to bring your GoPro.
A bus ride costs CNY1 anywhere in the island and CNY2 going to Mainland China. A round-trip ferry ride (XiamenGulangyu Island) costs CNY35.
All your major surf brands can be found in Bali — Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley and their outlet stores are near the airport. You can get swimsuits and board shorts for as much as 70% off.
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Indonesia
Japan
Japan
JAKARTA
FUKUOKA
NAGOYA
Derek Yao
Raymond dela Luna
Ida Torres
Engineer
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Eat at Restoran Garadu. This restaurant offers a buffet-style nasi padang. Come early during peak hours, because this place is often packed with locals. Prices start at US$3.
Ramen houses are a dime a doze all over Japan, especially in Fukuoka. I’ve tried several and they are all delicious, but if I had to pick one restaurant I will go back to, it would be the original Ichiran.
Trattoria Cesari has the best pizza in the world, and it has the award to prove it. You have to endure long lines, but it’s worth it. The margherita pizza is their award-winning creation and it costs less than ¥800.
Check out Fatahillah Square — the heart of old Jakarta. It was the town square of the former Portuguese settlement and is now the site of three Indonesian museums, as well as Café Batavia.
Kawachi Fuji Garden is the best place to see cherry blossoms in full bloom but don’t fret if you missed the season. It’s great to go anytime of the year. Late spring is also a nice time — the wisteria is all out. Choose a spot to enjoy a picnic after walking through the wisteria tunnel and domes.
Explore Jakarta in an ojek, or motorcycle taxi. It’s a good way to get a close-up view of local life. Use your GrabTaxi app to reserve or call an ojek.
Hakata Hankyu is a great department store just two subway stops from the airport. Tourists get a discount card and free wi-fi. Don’t forget to check out the food hall at the basement.
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Walk on a semi-transparent oval glass structure overlooking the city at Oasis 21 Rooftop. It gives you a good view of the city, including Central Park, which is a smaller version of its New York namesake. Locals consider Nagoya to be the foodie capital of Japan, with the unique local cuisine Nagoya meshi. Many restaurants that want to open in Tokyo try their luck here first. AREA CODE +81 (52) TOUCHDOWN CHŪBU
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108 Smile June 2016
International
Japan
Japan
Kuwait
TOKYO
OSAKA
KUWAIT
Emma Carranza
Michi Takada-Capili
Tash Steenson
Sales training specialist
English teacher
Primary school teacher
In Japan, you will see a lot of nice coffee shops — but you can never go wrong with Doutor. It’s all over Tokyo. A must-try is their latte at ¥250, paired with their mille crêpe (¥360). They also sell drip-coffee packs starting at ¥380.
If you are a sushi fanatic on a tight budget, Sakae, with its sushi conveyor belt, is the best place to be. Experience the “toro-salmon” melt in your mouth. Try the tuna, yellowtail and ikura too. A plate of goodness costs ¥157.
Ranked as the number 1 restaurant in Kuwait, the Arabic dining experience at Mais Alghanim is not to be missed. Eat on the second floor during the day for a breathtaking view of the Arabian Gulf, or dine there at night to bask in the light of the Kuwait Towers.
The trip will not be complete without seeing Mount Fuji. Get a package tour online and be sure to check the weather when you plan your visit.
Head up the Umeda Sky Building at night. Couples can put their love locks up there. Entry is ¥800.
Shop at the biggest Uniqlo store in the world, located in Ginza. It has 11 floors, and you can also enjoy a tourist discount and tax-free shopping.
Japanese beauty products are some of the best things to get here. Facial masks with designs of Osaka architecture and kabuki (old Japanese theatre) will make original souvenirs for your family and friends. Visit any drugstore such as Daikokuya and Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Price ranges from ¥300-¥1,000.
Shop at the old souk Mubarakiah. Browse through everything from herbs and spices to hookah pipes, traditional dress, carpets, perfume, bags and shoes. Drop in to the Al Rifai shop to grab an amazing selection of nuts! Dress respectably. Kuwait has a strong Muslim culture, and women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees at all times in public.
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International
Malaysia
Malaysia
Qatar
KOTA KINABALU
KUALA LUMPUR
DOHA
Liza Avelino
Kristel Villegas
Remy Réveillon
Domestic worker
Assistant manager for operations in a multinational bank
Overhead line surveyor
Head to Yu Kee Restaurant (#74 Jln Gaya) for their famous bak kut teh, a local dish made of pork and organs, and simmered for hours in a soup of herbs and spices. The standard set meal costs about MYR15. Climb Mount Kinabalu and give yourself a pat on the back. A two-day/ one-night package costs MYR1,120 per person.
Old Town White Coffee serves fantastic coffee and tea. They also sell coffee and milk-tea packs to take home as pasalubong. My favorites are the Hazelnut White Coffee and Teh Tarik. Three things you need to do in KL — see the Petronas Towers at night, take the train to see the Batu Caves and take a bus to Putrajaya to see the beautiful architecture of government ministries and mosques.
International cuisine can be expensive here, but if you prefer it, dine at the restaurant in Mövenpick Hotel. You can also enjoy good wine and beer here. Check out the Villaggio Mall for its ambience. It features an Italian theme, and you can even ride a gondola on the canal. It also has a theme park and an IMAX theater. The desert is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. Arrange a tour with a reputable agency, such as Qatar Inbound Tours, or Arabian Adventures Qatar. Both have TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence.
Head to Gaya Street Sunday Market for cheap souvenirs. It opens early and closes at 1pm. I got myself a couple of colorful batik textiles, and some antique bowls and plates.
Use public transport such as the train and bus so it’s easier and faster to navigate within the city.
AREA CODE +60 (88) TOUCHDOWN KOTA
AREA CODE +60 (3) TOUCHDOWN KUALA
AREA CODE +974 TOUCHDOWN HAMAD
KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI
TOWN TAXI
TOWN KLIA AIRPORT EXPRESS TRAIN
112 Smile June 2016
International
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
RIYADH
SINGAPORE
BUSAN
Neeza Arlis
Patty Lazatin
Dearly Rivero
Nurse
Marketing communications manager
IT manager
If you want to splurge, head for The Globe. Located at the 77th floor of the Al Faisaliyah Tower, the restaurant offers a spectacular view of the city. It specializes in modern European cuisine. The food is pricey, but it’s worth it. Check out the Saqer Aljazirah Aviation Museum. You’ll learn about the civilian and military aircrafts of Saudi Arabia through 3D movies and simulators. Visit the National Museum. There are many artefacts and exhibits that showcase the history of Saudi Arabia. You can explore the eight halls of the museum, where you can learn about the Arabian Peninsula and its history through architectural design.
Head for Lucha Loco at Duxton Hill and order their tacos. Sit at the outdoor patio and enjoy the beautiful pocket of greenery in the middle of the city. The beauty of Singapore lies in its diversity. On the one hand there is glitzy Orchard Road, then there are quaint neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru where you could pop in for a great cup of coffee at Tiong Bahru Bakery or browse the shelves at Books Actually.
Busan is home to Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi, where the freshest ocean produce is sold. You can eat raw fish right there or find nearby restaurants which can cook the seafood for you straightaway. Depending on what you order, the cost per person ranges from KRW10,000-30,000. Jackie’s Restaurant is quite famous in the area.
If you want to rock out in the Little Red Dot, The Substation on Armenian Street has a great line-up of cool bands and performances.
Visit Spa Land in Shinsegae Mall and enjoy taking jimjilbangs (saunas) in different tubs, pools and rooms. It’s a unique experience regardless of season. Costs range from KRW15,000-18,000. Check out Beomeosa Temple to see the natural and historical side of Busan.
