EXPAT NEWSPAPER 0226-0311 by Expat Communications

THE PHILIPPINES’ FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS SINCE 1981

February 26-March 11, 2017 Vol. XXXV No. 7

STILL IN STORES

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The 12th Station of the Cross at gorgeous Calvary Hills in Iguig, Cagayan. Constructed in 1982, Calvary Hills is a sprawling fourhectares of rolling hills overlooking the Cagayan River that has become a major pilgrimage tour destination in the Philippines. Photo by Martin San Diego courtesy of the NPVB

Killing in the name of Why is the Duterte administration obsessed with reviving the death penalty? By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY

he Duterte administration has a curious fascination with death – appearing to fancy it as an encompassing solution to many of the country’s problems. While much has been made – and rightfully so – of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody and illogical “war on drugs,” which has left close to 7,000 (by some estimates) lifeless bodies in just eight months, a question worth asking is why the administration has been so bent on reviving the death penalty. House priority Last December, the Duterte-controlled House of Representatives approved at the committee level the bill that would restore death penalty, which paved the way for the measure to be taken up on the plenary floor. At that time, there were more than 20 crimes punishable by death under the pro-

posed measure, which included qualified piracy, qualified bribery, cultivation or culture of plants classified as dangerous drugs and “carnapping,” among others. Curiously, despite the plethora of issues the country is facing, what the Congress has deemed a priority is the revival of the death penalty, perhaps under the delusion that the slow and creaky wheels of justice in the country would even reach the point of anyone being sentenced to the death penalty. As pointed out by house Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, even if Congress passes the bill restoring capital punishment, there is a possibility that Duterte would not be able to use it within his six-year term, citing “the long gestation period of conviction.” In the second week of February, the administration’s allies in Congress sought to trim the list of offenses punishable by death.

Comically enough, one of the crimes they wanted trimmed from the list was plunder. “This is just a matter of money, anyway, as they say, too lame for others to include,” was Rep. Reynaldo Umali’s justification. As noted by a Manila Times article, a 2001 study conducted by the World Bank found that an estimated PhP609 billion was lost to corruption. “I think that will be a severe blow because it basically says the Philippines can walk away from international treaties,” British Ambassador Asif Ahmad recently said, referring to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Second Optional Protocol of the ICCPR on the abolition of the death penalty, of which the Philippines is a signatory. “Part of the President’s frustration is that page 3 the wheels of justice here turn

DOT eyes on Pagudpud tourism’s sustainability

he Department of Tourism (DOT) is keen on working together with local government units (LGU) in planning the development of the northernmost tip of Luzon. Tourism Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Advocacy Katherine de Castro disclosed the department’s plans to work hand in hand with LGUs to look at the ongoing construction boom in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and to manage its rapid development. Speaking at a hotel inauguration in Balaoi, two hours away from Laoag, de Castro noticed how progressive Pagudpud has become in such a short span of time. “It is time to do something about it to avoid congestion,” she said, citing Boracay and Puerto Galera as cases in point. De Castro said it is Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo’s directive to spread out the tourism spotlight across the Philippines. “We are page 3 a country of 7,107 islands. It is

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

Seda Hotels gears up for big expansion

yala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp.’s (AHRC) Seda Hotels recently announced that it would be adding to its inventory more than 2,400 rooms in nine destinations between 2017 and 2019. Melissa Carlos, group director of sales and marketing, announced during a recent media briefing that the company’s goal is to be the leading Filipino hotel brand catering to global travelers in the Philippines. Since its founding in 2012, Seda has built up its room inventory to 817 rooms spread over five properties – Seda BGC, Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City, Seda Abreeza in Davao City, Seda Nuvali in Laguna, and Seda Atria in Iloilo City. All five hotels met their targets in 2016 including the year-old Seda Atria. “Across all our properties, our guest satisfaction scores ranged from 83 to 86 percent, which is way above the industry average, hovering in the 70s,” Carlos proudly said. “All our hotels also took the number one slot in their category in each of their cities.” Top performer Seda’s best performing property has been Seda BGC, which registered an average occupancy of 87 percent in 2016—far more than

the 65 percent industry average occupancy rate of Makati hotels. This indicates high demand for its rooms despite the proliferation of new hotels that are part of international chains in both BGC and Makati. The excellent performance of Seda BGC has prompted the addition of a new tower with 342 rooms, including 48 serviced apartments to cater to long-staying guests, many of whom are project consultants who remain in the country for up to six months. Bonifacio Global City’s business travelers appreciate the highly vibrant BGC location and its easy access to dining and entertainment options—a quality shared by all Seda hotels. The new stand-alone Seda BGC tower, to be completed in 2018, will seamlessly interconnect with the current tower at three levels. The construction will not disrupt operations and will allow the expansion of facilities like the 300-seater all-day dining outlet, as well as function rooms that can seat up to 450 persons. This April 2017, Seda will be launching Seda Vertis North in Quezon City—its biggest hotel with 438 rooms. “Seda has been successful in highly underserved areas,” according to Carlos. She

More interaction, unity needed by cities to move forward By RICHARD RAMOS

hile many cities have reached a certain level of achievement and have grown faster than other urban areas, it takes more than just facts and figures to determine how far a city has grown and prospered since other factors have come into the picture to redefine quality or inclusive growth. Many cities likewise have experienced a certain degree of growth, yet are still sorely lacking on some of the basic fundamentals, which has hampered its qualitative growth, thus leaving one to brand the growth spurt as “uneven or misleading.” An example here may be a place like Boracay, which has long been a tourism stronghold but severely lacks proper road zoning and urban planning—resulting in narrow roads, pollution, and scarcity of natural resources. More than anything else, cities need to observe and learn from each other in order to integrate their best practices, interact more fruitfully with government agencies, and pave the way for cooperative growth and not just solo spurts. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all model since each city retains its own individualistic traits and concepts, and therefore needs a tailor-made model to suit specific needs and prerequisites. Metro Labs Enter the Metropolitan Governance (Metro Labs) and Quality Infrastructure Technical Deep Dive (TDD) which was held on Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 in Tokyo. There, six government representatives from Cebu took part and participated in tackling the problems of urbanization at more specific levels. The TDD was held immediately prior to the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Development through Quality Infrastructure Investment, which will focus on

QII in metropolitan regions. Representing Mayor Val Chiong of Naga City was Kristine Vanessa Chiong, his daughter, who saw the importance of collaboration with the city governments and line agencies in order to set off on a good start on proper planning. Mayor Teresa Alegado of the northern Cebu town of Consolacion spoke of connectivity, which eventually leads to success as each part of the system is linked up with each other, resulting in compact development. She also appreciated the participation of lead agencies of four modernized cities; namely the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), the New York City Regional Plan Association (RPA), Paris’ Avancity The Smart Metropolis Hub, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, to serve as examples of upscale urban planning at its best. Engr. Dionisio Ledres Jr., Assistant Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 7, professed admiration of Tokyo’s solid structure of government-managed systems. Merging here is important, he says, as the Japanese national government issues directives to the local government to spruce up their railways. The conference was organized under the auspices of the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) program, a partnership of the Government of Japan and the World Bank. The program is global in reach and thematically focused on urban planning, urban service provision, urban management, social development, disaster risk management, and municipal finance. Delegates also attended the 2nd Int’l Conference on Sustainable Development through the QII which sought to facilitate dialogue enhance learning and collaboration among development partners and their clients implementing infrastructure projects.

recalls that AHRC planners had conservatively estimated demand for this four-star hotel brand “offering five-star service” and designed properties with an average of 150 rooms. But given its success, Seda’s next generation of city hotels in Makati, Taguig, Cebu, the Bay Area in Manila will be bigger, ranging anywhere from 200 to 350 rooms. Seda will also launch a resort hotel in AHRC’s new tourism estate in El Nido, Palawan called Lio. Seda Lio will have 153 rooms and will be completed in the last quarter of 2017. The two-storey hotel has been designed to have low environmental impact on its surroundings and is intended to serve as a model for future Seda hotels in other AHRC resort areas.

