ILLUSTRADO Magazine_April 2011

15 APRIL 2011-15 MAY 2011

TRAVEL THROUGH LUZON, VISAYAS & MINDANAO THE BIG BOOM THEORY MEDICAL TOURISM THE PHILIPPINE SEOUL JOURNEY TO THE CRATER – A PINATUBO ADVENTURE ILLUSTRADO WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2011 EVENT

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issue

Beautiful

Philippines

EDITOR’S NOTE

Photo by Eros Goze

Sensory indulgence I would always go back to memories of afternoons spent idly under the cool shade of a mango tree in the middle of golden rice fields in my beloved hometown. Here, the world is at stand still, save for the movement of mischievous dragonflies, the faint sound of water splashing as it journeys down the patubig, and the rumble of a rickety tricyle echoing in the distance. Aside from taking a deep breath to take it all in, there’s no need to do anything else, but watch the world go by…

If you are fortunate enough to have lived in the Philippines, your sensory bank would be brimming with images of brilliant greens and blues and other tropical hues drenched by the gentle golden sunlight; the feel of gentle wind or tranquil warm waters caressing your skin; the smell of pine-scented childhood summers spent in Baguio or your body invigorated by the scent of the sun, sand and sea; the simple sweet or tangy taste of luscious fruits bought by the roadside or the rich explosion of sinful flavors in a Pinoy na Pinoy fiesta; not to mention the calming sound of birds and cicadas in the countryside, or perhaps even the chorus of frogs in the evening right after the monsoon.

To say that the Philippines is a beautiful country is an understatement. And to have ‘experienced’ our homeland only through its major cities and less than perfect airports – is simply a sin.

To be able to really see and experience this land of wonders spread in 7,107 islands, one must step out of the metropolis – to the countryside with its rolling fields, to the rugged mountains and rich forests, to its sparkling pristine waters and alluring beaches, and allow it’s majesty, breadth, colors, scents, sounds and the smiles that make it all the more special, graciously unfold.

You haven’t seen much, until you really see our beautiful Philippines.

Come. Everybody’s invited.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

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4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net or join the discussion at Ilustrado Magazine’s Facebook page

disintegrating morality of the Filipina or to some extent Filipinos in the gulf. We are beautiful, cosmopolitan and educated women, indeed. But, throughout our history we have been colonized many times and the chameleons that we are as a people, we assimilated the culture of the occupying countries.

On our Women of Substance Advocacy You guys are doing some truly amazing, groundbreaking and empowering work! Your model and your vision is universal, even if initially focused on the Filipina. I applaud you for your ongoing efforts and the lasting legacy that you are creating every day.

Making a stand for one’s dignity and human rights in a foreign land where there is legacy of male dominance in the courts, legislatures and throughout public life cannot be easy.

It is one step harder, it seems to me, than “merely” overthrowing a dictator in the Philippines and attempting to build a democratic nation. It is a people’s revolution that reflects a lot of issues being highlighted today throughout the Middle East.

I cannot and could not overestimate the GLOBAL importance of your work ... and that of the huge diaspora of OF. 500,000 strong in the UAE alone itself says something incredible. The role of Filipinos in creating international and interethnic understanding is phenomenally important.

Rick Passo – Nevada, USA -------------------Dear Editor in Chief, Thank you for highlighting the slowly

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Being in Dubai, we are more exposed to a varied mix of nationalities that we adapt what we see as normal and sometimes forget our own sense of decency and morality. There are people we know who are married engaging in relationships with other married people to avert loneliness; or are in relationships with women who simply ignore that the man is married and calls it love.

This is not only happening in environments where they work in close proximity and comfort each other in times of need, blossoming into friendship and sometimes resulting in affairs. This is also present in the more sociable set of people from ‘de buena familias,’ even extremely religious families back home. They forgot who they are and the many people that they will hurt in the end, not only themselves.

It sometimes comes to a point with people saying, “It’s a Dubai thing…”

A sad fact that this behavior is tolerated/or accepted as the norm by our own people here in the Gulf is disheartening and giving the wrong impression for the rest of us who still uphold the values we were born with no matter where we are.

I am proud to be a Filipino but feel ashamed whenever Fr. Zackie Parra would mention in his sermons in St. Mary’s about people forgetting their married vows and commitment to their families back home. He didn’t have to spell it out that he is, in fact, talking about his own countrymen engaging in illicit relationships.

As what Ms. Lalaine Chu-Benitez said in the Women of Substance 2011 event, it is up to us to uphold Filipino

values and project the image of the Filipina as a respectable, principled, strong and independent woman.

