EXPAT NEWSPAPER 1016-1029 by Expat Communications

THE PHILIPPINES’ FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS SINCE 1981

October 16-29, 2016 Vol. XXXIV No. 26

STILL IN STORES

Newspaper

www.expatphilippines.ph

President Rodrigo Duterte speaking before the Filipino community in Vietnam last month. Following his visit to the neighboring country, the President reaffirmed maritime and security ties with Vietnam. Photo courtesy of ACE MORANDANTE/PCOO

Decoding Duterte

Political maturity key for sustainability

Understanding the administration’s uncommon sense

By RICHARD RAMOS

By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY

hile it helps that the Filipinos are politically conscious as a whole, political maturity is a more ideal and much sought-after trait needed to develop institutions that transcend the incumbent political figurehead, and bring about genuine stability and sustainability throughout the archipelago. This entails the building of strong and accountable political systems, and less of personalities and parties, in order to bring about sweeping and long-term development that rises above administrations and heads of states and dwell more on party philosophy and ideals for the benefit of the voters. A model of comparison would be the United States’ political system where the Republicans and Democrats have reigned as the two foremost parties for several decades now despite the emergence of new and much smaller parties. page 5

resident Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency on the back of his campaign promise to end crime and the proliferation of drugs within “three to six months.” Well, half that timeframe is up. He has since asked for an extension, saying that he underestimated the magnitude of the country’s drug problem. But, if Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa is to be believed, crime rate is down 31 percent from last year, while Duterte’s vice presidential running mate and current Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, during a Senate hearing, compared the country’s public safety under his President to that of Singapore’s. Except, an estimated 3,800 people are

dead as a result of Duterte’s war on drugs – a microscopic percentage of which are under proper investigation – while the President himself declared the country under a “state of lawlessness” following a bombing in his beloved city of Davao. The President has cursed at virtually everyone—the US, President Barrack Obama, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg; the entire European Union, The United Nations and the Pope—while unleashing crass remarks about the Australian Ambassador, the Jews, God and everything in between. Critical response But a clear pattern has emerged when it comes to Duterte’s tirades, as Pia Ranada of Rappler, who has closely followed the Presi-

dent since the campaign trail, points out. His default response to criticism is to fire back—and fire back harder. Apart from his rhetoric – which many see unfit for a statesman – there has rarely been any criticism of Duterte other than that of the extrajudicial killings linked to his war on the drugs. And because he is so impassioned in his crusade against what he calls the drug menace, he doesn’t take kindly to those that question his means—particularly when it comes from outsiders. As noted by Ranada, according to a Cabinet secretary who has known the President for a while, “In Duterte’s mind, issuing public statements against him is a form of ‘grandstanding’ at his expense.” Former president Fidel page 5

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

NEWS

Cebu town part of Top 100 sustainable destinations By RICHARD RAMOS

Bojo River Photo courtesy of Bojo Aloguisan Eco Tourism Association

remote midwestern river village situated 75 kilometers south from the city of Cebu bucked the odds and was chosen as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations of the World 2016 as certified by award body Green Destinations. Bojo, located in the town of Aloguinsan, earned the nod of over 100 global experts and authorities who picked from 150 nominations coming from various countries worldwide. Other Philippines awardees include Lake Sebu and Lake Holon in South Cotabato. The award winners were presented to hundreds of participants of the Global Green Destinations Gala held last September in the Castle of Slovenia, European Green Capital. Green Destinations is a global partnership for responsible tourism, assisting destinations, regions, and countries in improving quality, sustainability, and market visibility. Cruise benefits The river village hosts the famed Bojo River Cruise, which enables participants to explore mangroves, espy bird species, learn about the local flora and fauna, and practice ecotourism measures while aboard native boats paddled by local guides along the Bojo River. The river has around 100 springs scattered within and around its environs, making for a refreshing sight. According to Joselito “Boboi” Costas, head coordinator, the selection of the town entailed a grueling process requiring three rounds of judging involving 15 rigid core criteria. These include sustainability coordination, nature protection, animal ethics, wastewater treatment, cultural heritage conservation, protection of people, promoting local products, reduction of fossil fuel dependency, health and safety prevention, and others. “In the name of sustainable tourism, we go the extra mile by spreading the benefits in the community. We provide scholarships coming from tourist revenue, conduct medical missions and feeding programs, segregate plastics and convert these into handicraft for sale, pay taxes to the barangay council, street lighting, and many others. We highlight mat weaving as the town’s product,” Costas added. In a press conference held at the Cebu

Provincial Tourism Office, Costas revealed that the tour started in 2009 amidst birth pains and initial resistance from the locals. Luckily, the residents have matured upon realizing the wide range of benefits accorded to them and their community if they just extended their cooperation and dedication. Cruise details Regarding tour details, interested parties need to call and inquire for reservations at the farmhouse in Aloguinsan, a two-and-a-half hour bus ride from the South Bus Terminal. After the ride, tourists embark at the Aloguinsan market and take an accredited habal-habal tricycle to the farmhouse where they will undergo the necessary briefing and lectures about the four-hour tour. Cost is PhP650/head inclusive of lunch, snacks, and souvenirs. Only 60 pax per day can be accommodated in three separate batches. Schedules are dependent on the tide conditions. Take note also that the farmhouse is staffed entirely by fishermen, farmers and housewives. “This is a high-value, low-impact tour. We are not for mass tourism, but more for the responsible and ecologically-minded tourist who are willing to pay more for a high-quality experience,” Costas disclosed. He also cautioned that the necessary instructions and precautions are repeated several times for the benefit of the safety of the visitor and the environment. Failure to heed the warnings will necessitate a fine. An offshoot tour ideal for families involve the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Aloguinsan. For only PhP550/head, tourists can explore the nine-hectare marine sanctuary via a glassbottomed boat inclusive of a welcome drink. Overnight accommodations are also available at the Dalunhaw Resort with 80 pax maximum capacity. This is a privately owned but community-run property designed to accommodate longer-staying guests. Also available is a nearby pension house good for 60 pax. For more information, call Shane Manigos, Aloguinsan tourism officer, at (032) 469-9042, 469-0002, or (0999) 917-4564.

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

Solon: Tourism best in its purest form By RICHARD RAMOS

hile tourism conjures up images of luxurious resorts and hotels, lavish meals, and top-level tour itineraries, perhaps the most cherished and truest form of tourism is where the purest essence of the place and the people are highlighted sans the fancy infrastructure. “The medium is the message. The experience is presented as a gift where the end-user feels special. Everything is presented as is with no apologies. Simple luxuries Lucy Torres and pleasures are what matter Congresswoman Photo courtesy of Purple Box most. In the end, it’s all about celebrating your culture and The Swiss have their chocolates, we have our heritage.” tableya and biko. They have their exotic foods, Ormoc Congresswoman Lucy Tor- we have our lechon. We just need to learn res made these statements during the 25th proper marketing and presentation and orVisayas Area Business Conference held in ganize properly our human capital,” she reaOrmoc, Leyte. She narrated her travel experi- soned. ences to Bali, Indonesia with friends several months ago as an inspiration from the Julia Simplicity and sincerity Roberts movie “Eat, Pray, Love.” The congresswoman then disclosed that Torres related that they were deter- there would be no real need to put up a polmined to experience everything that Rob- ished and perfect tourism product similar erts’ character in the film went through, as to a highly urbanized place like Makati, but the Hollywood actress embarked on a deep emphasize more on the culture and products soul-searching journey on Bali to explore reflective of the locale concerned. first-hand the mystique and heritage of the “Now is the best time to advertise as we place in the course of the movie. celebrate our heritage. We need not be the One of the stops was with a local fisher- best version of ourselves, but just put our best man who gifted them with a simple collec- foot forward. No need to wait to be perfect, tion of small fish but with so much heart and but exude the sincerity and hospitality of our sincerity that she and her friends were quite place. Our heritage deserves to be highlighttouched with the gesture. ed,” she continued. She noted that the entire place overTorres added that she grew up in Ormoc, flowed with the distinct culture of its people where the simple life breeds romanticism – populated by tourist-conscious locals who in imagery, where everyone has their own go out of their way to make the tourists feel favorite vendor, and where handmade and quite welcome while inundating the visitors homemade life is uncomplicated sans the with native hospitality and smiles. presence of malls. Torres bemoaned that while the Philip“I believe that the Visayas region is ready pines does possess similar attractions and for business to boom. But good luck favors features, it badly needs the proper skills to the prepared and the hard working. As diapresent a more attractive package to the tour- monds in the rough, we look forward to inists and for return visitors as well. creasing our tourism assets we continue to “We have so much to offer in the Philip- develop our potentials in culture and heritage pines. We have our own cultural counter- while maintaining our pristine rural environparts, which we don’t give much attention. ment,” she concluded.