Seda Vertis North Facade

Seda Lio Overall Facade

Human touch key to tourism experience By RICHARD RAMOS

ore than just going to a new place and engaging in the sights and activities, tourism is actually more about how people make you feel and vice versa—resulting in the formal bonds established as a result of that experience between the visitors and the visited. One can ask almost any tourist on their most memorable aspect of their visit and the answer will always be their experiences with the locals as the highlight of their stay. The natural warmth and friendliness of the Filipinos is indeed infectious, and so are the smiles and upbeat attitude of our persona. “Tourism is about creating the best experience for visitors, whether they be firsttimers or repeat visitors. It’s about first-hand contact with the locals who are truly representative of that immediate place. Result is the creation of unforgettable ties which last for many years,” declared Central Visayas Regional Director Catalino Chan during the inauguration of the Travel Catalogue International Expo held at the Ayala Center Cebu. The three-day travel expo featured over 70 tourism-related exhibitors composed of regional tourism councils, tour operators, hotels, and other stakeholders who encourage more domestic travel to known and upstart destinations nationwide. Human touch The speaker also dwelt on the importance of human touch as superior over the presence of manmade infrastructure, posh

accommodations, and fancy hardware. “You can design and build a great place. But it takes people to make it a reality. Be the place where the happiest people on earth are present. These words were uttered by no less than Walt Disney,” Chan proclaimed. He likewise urged the audience to preserve the natural tourism jewels such as the mountains and the beaches so future generations may also benefit from their assets and preserve these for their future descendants. Chan pointed out that the Cebu experience must be replicated and maintained to ensure that repeat visitors are a common occurrence and that they will spread the word to family and friends so more will know of Cebu and her attractions. On industry developments, the regional director lauded the fact the Cebu now has 26 international fights a week and more foreign airlines are expected to set up shop at the Mactan airport. Among the newer flights, he cited that China Eastern Airlines established the Cebu-Wuhan flight last January. Other airlines included Air Asia’s Wuzi-Cebu flight and Cebu-Guangzhou; Vanilla Air’s Narita-Cebu; Philippine Airline’s Cebu-Clark, CebuGuangzhou, Cebu-Caticlan, Tagbilaran-Cagayan, and Tagbilaran-Bacolod-Cebu. During the expo, Chan congratulated the exhibitors and wished them all the best as the pubic flocked to the booths and inquiries piled up re flight schedules, tour packages, and hotel bookings in preparation for the summer holidays.

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

Phl seen as potential market for French ‘spiritual tourism’

he Embassy of France to the Philippines and Atout France, the French Tourism Development Agency, will lead a delegation of French tourism professionals in Cebu City and Metro Manila from Feb. 27 to Mar. 3. After a successful promotion mission in Manila last year, Atout France and its partners, the Lourdes Tourism Board, Lisieux Tourism Board, Avignon Tourism Board as well as the Paris-based travel agency Bipel, will return to the Philippines to touch base with the media and various travel groups specializing in Christian pilgrimages. Recognizing the huge potential of the Filipino market in spiritual tourism, the French Embassy and Atout France have decided to expand its program to Cebu City, where meetings with the press and a workshop for travel agencies will take place at the Radisson Hotel on Feb. 27. French Ambassador Thierry Mathou noted the importance of this mission by citing the potential of the Philippines as a market for French tourism. “We are delighted, once again, to continue the success of the previous mission. Promoting France, the top tourist destination worldwide in terms of arrivals, in the Philippines is strategic because the country is a fast-growing market in Asia for tourism,” Ambassador Mathou said.

“We are already the top European destination for Filipino travelers, and we are committed to maintaining this leading position,” he added. According to Ambassador Mathou, tourism is also a strategic sector for the Philippines. "In the context of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between our two countries and the launch of our “PhilFrance: Feel French!” festival, our intention is to promote the development of tourism both ways. This is the reason why we are actively discussing with the Department of Tourism to implement the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the two countries in 2015 in the sector of tourism.”

France has 42 UNESCO world heritage sites, 11 of which are religious. Pictured here is the procession at Lourdes

This Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and the Department of Tourism during the PRINT

state visit of French President François Hollande to the Philippines in 2015. It seeks to provide a framework for increased cooperation in the tourism sector. MARGIN

Killing in the name of...from page 1 slowly. Basically you need to find a better wheel and more lubricant. You don’t throw the whole thing away – you have to improve the system.”

ing” police were reassigned to the conflictstricken Mindanao island province of Basilan. Unsurprisingly, of the 287 policemen, only 53 showed up for the mass deployment.

System failure Speaking of improving the system, even before he was elected into office, Duterte promised that he would pardon military and police officials who would be indicted for following his orders to combat illegal drugs. Of course, this is the same police institution that has been notoriously mired in deep-seated corruption for decades. After it was found that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Illegal Drugs Group were found to be involved in the kidnapping and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo, Malacañang was left scrambling for damage control. What followed was an announcement that the war on drugs would be halted in favor of the PNP’s internal cleansing – something that should have been done before brazenly empowering its members in the first place. Since then, there was a televised public scolding (and a public workout by way of performing push-ups in front of the cameras) of Angeles City police who allegedly extorted money from Korean tourists, while 287 “err-

Economic fallout Recently, reports came out that there were a few multinational companies that have postponed their expansion plans in the Philippines, citing the threat of political uncertainty. As reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) executive director Florian Gottein said that political controversies in the Duterte administration were turning off members of the European business community. “They were thinking about doubling actually their investment, but the headquarters in Europe decided at the moment to put it on hold,” Gottein told reporters. “There was another company that also wanted to double its investments, then decided to expand operations in Vietnam rather than the country.” As noted by the report, late last year, ECCP president Guenter Taus said that the drug-related killings created a sense of uncertainty among European investors.

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cent up from arrivals in 2015. In December of last year alone, close to a thousand air arrivals were registered in Laoag, which is 0.17 percent of the total air arrivals to the country that month. It foresees growth to double by yearend as new chartered flights from China started arriving in the latter part of 2016. Additionally, the region expects multiple ports call in Currimao from Star Cruises in March to May of this year to bring in more than 4,000 guests onboard each dock, in addition to other international cruise lines scheduled to arrive this year.

Know The Tool: Wooden Massage Hammers The wooden hammers are used by the therapist to rhythmically stimulate the energy lines of the body. It uses mechanical sound vibration that work deeply through the fascia and the muscles.

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about time we explore other undiscovered and uncharted destinations as well. It is about time they get the rightful attention and opportunity,” de Castro said. "Our unique mandate in tourism requires us to strike a balance between selling destination and safeguarding our natural wonders for generations to come. Sustainability remains a key principle. That is to say, the demand is only as good as the product," Teo was quoted saying. In the latest data from the DOT Region I, the Ilocos region received an estimated 1.7 million international tourists last year, 12 per-

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DOT sets sights on Pagudpud...from page 1

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OPEN DAILY: 12N - 1 AM ; Last Call: 11:30 PM 3rd Fl., Sunshine Place, 56 Jupiter St., Bel - Air, Makati Tel: +63 (02) 5427709 Cel: +63 (977) 8547709 (GLOBE) +63 (949) 8877612 (SMART) E: footzonejupiter.makati@gmail.com

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FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

Relish the Legazpi lifestyle at Somerset Millennium

omerset Millennium Makati recently unveiled a slew of refurbishments to the 30-storey serviced residence property. In keeping with the standards of their managing company – The Ascott Limited – Somerset Millennium pulled the curtains on their renovated apartment units, which have been given a more contemporary feel, with modern furnishings and accentuations complementing the subtle sophistication of its interiors’ hues. The wooden flooring and cabinets have likewise been changed, and new carpets at the foyer have been installed. The bedroom has bluish green accents that create a relaxing vibe, while the king size bed make for a restful slumber. As part of the property’s renovation, Somerset Millennium also unveiled their refurbished lobby, pool and fitness centre. A new restaurant, Abuela’s, was likewise recently launched, providing residents, guests and people around the Legazpi Village area, heirloom Spanish recipes and other popular dishes with unique twists. On top of these changes, a new function room and Residents’ Lounge will soon be opening. Somerset Millennium is a 30-storey serviced residence located in the vibrant com-

mercial and business center of Legazpi Village, making it a stone’s throw away from a wealth of lifestyle, dining and entertainment options. Designed for executives and their families, Somerset Millennium offers spacious living space with its 132 units ranging from studio to one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. Somerset Millennium aims to be reminiscent of home, offering comprehensive kitchen amenities and separate dining and spacious living areas in the bigger apartments for added privacy. The property offers a relaxing haven, uniquely situated in the more quiet side of a commercial and business district known for its fitness and wellness hubs replete with parks.

award-winning brands: Ascott, Citadines and Somerset, each catering to different travelers’ needs. Somerset Millennium Makati is located at 104 Aguirre St., Legazpi Village, Makati. For inquiries and bookings, email enquiry. manila@the-ascott.com or contact (02) 550-3200.

