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March 20-April 2, 2016 Vol. XXXIV No. 12

Les Misérables, the longest running musical in history, easily captivated the Filipino audience at The Theatre at Solaire.

Catch this once in a lifetime opportunity until April 17, 2016. Read the full feature on Les Misérables on page 2.

(Photo courtesy of the Les Misérables Production Photos)

Airlines cry foul over NAIA access restrictions

By VIA BAROMA

F

our international airlines operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may face restricted access into the airport premises allegedly due to unpaid bills amounting PhP68.46 million.

Prior to this, the Manila Times reported that members of the Airline Operators Council (AOC) questioned the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which selectively reduced access of some airline personnel from seasonal to daily passes.

The AOC, through Ama and Paredes Law Firm, reportedly asked MIAA to reconsider the daily access pass policy against airline personnel and allow them free “unimpeded entry into the passenger terminals like before.”

The seasonal access passes were allegedly “suspended” following the pending execution

of a formal written renewal of a lease agreement.

The Ama and Paredes Law firm, in a letter sent to MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado, reminded that the affected airline personnel are different from ordinary office clerical staff who perform different tasks.

“They perform vital [tasks] to enhance the security and safety of their passengers, especially at these times when threats from terrorist [groups] cannot be taken for granted; thus, requiring them to undergo the tedious bureaucratic process of securing the daily access passes into your terminals grossly hampers their security and safety operations,” the law firm said in the Manila Times report.

In response, MIAA said it reserves the right to take appropriate action against airlines that

fail to pay dues. According to Section 8 of the General Provisions of MIAA Administrative Order No. 1 (Series of 2000), MIAA asserts power to deny or prohibit the use of airport facilities and services. It states: “In addition, failure on the part of any person, firm, or corporation to pay any fees or charges due, and payable after a written demand by the general manager or his duly authorized representatives, shall be considered sufficient ground to deny such person, firm or corporation the further use of the airport or any of its facilities, utilities and services, and a basis for the cancellation of their contract.”

According to MIAA, the “Executive Order 903, Series of 1983, also allows the MIAA to detain the property of airlines, including aircraft, until full payment is page 2

The incomparable ‘Les Misérables’ now in Manila

The longest running musical in the world captivates Filipino audience

By CHING DEE

A

fter being performed by over 100 professional companies in more than 44 countries and 347 cities, the multiawarded and beloved musical Les Misérables is bringing the production to the place where talent grows like grass—the Philippines!

For the first time ever, the longest running musical in the world is setting up their stage in Manila from March 11 to April 17 and this once-in-a-lifetime chance is definitely an affair not to be missed. Celebrating its 31st anniversary this year, more than 70 million people have seen Les Misérables in more than 48,000 professional performances all over the world.

This year, Filipinos will be added to that number.

Expat Philippines spent some time with the award-winning cast of the legendary musical during the Les Misérables Media Call on March 15th at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila. page 2

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NEWS

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Airlines cry foul over...from page 1 made,” adding that the airlines were given demand letters as early as 2014, with final letters sent in 2015 and early 2016.

Among the eight airlines, four have partially or fully settled their accounts with MIAA and have been granted extended access passes, the airport authority said.

“These airlines are in active negotiation and cooperation to settle their accounts,” MIAA added.

MIAA Spokesman David de Castro released a copy of the remaining four unnamed

airlines which have not settled their bills, outstanding accounts as follows: Airline A— PhP33.602 million; Airline B—PhP27.9 million; Airline C—PhP5 million; and Airline D—PhP1.8 million.

“Among others, balances remain as to interest charges and value-added taxes,” the airport authority said. The MIAA said the disputed accrued interests “can only be waived by the Commission on Audit, Congress, or the courts.”

Settling Differences Meanwhile, MIAA has been communicating with the airlines to address their accountrelated concerns.

“More than the issue of settling dues, airport management wishes to settle differences with the airlines. The MIAA always considers airlines to be its major partners in promoting tourism development in the country. This, of course, entails the parties to abide by inherent corporate responsibilities, such as paying their dues,” Honrado said.

In a report from the Business Mirror, Honrado added that concerned airlines are aware of airport policies related to this and are always updated on the status of their respective accounts.

“The concerned airlines have not been denied access to airport facilities to guarantee their uninterrupted operations and to ensure continuous service to the flying public,” Honrado said in a statement.

The incomparable ‘Les Misérables’...from page 1 When asked about how their performances are going after a couple of nights in the Philippines, they all said the same thing: the Filipino audience is unpredictable.

“It’s different, during our first performance we were sure if [the audience] was liking it because they were quiet,” shared Simon Gleeson, who plays the lead role of Jean Valjean in this Victor Hugo classic.

“But at the end [of the show] people were shouting, so we were like, ‘Oh, so you do like it.’”

“The first nights were scary,” said English thespian Earl Carpenter who played the role of Javert. “Filipinos react and are affected differently… We had to be very meticulous in our storytelling.”

“Filipino talent is so great,” said Cameron Blakely and Helen Walsh, who were all smiles and laughs, unlike their characters: the wretched couple Monsieur and Madame Thénardier. “Everybody sings very well because you sing from the heart,” Walsh said about Filipinos.

Filipina actress Rachelle Anne Go, who also played Gigi in the West End production of Miss Saigon in 2014 where she won two awards, felt emotional when she came home to the Philippines to perform as Fantine in Les Misérables.

“It’s very emotional for me because this is the first time my family will watch me perform on stage,” Go said in Filipino. “I’m more nervous about performing here because I know some of my friends will be watching.”

Go’s co-stars only had praises and kind words about her. “She’s a kind-hearted, lovely lady,” said Helen Walsh. Simon Gleeson said, “There’s a reason why she’s loved here in the Philippines… Off-stage, she is just a beautiful human being.” And even the antagonist

The first L’Aperitivo Italiano of 2016, the acclaimed networking event of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, was held at Seda Hotel BGC last March 2, 2016. Guests enjoyed great wines and delicious Italian food while making new connections and saying hello to old friends.

For more information on the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, visit their website at www.iccpi.org.ph or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ItalianChamberPH.

Javert had kind words for Go. “She’s absolutely lovely; very professional, as well. A good example for other artists,” Carpenter said of Go. Portraying roles that require heavy drama and intensity can be quite challenging, but with music as passionate and moving as this Boublil & Schönberg classic, it wasn’t difficult to draw inspiration.

“The music inspires me,” said Carpenter, who portrayed the tough French policeman Javert who will stop at nothing to enforce the law and find Jean Valjean. “I let the music guide me.”

Aside from making its historical landing here in Manila, the cast invites everyone to watch Les Misérables for several reasons.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Emily Langridge, who played Cosette—Fantine’s daughter and Valjean’s adopted child. “It’s a story of love and I think a lot of people can relate to that.”

“It’s not very often [that you get] a musical that has been around as long as Les Misérables,” said Carpenter. For Simon Gleeson, watching Les Misérables is “an opportunity to change your life.”

Les Misérables is a Cameron Mackintosh production. Written for theatre by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo. Directed by Laurence Connor.

Les Misérables is now playing at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila until April 17, 2016.

For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.ph or call (02) 891-99-99. For more information, visit www. lesmis.com.ph.

The last Shell Powering Progress Together in Manila was held on March 3, 2016 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.

Several guests speakers attended the event to discuss climate change, global warming, its effects to our quality of life, and what we can do to lessen our carbon footprint by being more responsible in terms of energy consumption.

In photo: Joey Ayala and Ang Bagong Lumad opened the program by performing “Karaniwang Tao,” a song that reflects humanity’s responsibility in caring for the planet.

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

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W H AT ' S O N C E BU

by RICHARD RAMOS

Livin’ La Vida Imelda, Carlos Celdran’s one-man performance of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, will have its first-ever performance in Cebu. Set during the 1970s, the event is an artistic tour and a social commentary of Imelda Marcos’s life, impact, and cultural significance as one of the most iconic Filipinos of all time. Event is presented by the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Batch 1985 and Bigseed Public Relations & Events. Showtime is on Friday, 8p.m., Apr. 1; and a 3p.m. matinee show for students plus another 8p.m. showing on Saturday, April 2. Venue is the Cebu Country Club. Tickets may be purchased at all Dessert Factory and Pizza Republic outlets. For more info, pls call (032) 422-4378 or Ella (0929)340-5305.

The Cebu Almanac 2016 was recently launched at the Ayala Activity Center by the University of San Carlos Press headed

by Francisco Largo, project leader; and Dr. Jojo Eleazar Bersales, the managing editor.

Aimed at becoming an annual publication of relevant facts and figures about Cebu, the book highlights various situationers in such fields as economy, population, business and

industry, tourism, politics and governance, nature and environment, etc. of the past year. Also included are various comparative and economic data in each of the 44 towns of Cebu, locators in all economic zones, Bus Rapid Transit goings-on, provincial historical timeline, etc. A must-have for investors, businessmen, academe, and technocrats.

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa highlights “Summer Frolix,” the annual summer sizzler that offers room and picnic treats for all.

