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N E W S PA P E R

OUT SOON!

March 6-19, 2016 Vol. XXXIV No. 11

A salt farmer at Pacific Farms in Bolinao, Pangasinan harvests what are called “mighty eggs”—duck eggs hard-boiled in a 70-degree salt lake for four days and three nights. The natural process results in a more nutritious egg with perfectly balanced saltiness and a much larger yolk. The “mighty eggs” are exclusively available to participants of the Pacific Farms Agri-Eco Tour. For inquiries about the unique tour, contact (0921) 652-1040 / (0917) 245-2020 and look for Irene Robrigado. For more information, visit www. pfi-ecotour.com. Photo by the brilliant Martin San Diego.

China to pass on sea dispute arbitration case M

Ignite start-ups and ICT dep’t, DOST exec urges

By RICHARD RAMOS

By VIA BAROMA

C

hinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China ‘will not participate’ in an arbitration case lodged by the Philippines questioning the legality of China’s massive claim in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), just hours after the Philippines asked China to respect the case.

Wang claimed that China is abiding the international law by rejecting the Philippines’ request for arbitration.

“Well, there is some commentary that China has not accepted the Philippines’ request for mandatory arbitration, therefore China does not abide by international law. But let me say to you, the truth is opposite.” Wang said.

“China actually abides to international law by rejecting the Philippines’ request for arbitration.”

In addition, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei defended the stand of

China. “China has adequate international legal evidence to not accept nor participate in the South China Sea arbitration case lodged by the Philippines. This stance is clear and consistent.

The essence of the China-Philippines dispute over the South China Sea is the dispute over territorial sovereignty and marine demarcation.”

Earlier, outgoing Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario pointed out that the international community, including the Philippines, is ‘asking China to respect’ the upcoming ruling on the arbitration case lodged in The Hague.

“As we presume to be responsible states, the Philippines, as well as the international community, are asking China to respect the forthcoming ruling of the arbitral tribunal and together, advance an international rules-based regime.” Del Rosario said, “If China does not

heed our collective call, does it mean that China considers itself above the law?”

The Philippines' top diplomat added, "We have had countless meetings with China to try to address the issue between the two of us to no avail. We have invited China many times to join us in arbitration as early as 2012, again to no avail."

The statement came after Wang, on a visit to the US on Feb. 25, criticized the Philippines' case and accused the Philippines of “political provocation” in seeking arbitration to resolve dispute. Wang made the accusation in a speech for the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Arbitration case vs. what China invokes According to del Rosario, the tribunal's final ruling was expected before page 2 May, following the Philippines

ore than just the mere presence of local talents and the proper Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, a lot still needs to be done regarding the convergence and proper harnessing of the skills of start-ups in order to fully maximize the vast talent pool of the local ICT-related workforce in Cebu.

For one thing, local start-ups need to come forward and pool in their talents together in order to make for proper cohesion and synergy purposes instead of going in separate directions without knowing what their counterparts are up to.

According to Monchito Ibrahim, deputy executive director of the Department of Science and Technology, “we need local start-ups to band together since many remain undiscovered and unknown. We are currently in the process of creating a roadmap to determine the actual number and specific talents on hand.” page 2

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

NEWS

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Umbrella NGO to push environment as top issue for candidates

By RICHARD RAMOS

A

coalition of non-government organizations is pushing for both local and national candidates to prioritize the environment as their top campaign issue in a bid to divert the usual personality-based tradition as a basis for election.

Dubbed the “Green Thumb Coalition” composed of around 40 NGOs, the group feels it is time that the environment be given top priority instead of the usual issues which majority of the candidates share such as corruption, poverty, jobs, and education.

Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, secretary general of Sanlakas, declared in a press gathering that they will embark on green sorties in 15 areas nationwide to spread awareness among the voters and generate support for the environment.

“We have noticed that very few candidates have prioritized the environment as their main concern. Now they have to change their stand in order to win more votes. We now have 37 candidates in Luzon who have committed to our group and more are coming in,” he stated.

Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines, said that Cebu leads the way to shake up politics and serve as the microcosm of the environmental situation in the Philippines.

“This is a covenant signing, a continuing movement with strong advocacies. We will publish a scorecard on paper and social media where the candidates are mandated to protect the environment. This is to ensure their promises won’t be forgotten if they do get elected.

More importantly, citizens should also do

their share and not wait for government to act,” she affirmed.

Vince Cinches, president of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, stated that an environmental constituency has been created in the Senate and the House of Representatives to keep watch on the lawmakers to ensure the environment is safeguarded.

“We are seeking the commitment of elective government officials at every level such as the Senate, town halls, governorships, etc. We want the transition of the Philippines to sustainable development with the environment at the forefront,” he said.

Mark Canton, spokesperson of the Movement for Liveable Cebu (MLC), agreed with the group, reiterating the need for the electorate to look at issues and movements and not

personalities.

“The environment is the triple bottomline.

We need to change the mindset of the people on heritage, and not heritage versus development. Development has neglected the preservation of trees,” he stated.

Green Thumb coalition raises the debate on nine key environmental issues at the national level. These include biodiversity and ecosystem integrity; natural resource and land use management and governance; human rights and integrity of creation, climate, justice, mining, extractives and mineral resource management; energy transformation and democracy; sustainable food sovereignty; people-centered sustainable development and waste management.

navigation.

Vietnam likewise echoed the US and accused China of violating its sovereignty with the missile deployment.

“We call for non-militarization in the South China Sea,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh was quoted in a Reuters report.

Cambodian Minister Hor Namhong said that the ASEAN agreed to seek a meeting be-

tween China and ASEAN’s foreign ministers to discuss the South China Sea and other issues.

According to a Reuters report, China's maritime claims are ASEAN's most contentious issue, as its members struggle to balance mutual support with their growing economic relations with China, which is the biggest trade partner for many ASEAN nations.

China to pass on sea...from page 1 filing of the case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague last January 2013.

Meanwhile, Wang rejects the tribunal's jurisdiction and insists that the Philippines is the one not abiding by the international law by citing a declaration China made on Aug. 25, 2006.

In the said declaration, China pointed out that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it “does not accept” arbitral jurisdiction over certain disputes.

In a Rappler report, Philippine Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio defended the case of the Philippines saying, “It has everything to do about the right of Filipino fishermen to fish in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines claims China is violating this right every time it drives away Filipino fishermen there.”

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs had previously explained that settling the jurisdiction question would pave the way for the Philippines’ legal assertions against China by declaring China’s nine-dash line illegal.

The nine-dash line is China's distinguishing claim over the South China Sea. Moreover, China refuses to recognize the case lodged by the Philippines with the tribunal and says all disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks.

While the Philippines awaits the final ruling, recent reports showed the continuous activities of China in the disputed area, such as

deployment of missiles, fighter jets, and radar installations, which the latter justified as ‘absolutely necessary.’

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas. Apart from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the waters, through which about US$5 trillion in trade is shipped every year.

ASEAN ministers concerned over dispute After a regular meeting of the foreign ministers in Laos on Feb. 27, members of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) expressed serious concerns over the growing international tensions.

“Ministers remained seriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments. Land reclamation and escalating activity has increased tensions and could undermine peace, security and stability in the region,” the ASEAN said in a statement.

The US urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to prevent the militarization of the region. Recently, the US criticized China’s building of artificial islands and facilities and has sailed warship close to the disputed area to assert the right for freedom of

Ignite start-ups...from page 1 Speaking on the topic “Philippine Roadmap for Digital Start-ups,” Ibrahim also urged the start-ups to remain independent and not succumb to the employ of foreign counterparts so as to preserve and enrich the talent pool.

He hinted that foreign firms can impact the directions of the national roadmap if the local start-ups are swayed by the thrusts and policies of foreign companies which may clash with that of the roadmap.