As part of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Fondation Segré’s initiative to rebuild the fish stocks of the Coral Triangle, over a million hectares of coastal and offshore waters in Palawan were recently declared as marine protected areas. The photo shows a large school of trevally in Cagayancillo, which also covers the famed atolls of Tubbataha in Palawan. The waters of the Philippines are some of the most productive in the Coral triangle. Photo courtesy of the WWF

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NEWS

Aussie teen surfer rules Siargao Cup

ixteen-year-old Australian surfing sensation Sandon Whittaker pulled off an upset over local favorites to snatch top honors and bring home US$8,000 in the recent Siargao International Surfing Cup held at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Surigao, del Norte. Gaining 1,500 points to move up in the international rankings to the Championship Tour, he edged defending champion John Mark Tokong, local favorite Philmar Alipayo, and a 62-man field from Australia, the United States, Hawaii, Brazil, Indonesia, France, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Israel and New Zealand. Alipayo, top winner of the West Sumbawa Pro 2016 held last July in Bali, bagged runnerup honors. Australians Shane Holmes and Mitchell Parkinson shared third place, while fellow Aussie Jordan Lawler, perennial winner Piso Alcala of Siargao, Skip McCullough and Mitchell James of the US settled for fifth place.

Sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL), and the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC), the tournament is a Qualifying Series (QS) 1500 event. The ASC gave the Cup a 6-star surfing ranking in 2014, making it one of the qualifying stops for the Asian Circuit, giving Siargao the rating of ASP-World Qualifying Series 1 Star and ASC Grade 6—ASC tour’s highest rating. Situated on the Pacific seaboard of Surigao del Norte, Cloud 9 is listed as the eighth best surf spot in CNNGo’s list of the World’s Top 50 Best Surf Spots. The event was presented by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Municipality of Gen. Luna, the Province of Surigao del Norte and the House of Representatives Congressional Office, and co-presented by Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa, and Silangan Mining Corp.

Sandon Whittaker shredding his way to the top finish

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

F E AT U R E S

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

By TIMOTHY By RICHARD RAMOS JAY IBAY

SM Investments Corporation will soon open Alfa Mart, a mini mart concept, in Cebu in the coming months. Targeted locations are high-density areas with little formal retail setups. Not a convenience store, Alfa Mart will offer 20 percent more goods than the typical convenience store, featuring 1,500-40,000 products. Among its merchandise are ready-to-cook viands, vegetables, and freezer products. Pricing scheme will be similar to the supermarket. All these will be stand-alone stores, related Corazon P. Guidote, SM Senior Vice President for Investor Relations, and will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. No franchises yet, but credit cards are accepted. There are already a total of 160 Alfa Mart stores in the country, all-Luzon-based. Paradise Garden Events Pavilion, situated in Jagobiao, Mandaue City, offers alternative venues for social gatherings aside from typical hotel and resort counterparts. The place offers six separate areas for functions capable of accommodating 60 to 350 pax with rates varying on weekdays and weekends. Amenities and privileges include waived corkage for two bottles

of wine and one lechon, use of fully airconditioned garden venue for four hours, Wi-Fi, among others. Weddings include many more features such as chocolate fountain, emcee, dance presentations, photo booth, themes cakes, mobile bar, coordinator, etc. In-house catering by Port Restaurant or Creative Cuisine offers varied snack, plated meal, and buffet choices. Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites, located along F. Cabahug St., Mabolo, inaugurated its three enhanced dining outlets in order to better serve its clientele. Chef Glendo Lomoljo, a former cruise liner chef, headed the menu upgrades in lobby cocktails with media representatives and bloggers. Italian food enthusiasts will love the al fresco dining along with such selections as puttanesca, Panini, pepperoncino, and others. Citadine Restaurant and Café serves a vastly-expanded menu of Spanish, continental, and Thai favorites at the lobby with saxophone and pianist on Fridays and Saturdays. While the poolside Bar de la Piscina on the fifth floor offers cool liquors following an invigorating dip.

Union Church hosts benefit concert on Oct. 23

nion Church of Manila Philippines Foundation, Inc. (UCMPFI), together with Union Church of Manila and DSH Music proudly presents – “S.O.S” A Sunday Organ Special for the Benefit of the Children of Tondo, Mandaluyong and Quezon City – a concert featuring Solo, Duo and Trio Works for the Organ - Vierne’s Carillon de Westminster, Widor’s Andante Sostenuto from Gothique Symphony, Vitali’s Chaconne for Violin and Organ and the Philippine premier of Rheinberger’s Op. 149 Trio. The concert will be held on Oct. 23, Sunday, 5p.m. at the Union Church of Manila Main Sanctuary, Rada cor. Legaspi Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati. Featured in the concert are organist and

composer, Alejandro Consolacion II, Bangkok-based violinist and pedagogue, Yavet Boyadjiev and cellist and current NAMCYA secretary general, Renato Lucas. Admission is Free. Donations will be accepted for the benefit of UCMPFI's Child Education and Nutrition Enhancement Program (CENEP), a feeding and learning program that prepares a total of 180 pre-school children for formal schooling, now in three sites – Tondo (Manila), Brgy. Highway Hills (Mandaluyong) and Project 8 (Quezon City). The program has been running for 13 years in Tondo and Mandaluyong, while the Quezon City site started this school year. All three sites serve children from depressed communities.

Tablea Chocolate Café and Foodpanda announced their partnership at the newly renovated JY Square Lahug branch. One can now order Tablea beverages, cakes, and pastries using the foodpanda.ph, or through the Foodpanda app on Android or iOS at a mere PhP300 minimum food purchase. Ingredients are pure cacao tablets made from local cacao beans. Among the bestsellers are the Tres Tableas Cake, chocolate con churros, Tablea silvana, banana walnut muffin, Tablea oatmeal fudge, and brownies. Don’t forget the café specialties of hot chocolate drinks (sipping dark, Mexican spice, black chocolate) and ice-blended frios (choco, mocha, choco banana, choco caramel). Non-chocolate frios are also available. HMR Trading Haus, situated inside SM Hypermart in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, opened its 17th branch and first outside Luzon in Cebu. Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., its 3,000-square-meter floor area offers Cebuanos a wide choice of home and office furniture, electronics and gadgets, hardware, toys, clothing, and other nonfood items. According to Sharlene Powell,

marketing head, the items are sourced from retail outlets based in the US, Australia, and Europe. Clientele is the A-B market, mainly warehouse traders, who seek quality products at pocket-friendly prices. Daily promos and weekly deliveries will be held at the Cebu branch for the Christmas season. Café Laguna celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand Filipino buffet in four branches, commemorating its very fruitful existence in its two Ayala outlets, SM City Cebu, and SM Seaside City. From its PhP300 initial capital in 1991, the restaurant grew to seven branches in the Visayas and Mindanao region and has been awarded for its quality cuisine by several entities. Some of these is the “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Ernst and Young in 2006, Valuable Entrepreneur from the Perlas Awards in 2010, Philippines’ Best Restaurants from Philippine Tatler Dining, etc. The company also honored its long-time employees and their families and shared the proceeds of its grand buffet with three charitable entities.