AREA CODE +966 (11) TOUCHDOWN KING
AREA CODE +65 TOUCHDOWN SINGAPORE
AREA CODE +82 (51) TOUCHDOWN GIMHAE
KHALID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
CHANGI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN
TOWN TAXI
TOWN BUS, TAXI, TRAIN
TRAIN, AIRPORT LIMOUSINE BUS, TAXI
114 Smile June 2016
International
South Korea
Taiwan
SEOUL
TAIPEI
Anna Charmaine Abara
Debby Wu
Financial assistant
Writer
The Ginseng Chicken Soup (samgyetang) at Tosokchon (tosokchon. com) will keep you warm during cold winter days. Locals eat the healthy soup as a stamina booster in the summer. A bowl of whole chicken starts at KRW15,000. Thanks Nature Café in Hongdae has two resident sheep, Boksil and Mongshil, which you can feed and play with while you enjoy delicious coffee and desserts.
Minsheng fried rice, tucked away in a small lane on the leafy Minsheng E. Rd Section five has been voted the best fried rice in Taipei — a plate with soup will only set you back TW$5.
Head to Namdaemun Market to buy souvenirs. Bargain with the vendors by saying "Kkakka juseyo" ("Discount, please"). It is okay to haggle or ask for freebies when you are buying in bulk.
Ximending on the east side of the city is for teenagers and twentysomething hipsters looking for fashion goods and cool cinemas. It is also the perfect place to find traditional Taiwanese delicatessen. It is easy to get around the city by bus, subway or the government-operated YouBikes. Buy an Easycard and you’ll be able to travel around on most public transportation.
AREA CODE +82 (2) TOUCHDOWN INCHEON
AREA CODE +886 (2) TOUCHDOWN TAIPEI
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN BUS,
TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
TAXI, TRAIN
TOWN TAXI, BUS, TRAIN
International
Manila & Boracay Tours
30%
Period: Until June 30, 2016 Website: booking.segway.com.ph Email: segwayphil@gmail.com
Thailand
Thailand
BANGKOK
PHUKET
our for anuhr to
Location (Manila): Club Intramuros Golf Course
Paolo Gonzalez
Joey Angeles
Basketball operations for the ASEAN Basketball League
PR manager, Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp
Head for Sukhumvit Soi 11 for some cheap yet delicious street food. The alley is lined up with sidewalk vendors offering a variety of food choices. My personal favorite would be the pork barbecue sticks for around THB10 each.
For the best sunset and dining experience, head down to Kata Rocks. The perfect time to go would be between 5.30 and 7pm. Aside from the amazing free tapas they serve, try the Ohla Burger by chef Laia. It won the Best Burger in Phuket for 2016. Prices start at THB300.
Tel.: (+63) 2 523-1856 Mobile: (+63) 977 839-6005
You must try the famous Thai foot massage in Bangkok. The city is littered with foot massage places, so it’s going to be difficult to choose. Location (Boracay): Station 1, Fairways and Bluewater & Zetro Adventures
Mt. Lu h Tour o
Car parts and accessories are cheap in Bangkok. Go to Khlong Thom and Worachak streets in Chinatown. It’s best if you have photos of what you’re looking for, as the language barrier can be a major problem.
Fitness travelers should try going on the Big Buddha Run organized by Tiger Muay Thai. It is a 4.2km uphill run where you get to see a view of Phuket Island, and meet some elephants and monkeys along the way. The best part? It’s free! Forget about the big malls. Naka Market, Expo Market in Phuket Town and the night markets in Patong are the best places for shopping.
AREA CODE +66 (2) TOUCHDOWN
AREA CODE +66 (76) TOUCHDOWN PHUKET
SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN
GET TO TOWN TRAIN, TAXI
MINIBUS, TAXI
DR. MARLON O. LAJO Plastic surgeon
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
DUBAI
GUAM
Nikki Dizon
Lovine Gopez
Business manager
Operations manager
Check out Aroos Damascus at Deira for authentic Syrian and Middle Eastern fare that’s reasonably priced. Dine al fresco while enjoying stuffed vine leaves with olive oil (AED14), mixed grilled meat (AED35), and hummus (AED12) with fresh, warm pita. Head there after 4pm and you can enjoy some shawarma. The waiters are warm and friendly. A good time is inevitable.
Treat yourself to a hearty brunch with quality yet affordable dishes. Go to Pika’s Cafe and order their Pork Belly and Bulgogi Kimchi Rice Bowl (US$15) or their Salmon Tinaktak Sandwich (US$15).
Go for a run at the Dubai Marina Walk (7km) early in the morning.
Beautiful beaches surround the island — spend the afternoon lounging at a family BBQ, or gear up for some snorkeling and watersports action. Tumon Bay is the most popular beach but to beat the crowds, there are dozens of others just a short drive away.
Dates are a popular souvenir from Dubai. Instead of handing out the usual dried dates, give out chocolate-covered dates with almonds. They come in dark, milk, white and coconut variants.
While most attractions are located within walking distance in Tumon, ride the Red Guahan Shuttle (US$5 day pass, US$8 one-week pass) to explore other island locales.
AREA CODE +971 TOUCHDOWN DUBAI
AREA CODE +1 (671) TOUCHDOWN ANTONIO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN
B. WON PAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET
METRO, BUS, TAXI
TO TOWN TAXI, HOTEL SHUTTLE
Dr. Marlon O. Lajo, a board certified aesthetic plastic surgeon and who is based at St. Luke’s Medical Center has made his frequent travel more convenient and more fun by browsing and reading the inflight magazine. In his years as a Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Marlon Lajo has been able to do what he wants to do, traveling from Gensan to Manila, vice versa and from Puerto Princesa to Manila and vice versa. He can still actively attend to several aesthetic centers in Metro Manila as the plastic surgeon. Dr. Lajo has found particular interest in rhinoplasty (noselift), one of the leading procedures which has dominated his practice around the country. Moreso, blepharoplasty (upper eyelid deepset /eyebag removal) is another sought after procedure which has made him very busy, followed by abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, breast augmentation.
www.marlonlajo.com www.plasticsurgeononline.net www.noselift.info SMS, Viber or WhatsApp
+63 917 885 0337 Email
marlonlajomd@hotmail.com
International
Vietnam
Vietnam
HANOI
HO CHI MINH CITY
James Ong
Jay Pangilinan
Editorial director
Creative director
Head to Cha Ca La Vong (14 Pho Cha Ca) for the eponymous seafood dish inside a rickety 100-year-old restaurant. It’s a semi-DIY dish and you are given a plate of condiments including dill, which is not commonly used in Vietnamese dishes. BYOB — preferably white wine — and there’s no corkage. Be sure you don’t end up at one of the copycat restaurants!
Splurge on lunch sets at District 1 for around VND250,000-300,000. Try the classic French fare at La Cuisine, hearty Italian at Ciao Bella, and pure beef burgers at Relish & Sons.
Go brisk walking in the morning around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch local residents practice tai chi around 6am. Lacquerware is another cottage industry in Hanoi, but it can be hard to spot a good item. For quality pieces that won’t crack after a few uses, go to Anh Duy Lacquer at 25 Hang Trong.
Check out the Opera House. The water show might be touristy and kitschy, but it’s the only way to see the beautiful architecture inside. Choose your taxi wisely. Take Vinasun for non-haggling, no-nonsense drivers. Their meters state the actual fare. If you’re coming from the airport there’s an additional VND10,000 surcharge. This is normal practice, as the drivers need to pay that amount to get into the airport.
AREA CODE +84 (4) TOUCHDOWN NOI BAI
AREA CODE +84 (8) TOUCHDOWN TAN SON
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN BUS,
NHAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
TAXI, MINI BUS
TOWN TAXI
The Philippines
BACOLOD
BUSUANGA
Elizabeth Enriquez
Nicole Natasha Tan
Ian Mante
Professor
Graphic designer
Service crew
Taste authentic chicken inasal with rice and drink for PHP150 at Chicken House (+63 34 434 9405) in Lopues Mandalagan in the Mandalagan Art District. For dessert, indulge in sans rival varieties (peanut brittle, mocha and salted caramel) at Felicia’s Pastry Café (+63 34 433 6586).