Mabuhay to Illustrado and your championing to uplift our image as a people in the Gulf and the rest of the world.

Sincerely, Gabriela - Dubai, UAE -------------------Illustrado’s WOS 2011 Event It was such an honor to become part of the prestigious affair which was conducted last Friday. Thank you very much for inviting me. Rest assured, I will continue to uphold our belief in strengthening the morale of our Filipina women.

Earl Dominic Lerio Congratulations Illustrado!!! You have made an impact on all Filipino women.

Parveez Noreen Atterwala Congratulations on the successful event last April1. It was very nice and I’m proud to be part of your event.

TAAS NOO, FILIPINA! Lorivel Jangao The mark of excellence!!! Congrats!!!

Indeed Ora et Labora...pray and work, so that in all things, God may be glorified!!!

Shiela Ricafrente Thank you illustrado for uplifting the Filipinas! So proud to be one :) Thea Monica Alba KUDOS, Illustrado! Judging by the comments and event photos, there’s no doubt WOS 2011 was indeed a success.

Kathryn Burgos-Raflores Congratulations Illustrado. You rock!!!

Love you all...

Fretsyl Ching Elizalde

CONTRIBUTORS Bernadette Reyes

Alfred “Krip” A. Yuson Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has co-authored travel books (among these APA Insight Guide to the Philippines and Philippines: Islands of Enchantment). He has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, he has also received the SEAWrite (SouthEast Asia Writer’s) Award from Thai royalty and the UMPIL or Writers’ Union of the Philippines’ Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement.

Bernadette Reyes is a senior reporter at GMA Network covering the business beat. She is an entrepreneur, an artist, a traveler and a dog lover.

During her free time she attends to Braddell, her golden retriever; Bono, a beagle; and Bernard, a shih tzu. Bernadette loves to travel the world. Her next stop - Europe! Always on the pulse of Philippine current events and developments, Bernadette talks about the Philippines’ level of readiness for a tourism surge in the “Big Boom Theory.”

Isabelo Samonte Illustrado contributor Isabelo Samonte is a freelance writer, consultant and PR practitioner who specializes in Philippine Labor issues and has a particular interest on Pinoy innovations. A former Program Manager at the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center, Isabelo shares with us in this issue the achievements of the Philippines’ IRRI which has created significant global impact.

Filbert Kung and Glenn Peter Perez The Blackfox boys are at it again – shooting their second edition of Illustrado’s Beautiful Philippines’ travel cum fashion editorial – this time not in the cushy surroundings of Amanpulo, but in the physically taxing but majestic environs of Mount Pinatubo. The work of young photography duo Filbert Kung and Glenn Peter Perez have not only been featured in Philippine glossies, but also in various magazines around the world including - Aksam Turkey, Fashion Quarterly Canada, Schon Magazine London, and The Daily New York.

Karen Bolilia Ateneo Dean’s Lister Karen Bolilia is a budding writer and contributor in Supreme and YStyle of The Philippine Star, as well as Status Magazine.

A 20-year-old who has yet to come to terms with being a 20-year-old, she declares that Adele’s “21”is the best hiking soundtrack ever – something that came in handy during her Illustrado assignment to chronicle the grueling trip to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Ana Santos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap JR Bustamante Anna Lorraine Balita Jude Cartalaba Bernadette Reyes Karen Galarpe Bo Sanchez KC Abalos Carlito Viriña Krip Yuson Chayie Maligalig Lawrence Diche David Poarch Shar Matingka Excel Dyquiangco Toni Loyola Flordeliz Samonte Sonny Guzman Francisco Colayco Vic Lactaoen Isabel Warren Victor Sollorano Isabelo Samonte Ivan Henares Jack Catarata Jesse Edep ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Eros Goze Mariyah Gaspacho Christina Linaza Illuminado Ong CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Dr. Marlon Pecjo Glenn Peter-Perez Filbert Kung Alan Desiderio CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Zekundo Chu Jessie Tabla Ginno Alducente Ushi Sato PUBLISHER - UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +9714 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax:+9714 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net, info@illustrado.net Web: www.illustrado.net, www.illustrado.agilaglobal.net PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2011. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

CONTENTS

78MARCH2011 Fashion and adventure combine in Illustrado’s Beautiful Philippines 2011 style and travel article – Journey to the Crater, featuring the perfectly chiseled Carlo Ian Adorador.