“The Philippines can be the source of the next great app. We can be the next big thing behind the ASEAN digital innovation due to our deep talent pool, remarkable English comprehension, and youthful workforce.

The speaker also cited the need for the establishment of a Department of ICT just like other countries, in order to hasten the formation of the roadmap, point out present-day and future threats, and pave the way for a more stable future.

He has observed that nearly all countries

have their own ICT department, or its equivalent, that has played a vital role in the vast growth of ICT in their own countries.

Such a department can also raise Cebu’s ranking of 7th among the world’s top BPO destinations in accordance to the 2015 Tholons study. Previous rankings saw Cebu at eighth place for three years from 20122014.

The BPO industry employed over 1.2 M last year, and a record-setting 1.4 M this year.

Over 525,000 are targeted outside Metro Manila, including 120,000 in Cebu. Earnings are expected to top US$ 25-B by the yearend.

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

MARCH 6-19, 2016

W H AT ' S O N C E BU

by RICHARD RAMOS

Children of Asia, a French non-government organization based in Cebu, recently held their show-and-tell awareness campaign to a selected audience at an uptown hotel. The NGO presently supports 400 children from elementary to college thru donors who can choose to sponsor a child, a program, a celebration/event, or as a volunteer on a monthly or yearly basis. Services include food and medical assistance, family support, monthly parents’ and children’s meetings, and individual social follow-up.

For more queries, pls. contact Chloe Wagner at (0906) 440-6388; Clara Charalambakis, at (0995) 515-0360; Facebook at Children of Asia Philippines; or www. en.enfantsdasie.com.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recently elected Melanie Ng as their 26th and second lady president. She was the former CCCI VP for business development and management services and served as past chair of the Cebu Business Month in 2013. Ng is the past president and chair of the Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu Chapter, executive vice president of Ng Khai Development Corp, a Total IT Solutions Provider; an entrepreneur of Premium Concepts and Gens and Designs.

She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of San Carlos in 1989. She is the loving wife of Wilson P. Ng, a past Ernst and Young awardee, and mother of three boys.

Philippine Air Lines and SM Stores situated in the Visayas and Mindanao region introduces Shop Your Way to Los Angeles.

This e-raffle promo rewards 32 lucky winners with a round-trip ticket to any local or global destination within PAL routes. This covers five winners to Los Angeles, three winners to Japan, four winners to and from Manila, and 20 winners to and from Cebu via Vis-Min destinations. Every PhP2,000 single-receipt until March 31, 2016 using the SM Advantage/Prestige/ BDO Rewards at any The SM Store branches. Double your chances using BDO credit and Debit Card. 15 winners will be picked on March 15, 2016 and 17 winners will be chosen on April 8, 2016, all at the 4th flr, Mall of Asia Complex.

Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante opened its seventh branch nationwide and its first in Cebu situated at the lower ground floor of SM City Cebu, right beside Orange Brutus Burgers. The place serves topnotch American-Italian specialties such as pizzas, pastas, and burgers, among many others. Favorites here are the puttanesca pizza, New England’s best pizza, taco pizza, seafood pesto pizza, nutpesto, calzone, oil and garlic pasta special, baked ziti meatball, and the platter. Ellen Go, vice president of marketing, expressed confidence of repeat customers due to the large servings, delicious tastes, and value for money deals. Diners can also avail of a free pitcher of iced tea for every purchase of PhP999.

PAL embarks on 1st Cebu-LA flight

Photo courtesy of Investvine.com

I

n celebration of its 70th anniversary as Asia’s first airline, Philippine Airlines launches its inaugural Cebu-Los Angeles flight this March 15, 2016 along with three similar weekly flights to the US in order to meet the long-delayed market demand.

An all-Visayan crew will be on hand to cater to the initial batch of passengers to mark PAL’s very first flight, which flew the ManilaLegaspi-Cebu route way back on March 15, 1946.

PR 122 (CEB-LAX) departs Cebu every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:25 p.m. and arrives in Los Angeles at 5:55 p.m. local time. From Los Angeles, PR 123 leaves on the same days at 8:40 p.m. local time and lands at the Mactan airport in Cebu at 4:40 a.m. +2.

In a statement, PAL President Jaime Bautista said “this newest PAL service will enable our customers to enjoy more travel options to and from Los Angeles. PAL patrons from Visayas and Mindanao may hop to Mactan via our domestic flights and take off to America.

Travelers from Los Angeles stand to benefit from the flight which promises that distinct brand of Filipino hospitality.”

Harry Inoferio, vice president for pas-

senger sales, related that the airline will fully promote Cebu to the world due to proven strengths of Cebu as a certified tourism magnet in accordance with Cebu’s latest slogan “where the heart sings.”

“Cebu has its lechon (roasted pig), beaches, cultural and heritage sights, and many others that have drawn millions of tourists. It is high time other countries and cities would come to know of Cebu,” Inoferio added in a press gathering at a large Cebu hotel.

Ryan Uy, vice president for domestic sales, stated that tourists much prefer to transit from Cebu to other provinces rather than Manila.

He cited convenience and fewer hassles as the reasons since one can also take the bus or boat to other places.

He saw loads of potential for the overseas flight to tap the US mainstream market, backed with a lot of education and marketing thrusts in order to maximize Cebu’s exposure to America.

In another related event, Cielo Villaluna, spokesperson of PAL, stressed PAL’s value for money deal as a full-service carrier which enjoys the safety and full confidence of its clientele who seek the wide range of features.

By RICHARD RAMOS

“We have the airport lounges, the loyalty programs, the meals, and many more which the others don’t have. We also offer periodic promo fares throughout the year to the market,” she said during the launch of the new tie-up with PAL and SM Stores at SM Seaside City in Cebu.

She also appreciated the role of GMR-CAC (Cebu Airport Corporation), the new airport management body that has instituted several upgrades and renovations in the airport for utmost passenger comfort and convenience.

“We need the cooperation of all industry stakeholders to ensure the readiness and preparation of the ease of travel. The hotels, taxis, tour operators, fast ferries, and car rental operators need to work together for proper connectivity,” she told reporters.

At present, PAL has 11 weekly flights between Manila and Los Angeles; 10 weekly flights between Manila and San Francisco; and four weekly flights between Manila and New York.

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

G RU B H U B

Less whine, more wine!

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Text and photos by CHING DEE

Bordeaux Rendez-vous gathers the best winemakers from France

W

hat better way to start the workweek than enjoying not just one kind of wine, but more than 18!

Last Feb 29, Txanton opened its doors to select members of the media for a unique wine tasting experience. In cooperation with AWC Philippines, Bordeaux Rendez-vous came to Manila—the fifth and last stop in its Asian journey after visiting Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, and Saigon.

According to Laurent Ehrmann, managing director of Maison Barrière, “the primary motivation [of Bordeaux Rendez-vous] is uniting some of the most prestigious Bordeaux estates and all the Bordeaux lovers around Southeast Asia.”

Ehrmann emphasized that the rendezvous was a unique opportunity to interact directly with Château owners and winemakers from France.

Txanton was the perfect spot for this once in a lifetime event of being in the same room as 18 winemakers. Dubbed as the place “where jamón and wine take center stage,” Txanton is the very first place in the Philippines dedicated to share the knowledge of everything about Jamón Iberico. Aside from mouthwatering jamón, Txanton also has an extensive wine collection from all over the world—just marvel at their walls covered with wine bottles as if it were a wine library.

Txanton is also a great place for after-work drinks, a jovial gathering with friends over wine, jamón, and cheese, or an intimate date with your special someone.

The event started with a short welcome message from AWC Philippines’ Sales Director Jean Philippe Guilot and Txanton General Manager Besay Gonzalez. Guests were then given their personalized wine glass (a labor of love courtesy of Gonzalez) and then the good times started rolling.