Situated in the town proper, Bistro Coron serves margherita pizza (PHP299), beef tenderloin (PHP410-520) and steaks that are all must-tries.
Visit The Ruins, just one hour out of town, to see the breathtaking remains of a structure that was built by hacienderos. Guided tours are available.
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA
Pick up beautiful souvenirs such as woven bags made of water lily, abaca slippers and other accessories made in the region at Negros Showroom (+63 34 433 883) on 9th cor Lacson Streets.
Swim and feed the fishes at Siete Picados, Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon. Dip your toes into the fine sands of Malcapuya Island, Bulog Island and Banol Beach. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can document all the beautiful sights. Buy some cashews (starts at PHP250) for everyone back home. Not only are they cheap and available in bulk, but they’re also healthy and nutritious to snack on.
BUTUAN
Order the bulalo (PHP230), good for two, at House of Beef on AD Curato cor Del Pilar Streets. Go further along AD Curato Street to find affordable grilled fare in front of the locally dubbed “Mini Divisoria”. Pair your choices with puso (rice pockets, PHP6 each). Explore Butuan City’s simple pleasures. Cross the Agusan River for just PHP5, and have your picture taken by professionals at Guingona Park, a favorite hangout of locals. Rent a cottage (PHP100) at Masao Beach, which locals believe to be the site where Ferdinand Magellan first landed in the country. You can have seafood grilled or cooked kilawin or tinola-style (PHP150 per order).
AREA CODE +34 TOUCHDOWN BACOLOD-
AREA CODE +48 TOUCHDOWN FRANCISCO B.
AREA CODE +85 TOUCHDOWN BANCASI
SILAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
REYES AIRPORT GET TO TOWN SHUTTLE VAN
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN JEEPNEY, MULTICAB,
TOWN TAXI (APPROX. PHP500), SHUTTLE
(PHP150 ONE-WAYTRIP), HOTEL SHUTTLE
HOTEL SHUTTLE
VAN/BUS (APPROX. PHP200)
June 2016 Smile 121
The Philippines
CAMIGUIN
CATICLAN (BORACAY)
Maxi Mejia
Zig Rabara
Rachel Kelly Davis
Web marketing specialist
Human resources officer
Writer/entrepreneur
Head to SLERS Express Meals in Gaisano City to sample the best grilled pork belly (PHP90) in town. Try their breakfast meals, such as chicha-rice (fried rice topped with crispy chicharon), too.
We had all of our meals at J&A Fishpen Resort & Restaurant (+63 88 387 4008) in Mahinog. It offers a relaxing seaside environment and great food, and the staff are accommodating.
Head over to Ti Braz (+63 917 842 7290) for some good coffee and crêpes (PHP95 to PHP275) prepared by staff who were trained by a French chef.
Cagayan de Oro is a jump-off point for many different outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting, spelunking and ziplining. Whitewater rafting trips usually start from Barangay Dansolihon and go down the Cagayan River past various interesting city sights.
Camiguin has gorgeous waterfalls, so make sure to set aside a couple of hours to visit at least one. There are also plenty of hot and cold springs to experience, due to the island having plenty of volcanic activity.
Buy a pineapple crumble (PHP300) fresh from Mercedes Bakery in Gusa, or take some home from kiosks located in Robinsons Mall and Laguindingan airport.
Spend most of the day on White Island, a sandbar just off the main island. It’s only a five-minute boat ride away, but with its pristine water it feels like a different planet.
D’Mall has a great mix of higher-end retail stores and local merchants. You can get there by trike or jeep, and buy all sorts of souvenirs and supplies. Go for a walk along the beach — Boracay still has gorgeous stretches of sand and ocean — and try kiteboarding (PHP3,000) on the Bulabog side of the island. Karaoke places close early, so you might want to plan your night activities accordingly. It’s all about which station you want to find yourself in at the end of the night.
AREA CODE +88 TOUCHDOWN LAGUINDINGAN
AREA CODE +88 TOUCHDOWN CAMIGUIN
AREA CODE +36 TOUCHDOWN GODOFREDO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI,
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE, MOTORELA
P. RAMOS AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE
JEEPNEY, MOTORELA, SHUTTLE
TO CATICLAN JETTY PORT, THEN BOAT TO BORACAY
122 Smile June 2016
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA
CAGAYAN DE ORO
CAUAYAN
CEBU
Ian Emmanuel Urrutia
Owel Alvero
PR manager
Copywriter
PHOTOS BY EDGAR ALAN ZETA-YAP (CAUAYAN); LESTER LEDESMA (CEBU)
Check out Hi-Way Kitchenette at the corner of Burgos Street for a triedand-tested pancit cabagan (PHP65) experience. The native delicacy is made of pansit miki, lechon carajay, quail eggs and vegetables, and is served with dark pork broth. Tour the mushroom farms in Barangay Tagaran to buy fresh fungi and learn about their production. Those who want to go on a more unusual culinary adventure can buy edible frogs at Cauayan Public Market. Make a trip to Barangay Sillawit to experience the lush gardens of the Isabela Green Valley Resort and Leisure Farm (+63 78 897 1150).
Have some tapas and wine at Górliz (+63 32 564 9825) in Paseo Saturnino for a fantastic date or catch-up with friends. The restaurant serves dishes from the Basque Country of northern Spain. Music lovers should visit the New Susing’s Guitar store in Lapu-Lapu City. They have well-crafted instruments, and it’s always great to support local makers. Explore the Kawasan Falls with Kawasan Canyoneering (+63 918 654 4111/+63 905 333 2623). You take a motorcycle ride up the canyon, and then jump down the waterfalls. Get to rest between jumps as you float on your back downriver.
AREA CODE +78 TOUCHDOWN CAUAYAN CITY
AREA CODE +32 TOUCHDOWN MACTAN-CEBU
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE (APPROX.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI,
PHP10-25)
MULTICAB, HOTEL SHUTTLE
The Philippines
COTABATO
Keziah Cyrene T. Garcia
Roman Escaño
Student
Sales coordinator
Visit Fleur Cafe (+63 995 313 8413) to experience Kapampangan and French cuisine combined in an unusual yet delightful way. Feast on Tamales Pampangueña (PHP175), Crispy Pork Belly Macadamia Kare-Kare (PHP285), and the different cakes and cold batirols (PHP125). The Museum of Philippine Social History was an old mansion that hosted General Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo and other Philippine heroes. Buy sports memorabilia, vinyl records, turntables and various types of vintage cameras from around the world at Pro Throwbacks record store (+63 998 972 8296) in Puregold Duty Free.
Go to the public market on Jose P. Lim Street to taste authentic pastel (PHP10), which is rice wrapped in banana leaves with meat. It's a must-try when you're in Cotabato. Take a two-hour trip to Barangay Dado in Alamada, North Cotabato, to experience the Asik-Asik Falls. Water from the falls is considered by Swiss scientists as among the purest in the world. Scour the Barter Trade Center inside the ARMM Complex to buy anything from fine Cotabato handmade souvenirs, such as burkas and handicrafts, to imported Malaysian goods.
AREA CODE +45 TOUCHDOWN CLARK
AREA CODE +64 TOUCHDOWN AWANG
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI,
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN JEEPNEY,
SHUTTLE, CAR RENTAL, JEEPNEY (APPROX.
MOTORCYCLE, CHARTERED VAN
PHP13)
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (CLARK); SAMUEL DE LEON (COTABATO)
CLARK
DAVAO
DIPOLOG
DUMAGUETE
Missy Ansaldo
Alroy Uy
Nicholas Lazaro
Law student
Chef
Music producer
Balik Bukid (+63 82 296 4543) along Ecoland Highway serves dishes made with organic ingredients and their own homegrown vegetables.
UrChoice Bistro Café (+63 65 212 1313) is my choice for hearty, healthy Italian food. Owned by an Italian, the café serves brick-oven pizza and authentic Italian pasta.