FEATURES The Big Boom Theory 14 Medical Tourism 16 The Philippine Seoul 22 Philippine Rice Breakthrough 24 Illustrado Women of Substance 2011 74 Nikon The Empowered Filipina Photo Exhibit 102

REGULAR COLUMNS Editor’s Note 1 Retailers 2 Letters 4 Contributors 6 Contents 7 Illuminati: PHL Spots on my Bucket List 10 Pinoy Pro 26 Trippin’: Five Things To Do 70 Illustrado Scrapbook 100 Onli in da Pilipins: Must See, Must Do 110

PLACES

Beautiful Philippines 29 Journey to the Crater 78

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10 ILLUMINATI

PHL spots on my

By Krip Yuson

bucket list For a peripatetic writer as I have been, one who’s gallivanted around our country since mid-teens, it can be surprising to note on occasion that there are still so many other places in my beloved Philippines (PHL, as of the latest official tag) that I’d like to tick off my bucket list of desiderata destinations.

That checklist is nearly synonymous with a been-there-done-that bragging-rights claim. But if anything, the un-ticked areas can only indicate a glut of must-see’s in our fascinating archipelago.

I first set foot on Sagada when I was 17, when it had yet to have any kind of lodge for outsiders. I sat alone on a deserted beach in Dadiangas before it was renamed Gen. Santos, and composed a poem on straying farthest south, while enjoying the view of sea that would later appear in our maps as Sarangani Bay. The early musts were early ticked off: Corregidor, Tagaytay, Matabungkay, Baguio, Legaspi, Daraga, Cebu, Mactan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga et al.

The great charms of Bohol I was to discover relatively late — the Chocolate Hills and beaches and churches and tarsiers make the island one of my top recommendations for balikbayans or foreign

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friends seeking value-for-money trips away from Metro Manila.

Busuanga and Coron were the first places I enjoyed in Palawan. Recent years have added many more, from Calauit Island of the imported wildlife to Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay’s islands, Dos Palmas Resort, the Subterranean River now vying for honors in an Internet poll, the fascinating isles that make up the Calamianes Group. Oh, El Nido’s Miniloc resort was done earlier, while El Nido the town itself I only got to tick off from my master list over a year ago.

The Mt. Polis route from Banawe to Bontoc, I’ve driven through in a Ford Fiera, then a car, countless times since the early ‘80s. The Ilocos always beckons with its good roads and seaside charms, from the Cape Bojeador lighthouse to Pagudpud Beach and the Patapat Cliffs Drive leading to Cayagan, with Mira-ira beach and cove hidden as a wondrous off-road delight before reaching the scenic cliffs of northernmost Luzon.

ILLUMINATI 11

For some reason, Bantayan Island, south of the Cebu mainland remains one target I have yet to reach. But preferably not during Holy Week, when the place enjoys the privilege of Papal exemption from abstaining from lechon on Good Friday, so it’s said. White-sand beaches and soft-shell blue crabs are to savor away from a madding crowd.

Tubbataha Reefs I’d like to shoot with a digital camera, all those boobies and other migratory birds that descend on the fabled atolls. Not being a diver, I would simply have to endure the company of scuba mafiosi and all that talk on nudibranch and other wondrous species underwater, since only special dive boats reach the reefs.

Batanes beckoned early but welcomed me late, no thanks to the cancellation of a couple of prospective flights from Laoag. Every Filipino has to touch base in Batanes sometime in her/his life.

The road from Pangasinan’s Alaminos through Sual to Bolinao with its alluring golden beach by the Parola or old lighthouse makes for another exhilarating experience. So does the drive up or down Zambales.

The Laguna lakeside loop — Paete, Pakil, Pangil and all that — is a gem in Tagalog territory. Nagcarlan, Majayjay, Ba-i and Caliraya are magical names that evoke good memories. And on to Quezon and Bicol I’ve traipsed, time and again, as well as up to Infanta and Baler in Aurora.

Farther north on that Aurora coastline is where I’d like to conduct some exploration sometime – perhaps make Casiguran and all those other towns a week’s destination in the near future. Former Sagada Mayor Tom Killip, a longtime buddy, tells of a community established by migrant Sagadans up in the foothills of Aurora overlooking the Pacific, and he swears that it’s veritably like Ireland as he’s seen the fabled Emerald Isles in pictures. Or like Hobbit turf, he adds. Now, that’s a come-on.

Amanpulo remains a dream destination, especially since I had to decline an invite to a freebie weekend over a decade ago. Well, at least I did manage to shoot its beach with a telephoto lens while onboard the 7,100 Islands cruise ship on a pass-by.

Freedom or Kalayaan Island in the Spratley group beckons. So far I’ve only vicariously enjoyed its white-sand beach through pictures, half-envying our military detachment there and their imagined tans.

