Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine: MINDANAO ISSUE

SOX IS NEXT SOCCSKSARGEN MAKES ITS CASE AS YOUR NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION

FARMER POWER PEOPLE AND COMPANIES EMPOWERING MINDANAO FARMERS

DREAM WEAVERS HOW DESIGN MINDS USHER MINDANAO WEAVERS OUT OF POVERTY

MINDANAO BEYOND THE MISTS OF MISCONCEPTION

PHP 199 | USD 5.25 | GBP 3.25 | EUR 3.75

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I serbia I montenegro I kosovo I anxi

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uthentic Tuscan Cuisine right at the heart of the city.

L'Opera Ristorante was established in the fall of 1994 in the dream to create an ambiance where people can easily find fine dining and authentic regional Tuscan cuisine in the heart of Manila.

From fresh homemade pastas, lobster, carpaccios, veal, duck-filled raviolis, to an impressive array of Italian cheeses and salumi, and a staggering collection of wines that would compete with some of the best enotecas in town -- L'Opera doesn't disappoint in serving refined yet classic dishes in warm Italian-style tradition.

Today, L'Opera remains the best fine dining restaurant that serves classic Italian-style dishes in a traditional facade. Serving old patrons and new guests, in this restaurant, our staff is our family and our clients could be nothing else than our closest friends.

Luciano Paolo Nesi Chef & Sommelier

L’Opera RISTORANTE Since 1994

www.loperagroup.com | facebook.com/loperamanila Fort Strip. 26th Street Cor 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. Call (02) 889 3963

Get to know the country you’re in from the people who know it best Get the heads up on where to be and places to see, where to eat, and everything else about the distinct Philippine beat All these and more, right at your fingertips

Mindanao Issue

WHAT’S INSIDE Local Shores

40 / SOX is Next

46 / Meandering Mindanao

58 / Beyond the Surf Break

We visit the Soccsksargen region and experience firsthand how they are positioning themselves to be Philippine tourism’s next big thing

A loose itinerary takes a wanderer to a Mindanao sojourn – collecting realizations and encounters as she visits Asik-asik Falls, Lake Seloton, and the Grand Mosque

The surfing haven that is Siargao has holiday treats to go well beyond its swells – read up on how to enjoy this tropical paradise off board

62 / The Trafalgar Difference

66 / Swiftly Shift the Sands

74 / Balkan Odyssey

Experience Portugal “from the inside” with Trafalgar’s guided holidays

Read up on the continually evolving Emirate City of Dubai, and how its rich history coexists with its futuristic ambitions

Diverse architecture, coastal panoramas and world heritage sites are just some of the elements that make up the allure of the Balkan nations of Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo

Global View

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WHAT’S INSIDE Mindanao Features

79 / Mindanao Movers

80 / Chocolate Terroir

84 / Breaking New Grounds

Read up on the companies, groups and individuals making a difference in Mindanao’s marginalized communities

Mindanao’s global grade chocolate products show the sweet future in store for the local cacao industry

A former American military man finds a new cause worth fighting for – restoring Mindanao’s farming culture and rebuilding its tainted image

86 / Farmer Power

92 / Mindanao Tapestry

94 / Ethnical Sustainability

How two companies are spearheading a cultivation of healthier food alternatives, and a better quality of life for its farmers

Mindanao indigenous fabrics’ transmogrification into neo-ethnic haute couture

Chic designer handbags help usher Mindanao weavers out of poverty

WHAT’S INSIDE Grub Hub

On the Cover SOX IS NEXT SOCCSKSARGEN MAKES ITS CASE AS YOUR NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION

FARMER POWER PEOPLE AND COMPANIES EMPOWERING MINDANAO FARMERS

DREAM WEAVERS HOW DESIGN MINDS USHER MINDANAO WEAVERS OUT OF POVERTY

MINDANAO BEYOND THE MISTS OF MISCONCEPTION

98 / Heritage Cuisine Enter the realm of Cucina Higala – a gastronomic window to Northern Mindanao heritage cuisine

102 / Work-Play Cohabitation Check out two workspace/watering hole spots in Makati that promote business unusual

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Pit Stop

108 / Rising Spirit Life connoisseur Paolo Nesi gives the low down on a popular spirit’s renaissance from Gin Lane to gin craze

114 / Smoker’s Heaven Take a pit stop at The Smokeyard in Poblacion for a taste of the one of the city’s best smoked meats

I serbia I montenegro I kosovo I anxi

Cradle of Dreams The peace that envelops Lake Sebu is a pervading symbol of hope for what the entire region of Mindanao could and should be

founding Publisher

Murray Hertz (1928-2014) Publisher

Butch C. Bonsol Associate Publishers

Francesca L. Ortigas Vernon Prieto Editor-in-chief

Timothy Jay Araneta Ibay Editor AT LARGE

C. Jude Defensor Staff Writers

Richard Ramos Via Baroma Writers-AT-LARGE

Angie Duarte Ching Dee

Art, Layout and Design

Macjanry Imperio

SUPPLEMENTARY LAYOUT & special projects

Nikki Joy Habana

Contributing Writers

Celine Reyes Bernard L. Supetran Tet Defensor Velasco Jv Ramos Roger Pe Paolo Nesi Contributing Photographers

Andie Duarte Syyap Denmark Bulan Dennis Murillo Christine Villarama Locsin Nigel Ian Laxamana ADVERTISING sales officer

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Mindanao

Beyond the Mists of Misconception While not everyone may agree with President Rodrigo Duterte’s opinions, hyperboles, and ways, he is spot on in urging more of the national spotlight to be pointed in Mindanao’s direction. The second largest island in the archipelago is a bountiful land, rich in culture, and teeming with gorgeous destinations ripe for tourism.

But for many, there is a lingering apprehension (well before the Marawi incident) when it comes to the prospect of exploring Mindanao. Perhaps, it is because most of what outsiders know about the region comes mainly from the mainstream media. But perhaps more so, despite this age of readily available information, there remains a basic fear of the unknown.

For this issue, we took the cue from the President and tried our hand at going beyond the southern Philippine island’s mists of misconception.

And while we highlighted some of Mindanao’s touristic gems in the Soccsksargen region, Surigao del Norte, and Siargao, we also put the spotlight on the companies, groups and individuals

that are doing commendable work in empowering marginalized Mindanaoans, while cultivating a culture of sustainable livelihood.

There is the amalgamation of indigenous fabrics with design minds that resulted in designer handbag company Vesti, and Renee Salud’s Mindanao Tapestry – a showcase of neo-ethnic haute couture that took center stage at the recent Miss Universe pageant.

Three brands elevate Mindanao’s Chocolate Terroir by promoting sustainable cultivation of cacao and empowering farmers, while producing global grade chocolate products that prove there is a bright future in store for the local cacao industry.

American ex-military Patrick Taylor finds a cause worth fighting for in restoring Mindanao’s farming culture and doing his part to rebuild the region’s tainted image.

And two companies plant the seeds for Organic, All-Natural Empowerment through advocating bio dynamic farming, and producing socially responsible products.

What we found while working on this issue is that even Filipinos’ perception of Mindanao has been skewed by mainstream media. Because while the issues about conflict and security concerns are real— they affect but a small portion of the vast, and blessed lands of Mindanao.

We also discovered the many valiant efforts of people working to share the natural and cultural blessings of the region to the rest of the country and the world – people like Nelly Nita Dillera, the Department of Tourism Region 12’s Regional Director, whose efforts to promote SOX (Soccsksargen) as tourism’s next big thing are slowly turning eyes and minds toward Mindanao.

Our own efforts have only allowed us to offer a taste of what the region has in store. It is our hope that despite highlighting just the tip of the region’s vast possibilities, more people would be more inclined to experience Mindanao firsthand, beyond the mists of misconception.

- The Expat Team

ADVERTORIAL

Seda Hotels in Mindanao offer unmatched lifestyle options and conveniences to discerning travelers Seda by Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts has changed the industry landscape and is setting new benchmarks in destinations where it is present, including Mindanao.

Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City and Seda Abreeza in Davao City – their seamless fusion of comfort and style, strategic location, incomparable customer service and exceptional value have made them favorites among discerning travelers, as well as local residents who appreciate the range of conveniences they offer.

From the moment a guest arrives, he is transported to a world of technological conveniences. These include paperless check-in, complimentary WiFi and a bank of iMacs at the lobby which he can use to check and write emails, surf, even play games.

The lobby and e-lounge are adjacent to Misto, Seda’s signature all-day dining restaurant where dishes are prepared like the original recipes to maintain their authenticity. It ranks high up in popularity not only because of its delicious combination of international classics and local favorites, but also its innovations that have included foreign guest chefs, exquisite specialty cuisine, and global dining trends. Seda Abreeza, in fact, added another feather to its cap when its Misto restaurant was included in Philippine Tatler’s prestigious “Best Restaurants Guide,” which recognizes the finest in the restaurant and bar scene.

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From the moment a guest arrives, he is transported to a world of technological conveniences

(1) Extra-comfortable custom-made beds consistently receive rave reviews from guests

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(2) A dip in the pool offers the perfect summer indulgence at Seda Centrio

In guestrooms, custom-made beds provide the utmost comfort and a good night’s rest.

Amenities include a wide-screen LED HDTV with cable channels, media panel, mini-bar, electronic in-room safe, and coffee/tea making facility.

Guests can also opt for Club Rooms or the more spacious Premier Rooms for greater exclusivity. Both offer access to the Club lounge where complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktails are served, as well as non-alcoholic beverages all-day.

Completing Seda’s facilities and services are banquet and meeting rooms, a swimming pool, gym, in-room dining, in-room massage, airport and city transfers, and laundry and drycleaning.

Although replete with modern accoutrements, customer service is as traditional as Seda’s philosophy of being the “home of Filipino hospitality.” Seda was the first hotel brand in Asia that received the Guest Service Property certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute – an affirmation that its front-liners meet the highest international standards of service and are committed to continuously provide excellent service to its guests.

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The first hotel brand in Asia certified in international standards of service (3) T’nalak accents highlight Filipino craftsmanship at Seda Abreeza’s lobby (4) Misto in Seda Abreeza is listed in Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide (5) The Club Lounge offers a range of exclusive amenities and privileges (6) Seda’s hotel in Davao has been host to major international and local events

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Seda Centrio The hotel is approximately an hour away from the international airport and a few minutes’ drive to exciting tourist activities, including white water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro river, and trekking through the waterfalls and forests of Mapawa Nature Park. Seda Centrio is the only hotel in Cagayan de Oro that shares a roof with hundreds of stores and restaurants in Centrio Mall, the most upscale, and considered the best complex for dining by local residents.

C.M. Recto corner Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines T: (6388) 3238888 cdo@sedahotels.com

Seda Abreeza The hotel is an easy 20-minute drive from the international airport. Its location enables convenient access to various tourist attractions such as the Philippine Eagle breeding camp, white water rafting, and one of the country’s longest zip lines. It is also just an hour to the port from where boats depart for Samal Island’s white sand beaches and diving spots, and a few hours away to the Philippines’ highest peak, Mt. Apo. J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada Davao City 8000, Philippines T: (6382) 2443000 dvo@sedahotels.com For more information or to book online, please visit www.sedahotels.com.

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ADVERTORIAL

Marriott Hotel opens its West Wing Manila’s newest center of luxury Words and photos by Ching Dee Additional photos courtesy of Marriot Hotel Manila

If Marriott Manila is that lusciously moist cake everyone’s been craving for, the newest addition to this Pasay City gem — The West Wing — is “the icing on the cake,” according to Marriott Manila and Courtyard Iloilo General Manager Bruce Winton.

Marriott’s West Wing, seamlessly connected to the main hotel through the Sky Bridge, is the answer to the growing demand for world-class accommodations and stellar service brought about by another recent addition to the property: The Marriott Grand Ballroom, the biggest pillar-less ballroom in the country.

“There is significant demand for rooms because of the strong business travel in Manila and the variety of events booked at the Marriott Grand Ballroom… We are confident that the West Wing will help address the capacity requirements of bigger international and local events,” shares Winton.

Urban sanctuary As elegant as Marriott Manila already is, the West Wing is considered as the “upscale wing” of the hotel. It has 228 well-appointed guest rooms and suites: 101 Premium Rooms, 97 Executive Rooms, 28 Deluxe Suites, the Marriott Suite, and the Chairman’s Suite; an exclusive yet delightfully spacious Executive Lounge for privileged guests; a 25-meter infinity pool at the top floor overlooking the metro; and two Marriott signature food and beverage outlets: the elegantly up-to-date Still Tea & Whiskey Bar, and Man Ho, one of Manila’s best Chinese restaurants — thanks to Chef Law Wing Wui’s authentic Cantonese cuisine. Chef Law, a Hong Kong native, has 35 years of experience under his belt and has opened several restaurants under the Marriott brand.

“We are very excited to unveil this urban sanctuary in its fullness this quarter,” says Winton. “There’s always something for everyone here. True to the Marriott brand, everything was built thoughtfully and in a highly inventive way.”

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There’s always something for everyone here. True to the Marriott brand, everything was built thoughtfully and in a highly inventive way

Every stay at Marriott’s West Wing is an unforgettable experience—starting from the efficient check-in procedure, to the lavish guest rooms and premier suites, to the first-class service extended with a smile.

(Top) Marriott Hotel Manila and Courtyard Iloilo General Manager Bruce Winton (Left) The exclusive Executive Lounge for privileged Marriott West Wing guests

(Clockwise) A room with a view and a plush kingsized bed for two; Marriott Manila supports the campaign for sustainable seafood in the Philippines; Gourmet treats from the Marriott Café, Marriott Manila’s premier buffet hall; Dining section at the Executive Lounge; One of the suites at the Marriott West Wing

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Whatever your goal is when you stay with us, we will find a creative way to make it happen Perfect 24 Winton, a golf aficionado and foodie, has suggested the perfect way to spend 24 hours in the Marriott West Wing:

He continues, “The next day, enjoy our stateof-the-art gym, grab some breakfast, then a few relaxing hours at our spa before checking out.”

“For the perfect 24 hours in the West Wing, I suggest guests to try and call for an early check-in — we always accommodate early check-ins when possible. Then, I highly recommend the special dim sum lunch at Man Ho,” Winton started. “After lunch, enjoy some tee time at the Villamor Golf Club next door…

[After that, go back to the hotel for] a leisurely shower, maybe some cocktails by the pool deck [overlooking the] city, before heading out for a brilliant steak dinner at Cru Steakhouse.”

Aside from the addition of the West Wing, the hotel also renovated Cru Steakhouse and the main lobby to give it a “more mature yet fresh” look. By mid-2017, the rest of the main hotel is scheduled for refurbishing. “[It’s a] more urban look but still graceful,” Winton shared. “Just like everything in this hotel, it is built with a purpose.”

With one renovation after another, Winton admits that dealing with the intricacies of constructing complex facilities and keeping

them on schedule are the most challenging parts of his job right now. But he still finds fulfillment in being able to put Marriott Manila in the map as one of the most sought-after properties in the metro.

“Whatever your goal is when you stay with us, we will find a creative way to make it happen,” the 27-year veteran hotelier said.

“We always have creative ideas for our guests.”

Marriott Manila is located at 2 Resorts Drive, Pasay City. For reservations and inquiries, call (02) 988-9999. For more information, visit www.manilamarriott.com. Follow them on Facebook @marriotthotelmanila and Instagram @manilamarriott.

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SPECIAL FEATURES

MovEd: Today’s Agents of Change, for the Generations of Tomorrow This non-profit organization is moving and shaking things up, for a better future for children Words by Angie Duarte Photos courtesy of MovED

How many times have we all heard the adage, “the children are our future?”

Suffice it to say that if we had a peso (or whichever other currency you prefer to imagine) for each and every time someone made that grand, idealistic declaration within earshot, we would have quite a substantial amount of money – at the very least, enough to buy a nice meal.

I know I have heard it, ad nauseam, in fact, especially when I was still a learner at school. Oh, how teachers loved to use that line, in attempts at motivating their sometimes disinterested students. Don’t get me wrong – I do know the saying is worthwhile; I also do know, however, that it is conditional.

Yes, that is the rather harsh but true reality – the children are our future, if someone takes the time to invest into theirs. AS SUCH, someone should take the time to safeguard this reality.

In a country like the Philippines, this is not always the standard, sadly. Have you walked the city streets, lately? Ever? Then you will know that kids are everywhere 18 | expat

they shouldn’t be—out and about, mostly working (selling flower leis, candy, whatnot), or being idle when they should be at school – preparing to BE the future. Blame it on economic disparity, or failure, on the part of government, or whatever other “life in a developing (being the politically correct

term) nation” excuse you can think of.

Thankfully, there are some who have chosen to go beyond playing the blame game to do what they can do towards helping to make a difference. MovEd is one such organization.

The MovEd program commits to providing quality pre-school education and facilitating supplementary early childhood development care in the underserved communities in the Philippines

SPECIAL FEATURES

A big vision Molding Optimism and Values through Education, otherwise known as MovEd, is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 2012 by children’s advocate, 25-yearold Alex Madrigal Eduque.

MoveEd’s vision is singular and unwavering, but is by no means simple or easy: to provide holistic early childhood care, education and development programs to children, aged three to five, via formal and informal education – inclusive of health, livelihood skills training for parents and family care programs.

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We want parents to be our fellow advocates for keeping their children in school and providing them with the right environment to learn

It’s a big vision, and an even bigger mission; but Eduque is committed to making it come to pass. It is, part of her own passion, after all – MoveEd was conceived from her undergraduate thesis at Columbia University, and is an extension of her heart for service and love for children.

The group’s first pre-school classroom in the Habitat for Humanity community in Barangay Tanza, Navotas City was built in partnership with Mitsui OSK Lines/ Magsaysay Shipping. Century Pacific Group, on the other hand, supports the nutrition initiatives of the organization, as well as provides for the daily feeding program of the MovEd students.

Running with the vision Fortunately, Eduque is not in on it alone. The organization and its worthwhile efforts are backed by illustrious names, such as Jesse Ho Maxwell (MovEd’s president), Cristalle Belo Henares, Marielle Santos-Po, and its Board of Trustees, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Susana Madrigal, Emil Yap III, Felicia Atienza, Karen Davila, Simon Romulo Tantoco and Isabel Martel Francisco.

Other businesses and brands have come behind MovEd’s noble cause, as well, and have figured in various fundraising activities for the benefit of the children.

Collaborations like “Stationery for a Cause” with Printsonalities, MiaArcenas x Philux Trunk Show, “Zumbathon” with Prince & Madel Paltou, “Ride for a Cause” with Ride Revolution have generated resources for MovEd’s core programs.

It takes a village While it said that the children are our future, it is also said that it takes a village to raise them. MovEd buys into this philosophy, and strives to form solid partnerships with parents for values training, livelihood seminars, environmental and recycling programs.

This creates a sturdy foundation upon which a child’s upbringing can be built, as well as establishes a holistic approach to education.

“We want parents to be our fellow advocates for keeping their children in school and providing them with the right environment to learn,” MovEd says.

Anyone can help Ready to do your share in helping secure the future of our children? Then partner with MoveEd. Anyone can – and SHOULD – help, however way they can. After all, in the spirit of shared humanity, the time, talent, and treasure you put into a child’s future is an investment made into your own future, as well.

Want to get involved? Contact MovEd’s Executive Director Bukay Urra Lagman at moved.org.ph@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.moved.org.ph

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SPECIAL FEATURES

Edukasyon.ph

Helping usher change to the Philippines, one student at a time Words by Ching Dee Photos courtesy of Henry Motte-Muñoz and Edukasyon.ph

In a developing country like the Philippines where more than 20 percent of the population live below the poverty line, getting a proper education often takes a backseat in the list of priorities. Families are more concerned about putting food on the table than sending their kids to school.

For those who can somehow afford to send their children to school, most of them don’t make it past high school, and only a handful get college level education.

With limited and unequal opportunities for students in certain areas, one man found his calling.

In 2014, Filipino-French Henry MotteMuñoz founded Edukasyon.ph – a social enterprise in the education technology sector that connects students to education opportunities through an online platform and promotes career awareness among the Filipino youth.

TO A BETTER FUTURE

By providing the largest and most comprehensive senior high school (SHS) and higher education database in the country, Edukasyon.ph aims to bring Filipino students closer to education opportunities and scholarships that can help them achieve their dream career

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“Edukasyon.ph is a website where students can discover, choose, and apply: Discover their education options, choose the right course or school for them, and apply online directly from the platform,” Motte-Muñoz tells Expat.

“The inequality of opportunities is very apparent in the Philippines,” he explains. “As we equip students with the right information for their education to career choices, we empower them to take control of their future and seize opportunities.”

In a nutshell, Edukasyon.ph aims to better the Philippines one student at a time by making “education reachable to every Filipino child regardless of their social status.”

“By helping them discover their choices and apply to schools online, they make informed decisions that lead to a successful career,” Motte-Muñoz, a civic leader, says.

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The inequality of opportunities is very apparent in the Philippines. As we equip students with the right information for their education to career choices, we empower them to take control of their future and seize opportunities

SPECIAL FEATURES

MAKING HISTORY, LEAVING AN IMPACT

Edukasyon.ph is the first and only social enterprise in the country to empower students by being the go-to online portal where students can discover the right track or course for them, choose the right career, and apply online to their dream school

With a goal so noble and monumental, there is still a mountain of work to be done. But with more students getting quality education and rising up to the challenge, it is safe to say that Edukasyon.ph is more than just a website. It is a movement.

For more information, visit www. edukasyon.ph. If you wish to volunteer or donate scholarships to Edukasyon.ph, contact them at support@edukasyon.ph.

Today, Edukasyon.ph has more than 150,000 online users and has engaged roughly 50,000 students in their various “offline activities in different schools nationwide.” What was once a humble project is now the “largest and most comprehensive senior high school (SHS) and higher education database in the country with over 13,000 schools, 80,000 courses, and 4,000 scholarships.