British Chamber to host Trade Summit on Oct. 18

he British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) will be hosting the Philippine Trade Summit: Exploring Opportunities for Sustained Growth on Oct. 18, 2016 at the Makati Diamond Residences. The Philippine Trade Summit will bring together key Philippine business players, UK companies, and government to highlight UKPhilippine trade and investment opportunities and discuss long-term strategies to sustain economic growth. The Philippine Trade Summit is the high-

light of BCCP’s Cross-Sector Trade Mission to the Philippines for UK companies. More than 10 delegates from eight companies will come to the Philippines to explore business opportunities and meet relevant business and government contacts. “Growing industries both in the UK and the Philippines are participating in our Trade Mission. We are committed to assisting these companies enter the Philippine market and start doing business in the Philippines.” BCCP Executive Chairman Chris Nelson said.

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F E AT U R E S

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

34 vs. 0.8

Of aid and other drugs Text by CHING DEE

fter 100 days in office, President Rodrigo Duterte’s sensitivity when it comes criticisms of his war on drugs has become common knowledge, and quite expected. As if it wasn’t clear enough, his tirade challenging the US, EU and human rights advocates to withdraw their financial assistance from the Philippines likely made the point come across. With the President’s continuous tirades against the West, supposedly in pursuit of “independent foreign policy,” should we be concerned about possibly losing all the help we are getting from these Western countries and organizations? More importantly, will the President’s cozying up to China and Russia be enough to get us through tough times without the US, the EU or the UN? Let’s take a look at some of the numbers between the US and China in relation to the Philippines for a little perspective.

15 vs. 10.9

According to a Philippine Daily Inquirer column by economist, professor, and former director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority Cielito F. Habito, “The United States is more important to us as an export market, accounting for 15 percent of our total exports in value terms, against China’s 10.9 percent.” In terms of imports, we got 10.8 percent from the U.S. and 16.2 percent from China. Habito points out, “The latter figure is likely to be even higher, given the rampant

smuggling of goods into the country, particularly from China.”

2 vs. 90

Let’s talk about something a little bit easier to understand. After super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ gutted Visayas in 2013, China pledged US$2 million in aid. Meanwhile, furniture company Ikea pledged US$2.7 million. According to Vicente Rafael, a professor of Southeast Asian history at the University of Washington, the US “initially pledged [US$20 million] in aid, but delivered [US$90 million].”

25,000,000,000

Many of us already know that the biggest market of the BPO (business process outsourcing) industry is the US. According to Rafael, BPO companies earned US$25 billion from 2015 to 2016. “BPOs are the sunrise industry for the Philippines where we have clear competitive advantage (language, adaptability, time zone) versus the rest of the world,” Rafael wrote.

31.2 vs. 0.2

In 2015, out of remittances totaling US$25.8 billion, 31.2 percent or about US$8,049,600,000 came from the US. Meanwhile, remittances coming from China accounted for 0.2 percent, roughly US$51.6 million.

Decoding Duterte...from page 1 V. Ramos, who was the first person Duterte thanked in his inaugural speech, was critical of the President’s first three months, writing in a Manila Bulletin piece that Duterte could have done much more “…if he had hit the ground running instead of being stuck in unending controversies about extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and his ability at using cuss words and insults instead of civilized language.” Beyond the word war Much of the narrative about the new administration’s first 100 days has centered on the war on drugs and the body count related to it that has kept its steady incline. The administration has frequently blamed the media coverage of the administration for focusing far too much on the killings and painting a negative picture of the President and his plans for the country. Which begs the question, apart from purging the country of druggies, what is the long game of this administration? If you are to take Duterte’s word (something which is almost impossible – just ask his communications team of interpreters), he appears to be leaning towards an independent foreign policy, as his verbal assaults on long time allies carry on. But what exactly does that mean? Across the board, there appears to be vagueness and the lack of a concrete plan. The Department of Transportation,

which is seeking emergency powers to solve the traffic crisis, was recently faulted by the Senate for submitting road, maritime and rail project proposals that do not have approved funding. Within a month of being inaugurated, Duterte signed an Executive Order for the Freedom of Information in the Executive branch, which was widely lauded. Only, it turns out, there are 166 things people cannot ask for under the EO bill – which include SALN (statements of assets and liabilities) of public officials, and government spending. Reports have since come out that a revision will be submitted trimming that number to 10. The proposed tax reform has been labeled as anti-poor, which while lowering the income tax for the middle class, will effectively hike up fuel prices. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also called out the Department of Finance for failing to make specific proposals to make tax collection more efficient. In a recent press briefing Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said, Duterte’s three-fold mission includes reducing poverty from 26 to 17 percent; establishing an orderly society by reducing crime, corruption and illegal drugs; and seeking lasting peace with communist and Moro rebels. “The President does have a long term vision. It hasn’t really been expounded on, it’s not public knowledge but he does have a vision for that,” he also said.

When it comes to net foreign direct investments from 2011 to 2015, 34 percent came from the US. China? Well, they gave us 0.8 percent. According to Habito, “In 2014, only two percent of total Chinese investments into ASEAN reportedly went to the Philippines. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua is reported to have acknowledged that the Philippines invests more in China than China does in the Philippines.”

8.3

Much of the President’s tirades have stemmed from criticisms of his bloody ward on drugs. Curiously, while Duterte has openly expressed his intentions to develop the country’s relationship with China, despite the ongoing territorial dispute, it has been said that a vast majority of shabu (crystal meth) in the Philippines comes from China.

Prof. Rafael estimates the number to be pegged at 96 percent of the country’s shabu supply. Convicted kidnapper, and alleged drug lord Jaybee Sebastian, the current administration’s star witness against Duterte’s staunchest critic, Sen. Leila de Lima, confirmed this during last Oct. 10’s Senate hearing – telling the panel that drugs they dealt with inside the New Bilibid Prison came from China. The estimated value of the illegal drug trade in the country is US$8.3 billion. Ironically, just a few weeks ago, Duterte gave his heartfelt thanks to China for building drug rehabilitation facilities in Nueva Ecija. "I would like to thank China for being so generous to us… Only China is helping us. America, they just gave you principles of law and nothing else,” Duterte said in front of the Filipino community in Indonesia during his recent state visit.

Political maturity needed...from page 1 Ideals over personalities Likewise, turncoatism is quite rare even if their presidential candidate corners a huge majority vote, since the mature voting electorate remain loyal to their party’s ideals, and not necessarily the personality, notwithstanding the result of the elections. The problem in the Philippine setting is that politics remains personality-centered and not party-focused, with turncoatism remaining to be a very common practice after every electoral battle. This is so because majority of politicians practice the bandwagon mentality to ride on the new incumbent administration party on the pretext of serving their constituents more effectively. Worse is that majority of the policies, projects, and personnel of the previous administration are usually discontinued by the new administration since the newcomers prefer to introduce their own agenda, thus interrupting the benefits of useful and long-term projects. According to Dr. Ronald Mendoza, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, the Philippines remains stuck at mid-level for several decades now since the populace remains very dependent on the president to lead the country instead of lessening the role of the president and strengthening the institutions. Areas of concern “We badly need a new breed of leaders who can take charge and govern differently. I believe that federalism, if it pushes through, will present a new batch of leaders who will

open doors and seek political reforms for a new form of sustainability, inclusive development, and even voting mentality,” Mendoza related during the Mandaue Business Summit held at the Oakridge Pavilion, Banilad, Mandaue City. He also dwelt on the various problems disturbing foreign investors, such as the need to revamp the onerous taxation system, the ease of doing business, and elimination of red tape, which are highlighted by the long lines at the National Bureau of Investigation office, as with other government agencies. Mendoza bemoaned that such lengthy lines already entail the loss of a day’s wage, as well as valuable effort and more expenses since this means shortened sleeping hours in order to avoid being at the tail-end of the queue. “We also need to wrap up the necessary reforms and improve the competitiveness of our country. I believe we are the only ones in excellent shape. The next two decades can only promise us greater things for the country as we are looked up to by the rest of the world,” Mendoza added. The summit event is the main highlight of the Mandaue Business Month, the flagship program spearheaded by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) headed by its president, Glen Soco.