Station after station, guests roamed around to sample some of the finest wines from France—most of which came from the left bank area like Pauillac, Margaux, and SaintJulien. We spent over two glorious hours just chatting with winemakers and sampling wine.

This writer, being the frugal person that I am, chose to drink most of the wines I tried that afternoon instead of spitting it into a spittoon, like how actual wine tasting is done (I’m not going to spit out great wine).

Palermo: The finest of eat-aly

W

hile Plantation Bay Resort & Spa in Mactan Island, Cebu never fails to wow enraptured onlookers, the plush amenities and facilities always leaves them wanting for more. Much especially if they happen to dine at Palermo, the newlyrenovated Italian restaurant that boasts of probably the most eye-catching stained glass interiors in the land.

Open only during dinnertime except Wednesdays, Palermo’s intricate windows and walls take the cake for its grandeur. The incredible attention to the minute details can leave one gushing long after one’s dish has arrived.

The hanging grapes, the multi-hued leaves, the graceful branches… And we’re not even talking about the shimmering vista at the entrance which depicts a generous expanse of the horizon.

Of course, let’s not forget about the food.

The back-lit menu reveals uniform pricing for all 21 tapas (PhP280 each), pastas (PhP490 each), and desserts priced individually. Of special note are the calamares, the hamon viotta, the gambas, spaghetti puttanesca, and the pappardelle. Then cap it all with Flaming Alaska, New York Cheesecake, Gelato Tartufata, tiramisu, and others that guarantee a sweetened toothy. And if that isn’t enough, why not gawk at a couple of Galicano paintings, the cheapest of which sets one back six figures.

Notice a couple of rather unusually-lit table lamps? Not ordinary colors, for those are hand-painted with manicure! Dragonflies, beehives, stones, and everything. Inclusive of a crystal green frog. Makes you see the light in

different shades.

The finest of Italy doesn’t merely refer to the gastronomy. But the scenery, the colors, the hospitality, the fashion, and the service. The complete package in Palermo.

The complete set-up in Plantation Bay. The compleat dining experience for all.

Apart from enjoying magnificent concoctions from some of the finest French grapes, Chef Justo of Txanton also provided a carefully curated selection of tapas like that unforgettable queso-filled croquetas, moreish Spanish frittata, jamón-wrapped lettuce (yes, not the other way around), and of course the most exquisite and authentic Jamón Iberico—carved right in front of the guests.

I must admit, I’m glad I could still remember how events transpired after enjoying that much wine and tapas. But if you ask me, the star of Bordeaux Rendez-vous were Jean-Paul Bignon’s 1996 Bordeaux from Château Talbot (luxuriously smooth and bursting with flavor) and David Ornon’s 2002 Sauternes from Château Guiraud (playfully sweet with a hint of citrus).

So, I raise my personalized wine glass to all the winemakers and partners that made Bordeaux Rendez-vous happen; from the bottom of our hearts—and our wineglasses—we say, “Santé!”

Txanton is located at the second floor of Smithbell Building, 2294 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City. For inquiries, call (02) 812-2040 local 128 or email info@txanton.com. ph. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/txantonph.

By RICHARD RAMOS

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

S P OT L I G H T

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Pond’s Institute: Helping you face life’s changes

By ANGIE DUARTE

Don’t run away from life’s changes; face these, with Pond’s

W

ith all that has repeatedly been said about the undesirable effects of climate change, pollution, and global warming on our environment, you would have to be living under rock – a very, VERY large rock – not to be informed about the perils and pitfalls of these. But what you may not know is that the climate crazies do not only impact the environment at large, but they also hit much closer to home, wreaking havoc on our own personal “terra firma:” our skin.

Human skin, although able to withstand a good deal of wear and tear, is simply not created for the massive amounts of pollution (including dangerous nano-particles which are 20 times smaller than pores, thereby easily able to infiltrate our skin) and exposure to dangerous levels of UV rays, in today’s ozone-depleted world.

Matter of fact, even certain indoor electronic devices these days release an amount of potentially harmful rays.

What to do, then, to address the skin dangers and problems brought on by the new menaces of unparalleled urbanization? Pond’s Girls Cheska Kramer, Laureen Uy, Tricia Gosingtian, Iza Calzado, Toni Gonzaga-Soriano, Nicole Andersson, Patricia Prieto, Agoo Bengzon, Rissa And (lest we forget), what to do Trillo, and Apples Aberin, outside the Pond's Institute Manila. with the older menaces and conInstitute has formulated and patented over close analysis and personalized skin analysis. cerns brought on by the ageing process? innovative skincare products for women With the use of hi-tech, state of the art, digiShort of crawling back underneath that 200 across the globe. In more recent years, Pond’s tized face analyzing machines, an accurate picvery, very large rock, we can turn to the ex- has added a skin care line for men, which has ture of your skin is made available. perts in skin care solutions at world-renowned likewise been received with much enthusiasm.

“The highlight of a visit to the Pond’s InstiPond’s Institute for some help. Our skin changIn February 2016, the Pond’s Institute tute is our skin analyzer, which is a really spees, with the times and with time, but we need opened its doors in Manila, at upscale Boni- cialized machine that we imported. It tells you not run from these changes any longer. facio Global City in Taguig.

Albeit just a popyour skin age, and the products that you need, We can face these, with Pond’s. up, in the months it will be open (possibly until given your skin condition,’ Mar Corazo, Senior June this year; after which, it will go on the road Brand Manager for Pond’s, shared.

The science of beauty different schools and provinces), the InstiSkin experts are likewise on hand for adPond’s has been a trusted name in skincare to tute will bring breakthrough and personalized ditional consultation, as well as to point you for over 150 years. For generations, women – skincare solutions to every woman – and man in the right direction to address your skin conand, more recently, men – the world over have – throughout the Metro. cerns.

Based on the results of the skin analysis, used the brand’s many products to protect it is easier to determine which products are and rejuvenate their skin. At the Pond’s In- Up-close and personal best-suited to address individual needs. The stitute, with facilities in Tokyo, Madrid, New Within the all-white skin sanctum that is solutions, therefore, are more targeted, thereYork, and Shanghai, the science of beauty is of the Pond’s Institute, men and women can not by more likely to produce better results. primary importance. With a global network only learn more about skincare, but also learn “Aside from the skin analysis consultaof 700 researchers and scientists, the Pond’s more about their own skin, through an up- tion, we also have a lot of excitingand promotions

A wide array of Pond's skin care products, available at the Pond's Institute.

and new products which we will be introducing here at the Institute,” Corazo added.

Tried and tested products As a recognized leader in the skin care arena, Pond’s has a wide array of tried and tested products which have proven effective in the war against environmental stress and the signs of ageing.

Among these products is the bestselling Pond’s Age Miracle line. With its special formulation of retinol, AHA, CLA and retinol boosters, Pond’s Age Miracle products rejuvenate skin to look up 10 years younger, with regular use. Skin becomes more elastic, with increased collagen production, to combat the onset of aging as well as the illeffects of pollution.

Pond’s Acne Clear Face Wash is best to address breakouts, blemishes, and acne caused by nano-particles from pollutants, which can irritate skin. Formulated with salicylic acid, this clarifying face wash cleanses as it breaks down sticky top layers of the skin, and dissolves dirt, bacteria, and pollution particles. Skin is refreshed, as pores are unclogged, and acne-causing germs are eliminated.

To fight harmful UV rays, Pond’s White Beauty lightens and brightens skin from the cellular level. With Pro-vitamin B3 as its main ingredient, this product line prevents dark spots and pigmentation – nasty consequences of over exposure to UV rays – from forming.