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Soon, we will also be adding a feature that would allow them to apply for scholarships online, and we’ll be joined by professional guidance counselors to help give solid advice to students who need help figuring out what they want to do with their careers

With their platform now offering free online applications to more than 150 schools nationwide, they receive hundreds of questions and requests for advice from students all over the country every week.

Aside from online resources, Edukasyon.ph also engages the community through their advocacy-driven projects like College and Career Awareness and Readiness Education Seminars (CARES) program, Career Clinics where students can ask for guidance about their career path, as well as scholarships through foundations and individuals.

As Motte-Muñoz and his team of dedicated individuals continue to change lives with a few simple clicks on their devices, Edukasyon.ph continues to add more services to help more students make an informed decision about their future.

“Soon, we will also be adding a feature that would allow them to apply for scholarships online, and we’ll be joined by professional guidance counselors to help give solid advice to students who need help figuring out what they want to do with their careers.”

FROM 6 TO 24 Founded in 2014, Edukasyon.ph started with 5 project coordinators who worked with Henry. To date, the

company has 23 full-time team members who are committed to building a better Philippines one student at a time.

expat | 21

CONTRIBUTORS

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For this issue, Christine photographed trendy co-work resto-bar, 59C.

3 Andie Duarte Syyap Teen shutterbug Andie’s passion for photography began at the early age of five years old, when – armed with her dad’s DSLR, a keen eye, and a whole lot of zeal – the spirited tot would snap pictures of whatever caught her fancy. She continues to hone her talent, and particularly enjoys shooting black and white photos from “unlikely perspectives.” Andie views photography as an extension of her creative soul, and she pours her spirit into her work.

2 Nigel Ian Laxamana Nigel describes himself as a caffeine subordinate living thing who also happens to be a full-time advertising photographer.

His work has been featured in international magazines and major advertising materials for some of the biggest brands. Also a TV host and a previous magazine editor, Nigel currently sits as the managing director for Nigelax Advertising Creatives, an advertising production house that specializes in photography and content creation.

For this issue, Andie fulfilled her foodie fancies – and took some awesome photos while she was at it, at Poblacion’s newest hangout, Wokby.

For this issue, Nigel contributed a few of his photos for the Dubai Global View article.

For this issue, Celine wrote about her travels to Asik-asik Falls, Lake Seloton, and the Grand Mosque. To read more of Celine’s brilliant word weaving, visit her blog at www.celineism.com

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4 Celine Reyes Celine loves grilled liempo, Florence Welch, and her fiancé Dennis. She’s obsessed with trees, and dreams of planting her own forest.

When not looking for stories or writing them, she’s probably in a classroom explaining Engel’s Law to a bunch of college students.

5 Dennis Murillo Dennis is a self-taught photographer who is currently into landscape photography.

He’d rather stay on mountains with billions of stars than in 5-star hotels. Aside from photography, his only other interest is his fiancée Celine.

Dennis’ shots can be seen in the “Meandering Mindanao” story 6 Denmark Bulan Denmark, who hails from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, SOCCSKSARGEN, is a self-motivated graphic designer, photographer, videographer, and video editor. He owns the Embrio Multimedia Productions – a multimedia production company in Mindanao that aims to provide its partners quality and affordable multimedia solutions. A promoter of his region, he serves as a director and producer for SOXTV – an online channel that showcases the best of SOCCSKSARGEN. Denmark took photos used in the “SOX is Next” feature.

Photos courtesy of the Department of Tourism Region 12 Office

1 Christine Villarama Locsin Christine is a graphic designer and photographer who established her own line of personalized stationeries, Shimmer Prints. She says that she simply could not imagine a life without creativity, so she started learning photography and worked with other professional photographers – and eventually, she became one.

WHATS ON

Dive into the metro’s scene zone with our listing of the hippest events, shows, and the hottest concerts

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WHAT’S ON

Music junE Bazooka Rocks: A Pop 24

Punk Weekend

June. 24 and 25; SM Skydome, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City; tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide; for more information, visit www.smtickets.com or contact (02) 4702222

Get ready to be serenaded by local acts Sud, and Silent Sanctuary, and dance to the beats of the hottest DJs in the metro, such as Tom Taus, Patty Tiu of Deuce Manila, Marc Marasigan, Katsy Lee, Cathy Frey, and DJ Kikoman with MC Ronthug Madela, MC Kraine and DZ SVG. Tickets are priced at PhP400

Two awesome pop punk groups are set to kick in back-to-back nights of punk madness this June. The Maine headlines the first night as they bring their Lovely Little Lonely World Tour to Manila.

The second night features New Yorkers State Champs’ first ever show in the country, along with Australian bands Cambridge, and With Confidence, who are set to rally the unyielding pop punk community at the Skydome. junE 15

Britney Live in Manila

June 15; Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City; for more information, visit www. philippineconcerts.com or call (02) 4702222.

Tickets are priced at PhP6,500 for a twoday pass (with free PULP Magazine, a VIP laminate and meet & greet pass with the bands); PhP3,800 for VIP one-day pass (with free PULP Magazine and meet & greet pass); PhP2,800 for regular one-day pass. july

The pop princess of the 2000s is headed to Manila for the very first time, as multiplatinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Britney Spears finally treats her Philippine fans as part of her upcoming world tour.

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July 21; Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City; for more information, call (02) 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Britney Spears first made waves in the late 90s with hits “Baby One More Time,” and “Oops!... I Did It Again.” In 2016, the “Sometimes” singer released her ninth studio album, Glory, and performed at the MTV Video Music Awards for the first time since 2007.

Relatively new to the music scene, Londonbased alternative pop duo Oh Wonder has catapulted to international fame in just a few short years.

As their singles began to trickle into the music scene, band members, Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht blew up with tracks like “Livewire”, “Crazy in Love” and “Body Gold” among others.

Tickets are priced at PhP28,350 for SVIP; PhP23,100 for VIP; PhP15,750 for Patron; PhP12,600 for Lower A; PhP10,500 for Lower B; PhP5,775 for Upper Box; and PhP2,625 for General Admission.

Tickets are priced at PhP3,800 for VIP and PhP2,800 for Gold.

junE 24

Hydro Pampanga Lakeshore

June 24; Lakeshore, Mexico, Pampanga; for more information, visit smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222 Get away from the busy streets of Manila and get ready to party as Hydro Manila Music Festival makes it rain at Lakeshore Pampanga this June.

Glamping, tent escapades, flag football, inflatables – they have it all for this exciting and fun-filled one-day music and outdoor festival.

24 | expat

Oh Wonder Live in Manila

WHAT’S ON

AUG 14

AUG Young Renegades:

Liam Gallagher of Oasis

22

All Time Low

Aug. 14; Mall of Asia Arena; for more information, visit

Aug. 22; Mall of Asia Arena; for more information, visit www.smtickets.com

Brit rock icon Liam Gallagher, and the sneering voice of Oasis is set to bring a wave of nostalgia when he performs in the country for the first time this August.

Building on the memory of their spectacular 2015 sold out show, American rock band All Time Low is set to come back and set fans’ hearts on fire, as Pulp Live World brings All Time Low: The Young Renegades Tour this August.

Along with his brother Noel, Liam fronted Oasis out of Manchester to become the sound for a generation. Their third album, “Be Here Now,” set the record as the fastestselling album in UK Chart history, while “What’s The Story Morning Glory” was the third-best-selling album in British history.

Catch the charismatic vocal stylings of Liam as he performs some of their most popular hits like “Live Forever,” “Don’t Go Away,” “Champagne Supernova,” “Wonderwall,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” in a night tailored for 90s kids.

Tickets are priced at PhP8,700 for VIP; PhP7,700 for Patron; PhP5,700 for Lower Box A; PhP4,700 for Lower Box B; PhP3,700 for Upper Box; and PhP1,700 for General Admission.

Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson, and Zack Merrick have established themselves as proper pop punk heroes, having delivered a string of anthems spanning their six studio albums.

AUG Dangerous Woman Tour: 21

Ariana Grande

Aug. 21; Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City; for more information, call (02) 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.com American pop superstar Ariana Grande sets to bring her Dangerous Woman Tour to Manila this August.

Through the years, the four-piece band from Baltimore, Maryland has evolved from yesterday’s pop punk up and comers to today’s trailblazers—from yesterday’s unsuspecting rookies, to today’s unrelenting renegades.

Tickets are priced at PhP6,000 for VIP Standing A and B with raffle entry for meet and greet; PhP5,500 for VIP Standing C; PHP4,500 for Patron; PhP3,500 for Lower Box A; PhP2,500 for Lower Box B

Fans will be treated to a fun night of Grande’s array of hits from the 2016 charttopping album, Dangerous Woman.

From dance floor fillers to uber cool collaborations with the likes of Mac Miller, Nicki Minaj and Future, expect no shortage of hit singles as Grande performs songs such as “Side to Side,” “Dangerous Woman,” and “Into You,” just to name a few.

AUG 15

Phoenix On Tour

Aug. 15; Smart Araneta Coliseum; for more information, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph French indie pop rock group, Phoenix, makes their return to these islands when they hit the Big Dome this August as part of their 2017 world tour.

Catch Phoenix make their Manila comeback following their sold out 2014 show at the World Trade Center, and bop your heads as you sing along to hits like “Lisztomania,” “Rome,” “1901,” “Entertainment,” and a lot more.

Tickets are priced at PhP19,070 for SVIP; PhP15,890 for VIP A; PhP11,610 for VIP B; PhP8,430 for Lower Box; PhP4,190 for Upper Box; and PhP1,650 for General Admission.

oct Mayday Parade: A Lesson In 7

Romantics 10th Anniversary

Oct. 7; KIA Theater, Cubao, Quezon City; for more information, call (02) 911-5555.

For PULP Royalty privileges, email royalty@ pulpliveworld.com or call (02) 727-4957 Mayday Parade is coming back to Manila for their 10th Anniversary, and to celebrate a decade of their music, Mayday Parade will be playing their greatest hits from their debut album A Lesson in Romantics.

Vocalist Thomas Mars, bassist Deck D’Arcy, and guitarists Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz make up the Grammy award-winning pop rock outfit from Versailles.

The American pop punk band from Tallahassee, will be serenading their fans with their hit singles “Miserable at Best,” “Jamie All Over,” “Jersey” and “You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Heart in the Clouds.”

Tickets are priced at PhP5,450 for VIP Standing; PhP4,905 for VIP Seated; PhP4,360 for Patron; PhP3,815 for Lower Box.

Tickets are priced at PhP6,360 for Royalty Pit (with Meet and Greet); PhP3,000 for VIP 1 Standing; PhP2,200 for VIP 2 Standing; and PhP1,200 for Balcony. expat | 25

WHAT’S ON

Live Performances This season, we continue to bet on the growth of the Filipino classical music audience, and continue to bring #musiceverywhere for Filipinos of all walks of life.

junE 2

Paw Patrol Live

June 2 to 4; Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City; for more information, visit www.rwmanila. com or www.ticketworld.com.ph Hit Nickelodeon animated series brings the adorable and energetic pups from screen to the stage of Resorts World Manila with Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue.

Get ready for an action-packed, highenergy, musical adventure with Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, and Everest. Join them as they try to find Mayor Goodway during the day of the great race. Interact, be part of the rescue mission, and the Paw Patrol Cheer Team.

Tickets are priced at PhP4,200 for SVIP; PhP3,800 for VIP; PhP3,000 for Gold; and PhP2,400 for Silver.

This year’s journey is one of Leadership & Creativity, attracting guest performers from Europe, the US, and Asia. This Gala Season is distinguished with local excellence, as it debut one original composition in the prelude of each Season Concert. All this to be capped by a stunning Season Finale, Carmina Burana on January 23, 2018 in the CCP for our 92nd anniversary, complemented with a 100-member chorale.

The future of Filipino classical music resounds across the archipelago and beyond, as we propel our two popular series for 2017—the Rush Hour Concerts at the Ayala Museum, and our Gala Season in the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati, the Henry Lee Irwin Theater in Ateneo de Manila University in QC, the Bonifacio Arts Center in BGC, and the CCP. Tickets for Season Concert #1 at Henry Lee Irwin Theater is priced at PhP1,200 for Platinum; PhP900 for Gold A; PhP850 for Gold B; PhP800 for Gold C; PhP750 for Silver A; PhP700 for Silver B; PhP650 for Silver C; PhP400 for Bronze A; and PhP350 for Bronze B.

junE In the Middle by The 6

Swaggers

June 6; Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; for more information, email elodie.turpin@ccifrance-philippines. com or call (02) 831-6374 to 77 loc. 109 Come and join 2017’s first fundraising event of France-Philippines United Action Foundation (FPUA). Following the success of the Circus Show last year, FPUA Foundation is once again partnering with Alliance Française de Manille for an exciting one-night unique performance of French dance group The Swaggers.

The Swaggers is composed of seven talented female contemporary hip hop dancers. Renowned hip-hop choreographer, Marion Motin, will perform with her crew, promising to bring a unique experience to the Manila hip-hop dance scene.

Part of the ticket sales will go to the France-Philippines United Action Foundation and its rehabilitation projects.

Tickets are priced at PhP1,000 for Orchestra and PhP500 for Balcony.

Season Concert #2 at Irwin Theater is priced at PhP1,200 for Platinum; PhP900 for Gold A; PhP850 for Gold B; PhP800 for Gold C; PhP750 for Silver A; PhP700 for Silver B; PhP650 for Silver C; PhP400 for Bronze A; and PhP350 for Bronze B. Season Concert #3 at Globe Auditorium is priced at PhP1,400 for Platinum; PhP1,200 for Gold; PhP1,100 for Silver; PhP850 for Bronze.

Season Concert #4 at Power Mac Center Spotlight is priced at PhP1,400 for Platinum; PhP1,000 for Gold; PhP900 for Silver; PhP550 for Bronze A; and PhP350 for Bronze B.

junE Manila Symphony Orchestra Concert Season: Leadership & 3 Creativity June. 3 and 4 - Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati and Henry Lee Irwin Theater (Irwin Theater), Ateneo de Manila (respectively) Aug. 5 and 6 - Irwin Theater, and Power Mac Center Spotlight (respectively) Oct. 14 - Globe Auditorium, Bonifacio Arts Center Dec. 9 and 10 - Power Mac Center Spotlight, and Irwin Theater Jan. 23 - CCP Main Theater, Pasay City 26 | expat

Season Concert #5 is priced at PhP1,600 for Platinum; PhP1,200 for Gold A; PhP1,100 for Gold B; PhP1,000 for Gold C; PhP900 for Silver A; PhP800 for Silver B; PhP550 for Bronze A; and PhP500 for Bronze B. For more information, visit www.manilasymphony.com

junE 27

Sister Act

June 27 to July 9; The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino, 1 Aseana Ave., Entertainment City, Paranaque; for more information, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call (02) 891-9999 Don’t miss this blissfully silly, heavenly hit show and much acclaimed Broadway musical comedy Sister Act. Touted as America’s new musical comedy classic, Sister Act brings to the musical theater scene a stage re-creation of the 1992 hit comedy of the same title, this time with an all-original score, script and spectacular production design.

WHAT’S ON

Tickets are priced at PhP6,883 for VIP; PhP5,824 for A Reserve; PhP4,765 for B Reserve; PhP3,706 for C Reserve; and PhP1,588 for D Reserve.

aug 6

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Aug. 6; Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala cor. Gil Puyat Aves., Makati; for more information, call (0918) 909-7320, (0917) 598-9371 or email upstartproductionsinc@gmail.com Having left audiences “weak with laughter” (The Independent UK) everywhere from Australia to Hungary, Serbia to Norway, Japan, Ireland, and all over the US and the UK, Monty Python’s Spamalot is finally coming to the Philippines!

This smash hit musical has received numerous accolades, including The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, and the highly coveted Tony Award for Best Musical.

junE 30

Kinky Boots in Manila

June 30 to July 23; Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala cor. Gil Puyat Aves., Makati; for more information, call (02) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph Tony, Grammy and London Olivier Awardwinning musical Kinky Boots is heading to Manila to bring their unique brand of entertainment.

Starring award-winning singer-actor Rachel Alejandro, theater diva Carla GuevaraLaforteza, and stage veteran Lorenz Martinez, among many others, Monty Python’s Spamalot tells a crazy version of the story of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail.

Tickets are priced at PhP2,000 for Orchestra Center; PhP1,800 for Orchestra Side; PhP1,500 for Loge; and PhP1,000 for Balcony.

Described as “The No.1 Greatest Musical of all Time” by The Times, West Side Story is coming to Manila following wild acclaim and sold-out seasons around the world, from London to Tokyo, and Sydney to Johannesburg.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s tumultuous love story Romeo and Juliet, and set amidst the vicious rivalry of teenage gangs in the 1950s New York, West Side Story’s ground-breaking choreography and unforgettable score changed the face of musical theatre for ever when it burst unto the broadway stage in 1957.

An outstanding international cast will electrify audiences with their passionate high-energy dance routines and their astounding vocal range such classic songs as “Maria,” “Tonight,” “Somewhere,” “America” and “I Feel Pretty.”

West Side Story, based on a conception

by Jerome Robbins, packs a powerful punch, both dramatically and musically.

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

Based on true life events, Kinky Boots is a humorous story about Charlie – a struggling shoe factory owner and Lola – a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, the unlikely pair begins a story with sturdy stilettos different from any the world has ever seen.

Tickets are priced at PhP4,180 for Price Zone 1; PhP3,135 for Price Zone 2; and PhP2,090 for Price Zone 3.

AUG 12

Beauty and The Beast

Aug. 12 and 27, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and 22; Onstage Theatre, 2nd Floor, Greenbelt , Paseo de Roxas St., Makati; for more information, call (02) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

AUG 10

West Side Story

Aug. 10 to 27; The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino, 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Paranaque, for more information, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call (02) 891-9999.

The timeless tale of a love that defies all odds is not to be missed! In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Repertory Philippines, the group goes back to its roots to retell a tale as old as time with their adaptation of Peter Del Valle and John Ahearn’s Beauty and the Beast.

Tickets are priced at PhP679 for Lower and Upper Orchestra - Center; PhP574 for Lower and Upper Orchestra - Left and Right; and PhP470 for Balcony expat | 27

WHAT’S ON

Festival AUG 17

In the Mix 2017

Aug. 17; Mall of Asia Arena; for more information, visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222.

After the great success of MMI Live’s In The Mix last year with headliners such as The 1975, Third Eye Blind, Panic! At The Disco, James Bay, Elle King, and Twin Pines, the festival will return this 2017 with another six hottest international acts in the music scene today.

JUNe 11

Neverland Manila

June. 11; Circuit Makati; for more information, visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222.

Get ready for the most awesome party of the year as we present the newest festival to hit Manila!

Australian rock group, 5 Seconds of Summer will return to the Philippines and will headline the indoor music festival, and this time they will be bringing with them artists like Two Door Cinema Club, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson, Daya and Joe Jonas’s with his new band, DNCE.

Burmese by birth, but Filipino at heart— from designing handcrafted heirloom jewelry to creating unique collections of art, furniture, couture, and objets d’art.

Also on view are 18 portraits of Ong’s muses in their fantasy alter egos captured by model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol.

Jewelry designer Wynn Wynn Ong continues to redefine what it means to be a woman of style. Her career as a jeweler began in 2001, when she designed pieces for herself that she could not find elsewhere. A lack of formal training was not an obstacle to her success as an internationally lauded artist whose works are now sought after by collectors.

Meticulous attention to detail and age-old techniques, such as casting using the lost wax method, ensure the individuality of her jewelry. Ong never repeats designs and limits the number of pieces she produces each year.

Tickets are priced at PhP15,900 for VIP 1 Standing; PhP13,250 for VIP 2 Standing; PhP10,070 for Lower Box A; PhP6,890 for Lower Box B; PhP3,710 for Upper Box; and PhP2,120 for General Admission

This June, gather at Circuit Makati as Neverland Manila presents Young Gunz!

One of Europe and Asia’s hippest EDM festivals is now in the Philippines delivering a new vibe complete with an international production, spectacular designs and awesome lineup.

Exhibits

Neverland Manila presents Young Gunz is an event where we go back to chasing our dreams. Embrace freedom and the diversity of music. Explore, dance, love, and to simply enjoy life to the fullest.

This is an event you should not dare miss. So call your friends, your lovers, your brothers & sisters now and make sure to save the date!

Tickets are priced at PhP2,625 for VIP Standing and PhP2,100 for Regular Gold. june Lindslee: Your Personality is 3

JUNe Wynn Wynn Ong: Redefining 1

Boundaries

Ongoing until June 15; Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Ayala cor. Gil Puyat Aves., Makati; for more information, call (02) 889-1234, (02) 887-5144 or visit www. yuchengcomuseum.org Yuchengco Museum is proud to host the celebration of Wynn Wynn Ong’s 15 years in fashion and design with a retrospective exhibition entitled Wynn Wynn Ong: Redefining Boundaries.

The retrospective will showcase the creative journey of a jewelry designer who is 28 | expat

Your Enemy

Ongoing until July 29; Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring St., Pasay City; for more information, call (02) 831-9990, email hello@galleriaduamila.com or visit www. galleriaduemila.com Extremities and contradiction. Lindslee channels his art-making in various media from the more traditional canvas to the more eccentric taxidermy chicken. He plays on the power of outrageousness and simplicity to define his art. Lindslee’s art aims to give the viewers a fresh perspective may it be from a historical or aesthetical framework with the premise of an intellectual challenge drawn in color and material.

WHAT’S ON

Your Personality is Your Worst Enemy delves on the idea of self-humoring and finding wit in the otherwise mundane day-to-day life.