The Ascott Limited Somerset Millennium Makati is managed by The Ascott Limited, a member of CapitaLand. The Ascott Limited is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator with more than 290 properties in over 100 cities spanning more than 25 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. The company operates three

GESM, LFM fete 54th Elysée Treaty anniversary By VIA BAROMA Photos courtesy of German European School

rance and Germany recently marked the 54th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty—a treaty that helped reconcile and establish a new foundation of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. In commemoration of the treaty, the German European School Manila (GESM) and Lycée Français de Manille (LFM – French School Manila) jointly celebrated the important date in Franco-German friendship with the official opening of the science laboratories of the European International School Manila. French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, German Ambassador Gordon Kricke, GESM Headmaster Andreas Thiergen, Jean-Marc Aubry of LFM, and the management committee of the French and German schools graced the auspicious occasion. Over the last five decades, the Elysée Treaty signed by Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenaue in 1963 not only led to the foundations for a lasting and trusting partnership between the two leading countries, it was also vital in the forged co-

Jean-Marc Aubry of LFM (fourth from the left), German Ambassador Gordon Kricke, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, and GESM Headmaster Andreas Thiergen along with Eurocampus students

operation in addressing education and youth issues. For over 25 years, the European International School (formerly known as Eurocampus) served as an educational establishment

The celebration's finale featured a Franco-German football friendly

guided by the Elysée Treaty principles. Organized in 1992 under the strong leadership of French Ambassador Oliver Gaussot, Eurocampus was the first of its kind in the world exemplifying what the possibilities

that could be achieved through cooperation and joint efforts between the two countries. Both GESM and LFM, located on the green and spacious Eurocampus in Parañaque, promote German and French academic excellence for students from nearly over 40 nationalities. “[GESM and LFM] are happy to welcome you to a celebration which gives a good example of friendship and cooperation,” GESM Headmaster Andreas Thiergen beamed. “This renovation project gives evidence of the exemplary French-Germany cooperation in the field of education.” “The German-French cooperation is a very good example of [this] spirit. I have only seen a few Eurocampuses worldwide like Shanghai, Taipei and Manila. It means that Manila is indeed a very exclusive club,” Ambassador Kricke added. “This joint relation of the Eurocampus or French-German friendship is not only about political and economic plans but also about concrete projects for the benefit of the people—school children and the teachers.”

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

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F E AT U R E S

Hearken to music, in unlikely places By ANGIE DUARTE

have recently rejoined the idiomatic rat race; and, as I scurry through the oft crowded and dizzying streets of Makati’s CBD – from its busy graffiti art underground tunnels, to its above ground even busier sidewalks – to get to and from work, a few other idioms come to mind: Dog-eat-dog is the world in which we live, as such, we often find ourselves burning the midnight oil to prove ourselves in the world of professionals. We cross our fingers, as we anxiously await the results of burning the midnight oil, and can only hope for the best turnout. Then we remember that all work and no play makes Jack ( Jill) a dull boy (girl), as we – with a twinge of guilt – promise ourselves to live a balanced life, despite having to make a buck in this dog-eat-dog world. Yes, these idioms careen through my brain, as I careen through the concrete jungle. I want to have my cake, and eat it, too. I want to make something of myself, professionally, but I also want something beyond that. At some point in my careening, I am reminded of a social experiment done in Washington, DC in 2007, which helps me put things in proper perspective. A violin virtuoso plays in vain? The test was conducted by the Washington Post and involved world-famous violinist, Joshua Bell. The much-lauded violin virtuoso, who was dressed down and sported a baseball cap, played a 45-minute set with a violin worth US$3.5 million at L’Enfant Plaza—an

arcade just outside the Metro DC subway station. It was Jan. 12 at 7:51 a.m., the height of the morning rush hour in the heart of federal Washington D.C. – one of the world’s busiest capital cities. The experiment was chronicled for the Washington Post by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Gene Weingarten. He reported that over a thousand people (1,097 to be exact) passed by Bell, who played six pieces from acclaimed violin masters (such as Bach and Schubert). Only seven people stopped to listen to him play; among them, a three-year-old boy. Only one person (a woman) recognized him. The longest that someone (a man) stayed to listen was nine minutes. Twenty-seven people, in all, chucked money into the case as they hurried by – the total collection was US$32. Here’s the clincher: Just three days before the experiment, Bell played at the prestigious Boston Symphony Hall, to a sold-out audience who paid an average price of US$100 for “ok” seats (the good seats went for way more than that). Ironically, the people who walked by Bell are perhaps some of the same ones who would readily shell out the greens to catch one of his concerts. Isn’t it ironic, don’t ‘ya think? A little too ironic. Not exactly an idiom, but it may as well be. Three-part beings Why didn’t people stop? Clearly, save for one person, they did not recognize Bell. Still, wasn’t the excellently played music enough to catch their undi-

vided attention? Surely, Bell’s incognito performance must have been nothing short of amazing! Which begs the question, were the people deaf??? Likely not, and while there are certainly a variety of reasons for people’s seeming disinterest, one stands out—priorities. We get caught in a vicious cycle of “adulting,” of life, of work – we work hard so we can acquire; the more we acquire, the more we want; the harder we work. We feed the flesh and its demands (bigger, better, faster, more!), but we starve – emaciate, even – the soul and spirit within us. The food on which these inner parts thrive—art, beauty, the sublime, good literature, daydreams, relaxation and quite time, meaningful reflection… the like… all tossed aside as fanciful, frivolous, unnecessary in favor of the “more important,” “grown-up” things in life. Granted, it is easy for most to connect with the physical, as it is what is visible to us. We see and readily perceive outward beauty for instance, and as such, are more inclined to focus on this. In the specific case of Bell and the experiment, the outward beauty and prestige of a US$100 ticket at the Symphony Hall is easily seen as desirable, compared to listening to some seemingly random starving artist violinist in the subway. Never mind that the talent was one and the same; the violin, priceless. Our lives have become way too compartmentalized, way too consumed by externals. But an ailing soul and spirit will eventually affect the physical – in sickness, unhappiness, discontent, for

example. There is a vast chasm between happiness and joy; satisfaction and contentment. The latter, more fleeting than the former. The acquisition of new things, for instance, may make you happy and satisfied, but for how long? Feeding your spirit and soul, on the other hand, will provide a more lasting effect which will show up from the inside, out. Cliché and idealistic? Perhaps; but also true. Focus and balance need to be restored. YES, the world is often dog-eatdog. And many times, we may have to burn midnight oil to succeed. But there’s so much more to it than that. Take your hat off to someone and let them know you appreciate them. Start with your family, perhaps. Hugs are always great, and the best thing about them is when you give them, you generally get one back Forget about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence. Feeding your soul and spirit, more often than not, makes the grass greener on your own side. Stop and smell the flowers. Their beauty is sublime. Or stop to have a listen at a violin player in the subway (MRT?). Allow the music to infuse and uplift your soul. And it won’t cost you US$100 either. The sands of time run swift for us all. And I will – at the risk of idiom-induced nausea - make my last two references: life’s too short for you to spend all your energies chasing after material, physical gain. After all, you can’t take it with you when you’re gone.