From Mar. 1-June 30, 2016, one pays only Php 20,000 net on regular rooms (poolside, lagoon view, lagoon side, and water’s edge) for a three-night stay. Plus get 20% off on all suite rooms (one-bedroom suite, two-bedroom suite, riverboat suite, quantum villa, and family room) and another 20% discount off on total food bill for the guest who dines in all four restaurants for a minimum of Php 1,000 per outlet. The children can try out the junior boot camp and test their luck at the life-sized tic-tac-toe, ring toss, javelin noodle toss, and the connect four and claim their prizes at the redemption booth.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa introduces “Mugna” a tasteful celebration of Cebuano couture and chocolate. Mugna, a Cebuano term that means “to create,” highlights signature pieces of two designers per month. This is followed by the Lobby Lounge’s Chocolate High Tea consisting of chicken inasal, spiced chocolate, white chocolate crème, tablea crème brulee, beef tablea, and flourless tablea cake, along with a pot of premium tea. One can also have his or her fill of signature cacao-infused martinis in tandem with Grey Goose Vodka and The Chocolate Chamber. From the classic dark chocolate, to white or orange chocolate, mint choco. Event takes off every second Saturday of the month till August.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has partnered with Haier for the annual Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2016. Haier is the global leader in home appliance products and services, though admittedly not that well-known in the Philippines. Refrigerators, television sets, and air-conditioners top the company’s product line with Cebu accounting for over

half of the total sales output in the VisayasMindanao region. Other CBM omnibus partners are Sun Life, MyPhone, LG, and RC Goldline. In line with CBM’s theme “Digital Cebu” the event hopes to encourage Cebuanos to inspire, grow and promote digital awareness and usage, especially among the small and medium enterprises.

Christian Paro-an is the CBM chair.

Woodridge International School, located along Banilad Road, is a registered member of the Cambridge International School which integrates and enriches the Math, Science, and English curriculum. Classes of the Grade School program start at 9 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m. for Levels 1-3; and end 4:45 p.m. for Levels 4-6. Total student population from pre-school to high school stands at 300, 40% of which are foreign. Teacher-student ratio is at 1:25. Programs include Special Music, Languages, Unique Education Programs, weekly Fun Day specialty skills, Business Studies, Battle of the Brains, sports activities, overseas exposure trips, etc. Call (032) 345-9813 or (032) 418-1004 for more info or log on to www.wis.edu.ph.

More competition needed for better connectivity – US Amb

By RICHARD RAMOS

He referred to such impediments as ownership restrictions on foreign companies in the country, minimal foreign capital, and lack of investment capital that have hampered the growth of entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

Thorne added that while Internet penetration does reach a good part of the Philippines, digital connectivity is another matter as its inefficiency can affect the growth of the much-needed startups and entrepreneurships.

On the sidelines of a forum on “A Dialogue on Startups and Innovation” organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the ambassador U.S. Ambassador David H. Thorne. Photo courtesy of www.italy.usembassy.gov took note of the poor convia Wikimedia Commons nectivity problems of the country and offered sugn order to properly address the various problems bugging the slow connectivity gestions to remedy the situation.

He called for the need to infuse “more inin the Philippines, a VIP envoy stated that the country should welcome more industry vestments and capital in the industry in order players in order to raise the competitiveness to make the country more competitive and level of the stakeholders and improve overall speed up the pace of inclusive growth.”

Though the mortality rate remains high at services in the Information and Communicaover 80 per cent, start-ups and entrepreneurtions Technology (ICT) industry.

“Open up the playing field and rid yourself ships still need the chance to grow and blosof the impediments. You need more than just som in order to develop a new mindset from two Internet companies in the field. There has the typical employee mentality and to serve as to be freer flow of information,” United States an example to others.

Ambassador David Thorne declared in a press The US Setting gathering held in Cebu.

Ambassador Thorne noted that “all new

I

jobs for the past 15 years in the US came from new businesses and start-ups,” thus underscoring the need for the Philippines to develop the necessary infrastructure to maximize its potentials. The fine connectivity was traced to the well-developed cable TV network and satellite infrastructure, healthy competition, and innovation.

There was also the presence of foreign capital from France, England, and Great Britain, which in turn encouraged the growth of domestic counterparts as well.

“The young now are more connected to

new technology. In line with this, the government needs to help policy reform to encourage the stakeholders such as education, business, justice system, and spin technology to work together for a better ecosystem,” said the Ambassador.

Ambassador David Thorne was on the final leg of his 12-day, three-nation “American Innovation Roadshow” representing the US State Department, having visited Indonesia and Vietnam beforehand to explore opportunities to work with startups and entrepreneurs.

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MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

Le Maquillage Salon and Spa: Posh and edgy pampering at its finest

By ANGIE DUARTE

Beauty standards just got way higher in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District

F

irst off, let’s get the pronunciation of the French phrase right. It would be, after all, a travesty to botch up the very name of this wonderful new place of and for beauty. “Maquillage” - the noun is in masculine form, hence “Le” and not “La.” Le is pronounced “leuh” (which is sort of like sound you make when thinking or wondering out loud, “uhh,” but with the L before it), and maquillage (which means makeup) is spoken as “ma-key-ahge.” Try to get the intonation right, too, by keeping the vowel sounds clipped, and putting a slight stress sound or emphasis on the last syllable of maquillage.

Practice it, until it rolls of your tongue in true French sophistication: “Leuh Ma-keyahge.” This is the new address for all things posh and edgy in the realm of beauty and pampering; a chic and classy sanctuary of allure, right in the midst of Makati’s urban jungle.

Beautiful innovation Upon cursory glance, it is at once easy to see what sets Le Maquillage apart from other high-end salons in the Metro. State-of-the-art equipment from Japan, the UK, and Korea, and top-of-the line facilities (complete with an exclusive VIP room) are among the innovative features of this beauty maven’s haven.

Having opened to the public on Mar. 1,

2016 (with a successful grand launch on that same evening), the cool and clean design aesthetic of the salon’s interiors invokes an airy, light feel which prove soothing to the senses.

This calming ambiance is the result of the collaborative efforts of Japanese designer Kazuma Mizobuchi of Tokyo’s Odyssey of Iska Architect and Associates, and of acclaimed Philippine designer, Sonia Santiago-Olivares. The Japanese design sense merges seamlessly with an edgy and innovative European panache, which flows primarily from the salon’s Creative Director, Frenchman Laurent Hebert.

A flair for hair “To me, the best approach to hair styling is just to be yourself. I will never go against you,” shared Hebert, who has been an important figure in the local beauty industry since he arrived here from Paris in 2005.

“I don’t go with the trend, but I go with who you are. I take it step by step, and I get to know you, first,” he added.

Laurent has been styling hair since 1993; a field into which he ventured after studying the craft for five years and earning his Master’s Degree in Paris. He is the man behind the hairstyles of a long roster of A-listers: celebrities and socialites, the elite and the super stylish, even royalty from other countries. Those who

Cutting Area

Reception Area

have had the privilege of being under Laurent’s skillfully-wielded scissors swear by his talent and technique. Part of this technique includes making you stand whilst getting a haircut.

“When you stand up, I can just move your head everywhere, I can do whatever,” Laurent pointed out.

Apart from Laurent, Le Maquillage boasts of a core team of gifted stylists and aestheticians – Edgar Montaño, Jr., Lydia Panesa, and Jaybee Jara – who have likewise had years of experience in the field. Undoubtedly, clients of the salon are in good hands, whichever treatment or service they choose to have.

Perfectly pampered Hair cutting and styling, various hair treatments, different types of massage, a menu of revitalizing spa treatments, nail care and makeup services are all on the Le Maquillage menu.

Aesthetic treatments and spa services are all geared towards achieving the salon’s primary goals: to make each client feel pampered, rejuvenated, and leave the place looking and feeling their best.

Of course, it almost goes without saying that products used for each of the salon’s services are high-end, trusted brands: Kérastase, L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf, Davines, Keratine Complex, for hair needs; OPI for nail services;

and Estée Lauder, MAC, and Bobbi Brown, to name a few of the make-up lines.

The end result of a visit to Le Maquillage?

A perfectly pampered you. From the top of your head, to the bottom of your feet, looking good and feeling great, the luxuriant and lovely Le Maquillage way.

Le Maquillage Salon and Spa is located at the third floor of the Zuellig Building, Makati Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati. For more information, call (02) 894-0487or (0917) 580-0137.

Le Maquillage's Creative Director, Laurent Hebert

Foot Spa Station

TGIFridays’ Phl produces first female World Bartender Championship winner She’s young. She’s pretty. And she definitely has grit! Rizza Umlas of TGIFridays Glorietta just showed the world that Filipinas have what it takes to shine in a male-dominated competition after she was announced grand winner in the recently concluded TGIFriday’s World Bartender Championship held at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas.

This is the first time in 25 years that the coveted title went to a female bartender, who also happens to be the youngest in the competition’s history. At 21, Umlas more than made up for her young age with her accurate pouring skills, guest interaction and engagement, flawless bottle flipping techniques, suave moves, and winning personality that captivated the crowd at the House of Blues. She topped both the Compulsory Round which made up 50 percent of the total score as well as the Freestyle Round, besting 10 of the best mixers and shakers behind TGIFridays bars from all over the world.

