EXPAT NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2018 ISSUE

THE PHILIPPINES’ FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS SINCE 1981

OCTOBER 2018 / VOL. 36 NO. 10

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

GROOMING THE Metro AS A GLOBAL TRAVEL BRAND 8

Its urban blight notwithstanding, Metro Manila remains an intriguing and exciting tropical metropolis for foreign tourists. From its dining and lifestyle options, to historical sites and a growing number of gaming resorts – the metro still has its allure despite its madding tendencies.

Read up on what you may not be seeing behind the noise and haze.

EVENTS

IN FOCUS

GRUB HUB

10

14

6

Sabor Bar de Vinos

Makati CBD

2018 Crayfish Party

Indulge your senses at Cubao’s newest venue for fine wines, superb sangria’s and appetizing tapas.

All you need to know about the metro’s premier business district.

Take a look at scenes during the festive celebration of Nordic-Filipino camaraderie.

WHY is the subject of sustainable fisheries such an urgent matter?

3

whICH hotel is the newest beacon of hospitality in Central Luzon?

5

WHERE can you get topnotch organic, free-range chicken?

7

WHAT can you do in the province of Rizal?

9

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

2 NEWS

World facing grim scenarios – ICD ChaiR

By RICHARD RAMOS

A

prominent business consultant predicts that the world will be in worse shape in the next few decades owing to such factors such as slower economic growth, a rapidly aging population, exodus of big businesses, and more impactful climate change occurrences.

Such global challenges would eventually result in the dismantling of the world order brought about by such phenomena as removal of barriers and technological breakthroughs led by the world’s superpowers.

According to Dr. Jesus Estanislao, founder and chair emeritus of the Institute of Corporate Directors, other phenomena such as the impending exodus of 2,000 big companies from Barcelona and the looming exit of United Kingdom from the European Union (EU) would lead to slower global growth and limited opportunities for the global populace.

Need for self-sufficiency “This calls for the Philippines to be more self-sufficient and rely on its own resources in order to reduce its dependency on outside sources, which may have bigger problems of their own,” Estanislao declared during the recent Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Business Summit.

The US and China are currently in the midst of a trade war, having imposed heavy taxes on each other’s imported goods, thus causing a ripple of serious repercussions felt by the rest of the world.

Runaway inflation, soaring interest rates, and glaring trade deficits are the likely outcomes of these trade wars, more so as US President Donald Trump continues to foster heat against Canada, Russia, and the EU.

Estanislao also cited declining productivity as another global concern, brought about by an aging population and low birth rates.

“Japan and China have realized their mistakes and are trying to reverse their policies on population control. China now encourages couples to have three kids.

But birth rates in the US and Europe are likewise down. Average age in Japan and China is nearing 40, compared to 23 in the Philippines,” he noted.

Doomsday scenarios But while boasting of a young population, Estanislao cited that the Philippines is among the most endangered countries by climate change. This is easily discernible by the high number of typhoons and earthquakes that frequent the country every year, not to mention manmade disasters such as landslides, fires, and floods that have continued unabated.

He also warned that coastal areas face submersion in the near future, and even went as far as saying that Manila may be submerged in the next 10 to 15 years due to urban decay, proliferation of asphalt jungles, and absence of trees.

Another grim scenario is the continued swelling of the population in metropolitan areas, contributing to the social decay of urban blight in the form of traffic, unemployment, crime, and shortage of utilities.

“We have to face reality soon. We should take all things into account before we choke in the gridlock. This is our problem, not just for politicians. Let us remember that politicians are around only for a few years, but we are here for generations. We hope to leave a better world for the future generations,” he said.

RCM SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

By the

NUMBERS 23.1 3.2

The percentage drop of biologically sustainable fishing stocks. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a third of the world’s oceans are overfished. Stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels decreased from 90 percent to 66.9 percent, with some fish not having enough population left in the ocean to replenish and reproduce.

35

The percentage of fish and seafood that are either lost or wasted.

60

According to Dechen Tsering, regional director for UN Environment in Asia and the Pacific, “Plastic pollution is a global problem, yet 60 percent of all plastic that ends up in our oceans comes from only six countries in Asia."

The Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) held a special board meeting led by its President Susing Pineda (3rd from left) in preparation FOR their grand centennial anniversary celebrations.

Shown in photo (from left) Albert Alday, Past Director, Jimmie Poliecarpio, Past President, Susing Pineda, Inspiring President, Bobby Joseph, Director, Alvin Lacambacal, Secretary, Nick Locsin, Past Director, Anna Toledo, Executive Secretary, Lance Masters, Vice President, Raffy Alunan, Director, Issam Eldebs, Director, Jack Rodriguez, Director and Caloy Reyes, Director.

In billions, the number of people who rely on fish for nearly 20 percent of their animal protein intake.

According to the FAO, global fish consumption has exceeded the consumption of meat from all terrestrial animals.

149

In 2015, Asia accounted for two thirds of the 149 million tons of fish consumed globally.

Looming threats to fisheries such as overfishing, climate change, marine habitat destruction, and marine plastic pollution could damage livelihoods of millions of people.

Ocean leaders and advocates are invited to join the discussion on sustainable fisheries at the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2018 in Iloilo City, Philippines on November 27-30, 2018. Dale Galvin, Managing Director of Sustainable Markets and Impact Investing at RARE, will be a featured speaker. He will talk about the fishing industry and how we can practice and support sustainable fisheries for the future of our shared seas.

For more information on the 2018 EAS Congress, please visit: www. eascongress2018. pemsea.org

NEWS 3

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

Green group asks for NEDA chief cautions shift to alternatives to about FIRe save corals S

T

he recent apprehension of a suspected smuggler with thousands of live corals and several giant clams in Bacoor, Cavite has ignited public furor over the continued trade in protected marine life.

A Filipino environmental group offers a solution. “Now is the perfect time to shift to sustainable alternatives to corals and seashells,” says Gregg Yan, founder and director of environmental nonprofit Best Alternatives.

Though legally protected, corals – generally classified as either ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ depending on whether they form skeletons made of calcium carbonate – are collected for the aquarium, jewelry and curio (display) trades.

Live hard and soft corals are kept by many aquarium hobbyists but require state-of-theart equipment and special care to survive.

Slow-growing red corals are hewn into jewelry, while plate, staghorn and mushroom corals are collected, dried and bleached for display. Vast numbers of seashells and other invertebrates like seastars are also gathered, dried and exported to other nations.

Artificial alternatives shift The Fisheries Code of the Philippines (RA 10654) prevents the gathering, possession, transport and sale of ordinary, semiprecious and precious corals except for scientific or research purposes – with fines ranging

Artificial Brain Corals

from PhP500,000 to PhP10,000,000. Many seashells like giant clams and tritons are also legally protected.

“The damage wrought by the illegal trade in corals is immense. We’re happy to finally see the fight against the trade taken seriously.

This gives hope that as a country, we are taking a stand to protect our precious natural resources,” adds Vanessa Vergara, executive director of Reef Check Philippines.

Best Alternatives asks people who love the beauty of corals to shift to artificial alternatives. “Made of rubber, resin or polymer, faux corals are painted and crafted to look real. A shift to them eliminates our need to source corals from the wild,” says Yan. The Philippine Marine and Reef Aquarium Society agrees, asking marine aquarium hobbyists to shift from wild-caught to artificial corals, do proper research before keeping marine animals and participate in activities like coastal clean-ups to give back to the sea.

“Seashells and jewelry like red coral bracelets and tortoiseshell necklaces can easily be made from alternative materials like hard plastic,” concludes Yan. “Why flaunt how we can wear rare jewellery when we can take great pride in wearing eco-conscious alternatives? By shifting to more Earth-friendly choices, we can spare our seas from further damage.” - By BEST ALTERNATIVES

Live corals sheltering fish

About Best Alternatives Founded by environmentalist Gregg Yan in 2014 and co-led by proponents all around the globe, Best Alternatives is an environmental communications think-tank which presents sustainable and profitable solutions to meet a host of ecological challenges – ranging from better ways to generate renewable energy to best practices for the seafood industry.

For more information, contact BestAlternativesCampaign@ gmail.com.

ocioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia highlighted the importance of redefining the role of government in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) or Industry 4.0 era so that innovation activities are encouraged and not stifled.

In his keynote address at the Annual Public Conference (APPC) organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Pernia cautioned about the social disruptions that FIRe may bring, which in turn, could compromise the country’s economic growth.

FIRe defined Experts in the field defines FIRe or Industry 4.0 as something that fuses the physical, digital, and biological worlds, thus, transforming the way people live, work, and communicate. While there are opportunities that come with FIRe, there are challenges as well that governments around the world must deal with.

According to Pernia, it is the role of government to ensure that citizens are protected against cybercrimes, unintended job losses, greater inequality, and disillusionment as the nature of work changes with the FIRe. Thus, Pernia pointed out the need to `future-proof ’ the country’s economy against the complex challenges brought by “rapidly changing technologies, urbanization, climate change, protectionism, and conflict-driven extremism in some parts of the world as well as local and international political cacophony”.