Fuga Island up north, off Cagayan’s coast, remains another dream, albeit I’m no angler. And although I’m no mountaineer, either, the peaks of Mt. Apo and Mt. Pulag should be in my bucket list, no thanks in the future to a shameless drop by helicopter.

Once in my youth, I hitched on a Piper Cub that flew over Basilan.

Emerald isles below seemed a string of lures, so that we still pray for peace in that part of our island chain of a nation awash in beauty, still seeking that strong guiding hand that would open up idyllic frontiers to families for a bonding summer.

An endless summer is spelled by our islands, our mountains and jungles and valleys — the whole shebang of enchantment as only PHL can offer, as Paradise, Hot-to-Trot & Lovely.

12 FEATURE

The Big Boom Theory:

Is the PhIlIPPInes ready for a tourIsm surge?

By Bernadette Reyes

The Philippines may just be the current media darling of travel magazines. Lonely Planet named it one of the top 10 budget friendly destinations, Nat Geo named Palawan one of the top 20 best destinations for 2011 and most recently, DIVE magazine included Apo Island in their list of 100 places to dive before you die.

These praises and stamp of approval may just be what we need to boost and stabilize our tourism industry, but is the Philippines ready for it?

The Philippines may not have the best airports and security concerns have put off potential tourists, but truth be told the country is home to some of the most magnificent sights in the world and the friendliest people anyone could ever meet in a lifetime.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park more popularly known as Underground River is one of the most amazing things one can ever set their eyes on. The nomination as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World does not come as a surprise, but as a much deserved acknowledgement of its marvels.

The underground river among other places in the Philippines is worth a visit, but is the country ready to welcome its doors to more tourists?

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“In some places, we are ready while in others, we are not,�

Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim told Illustrado when asked about the readiness of the country to accommodate high volume of tourists.

The Philippines these days pale in comparison to neighboring countries in terms of tourist arrivals. In 2010, Philippines posted 3.5 million international arrivals compared to 4.5 million in Vietnam, 6 million in Indonesia, 12 million in Singapore, 15 million in Thailand, and 23 million in Malaysia. Cambodia and Laos are the only countries in Southeast Asia behind the Philippines.

Infrastructure alone poses serious concerns. International gateways such as Davao, Laoag, Iloilo and Bacolod have excess capacity but the opposite hold true in other prime destinations. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila for example is already congested at peak hours during the day due to runway limitations. Recently, it was named as the fifth worst in the world last year, and the worst is Asia according to the online readers of travel site The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.

FEATURE 13

Lim admitted NAIA Terminal 1 in Manila and the Mactan International Airport in Cebu need a facelift. Bohol and Legaspi require new airports while Puerto Princesa and Kalibo Terminals need to be improved and expanded as these areas cater to high volume of passengers, usually tourists.

Better roads, better access The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) have already rolled out plans to address these concerns.

Rehabilitation of the Puerto Princesa Airport will commence in the second quarter of this year. Pangalo Airport in Bohol will be another priority project of the department. Meanwhile, the development of the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental is already 70 percent complete. Other development projects which are made possible through public-private partnerships (PPP) are already in the pipeline. “This newfound trust in our institutions, along with the administration’s efforts to empower the private sector, have made partnering with government a very enticing prospect,” said DOTC Secretary Ping de Jesus.

DOTC is poised to implement other infrastructure projects such as new roads and a better public transport system. The LRT Line 1 and MRT 3 will be integrated to ensure a seamless connection and expand the capacity of both rail systems. “It will allow riders to transfers rail lines using a single ticketing system at an affordable fare rate,” De Jesus explained.

LRT Line 1 will also be extended southwards to Bacoor, Cavite.

MRT Line 2 on the other hand will be extended from Santolan in Pasig City to Masinag Junction in Rizal. PPP also made possible the on-going construction of the north line from Caloocan City to Malolos, Bulacan. Meanwhile the south line which runs from Alabang all the way to Legaspi, Albay which not yet operational, will be rehabilitated. DOTC is also seeking funding to carry out the master plans for the National Railway System and the Mindanao Railway System.

More rooms, better security The country’s most well-known tour guide and performance artist Carlos Celdran pointed out the lack of affordable quality accommodation in several areas which may be potential destination for travelers. “Public transportation and affordable quality accommodations are also lacking in several tourist destinations not to mention directional signs, reliable guides and rating systems and maps,” he lamented.

The good news is construction of new accommodation is on its way.

Average hotel occupancy today runs around 70 percent. A program to establish accommodation rating standard is being implemented

hence DOT is encouraging tourism establishments to accredit themselves. In the next three years, an additional 9,000 hotel room in various hotels, will be ready for occupancy.