A recipient of NPO S-AIR Sapporo-Artist in residency winter program, Japan Foundation in Sapporo & Tokyo, Japan in 2014 and two-time finalist at the National Art Contest in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila, Lindsey James Lee has been active in participating in group exhibits since his graduation in University of Santo Tomas in 2000, and his stint at the Art Students League of New York in 2001. He has had several solo exhibits starting from the Public Library in New York back in 2002 and comes back this 2017 with a fresh set of comical works on display at Galleria Duemila.

from a single reference: an earlier painting that may or may not have been lost in a fire.

An imprimatura of warm raw umber coats each canvas, left exposed in large areas to stand in for both the sediment below and the air above, suggestive of a simultaneous abdication and articulation of the act of depiction.

Within the contrast between thick layers of paint and the streaked and mottled wash of imprimatura is the balance between material and environment, memory and record, intention and realization.

In this context of mining and transparency, Pettyjohn has cast tangible shadows of the paintings. Draperies illustrated above materialize below in an installation of canvas-colored sculptures of unglazed clay.

The artist copied blankets at rest to capture the lightness and softness of the source in materials fired to a hard cone 6. Viewing these opposing characteristics together, the dissonance between subject and portrayal brings both into greater focus.

around the region for a curatorial program exchange. This June, Silverlens hosts Edouard Malingue Gallery (Hong Kong/ Shanghai) in Manila, with an exhibition of three of their artists: Fabien Mérelle (French), Jeremy Everett (American), and Laurent Grasso (French). These three important international artists combine aesthetic concern with conceptual enquiry, and work across different disciplines from video and installation, to painting and drawing.

The there artists at the forefront of the Malingue program will be joined in the exhibition by Silverlens artist Patricia Perez Eustaquio.

Mérelle will be showing his highly detailed black ink and watercolor drawings alongside a very special personal sculpture; Everett will be showing paintings alongside his crystallized porn; and Grasso will present three paintings, one with neon.

For her part, Eustaquio will be showing recent drawings and gold leaf pieces from her series Casting Figures.

Expos

june Manila Food and 14

June 14 to 18; World Trade Center, Main Hall and Hall D, Metro Manila; for more information, visit www.worldbex.com

june 7

Beverage Expo

Hanna Pettyjohn: A Mantle Of

June 7 to July 8; Silverlens Galleries, Lapanday Center, Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati; for more information, call (02) 816-0044 or visit www.silverlensgalleries. com

Moved by the love of food, the Manila Food and Beverage Expo highlights the current demands of the food service and hospitality industry, with over 500 booths from 300 companies.

The works on display in A Mantle Of enrich a narrative developed in prior shows.

Blending familiar settings and objects, such as a tide of still life textiles below selfportraits in profile amid landscapes of waterless soil, the story expands through the use of new techniques.

MAFBEX offers more than just a taste of the finest flavors in the land, and of its neighboring countries, it also provides big and small time players of the food and beverage business with its recipe of good trading opportunities from a plethora of buyers and traders present in the show.

The works are composed in a manner of collage, with disparate elements stacked upon each other with spatial indifference.

Fragments – a stitch of fabric or a strand of hair – recur throughout the images. The components of A Mantle Of were all mined

june Fabien Mérelle, Jeremy 7

Everett, Laurent Grasso, Patricia Eustaquio

June 7 to July 8; Silverlens Galleries, Lapanday Center, Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati; for more information, call (02) 816-0044, (0917) 587-4011, or visit www.silverlensgalleries.com In the spirit of collaboration, Silverlens annually invites like-minded galleries

Cooking demonstrations by incomparable chefs, ethnic delicacies and ingredients from all over the world plus flair cup and interschool and professional contests are mixed evenly to spice up every MAFBEX serving. expat | 29

SPECIAL FEATURES

Supremo 4K Your partner in adventure

If you’re one of those people wondering if you need an action camera for your travels, then you might want to check out Supremo 4K – one of the most affordable 4K-capable action cams in the market.

You might fancy yourself to be ballin’, but even then, investing over US$420 for something that might end up just collecting dust in a corner of your flat may not be the best idea. At less than a fourth of the price (it retails for PhP4,380 or around US$87), you get a highly-functional action cam that’s perfect as a starter cam both for you and your kids.

Specs Lens angle – 170 degrees, 7G A+ Fisheye Super Wide Angle Lends Screen – 2.0″ LCD screen (960*240) Video – 4K at 24fps, 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps video quality Photo – 16MP (20MPx interpol ated/14MP/12MP/10MP/8MP/5 MP JPEG Battery – 1000mAh, 3.7V lithium battery Waterproof – maximum at 30 meters Ports – HDMI Mini (Type D) and USB 2.0 ports Memory Card – 4GB to 32GB Micro SD Card (sold separately) Diving Mode – Red light compensation function in diving mode

WHAT’s In the box

The lowdown The Supremo 4K upgrades its aesthetics from its previous version with a clean matte housing, providing the added benefit of a better grip with its patterned sides. It is also important to note that while Supremo 4K provides you with a gamut of accessories out of the box, you will have to get a Micro SD Card of your own before you can use the cam.

In terms of taking stills, you should be able to take good photos when good lighting’s available. While the Supremo 4K is advertised to shoot up to 20 MP, the sensor is only capable of 16 MP effective resolution, which essentially means that the camera interpolates 16 MP images, then upscales them to 20 MP. 30 | expat

SPECIAL FEATURES

For videos, the Supremo 4K shoots 4K videos at 24 fps, and similar to its photo capabilities, there are a number video settings you can choose from to get your desired output, which include 2140p at 60 fps, 1080p at 30fps, and 720p at much higher frame rates.

There are options to enable loop recording and set it to capture three, five or 10-minute clips. Doing this makes it easier for you to splice your footage into shorter clips. There are also features that allow you to capture time-lapse and slow motion videos. Again, for such a low price point, the Supremo 4K has a chock-full of features you can play around with – a total win in itself.

Supremo also has a dedicated app (available for both Android and iOS), which allows you to control the Supremo 4K remotely (as long as you have WiFi connection). We suggest tinkering with the plethora of shooting features through the app, as navigating through the pages of settings may not be the most convenient to do on such a small camera display. Apart from allowing you to select shooting modes and view multimedia files, the Supremo app also provides output editing, downloading, and sharing.

Where to get it 5th Avenue, Abenson, Ambassador Home and Electronic Center, Automatic Centre, AV Surfer, Colours Digital Foto, D’24K Photo Inc., Electronics Boutique, Electroworld, F8 Photo, Globe Telecom Stores, IGIG Center, J&R Appliance Center, Kimstore.com, Lazada.com, M20 Enterprise, Macys Camera Shop, Photoline, PRG Photo Shop, TCad, TechnoPop!, The Landmark Corp and SupremoWorld.com.

Expat took the Supremo 4K for a spin through some of our adventures. Above are some of the shots we took.

For more information, find them on Facebook @SupremoWorld or visit www.supremoworld.com

perfect for

SKYDIVING AND OTHER AIR ACTIVITIES

CAPTURING EVERYDAY ADVENTURES

BIKE / MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

SURFING, AND OTHER WATER ACTIVITIES

expat | 31

SUBSCRIBE NOW! Each issue of Expat Travel & Lifestyle magazine guides and inspires for unforgettable experiences here in the Philippines, from travel to dining, perspectives to culture, and everything exciting in between.

EMERALD HEADWAY DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 5/F SMB Building, 40 San Buenaventura, St., Bagong Ilog, Pasig City Call (02) 790-4800 www.emeraldheadway.com

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Photos courtesy of the Department of Tourism Region 12 Office

PhP1,200 outside Metro Manila

SPECIAL FEATURES

Step into

Pinoy Sole Words by Via Baroma

What if you could help promote the beauty of your country’s culture and destinations whilst nurturing sustainable livelihood for the community?

Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell does just that with their newest flipflop line Isla7107, the designs of which feature some of the most iconic tourist spots in the Philippines – allowing you to, quite literally, step into some of the gems of these 7,107 islands.

34 | expat

SPECIAL FEATURES

Isla7107, founded by Herrell along with Imelda Precion – a footwear industry veteran of 17 years – combines its over 80 vibrant designs, with comfortable durability, proving that Philippine adventures need not be absent style.

Apart from being founded on their passion for tourism promotion, Isla7107 also gives back to the community by collaborating with environmental groups and social entrepreneurs with activities like Slipper Bank—an in-store program where they encourage people to recycle and donate their used rubber slippers in exchange for brand new Isla7107 flip-flops.

“We always feel like giving back, to helping our community, to helping our country one way or another,” said Herrell. “We want everyone to have access to good quality and affordable slippers.

We’re doing this because of passion and we love the Philippines. Our designs are made from designers from all over the country – designers who are not only talented, but extremely passionate about our shared causes.”

For more information about Isla7107, follow them on Facebook @Isla7107.official and on Instagram @isla_7107.

Isla7107 is available at Robinson’s Department Store; Gaisano Main Cebu; Gaisano Capital; Gaisano General Santos; Gaisano Mall Davao; Gaisano City CDO; KCC Stores; One Affordable; Citi Store; Shopper’s Central Zamboanga; Shopwise; KimSan; Lopue’s East Bacolod; Storezone Cotabato; and RML Pagadian City; and Felcris.

expat | 35

SPECIAL FEATURES

for that perfect summer holiday There are few things that craft lasting memories better than a fun holiday trip. As such, you want everything to be perfect – and while that rarely becomes the case, with this list of travel apps, you’ll get all the help you need, right in your pocket.

Words by Via Baroma

SkyScanner There’s a plethora of cheap flights out there, and usually, we tend to feel lost in the sea of offers in hopes of finding the best deal. SkyScanner promises to save both your time and money with easily searched cheap flights, hotels and cars – all in one travel app!

TripVerse Everyone knows how tough it is to depend on your mobile data connection when traveling.

TripVerse makes all your travel plans offline readable, making post-its, printouts and awkward screenshots a thing of the past.

TripIt Wishing for a complete, hassle free way to combine all of your travel confirmations, itineraries, tickets, hotel bookings and car rental reservations?

SkyScanner also has a color-coded calendar so you can easily see when the cheapest date to travel is. Hotel and car rental searches are also synchronized automatically with your flights. Plus, it features great deals for worldwide destinations.

Catching a show? TripVerse reminds you when it’s time, and where it is with its offline-readable maps and notes. It saves you both time and money on data, and allows you to browse through top local spots to find sights, museums, restaurants, as well as suggestions from real travelers who have been there and done that.

TripIt serves as your personal assistant, keeping all your trip details in a central hub. You can sync your travel plans from your Gmail, Google Apps, Outlook or Yahoo! mail with your online or mobile calendar, and share itineraries and travel plans on your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. It also includes maps and driving directions to your next destination.

Available on iOS and Android for free

Available on iOS and Android for free

Available on iOS and Android for free

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SPECIAL FEATURES

HERE WeGo For those times when you don’t have online connection, HERE WeGo has your back with its offline maps that also include vital traveler information like transit tickets, ride sharing prices, departure times and more. The app has recommendations for all the ways to get around, so can see all your options and pick the best one.

HERE WeGo offers transit information on over 1,300 cities around the world, pointing you towards where you need to be either by subway, tram, bus, bike or ferry.

Available on iOS and Android for free

Waze The world’s largest communitybased traffic and navigation app is perfect for those times when Google just doesn’t have the answer.

Work with millions of drivers on the roads to outsmart traffic and get to where you need to be in the fastest, safest way.

Traveling abroad entails having to calculate currencies on the go, which is exactly what XE Currency does best.

An active community of Waze map editors also ensures that they’re the first to reflect changes happening around neighborhoods all over the world, and in the process improving routing for everyone.

Manage your travel budget and have all the world’s currencies at your fingertips!

With the XE Currency app, you can access live exchange rates, view historical charts and calculate prices as you go around town. It also stores your latest updates, so it works even when the internet doesn’t.

Available on iOS and Android for free

Available on iOS and Android for free

PackPoint PackPoint is a smart packing list app that organizes everything you need to pack based on length of travel, weather and any activities you have planned during your trip. All you need to do is select a location, the activities you plan on doing, and the app gives you a list of things you might need for the trip.

You can connect PackPoint to TripIt to auto-create all of your packing lists. What’s more, your list gets its own website, which you can share with other travelers, giving them the heads up on what they need to pack.

PackPoint ensure that you’re all set before you leave, and that the only thing you need to worry about is having a grand time.

Available on iOS and Android for free

XE Currency

Traveloka Ideal for Asian travels, Traveloka has partnered with 70 domestic and international airlines across the region – giving you access to more than 100,000 routes.

A simple click aggregates flight search results from the different Traveloka partner airlines for your selected destination. No hidden charges – this is an added benefit of using the app – no check-in baggage, preferred seating or travel insurance that you didn’t ask for; you pay only for what you need.

Also, Traveloka offers regular discounted prices for both flights and hotel bookings, and allows to pay with both online and offline options. Win! Available on iOS and Android for free

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Photos courtesy of Denmark Bulan

LOCAL SHORES Expat meanders across Mindanao’s natural and cultural gems in the Soccsksargen region, going beyond the mists of misconception along the way; plus, we make you privy to the southern secrets of Surigao del Sur, and the many wonders of Siargao beyond the surf break

Photos courtesy of the Department of Tourism Region 12 Office

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LOCAL SHORES

SOX is Next Tourism’s next big thing is set to welcome travelers to see Mindanao beyond the mists of misconception Words by Timothy Jay Ibay Photos courtesy of Denmark Bulan and Eli Garcia of the South Cotabato ACTS Office used with permission from the Department of Tourism Region 12 Office

The provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the city of General Santos, collectively known as Soccsksargen (SOX), is a region located in south-central Mindanao – one that, despite the age of social media, remains commonly overlooked and tucked under the veil of misconception.

It is also a region that is undoubtedly bountiful – with its rich culture, kind people, and natural blessings commingling into a collection of destinations teeming with great tourism potential.

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With a whole gamut of tourism wonders – from crystal clear lakes and rivers, to scenic mountain trails and waterfalls, to unspoiled beaches and heritage destinations – SOX is ready and raring to welcome travelers from all over the globe to enjoy their distinct blend of nature, culture and adventure.

It may not make much sense to locals, but they understand the misconception about the entire island of Mindanao exists – and they are hedging their bets on the many possibilities their plethora of wonders to reshape outsiders’ perceptions of their incredibly blessed land.

Now, the conflict and security issues are real – but relative to its land area, not going to Mindanao because of them is like not coming out of your Metro Manila condo because of traffic or the chilling news about the ongoing war on drugs.

SOX is Next beckons the region’s tourism sector – banking on the potential of being the next big thing in the local tourism scene. And as Expat recently experienced firsthand, it is an invite you’d be wise to heed.

LOCAL SHORES

Expat tips Following a hike in the forest, take a soothing dip in one of the shallow pools of T’daan Kini, where natural spring water flows around boulders, forming dipping pools that are perfect for lounging around.

The geography and foliage of Lake Sebu serves as a haven for raptors, as well as endemic and common species of birds. Nature enthusiasts could spend an entire day walking in the cool forest trails while observing the different species in their natural habitat.

Lake Sebu – Cradle of Dreams

To get started on your Lake Sebu discovery and adventures, contact Punta Isla Lake Resort at (083) 2361053, (0919) 451-5015, and (0905) 289-5134.

Getting there

Several destinations make up this standing invite to commune with nature – with virgin forests, placid lakes, and rushing rivers providing an ecosystem for both tourists and nature to thrive in.

Perched on the highlands of South Cotabato, the municipality of Lake Sebu has long been primed as an eco-tourism destination – a land, they say, where heritage and nature have harmoniously coexisted for thousands of years.

Lake Sebu is also fondly called a cradle of natural beauty and Filipino identity – which in spite of the changing times, remain untarnished by modern influences – and as we found, by common misconceptions.

As we cruised around Lake Sebu, with T’boli musical stylings serving as an ambient backdrop to the lake’s enveloping serenity, the misconstrued realities of Mindanao became unveiled.

The warmth of its people, the charming, yet unimposing culture, and the verdant lay of the land personified both the beauty and peace often lost on outsiders.

And while tranquility may be Lake Sebu’s inviting first impression, the fact that it is blessed by enviable weather year-round, makes it an ideal destination for both placid and intrepid activities, spanning the full spectrum – from lake cruises and bird watching, to spelunking and paragliding.

From Manila, book a two-hour flight going to General Santos City From the airport, head to Eusebio Bulaong Bus Terminal and take a bus going to Koronadal, South Cotabato (bus fare is around PhP90, while travel time is 45 minutes to one hour) At Denmark terminal (just a few meters from the Koronadal bus terminal), take a van going to Lake Sebu (fare is around PhP80, with a travel time of 30 to 45 minutes) Ask to be dropped off at Surallah. From there, you can take motorbikes to any point of Lake Sebu

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LOCAL SHORES

Lang Dulay Weaving Center (Manlilikha ng Bayan Center)

In a hut situated by the side of a semi-paved road is one of the places where South Cotabato’s ultimate cultural emblem is crafted. T’nalak is the fabric’s name – woven through a tedious process that involves stripping abaca fibers, and “bedtying” them to create a unique art form traditionally believed to have spawned from the very weaver’s dreams. According to the T’boli tribe’s elders, woven into the T’nalak fabric are stories – told through distinct, intricate patterns – that hearken to the tribe’s distant past.

These days, the late, renowned dreamweaver—Lang Dulay’s remaining family members and protégés carry on the tradition of telling the tale of her dreams, and relaying the wisdom and visions of her people through the vibrant geometric patterns.

And apart from being a symbol of the tribe and the province’s heritage, a number of design minds have taken

notice over the years – integrating the T’nalak fabric in a number of fashion pieces that have piqued the global fashion world’s interest, while also taking center stage at this year’s Miss Universe pageant.

SEVEN Falls LUSH RUSH The ecotourism park – which is a jump-off point to Lake Sebu’s seven interconnected waterfalls – has become a can’t-miss spot for Lake Sebu tourists. And while it doesn’t offer the soothing dips synonymous with waterfall trips, it compensates for the lack of aqueous transmissions by having one of the highest ziplines in Southeast Asia.

The two-part zipline (one 740 meters, and another 420) gives you a unique vantage point 180

meters above ground, and offers a stunning view of the seven falls canopy and the surrounding forests. The thrilling ride may be over before you know it (about a minute combined for both ziplines), but taking flight over Lake Sebu’s distinct lay of the land remains an item that has to be ticked off the proverbial bucket list.

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Expat tips Seven Falls is located at Brangay Lake Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Entrance fee to the eco-park is PhP20 for adults (PhP15 for senior citizens), PhP10 for students, and PhP5 for children 12 years old and below.

Taking flight via their zipline costs PhP250 on weekdays and PhP300 on weekdays.

LOCAL SHORES

Expat BITs Lang Dulay was a National Living Treasure Awardee in T’nalak weaving.

She began weaving at the age of 12, and went on to craft some of the most sought after T’nalak weavings in South Cotabato.

She opened the Manlilikha ng Bayan Center (located at Sitio Tukolefa, Lamdalag) to help preserve the art of the T’boli textile by training other T’boli weavers.

Celebrated every July, the T’nalak Festival has become the biggest, brightest and most colorful cultural celebration in the province.

You can experience the T’boli tribe’s weaving tradition (and purchase their products) at the T’boli School of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions in Lembaning, Poblacion, and at the Cooperative Women in Health and Development (COWHED) in Tuko Ful, Poblacion.

Sarangani Haven of Adventure The province of Sarangani was first introduced to mainstream consciousness when legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao entered the political arena as a Representative of the coastal province.

Ironically enough, as if inspired by its

whirling dervish boxing icon and favorite son, Sarangani has, in recent years, transmogrified from a quiet southern Mindanao province, to a haven of adventure.

The Sarangani Highlands offers great camping grounds for intrepid souls; Pangi River in New La Union provides a more affordable alternative to water rafting with white water river tubing—a 1.6-kilometer adventure slide downstream; while SAFI Ranch, which hosted the 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship, is

confirmed to have around 300 possible flying days a year due to its takeoff height, wind conditions, and perfect flat landing site.

And as if paragliding wasn’t enough of an enticement to visit Sarangani, the flight offers spectacular views of Sarangani Bay and General Santos City.

Speaking of Sarangani Bay, it’s not limited to a holiday injection of adrenaline as the municipality of Glan is peppered with white sand beaches for those with hankering for a slice of paradise. expat | 43

LOCAL SHORES

Our visit took us to Hacienda Don Juan in Lago Beach – a resort that perfectly blends artful accommodations with the natural allure of tropical waters that result in, arguably, the best beach resort this side of Mindanao.

Sarangani Bay Proclaimed by the Department Environment and Natural Resources as a Protected Seascape and listed as one of the Key Marine Biodiversity Areas, the 215,950-hectare bay has a 226.4-kilometer coastline, covering the towns of Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan, and neighboring General Santos City.

It hosts the Sarangani Bay Festival – a potpourri of entertainment, wellness, sports and special events.

Its recent edition lured some 120,000 visitors to the three-day event, which was capped by a cleanup that redefined the way to party by raising environmental consciousness.

Complementing the escapade is the “Great Gourmet Getaway,” which takes you to a gustatory tour of cozy home-grown restaurants and boutique resorts.

To explore its true wealth lies beneath the surface, Sarangani Bay recently hosted a Dive Safari, which drew scores of dive tour operators and underwater photographers.

Its top dive spot is Tinoto Express at Lemlunay Resort in Maasim, which boasts of a wide variety of hard and soft corals, nudibranchs, gorgonians, sponges and a mesmerizing assortment of reef life at its coral wall. Pelagics, turtles, rays, rainbow runners, groupers, snappers, Napoleon Wrasse, clown fish, angel fish, and parrot fish are the aquatic species in this marine haven.