He emphasized that the government is fully committed to maintain the economy’s growth momentum so that the Philippines can attain upper middle-income status by 2019 and reduce poverty incidence to 14 percent by 2022.

“We must therefore not lose our momentum despite the onslaught of the rapidly changing environment—and unnecessary distractions to boot,” he noted.

Gov’t role Pernia, who also heads the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), emphasized the need to harness the benefits of the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem to the economy and society as articulated in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

Specifically, he stressed the need to upgrade the country’s capabilities to produce and use technologies through capacity building and beefing up of research and development programs. With respect to dealing with disruptive technologies, the NEDA chief emphasized the importance of having sustainable roadmaps to minimize the risks that these technologies pose to present and future generations.

Jobs redefined Meanwhile, in her opening statement at the APPC, PIDS President Celia Reyes urged Congress to look into the potential impacts that may arise from the FIRe and come up with sound policies to address the issues and opportunities that may come with it. She stressed the importance for policymakers to use existing research studies that will guide them in the formulation of these policies.

Citing a 2016 report on the Future of Jobs by the World Economic Forum, Reyes noted that the labor sector will be most affected

by FIRe. It is estimated that about 7 million jobs will be lost due to automation. These are mostly “routine jobs” or those that involve pattern, require less creativity, and are repetitive.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) also predicts that about half of jobs in five Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—or about 137 million workers—are a high risk of being affected by automation.

Nevertheless, Reyes explained that about 2 million new jobs, mostly focusing on technology, software development, and other “non-routine” or “non-codifiable” jobs will be created out of the FIRe and will be of high demand in the future.

“These emerging technologies open a multitude of opportunities. They are expected to boost economic productivity, enhance food security, improve environmental protection and agricultural production, as well as enhance public service delivery like healthcare, communication, and transportation,” she explained.

Accepting change On the other hand, Reyes cautioned that along with these benefits are challenges that the country needs to prepare for, such as, but not limited to, employment and income uncertainties, social protection issues, digital divide, as well as regulatory and security concerns.

Nevertheless, Reyes expressed optimism that the Philippines will be able to adapt to technological shifts and innovations.

“We just need to be open to changes and accepting to new learnings. Yes, it will have its downside, but we should see the FIRe as an opportunity and not as a stumbling block.

This is the mindset that we need to have,” she advised.

The APPC, which has the theme “Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Creating Our Future Today” for this year, serves as the highlight and culminating activity of the Development Policy Research month or DPRM, a national celebration led

by PIDS and held every September to draw awareness on the importance of policy research in the formulation of evidence-based government policies, programs, and projects.

By Philippine Institute for Development Studies

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

4 CEBU

By RICHARD RAMOS

Seda Ayala Center Cebu opened its doors to the public at the Cebu Business Park, the heart of the city’s dynamic financial district. Guest rooms, function rooms, and amenities are all newly-refurbished, with the rooms offering a modern minimalist layout in earth tones. Lobby seating has been expanded with free Wi-Fi for guests at the e-lounge. One may also sample local and Italian dishes at Misto Restaurant. The hotel also offers easy access to parking, lifestyle experiences, and cosmopolitan dining at the adjoining Ayala Center Cebu.

There’s also a spinning rollercoaster, bump cars and boats, carousels, among other regular theme park fare. A highlight is Snow World, an indoor park that features ice sculptures and snow carvings, and the effect of snow for as close to a winter wonderland experience as you can get in the tropics.

Target opening date is before the yearend.

Developer are the owners of Belmont Hardware.

Pearl Medical Aesthetics + Laser, situated at the seventh floor of the MSY Tower along Pescadores St., Cebu Business Park, just celebrated its first anniversary. Among its many services is the First Class Skin Analysis, or “VISIA” which is drawn from key visual data on complexion health and appearance. Other services include HydraFacial for brighter and more radiant skin; the Smooth Eye to stimulate collagen rebirth and remodeling; the Fotona Smooth – restores vaginal health; and the LED Light Therapy which uses color-coded lights to determine the specific disease affecting the body.

Aboitizland fetes Foressa Mountain Town, a sprawling 250-hectare mountain resort community in Balamban. The ceremonial groundbreaking rites marked the start of Phase One (51 hectares, 242 lots), the first of four phases. Each lot averages 400 square meters while adopting an Asianinspired hillside homes theme. The place is popular with adventure-seekers and biking organizations due to the presence of four bike trails of varying distances and degrees of difficulty. As well, three hiking trails have hosted a number of obstacle races and trail runs. Upcoming amenities include a main pavilion, three-tiered pools, and a lodge, among others. Foressa is a 90-minute drive from downtown Cebu via the Transcentral Highway.

Anjo World Theme Park, a 3.5-hectare world-class theme park located in Belmont One, Minglanilla in southern Cebu, held its groundbreaking ceremonies last month.

The park will feature themed zones on the world’s continents, as well as different rides and attractions. One is a 160-foot giant Ferris wheel, the biggest outside Metro Manila.

Shearwater Health, a global health provider of Clinical Process Outsourcing, recently inaugurated its Cebu headquarters occupying five floors in Mabuhay Tower at the Cebu Information Technology (IT) Park.

Anshum Sinha, the company country manager, said he was pleased with the quality of work by their Cebu operations and chose a

bigger site when the need arose. He said the company is recruiting only the highly-qualified nurses who can pass the written exams, oral interviews, and possess excellent teamwork skills to fill the shortage of 100,000 nursing slots in the United States. Sinha also added that the company will soon double its staffers to 1,200 by the end of 2019.

Canedo Equity Ventures, Inc. (CEVI) has tapped Infosoft for the implementation of Acumatica Private Cloud business solutions for their automation project. CEVI’s real estate arm, Philippine Paramount Property Ventures Inc. (PPPVI), decided that they wanted to elevate its services by moving into the cloud. Acumatica is an innovator that has a unique all-inclusive licensing model that offers a complete, real-time view of one’s business anywhere, anytime. CEVI is a Cebu-based conglomerate with business interests in real estate sales and development, mining, quarrying and equipment rental, food, construction, memorial garden development, and technical-vocational education.

Bakery World 2019, the first ever in Cebu, took place last Oct. 5 to 7 at the J Center Convention Hall in Mandaue City. Over a hundred exhibitors participated in the event, including 20 from Cebu. Master bakers from South Korea and Taiwan headed baking demos for the audience. There was also a cake decorating contest with generous cash prizes for the winners. Donations included bakery equipment for the Mandaue Comprehensive High School

and 10,000 pieces of bread for the general public. The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) headed by its president Stanley Go and the Mandaue City government led by Mayor Luigi Quisumbing spearheaded the event.

Duros Land held the groundbreaking ceremonies for their new hotel called 23 Minore Park Hotel, situated beside the historic International Eucharistic Convention Center Cebu (IECCC) in Mabolo. This will be a modest 42-room, four-story structure with direct access to the IECCC. The IECCC structure hosts several function rooms, including the biggest convention room in Visayas and Mindanao. The hotel also lies adjacent to Landers, a sprawling membership-only supermarket. Estimated date of completion is mid-2019.

CEREB and PAREB (Cebu Real Estate Board and the Philippine Association of Real Estate Brokers) recently held their “8th Real Estate Expo” at the SM City Cebu last Sept. 11 to 17 with the theme “Professionalizing Real Estate Practice.” Organizers declared that they have formed the Anti-Colorum Real Estate Task Force to go against illegal industry practitioners.

While jail terms are in place, the CEREB are also encouraging offenders to legalize their practices through education for legitimate practice. The event also featured prominent speakers from law practitioners, utilities, financial investments, interior design, landscaping, government, ecology, OFWs, and security.

Cebu leads Vis-Min in overnight guests

By RICHARD RAMOS

M

ore feathers in the cap of Cebu as it continues to set records in a new tourism category – overnight

For more info, please call

accommodation guests in the entire Southern Philippines region from January 2017 to March 2018.

In a presentation led by Tourism Regional Director Shalimar Tamano, Cebu led the way by a large margin with a total of 4,397,919 nights by all visitors for the entire 15-month period. This was broken into 2,045,036 for foreign guests; 2,339,716 for domestic, and 13,167 for overseas Filipino worker guests.

Davao del Sur (including Davao City) ranked second with a total of 2,076,658 guests, led mainly by domestic guests numbering 1,901,784. Zambales surprisingly came in third with 2,070,164—led mainly by its 2,014,640 domestic guests.

Boracay placed fourth with 2,001,574 guests.

Local and foreign guests were nearly even with 986,920 foreign (second place) and 972,994 domestic guests.

Tamano noted that the closure of Boracay took +63 (917) 535-4308 place on April 2018, just

after the survey was completed. Hence, the closure order was non-bearing on the survey.

Though Palawan ranked seventh with a total of 1,436,504 guests; its 521,961 international visitors ranked third in the survey.

Other surprise top notchers were Albay at fifth place with 1,740,435 total guests; Negros Occidental at sixth with 1,721,886 (third with 1,608,903 domestic visitors); Bato at seventh with 1,387,867.

Compared to its past numbers, Bohol was saw a significant dip, dropping all the way to 12th place with 1,042,700 – although it was sixth place among foreign guests with a total of 158,910. Tamano spoke during the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Investment Forum held in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region VII (Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor) The Cebu edge Cebu’s large number of lodging establishments and its international airport, which hosts over 20 airlines played a key role in the steady influx of local and foreign visitors.

International chain hotels such as Marco Polo, Radisson, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Movenpick, and Best Western Hotels were also instrumental in attracting the guests with reputed industry brands with strong name recall.

Tourism products and services continue to expand with the organized whale and

dolphin watching tours in Oslob; the new 100-hectare Cebu Safari Adventure Park in the town of Carmen; the mushrooming of English as a Second Language (ESL) schools, condominiums, and subdivisions; and a plethora of other lifestyle options.

In an earlier interview with Hembler Mendoza, tourism officer of Lapu-Lapu City, he enumerated the upcoming hotels chains due to rise in the next several months in Mactan which included Sheraton, Dusit, Ascott, Emerald, and Megaworld.

“Mactan has 80 establishments with a total of 5,000 rooms. This could easily rise to 7,000 to 9,000 rooms by 2021, comprising majority share of the 15,000 to 16,000 rooms in Cebu,” he divulged.

There would also be a total of four casinos, the latest of which would be housed in the upcoming Emerald Resort. The three existing casinos are based in Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino, Mactan Isla Resort, and JPark Waterpark and Resort.

Road widening projects would soon commence at the Punta Engano area to make room for rising clientele and traffic at existing establishments such as Shangri-La Mactan, Movenpick Resort, Chateau by the Sea, Abaca Resort, Be Hotel, and others.

As well, soon to rise in the area are more large-scale developments such as Robinson’s Land Seascapes, Sheraton Residences, Dusit Resort, the 20-hectare Seagrove Communities, and three hotels at Megaworld Properties.

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

FEATURES 5

Marriott Hotels expands footprint in Phl with new Clark Marriott On Sept. 14, Clark Marriott first opened its doors to guests, officially kicking off its campaign to be the perfect destination for both business and leisure in Central Luzon. Strategically located in the flourishing urban development that is the Clark Freeport Zone, just 2.6 kilometers away from the Clark International Airport (CIA), Clark Marriott provides discerning guests with easy access to major corporate businesses, government entities, and prominent city landmarks – staking its claim as the beacon of hospitality in Clark.

“The opening of Clark Marriott is a great example of how Marriott Hotels is inspiring brilliance through its expansion into surprising destinations. As Clark is home to the country’s future premiere gateway, the Clark International Airport, which boasts of increasing budget flights and flight destinations to key cities in Asia and the Middle East, international guests have endless options to explore new ways of thinking about Clark as a travel destination,” says Victor Clavell, VP Philippines, Marriott International.

Clark Marriott is part of the Marriott International Inc.’s

aggressive expansion plans in the country that will see the hotel group open up 2,800 rooms by 2021.

Beacon of hospitality Contemporary design and local touches blend to create a distinct and vibrant aesthetic. While amenity-filled guest rooms, progressive dining options, cutting edge technology, flexible and exemplary meeting facilities and a brand new social event experience make every guest stay special, no matter the purpose.

Innovative spaces, such as The Lounge, and the hotel’s other chic dining outlets, allow guests to seamlessly blend work and play – while the strategic location serves an ideal springboard for

sum offerings starting with appetizers, specialty soups, barbecue dishes, and a w i d e E-Fu Noodle assortment of steamed and deep-fried dim sum; and ends with delightful desserts and refreshing teas from the tea bar. All-YouCan-Eat Dim Sum is available from Monday to Sunday, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at PhP1,088 nett per person.

Chef Yeung hails from Hong Kong, with a career spanning 27 years in the hospitality industry. He has worked in prestigious hotels and properties in Asia, where he honed his skill in traditional Cantonese cuisine. The chef has previously worked at The Reverie Saigon, where he often prepared dishes for the Chinese Embassy and the President of Vietnam.

New World Makati jazzes up fight against depression It was a spectacular evening of music coupled with a strong advocacy to fight against depression.

Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) and the Embassy of Republic of Singapore, shed a new light to depression through a fundraising concert titled “Jazz Beyond the Blues” held at the grand Ballroom of New World Makati Hotel on Sept. 10.

The crowd was serenaded by multitalented local artists Bituin Escalante, Nicole Asensio, and Michael Williams; Australian Serge Le Goueff; and Andrew Lim and Rani Lim from Singapore. The artists were accompanied by AMP Big Band, under the musical direction of Mel Villena.

“We highly support NGF’s advocacy

Officer of Widus Philippines Inc. “The Marriott Hotel’s name is a prestigious addition to Widus, and together with Marriott, we are committed to offering travel, leisure and recreational experiences that will appeal to the most discerning of visitors.”

Special October rates Until Oct. 31,Clark Marriott offers its opening deal of PhP6,500 for an overnight Deluxe Room. The room, which is regularly priced at PhP7,900 plus service charge, comes with buffet breakfast for two, plus 10 percent discount at its all-day dining restaurant, Goji Kitchen + Bar, for lunch and dinner.

The Deluxe Room is one of Clark Marriott’s six room categories. It has a total area of 40 square meters, to which guests may choose between a king size or two double beds. It has a long couch by the window, making it ideal for both a solo traveler, and one with family and friends.

Lobby and The Lounge

Classic Cantonese cuisine reinvented at New World Manila Bay’s Li Li Executive Chinese Chef Raymond Yeung presents an exciting new menu for Li Li featuring classic Cantonese favorites and dishes inspired by contemporary world cuisine. The new menu showcases Chef Yeung’s creative take on traditional Cantonese cuisine – reflected in his skillful preparation and cooking methods and the incorporation of both locally-sourced ingredients and specialty items such as Mexican abalone, poultry imported from Hong Kong, A4 Japanese Saga Wagyu, and scallops, to name a few. It is a delicious marriage between traditional Cantonese cooking methods and unconventional ingredients, served in an inspiring and creative presentation.

The Executive Chef also reinvents the traditional Yum Cha menu with his own interpretation through a play on textures and flavors, featuring handpicked dim sum items expertly prepared with both locally-sourced premium ingredients and specialty delicacies such as abalone and scallops. Guests can enjoy over 30 kinds of freshly prepared homemade Dim Sum with the "All You Can Eat Dim Sum" lunch. The gastronomic journey begins with an unlimited selection of handmade delectable dim

business endeavors in Central Luzon and further up north, or as a pit stop for international dealings.

Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers, Marriott Hotels inspires brilliance, leading the industry with innovations. Guests can experience the ease of mobile check-in and enjoy an elevated guest experience through Mobile Guest Services, seamlessly delivered with the globally renowned Marriott Hotels service.

“We are very happy to partner with Marriott International in welcoming and providing premium accommodation to visitors at Clark Marriott,” said Daesik Han, President and Chief Executive

to continue delivering awareness and information further, to get across the message to those who need it most. NGF’s vision is in line with the hotel’s advocacy to give back to the community as much as we can,” New World Makati Hotel general manager Farid Schoucair said in his remarks.

NGF is a non-profit organization dedicated to fight depression through awareness and prevention. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the organization’s scholarship program for Psychology majors in state and private universities.

NGF also launched its sustainability program, the “Mindstrong Movement,” during the concert and coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day.

For bookings and reservations, visit www.clarkmarriott.com, or call (045) 5985000.

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

6 GRUB HUB

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE The Philippines’ forum for international readers since 1981

Murray Hertz Founding Publisher (1928-2014) Butch C. Bonsol President & Managing Director Vernon Prieto Associate Publisher Timothy Jay Araneta Ibay Editor-in-Chief Richard A. Ramos (Cebu) Via Baroma Staff Writers Angie Duarte Writer-at-Large Nikki Habana Macjanry Imperio Design & Layout Leah Egamino-Palaña Sales & Advertising Executive Fevelyn Bucio Admin and Accounting Vicky Soto Sales & Advertising Officer Our Headquarters: Unit 305 Cristina Condominium, 143 Legaspi cor. V.A. Rufino Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City Our telephone numbers: (+632) 840-2996 or (+632) 812-0987 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

Savor Spanish sensations at Sabor Bar de Vinos Indulge your senses at Cubao’s newest venue for fine wines, superb sangrias, and appetizing tapas Words by ANGIE DUARTE Photos courtesy of Sabor Bar de Vinos

Sabor: a word derived from the Latin sapor, which means flavor.

Interestingly enough, the word “savor” also derives from the same Latin root. While tightly intertwined, there is a distinct nuance between the two words. In dining, for instance, flavor involves a sensory appreciation of taste. But savor refers to the more sensual aspect – a lingering, gratifying enjoyment of that which you taste.

That little word lesson comes to life, deliciously, at Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s newest offering, Sabor Bar de Vinos, which invites you to taste and enjoy the wine-andtapas lifestyle at its finest.

Kick back, relax, and unWINEd Situated on the ground level of the Novotel Manila, in the heart of vibrant Araneta Center, Sabor offers a relaxing respite from the hustle-and-bustle right outside the hotel’s doors. From Tuesday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., guests can come in to de-stress over a glass or three of a wine of their choice.

Sabor’s warm and welcoming interiors, flanked by elements of glass-and-steel, with rustic wooden touches, make it easy to let go of your cares – if only for a few hours. The dining area is intimate, allowing for warm conversations filled with hearty laughter. Just

beyond the cozy space, a passageway leads to an indoor garden and more seating.

While it is ideal to enjoy the afternoon or evening with no other agenda than to take in all that makes Sabor special, if you must work, what better way to do so than with a glass of wine in hand? “Plug-and-Pour” all you want on bar stools situated by picture windows with a view of Cubao’s dynamic city streets.

Winning wines Sabor boasts an impressive variety of wines, from a wide range of vintage and value, including premium wines like Clarendelle by Haut Brion Bordeaux, Anna Codorniu Rosé, and Waterfalls Road Eddy Sauvignon blanc.

The sangria selection does not disappoint, either, with three variants to choose from. Fortress Sangria is bold and intense in flavor, showcasing a mix of red wine, brandy, orange juice, spiced syrup, lime juice and lemonade. For something light and refreshing, Sangria Blanco hits the spot, with its delicate fusion of Sauvignon Blanc, vodka, lychee juice, apple juice, lime juice, and basil leaves. The Sangria de Rosa, on the other hand, is a zesty concoction of rose wine, tequila, guava purée, strawberry syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, and mint leaves. The

tapas bar also offers a DIY sangria station, which is as delightful as it is delicious.

Perfect pairings Of course, the best way to enjoy a nice glass of vino is with a plate of tapas – and Sabor’s menu is loaded with a hearty selection of small plates. Must-try tapas are the Sautéed Chorizo in Red Wine (fine Spanish meat sausages in red wine and sherry vinegar, topped with chopped parsley, smoked paprika and red onion, served with rosemary focaccia), Galician-Style Chicken Empanada (a savory pie pocket stuffed with marinated chicken, Spanish paprika, roasted cumin, olives, and peppers), and the Mushroom Croquettes (porcini, button, and portobello mushrooms with creamy blue cheese dip topped with caramelized walnuts). Indulge in dessert tapas to satiate the palate, like the Cannoli Venetia (crispy pastry shells stuffed with creamy ricotta) and the Tiramisu, the Classic Way (layers of Amaretto-flavored mascarpone and lady fingers dipped in coffee).

Experience the taste and savor the flavor, con mucho gusto, at Sabor Bar de Vinos.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 990 7888 or email H7090@accor.com.

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.

A portion of Sabor's cozy interiors

Sauteed Chorizo in Red Wine

Sabor's Make Your Own Sangrias bar

Sweet Tapas (Tiramisu the Classic Way - layer of mascarpone flavored with amaretto & lady finger soaked in coffee with a kick_ Cannolli Venetia - Crispy shells stuffed with ricotta_ Zeppoli - freshly fried ricotta

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

GRUB HUB 7

Enjoy organic, free-range chicken sans shortcuts Pamora Sesame Chicken Salad

Pamora Chicken Adobo

Above industry standards The Philippine National Standards for organic poultry requires only a minimum of 70 days for the chickens to grow. Pamora follows the French Label Rouge standards and grows their Premium chicken (1 to 1.85 kilograms) for a minimum of 81 days, and sometimes, up to 100. They also make sure not to inject hormones or other chemicals to rush the growing process.

“We allow the body of the chicken to develop naturally, so when you eat our freerange chicken, you’ll notice that the bones are stronger and do not break easily,” Mora-

S

Photos by VIA BAROMA

tarting out as a family backyard operation back in 2000 using just 1,000 square meters of land, Pamora Farm Inc has expanded from raising and growing free-range chicken for families and friends, to being sold in a plethora of dining and retail outlets scattered across Metro Manila.

Recently, Pamora Farm invited Expat to sample a spread of Pamora free-range chicken products prepared by The Peninsula Manila’s Executive Chef Franco Diaz. The sumptuous feast included Pamora Chicken Pate Bites, Pamora Chicken Adobo (using thigh and leg choice cuts), Pamora Sesame

Chicken Salad (using breast choice cuts), Pamora Chicken and Waffles (using chicken oysters), and Pamora Tandoori Chicken (using wing and lollipop choice cuts), among a slew of other masterful creations using the premium organic poultry.

The result was a display of the many possibilities the free-range chicken farm allows.

“With Pamora free-range chicken, you will eat 100% chicken. No hormones, no antibiotics, no chemicals,” guaranteed General Manager of Pamora Farm, Tina Morados during the celebration of their 18 years in the industry.

dos explained.

As a pioneer in the free-range poultry industry, Pamora has invested on production process standardization that complies with both local and international standards.

Pamora is the only dressing plant in the country that caters exclusively to free-range chickens, using an air-dry chilling process that is compliant with EU standards.

“Air-dry chilling maintains the freshness, meat quality, and taste of the chicken,” expounded Morados. “No water is absorbed by the chicken, meaning what you get is 100 percent chicken meat.”

The products Pamora’s product line includes whole dressed chicken in different sizes (400-600g Coquelet, 650-850g Spring chicken, 1-18.5 Premium chicken, 2kg up Capon, 1.8kg up Poularde), choice cuts (breast, legs, bonein thighs, boneless thighs, wings, winglollipop, and chicken oyster), eggs, chicken burger, chicken nuggets, and chicken tocino.

Pamora also sells pate, which are creations of co-founder Gerard Papillion, using old fashion recipes from his grandmother Jeanne Papillon. The pate is available in six

Pamora Tandoori Chicken with Yogurt Dip and Cheese Nam

Pamora Chicken and Waffles

variants: Chicken Liver, Chicken Breast and Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Chicken Liver and Gizzard, Chicken Breast, and Chicken Breast and Gizzard.

The establishments that serve Pamora chicken include The Peninsula Manila, City of Dreams, Novotel Manila, Element Boutique Hotel, Marriott Hotel, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, James & Daughters by Le Jardin, Sagana Restaurant, and Guidivilla Inc. For more information, visit www.pamorafarm.com or call (02) 257-6834 to 35, / (0917) 537-5639.

Bigg’s Diner

Comfort food, made bigger and better Naga’s beloved diner goes all-out to fill tummies and delight hearts – and it’s coming soon to Manila Words by ANGIE DUARTE Photos courtesy of Bigg’s Diner

I

n 1983, tennis buddies, friends, and lovers of food and adventure Nena Bichara, Nienie Buenaflor, and Maricar Manjon had their “patch of blue” moment: to treat the good people of Naga City to a top-quality yet affordable food concept. They looked to open an American diner-inspired comfort food place, as belly-busting burgers, thick cut fries, home-style fried chicken, luscious doughnuts, and the like were not readily available in the locale back in those days. So, they opened a restaurant/doughnut shop that went by the name “Mang Donald’s.” Now, if you are familiar with the Pinoy penchant for pun-nism, that name choice will make complete sense to you. You may even appreciate the wit and humor behind it. But, to avoid confusion and potential copyright issues, the three gals eventually settled on a name that was to change the Bicol food scene in oh-sodelicious ways: Bigg’s Diner.

A BIGGer, better concept Ask any of the well-loved restaurant’s founders and they will tell you, with the same tongue-in-cheek aplomb that birthed the first incarnation of BIGG’s, that the name is an acronym for Beautiful, Intelligent, Gorgeous Girls. An alternate meaning is often given: Bountiful Innovations of God’s Gifts, as the diner serves Western and hometown dishes with a twist.

“Seriously, though, the brand name was derived from the differentiation that Bigg’s stands for bigger value, bigger heart for service,” explains Adolfo Aran, Jr. Chief Operations Officer of the group.

Since its opening in the early 80s, the diner has only gotten bigger and better – and has endeared itself even more into the hearts and bellies of Nagueños. So much so, in fact, that Bigg’s has long been the go-to

place for everything from regular family lunches out and impromptu gatherings with friends, to special celebrations of milestones and achievements. It is the “It’s my birthday” place, the “I just graduated” hub, the “I love you and I show it” venue, and even the “I need a mood boost” refuge.

Comfort, for all And why would it not be? The diner serves up the most scrumptiously satisfying comfort food you can find on their side of the archipelago. Must-try, crowd-pleasing favorites include the decadently delicious fried chicken, juicy and flavorful burgers, and tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Gaining ground, as well, are dishes with a “hometown twist,” like the Beef Salpicao and the Bicol Special, a hearty treat of breaded pork chop with a side of laing (a native dish of taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and chili).

Bigg’s fried chicken is available in three tummy-tickling flavors: Original Crispy, Spicy Cajun, and Hot Havana. Each bite is a crisp, savory sensation, and it’s really no wonder that this BIGG’s specialty has made its mark in the local dining scene.

Their burgers are no less in-demand. “Our burgers come in various flavors, as well, and the Tower Burger is a must-try for big appetites. Baby Back Ribs and Southern Ribs come in unique home-made barbecue flavors.

Other must-try items are our Rock and Roll Iced Tea, Everyday Salads, and Pork Kebabs,” Aran shares of the diner’s equally popular offerings.

“From the international fast food menu of burger and fries, the menu has adapted and offers Bicol favorites and other Filipino delicacies, as well. The Bigg’s menu highlights both comfort food and global flavors,” the amiable COO adds.

Casual dining in a cool setting Apart from its heartwarming, toothsome menu, Bigg’s boasts an aesthetic that is quirky and cool. Vintage memorabilia bedecks each outlet (of which there are 14 across the region and one in Batangas), and overall look is one that heightens the food trip.

Long-time patrons and firsttime visitors, alike, enjoy the laid-back vibe which is a nod to the days of all-American 50s diners.

“People here grew up with Bigg’s, it has been 35 years of BIGG love and service. Great memories have been formed through the years. A trip to Bicol is never complete without a visit to Bigg’s,” Aran notes.

But, the evolution and expansion do not end there – this once-small fast casual food joint has always dreamed BIG, after all. In the coming year, Bigg’s is poised to open 10 more branches in a number of locations throughout Luzon – including Metro Manila.

So, get your big appetites ready: Biggs’ is coming!

For more information about Bigg's Diner, stop by their Facebook page @biggsdinerph

The Extreme Supreme burger

Homegrown favorite, the Bicol Special

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

8 TRAVEL

Grooming the Metro as a global travel brand Words by BERNARD SUPETRAN Photos by Macjanry Imperio Additional photos courtesy of Bernard Supetran

W Bambike in Intramuros

ith its urban blight notwithstanding, Metro Manila remains an intriguing and exciting tropical metropolis for many foreign tourists. As a proof of its growing popularity, it welcomed more than 40 international cruise ship port calls last year which brought in 109,736 passengers.

Moreover, the megacity was featured

Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area

Local destination, global brand Cognizant of these tourism gains, local governments and private stakeholders in the National Capital Region recently gathered for the Metro Manila Tourism Forum (MMTF) in Parañaque City to take hold of these positive developments.

Themed “City Tourism: Rebuilding a Local Destination to a Global Brand,” the confab was participated in by local government executives, tourism council officers, and industry frontliners.

Parañaque Mayor Erwin Olivares, who hosted the two-day event, added that the forum consisted of plenaries keynoted by key government and private stakeholders, thought leaders, as well as foreign experts who provided valuable insights in taking urban tourism to the global stage.

He said that the event showcased Parañaque’s world-class business and leisure districts in the reclaimed portion of the Manila Bay, as well as its rich cultural heritage it has managed to preserve in the heart of

Binondo

Parañaque's Sunduan Ritual

the old town center. The city is home to the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, which is known as the Redemptorist or Baclaran, and the Spanish-era Saint Andrew’s Cathedral. It is also home to faithbased summer traditions such as the Sunduan and Bati.

Also taking the spotlight were the government’s gains in rehabilitating Pasig River as a waterway transportation and a special interest spot for tourism, the road infrastructure projects which aim to improve traffic in the metro, and private sector efforts that have gained worldwide attention, most notably the annual Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat whose keynote address was read in the event, noted the brand-new ideas, food choices, lifestyle, infrastructure, business ventures in the metro at a rate never seen before.

“The colorful history of Metro Manila continues to charm our foreign guests to

Superstar Virgo welcomed at the Port of Manila

in a 48-hour travelogue by London’s The Independent, and was named as among the world’s 10 Fastest-Emerging Global Cities

by The World Post.

Global celebrities from Tinseltown and the sporting world have been smitten by the eclectic allure of the metropolis, while international chefs have been tickled by the uniqueness of the Filipino cuisine.

San Agustin Church

take a day or two around this urban jungle of a megalopolis. Part of its quaint appeal is the mix of old and new,” the tourism chief said.

Ikot MNL She pointed out the newly-launched Ikot MNL – a collaboration with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), and the Intramuros Redevelopment program as among the exciting recent developments, which both aim to draw more foreign and local tourists to Metro Manila’s rich and diverse attractions and cultural experiences.

Ikot MNL is a collection of tours designed for both local and international tourists to rediscover the historical gems in Pasay, Manila, Makati and Caloocan using the LRT 1 as the mode of transportation.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment program aims to further spruce up the Walled City to make it a world-class heritage zone, being one of Manila’s must-see attractions.

Aside from the Intramuros, the other top spots identified by the DOT are Rizal Park,

Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Okada Manila

The National Museum, SM Mall of Asia, Bonifacio Global City, Makati Business District, Binondo Chinatown, Greenhills Shopping Center, Roxas Boulevard Baywalk, and the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area.

In addition, there are pockets of attractions in the fringes of the metropolis which offer variety of culinary, cultural, recreational and retail experiences. Puyat pointed out that the megacity is also well on its way in being an international center of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) with some 3,400 rooms under prestigious hotel brands opening soon in Bonifacio Global City, Newport City, Entertainment City and Makati.

“The National Capital Region continues to be promoted as a multi-faceted destination and urban renewal projects are key to staying in the game especially as low-cost carriers have expanded access and provided direct flights to other local destinations,” she concluded.

Intramuros

Escolta

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

TRAVEL 9

Rizal

Beyond Art

There’s more to the province of Rizal than its reputed dedication to art. With its historical architecture that stands to give a concrete glimpse into its past, to its newly developed tourism sites that showcase future developments, Rizal has diverse cultural treasures, natural wonders, and local culinary treats that are just waiting to be explored.

Words and photos by VIA BAROMA

Where to go St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church Brgy. Imatong, Pililla, Rizal (02) 654-2881

A popular pilgrimage site, Pililla is home to the St. Mary Magdalene Church, which has been classified as a historical structure by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines (NHIP).

The original Pililla Church was built with the help of the townspeople, who used nipa and bamboo as raw materials.

After the first church was razed by a fire, the missionaries decided to put up a stone church in 1670 – a project that was completed three years later.

The church is located at the town plaza, just across the municipal town hall of Magdalena.

la, 27 wind turbines are strategically scattered over the mountains overseeing the Laguna Bay. And while Ilocos Norte is known to have many of its windmills by the beach, Rizal has its own on lush green hills, some of them abundant with pineapples.

Apart from being a tourist destination, Pililla Wind Farm supplies renewable energy to an average of 66,000 households. Operated

by Alternergy Philippines Holding Corporation (APHC), the windfarm started in 2013 after the APHC was awarded the exclusive rights to operate the wind power project five years prior.

The wind farm in Pililla is the first Luzon-based windfarm outside Ilocos Norte. And because of its increasing popularity with tourists, dining outlets have sprouted nearby, where you can enjoy the view whilst having a relaxing bite.

Where to Eat The Daily Beans Coffee Lounge and Restaurant Km. 56 Manila East Road, Brgy.

Hulo, Pililla, Rizal (02) 654-6042

Pililla Wind Farm Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililia, Rizal

No need to go way up north to Ilocos Norte to marvel at the backdrop of windmills. In Pilil-

Kawayan Farm Restaurant Km 63 East Road, Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal (0919) 793-7585 or (02) 806-7663

Situated on a hill overlooking the scenic Laguna Bay, this is a popular spot for road trippers.

In 1980, Kawayan Farm was established for reforestation purposes and to prevent of soil erosion. As the name suggests, the farm is home to various species of bamboo. All the structures around the farm are made of bamboo as well.

The farm also manages a restaurant known for its Filipino dishes such as Sinigang na Hipon, Fried Native Chicken, Labong (Bamboo Shoot) Bicol Express, Tofu, Fried Tilapia, and Halo-Halo. There’s an enclosed dining space near the entrance that can seat larger groups, while the airy dining spots with bamboo walls and floors at the back are ideal for families or smaller groups.

As well, there’s a small children’s playground a small chapel, massage huts, and a few gazebos scattered across the grounds.

Kawayan Farm also sells different bamboo seedlings which include white, yellow, black, Chinese, Buddha, and giant varieties.

Travel Tip The Multi-Lingual Accredited Tour Guides Association of the Philippines (MULATGAP) has tours covering not just Pililla but also other parts of Rizal.

Email: mulatgap_2012@yahoo.com or call Lilia yuga at (0949) 755-2540

Bahay na Bato Brgy. Imatong, Pililla, Rizal (02) 654-2881

Located just outside the archway of the entrance to the Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, the Bahay na Bato (with a literal translation, “House of Stone”) has been a popular site, not only for locals, but also to filmmakers, tourists, and historical explorers. It is one of the many old structures in Rizal which was built during the Spanish era.

Bahay na Bato has been a fixture in pop culture because of its ancient aesthetics and its architectural layout. Different movies set in Spanish colonial times, as well as horror adaptations of Filipino folklore have been filmed here.

The two-hectare farm is an integrated farm and a model of organic agriculture. Apart from producing the common white-fleshed dragon fruit, Sanchez Farm boasts of its rare variety of red-fleshed dragon fruit, which are also processed into jam and wine.

Their dragon fruit and all fresh produce are grown organically using natural compost and without utilizing chemicals, which makes the fruits taste better and healthier.

Chill as you order a freshly ground brewed coffee variants such as Choco Java Chip and Mocha Peppermint Frappuccino, Latte, as well as Avocado, Mango Banana and Strawberry Mango smoothies, then pair it with your favorite pasta or cheesecakes. Apart from that, The Daily Beans also serves a mix of breakfast, brunch, Filipino, French, and Italian food.

It’s strategically located along the road where commuters and travelers bound for Quezon, Laguna, and other tourist destinations pass by—so you can’t miss it.

Sample their Beef Tapa, Daing na Bangus, Crispy Bacon, Hungarian Sausages, Baguette slices with butter and jam, and fresh fruits.

Aside from the variety of dishes and refreshments, the homey feel and quality service have kept The Daily Beans thriving in its almost seven years of existence.

Sanchez Farm Sitio Tanawan, Brgy. Palaypalay, Rizal (0920) 967-5182 or (02) 359-4661

Walk through the dragon fruit orchards, have a taste of the highly-in-demand fruit, and refresh yourself with dragon fruit drink!

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

10 EVENTS

Vikings Conquer 2018 Crayfish Party

T

he Harbor Garden Tent was transformed into a Viking Village as Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and Nordcham Philippines welcomed around 1,000 guests to celebrate the most authentic Crayfish Party in Manila.

“The fun-filled celebration promoted camaraderie of the Nordic-Filipino community, corporate groups, expatriates, and excited locals always on the search for excellent food, music, dancing, and drinking,” Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila General Manager Beat Klarer shared.

“This year’s Crayfish Party is the biggest and most exciting one by far outside of Nordic countries,” Bo Lundqvist, President of Nordcham Philippines, enthused.

Men and women took part in the traditional Nordic celebration dressed like

festivities commenced with the ceremonial Swedish drinking song Helan Går, several Nordic drinking games, and a live auction of featured pieces and holidays.

Proceeds went to the Chosen Children Village (CCV) — a foundation focused on caring for less fortunate and disabled children towards a more meaningful and productive way of life.

The sumptuous Nordic feast highlighted several traditional dishes including: Salmon Gravadlax with honey dill mustard sauce, smoked tuna with crispy capers, and five different kinds of herring. The hearty appetites of Vikings were matched by the highlight of the feast—an abundance of Crayfish flown in especially for the night, perfectly paired with alcoholic beverages from San Miguel Brewery Inc., Engkanto and Wine Depot.

true Vikings as they partied all night long to classic hits and anthems performed by

The Bloomfields, as well as popular hits spun by renowned DJ Jessica Milner. The

Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Director of Rooms Thomas Kerschbaumer, Director of Sales and Marketing Assia Daourova, Public Relations Director Yasmine Hidalgo, General Manager Beat Klarer, Director of Marketing Debraliz Galang, Stylists Nyo Manzano and Lawrenz Valencia

Anna Abrashina, Russian Embassy’s Denis Abrashin, Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Director of Public Relation Yasmine Hidalgo, and Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev

Rosane Højskov and the Asian Dev't Bank’s Peter Højskov, Christina Melchior and Jesper Pedersen

San Miguel’s AVP & Key Accounts Group Manager Arnold C. Cruz, Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Sales and Marketing Director Assia Daourova VP & National Sales Manager Debbie Namalata , Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Business Relationship Manager Michelle Ferrer and San Miguel’s Ritchel Namalata

Danish Embassy’s Thomas Paek, Ying Chen, Jan- Erick Larsen, Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christian, Jackob Larsson, Jesper Pedersen

Valerie Goossens and Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Resident Manager Mr. Christophe Bataille, Director of Rooms Thomas Kerschbaumer, Annie Liu, Winnie Corcuera, Belgian Amb. Michel Goffin and Megan Baldwin

Howard Yambao, Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s F&B Manager Tanguy Gras, Happy Andrada, Stylists Nyo Manzano and Lawrenz Valencia, Sam Jennings, Director of Marketing Debraliz Galang

Swedish Embassy Staff: Shirley Sanares, Giselle Sia-Yap, Deputy Head of Mission Lennart Jansson, Mme. Susan Fries, Amb. Harald Fries, JV Pavia, LJ Diaz-Dativo, Barbara Jansson, Aileen Joson, Charlene Balaan, Nizelle Sy, Jerico Reyes

Volvo Philippines, Marketing Head, Chris Lee Yu, Erica De Zuzuarregui of jamesdeakin.ph, Manskee Nascimento of visor.ph, Paolo Ella of Volvo Philippines

Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Sales and Marketing Director Assia Daourova, Linnea Backman, Public Relations Director Yasmine Hidalgo, Dexterton’s Dexter Co

Volvos’s Marketing Head Chris Yu with Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s PR Director Yasmine Hidalgo with the Vikings from the village.

Taru Malagoli during the beer relay for women

Dark chocolate cake with crayfish-shaped fondant

Crayfish with lemon wedges and dill leaves

Different kinds of cold cuts

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

EVENTS 11

An Unforgettable Fiesta

A

magical evening of celebrating Latin America took place at my birthday celebration held at the Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila. Graced with the presence of the Latin American ambassadors led by H.E. Rolando Guevara Alvarado, Ambassador of Panama and Dean of the Latin American ambassadors, and The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts (BH&R)’s visionary chairman Johnny Chan with his son The Bellevue Manila managing director Patrick Chan, the festivities began with the arrival of guests from the diplomatic, government, business, and social sectors who arrived in their well-tailored suits and Latin American-inspired dresses. After marveling at the welcome dance and the colorful photo display, guests were ushered into the five-star hotel’s Grand Ballroom which was elegantly adorned with bursts of red and pink flowers. The lavish cuisine prepared by executive chef Stephan Oppenhagen and his outstanding team was enjoyed by everyone. There were superb performances inspired by the different Latin American countries, as well as well-crafted booths displaying the best of the nations represented. It was truly one for the books and one of my most memorable birthdays to date! The celebration would not have been possible without the support of the Latin American ambassadors, The Bellevue Manila, Titania Wines, Rustan’s, Beabi, Saem and Aficionado Perfumes and Personal Care. Thank you all for an exceptional evening!

The Bellevue Manila managing director Patrick Chan with Henann Group of Resorts vice president for marketing Karl Chusuey

(From left) Ambassador of Argentina H.E. José Néstor Ureta, Ambassador of Mexico H.E. Gerardo Lozano Arredondo, Ambassador of Colombia H.E. Victor Hugo Echeverri, Brazilian minister counsellor Fernanda Soares dos Santos, your columnist, Jayelles’ Roselle Rebano, Ambassador of Panama H.E. Rolando Guevara Alvarado, Ambassador of Venezuela H.E. Capaya Rodríguez González and Ambassador of Chile H.E. Jose Miguel Capdevila

(Seated) Jojo and (standing) husband Henry Zabarte

(From left) Hera Geriene, Mariquita Yeung and Mayenne Carmona with Joel and Carla del Prado

Irene Kho, Baby De Jesus and Marco Polo Davao director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang

Your columnist with Madison Galeries’ Joy and Joel Rustia

(Seated) Betsy Westendorp with (standing from left) ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo, ambassador Mercy Tuason and Elena Colome

Lexus Manila Inc. (LMI) president Raymond Rodriguez and wife Felicia with Bonifacio Landmark Realty president Hans Hauri and wife Bo

Manny Reyes, William Tieng and Ramon Monzon

(From left) Charles Pontier, Mags Cue, Eni Alba, Mia Cabawatan-Lozada, Carolyn Tan, Grace Gobing and 2018 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines awardee Merci Padolina

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

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OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

WHAT'S ON 13

Compiled by VIA BAROMA

MUSIC

• Mariah Carey Oct. 26; Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City; for more information, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555 Mariah Carey is coming back to Manila for a special one-night concert. Known as the best-selling female artist of all time, with more than 200 million records sold to date and 18 Billboard #1 singles (seventeen self-penned), Carey promises an even grander night filled with her hit singles that include “Hero,” ‘”Always Be My Baby,” “One Sweet Day,” and “Without You,” among a plethora of other anthems. With her distinct fiveoctave vocal range and prolific song writing, Carey has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard's "Artist of the Decade" Award, the World Music Award for "World's Best Selling Female Artiste of the Millennium," and BMI's "Icon Award" to name a few.

Tickets are priced at PhP25,200 for SVIP; PhP15,750 for VIP; PhP12,600 for Patron; PhP10,500 for Box Premium; PhP8,400 for Box Side; PhP4,200 for Upper Box; and PhP1,945 for General Admission

• Khalid: American Teen Tour Nov. 2; Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City; for more information, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555 The breakout R&B and pop-soul star brings his America Teen Tour to the Philippines.

Hailing from El Paso, Texas, Khalid has been making waves in the industry since the release of his infectious single “Location” in 2016. Two years on, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter is garnering praise from every corner of the world for his debut album “American Teen.” Khalid has received numerous awards including five Grammy nominations, MTV Music Awards’ Best New Artist and Billboard Music Awards’ Top New Artist.

With his coming-of-age tales of growing up in American high schools, his soul-driven 21st century pop anthems like “Young, Dumb & Broke,” which peaked at #2 on the Philippines Spotify charts and “Love Lies” have transcended generations.

Khalid has featured on tracks with some of the biggest names in music, including Calvin Harris, Normani of Fifth Harmony, Marshmello, Shawn Mendes, and most recently Marin Garrix on his latest single “Ocean.”

Tickets are priced at PhP5,406 for VIP; PhP4,346 for Lower Box; PhP2,332 for Upper Box; and PhP1,590 for General Admission

EXPO

• 36th International Map Collectors Society Symposium Oct. 15 to 17; Ayala Museum, Makati; for more information, call (02) 821-7181 or email symposium@ gop.com.ph Ayala Museum and Gallery of Prints, with the support of The International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) and the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS), present The 36th International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) Symposium.

For the first time in Southeast Asia, esteemed antique map collectors from all over the world and renowned local and international speakers will gather in Manila to participate in a series of lectures centered on the role and importance of historical maps and prints covering the Insulae Indiae Orientalis or the East Indies Islands, which demonstrate the European knowledge of the region with origins as early as the 16th century. With themes thriving on historical issues and unexplored accounts reflected in the antique maps and prints, the symposium will present lectures that will strengthen curiosity and appreciation for these significant treasures.

A highlight of this event is the much-awaited presentation of a 6-feet long (original size) reproduction in full color of the most expensive individual map ever sold in the world, the Maggiolo Portolan of 1531. Prominent London map dealer, Mr. Daniel Crouch, will present the reproduction and will discuss The Maggiolo Mystery --- A Failed Proposal for Peace in a 1531 Portolan. Meanwhile, Mrs. Martine Chomel Harent, former curator of the Mexico National History Museum, will talk about the galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco from the Mexican perspective, supported by several original antique maps that outline the historical trade route.

The 36th IMCoS Symposium 2018 is a two-part event in Manila and Hong Kong. The second part of the annual event is separately organized by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library; it runs from Oct. 19 to 20.

FILM

• Cine Europa Oct. 2 to 7 - Tacloban City Oct. 9 to 14 - Iloilo Oct. 16 to 21 - Leyte Oct. 23 to 28 - Palawan Nov. 6 to 11 - Naga City Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 - Baguio City Nov. 20 to 25 - Film Development Council of the Philippines Dec. 7 to 16 - Shangri-La Plaza As the film festival enters its 21st year, Cine Europa kicked-off for the first time this year in Cebu City to cater to the vibrant cultural landscape in the Visayan region.

This year’s Cine Europa features 28 movies from 16 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom).

After Cebu, the festival will move to Tacloban City, Iloilo, Leyte, Palawan, Naga City, and Baguio City. Manila screenings will be at the Film Development Council of the Philippines from Nov. 20 to 25 and at the Shangri-La Plaza from Dec. 7 to 16.

Side events will also be organized, such as a poetry festival, lectures on contemporary issues by different European countries and sport activities are planned this year.

For more information, visit www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines

• PELÍCULA-Spanish Film Festival Ongoing until Oct. 20; Greenbelt 3, UP Diliman, and Instituto Cervantes Intramuros; for more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila or their website: www.manila.cervantes.es The 17th PELÍCULA Spanish Film Festival will bring the best of Spanish and Latin American cinema this October.

The event, presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain-AECID, TurEspaña, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, will be screening more than 20 films.

The selected films range from romance ("Los Amores Cobardes") and comedy ("Campeones," "La Llamada," "Mi Querida Cofradía") to documentaries ("Dancing Beethoven"), adventure ("Oro"), children animation ("Atrapa la Bandera"), adult animation ("Memorias de un Hombre en Pijama") and drama ("La Novia").

Aside from these Spanish films of different genres, PELÍCULA 2018 will also highlight Latin American cinema with films from Argentina ("The Summit") and Cuba ("Últimos Días en La Habana").

In addition, the film festival will also pay tribute to the Swedish master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007) in the year of his birth centennial. In collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the UP Film Center, PELíCULA will present the special section "Bergman in Spain," showing two of Bergman’s films ("Wild Strawberries" and "Persona"), plus two Spanish films influenced by the Swedish maestro's notion of cinema—Carlos Saura's "Cría Cuervos" and Pedro Almodóvar's "Tacones Lejanos" (High Heels).

Last but not the least, film buffs should not miss the Audience Choice Award that happens in every edition of PELÍCULA. During the festival, viewers will be given stubs with which they can rate the movies they have seen.

For every five movies, members of the audience will qualify to join the raffle where they will get a chance to win a round-trip ticket to Spain. The winning entry will again be screened on Oct. 14, 7 p.m., at Greenbelt 3 and at Instituto Cervantes Intramuros on Oct. 20.

FOOD

• Restaurants Against Hunger Ongoing until Dec. 1; to register or for more information, visit www.restaurantsagainsthungerphilippines.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH Did you know that the simple act of ordering a dish can help alleviate malnutrition in the Philippines? Now on its third year, Restaurants Against Hunger aims to enlist more restaurants in the campaign to raise funds for projects fighting hunger in the country.

The mechanics of the campaign is simple: from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, participating restaurants will be offering dishes tagged as ‘dishes that feed more.’ Every time a customer orders a special dish, a portion of the profit goes to Action Against Hunger projects in various areas in the Philippines.

So far, participants this year are Alba Restaurante, Español, Aracama, Azuthai, Café Mediterranean, Calderon, Chef Laudico OK Café, Chelsea Kitchen, Chotto Matte / Izakaya Sensu, Corner Tree Café, Cyma, Friends & Family / Coconut Club, Green Pastures, Grilla, Ikomai, Ilustrado, Kabila, Museum Café, Providore, Saboten, Sangkap, Simple Lang, Sobremesa, Terraz Bistro & Meetings, Terry’s Bistro, The Old Spaghetti House, The Shrimp Shack, Wild Ginger, and The Bistro Group of restuarants.

The campaign started on World Food Day in France in 1998 and has been implemented in Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Italy, Peru, Spain, the UK, and the US.

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

14 IN FOCUS

Ultim at

BD iC at

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ss Guide to e n i Ma s u B k

A

n office space can be viewed as a validation of a company’s success and growth. In an office setting, it’s a lot easier to monitor employees and their work every day, while meetings with potential partners can also be done in the company’s own space for a personalized feel.

Office location is also essential. You want to be in an area that will benefit your business, partners, customers, and employees. You wouldn’t want to set up in a place where you know the company won’t thrive.

For a time, Makati Central Business District (CBD) was the go-to location for companies, both locally- and internationally-based. And while many other CBDs have sprung up over the years, Makati continues to prosper and is even getting regular upgrades to accommodate its ever-growing corporate population.

What is the Makati CBD? The Makati CBD was developed in the 1960s, along with the construction of Ayala Avenue. The town that once contained a small airport became a cosmopolitan hub over time. Corporate buildings were constructed, and soon, businesses based in other commercial districts in Metro Manila set up base in Makati.

Both startups and large companies choose to start out in this city for different reasons, but mainly because it’s a very progressive location that is conducive to different facets of life beyond employment— like culture, entertainment, food, retail, technology, arts, and a lot more.

Makati CBD at a glance Revenue In 2015, Makati recorded PhP14 billion in revenue, half of which came from business taxes. Despite competition from other business districts, it is still able to reach its revenue target each year.

As early as October 2017, Makati already surpassed its PhP14.5 billion revenue target for the year, with earnings of around PhP15.5 billion. Business tax was again the most significant factor, with collections of up to PhP8.2 billion.

Offices Many of the buildings and skyscrapers in the CBD are filled with offices. And being a prime location, it’s no surprise that companies from different industries live within these structures, ranging from telecommunications and finance to creative agencies and e-commerce firms.

Another industry that has enjoyed success in this city is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). As of 2015, there are 274 BPO offices in Makati. IT-readiness is cited as one of the reasons why BPOs choose to have offices in this city.

While medium-to-large companies get to enjoy their own huge workplace, small businesses, startups, and freelance workers also get to work in Makati thanks to the emergence of coworking spaces.

Common businesses According to Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), there were 4,211 new businesses registered for 2015.

Commercial and retail establishments and private companies earned an estimated PhP1.1 trillion combined gross sales the

While that may not sound like a lot, every centavo matters when planning out your organizational costs. Make a practical decision when paying off your office space. It should be reasonable and should not cause a dent in your company’s financial resources.

By ARCH OFFICES www.archoffices.com

same year, making Makati an excellent location for both conglomerates and startups.

Corporations There are more than 2,000 local and international companies that have made Makati CBD their home. Some of these names include PLDT, SGV, Intel, Microsoft, Syngenta, Shell, Convergys, and Accenture.

Banks Both local and multinational financial institutions have head offices or branches in Makati CBD due to its long-running economic activity. There are around 472 banks in the city as of 2015—BDO, BPI, Security Bank, and RCBC have their headquarters here; while HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and Standard Chartered have branches.

Embassies and Consulates Because of its expat-friendly environment and facilities, Makati houses around 80 embassies and consulates, including Indonesian, Italian, Greek, Australian, Saudi Arabian, Korean, Uruguay, and Nepalese, to name a few.

In addition, international governmental organizations and humanitarian institutions like the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund have bases in the city.

Shopping The expansive shopping complex of Makati CBD cater to everyone’s needs.

Located just stone’s throw away from each other, Greenbelt, Landmark, Glorietta, and SM Makati have become lifestyle and cultural hubs, especially with the Ayala Museum just nearby.

Nightlife Makati employees work hard but party harder, and that’s why most streets are brimming with restaurants and watering holes that are as awake as call center agents during their night shifts.

Transit Buses, trains, jeepneys, taxis, shuttle services—there are lots of ways to reach Makati CBD via public transportation, making it very accessible to both commuters and car owners. This has its downside, though, as roads are almost always congested especially during rush hour.

Traffic rules are strictly enforced—public transportations are only permitted to load and unload on specific areas. The district is also very walkable. People often opt to walk around to reach their destination.

Makati has an extensive underground and elevated walkway structures, some of which are complete with escalators for easy access.

What You Need to Open Your Business in Makati Make sure to secure these documents before going to the Makati City Hall for a streamlined, hassle-free application. And, as always, bring lots of patience.

1. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Business Name Certificate; Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Articles of Partnership; or SEC Certificate of Incorporation 2. Barangay Clearance/Permit 3. ID and Authorization letter of owner 4. Contract of Lease or Land Title/Tax Declaration 5. Sketch of Location 6. Occupancy Permit 7. Locational Clearance 8. Public Liability Insurance 9. Community Tax Certificate (available at the City Treasurer’s Office) 10. Fire Permit (can be applied and paid to a Fire Department personnel) 11. Sanitary Permit (will require Microbiological water analysis, Pest control, and Health certificate for all employees) Application for Locational Clearance Application form for Locational Clearance is available at the Zoning Division. The notarized form, along with other documents mentioned above is required upon submission.

An officer will assess and determine if your application is for processing or inspection. A processed application means that the locational clearance will be released after three working days, while those for inspection will be released after five working days.

Application for Business Registration/ Mayor’s Permit Once you have filled out and notarized your Business Registration form, go to the BPLO and submit the form along with other requirements.

An assessor from BPLO will process your application and assess how much is needed as a fee. Once assessed, give the application to a BPLO officer for validation.

Submit both application and assessment to the receiving section of the BPLO; the BPLO staff will then give you a receiving copy. Payment can only be made the day after BPLO turns over the application to the cashier’s office.

Once paid, go to the Releasing of Permits and hand over the paid applications and Fire and Sanitary permits. The Mayor’s/Business Permit will be given shortly after.

What to consider when looking for an office space Budget In 2016, office for rent in Makati can go at a rate of about PhP1,116 per sq m / month.

Expansion No corporation wants to remain stagnant or go down the drain; so, when thinking of renting or buying out a workspace, consider company growth as well. If you’re planning to hire more people, make sure that they can have an area all for themselves.

Clients’ needs Business partners are necessary for your company growth, and the best way to gain their trust is to accommodate them with the utmost pleasure. Have an office that is always prepped to receive guests and choose to have one in a location that is the most accessible for them. Consider other details, as well, like parking space availability and security.

Office space options Depending on your business, take into account these different office space options when selecting the type of workspace you’re going for.

Home business For startups with only a handful of employees, starting your company at home isn’t a crazy idea. If you already have a condo or house in Makati, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is how to organize your home to fit your office needs. Remember, though, that you still need to apply for a business permit.

Coworking space A better but costlier alternative to working at home is getting a coworking space.

Here, you can rent out facilities that include internet connection, working areas, conference rooms, and eating areas, among others.

You’d also get to share a space with other businesses renting the location, which could help grow your network.

Virtual office A virtual office is an unorthodox office environment, rented through a provider to offer address services without providing actual office space. One or more businesses can rent a single virtual space. This is ideal for startups or medium or large enterprises that want to avoid the complexities of getting a traditional office.

Office space rental Rental (or even purchase) is better for businesses that are expecting long-term returns. To save you from the hassle of setting up an internal facility management team, go for a serviced office type of space like those from Arch Serviced Offices. Their office and office building are run by its own facility management company, offering different companies their required workspace resources.

Despite many cities—in and out of Metro Manila—flourishing well to have a business district of their own, Makati is still special for many companies in the country.

Those that found their footing in the city have grown and made their way to other places, while there are some that choose to remain and give back to the CBD.

OCTOBER 2018 www.expatphilippines.ph

FEATURES 15

Beyond 50 Flavors: Musings of a Half-Centenarian

By ANGIE DUARTE

L

ately I’ve been having a crisis, of sorts, and it echoes Bono’s soulrending, wailing lyrics: “But I stiiiiiiiilll haven’t found what I’m looking for.”

Maybe it’s because I am nearly half a century old – maybe. But, it’s more likely on account of that’s the way I’m wired. I find it difficult to be still, literally and figuratively. Call me Ms. Antsy Pantsy, if you will, but I have never been quite satisfied with the same old-same old, day in, day out. NOT when there is a whole, wide world out there, beckoning – demanding, even – exploration.

While I’m some days shy of 50, a seven-year-old girl drove that point home, recently. So, it’s not really an “age thing,” now is it? Some weeks ago, I hosted a children’s party (something I have been doing in Manila for nearly two decades – have you SEEN the scale of children’s parties on these shores? It’s pretty crazy; but that’s another story, entirely) and something the celebrant said gave me pause. I asked her to pick a “favorite random anything” for their team name, and, without much of a second thought, really, she looked me squarely in the eye and exclaimed, emphatically: “But I can’t pick a favorite anything! I like too many things to

have one favorite anything!!!”

“I hear you, sweetie, loud and clear, and I get you,” is what I wanted to say.

While we may have our inclinations and preferences, I am of the opinion that we should not be hard-pressed to pick just one or the other.

Where is all this coming from, this esoteric-yet-all-encompassing musing?

Well, like I said, I am having a crisis of sorts. You see, as we get older, social constructs dictate that we “should have found our path,” and that “we should have all our ducks in a row.”

I laugh in the face of social constructs.

I eat them for breakfast.

Spice up your life Speaking of eating, would you pick bland food over a tasty meal? I think not. Why, then, should it be any different when it comes to your life? “Variety is the spice of life” – a saying, which, for the most part – is worth its weight in gold.

Take your pick from white, rose, pink, red, green (also known as electrum), blue, purple, or black gold. I never knew there were so many types of gold, each as beautiful as the other. And let’s not even get started on carat options.

Yes, variety is key to spicing most everything up: food, friendships, relationships and marriage (as long as variety doesn’t mean different partners!), hobbies, entertainment; just about anything!

And the only way to experience this variety is to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Start with the small things, like a restaurant menu or getting a different coffee concoction than your usual iced hazelnut latte or what-haveyou.

Rage against the machine(s) Same concept holds true for what you choose to do in life; rather, what you choose to do with life. And herein lies the dilemma. We are supposed to do certain things at a certain age, and definitely to “be someone” on-or-before turning half a century. From the time we enter and graduate college and the career path we eke out for ourselves, to the time we get married, have Baby #1, then Baby #2, all settled in to a white-picket-fenced home – all dictated, demanded by external factors.

Why, though? Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we allow others to do this to us?

While I am not saying to tear down all

the constructs and live in a society where free-for-all is the new norm, I am saying to ease up on the pressure and preconceptions and allow yourself to truly savor life in all its fullness. I am saying to defy the expectations, if these infringe on your own personhood.

So you’re 50 and you don’t have the job of your dreams? So you’re 35 and married? So you’ve been in college longer than most? So you chose not to go to college in pursuit of something else? So you’re happy with the simple life? So you still haven’t found what you’re looking for?

So what? Maybe this is not a crisis, really.

Maybe we weren’t meant to completely find what we are looking for in life. Maybe we are meant to keep searching – after all, this is what keeps life interesting and makes us feel most alive, is it not? Maybe the trick is to learn how to be satisfied with where we’re at, wherever we’re at. Content (and grateful), yes, but not fully satisfied. There is a difference; a pretty huge one.

All we can do is seize the day, really, one day at a time – in all its fullness and flavors.