For added protection, Pond’s White Beauty day cream contains an advanced SPF 15 PA++ formula to shield your skin from harsh sunlight.

Discover for yourself what’s behind the doors of the Pond’s Institute. Tap into the science of beautiful skin, and bravely, confidently face the changes life brings.

The pop-up Pond’s Institute in Manila is located Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (in front of Fully Booked and Serendra).

Individualized skin analysis, using state-of-the-art digitized machinery.

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

F E AT U R E S

MARCH 6-19, 2016

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 Jennifer Codera Billing, Credit and Collection Supervisor Nikki Joy Habana Macjanry Imperio Design & Layout Circulation/Classified Ads Officer Our Headquarters: Unit 207, Cattleya Condominium Bldg.

235 Salcedo St., 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

By ANGIE DUARTE

Pollen allergy woes? Sneeze no more! (or, a lot less, perhaps)

Pollen counts are way higher, come certain months of the year. Read on for some smart tips to help police pollen problems and to stave off the sneezes!

S

pring is in the air! Pollen is, too! A harsh fact of life for those of us allergysufferers.

Spring is the time our noses are a shade too red to be fashionably pink. Tissues are our fave fashion accessory; sneezing, our ambient sound. Our eyes are as glazed-over as the plants are with morning dew. Trees are in bloom, and our nasal cavities are, too. The former being a decidedly prettier picture than the latter. The grass is green, and let’s not even mention what else is. But it has to do with the blooming nasal cavities. Eww. In the Philippines, we do not officially have a spring season. We have two seasons: Wet and Dry. And now (shakes fist at global warming and climate change), these two seasons have become very bipolar and often coexist in confusion.

However, experts in the field have determined that pollen concentrations in the Philippines peak during the months of March to May; so what other would bewail as spring allergies are bemoaned as summer woes, in these parts of the globe.

What to do then, short of wearing a gas mask or sticking your head in an airtight bag to ward off seasonal allergy ails? Here are some tips towards surviving (better yet, staving off) the sneezes: Keep allergy meds handy – Fill out those prescriptions, and take as directed by the manufacturer, or – better still – your doctor. Follow precautionary measures, as well. Especially if you have the sudden urge to operate heavy machinery.

Consider using a Netty Pot or any other form of nasal rinsing device, and flush nasal cavities out with a saline solution. Very effective, and provides great relief from stuffed passages.

Keep track of the pollen count and try to stay indoors with windows shut on days when it is exceptionally high. Pollen counts are highest on warm, dry, breezy days. Keep in mind that the most ideal time for outdoor activity is while plants are still dewy (early morning). Evening, humid days (before or after the rains), or days when winds are at bay are also good, as pollen is at also at bay. If a trip outside during high pollen counts is necessary, refer to Tip #1. To make keeping track easier, go online and consult with one of several local weather sites which provide information on daily pollen, dust, and dander levels in the area.

Bring a hanky to cover your nose area when outdoors. Keep eyes protected by wearing sunglasses. Itchy, puffy, watery eyes are a nasty result of pollen allergies.

When on the road, keep car windows shut.

Use the AC. In the Philippines, though, this almost goes without saying, really.

Stay hydrated. Fluids help to ward away the sneezes and are an effective remedy for nasal congestion.

Be wary of letting your pets on the bed, especially when they have just come from the great outdoors, as pollen can stick to their fur.

Take the time for general spring cleaning.

Get rid of accumulated dust. Keep your house clean.

Vacuum regularly; launder sheets once a week.

Wear a mask when cleaning, or working in the yard. Not the Halloween kind, but the filter or gauze kind; disposable or otherwise (but be sure to clean the non-disposable ones after each use). Avoid mowing, or raking, as these can release and stir up pollen on the ground.

Change clothing after exposure outdoors.

Shower/shampoo at the end of each day to get rid of pollen that may have stuck to your skin and hair.

Stay away from pollution, cigarette and cigar smoke, as these can exacerbate the allergy symptoms.

Move to the Arctic regions. If that is off the list, know your pollen season, and perhaps plan a vacation around that time. The beach and places by the sea often have fewer problems with pollen.

Know your plants. If you have a yard or garden, avoid plants with smaller pollen, as these are easily carried in the wind. A little research will go a long way towards staving off allergies.

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.

Photo courtesy of Livescience

7

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

IN FOCUS

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Facial hair, cursed crumbs, pesky insects, and melatonin

By ANGIE DUARTE

Spring cleaning beckons! Time to whip out that rag and wield that broom! Read on to learn more about the origins of this tradition of tidying.

S

pring: In your step. In the air. That broken one in the mattress.

Sunshine. Flowers. Solstice. Sandals.

Pollen. Dust. Cleaning. Renewal. Rebirth.

Awakening. Regeneration. Renovating. Soft pastels. Blush pinks. Grass greens. Fluffy-chick yellows. Squeaky clean whites: from cleaning.

Spring is here, and so are its common associations.

Cleaning, organizing, rearranging; spring cleaning: an obsessive-compulsive person’s dream come true. Once a year, every year.

But where did the annual tradition of turning your house upside-down to get it rightside-up originate?

Shaking the house This dates back to the time of the Persian Empire, the practice of “khooneh tekouni” at the start of every Nowruz or Persian New Year, one day before the spring.

Khooneh tekouni, literally ”shaking the house”, involves complete cleaning of the house from, top to bottom. Nothing is spared the shake-down: from ceiling to floor, drapes to furniture and everything in between.

The tradition also entails the purchase of flowers (especially tulips and hyacinths) and new personal attire. Cleaning and shopping.

Throwing out and acquiring. A Yin and Yang of sorts.

The tradition is associated with the "rebirth of nature," and is observed by almost every household in Iran.

Family visits; parties; unshaven beards until the New Day (on which facial hair comes off as a symbol of personal cleaning and leaving old habits behind); and a practice of leaving sweets outside the house, to be brought up in the morning by the early bird are all part of the ritual. Sounds like a riot.

This practice of cleaning the house to herald the New Year is also prevalent in Chinese and Scottish cultures; although their New Year’s days do not coincide with the start of the season, thereby not as fittingly called spring

and vacuum cleaners, but they did have to deal with dust, somehow. The month of March was generally the best time for dusting: already warm enough to open windows and doors, but not warm enough for insects to be a problem, as was the pesky case during the hot summer months.

Nature’s hand aided the cleaning process, with the high winds carrying the dust out of the house. To this day and for this same reason, rural households take on cleaning projects involving the use of fume-generating chemical products in the month of March.

Photo courtesy of inhabitat.com cleaning.

Cleansing the home Perhaps another origin of the practice is found in the Jewish Pesah or Passover custom.

The revered holiday of commemorating the flight of the Jews from ancient Egypt occurs two weeks after the Jewish New Year.

The slaves in Egypt, Jews and non-Jews alike, were fed matzah or unleavened bread; something which eventually became a symbol of victory over oppression to the Jews.

Each Passover, matzah is customarily eaten, both as a reminder of the domination the Jews overcame and as an expression of gratitude for their freedom.

It is considered arrogant and ungrateful to have chametz or leavened bread in the house during the time of Passover; so much so that even the crumbs from leavened bread viewed as offensive.

Matzah: yes. Chametz: no, no, no. Lest

God be offended, the Jews throw out all chametz, and scour the entire house before Passover, to be sure they do not miss any of those cursed chametz crumbs. Better to be safe than fall out of favor with the Divine.

Interestingly enough, the hunt for chametz crumbs, or bedikat chametz, is traditionally done by candlelight after the house is cleaned, on the night before the Passover. Nothing like a little romantic candle-lit crumb-hunting to get your Passover going.

The Passover celebration falls around April, hence the close associations with the origin of spring cleaning.