A newly-discovered spot is Gutsy’s Reef in Kiamba which abounds

in cabbage corals, sea fans, schooling surgeonfish, giant trevallys, whitetips, and reef sharks. Validated by celebrated underwater photographer Gutsy Tuason, it is a deep reef straight down to about 30 meters with strong current and suited only for advanced divers.

GETTING THERE Sarangani can be reached via General Santos City, which has regular flights from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.

The eastern towns of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, and Malungon can be reached by van and jeep, while the MAKIMA (Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum) can be reached by van and Yellow Bus Line.

For tours and travel info, visit www. gosaranganitravel.com For more information on how to experience the best of Sarangani, contact the Department of Tourism Region XII office at (083) 520-1274 and (083) 228-8667. To book your stay at Hacienda Don Juan, contact (0917) 712-0067 or find them on Facebook @haciendadonjuanlago and at www. hacienda-donjuan.com

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LOCAL SHORES

‘

Lake holon T’ boli crown jewel One of the cleanest lakes in the country is what awaits intrepid travelers willing to take the three-hour hike up Mt. Melibingoy (Mt. Parker) to Lake Holon—a crater lake that has become a favorite destination for those with a constant itch for the great outdoors.

Past the T’boli community, the trail, while verdant and canopied by towering trees that have witnessed the tales of time, may be considered an arduous one by novice

GETTING THERE There are regular flights from Manila to General Santos City

trekkers – although both the former and seasoned climbers will agree that the final destination, to be succinct, is magical.

From the airport, head to the General Santos Bus Terminal and board a bus going to Koronadal (Marbel)

Environed by lush greens, the stillness of Lake Holon mirrors the sky to produce a stunning backdrop as you catch your breath and take in the captivating reward for your troubles.

At Marbel, there are vans going to T’boli (travel time is less than an hour)

The municipality of T’boli’s crown jewel is a gift that keeps on giving – a fact you’ll pleasantly discover should you decide to stay the night as the diamond-ornate sky blankets Lake Holon’s blessed visitors.

At the T’boli Town, you will need to register at the Municipal Tourism Office to get local guides A motorbike will then take you to the jump-off point to Mt. Melibingoy (Parker) The hike going to Lake Holon takes 3-4 hours

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LOCAL SHORES

p

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The author taking in the entire splendor of Asik-asik Falls

LOCAL SHORES

Meandering in Mindanao

Out of a loose itinerary, comes encounters and realizations as definitive as a heartbeat Words by Celine Reyes / Photos by Dennis Murillo

Before there is motion, there is spontaneity. That Thursday evening, as my fiancé Dennis and I headed for the clouds on a plane to Davao, I bid goodbye to inertia.

The next four days would seem tortuous, but that wasn’t initially the intention.

Just like any reasonable backpacker, I had an itinerary prepared. Lake Holon in South Cotabato was to be the ultimate destination of the trip. Everything had been laid out with it on the center. But after the announcement earlier this year of its temporary closure whose dates happened to include the dates of our trip, I had decided to throw in the proverbial towel. “You know what,” I’d told my fiancé. “Let’s cross the bridge when get there.”

In Davao, we arrived late into the night without so much as a reservation. I ended up calling my aunt who happened to live in the city. Over a fancy late dinner of McDonald’s takeouts, she lightly scolded us for the short notice.

“I’ll tour you around myself,” she said in an accusing tone. “But I’m going to Cotabato tomorrow. I have patients.”

My aunt’s originally from Cotabato City. She’s a dentist who gave it up to raise her son. But now that my cousin’s found work in Manila, she had resumed her hometown practice.

At her statement, a bud of an idea blossomed. Something clicked.

“We’ll come with you!” I blurted out.

She blinked before raising an eyebrow. “What are you going to do there?”

I hesitated, glancing at Dennis. He looked just as curious as my aunt.

“Asik-asik,” I finally said.

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LOCAL SHORES

Blessed by a Watery Veil

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LOCAL SHORES

I

ts many runnels formed white gushing veins against the green-and-black slab of mountain. I stood before it awed, tracing the tendrils back to the awning of thick shrubs up high, wondering how it worked. With Dennis, I had just spent 45 minutes on a habal-habal (motorcycle) and another 30 on foot descending the trail to the stony banks of Asikasik Falls.

Earlier that Friday, we had traveled for four hours in a commuter van with my aunt. In Libungan, we’d parted ways with her, agreeing to meet up the next day in Cotabato City. From there, we’d boarded a multi-cab – Mindanao’s version of a jeepney – to Barangay Kitacubong in Alamada. Along the way, we’d made small talk with the conductor who’d, upon finding out that we were bound for the falls, offered to drive us to on his motorcycle.

A couple of hours later, Dennis and I were breathless, but not because the trek was punishing.

The waterfalls simply took our breaths away.

Like a secret, it was tucked in a patch of forest.

Along with the steady note of its falling streams, a gregarious river muttered a song. There was no one in there save for Dennis and I. And in that solitude, the mystery of Asik-asik grew tenfold.

I left Dennis with his camera and wandered close.

There was a trunk once belonging to a mighty tree that straddled the river, and on it, I stood. Following the curtain of cascades run its course was like falling into a trance. I watched mist collect at the base of the surge, still wondering where the water was coming from. To me, it looked like the streams flowed out of the mountain, not over it. But Asik-asik Falls probably didn’t care what I thought. It existed.

It just is.

I heard Dennis approach, startling me from my thoughts. It was almost dusk. We should be heading back. With one last sweeping look, I took in all of Asik-asik’s grandeur, its existence and all the questions it inspires, and accepted it. And as if to thank me for the sentiments, the spray of water lifted just enough to touch my face.

ASIK-ASIK FALLS Asik-asik Falls is located in Brgy.

Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato. It constitutes a greater part of the Libungan-Alamada Natural Biotic Area – a DENRprotected sote.

Commuting to the place is easy, and there are many routes. The one we took started in Davao.

Head to the Southern Mindanao Transport Terminal in Davao City and ride a van bound to Cotabato City. Commuter vans are available as early as 2AM up to as late as 4PM. Alight at the Libungan Junction.

Here, take a multi-cab heading to Brgy. Kitacubong which is Alamada’s poblacion. In the poblacion, there are many motorcycles or habal-habal for hire that will take you back and forth Asik asik Falls.

“

Like a secret, it was tucked in a patch of forest. Along with the steady note of its falling streams, a gregarious river muttered a song.

And in that solitude, the mystery of Asik-asik grew tenfold

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LOCAL SHORES

Rizal is Universal

T

he rented jeepney shuddered to a stop before a row of worn-out iron gates. My aunt, Dennis, and I stepped out of the vehicle, me pausing as I wrapped my shawl around my head. Women, regardless of faith, were required to do so. Female limbs must also be covered as a sign of respect. Such were the rules of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City.

From under my shawl, I raised my eyes to the majestic structure that loomed unchallenged against a backdrop of blue sky. Four were the minarets. I counted eleven domes. All was painted white and accented with gold. From afar, it was a perfect picture of grandeur. Upon closer inspection, however, it showed signs of disrepair.

Here and there were bare electrical outlets and worrisome webs of cracks. The walls were marred by paint chipping.

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The crowd didn’t seem to notice the flaws, though. That Saturday, the mosque’s courtyards were alive with people. As we went around the complex, I observed they were teenagers practicing for a play. They gave us curious glances as we took off our shoes and entered one of the prayer rooms. From behind the paned doors, I watched them act out their lines. When, once again, they stopped what they were doing as soon as we appeared in the doorway, I took it as a chance to see if we could take a picture of them.

There was a chorus of yes, to my delight, and, immediately, they formed a semicircle. The colors in their clothes stood out beautifully against the white of the mosque. They posed.

They smiled. They giggled. I decided to take advantage of the moment and asked if I could join in for another shot. They nodded eagerly and made room for me.

LOCAL SHORES

GRAND MOSQUE The Grand Mosque is located on a remote road along the banks of the Mindanao River. There are no jeepneys that ply this area.

So you can either rent a jeepney, a tricycle, or a habal-habal.

Aside from this grand structure, sample local delicacies such as pastil – rice and chicken adobo flakes wrapped in banana leaves – and paklay, a gingery stew of beef skin.

In addition, an hour away by bus or van from Cotabato City is another famous mosque: the Pink Mosque of Maguindanao.

(Opposite page) Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, also known as the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, was funded by the Sultan of Brunei to the tune of US$48 million USD (Left) The mosque’s complex, despite signs of wear and tear, is still photogenic (Below) A minaret and a dome: the distinctive features of a mosque

“

Four were the minarets. I counted eleven domes. All was painted white and accented with gold. From afar, it was a perfect picture of grandeur.

Upon closer look, however, it showed signs of disrepair

“Are you doing Noli Me Tangere?” I said loud enough for everyone to hear while all of us kept our eyes on the camera.

“Yes!” said a voice from the bunch. “For school.”

“One, two, three,” counted Dennis. Then, click.

I would look at that photo later and note how I looked so comfortable among these young strangers. I would smile at the thought of how we suddenly aware we must’ve been of our shared history, inextricable by way of the legacy of Jose Rizal.

“Good luck with the play,” I said as they dispersed.

They waved at us and I waved back.

I smiled. The cracks did not seem as daunting.

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LOCAL SHORES

As Sure as the Sunrise

F

og swirled and slithered across the silvery waters of the lake. We were in the early stages of a Sunday morning, right before dawn, when everything took on muted shades of gray.

After our foray into North Cotabato and a stopover in Maguindanao, the currents of our whim had swept Dennis and I to the town of Lake Sebu. In Sunrise Resort, here in South Cotabato, with Lake Seloton at arm’s length, we’d spent the night. And now, standing on the banks of one of the T’boli’s sacred places, we waited for sunrise.

To pass the time, I mentally went over an essay I’d recently read, about what makes a perfect 52 | expat

traveler. The perfect traveler, it said, is one that’s practical, but also capable of giving himself over to wonder. He understands that sometimes, you have to abandon control. Let things unfold, because somehow, someway, in the hodgepodge of Creation, things find a way to come together and make things work.

Thinking about that made me realize how coming to Mindanao with no plans sounded like a mistake, a lapse in judgment. It was like crossing a bridge without making sure it would hold up. Up until that moment, I hadn’t been aware of the dangers. Or maybe I’d been, but the thrill of the unknown was stronger. Yet the dangers were real. And I must admit, we were

reckless. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling, it’s trust. Trust in circumstances, in places, in yourself. Trust that you’d come back alive.

I had trust, for instance, in the promise of a beautiful Sunday. And as colors erupted from dawn breaking, I knew it to be true. The sun was finally aloft, rising from behind the spine of mountains. It bathed Lake Seloton in warm, golden light, shimmering as fishermen aboard their owung glided across its surface. Blooming with sharp colors were the clumps of lotuses.

The scene was full of hope and, watching from the sidelines, I was sure of good things coming our way.

LOCAL SHORES

LAKE SELOTON Lake Seloton is most beautiful at sunrise. To get the best view, spend the night in Sunrise Garden.

This eco-resort sits right on the banks of the lake. For as low as PhP300/person/night, you’ll get front row seats for one of nature’s spectacle.

To get there, you may fly to General Santos, and, in Bulaong Terminal, ride a bus bound to Marbel (Koronadal City). Once in Marbel, take either a van or bus to Surallah.

Alight at the Surallah Grand Terminal, where there are vans going to Lake Sebu’s poblacion.

Once in the poblacion, there are habal-habal for rent that can take you to the rest of the way to the lakeside resort.

You may also make arrangements with your driver to take you to the largest of the three lakes Lake Sebu or to try the 600-meter high – the highest in Southeast Asia – zipline above South Cotabato’s famed Seven Falls.

“

Thinking about that made me realize how coming to Mindanao with no plans sounded like a mistake… But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling, it’s trust. Trust in the circumstances, in places, in yourself.

The bridge did hold up in the end. It took us farther than we’d thought it could, to places and to people so full of wonder that they made everything absolutely worth it.

Indeed, the grandest feats, the greatest experiences, arise from spurs of the moment, from flights of fancy and letting loose. After all, what is life without a little bit of whimsy?

(Above right) Lake Seloton is one of the three sacred lakes of the T’boli. The other two are Lake Sebu - the largest, and Lake Lahit - the smallest (Right) A local fisherman aboard the traditional T’boli boat owong gliding through Lake Seloton

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LOCAL SHORES

Southern

Secrets Discover Surigao del Sur – eastern Mindanao’s “IT” destination Text and photos by Bernard L Supetran

The new TVC campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT) called “Anak” (my child) puts the spotlight on what used to be one of the archipelago’s best-kept secrets. For the longest time, the province of Surigao del Sur has been hidden from travelers’ radar because of its obscurity and remoteness from the nearest airport.

But when the enchanting images of blue-green abyss-like waterways, voluminous, tall drop of water, limestone cliffs and talcum sand began hitting the TV screens, spreading online, and getting generous spreads in print media, this southern getaway became a secret no more.

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LOCAL SHORES

With newly-paved roads stretching hundreds of kilometers, which hug eastern Mindanao’s panoramic Pacific seaboard, motoring around Surigao Del Sur is like hopping from one piece of adventure to the next.

Expat recommends The northern half of the province’s urban center, Cantilan, is one of the oldest townships, evident in the Spanish and American-era government buildings and ancestral houses in its poblacion.

General Island is home to Rock Gem Resort, and Bills’ Sanctuary or Inijakan, which is a private conservation sanctuary. Its core is the Blue Lagoon in Libtong Cove, literally named after its physical properties, and divided by strips of limestones and lush green vegetation. The turquoise body of water is home to thousands of stingless jellyfish and serve as their seasonal breeding ground.

“

With newly-paved roads stretching hundreds of kilometers, which hug eastern Mindanao’s panoramic Pacific seaboard, motoring around Surigao Del Sur is like hopping from one piece of adventure to the next

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An interesting heritage site is the Herrera Ancestral House in Lanuza, built in 1898 by Don Gabriel Herrera, the first mayor of Cantilan. The wellmaintained abode is managed by his descendants, and serves as the town’s de facto living museum.

A few steps away is Doot Poktoy, the surfing haven of the province, which draws the country’s top waveriders during the annual Lanuza Surfing Festival.

Its other natural attractions are Magkawas Falls, Campamento Cave, and Silop Cold Spring. There’s also Ayoke Island with its own surf breaks, while its coral gardens are perfect for snorkeling.

(1)Tinuy-An Falls (2) Britannia Islands Viewdeck 3

(3) Libtong Cove in Cantilan

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LOCAL SHORES

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The capital city of Tandag boasts of the Twin Islands of Linungao and Mangcagangi, located at the mouth of the Tandag River. Regarded by locals as a “forest within a city,” it can be reached on foot during low tide. The islands, which have been natural fortresses from typhoons, are punctuated with multi-faceted rocks, fringed with trees inhabited by monkeys and birds, as well as small caves populated by endemic bats. Bird and bat watching are other activities you can do at dusk, when the animals leave from and return to their habitats.

Beach bums get a field day at White Beach of Cagwait, and the Britannia chain of islands in San Agustin – one of the new tourism icons of the new DOT TVC, while Barobo town’s Turtle Island, Cabgan Islet and Vanishing Sand (visually stunning with its glistening sand during low tide) stand as other must-hit spots when in Surigao Del Sur. 5

Lianga’s natural gifts offer a break from the slew of beaches, with the three-kilometer long Andanan River, (which has a well-preserved mangrove ecosystem), Neptune Road’s canopy of man-made forest, and BaoBao Falls, where one can frolic in its cool basin.

The Enchanted River, an abyss-like spring river in Hinatuan is the province’s piece de resistance, where most of the scenes of the “Anak” TVC were shot. The only one of its kind in the country, the blue-green brackish water becomes a public spectacle during the feeding time of the fish. Tourists can also opt to go freediving, snorkeling, or just laze about in its waters.

An excellent way to cap off your Surigao del Sur adventure, is with Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City. Dubbed as the country’s “Little Niagara Falls,” the four-tiered falls boasts of a 55-meter drop, while its widest basin has a 95-meter expanse.

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LOCAL SHORES Surigao del Sur

Getting There Surigao del Sur can be reached via Tandag airport with regular Cebu Pacific flights from Cebu. Tandag city also has a couple of good hotels, most notably Villa Maria Luisa and Shacene by the Sea. Additional photos courtesy of Vanishing Sand (Barobo LGU), Libtong Cove (Cantilan LGU), and Neptune Road (Lianga LGU)

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The Enchanted River, an abysslike spring river in Hinatuan is the province’s piece de resistance

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(4) Cagwait White Beach (5) Marihatag Tree Park w Umangon Island in the background (6) Vanishing Sand Beach in Barobo (7) Neptune Road in Lianga (8)Hinatuan Enchanted River

The secret may be out, but a visit to Surigao del Sur remains a wise choice.

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LOCAL SHORES

Cloud 9 Walking on

In case you haven’t immersed yourself in the quintessential island life of this charming tropical paradise, here are 9 reasons to do so, pronto!

Words by Bernard L Supetran

in Siargao

This island off Surigao del Norte in the Pacific seaboard is the country’s surfing mecca, named by the prestigious CNN Go as the world’s eighth best.

Its famed signature surf site is Cloud 9, acclaimed as a perfect barreling right hand reef break but laden with razor sharp corals.

Named after the chewy chocolate candy bar with which foreign surfers subsisted on when it was yet an obscure place, this spot lures the world’s best in the annual International Surfing Cup to wow the crowd as they compete for handsome cash prizes.

But ordinary mortals can have the same thrill of a surfer without the crashing waves, sculpted by Mother Nature herself. Here are nine reasons why being in Siargao is like walking on Cloud 9.

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Island-hopping

Hop around Naked Island, a middle-sea sandbar, whose contour is determined by the changing tide. The bigger islands of Guyam and Daku have vegetation and are lined with coconut trees and native cottages for picnics.

At dusk, you can witness the sun dramatically setting behind the mountains.

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Mangrove and cove cruise

Del Carmen town hosts a natural wonder found only in this part of the archipelago—a 4,000-hectare mangrove forest that extends as far as your eyes can see. This expansive ecosystem has helped maintain ecological balance by providing rich breeding grounds for aquatic life, including the rare specie of saltwater crocodile—crocodilus porosus. Tucked in the interior limestone cliffs is Sugba Lagoon, which shuts you out from the outside world.

LOCAL SHORES

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International Game Fishing Tournament

A high-end sport for the power class, this event cemented Siargao’s position in the world’s sporting map. The globe’s top anglers congregate in Pilar every summer in search of the biggest deep sea fish.

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Watersports

Paddle in the flat waters aboard a kayak or on a stand-up paddle board, ride the waves on a kite or skim board in San Isidro, or plunge into depths of the Blue Cathedral – Siargao’s signature dive spot. Agile paddlers can kayak around the islands, Sugba Lagoon, or the mangrove forests of Del Carmen.

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Magpupungko Rock

A rare geological icon which forms a natural crystal-clear seawater pool at low tide, it is ideal for rock diving, snorkeling and freediving.

Beside this amazing rock formation is a beige stretch of fine sand beach.

Photo by Rachel Peters

Clockwise from top left) Club Tara at Bucas Grande Island; Biggest Sailfish winner Paul Gabriel Minor; Surfing at Cloud 9; Magpupungko Rock and Natural Pool in Pilar; Sugba Cove

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LOCAL SHORES

Siargao

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Getting There: Siargao can be reached from Manila by SkyJet Airlines, or from Cebu via Cebu Pacific Air.

Cap the day with a rejuvenating massage at the Bleu Spa, in your room or at the beachfront 6

Bucas Grande Island

Situated across Siargao, it takes pride in its pockets of fine beaches, a lagoon of stingless jellyfish, a hilltop zipline, cave pools, subterranean waterways and the mesmerizing Sohoton Cove, which is framed by limestone cliffs.

7 Taktak Falls Dip in the refreshing icy waters of this waterfall in Sta. Monica town. With a moderately deep natural basin, it is a swell alternative to cool off during summer.

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Staycation

Bask in the tropical opulence of the island’s resorts, most notably the Triple-A Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa, where Miss Universe 2016 contestants first set foot. It boasts of well-appointed floating cottages, rooms, and a spacious swimming pool.

Cap the day with a rejuvenating massage at the Bleu Spa, in your room or at the beachfront. Try “glamping” or the butler-assisted glamor camping where you can pitch tent to get the feel of being a stranger on the shore.

Photo by Jackie Santos

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Culinary Journey

Choose from a wide array of the ocean’s bounty, international favorites, Filipino classics, and everything in between at the dining outlets in the surfing area. The Bleu Restaurant exudes the aura of classy dining in tropical elegance. Sip your favorite cocktails, wines, and spirits at the Bleu Bar, one of the Siargao’s watering holes.

Photo by Jackie Santos

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(Top) Bleu Spa (Above) Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa (Left) Sweet and Spicy King Crab at Bleu Restaurant

GLOBAL VIEW

Take a glimpse of Trafalgar’s guided holidays as insiders give the lowdown on how to best experience Portugal; get a closer look at the Dubai’s continuing evolution; and read up on why Anxi, China, and the Balkan nations of Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo should be in your future holiday considerations

Photos courtesy of Vernon Prieto

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GLOBAL VIEW

Trafalgar’s ‘Best of Portugal’

Expat’s Associate Publisher, Vernon Prieto, experiences the Trafalgar difference – as he gets to see Portugal from the inside, with the renowned tour company’s guided holiday Words and photos by Vernon Prieto

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f you’ve dreamt of visiting sunny Portugal, or are planning another trip to the charming Mediterranean country, I reckon there’s no better way than to experience it with Trafalgar’s guided tours.