The other winners were Alex Barrenechea from Peru,1st runner-up and Russel Ward from the UK, 2nd runner-up.

“This is such a great honor not just for myself but for TGIFridays Philippines and for the whole country as well. I am so overwhelmed with joy right now especially after what I had to go through to get to this round. It was a

really tough competition,” exclaimed a visibly ecstatic Umlas.

The World Bartender Championship represents Fridays' longstanding heritage, knowledge, expertise and innovation in the beverage industry. It began back in the late 80s and has produced world-class bartenders some of whom hail from the Philippines.

More accolades for TGIFRidays Philippines!

Umlas victory is another highlight of TGIFridays Philippines’ continuous success, having been conferred several citations in Dallas, Texas during the annual Myrna Awards, touted as the Oscars of Fridays. The said award was named after Myrna, who is said to have coached and transformed a losing rowing team into a winning squad thru

her perseverance and motivation.

TGIFridays received The International Developer of the Year Award, the highest citation in its category that is given to the company that continues to show great commitment and passion to develop TGIFridays in their location/countr y.

Annually, only one company receives this award. The Bistro Group was given this recognition because it has exceeded its expansion plans after 20 years in the Philippines. In 2015, three branches were opened and one more will be launched before 2nd quarter of 2016.

Another important citation is the True Believer Award which was given to Rey Cezar “Robot” Sarmiento who flew to Dallas, Texas to personally receive the award. He made TGIFridays Philippines proud being named

as the first Filipino to be a accorded such an honor. “True Believer” is an international annual award in recognition of the people behind TGIFridays across the globe who believe and uphold the brand credo through their track record of service among their coworkers and guests.

Moreover, in the recent Global Leadership Conference in NYC, The Bistro Group Chairman William Stelton was given The Eagle Award, the most prestigious in its category. Amy O. Palisoc, VP for Business Development, meanwhile, received The Bulldog Award for tenacity and perseverance in the brand’s expansion.

“Once again, we’ve proven that the Philippines is home to the some of the world’s best. Its accomplishments like these which motivate us to find ways to get better at what we do – whether it’s providing world-class dining experience to the public or producing world-class bartenders,” said Jean Paul Manuud, COO of The Bistro Group.

To know more about TGIFridays, check out its social media sites: TGI Fridays Philippines (Facebook) @tgifridaysph (IG and Twitter) and www.fridays.com.ph.

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

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S P OT L I G H T

Dubai’s Hamdan International Photography Awards comes to Manila

By ANGIE DUARTE

Photos by CARLO BRIONES

I

t has long been said that a picture paints a thousand words. Deeper than that, perhaps, it can also be said that a picture reflects a thousand souls.

An image can be a powerful portrayal of cultures and collective soul across the globe; building bridges between peoples and effectively communicating ideas and aspirations where words often fail.

In recognition of photography’s global impact and in line with the vision to further develop the art form, the prestigious Hamdan International Photography Awards (HIPA) was conceptualized in 2011 in the Emirate City of Dubai under the patronage of the nation’s Crown prince (himself a passionate and talented photographer), His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Since its inception, the contest has been very well-received by photographers the world over. Last season, which carried the main theme Life in Color, saw an astounding total of 38,203 photographs submitted by 26,006 photographers from 156 countries. A number of these submissions were from Filipino photographers; some of whom won, while others made the semi-finals. Photos are subject to stringent judging and investigation over a period of several months by a judge community comprised of members from renowned photography organizations.

On May 28, HIPA–in partnership with Digital Photographer Philippines, the nation’s biggest, most authoritative hub for all things photography-related, and premiere retailer SM Aura–launched a photo gallery of 38 winning and shortlisted entries to the contest’s

Antonio Aragon Renuncio, Spain, GRAND PRIZE, Happiness Category Fourth Season 2014-2015.

The opening of the photo exhibit at Aura’s atrium was graced by dignitaries and luminaries, alike: Ali bin Thalith, HIPA Secretary General and Ziad Al Salama, HIPA Corporate Affairs Executive, both of whom flew in from Dubai; Moosa Abdulwahid, United Emirates Ambassador to the Philippines; Gion Gounet United Nations Ambassador of Goodwill for Visual Arts; and business tycoon, Henry Sy, Jr., Chairman, SM Prime Holdings Incorporated, among other notables.

“HIPA tries to represent photographers, who may not be so well known, to the world.

HIPA’s job is to introduce good photographers to the rest of the world. The HIPA Photography Gallery represents our first big participation in the Philippines,” Bin Thalith said to members of the media gathered at the launch.

“From our statistics each year, we found that the number of photographers has been growing, and we do believe that the Philippines has some of the most talented photographers in the world, so we have no choice but

Francisco Negroni Rodriguez, Chile, 1st place, General Category

Khaled Alsabbah, Belgium, 1st place, Father and Son Category

Hameed Husain Isa, Bahrain, 1st place, 1 Happiness Category

Steven Winter, United States of America, Wildlife Category

to put the Philippines on the HIPA map,” he quipped, when asked why HIPA has come to the Philippines.

Bin Thalith pointed out that last season, Xyza Dela Cruz Bacani and Jaime Singlador, talented Filipino shutterbugs, both bagged 5th place in their respective categories, as he shared that HIPA “looks forward to talented Filipino photographers benefitting and even winning” in the contest.

Digital Photographer Philippines CEO, Nick Tuason, reiterated this sentiment: “Season 4 was the first time in HIPA’s history that two Filipino photographers placed. That’s a testament that the Philippines is getting better and better and we are getting recognized internationally.”

The exhibit launch kicked off a series of well-attended HIPA and DPP-sponsored workshops and lectures held free of charge at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura. Sessions were facilitated by renowned speakers from the industry, such as internationally acclaimed photographer and book author from New Zealand Tom Ang, award-winning street photographer Veejay Villafranca, and advertising photography veteran John Chua.

Bin Thalith encouraged Filipino photo aficionados to submit their entries to HIPA’s Fifth Season 2015-2016, ongoing until December 31, 2015, in the categories of Happiness (this season’s main theme), Wildlife, Father and Son, and General.

“I do believe that what exists here in your country does not exist in another country... it is a country of treasure for photographers,” Bin Thalith said.

For contest details, visit www.hipa.ae

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F E AT U R E S N E W S PA P E R

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 Angie Duarte Richard A. Ramos (Cebu) Senior Writers Via Baroma Ching Dee Staff Writers Leah Egamino-Palaña Advertising Coordinator

Huma Island Resort nominated in Luxury Spa Awards Huma Island Resort's Kapuruan was recently nominated for the Best Luxury Resort Spa category in The World Luxury Spa Awards of 2015. Launched in 2009 by the renowned World Luxury Hotel Awards, its mission is to maintain and award the highest standards within the global luxury spa sector, and set benchmarks in service delivery within this highly competitive industry.

Huma Island Resort's Kapuruan Spa's nomination is an indication of its drive to pursue world class status through the provision of a facility, with services that meet international standards for its discerning guests. No other spa in the Philippines offers unique glass bottom flooring that allows views of underwater fauna and a wide selection of Asian and Mo-

The winners for the World Luxury Spa Awards will be determined through voting, and will be based on service delivery alone. Guests are encouraged to cast their votes during the annual voting process which can be done online. Vote Kapuruan Spa for Best Luxury Resort Spa of 2015 http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com/vote-spa

roccan treatments. With five treatment villas built over water, the spa is a picturesque place to enjoy the best massages, wraps, and facial therapies in Palawan.

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Out and Proud: Being LGBT in the Philippines

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 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.

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MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

By CHING DEE

Perhaps mere words aren’t truly enough to describe the true battle that the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community is fighting every day—the fight for equal rights, the fight against discrimination, the fight against the stigma—just for being true to themselves.

Here are some numbers about the LGBTQ community in the Philippines as presented by the USAID and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 2014 report entitled “Being LGBT in Asia: The Philippines Country Report.” It is “a Participatory Review and Analysis of the Legal and Social Environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Individuals and Civil Society.”

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The USAID-UNDP report was held in June 2013 and was based on the Third Philippine National LGBT Community Dialogue, where 50 LGBT organizations were gathered “to discuss the human rights of LGBT people under eight themes: education, health, employment, family affairs, community, religion, media and politics.”

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After the Dialogue, there were 51 “specific recommendations” given to address certain issues raised by the LGBT organizations. The recommendations included “sub-recommendations and action points” regarding the eight themes mentioned above.

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In Pew Research Center’s religiosity scale where a score of “3” is considered as “the most religious,” the Philippines got a whopping 2.5. Yes, it’s extremely high, but it’s not really a surprise. We were taught even in elementary school that the Philippines is the only Chris-

tian country in Asia. Which is why the next value you’ll be reading about is somewhat surprising…

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According to the survey conducted by the Pew Research Center from March to May 2013 with 37,653 respondents from 39 countries, “73% of the Filipino respondents said that homosexuality should be accepted by society.”

That’s a really high percentage if you think about it. But does this percentage reflect the reality in the Philippines even today—three years after the survey was conducted?