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

F E AT U R E S

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

Sweet dreams are made of Sealy Newspaper The Philippines’ forum for international readers since 1981

Murray Hertz Founding Publisher (1928-2014) Butch C. Bonsol President & Managing Director Timothy Jay Araneta Ibay Editor-in-Chief Suzette Defensor Consultant Angie Duarte Richard A. Ramos (Cebu) Senior Writers Via Baroma Ching Dee Staff Writers Leah Egamino-Palaña Advertising Coordinator Jennifer Codera Billing, Credit and Collection Supervisor Nikki Joy Habana Macjanry Imperio Design & Layout Our Headquarters: Unit 305 Cristina Condominium, 143 Legaspi cor. V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Our telephone numbers: (+632) 840-2996 or (+632) 812-0987; Fax (+632) 840-2988 You can also reach us at: expatmag@gmail.com and for sales and advertising: expatcomsales@gmail.com Cebu Mailing Address: MJ. Cuenco Avenue cor. C. Mina St., Mabolo, Cebu City Telefax: (032) 412-8000 Statements, views and opinions expressed by the writers, contributors, and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or the management. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Premium spring mattress brand sets up shop in Manila By ANGIE DUARTE

n today’s hectic world, in which everything seems to move faster than a New York minute, it is easy to get sucked into the vicious vortex of unrelenting activity. Rest and relaxation are often the first to be sacrificed at the altar of hustle-and-bustle, with good, restful sleep closely following suit. The end result? A litany of health issues, and a proliferation of Mr. and Ms. Cranky Pants. The bottom line is that people need their rest and sleep: to recharge, to rejuvenate, to restore sanity. Now you can go off in seclusion, on a vacation, or a hotel staycation in pursuit of a good night’s sleep; or you can bring the hotel experience into your home and slip into sweet Sealy slumber. Preferred by hotels Sealy has been in the business of making your bed a beautiful haven of bliss for over 100 years, to date. With a solid reputation and a heritage of producing fine quality mattresses, backed by intensive and revolutionary research and development, it’s no wonder that Sealy is the mattress brand preferred by renowned hotels the world over. Four Seasons, The Ritz Carlton, The Grand Hyatt, Raffles and Fairmont are just some illustrious names on a long roster of local and international hotel chains that are sold on Sealy. “We are extremely proud to open Sealy in the country because it has such great potential. It being the preferred mattress of top hotel chains says a lot about the brand; and makes it a perfect addition to our portfolio of global brands,” notes Stephen Sy, President

The premium Sealy Sleep Boutique in Manila

of Focus Global Inc. , the company behind Sealy’s distribution in Manila. Titanium technology The secret to Sealy’s success is in its patented PostureTech® Titanium Coil, a groundbreaking technology that makes for superior comfort, proper support, and the correct spinal alignment while you are sleeping. This technology was designed in tandem with the Orthopaedic Advisory Board (OAB), a panel of eminent orthopaedic surgeons, clinicians and sleep experts. Made from twicetempered titanium alloy, Sealy coils are light,

durable and strengthened to retain their resiliency over time. Furthermore, with its different collections and series, Sealy offers its customers a variety of “sleep feels,” in accordance to their specific needs. In addition, Sealy offers a sleek, contemporary look, to lend a touch of five-star elegance to any bedroom. Forget the Sandman; instead, head on over to the new Sealy Sleep Boutique at Level 5 Main Wing of the EDSA Shangri-La Plaza for your well-deserved date with deep, dreamy sleep.

Addicted to beauty? Get your fix at Rustan’s! Grab all your favorite beauty remedies at the country’s premiere department store By ANGIE DUARTE

ustan’s has long been the go-to retail haven for the latest in leading luxury brands, not the least of which are the cosmetic world’s crème de la crème. Recently, the moguls of merchandise feted beauty addicts to a showcase of all things beautifying and beautiful at “So Surreal,” the fourth installment of the annual Beauty Addict event. With an alluring touch of whimsy and fantasy, “So Surreal” proved every beauty junkie’s dose of glamorous gratification. The event brought to the forefront hair, makeup, skincare and fragrance products, which are regularly (and, in the case of some brands, even exclusively) available at Rustan’s department stores. Reality and fantasy melded in one seemingly surreal beauty trip at Rustan’s Makati’s first floor. For the evening’s fun-filled festivities, the expanse of the selling area was decked into a whimsical pastel, sunset, and neon-hued wonderland, complete with optical illusions and larger-than-life installations, all in the name of winsomeness. Customers were treated by their fabulous favorites on the beauty scene to games, freebies, makeovers, and other exciting activities. The end result? A beauteous blowout fit for the biggest, most addicted beauty-head. Beauty blowout Participating brands under Rustan’s The Beauty Source went all out with the glitz and glam, to the delight of their die-hard devotees. Clarins’ spread the fun with their Beautiful at Any Age game, Dermalogica played rounds of Truth or Myth, while CHANEL’s Ink and Shoot photo booth allowed attendees to bring home tangible memories in the form of flip-style photo books. Korean beauty brand Areum had guests taking part in a Bring Back the Dice game. Murad challenged eve-

ryone’s coloring abilities in their Beauty Art Challenge, while Sisley put the guests’ skills to the test with their mind-boggling color twist cards. Crowd favorite Estee Lauder delivered some good old Lip Service and luxury anti-aging label La Prairie literally sent guests fishing in their light-hearted Catch of the Day activity. Meanwhile, Perricone MD dared everyone to face their greatest fears with their No Makeup Skincare Challenge. Neal’s Yard Remedies hosted a free tasting of their organic teas and L’Occitane served refreshing slushies. Hermès treated guests to hand massages, while cosmetics experts Laura Mercier boasted a Meet the Icons photo booth. Guests were also invited to take photos and videos by the Cinemagraph booth, giving illusions movement in still photos.

A beautiful tradition To make things all the more lovely, and in keeping with Beauty Addict tradition, Rustan’s The Beauty Source continues to give back with the Charity Photo Wall. Every photo taken at the Charity Photo Wall and uploaded online with the hashtag #RustansBeautyAddictGivesBack was matched with a corresponding donation to the chosen charity of Rustan’s The Beauty Source. This year, donations were given to the ICanServe Foundation, an organization in the Philippines which is dedicated to promoting early breast cancer detection, and to uplifting the lives of breast cancer survivors, as well as the lives of those women still battling the disease.

Beauty addicts get their fix at Rustan's So Surreal

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

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

G RU B H U B

Skewr: A fresh take on Mediterranean fare Text and photos by VIA BAROMA

f you’re on the lookout for a cozy and affordable Mediterranean dining destination, head on over to Skewr, located in the one of the metro’s most vibrant food hubs – Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. Skewr – a contemporary fusion restaurant owned by siblings Marlene and Bee Jay Burog – was born from their shared enthusiasm for Mediterranean fare. Drawing from their 10 years of experience in operating food stalls, most notably Khaleb Shawarma, the Burogs, with Skewr, invite diners to experience the flavors in the evolution of their culinary journey. “From the usual Filipino restaurants, fastfood chains, hotdogs and burgers, we wanted to have an alternative restaurant here in the Philippines. We want to offer something different for [local] taste buds,” the siblings shared with Expat. Sample their flavors by choosing from a selection of signature wraps, melts, or pizza in freshly made pita bread; rice meals that feature unique chicken, beef and seafood dishes; and discover the gustatory delight of Skewr’s mus-try—the oil-based Skewr pasta with beef shawarma bits and Mediterranean spices.

“We don’t want Skewr to be straight Mediterranean. We wanted to cater to the costumers who aren’t conventional type eaters,” Bee Jay added. Expat recommends The best way to start your meal at Skewr is with a plate of Pita Strips. These crispy sticks are made from the same pita bread they use in their shawarma, and will surely excite your appetite especially when partnered with their spicy Fire Feta dip, a combination of fire sauce and feta cheese. The tender, juicy beef slices of their Beef Shawarma Wrap mixed with fresh vegetables and served with a side of fries is also a musttry, along with their Chicken Pesto Melt—pita sandwich filled with roasted chicken combined with melted cheese and pesto. Pizza fans are sure to be fond of Skewr’s Rustic Greek Chicken Pizza—made with pita bread topped with chicken in red sauce—perfect for bigger groups. Meanwhile, Marlene’s (and this writer’s) personal favorite is their Rubia Krab Yaqla— three golden fritters filled with crab, fish and shrimp that is sure to win the hearts of sea-

Beef Shawarma Wrap

food lovers. Skewr’s unique blend of affordable prices, homey interiors, and vibrant flavors has made it a pit stop you have to make in an area with a wealth of dining options.

Skewr is located at 189 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. For more information, call (02) 573-7449, visit their Facebook page @skewrph or Instagram @skewr.

Experience post work comforts at The Plantation Makati's after work hangout place branches out to Ortigas Text and photos by CHING DEE

hen cousins and foodies James Lim and Notsky Lou found a bakery in its final days in one of the busiest streets inside the business district of Makati, they immediately jumped at the spatial opportunity. “We enjoy dining out and drinking, so it made sense to invest in a restaurant,” Lou told Expat. Their story In 2010, the cousins—with their friend Charles Ty—opened The Plantation—coupling the name with interiors that evoke the comfort and simplicity of life in a plantation in the countryside. “Our restaurant is very relaxed, very minimalist, almost like a country club,” Lou explained. “It’s a hang out place for people to unwind, have fun after work with drinks and tasty comfort food.” The success of their very first gastronomic endeavor quickly picked up, expanding their area to twice the original size after just a year. By 2013, they took up another space behind their spot in the building, and by 2014, they opened for 24 hours—in time for the FIFA World Cup, which attracted a lot of football fans in the area—and laid the foundations for a second branch. However, choosing the perfect location for their second branch proved to be a challenge for the trio. “The success of the business is a combination of different factors... Everything has to work together: the food, the servers, the ambiance, the whole experience itself has to work together,” Lou shared. And finally, after two years, they found the perfect venue for The Plantation’s second home: Sapphire Road in the Ortigas Business District of Pasig City. They officially opened their doors early September, welcoming the neighborhood of Ortigas to their signature

style of bar chow and comfort food in one hip place. Expat recommends At The Plantation, you can enjoy addictive bar grub, mouthwatering main dishes, and signature cocktails anytime of the day. For starters, Lou (and this writer) highly recommends The Plantation’s Gambas (salty, sweet, and spicy shrimp) and Salpicao (marinated tender beef and plump mushrooms). If you feel like having something light, their Classic Caesar Salad (crisp fresh romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, tomatoes, parmesan, and hard-boiled eggs) and signature Salmon Plantation (perfectly cooked salmon fillet topped with home-made pesto and served with mashed potatoes) are sure wins. “We know more and more people [are starting to be more aware of what they eat], so we are currently working on our menu to add lighter, healthier meals,” Lou said. For a more substantial meal, their bestselling Lechon Kawali (extra crispy and sinfully delicious pork belly with Filipino fried rice and home-made achara or pickled vegetables) is as addictive as it is filling. Other best sellers include their Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Parmigiana, Mediterranean Pork Chops, Chorizo Fundico, and Steak Habanero are also highly recommended. “This is a place to be themselves,” Lou said, referring to guests. “This is a place with awesome food for everyday working people… And when you leave our place happy and full, that means we succeeded at our job.” The Plantation is located along C. Palanca St., Makati, and Sapphire Road, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City. They are open 24/7 except holidays. For more info and updates about The Plantation, visit www.theplantation.ph

Their signature Salmon Plantation

Notsky Lou, one of the owners of The Plantation

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

T R AV E L

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

Surigao

A city of islands, adventure and everything in between Text by BERNARD L. SUPETRAN Photos courtesy of BERNARD L. SUPETRAN and the SURIGAO CITY TOURISM OFFICE

Basul Island

ention “island” to travelers’ and their eyes light up with the exotic back-to-basics experience island sojourns offer. Pair it with “adventure” and you have a powerhouse combination of a destination every nature lover yearns for. Such is Surigao, an archipelagic city with a blend of sun, sea, sand, seafood and a dash of urban lifestyle in the countryside. Tagged “The City of Island Adventures”, it has 17 islands and islets and 21 villages, scattered in the northeastern coast of Mindanao. For beach bums, this is an infinity of sleepy shores, multiplied 20 times with coves and crystal clear waters even in the middle of nowhere. Gamut of wonders The beguiling island of Basul, located off Almont Beach Resort in the coastal village of

Punta Bilar Dive Site

Lipata, is your jump off to adventure. Dotted by coconut trees and crude nipa huts, this uninhabited islet is a solitary world minus the madding crowd where you can frolic in its fine sands. Hikdop Island, situated some 30 minutes away, is an exhilarating escape which boasts of the powdery Panomboyom horseshoe-shaped beach which is another secluded hideaway. Also in Hikdop is Buenavista Cave which will capture the fancy of those getting their taste of Spelunking 101 with its impressive limestone formations, stalagmites, stalactites and columns. The main village of Buenavista, which means “good view,” offers a soothing panoramic vantage point of the string of islands around Surigao Strait. The next islands take visitors to the post-

card-pretty wooden footbridge, which snakes through a narrow channel and connects the island villages of Cantiasay and San Pedro. At 391 meters, it is the longest of its kind in the country and is jocularly called the city’s own little version of the San Juanico Bridge, which connect two landmasses. The idyllic isles of Zaragoza, Berok, Danawan, Sumilom, Sibale and Sagisi are worth exploring as they are as alluring as their exotic-sounding names. A new natural wonder is the 20-meter wide Bitaugan Whirlpool in Bayagnan Island, rare tidal occurrence which is a sight to behold with its swirling water and rippling sound, which can be witnessed from a safe distance. The twin beaches of Looc and MabuaIpil in Surigao mainland boast of smooth, multi-sized pebbles dissected by a cape where

you can capture a sweeping view of the sea and mountain as they meet in the horizon. Day-Asan Floating Village, tucked in the middle of a 550-hectare mangrove forest, is another must-see for its quaint charm of houses on stilts. Passable only by a small motorboat, the two-hour cruise has neatly concealed a host of surprises such as patches of white beaches, lobster farms and snorkeling areas. Beneath the sea, Surigao is an emerging dive spot with its lush marine life formed by the confluence of the Surigao Strait and the Hinatuan Channel on the Pacific seaboard. Scuba divers can plunge into Punta Bilar’s marine sanctuary which abounds in dense coral reefs, nudibranchs, notably the “Spanish dancer,” juvenile bamboo sharks, moray eels, cuttlefishes, octopus, and a variety of aquatic life.

Snorkeling at San Isidro Marine Sanctuary

E X P AT N E W S P A P E R OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

T R AV E L

Almont Beach Resort

Another terrestrial wonder is Silop Cave System, a must-see with its 12 chambers and awesome limestone formations, which is fit even for beginners. Carved by the hands of the Almighty Creator himself, Silop has caught the attention of Philippine Speleological Society, which congregated here for their annual congress. For a glimpse of the City’s living past, walk in at the Museo nan Surigao Heritage Center, a private museum at the bayside boulevard showcasing its rich archaeological and geological treasures. Sitting at the postcard-pretty Luneta Park is the Battle of Surigao Strait Museum, which chronicles World War II’s last major naval encounter where US forces routed the Japanese Navy on Oct. 25, 1944 after Douglas MacArthur’s return. Painstakingly put together by former naval officer and tourism prime mover Jake Miranda, the museum takes pride in vintage photos, scale models of warships, and excavated war materiel which seem take you back to the historic battle. After your interlude with nature and culture, indulge in the city’s quaint charm in its array of dining outlets offering kinilaw (vinegared) and grilled seafood which is a local staple. Ocean Bounties Seafood Market, located near the market, is the hands-down

Navigating Day-Asan Mangrove Forest

choice for fresh and succulent harvest from the sea. For a touch of class, Parkway Hotel and Almont Beach Resort are the notable hotels which serve all-time Filipino favorites, international cuisine, a modest selection of imported wines, and weekend buffet dinners. For night cap, there are cozy bars with live bands, music lounges and local cafes which serve as hang-out places. This is Surigao—a city of islands, adventure and everything in between. Getting There: Surigao can be reached via daily direct flights from Manila and Cebu.

Malaysian-style chicken satay at Almont Resort Hotel

Almont Beach Resort poolside

Battle of Surigao Strait Museum

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

EVENTS

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

Switzerland turns 725 By VIA BAROMA

linking glasses, gastronomic delights and an ample supply of some of the smoothest wines filled the ballroom of Fairmont Hotel during last Aug. 3’s celebration of the 725th Anniversary of the Republic of Switzerland. For this year’s Swiss National Day – a commemoration of the day in 1291 when the Swiss Confederation as founded – guests were treated to one of the jewels of Swiss Military music – the Swiss Military Small Band, which came to Manila as part of its Asia Tour 2016. During the festive night, they also shared the stage with the Philippine Army Band. The celebration of the auspicious event also featured a solo photographic exhibit of

Philippine endemic birds, as captured by Lorenzo Barelli, Third Secretary at the Swiss Embassy in Manila. Ambassador Andrea Reichlin hosted guests from the Philippine government, diplomatic and consular corps, as well other friends of the Swiss Embassy in Manila, with the intention of sharing Switzerland’s unique culture. The Philippines and Switzerland have had good relations since 1957, one characterized by regular political dialogue, extensive trade and humanitarian operations. In 2012, the two countries celebrated the 150th anniversary of the establishment official bilateral relations.

Atty. Salvador Panelo, Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin, Walter Bucher

David and Dr. Hazel Zuellig of Zuellig Pharmaceuticals

Jun Palafox, Amb. Delia Albert, Reiner Gloor, Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, Commissioner Frances Veronica Victorio of the Climate Change Commission, Margreta Gloor (partly hidden), Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Cleofe Natividad, Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin)

Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely and Consular Corps President Fortune Ledesma

Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin was joined by Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof and DFA Undersecretary Enrique Manalo for a ceremonial toast

Nanette Miloda, Swiss Club President Michel Miloda, Jürg and Hilde Casserini, Bo and Hans Hauri

Lucerne Jewelers Managing Director Mr. Emerson and Ling Ling Yao, Ruthy and Bobet Vera

Mila Santos, Ambassador Delia Albert, Johnny Santos

Dutch Ambassador Marion Derckx and British Ambassador Asif Ahmad

Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin delivers her remarks during the 725th Independence day of Switzerland at Fairmont Makati Hotel

E X P AT N E W S P A P E R OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

EVENTS

An evening of elegance and good will Distinguished personalities from the diplomatic, business and social circles gathered at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La, Manila for the 2016 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Annual Awards Ball. A noteworthy project of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) and established in 2004 through the guidance of honorary chairperson the late Imelda Cojuangco, the fashionable gala was spearheaded by PCS chairman Dr. Roberto Paterno, before he passed away recently, and event chairperson Angola consul Helen Ong together with the selection and organizing committee. Taking center stage were the gorgeous 2016 Best Dressed awardees who truly amazed the crowd with their bedazzling gowns on a glimmering all-white stage. Sharing the spotlight as well in their dapper suits were the dashing 2016 Men of Extraordinary Influence. The supportive Ambassadors for Life also had everyone impressed with their glamorous attires made by the country’s top designers. One of the country’s most celebrated charity events, the 13th Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Annual Awards Ball was sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, BA Securities, Czarina, SM Foundation and City of Dreams. Congratulations to the Philippine Cancer Society and the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines for yet another successful gala!

The 2016 Best Dressed awardees (from left) DR. CRB Aesthetic and Laser Clinic founder Dr. Cecilia Ramos Bernad in Jun Escario, socio-civic leader Buena Castañeda Sarmiento in Enan Almando, Planbank Rural Bank of Calamba president Ingga S. Cabangon Chua in Rajo Laurel, real estate mogul Judy Miranda Abalos in Francis Libiran, Iship Logipack Inc. co-founder Imelda Pechera in Oliver Tolentino and businesswoman Sheilla Marie Golez Tiongco in Bo Parcon

2016 Style Icon former Miss Korea and The E-Hotel Makati advisor Carolyn Tan looks regal in an Andre Kim Gown

The 2016 Best Dressed awardees (from left) Nice Print Photo founder Charisse Santillan-Tinio in Veluz, restaurateur and Xtensions Salon owner Alta Redor Lyttle in Amir Sali, R.S. Michael Architecture+Associates principal architect and Platinum Skies Aviation CEO Richelle Louise Singson-Michael in Albert Andrada, Pulupandan, Negros Occidental councilor Jerianne Ejercito-Peña in Val Taguba, JavJakTan Holdings, Corp. and The Butler Philippines Inc. CEO Judith Jacala-Tan in Amir Sali and businesswoman, beauty queen and TV host Sheila Dizon-Carlos in Rene Salud

Auction winner Ambassador for Life and Aficionado Germany Perfume CEO Joel Cruz Ambassador of Chile second secretary consul Fernanda Vila and minister counsellor and charge d’ affaires Camilo Sanhueza with the Michael Cacnio artwork cast in bronze entitled “Education”

The 2016 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines selection and organizing committee (from left) Roselle Rebano, Elaine Rojas Villar, Marian Ong, Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa, event chairperson Angola consul Helen Ong, Tanzania consul Betty Chua, Roy Gonzales, Sandie Poblador and your columnist

(From left) Manuel Hermano, Julien Chung, Bangladeshi ambassador John Gomes with Pinky and Juancho Robles

(From left) Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa and Angola consul Helen Ong with 2016 Men of Extraordinary Influence awardees FPG Insurance Group and Z Healthcare Asia Holdings Corporation chairman David Zuellig and Baliuag Marketing Co. Inc. general manager and socio-civic leader Allan Tengco, 2016 Woman of Influence and Style life insurance pioneer Rosario “Inday” Castaños Salientes, 2016 Men of Extraordinary Influence awardees SRA Architects (Philippines) president Arch. Ed Romualdez III, Estonia consul general Dr. Juan Peña and FOSCON and Worldwidelink founder Chong Pal Kim with PCS vice chairman Antonio Ma. J. Guerrero

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

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

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

EXHIBITS

•Peter Moosgaard: Supercargo Ayoke

•Linya by Russel Trinidad, a.k.a Doktor Karayom

Ongoing until Nov. 18, 1335Mabini, 1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila; for more information, call (02) 254-8498, (0917) 704-2962 or email info@1335mabini.com

Ongoing until Nov. 20, Pasilyo Vicente Manansala, 2/F Hallway Gallery, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City; for more information, call (02) 832-1125 local 1504/1505, (02) 8323702, (0917) 603-3809, or email ccp.exhibits@gmail.com

Peter Moosgaard’s work revolves around the sacred quest for "Supercargo,” a messianic freight that will be summoned by rudimentary replicas of artworks, products and commodities. The term is the derived from “cargo cult,” a ritualistic occurrence arising from contact between indigenous inhabitants and colonizing figures, manifested through the imitation of foreign goods (cargo) by the natives, with the belief that such creations would bring material wealth. Moosgaard’s objective has always been to challenge notions of originality and authenticity by mimicking objects of a certain global attraction. During his two-month residency at The Unifiedfield Nomadic Artist-Residency Program in the Philippines, the artist re-contextualized the German Bauhaus on Ayoke, a tiny island off the coast of the archipelago facing the Pacific Ocean. He reconstructed Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous "Fallingwater" in the jungle, painted Lothar Schreyers "Totenbett der Frau" on a bed sheet, carved Bauhaus designs on coconuts, and built modernist chairs from native materials. Turn-of-the-20th century designs and studies from Europe were repeated by Moosgaard in an almost ritualistic, shamanic way – not only questioning notions of the modern and the "pre-modern" (Bruno Latour), but also testing the early modernist ambition to create a "universal language". He also commissioned chairs and weavings from local artisans, encouraging them to use traditional techniques and materials, and to improve and interpret them accordingly. Working in close cooperation with the local community, the project resulted in a peculiar amalgam of traditional Filipino culture and early Western modernism. In an attempt to revitalize the subject, a hybrid between indigenous materials and Bauhaus design principles is formulated, blurring the lines along the sacred and the mundane, the native and the mass-produced artifact.

•Yellow Green Sound Town by Vinty Lava Ongoing until Nov. 20, Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo (Small Gallery), Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City; for more information, call (02) 8321125 local 1504/1505, (02) 832-3702, (0917) 603-3809, or email ccp.exhibits@gmail.com In Yellow Green Sound Town, Vinty Lava’s fictive reimagining of plot characters is spawned from the repository of music used for his videos. He investigates the evocative power of sound to entwine locations with notes, seasons to rhythm, and people to the encompassing musical tone. His video installations simulate the fictional world he wants his viewers to immerse in. Inversely, some of the images he uses are amalgamations of the two-dimensional characters he introduces in his paintings. This allows him to retain the subliminal dimension of music and provides the audience with the participatory role of interpreting the images and sound independently. Lava will also be giving an artist talk on Oct. 19, Wednesday, 4 p.m., at the CCP’s MKP Hall. Exhibit viewing hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is proud to present a solo exhibition of Russel Trinidad, also known as Doktor Karayom. Simply titled Linya, the exhibit will feature 300 of Trinidad’s sculptures. According to the Trinidad, there are different types of lines – “There are those that are horizontal, most straight or wavy, sometimes spiral, zigzag and broken. All help in producing a nice drawing. Being a practitioner of the arts, we find ourselves in love with these elements, these things that enhance the imagination to fuel the building and fulfillment of plans and intentions, and the crossing of that thin line between what we think is real to what we want as our reality.” He explained further: “Living in this day and age, falling in line or getting in line is the most accursed thing that starts one’s day. This waiting consumes more time than actual travel. It makes us point to and find fault in the people in line or in those that implement the rules. It makes us think, is this divine intervention? One is not sure, really. Maybe this line will make man reveal his true colors and intentions that are either opaque or translucent like the soul, or one’s outlook that floats while waiting in this rank and file life that makes us human, but, actually, closer to cattle and sheep.” Exhibit viewing hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

•Fast Fashion: The Dark Side of Fashion Ongoing until Nov. 25, Bulwagan ng Dangal (beside Main Library), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City; for more information, visit www.Goethe.de/Manila, or email program@manila.goethe.org The Goethe-Institut Philippines partners with the University of the Philippines College of Home Economics (UP CHE) to present a one-of-a-kind exhibit. FAST FASHION – The Dark Side of Fashion invites visitors to take a critical look behind the scenes of the textile industry, fashion and consumption. It is the first exhibition to endeavor a comprehensive and discerning examination of the clothing industry system and its socio-economic and ecological consequences. It sheds light on the global triangle of consumerism, economy and ecology from various perspectives: fashion and victims, poverty and affluence, global and local, wages and profits, clothing and chemicals, clothing and ecological balance. In the Slow Fashion Laboratory, under the headings “Sustainable Fibres,” “Animal Fibres,” “Innovative Technologies” and “Creating Transparency,” it presents examples of sustainable fashion and relevant textile seals. The visitors receive insights into the ethically justifiable wardrobe of the future and how the consumer can exert an influence through his purchasing decisions.

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

S P OT L I G H T

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

Experience Ascott Makati and its evolution of luxury By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY

t first glance, it’s easy to tag its premier location as the main asset that sets Ascott Makati apart from its competition. With the property right in the heart of the commercial and business district of Makati, and nestled within the city’s largest shopping complex, not only are some of the country’s major corporate offices in close proximity, lifestyle choices in dining and entertainment abound. And recently, the premier serviced residence address just upped the ante in luxury living when it unveiled its newly renovated suites (important to note, though, that all units in Ascott Makati are classified as suites). Ace of space Spacious living spaces has always been a staple of every Ascott Makati residence, and the renovation ensured that nothing in that aspect would change as expansive living and dining areas are complimented by designer interiors, lavish fittings, fullyequipped modern kitchens, home entertainment systems and speedy Wi-Fi connections. And the revamp wasn’t limited to the elegant suites as major changes also swept across the entire property. A new lobby with just the right touch of sophistication was likewise

recently unveiled, along with the Executive Lounge and a Cubbies playroom that caters to children of long-staying guests. Soon, Ascott Makati will also see the launch of premier restaurant Myron’s, a pool bar called Que, a coffee shop on the ground floor and a grand ballroom.

Elegant spacious living spaces - an Ascott Makati standard

An inviting pool awaits after every daily grind

Expat touch Close to 80 percent of Ascott Makati’s long staying guests (those who stay a minimum of 30 days) are expats. And according to general manager Joanne Gomez, apart from their unmatched luxury living options, it’s their attention to the needs of their guests that have kept them on top of the game.

“We have what’s called the Ascott Host, a service that provides expats orientations about what to expect in the country and liaise with them on what they need to have before they come to the Philippines. And when they get here, the host provides tours of different areas that they would need to go to like the nearest banks, convenience stores, embassies, etc.,” explains Gomez, adding that key do’s and don’ts of Philippine living, as well recommended tourist destinations are also provided to long staying guests. Basically, if you choose to call Ascott Makati your home, everything you’ll need is just a phone call away with Ascott Host. The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand. It is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator with more than 290 properties in over 100 cities spanning more than 25 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, contact (02) 5503200 or email enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com

Relaxing hues mark Ascott Makati's renovated suites

A fully equipped gym - perfect for an endorphin fix

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

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

F E AT U R E S

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

Spectacular Spookfest at DreamPlay

Kids and kids-at-heart are in for an unforgettable Halloween treat this October at DreamPlay, City of Dreams Manila. The DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space unveils “Spookfest” package, a fun-filled Halloween treat complete with a souvenir Shrek tote bag, access to “spooktacular” fun-filled games, a special map as a guide to the Halloween activities and attractions, and exciting prizes. This Halloween package is available on weekends for the entire month of October. One of the most-awaited Spookfest activities is the “Trick or Treat” pumpkin

game, where guests 17 years old and below can compete against other teams to collect pumpkins and attain the highest amount of points. Players are given 10 minutes to gather as many white, yellow, and orange pumpkins inside DreamPlay as they can, which are hidden in the Dream Tales Library, Afro Circus, Dino Trux, How to Fly Your Dragon, and Party Room areas. The “Trick or Treat” pumpkin game is scheduled at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. on weekends of October.

Peninsula Manila goes pink for breast cancer

The Peninsula Manila is proud to wear pink this October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Marking its sixth anniversary in 2016, the annual Peninsula in Pink campaign to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charities continues with The Art of Pink. This year, The Peninsula Manila is collaborating with China’s most celebrated avant-garde photographer and multimedia artist, Chen Man, and bringing four of her works to a global audience with an exhibition at The Lobby from Oct. 1 to 31, along with pink-infused dining and room experiences for guests to enjoy. In keeping with the global commitment to support innovative art, The Peninsula Manila presents “Nao Nao,” an exclusively commissioned series of art pieces that will be installed at 10 Peninsula destinations around the world. Both exciting and intimate, the collection draws the sensual photographs that have cemented Chen Man’s style and success, reconceptualized with a subtle feminine theme in reference to the Peninsula in Pink breast cancer initiative. The artist’s lauded photographs are brought together for the first time on such a grand, international scale, and offer a unique opportunity for guests and visitors at each hotel to personally interact with the art in a novel way.