By RICHARD RAMOS By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY

Furniture City, located along Hernan Cortes Ave. in Mandaue City, offers the widest array of furniture pieces, sets, and decorative pieces that go a long way in brightening your surroundings. Be it outdoor or indoor venues, office or home settings, condo or apartment setups, rest assured that one can always find the right furniture and fixtures all under one roof. Some of the more recognizable companies/exhibitors are Mehitabel, Murillo, Mandaue Foam, Rain or Shine, Giardini Del Sole, Diamond Cane, and Tropical Souvenirs. For inquiries, email rainorshinefurniture@gmail.com, or call (032) 420-0916 or 511-1167. For more information, visit Facebook page, Rain Or Shine Furniture City and their website www.lenbertfurniture.com. Travel Catalogue International Expo was launched at the Ayala Center Cebu

on Feb. 17 to 19. Headed by the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) and the Cebu Travel and Tour Association (CTTA), the event gathered over 70 exhibitors mostly belonging to tour operators, airlines, and accommodations sectors. A special highlight was a three-hour business-to-business session between the travel agents and suppliers. Alice Queblatin, CATOS president, declared that emphasis is on specialized tour packages to suit the specific needs of the client and less on the generic tours. Creativity reigns supreme, she said, as they are bent on “selling an experience and not just a room, seat, or ticket.” Crimson Resort recently featured “Of Glam and Guise” a costume couture by up and coming designer Jongz Loquinario. Self-taught in the industry, his portfolio include shows in Davao, Bacolod, Dum-

aguete, Cebu and Manila. He describes his brand as unconventionally couture, none of the usual generic pieces, but more on the radical and eclectic. Inspiration is derived mainly from sporadic thoughts where just about anything can be a spark for a brainwave creation. The ideas he sees as more appealing gets fruition via a sketch pad or the iPad. Hewlett-Packard (HP) recently inaugurated their newly-refreshed Cyberzone store situated at the third floor of SM City Cebu. This makes it just the second HP store nationwide to undergo renovation, and the first in the Visayas-Mindanao region. According to PV Viswanath, HP managing director in the Philippines, all HP stores nationwide will be undergoing a similar transformation. He added that Cebu is a preferred destination due to its digitally-enabled economy, a tech-savvy

populace, and an active market that demands for the latest products. HP’s product line includes the world’s thinnest laptop, as well as the world’s smallest printer. Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) will host the “Break the Silence Global Run” on Sunday, Mar. 19 at the SM Seaside Cebu at 3:30 a.m. One may join any of the five categories; namely PWD at PhP280, 3K for PhP350, 6K for PhP450, 12K for PhP550, and 21K for PhP650. One can register at SM City Cebu (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.), SM Seaside (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and at the Abellana Sports Complex (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). For online registration, visit www.spectrum.ph. This is part of a global event where participants from over 20 cities worldwide join thousands of runners to stop sexual abuse of deaf women and empower them to pursue court cases in the Philippines.

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G RU B H U B Newspaper

The Philippines’ forum for international readers since 1981

Murray Hertz Founding Publisher (1928-2014) Butch C. Bonsol President & Managing Director Timothy Jay Araneta Ibay Editor-in-Chief Suzette Defensor Consultant Richard A. Ramos (Cebu) Via Baroma Staff Writers Angie Duarte Ching Dee Writers-at-Large Leah Egamino-Palaña Advertising Coordinator Jennifer Codera Billing, Credit and Collection Supervisor Nikki Joy Habana Macjanry Imperio Design & Layout 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; Fax (+632) 840-2988 You can also reach us at: expatmag@gmail.com and for sales and advertising: expatcomsales@gmail.com Cebu Mailing Address: MJ. Cuenco Avenue cor. C. Mina St., Mabolo, Cebu City Telefax: (032) 412-8000

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

210 Degrees turns ‘fine dining’ into ‘fun dining’

The latest addition to BGC’s culinary scene is a stunning display of grace and technique Text and photos by CHING DEE

hef William Mahi has been cooking since he was 14 years young in his hometown of Bidart, France. Being raised by conscientious foodies, he grew up with an appreciation of good, all-natural fare. “I was raised to eat green, eat good,” Chef William told Expat. “Ever since, I only make dishes from scratch using the best available ingredients.” His love affair with cooking started at a very young age and propelled him to work and train with Michelin starred restau- Chef William Mahi rants in France, Lebanon, China and Greece. It’s the same love that brought with the anchovy-aioli mousse. The tart him to the Philippines as the executive chef apple crisp was perfect with the aioli... Actuof The Tasting Room at City of Dreams Ma- ally, everything went so well with that aioli. nila. His stellar cooking — and love for inter- Vegetarian Tart Heather, Chef William's better half and acting with the diners — earned him quite a business partner, made sure 210 Degrees loyal following. So when it was time to hang his chef ’s jacket at The Tasting Room, his Kitchen + Drinkery has terrific options for friends and followers urged him to stay and vegetarians. This one is made with organic zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, and pesto in start his own place in Manila. And just like that, 210 Degrees Kitchen + a homemade puff pastry tart topped with an olive oil ice cream. Still can't believe someDrinkery was born. “We don’t want to say this is a purely thing so healthy could taste so good. French bistro, because we want a place that’s more relaxed, more laidback,” Chef William Homemade Marinated Salmon The dish is a 36-hour Homemade Marisaid. “We want an atmosphere, ambiance nated Salmon with pickles, capers, Paristhat’s not like most fine dining restaurants.” The result was a dining destination that ian sauce and slivers of button mushrooms. Gleaming like a pink-orange jewel, the salmturns “fine dining” into “fun dining.” The warm lighting and the kitschy décor on is smooth and silky and well seasoned. really made the place more relaxed and welcoming, but when the food came, it was ‘The Egg’ Chef William’s signature dish, the perfect nothing but laidback. The flavors were intense, the presentation was stunning, and the 48-degree egg is served on top of luscious, cloud-like potato mousse. Make sure to dig techniques used were out of this world. deep for a hidden treat: Bacon with caramelized onions. Amuse Bouche Every meal at 210 Degrees Kitchen + Drinkery starts with this delightfully deli- Pan-fried Soulard Foie Gras Sinfully rich and unbelievably smooth. cious amuse bouche: Apple and bread crisps

This luscious dish from corn-fed ducks was served with two other kinds of corn: luscious yet light corn foam and the unexpected popcorn. Pork Belly Chef William brought the best rotisserie all the way from France to make their signature Pork Belly: Crunchy skin crackling with tender and moist meat with just the perfect amount of smokiness. Before roasting, the pork belly is marinated in Columbus spices. Accompany it with mashed potatoes, fries, or veggies. Fried Chicken Light, crisp, and delightfully nostalgic. Chef William’s boneless Fried Chicken is marinated in his own blend of secret spices, fried to golden perfection, and served with homemade garlic vinegar and aioli. Just like the pork belly, diners can choose their sides between mashed potatoes, fries, or veggies. Real Moelleux Au Chocolat This decadent dessert will satisfy all your chocolate cravings. When sliced, the rich chocolate sauce oozes out of the cake, making for some A+ food porn. The chocolate lava cake is served with vanilla ice cream and raspberry preserves the perfect hot-cold and sweet-tart combo all in one dish. Warm Tart Tatin This is basically a lighter version of apple pie, only ten times better. The cinnamon cuts through the tartness of the apples the moderately sweet vanilla ice cream on top gives it the good ol’ hot-cold combo that always wins. 210 Degrees Kitchen + Drinkery is open Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is located at G/F Icon Plaza, 25th Street corner 6th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Follow them on Facebook @210degrees.ph

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.