Have the best lapu-lapu and mayamaya (PHP80 per 100g) at Hayahay Treehouse Bar & Viewdeck (+63 35 225 3536). You only pay half the Manila rates for good seafood, whether it’s grilled, boiled or steamed.
Roxas Street in the heart of the downtown area is converted into a night market after 5pm. Enjoy a plethora of street food, including the popular durian and mango flavors of Mang Danny’s ice cream (PHP20).
Dipolog Sunset Boulevard stretches 2.6km and is a favorite hangout of locals and tourists. It has commercial complexes with many coffee shops and restaurants, and the famous Song Hits! Family KTV. Check out the balut and barbecue spots located nearby.
Tour the nearby islands to see the wildlife and culture: Apo Island for the turtles, Negros Oriental for dolphins and Siquijor for its folklore.
Take a joy ride out of the city to Eden Nature Park & Resort (+63 82 299 1020). A day package (PHP550) includes a delicious lunch buffet. Try sky cycling, horseback riding, fishing and other outdoor activities while enjoying the mountain breeze.
Dipolog is the “Sardines Capital of the Philippines” owing to its abundance of malangsi (herring). Contact the tourism office (+63 65 212 2485) to experience how the product is made.
AREA CODE +82 TOUCHDOWN FRANCISCO
AREA CODE +65 TOUCHDOWN DIPOLOG
AREA CODE +35 TOUCHDOWN SIBULAN
BANGOY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE (TO
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE, JEEPNEY
TOWN PUBLIC UTILITY JEEPNEY, TAXIS
DOWNTOWN AREA, PHP20 FOR 2 PEOPLE)
126 Smile June 2016
Bring home sumptuous desserts like suman, silvanas (PHP140) and sans rival (PHP325) from Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries (+63 35 225 4440). Check out the architecture at Silliman University and visit the Dumaguete Belfry as well.
PHOTO BY JOJIE ALCANTARA (DAVAO); HERSLEY VEN CASERO (DUMAGUETE)
The Philippines
Beachfront, Station 2, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan Philippines 5608
PREMIER DELUXE ROOM
PREMIER SUPER DELUXE ROOM W/1BED @ premier East Wing
© Elephant Parade®
LET’S PAINT A BRIGHTER FUTURE! We believe in the power of a global movement to make a happier world. Our worldwide art exhibitions and products create millions of smiles and raise awareness of the need for elephant conservation. Be part of it.
elephantparade.com
The Philippines
GENERAL SANTOS
ILOILO
Ralph Romero
Jacquelyne Tolosa-Guzman
Web/multimedia producer
HR account head
Tiongson Arcade, GenSan’s version of a dampa, offers delicious barbecue and seafood. You can’t go wrong with their grilled tuna belly (PHP150).
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (GENERAL SANTOS & ILOILO)
Drive 90 minutes away from the city to Lake Sebu, home of the indigenous T’boli and Manobo tribes. The lake is the best place in the area to enjoy fresh tilapia. About 30 minutes away from the town proper is the Safii Ranch Paragliding Flysite (+63 922 807 1961), one of the three sites in the Philippines where you can try paragliding (PHP3,000).
Queue up at Roberto’s on Calle Real. Try their famous King (PHP70) or Queen Siopao (PHP77) and their awesome meatballs on a stick (PHP25). Order a mango shake (PHP45) to wash it all down. Check out Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish, or Miag-Ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s a 40-minute jeep ride away. Hop on a tricycle to Barangay Indag-an and support the Indag-an Primary Multipurpose Cooperative by buying their hablon (native woven cloth) creations, such as shawls, clothing materials, tablecloths and napkins. Visit Guimaras Island. It's just a 15-minute pump boat ride from the city.
AREA CODE +83 TOUCHDOWN GENERAL
AREA CODE +33 TOUCHDOWN ILOILO
SANTOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN
TOWN TAXI, TRICYCLE, HOTEL SHUTTLE
TAXI, VAN
KALIBO
LAOAG
LEGAZPI
Rayvin Tamisin
Fabian Mangahas
Russ Davis
Photo hobbyist
Business development
Radio DJ
Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar (+63 77 771 5825) at 10 Gen. Giron Street serves a soothing inabraw (PHP110), a vegetable soup with squash blossoms. Get your espresso fix at City Cup Café (+63 77 670 6820) on Rizal Street.
Small Talk Café inventively fuses Western culinary influences with traditional Bicolano dishes. Have a creamy plate of Pasta Pinangat (PHP130), which combines taro leaves and coconut cream with white sauce and pasta.
The wind and solar power plants in Burgos are a remarkable sight. You can see them while driving along the main road toward the seaside Kapurpuruwan rock formations.
Visit Kawa-Kawa Hill and Nature Park in nearby Ligao City. Walk the sloping paths to reach the hill’s summit, which is a large crater planted with sunflowers that looks amazing under the sun.
Explore Ilocano literary culture by picking up a book at Samtoy Books (+63 905 505 1077) on General Luna cor Llanes Streets, just a stone’s throw away from the Ilocos Norte Museum.
Rent an ATV (starts at PHP599) at Your Brother Travel & Tours ATV Amusement Center to take an exciting tour of the landscape of Mayon volcano. Lava flows and breathtaking views of Albay can be seen from different trails.
AREA CODE +36 TOUCHDOWN KALIBO
AREA CODE +77 TOUCHDOWN LAOAG
AREA CODE +52 TOUCHDOWN LEGAZPI
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN SIRIB
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI, RENTAL VAN,
TRICYCLE, TAXI, JEEPNEY, BUS, VAN
BUS, JEEPNEY, TRICYCLE, PRE-ARRANGED
TRICYCLE
Order pork belly (PHP290) at Ramboy’s Lechonan & Restaurant (+63 922 221 3123). The serving is generous. Head to Barangay Tangalan to visit Jawili Falls and Jawili Beach, which are also walking distance from the Afga Wave Rock Formations and Afga Lighthouse. You can rent a tricycle for PHP100-150 to each destination. Visit the Bakhawan Eco-Park (PHP150) in New Buswang, Kalibo. The park covers 240ha, with mangroves that were planted starting in 1990 for flood control. Use bamboo rafts to get to the sandbar, where you can picnic in huts (PHP50 per person, minimum of four). Kayak rental is also available.
RENTAL VAN
130 Smile June 2016
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA
The Philippines
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (MANILA); RAYMOND CALACDAY (NAGA)
The Philippines
MANILA
NAGA
Lambert Cruz
Ahmad Sohiel Tanji
Radio DJ
Copy editor
Try Urameshi-ya Yakiniku Restaurant (+63 2 813 2210), inside Little Tokyo in Makati, and go for eat-all-you-can, Monday to Wednesday, 5pm until midnight (PHP500). You can also get set menus such as omakase (PHP1,350) and Wagyu Tokutoku (PHP3,350) for special occasions.
Nourish yourself with kinalas (PHP35) at Aling Cely’s Kinalasan on Barlin Street. This hearty noodle-andbroth dish is best devoured with either hot baduya (banana fritters) or toasted siopao (steamed buns). Don’t forget to add chilli.
Black Market (+63 917 829 4162) on Chino Roces Avenue has great vibes for drinking and dancing, with theme nights ranging from Bad Decisions Wednesdays to Saturday Riot House. No style, no entry.
Wet your feet at Panicuason Hot Spring Resort (PHP200 entrance), which offers pools with different temperatures at the foot of Mount Isarog. Trek the mountain for 30 minutes more to see the hypnotic Malabsay Falls in Mount Isarog National Park (PHP10).
Nothing else says Filipino pride like Team Manila shirts. These shirts blend Filipino pop culture with style and are available in major malls around the city.
Strike a reasonable deal with tricycle drivers so they can bring you to where you want to go. They usually agree to “double ride” (twice the fare).
AREA CODE +2 TOUCHDOWN NINOY AQUINO
AREA CODE +54 TOUCHDOWN NAGA AIRPORT
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI
GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE, TAXI, JEEPNEY
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (OZAMIZ); EDGAR ALAN ZETA-YAP (PAGADIAN)
The Philippines
OZAMIZ
PAGADIAN
Analyn Saniel
Leode Amor Merlas
Home-maker
Nurse
The Sizzling Gambas (PHP150) at Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (PHP10 entrance) in Sinacaban is worth the 15-minute drive from Ozamiz.
Have cheap, delicious grilled food at the Pagadian Night Market. The stalls there are famous for serving pork barbecue (PHP5).
Experience the zipline at Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park (+63 917 326 7878) in Tangub, which is less than 30 minutes from Ozamiz. A package that includes the zipline experience, lunch and choice of buggy ride or horseback riding costs PHP500.
Jog uphill to the Provincial Government Complex in Barangay Dao to experience great views of Panguil Bay. Take a ride on an inclined tricycle (PHP10) for easy traveling on the slopes of Pagadian.
Buy pasalubong from Clarin’s House of Suman (+63 88 545 1943) in Clarin, a 10-minute ride from Ozamiz. Its suman (glutinous rice cake, PHP8) are filled with ube (taro), pineapple, peanut, durian and mango.
Buy malongs (PHP300-400), tajongs and scarves (PHP50-80) that are both decorative and useful at DBC Alta Mall. Bring home some special biko (sticky rice pudding, PHP5) from the provincial bus terminal.
AREA CODE +88 TOUCHDOWN LABO AIRPORT
AREA CODE +62 TOUCHDOWN PAGADIAN
GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE
DOMESTIC AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE, JEEPNEY
The Philippines
ROXAS
Angela Manuel
Juliene Alovera Amane
Human resource development manager
Mass communication student
Call +63 48 433 2580 to make a reservation at KaLui Restaurant (it’s required). Once you’re there, order the Palawan Seafood Sisig (PHP170). Take a boat tour of the islands in Honda Bay, where you can go snorkeling to see giant clams underwater. Drive to Sabang Beach to visit the Underground River, and get ready to contend with some bat guano. Take a side trip to Iwahig and do the firefly watching tour (PHP1,200 for boat rental) to marvel at these insects lighting up the mangroves at night.
Domina Food Hub (+63 36 620 3372) on McKinley Street features Mexican, Japanese and Filipino cuisines at affordable prices. Try the burritos, tacos and quesadillas at Ocho Bistro; sushi and sashimi at Engimono Ramen and Katsu Bar; and taste Kusina Marcela’s sinigang na lechon kawali, sizzling balot sa aligi and spicy pork sisig. Go on relaxing river tours, such as the Cadimahan River Tour (+63 910 203 3229) in Lawis Baybay and the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark River Tour (+63 923 828 8091) in Barangay Cagay. Rent a balsa (floating cottage made of nipa and bamboo, starts at PHP1,000) that can be pulled by a boat along the river as you get a massage or foot spa.
AREA CODE +48 TOUCHDOWN PUERTO
AREA CODE +36 TOUCHDOWN ROXAS
PRINCESA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE
TOWN VAN, TRICYCLE (PHP50), MULTICAB
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (PUERTO PRINCESA & ROXAS)
PUERTO PRINCESA
SAN JOSE
Erwin Claver
Eric Tipan
Marketing coordinator
Journalist/broadcaster
I love drinking beer at Pilot’s Lounge, especially since they stock local and imported varieties. It’s owned by pilots, so you'll see aviation-related design elements there.
Dedon Island Resort’s (+63 917 701 7820) in-house chef puts together great cuisine with ingredients sourced locally, and came up with his own unique twist on adobo and other local favorites.
Visit the village of the indigenous Buhid Mangyan and learn about their culture and ancient scripts. Enjoy the sand, sun and sea from secluded Inasakan Beach in Ilin Island. It has crystal-clear water and powdery white sand.
Buy some shell jewelry for loved ones back home. Pretty shells strung up together as necklaces or bracelets abound in the souvenir shops of Siargao.
Check out the public market for Mangyan handicrafts such as baskets, bags and woven accessories, or take home sweet native delicacies such as banana and cassava chips. PHOTO BY GEORGE CABIG (SAN JOSE)
SIARGAO
Locals in Cloud 9, considered the best surfing location, will be more than willing to put you on the board and even paddle you out to where the surf breaks. All you’ve got to do is to stay on top of your board.
AREA CODE +43 TOUCHDOWN SAN JOSE
AREA CODE +86 TOUCHDOWN SAYAK AIRPORT
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE
GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE (APPROX. PHP200 TO CLOUD9), HABAL HABAL, SHUTTLE VAN
Direct Selling Association of the Philippines
The Philippines
SURIGAO
Imee Sioco-Hacla
Karl Lucente
Project evaluation officer
Filmmaker, musician
Balbakwa (ox skin and tail stew) at 18 East Winstar Bulalo is a must-try. You get a steamy balbakwa for less than PHP100.
If you like rice as much as I do, go straight to P. Burgos Street and head to SurpRice!, where you can order the delicious and popular Oriental Beef Bowl (PHP75). Local delicacies are sold on buses and streets. Moron (glutinous rice cake with chocolate) and binagol (taro cooked with sugar) are my go-to sweets to take home. You can even buy them in bundles to feed all your friends and family.
Basul Island can be reached from Punta Bilar with a 20-minute pump boat ride. One side of the island is a beach with fine, white sand while the other side is a rocky shore. Marvel at the swirling water or eddy nearby — it’s pretty amazing!
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA
TACLOBAN
Punta Bilar Dive Center (+63 920 909 0999) is a good starting point for exploring the underwater beauty of Punta Bilar in Surigao City. You can go snorkeling or cave diving.
The local music scene is alive and kicking. Lovers of local music can attend gigs at Cerebro Bar located beside Sandbank at 77 Real Street.
AREA CODE +86 TOUCHDOWN SURIGAO
AREA CODE +53 TOUCHDOWN DANIEL
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN VIA TRICYCLE,
Z. ROMUALDEZ AIRPORT GET TO TOWN
MULTICAB, HOTEL SHUTTLE
JEEPNEY, TAXI, TRICYCLE
The Philippines
TANDAG
TAWI-TAWI
Marc Inting
Debb Acebu
Mara Miano
Music teacher/musician
Social media specialist
Data analyst
The adventurous can try eating the fresh sea urchin (PHP20) peddled by fishermen on various islands off Panglao Island. Enjoy the sweetness of the uni with suka (seasoned vinegar) for a delicious contrast.
Goldbar Restaurant, located on Tandag Boulevard, serves fresh and organic seafood. Although it’s a typical Filipino restaurant, it’s one of the best dining options in town, offering a great al fresco ambience at its seaside location.
Hire a boat for an exciting island tour (starts at PHP3,500) that includes dolphin and whale watching, excellent snorkeling and visiting pristine sandbars. Peanut Kisses (peanut candy shaped like their chocolate namesake, PHP60) and kalamay (a sticky mixture of glutinous rice flour, sugar and water) are popular gifts. Try bringing home a box or two of torta — dense sweetcakes the size of your palm (PHP250 per box)!
Cagwait Beach (locally known as the Waikiki Beach of Surigao del Sur) is a 30- to 45-minute drive from Tandag City. It has fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. You can stay at a resort there, but it’s still a better experience to camp out.
AREA CODE +38 TOUCHDOWN TAGBILARAN
AREA CODE +86 TOUCHDOWN TANDAG CITY
AREA CODE +68 TOUCHDOWN SANGA-SANGA
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE/
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE, HABAL-
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE (PHP100)
MOTORELA, TAXI, HOTEL SHUTTLE
HABAL
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Drive for a couple of hours out of the city to reach San Agustin and take a boat to Britania Islands. Enjoy island hopping and snorkeling in their virgin waters.
Head to Sandbar Beach Lepa and Restaurant (+63 68 268 1018) on the main island of Bongao to have a dish of kamon, or sea centipede — it tastes exactly like lobster! Trek Bud Bongao, Tawi-Tawi’s highest point and renowned “holy mountain”, and bring bananas for its temple guards, the Philippine long-tailed macaques. Prepare for an unforgettable view of Tawi-Tawi and the Celebes Sea. Visit the Badjao Village by the port, where you can buy Badjao woven products and other art trinkets. For a quick beach trip, catch a boat (PHP1,500) to Sangay Siapo and other neighboring islets. Their beaches are unspoiled and amazing.
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (TAGBILARAN & TANDAG); EDGAR ALAN ZETA-YAP (TAWI-TAWI)
TAGBILARAN
PHOTOS BY LESTER LEDESMA (TUGUEGARAO & ZAMBOANGA); ERICK LIRIOS (VIRAC)
TUGUEGARAO
VIRAC
ZAMBOANGA
Genna May Bandal
Michael John Hilario
Christopher Palmero
Operations supervisor
Anesthesiologist
Support analyst
Sample local fare at Luna StrEAt Food Park. Try sinanta with puto (saucy noodle dish with rice cake, PHP70) and of course, Tuguegarao’s own version of empanada (orange-colored meat pocket).
For the best halo-halo (PHP58) in town, head to Blossom’s Restaurant (+63 52 811 1009). Their generous servings are packed with the most delicious flavors of summer. You can even choose if you want your milk to be evaporated or powdered.
Jimmy’s Satti Haus at Pilar Street serves up grilled beef or chicken (starts at PHP30) and rice (cooked inside coconut palm leaves) in sweet-spicy sauce. The sauce is the highlight of this dish and you can always ask for extra servings.
While everyone else is at the beach, why not take a dip in fresh water instead? Just head to the town’s favorite hangout, Sto. Domingo River, and have a picnic by the riverbank.
Elders say that one should always visit Fort Pilar, an old Spanish military fort that is now a museum and a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar. It is said there was an apparition of Virgin Mary to save the city from a tsunami.
Hop on a tricycle (PHP70 per person) and go to the Pinacanauan River, where you can take a long wooden pumpboat (PHP20 round trip) to get to Callao Cave. Discover the cave’s seven chambers. Buy products such as specially packed nuts from the indigenous Ibanag of Cagayan. I brought home Teaño Alcala Milk Candy (PHP52) that’s made from carabao milk as sweet treats for my friends and family.
If you’re looking for a piece of history and culture, take a short trip by tricycle or jeepney to the town of Bato to visit St. John the Baptist Church.
AREA CODE +78 TOUCHDOWN TUGUEGARAO
AREA CODE +52 TOUCHDOWN VIRAC
AREA CODE +62 TOUCHDOWN ZAMBOANGA
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE
AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TRICYCLE (LESS THAN
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GET TO TOWN TAXI,
PHP10 TO TOWN CENTER), TAXI, JEEPNEY
JEEPNEY, TRICYCLE
Check out Sta. Cruz Island, which is famous for its pink sand beach and is a mere 20-minute boat ride from Paseo del Mar. Make arrangements at the City Tourism office for snorkeling and diving.
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PARTNER PROMOTIONS
Cool economy Cooling your home doesn’t have to be expensive, and the new Kolin S-Series window-type inverter air conditioner brings relief from this unusually warm weather with cost savings that are great for the environment and the pocket. Cutting energy costs by as much as 60%, this series now uses the latest environmentally safe green refrigerant, R32, making it an effortless choice for conscientious consumers. It operates quietly to provide a soothing atmosphere while keeping the room cooler for longer. The Kolin S-Series comes in 1hp and 1.5hp sizes, and will soon be cooling larger spaces in 2hp and 2.4hp sizes that also feature high cooling capacity for the utmost comfort. Kolin’s trademark of highquality craftsmanship, durability and quick customer service ensures the ultimate cooling experience from the S-Series with worry-free maintenance. kolinphil.com.ph
Racing to save the environment
Stylish sunnies
Wilcon Depot rallied 500 loyal clients and valued suppliers on April 3 to join the Wilcon Run for Environment, a charity fun run that promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle and caring for the environment. Held at La Mesa Nature Reserve in Quezon City, the eco-trail run raised funds for support of the non-profit ecological reservation park’s environmental projects. Participants in three race categories of 3km, 6km and 10km experienced an exhilarating run through the lush terrain surrounding Manila’s primary source of drinking water, La Mesa Watershed Reservation. Awesome prizes were awarded to the top three champion runners in the male and female categories. wilcon.com.ph
Glamming up sunny days, Ideal Vision releases the 2016 Sunglasses Collection from Chopard, the Swiss watchmaker. The line features luxury eyewear made with the same craftsmanship and technology behind the brand’s jewelry and timepieces. Crystals on hand-made trims and unique color combinations enhance these stylish shades — from classic aviator designs to a premium Palme Verte model that pays tribute to Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or. The Men’s Collection takes inspiration from sport and motor racing, combining high-quality materials with functional benefits of anti-glare and polarized lenses to exude a robust elegance. fb.com/idealvisioncenter
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PARTNER PROMOTIONS
A little slice of paradise Planning a visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan? Stay at Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort. This four-star resort is located at the quiet sandy beach of Sabang Cove, just a few minutes walk to the jump off point of the Underground River. It has 27 cabanas, all with spacious verandas, LED TVs with satellite channels, DVD players and DVDs, and fully stocked mini bars. The three-bedroom Daluyon Suite — the biggest in the property — even has its own swimming pool. The cabanas, which offer magnificent sea views, can accommodate four to nine guests. You can also enjoy outdoor activities while you're here. The eco-friendly resort has volleyball and badminton courts. You can also ask the staff to help you arrange tours to the city and the Underground River. For more information, and to book, visit daluyonbeachandmountainresort. com.
Get a grip Car owners will be rejoicing with the release of ADVAN FLEVA V701, the latest product under Yokohama Tire Sales Philippines, Inc.’s premium tire brand ADVAN. This new high-performance sport tire gives the driver increased control of the vehicle, providing a sexier ride on city streets, highways and winding roads. Experience the smoothest, quietest and most responsive driving with ADVAN FLEVA V701’s safety performance and superior wet grip of up to EU grade A. The tire allows sporty handling on the road, and it looks impressive with an exclusively developed directional tread pattern design that will delight sports driving enthusiasts, whether they’re commanding a compact car or a limousine. Its low rolling resistance also reduces your vehicle’s environmental footprint, saving gas and increasing mileage for future road trips. yokohamatire.ph
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Welcome to
Cebu Pacific Airline news, travel information, maps and onboard goodies
ON THE NETWORK
THE "N" IN SEOUL'S N TOWER STANDS FOR "NEW LOOK". THE NAME CHANGE WAS IMPLEMENTED AFTER ITS RENOVATION IN 2005.
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Company updates
Go farther with the Value Alliance Cebu Pacific, together with seven other Asia-Pacific market champions, announced the formation of the world’s largest lowcost carrier (LCC) alliance — the Value Alliance — last month. CEB (including wholly owned subsidiary Cebgo), Jeju Air, Nok Air, NokScoot, Scoot, Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Australia and Vanilla Air — will provide greater value, connectivity and choice for travel throughout South-East Asia, North Asia and Australia, as they bring their extensive networks together. Customers will be able to view, select and book the best available airfares on flights from any of the airlines in a single transaction, directly from each partner website, thanks to groundbreaking technology developed by Air Black Box (ABB). This means more destinations, more routing options and greater convenience for customers of each airline. Unlike typical interline technologies, ABB also allows guests to enjoy the full suite of ancillary choices they have come to
Left to right: Katsuya Goto, President of Vanilla Air; Robert Sharp, Chief Executive Officer of Tigerair Australia; Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Executive Officer of Tigerair Singapore; Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Scoot; Piya Yodmani, Chief Executive Officer of NokScoot; Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer of Nok Air; Ken Choi, Chief Executive Officer of Jeju Air; and Michael Szucs, Chief Executive Adviser of Cebu Pacific
appreciate from LCCs, such as seat and meal selection, variable baggage allowances and other inflight features — across all partner airline sectors in a single itinerary. The Value Alliance airlines, who together serve more than 160 destinations with a collective fleet of 176 aircraft across the Asia-Pacific region, will offer their customers a better, one-stop-shop experience.
