EXPAT NEWSPAPER APRIL 2018 by Expat Communications

THE PHILIPPINES’ FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS SINCE 1981

APRIL 2018 / VOL. 36 NO. 4

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Tradition Resurgence 15

Discover how a pair of traditional Maloleño arts is making a comeback, keeping the hearth of the Bulacan town’s culture aflame.

GRUB HUB

TRAVEL

FEATURES

Art for All

The ‘Q’ Place

this is how we do it

Learn about one expat’s passion to make art accessible, while uplifting the lives of Filipino artists.

Get your adrenaline fix at this surprising haven of adventure in Northern Luzon.

Good food, good drinks, and good times— enjoy friendly neighborhood Pinoy hangouts' omnipresent triumvirate at LUMU Beerhouse and Filipino Kitchen.

WHERE

WHICH

WHAT

HOW

can you enjoy unique Eurasian fusion fare in Quezon City?

environmental awareness initiative recently celebrated its 10th year?

Disney production is set to blow the minds of its Manila audiences?

do you enjoy a dive resort when you’re not in the mood for diving?

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

2 NEWS

Coins.ph and beep™ introduce mobile reloading

Shore It Up fetes 10 years of Phl ocean restoration By RICHARD RAMOS

Divers during a cleanup in Siargao

n a collaboration aiming to save people from the hassle of long queues, Coins.ph, the leading digital wallet and mobile payments app in the Philippines – and contactless payment provider, beep™ card, launched a new function in the coins.ph app that lets commuters reload their tap-and-go beep™ cards using NFCenabled Android smartphones. The new function enables commuters to easily and quickly load their beep™ card in seconds with funds from their Coins.ph digital wallet by simply tapping the card on their phones. Coins.ph digital wallets can be funded in over 33,000 locations nationwide. To enjoy the new service, users simply have to download the latest Coins.ph app in the Google Play Store and register or log in to their account. They can load as little as PhP10 on their beep™ card, with no extra fee. As beep™ card’s first app-based reloading partner, Coins.ph brings with it the convenience of loading any beep™ card, anytime, anywhere. The partnership is directly driving the adoption of cashless payments in the Philippines. It is also expected to inspire enterprising individuals to earn additional income by providing beep™ card loading services to the more than 4 million beep™ cardholders to date. “Coins.ph provides beep™ cardholders the ability to load their cards anytime, anywhere just by tapping their card on their smartphone. This added convenience means no more falling in line to add load during the busy rush hour.” said Peter

Maher, President and CEO of AF Payments Inc. Catalytic step Coins.ph, licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as an electronic money issuer and remittance and transfer company, aims to foster financial inclusion and promote mobile payments in the Philippines. Having already reached 4 million customers, Coins.ph allows everyone, including unbanked and underbanked customers to store value in their Coins.ph wallets, send money to family and friends, pay their bills, buy load and make payments across the Philippines directly from their phone. “Each day, nearly 2 million Filipinos are forced to wait in long lines to top up their beep™ cards with cash,” said Ron Hose, CEO of Coins.ph. “With this collaboration, beep™ cardholders can seamlessly use Coins.ph to load their cards with their phones and make payments anywhere beep™ is accepted. This solution represents a catalytic step forward in a vision that we share with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of forging an advanced digital economy by 2020.” The beep™ card technology modernized payments in the transportation sector in greater Manila, before moving on to retail and lifestyle. It is accepted in all three elevated railways (LRT 1, LRT 2, and MRT 3), select bus lines, at CAVITEX and NLEX, and in select Family Mart, Robinsons Movieworld, and Wendy’s branches. It is reloadable and valid for four years.

part from the upcoming construction of a multi-billion peso bridge linking the town of Cordova to Cebu City, an 8.5-kilometer distance over deep seas, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) has likewise been busy with its Rendering of the proposed Cebu-Cordova Bridge numerous marine environmental projects situated nationwide. Through “Shore It Up!” (SIU), MPIC’s Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Foundaenvironmental awareness initiative, SIU led tion, revealed that the Philippine mangrove the groundbreaking ceremonies for the man- population is one of the most endemic in the grove propagation and information center in world, hence the company’s concern on the Barangay Day-as, Cordova. Other partici- matter. “Shore it Up undertakes environmenpating stakeholders included the Acciona Construccion from Spain, First Balfour, the tal issues in a holistic manner. In order for Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the ecosystem to work, various marine and coastal support must be sustained with and the D. M. Consunji Inc. As noted by Cordova Mayor Mary Ther- livelihood programs and proper education ese Sitoy-Cho, mangroves constitute an im- on environmental awareness,” del Rosario portant part of Cordova as it protects the pointed out. She also cited that their 800 hectares natural environment from destructive elements, while also housing housing food for of safeguarding has been fruitful, having a survival rate of 85 percent. Each of the the fish. “This marks only the third center of its 42 boat operators earn around PhP30,000 kind in the Philippines. The other two are monthly – income gathered from fees, fines, stationed in Aluminus in Pampanga, and Del and other sources. Additional income from Carmen in Siargao. We owe a lot to Metro locals comes from the 72 homestay accomPacific for their foresight in the environ- modations that have also been established. ment,” she added. Melody del Rosario, president of the A decade of Shore It Up Rodrigo Franco, president and MPIC CEO, declared that actual Cordova-Cebu bridge construction would start in June 2018 – a project that has suffered delays in procuring the necessary materials, the screening process, and other matters. “The bridge will go a long way in improving the lives of the people in the region – more so when the new airport terminal opens in a couple of months. There will also be more access to opportunities and livelihood projects,” he added. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of SIU—the country’s longest-running, corporate-backed environment program. SIU is actively involved in the sustainable development and restoration of the ocean’s natural resources by closely working with LGUs of coastal communities in raising environmental awareness, providing alternative livelihood and promoting ecotourism.

NEWS 3

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

Activities set for Int'l Book Day Celebrate Día del Libro at Ayala Triangle

n April 21, Saturday, Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Embassy of Spain, will once again be abuzz with cultural and fun activities to celebrate the Día del Libro or the International Book Day. Thousands of books will be gathered around its premises in the Ayala Triangle. As in previous years, Día del Libro will feature top bookstores and publishing houses that will be selling a wide array of books at a 20 percent discount. Following the tradition in Spain, every book purchase would entitle one to a free rose. Apart from the book market, visitors to Día del Libro will be treated to poetry recitals, free Spanish classes, book presentations, street art to commemorate de 200 years of

Prado Museum, games, as well as activities for the children. La Liga, the Spanish Football League, will invite Manileños to score a goal in its “Chuta-Gol”, a game with cool prizes! One of the main features of the day will be a free concert by the Manila Symphony Orchestra. The “Concierto en el parque”, scheduled at5:30pm, will feature classical pieces from the Spanish and Filipino repertoire. Admission to all Día del libro activities is FREE on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call (02) 526-1482 or visit www.manila.cervantes.es or www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

Chinese market boosts tourism Tourism chief welcomes arrival increase, as Boracay uncertainty lingers on

he Philippine tourism industry continued its growth trend in February, reportedly reaching record breaking levels, according to the latest data on international tourist arrivals disclosed by the Department of Tourism (DOT). For February, 673,831 visitor arrivals were recorded – number boosted by the continued growth of the Chinese tourist market, which accounted for 21.6 percent of the arrivals (145,536). “For the first two months, we have already breached the 1.4 million tourist mark, another first in the history,” DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said. The tourism chief said the latest figures bring to a total of 1,406,337 international visitors for January-February, which is 16.15 percent higher compared to the 1,210,817 total for the same period in 2017. “The warming relations between the Philippines and China plus the recent Chinese New Year seven-day holiday strengthen the platform for us to jumpstart our campaign of achieving 1.5 million Chinese arrivals for this year,” Teo added. Korea still top market Chinese tourists recorded 256,880 arrivals, the most improved market with a 56.44 percent growth rate. Korea remained the Philippines top market, with 354,700 tourist