Amuse Bouche

Vegetarian Tart

Homemade Marinated Salmon

Soulard Foie Gras

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

E X P AT N E W S P A P E R

G RU B H U B

Indonesian food with Filipino flair at Warung Kapitolyo From weekend market food stall to a gorgeous, homey resto in a foodie haven Text and photos by CHING DEE

t all started with a humble stall at the Legazpi Sunday Market (LSM). Imman Decena still remembers how his mom, Louh Doctora-Decena, and his aunt, Tess Doctora, struggled with their sales from their stall. Not a lot of people knew about the wonders of Indonesian food then, and most Filipinos weren’t as adventurous as they are now when it comes to trying new food. Nevertheless, his mom and his aunt persevered. Eight years later, they sell an average of more than 350 packs of Indonesian boxed lunches at the LSM. “My parents came back to the Philippines when they retired,” Imman shared. “Now, they’re busier than ever.” After nearly three decades of living in Jakarta, Indonesia, their whole family went back to the Philippines and Louh decided she would like to share the food she made for her three sons so more people will know about the wonderful experience that is Indonesian fare. And Warung Kapitolyo came to fruition. They found a spacious home not so far from the busier part of Kapitolyo and turned it into a gorgeous Asian home filled with stunning furniture pieces and décor from their own home. They have three equally beautiful function rooms good for private parties of 15 to 60 people. The white walls made every piece of artwork pop and the rich hardwood gave the place that signature warmth that reminds you of home and welcomes you to stay and enjoy and have a great time. Here’s what we had on our first ever visit to Warung Kapitolyo — the first of many food-filled visits. Sate Ayam A must-try at Warung Kapitolyo, these

Nasi Goreng Indonesian fried rice for the win! Warung Kapitolyo's Nasi Goreng almost makes you want to forego the mains… Almost. Martabak Telur THIS is what I came here for. The perfectly crispy wrapper envelopes luscious scrambled eggs, onions, leeks, and well-seasoned ground pork. Every bite is a delicious revelation. And just when you thought it can't get any better, they serve it with spiced vinegar and a side of their homemade sambal. Martabak Manis The other reason why I went all the way to Kapitolyo. A favorite street snack from Indonesia, this is like a pancake on steroids. The soft and fluffy cake is smothered with butter, doused with sweetened condensed milk, and showered with shredded cheese. You all know that sweet-and-salty combo is foolproof. I personally love the crispy outer layer, adding more texture to the dish. As rich as it sounds, it's actually not that sweet — which means you can eat mooooore.

Martabak Telur

grilled chicken skewers is marinated and glazed with their lipsmacking peanut sauce. Their peanut sauce is dangerously addictive. It's savory yet sweet and the smokiness of the grilled chicken adds another layer of flavor in this Indonesian classic. Beef Rendang From their humble stall at the LSM, Warung Kapitolyo brought their best-selling Beef Rendang to their flagship restaurant. Today, they offer the traditional beef rendang (just like how it's done in Jakarta) and

their famous version from the LSM. What's the difference between the two? Well, you have to go and try it for yourself. Bakmi Goreng The dish is an instant favorite and it's easy to see Nasi Goreng (and taste) why it's one of their crowd-pleasers. It is sweet, savory, and spicy all at the same time. The noodles are cooked just right, the chunks of beef and liver are perfectly flaky and tender, the still-runny fried egg adds a creaminess to the dish that makes it sooooo morish. The homemade krupuk (shrimp crackers; "kropek" in Manila) also gives it additional texture and flavor.

Es Teler Es Teler is Warung Kapitolyo's answer to the halo-halo. Finely shaved ice with lots of milk hiding slices of avocado and langka (jackfruit) underneath. Perfect for warm days... Or any day, really. Warung Kapitolyo is located at 83 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. For inquiries, call (0917) 800-915 and (0917) 534-7089.You can also check out Warung Warung Stall at the Legazpi Sunday Market

Of Conquests and Callos Take a seat and get ready for a delicious history lesson with Cafe Enye's flavors of colonial Spain Text and Photos by CHING DEE

astwood City in Quezon City is a sea of restaurants and food stalls, but every now and then an establishment stands out from the crowd and sets itself apart. Offering a whole new level of culinary goodness, Café Enye’s dishes are inspired by history. In a way, it showcases the flavors from Spain’s former colonies, including the Philippines. The flavors are as vibrant as cups displayed on the walls, and the kitschy interiors show playfulness without distracting the diners from the star of the show: The Food. But don’t take our word for it, go ahead and try it. If you’re at a loss where to begin, here’s a list of our must-tries: Callos Buns Inside this precious golden bun is a unique callos filling — slow-cooked for hours and rendered to perfect tenderness. This is callos like you've never had before. Savory and sweet, this bun will definitely fill your belly and your dreams. Lechon Carbonara Café Enye's Lechon Carbonara satisfies both pork and pasta cravings. Al dente spaghetti tossed in lusciously creamy cream

sauce and topped with a golden egg yolk, then served with a generous serving of crispy and flavorful homemade mojo chicharones. Pollos Croquettas Absolutely addictive! Creamy chicken croquettes deep-fried 'til golden and served with their homemade salsa verde and pickles result in a delicious party of flavors and textures in your mouth.

Café Enye Spanish Hot Chocolate To cap the hearty Spain-inspired meal, get a cup (or two) of their signature Spanish hot chocolate. Subtly sweet, creamy, smooth, with just the right amount of bitterness towards the end. Made from high quality and locally sourced tablea, their hot

chocolate will surely warm your belly full of goodness. Café Enye is located at Excelsior Building., Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City. They are open from Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. For inquiries, call (02) 671-3230

Gambas Enye Style This is definitely not your typical gambas. It’s sweet-from-freshness, succulent shrimp cooked in garlic infused olive oil with roasted garlic for that added aroma and flavor. For added crunch, it’s topped with garlic chips and garlic chives. Our only complaint? It was gone in seconds. Huevos Rellenos Tasty, savory Scotch Eggs — Enye style. The egg was cooked in a sous vide and covered with scrumptious chorizo, rolled in breadcrumbs and fried ‘til golden perfection. Since it’s an egg, it’s served on top of a ‘nest’ made of crispy string potatoes with homemade sofrito aioli. The still-runny egg yolk should get a R-18 rating for its food porn-worthiness.

Beef Tapa Bowl

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T R AV E L

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

PALAUI ISLAND

or metro dwellers in the Philippines, the worsening density of city life has increasingly pushed people’s yearning to travel – nurturing the sense that far is solace in the maddening place where daily life revolves around. The natural reaction to the lack of breathing space in the midst of the daily grind has driven people to look farther and farther away for prospective holiday destinations. Recently, Expat was fortunate enough to partake in Lakbay Norte 6—a media familiarization trip organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau—where a group of travel writers were taken about as far as you can go northbound in the country – Cagayan. And if there’s one thing the far-flung province and its natural gems reminded me of, it’s that traveling is partly a search for a break from routine – a search for adventure, however far. Harbor in the tempest We were warned that the combined efforts of the elements could possibly make it unsafe

Edge of Adventure By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY Photos by MARTIN SAN DIEGO courtesy of the NPVB

to navigate the waters going to Palaui Island. Of course, we paid it no heed (the coast guard saying we’d be fine certainly helped as well). There was no chance we drove for close to 15 hours (spread across five days) only to be denied breathing in the promised beauty of the Sta. Ana, Cagayan island. Shortly after the hour-long ride started, Cagayan’s notoriously tempestuous waters introduced itself to our mini fleet – challenging the build of our small boats with sets upon sets of crashing waves, some of them reminiscent of the CGI The Rock had to go against in “San Andreas” – or at least it seemed like it. As I turned around to check out the

demeanor of our boat men (for reassurance that the future held a scenario where I would once again be stuck in Manila traffic), I found they were almost rendered brain dead by the mundanity of what lay ahead. And with that one glimpse, I managed to convince my mind to consider the experience as nothing more than a theme park ride—albeit, one with very real and possible consequences. It made me wonder how they ever felt like it was cool to ride small outrigger boats in the face of such conditions. Then I realized that people in Metro Manila drive while taking selfies and adding filters to their Snapchat posts as they navigate the chaotic mess of our roads. To each, his own, I reckoned.

The calm of Anguib Beach Short of an hour later, the boat stopped galloping over and through the waves. The sun peeked from the clouds that had taken ownership of the past week. And then it came—Anguib Beach. Quite a reward for the thrill. Anguib is a 1.8-kilometer J-shaped stretch of white sand beach. While it is but one of the many beaches in Palaui, the soothing calm that curtained that slice of tropical paradise made it strike me as the ideal temporary base for exploring the breadth of gifts possessed by the island. With no visible concrete structures, camping is the default accommodation, but if you’re feeling a little fancy, there are also glamping options offered by Anguib Beach Club. Should you choose to, I reckon it’s best to schedule your visit to Anguib Beach on a weekday. Not only do you get a gorgeous, tree-lined beach that’s perfect for lazy days of introspection (and a few cold ones), you get it all to yourself – mostly.