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Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 is just one of the laws that are “reportedly… used by unscrupulous law enforcers to extort from and harass LGBT people,” according to the USAIDUNDP report. RA 9208, as well as Article 200 of the Revised Penal Code, has a prohibition which includes “grave scandal.” Some enforcers of the law threaten LGBT members using this “grave scandal” prohibition in order to extort money from them. Many of these LGBT victims often resort to paying these officers of the law because of “fear of being ‘outed’ to peers and family members.

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Of course there are also laws that are pro-LGBT, but somehow these laws seem to “contradict other policies.” Take for instance RA 8551 of the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, where it states that the goal of this policy is to “formulate a gender sensitivity program… to include but not [be] limited to the establishment of equal opportunities for women in the PNP, the prevention of sexual harassment in the work-

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This is all well and good, until NAPOLCOM released Memorandum Circular No. 2005-002 seven years later. According to the USAID-UNDP report, the NAPOLCOM 2005 memorandum states that members of the police force can be discharged due to “sexual perversion, including latent and overt sexuality” and placed “homosexuality under neurological and psychiatric disorders.”

(Note: This writer tried looking for said NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular 2005-002, but cannot seem to find it in the NAPOLCOM database available online at www.napolcom.gov.ph.)

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In an effort to level the playing field, the local government of Quezon City passed a City Ordinance (C.O. SP-1309) which prohibits “all discriminatory acts against homosexuals in the matter of hiring, treatment, promotion, or dismissal in any office in Quezon City, whether in the government or private sector.”

Anyone proven to have violated the city ordinance will be slapped with a six-month jail term and/or a penalty of Php5,000 (roughly US$107.00).

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Despite having laws in place, it is appalling what some people could do to LGBT people, even if they are their own flesh and blood.

According to the USAID-UNDP report, a gay teenager “suffered severe burns when his father poured boiling water on him because of his sexuality.”

This grave abuse happened in their own home despite having RA 7610 in place. RA 7610 is also known as the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. I understand I am barely scratching the surface with these values. We could write all the numbers we know that are related to LGBT issues and concerns, but until we actually take these numbers to heart and do something about these concerns, we’ll still be stuck in the same situation. And our LGBT brothers and sisters will be forever fighting the arduous battle all their lives.

We still have a long way to go in the fight for equality but intelligent discourse—free of biases and judgment—is one sure way of moving forward.

PHP-USD exchange rate as of March 16, 2016.

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

G RU B H U B

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

La Madera Gastro Pub: Where taste and passion meet Text and photos by CHING DEE

Onion Rings Tower

How one man’s passion for food is changing the culinary scene of Quezon City ty] every day when I come to work,” Chef JM tells Expat. “But I just focus on doing my best and making sure we [only serve quality dishes].”

It took eight months to finalize the menu for La Madera Gastro Pub, Chef JM’s first restaurant. From coming up with recipes, research, and delicious experimentation, he made sure each dish reflected his signature style: Home-grown dishes with unique flavors. Chef JM, a true blue Capampangan, describes his food as “Filipino Innovative” Chef JM Sunglao cuisine, which basically means fusing Filipino dishes with western or ife wasn’t always easy for Chef JM other Asian flavors for a more interesting and Sunglao. inimitable flavor profile.

He wasn’t born with a silver spoon Turning a rundown bar—who has seen in his mouth and things weren’t handed to better days—into a restaurant wasn’t a walk in him on a silver platter. Whatever he has now, a park either; but Chef JM knows the value of he worked hard for it. Whatever he knows now, hard work. After almost seven months of renohe strived for it. vation and repairs, La Madera finally came to Seeing Chef JM’s determination to suc- be. When you visit, make sure to check out the ceed, a good friend decided to tap him for his “floating” benches and tables by the right side most challenging role yet: Become an execu- of the dining area—Chef JM’s very own idea. tive chef and overhaul a rundown bar into a There are currently at least 30 different restaurant. items on the La Madera menu since their soft “I still feel the [weight of the responsibili- opening on February 8th, but Chef JM’s mind

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Itadakimasu!

just kept on churning out one dish after another. Just three weeks after they opened, he launched a Brunch Bowl menu to cater to the office workers around the Tomas Morato area.

As for his bestsellers, without batting an eyelash, Chef JM said “Onion Rings Tower” and “La Madera Sisig.” And yes, they are bestsellers for glorious reasons. This writer would like to say that Chef JM singlehandedly changed the onion rings game forever and now I am ruined—La Madera has set the bar too high for all other restaurants serving onion rings. And that Sisig…Oh, that Sisig! Capampangan people truly know their chopped up porky goodness. It is the perfect combination of savory and spice and is mouthwateringly moist—thanks to Chef JM’s special chicken liver concoction.

Here’s a tip for those planning to visit La Madera: Order their secret dessert, the Langka Bread Pudding. No, it’s not on the menu, but make sure you remember that dish’s name for your own sake.

“I want to stay true to my roots,” he said.

“These are my favorite dishes, tried and tested.”

La Madera Gastro Pub is located at the third floor of Kojac Building, Scout Castor corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

"Secret Dessert" Langka Bread Puddling

La Madera Sisig

Text and photos by CHING DEE

Authentic Japanese dining experience at Ichiba Japanese Market

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ust when you thought Japanese food couldn’t get any better, here comes Ichiba: Japanese Market to redefine your dining experience.

Seasoned restaurateur and Ichiba CEO Bryan Tiu was inspired by the numerous fresh food markets in Japan like Tsukiji, Kuromon, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The inspiration led to the conclusion that it’s high time to bring the best of Japanese cuisine—as fresh as it can be—to the Philippines.

Ichiba, which means ‘market,’ is the first ever Japanese market in Metro Manila where guests can witness their food being made— from the net to the table. Tiu replicated the fresh seafood markets of Japan inside Ichiba, where diners can catch the seafood of their choice—from lobsters to crabs to a wide assortment of fish—and have it cooked in the Ichiba kitchen to their liking.

Apart from the fresh seafood market, diners can also choose from the six food stations in the center of Ichiba, each one serving the most irresistible Japanese fare: Gyoza, tempura, yakitori, ramen, takoyaki, and donburi. Each station is buzzing with activity, much like how Japanese markets are busy with customers and different kinds of produce.

Another station is dedicated for sashimi, where diners can watch Chef Nobuyoshi Onishi (of Midori Sushi in Japan) in action—slic-

Takoyaki

ing some of the finest seafood and turning them into sushi and sashimi.

At the far end of the restaurant is the first ever Asahi Bar in the Philippines. What better way to end an authentic Japanese meal with the best Japanese beer?

There are two ways of ordering your food at Ichiba: (1) look at their extensive menu and give your order to their staff, or (2) walk around the “market place” to watch how each dish is made and place your order on the station.

Deciding which dishes to order could be a daunting task, especially in a place as lively and as packed as Ichiba. We suggest having gyoza and takoyaki for appetizer, then order a steaming bowl of ramen or donburi for your main course. If you’re having ramen, order a few sticks of yakitori for that additional depth and flavor to your meal.

“I wanted to bring something new here,” Tiu told Expat. “I don’t want just another Japanese restaurant. I am bringing Japanese experience [here in the Philippines] and with Chef Nobu, we will only serve the best authentic Japanese dishes.”

CEO Brian Tin and Chef Nobuyoshi Onishi

Grilled Slipper Lobster

Making Takoyaki

Ichiba: Japanese Market is located at the second floor of the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila. For more information, call (0917) 7322176. Follow them on Facebook (www.facebook. com/IchibaPH) and Instagram (@ichibaph).

Sukiyaki

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

A DV E N T U R E S

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

The biggest basilica in Asia, Basilica Minore St. Martin de Tours a.k.a. Taal Basilica

Weekend Time Travel: Taal, Batangas No need to call Doc Brown, Marty McFly, and the DeLorean to travel back in time Text by CHING DEE Photos by LEOVIC ARCETA and CHING DEE

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id you know you can travel back to as far as 1870 by just driving three hours south of Manila?

Taal, Batangas is best known as the “Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines,” but a visit to this quaint town is more than just collector’s item switchblades and exquisitely embroidered clothing. It’s a historical experience.

Founded in 1572 but permanently established in 1754 after the devastating eruption of Taal Volcano, the town of Taal is now a thirdclass municipality with roughly 51,500 inhabitants (as of 2012 Census). Its poblacion (town center) is the central business district where the church, municipal hall, and public market are located; it was patterned from the old Spanish configuration where the church serves as the center and where streets radiated, forming grids and blocks around the town.

There are several stories of how Taal got its name. Some say it’s because of the Taa-lan trees that lined the banks of Pansipit River (which used called Taa-lan River). Some say the Phototo by be Andrew Zuniga

name came from Ta-ad, an old Batangueño word for sugarcane segments.

Whichever way Taal got its name, it is definitely more than the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano we know. The sleepy town of Taal is rich in history beyond mere books and lessons we got from school.

Here are more reasons to explore Taal, Batangas.

After Sunday Mass at the Taal Basilica

Rich, tangible heritage In 1987, the poblacion of Taal was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines.