US pushes Marawi aid total to P1.2-B

he US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced new assistance worth PhP100 million (US$2 million) to boost food security in Marawi and surrounding areas. USAID is partnering with the World Food Programme to provide 1.8 million kilograms of rice — enough to feed 45,000 people for four months — to families displaced by the conflict. “The US government continues to stand by the Filipino people as a friend, partner, and ally to support those affected by the Marawi conflict as they rebuild their lives,” US Ambassador Sung Kim said during the ceremonial handover or rice to government officials. The assistance brings the US’ total contribution to the Marawi humanitarian response to

arrivals. American visitors came in third (193,985), followed by the Japanese (117,300), and Australians (50,404). Completing the top twelve markets are Canada (48,191); Taiwan (40,856); UK (33,554); Singapore (28,117); Malaysia (24,334); India (23,064); and Hongkong (22,920). Last year, the Philippines ranked ninth on the list of top destinations for Chinese outbound tourists, according to TravelChinaGuide, a leading Chinese travel agency. According to the 2018 Spring Festival Travel Forecast Report issued by Ctrip, China’s largest online travel provider, and the China Tourism Academy, the Philippines was named eighth popular Chinese travel destination during the Chinese New Year. Teo said the continued rise in the number of foreign guests bodes well for the higher targets set by the DOT amidst the controversy on the government’s plan to temporarily close Boracay to tourists and rehabilitate its drainage, sewerage and road systems to address water pollution, flooding and traffic problems. “We welcome this increase in our arrivals as we brace for the possible effects of the Boracay rehabilitation. We remain optimistic that the ‘new’ Boracay after its beauty rest, will attract more tourists and help the industry break more records,” Teo added.

444 A Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue, Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City, Philippines

nearly PhP1.2 billion (US$22.9 million). Ambassador Kim was joined at the ceremony by Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima, Spokesperson of Task Force Bangon Marawi; and Mr. Stephen Gluning, Country Director of the World Food Programme. The US, through USAID, has been a key partner with the Philippine government in the recovery, stabilization, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and surrounding areas. USAID continues to work closely with the Philippine government and development partners to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance and promote long-term stability in Marawi.

Email: information@oneworldschool.edu.ph Website: www.oneworldschool.edu.ph Facebook: One World School Philippines U.S. Government Announces Food Aid for Families Affected by Marawi Conflict

Instagram: oneworldschool_philippines

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

4 CEBU

By RICHARD RAMOS

Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong’s top management joined Cebu’s lifestyle journalists and bloggers in an intimate dinner setting held at the Ocean Pavilion in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa. GM Philip Dewar, Director of Sales and Marketing Sonny Ang, and Communications Manager Mona Kwan highlighted their property and positive reviews about their Filipino staff. As the ultimate shopping spree prize, a year-round promo for in-house guests can entitle them to a booklet of 200 shopping and dining offers at Harbor City and a HK$100 gift certificate from T Galleria by DFS, Hong Kong, Tsimshatsui East store by, just presenting their hotel card or booklet to the outlets. This marked the second year in a row for the Kowloon Shangri-La team to visit Cebu media. China International Import Expo (CIIE) beckons interested businessmen to participate in the Enterprise Zone, to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China on Nov.

5-10, 2018. This is the only trade show in China that will feature all-foreign exhibitors, with no Chinese companies present. The section of trade in goods includes six exhibition areas: High-End Intelligent Equipment, Consumer Electronics and Appliances, Accessories and Consumer Goods, Food and Agriculture, and Medical Equipment and Care Products. The section of trade in services is Tourism Services, Emerging Technologies, Culture and Education, Creative Design and Service Outsourcing. For more information, visit www.neccsh.com. SM City Cebu recently held the “SM Home Design Series: The Essentials of Condo Living” exhibit featuring the diverse exposition displays of home vignettes, condo fixtures, and household needs. The event was highlighted by Cebu’s top home and interior designers, who shared their knowledge and industry tips in their fields in an open discussion held at the Northwing Atrium. These were May-

belline Te on living rooms, Hannah Lim on bedrooms, Janet Lo-Lee on kitchens, and Kate Ngo on dining areas. Topics dwelt on choosing colors; furniture selection and selecting design; and secrets to scale, space and sprucing up a starter condominium. The event was held in response to the need for maximizing space and design, particularly for new condo owners. Amnesty International (AI) launched the State of the World’s Human Rights Report for 2017-18 where its Director, Jose Noel Olano, zeroed in on the obligations of the Police Regional Office under national and international law to protect human rights. AI stated that policing in the war on drugs under President Rodrigo Duterte has spiraled into deliberate and widespread human rights violations, with most of the victims coming from urban poor communities. The body also urged the local government to make human rights a priority despite prominent leaders trying to undermine fundamental

freedoms and ignoring human rights in the grassroots. He also discussed cases of abuses in other places in Southeast Asia like Rohingya, Myanmar; Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Cambodia, and Fiji. The 2nd Philippine Environment Summit, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Green Convergence Philippines, highlighted the theme “Mainstreaming Innovations for Sustainable Development.” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu declared that his staff has conducted a thorough sweep of Boracay establishments and has come up with a breakdown of erring establishments re pollution standards and the Clean Water Act. These covered subjects as discharging wastewater, Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs), Certificates of Non-Coverage (CNC), and late renewals. It remained unclear, however, if Secretary Cimatu would really implement President Duterte’s order to close Boracay for six months.

New MCIA terminal nears completion Officials express increased optimism for Vis-Min region By RICHARD RAMOS

t cannot be denied that many foreigners have fallen in love with Cebu and the locals, with their pleasant and welcoming nature having played a major role in the continued increase in tourist arrivals despite the global economic downturn. This was the premise behind the tagline “Experience the Warmth of Cebu,” as coined by the GMCAC (GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp.). “We have asked many visitors what they loved best about Cebu. And they always had two answers; the place and the people,” shared JR Ramos, GMCAC branding head, during the T2 countdown ceremonies. He added that a Cebu vacation starts at the airport, hence the urgent need to upgrade

the facilities and amenities to cope with the expected upswell in arrivals. The company positions the airport as a resort destination, and envisions it to become the world’s friendliest airport. The new tagline also coincides with the looming completion of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 (T2), which currently stands at a 96 percent as of late March. Surge in optimism In line with the airport management team’s vision, Atty. Steve Dicdican, MCIAA general manager, vowed to introduce initiatives to further increase comfort and convenience to the public. Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza saw the large-scale airport developments as a challenge to improve city infrastructure, and invite more investments to compliment the new airport facilities. “The airport is the reason why Lapu-Lapu City is wellknown as we aim to be the gateway of trade and tourism in the region. We expect more international flights as a result of the continuous airport expansion,” she said. As a note, though the city is named after Lapu-Lapu, a historical Cebuano chieftain, many still prefer to call the city Mactan—a municipality, which hosts majority of the posh resorts of Lapu-Lapu City. GMCAC president, Louie Ferrer, proudly pointed out that in 2017 alone, six Chinese airlines made the Mactan airport their new home, attesting to the airport’s feasibility and viability

as a true hub in the Visayas-Mindanao region. “We look forward to the entry of more airline companies from Japan and Korea within the year. The new terminal will be more than ready to welcome these new airlines should they decide to set up shop in the airport,” he stated. Andrew Harrison, GMCAC chief executive adviser announced the addition of more Cebu-Davao-Cebu flights in the next few months to cope with the demands, plus the re-entry of Qatar Airways within the year. Harrison also pointed out that their ORAT (Operation Readiness and Airport Transfer) program would be ready for operation by June. This covers the testing of the facilities, processes and policies, information technology and airport systems, and man-

power readiness. The first phase includes a walkthrough training and familiarization for all airport employees followed by different trial phases. Over 500 airport community stakeholders and volunteers will be invited to play the role of passengers in flight simulations during these trial phases. To further complement the new facilities, world-renowned Cebuano fashion designer Cary Santiago introduced his line-up of new uniforms for the utility, customer service, and airport executives, utilizing red, orange, and yellow hues as inspired by the Sinulog Festival’s history. GMCAC is a Filipino-led consortium managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the MCIA since November 2014.