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T R AV E L

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

• GETTING THERE From Manila, Victory Liner buses have daily trips going to Tuguegarao City in Cagayan (12 to 14 hours) Should you choose to skip on the road trip, there are flights that go directly to Tuguegarao (1 hour) From Tuguegarao, another bus/ van takes you to Sta. Ana (3 hours), which is just about 15 minutes from San Vicente Port – the takeoff point to the Palaui Islands • EXPAT TIPS For glamping and various other packages offered at Anguib Beach Club, contact (0917) 652-0581 or email staanacagayan16@gmail. com. Find them on Facebook @ staanaglampingandcampingresorts To get around Palaui Island, contact the SAMOBA (Sta. Ana Motorize Boat Association) at (0935) 3839878, (0926) 1880213 and (0935) 130-6745. Boat ride rates vary for each destination. For groups of up to four, the standard rate for tour guides is PhP300; two guides are required for groups of 5 to 8; and three guides for 9 to 12

Visit www.victoryliner.com for bus schedules

1) The consistent breeze blowing on beautiful Anguib Beach is perfect for both introspection and strengthening bonds 2) Dos Hermanos Island, as seen from Cape Engaño Lighthouse, adds a nice touch to the spectacular view 3) There are many coves to explore in Palaui Island, a fact the in itself, is an invitation for future return trips 4) Life in 5) Because what’s a beach trip without sumptuous seafood? Feast to your bikini body’s delight at Jerolynda’s White Beach Resort and Restaurant in Palaui Island 4

Serene, scenic, spectacular Local travelers have long been buzzing about Palaui Island, the reasons I would find that pleasant February afternoon, were more than justified. With a number of coves and beaches to comb, as well as a slew of hiking trails that have some of the most stunning vistas as a backdrop, Palaui has a remarkable blend of scenery, serenity and adventure. A talented word-weaver I traveled with worded Palaui Island brilliantly as a “windswept parcel of heaven on earth, with an edge-of-the-world atmosphere where verdurous promontories drop into an endless expanse of churning azure.” Amen. Our schedule did not allow us to go on a lengthy trek, but the presented alternative took us to the island’s highest point—Cape Engaño Lighthouse – a structure built in 1892 that has managed, over a century later, to still hold on to its enchanting allure. Embarking on the short trek to the lighthouse was, to be laconic, breathtaking. It seemed like every eight steps, the view – which gradually expanded to feature a grassy knoll sandwiched between a pebbled beach and a rugged shore – got exponentially more stunning. Staring out into the Pacific, at what felt like the edge of my country of birth, ushered in thoughts of the many possibilities brought about by seeking adventure – and a reminder that adventure is out there, just waiting to be discovered.

6) The enchanting Cape Engano Lighthouse is photogenic from every angle

E X P AT N E W S P A P E R

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

A royal lunch affair with Anton Mosimann

orld-renowned Swiss Chef, Anton Mosimann, OBE recently cooked for guests at an exclusive lunch in Manila hosted in partnership with the Swiss Education Group, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines. Mosimann, the renowned chef behind the Mosimann’s, a private dining club in London, is a renowned two-star Michelin chef. He has lead culinary teams serving five British Prime Ministers – from Margaret Thatcher to David Cameron, and the weddings of Diana and Prince Charles, and Kate and Prince William. In 2004, he received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to the tourist and food industries. Over 50 guests from the business, media and Swiss community in Manila were treated to an unforgettable luncheon at Marco Polo on Jan. 24. The guests were welcomed by Marco Polo Ortigas Manila General Manager Frank Reichenbach, who is also a Panel of Ex-

pert in the Swiss Education Group. The lunch event also provided an opportunity to introduce The Mosimann Collection: A Culinary Heritage – his extensive personal collection of historical culinary books, pictures, medals, original recipes and an elaborate menu collection from around the world. Hosted at César Ritz Colleges Switzerland in Le Bouveret, the collection opened to the public and Swiss Education Group students in June 2016. The culinary icon donned his chef ’s jacket and tantalized the taste buds of his guests with an exquisite 4-course wine pairing menu, featuring his signature style which he calls “cuisine naturelle,” cooking each dish lightly, and concentrating on the flavors of each ingredient. The gustatory treats featured during the luncheon included Marinated Salmon with Dorset Crab, Spring Onion, Lemon Dressing, as well as Mosimann’s famed Risotto ai Funghi - a dish the late Princess Diana named her personal favorite.

ADB's Johannes Schneider and wife Martina Schneider with Chef Anton Mosimann

Bloggers David Guison, John Bueno and Patricia Prieto

Xin Tian Ti President Samuel Po, Chef Anton Mosimann and Frank Reichenbach

Hans Hauri, HE Andrea Reichlin, and Katrina Mosimann

Frank Reichenbach, Embassy of Switzerland's Melanie Zoref and Martina Sch- Pricewaterhouse Coopers Dennis Basilio and General Manager Nilesh Sharma with wife Stephanie Fabian neider

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila General Manager Frank Reichenbach

BDO Unibank's Walter Wassmer and wife Myrna with Mr. Samuel Po

ADB's Peter and Sarah Marro with Johannes Schneider

Seared Fillet of Lamb with Rosemary Sauce

Nilesh Sharma and wife Stephanie Fabian, Dennis Basilio, Ambassador Andrea Reichlin, and Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Director of Sales Xavier Cheng

With Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Chefs and Assistant Director of RB&E Janice Chua

Mr. Reichenbach giving recognition to the hotel's chefs

E X P AT N E W S P A P E R

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

Jewelmer Joaillerie reveals Spring Summer 2017 Collection French-Filipino luxury brand Jewelmer Joaillerie recently held an exclusive event to launch their Spring Summer 2017 Collection at the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City. Led by Jewelmer group chairman Manuel Cojuangco, group president and CEO Jacques Branellec, EVP and deputy CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec, SVP and creative director Gaelle Branellec and brand manager Marion Branellec, the brand unveiled its latest collection of pieces, which combined the poetry and romance of French design with the natural grandeur of the South Sea pearl. Garbed in fashion designer Joey Samson’s stunning creations, the models walked the runway in Jewelmer’s dazzling new pieces. The Nightingales of the Philippine Madrigal Singers also serenaded the pearlloving guests. Congratulations to Jewelmer for their latest collection!

A necklace accented with golden South Sea pearls from Tropics, a Jewelmer Joaillerie collection inspired by the richest rainforests and depicts the inexhaustible bounty of the natural world

Jewelmer Joaillerie executives (from left) US operations director Joe Meli, group president and CEO Jacques Branellec, brand manager Marion Branellec, group chairman Manuel Cojuangco, SVP and creative director Gaelle Branellec, SVP Abelardo Mondonedo, EVP and deputy CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec

Jewelmer Joaillerie international sales managers Baptiste Sablon and Franck Ferrari with Joe Meli

Fashion designer Joey Samson, STAR’s Luis Espiritu and Mia Arcenas

Gaelle Branellec and Joey Samson (first and second from left) take a bow after the models’ final walk

Nana Caragay and Jacques Christophe Branellec

Apa Ongpin, Pinto Art Museum owner Dr. Joven Cuanang, Ludovic Branellec, and Manuel Cojuangco

Jewelmer Joaillerie executive retail manager Tess Catedral, Jayelles’ Tess and Tara Litton with Jewelmer Joaillerie executive marketing manager Tricie Legarda

The Nightingales of the Philippine Madrigal Singers serenade the guests

The models showcase Jewelmer Joaillerie’s La Parisienne pendants on the runway

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ARTS & CULTURE

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

EXHIBITS

•Kiri Dalena: Arrays of Evidence Ongoing until Mar. 3; 1335Mabini, 1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila; for more information, call (02) 254-8498, (0917) 704-2962 or email info@1335mabini.com Referencing a phrase employed in police forensics, Arrays of Evidence gathers three installation projects by Kiri Dalena, which operate as intersecting investigations into several trajectories of current unrest. Dalena is an acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker known internationally for her works that lay bare the social inequalities and injustices that continue to persist, particularly in the Philippines. Her active involvement in the mass struggle to uphold human rights amidst state persecution is the foundation for her art practice that underscores the relevance of protest and civil disobedience in contemporary society. Dalena’s works are both documentation and critical commentary on historical and current state of national political affairs. "Erased Slogans" (2008-present) for instance, is a series of digitally manipulated scanned photographs documenting the numerous demonstrations during the Martial Law era in the 1970s. Deleting all the text that has been previously written in the placards, the artist encapsulates the magnitude of government suppression carried out under the military regime. "Red Saga" (2004), originally captured in film, recounts the intense armed hostility towards radical individuals and serves as a call for sustained uprising. Meanwhile, "Requiem for M" (2010) tackles one the most brutal murder of journalists in the world – the Maguindanao Massacre – and the culture of impunity that plagues the Philippines.