“All of our airline partners are champions in their local markets, and well regarded for their value and service regionally and nationally. The Value Alliance is a clear example of how LCCs can accomplish more by working together than we could do individually,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific. cebupacificair.com
Guam sees a 125% hike in visitor arrivals from the Philippines The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) reports a rise in visitors from the Philippines to Guam in March 2016 — a 125% improvement from the same month last year. It’s an impressive showing, given that the highest figures for March occurred in 2013 with 136,728 travelers; in March 2016, it hit 133,335. Cebu Pacific is the only low-cost carrier to fly direct between the Philippines and the US island territory. It is also CEB’s first US destination, and 30th international destination; it launched the four-times-weekly service
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in March 2016. “This is another demonstration of the ‘Cebu Pacific effect’. By making air travel more affordable, we help to boost tourism into the destinations we fly to,” explains Alex Reyes, CEB General Manager for the Long Haul Division. A one-way, all-in Manila–Guam ticket can go for as low as PHP7,212 – said to be 40% cheaper compared to other airlines. With CEB and its Airbus A320, passengers can also add hot meals, seats with more spacious leg room and baggage allowance to their fare.
They also have the option to travel on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. Departure time from Manila is at 4.15am, and arrival in Guam is at 10.05am. The plane will leave Guam at 12.20pm, and get to Manila at 2.05pm.
CEB increases Manila-Doha flight frequency Cebu Pacific makes it easier for passengers to visit family and friends in Doha. On top of its existing Manila–Doha flights every Monday and Thursday, the airline will travel to the Qatar capital every Saturday beginning July 9, 2016. It will leave Manila at 2.45pm, and reach Doha at 7.15pm. Then it will take off at 8.55pm from Doha to land in Manila at 11.25am the following day. CEB is the only Philippine carrier to provide a direct Manila– Doha service. With this Saturday frequency, plus the Doha–Manila return flights every Tuesday and Friday, visitors will have more options and flexibility. “CEB remains committed to
bringing the Philippines closer to the growing Filipino community based in Qatar. We hope that with our additional frequency and lowest year-round fares, they will be encouraged to fly back home and reunite with their families and friends more often,” says Alex Reyes, CEB General Manager for the Long Haul Division. As CEB will be using the wide-bodied Airbus A330 for this additional Manila–Doha flight, customers can include hot meals, seats with better leg room, WiFi access and other amenities to their fare. The aircraft has 436 alleconomy class seats, and is part of CEB’s line-up of 57 planes.
5th Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge kicks off
The 5th Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge is on from June 23 to 29, 2016. The prize? A one-year, all-youcan-travel pass. The teams will be kept on their toes as they’ll only find out their destinations during the send-off on June 22. They also have to be at their most creative and innovative, as they need to accomplish the most number of activities at these spots
on a budget. The group that reaches the Challenge goals will be crowned the winner. Watch their escapades at juanforfun.com or go to facebook. com/CebuPacificJFF to follow their adventures. Ateneo de Manila University students Aaron Crisostomo, Asia Wy and Kyle Favis of Team Juan Big Fight were last year’s champions and Ultimate Backpackers.
Explore and eat with Erwan Heussaff Take it from Erwan Heussaff — you only need 36 hours to make the most out of any holiday. He shows us how in his new traveland-food web series, Overnight. For his first season, the restaurateur, food blogger and host went to Taipei, Saigon, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Seoul to collect a wealth of culinary information about these cities so you won’t have to. Cebu Pacific — with its network of over 90 routes across 64 destinations, non-stop flights and seat sales — helped Erwan turn these trips into a reality. “In today’s time-hungry world, people want to try and experience so much in so little time,” he relates. So he’s made it his mission to reveal the best eateries and food stops for you. “Each place is unique and has something to offer. You just have to be ready to explore them with an open mind.” “Travelers nowadays are all about spending more on experiences such as art, food and drinks,” he says. “They opt to wait for seat sales, stay at inexpensive boutique hostels and bring smaller luggage in order to maximize their budget.” His tip? Save more by booking flights with low-cost carriers such as Cebu Pacific. It flies all over the Philippines, Asia, Australia, Guam and the Middle East. Up next for season two: Hanoi, Bali, Fukuoka and Osaka, and Shanghai. With Overnight as your inspiration, visit cebupacificair.com to set your next vacation, adventure and food itinerary with Cebu Pacific today. Find out the latest seat sales at Cebu Pacific’s official Twitter (@ CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages, or download the official Cebu Pacific mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.
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Travel information Stretch and recline Where you’re seated in the plane can spell the difference between bliss and misery. Get the seat you want by reserving
It's in the bag CARRY-ON NOT ENOUGH? AVOID HAVING TO PAY EXCESS BAGGAGE FEES AT THE CHECKIN COUNTER BY PURCHASING YOUR BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT
CHECK THE SUMMA R F E E S FO Y O F R TH ADD-ON ESE S AT GOO.GL /6XMGF I
it online. Here are your choices:
YOUR OPTIONS
Small 15kg max
Standard 20kg max
Large 30kg max
Large Plus 40kg max*
Each passenger is only allowed one prepaid item of baggage per booking. But don’t worry — you can
As with your baggage allowance,
always upgrade your allowance, as long as you have up to four hours before your scheduled time of
you can select or upgrade your
departure. Just go to the Manage Booking tab on cebupacificair.com, or call the customer service
seat up to four hours before
hotline or the sales office.
departure.
*A checked-in bag cannot exceed 30kg per piece to avoid injury to the porters. So if you purchase a 40kg baggage allowance, you need to break it up into two 20kg items of luggage, for example, or into one item that's 30kg and another that's 10kg.
row? Be sure you meet these
Want to sit on the exit requirements: • You’re 15 years old and above • You’re not sitting with an
TAKE NOTE
infant or a passenger below 15 years old;
Worry-free travel
• You’re not traveling with
When we’re traveling, there are plenty of factors that are beyond our control. But don't let these unknowns stop you from exploring new places, and having fun while you’re at it. That’s what TravelSure is for. TravelSure, which you can purchase together with your Cebu Pacific flight tickets, offers protection from accidents, coverage for emergency medical treatments, and benefits for loss and delays. Visit travelsure.ph for more information and to get a free quote.
in case of an emergency;
anyone needing your assistance • You’re fit and able-bodied, and do not have any permanent or temporary impairment; • You’re able to speak and understand English; and • You’re able and willing to help the cabin crew in the unlikely event of an evacuation or
For more information about prepaid baggage allowance, seat selector and other add-ons, visit cebupacificair.com and click on the Travel Services tab.
emergency situation.
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Airport of the month
How to search, book and check in for flights Online Cebupacificair.com On your mobile device Download the Cebu Pacific mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Book tickets and check in for your flights in just a few quick taps. You can also select baggage, meals and seat options, then pay by credit card.
IF YOU’RE FLYING IN OR OUT OF...
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) HKIA consistently ranks highly among the world’s best airports, and for good reason. It has the amenities to welcome, serve and entertain more than 68 million passengers a year (and counting). It is modern and spacious, and lets in lots of natural light. A whole range of other benefits is listed here. • The 105,000sqm, five-storey Midfield Concourse opened at the end of March. Built to cater to 10 million passengers annually, it can accommodate 20 aircraft. It also has environmentally friendly and low-energy facilities, an automated people mover system from Terminal 1, free WiFi, internet access and comfy seats. Expect more dining and retail options soon. • The Airport Express train reaches Central in half an hour.