After nearly 29 years, Taal continues to care for its rich heritage the best way they know how.

Despite several threats to its well-preserved structures, present-day Taaleños fought as fiercely as their ancestors did. The town arc almost serves like a time-traveling portal. The sudden change from the bustling cityscape of Lemery to the centuries-old town of Taal is a sign of how much hardwork goes into the preservation of an entire town.

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016 Taal is best explored on foot with genuine eagerness to soak in as much history as there are stories within the town walls. Start at the town center where Basilica Minore de St. Martin de Tours is located. Standing 291 feet long and 157 feet wide, this minor basilica within the Archdiocese of Lipa is the largest Catholic Church in Asia. Aside from its stunning interiors, visitors can go up the Basilica’s bell tower to get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the town. The Basilica is also home to a church museum where guests can view church artifacts and town memorabilia. The entrance fee to the bell tower and museum is Php50.00 (roughly US$1.00) per person.

There are over two dozen ancestral houses open to the public, but some of the most notable are the Marcela Agoncillo House (home of Marcela Agoncillo, one of the women who made the very first Philippine flag), the Gregorio Agoncillo House (also known as the White House), Leon Apacible Mansion (Apacible was Emilio Aguinaldo’s finance officer; this is the first ancestral house museum in Taal, noted for its fascinating and well-preserved art-deco design), Ilagan-Barrion House (which houses Galleria Taal, a camera and photography museum owned by Manny Inumerable), the awe-inspiring Villavicencio Mansion and the Villavicencio Wedding Gift House (soon to be featured on Expat Philippines). Some houses can be viewed free of charge, but most require a minimal entrance fee. Pro tip: Visit during the El Pasubat Festival (last week of April) where more ancestral houses are opened to the public.

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

A DV E N T U R E S Each house has a story to tell, if you listen close enough—stories of love, trials, triumph and defeat, stories about keeping the past, and stories about starting anew.

Classic, sumptuous fare Pansipit River runs through Taal, connecting Taal Lake and Balayan Bay. This river is home to three fish species endemic to Taal: Maliputo, Muslo, and Tawilis. These three are must-tries when in Taal. So when you see them on a menu, make sure you order a platter of crispy Tawilis or a steaming bowl of Maliputo Sinigang for the table.

Taal is also known for its version of the Filipino classic: Adobo. In Taal, they use luyang dilaw or Turmeric, giving their Adobo a bright tinge of yellow and that complex flavor profile that goes very well with the salty soy sauce and tangy vinegar. Make sure to also try Taal Longganisa in any form you see it: Longganisa Pizza, Longganisa Omelet, Longganisa Pasta—anything really. Then just thank us later.

A visit to the Taal Public Market (or palengke) is a feast for the senses. It is the perfect place to experience the unique Taaleño warmth. Pro-tip: Buy your pasalubong (gifts and souvenirs) from the public market. Make sure you have the following items in your list: Taal Longganisa (Taal’s version of sausage with the perfect amount of garlic, spice, and sweetness), Tapang Taal (marinated beef strips cured to tender perfection; your breakfast will never be the same again), Taal Tsokolate (locally made cacao balls, perfect for breakfast or merienda), and Suman (sticky

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rice treats cooked within banana leaf pockets, the one true love of Taal Tsokolate).

More than a weekend away from the mind-numbing bustle of the metro, a few days in this quiet town provides a refuge for tired and weary souls. So if you’re looking for the perfect getaway this coming Holy Week (or any time after), put Taal on top of your travel list.

Sinigang na Maliputo

Bird's eye view of Taal from the Basilica bell tower

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EVENTS

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

Brunei fetes 32nd National day: ‘History, Culture, and Camaraderie’

By VIA BAROMA

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gala reception to celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of Brunei Darussalam was held at Rizal Ballroom in Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Feb 23. Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof together with Pengiran Yusof Jeludin hosted the auspicious occasion that highlighted Brunei’s cuisine, culture, and camaraderie with the Filipino community which also commemorated the establishment of Brunei Darussalam’s 32 years of full independence from the United Kingdom. Today, Brunei Darussalam continues to develop and enjoy stability and social harmony; and is determined to intensify its economy in line with its mission that aims for a sustainable economy in the interest of its people.

“Our relation [with the Philippines] has gone on for centuries and we share ties between our people. And today, more than 20,000 Filipinos are in Brunei. Many of whom became part of an important purpose that contributes to Brunei’s national development”, Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof shared in her remarks. “Our relations have been nurtured and developed over the years through frequent exchange of visits of our leaders and people. At the same time, by the close cooperation between our government and business entities in a wide range of areas such as: agriculture, communication, defense, medication, among others.”

The night commemorated Brunei as an important player in regional affairs, major international energy provider, and a significant contributor in global finance. Brunei Darus-

salam has always been a close partner with the Philippines particularly in maintaining the peace process in Mindanao.

“Brunei is committed in supporting the Philippines' peace efforts and this is manifested in a wide participation in the International Monitoring Team (ITM) and Independent Decommissioning Body (IDM) in Mindanao,” the Lady Ambassador stated.

On his part, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Migrant Worker Jesus Yabes recognizes the strengthening and broadening of its bilateral relation and its contribution to the national development for both the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam.

“Since the start of our diplomatic relations, the Philippines and Brunei have enjoyed warm and close relation punctuated by the active exchange of visits of government entities and increasing economic cooperation,” DFA Undersecretary Jesus Yabes said.“Our broadening bilateral engagement lies in cooperation on agriculture, food, security, defense, energy, health, shipping and tourism.”

After delivering the speeches, Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof was joined by Apostolic Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Migrant Worker Jesus Yabes in the ceremonial cake cutting for the spirit of friendship, peace, and prosperity between Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines.

United in jovial spirit, the two countries reiterated the continuous strengthening of the relation and cooperation between the two countries for the coming years.

Myanmar Amb. Ye Myint Aung; Laotian Amb. Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune; Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Apostolic Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto; Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Migrant Worker Jesus Yabes; Vietnam Amb. Truong Trie Duong; Bruneian Amb. Malai Halimah Yussof; Cambodia Amb. Tuot Panha; Indonesian Amb. Johny J. Lumintang; Singaporean Amb. Kok Li Peng; and Thailand Amb. Thanatip Upatising.

Angola Consul Helen Ong and Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma

Egyptian Ambassador Mahmoud Mostafa Ahmed; Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng; Turkey Ambassador Esra Cankorur; and Bruneian Guatemala Consul Amelia Ablaza and Togo Consul Evie Costa Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof

Apostolic Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Migrant Worker Jesus Yabes joins Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof and Pengiran Yusof Jeludin for the ceremonial cake cutting

Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof; and Alice Tesoro-Guerrero

Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof; Belgian Ambassador Roland Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof; Mme. Mme. Ziki Ralte; Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof; South Africa Ambassador Martin Van Remoortele; and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua and Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte Stabber; and Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo

Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof; Kuwaiti Ambassador Waleed Al-Kandari Thailand Ambassador Thanatip Upatising; Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua; and Mme. Monthip Upatising

Pengiran Yusof Jeludin; Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

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

EVENTS

A Meeting Place for CEOs

The first Asia CEO Forum in Mindanao, one of the largest and well-attended business gatherings in the country, was held recently at Marco Polo Davao. With its unique blend of Western comforts and Asian hospitality, the hotel proved to be the most fitting venue for the forum that saw Mindanao’s key business leaders and decision-makers addressing issues relevant to Mindanao’s economic growth.

The event was the result of a meaningful partnership spearheaded by the hotel’s director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang and Asia CEO Forum and Chalre Associates founder Rebecca Bustamante and chairman Richard Mills. With general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin at the helm, Marco Polo Davao, the first and only premier hotel in Mindanao, has served as a venue partner for major events in the city including the annual Kadayawan Festival.

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1. Asia CEO Forum and Chalre Associates founder Rebecca Bustamante with Marco Polo Davao’s marketing and communications manager Josef Ledesma and director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang, IBEX Global site director Resi Cayabyab, Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, urban planner architect Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox, Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines head of research, consulting and valuation Claro Cordero, Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. SVP Francis Ledesma, and Chalre Associates chairman Richard Mills 2. Marco Polo Davao director of sales Pamela Villegas, Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, Rebecca Bustamante, and Pearl Peralta-Maclang 3. Guest speakers (from left) Claro Cordero, architect Jun Palafox, Resi Cayabyab, and Ivan Cortez entertain questions from the audience 4. Dottie Wurgler-Cronin and Department of Tourism XI director Roberto Alabado III 5. Anflo Group of Companies president Alex Valoria

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Fund-raiser to Save the Philippine Eagle A one-of-a-kind fund-raiser to save our national bird, the Philippine eagle, was organized by Marco Polo Davao recently. The fashion show had each model—from the Hijos de Davao Foundation, an organization of Davao’s old families—carrying a stuffed toy version of the endangered raptor dressed in tribal-inspired outfits by well-known fashion designer Rene Salud. The toys were then sold in pairs for the benefit of the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Malagos, Davao City. Additional donations from corporate donors were raised by Marco Polo Davao, bringing the total donation to P1 million. Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. and Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) chairman Carlos Dominguez, Marco Polo Hotels newly-appointed president Jennifer Cronin and PEF executive director Dennis Salvador graced the turnover ceremonies held at the hotel ballroom. Kudos to Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin and director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang for this worthwhile endeavor!

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1. Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin, Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. and Philippine Eagle Foundation chairman Carlos Dominguez, Marco Polo Hotels president Jennifer Cronin, and Marco Polo Davao director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang pose with Tsai, the stuffed Philippine eagle preserved for educational purposes at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao 2. William Leh of JVA Management, Francis Ledesma and Marco Polo Davao financial controller Armin Lorenzo 3. Marco Polo Hotels president Jennifer Cronin turns over the donation to Philippine Eagle Foundation chairman Carlos Dominguez and Philippine Eagle Foundation executive director Dennis Salvador 4. Hijos de Davao Foundation representative Trisha Porras de Jesus, lawyer Rose Cabaguio, Josef Ledesma, and Jackie Dizon

5. The models from Hijos de Davao Foundation (from left): Nicole Bian, Dra. Pacita Belisario, Pinky Bendigo, Nica Rabat, Marga Antonio with fashion designer Renee Salud, Trish Porras de Jesus, Vanessa Ong, Mylene Aquino, and Jackie Dizon

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

ARTS & CULTURE

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

EXHIBITS Magnificent Masters Collection II Presents Santos and Religious Icons Ongoing until Apr. 2, 2016; Galeria de las Islas, 3rd floor Silahis Centre, 744 Gen Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Magnificent Master's Collection II presents Santos and Religious Icons, a wonderful exhibition of Filipino Old Masters, represented by Isabelo Tampinco, Graciano Nepomuceno, Don Maximo Vicente, Guillermo Tolentino, Anastaio Caedo and Francisco Monti.

For so long now, the religious icons and saints have been seen only as religious art, but the times are changing and many collectors are starting to appreciate the artistic quality and value of these religious pieces. They are beginning to be seen as fine art and appreciated as such.

This move of religious art into the fine art realm will certainly make these sculptures and paintings sought-after collectibles and a wonderful investment showcase.

Achebe and Pollock in the Room Ongoing until Apr. 3, 2016; Pineapple Lab, 6071 R. Palma Street, Bgy. Poblacion, Makati; Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; for more information, call (02) 834-5763.

“There was a saying in Umuofia that as a man danced so the drums were beaten for him.” Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart Pineapple Lab is proud to be hosting an exhibition by 2015-2016's PollockKrasner Foundation visual arts grantee Nolet Soliven. The works featured will take you through Soliven's artistic journey and

process that will feature his emotive and textured abstracts pieces, raw and intimate nudes from his personal collection, as well as his new 2015-16 series premiering at Pineapple Lab. Achebe and Pollock in the Room is

Nolet's first exhibition after he suffered a stroke in 2013. This resulted in a debilitating condition that confined him to a wheelchair, affected his speech, and the devastating realization of possibly no longer being able to paint. But with each dance and stroke of his brush, Soliven's blank canvas created the very beats and movements reminiscent of the works he is still celebrated for. Similar to Pollock's drawings, Soliven's nudes – some deliberately painted on ‘ordinary mediums’ - perhaps best described as reflections and images of his mind - are the very foundation of his unexpressed complexities. Nolet's new direction of bold and bright colors, with patterns juxtaposed with the human form, takes one to his current state of being.

Achebe and Pollock in the Room is an inspired story of a man's fall from his zenith and his determination to continue to rise and fight for his craft.

With the exhibition: Achebe and Pollock in the Room, Pineapple Lab is celebrating Nolet's artistic versatility and hopes to inspire artists and the audience.

This is his first major exhibit after his stroke and receiving the Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant for visual arts.

Nolet Soliven (1965) holds two Bachelor degrees in Economics and Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines.

A Fine Arts teacher at the University of the Philippines for four years and a recipient of an Italian Government painting scholarship grant at the Accademia Di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy, for two years. Freelancing as a freelance painter and sculptor since 1992,

his work has been shown in the Philippines, Singapore (TAKSU) and London (Saatchi and Saatchi).

Manny Montelibano’s Here Distorted Ongoing until Apr. 15, 2016; Tuesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; 1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila; for more information, call (02) 254-8498 or (0917) 704-2962 or email: info@1335mabini.com.

1335MABINI proudly presents Manny Montelibano in a solo exhibition titled "Here Distorted" that runs until April 15, 2016.

Manny Montelibano’s work is focused on the psychology of contemporary sociopolitical, economic and religious structures.

The artist probes through these subjects’ subtleties and intricacies by way of video or inter-media installations - often exposing macroscopic realities through extracts of local culture. A flavor of social realism intravenously makes its way to his works, although the entirety of his oeuvre is not so rigidly bound within it. Montelibano is greatly concerned with the actual process of conveyance, very much evident in the creative and informed utilization of technical elements in his installations and editing techniques applied to his videos.

Comprising the artist’s visual language are clear reflections on and of the Philippine cultural landscape that are processed into artworks charged with more universal context. The video installation Biya (2008), for example, presents cockfighting as “a mutated [piece of] macho Filipino identity that shows nationalism in gambling,” as Montelibano puts it, which ultimately points to a world stage where violence is received as entertainment. His video Pamunit (2010) features slow-motion footage of a man fishing juxtaposed with the sound of Formula 1 racing cars; it simultaneously

reflects on existing economic structures of the Philippines as well as the global discrepancies between wants and needs, all in all stitched together with an opposing aesthetic recollection of time.

1335Mabini Presents Hong Soun: Manila Ongoing until Apr. 15, 2016; Tuesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; 1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila; call (02) 254-8498 or (0917) 704-2962 or email: info@1335mabini.com.

Hong Soun’s discipline in painting is described by a re-contextualization of images of people, objects, and situations based on photographic references, named in his past exhibitions as Sidescape works.

His means of understanding how to address his concerns about the medium points towards an analysis of his observations on how photographs and paintings can be viewed, and this includes presenting a visual experience by extracting parts of images he has chosen from newsprint photographs.

These are pictures of objects, people, current natural phenomena and sociopolitical happenings that are then dissected by the artist: he divides the imagery into segments and re-focuses the pictorial merit on the periphery of the scene by painting them individually.

Hong Soun was born in Seoul, Korea, in 1959. Hong has been invited for solo exhibitions by the following institutions: the Maraya Art Center (Sharjah, AE), the Mimesis Art Museum (Paju, KR), the National Museum of Contemporary Art (Gwacheon, KR) and the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art (Soul, KR). He was part of the Santa Fe International Biennial in 2008 and his works are included in international institutional collections (i.e.

Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul, KR | Santa Fe Art Institute, Santa Fe, USA | Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, Gyeonggi-do KR | Ho-Am Art Museum, Seoul, KR).

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IN FOCUS

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

Easter: From empty tomb to Easter eggs and everything in between

By ANGIE DUARTE

Tracing the origins of a well-loved tradition

E

aster: a holiday most frequently associated with the Christian commemoration of Jesus Christ's resurrection. A celebration of faith, hope and love; a recollection and honoring of the highest price paid for humanity, the passion and death of the Christ, and the empty tomb.

Yet oddly enough, it is also a celebration of spring, multi-colored Easter eggs, an oddenough Easter Bunny, leg of lamb and Easter ham dinners, and a cornucopia of yummy sweet treats (marshmallows, jellybeans, chocolate eggs and bunnies, to name a few of the most popular.)

Let’s journey through Easter’s origins, from empty tomb to the Easter bunny?

Christian beliefs founded on Christ Easter is perhaps the most revered and celebrated festival of the modern Christian church, commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead after three days in the tomb. It is likewise identified with the Passover (hence, today’s traditional Easter lamb dinner) and the Exodus from Egypt.

Easter Sunday itself (and the Holy Week before it) is known as a moveable feast, in that there is no fixed date for its celebration.

It is, rather, pegged on the lunisolar calendar, and falls on the first Sunday following the full moon (also known as the Paschal Full Moon) after the March equinox. There are also differences in the way believers of Eastern and Western Christianity determine the date, with the former using the Gregorian calendar, and the latter, the Julian calendar.

Western Christianity represents 80 percent of Christians across the globe, including the Roman Catholic Church and all denominations derived from it. Most Western Christians celebrate an entire season leading up to Easter Sunday. This season is known as Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penitence to commemorate the 40-days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. Strangely enough, in many cultures, this “holy season” is preceded by one big and excessive party; one “last hurrah”, if

you will, before the fasting and penitence begin. The festivities take place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, commonly known as Fat Tuesday, with the most popular (and notorious) celebrations being the Mardi Gras and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

The week before Easter is known as Holy Week, during which the faithful pray, fast, and – in many parts of the Christian world – reenact the Stations of the Cross, and Jesus’ passion and death.

Pagan roots and the goddess Eostre Ironically enough – and, as you can imagine, hotly contested by the devout – historical accounts show that much of Easter as we know it is rooted in pagan traditions.

The celebration coincides with pagan rituals to mark the Vernal equinox, which falls on the 21st of March every year. This marked the end of the winter months, and the arrival of spring; the season closely associated with rebirth.

In ancient Teutonic mythology, spring was believed to come forth from the Eostre, the ancient Greek goddess of spring. It was a widely held belief in ancient Greece that every year, the goddess Eostre returned to Earth after a long, cold winter, bringing with her the much anticipated and awaited light and warmth of spring. To welcome, honor and thank Eostre – and to signal the start of spring – joyous pagan festivals were held across Greece.

As you have probably guessed, and by no far stretch of the imagination, the name “Easter” is said to have derived from “Eostre;” thus fueling the belief that the Christian festival was heavily influenced by pagan rites.

Some would go so far as to say that the church changed the Pagan festival from a celebration of spring to a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus in order to wipe out pagan traditions.

The corollary, of course, is that the leaders of the early church – intimidated by the strength of Christ’s disciples and followers – “watered down” the Resurrection Sunday beliefs with pagan traditions.

Signs of spring, rebirth, and fertility Christian or pagan roots, no matter on which side of the fence you find yourself, Easter as we have come to know it bears the undeniable hallmarks of spring: flowers and butterflies, birds and bees, brightly colored eggs and a basket bearing bunny (more accurately, a hare – but that would ruin my “b” alliteration).

Ancient symbols of fertility, as the egg, are also evident in Easter traditions (brightlycolored Easter eggs and frenetic egg hunts.)

Fertility is naturally tied in with rebirth, which is integral to Easter customs. Furthermore, the ancient Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians, and Hindus all believed that the world began with an enormous egg; thus, the egg is also a symbol of new life.

It is unsure when and where the long-held favorite tradition of coloring the eggs started, but historical accounts show that this custom has been going on a long time. Early practices include people boiling eggs in water stewed with flowers (to herald spring), and the natural dyes from the flowers would tint the eggs.

Also, some early Christians would dye the boiled eggs red; a remembrance of the blood and sacrifice of Jesus. Still some would color them green, to reflect the new growth of leaves and foliage. In ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia, eggs were dyed the colors of spring for spring festivals; while in medieval Europe, beautifully decorated eggs were given as gifts (eventually evolving into highly-prized custom-made bejeweled gold eggs made by the House of Faberge).

The Easter Bunny – originally known as the Easter Hare – is yet another of Easter’s most identifiable characters and symbols.

Peculiar, perhaps; but nonetheless part and parcel of the festivities. Rabbits and hares are notorious for their fertility, having frequent multiple births (we’ve all heard the idiom “breed or multiply like rabbits”), and are commonly representative of fertility.

The Bunny is to Easter what Santa is to Christmas. In many parts of the world today,

on Easter Sunday morn, children wake up to find a basket filled with chocolate and candy “from the Easter Bunny.” They also find that eggs they had decorated all week long have mysteriously gone missing; playfully hidden around the house by the Bunny spirit, leaving all-too-willing children no choice but to hunt for them. Thus, the Easter Egg Hunt.

The egg hunt dates back to old world Europe, when children would go from house to house – much like they would on Halloween – asking for Easter eggs. This was called paceegging. Neighbors eventually started hiding them in grassy areas around their houses, because (for some strange reason) children back then believed that rabbits “lay eggs in grass.”

This general misinformation led to what has become one of Easter’s most fun activities (and perhaps, highly confused children).

In other countries, Easter eggs are also symbolic of the stone rolled away to reveal Jesus’ empty tomb. Children play games of egg rolling to commemorate this.

As for other Easter favorites? Easter takes on spring’s palette: sunny yellows, pastel pinks, verdant greens, and sky blues. Easter flowers are usually White Lilies, Daisies, and Azaleas. Popular Easter food includes hard boiled eggs, honey pastries, Hot Cross Buns, other cakes blessed by the Church, roast lamb (symbolic of the Passover Meal), and ham (in pioneer America, settlers cured the meat they could not consume in the fall, to be eaten in the spring.) And – thanks to the unavoidable spirit of commercialization – lots and lots of candy, marshmallows and egg or bunnyshaped chocolates (fun fact: over 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made every year)!

Rebirth and new life are the common threads that run through the colorful and intriguing Easter fabric. And these threads have endeared the tradition in the hearts of many.

After all, who does not need an occasional dose of renewed hope and a shot at a new life?

Photo courtesy of Heading For English

Photo courtesy of TripIslands

A 1907 postcard featuring the Easter Bunny. (Wikipedia photo)

Eastern Orthodox icon depicting the Jesus Christ’s Harrowing of Hell or Descent into Hades after His death and before His Resurrection. (Wikipedia photo)

MARCH 20APRIL 2, 2016

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An EGGS-pedition to Remember at The Forest Lodge

From art exhibits to giant egg painting to an eggs-citing egg hunt, The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay has prepared an eggs-tra special host of fun activities for the whole family this Holy Week.

Be inspired with various artworks at the Art Exhibits situated at The Lobby and The Twist. Rejuvenate your soul with the Easter Serenade by known harpist Holly Angel Paraiso on March 23 to 25, from 5p.m. to 6p.m. at The Lobby area.

Find hidden treasure eggs, solve the riddle, complete the puzzle, and win different prizes

at the Easter Eggs-pedition from 3p.m. to 4p.m. at the Lobby Area. Registration is only PhP150 per kid at the Front desk.

Celebrate the rebirth of man at the annual Easter Egg Hunt happening on March 27, Sunday, from 9a.m. to 1p.m. at The Manor Garden for only PhP750 per person, adult/kid, inclusive of Egg Hunt, Picnic Lunch, Games, Magic Show and Easter Loot Bags.

Easter is made even more special with the sumptuous bites at The Twist. All-day snacks are available from 11a.m. to 5p.m.

Buffet meals are offered at 19th T, featuring Daily Breakfast Buffet on March 24 to 27, from 6p.m. to 10:30 a.m. for only PhP450 net per adult and P250 net for kids 5 to 10 years old; Filipino Lunch Buffet on March 25, from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for only P550 net per adult and PhP350 net for kids 5 to 10 years old; Seafood Lunch Buffet on March 26, from 12p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the same rates; Ala Carte & Family-style Lunch and Dinner are available on March 24 and 27.

Participate in the Visita Iglesia, a traditional Maundy Thursday act of penance to visit 7 churches around the city on March 24 from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. for only P 2,100 per shuttle with a tour guide, inclusive of Snack Packs that are available upon request for a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 8 persons.

The Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay is located at Loakan Road, Baguio City and managed and operated by Camp John Hay Leisure, Inc. For inquiries, call (02) 422-2075-76/80-81, email at theforestlodge@campjohnhayhotels.ph or visit our website www.campjohnhayhotels.ph

Vivere Hotel & Resorts Lenten Offerings

Celebrate family and twosome togetherness in an impressive staycation venue to soothe mind and soul with its warm and reasonable offers this Lenten Season at Vivere Hotel & Resorts.

Experience an overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Suite inclusive of buffet breakfast, complimentary use of gym & Lama Pool plus free shuttle service within the vicinity of Alabang for PhP3, 580++ only. Make your stay more special by tagging a friend for an additional of PhP1, 200++ per adult per night.

Room promo is valid until Apr. 2, 2016.

Enjoy with “A Hoppy Family Getaway,” an

overnight stay in a Deluxe Suite inclusive of two (2) entries to the fun-filled “A Hoppy Easter” Lunch Buffet on Mar. 27, 2016 for PhP4, 900 nett.

Room promo is valid for Mar. 26 to 27, 2016 only.

Spice up your Sunday as Vivere Hotel takes you in a carnival themed world of fun with “A Hoppy Easter” on Mar. 27, 2016 starting 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The hunt is on! Fill up your basket and be an egg-spert at Vivere ballroom. Tickets are available at PhP950++/ head inclusive of a sumptuous buffet, egg painting activity and entrance pass to a fun filled day of exciting games and prizes for both kids and parents to enjoy!

Vivere Hotel & Resorts is located at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest Ciy, Alabang Muntinlupa City 1781 Philippines. Log on to www.viverehotel.com.ph or call (02) 771-7777, for inquiries and reservations.

Golden Easter Kids’ Fest at Crimson Hotel

Take an Easter Break Citycation at Ascott Properties

Celebrate the triumphant Holy Resurrection at Crimson Hotel’s Easter Sunday Mass at the Grand Ballroom on March 7 at 10:00 a.m.

Stay from March 26-27 and avail of special Easter weekend rates for the Deluxe (PhP7,900) and Premier (PhP8,900) Rooms, which includes Crimson Hotels’ incomparable Sunday Brunch Buffet for two and two tickets to the Golden Easter Fest.

A ticket to the Golden Easter Fest (Mar. 27th, 2p.m. to 4 p.m.) includes access to fun activities for kids—and kids-atheart—like face painting, balloon twisting, kids' maze, egg painting contest, fun and educational science experiments and activities courtesy of Mad Science. Kids also get to participate in a traditional Easter Egg Hunt where they'll have the chance to find three golden eggs to win overnight accommodations for two in Crimson Hotel’s exquisite Premier Room. Other prizes include gift packs from Osh Kosh and Krispy Kreme.

All ticket holders will also receive a generous snackbox and lootbag filled with kiddie favorites. Guests can avail of Golden Easter Kids’ Fest tickets for only PhP1,198 each.

Crimson Hotel is located at the Entrata Urban Complex, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 863-2222 or email info.alabang@crimsonhotel.com. Log on to www.crimsonhotel.com for more details.

Hotel Jen Manila’s Easter Celebration Not to be missed staycations this Easter break! Ascott is offering special rates for a relaxing citycation in Ascott Makati, Citadines Salcedo Makati, Somerset Millennium Makati and Somerset Olympia Makati. Valid from Mar. 23 to 28, 2016.

Enjoy staying in a Studio Deluxe for a daily rate of PhP6,500 nett or 1-bedroom Classic at PhP7,000 nett inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at Café on the 6th and use of the property’s recreational facilities.

For those who want to stay at a quieter side of town, Citadines Salcedo Makati makes an ideal location. Stay for three (3) nights for the price of two (nights) in a Studio apartment at PhP12,000 nett inclusive of breakfast for two (2) at Flying Pan, two movie tickets, complimentary shuttle service to malls and late check-out at 2 p.m.

At the other side of Makati is Somerset Millennium Makati in Legaspi Village. Get the spacious Studio Executive, a 37-sq.-m apartment at PhP4,500.00 nett/night inclusive of breakfast for 2 pax at Opa!, wifi and use of recreational facilities.

Also located in Makati Central is Somerset Olympia Makati. What’s unique about this property is that it’s pet-friendly. Avail of the Studio Executive at PhP4,100 nett/night or the 1-Bedroom Executive at PhP5,100nett/ night inclusive of breakfast for two at Old Swiss Inn. The Ascott properties are managed by The Ascott Limited, a member of CapitaLand.

For reservations, contact (02) 550-3200 or send an e-mail to enquiry.manila@the-ascott. com. You can also log onto www.the-ascott.com for more information.

This Holy Week, let Hotel Jen Manila be your relaxing abode while fulfilling your lenten traditions.

From Mar. 21 to 27, 2016, book a deluxe room for only PhP4,800 (net) per night and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast for two at our Latitude Restaurant. In addition, a

20% discount at our F&B outlets will also be one of your perks.

Above all of these, you can hop on to our complimentary scheduled shuttle service which will drop you off to one of the country's most iconic religious sites, the Manila Cathedral, the perfect site for remembering and meditating on the Passion.

For inquiries and advance reservations, please call (02) 795 8888 or email food&beverage.hjm@hoteljen. com. Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and applicable government taxes. Visit Hotel Jen Manila’s website at www.hoteljen.com/manila and Facebook at www.facebook.com/hoteljenmanila for updates and promotions.

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

CONCERT Rejuvenate your soul with Easter Serenade by harpist Holly Angel Paraiso

Mar. 23 to 25, and Mar. 26; The Manor Camp John Hay, Loakan Road, Baguio City; call (02) 584-4892 and (02) 584-4911; or email: reservations@campjohnhay.ph The Manor at Camp John Hay honors the timeless Easter traditions that Filipinos look forward to this time of year.

Soothing music enthralls guests with Harp Serenade by known harpist Holly Angel Paraiso on March 23 to 25, from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Manor Garden.

Also at The Manor Garden, experience a night of diverse entertainment with Verse 2 on March 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Piano Bar features evening entertainment throughout the Holy Week with performers including Sonny Bugnosen and Jun Ordoñez, Los Amigos, Three Dimension, Fusion Band, On Call Band, and All Time Low.

Second Quarter Writing Workshop: Travel Writing by April Yap Apr. 20 and 22, 2016; Ayala Museum; For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 759-7117 or (02) 759-8288.

FITNESS 10th Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show

Apr. 2 and 3, 2016; World Trade Center, 2/F WTCMM Building, Gil Puyat Avenue extension corner Diosdado Macapagal, Pasay City, Metro Manila Heads up to all motorcycle riders and enthusiasts! The annual inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show will bring a fun and exciting weekend on Apr. 2 and 3 at the World Trade Center.

The 10th Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show will feature lots of freebies, games, product discounts and motorcycle parts and accessories in competitive price.

Visitors can also experience and take some pictures of the best and latest motorcycle displays in all kinds—from high-end sporty down to consumer type.

R.O.X. Outdoor Festival 2016

Apr. 16 to 17, 2016; Central Amphitheater, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig; call (02) 3031234 or visit www.rox.ph.

Head’s up to all outdoor enthusiasts!

After last year’s big success, the R.O.X. Outdoor Festival is back for 2016! R.O.X.

Apr. 2, 2016; Smart Araneta Coliseum, Gen. Roxas Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila; call (02) 911-5555 or visit www. ticketnet.com.ph.

Legendary pop icon Tom Jones, is coming back to the Philippines! Join the crowd as you hear Tom Jones perform live in Manila on April 2, 2016 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Groove with his classic hits like “Delilah”, “What’s New Pussycat”, “Sex Bomb,” and She’s A Lady.” uTickets are priced at PhP8,185 for VIP; PhP6,075 for Patron A; PhP5,020 for Patron B; PhP3,960 for Lower Box; PhP1,850 for Upper Box; and PhP930 for General Admission.

Melissa Manchester and David Pomeranz Live

Apr. 6, 2016; Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City, call (02) 911-5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Experience an evening of timeless love songs on Apr. 6 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Music lovers will be in for a wonderful and entertaining treat from two of the biggest names in adult contemporary music when Melissa Manchester and David Pomeranz visit Manila to do a back-to-back concert. Catch Grammy award winning superstar Melissa Manchester’s first live performance in the Philippine stage with David Pomeranz.

Dubbed “Melissa Manchester, David Pomeranz Live,” the twinbill from Ovation Productions shall also feature balladeer “Asia’s Mr. Crooner” Arthur Manuntag as special guest in what is considered as one of the biggest concert events in this summer’s musical calendar.

“Melissa Manchester and David Pomeranz Live” is presented by Ovation Productions. uTickets are priced at PhP4,755 for VIP; PhP4,225 for Patron A; PhP3,700 for Patron B; PhP2,640 for Lower Box; PhP1,585 for Upper Box.

WORKSHOP

Tales of travel have captured the imaginations of people around the world, from ancient to modern times. Now, travel writing has become a craft that many practice, but few excel in. The fact is, some tales are told better than others. Fortunately, travel writing is a skill that can be learned by anyone determined to succeed.

Whether for personal or professional purposes, the Ayala Museum “Write Now!” Program is offering a course on travel writing with facilitator April Yap. She will go over the basics of travel writing for various platforms.

The participants are required to bring or submit a draft travel piece 300 words on the first day of the session.

The workshop is priced at PhP3,500 while Early Birds, Ayala Museum members,

Tom Jones Live in Manila

FESTIVAL Neverland Manila x Rave-olution: The Biggest Color Festival Apr. 2, 2016; McKinley West, Festival Grounds, Taguig City and Ayala Group employees can avail a discount worth PhP3,150.

Outdoor Festival serves as a fitting venue for both newbies and outdoor enthusiasts.

Witness the amazing treats and amazing activities in store for all of you—competitions, games, raffles, and exciting displays that will surely trigger your love for the outdoors!

No registration fee needed to participate in the booth activities. Only the Zero Gravity National Lead Climbing Competition has a registration fee.

Save the date, Apr. 16 to 17, and enjoy the exciting weekend outdoors at Bonifacio High Street.

Experience the biggest color festival in the Philippines this coming Apr. 2, 2016 at McKinley West, Festival Grounds, Taguig.

With 13 hours filled with music, the event will highlight four International DJs, twelve local acts, and 12,000 liters of paint that will bring one colorful summer to everyone!

This time, with a vibrant explosion of colors and a statement of unity, this twoin-one event will be bringing you the best summer music festival. Neverland Manila x Raveolution is a unique event you wouldn’t want to miss.

The fusion of Dreamchasers with Raveolutionaries is brought you by the NVLM Events Group and Powerhouse Productions. uTickets are priced at PhP1,800 for Gold (Regular) and PhP1,500 for Gold (Promo).

For VIP Table Reservation, contact (0905) 322-6497.

Chroma Music Festival

Apr. 2, 2016; Globe Circuit Events Ground, Carmona, Makati City From the makers of Assemblage 2015, STRIX INC. is bringing you Chroma Music Festival.

Chroma Music Festival aims to become one of the most successful and major event in the Philippines. By bringing a higher standard of entertainment, Chroma Music Festival will make a mark in the world by placing the Philippines on the map as a destination to live, love and celebrate! This festival is a fun-filled celebration that gathers thousands of people on the ground to enjoy an entire day of dancing, and throwing colored powder at one another and in the air.

Dance to the Colors of Summer featuring Timmy Trumpet, Cathy Frey, Ace Ramos, Mars Miranda, Tom Taus and many more.

Chroma Music Festival will also feature nine local artists, three international DJs, 13 hours of music and dance in a two-hectare field with thousands of smiles. uTickets are available at PhP1,200 for Regular VIP and PhP650 for Regular General Admission.