•Notes of Dissent Ongoing until Mar. 17; 1335Mabini, 1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila; for more information, call (02) 254-8498, (0917) 704-2962 or email info@1335mabini.com 1335MABINI proudly presents Junyee, Gus Albor, and Tengal Drilon in a group exhibition titled Notes of Dissent. Junyee or Luis Enena Yee Jr., is considered the pioneer of site-specific art in the Philippines. In 1974, he won the award for all categories in the AAP competition (sculpture, painting, print, and photography) beating his mentor National Artist Napoleon Abueva. In 2007, his design for a holocaust memorial in Tel Aviv was chosen and executed. Also a CCP Thirteen Artists awardee, Junyee has received recognitions from the CCP, NCCA, AAP throughout his career, continuing to create installation works that are impressive in content and scale. This year, he has been chosen to be one of the five jurors for the Philippine Pavilion in the 2017 Venice Biennale. Albor is a painter and sculptor known for his minimalist abstraction works. He earned a one-year British Council Study grant to the West Surrey College of Art in England. He was a CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee and has participated in major exhibitions and art events in the Philippines, US, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and China. Drilon is an inter-media artist, curator, filmmaker, and cultural producer. He works with new media, sound, music, video, cinema, performance, and technology. He has acted, composed music, and designed sound for Cine Olivia, underground director Lav Diaz's production company, as well as for internationally celebrated independent filmmakers, among them Roxlee, John Torres, and Raya Martin. He is also the founder and managing director of My Head Studios, a recording and mastering studio, and of Sabaw Media Art Kitchen, a non-profit umbrella organization of artists who are into new media and experimental music. He has served as founder and director of the alternative arts festival Fete de la WSK.

•Concurrent Liminalities

•Apichatpong Weerasethakul: The Serenity of Madness

Ongoing until Mar. 4; Nova Gallery, Warehouse 12A, La Fuerza Plaza Compound, Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati; for more information,

Ongoing until May 14; Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, G/F De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde SDA Campus Dominga St., Malate, Manila; for more information, visit www. mcadmanila.org.ph or call (02) 230-5100 loc. 3897

The word “liminal” describes something that is in an in-between state, occupying or straddling a threshold. As such, the works in Concurrent Liminalities are all situated at intermediate states of perception and meaning. They are spare, yet they invite interpretation; they hint at meaning, but do not give it away. The viewer is put in a space where the obscure and the obvious intersect, where the lines between absence and presence are blurred, and where life and death are disguised as each other. The exhibit makes use of a variety of media that range from traditional paint to human hair; while disparate, they nonetheless combine to form a set of nuance and complexity. The exhibit brings together the works of Gab Baez, Jess de Leon, Miguel Lorenzo Uy, Miles Villanueva, and Pin Calacal—young artists whose aesthetics are themselves at a liminal stage between exploration and maturity.

A leading figure in contemporary film and art, Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s work reveals stories often excluded in history in and out of Thailand: voices of the poor and the ill, marginalized beings, and those silenced and censored for personal and political reasons. Curated by Gridthiya Gaweewong, this solo exhibition uniquely presents a selected survey of rarely seen experimental short films and video installations by Weerasethakul, alongside his photography and archival material that explore threads of socio-political commentary. His passionate positions regarding class, labor, sexuality, science and spirituality have informed his practice from early in his career to the present. Previously shown at MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, Thailand and Para Site Hong Kong, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), Manila will be showing its third iteration which premiers the work, “Invisibility” in Southeast Asia and includes the video installations, “Emerald” and “Blue Propeller.”

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E X P AT N E W S P A P E R

IN FOCUS

A Paleo-kind of summer, perhaps?

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

Your Paleo diet primer for that beach-worthy summer body

By ANGIE DUARTE

h, summer. Bringer of all things we love: outdoor barbeques with family, friends, and cold beers; vacations, far and near; staycations at your favorite hotel; longer, warmer days (a welcome respite, in colder parts of the world); walks in the park; all those fun things. Oh, summer. Bringer of things we love to hate: specifically, the realization that those extra Christmas pounds still haunt and taunt us like yesterday’s ex-flame. And, what’s worse, swimwear is generally unforgiving; and what is summer without the donning of swimwear? Don’t chuck your bikini (or board shorts) out just yet. Hold on to the Hasselhoff, because those Baywatch dreams may still be within your grasp. If not for this summer, then the next one, for sure. How, you might ask? Here comes the Paleo diet, running down the shore. Paleo what now??? The Paleo or Paleolithic diet has been a hot fitness topic and trend for some time now, having been wildly popular in 2013. It has sparked both “Yays” and “Nays;” criticism and controversy, from experts and wannabes alike. But what is this Paleo diet, all about really? Now I am not all about the craze of things, nor am I one to go with this-or-that fad. BUT I must admit, I have seen some pretty dramatic results with this particular diet. Not just physique-wise, what with the drool-worthy sculpted abs of Paleo advocates, but physically – health wise –as well. So, at the very least, my curiosity is piqued. Lean, mean Paleo machines The Paleo diet is just one stretcher on the bigger umbrella; the Paleo lifestyle. The diet is quite possibly the most pursued aspect of this lifestyle, given its numerous benefits and the promise of a healthy, lean, and strong physique. One look at the chiseled stomach muscles and enviable, toned bodies of lean, mean Paleo machines – in the guise of men and women – is enough to convince most. Delving deeper into the matter reveals not only body beautiful on the outside, but health, on the inside. It has been called many things, this Paleo diet: Caveman diet, the Primal Diet, or the Hunter-Gatherer diet. It has also inaccurately been confused as the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, Mediterranean Diet, or Zone

Diet. It has also “given birth” to different offspring; variations of the diet, it would seem, such as the Whole30 Program, which is almost equally popular. First off, it is not really a “diet;” at least, not in the traditional sense of the word. In the simplest sense, it is a lifestyle adjustment, founded largely on the early origins of the human diet. It has been touted as the “world’s healthiest diet,” and is based on the straightforward understanding that the best human diet is the one to which we are most genetically adapted and suited.

It has been touted as the “world’s healthiest diet,” and is based on the straightforward understanding that the best human diet is the one to which we are most genetically adapted and suited" The times, they are a-changing At the very core of the principles of Paleo is this: Based on scientific research, human genetics, paleontology, archaeology, and anthropology, human composition and the human genome has remained 99.99 percent the same as human make-up 15,000 years ago. Furthermore, we also know that agriculture has been around since 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, as well. Highly processed foods, on the other hand, began only 200 years ago. Human existence, however, dates back 8 million years. From these facts, we see that despite human genetic composition remaining predominantly the same, lifestyle and diets have change dramatically with the changing times. They have, in fact, radically changed since 15,000 years ago; and even more radically – almost completely – since the dawn of the first man and woman.