“Weather” to clean, or not to clean In North America and northern Europe, the custom of spring cleaning took on a more practical function, given the continental and wet climates of those regions.

19th century America did not have the modern-day conveniences of Dust Busters

Biology and the neats Spring cleaning is tied in with a very practical, biological reason, as well.

Wintertime means less sunlight, given the shorter, often dull and dreary gray days. Less sunlight mean more melatonin production in our bodies. More melatonin means more yawns and sleepiness. Humans - sunlight + melatonin = zzzzzzzzzz = mess left for another day. Who wants to clean when you’re sleepy and sluggish?

The spring heralds more sunlight, thereby reducing the production of melatonin; our body wakes up to a new day, new energy, a messy house: the birth of spring cleaning.

Sing a happy working song On this side of the globe, there is no spring; just two very, very confused seasons (thank you, global warming! Pffffft.) But the tradition of spring cleaning, oddly enough, still holds.

Maybe I am part-Persian/Jew/Chinese/Scott.

Or simply OC like that. No matter. It is a good way to kick the procrastinator in the bum and pick-up that mop.

Now to refresh the lyrics of Happy Working Song in my memory…”All right everyone, time to tidy things up. Come my little friends, as we all sing a happy little working song…lalalala…”

8

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

A DV E N T U R E S

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Masbate's MagniFicent Seven Text and Photos by BERNARD SUPETRAN Additional photos by ROBERT DETERA

Catandayagan Falls

One of filmdom’s immortal cowboy movies is Magnificent Seven, which starred Hollywood legends led by John Wayne.

With a majestic music theme penned by Elmer Bernstein, the movie never fails to bring back fond memories of the Wild Wild West and the rugged allure of the countryside.

Half a world away in the beguiling province of Masbate, is the Philippines’ own cowboyland with its vast ranches, minus the blazing guns of the Texan saloons. Here, cowboys who are known locally as ranchers are the rock stars of a frontier land whose claim to fame is being the country’s “cattle capita.”

But beyond cowboys and their herd, Masbate takes pride in its own version of “Magnificent Seven” of tourism, which is quietly riding its way to the big league.

Photo by Andrew Zuniga

1. Rodeo Masbateno The province is acknowledged as the country’s “Rodeo Capital” where ranchers showcase their skills in cowboy skills such as lassooing, bull riding, and whipping. Come April, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the archipelago converge here to show off their wares in the one-of-akind festival. Spectators can get a feel of the Western fever by dressing up in checkered long sleeves, leather vests, jeans, boots and wide-brimmed hats. A sought-after event is the Cattle Drive where dozens of cows are let loose on the streets of Masbate City to chase the townsfolk, akin to the famed Bull Run of San Ferminez in Pamplona, Spain.

2. Cattle Raches Masbate offers a unique tour circuit where visitors are brought to the sprawling ranches around the province. Seize the moment, live the part and be a cowboy even for a few fleeting moments by learning how to ride a horse, lassooing a cow and other tricks of the trade.

Rodeo Masbateno Photo by Andrew Zuniga

3. Ticao Island A tantalizing land mass separated from Masbate mainland, it holds so much promise with its unspoilt and unexplored tourist attractions. It takes pride in the postcard-pretty Catandayagan Falls which emanates from a cliffs and drops directly into the sea, perhaps the only one of its kind in the country. A few minutes away is Burubangcaso Islet which boasts of talcum fine sand, crystalline water and punctuated by a huge monolithic rock. On the other side of the island is the Manta Bowl of Ticao Pass, habitat of the manta rays and where butandings or whale sharks occasionally stray, and Haleya Nature Park, a cove known for its rich marine biodiversity. With the view of the perfect-cone Mayon Volcano and Bulusan Volcano in the horizon, the island is superb for scuba diving and kayaking offered by Ticao Island Resort and Alta Mar. 4. Buntod Sandbar

A 251-hectare reef

9

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

A DV E N T U R E S

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Manta Ray at Ticao

Pass

Kayaking at Alta Mar in Ticao Island marine sanctuary just off the mainland, Buntod is a 200-meter stretch of white sand and mangrove forest. Managed by the Masbate City government and a fisherfolk organization, it has been awarded the Para El Mar Best Marine Sanctuary by the Marine Science Network. You can snorkel in the glassy sea, paddle a native banca or kayak around the sandbar, or feast on a picnic with family and friends.

5. Palani Beach Situated in the southern town of Balud, this expansive cove is one of Masbate’s many secluded sleepy shores which is reminiscent of Boracay’s splendor decades ago. With only a handful of resorts in the village, you play beach volleyball, go bamboo rafting, row the home-made dug-out canoe, gaze at the sunset or simply laze on the beach cabanas minus the madding crowd.

6. Sombrero Island So-called because of its hat shape, it is the favorite getaway in Burias Island, a sub-province of Masbate. An uninhabited islet, its tourist magnet is its fine sand and clear waters which lure beach bums who want to laze in an island in the sun where time seems to the stop. It can be reached from San Pascual town proper or via chartered pumpboat the port of Pio Duran, Albay.

7. Fazenda de Esperanza Literally meaning “farms of hope”, Fazenda is an agrarian retreat in Milagros town where victims of substance abuse undergo a wholistic rehabilitation to prepare them for reintegration into mainstream society. Run by a Spanish-based international religious NGO, the farm is the home away from home for wayward souls who are in the process of contrition. Refresh yourself with locally-produced flavored cow’s milk or take home organically-grown farm produce as a way of supporting the institution.

With the undulating mountain ranges in the backdrop, Fazenda’s chapel and residences conjure of pastoral images in the Alps.

Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary

Palani Beach Getting there: From Manila, it can be reached via daily flight of Pal Express to Masbate City or weekly voyages of 2Go. From Cebu City, there are nightly boat trips to Masbate. Meanwhile, Ticao Island can be reached via pumpboats from the ports of Pilar and Bulan in Sorsogon.

Where to stay and eat: You can lay your head at the Rendezvous Resort, one of the pioneer lodgings in the area which exudes a homey and Old World feel. Situated by shores of Masbate Bay, it is one of the boat boarding areas en route to Buntod Sandbar. For dining, the cozy Rodeothemed resto Food Trip is the place to be with the signature boodle fight it is offering.

Fazenda de Esperanza

10

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

EVENTS

A Night of Patriotism and Endeavor

MARCH 6-19, 2016

Text and photos by VIA BAROMA

The Embassy of India celebrates their 67th National Day

A

prosperous and auspicious celebration was held at Dusit Thani Hotel last Jan. 29 for the 67th Republic Day of India, which tugged at the patriotic strings of every Indian national present during the festivities.

Led by Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte, the reception showcased the proud achievements of India throughout the years.

“As we have said in many occasions, India is an old civilization but yet a young country.

We are therefore proud of our small successes and steps in building a nation. We are specially proud of our democracy and of our diversity,” the Ambassador said in his address. “This is something that we share with the Filipinos, diversity and democracy.”

"The Indian-Philippines relations continue to flourish and strengthen. Apart from the government interaction, businesses between two countries are getting serious," the Ambassador added.

For his part, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario commended India as a global engine of growth. “India is poised to take much greater role in our world. The Philippines looks upon India as a close friend. With changing realities in this world, the ties between the two countries continue to evolve and with both countries able to receive incredible opportunities and cooperation.”

To the Embassy of India and its people, Cheers!