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• HKIA also has a sea and land transport system for travelers who wish to reach Mainland China. Transfer passengers can hop on the SkyPier ferry to get to Macau and seven other Pearl River Delta ports, such as Guangzhou Nansha and Shenzhen Fuyong. • The coach station at Terminal 2 has buses to take you to Mainland destinations including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Fujian and Xiamen. • Your favorite designers and high-end brands have a home here. Shop for watches, jewelry, clothes, makeup and toys. Then dine on Asian and Western cuisines at well-known eateries, or drink your choice of brew at coffee shops. • Check out the IMAX theater and child-friendly exhibits at Terminal 2. hongkongairport.com
On the phone Need to speak to an operator? Call the following numbers: • Manila: +63 2 7020 888 • Cebu: +63 32 2308 888 • Hong Kong: +852 3973 3800 • Singapore: +65 3158 0808 • Australia: +61 2 9119 2956 • United States: +1 855 5 CEBPAC It’s fun to be social Connect with us, and be among the first to know about our promos and other updates. Just “like” our @CebuPacificAir social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Where to next
Laoag
Exp Cebu lore Pacifi c’s
Tuguegarao
34
Cauayan
dome desti stic natio ns
The Philippines
CLARK
MANILA
Naga
Virac
Legazpi
San Jose Busuanga Caticlan an n KALIBO
Roxas
Tacloban ILOILO I
Bacolod od CEBU
Puerto Princesa
Surigao
Tagbilaran Dumaguete
Siargao
Camiguin Tandag Butuan
Dipolog
Cagayan de Oro
Ozamiz Pagadian
Cotabato
MAP ILLUSTRATIONS BY KASEY ALBANO
Zamboanga
DAVAO DA DAV DAVA AV O AV
General Santos
Tawi-Tawi
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Where to next
KUWAIT Kuwait QATAR Doha Riyadh SAUDI AU AUD UDI ARABIA
The World Trav Cebu el to Pacifi c’s
30
inter na desti tional natio ns
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Dubai UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Beijing KOREA KO K O Incheon (Seoul)
JJAPAN
Busan Osaka Fukuoka
Nagoya
Narita (Tokyo)
Shanghai
CHINA
T TAIWAN Taipei
Xiamen Guangzhou
Hong Kong Macau
Hanoi
GUAM G
Clark THE PHILIPPINES THAILAND Bangkok Phuket
VIETNAM
Manila
em R em Rea eap ea Siem Reap
Kalibo
CAMBODIA C Iloilo
H Chi Minh City Ho
Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA M
Kota Kinabalu Bandar Seri Begawan BRUNEI
Cebu
Davao
SINGAPORE S Singapore
INDONESIA Jakarta Denpasar (Bali)
AUSTRALIA
Sydney
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Onboard treats
Filipino Classics
HOT MEALS AVAILABLE ONLY ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
served with fragrant pandan rice
NON-HALAL
*NAPA
BEEF CALDERETA
CHICKEN ADOBO
Filipino Filipino-style style beef stew in a rich tomato sauce, sauce with carrots and potatoes.
A Filipino l staple l simmered d in a b balanced l d mix off soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and peppercorns.
BISTEK TAGALOG
CHICKEN BARBECUE
Beef strips cooked in a medley of soy sauce, calamansi and onions.
Chicken chunks cooked in a savory barbecue sauce.
Daing na Bangus with Garlic Rice and Egg
Pre-order your meals now and check our new menu at cebupacificair.com *No Artificial Preservatives Added
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Savory snacks
Sweet treats Piña Colada Muffin Php100 NEW Chewy Macaroons (Box of 5) Php100 NEW Cheese Roll PHP100
BEST SELLER
Mini Choco Chip Cookies BEST SELLER PHP100
Quick bites Jagabee Potato Fries Php70 (classic salted)
BEST SELLER Ham & Cheese Croissant PHP100 Our light, flaky croissant with slices of ham and cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Tuna Roll PHP100 Creamy tuna enveloped in soft bread and topped with chopped parsley. Pizza Supreme Roll PHP100 Soft bun filled with bacon, mushroom, cream cheese and pepperoni sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Nova PHP60 Chippy PHP60 Piattos PHP60
Hearty meals Soon Veggie Ramyun Php120 Made of 100% vegan ingredients. No MSG added and contains zero trans fat. Nissin Cup Noodles PHP100 (seafood/beef/chicken)
BEST SELLER
Shin/Shrimp Big Bowl PHP150
!
Caution: Our cup noodles are served with piping hot water. Please be extra careful when having them.
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BEVERAGES
Onboard treats
QUENCH YOUR THIRST
Cold drinks
Hot drinks
Mineral Water PHP50
Twinings Green Tea PHP70 NEW
Cloud 9 Chocolate PHP60 Milk Drink C500 Juice Drink PHP50 (Lemon, Orange)
Café Mocha PHP100 Creamy Dark Chocolate PHP100
NEW
C2 Flavored Green Tea PHP50 (apple/lemon)
Brewed Coffee PHP100 Great Taste White Coffee PHP50
Canned Soda PHP60 (Pepsi/7-Up/Mountain Dew) Mogu Mogu Lychee PHP60 Gatorade PHP60 (red/blue) Vita Coco PHP70
Alcoholic drinks San Miguel Beer PHP130 (pale pilsen)
B’lue Flavored Water PHP70 (lychee/calamansi)
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited cabin space, items are subject to stock availability and may vary depending on the route. Payments may be done using credit card or cash - PHP, USD and 3rd currencies. However, we only accept PHP coins. Change will also be given only in PHP.
158 Smile June 2016
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Onboard Merchandise
Inflight Bestsellers
NEW NEW
Dry Bag • 2L – PHP180 • 5L – PHP350
NEW
Cross-body Bag PHP250
NEWRS O COL
Adult Shirt PHP280
Hoodie Neck Pillow PHP490
Striped Pouch PHP150
NEW
CEB Stuffed Toy PHP350
Airplane Backpack PHP550 Lagu Beach Blanket PHP999 Sand repellent *NEW COLORS*
NEW
World Map Tote Bag PHP300
On the Go Luggage Scale PHP490 Available on domestic flights only
Lagu Beach Bag PHP499
USB Pocket Cable PHP220
Sand repellent
Bluetooth Speaker PHP550
A320 die-cast plane PHP550
Wind-up Plane & Puzzle Set PHP280
CEB Siesta Kit PHP280
CEB Fun Blanket PHP350
*Every pair comes with a soft case
June 2016 Smile 159
next stop
CONTEST TIME
What's our theme next month? Guess it correctly and stand a chance to win a cool prize. Follow @smilemag on Instagram, then take a picture of this page (selfies are welcome). Post your photo, tell us your guess and tag @smilemag. Add these hashtags, too: #smilemag and #nextstopsmile. Good luck!
160 Smile June 2016
Awarded best condo development in the entire country, Acqua Private Residences is a majestic multi-tower development located just a bridge away from the Power Plant Mall and the Makati Central Business District. Century Properties brings a tropical rainforest into the heart of the city through this magnificent 6-tower development, which finds its visual focal point at the Pebble: A country club by the water, with 3 waterfalls that seemingly plunge down into the river below. Units are now ready for occupancy! Call Century today!
Artist’s illustration only.
Acqua Private Residences is located at Coronado Street Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City. Authorized to sell by HLURB LS No. 25631 (Niagara), project completion: Dec 2015; LS No. 26132 (Sutherland), project completion: Dec 2016; LS No. 26229 (Dettifoss), project completion: June 2016; LS No. 26972 (Livingstone), project completion: July 2016; LS no. 28552 (Iguazu), project completion date: Oct 2017; LS No. 030967 (Novotel), project completion: Sept 2019. Owned and developed by Century Limitless Corporation, a member of the Century Properties Group.
www.acqua.com.ph (+63) 917 5555 274 (CPI)