The human race has gone from hunting and gathering (like Paleolithic men and women) to agriculture and farming; but our bodies have not adjusted quite as well as we’d like to think they have to this change. Unfortunately, this shift – and other changes that have come as a result of it – has not necessarily been for the better. Health and overall well-being have been sacrificed at the altars of modernity and industrialization. It is no secret that people today consume way too much of the wrong kinds of fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and processed food; resulting in countless issues of weight and well-being. Razor’s edge (and some scientific facts) A t h l e te - t u r n ed -Pa l eo - f rea k- c u m advocate, Greg “Caveman” Parham, applies Occam’s Razor (the process which states that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected) to delineate specific scientific points that build the foundations for the Paleo diet: 1. Refined carbohydrates rapidly elevate blood sugar. 2. In order to counteract this high blood sugar, your body releases insulin. 3. Your body can only store so many carbohydrates. You have unlimited fat storage; however, insulin tells your body to store any excess carbs as fat, 4. Protein, fat, and micronutrients do not spike blood sugar. They do raise it, but not to the extent that muscles and organs can’t absorb them. 5. A diet high in processed carbohydrates promotes an acidic environment in your body-plant foods promote an alkaline environment. 6. A diet high in grains increases systemic inflammation. Healthy fats and plant food reduce inflammation. So, in English, a diet high grains, and refined /processed carbohydrates and sugars = NOT good. A diet high in protein, micronutrients and natural fat = GOOD. Paleo-approved eats In a nutshell (for the in-depth study of these principles would fill the pages of a medical or health journal, just about), here’s what you CAN and CAN’T eat, if you choose to try the Paleo way. Those to-die-for sculpted beach-ready abs come at a price, you know.

CAN EAT Grass-fed meats Fish/seafood Fresh fruits Fresh Vegetables Eggs Nuts Seeds Healthy oils (Olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut) • Ghee • Natural butter • Natural fats • • • • • • • •

CANNOT EAT • Cereal grains • Legumes (including peanuts • • • • • • •

– shock of shocks! Peanuts are legumes, not nuts!) Dairy Refined sugar Potatoes Processed foods and meats Salt Refined vegetable oils Candy / Junk / Processed Food

The good news is… Bacon, believe it or not, is allowed as a Paleo meat! As long as it is naturally cured, that is. Just thought I’d throw that in there, for some cheer and comfort for those planning to embark on this journey. This is not to say that you should go allout Paleo, as in, RIGHT NOW. Be sensible. Know what’s best for YOU. And, as with any major lifestyle or dietary change, it is always best to consult with your family practitioner, nutritionist, or doctor. These are just some tips and tricks to keep in mind as you dream of abdominal muscles to come, while grilling that grass-fed slab of meat, on a bright, warm summer’s day.

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

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Compiled by VIA BAROMA

CLUB SCENE

•Chaos Nightclub: Matthew Koma Mar. 11; Chaos Manila, City of Dreams, Aseana Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., Entertainment City, Paranaque; for VIP Table Reservations, call (0917) 886-3678 or email chaostablereservations@cod-manila.com Chaos Manila together with MVMT are proud to announce International Resident Artist for 2017—Matthew Koma. The EDM artist promises to light up the decks of madness this 2017 as he kicks off his residency on Mar. 11 together with Chaos local residents Jet Boado and Marc Marasigan with MC Ronthug. Koma—an American singer, songwriter, record producer and DJ, is one of the writers behind numerous hit songs, including Zedd’s “Spectrum,” and Grammy-winner “Clarity.” With new single “Hard to Love,” his new body of work shows the artist’s evolution to a more refined sound as he taps into the new generation of producers. Tickets are priced at PhP1,045 for Regular and PhP525 for Early Bird (until Mar. 1)

BAZAARS

•Trendsetter’s Bazaar back-to-back Sale Mar. 3 to 5; World Trade Center, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City; for more information, email trendsettersbazaar@gmail.com Summer’s just around the corner and Trendsetter’s Bazaar is here to showcase their summer forecasts. Beat the summer crowds and be the first to preview the hottest picks for this summer! Housing over 200 brands with the most unique and low priced items, Trendsetter’s Bazaar gives you the best shopping experience at the best prices in the most accessible venue in Metro Manila. Tickets are priced at PhP100

•Manila Sundance Summer Flair Mar. 24 to 26; SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong; for more information, follow their Facebook and Instagram @manilasundance or call (0906) 6996651 Get ready for a fun-filled, summer lovin’ shopping experience and score up to 80 percent off on your favorite brands at the Manila Sundance Flair. The fashion event will also feature games, giveaways, freebies, and more.

FESTIVALS

•Wanderland Music and Arts Festival Mar. 4; Filinvest City Event Grounds, Alabang; for more inquiries and information, visit wanderlandfestival.com or email hello@wanderlandfestival.com Celebrating its fifth year, Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is heading down south this year to the Filinvest City Event Grounds in Alabang. Headlining the night are live performances from The Temper Trap, The Ting Tings, Explosions in the Sky, Yuna, Purity Ring, Up Dharma Down, Honne, Lany, Woodlock, Gab and John of Urbandub, Tom’s Story, Fools & Foes, Reese Lansangan, Lola Amour, Banna Harbera, and Mickey Sulit. Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is a yearly tradition of good music where both anticipated international indie bands and homegrown indie acts perform to cater to a diaspora of music tastes. Tickets are priced at PhP5,500 for Regular Wanderer; PhP35,000 for Star Wanderbuddies (5 tickets inclusive of Wanderland kit, reserved VIP table for five, access to VIP restroom, express entrance lane and 10 free drinks)

•Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival Mar. 10 to 12; Malasimbo Amphitheatre, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; for more information, follow the event’s Facebook and Instagram @malasimbofestival and on Twitter @malasimbofest It’s that time of the year again for one of the best festival experiences this side of the world! This year’s Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival features a lineup that include Afro-Cuban jazz pianist and Quincy Jones’ protégé Alfredo Rodriguez, Australian soul jazz performer Jordan Rafei, and the outstanding Canadian electronic music artist Tennyson. Local musical talents include Apartel, Jeck Pilapil & Peace Pipe, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, Similar Objects, CRWN, Curtismith, RH Xanders, Skarm, Moophs, and Microphone Mechanics. This year’s festivities will also feature a silent disco, where music is transmitted via headphones. Participants can choose among three competing DJs and dance to their music of their choice. International and local DJs include Lefto, Kristian Hernandez, Br3aking Silence, The Diegos, Mark Zero, Manolet Dario, and many more. The festival will proudly continue to host the iconic art installations of Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, Olivia d’Aboville, and many more. A six-day yoga retreat at the Malasimbo grounds will be happening from Mar. 8 to 13, with Australia yogi Cameron Brown a.k.a. MC Shureshock, who will also partake in hosting the event. Tickets are priced at PhP2,245 for Friday Pass; PhP3,245 for Saturday Pass; PhP2,745 for Sunday Pass; PhP6,495 for 3-day Festival Pass; PhP25,980 for Group Package (3-day Festival passes + one for free)

•Holi MNL 2017 Mar. 12; SM Mall of Asia By the Bay, Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City; for more information, call (02) 550-2612 or (02) 810-8983 or email info@asiasociety.org.ph Now on its fifth year, the Holi Festival, which originates from India, celebrates the turn of the season from winter to spring. Gather on the streets and enjoy an entire day of dancing, eating and throwing of colored powder (Gulal) up in the air. The throwing of colored powder symbolizes unity, freedom and the joy of everyday life. This event is presented by Asia Society Philippines, the Embassy of India, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce, Indian Ladies Club, Sing India, and SM By the Bay. Tickets are priced at PhP250 (onsite); and PhP200 (pre-selling)

Tripkada Travel Day 2017 to gather kindred spirits this March!

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Tripkada, a mobile app that allows travelers to join groups organized by fellow travelers, is set to bring those smitten by wanderlust together once again with Tripkada Travel Day 2017 on Mar. 11. Come to Commune Cafe+Bar and Z hostel to experience a day and night of fun, games, drinks, music, and all things travel related, and get to meet travel experts and influencers. Tripkada Travel Day 2017, with its series of workshops, allows travel bloggers to enhance their travel photography, writing skills, and gain more traffic on their profiles.

FEBRUARY 26MARCH 11, 2017

And for simple travel enthusiasts, you can meet fellow adventurers and get to bond over your favorite destinations and the best place to hit for 2017. Apart from bringing the local travel community together, Trikada Travel Day participants get a chance to bring home a slew of giveaways. Interested parties can contact Enia Mapa at (0917) 850-0631 or email enia.tripkada@ gmail.com. You can also reserve a slot on the Tripkada app, available on the Google Play Store. Fee is PhP300, inclusive of giveaways.

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