Angola Consul Helen Ong; Alice Tesoro-Guerrero; and Togo Consul Evie Costa

(Rightmost) Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte together with Mme. Ziki Ralte and friends from the Embassy of Panama

DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and Bruneian Ambassador Malai Hajah Halimah Malai British Ambassador Asif Ahmad; Rotary Club of Manila Governor Frank A. Evaristo; and Mexico Ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseñor Yussof joined Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte for a toast

Felix R. Ang; Grace Ang; Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng; Bruneian Amb. Malai Hajah Halimah Malai Yussof; and Belarus Consul Anne Marie Ablan

DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario extends his Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte and Mexico Ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseñor greetings on the National day of India

Marilou Alejandro; Mme. Ziki Ralte; Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte; Jose Alejandro; Grace Ang and Felix R. Ang

Mme. Ziki Ralte; Felix R. Ang; Grace Ang; Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte; Rotary Club of Manila Governor Frank A. Evaristo

Mme. Ziki Ralte; Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte; and Monaco Consul Mme. Ziki Ralte; Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Ralte; and USA Ambassador Philip S. Ping Valencia; Mme. Ziki Ralte; Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma; and Indian Ambassador Shri Lalduhthlana Goldberg Ralte Fortune Ledesma

11

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

EVENTS

MARCH 6-19, 2016

A taste of paradise at Henann Resort Alona Beach Fast becoming one of the famous tourist spots in the country is the captivating Panglao Island in Bohol. The breathtaking charm of the island is made more inviting by the top-notch resort Henann Resort Alona Beach managed by the Henann Group of Resorts under the leadership of chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey, executive vice president Alfonso Chusuey and vice president for marketing Karl Chusuey. The biggest resort in Panglao Island, Bohol sits on a lush 6.5 hectare property on the pristine shores of Alona Beach and has 400 luxurious rooms, 12 pool villas, a convention center, a luxury spa, three massive swimming pools and a wide range of dining outlets. Prominent names from the government and social circles had a fantastic stay at the premier resort as they enjoyed superb cuisine, world-class amenities and excellent service by the hardworking staff. Cheers to Dr. Henry Chusuey and team for making Henann Resort Alona Beach the perfect choice for a memorable Bohol getaway!

Senator Sonny Angara, Jade Estardo and Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol resort manager Stella Ramos with the Intal family - JC with baby Lucia and Bianca Stella Ramos

Henann Group of Resorts chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey

Celebrities Kendra and mom Cheska Kramer

Basketball player Doug Kramer and daughter Scarlett with Patrick Garcia

Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol front office manager April Talledo and model Georgina Wilson

Fashion blogger Nicole Andersson

Henann Resort Alona Beach duty manager Andromar Malforte with singer Morissette Amon

Henann Resort Alona Beach assistant to the president Pinky Bacud, Department of Natural Resources assistant secretary Rommel Abesamis and Henann Resort Alona Beach guest relations manager Sharon Impoc

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13

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

MARCH 6-19, 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

THEATER Les Miserables Mar. 11 to 13; Solaire Resort and Casino, Solaire Blvd., Entertainment City, Pasay, Metro Manila; call (02) 891-9999.

Tickets are priced at PhP7,000 for VIP; PhP5,800 for Reserve A; PhP4,500 for Reserve B; PhP3,350 for Reserve C; and PhP1,750 for Reserve D.

CINEMA TRUMBO Opens on Mar. 26 in Philippine cinemas via Solar Pictures

tice of the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. The film also stars Diane Lane, John Goodman, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

An astonishing portrait of an often forgotten chapter of American history, Trumbo is directed by Jay Roach from a script by John McNamara, based on the book Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Cook.

EXHIBITS When The Saints Go Marching In Ongoing until Mar. 18; Ricco Renzo Gallery, Suite 206, LRI Design Plaza N. Garcia st. Bel Air 2, Makati; for more information, call (02) 898-2545 or (0917) 564-1262.

The world’s most popular musical, Les Misérables, comes to Manila for the first time. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, Les Misérables is a much loved blockbuster musical which has been seen by over 70 million people worldwide in 44 countries and in 22 languages. Having won more than 125 major awards around the world it has been hailed as the most stirring, moving musical ever.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, it is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “Master of the House” and many more. This breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck.

pretty Barbie dolls, toy animals and soldiers, and Disneyland characters that articulate, and from which he wrests, his musings on childhood and innocence, fantasies and notions of beauty and war, and escapist and pop realities. Not surprisingly, they may have at first a chilling effect on an audience that wonders not what is happening within his boxy constructions, but on what is happening inside of them. For indeed, such is the power and mystery of art that, in an artist’s capable hands, such as Ingco’s, we are more than willing and eager to entrust our emotions.

Who knows, the Saints may just come marching in and join us on an exhilarating joyride.

Despite My Being ______.

Ongoing until Mar. 31; Art Gallery Sining Kamalig, Upper Ground Floor, Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

Sining Kamalig opens her doors for extra ordinary artists; artists who suffer from a mental illness; a mental illness that enables them to make their specific art.

Alfredo Liongoren, Eliza (Z) Fontanilla Dimapilis, Tisa_Arte_de_T, Jetro Vin Rafael and Yasmin Almonte are not afraid to show you their inner world by means of their art, and Sining Kamalig is proud to show their works. The artists did not just paint but put their feelings also in words.

When they tried to silence him, he made the world listen!

At the height of Cold War paranoia, Hollywood’s greatest screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston), was blacklisted.

Refusing to sacrifice his principles or submit to a system gripped by paranoia, Trumbo fought for his right to a voice. Based on an inspirational true story, discover the story of Hollywood’s worst kept secret and how a man made the world listen. TRUMBO (directed by Jay Roach) recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injus-

Who knows what comes upon an artist’s spirit and temperament that, suddenly, he should turn a corner and take a leap into what otherwise, for him, was untested, journeying into a path and direction that would take his art into unexpected terrain? Is this, one wonders, the same artist whose works we thought we have always known? Just exactly who is failing whom?

Gerry Ingco, erstwhile hardcore abstractionist, explores the three-dimensional medium of assemblage in his solo exhibition titled “When The Saints Come Marching In” at Ricco Renzo Gallery. What serves him well in his new artistic adventures are

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

S P OT L I G H T

Booky Top 10 Here’s your new dining bucket list around the metro courtesy of Booky Manila Text by CHING DEE

Ever gone through the viciously endless cycle of asking your peers “where do we eat?” only to be met with the very precise “anywhere.”

Thanks to Booky Manila, gone are the days of being clueless about your next dining destination. If you’re craving for something, you can find the nearest place to satisfy your hunger through this fuss-free—and internetfree—mobile app.

The Booky app is truly a godsend for foodies. And with its offline feature, we don’t have to worry about that pesky slow connection here in the Philippines.

In celebration of this newly found partnership between Booky Manila and Expat, here are some Booky trivia bites and the top ten restaurants in Metro Manila for the month of February according to Booky users.

14,727

As of March 3, 2016, Booky has 14,727 restaurants easily accessible through the mobile app.

You can check each restaurant’s exact address (plus directions via Waze or Google Maps), contact information, social media handle, and their menu.

33,000

As of February 2016, there are currently 33,000 regular Booky app users, with nearly 100,000 app downloads to date.

1,500,000

The blog views (yes, Booky blogs about all

their culinary finds) alone reaches an average of 1.5 million views every month. Boy, that’s a lot of hungry foodies. And who can blame them? That mouthwatering thumbnail is always a sure way to make us click the link!

And now, the top ten restaurants in Metro Manila:

541

At the 10th spot is Hai Chix & Steaks in San Juan (6 Missouri Street, Northeast Greenhills) with 541 ‘favorites’ for February 2016. When in this Booky-approved joint, make sure you try their US Angus Ribeye Steak, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and end your meal with their Red Velvet Ice Cream.

567

Morganfield’s at Fort Bonifacio (Uptown Place Mall, BGC) is a Malaysian restaurant thriving and making its way into Filipino hearts through its tasty and gigantic American classics. When at Morganfield’s, be sure to stuff your belly with any (or all!) of their Garlicky BBQ, Hickory BBQ, Spicy Asian and their bestselling Smoked Peppercorn Spare Ribs.