6 new Binibining Pilipinas queens crowned

New Binibining Pilipinas Queens crowned, from left to right: Samantha Bernardo, second runner up; Michele Gumabao, Binibining Pilipinas Globe; Eva Patalinjug, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International; Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines; Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Binibining Pilipinas International; Jehza Mae Huelar, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational; Karen Gallman, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental; and Vickie Rushton, first runner up. Photo from Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

6 GRUB HUB

This is how we do it Discover LUMU’s simple recipe of excellent food, good drinks, and great times – set akin to your typical Pinoy hangout.

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE The Philippines’ forum for international readers since 1981

Murray Hertz Founding Publisher (1928-2014) Butch C. Bonsol President & Managing Director Suzette Defensor Managing Consultant Timothy Jay Araneta Ibay Editor-in-Chief Richard A. Ramos (Cebu) Via Baroma Staff Writers Angie Duarte Writer-at-Large Nikki Habana Macjanry Imperio Design & Layout Leah Egamino-Palaña Sales & Advertising Officer Fevelyn Bucio Admin and Accounting

hree years ago, Metro Manila bore witness to the rise of the gastropub. In 2016, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it speakeasies were all the rage. Last year, you probably didn’t realize you weren’t hanging with the “cool” kids before you bar crawled your way through the outskirts of the Makati CBD. And as 2018 sees lifestyle trendspotters eagerly – or perhaps unknowingly – awaiting the next after hours habit to take hold, one group is taking a step back to create a concept that reflects where we all secretly would rather be—home. The delightful taste of nostalgia Named after its chef, Luigi Muhlach, LUMU Beerhouse & Filipino Kitchen has the simplest of recipes—good food, good drinks, and good times, the omnipresent triumvirate in friendly neighborhood Pinoy hangouts across the metro. LUMU was crated with every bit the fix of nostalgia that is designed to leave you with – pun intended – a good taste in your mouth. Since Filipino cuisine is as much about the overall experience as it is about the food, Muhlach and his partners from Excello Restaurant Management Group have taken the quintessential beer garden experience, and reimagined it into something the Instagram

generation would enjoy just as much as the average baby boomer would. With touches like graffiti covered gates, and walls plastered with faux vintage ads, movie posters, and pretty much any other odd sign you can find pasted on street posts in the everyday Pinoy hood, LUMU transports you to those dimly lit barangays, where the most familiar sounds are either of your next door neighbors’ off-key karaoke beltings, or of half-emptied liquor bottles falling to the ground. There’s a stage for live entertainment sitting right in the middle of the restaurant – a platform inviting invasion from you and your mates during your happy, drunken stupor. The people behind the joint believe that if their beer-bellied uncles were to ever have a restaurant equivalent, it would be akin to LUMU. Expat recommends But apart from its interiors, you don’t have to look far to get a sense of what LUMU is about, as a quick glance at its menu will tell you everything you need to know. From an entire page dedicated to some of the best ways you can enjoy goat meat, to Filipino comfort classics such as adobo, kaldereta, and bistek tagalog, to an assortment of sausages

that are, well, certified bangers—Muhlach and his team serve a strong selection of fairlypriced dishes that brilliantly fuse classic flavors with contemporary flair. Other must-try’s include the Hardcore Kambing Sampler, Patty’s Sinuglaw, and the Lumu Pag-ibig Bangers, among others. But don’t take our word for it, because there’s a LUMU dish for every Pinoy, and Pinoy at heart – it’s just a matter of finding yours. LUMU libation In true street drinking sesh fashion, LUMU offers an assortment of mucho sized local and imported beers that pairs perfectly with its grub. And for those feeling a little more adventurous, can opt instead for the LUMU signature cocktails that include Gin Pomelo a la Tambay, Lambanog Sangria, and the Ultimate Tomador—all available in pitchers because when it comes to Pinoy drinking sessions, you either go hard or you go home (and its not always your choice to make). LUMU also offers premium cocktails and Megaritas – margaritas in glasses big enough to last you the night. LUMU Beerhouse & Filipino Kitchen is located at 3/F Greenbelt 3, Makati. For inquiries and reservations, contact (02) 504-5240.

Vicky Soto Sales & Advertising Executive Our Headquarters: Unit 305 Cristina Condominium, 143 Legaspi cor. V.A. Rufino Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City Our telephone numbers: (+632) 840-2996 or (+632) 812-0987 You can also reach us at: expatmag@gmail.com

Chicken Inasal

Binagoongang Tomahawk Bagnet

and for sales and advertising: expatcomsales@gmail.com

Alter Ego: Pushing the boundaries of gastronomy

Cebu Mailing Address: MJ. Cuenco Avenue cor. C. Mina St., Mabolo, Cebu City Telefax: (032) 412-8000

Like a beautiful symphony, Alter Ego will have you from the first note – the perfect balance between the traditional and familiar, the bold and different. By VIA BAROMA

Statements, views and opinions expressed by the writers, contributors, and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or the management. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

f you’re craving for a dining experience beyond the usual and familiar food, Alter Ego is a unique gastronomic journey you should take, with its mélange of flavors from its fusion dishes designed to cater to modern palates. Balancing playfulness, tradition, and innovation, three chefs collaborated to form a restaurant that promises to satisfy culinary cravings for something familiar, yet radically different. The restaurant is a passion project that chefs Ronald Allan Lim, Benedict Bernardo and Joy Tan that can be traced 14 years, back when the trio was still in culinary school. Part of the chefs’ training involved having to create dishes out of randomly chosen ingredients – a task that honed their ability to fuse distinctly different dishes onto a single plate. The potentially infinite possibilities presented by the practice gave them the vision of opening up a restaurant that allowed them to put to use their experimental inclinations. “As chefs, we want you to be always surprised, and keep on thinking and guessing how we do it, and what the flavors are in each dish,” Chef Joy says of their approach to their European-Asian themed menu.

greens and mango vinaigrette.

Expat recommends

Lemongrass Pork Salpicao For those who love their pork, Alter Ego offers the Lemongrass Pork Salpicao, served with garlic rice and pickled green mango on the side.

Alter Ego Salad Made with garlic shrimp, gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, white onions, mixed

French Onion Soup Gyoza The chefs didn’t waste any time showcasing their fusion flair, with this French onion soup poured over ground beef and caramelized onion gyoza, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Salted Egg Shrimp Pasta For the main course, you can’t go wrong with this Singaporean-Italian dish made with dry ramen noodles, fried shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and rich salted egg sauce. Chicken Pandan on Paella You can also opt for this filling creation: Thai chicken pandan on chorizo paella rice. The dish also comes with three sauces on the side – red curry aioli, sesame soy sauce, and pickled mango.

Twice-cooked Pork Belly This comfort Filipino dish is given a twist by preparing it sous vide for six hours. The grilled pork belly is then paired with ratatouille and buttered basil rice. Coconut Mango Gateau Round off any Alter Ego meal with this dessert highlighting the flavors of coconut, mango, and rum. The plating of the dish depends on the chef ’s mood. Fortunately, the result remains utterly good regardless of where their moods may swing. Alter Ego European-Asian Fusion Bistro is located at 41 1st cor. Hemady Sts., Brgy. Valencia, New Manila, Quezon City. For reservations, contact (02) 717-8033, (02) 622-6209, or email discoveralterego@gmail.com.

10-hour Beef Bourguignon French-style of stew featuring beef short ribs braised in red wine, with shiitake mushrooms, Szechuan peppercorns, and mashed potatoes.

Chicken Pandan on Paella

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

GRUB HUB 7 Advertorial

BEEF, BRAINS, & BRAWN Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Global President Peter Zwiener talks about banking, meat, and the behind-the-scenes details of creating an F&B powerhouse. Words by GRETCHEN FILART

or some, a long career in banking and finance, and a steakhouse would seem like odd career pairing. But for Peter Zwiener, global president and managing partner of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, there has been no better recipe for success. Banking as a business foundation In 2004, Zwiener’s father and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse founder Wolfgang Zwiener, built his flagship restaurant in what used to be Vanderbilt Hotel in Park Avenue, Manhattan. While the Zwiener patriarch took from his 40-year tutelage as a head waiter in Peter Luger’s legendary Brooklyn steakhouse, his son – save for a passion for food, wine, and the hospitality industry – held no prior restaurant experience. Yet, 14 years later, customers find the well-loved steakhouse burgeoning in key cities across the world, with the younger Zwiener at the helm. Currently, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse serves 19 locations: nine in the US, and 10 in Asia (including two in the Philippines), plus two more installments in BGC, and at the corner of Manhattan’s Broadway and 36th underway. Also brewing are potential partnerships with local businessmen in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Australia. Zwiener, whose 16-year investment banking repertoire includes world-renowned brands such as Citigroup, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, and ING Barings/ABN AMRO, claims that it was his banking roots that “laid the foundation of running a successful, sustainable, profitable business.” “As an M&A banker, I advised many companies in their strategic and operational direction, learned the art of negotiation, raised capital, formed joint ventures and partnerships, and constructed and analyzed financial statements and operating budgets, as well as understand the legal and labor issues that commonly arise in managing and operating businesses. All these tools and experiences helped me form a corporation that could operate profitably while expanding rapidly and globally,” he recalls. Secret recipe The secret, Zwiener shares, does not only lie on a business’s operational perspective, but foremostly in ensuring absolute customer satisfaction. To do so, he goes to great lengths to provide consistent, world-class workforce training, cross-training key employees between global locations, including the first units in New York. “(We) allow employees the latitude to take on challenges without micromanaging, however, when necessary, (we) provide guidance. Lead by example and create an enjoyable and challenging work environment where everyone is respected,” he explains.

USDA Prime Day - Aged Porterhouse Steak

steakhouses, Zwiener’s brainchild prides itself in using only USDA Prime Angus beef in entrees – a rating bestowed to only two percent of all US beef. You can indulge in premium meat acrossthe steakhouse’s signature dishes that include Porterhouse Steak, Rib Eye, Filet Mignon, among others. Apart from a dollop of appetizing sides, an assortment of salads, appetizers, and desserts also await diners. Some locations serve unique sides and lunch items too that are not available elsewhere, such as the Taste of New York, and Wolfgang Lite. Whether it’s happy hour or in-between breaks, those who can appreciate a good glass of vino will find a visit to be more than satisfactory. Each Wolfgang’s Steakhouse location boasts a wine cellar with an extensive collection of the world’s finest wines – between 600 and a thousand – most of them sourced from internationally acclaimed vineyards like Napa Valley and Bordeaux. In addition to crafting well-curated dishes, Zwiener also mastered the art of aging meat. Found in each Wolfgang’s Steakhouse location are dry-aging boxes where bone-in sub-primal cuts – short loins, strip loins, rib eye – rest for three to four weeks prior to broiling. The result: tender, flavorful slabs that’s unmistakably Wolfgang’s Steakhouse.

The same is required of the steakhouse’s partners, who “travel constantly to each of the locations many times a year for an extended period of time to oversee the operations and maintain consistency and quality.” Partners are an essential element of this iconic steakhouse. Straying away from the oft-used franchise model, Zwiener’s company handpicks them through a rigorous vetting process, where they are selected based on their zeal and experience in the food and beverage industry, knowledge of local culture and laws, and relationship with the local community. These do not only prove to be ideal but also crucial qualifications to maintain the Wolfgang’s Steakhouse benchmark. Meat of the matter Of course, it cannot be denied that much of the repeat visits are to be credited to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse’s grade A proteins. While menu staples are similar in most

All about commitment Such commitment comes as second nature to Zwiener, whose restaurateuring efforts are largely centered on providing an unparalleled fine dining experience. “We believe in putting the customer first. Our customers want to have consistent, high-quality products at valuedriven prices in a fun, warm, and exciting environment – and that is exactly what we do best. We want to keep them excited and (ensure) consistency in product and service and attention to detail, as well as keep up with the changes as our customer base gets more discerning,” he enthuses. A self-described optimist, Zwiener says there will always be setbacks, but persistence always wins. In many ways, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is the epitome of what becomes of persistence and passion when pursued. “Think big. Never get too complacent. Don’t listen to or be influenced by naysayers if your heart and mind really believe in a well-thought-out idea or business plan. What makes us a stronger is how we cope with these career setbacks. (You will) come back even stronger - but only if you are passionate and remain optimistic and vigilant to persevere.” Visit Wolfgang’s Steakhouse today at The Podium,18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong and at 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World, Pasay. Learn more at www. wolfgangssteakhouse.ph.

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

8 TRAVEL

The ‘Q’ Place �

Get your adrenaline fix at this surprising haven of adventure in Northern Luzon By BERNARD L SUPETRAN Photos courtesy of the Quirino Provincial Tourism Office

Aglipay Caves

ans of the James Bond movie franchise cannot forget his trusty sidekick codenamed “Q,” who supplied him with ordinary looking, yet surprisingly effective spy gadgets. In the same vein, Quirino – a quaint, and sometimes quirky province is not your typical destination – and it might yet be the proverbial “Q,” with its big surprises coming in small packages. Because of its aura of remoteness, this quintessential hideaway has been hardly detected by the tourist’s radar, until now. Thanks to TV travel shows and soap operas, we get occasional snippets of this wellkept secret tucked in the interiors of the Cagayan Valley. Motorsports mecca The adventure begins at the 111-hectare Provincial Capitol Complex in Cabarroguis town, tucked in the middle of nowhere, which is a serendipitous hideaway where you least expect it. A compelling reason to make this your playground is the Quirino Watersports Complex, which was landscaped from an undulating terrain framed by perfectly contoured twin hills called Susong Dalaga. It boasts a hostel with well-appointed rooms, a pavilion and dining area overlooking an infinity pool, and a world-class wakeboarding park that sources its waters from natural springs. It also has an adjacent winch park where you can get your feet wet, quite literally, in wakeboarding. For almost two decades now, the province has been trying to earn its place under the sun as a mecca for motocross sports and 4x4 off-road enthusiasts in northern Luzon, with its challenging manmade track, and scenic country roads. In 2015, Governor Junie Cua took it to the next level by introducing Quirino Motorismo, which features an assortment of racing activities on two wheels—drag racing, motocross, and long-distance drives. He said that the summer motorsport festival is their unique way of attracting visitors to make the province their choice destination for summer and beyond, whether on motorbikes or any automobile. Cua added that the sporting event, led by the rider federations of Quirino and Region II, is an adventurous way of showcasing the tourist spots and the diverse aspects of the local living in Cagayan Valley. While the motocross event has become a certified crowd-drawer because of the breathtaking acrobatics, riders also look forward to the Endurance Challenge, which vrooms on the meandering roads of Quirino and neigh-

water is Governor’s Rapids – a tributary of the Cagayan River, and the poster image with its handsome rockscape and whitewater. Locals say that you haven’t been to Quirino if you’ve never cruised the riverine getaway in Maddela town. The jagged majestic limestone formations punctuating the two-hour river cruise serve as the most iconic features of the destination. If you’re looking for even more adrenaline rush, there are naturally carved 30-foot high platforms where you can leap off and into the river. The river has been among the cleanest inland bodies of water in the region, making it ideal for bathing and white-water tubing. Tucked inside one of the rock crevices is a small cascade that forms an icy chest-deep natural tub, serving as a pit stop in the river tour. There are also numerous waterfalls hidden in the bosom of the mountains. Maddela has seven emerald waterfalls, with its fifth cascade offering a stunning view of the Sierra Madre mountain range. You can take a dip in the rejuvenating cool pools in the waterfalls of Manuela, San Pascual and Battumbaket in Diffun; Tucod in Cabarroguis; Maddela, Pensal, Victoria in Maddela; and Mactol, Tayguido and Guiyayan in Nagtipunan. Located in the fringes of Nagtipunan town, Siitan River is a cousin of Governor’s Rapids, where guests can cruise aboard a dugout canoe and marvel at the amazing geological wonders. A picturesque rock formation is the “Bimmapor,” which got its name from the local word “bapor” because of its resemblance to the hull of a steel ship. Also within the town is a promontory called Landingan, where you can breathe in a sweeping view of Siitan, and the outlying barangays (villages). For a consummate trip of adventure, nature and culture – interactive visits to indigenous tribes such as the Bugkalot, Agta, Igorot, Kalinga, and Dumagat tribes can be arranged with municipal authorities. With all the secret wonders in its tourism arsenal, Quirino is unquestionably the “Q” of Philippine destinations.

Motocross Challenge

Quirino Watersports Complex

GETTING THERE Quirino can be reached via NLEXSCTEX-TPLEX connection leading to the Cagayan Valley Road. At the junction in Cordon, Isabela, turn right all the way to Quirino. Boating at Governor's Rapids in Maddela

boring provinces. The recent edition of the event held last March ran a total distance of 1,000 kilometers, with 435 riders going around the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija. Rapid rush Another must is spelunking at Aglipay Caves and Campsite, featuring hollow and fragile draws, amazing drapers, and stunning stalactites. Among the 37 caves in the nature reserve, eight chambers have been developed

for tours, which are ideal even for newbies because of its moderate difficulty. The stalagmites were formed from minerals deposited by dripping water, attesting to the rich biodiversity of the watershed and forestland. Named after revolutionary priest Gregorio Aglipay who was believed to have hid there during the Filipino-American War, the 101-hectare site is surrounded by forests that provide a refuge for vegetation, wildlife and recreation. In place of a beach, Quirino’s body of

You can also fly to Cauayan City, Isabela and make a one-hour land trip. For more information on the province, visit www.quirino.org.ph.

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

SPOTLIGHT 9

Art for All Learn more about one expat’s passion to make art accessible while uplifting the lives of Filipino artists Words by ANGIE DUARTE Photos courtesy of Jim Oakes

o say that Philippine-based expatriate, Jim Oakes leads a very colorful life would not be a stretch of the truth. Actually, the statement would be quite on point – figuratively AND literally. The dynamic 67-year-old British national, who has lived away from his motherland since he was a lad, moved to the Philippines some years ago from Doha, Qatar. He relocated after 10 years in the Middle East, with 14 rescued dogs in tow (yes, you read that right!) and a heart full of colorful dreams. As it turns out, Oakes is not only passionate about his adopted canine companions – he is also a champion of art, and uses the medium of expression to better the lives of talented young artists across the Philippines. Uplifting lives through art “I have always been interested in art, but I cannot say that I actually paint,” shares Oakes of his love for visual arts. This zeal for the creative medium of self-expression laid the foundation for the initiative known as Dohacreative, now also called Makati Arts, which Oakes co-founded in Doha over 10 years ago. Oakes started the group with Eugene Mariano, a Filipino national who was working in a store room in the Islamic Museum in Doha, “a low paying job he (Mariano) took when his father died in the Philippines, leaving the family with no income,” Oakes clarifies. Oakes narrates that he and Mariano started the group to aid overseas foreign workers (OFW) who struggled with meager incomes, despite their best efforts to succeed in a land not their own. “There are many Filipinos working in the Middle East who often end up in situations where they go for months unpaid or underpaid by their employers,” Oakes notes. The art collective saw to change all that. By word of mouth, what started as the combined push of two individuals deter-

work of art is vivid and vibrant, both in palette and in theme, with a little bit of humor injected into it, so as to reach a greater cross section of the market.

One of Makati Arts' paintings on display in a buyer's home

mined to uplift lives through art grew to a collaboration of 10 artists who worked together for the betterment of their OFW community. “We held several exhibitions in Qatar as well as began exporting abroad. The Philippines has thousands of aspiring artists most of who live in poverty, so we encouraged people to join us if only to get a regular income,” explains Oakes. Art for all Dohacreative continues to thrive on Philippine soil, while its mission to benefit the lives of artists remains as solid as ever. “All the artists are from the Philippines; five of them are students with the University of Tarlac and five from the University of the Philippines in Manila. One continues abroad and is working in Kuwait, two are now full time with me, and one has a job in Manila,” Oakes tells Expat.

Local children in La Paz learning to paint

Tarlac team with Jim Oakes (middle) and head artist Eugene Mariano (far left)

Students of the art group

Aside from its goal of improving lives through art, the group likewise strives to make the art accessible as possible. Thus, the artworks, which are acrylic paint on canvas, are sold at highly competitive prices. Each

Strokes of success In the future, Oakes and Mariano are looking to further expand the group’s global reach. As Oakes puts it: “We aim to steadily expand our market within the Philippines but also to impact the online market across the world.” The group also strives to pay their success forward. “We like to support any childrenrelated charity in the Philippines, mainly via the British Embassy in Manila, the British Women’s Association and the American Women’s Association, both in Manila. We do this by donating paintings for raffles/silent auctions and giving a percentage of our sales when these groups have public fundraising events,” notes Oakes. Meanwhile, the group’s talented young artists continue to paint and preach the gospel of creativity – art inspires and uplifts, figuratively and literally. Learn more about Dohacreative and Makati Arts on Facebook @makatiarts

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

10 WHAT'S ON

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

EXPOS

•Manila FAME April 19 to 21; World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City; for more information, visit www.manilafame. com or call (02) 833-1258 or (02) 833-1258 Manila FAME, the country's premier lifestyle and design trade event, is set to open its doors once again to deliver a curated show built upon the intertwining of Philippine culture and design excellence. Now on its 67th edition, the show will stand as a collective of creative enterprises, featuring versatile artisanal products attuned for the modern setting from some of the country’s top home, fashion, holiday, and gifts designers and manufacturers.  More than 1,200 products were launched during the 2017 show, and the Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions, the proud organizer of Manila FAME, is aiming to further increase that number in 2018, through multiple product development programs.  Tickets are priced at PhP500 for Regular; PhP400 for Senior Citizen; and PhP250 for Students

•14th Philippine Food Expo April 20 to 22; SMX Convention Center, Seashell Ln., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City; for more information, visit www.philippinefoodexpo.com, or call (02) 949-4054 Having solidified its reputation as the number one event for sourcing Filipino food products, the Philippine Food Expo has become a must-visit for everyone – from the everyday consumer, to international traders and importers in the industry. Apart from featuring over 300 companies, the Philippine Food Expo takes a step further by conducting a series of technical and business sessions, product demonstrations and special events that will be held across the three-day gathering.  There will be three main events: Choco, Coffee and Tea Festival, a collection of mixes and concoctions of different brews and blends; Culinary Challenge, featuring food styling and photography, market basket challenge, kitchen masters, and cake decorating contests; and Barista Challenge, with a flairtending competition, latte art competition, and a coffee barista challenge.