A few months ago, Helen Hao of Pan Pacific Travel, the General Sales Agent for Trafalgar Tours rounded up a few travel agents, travel writers and a TV host to join a six-night version of Trafalgar’s comprehensive 10 nights “Best of Portugal” package. Having only been to Lisbon, Fatima and Porto on an earlier visit, I accepted the invitation with much delight as it was an opportunity to enjoy Portugal’s other

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spectacular attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Travel to Lisbon was very comfortable and relaxing as would be expected on any Turkish Airlines flight. That evening, we got acquainted with the participants from Malaysia, Singapore and India, and the succeeding days allowed all of us to experience all the wonderful sights, sounds, tastes and activities Portugal has to offer.

The following is an edited description of Trafalgar’s “Best of Portugal” itinerary. Apart from this, they also have programs that include combinations with Spain and Morocco.

GLOBAL VIEW

(Far left)Traditional Rabelo boats on the Douro River in the UNESCO listed historic city of Porto (1)The UNESCO listed Torre de Belem, built in the 16th century is one of Lisbon’s most famous sites (2)The Manueline style of architecture is apparent in the UNESCO listed Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Lisbon

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(3) Santo Anta church and the ornate Henriquina fountain in Praça do Giraldo in Evora, another UNESCO World Heritage city in Portugal

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DAY 1 Lisbon welcome Join your fellow travelers, and your travel director for an orientation drive through the city followed by a welcome reception.

DAY 2 Lisbon sightseeing See Lisbon’s landmarks which include the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, the Belém Tower, the Hieronymite Monastery and the quaint Alfama district. Later in your free time, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra, or an evening of a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines accompanied by traditional Fado singing.

DAY 3 Algarve Region Cross the River Tagus and drive south towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch, where Lusitano horses are reared before arriving on the Algarve coast – your home for the next two nights.

DAY 4 Algarve Excursion The fourth day of the tour allows you to enjoy a scenic coastal drive to the Sagres Peninsula. Admire spectacular vistas across Baleeira Beach before continuing your journey along the coast to Cape St. Vincent for more gorgeous seascapes from the southwesternmost point of Portugal. For an added treat, visit the resort of Lagos, where Henry the Navigator lived.

DAY 5 Algarve Region – Évora Travel across the Serra de Caldeirao to Évora, and join your Local Specialist and visit the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones in one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Spend time this afternoon seeing the 14th century walls, winding lanes and other enchanting sights at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to the village of Monsaraz.

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GLOBAL VIEW DAY 6 Évora – Castelo de Vide – Belmonte – Viseu Continue north, to Castelo de Vide and wander through narrow alleys and the town’s Jewish quarter. Cross the valley of the River Tagus towards the Serra de Estrela mountains, and see the Roman tower in Belmonte. Cap the day at Viseu – a bustling town with historical buildings, on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards.

DAY 7 Viseu – Mateus – Guimarães – Oporto Travel through the beautiful Douro Valley, where port wine is produced. Explore the magnificent gardens at the Palacio de Mateus, which is depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus wine bottles. Continue via Guimarães for excellent views of the impressive castle. On your seventh night, enjoy a sumptuous regional meal on the waterside of Oporto.

DAY 8 Oporto sightseeing Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of Oporto. See the remarkable bridges across the Douro River and the Baroque Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace, with its splendid Arabian Hall, and then experience a Cultural Insight into the traditions of the local wine produced at a tasting in a port cellar.

You may then spend the afternoon relaxing, or shopping for souvenirs.

DAY 9 Oporto – Coimbra – Tomar – Fátima In Coimbra, enjoy a walk through ancient streets and squares, and visit the old university. In Tomar, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Then later, cap the day at the city of Fátima.

DAY 10 Fátima – Batlha – Nazaré – Obidos – Lisbon Visit the shrine where three young shepherds famously saw the apparition of the Virgin at the pilgrimage site of Fatima. Check out the monastery at Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Stop at the fishing village of Nazaré on the coast and visit the medieval city of Obidos. On your last night in Lisbon, celebrate with your travel companions and travel director at the tours farewell wine dinner and relive the friendships and memories made over the past 10 days.

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No one has been able to come close to establishing anything like Trafalgar’s network of local characters; from chefs and artisans to historians, farmers and even taxi drivers. You’ll eat with them, drink with them; listen to their stories.

You’ll find they’ll open up your understanding of your destination in ways you never imagined

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DAY 11 Lisbon farewell It’s never fun waking up to the end of a holiday, especially one with Trafalgar. But if there’s anything positive to be derived from the fond farewells to be exchanged with your Portuguese holiday companions, it’s knowing that you’ll be coming home with a treasure chest of fresh discoveries.

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GLOBAL VIEW PORTUGAL

EXPERIENCE THE TRAFALGAR DIFFERENCE Trafalgar is dedicated to giving you the most enjoyable vacation you’ve ever had.

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Knowledge After almost 70 years in the travel industry, Trafalgar has developed powerful relationships with everyone from hoteliers to local providers, to offer you everything you’d expect and more.

Expertise You’ll meet local people, hear their stories, and enjoy their food, wine and culture in a way that brings every destination to life.

Travel with Trafalgar and you’ll experience things you wouldn’t have known about doing it on your own.

Innovation Trafalgar was the first to offer Insider Experiences. They were the first to offer more leisurely guided vacations. And Trafalgar will continue to innovate and add more firsts.

Quality Everything Trafalgar does shows their commitment to quality, from inspecting hotels to training their Travel Directors.

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(4)The 18th century Misericordia Church located across the Cathedral of Viseu (5)The majestic ruins of the Roman tower of Centum Cellas in Belmonte (6) Alto Douro Wine Region, where the grapes for the world-famous Port Wines are grown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (7) The Courtyard of the old Royal Palace is now part of the UNESCO listed University of Coimbra (8) Senior citizens enjoying the sun in the charming village of Castelo de Vide (9) The Dominican Mosteiro da Batalha (Monastery of the Battle) built in tribute to the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota is one of Portugal’s many UNESCO sites (10)The iconic Casa de Mateus in Villa Real is depicted on the bottles of Mateus Rose wine (11) Drying fish and squid in the seaside village of Nazare in Portugal’s Costa Prata

Passion From the person who meets you at the airport, to the team who arranges extraordinary experiences, you’ll experience Trafalgar’s passion for amazing holidays firsthand.

Contact your travel agent for more information, and to book your Trafalgar holiday, or get in touch with Trafalgar’s general sales agent in the Philippines: Pan Pacific Travel Corporation Ground Floor, Pacific Place Apartelle Suites, 539 Arquiza Street, Ermita, Manila (02) 526-8404 / 523-1990 / 5361265/67 / 526-6427 (02) 338-1351 trafalgarmanila@panpacifictravel.com.ph

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GLOBAL VIEW

Swiftly Shift the Sands

Text by Angie Duarte Photos by Nigel Ian Laxamana for Yi Technology Y1-M1

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GLOBAL VIEW

From oil to art, and stucco to steel, the Emirate City of Dubai is ever-evolving, swiftly as the shifting sands We emerged from the lobby of the newly built hotel, the Westin Dubai in Al Habtoor City, to winds that were nearly tempestuous. Dust and sand swirled about in the air, at our feet, in our hair, all around us.

It was approaching summer, and I was told that sand storms commonly herald the change of season. But this particular twister was more a hallmark of urban construction than a climate-induced flurry of golden sand. The minute particles of debris hung in the air, suspended, before relentlessly pelting us, calling to mind a city constantly on the throes of change, expansion, and growth.

Steeped in history Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates that is steeped in a rich and ancient history which experts believe dates back to 3000 BC. Nomadic tribes of sheep and cattle herders were said to have been the first settlers, followed by Islamic tribes who populated the area several hundred years later. Long a bastion of trade and industry, historians trace Dubai’s roots of commerce back to 1580 AD, when Venetian jeweler, author and merchant Gasparo Balbi came to the gulf nation in search of a thriving pearl trade.

Fast-forward to 1833, when the Bani Yas tribe, under the leadership of the Al Maktoum family, came to live at the entrance of Dubai’s creek. The Al Maktoums, the Emirate’s Royal Family, to this day, are credited with having established a bustling fishing, pearl, and sea trade. Historical accounts tell us that the Al Maktoum clan also actively enticed merchants from neighboring territories to do business with Dubai.

(Main photo) Adventure at Dubai’s sand dunes (Above) The famous Marina District

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GLOBAL VIEW

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Centuries have passed, and much has dramatically changed in the nation known for its prosperity and progressive nature; but, at the heart of it all, the spirit of trade remains. To date, Dubai continues to be one of the world’s most dynamic hubs of commerce and industry. It is but a reflection of the Emirates belief in the “Spirit of Possible,” this year’s tourism campaign.

Symphony of stucco and steel Speaking of possibilities (and, for that matter, IMpossibilities) it is utterly amazing to me how, in a span of under two decades, what was once a virtually flat land has morphed into a megalopolis of aweinspiring architecture. I am told that this boom in infrastructure and development took place not 20 years ago, and one can only marvel at how surreal it all seems.

Buildings appear to defy gravity, by virtue of not only their height (Downtown Dubai’s wonder, hello, Burj Khalifa!), but also of their shape and structure (such as the Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah). Call me a country bumpkin, but I cannot help but gawk at the sights of the city, whenever I am fortunate 68 | expat

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enough to go for a visit (by gracious invitation of the Hamdan International Photography Awards or HIPA Group).

However, despite the splendor of the stunning space age showcase, it is Old Dubai that has captured my soul. Its stucco buildings stand in a contrast as glaring and stark as the glinting glass and cold steel of the city. It is in Old Dubai that you will get a feel of how life used to be, with its monochromatic ivory hues of lowrise dwellings places and establishments, old-school architecture, and its Souks (traditional markets) teeming with the activity.

Ah, the Souks; how I adore making my way through its nooks and crannies (often aggressive shopkeepers, notwithstanding).

A trip to the Souks is a MUST, if you’re looking for a sensory treat like few others.

Vendors and shoppers haggle over textiles, in a kaleidoscope of color; intricately designed and painted porcelain from Turkey, stacked upon each other on shelves and pedestals, make for irresistible finds,

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as do Moroccan glass lamps and a sundry of trinkets; the intense aromas of an array of spices and perfumes waft in the air, tickling your nostrils as you pass; while the sheen of gold and silver – shop after shop after shop – is mesmerizing, near blinding, to the eye.

While in the vicinity of Old Dubai, take time to ride down the creek (at Creek) in

GLOBAL VIEW DUBAI

HIPA, in Focus

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HIPA bears the hallmarks of royalty and prestige, having been birthed in 2011 under the patronage of no less than Dubai’s Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (who is himself an avid art enthusiast and photographer).

In recognition of photography’s universal impact, and in line with the vision to further develop the art form, the Emirate City of Dubai has played host to the annual event, since then.

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an abra (traditional boat). Get off at the charming Dubai Heritage Village, for a dose of old-time culture. Stop at the Dubai Museum, once a fort, and get a glimpse of life of yesteryears. Stay at one of several alluring art boutique hotels, and enjoy the restored dwelling spaces with rooms that open up to a central courtyard, just like in days of old.

Ever-evolving and expanding Despite all the change that has already taken place, over the years, Dubai shows no signs of slowing down. I could barely believe how, compared to my trip there just last year, there were so many new additions (all under construction, on my previous visit): the gorgeous Dubai Opera, the impressive Dubai Canal with its parade of luxury yachts, X Dubai Skate Park on Kite Beach, to name a few.

On account of its seemingly non-stop evolution and expansion, the Emirate City of Dubai has become a “one-stop-shop” of sorts for any and all kinds of adventure or activity: from massive water parks (like Atlantis and Wild Wadi) to epic desert sand dunes and safaris, from old-time Souks to state-of the art shopping malls (like Dubai Mall, the world’s largest retail establishment) and opulent hotels, from culture and heritage to modern-day art of, this country has it all… and then some.

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(1) Downtown Dubai’s giants of steel (2) The Burj Khalifa towers over all, at 830 meters, from base to tip (3) HIPA 2017 at the Dubai Opera (4) Traditional abras, docked at the Creek area (5) Traditional gathering at the Heritage Village; (6) Traditional abras, docked at the Creek area (7) All that glitters is Dubai’s Gold Souk (8) Dubai’s Textile Souk is a fabric fantasy

A palette of oil and art What is likewise striking is how this major player in the high-powered global oil industry has become a haven for the arts, as well. Under the leadership of the Al Maktoum Royal Family, the art scene has thrived and flourished – and continues to do so. The Crown Prince himself, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is an avid patron of the arts, and has birthed the HIPA; an annual, photography contest, which shutterbugs the world over have come to eagerly anticipate.

Since its inception, the contest has been very well-received by photographers the world over. Its recently concluded Sixth Season, “The Challenge,” saw the participation of photographers with 150 different nationalities residing in 155 different countries Yearly, photography aficionados the world over send in their imagesin hopes of bagging the acclaim, as well as the coveted prize money. For its Sixth Season, a total of US$423,000 was given away to 24 winners and awardees, across a total of six categories including the Grand Prize, which was worth $120,000, and the Special Awards categories. Over a quarter of a million photographs being submitted into HIPA since its launch.

Now on its Seventh Season, dubbed “The Moment,” HIPA continues to grow as a platform upon and by which the art of photography is elevated.

Dubai Art Season kicks off every March, with events like HIPA, Sikka Art Fair, Design Days Dubai, and Art Dubai drawing in crowds from across the globe.

Yes; Dubai has done it again – the city has awed me, once more. Like ever-shifting sands, changing formation wind the gusty winds, the Emirate City flows freely into the future. I wonder what surprises lie in store, next year?

GRAND PRIZE

Arash Yaghmaeian United States of America

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GLOBAL VIEW

Emotional journey to

Anxi Chinas tea capital Words and photos courtesy of Roger Pe

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GLOBAL VIEW

Having only ever been to China via a stopover, I’ve never seen the country’s real beauty. That was until recently, when I finally set foot in one of its most beautiful cities, Anxi, where I was to meet my brother whom I have never seen in my entire life.

It was serendipity that brought me to the small city in Fujian province, famous for its world-class and invigorating tea. I was told during my childhood of siblings I had in China, but never had a chance to get in touch with them until over 50 years later in my life.

Through a series of unexpected events, my

sister initiated a series of call and email exchanges. While neither of us spoke the other’s language, during the first call, I instantly knew she was my sister – and as foreign words were exchanged, I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

sister’s namesake), and my grandniece Yu Yu. I felt at home right away when we were all in the car and had no words to explain how I felt it as we traversed a long highway that cut through several mountain tunnels on our hour-long drive to Anxi.

Emotional adventure A month later, two weeks before Christmas, I finally decided to book a flight to Xiamen – a decision that was the beginning of an adventure of a lifetime, fraught with mixed feelings. Fright.

Curiosity. Hope. Excitement.

From there, it was one emotional encounter after another - both with long lost relatives, and family memorabilia that reminded me of what I nearly missed out on. And as Christmas came - a day I normally sleep off in Manila - I felt something surreal in China with familial love pervading the air.

Finally meeting my family made me feel complete. Everything became immaterial, the daily struggles mattering no longer.

I was met at Xiamen’s airport by Jian Zhong, my nephew, his wife Lin Qing (my

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The best thing about Anxi is that it is a small county, population density is low, and it has lots of mountains covered with green forests, which means it’s easy to find peace and quiet to accompany your hot cup of tea

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Anxi, a city created by tea After Christmas, it was time to visit Anxi’s famous tourist attraction, its tea plantation in the mountains, and meet Chen Liang Gu, my nephew’s colleague in the civil government, also recognized as one of Anxi’s most famous Tea Masters.

I came to know Chen when my nephew brought me to his tea saloon where he showed us how to prepare and serve tea, reminiscent of the emperor days. The drinking ceremony lasted cup after cup after cup, a cordial ritual with plenty of smiles, stories and handshakes after.

Yunzhongshan Mountain Reserve was a long 90-kilometer drive from the city proper. If we have the Ifugao Rice Terraces circled by rice paddies, the mountains in this area are all covered with hectares upon hectares of tea shrubs and trees.

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The breathtaking trip took us to rural China.

Again, we passed through magnificent mountain tunnels that I lost track of counting.

As we snaked through several vertigocausing highland skyways, we arrived in Gan De, the gateway to the plantation with a huge stone marker.

We had lunch in a roadside café that served us native chicken (prepared like “adobo” and swimming in tea oil) and a dish similar to the Philippines’ “tinola.”

We trekked up a mountain full of tea trees – a knee and lung-busting challenge – that I found, was absolutely worth it, as the view was both gorgeous and exhilarating.

The experience was accentuated by weird sounds that occasionally came from the other side of the mountain. I was told they were tigers growling in the heart of the forest.

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GLOBAL VIEW ANXI, CHINA

Tea facts 3 billion tons of tea are produced around the world for global consumption The US alone imports 519 million pounds of tea, with a staggering daily consumption 1.42 million pounds

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Turkey leads the world in tea consumption per person, averaging seven pounds a year (or 1,400 tea servings) China is the world’s largest tea consumer at 1.6 billion pounds a year, and is second only to Kenya in global exports Legend has it that tea was discovered accidentally by Chinese ruler Shennong about 5,000 year ago when tea leaves fell into hot water

(1) Thousands and thousands of hectares of land in the mountains of Anxi are planted with tea (2) A close-up look at tea flowers (3) Tieguanyin tea (4) Oolong tea (5) The author (left) with Tea Master Chen Liang Gu at the stone marker in Gan De (6) The gateway to Anxi’s jaw-dropping tea plantation in the mountains

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On our way home, way past sunset in cold, biting weather, we made a stopover at a mountain café. We feasted on boiled duck (with the meat falling off its bones), stewed mutton, fried fish, fragrant steamed rice and more cups of tea.

The city has the world’s largest teapot sculpture located at the plaza, which overlooks many tea-drinking shops. It is there on Hebin North Road where China’s famous tea-trading hall called “China Tea Capital” is located.

The best thing about Anxi is that it is a small county, population density is low, and it has lots of mountains covered with green forests, which means it’s easy to find peace and quiet to accompany your hot cup of tea.

Within this complex are countless shops, booths, and independent vendors. Prices here are lower than elsewhere in China, since you will be purchasing them straight from suppliers. The place abounds with tea gardens surrounded by naturally beautiful scenery.

Many tourists come to Anxi to learn the history of tea, visit its tea factories and tea gardens that are open to the public.

Anxi is famous for its high-grade

Tieguanyin tea, a variation of Oolong tea with a fresh and smooth taste. Oolong is characterized by its unique production process: Leaves are picked, dried under hot sun, and oxidized until they curl up, sometimes followed with a light roasting period.

The traditional Chinese preparation entails putting a small amount of leaves in your cup, hot water, and covering it for a few minutes. The leaves then release their aroma and sink to the bottom when it is ready to drink. Just add more hot water to your cup to the same leaves should you want more.

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GLOBAL VIEW GRUB HUB

A Balkan Oddysey THIRD OF 4 PARTS

From the showcase of historic architecture, to breathtaking coastal panoramas, and the discoveries found in a young nation, Expat Associate Publisher, Vernon Prieto, gives us a glimpse of what awaits in the Balkan nations of Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Words and photos by Vernon Prieto

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n this third installment of my travels to the Balkans, we put the spotlight on three countries once unified and in recent years, fractured – Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo.

The landlocked Republic of Serbia is located at the crossroads of Southeast and Central Europe and is bordered by Hungary, and other Balkan countries namely Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo. Serbia’s lovely capital is Belgrade, which was once the capital of the now disintegrated Yugoslavia.

The preserved villages along Kotor Bay in southwestern Montenegro are major tourist attractions.

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Architectural showcase The city’s history began in Belgrade Fortress – located on a ridge overlooking the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube. The fortress is made up of four parts – the Lower and Upper Towns, and Little and Large Kalemegdan Park. The less ancient part of Belgrade is a beautiful mix of buildings representing architecture from different times in its history. Crisscrossing the city are several lively pedestrian streets with numerous interesting shops and cafes. Other interesting places to visit are the richly-decorated Serbian Orthodox churches, especially the iconic Church of Saint Sava – the country’s significant symbol and the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans.

From Belgrade, we drove to multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Novi Sad, which is Serbia’s second largest city, and the largest city and administrative center of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The city’s most visible landmark and monumental building is The Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, which was completed in 1894, and is erroneously cited by locals as a cathedral.

Another charming town I visited was Sremski Karlovci, also located in Vojvodina, 12 kilometers south from Novi Sad. Its many richly decorated baroque and neo-classicist buildings are well preserved and likened to neighborhoods in Prague and Budapest. The town is also included in Serbia’s Wine Route.

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Coastal delights After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia formed a union with Montenegro, which dissolved peacefully in 2006. Montenegro skirts the Adriatic Sea and shares borders with Croatia, Boania and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. I visited Montenegro’s two famous tourist magnets – Budva, with its Venetian fortifications and attractive beaches on the Budva Riviera, and the well-preserved medieval coastal town of Kotor on Kotor Bay. The Natural and CulturoHistorical Region of Kotor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Spending a day in each walled town was too short a time to fully appreciate their charms.

A mere six kilometers from Budva is enchanting Sveti Stefan, a small islet with a fortified village dating back to the 15th century. Now attached to the coast by a narrow isthmus, the islet with its pink sand beaches is now a luxurious 5-star hotel managed by Aman Resorts. Also part of the resort is posh Villa Milocer on the other side of the isthmus, on the mainland.

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(1) Serbia’s iconic Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade is the largest Orthodox place of worship in the Balkans (2) The largest church and most significant attraction in Novi Sad is the Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church (3) Knez Mihailova Street or Prince Michael Street is the main pedestrian street in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital city (4) Sveti Stefan is a fortified islet and 5-star hotel resort (Aman Sveti Stefan) on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro (5) The beautiful multicultural town of Sremski Karlovci in the autonomous province of Vojvodina, Serbia (6) Belgrade Fortress, the oldest section of urban Belgrade is located on the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers (7) The Newborn Monument in Pristina was unveiled on 17 February 2008, the day that Kosovo declared independence from Serbia (8) 12th century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is located in the UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval town of Kotor (9) The 5-star Hotel Splendid near Budva boasts of 322 rooms and the largest convention space in Montenegro

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Nascent nation In 2008, the parliament of the province of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia, with mixed responses from the international community. To date, Kosovo is considered the newest country in Europe and the second youngest country in the world. The majority population in Kosovo are Albanians. Like Albania, the predominant religion is Islam, although there are more practicing Muslims in Kosovo than in Albania.