Aside from accommodation, DOT is also building the capability of certain local communities to be able to cater to tourists by training them to meet certain service standards of food preparation, retailing, tour guiding among others.

The tourism police force has been recently reorganized in a program called Tourism Oriented Police for Community Order and protection or TOPCOP. Aside from providing security, these ordinary policemen are being trained to be able to assists tourists as well. “Hopefully this special unit in the PNP will take good care of our tourists, both international and domestic,” said Lim. Security concerns are also being addressed through crisis management systems which involve the conduct of safety seminars for tour operators and tour guides.

In Intramuros the local community is helping revive tourism in the area. “I have a volunteer security force from the Intramuros Barangays that now help me out in coordination and security of guests during a tour,” said Celdran who takes tourists on a walking tours at the Intramuros and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex.

New and exciting destinations are being promoted by DOT, apart from the usual trip to Boracay and Cebu. These newer destinations include Batanes, Laoag/Vigan, Bicol (CamSur, Legaspi, Sorsogon), Central Visayas (Iloilo/Guimaras, Dumaguete/Siquijor, Camiguin/ Cagayan de Oro), Siargao and Agusan.

14 FEATURE

Lim admits though that there is still a lot of work needed to make these destinations tourist-friendly.

While the infrastructure is being set up, the Philippines has to rely on its innate warmth and congenial attitude to keep a steady stream of tourists. The mantra, Philippines where Asia wears a smile holds true until now. Yet Celdran believes the country needs more than charm to become a world-class tourist destination. “We need a solid campaign and communications program and a unified vision working in synergy with other government agencies,” he said.

The tourism department is actively promoting the Philippines in roadshows, international fairs and more recently in websites such as ourphilippines and choosephilippines that help paint a positive picture of the Philippines. “We are working with the local and international press to present a more favorable image of the country,” said Lim.

Tourism’s role in building a nation and shaping the identity of its people Lim also emphasized that there is more to tourism than just showing off what the country has. Tourism, he said, helps in nation building. “Tourism creates jobs and lifts the general welfare in poorer communities, thereby reducing poverty dramatically,” he said. In spite of the relatively low visitor count, tourism already employs 10

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percent of the workforce and accounts for 6 percent of the country’s GDP. Imagine how much more it can contribute to the economy if only we can bring in more tourists to the islands.

DOT, partner agencies and tour guides can only do so much in promoting the Philippines. Yet the task of promoting the beauty of the Philippines is not just a responsibility of these people—it is the responsibility of every Filipino.

Filipinos should start exploring the Philippines, then travelers from other parts of the world be sure to follow. “For Filipinos, travel within the Philippines helps develop a stronger sense of identity. For foreigners, it is delightful to interact with Filipinos who are amazed that we can relate to strangers in a very warm, sincere and personal way,” said Lim. “Stop badmouthing ourselves and fellow Filipinos. Charity begins at home, so should PR. We have our resilience and our capacity to remain charming under all circumstances,” Celdran said.

While infrastructure, homeland security, and even airport convenience is a work in progress, the Filipino warmth and hospitality — which is as famous as our sunny beaches — will always be ready to welcome tourists both from neighboring countries and even just neighboring provinces. After all, isn’t this what tourists also remember about a certain destination? How the locals made them feel they were never far away from home.

16 FEATURE

Medical

Tourism

By Bernadette Reyes

Health concerns are best addressed by the finest medical experts in the best hospitals but after the medical procedure is over, a little R&R to complement the experience could help you recuperate.

The Philippines has just that prescription for quality medical and travel in the country.

A visit to the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, a tour around the famous Taj Mahal in India or a view atop the Petronas Tower in Malaysia after a medical procedure are always a welcome respite.

While these countries may be top-of-mind medical tourism destinations because of their quality medical services, the Philippines has its own allure with its diverse tourist destinations, best medical experts and one of the lowest cost medical procedures you can find.

Medical tourism describes the practice of combining medical treatment with leisure travel across international borders to get the best possible care, have time to recuperate and enjoy the sights of the host country

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In the Philippines medical tourism grew by 8 percent in 2007 according to the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), an international organization composed of hospitals and other health care providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies and other institutions involved in medical tourism. Growth is expected to increase as the industry continues to expand worldwide.

Consulting firm McKinsey & Company projected that by 2012, the global market for medical tourism will rise to USD100 billion from USD40 billion in 2004. According to Philippine Medical Tourism Inc. (PMTI), a company that customizes medical tourism packages, the market for medical travel in the country has even

FEATURE 17

greater potential should insurance companies allow their members to avail of their medical benefits in the Philippines. “With the best medical practitioners, proper infrastructure in place and the right promotions, the prospects of medical tourism in the Philippines in the medium to the long-term are bright. We have the right ingredients to make it succeed,” Department of Tourism Director Betty Nelle told Illustrado.

Quality care available at a fraction of the price The high cost of medical procedures in the US and long waiting time for treatment in Europe and Australia are pushing people to seek treatment in countries that offer more affordable rates. The Philippines offers some of the most compelling reasons to have medical procedures done in the country. As a developing country, costs are relatively more affordable compared to more developed economies. These include competitive medical costs characterized by cheaper medical procedures using state-of-the-art equipment and one of the lowest room rates in some of the newest and most modern hospitals in the country.

Aesthetic procedures done in the Philippines, for example, are cheaper by at least 50 percent compared to US prices. Liposuction which has become so popular in the Philippines is pegged at USD4,000 versus USD14,000 in the US which translates to about 75 percent savings.

Breast augmentation would cost USD7,500 in the US against only USD3,000 in the Philippines or about 60 percent savings.

Filipino doctors have a reputation of excellence in their profession.

A number of the country’s finest doctors received training from the best medical schools in the United States but have returned home to practice; others have trained under the best doctors in the country.

Patients also get the immediate medical attention they require as it is easier to make appointments with doctors in the Philippines. “Unlike in other countries where you have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment, the Philippines has a short waiting time for doctors’ appointments.”Nelle said.

Neighboring countries like Thailand, India and Malaysia have, for some time, held the top spot for medical tourism in the region along with Singapore, India and Malaysia. While these destinations still have a steady base of medical travelers, the Philippines is fast catching up on their game with cheaper costs of medical procedures against these countries.

Tender loving care: always the deciding factor Other medical tourism destinations may have doctors of the same caliber who practice similar ethics, but it is the uniquely Filipino hospitality and care that sets the country’s services apart. Nelle said, “Filipino medical practitioners have a nurturing and caring attitude as evidenced by their strong demand abroad and this is our biggest edge over our competitors.”

PMTI also cited the good beside manner and “tender loving care” of Filipino medical practitioners as an advantage. “The ratio of nurses is about three for every patient so care and adequate attention are not compromised in the hospital,” said Eva Trinidad of PMTI. This hospitality is complemented by an excellent command of the English language. Patients are able to express their needs and are fully understood by attending health care experts as they speak a common language. Medical tourists from US, Canada and Australia are some of the most frequent customers of the Philippines.

The Philippines strives to excel in all types of medical procedure with focus on aesthetic and dental services. Some of the most common medical procedures had done in local hospitals include heart surgery, knee and hip replacement, and liver and kidney transplant. Filipino doctors also excel in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery such as tummy tuck, face lift, breast augmentation or reduction, liposuction, nose surgery, ophthalmology and general and aesthetic dentistry.

Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) is one of the top destinations for dental services in the Philippines. It is one of the first dental centers in the country to be accredited by DOT as part of the medical tourism program GAOC President Dr. Mark Gan has partnered with medical tourism agencies to bring the experience of quality yet reasonably priced dental services to medical tourists.

“Even with airfare, the cost of going to the Philippines for medical procedures is markedly lower for the same level of expertise and quality found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, or Europe,” said Dr. Gan. On the average, a dental implant procedure in the Philippines is 90 percent cheaper - around USD600 versus USD5,500 in other countries.

GAOC’s dentists also received training in the US and use state-ofthe-art equipment and supplies sourced from abroad. “For the same amount of money spent in Australia or New Zealand, you can have your dental procedure done in the country with the same world-class service and still have enough money left for tours and shopping,” said Dr. Gan. The tour in fact starts from the moment a tourist steps in the clinic of Dr. Gan as it resembles a spa.

To advance medical tourism, DOT partnered with accredited hospitals and clinics, tour operators, hotels, airlines and resorts and government agencies such as Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Trade and Industry. “We join relevant medical congresses and fairs to promote medical tourism and conduct presentations and business to business sessions with potential tourists,” said Nelle.

St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital, Capitol Medical Center and Medical City are some of the country’s best hospitals that cater to medical tourists. These hospitals are furnished with world-class medical equipment used for simple to complex procedures performed by well-trained medical experts.

18 FEATURE

With these partnerships, PMTI is able to offer personalized services to medical tourists. Packages take into account budget, personal needs and preferences and schedule of its clients. “We provide interpreters/ translators, nannies, caregivers, nurses, and personal assistants. We can arrange for your transportation, accommodation and leisure activities, such as golf, shopping, or diving,” Trinidad said.

Planning a medical tourism itinerary

Metro Manila and nearby environs of Tagaytay, Subic and Clark are usually included in the itinerary of medical tourists as most of the accredited hospitals and clinics are in the metropolis. For rest and recuperation after recovery, DOT is promoting the country’s major tourist destinations such as Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Davao, Palawan and Baguio. “These destinations have the support infrastructure necessary for tourists, especially for medical tourists,” Nelle explained.

Choose a reputable company by conducting research beforehand. It would be best to choose a company which has handled a similar case as yours in the past.

To facilitate medical tourism for foreigners, DOT is in discussions with DFA about plans to grant medical tourism visas. If granted, this will entitle patients to stay in the country for 90 days. A medical tourism office is also on its way to become a one-stop center to address related concerns. Medical tourism will be given a bigger budget and more support staff to help in the development and promotions of this program.

While other countries present themselves as viable medical tourism destinations, the Philippines’ lowest rates, quality service of only the best medical experts against a picturesque backdrop of the city or countryside will definitely shine through, a must destination for your next travel and medical needs.

Planning a medical tourism itinerary can be complicated especially if you are doing it on your own. To ease the burden, you may choose to avail the services of a medical tourism company albeit it can be more expensive.

Once you find the right company, discuss your medical requirement and travel specifications. The agent may suggest hospitals for your treatment and offer possible tour packages but in the end, it is you who decide. Ask your agent how and why they chose your doctor and medical facility to attend to your condition. Only capable medical experts should take care of you. Feel free to ask questions or make clarifications to facilitate decision-making. Before you seal the deal, make sure you fully understand the inclusions of your package and finalize computation to avoid hidden costs. Ask for the total cost of the medical tourism package.

If you choose to plan your own itinerary, prepare to do a lot of research and possible legwork as you go through the process. You are at liberty to choose your airline, hotel, doctor and hospital. For the tourism part, you need not follow a rigid tour schedule, and just follow your own pace.

While the process may be overwhelming, you are in better control of prices because you can personally choose the rates that best fit your budget.

For more info on medical tourism call: Department of Tourism (632) 523-8411 www.tourism.gov.ph

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20 FEATURE

The PhiliPPine

Seoul:

Is the Philippines turning into Little Korea?

It all started with kimchi. Then the hallyu, or better known as Korean wave, washed up on Philippine shores, bringing with it the popular hit song “Nobody� by the all-girl music group, the Wonder Girls. Nikka Sarthou takes a look at all things Korean and takes us for a ride on the Korean wave has swept the Philippines off its feet.

Korean fashion and K Pop sweep the Philippines

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FEATURE 21

Since the introduction of Korean pop (Kpop) in the country, there has been a steady stream of all things Korean into the Filipino culture — from soap operas to music groups, and even cosmetics and grocery items. Nowadays, it is not unusual to bump into a Korean national in any part of the country, or have a Korean neighbor.

The spread of South Korean culture started in China in 1999-2000, before anywhere else in the world. According to Kring Elenzano, one of the founding members of Cassiopeia Philippines and the Philippine Kpop Committee, Inc., “Korean pop invasion in the country is really a phenomenon. I personally feel like it was long overdue. Kpop stars have been big in neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan since around 2003.”

The Philippines Kpop Committee, Inc. is the first, biggest, and only Kpop organization in the country, which was put up in 2009.

Elenzano shares, “We saw the strength of the fandom and Kpop was really becoming mainstream, so we felt the need to have an organization that would somehow represent the fans and be involved in activities of all the fan clubs.” The group is in partnership with the United Korean Community Organization, Korean Cultural Center of the Korean Embassy, Korean Students Association, and is recognized by pretty much all the record labels that distribute Kpop albums.

The group also gives back to Gawad Kalinga, the biggest non-profit organization in the country that promotes nation building. Elenzano revealed that, “Last December, the local Pinoy Kpop community raised half a million, which will be used to build houses in Bantayan Island, Cebu.”

It helped that the Philippines was familiar with one of the members of the Wonder Girls, which features former local TV personality Sandara Park. Kpop ruled the airwaves then. Local television was not far behind as it aired Korean telenovelas that were all the rage. Who can forget Coffee Prince, Boys over Flowers, Lovers in Paris, or Autumn in My Heart?

English as the catalyst As if the popularity of Kpop culture is not enough to convince you of a “Korean invasion,” the staggering number of Korean visitors to the country most probably will.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, there were a total of 213,461 Korean nationals that were issued tourist visas for the period January to mid-March 2011, alone.