Each photograph will be covered by two pink dots – symbols of breasts and the colon, a punctuation that precedes a conversation. In a nod to The Peninsula Hotels’ focus on China this year, visitors will use traditional “Nao Nao” bamboo sticks to gently scrape the dots and slowly unveil the image behind. Through her photographs and the unspoken, yet very physical interaction with it, the artist hopes that the removal of the punctuation will open up a dialogue about breast cancer and bring awareness to the cause. “With this collection, I wished to celebrate distinctive interpretations of beauty and power, while at the same time evoking dialogue about a subject that is often deemed taboo,” said Chen Man. Her four photographs will be exhibited in The Peninsula Manila’s iconic lobby. The photographs will be auctioned off and additional funds will be raised through the sale of the “Nao Nao” sticks, which visitors can purchase to scratch the piece and keep as keepsakes. The proceeds will be donated to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc which is rehabilitating the Breast Care Center of East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. Information on how to acquire each art piece is available on www.peninsula.com/pink.

Bellevue Resort Bohol celebrates 4th year with PAWP

Halloween Dream Runway Dress your best for the Spookfest and join the “Halloween Dream Runway” costume competition and have your photo taken with Shrek for a chance to win a special prize. Photos of participants will be posted in DreamPlay’s Facebook page and the photo with the most likes and shares by Nov. 1 will be declared the winner. Spookfest participants can also unleash their creativity by baking their very own mysterious and scrumptious pumpkin cookies at “Cooking with Gingy,” and come up with their unique designs using bright orange and green icing. A face painting area lets kids express their personal style with a myriad of colors and shapes to choose from. And what’s a DreamPlay experience without an exclusive viewing of “Scared Shrekless,” the Halloween-themed animated short film at the 4D Dream Theatre, which will be played at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. on all weekends of October. Experience the ultimate in viewing entertainment with synchronized real effects guaranteed to thrill and delight.

The Spookfest package is priced at PhP1,499 per person. For DreamPlay inquiries and admission, guests can call (02) 800-8080, email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www. cityofdreamsmanila.com.ph.

Since 2012, The Bellevue Resort Bohol has opened its majestic doors to provide exceptional facilities and high standard services to guests from all over the Philippines. On its 4th anniversary, the resort hosted an experiential stay to the Philippine Association of Wedding Planners (PAWP) last Aug. 29 to 31 to thank them for their countless support during the passing four years. Ten friends from PAWP, led by PAWP Chairman Marex Gaba, were invited to enjoy this fun and unique Bohol experience. The event took place in the tropical para-

dise expanse of Bellevue Bohol; offering the PAWP team a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the serene tranquility, the magnificent view of the beach, the lush gardens, the spacious pool area, the luxurious rooms, and the warm hospitality of the staff that made their stay an experience they will never forget. The team was treated to a selection of beverages, culinary delights and live entertainment. Guests were also captivated by the delightful party programs: Karaoke night, Arabian dinner by the beach, and premium prizes for them to take home.

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

U R BA N S C E N E

OCTOBER 16-29, 2016

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

MUSIC

DRINKS

•Daniela Andrade Shore Tour

•Whisky Live 2016 Manila

Oct. 22, Music Museum; Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City; tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets; for ticket inquiries, call (02) 891-9999

Oct. 28 and 29, Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel, The Fort; for ticket purchases and more details about Whisky Live Manila, visit www.whiskylivemanila.eventbrite.co.uk

Daniela Andrade is a singer-songwriter based out of Toronto and Montreal. Known for her stripped down acoustic covers and originals on YouTube, her music and videos have accumulated over 300 Million streams/plays, leading to a worldwide following of over one million YouTube subscribers. Her songs have also been featured on TV shows like “Suits,” “Supergirl” among others. “Shore” is Daniela’s biggest project yet—the Visual EP, set to be released this summer, combines four original songs and music videos to create a short film. Shot across Morocco, Cuba and Canada, the film fuses beauty and symbolism in a story about the falling out of love despite the best intentions. Tickets are priced at PhP3,000 for Gold; PhP2,000 for Silver; and PhP900 for Bronze.

Whisky Live, the biggest whisky tasting and sampling event of the year, gathers whisky distributors and brands from around the world to showcase their rare, unique and hard to find whiskies, as well as some mainstream brands. Participating brands include Jameson, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Mars Whisky, Teeling Whisky, Bruichladdich, Monkey Shoulder, JF Hillebrand, Dewar’s, Tanduay, Glengoyne, Kavalan, Singleton, Glenrothes, Don Papa Rum, Ungava, Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker, Glendronach Distillery, Balvenie, Tomintoul, Benriach, Bevtools, Tequila Corralejo, Jura, Chivas, Akashi, Macallan, Highland Park, Yamazakura, and Dalmore. Whisky personalities like Jim Murray, author of Whisky Bible, and Dominic Roskrow from Whisky Magazine will join local key opinion leaders like Francis Hasegawa and Lee Watson during the two-day affair. From London to Tokyo, Paris to New York and finally Manila, Whisky Live brings together producers from Spain, USA, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, Ireland and Scotland to offer Filipinos the opportunity to experience and satiate their palate with a wide array of whisky brands. This unique event is dedicated to avid enthusiasts and the new breed of whisky aficionados to sample whisky and spirits from well known and boutique brands to confidential and rising stars of the whisky industry.

•A1: Here We Come-Back Concert Oct. 23, KIA Theatre; and October 24 at IEC Pavillion, Cebu City Time to awaken your fan girling from hibernation, as British-Norwegian boy band returns to Philippine shores for a two-night concert. Presented by Concert Republic, A1’s “Here We Come-Back!” Tour in Manila is dedicated to their loyal fans in the country. A1 is a pop trio made up of Ben Adams, Mark Read and Christian Ingebrigtsen. They had their first breakthrough in the UK in 1999 with a collection of hit singles taken from their debut album. Sing along to a night filled with their greatest hits that include “Caught in the Middle,” “Same Old Brand New You,” “Take On Me,” “Everytime,” “Like A Rose” and “Heaven By Your Side.” Tickets at KIA Theatre are priced at PhP4,240 for Orchestra VIP; PhP3,710 for Orchestra B; PhP3,975 for VIP Loge; PhP2,120 for Balcony 1; PhP1,060 for Balcony 2. Tickets in Cebu are priced at PhP3,000 for VIP; PhP2,500 for Platinum; PhP1,250 for Gold; PhP600 for Silver; PhP300 General Admission (exclusive of ticket service charge).

•The King Symphonic: Elvis Presley Symphony Concert Starring Shea Arender Oct. 29, Meralco Theatre, Ortigas Ave. cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City; tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com. ph and all TicketWorld outlets; for ticket inquiries, call (02) 891-9999 Award-winning Broadway producer Shea Arender takes the lead role in this Elvis Presley Symphony Concert. Performing some of the most popular hits by The King, Arender takes center stage for a night of nostalgia. Jive and groove with custom arrangements for a 60-piece orchestra, written, arranged and produced by Arender. Tickets are priced at PhP5,225 for Orchestra Center; PhP3,135 for Orchestra Side; PhP2,090 for Loge; PhP1,567 for Balcony.

FITNESS

•Color Manila Costume Run 2016 Oct. 29, 2016; Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa; for more information, visit www.colormanilarun.com Color Manila Costume Run 2016 takes the fun in fun run to another level as running enthusiasts are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters this Halloween. The country’s biggest color run will be offering three distances – 500m, 3K and 5K. You can come in your own costume or have it included in your race fee for PhP1,200, which is also inclusive of costume singlet, costume prop, race bib, finisher’s medal, trick or treat bag, and color packet.

EXPO

•Manila FAME: The Design and Lifestyle Event

Oct. 20 to 22, World Trade Center, Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City; for more information, visit www. manilafame.com Manila FAME: the Design and Lifestyle Event is the country’s premier trade platform for exports and design – providing opportunities for small and medium scale entrepreneurs to showcase their products in the world market. Manila FAME is one of the longest running trade shows in the Asia Pacific region, which features the latest Philippine-made creations from artisans and manufacturers. It is the only trade event in the country approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Manila FAME is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).