Booky Manila says to check out their Iberico Baby Back Ribs, the Rib Sampler, The Carnivore, their corn muffins, and wash everything down with their Berry Easy Cooler.

570

Wildflour Bakery & Café now has several locations around the metro—and for good rea-

son: Our own happiness. Apart from being total eye candy, the feeling inside every Wildflour branch is like stepping into a modern boulangerie—it smells like it, too. Wildflour is best known for their Grilled Cheese, Salad and Soup combo. Make sure to try their Wild Mushroom Salad, Squid Ink Garganelli, and of course their Kimchi Steak Fried Rice.

571

Narrowly inching to 7th place is Your Local in Makati City (Universal LMS Building, Esteban Street, Makati City). Your Local serves Southeast Asian fare and their bestsellers are the Lamb Rendang, Torched Salmon Donburi, and that too-affordable-it’s-almost-likestealing-it 24-hour Sous Vide Corn Fed USDA Choice Beef Short Rib. Yes, that’s a mouthful.

790

In 6th place is Nikkei in Legaspi Village (Frabelle Business Center, Rada Street, Makati City). This curious marriage of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine gave birth to awesome bestsellers like the Salmon Belly Nigiri, Miso Kurobuta, Seared Tuna, Kobi Nigiri Sushi, and Parmesan Scallops. According to the Booky Manila blog, if you seat by the bar, you can watch Chef Christian Cejas do his PeruvianJapanese magic in the kitchen.

842

Halfway through the list! Now we have Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina in Kapitolyo (75 East Capitol Drive, Pasig City). Indeed, this closely knit family of Filipino and Mexican flavors fair well to many diners, earning Silantro 842 ‘favorites’ in just one month. Be sure to try out their Beef Nachos, Lamb Soft Tacos, and (oh so) Calliente Wings.

867

Are we really going to act like we’re surprised?

At 4th place is the sensational Todd English Food Hall at SM Aura, which serves some of the best international cuisine this side of the metro. With nine food stations waiting to be explored, visiting TEFH might be overwhelming—especially when your belly’s rumbling— but Booky suggests to try their Torched Nigiri Stairs, T.E. Pork Chop, Asada Steak Taco, and the selection of flat breads.

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883

Din Tai Fung (SM Megamall) is the latest addition to the only good kind of Chinese invasion: The food kind. This is another come-now-never-leave destination because of their almost limitless offers, but fret not, here are their bestsellers according to Booky: the Classic and Truffle XLB’s, Shrimp and Pork Wontons with House Special Spicy Sauce, Pork Chop Fried Rice, and the Dan Dan Noodles with Spicy Sesame & Peanut Sauce.

949

A close second is Rib City (a.k.a. RB CTY) in Quezon City (63 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City). It is American comfort food with that added Filipino warmth. This always jampacked joint is famous for their Big City with CTY Rice, The Twin Tower, and their Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.

955

Garnering a score of 955 ‘favorites’ for the month of February, Izakaya Kikufuji in Little Tokyo (2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City) is the top restaurant in Metro Manila. Famous for their authentic Japanese fare, patrons flock to this Little Tokyo hotspot for their bestselling Wagyu Sticks and Shake Uni Don. Special thanks to Booky Manila for providing the data. For more delectable finds, download the Booky mobile app on your phone (available on iOS and Android) or visit their website by scanning the QR code:

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Parade of Singaporean flavors at Seven Corners featuring Chef Toast to forever at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Chua Yew Hock

Seven Corners, the premier buffet destination in the Ortigas District brings authentic Singaporean cuisine to its patrons and guests this month. Feast on the unique flavors of the Lion City as the Executive Chef of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Chef Chua Yew Hock

showcases his dishes from March 1 to 13, 2016.

Chef Chua brings more than 30 years of culinary experience and currently leads the kitchen operation and menu conceptualization of one of the most visited hotels in Singapore, the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.

Some of the popular dishes included in his cycles at Seven Corners are Spicy Prawn Salad with Cucumber and Onion, Mee Goreng, Beef Rendang, Sambal Squid, Singapore Laksa, and the Singapore Chicken Rice.

To make this culinary journey more exciting, Seven Corners has partnered with Cebu Pacific Air and Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium to give a lucky diner a free trip to Singapore for two. One raffle coupon will be given for every PhP2,000 worth of food and beverage ordered at Seven Corners from March 1 to 13, 2016.

The raffle draw will be held on March 15, 2016. The winner will receive round trip tickets to Singapore for two and a 3-day or 2-night stay at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.

For more information and reservations, call (02) 633-7222 or email fandb.reservations@ ihg.com.

Graduation celebrations at Diamond Hotel Philippines

Reward the Graduates of 2016 with a celebration to remember at Diamond Hotel Philippines’ restaurants and newly renovated rooms from Mar. 14 to April 15, 2016.

The hotel’s dining destination Corniche restaurant gives discounts to the Graduate and companions when dining in groups of five. Special lunch rate is at PhP1,480 nett and PhP1,880 nett for dinner. After enjoying the

lavish feast, the group is entitled to a round of drinks at the Sky Lounge.

One of Manila’s prime Japanese restaurants, Yurakuen, is sure to cheer the celebrating Graduate and loved ones with its All-YouCan-Eat Yakiniku at PhP1,880 nett which also includes a round of drinks at the Sky Lounge when dining in groups of five.

A bigger celebration calls for a bigger re-

Start a beautiful future together by celebrating the most memorable day in a newlyweds’ life with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s wonderful offerings to make that once-in-alifetime event a beautiful start to forever.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, the first and only five-star sky hotel in the Philippines, helps its guests make the much awaited event in a couple’s lives together the most elegant way it can be with the Felicity wedding package, offering the couple a generous hand from the guests’ pre-wedding preparations up to the after-wedding gifts.

Say goodbye to being single and welcome the married life with an unobstructed view at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge. Celebrate the Bachelor’s or Bachelorette’s Night with exclusive party package rates at Vu’s. Never stress out on the reception details as the hotel takes charge and gives you beautiful options for that fairytale dream wedding. The newlyweds can arrive in style with a choice of a luxurious Mini Cooper ward. A group festivity for eight persons at PhP19, 500 nett entitles the collegian to a Complimentary Gift Certificate for an Overnight Stay in a Deluxe Room with Buffet Breakfast for two persons. The group may choose to dine in Corniche to enjoy the buffet or Yurakuen to delight in the All-You-Can-Eat Yakiniku offer.

Indulge the degree holder to a luxurious pampering in the hotel’s well-appointed rooms from Mar. 1 to 18 and 28 to April 16, 2016.

Book your stay at a special rate of PhP7,000 nett in a Deluxe Room for two persons which includes a congratulatory cake, buffet breakfast, unlimited internet Wi-Fi, 20 percent off on massage service and foot reflex, 20 percent off on food and beverage order, 20 percent off on laundry services and shuttle service to Intramuros and SM Mall of Asia on weekends.

Countryman or a Trans Abi Vehicle.

Set the mood right with complete lights and sounds, featuring a String Trio to serenade the guests for an enchanting experience, as well as floral arrangements to make the event more spectacular.

A complimentary three-layer wedding cake, followed by a toast of Moët & Chandon will be given as a gift to celebrate couples’ new life as man and wife.

Keeping the once-in-a-lifetime event perfect, the love birds will get to experience and enjoy the Marco Polo Way with the complimentary two-night accommodation in a Superior Suite with breakfast for two at Cucina, and a signature treatment for two at FLOW Spa. The couple can also enjoy 20 percent discount on food at any F&B outlets of the hotel during the stay. The newlyweds can also enjoy the same privileges on their first wedding anniversary.