WORKSHOP

•Atlantis Workshops for Kids and Teens 2018 April 23 until May 19; and June 25 to July 21; M Studio, 3/F Oakridge Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati; for more information, call (0917) 838-1534, email info@atlantistheatrical.com, or visit www.atlantistheatrical.com Let your children experience musical theater like never before and join the Atlantis Musical Theater Workshops for Kids (7–12) and Teens (13–18). The month-long program will take your children through the rudiments of acting, singing, and dancing for musical theater. All classes will be conducted by Atlantis actors, choreographers, and musical directors, so your children will have the unique experience of learning from and working with some of the country’s top theater professionals. Over the past few years, Atlantis Theatrical, in partnership with Ten Bridges Media, has given birth to several very well-received productions, which include Ghost the Musical, Shrek the Musical, Rock of Ages, Saturday Night Fever, The Bridges of Madison County, Jersey Boys, Fun Home, and more recently Kinky Boots the Musical, and Matilda the Musical. Workshop fee is PhP12,000

LIVE PERFORMANCES

•An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and American Ballet Stars April 5 to 7; Maybank Performance Arts Theater, 26 St., Bonifacio Glocal City, Taguig; for more information, visit www.ayalafoundation.org, or www.ticketworld.com.ph Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala Corporation, and a leading advocate of community development, welcomes internationally acclaimed Filipino-American prima ballerina Stella Abrera, together with eight other American ballet stars, for a series of whimsical performances that are sure to excite ballet fans of all ages. An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and American Ballet Stars will be staged at the Maybank Performance Arts Theater in time for the 20th anniversary of CENTEX (Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education), Ayala Foundation's flagship education program. The exceptionally talented Abrera—who made her Manila debut in Ballet Philippines' 2014 production of Giselle—will be joined onstage by fellow American ballet star—Alban Lendorf, Arron Scott, Blaine Hoven, Catherine Hurlin, Gillian Murphy, Isabella Boylston, Roman Zhurbin, and Jose Sebastian.  The first partnership between Abrera and Ayala Foundation, the shows will benefit CENTEX, which provides a holistic learning experience for students from underprivileged families, as well as their parents and public school teachers. For the April 5 show, tickets are priced at PhP3,000 for Price Zone 1; PhP2,500 for Price Zone 2; PhP2,000 for Price Zone 3; and PhP1,500 for Price Zone 4 For the April 6 and 7 shows, tickets are priced at PhP15,000 for Price Zone 1; PhP12,000 for Price Zone 2; PhP10,000 for Price Zone 3; PhP6,000 for Price Zone 4; and PhP4,000 for Price Zone 5.

•Kent Oliver: Defying Reality April 21, Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City; for more information, visit www.ticketworld. com.ph or call (02) 891-9999 Filipino grand illusionist Kent Oliver is set to return to Teatrino Greenhills, performing another round of spectacular and mind-bogging feats of illusion.  Over the years, the Philippines’ premier illusionist has staggered audiences with his slick, brisk, and thrilling grand illusion shows around the world. His performances not only spotlight cutting-edge theatrical presentations of magic and illusions, but also reference traditional magic and novelty acts that stretch back centuries. Tickets are priced at PhP3,605 for Price Zone 1; PhP2,575 for Price Zone 2; and PhP1,545 for Price Zone 3

•Disney's The Lion King Ongoing until May 6; The Theatre at Solaire, Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave., Paranaque; for more information, visit thelionking.ph or www.ticketworld.com.ph With more than 90 million people around the world having experienced the awe- inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of one of the most breathtaking productions ever to grace the stage, Disney’s The Lion King is set to dazzle fans with its highly-anticipated string of shows. Winner of over 70 major international theatre awards, The Lion King also brings together one of the most innovative teams from Broadway. Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney's beloved film is transformed into a spectacular experience that will redefine your expectations of theatre. The Lion King also features some of the world's most iconic songs, including “Circle of Life” and the Oscar winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Tickets for weekday shows are priced at PhP6,500 for VIP; PhP5,500 for Price Zone A; PhP4,300 for Price Zone B; PhP3,350 for Price Zone C; and PhP1,900 for Price Zone D. Weekend shows are priced at PhP7,250 for VIP; PhP5,850 for Price Zone A; PhP4,700 for Price Zone B; PhP3,600 for Price Zone C; and PhP2,250 for Price Zone D

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

EVENTS 11

RLC launches Robinsons Place Pavia and PlayLab

obinsons Land Corporation (RLC) continues to provide superb leisure and entertainment for families with the launch of its latest developments. RLC, led by president Frederick Go, held its Tenant Conference in Pavia, Iloilo – its fifth location in Western Visayas. The event was in celebration of Robinsons Malls’ third branch in Iloilo and fourteenth mall in the Visayas – Robinsons Place Pavia. The three-level mall is set to heighten the shopping and entertainment scene in the province as it will soon house an array of local and global lifestyle brands as well as the most-awaited water playground complex – another first in the province. RLC also launched PlayLab, the first permanent indoor interactive digital playground in the country. Located in Robinsons Galleria Cebu, PlayLab features 14 digital attractions which would take kids and kids at heart to a real life videogame. Each attraction delivers different themes which cater to various interests – from music to art to nature. Congratulations to Robinsons Land Corporation for these exciting developments!

RLC property lease director Derrick Candelaria with Waffle Time’s Merlan Lanusga and Jerick Edang

Luke Mejares, Pavia, Iloilo mayor Michael “Mike” Gorriceta and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) VP for lease Ditas Taleon

RLC senior lease manager Chone Delfin, Daiso business development assistant Jessica Lanugan, Robinsons Appliances business development specialist Dhariane Dayao and Daiso operations manager Ivy Ojera

RLC Commercial Centers Division senior vice president and general manager Arlene Magtibay welcomes the guests to PlayLab

RLC VisMin operations director Joseph Sian with Robinsons Bank cluster head Manuel JD’s Bakeshop’s Tyrone Diez and RLC regional operations manager Maricon Syching “Spike” Barredo

The Tangram station allows players to build their own rocket ships as they piece together basic shapes to form the ships that they can blast off into space

The Sand Box attraction puts a technological twist to the childhood favorite pastime of making sandcastles using a special projector – depending on the height of the structure you’re building, the sensors will detect it as mountains, land or sea

Robinsons Malls director for new businesses Darwin Renolayan

The Live Forest station provides visual artists and animators a place to unleash their creative side – grab one of the animal templates, sit at the workstation, let your imagination run wild and afterwards, scan your masterpiece and watch your spirit animal roam the virtual jungle along with many other artworks

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

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FEATURES 13

The Fake White Fish in the City By ANGIE DUARTE

enjoy living in the Philippines – actually, I kind of like it here. Now there’s a statement I never dreamed I’d make. Sure, it’s one that rings true on some days more than others, waxing and waning as the phases of the moon, or, more accurately, in proportion to the degrees of harassment I encounter. Like when I’m stuck in Manila’s monster mayhem of mechanized mobile machines (aka traffic) the fondness drops significantly. Or, when I’m weaving through the seemingly unending thick of humanity on the city’s rush-hour streets, while also skillfully dodging random pockets of garbage and such along the way, the “like-level” takes a nosedive. But then there are the smiles that beam warmer than the blazing tropical sun. There’s also the person at the corner, who will readily offer you a portion of their already meager lunch as you walk by. The delectable yet highly underrated cuisine, glorious island getaways, vibrant night life, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. These are some of the things that cause a spike in my “Manila fondness” meter. Sure, this spot of the globe is not without its share of hassles and hustles – a couple of which I have listed, above. But then again, which part of the world is frazzle-

free? And while I will agree, resoundingly so, that life in some countries is way more seamless and serene, this is the one I am in. And I may as well make the most of it. Fish out of water I wasn’t always comfortable living here, however. In fact, for a big chunk of my nearly-half-a-century life, I downright loathed it. Being a “fake white chick” (shall we say the fake white fish, then?) in this city – one descended of almost purely Spanish-Portuguese heritage, but conceived, birthed, and raised in the Philippines – meant that I neither belonged here nor there. I was ill at ease with fellow mestizos and mestizas, as most of them were born into privilege, and my family was from the working-class lot. Comfortable enough, but working class, nonetheless. Neither did I fit in, though, with my Filipino peers, as many judged me through “but you’re a snooty foreigner”colored lenses, simply because of the sharpness of my facial features. I was the idiomatic fish out of water. Adapt or die So, I did what any fish out of water determined to survive would do: I adapted. Being neither here nor there meant that I bounced around a lot – between social

groups and among different races. I mingled with people from all walks of life, and I learned from them. I found myself slowly making larger and larger circles of friends, from an equally larger and larger mix of socio-economic-cultural backgrounds. I also threw myself into learning the Filipino language, and not just the ability to speak it, but to speak it like a local. Looking back, I now see just how instrumental this has been in my enjoyment of life in this nation. I amuse people, the second I open my mouth to speak; the visual disjunct between my face and the street-style vernacular that comes out of my mouth at once jars and humors most folk. Oddly enough, this lowers the guard that they put up, upon initially seeing me. As such, I have had a gamut of men and women open up to me and share snippets of their lives with me. This makes things interesting, it keeps things real, and – perhaps more importantly – it gives me a sense of belonging. I feel connected, and that’s something that has taken me decades to feel in genuine fashion. A bowl of noodles and a hearty laugh Allow me to recount a recent incident which sort of brings this all home. I was at the SM Makati food court, and had or-

dered a bowl of noodles to take out. The counter lady gave me a little slip to give to the cashier lady, which I handed to the latter along with my loyalty rewards card. The cashier lady, all flustered, looked up at me and said, in faltering English: “Ma’am I’m so very sorry, the SM card, it is not, how to say… Oh, Ma’am, it is not gumagana. Hindi gumagana ngayon, sira yung wire sa unit (It is not functional, right now. The wire on the unit is broken.) Sorry, I don’t know, basta, that’s all, Ma’am. I'm so sorry." She had not given me a chance to speak, as she was all nervous about having to communicate with “the intimidatinglooking foreign lady,” I presumed. So, I smiled warmly, looked up at her and said: “Ok lang, Ate. Buti nalang gumagana ang Tagalog ko! (It’s ok, Ate, it’s a good thing my Tagalog is functional!).” I swear, the lady looked like she was going to cry from relief. Instead, she laughed out loud and kept saying how sorry she was, then declared: “Ma’am, buti nalang po, marunong kayong makibagay! Thank you, po! (Ma’am it’s a good thing you know how to adapt).” If you feel like a fish out of water, grow yourself some gills. And legs, while you’re at it. Then, you’ll have the capacity to enjoy life, wherever you are, a lot more fully.

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

14 TRAVEL

A Dip is Enough What to do in a dive resort when you're in no mood for diving? Words and photos by CELINE MURILLO

Sunset at Eagle Point

Guests who wish to learn how to dive is trained in this dive pool

t is rare for a place to be like this: near the Metro, yet without the usual horde of tourists that almost always comes with proximity. Perhaps because getting here wasn't as easy as one might think. That “tucked in a forest” and “perched on a cliff ” both apply to this place should clue you in. By the time you get to the access road, privacy would be expected. Narrow and hemmed by foliage thick enough to splinter light, the road tilted and curved. It ended here. To Eagle Point. Tucked and perched. And quiet. The resort enjoys Anilao's aquatic bounties, having access to a network of 30 dive sites along the Verde Island Passage. It mainly offers year-round diving, but I find that its selling point, at least for me, is the calm. I find it amazing that despite being popular among divers, the place still manages to afford a certain brand of seclusion. More then marine life Our first day there was spent munching on fish tacos and inhaling sea breeze. The sea was just at arm's length. Its songs were ubiquitous. I was content. Of course, I thought of diving, but while I believe in my core is the ocean, I prefer to love it from afar. They say you miss half the world's wonder if you don't explore the seas. Well, I'm totally fine with that. I was never taken by the underwater world. If I were to choose, I'd go to the mountains, amongst the clouds and trees. With that said, I was determined to find another angle to Eagle Point. I was sure there was more to it than just a (albeit popular) dive resort. The next day, we took a boat and visited an island. Seco it was called, supposedly because of the trees that grew along its shores. I wasn't enthused by the whole affair to be honest. At that point, I was happy to stay in my room, listening to sea songs. Even the raging waves did not faze me – then again, I've been to Itbayat. I closed my eyes, feeling sea spray on my face. The bobbing of the boat, although a little violent, was making me drowsy. I knew I'd

Pools look out into the sea

GETTING THERE

Serenity is even more palpable in Sepoc Island

slid into slumber when I jolted as we came to a stop. An oasis I blinked away the residual sleep and tried to focus on what was before me: a cove of cream sands, bordered by hills and limestone sculptures. Scattered across the beach were low trees that looked a bit like bonsai Talisay. I jumped off the boat, feeling the undertow just behind my ankle. There were hiking trails, we were told, so off I instinctively went up the slopes. The path was short and easy. It took me about five minutes to reach the top. From this vantage point, Seco Island appeared in its full form: a green-white-gray sickle cutting across a cerulean sea. I took a deep breath and savored the ocean air, the brine tickling my nostrils slightly. I squinted at the horizon. A patch of clouds was the only thing that distinguished sky from sea. Well, I guess you could say I fear the ocean, but what fool would not? I thought

A must-try on Eagle Point's menu is the fish tacos

about marine life, how vast and largely unexplored our oceans are, how it's as alien to us as outer space. I thought of mermaids. And Relicanth. Cthulhu. Giant squids. I swear I heard "Release the Kraken!" in the background. In any event, for all of Eagle Point's clout as a dive resort, I think Seco Island is its best feature. It's common ground. Accessible. Still mostly a seascape, but not as foreign as the underneath. There's still the sea within reach, but you could just stay inland and get lulled by the scent and the sound. But, really, go see it for yourself. Don't take my word for it – see, I'll take trees and stacks over corals any day.

Eagle Point is located in Anilao, Batangas. To get there, take a bus bound to Anilao from one of the terminals in Cubao. DLTB, and Jam Liner have daily trips going to Anilao. Alternatively, there are also Anilao-bound buses in Pasay. Get off at either the Anilao Port or the Anilao Crossing. Fare is PhP165 to Php170 if coming from Cubao; travel time is about three hours. Then, rent a tricycle to take you to the guardhouse of Eagle Point. Fare is PhP300, good for two; travel time is about 30 minutes. Once there, the resort's shuttle will come and pick you up. Eagle Point has exclusive access to Sepoc Island. A boat ride costs PhP2,500 for four pax, to and fro the resort. For room rates, diving rates and schedules, plus other information, visit www.eaglepointresort. com.ph

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

IN FOCUS 15

Tradition Resurgence A pair of traditional Maloleño arts is making a comeback, thanks to a handful of culture-bearers. Words and Photos by CELINE MURILLO

urnished wood the color of coffee glistened under shafts of sunlight from that late January afternoon. The place had an earthen quality about it. Almost like a massive kiln, but cool and not searing. We were in Bistro Maloleño, expecting lunch, but instead were met with an assortment of crafting supplies. The outside matters On one corner, seated on a skirted table, was Naty Ocampo. She was surrounded by a heap of papel de hapon – a piece of which she clutched folded in one hand. Her other hand wielded a pair of scissors. Quietly, almost reverently, she snipped the excesses away. Soon, a delicate thing, nostalgic without even trying, started to bloom in her hands. Ocampo was making pabalat – the intricate wrap of the local dessert made from sugar and milk called pastillas de leche. The dessert is a classic, popular even among early Filipinos. In fact, it was the Spanishera upper class men known as Illustrados who brought about the birth of pabalat. Consuming pastillas can be a messy affair, so these well-educated men suggested the use of wrappers to avoid getting their delicate fingers sticky. It worked, and eventually, the art of pabalat – incidentally also known as borlas de pastillas, was born. It is only in Malolos, Bulacan where, when it comes to pastillas de leche, both the outside and the inside matter. It is fascinating that making the wrapper is more difficult than making the wrappee. The former is more tedious, requiring patience and a steady hand. It begins at the crafting of a template. The design could be anything. It could be flowers, or trees, or even the outline of Maria Clara – the quintessential Filipina maiden. The template is then traced on papel de hapon using a pencil, or a pen. It is then followed by hours of trimming and snipping. The output is impressive. Elaborate; too pretty to simply be a wrapper. It is art – one that’s even more remarkable when you find out that, in the days of yore, pabalat was done freehand. Ocampo’s mother Luz, from whom she learned the art, used to do it the old way, without a need for a template. The elder Ocampo learned the craft back when it was still part of the school curriculum, in her Home Economics class. There came a point when Luz was identified as the last maker of pabalat, and many feared the art would soon be extinct. But prudent as she was, she started making templates of her original designs – all of which are now trademarked. As a result, the work got less onerous, and passing on the skill became less of a task. It also helped that she had a daughter interested in safeguarding traditions. “It is quite therapeutic,” Naty said in defense when someone commented on the craft’s laborious nature. A locust of childhood Therapy is also what Rheeza Hernandez thinks of her art. That and nostalgic. On the other side of Bistro Maloleño, she stands proud over a spread of brightly-colored trinkets. They are toys, she tells us while brandishing a small cubic object that was apparently a ball.

Cutting the traced template on papel de hapon

Decorative pieces made through leaf-weaving

A bowl of pastillas de leche wrapped in pabalat

Trinkets made through the art of puni

Unwrapping a pastillas de leche

“When I was young, kids used to make their own toys,” Hernandez recalls. “This is how we made our toys.” She was referring to puni – the leafweaving art of Malolos. Like pabalat, puni is embedded deep in the lives of Maloleños. Houses used to be decorated by this handicraft. It used to adorn streets during fiestas. And, indeed, it was how local children spent most of their playtime. But even before the advent of gadgets, puni had lost its appeal. Why entwine dried palm leaves when one could just grab a basketball, or a doll? Soon enough, only a few knew about the art form. To Hernandez, reviving the art meant preserving both her town’s heritage and her own. Letting the art be forgotten was akin to letting a piece of her childhood die – the last thing she wants. So along with her group Puni de Malolos, she blazes through this modern age, reintroducing the craft to the current generation. Reception has been largely positive. Her

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Quietly, almost reverently, she snipped the excesses away. Soon, a delicate thing, nostalgic without even trying, started to bloom in her hands."

group recently made hundreds of puni doves as a commemorative piece for a major ASEAN event. She’s been working with schools, holding talks and seminars. They’ve also been reinventing the art itself, crafting wearable pieces like pins and jewelry – things that could eventually be sellable. Carrying the torch People like Ocampo and Hernandez keep the hearth of Malolos’ culture aflame. And they are exactly what a town like Malolos needs. That afternoon in Bistro Maloleño, amongst burnished wood and age-old tales, the embers of traditions are fed anew. Igniting again. Burning, perhaps, for another era or two. For more information about pabalat, check out the Special Pastillas Wrappers Facebook page. Head over to Puni de Malolos, also on Facebook, to know more about leaf-weaving.

APRIL 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

16 WHAT'S ON

Boracay has been in the news recently, albeit for all the wrong reasons, with the government looking for the island's temporary shutdown from tourists due to various environmental infractions and concerns. And while the efforts to rehabilitate the once pristine island could be a case of too little, far too late – if for nothing else, it opens up the prospect for travelers to look for alternative holiday destinations in the country. With this, Expat asks,

“With Philippine summer season in full swing, which local destination are you eyeing, and why?”

Frank Reichenbach Swiss  General Manager, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Juliette Kwee Dutch  Founder, World Experience Philippines

Palawan has been one of the places I've been eyeing. It brings out the beauty of the Philippines through its crystal clear waters, and then leaves you amazed with how nature was able to create such majestic sub-continents. Paradise!

For this holiday season, I am eyeing the local destination of Gato Island. It is in the middle of the Visayan Sea, risng from the middle of the sea between Malapascua Island and the tip of the Bantayan. Recently, I found out that Gato Island is the perfect dive destination! I have traveled a lot in the Philippines, all the way to Itbayat (Batanes). I love to dive, so I am very curious about this place. And with the high temperature in mind, it would be great to spend so much time in the water, just to cool down.

Tom Thurnherr Swiss  CTO, Travel Buddy / Partner, Three Guys and a Grill The one place I'm very excited to visit this summer is Siargao Island, which was always high up on my list as its not overdeveloped yet, and is supposed to be a place of wild nature with strong winds, sand, and wild water—and now easily accessible with a direct flight. Another place I'd like to re-explore for long weekends is La Union, for its quirky hostels and coffee shops with hammocks by the beach.

Chris Nelson British  Executive Chairman British Chamber of Commerce Philippines The British Chamber recently held a trade mission to Iloilo, following last year's leg to Davao – both of which are excellent for tourism. I would love to return to Iloilo, its city preserved with heritage sites from the Spanish colonial and postcolonial eras, and with its delicious, diverse food. During our mission, we visited the Elizalde building for a dinner hosted by the Mayor – a splendid example of early 20th century Filipino architecture. I would also like to explore the province's highly regarded agrieco farms, and nearby islands such as Guimaras and Sicogon for their beautiful beaches. When we visited Davao for last year's mission, we saw that the city was growing, with the uprise of various malls, hotels, and restaurants. We stopped by Panabo city as part of the tour, which for businessmen would appeal to trade interests, especially as it is developing in infrastructure and agribusiness. The Mindanao region features several destinations I was not able to see during our business trip – Samal Island in Davao del Norte, Siargao, Camiguin, and General Santos.

Ligaya Gasataya Dutch-Filipino Founder, ManilaForKids I've always wanted to travel to Batanes. I hope it is still one of those places where you won't find too many people, and where you can fill your lungs with clean fresh air. I would love to go explore the island by foot and take photographs along the way. Summer is the best time to travel to Batanes!