Like in Albania, the Kosovars also claim the Albanian Saint Mother Teresa as their own. A monument of the saint was erected in Pristina’s main pedestrian street and the massive Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa is still under construction in the city. expat | 77

GLOBAL VIEW Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo

LOUNGE ISTANBUL recently expanded its spread in the departure hall of Ataturk Airport, doubling its capacity to over 1,000 guests at a time.

Pristina is the nation’s capital, and aside from the places of interest already mentioned, the city boasts modern buildings constructed during the Yugoslav era, as well as an old quarter with its fruit markets, attractive mosque and the clock tower, which is a feature omnipresent in any Ottoman town center. In front of the Palace of Youth and Sports is the celebrated Newborn Monument, a typographic sculpture, which was unveiled on February 17, 2008 – the day that Kosovo declared independence from Serbia.

Also in Kosovo is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Visoki Dečani monastery in Metohija. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and was built from 13071328 at the foot of the Prokletije Mountains on the Decanska Bistrica river gorge not far from the town of Decani. The monastery is under the legal protection of Serbia and is quite difficult to visit because of ridiculous regulations and excessive security requirements imposed on visitors.

Kosovo’s most gorgeous city is historic Prizren, situated on the the slopes of the Sar Mountains and the banks of the Prizren Bistrica river. The town’s principal structure is the imposing Sinan Pasha Mosque, an Ottoman mosque built in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha. The mosque overlooks the main street of Prizren and is surrounded by plentiful shops selling traditional handicrafts, filigree jewelry and local wines from the Rahovec region, and restaurants where tourist can feast on countless gastronomic delights. Close by is the Albanian League of Prizren Museum, which is of particular importance for Albanian history as the site of the most significant attempt to unite all Albanians in the region within one state. I was extremely fortunate that the Vespa Club Albania was in Prizren the same time I was there. It was a pleasure seeing the many colorful Vespa motorbikes parked all over the city’s main square.

In the next issue, I will end this series with an account of my experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia.

For those interested in Turkish cuisine, the lounge provides some of the unique tastes of Turkish and global dishes you’ll be hardpressed to find elsewhere.

The lounge is operated by Turkish Airlines’ catering partner, TURKISH DO&CO, a group that has repeatedly won awards for providing Turkish Airlines’ passengers with the best meals in the sky.

Turkish Airlines flies daily from Manila, arriving in Istanbul the following morning to connect to any of the twice-daily flights to all the capital cities in the Balkans.

To book your own Balkan Odyssey, contact: Rajah Travel Corporation 3/F 331 Building, 331 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati (02) 894-0886 (02) 817-7903 intltoursmkt@rajahtravel.com www.rajahtravel.com Turkish Airlines 14/F BDO Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas, Makati (02) 894-5419 or (02) 894-5421 or (02) 864-0600 (reservations) or (02) 854-5419 (sales) (02) 864-0598 ticketing@thy.com.ph or mnlgroupdesk@thy.com.ph www.turkishairlines.com

(Top) Visoki Decani is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Kosovo and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Left) Built in 1615, the grand Sinan Pasha Mosque dominates the skyline of the Historic Centre of Prizren in Kosovo (Above) Members of Vespa Club Albania enjoy an afternoon in sunny Prizren

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Mindanao Movers

From global grade chocolate products elevating the region’s cacao industry, and the cultivation of farmer power, to the role of the fashion industry in ushering indigenous weavers out of poverty, read up on the companies, groups, and individuals making a difference in Mindanao’s marginalized communities

Photo courtesy of Malagos Chocolate

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Chocolate Terroir Akin to a number of things about Mindanao, the fact that it is home to some of the best cacao beans in the world is, for the most part, obscured. But three companies have taken great strides in lifting the veil off of the southern Philippine island’s chocolate terroir.

From all-natural chocolates that promote the sustainable cultivation of cacao and the empowerment of its farmers, to internationally-recognized products and flavors with unique twists, these Mindanao-made world-class chocolate products prove that there is a sweet future in store for the local cacao industry.

Words by Timothy Jay Ibay and Via Baroma

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Malagos Chocolate Planting the Philippines in the world chocolate map Photos courtesy of Malagos Chocolate

Malagos Chocolate’s journey began in 2003, when the company’s founders leased a farm in the Baguio District of Davao City that had existing cacao trees. A farmer at heart, one of the founders, Charita Puentespina, rehabilitated the trees, which soon found them harvesting cacao pods.

From making tablea and producing premium single-origin cocoa liquor, the venture slowly developed into what it is today—a line of singleorigin premium chocolates that is truly tree-to-bar.

“Currently, we have five products: unsweetened chocolate, 65, 72 and 85-percent dark chocolate, and roasted cacao nibs,” shares Malagos Chocolate owner (Charita’s son) Rex Puentespina. “Our products are pure and all-natural – no preservatives, no artificial coloring, and using only the finest ethically-sourced nonGMO ingredients.”

Speaking to Rex, the passion and attention to detail is unmistakable as he painstakingly took us through the stringent process of producing what has become a multi internationally award-winning chocolate – with recognitions coming from the UK’s Academy of Chocolate Awards, Germany’s International Chocolate Awards and the ASEAN Best Food Products Recognition Awards, among some of the accolades the brand has garnered.

“We envision being the benchmark of fine-flavored chocolate here in the Philippines,” beams Rex. “When we receive the accolades from the international award-giving bodes, we represent the Philippines, [so] when people come here to the country for Philippine chocolate, they should get what they expect.”

Malagos Chocolates are available at: EchoStore; Epicurious; Gourdo’s; Fruitti Nutti; Holy Carabao; The Green Shelf; All About Baking; Chocolate Lover; Cooks Exchange; Love To Bake; Bo’s Coffee; Kafe Batwan; Juju Eats; Marriott; Raffles and Fairmont; Palms and Country Club; Atin Ito! (Christian Ventures); Balikbayan Handicrafts; Duty Free Outlets; SM Kultura Filipino; Rustan’s; The Manila Collectible Company; Tinderbox; For more information, visit malagoschocolate. com or email sales@ malagoschocolate.com

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Theo & Philo Chocolates

Bean-to-bar chocolate bliss Photos courtesy of Theo & Philo Chocolates

Former US-based IT professional Philo Chua’s venture into the world of chocolate found its beginnings as he searched for something to do once he went back home to the Philippines.

Having evolved into a baking enthusiast, Chua stumbled upon the concept of single origin chocolate bars, which, much like wine, reflected the terroir of its source.

Knowing that his country of origin was bountiful in cacao, he had found his calling.

Fast forward to present times, Theo & Philo (chocolate and love) now offers exotic chocolate concoctions that include the likes of Labuyo (dark chocolate with chili), Barako (milk chocolate with Batangas barako coffee), Mango & Salt (dark chocolate with dried green mangoes and salt), Pili (milk chocolate with glazed pili nuts and glazed toasted pinipig), Calamansi (dark chocolate with candied calamansi peel), Adobo (milk chocolate with soy sauce toffee and black pepper, and Turon (milk chocolate with banana pieces, crispy caramel and sesame seeds).

“When I started making these flavors, I didn’t think that people would make such a big deal out of it,” admitted Theo & Philo

founder Philo Chua, who succinctly calls the public’s response to his chocolates as “unbelievable.” “I just thought it would be fun to make a Filipino twist out of many classic chocolate flavors. Now, many of our customers love to buy our products to give out as gifts because it’s a fun and relatable way of sharing our local heritage.”

Apart from the company’s proclivity for unique flavors, Theo & Philo maintains a commitment to the empowerment of local farmers – sourcing cacao from Davao,

sugar from Bacolod and peanuts from Cagayan, among others.

“It’s not easy to quantify how much we’re able to empower local products, but in our own small way, we are doing our part and I think that’s what is important,” says Chua.

“I hope that we have also inspired other to show that what we have locally are just as good, if not better, than the imported products. If there are a lot of us who start using more locally sourced products, we collectively create a big effect.”

Theo & Philo products are available at: Balikbayan Handicrafts; Blue Kitchen; Bo’s Coffee; Connie’s Kitchen; CO/ OP; ECHO Store; Ritual; Gourdo’s branches; Landmark Supermarket; Living Well; Rustan’s Department Store; Human Nature branches; The Market; Urban Pantry; Cafe+

Labuyo

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Green Mango Salt

Calamansi

Adobo

Turon

For more information, visit www.theoandphilo. com, contact (02) 6311362 or email hello@ theoandphilo.com.

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Kablon Farms Chocolates are available at: Kablon Farms Food Products outlets in Robinsons Groceries, Biodynamis Organic Shop, Unit 10 No. 30 cor.

Matino & Malumanay St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City; Got Heart Organic Shop, Katipunan, Quezon City; Gen. Santos City at Pacquiao Wild Card Gym, Koronadal City at Alunan Avenue and Tupi at National Highway.

For more information, email kablon.farm@gmail. com or visit their Facebook page @kablonfarms. For a tree to bar chocolate farm experience, visit Kablon Farm in Brgy. Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato at the foot of Mt. Matutum.

Kablon Farms Dark Chocolates The best of Mindanaoan flavors Photos by Emil Elbert P. Prudente

It took a ringing endorsement from a certain Dr. Thomas Avery from Australia to affirm Kablon Farms’ belief in the worldclass quality of their cacao beans. Avery, who got hold of the beans following Ernesto Pantua Jr’s offer on blog site The Chocolate Life to send the dried beans to a chosen chocolatier from anywhere in the world, called the batch “the best beans he has ever worked with,” and deemed its fermentation “immaculate.”

And the world has taken notice, as Kablon Farms products have made its way from the Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, General Santos) region to parts of Hong Kong, Italy and London.

“I believe the future is bright for the chocolate industry [especially] if the farmers are educated and trained on how to produce quality beans in whatever

variety,” opines Pantua, who has done their part in educating Tupi cacao farmers by inviting experts to keep them versed in the latest preservation and post-harvest practices.

By ushering support for local farmers, Kablon farms is doing its part in paving the way for an era of chocolate connoisseurship anchored on uplifting Mindanaoan farmers and premium quality products.

And now, the world has Dr. Avery to thank for what has led to the healthy, all-natural, dark chocolate products from Kablon Farms. Their selection of chocolate products that include dark, raw, and spicy chocolate bars allow for the rest of the world to bring home the best of Mindanaoan flavors.

“The chocolates we make come from cacao beans from our farm (single estate origin – Trinitario variety) and dark chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar produced in our town of Tupi in South Cotabato,” shares Pantua, Kablon farms owner. “It’s local, healthy, natural and irresistible!”

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Breaking New Grounds An American ex-military finds a cause worth fighting for – restoring Mindanao’s farming culture and rebuilding the area’s tainted image Words by Jv Ramos

His name is Patrick Taylor; but nowadays, he’s referred to as “Hybrid,” because he’s a white man who practices Asian farming in Mindanao. A former policeman of the United States Air Force, Taylor first lived in Manila when he decided to settle in the Philippines in 2013. He found that to be an unwise move, as he was continuously exposed to a toxic urban environment, resulting to him being frequently drunk, overweight and depressed.

Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) center in 2015.

Determined to leave his days of purposeless violence and consumption, and altogether become a better man, he traveled south, took up farming and managed to get the accreditation to teach it from the Davao-based Technical

Despite his late entry to agriculture, Taylor picked up the techniques of organic farming quickly and wasted no time in sharing his newly acquired knowledge with the different tribes in Mindanao. He began his teaching in a school located

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“To be totally honest, when I got my NC-2 (National Certificate-2), I knew something was going to be different. I just had no idea exactly what it would be,” Taylor recalls. “I mean, that was the crazy part, figuring that out. I know what I am capable of, and that something special was going to happen with this.”

in Barangay Guingona, and then moved on to work with several other indigenous cultures. As of writing, Hybrid Agricultural Empowerment, the name he chose for his one-man project of teaching organic farming through forging friendships and not financial agreements, has already produced more than 1,000 studentfarmers – with no sign of him taking a break in empowering more communities.

The case of farming Here, one must note that Taylor’s teaching isn’t blackboard-bound. For his students to fully understand and gain confidence in the practice of organic agriculture, he sweats with them in the fields and finds technology-free solutions for their needs

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“

It is a vibrant, lush, jungle paradise with really kind-hearted and amazing people “There is something special about my Lumad tribes. I cannot fully verbalize it, but they are really special people. They keep me coming back for more no matter how hard it is.”

No Mindanao minute We have seen a number of people travel to far-flung places and engage in rural activities, only to find their actions to be short-lived and/or but a tool to elicit publicity. Hybrid Agricultural Empowerment is not of that ilk, nor is the organic farming it preaches. Taylor’s end goal is sustainability, which could only be achieved with a “nature is no gimmick” disposition.

He clarifies, “Organic is a mindset that one understands the relationship between human and nature, and respects that wholly therein, properly maintaining that harmony and balance.”

ONE WITH THE TRIBE Patrick Taylor’s strong determination to turn his life around has resulted to changing several lives. Pictured here is how he would usually spend his days: Not only does he demonstrate organic farming practices, he goes through the vigorous field work alongside communities in Mindanao.

(he, for instance, helped a community build an eco-house from sacks filled with soil and bamboo).

This very hands-on approach made him go through extreme rural conditions, such as having limited food and the unavailability of clean water. “It’s just part of the situation.

But it doesn’t have to be that way,” Taylor explains. “To address poverty and livelihood issues, it takes serious dedication and persistence. So I do what the situation requires to get the desired result that benefits the people I work with the most.”

For three years now, Taylor has been a leading proponent of promoting organic farming and creating livelihood

in Mindanao. He, however, admits that there hasn’t been a big change in the realm of agriculture since he got there.

Farmers, in general, are still ashamed of their profession, which Taylor considers as the root of the “generation gap crises of farmers” and unemployment in the Philippines—a country that’s meant to thrive in agriculture.

He notes, “For me, the future of farming here in Mindanao is up in the air. It’s all on the people and how they want to progress. I can teach them and work with them. However, I cannot make their minds up for them.” Though the negative attitude towards farming is prevalent, Taylor refuses to give up due to certain communities.

While Hybrid Agricultural Empowerment’s core is farming, this personal initiative goes beyond the fields. Other than imparting his knowledge and experiences about organic farming for free online, he highlights that a complete change is attainable when one, without expecting anything, spends his time and talent on others, and if one is given the chance to change. The people of Mindanao presented him with this opportunity, so as form of gratitude and paying it forward, Taylor is now working with Oplan Second Chance in Ozamis, which seeks to rehabilitate drug offenders by means of organic agriculture.

Clearly, Taylor’s solo initiative has surpassed the thrust to revive farming.

Hybrid Agriculture Empowerment is also painting a positive image of Mindanao – a place where one can re-grasp humanity.

“It is a vibrant, lush, jungle paradise with really kind-hearted and amazing people,” declares Taylor. “Yes, absolutely I believe my place is in Mindanao and I see this as truly one of the final frontiers on this planet of nature’s splendor.”

You can follow Hybrid’s ongoing journey in Mindanao through their website www. hybridagriempowerment.com or on Facebook @HybridAgri. If you’d like to support his mission by helping him come up with excellent content that documents his daily efforts and green tips, subscribe to www. patreon.com/hybridagri expat | 85

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Two companies are are the forefront of organic, sustainable agriculture in Mindanao - cultivating healthier food alternatives, and a better quality of life for its partner farmers

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Bio Dynamis

Seeds to Shelves, Soil to Soul How Bio Dynamis gives the power back to farmers, while promoting a healthier lifestyle through socially responsible products Words by Timothy Jay Ibay and Via Baroma Photos courtesy of Don Bosco Multi-Purpose Cooperative

A brainchild of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development, Bio Dynamis is a chain of shops in Mindanao specializing in organic rice, which caters to the increasingly mindful market that’s constantly on the lookout for healthy, environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.

“When the organization started, no one really imagined we would reach this far,” admits Bio Dynamis operations manager Amihan Tombocon. “Thousands of hectares of land [were] converted, eliminating use of harmful chemicals in farming areas.”

“Most importantly, the hundreds of farmer families [were] helped by giving them back their purchasing power… Knowing most of our farmers are debt-free, can send their school, and knowing their children’s interests are now agriculture-related as well, are like sweet pats on the back for all of us,” Tombocon proudly adds.

The thrust achieved farmer empowerment thru a multi-pronged community extension program that ensures farmers are equipped with the technical know-how, and are provided with everything they need—from physical equipment like planters, harvesters, millers and dryers, to seed banks and even the cooperative’s own dairy farm.

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“

Knowing most of our farmers are debt-free, can send their school, and knowing their children’s interests are now agriculture-related as well, are like sweet pats on the back for all of us

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Black Rice Hailed as a superfood, Bio Dynamis’ Black Rice contains the antioxidant anthocyanin – known to help support the immune system and promote healthy cell growth. Also found in grapes, blueberries and the acai berry from South America, it is in Black Rice where the highest concentration of anthocyanin can be found, along with the added benefits of containing less sugar, while having more Vitamin E and fiber.

Through Bio Dynamis’ community extension program, farmers are equipped with the technical know-how, physical equipment, and almost everything they need to enable them to lift their quality of life

Soul food Bio Dynamis claims to be the country’s only rice producer that’s certified by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines, EU-CERES (Certification of Environmental Standards), USDA-NOP, and Halal.

And with this widespread recognition, they’ve been able to expand their distribution channels across the country and abroad to partners in the US, Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Dubai.

“We produce and market Certified Organic Unpolished (Black, Red and Brown) and Unpolished (Lilac, Pink and White) Rice,” shares Tombocon, while adding that apart from the endemic rice varieties, Bio Dynamis also produces cleansing teas, pure and raw Wild Honey (sourced from IP communities around the Mt. Apo reserve), dairy products, and other organically-grown, all-natural food and non-food products from their cottage industry partners.

“Aside from the many health benefits our products can provide, knowing it is organically/bio dynamically

grown, as well as the [positive] impacts it has contributed to our environment’s welfare, consumers can be assured that what they eat are not only healthy but also environment-friendly,” says Tombocon. “As we say, our products are good not only for the heart, but also for the soul. We would like to believe that everything we do is really for the future generation, because at the end of the day, when we are no longer here, our kin can proudly say that we did a good job at making sure they still have a livable, vibrant planet to live in.”

Bios Dynamis is available at Barroga Building, along Quimpo Blvd. (Davao), Metro Poker Complex, along J.P. Laurel Ave. (Davao), Town Shell, along Quezon Blvd. (Kidapawan), Along Magsaysay Ave., Poblacion (M’lang); Bios Dynamis is located in Metro Manila at #73, Road 2, Project 6, Quezon City and is also available at select Metro Manila supermarkets. For more information, visit www.biosdynamishops.com

Red Rice Popular among those on a weight loss diet, Red Rice also contains high amounts of magnesium and calcium. Magnesium helps support a healthy respiratory system and maintains healthy blood pressure levels. Together with calcium, it also helps in bone building and maintaining bone health. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in the bran oil also help keep cholesterol levels in check.

Brown Rice Brown Rice is rich in selenium, which is known to help maintain healthy digestion. Brown Rice is also known to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may be beneficial to the respiratory system, while being packed with dietary fiber, which not only promotes proper bowel movement, but likewise helps maintain healthy blood pressure and sugar levels.

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Social Products

A Catalyst for Empowerment Words by Timothy Jay Ibay and Via Baroma Photos courtesy of Social Products

“How could we make small work?”

That was the question second-generation Filipino-American cousins Justin and Kris Garrido had when it came to their yearning to support smallholder farmer groups in Mindanao.

And using the knowledge brought by their exposure to the realities of the challenges on the ground, with the actual farmers, along with his passion for social entrepreneurship, Justin and Kris saw an opportunity to bridge the farmers’ products to the growing organic food and conscious consumerism movement in the US. “My mother’s family is from Davao, and I felt this is where we wanted to work in – Mindanao – a beautiful region, but commonly highlighted for negative things such as challenges with peace and security,” shares Justin. “I not only wanted to provide greater income and livelihood for the smallholder farmers, but to also show another side of the region—the beauty, the agriculture and the people.”

And with that, Social Products was born.

Naturally grown, sustainably conscious Social Products’ partner farmers practice biodynamic farming—a regenerative and more holistic form of organic farming that considers the farm as one organism, where sowing, planting and harvesting is done in line with the celestial calendar – producing a selection of rice products that include Cotabato Heirloom Black Rice, Cotabato Red Rice, Mountain Violet Sticky Rice, Tinawon Fancy Rice and Ulikan Red Rice.

“Our first year with our black rice consumer brand, we got good traction, and last year, with a more wholesale buyer focus, we’ve been able to give a percentage of our funds to our cooperative rice partners towards their organic training and expansion program, to convert more local smallholder farmers to organic farming,” shares Justin.

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(Left) Kris and Justin Garrido, co-founders of Social Products during the first launch of their organic rice in Los Angeles (Below) Social Products sources organic food products from Philippine cooperative smallholder farmer partners to help eradicate poverty

MINDANAO MOVERS

The Mindanao Blackrice is an heirloom grain called ‘kurokan’ originally from the mountain tribes in Antipas, North Cotabato

“

I not only wanted to provide greater income and livelihood for the smallholder farmers, but to also show another side of the region—the beauty, the agriculture and the people

Social Products envisions strong rural communities in the Philippines, built around empowered and respected smallholder farmers, where opportunities are created where they live—protecting their land and reversing the migration to the major cities and across the globe.