The Marco Polo Grand Ballroom is located at the 7th level of the hotel tower and can accommodate up to 300 persons for banquets and 500 persons for a cocktail reception. The 714 sqm. ballroom is divisible into two sections and has a pre-function area for events.

It features elegant ceiling chandeliers and has a sizeable layout graced with natural daylight and five-meter floor-to-ceiling glass windows from both ends of the venue which provide the perfect backdrop for conventions, meetings, seminars, parties and social affairs.

Special event packages are available catering to each and every occasion. These special wedding packages start at PhP237,000++.

For inquiries and bookings, call (02) 7207777. To know more about Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, visit www.marcopolohotels.com.

You may opt to stay in other room categories with the same privileges.

Diamond Hotel Philippines also offers Banquet packages for graduation parties. For more information, call (02) 528-3000 ext.

8414.

For reservations call (02) 528-3000. Promotions may not be combined with any other discount or offers. Other terms and conditions apply.

Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila. For inquiries, please call (632) 5283000 or email bizcenter@diamondhotel.com.

For more information on Diamond Hotel Philippines, please visit www.diamondhotel.com.

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CLUB SCENE

FESTIVALS MARSHMELLO

Mar. 12; Chaos Nightclub, City of Dreams Manila, Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Paranaque; for VIP reservations or inquiries call (0917) 886-3678 or email: ChaosTableReservations@cod-manila.com.

Something sweet is coming to create madness on Mar. 12! Who wants a taste of great music and a bit of mystery? Coming to Chaos is Marshmello, anonymous DJ-Producer whose songs contain the blending of many genres and are highly uplifting with various sounds that will make you feel as if you’re floating on the clouds.

Wearing a white jumpsuit and a mask resembling a fluffy marshmallow, his rise to fame began when he released his track “WaVeZ” on music streaming site SoundCloud, delivering a catchy trap tune shared by thousands of the website’s listeners. Remixes of Zedd's "Beautiful Now," and Jack Ü's "Where Are Ü Now" soon followed, garnering even more listeners. This year, Marshmello released a compilation of his previously released tracks, “Joytime,” topping the iTunes' electronic albums chart. His melodic and “mello” tunes have captivated audiences as well as industry bigwigs such as Skrillex and Diplo, paving the way for succeeding releases and remixes.

Not much is known about this anonymous artist, but his groovy and synth-laced trap tunes have proved to be more than enough for fans to give their full support for a DJ who advocates to focus more on the music than the artist.

Tickets are priced at PhP1,000 inclusive of one drink.

Max-Vangeli

Mar. 18; Chaos Nightclub, City of Dreams Manila, Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Paranaque; For VIP reservations or inquiries call (0917) 886-3678 or email: ChaosTableReservations@cod-manila. com.

Moldovan electro and tech house producer Max Vangeli is best known for his collaborations with Swedish DJ and producer Antoine Josefsson, forming the duo AN21 & Max Vangeli. He moved to the United States in his teen years and in 2010, he made his international debut, touring the world and spinning remixes for various artists. He also performed at international festivals in the UK, Amsterdam as well as clubs in Frankfurt, Los Angeles and Miami.

Vangeli’s 2010 release, "Swedish Beauty," which he co-produced with AN21 was named an "Essential New Tune" by Pete Tong of BBC Radio 1. Later that year, he worked with industry heavyweights including Steve Angello for a remix of The Pendulum’s “The Island” and trance legend Tiesto for his 2011 album “People of the Night.” He was also named as one of the DJ Mag’s 'Top 5 DJs to watch in 2011'.

The electro and tech house artist continued to release a slew of tracks including “You & Me,” “Last Night Changed It All,” and “Shine,” as well as collaborations alongside English singer Example, EDM household name Calvin Harris, and Australian DJ Dirty South.

Tickets are priced at PhP1,000 inclusive of one drink.

5 Seconds of Summer: Sounds Live Feels Live

Mar. 12; SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City; for more information, call (02) 470-2222.

Manila ring out, the boys from down under are set to bring the Philippine stage on fire as Australian pop rock band, 5 Seconds of Summer brings their Sound Live Feels Live tour in Manila this coming March 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Fans have waited for the time to come see Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Michael Clifford and Ashton Irwin in the flesh and live on stage.

5 Seconds of Summer will be performing their hits that include “Hey Everybody!” “She’s Kinda Hot,” “Jet Black Heart” among many others.

Tickets are priced at PhP12,680 for VIP Experience (Standing and Seated), PhP10,560 or VIP Seated, PhP8,450 for Lower Box A, PhP6,340 for Lower Box B, PhP4,230 for Upper Box, and PhP2,120 for General Admission.

Celebrate Australia 2016: Say G’day at SM Mar. 14 to 20 - SM City Cebu April 13 to 19 - SM City Davao May 12 to 19 - SM City North EDSA As part of the celebration of 70 years of Philippine-Australian diplomatic relations on May 22, 2016, the Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely recently launched “Celebrate Australia 2016: Say G’day at SM” roadshow.

The Australian Embassy festival features the photo exhibition, PhilippinesAustralia: The First 70 Years, detailing the long legacy of friendship between the two countries. The touring exhibition started in SM Aura and will also visit SM City Cebu, SM City Davao and SM City North EDSA on March, April and May respectively.

BAZAAR Through photographs, the exhibition features significant moments in the shared history between Australia and the Philippines: from the involvement of over 4,000 Australian service personnel who fought beside Filipino and allied forces in World War II, to Australian medical mission teams working alongside other Filipino and international humanitarian communities in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

The festival will also feature themed sets showcasing Australian contemporary culture and lifestyle; weekend food sampling of Australian wine, coffee, cheese and other products; as well as on-site discounts from participating Australian fashion brands.

Until May 19, shop and get a chance to win an exciting trip and tours for two to Melbourne, Australia! For every PhP1,000 single receipt purchase transaction from any Australian brand outlet (Holster, Ever New, Rip Curl, Roxy, Billabong, Quicksilver, Cotton On, Lol, Globe (skate brand), Factorie, Toby’s Estate, Silver ware, Scanasia, Typo, Rubi, Wine Depot), get three raffle entries. Participants must show their valid receipt at the exhibition area during the exhibit dates to earn raffle entries.

The Embassy also partnered with popular digital music service Spotify to promote Australian music. The Ambassador’s playlist include some of the best-known Australian songs which will be streamed under the Australian Embassy the Philippines account on Spotify.

Holi Festival Mar. 20 at 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; SM Mall of Asia By the Bay, Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City; For tickets, inquiries, and volunteer opportunities, contact Asia Society Philippines at info@ asiasociety.org.ph or call (02) 477-2222.

Immerse yourself in color, culture and celebration at Holi Festival 2016! Gather on the street and enjoy an entire day (and night) of dancing, eating and throwing of colored powder up in the air—the highlight of the event.

Holi goers in Manila can look forward to a lively show featuring traditional Indian and Bollywood songs and dances and live drummers and DJ from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. They can also enjoy the throwing of colored powder, games and prizes, and authentic Indian cuisine to fill their stomachs with. To remember the day, participants can have mehndi (henna) tattoos made or buy Indian wares from on-site sellers.

Holi is an annual festival that ushers in the arrival of spring, and is considered the happiest and most colorful festival of the Hindus. People imitate the colors of spring by throwing colored powder (gulal) at each other and up in the air, which symbolizes friendship, unity, and a sense of revelry.

Because of its popularity, this festival has been popularized all over the world as a festival of love and colors.

Holi Festival 2016 is co-organized with the Embassy of India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Indian Ladies Club, and SingIndia Music of the Soul. Holi Festival 2016 is sponsored by India Tourism, and supported by Air Asia and New India Assurance.

Tickets are now pre-selling for PhP150 and will be sold for PhP200 on-site. Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets.