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October 25-November 7, 2015 Vol. XXXIII No. 28

A snapshot of the El Nino drought effects that being seen around the globe. According to a new analysis cited by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), national climate pledges submitted to the UN by more than 140 countries - and representing more than 87 percent of global greenhouse emissions - fall short of the science-based and equitable global effort needed to avoid the worst effects of climate change. A new global climate deal is expected to be agreed in Paris this December, and will form the basis of climate action by countries after 2020. Photo courtesy of Gregg Yan and the WWF.

130 Certificates of Candidacy for president filed at COMELEC

Record-breaking number of COCs filed said to be a sign of ‘a vibrant democracy’

M

ANILA – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) opened its headquarters at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila from Oct. 12 to 16 to receive political aspirants’ certificates of candidacy for the 2016 national elections.

COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez announced the final tally of COCs filed for the country’s top positions: 130 for president, 19 for vice president, and 172 for senator.

Out of the 130 presidential hopefuls, the four leading candidates are Senators Grace Poe and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas.

‘Duterte-zoned’ On Oct. 15, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo

Duterte filed his COC for his third and last term as mayor of Davao, but the next day, his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, filed her own COC for mayor of the same city.

On her Instagram account, Sara posted, “To all my fellow Filipinos, you will make him President, otherwise, lagot kayo lahat sa akin.

Tandaan niyo ang araw na ito. Wala kami pera, wala kami makinarya (you will answer to me.

Remember this day. We don’t have money, we don’t have the machinery,” adding the hashtags #justDUit and #Duterte2016.

Despite his daughter’s support — even shaving her head to urge her father to run for president — supporters urging Duterte to run for president were disappointed when Davao’s “Duterte Harry” did not show up before COMELEC doors closed at 5 p.m. on Oct.16.

In a message to his supporters posted on

by CHING DEE

his official Facebook page later on Oct. 16, Duterte—for the third time—said that he has no plans of running for president.

He wrote, “A little over two years ago, I posted in the government website over the Internet that I was not interested in the Presidency. Nothing has changed. I am comfortable where I am now… I want to retire. I am tired.

Give the presidency to the one who wants it.

I don’t.”

Some netizens are saying Duterte’s supporters have been “Duterte-zoned,” which means they were made to hope and believe he would run for president, only to be let down in the end.

Miriam-Bongbong Tag Team Sen. Defensor-Santiago brought excitement when she

page 3

Suspects in Dipolog abduction identified

by VIA BAROMA

A

uthorities have arrested the alleged owner of the getaway vehicle used by the gunmen in the abduction of an Italian pizzeria owner in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. But as another suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf was captured in Zamboanga City, the fate of the former Italian missioner remains uncertain.

Zamboanga del Norte police director Redentor Retusto identified the owner of the getaway vehicle as 49-year-old Amante Sagario of Pagadian.

Police Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, acting public information officer of Police Regional Office 9, said the suspect had been positively identified as the owner of the silver Mitsubishi van found abandoned following the kidnapping of Italian pizzeria owner Rolando del Torchio, a former Roman Catholic priest, in his pizza restaurant, “Ur Choice Cafe” in Dipolog City on Oct. 7.

“Subject person was positively identified by the police officers during page 4 their investigation as the regis-

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NEWS

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS Compiled by VIA BAROMA

Philippines Convenes Third Heads Of Delegation Meeting Of APEC Geneva Caucus Following the APEC Geneva Caucus’ (AGC) successful delivery of the final Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) statement and the significant results of the APEC meetings held in Boracay last May, Philippine Permanent Representative to the WTO, Ambassador Esteban B. Conejos, Jr., convened the third Heads of Delegation (HoD) meeting of the AGC last month at the Centre William Rappard.

With permanent representatives and Genevabased officers of the 21 APEC Economies present at the meeting, Ambassador Conejos reiterated the AGC’s main objective of drafting and endorsing the statements on supporting the multilateral trading system (MTS) for the APEC 2015 Ministerial Meeting and the APEC 2015 Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.

Ambassador Conejos also recapitulated that despite some outstanding issues, which were eventually resolved in Boracay. Ministers

adopted the Caucus’ May 11 draft text of the MRT statement, which mentioned the 20th anniversary of the WTO; centrality and primacy of the multilateral trading system; anti-protectionism; full implementation of the Bali package, including the post-Bali work program, TFA, and public stockholding; meaningful MC10 outcomes; the 5th Global Review of Aid for Trade, and the importance of SMEs; and the complementary role of FTAs. He added that at the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) recently held in Cebu, the MRT Statement was likewise discussed, and members were encouraged to ratify the TFA, and for the involved parties to conclude the ITA-II negotiations.

Given that the APEC has persistently provided the political push needed to help the WTO overcome its difficulties, and has consistently and strongly supported the work of the WTO through high-level statements and a complementary agenda, Ambassador Conejos proposed that, “To reinforce its central role in international trade and global economic cooperation, the WTO needs to urgently deliver meaningful outcomes at MC10. As in previous occasions, APEC will provide the necessary political impetus to achieve these outcomes.” This, being the theme for the AELM and AMM statements, was warmly welcomed by the Permanent Representatives who subsequently took the floor.

The Philippines hosted several HOD and technical-level meetings in October to discuss the draft statement. The Geneva-based Permanent Representatives agreed that the statement must reflect the reality in WTO negotiations, as well as depend on crucial

developments that will unfold in the next few weeks.

Turnover of Japan-Funded Women’s Training Center in Lupon, Davao Oriental, Mindanao Second Secretary Takuhiro Watanabe attended the turnover ceremony last Oct. 1 for “The Project for the Construction of Women Training Center” in the Municipality of Lupon, Davao Oriental. This is part of the Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The ceremony was attended by Ms. Jobayra Tandalong, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Women Organization of Davao Oriental, Inc. (BAWORDO) and other members of the organization as well as Mr. Roy Lopez, Provincial Chairman of the Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (POLCOM-MILF). It was also witnessed by officials from the Local Government Unit attended by Mayor Domingo Lim of the Municipality of Lupon and Mayor Adalia L. Tambuang of the Municipality of Banaybanay.

Overall Datu Abdul Nasser Macarona, who represents the traditional leaders of the Muslim communities in the municipality, also attended the ceremony.

In FY 2013, under J-BIRD, the Embassy of Japan (EOJ) provided assistance to BAWORDO amounting to US$108,932 or approximately PhP4.57 million. The grant was used for the construction of a women’s training center and

procurement of training equipment in order to meet the needs of the Muslim women in the area by acquiring skills training and earning money through the skills they have learned.

The center can accommodate 50 participants per training session and will be a venue to conduct livelihood trainings for women such as dressmaking, soap and candle making, baking, food processing and other basic production courses. Through these trainings, poor and idle women in the area are expected to have jobs that will increase their income and improve their socio-economic status. In addition, Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute to further fostering a strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines towards the future.

The Government of Japan, as the top ODA donor for the Philippines, launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engaged in grassroots activities. As of present, 512 grassroots projects have been funded by GGP.

The New India Assurance Journey Very few companies are fortunate to have participated in the birth of a free nation.

Singular are those companies that have witnessed the birth of two nations and have contributed in no mean measure to helping a fledging nation rebuild its legacy.

Indian insurance giant – The New India Assurance Company has straddled the Indian subcontinent for more than 96 years. Born in the year 1919 founded by the visionary industrialist Sir Dorab Tata, the New India Assurance marked the beginning of a new corporate era in the emerging India of the early 1900. At the turn of the 20th century, India was a hotbed of nationalist fervor and saw the growth of collective national consciousness, which was determined to forge its own identity in freeing itself from the shackles of colonialism. In this tumultuous milieu, the House of Tatas saw economic independence as the first step to political and social independence setting up industries, which are now household names in free India. At that time, it was the vision of progress through economic growth that spearheaded the House of Tatas into unchartered waters to build the foundation of India’s pioneering and largest corporate empire.

Today, The New India Assurance Company has built on the legacy of its founder and has grown into India’s largest non-life insurance company. It is a paean to the testimony of faith invested by its founders that the Company has grown from strength, commandeering the market, yet allowing other private players to grow in the same industry.

Significantly, 11 years after the birth of the parent company, the Tatas set up operations in the beautiful island country of Philippines in 1930. Struggling from independence from the Japanese Occupation, the Filipinos were faced with the looming prospect of

the Second World War, which brought more deaths and suffering right into their doorsteps.

With their tenacity and determination, born out of a desire to regain lost heritage, the Filipinos went about the task of rebuilding lives and reclaiming damages. Against this background of turmoil, the House of Tatas set up operations in this country on August 28, 1930. The Company – The New India Assurance was a pioneer in Philippines as it brought with it expertise and technical know how of the field of insurance and actuarial services In early 1953, the company became a fullpledged Branch Office under Mr. C. O. P. Varghese and since then, the Branch has always been headed by an Indian National and manned with Filipino staff in the true spirit of any business partnership.

Interestingly enough, New India Assurance, despite being in virgin territory in Philippines, did not set –up individual operations till late 1965. Since its inception, it preferred the task of helping develop the insurance market in the country by entering into joint ventures with the local players.

The Road Ahead The Branch further changed it profile of underwriting with the currently highly qualified technical Filipino staff and has grown to become one of the leading Insurers in the Philippines with huge retention capacities. This has been made possible by raising the current Premium potential of the branch more than PhP300 Million.

Recipient of A-Excellent rating by A.M. Best Co. for the last ten years with a sound financial backing, the company has been able to approach reputable insurance companies, brokers and agents handling insurance portfolio at big industries.

On the anvil is also the introduction of innovative policies, which will cater to the common man such as Health Plus Medical Expense Policy/Overseas Travel Insurance/ Personal Insurance and special policies for Overseas Filipino Workers. Other products being offered are Fire and Lightning and Allied Perils, Industrial All Risks Policy, Marine Cargo Insurance, Vehicle Comprehensive Policy, personal Accident Policy, Money, Securities & Payroll Robbery Cover and Fidelity Guaranty Cover.

Globally, New India Assurance has a turnover of Premium of US$2.5 billion with a network of 2000 operating offices in India and 28 countries overseas.

85th Anniversary Celebration Last August, New India Assurance, Manila

organized a mega event at the grand Ayala Hall of Makati Sports Club, Salcedo Village, Makati City. A Cocktail Dinner with some Indian folk classical dance mixed with Filipino dances were the highlights of the evening, where the Insurance Commissioner, Atty. Emmanuel Dooc and Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mr. L. D. Ralte and Mr. Anil Kumar, General Manager of NIA Head Office were Guests of Honors and Speakers among 200 guests comprising of clients and presidents of Filipino Indian Chamber of Commerce, Bharati Club, Rotary Club, Philippine Insurers Club, Philippine Insurance and Reinsurance Association, Philippine National Reinsurance Corp. and executives from Asian Development Bank.

New India Assurance Company officers and staff pose for a photo during the celebration of their 85th year in the Philippines

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

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Sen. Legarda underscores balanced development, renewable energy in APEC Cebu

by RICHARD RAMOS

I

n face of continuous global reliance on fossil fuels, Sen. Loren Lagarda backed for holistic development with conscience and higher usage of renewable energy for a more balanced set of priorities to ensure proper environmental care and stronger climate change advocacy.

“Development without conscience doesn’t amount to anything,” the Senator pointed out during her keynote speech at the opening session of the 12th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting held recently at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa in Cebu. “We end up destroying the world despite growth and prosperity brought about by reduced trade barriers and poverty reduction.”

Legarda also stressed the urgency of the situation by citing an Asian Development

Bank 2013 Outlook Report that stated that majority of the region’s demand in 2035 will still come from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas despite growing attention to renewable energy sources.

This is taken to mean that dependency on traditional energy sources will not wane over the next couple of decades probably due to force of habit, reluctance to seek alternative sources, and fossil fuels’ trademark as a ready source of revenue.

She recalled the First Energy Ministers Meeting held in Australia in 1996 where the ministers talked about “the adoption of a strategic approach to reducing environmental impacts of energy supply and use.” She refused to state the outcome.

However, she gave credit to the ABAC, or

the APEC Business Advisory Council, which has been vocal on its views on the region’s sustainable energy agenda by vowing to double its share of renewables by 2030.

“APEC and its member communities need to cooperate with the private sector, including ABAC, towards fostering public-private partnerships that will encourage the adoption of appropriate standards for critical energy infrastructure,” she reiterated.

Likewise, she acknowledged that some obstacles such as “behind-the-border barriers” in the form of poorly functioning financial markets, weak legal systems, restrictive regulatory approaches, and poor infrastructure can hinder the usage of renewable energy sources.

She emphasized that business environments need to adhere to the Rule of Law since

businesses thrive in an economic space that provides predictability, transparency, and fairness. Investors in resilient energy deserve the highest priority for policy makers due to sustained economic and social benefits.

“Such investments will reduce harmful emissions, protect health and the environment, and sustain economic growth. Clean fuel and renewable energy need to be harnessed and micro grids have to be established to address energy access challenges,” she added.

The senator also called for APEC to lend its voice for positive actions from the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris by December 2015 as a more fruitful alternative to saying and doing nothing.

Slide Into Style at B Hotel QC

B

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In keeping with the standards of excellence, Ryan Chan, Managing Director of B Hotel also notes that, “A great business hotel should go beyond the basics. We believe that

130 Certificates of Candidacy ...from page 1 announced she’ll be joining the 2016 presidential race, and then surprised almost everybody when she announced her running mate: Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. She shocked even more people when she said in an interview that the Marcoses — whose patriarch, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, established Martial Law in the 70s — do not owe the Filipinos an apology.

"I do not think that on a family basis, the Marcoses, as a family, owe us an apology," Santiago said, adding that the decisions back then were made by political advisers, not by the Marcoses.

Social media was divided: One side defending Defensor-Santiago’s choice; the other side turned off by her decision to run with a Marcos.

Paid crowd for Poe? In a hidden surveillance video released by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a group of people was caught paying off members of the crowd who cheered outside the Palacio del Gobernador on the day Sen. Poe and running mate Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero filed their COCs. In the video, the payment allegedly came from “Grace Poe” and only those people in the list will receive their payment. The Philippine Daily Inquirer also reported that aside from handing out PhP50 to each of the crowd, there were also food packs containing noodles and fried chicken as promised by their local leaders for those who signed up to cheer for Poe and Escudero.

In the same Inquirer report, interviewed participants said it was a common practice for candidates, adding that Binay and Roxas also brought their own crowds when they filed their COCs. Poe’s camp has yet to issue a statement about the said video.

‘A vibrant democracy’ According to Jimenez, the huge turnout in candidates is a “representative of a vibrant democracy.”

“I think this is a symbol or a representative of a vibrant democracy, where more people feel empowered to cast their vote and to put themselves forward as candidates,” Jimenez said. “It has a strong mechanism for cutting down these 130 filers down to the reasonable few. That’s the important thing.”

Jimenez clarified all filed COCs will be screened and that the COMELEC reserves “the right to really cut it down to those with a reasonable expectation of victory.”

The COCs will be filtered of nuisance candidates, which are applicants who file their candidacy “to put the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or by other circumstances or acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for the office,” according to the Omnibus Election Code.

Apart from democracy, some also pointed out the somewhat “loose” requirements for presidential candidates. In the Philippine Constitution (Article VII, Section 2), the only requirements are (1) must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, (2) must be a registered voter, (3) must be able to read and write, (4) must be 40 years old or older on the day of the election, and (5) must be “a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.”

Several amendments to said requirements were already proposed, including the addition of education requirements (at least college level) and no previous criminal records.

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tive take on cuisines, the Mezzanine Bar for unwinding with friends, while their high-end salon ensures that guests are always on point.

Ryan Chan, along with the entire family of B Hotel QC, also adds that they are committed to "raise the brand's commitment-to-value- to a new level."

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NEWS

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

by RICHARD RAMOS

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino recently launched its Wedding Expo 2015, a series of events aimed at introducing upscale services and amenities for the newlyweds.

This started with “A Night with Soltera,” a special bridal fashion show featuring the glittering creations of eight up-and-coming Cebuano designers from the Fashion Institute of the Design and Arts (FIDA). This was capped off by a bountiful dinner held at the Tin Gow, the hotel’s Chinese resto.

The week after witnessed the opening of the expo proper, which showcased yet another bridal fashion show featuring the creations of more established designers; a cocktail reception; networking with suppliers and customers; and a party with would-be grooms at the Treff Bar. The next day featured competitions involving makeup, centrepieces, and table presentations plus various seminars for better consumer awareness. An eye-popping Victoria’s Secret Lingerie event held at the Mediterranean Hall served as the expo finale.

The hotel also offers bountiful food promos.

Madeleine, the pastry shop, offers 50 percent off on all products daily after 7 p.m. Croissants, cake slices, pies, etc. and what-have-you in oversized quantities at undersized rates. La Gondola, the Italian outlet, introduces five novel pizza brands aimed at the local palate.

Where else can you find adobong squid pizza, chorizo pizza, grilled vegetable, smoked fish, and lechon pizzas below PhP400?! Try

also the new dimsum buffet offered every lunchtime from Monday to Friday for the most savory of Oriental delights at Tin Gow. From quail’s eggs, to steamed fried rice, to lumpia shanghai, to siomai varieties, to pork specialties, etc. While Treff offers 50 percent off on its cocktail of the month.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa introduces its new general manager in the person of Nicholas Smith. He was instrumental in leading its properties across Asia. He was the hotel manager of Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai, followed by tenures at Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai and Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, both in mainland China, and at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu. Nicholas said that what continuously inspires him as a hotelier is the opportunity to interact with guests and colleagues every day. This, he particularly looks forward to as he assumes his new post, his first designation in the Philippines. “The best part of moving to Cebu is seeing the smiles of the people and to explore this great island and beyond,” he grinned.

TheDesignCenter,locatedalongA.S.Fortuna St. in Mandaue City, commemorated its third year of fruitful existence by way of a media tour of its complex. The industrial tenants showcased their high-end arrays of kitchen and household appliances, and furniture and

fixtures. Writers and bloggers were led on a visit to nearly 20 posh showrooms which lasted for over two hours within the threestorey building. Nearly all company products was equipped with sophisticated features and imported from Europe, Japan, and other highly-industrialized nations. Among the better-known brands were Mobelhaus, Hafele, Robin’s Home Depot (local), etc. An impressive eye-opener, we agreed, as it was a novel experience for all of us.

Lazada Philippines, the country’s largest online shopping destination, recently opened its new warehouse in Mandaue City, Cebu. The place serves as a logistics hub for receiving items from Cebu-based merchants as well as sorting and dispatching packages for customer delivery in Cebu, Bacolod, and Iloilo. Workforce and facilities is composed of 50 employees, 15 motorcycles, and five vans mainly to conduct door-to-door service and collect payments on the spot. Inanc Balci, co-founder and CEO, related that they corner 80 percent of the market share in the country and ranks as the sixth most popular website in the Philippines. With 14 existing hubs nationwide, plans are afoot to open 10 new hubs in the next 12 months to cope with rising customer demand.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recently held a business networking seminar each with Singaporean

Ecozones slowly turn green

M

ore than just heavy consumers of fossil fuels, the country’s 330 operating ecozones comprising 3,582 locator companies under the Philippine Export Zone Authority, or PEZA, are slowly implementing quality environmental policies into their company systems to lessen dependence on fossil fuels and minimize usage of the remaining natural resources.

In accordance with the PEZA-GTZ (a German NGO) Eco-Industrial Development Model, areas that have been highlighted are energy efficiency, effective environmental management, waste water management and

water disposal, and hazardous waste management—all leading to improved performance by individual companies.

According to Tereso Panga, PEZA Deputy Director General, the PEZA has also established linkages with the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (ECCP) by way of the PEZA Energy Savings Program which focuses on several other categories.

These are the raising of interest on energy efficiency as a competitive advantage in the market; promotion of pro-active energy savings, conservation, power cost reduction,

and Turkish businessmen on separate occasions in hopes of forging trade linkages and possibilities of expansion. The heads of delegations were Irfan Karabulut, president of the Turkey Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and Allan Tan of the Singapore Business Federation. Mr. Karabulut invited the Cebuano delegation to a trade mission to Turkey along with media coverage and a flexible schedule. While Cebu’s business profiles and investment possibilities were showcased to the Singaporeans, along with a special presentation on Mega Cebu and a roadmap for sustainable urban development.

The Board of Investments (BOI) conducted a forum/roadshow on the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) and an Investor Awareness Seminar at Harold’s Hotel recently as part of its three-year plan to ensure continuity, consistency, and predictability to improve the business environment for local and foreign investors.

The IPP is a fundamental investment policy tool for industry development focusing on the theme “Industry Development for Inclusive Growth.” It promotes Inclusive Business (IB), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Good Corporate Governance as tools for development. The nationwide roadshow has already completed seven IPP for a nationwide and will soon be held at Naga and Puerto Princesa before the yearend.

by RICHARD RAMOS

and other energy-related revenue generation measures; recognition honors for proper implementation of such programs; and the development of a supportive network of energy efficiency organizations and suppliers ala Vendors Catalogue.

Panga also cited the PEZA Board Resolution No. 15-239 dated May 2015 which gave incentives to Ecozone Locators’ Tax and Duty-free Importation of Energy Efficient Equiment/Products, specifically solad and LED lighting systems for self-usage; plus the sale of Ecozone Manufactured Solar Panel and LED Lighting System to other locators (construc-

tive exportation.)

PEZA has also linked up with the Department of Energy for the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEECAP) which aims to reduce at least 10 percent of all government offices’ monthly consumption of electricity and transport petroleum products, plus another 10 percent reduction in each sector (transport, residential buildings, commercial buildings, agriculture) by next year.

Panga spoke during the Energy Efficiency forum hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

Italian embassy and del Torchio’s relatives, Chief Inspector Ryan Hernandez, designated spokesman on the abduction of the victim said this was the responsibility of other government agencies.

As of this writing, the Italian embassy has not released any statement regarding the abduction of del Torchio.

through the CCTV footage of the abduction, wherein, it showed armed men pushing the former priest, as well as several restaurant diners out of the pizzeria’s door as they escaped the scene.

Taboso said that “Commander Red Eye” had been arrested for another abduction in 2014 but was freed after paying his bail.

taken other foreigners hostage in the past few months including a Korean, two Malaysians and a Dutch man.

Abu Sayyaf militants Army public affairs officer Lt. Col. Audie Mongao said that the Abu Sayyaf group was likely behind this abduction. The Al-Qaeda linked group, with a base camp in Jolo, is notorious for kidnappings and terrorist activities.

“All kidnappings in the peninsula end up in Jolo. That’s the pattern,” Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad of Philippine Military told ABC News. “Hostages taken in the area are eventually turned over to the Abu Sayyaf.”

Police reports noted that the Abu Sayyaf group was also involved in the 2002 kidnapping of Jehovah’s Witnesses priest.

Apart from the arrested suspects, Sr. Supt.

Cleve Taboso, spokesman of the unit tasked to recover del Torchio, revealed that they have identified the kidnapper’s boss, known as Sehar Muloc or “Commander Red Eye.” The commander along with his father, brother and two others were identified

History of kidnapped missionaries and foreigners In a report from Reuters, Police chief Rannie Hachuela said that the Italian pizzeria owner del Torchio, who came to the Philippines in 1988 as a missionary with the Vatican’s Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission, had received death threats prior to his abduction.

Missionaries in the Philippines have long been the target of kidnappers, along with tourists and businessmen.

One of del Torchio’s colleagues, Fr. Fausto Tentorio, was killed in 2011; private armed guards murdered Fr. Tullio Favali in 1985 and Fr. Salvatore Carzedda was assassinated in Zamboanga in 1992.

Two others have been abducted and then released after around two months in captivity Fr. Luciano Bendetti in 1998 and Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in 2007.

The army said that the Abu Sayyaf have

Suspects in Dipolog ...from page 1 tered owner of one Mitsubishi L300 van with license plate number TMY 490 abandoned by the suspects during the abduction of Rolando del Torchio,” Samuddin said.

Del Torchio, 56, was abducted by 10 kidnappers at his restaurant. According to witnesses, four of these kidnappers posed as customers and, as seen on CCTV footage, another six came in and later forced del Torchio to go with them, later bringing him into a speedboat.

The Philippine Navy and Air Force are leading massive search and rescue operations, and intelligence reports suggest the boat was headed to the island of Jolo, which is about 250 miles away from where del Torchio was kidnapped.

Meanwhile, Inspector Samuddin said that the alleged Abu Sayyaf member, identified as “Raji” was arrested in a joint operation of the police and military in Zamboanga City. Raji is under investigation by the authorities, but it was not immediately known whether he was involved in the kidnapping of del Torchio.

According to a report, Raji was the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by Presiding Judge Toribio Ilao Jr. of Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266. The suspect was charged with six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Asked if they were in contact with the

Hostages abducted in Samal appeal in video to halt to Phl military operations Suspected Muslim militants posted a chilling video of two Canadian tourists, a Norwegian and a Filipina who were abducted in Samal Island resort last month, demanding the Philippines to stop military operations and for Canada to start the negotiations for the freedom of the four hostages. This was the first video of the victims since their abduction. In the video, the abductees were shown sitting in a jungle while the militants with covered faces held rifles and machetes. Two black flags associated with the Islamic State group hung in the back.

Army Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said the military was trying to verify the authenticity of the video, adding the military had rejected the kidnappers’ demands.

Last month, authorities confirmed that two suspects, identified as Bandajar Dangin Adona alias “Banon,” 38, and Tirso Orquiza Lugnasin, 40, were arrested in relation to the kidnapping of three foreigners and a Filipina at a resort in Samal Island on the evening of Sept. 21.

S P OT L I G H T each candidate.

90

The Cost of Ambition

How much does it cost to run for public office in the Philippines?

By CHING DEE

Some say public service is their passion. Some say they’ve been called to serve. Some say they want to finish what their parents started.

Whatever the motivation behind their candidacy, we all know that running for public office doesn’t come cheap.

The 2016 national elections is seven months away—that may appear quite a ways away for daily grinders—but for politicians, it’s almost crunch time and there’s barely enough time to start raising funds for their campaign.

But how much “funds” are we actually talking about here?

Today, this humble writer and political critic hobbyist will try to find out how much does it take to run a political campaign?

This is the cost of ambition.

7166

5

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

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Before we begin, let’s get one thing straight: Republic Act No. 7166 states the that a presidential or vice presidential candidate should only spend PhP10 (US$0.22) for every registered voter. With that said…

52,014,648

According to the consolidated reports as submitted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) election field officials after the 2013 national and local elections, there are 52,014,648 registered voters in the Philippines. So, if we do the math, PhP10.00 per voter translates to an allowable budget of roughly PhP520,146,480 in the 2016 elections. Over half a billion pesos, yet some politicians are aiming to raise more. For example…

1,000,000,000

In 2010, then presidentiable Manuel ‘Manny’ Villar was quoted saying, “If you can’t even raise one billion pesos, why even run?” This unleashed a storm of critics reigning down from the heavens and rising up from hell to slam Villar for “allegedly turning elections from a numbers game for votes, to a numbers game for pesos,” as journalist Ed Lingao of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism wrote in 2010. And might we add, a billion pesos is almost twice the allowable budget for

To spend over half a billion pesos within 90 days may seem quite a challenge, but when it comes to politics—it’s not even enough. The COMELEC mandated an official campaign period, which is 90 days before Election Day. So, in essence, all those political ads and tarps and banners and flyers (and basically everything else these politicians can slap their face on)—some even out as early as June 2015— those are all violations of COMELEC rules.

2,000,000,000

That’s a lot of zeroes.

In a recent “Kapihan at Pandesal sa Kamuning” media forum, Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) senior research fellow Dr. Temario Rivera said “a national candidate for president, vicepresident or senator needs a minimum of PhP2,000,000,000 to run.”

Rivera, together with University of the Philippines (UP) political science professor Bobby Tuazon, also pointed out that the current political population of the Philippines is skewed, with dynasties and traditional politicians making up most of the group.

400,000,000

In Wilson Lee Flores of Rogue.PH’s interview with a veteran businessman (who requested to remain anonymous) who has tons of political connections, the businessman was quoted saying a senatorial candidate needs at least PhP400 million for his/her campaign, while someone aiming for the highest post in the land needs “at least PhP2.5 billion to PhP3 billion to run.”

9,000,000,000

Meanwhile, according to Ruben Almendras of The Freeman, that’s how much the COMELEC budget is for the conduct of the 2016 elections.

PhP5,000,000,000 to PhP7,000,000,000 for the voting machines (which will reward the winning bidder quite handsomely), while communications and other ancillary equipment will add another PhP1,000,000,000 to that number.

Almendras points out that basing on unconfirmed date in the last presidential election, the biggest spender shelled out PhP4,000,000,000 in a losing campaign. That was followed by a candidate spending PhP2,000,000,000, while the rest of the presidential candidates spent another PhP3,000,000,000—or right about the same amount as it costs to conduct an entire national election.

Here’s the kicker:

120,000

That’s how much the President of the Philippines makes every month according to Republic Act No. 6758 or the ‘Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989.’ Some reports say the president’s monthly salary is now PhP200,000, but even then, that means the Commander-in-Chief will only earn a total of PhP14,400,000 by the end of his/her sixyear term. Not even chump change compared to supposedly required campaign expenses.

So what makes these politicians aspire for the highest post in the land?

Perhaps the best way to compute for the cost of ambition is to strip them all of their fancy ads and campaign money, and just evaluate their value based on their qualifications and track record.

6

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

F E AT U R E S

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Let’s Love Local N E W S PA P E R

Of supporting local products and getting a taste of these islands from one basket

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 Carmencita H. Acosta Associate Editor 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

T

he Philippines is a treasure trove of wonders—from its people and culture to its cuisine and topography. There is so much to experience in every province and every town throughout the archipelago.

Exploring the 7,107 islands can be done on a plane, ship, or by foot. But this holiday season, it can also be done with local gift baskets put together by local-lovers of this country.

Local Love Philippines brings the Philippines closer to each home with every homegrown, homemade gift basket filled with local

produce from different parts of the Philippines.

Local Love is all about loving one’s locality. Its advocacy is bringing the local produce of the Philippines closer to each Filipino home.

The people behind Local Love have been to the country’s different provinces and seen the vastness of its land, the depth of its oceans, the richness of its produce, the creativity of its people and the warmth of its embrace. Local Love is one with the farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, homemakers and indigenous groups.

Being one with the nation in supporting local produce, encouraging local craftsmanship, and patronizing local art, Local Love hopes that through this holiday project, bridges are built on water and pathways are treaded, because Local Love is fostering a community of local-loving people.

With an advocacy to value local by patronizing local, this social enterprise put together baskets with 30 homegrown goods from over 15 localities in the Philippines, such as Aklan, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Butuan, Cavite, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Manila, Quezon, Rizal, Sorsogon, among others. Baskets are filled with Filipino favorites such as cacao tableya, coffee brew, native rice, fruit jams, wine, and other local treats. The selection offers a broad range of Filipino delights that’s sure to meet anyone’s

fancy.

Year-round, Local Love’s Backyard Basket Project brings homegrown and homemade produce grown in family backyards all over the Philippines in little baskets with plants, herbs, chips, rice. Check their year-round produce at www.facebook.com/backyardbasketph.

“Let us all love local. Let us be LOCAL LOVE,” encourages the group.

For more information, email lovelocalphilippines@gmail.com, check www.facebook.com/ lovelocalph or contact (0942) 863-7058.

And because Wardle has learned not to GAF, he’s even allowed TLC to run a documentary succinctly titled “The Man With No Penis,” which premiered in early October.

“I’m taking it one step at a time and not expecting anything,” he said. “I’m at the age where I really don’t care,” Wardle said of going public with the very personal matter. ”Since I hit 40, I don’t’ care what people think or do.”

The People report points out that Wardle’s girlfriend of three years fully supports the “journey.“

be in custody, I think more could be done for them.”

As the Daily Mail notes, a February report by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons said more than a quarter of prisoners at HMP Bristol had reported mental health problems and that there were ‘significant limitations’ on resources the prison had to meet those needs.

Nikki Joy Habana Macjanry Imperio Design & Layout Circulation/Classified Ads Officer Our Headquarters: Unit 207, Cattleya Condominium Bldg.

235 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Our telephone numbers: (+632) 840-2996 or (+632) 812-0987; Fax (+632) 840-2988 You can also reach us at: expatmag@gmail.com and for sales and advertising: expatcomsales@gmail.com Cebu Mailing Address: MJ. Cuenco Avenue cor. C. Mina St., Mabolo, Cebu City Telefax: (032) 412-8000 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.

By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY

Lending an arm As with most things, it’s all a matter of preference – those not quite blessed (and their girlfriends) would say size doesn’t matter, while those well endowed, might agree to disagree.

For 40-year-old UK man, Andrew Wardle, what matters is having one.

As reported by People earlier this month, Wardle was born with bladder exstrophy, a condition that caused his bladder to form on the outside of his body, leaving him without a penis.

“When I was a kid, it really didn’t bother me,” Wardle told People. “I was good at hiding it. But I knew when I became a teenager it was going to be a big problem.”

Some may argue with his definition of a big problem, but you know what he means.

As noted by the report, because of Wardle’s condition, he had to undergo surgery when he was only a year old. The procedure successfully reinserted his bladder into his body, but took something away from him.

“I was left with a lot of scarring – and that’s it,” Wardle said. “Nothing there.”

“I thought I was going to end up dying from all the drugs,” he shared of a period in his life when he turned into a plethora of vices and partying to escape the embarrassment and emptiness below the belt.

But thanks to science, Wardle looks like he won’t be leaving this earth without feeling what it is to be part of the members only club.

“They told me they could build a penis out of my arm,” he said of the four operations that will have doctors incorporate muscle and skin grafted from his right forearm to create a fully functional penis.

Slash and Flush In England, a prison inmate was found covered in blood and barely conscious after cutting off his own genitalia and trying to flush it down the toilet, the Daily Mail reports.

As noted by the report, the Bristol Prison Service said the injury was self-inflicted and no other inmates were involved. As of the report’s posting, it remained unclear if the doctors were able to reattach the 40-year-old inmate’s severed appendage.

Curiously, it was not the first time such an incident occurred at Bristol Prison. As pointed out by the Daily Mail, in November 2007, another inmate tried to cut off his penis using a prison-issue razor.

“The trust is concerned about rising levels of violence and self-harm incidents across the prison estates and the drastic reductions in the number of staff,” Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust said.

“Prisons hold a number of people with complex needs, some of whom could be diverted at police stations or courts into the treatment they need. For those who have to

Man with no butt crack opens up …about his condition. That’s how a Mirror headline read. *Slow clap* Much like Wardle, except for the lack of a TV crew documenting his condition, a Reddit user that calls himself TBoneTheOriginal, shared his rare condition – severe pilonidal cysts – that caused him to lose his butt crack.

Stop reading if you’re eating.

As noted by The Mirror, the condition causes painful cysts to occur at the bottom of the tailbone, which can then become infected and filled with pus.

“I’ve had multiple surgeries on it and instead of the usual procedure, which involves letting it heal, mine was so bad that a plastic surgeon had to close it up,” he said.

“They keep coming back, and it’ll probably just get worse as I age.”

TBoneTheOriginal, uploaded a photo, which shows a dimple on his lower back and then the scar, which closed up his intergluteal crease bum crack, The Mirror grossly points out.

And because love conquers all, as we’ve all learned in this issue’s column, TBoneTheOriginal does not go through this affliction alone.

“I’m married, and she’s cool with it,” TBoneTheOriginal said.

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

G RU B H U B

Extreme Dining in Subic

L

ong before Subic Bay Freeport became the food trip getaway it is now, a local restaurateur has been quietly laying the groundwork for one of the best dining outlets in the former US naval base.

Thanks to the late Benson Foo, who served delectable Chinese food for decades in Olongapo City, he has been able to hand down to his family a culinary heritage that will keep his memories alive in the years to come.

The Foo family put up in 2003 Xtremely Xpresso Café (XXC), a full-service restaurant, and among the most recognizable homegrown brands in Subic. Situated at the central business district, it is a café, restaurant, deli, and watering hole all rolled into one.

Vanessa Chanfoo, the café’s manager, said his father envisioned offering visitors of Subic and residents of Olongapo a dining place at par with Manila’s restaurants when the Freeport was just starting to flourish as a food trip destination.

Named after the jazzed-up name of the gourmet coffee, XXC serves the sought-after popular Italian brand Lavazza. Its exterior exudes a warm country-style motif that beckons passers-by, and a spacious area for al fresco dining.

“We added the word ‘Xtremely’ to denote that we go the extreme to give our clients a food trip worth coming back to,” Chanfoo explains.

She adds that it helped that Pinoys are always in search for the biggest and heftiest food servings, as well as dining experiences that would take them to the extreme.

It started with espressos, frappes, teas, pastries and short orders. But as patronage grew, its menu expanded to include pizzas, soups and salads, pastas and sandwiches, and then later to char-broiled steaks, grilled meat dishes, breakfasts and ribs.

The restaurant is almost always full house and getting a seat during meal time is challenging. And even with the entry of two popular malls a few hundred meters away, XXC is able to maintain its loyal clientele.

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

Text and photos by BERNARD L. SUPETRAN

One of the main reasons is their 22-inch, pastries. Rosemary Lamb with piping hot 16-slice pizza which was at one time Pineapple Mint Coulis, Baby the country’s biggest. Dubbed Big Ben Pizza, it Back Ribs and Baked Salmon is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon and are the juiciest meats you can beef on veggies, garlic onions, peppers, mush- sink your teeth into. rooms, black olives and two kinds of cheese.

A bowl full of free, freshlyThe health-conscious can opt for the veg- popped popcorn is served to etarian pizza or the herb tuna melt composed diners while their food is being of chunky tuna on top of white creamy sauce prepared. For dessert, try out covered with onion rings, mushroom slices, their giant brownie with multiand a dash of parsley. As a treat to diners, they ple scoops of ice cream flanked can even have two flavors in one pizza and en- by sticks of crispy chocolate joy the best of both worlds. wafers.

Another mainstay in the menu named after They also serve American the patriarch is the 10-inch Ben’s Delight Burg- breakfast (waffles, omelettes, er, a burger lover’s dream come true, with its hash browns, etc.). Cap a good rich beef patty and garnishings. Good for two meal with a cup of freshlyto four persons, it is designed to shock and awe brewed Lavazza at almost half every meat lover. the price in the popular cafes.

Propelled by the good market response, And if you can’t find a seat Xtremely Xpresso Café branched out at the at Xtremely Xpresso Café a few SM City Clark and the Ayala Marquee Mall in hundred meters away, Ben’s Angeles City, Pampanga to cater to the grow- Kitchen has more than enough ing tourists in the former US Air Base and space for you and feast on their the sophisticating taste of the communities signature dishes. Together, they around it. are taking locals and Subic vacationers to an The SM Clark branch has an adjoining extreme dining experience. wine bar, The 1953 Wine Lab, to offer meat lovers a chance to pair pasta and pizza with their choice of white or red wine sourced from various wine-producing countries.

Chanfoo says they felt the need to create a sub-brand, which will offer a similar but distinct dining experience after making a name in Subic. Thus, Ben’s Kitchen was born at the Harbor Point Mall, named after the big daddy who seems to have achieved immorality in the food they are serving.

This chic, bistro-style restaurant serves American and European-style dishes which blends with its light-colored themed interiors, enhanced by vintage pieces and collectibles from the family’s collection.

Ben’s Kitchen’s delightful and wide array of food include pizza, pasta, burgers, soup, salad, sandwiches, steaks, cakes and Big Ben Pizza

Ben's Delight Burger

TGIFriday's Serves Up NYC, Right Here in the Phl!

by ANGIE DUARTE

The home of American casual dining takes a bite out of the Big Apple with its new and exciting, limited-edition New York-inspired menu.

A

h, New York: the much-storied and celebrated home of Broadway, Lady Liberty, Times Square (and its famed New Year’s Countdowns), Coney Island, the Yankees, and the Empire State Building; to name just a few of the city’s many awe-inspiring attractions. This melting pot of sights and sounds, cultures and creeds is a haven for lovers of life, and is – in so many ways – seemingly larger than life itself.

Everything seems more vibrant and vivid in New York; not to mention, very, very delicious. The Big A is home, as well, to countless food-lovers’ haunts; including the now iconic restaurant-bar, which originally unfurled its red-and-white striped awnings at the corner of First Avenue and 63rd Street .

The year was 1965, and TGIFriday’s became a smashing, million-dollar hit.

That ‘Friday Feeling' Originally intended by its founder, Alan Stillman, as a place where the career crowd – the singles – could mingle, TGIFriday’s offered dining and drinking in a setting with a “Friday Feeling” all week long. The innovative establishment quickly became the hottest spot in all of New York: people simply couldn’t get enough of the fun and playful vintage interiors, creative alcoholic drinks, and uncompromisingly delectable American food offerings.

Stillman’s concept was so successful that the original restaurant made its first million dollars within its opening year. Single-readyto-mingle New Yorkers were bitten by that

TGIFriday’s Feeling, and it wasn’t long before the restaurant branched out to other States.

Today, this origin story takes to local shores, with TGIFriday’s Philippines “A Taste of new York” special menu.

Those Friday’s Flavors True to New York’s rich ethnicity, TGIFriday’s recently-launched limited edition (until November only!) menu is a cross-cultural showcase of six drool-worthy dishes.

In homage to the city’s strong Italian heritage, the Bronx Crispy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs takes your taste buds on a trip to Little Italy. Juicy meatballs stuffed with mozzarella and served with marinara sauce, marinated tomatoes and parmesan crisps explode with flavor, bite after hearty bite.

Of course, a walk down New York’s busy avenues would not be complete without stopping for some good-old NYC street eats: hotdogs, for instance! TGIFriday’s takes on this famous snack-y treat with its Madison Hotdog, tasty char-grilled Andouille sausage, served in an herbed bun, topped with pickled cucumber and a dollop of mayo-mustard. Yummy!

Burgers are all the rage in New York, and there are about as many variations as there are fans of this all-American sandwich. Sink your teeth into the Big Apple Burger, premium beef patty, flame grilled to perfection, layered with sautéed onions, Gruyere cheese, grilled pancetta and apple mustard served with fries.

With its bustling dining landscape and sheer variety of food choices, the Queens area

is the perfect gustatory example of the cultural Big Apple Burger melting pot that Is NYC. TGIFriday’s Queens Almond-Crusted Tilapia and Jalapeno Shrimp is a truly delectable example of this marked multiethnicity: fresh and succulent tilapia fish and shrimps sautéed Cajun style, with just the right amount of spice, served with rice pilaf and lemon cream sauce.

Manhattan Sausage Stuffed Chicken gives a nod to New York’s deliciously eclectic side.

Plump chicken breasts stuffed with Italian sausages and cheese, served with rice pilaf and pesto cream make for a savory, toothsome dish.

What better way to top-off New York on a plate than with a nice, big milkshake? And what flavor could possibly be more American than good old PBJ? The Broadway Peanut Butter Jelly Milkshake, a blend of peanut butter blended and vanilla ice cream on a layer of blueberry jelly, topped with whipped cream, is so richly gratifying, it’s almost decadent.

Fifty and Fabulous TGIFriday’s ATaste of New York Menu is the perfect way to celebrate 50 years (since

its inception in New York) of fine, fabulous food, fun and that forever Friday feeling. In the Philippines, the restaurant marks its 20th year of serving up Friday’s finest, everyday of the week.

What better way to mark these milestones than by grabbing a taste of New York for yourselves?

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

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

A DV E N T U R E S

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Swimming with a whale shark in Sogod Bay Photo courtesy of Sogod Bay Scuba Resort

Diving: More Fun in the Philippines

by BERNARD L. SUPETRAN Photos courtesy of Binucot—First Buddy Dive Center; Pandan—Phaidon Beach Resort; Siargao—Palaka Dive Center; Gutsy’s Reef—Scott Gutsy Tuason

W

e have the most species in the least space of anywhere in the planet.

Out of the world’s 500 coral species, more than 400 are here,” proudly declares a Department of Tourism (DoT) audio-visual ad.

Located in the so-called Coral Triangle of world’s marine biodiversity, this statement is no empty boast. With an almost infinite expanse of sea and coastline because of the country’s archipelagic nature, the entire Philippines is a virtual dive spot.

In the recent Dive Resort Travel Expo held in Manila, the DoT’s Market Development Group said it has been doing a lot of promotions internationally for diving, because it is a core product of the country, being recognized as one of the top ten dive destinations in the world.

The DoT said that diving is promoted among recreational divers and underwater photographers who find the marine world a splendid subject. As proof, it will be holding the 3rd Anilao International Underwater Photo Competition in Mabini, Batangas this November, which will bring together the globe’s best underwater shooters and videographers.

To say that Neptune’s Kingdom in this part of the planet is breath-taking is an understatement. Each dive spot has a unique character, which makes it incomparable to the others.

Among the country’s most-sought after dive sites are Balicasag Island in Bohol; Apo Island, Negros Oriental; Samal Island; Moalboal, Oslob, Mactan and Malapascua in Cebu; Puerto Galera; and El Nido, Coron and Tubbataha Reef National Park in Palawan. The latter,a Unesco World Heritage Site, is considered the mecca of diving in Southeast Asia.

The DoT pointed out that there are about 400 dive resorts in the country, and the industry continues to grow due to the investments, mostly coming from foreigners who have been enraptured by our wondrous water world.

In addition to above must-dive places, there is a plethora of equally exotic and astounding sites down south which are largely unexplored.

Siargao Island Apart from its famed gigantic Pacific waves, Siargao is slowly becoming a dive haven because of the Blue Cathedral, the island’s signature dive spot located near the famed Cloud 9 surf spot.

Damien Gagnieux, a Frenchman who operates Palaka Dive Center in Gen. Luna town, says the site is an underwater rock formation with a vertical hole whose top is a 20-meter diameter hole 20 meters deep, and abounds with schools of pelagic fishes like jacks, tuna and barracuda and occasional sharks.

On the north cavern is a jagged rock that has split off from the top ceiling called the Sword of Gabriel. This hole leads to a 30-meter long cavern at average depth of 30 meters that will spill you North into the Pacific waters.

On the east cavern is the 40-meter Devil’s Pipeline, which is shaped more like a Cloud 9 pipeline than a cavern. At its end is a 30 meterlong rock perched on three columns called the Arm of God, while the spaces in between are dubbed the Eyes of God. Maasim, Sarangani Home to one of southern Mindanao’s lushest marine life, Tinoto Wall is just a few meters away from the cliff where South Point Divers

at Lemlunay Resort stands which overlook the scenic Sarangani Bay. Pelagics, turtles, rays, rainbow runners, groupers, snappers, Napoleon Wrasse, clown fish, angel fish, hard and soft corals, huge gorgonians, sponges, and parrot fish are the common species sighted in this underwater world. Dubbed Tinoto Express because of its strong current, the site is ideal for drift diving.

The habitat of one of the world’s besttasting tuna, it is believed that the unexplored eastern portion of Sarangani Bay is likewise teeming in marine life.

Sogod Bay Situated in Southern Leyte, it is one of the unheralded but equally astounding marine sanctuaries that is slowly getting international limelight. The jump-off point is Padre Burgos town where Australian owned dive resorts—Sogod Bay Scuba Resort, Southern Leyte Divers and Peter’s Dive Resort are located.

Embracing the province like a huge cove, the Bay is habitat to over 150 species of hard coral, hawksbill and green turtles, butterflyfish, groupers, sweetlips, stingrays and a host of colorful fish species. It also boasts of shrimps, decorator crabs, octopuses, nudibranchs, sea slugs, sea snails, sea

stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.

The Bay’s southern end in Pintuyan town is also the playground of the whale shark, the world’s biggest fish, which is known locally as “tiki-tiki”. Its underwater playground extends up to the island town of Limasawa, which takes pride in an astounding double barrier reef.

Sogod Bay is also home to the Londonbased environmental organization Coral Cay Conservation for the Southern Leyte Coral Reef Conservation Project. Based at the Napantao marine sanctuary in San Francisco town, the project implements a four-week marine conservancy program for international dive volunteers.

Binucot dive spot in Tablas Photo courtesy of First Buddy Dive Center

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015 Pandan, Antique This sleepy coastal town is one of the diving world’s best-kept secrets because of its vibrant water world. Thanks to the effort of the townsfolk, they were able to set up marine sanctuaries in the area and in the neighboring municipalities of Libertad, Sebaste and Culasi.

“In the past years, we have helped increased the population of turtles, Napoleon fish and stingrays, have bred schools of fishes.

It is also a hidden hotspot for Nudibranchs, and lion fishes,” says German Bernie Offenberger who has been running Phaidon Beach Resort and Dive Shop for more than 15 years.

He personally takes care of two sanctuaries in the villages of Tingib, Magaba and Patria, which are also known for their fine sand beaches.

With dive spots starting at five to 38 meters, the area is ideal for underwater macroGutsy’s Reef in Maasim, Sarangani Photo courtesy of Scott Gutsy Tuason

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

A DV E N T U R E S photography because of the abundance of small sea creatures.

He added that Pandan is also ideal for beginners, because there are enough dive areas that are outside of the controlled marine Sanctuaries.

Romblon This archipelagic province in central Philippines is another pleasant surprise, which can give the established spots a decent challenge.

Its now-iconic dive spot is the mystical Blue Hole, considered the only one of its kind in the country, located off the northern coast of the main island of Tablas. Called such because of its shape and color, it has depths of up to 35 meters where divers can explore the cave and exit through the stunning arch into a blue background populated by sharks, rays, tuna and snappers.

“The hole itself is less than 10 meters wide and the bottom of the chimney is at about 30 meters. At the bottom of the hole there is a cavern that extends into the rock for about 15 meters. In the other direction, out to sea, there is an arch like hole that opens into the open water. Once through the arch you can enjoy the wall that extends to about 40 meters,” enthuses Australian dive instructor Chloe Wessling who operates First Buddy Dive Center in Ferrol town in Tablas.

In Binucot Bay in southwestern Tablas are Binucot Wall, Padawan Pinnacle and a series of undiscovered dive spots in this beach village noted for its picturesque sunset.

The island town of San Jose, which is more popularly known as Carabao, has about a dozen dive spots tucked in its sleeves. White Beach Dive and Kite Resort along the powdery Lanas Beach, run by German Nina Carabao, takes visitors divers to its pride of place—Barracuda Point, House Reef and West Wall which have been recently validated.

Other promising dive spots are Camiguin, Tawi-Tawi, Surigao City, Aliguay Island in Dapitan City, Cortes town in Surigao del Sur, Biri in Northern Samar, Catbalogan and Calbayog in Samar, Medina and Gingoog in Misamis Oriental, and Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

With so much wonder to explore beneath the waves, it is indeed more fun to dive in the PhilipSiargao’s Blue Cathedral pines.

Photo courtesy of Palaka Dive Center

9

Pandan Marine Sanctuary in Antique Photo courtesy of Phaidon Beach Resort

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EVENTS

Swiss Toasts to Their 724th

L

ast Aug. 3, Switzerland celebrated the 724th Anniversary of the founding of the Swiss Confederation. The Swiss Embassy invited representatives of the Philippine government, members of the diplomatic corps and friends from the media in a reception commemorating the Swiss National Day at the Swatch Center in Makati. Then Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and his wife, Gracita Tolentino-Sieber welcomed different distinguished guests for a proud occasion and celebration for all Swiss around the world.

Guests were welcomed with an ambiance, which for Swiss nationals “looks and feels like home away from home,” while having touches of Philippine culture. Of course, Swiss traditions, from their cuisine to musical entertainment featuring alphorn – a Swiss mountain

instrument were showcased during the celebration.

In his short welcome address, Ambassador Sieber looked back to the “impressive development” of the bond and partnership between the Philippines and Switzerland. “Today around 600 Swiss have chosen to make the Philippines their home while more than twice as many Filipinos live in Switzerland.”

Ambassador Sieber also showcased the continuous strong partnership between the country by announcing that an agreement imposing the initiate action of Switzerland to be a partner in the peace process between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could be signed early next year.

Nellie Bengzon; Mrs. Gracita Tolentino-Sieber; and Iza Calzado

Former Swiss Amb. Ivo Sieber leading the toast to the 724th Swiss National Day celebration

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Text and photos by VIA BAROMA

Mr. Charlie Rieth, Mr. Hans Hauri and Hans Peter Bieri Emb. of Switzerland Attache

Chair of the Human Rights Lina Sarmiento and Papua New Guinea Ambassador Consul Vince Carlos and Mrs. Ane Preysler Christian Vihruri

People Asia's Joanne Ramirez; GSIS Pres. Robert Vergara; and Expat's Butch Bonsol

Former Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber; daughter, Nina Seiber; wife, Mrs. Gracita Tolentino-Sieber; Assistant Reiner W. Gloor and Kenneth Go to the Head of Mission Ms. Diana Pearl Chan

Alliance Francaise Member of the Board of Directors Markus Ruckstuhl and Phil. Swiss Council Rosario Cajucom Bradbury

Former Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber; DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis; Papua New Guinea Ambassador Christian Vihruri; and Mrs. Gracita Tolentino-Sieber

WFP Rep and Country Dir. Praveen Agrawal & Ambassador of India Lalduhthlana Panamanian Amb. Rolando A. Guevara Alvarado; Iza Calzado; Consul Fortune Ledesma; and Vietnam Amb. Truong Trie Duong Ralte

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and Mme. Yuko Ishikawa

11

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

C O LU M N

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Belo Medical Group Wins Anew The country’s leading aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery clinic Belo Medical Group continues to dominate the local beauty industry as it was awarded by Allergan Healthcare Philippines as the number one account in the Philippines for Botox and Juvederm, a line of dermatological fillers. Belo Medical Group founder and CEO Dr. Vicki Belo received the said recognition during the awarding ceremony held at the first purpose-built 5-star Marco Polo hotel in the Philippines, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila. On the same day, the Belo team attended a masterclass training conducted by Allergan Masterclass Trainer, UK Ambassador and Global Key Opinion Leader in Facial Medical Aesthetics Dr. Raj Acquilla to further strengthen the company’s unparalleled medical expertise in the field of beauty.

Belo Medical Group also received the Platinum Award in 2012 from Allergan for being the number one Botox clinic for 10 consecutive years. Congratulations to Dr. Vicki Belo and team for another outstanding achievement! For more information, call (02) 819-2356 or visit the website www.belomed.com.

Allergan medical affairs manager for Facial Aesthetics Jia Min Chung, Allergan Masterclass Trainer, UK Ambassador and Global Key Opinion Leader in Facial Medical Aesthetics Dr. Raj Acquilla with Allergan business unit head for Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines Marcus Tan Divine Diva and Belo endorser Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dr. Vicki Belo and DJ Tony Toni and senior marketing manager for Botox Yin Yee Tai

Allergan business unit head for Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines Marcus Tan presenting the award to Belo Medical Group founder and CEO Dr. Vicki Belo

Wine and Dine

Medical Group team (from left) public relations manager John Eric Ho, marketing manager A wine dinner, the first for organizer BestWorld Beverage Brands, Inc., led by Belo Jennie Julaton, business development manager Doris Jimenez and Hazel Salcedo president and general manager Edna Diaz, was held at Lung Hin of Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila. The event was supported by the US Department of Agriculture headed by their agricultural counselor Ralph Bean, as part of their “Great American Taste” campaign. Clearly, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila was the venue of choice for such an event because of its superb cuisine and impeccable personalized service under the guidance of director of food and beverage Mirko di Giorgi. Some of the excellent wine pairings that night were deep fried US oysters with sweet and sour sauce and Menage a Trois White; steamed egg white with Alaskan king crab leg and Menage a Trois Chardonnay; Chef Sunny’s Special US roasted duck and Menage a Trois Cabernet Sauvignon; and sliced garlic US beef cubes and Menage a Trois Midnight. It was indeed an unforgettable experience thanks to Edna Diaz and Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s general manager Frank Reichenbach who made sure everything went smoothly. We can’t wait for the next wine dinner at Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila!

Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s director of Food & Beverage Mirko De Giorgi, BestWorld Beverage Brands, Inc. president and general manager Edna Diaz, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s general manager Frank Reichenbach, US Department of Agriculture agricultural counselor Ralph Bean, and US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service agricultural attaché Jeffrey Albanese

Jeffrey Albanese, Quezon City Representative Johnny Revilla, Chaine des Rotisseurs’ Helen del Rosario, Janet Basco-Revilla, Arnie del Rosario, and US Department of Agriculture agriculture specialist Perfecto Corpuz, Ralph Bean and Jeffrey Albanese Chaine de Rotisseurs’ Jay Labrador

Mirko De Giorgi, Crowne Plaza Hotel executive assistant manager Anthony Delaby, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s executive chef Luis Pesaradonna, Crowne Plaza-Holiday Inn Galleria F&B director Gibeth Gloria, and Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s resident manager Mike Yutuc

Edsa Shangri-La restaurant operations manager Jeffrey Marquez, Peninsula Manila’s assistant F&B director Jose Luis Jimenez and F&B director Anja Frankenbach, Edna Diaz, Gibeth Gloria, and Anthony Delaby

Doctors Tina Limbag, Mitch de Jesus, Jetty Magallona and Patricia CordovaSauler

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13

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

ARTS & CULTURE

Compiled by CARMENCITA H. ACOSTA

VISUAL ARTS 35 Years of Showcasing Philippine Contemporary Art Ongoing until Oct. 30, Artist Space of the Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue cor. De la Rosa St., Makati City, Metro Manila; For more information, contact (02) 523-3331 The 35th anniversary exhibit of Hiraya Gallery at 530 United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila is also featured in Makati’s Central Business District. The artistic endeavors of recognizable artists De la Cruz, Shook, Caringal, Llana, Munoz, Doloricon, Sy, Dilla, Esquillo De Rivera, Sym, Austria, Guazon, Gadia, Legaspi, Fajardo, Carating, Lindslee, Ascalon, Aragon, Justiniano and Modesto are being shown.

Japan’s Museo Marino Ongoing until the end of December 2015, Museo Marino is located at 814 Julio Nakpil St. cor. Pilar Hidalgo Lim St., Ermita, Manila.

For more information, contact (02) 353-8180 The exhibits here are all about the seafaring life of mariners and the instruments and other life-sustaining and life-saving instruments and other material objects they use at wok. Photographs, artifacts and newer equipment that they handle are showcased here. Museo Marino was established by the All Japan Seamen’s Union (AJSU) which worked closely with the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP)

the CCP to celebrate its 46th year. The threeday event is free or open to the public. For details contact (02) 832-1125 local 1706.

Performatura 2015 forms part of the literary programs of the CCP. The goal of the three-day event is to define “intertextuality” through the pocket events. One of the many definitions of intertextuality is the relationship of the literary text to other texts, and the relationship of writers and readers where the readers or the audience members in this case take primacy. The event name “Performatura,” coined by Vim Nadera, multiawarded writer, performer, and educator and Festival Director of Performatura 2015, is intertextuality at work where the terms “performance” and “oratura” had been combined. “Oratura” was derived from another coined term “orature” by Pio Zirimu, a linguist from the Republic of Uganda, who wanted to put oral literature at par with the written word and not treated as something inferior to the latter.

Like Uganda, the Philippines has a rich oral tradition that predates the Spanish colonization. The Hudhud of the Ifugao and the Darangen of the Maranao have been proclaimed as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001.

Publications on and by Andres Bonifacio For the whole month of November, books and other publications on and by Andres Bonifacio are on exhibit at the Filipiniana Hall (third floor) and the main ground floor of the entrance lobby of the National Library of the Philippines located at the Luneta on T.M. Kalaw Street. The leader of the Philippine Revolution has written several poems and essays on Philippine Independece. It was Bonifacio who made the first translation into Tagalog of Rizal’s lengthy poem, “Last Farewell.”

Highlights of Performatura 2015 include the Epic Center, Coffee & Conversations with National Artists hosted by the likes of Lourd de Veyra and Gloc-9, Chromatext Rebooted curated by Krip Yuson, the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s “Inquirer ReadAlong”, and a day-long summit of performances from young poets. The three-day event will feature daily workshops on the Balagtasan, speech choir, and ventriloquism. There will also be daily Park Poetry performances in the early evenings that will feature poems on love, gender, and protest

by Gemino Abad, Jose “Pete” Lacaba, and Joey Ayala, respectively, among many other performances.

Performing Literature Fest The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will hold Performatura 2015, Performing Literatures on Nov. 6, 7 and 8 in various venues of

Performatura 2015 will also feature the animation and other works of art of Liby Limoso on the Sugidanun epic from the Panay Island. The UP Press will also launch the se-

quels to Dr. Alicia Magos’ study on “Tikum Kadlum and Amburukay” which will be performed by Mr. Federico “Tuohan” Caballero and Teresita “Abyaran” CaballeroCastor. The epics will also be the focal point of the Oral Literatures Art Exhibit.

MUSIC Spanish French Hornist in Philippine Philharmonic’s Concert Nov. 6, 8 p.m. at Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For inquires and subscription, please call the CCP Marketing Department (02) 832-1125 loc. 1806, the CCP Box Office (02) 832-3704 or TicketWorld (02) 8919999.

Spanish virtuoso French Horn player Javier Bonet joins Maestro Olivier Ochanine and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

The program includes the suite from Poulenc’s ballet Les Biches, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 "Scottish" and Reinhold Glière’s Concerto for French Horn and Orchestra. Also special on the program is a world première performance of a newly completed concerto by W.A. Mozart - the Concerto in E Major, KV 494a - finished by Anders Muskens and based on sketches by the composer.

Bonet will also conduct a masterclass at the CCP on Wednesday, November 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Bonet began his studies in Spain under the tutelage of his father and Miguel Rodrigo in Valencia, continuing in Germany (Folkwang Musikhochschule) under Hermann Baumann. A tireless researcher and international concert artist, his great versatility

enables him to pursue an internationally recognized career as a natural horn player, receiving international acclaim as a performer on historical instruments, creating the natural horns group "Corniloquio".

Bonet has often premiered works by contemporary composers, introduced various outstanding chamber music compositions and presented original educational programs. He has appeared as soloist with the majority of Spanish orchestras, in many other European countries, and in Taiwan, China, Venezuela, México, Argentina, Japan, and the United States. Among his various world premieres of concertos with orchestra, the first performance in 2009 of the concerto “Ab Origine” by Salvador Brotons is of particular significance. In the field of educa-

tion, he regularly presents courses in Spain as well as abroad: Lisbon, Oporto, Paris, Budapest, Berlin, Bloomington, Mexico, Caracas, Beijing, and Tokyo. He was professor at the Conservatorio Superior de Salamanca and is presently professor of natural and modern horn at ESMUC in Barcelona.

Maestro Olivier Ochanine

14

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

IN FOCUS

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

BF Saturday Market Serves the Sleeping Giant

B

F is a sleeping giant. “BF has about 60 enclaves (subdivisions within) and more than 12,000 households (with an average family size of anywhere from two to five people) and growing. In addition, there are the surrounding communities of Tahanan Village, Hillsborough, Alabang Hills, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa and Paranaque,” says Mike Claparols, a member of the organizing committee of the BF Saturday Market, located at Elizalde Park (also known as the BFFHAI Clubhouse) in BF Homes, Paranaque .

“It all started when Mr. Manuel Perez, one of the BF Federation directors paid us a visit at the Legazpi Sunday Market February last year, and asked us if we could set up a similar market in BF. We did a site inspection and discussed possibilities and the potential. “ And with the consent and approval of BFFHAI President Atty. Arturo Carlos O. Astorga, “We signed a memorandum of agreement January this year, and started operating on February 14. The rest is history,” says Claparols.

By “us,” Claparols is referring to Rosanne Hugo and Joey Casimiro, who are both vendors and members of the organizing committees at the Legazpi Sunday Market (LSM) and the BF Saturday Market (BFSM).

The Fare Makati girl Hugo, who grew up in San Lorenzo Village and studied at Assumption College – and has been a “vendor at the LSM since it started in June 2005, and a vendor at the Salcedo Market since 2007” – has very recently moved south to Alabang.

“Most dishes we do are family recipes from my grandparents, my mom and my aunts (from the Kahn and Hugo sides of the family).

One of my bestsellers at Mantequilla is Lolo’s Macaroni from my grandfather, but after putting my own spin to it, we now call it ‘Chicken Chorizo Bake,’” says Hugo.

BF resident Claparols, who has been coorganizer of the LSM since 2009, was exposed to food and selling early in life. His mother “was a great cook, and four of my five sisters are also excellent cooks. The first product we sold though were bone china porcelain items; and eventually evolved into selling Calados laser cut wood items and handicrafts from Negros.”

He ande his wife Johanna run a small company called Creative Definitions (www.creativedefinitions.com). An Atenean (Ateneo de Manila University – from college to MBA), Claparols comes from the Lacson clan and is the direct descendant of Gen. Aniceto L. Lacson, one of the heroes of the Katipunan.

The maternal grandparents of Chinoy Casimiro hail from mainland China. He was born and raised in Malabon and Caloocan and schooled at the Ateneo and the University of the East.

He says he “was exposed to good food at an early stage by my Lola who loves using the slow and traditional, wood-fired way of cooking food.” He used to sell Johnnie Walker and

Kale chips

Introducing new items in I Can't Believe it's Vegan menu

Absolute Vodka, among other brands, to clubs and supermarkets.

He and his wife now sells Patika Beads & Wireworks at the weekend markets.

This year, LSM celebrates 10 years, “so we have become a major player in the weekend market scene, unlike BF that is still a baby of sorts,” remarks Hugo.

adds Hugo.

As an organizer, Casimiro thinks that the challenge initially was “how to sustain the market and increase the number of vendors to have a wider variety of food offered.”

The target market is basically household owners (“not much expat and virtually no condo owners,” notes Claparols). But then, they also learned that “A market will evolve on its own. You will find out the needs of the community in the area you are located,” says Casimiro.

It’s actually an ideal place for individuals and families to create a “Saturday habit” of sorts.

“We figured that since most restaurants are closed at this time then

ed; expanding from 40 to 100 vendors would be easy,” he adds.

All three agree that it would take time for the BF Market to take off. “Just like LSM and any other market, it will take time until people (would) get to know the BF Saturday Market.

It took LSM more than three years until we reached critical mass. It was only in the last five years when LSM experience a steady stream of customers; and only in the last two years when LSM had consistent clientele during summer.

Prior to this, LSM had lull days during the summer, too,” says Claparols.

The BFSM however intends to cut short this process, by “achieving sustainable levels within a year,” he adds.

“We want to be around in the next five to ten years, serving the BF Community with good food and unique, hard-to-find items; a venue where people can share ideas and have quality time with their families, plus so it could be a place where people from BF and the South can showcase their products and develop their entrepreneurial skills, an incubator of innovation,” Claparols stresses.

“From now, we want it as big as LSM, if not bigger. And with a wider array of food choices,” says Casimiro says.

“I see the market growing to about three times its size and becoming the go-to market in the south. There is great potential in the BF area with the thousands of households and the many enterprising residents in the area,” remarks Hugo.

“The market is really there, it’s just a matter of telling people that the BF Saturday is there and ready to serve them,” says Claparols.

The BF Saturday Market is located at the BFFHAI Theme Park ( Elizalde Park) on J. Elizalde cor. Gng. Pilar Banzon Sts., on Phase 1, BF Homes Paranaque (After entering the Aguirre gate, turn right immediately at Pilar Banzon St.) It is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For inquiries, contact (0943) 3856642 , e-mail the. bf.saturday.market@gmail.com, or check out the BF Saturday Market FB page.

it’s an opportunity for us to service early risers in the area,” notes Casimiro.

“The venue of the BF Saturday Market is a whole lot better aesthetically: it is cooler because it has more trees. It has better infrastructure; including decent rest rooms. It’s friendlier to the family as a whole, with plenty of space for families to linger and stay on. It’s a safe place for kids to hang out as it is fenced and enclosed. There’s also ample space for parking,” says Claparols, and adds: “The following amenities are available: swimming pool, playground, and even function rooms for meetings. The park itself has room for further expansion. We can double the size of the market if need-

Forks, spoons and servers of Patika Beads, microwave-safe; could be subjected to heat

Delectable pastas from Mantequilla

So why the BF market?

Says Casimiro, “We wanted to set up a similar premier market in the South. We saw the potential in the area knowing that there are 12,000 households located there.”

Hugo agrees, saying, “How we run things is basically the same but since BF is so new, we are still more relaxed on rules as we need to see how the community will accept things.

In effect, we are allowing the market to grow organically, so we can see what works for our market base.”

“We also want to develop home-based business in that area. We love the mom and pop-type vendor and even at this point we are seeing young and innovative home cooks and entrepreneurs coming out of the woodwork,”

Bottled goodies from Alcalde's

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

15

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

U R BA N S C E N E

What’s on @ Hotels Compiled by VIA BAROMA

Frightfully fun Halloween at Dusit Thani Manila

It's going to be a spooky, boozy Halloween with Dusit Thani Manila cooking up an exciting lineup of spine-chilling events for Oct 31.

Kids dining at The Pantry for lunch will get special treat or trick loots bags filled with wonderful toys and surprises. Adults can also party in their monstrously awesome cosplay get-ups, indulge in free-flowing drinks and Japanese eats, take cheeky pictures at the photo booth and take home fantastic prizes at the Slash: A Cosplay Happy Hour Halloween Celebration happening at UMU Japanese Restaurant from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

bewitching day full of fun. Reservation is open until Nov. 2 for stay dates Oct. 28 to Nov. 2.

Dedicated to creating a family-friendly experience, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria offers a Kids Stay and Eat Free program. This is the Holiday Inn commitment of providing families a relaxing getaway at an affordable value. Also, with the launch of its Kids Menu, the hotel’s kiddie guests can enjoy meals that are not just designed to be fun but also healthy!.

To avail of the program, kids must be accompanied by at least one adult who is registered as a hotel guest and must order at least one main course from the full priced menu.

For more information and reservations, call (02) 633-7111 or email higm.reservations@ihg.com.

For inquiries, call (02) 719 8888 or email corpsm@discovery.com.ph.

by TIMOTHY JAY IBAY

October 28 All-4-One / Diana King

event on Oct. 31. After kicking off his career in 2010 with the track “Turn Your Love Around,” the 21-year-old has seen a slew of releases from various major labels, which include “Punk’d” and “Eponym” on legendary Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records.

Villains to take the limelight at F1 Hotel Manila this Halloween

Tickets are priced at PhP1,600 net per person and are inclusive of unlimited sushi, sashimi, teppan-grilled meats, sake cocktail drinks, chilled juices, and one raffle ticket where guests stand a chance to bring home cash prizes and gift vouchers from The Pantry and Devarana Spa as well as cool gift packs.

The best in costume will also win overnight accommodations, cash prizes, and special gift certificates.

"We have always wanted to host an event where costume players and cosplay enthusiasts can be free to express themselves and have a good time. Halloween is that time of the year when we can go all-out with creative outfits and just have a blast. If you are an avid cosplayer or even just a budding hobbyist, Slash is the Halloween party for you,” said Dusit Thani Manila general manager Bruno Cristol.

Slash: A Cosplay Happy Hour Halloween Celebration is exclusive for guests ages 18 and above. You may purchase your tickets at Dusit Thani Manila reservations desk or call (02) 2388888.

A stay full of treats at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria

Avail of a staycation full of treats at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria with the Stay Spooktacular package! Experience a Deluxe Room stay for as low as PhP2,500++, inclusive of Halloween goodies for the whole family to bond over.

Package is inclusive of 50 percent off buffet breakfast at Fab restaurant. A Halloween loot bag and Kiddie Play Pack, 50 percent discount voucher at Kidzooona, and passes to Holiday Inn Manila Galleria’s Halloween activities on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1. Kids will be able to go treat or treat at different outlets in the hotel and join a Face Painting activity on Nov. 1 for a

Villains will conquer the town to spread fun and excitement this Halloween season. It’s the gathering of the most notorious, villains at F1 Hotel Manila’s House of Villains. Follow the path of darkness and head you way to Infinity Ballroom on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to join the Villains Council in crafting magic spells that are sure to bestow everybody with and enchantingly wicked Halloween.

All villains are requested to convene at the mighty Dragon’s lair to enjoy some merriments that include: Trick-or-Treat, Balloon Twisting, Kids’ Salon, Glitter Tattoo, Donut Decorating, Games, Face Painting and more.

Wear your finest robes and put on your best shoes as the best-dressed villain shall be generously rewarded. Reign supreme and you may instantly win an overnight stay.

Tickets to the House of Villains are priced at PhP899 nett per person including brunch.

Kids aged two and below are free of charge.

Adult companions and guardians are charged at full ticket price. Get 50 percent off on lunch or dinner buffet when you present your event ticket at F All Day Dining Restaurant until Nov. 7.

For ticket reservations, call (02) 928-8888. House of Villains Halloween Event is in partnership with Bite Block, Smart Steps, Fun Ranch, Galinco, Smileys, Egg Bites, Chips Delight, Kettle Korn, Magnolia Jellyace Jelly Sip, Manila Bulletin, Tiny Buds, Toy Kingdom, Oishi Shoops, Oishi Choco Chug, Hershey’s and World of Fun. F1 Hotel Manila is located at 32nd street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, please call (02) 928-9888. For online booking and more information, please visit www.f1hotelmanila.com.

Fans of 90s pop fare are in for a treat this Oct. 28 as American R&B group All-4-One and reggae fusion singer-songwriter Diana King team up for a night of soulful hits at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Catch the show collaboration with All4-One performing their greatest hits like “I Swear” and “I Can Love You Like That,” while King promises to belt out pop jams “Shy Guy,” “Say A Little Prayer,” and “L-L-Lies.”

Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at PhP8,808 for Super VIP seats; PhP7,707 for VIP; PhP6,055.50 for Gold tickets; PhP4,404 for Silver; and PhP2,752.50 for Deluxe.

The Newport Performing Arts Theater is located at the 3rd Floor, Newport Mall, Newport Blvd., Newport City, Pasay.

For VIP table reservations, contact (0917) 886-3678 or chaostablereservations@codmanila.com. For ticket inquiries, visit www. smtickets.com, or call (02) 470-2222.

Chaos Manila is located at City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd. Paranaque.

November 6 Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Art Festival

October 30 Assemblage: The Court of Owls Spend this Halloween amidst an assault of electronic music with Assemblage: The Court of Owls at the World Trade Center.

International DJs Tom Swoon, FTampa and Thomas Newson gears up to spin the crowd into a frenzy at this Halloween costume dance event on Oct. 30.

Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at PhP2,330. The World Trade Center is located at Gil Puyat Ave. ext., cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City.

October 31 D-Wayne Dutch house DJ and producer, D-Wayne takes center stage at Chaos Manila’s Halloween

Brought to these shores by the partnership of the Philippine Embassy in Japan and Because We Care group, this festival steers focus on the cultural exchange and artistic communication between Japan and the Philippines.

The program showcases an international lineup of jazz talents from the Philippines, Japan and the US. This year’s celebration highlights the unique beats of Latin Jazz, while paying tribute to the Philippines’ Latin jazz roots.

Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. cor. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati. Tickets are priced at PhP3,657.50 for Orchestra seats; PhP2,612.50 for Loge; and PhP1,045 for Balcony. For more information, contact (0906) 214-0229, email info@tmjaf.com or visit www. manilatmjaf.com.

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

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER

OCTOBER 25NOVEMBER 7, 2015

According to CivilSocietyReview.org, climate science tells us that urgent and dramatic action is needed to have any chance at stopping irreversible global warming. To which CARE International’s Climate Change Advocacy Coordinator Sven Harmeling adds, “To provide poor people and nations with hope for the future, countries must agree in Paris the cornerstones, which trigger action and cooperation sufficient to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. These include a long-term goal to phase out fossil fuel emissions by 2050 and shift to 100 percent sustainable renewable energy.” A new climate deal is expected to be agreed in Paris this December. With this, Expat asks, “What steps are you personally undertaking to aid the cause against global warming?”

Arnel Aparis Filipino-German Communications Manager, Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino

Juliette Kwee Dutch World Experience Philippines

Neville Carbon Filipino Filmmaker at BaldHead Production

Lindy E. Pellicer Filipino Co-host of Turbo Time of 97.9 Home Radio/ Contributing Writer for Business Mirror

The major cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels – such as coal and oil – are burned for energy.

So when you save energy, like choosing more fuel-efficient vehicles, appliances, or even drive less, you not only fight global warming, but save money too.

The major cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels – such as coal and oil – are burned for energy. So when you save energy, like choosing more fuel-efficient vehicles, appliances, or even drive less, you not only fight global warming, but save money too.

Start with practicing reduce, re-use, recycle and energy conservation. Then take a bigger step, sign petitions and spread the advocacy to let our policy makers know about our concern regarding global warming and encourage them to respond with a call to action that will reach the rest of our citizens.

Global warming is a sad truth where the ultimate law of cause and effect applies. My day starts with little ways and efforts on how to help save my environment. For instance, at home, I don't use the air conditioning, especially when the night is cool, I try not to warm up my car's engine and let it idle, as the fumes are lethal to the atmosphere. I don't use hair spray!

Don’t Sunbathe Naked: Sunscreen Use in the Tropics

by GAILE ROBREDO-VITAS, MD, DPDS

M

any of us have enjoyed walking along the shores of Boracay Island, swimming in the beaches of Palawan, surfing in Siargao or La Union and basking under the sun in Bohol, Cebu or Davao. Living in a tropical country like the Philippines has its perks, knowing that the sun is around almost all year-round. But with the glorious rays of the sun come harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause aging, sunburn and skin cancer.

How to properly apply sunscreen Applying the right amount of sunscreen is key. It should be applied generously to all body areas exposed to the sun 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-applied every two hours. We should apply two grams of sunblock for every two centimeters of skin or about a third of a teaspoon for our entire face. Do not forget to include your lips, your ears and the scalp, for those who have thinning hair.

The difference between UVA and UVB Daily sunscreen use is a must for all races and skin types. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. to 3p.m. and emits UV radiation even on cloudy days. Equally important are knowing what sunscreen to use and how to properly use it. UVA causes aging, wrinkles and age spots, and UVB causes sunburn and darkening. UVB rays are blocked by glass windows, while UVA rays are not.

How to choose the right sunscreen When choosing a sunscreen, make sure that is has an SPF of at least 30, offers broadspectrum coverage and is water-resistant. Water resistant allows the product to stay in your skin for at least 40 minutes when immersed in water. Sunscreens come in many forms – creams, gels, lotion, wax and sprays. Choose one that best suits your skin type and lifestyle and one that you are willing to use everyday. Creams are best for dry skin and for the face. Oily skin does well with gel-based formulations, as they can be slightly drying. Lotionbased are most convenient to use for the body because they are easy to spread.

What exactly is SPF? Sun protection factor or SPF measures how much protection we have from UVB. An SPF of at least 30 is what most dermatologists recommend because this blocks 97 percent of the UV rays and gives us sun protection for about two hours. Sunscreens with SPF more that 30 may block more of the sun’s rays but no sunscreen provides 100 percent protection.

And while those with higher SPFs (e.g. SPF 50+) suggest longer protection from the sun, these products last the same amount of time on the skin as those with lower SPF (e.g. SPF 30). There is currently no measure for protection against UVA, however, sunscreens that say “broad-spectrum” on their labels provide adequate protection for both UVA and UVB.

Vitamin D and the Sun Many wonder whether sun avoidance may lead to vitamin D deficiency, since UVB exposure is a necessary step in vitamin D production and we usually don’t get the right amount of vitamin D from our diet.

Vitamin D production is best under midday sun (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). For

fair-skinned individuals, 10 to 15 minutes exposure is enough to get the adequate amount of vitamin D. Longer exposure time is needed for those with darker skin. Most dermatologists would recommend taking vitamin D supplements, rather than exposing yourself under the sun often.

Most people do not realize the benefits of using sunscreen until 10 or 20 years later, when wrinkles become more evident and age spots surface. Sun damage is cumulative and does not show right away. Protect your skin from the sun at all times by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, or staying under the shade.

Gaile C. Robredo-Vitas, MD is a board certified dermatologist practicing aesthetic and general dermatology. She received her college degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and finished medicine at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. She completed her three-year residency training at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc. and ranked eighth in the dermatology boards.

For questions, comments or suggestions please email Dr Gaile Robredo-Vitas at irenegaile@gmail.com