Adds Justin, “We aspire to be a bridge for smallholder farmers in the Philippines to greater income, livelihood, and food security by connecting them to the greater natural food industry with aligned partners in the value chain, while also reinvesting into not just agriculture, but also the greater community in health and education needs.”

For more information about the cause and to purchase their products, visit www.socialproducts.org

Social Products give back 5% of its profits for technical training to convert more farmers to go organic

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From Local to Global: Mindanao Tapestry Takes Center Stage Renowned designer Renee Salud turns indigenous fabrics into neo-ethnic haute couture Text by Ching Dee Photos by Patrick Uy, used with permission from Renee Salud

“

Their designs are believed to come from their dreams, resulting in unique stretches of hand woven fabrics in every loom (Left) (L-R) Ms. Ana Manansala, Producer of Mindanao Tapestry held at Marco Polo Hotel Manila, renowned designer, Renee Salud and Mr. Frank Reichenbach, General Manager of Marco Polo Hotel Manila

It takes a fashion icon to breathe a distinct, new life to the vibrant indigenous fabrics of Mindanao.

Celebrated Filipino fashion designer Renee Salud created his latest collection from some of Mindanao’s hand-woven textiles and called it Mindanao Tapestry: Neo-Ethnic Fashion.

“Mindanao Tapestry is [the combination of the] region, its people, and their unique culture,” Salud told Expat about his new collection, which was worn by the contestants of Miss Universe 2016 recently held in the Philippines.

Salud — fondly called Mama Renee by the people in the industry — is known for beautifully embellished designs of delicate beadwork and intricate embroidery.

According to him, he creates his designs to “elevate indigenous materials and make it couture.”

Weaving empowerment “The aim [of Mindanao Tapestry] is to help empower women in Mindanao, which is a cause very dear to me and the Miss Universe [organization],” Salud shared.

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“It was Sec. [Wanda Corazon] Teo of the Department of Tourism (DOT) who suggested that the best way to promote Mindanao is through the fabrics — since it’s one of the main sources of indigenous fabrics in the country — and it has always been my advocacy to focus on Philippine materials. It [was the] perfect combination.”

“So, when I told Miss Universe about it, they loved it and agreed to feature [my creations]. It [was even named] the best ancillary event of the pageant,” he added.

Since its conceptualization in early 2016, Mindanao Tapestry has been featured in fashion shows in London, Berlin, Dubai, and Doha.

The ‘Dream Weavers of Mindanao,’ the group of tribeswomen who created the fabrics for Mindanao Tapestry are longtime partners of Salud. Their designs are believed to come from their dreams, resulting in unique stretches of hand woven fabrics in every loom.

Salud’s neo-ethnic collection brings a new twist on indigenous (“ethnic”) fabrics and looks from six regions of Mindanao:

The Tribal Weaves of Bukidnon, T’nalak dresses from T’boli Weaves in South Cotabato, Inaul Ball Gowns from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Indigenous Cross-stitches, Yakan Weaves from the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Royal Garb of the Mandaya Tribe. The silk used in the collection also came from Northern Mindanao, and the elaborate embroidery from the CARAGA region.

MINDANAO MOVERS

The Indigo, T’nalak, Inaul collections

Global showcase “It has been my passion to use local fabrics to create my own brand, my own look,” shared Salud, an industry veteran, who started his practicing his craft in 1975. “This is my way of showcasing our culture to the world.”

Mindanao Tapestry will be showcased Canada and Italy later this year. Last April, it was presented at the state banquet for the royalties of Brunei.

“It’s ethnic look with international appeal, these are Philippine fabrics with an international silhouette,” he said.

“Even if it is shown this way, the dresses — my designs — are still very wearable… It’s

global wear. It’s not a Filipiniana costume, it’s an outfit you can wear any day if there’s a special occasion that calls for it,” Salud added.

The gorgeous pieces are indeed nothing like the outlandish designs we see in international runways. The way Salud manipulated the fabric to hug, accentuate, and highlight every curve in the body is a masterpiece by itself.

“People think bring a designer is all glamor, but it’s all hard work,” he pointed out. “[You have to work hard] to keep yourself up-todate and relevant.”

Despite everything he has achieved in his long and illustrious career, Salud only longs

for one thing.

“I want to be remembered as the Filipino fashion designer [who pushed for Philippine materials — fabrics, accessories, embellishments,” he shared. “[Mindanao Tapestry is] a very successful venture using indigenous Philippine materials — a fulfillment of my dream to be a part of women empowerment and I hope more people will be inspired to follow suit.”

Visit Renee Salud Couture at Prince Plaza I, Legazpi St., Makati; 65 Balate Drive, New Manila, Quezon City; and Ysabel Building, Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City (across Alabang Town Center). For inquiries and appointments, call the Makati shop at (02) 815-9893.

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Vesti :Ethnical Sustainability Text by Timothy Jay Ibay and Via Baroma Photos courtesy of Vesti

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Every bag you buy is a weaver exiting poverty Deriving from the word “bestida,” Vesti in Russian means “to lead” or “to send out messages” - and Vesti is showcasing to the world the beauty of Mindanao and its unique culture and artistry through its beautiful designer bags

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If you care to look closer, beyond the mainstream media’s violence-veiled rhetoric, you’ll soon find a brewing movement in different fields, hoping to paint a picture of Mindanao that focuses on its rich cultural history, vibrant people and global grade products.

And Vesti – a brand that showcases the rich weaving culture of the Mindanaoan tribes, while providing impoverished weavers a sustainable livelihood – is part of this movement.

Searching for deeper purpose after becoming disillusioned with her job as a brand manager in the high fashion industry, Martha Rodriguez saw the beginnings of a greater dream when she stumbled upon an abandoned weaving house with piles of handwoven fabric.

“It turned out the piles of fabric were cancelled orders form a big Japanese buyer, which the weavers weren’t able to deliver on time,” recalls Rodriguez. “I thought to myself, I’ll just buy these all to give money to the weavers.”

MINDANAO MOVERS

(Left) Martha Rodriguez, founder of Vesti, collaborates with tribes and communities in Mindanao, as well as with small-case industries and livelihood programs to support local artisan weavers (Bottom) Vesti combines the beauty of traditional indigenous fabrics and textiles with highend and modern fashion

Dream weaver Not long after, the universe reciprocated her act of charity by gifting her a purpose and a social advocacy – to preserve the Mindanaoan tribes’ weaving tradition through luxury handbags that highlight both the fabrics and high-quality craftsmanship.

T’nalak fabric woven by the T’boli tribe in South Cotabato, Yakan fabric by the Yakan tribe in Zamboanga, and Hinabol fabric by the Daraghuyan tribe in Bukidnon, among others, are what Rodriguez calls the heroes of Vesti bags.

“The Mindanao weaving patterns and colors represent our roots and has been passed from generations to generations,” explains Rodriguez of the tradition that transcended three different foreign occupations. “There is a need to use, develop, preserve and educate the world about these beautiful Mindanao indigenous fabrics – we owe it to the weavers.”

And apart from the obvious visual appeal of Vesti’s handbags (which once made £5,000 during a fourday exhibit), it is how the brand works directly with the tribeswomen weavers that provide them with much needed livelihood that truly sets the brand apart.

“Every bag you buy is a weaver exiting poverty,” says Rodriguez. “A bag with life’s purpose—100 percent proudly Philippine made, 100 percent artisanal and ethical.”

Vesti products are available at all Chocolate Schubar stores in Glorietta 3 and Power Plant Mall in Makati, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, TriNoma in Quezon City; Anthill Fabric Gallery, Pedro Calomarde cor. Acacia Sts., Gorordo Ave., Cebu City; Mai Crafts Store, Velez-Chavez, Cagayan de Oro; and online at www.zalora. ph, and www.etsy.com, for more information, visit www.vesti. ph or www.themall.ph/vesti

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Discover the gastronomic window to northern Mindanao at Cucina Higala; check out two Makati spots where work and play coexist; and get the lowdown on the rise of the spirit from Gin Lane to gin craze

Photo courtesy of Cucina HIgala

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Cucina Higala A Gastronomic Window to Northern Mindanao

There are those who subscribe to the idea that to understand a culture, you have to indulge in its cuisine. And while that may not be a universal truth, it certainly rings true, almost as soon as you pass through the doors of Cucina Higala.

Words by Timothy Jay Ibay

The owners’ vision was to open a restaurant that served as the embodiment of Cagayan de Oro’s (CDO) values as the “City of Golden Friendships,” and one that inspires pride by showcasing some of the region’s distinct flavors.

The retrofitted Spanish home stylings of Cucina Higala is perfect both for large groups sharing a feast, and tight circles looking for an intimate dining setting

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“Higala means “friend” – and Kagay-anon (CDO natives) people love to bond and eat with family and friends,” explains Cucina Higala owner Jan Uy, who calls it their personal mission to provide Kagay-anons with a restaurant showcasing northern Mindanao cuisine – a homegrown restaurant doubling as an ultimate

dining destination.

Indeed it is, as apart from the fare that pays homage to the region’s culinary heritage, the overall warmth that hangs in the air, renders Cucina Higala with an ambience that fosters bonds, while satisfying palates. And in the space retrofitted to imbue the welcoming warmth of an old Spanish house, that’s exactly what you’ll find amidst the lively chatter of friends feasting on Cucina Higala’s gustatory delights – people bonding, discovering re-imagined flavors, and feeling utterly at home.

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The overall warmth that hangs in the air renders Cucina Higala with an ambience that fosters bonds, while satisfying palates

Bestsellers 1

Pork Sisig Crispy Lumpia Tender pork cheeks and belly sisig with Vietnamese dipping sauce

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Kare-Kare Ox tail and ox tripe annattopeanut stew, homemade shrimp paste, Tagalog cabbage, haricot verts, eggplant tempura, banana blossoms 1

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Binagoongan Pork Liempo Crispy pork belly, sweet-spiced shrimp paste sauce, green mango ensalada

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Pancit Palabok SautĂŠed shrimps and baby squid, hard cooked quail eggs, crumbled flower chicharron, smoked fish flakes

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Magic Potion Soothing beverage made from Blue Ternate extract

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Must - try’s

Wagyu Beef Rendang Marawi-inspired aromatic beef stew, charred coconut, pickled cucumber batons, palapa

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Traditional preparations tweaked, ingredients upgraded – they’re at the core of Cucina Higala – where customs are re-imagined, polished and readied for global appreciation Tradition, re-imagined Similar to the limited (and often misconstrued) understanding of Mindanao as a whole, not much has been made of the region’s cuisine – at least to the rest of the country. But as you sample northern Mindanao heritage dishes like Cagayan de Oro’s Humba (slow cooked pork belly), Sinuglaw (a commingling of white fish, coconut cream and grill seasoned pork), and Binaki (young corn-based dessert); Camiguin’s Chicken Surol (chicken stew with coconut milk), and Marawi’s Beef Rendang (wagyu beef brisket) – you’ll find that those who haven’t yet, have been sorely missing out.

“The recipes that we have are mostly classical in taste, but presented in a modern way and with certain twists,” says Uy. “For example, for our beef nilaga (beef broth), we use crispy fried wagyu rib, and place the beef nilaga soup on the side; our sisig is in lumpia (spring roll) form; for our pork binagoongan (pork cooked with shrimp paste), we drizzle the crispy fried lechon kawali (pork belly) with bagoong

(shrimp paste) sauce and top it with finely chopped green mango.”

Traditional preparations tweaked, ingredients upgraded – they’re at the core of Cucina Higala – where customs are re-imagined, polished and readied for global appreciation. It doesn’t jump out at you, but they’re all part of the unmistakable attention to detail in almost everything Cucina Higala does. From the restaurant interiors’ elements, to plating and preparation, to the ingredients that they use (sourced from local suppliers and farmers) – Cucina Higala, while cozy and homey, is a well-thought of craft – one that’s a definite can’t-miss should you find yourself in Cagayan de Oro.

Humba Cagayan de Oro’s well-loved slow cooked pork belly, sweet soy-black bean sauce, banana blossoms, crumbled peanuts, hard cooked quail eggs, pickled onions, cherry tomatoes

Sinuglaw White fish, aromatic vegetables, tabontabon, biasing, coconut cream, grilled seasoned pork liempo

Cucina Higala is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Located at Capistrano - Mabini Sts., Cagayan De Oro City. For reservations, contact (088) 881-1570 or (0917) 794-6118 For more information, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ cucinahigala Surol Camiguin chicken stew with coconut milk, crisp ginger threads, fresh native oregano

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Other CDO must-try’s

Thai Me Up Thai Me Up It’s the first Thai restaurant in Cagayan de Oro – a fast-casual dining concept serving authentic Thai dishes. Expat recommends their Spring Roll, Tom Yum Goong, Fish Fillet in Black Pepper Sauce, Pork Spareribs with Sesame Seeds, and Pad Thai.

Thai Me Up is located at Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.

For more information, follow @thaimeup.centrio on Facebook and Instagram

Brownie Bites

Brownie Bites These dark chocolate fudgy brownies in bite sizes are the perfect pasalubong from your Cagayan de Oro trip – that is, if you can help yourself from consuming them all.

Priced at PhP180 per 16-pc box and available at Thai Me Up, Cucina Higala, Halal Pasalubong at the 2nd floor of Laguindingan Airport

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Work by Day, Wokby Night!

Wokby’s quirky, vintage-themed interiors make for a fun and creative environment

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Poblacion’s newest co-workspace-coffee shop-watering-hole-restaurant, Wokby, lives up to its motto in delightful, delicious ways Words by Angie Duarte / Photos by Andie Duarte Syyap

Walking into Wokby, it is easy to feel welcome – the place exudes a quirky, inviting vibe, from the get-go. Vintage memorabilia, including a television set from the 70s, a few surfboards, and other such items bedeck the warm, cozy wood-clad interiors. Custom-made furniture and a bespoke bar counter, all by Workshop Co., add to the eclectic appeal.

chow, coffee, and cocktails.

Mouthwatering Asian-inspired wok dishes and a carefully curated selection of cocktails and spirits complete the ambiance.

It is no wonder, then, that this newly opened co-work space, meets bar, meets coffee shop and restaurant is already the buzz of Makati’s foodie-Boho district, Poblacion.

Since its opening in January 2017, hipsters, millennials, foodies, young entrepreneurs, tourists, and expats have all discovered Wokby’s drool-worthy delights.

“It’s all loud and noisy around the (Poblacion) area, in general. We envision that Wokby can be a sort of sanctuary, where you can come in and actually do some work,” shares JP. “We also have a private room on the second floor, and an open balcony area for people looking for different settings in which to work.”

The Four C’s Birthed by food fiends and husband and wife tandem, Jean Paul (JP) Cheung and Patricia Locsin-Cheung, and friend Kian Kazemi of Persia Grill Group, Wokby’s culture revolves around four C’s: co-work,

By day, the place has quickly become a favorite haunt of young entrepreneurs and creative types looking to brainstorm and meet over work-related matters, in an enticing, yet peaceful enough environment, while enjoying a cup of good coffee or a delectable bite.

By night, Wokby is abuzz with people out for some good Asian-inspired grub and a cold beer, or a glass of spirits and signature cocktails. Just a few months into its opening, the workspace-resto-bar has already become a go-to venue for lively parties and get-togethers, as well as a preferred dining spot for savory, deliciously innovative dishes.

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(1) (2) Mouthwatering Asian Built and Basic rice toppings bowls are a crowd favorite, fresh from the wok (3) Catchy puns and captions, Wokby-style!

(4) Wokby’s take on spring rolls, Cheeseburger Sticks, are a savory treat; light and crispy on the outside, rich and hearty on the inside (5) Munch on Shiracha Wings, a bestselling bar chow with a spicy kick 4

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“Wok” this way While the Poblacion area teems with a variety of restaurants, bars, and hole-inthe-wall eateries, Wokby is the first, and thus far, only one to serve up an appetizing array of predominantly wok-cooked meals.

From rice and noodles, to seafood or meatladen, as well as vegan, to Mongolian and chow-mien bowls, Wokby’s menu is a lengthy roster of wok goodness.

“Two years ago, JP and I were in Europe; after all the pasta and buttery food, we would end up looking for Asian restaurants.

In Amsterdam and Spain, we came across a lot of wok restaurants, where you could enjoy noodles or rice dishes in bowls and Chinese take-out boxes,” Patricia recalls.

“So we thought of bringing the same thing to Manila. We felt that the concept would really fit the Poblacion area, and we have attracted both the local and the expat crowds with our wok dishes.”

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“The expats and tourists come in, they eat, they order one bowl and another, and then they leave. Then they come back for more!” she adds. “We are the first rice bowl place in the area, which we know of.”

“Wok” up an appetite!

Here’s some good advice, from me to you: when you visit Wokby, bring your appetite; work it up! You will want to sample more than just one bowl, trust me. JP and Patricia can both flex their culinary chops – he comes from a line of restaurateurs (JP’s dad, Henry Cheung brought us Good Earth restaurant), while she obtained a diploma in Culinary Arts and Management Technology and worked for many years with renowned chef, Margarita Fores. The sum total of their collective experiences is a menu full of dishes that are as appealing to the eye, as they are pleasing to the palate.

Choose from Basic Built Bowls (among the bestsellers, the Tapsilog, Vegan, and Duck Congee bowls) or Asian Built Bowls (favorites are the Taipei, Bali, and Hong Kong bowls), or build your own bowl from the list of ingredients. Other must-try items are the scrumptious Cheeseburger Sticks (golden fried spring rolls filled with wellseasoned ground beef and chewy melted cheese), and the Sriracha Wings (plump and tender chicken wings coated in caramelized sriracha – not for the faint-hearted!)

Refreshing “Woktails” include the Manila, Bali, and Tokyo specialty concoctions.

Next time you’re in the area, don’t just walk on by; walk in to Wokby!

Wokby is located at 4900 Durban St., just off Polaris St., Bgy. Poblacion, Makati. It is open Mondays to Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. expat | 103

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59C: Business, Unusual

Not just your regular bar, more than your average restaurant, and way beyond your run-of-the mill workspace Words by Angie Duarte Photos by Christine Villarama-Locsin

Wish you could work in a space that is more like a cozy and comfortable hangout at home, and less like a stiff office environment? Wish no more. 59C is everything you desire in a co-work space – it is also, quite possibly, all you look for in a watering hole and restaurant.

Where work meets play When I first heard the name, I thought for sure it was a reference to a temperature reading. “Haha, no –it’s just the street address of the place! 59C Paseo de Roxas,” Patricia Locsin-Cheung says, with a lighthearted laugh, of the establishment she and husband Jean Paul (JP) Cheung opened in March 2016 (the firstborn of two workspace-resto-bar babies, the younger one being Wokby). The entrepreneurrestaurateur couple wanted to create a venue where people could come in and work, and linger on and play.

I still think it may as well be a temperature reading, however: 59C is the point at which work and play collide – and the combination is extremely hot. From its sophisticated, subdued yet sassy interiors,

(Top left) 59C’s well-lit, well laid out interiors (Top right) Delectable crispy pork, a bestselling favorite (Right) Every bar fly’s favorite seat: by the fully stocked bar

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We have people that come in to work during the day, and they end up staying for as long as five, six hours, or longer. They end up staying the whole day

to its laid-back al fresco area, 59C exudes a relaxing yet edgy vibe that gets the creative juices flowing. This is why the fairly new venue has become the co-work space of choice for the young urban set and startup companies in the area.

“We have people that come in to work during the day, and they end up staying for as long as five, six hours, or longer.

They end up staying the whole day,”

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(Clockwise) Work meets play at 59C, where patrons can enjoy a meal with their meeting; The al fresco area is a great place to hangout for a cozy, homey vibe; Droolworthy bacon siomai and duckquitos make bar chow even more enjoyable

reveals JP. “Basically, you can work, have your meetings, eat, have your coffee, then stay and have a few drinks.”

“It’s a more fun concept of a work environment,” Patricia adds.

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It’s like you’re drinking in the comfort of your own home – 59C has that homey vibe. It makes you happy, and makes you want to eat and drink the night away.

Appetizing eats For its gastronomic offerings, the restaurant has captured, as well, the hearts and appetites of the working professionals of Makati’s Central Business District – expect a full house, most weekdays, at lunch and dinner time.

eating it, but has also been serving it, for some years now – he and his family are behind the Good Earth Tea Room and Good Earth Roasts.

“Like they always say, a full house in your restaurant is a good problem… JP and I love seeing our guests enjoying the food and drinks,” Patricia says.

As part of their advocacy, JP and Patricia make sure to source as many high-quality local ingredients and artisanal products as they can, for their dishes.

With such creative and delicious dishes on the menu, it is easy to see why hungry diners come in droves for some of 59C’s eats. Crowd pleasers include Bacon Chips, Ma-ling Chips, Handmade Dumplings and Hand-chopped Siomai, Frynanese Chicken, Crispy Pork, Duckquitos, Kansi-picao, and General Tso’s Chicken.

Quiet Time, Merry Time JP and Patricia have divided a typical day at 59C into two blocks: Quiet Time, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Merry Time, from 5 p.m. onwards. Signs and gentle reminders are strategically placed to call people’s attention, so as not to disturb those who may be busy working.

Menu offerings take their inspirations from Asian comfort (particularly Chinese) food, with an inventive culinary twist to each dish. JP has always been a lover of good Chinese cuisine, and has not only enjoyed

But when the clock strikes five, work and muted tones give way to a light music, drinks, and festivity. Signature cocktails and a variety of beers and spirits are available at the well-stocked bar. Merry Time kicks in,

and work is set aside for the next day, in the name of balance.

“It’s like you’re drinking in the comfort of your own home – 59C has that homey vibe.

It makes you happy, and makes you want to eat and drink the night away. JP and I always want to make people happy. I love to prepare and cook, he loves to entertain.

We always want to have good food and drinks, and that’s what we both want to achieve in all our restaurants; good food, good times and value for money,” Patricia discloses.

Come in to work – but stay to play. After all, you know what they say about all of the former, and none of the latter. Have a great meal, in between. And feel right at home, while you’re at it – 59C offers it all.

Visit 59C at 59-C Paseo de Roxas, Makati.

They’re open Mondays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

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(Left) CalaBoo spreads the love regularly in bazaars and food conventions (Below) Marie Cavosora, lover of responsibly sourced dairy and co-founder of CalaBoo

Spreading the love with CalaBoo A jetsetter’s journey to making the best locally made, all-natural dairy products

Words by Ching Dee Photos used with permission from Marie Cavosora

Marie Cavosora spent most of her adult years outside the country, living and working in advertising and marketing in bustling cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, San Francisco, and New York; and relentlessly feeding her wanderlust by going to far-flung places like the Himalayas and Peru.

But with all the jet setting and a treasure trove of experience to boot, she got ‘bored’ with her life. She knew there was an undeniable desire she couldn’t quiet inside of her, “a gaping hole” she wanted to fill but didn’t know how.

“I was having fun, really having fun. But just because you’re having fun doesn’t mean you’re happy,” Cavosora recalled. “So I literally did the whole Eat, Pray, Love thing,” she said in jest. “But I found myself back in the Philippines, lived in Palawan for a while… And I found myself asking, ‘how good am I as a person?’”

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All-natural calling Following a series of random twists of fate, she found herself in a Gawad Kalinga (GK) summit, then weeks later, she was volunteering at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan where she found what she has been looking for around the world: her calling.

Inspired by the life and philosophy of GK founder Tony Meloto, she took over an abandoned GK social enterprise and used her marketing wisdom to give it new life, giving birth to a brand new dairy endeavor called CalaBoo Creamery.

The name is a playful take on the words Carabao and laboratory, the two key factors of creating their all-natural dairy butter, cheese, and yogurt using locally sourced milk and ingredients. Even their packaging is all local!

“When I moved here, I couldn’t find any good or natural dairy products. And it was

like torture because I looooove cheese and butter and yogurt. Everything here was either too sweet or has a weird texture,” Cavosora said.

Frustrated at her own predicament, she knew she wanted to provide good quality dairy products with CalaBoo. Labor of love Presently, they have two kinds of lusciously all-natural butters (European-style Boo la la Boo-tter and American-style Simply Bootter); tangy and creamy yogurts adorably called Yogi Boo (flavors: Perfectly Plain, Coco Sweet, Honey Love); and savory, velvety cheeses like their fresh Keso Cariño and aged Gourmet Keso.

Despite the vision she imparted with her team, she insists it’s not her company to own.

“CalaBoo is not mine, it’s a social enterprise,” Cavosora told Expat. “I am

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“If you dream for your country, it can’t be small” simply helping out in managing it and hopefully in five or 10 years, we’ll pass it on to other volunteers who have the same goal in mind.”

“Tito Tony (Meloto) always said, ‘If you dream for your country, it can’t be small.’”

So together with her team of volunteers and enterprise partners Titos Ortigas and Jennifer Viloria, they created a line of dairy products from a sustainable source as a means to help her team as well as Gawad Kalinga and SEED Philippines (School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development) benefactors.

According to CalaBoo, they aim to “provide long-term livelihood opportunities that are life-affirming and celebratory in spirit. Along with material prosperity, [they] support ongoing personal and community development, with a sense of gratitude as the foundation.”

In partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in Los Baños, Laguna, they use pasteurized (but not overly processed to keep the nutrients) milk to make hormone-free yogurt, cheese, and butter.

From research to production to distribution and marketing, CalaBoo is a continuing labor of love from a woman (and her team) who searched the whole world for her passion.

“Our tagline is ‘Taste the love, naturally’ and I personally believe you can taste the difference,” Cavosoro said. “It’s allnatural, it’s good for you, it’s made in small batches to ensure quality... We worked so hard to get to this level of excellence and we are working even harder to maintain at this level. As Filipinos, we are more than capable of that.”

Now, with CalaBoo’s gaining distribution through select stores, delis, and restaurant partners, they share their “revenues

(Clockwise) CalaBoo is best known for their all-natural butter fondly named Boo-tter; CalaBoo Boo-tter has earned a loyal following in the restaurant industry and serves it as is as well as incorporating it numerous dishes

with farmers through DEED (Dairyard Enterprise Excellence Development), a collaboration of multi-sectoral partners that provides auxiliary support such as GK values formation, leadership and practical training, and access to health coverage and education so [their] dairy farmers are enabled to improve their quality of lives.”

Calaboo Creamery products are available for pre-order online through www.calaboo. com and www.calaboo.marketa.ph. For more information, visit www.calaboo.com.

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From crazy Gin Lane to global gin craze

Restaurateur, sommelier and life connoisseur Paolo Nesi takes us through the evolution and renaissance of the rising spirit Words by Paolo Nesi

Gin, the spirit that once killed more people in London than the black plague is now the coolest and the most popular cosmopolitan drink on bar shelves across the world.

Gin’s popularity, especially in the premium drink category, is on the rise. Gin bars are opening in all corners of the world – from London to Cape Town. Barmen are proudly featuring craft gins in their “signature cocktails” and serious bars have dedicated pages on a range of gins in their drink menus.

Here, I will try to make sense of the gin revolution, starting with its Belgian founder, The Gin Lane, the invention of gin and tonic by the British soldiers in India, through the prohibition, James Bond and the distillery a couple roads down from here.

But first things first: What is Gin? “This gin is produced just a couple of streets down from here,” the owner of the wine bar Vingt Heures Vin located in the Parisian fashionable quarters of Montmartre proudly told me recently, holding up a pharmacy style bottle branded Distillerie de Paris, with brown liquid inside.

“It’s first made into a brandy, fermenting wines from the Folle Blanche grapes” (Folle Blanche was recently rediscovered to add finesse and fragrance to cognac). “It is then redistilled with Juniper, citrus peels, and other spices, and then matured in bespoke oak barrels… It is the best flavored gin for Martini or Negroni, you know” Alex, Vingt Heures Vin owner asserted.

What? Flavored gin? Ain’t all gin flavored?

Aged in barrel? Ain’t all gin unaged?

I decided to check into a dictionary for the meaning of gin and discovered this from the Merriam-Webster: “A colorless alcoholic beverage made from distilled or redistilled neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper berries and aromatics;” while the Oxford Dictionary pointed, on the other hand, to: “A clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or

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malt and flavored with juniper berries.”

These dictionaries agreed that all gins are flavored. But, when it comes to the color, ageing, and the grape raw materials, the concoction of the Distillerie de Paris departs from the dictum of the dictionaries.

Not satisfied, I searched in the European Union website for gin production dogma and, while there are several entries, the following seemed the most relevant: “Distilled gin... a juniper-flavored spirit drink produced exclusively by redistilling organoleptically suitable ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin of an appropriate quality with an initial alcoholic strength of at least 96% vol. in stills traditionally used for gin, in the presence of juniper berries and of other

natural botanicals provided that the juniper taste is predominant.”

Here, no mention of clear or colorless spirit; and also, the EU indicates that the ethyl alcohol can be made from any agricultural product. Thus, technically you could use carrots or even onions! No mention of barrel ageing was made, but nothing to the contrary either.

It was at this stage that I concluded that to make gin, the spirit should be redistilled as it usually is, with the addition of botanicals, although juniper should be there as the first and foremost. It would thus be technically correct to say that all gins are basically flavored vodka with juniper as their predominant flavor.

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Gin world market The world’s gin market is controlled by the three spirit giants: Diageo (Gordon’s and Tanqueray), Pernord Ricard (Beefeater and Seagram’s Gin), and Campari (Bombay Gin) with several exceptions in some countries, such as here in the Philippines, where most gin is locally made by San Miguel, and in India, where it is made by local giant United Spirits, which is now an acquisition of Diageo. Interesting both companies use sugar cane to produce alcohol.

For those of us with a penchant for big data: gin consumption is on the rise in many countries such as the UK, Spain, Italy, Japan and the Philippines – which is still the number one country in matter of consumption – and San Miguel the biggest brand in the world by volume with 25 million cases sold in 2016.

The big winners though are the “craft gins” – a term hijacked by the spirit industry that is intended to point to high quality spirits produced with artisanal methods with a geographical identification and in only limited editions which, technically, does not

apply to some of the brands below.

Even here in the Philippines, increasingly, gin labels that bring in the global wave are appearing on bar counters: Gin Mare, Monkey 57, Tanqueray 10, Bulldog, Ungava, The Botanist, and are prominently showcased on bar shelves. These new boys on the block are strong-arming their way to replace the “old ladies” of Gilbeys, Gordon’s, Beefeater and Tanqueray (the latter came up, successfully with Tanqueray Ten, a new crafted style gin with a flashy jade color designer bottle).

Gin history Let’s start from the beginning: The infamous juniper-flavored spirit was invented by Philippus Hermanni as mentioned in his book, A Constelijck Distileerboec, Aqua Junipery in the Belgian city of Antwerp in 1552 or 98 years before his Dutch colleague Franciscus Sylvius (who is generally credited with the innovation) mentioned it, in turn, in his book Genoa.

Fast forward 200 years: In 1750(ish) in the industrializing London, gin became THE favorite drink - 7,044 authorized gin sellers, produced 47 million liters of legal gin that was consumed annually. With the population of 600,000, the per capita consumption was 78 liters a year for every living soul, including babies and the elderly. And this was the state of the nation, before we add the probihited gin of the illegal moonshiners! The figures tell us… that they were all drunk on gin.

The consumption was so high and the quality of this early gin so bad that some records mentioned the use of sulfuric acid, turpentine and lime oil, as ingredients to the poison, combined with a roughly double the alcohol content of today. Truly a toxic bomb!

William Hogarth’s depiction of the scene from London in his drawing titled “The Gin Lane” tells the story: Streets were filled with misery, desperation, decadence, and social ruin, as a drunken woman on the foreground lets her baby slip from her arms, while she dozes in and out of her gin intoxication.

William Hogarth. 1750

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It took the government years and many trials and errors to implement a law that only the certified major distilleries (such as Gordon’s and Tanqueray) allowed to legally produce gin, thus clamping down on the worst quality products, and turning the page in gin history.

In the 1820s, the British soldiers arrived in India and were instructed to take quinine to avert malaria. However, quinine – originally sourced from the Jesuit bark of Cinchona tree of Peruvian rainforests – alone was too bitter. To counter the taste, these soldiers diluted the bark powder with water and sugar, added lime that they used to fend off scurvy during their long seafaring voyages and gin, intended to keep them jolly and dedicated to their mission. It indeed did not take much to merge these things to thus create the first gin and tonic.

Fast forward another 100 years and gin had another boost toward fame with the invention of the Gin Martini, a cocktail famous before, during, and after the American prohibition in 1920s. In the 40s and 50s, Gin Martini was featured in the hands of Hollywood stars, likes of Humphrey Bogart and 007’s “shaken not stirred.”

This fame, however, was short lived and after the 60s, gin became old fashioned, although still available in bars and clubs. It was considered outdated, a drink for the older folks.

Gin today This take us to today, a journey with ups and downs starting from 1554, transcending countries, malaise, discoveries and opportunities. But now what? Why is everybody crazy about gin again!?

The gin and tonic combo is now served with fancy matching tonic bottles on the side. Usually, they are accompanied with a large, sometimes hand-shaped piece of ice, to avoid dilution. Customers can choose from a vast array of gins, be served in customized designer glasses with garnishes ranging from the traditional lemon or lime to fruits, herbs and even fresh cucumbers for the cucumber flavored Hendricks gin.

Then the millennials marched in with their social media machinations, global choices and split second attention spans, demanding affordable luxuries that make them cool to be seen with. Not a coincidence that Diageo hired Snoop Dogg as the brand ambassador for its Tanqueray Ten. Not Angelina Jolie, mind you.

The Bacardi group bought Bombay Sapphire, Diageo concocted its “crafted” style in Tanqueray Ten, Pernod Ricard bought Monkey 47, the Campari Group

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bought Bulldog Gin from Anshuman Vohra, an Indian ex-investment banker who started Bulldog Gin just in 2007 and sold it last year for US$70 million.

“When I left my finance career, I never thought that Bulldog would reach these heights and be the No. 4 premium gin in the world,” he later confessed. Inventing a drink might have been his best investment!

While defining gin’s global trend in terms of growth, our Philippine islands is still the number one market for gin by volume of consumption, and Ginebra San Miguel the largest brand in the world in terms of volume. It’s my prediction that in the future, we will see more acquisitions of craft gins by large spirit companies and some premiumization of these brands like in the case of Diageo that successfully upgraded its Tanqueray Ten. It will be interesting to see whether San Miguel will enter the premium market as well. It follows that bars and clubs need to be ready with a global range and the possibility of the “two streets down the road” neighborhood crafting of gin even here in the Philippines.

Globally, the market expansion of the premium gin is double digits. While trends come and go; this one is here and now, and the crafted gin consumption is converting the configurations of bars to unique new age experiments. Blue icy halos linger around technology driven décor, highlighted by the multiplicity of fanciful bottles and glass jars of gin.

For the ultimate experience, head to the bar of the Feathers Hotel in Woodstock near Oxford in England with more than 150 gins from different countries to choose from. For about US$20, you can get what is considered the perfect gin and tonic made with Blackwood’s 2007 60% Vintage Dry Gin, using spices from Shetland and the tonic water Q, made with handpicked quinine from the Peruvian Andes. The drink is then sweetened with organic agave, which also reduces the calories by 60 percent. Final touch is by cooling the drink down with ice cubes from Blenhein mineral water spring, about a mile from the Feathers.

The gin craze is on. God save the gin!

EVENTS

Euro-Swiss

sets up a LEED Certified Food Processing Plant After 30 years of operating a factory in Yakal Street, Makati City, Swiss-born Chef Werner Berger decided it was time to expand. However, there is no room for growth in the area that’s why we started to quest for a better location until we acquired the 7,000-square meter property in Carmona Cavite last 2014.

It was February 2, 2015 when we officially started the construction of the new food processing plant. After almost two years in the making, we finally launched our latest state of the art factory last November 8, 2016.

We are gratified to present our LEED Silver Certification from US Green Building Council. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognize best-in-class building strategies and practices. LEED rating system is created and maintained by the U.S Green Building Council. It is based upon a point system, the more points you earn, the higher your rating.

Our new food processing plant is composed of two floors. The ground floor comprised of 16 rooms including chillers and freezers. We have our receiving area, quality check room, hallway to main freezer, chilled meat cooling down room, meat trimmings room, freezer & defrosting chiller for meat, producing the emulsions, sausage filling room, smoking & cooking, drying room, ham packing room, salting chiller, curing room, packing room, chiller for packed goods for delivery, gateway to second floor through hygienic boots and hand cleaning machine. All workrooms are air conditioned from 15-16 C to achieve the maximum safety for meat handling processing. The total daily output of ham and sausages is around 4 to 6 tons a day.

While the second floor encompasses the male changing room, female changing room, offices, kitchen for employees, 112 | expat

(Left to Right) Mrs. Judy Berger, Mr. Josef Hafner - Director of Euro-Swiss Food Inc., Carmona Mayor Mrs. Dahlia Loyola Her Excellency, Andrea Reichlin – Swiss Ambassador, Atty. Gilberto Teodoro, Mr. Werner Berger – CEO of Euro-Swiss Food Inc.

canteen, solar inverter room, air conditioned dry storage for spices, storage room for packing materials and storage room for spare parts.

We have installed thermo-insulated panels from Austria for the building façade, inner walls and roof. Panels were supplied and installed by one of the leading companies in Europe, in terms of insulated building panels.

Almost 40% of the power consumption is generated with 1,500 sqm of Solar Cells panels which are installed on the roof. This serves as an additional power back up and we have a 750kva diesel generator that produces 600kilowatt of emergency power, this can run the whole building during any power interruption.

We have our own sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 80cubic meter a day.

And all rainwaters are collected and stored underground which can be used for watering the plants and cleaning the surrounding of the building.

Our CEO, Mr. Werner Berger believes that while we are aiming for a profitable business we should also protect our environment. We must be conscious of the factory’s possible effect on its surroundings.

Setting up a factory that is aligned with present environmental concerns entails extra expense but we believe that it will pay off in the long term. We encourage more local businesses to follow the lead and in the end, this will benefit both consumers and the environment.

EVENTS

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(1) ESFI Production Manager Mr. Hubert Weber, Chef Ulrich Wilimann, Chief Operating Officer Mr. Othmar Frei, Mr. Josef Hafner, Mr. Werner Berger (2) Mr. Thomas Wenger, Mrs. Rachel Wenger, Mr. Werner Berger, Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin, Atty. Gilberto Teodoro (3) Mr. Werner Berger, Mr. Alan Hearn, Mr. Sito Senn, Mrs. Marilou Araneta Senn (4) Mr. Hans-Peter Fitze ex officio from Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin, Mr. Werner Berger (5) CEO Mr. Werner Berger receiving the Certificate of Recognition from the Swiss Embassy of Manila (6) Mr. Frank Arne Naesheim CEO and Owner of Snorre Foods, Chef Markus Dybwad, Mr. Ivan Thomasli, Mr. Hans Neukom

Euro-Swiss products are mainly available in All SÄNTIS Delicatessen Branches Saentis Yakal Branch WIC Bldg. 7431 Yakal St., San Antonio Village, Makati City Tel:844-1154 Fax: 893-1573 Store Manager: Ms. Tess Schweizer

Saentis Timog Branch Trans – Orient Maritime Agency Bldg. (TOMA) 66 Timog Ave., Quezon City Tel: 415-5532 Fax: 925-0672 Store Manager: Ms. Delcie Cabral

Saentis Forbes Branch San Antonio Plaza Arcade Forbes, Makati City Tel: 894-1293 Fax: 817-0893 Store Manager: Ms. Lirio Itong

Saentis Silang Branch Km. 52, Buho, Silang Cavite Tel:(046) 414-2337 Mobile No.: 0927-6961825 Fax: (046) 414-1694 Store Manager: Ms. Luzebel Toledo

Saentis Wilson Branch The Promenade Bldg., 198 Wilson St., Cor. P. Guevara St., San Juan City Tel: 633-2409 | 631-8268 Fax: 726-7732 Store Manager: Ms. Daisy Batingal

Saentis Rockwell Branch RS 120 & 121 Joya at Rockwell 28 Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center Makati City Tel: 403-0144 | 403-0688 Fax: 403-0140 Store Manager: Ms. Beth Rolda

Saentis Alabang Branch Unit #8 El Molito Commercial Complex 4, Alabang – Zapote Rd Cor. Madrigal Ave., Alabang Muntinlupa City Tel: 850-3967 Fax: 850-3721 Store Manager: Ms. Ma Linda Alcaide

Saentis Ortigas Branch Ground Floor Unit SC-R1 & R2 Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave., Cor., Shaw Blvd. Ortigas Center Pasig City Tel: 631-2068 Fax: 650-0638 Store Manager: Ms. Ma. Liezl Barro

Saentis Corinthian Hills Unit 104 Upper G/F Corinthian Hills Club House, Temple Drive Brgy. Ugong Norte, Quezon City Tel: 637-9745 Fax: 637-9744 Store Manager: Ms. Shirley Bugarin Saentis Bonifacio Global City Branch Lower Ground Floor C3 Bonifacio High Street Central Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Tel: 478-6931 Fax: 478-6739 Store Manager: Ms. Judit De Castro Saentis Sta. Rosa Branch Unit 01 Ground Floor Paseo 2, Paseo de Santa Rosa, Sta. Rosa Laguna Tel: (049) 502-1102 Fax: (049) 502-2067 Store Manager: Ms. Mae Ann Malasarte Saentis Twin Lakes Branch Ground Floor, Unit R-4 Building B, Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Laurel Batangas Tel: (046) 460-5633 Fax: (046) 423-1188 Store Manager: Ms. Judith Dimafelix

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PITSTOP

Taking Up the Smoking Habit

Because not all meats are smoked equal Words by Timothy Jay Ibay / Photos courtesy of The Smokeyard

“If you don’t think it’s good, don’t serve it. If you wouldn’t pay for it, don’t sell it.”

That’s what pitmaster and The Smokeyard owner Troy Conine says is the American barbecue restaurant’s motto—and a convincing guarantee to back their claim of smoking the best meats in town.

“We won’t sell anything we don’t like,” Conine – who studied the art of smoking meat under legendary pitmaster Mike Mills in Southern Illinois – adds, a promise that spans The Smokeyard’s entire menu—from their baby back ribs, pork belly, and US brisket, beef ribs, and pulled pork, to their chicken wings, sausages, sides, and even their selection of beers.

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And if you’re uninitiated in the gustatory indulgence of traditional low and slow cooked American barbecue, then The Smokeyard is the perfect place to whet your palate for smoked meats, with their 50-gram portions (starting at just PhP70 per order) allowing you to sample everything you please.

The US Angus Brisket – smoked for 12 hours using apple and hickory wood – has emerged as one of the favorites, along with their Pork Ribs, in the eight months since The Smokeyard joined the fast evolving dining and lifestyle block in Don Pedro St., Poblacion.

They also offer solo plates – consisting of 100 grams of meat, two chicken

wings, and two sides; sandwiches (the US Brisket Sandwich is highly recommended); and lunch specials (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) starting at just PhP175.

The continually evolving haunt that is Poblacion, Makati has grown to a point where virtually any gastronomic hankering has someone catering to it. But when it comes to getting you low and slow smoked meat fix, The Smokeyard has got you covered.

The Smokeyard is located at 5666 Don Pedro St., Barangay Poblacion, Makati.

For inquiries, contact (02) 771-1288 or email thesmokeyard@gmail.com.

For more information, follow them on Facebook @thesmokeyard and Instagram @smokeyard