But even without knowing the actual statistics, you would know that Koreans must be on the top of the list when it comes to visitor arrivals to the Philippines. You could find them managing their little

businesses, hanging out in coffee shops, and even studying in schools.

In fact, plenty of Koreans come to the Philippines with the goal to study — English in particular.

Go forth and multiply in the Philippines There were a total of 740,622 Korean visitor arrivals to the Philippines in 2010 — a 48.74% growth rate from 2009. *Source: Department of Tourism

South Korea was on topped the list of all foreigners who studied in the Philippines in 2010. This includes elementary and high school levels, as well as short-term courses. The Bureau of Immigration also disclosed that they issued a total of 26,823 special study permits to Korean students. Second on that list is Japan with only a total of 1,041 students. The data from the bureau also showed that Koreans are number one as well in terms of foreigners enrolled in the different colleges and universities all over the country. There were 6,000 Koreans who were 9(f ) student visa holders on the list, followed by 3,395 Chinese citizens.

Local schools and universities have also opened their doors of admission to Korean students. One of the schools that specialize in culinary arts and hotel administration, Enderun Colleges in Taguig City, divulged that they have had Korean students since the first batch of students enrolled in 2006. Koreans actually compose 8% of Enderun’s student population of over 800 enrollees. The school’s registrar department also shares that Enderun has a diverse student population, and the Korean students enjoy the international setting.

22 FEATURE

Koreans trump all other foreign nationals as top Philippine visitors Korea gets the top spot in the ranking of most visitors to the Philippines. The Top 5 counties are Korea, USA, Japan, China and Australia. USA’s 17.05% share does not even come close to Korea’s 21.04%.

Koreans also value Enderun’s academic partnerships that allow them to transfer to Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and Spain, and in Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School in Australia. The fact that the faculty teaches in English is a welcome bonus Victory Christian International School in Pasig City, a learning institution that focuses on primary and secondary education, reveals that 10% of its current student population of 180 is composed of Korean students. The school has been accepting Korean enrollees since two to three years ago. Such schools become attractive to Koreans because of the medium of teaching, which is English.

Insights from Koreans

that the transportation and traffic network in Metro Manila needs a little bit of getting used to as well.

Lee Soon Ya, 47, moved to the Philippines so her son, David Sung, 12, could study both English and Spanish languages. They have only been here for about a month, but have expressed their interest in staying longer in the country. The mother and son tandem live in Makati City, and find riding jeepneys a novel idea. Another thing that they find very appealing is the nice climate in the country. They also like shopping in the metro, as they discover reasonably priced items. Even if the husband of Lee Soon Ya is still in Korea, their stay in the Philippines is made more pleasant and bearable by the kindness of the Filipinos they encounter.

Rachel Seo, 45, also admires the Filipino people who she finds to be kind and hospitable. She moved to the Philippines because her impression was that it is a very good place to learn English. Also, it is only three-and-a-half hours away from South Korea. Rachel believes that the Philippines is a good place for her children to have good quality education. Despite having trouble adjusting to the modes of transportation and business laws in the country, she has managed to live in the Philippines for five years now. In that span of time, she was able to put up a business and is now working for an academic institution.

Not just another tourist destination The proliferation of Korean communities nationwide is a good testament of the Philippines being an ideal place as a second home or even a retirement destination. For these Korean nationals, the country is not just another place to visit but a nice place to live in as well. Despite the difficulties in adjusting to a different way of life, there is much to be desired about staying in one of the 7,107 islands of our tropical paradise.

Philippine VisitorsTop 12 Markets by Volume Sarah Kim “To study English,” was the main reason why Sarah Kim, 42, moved to the Philippines with her family in tow. She is a stay-at-home mom whose husband owns and manages an Internet café. Sarah is currently residing in Parañaque City. She says she cannot believe that it had been four years since she first arrived. Her stay has been made more comfortable by the generally nice weather of the Philippines, which she really likes. Unlike Korea, the Philippines does not have a cold and dry winter season. Sarah also admires that there are similarities in terms of family values between Korean and Filipino cultures. What she does not appreciate is the concept of time of Filipinos, which is almost always being late for anything and everything. She mentions

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Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Country Korea USA Japan China Australia Taiwan Hong Kong Singapore Canada United Kingdom Malaysia Germany

Jan-Dec 2010 740,622 600,165 358,744 187,446 147,469 142,455 133,746 121,083 106,345 96,925 79,694 58,725

*Source: Department of Tourism

% Share 21.04% 17.05% 10.19% 5.32% 4.19% 4.05% 3.80% 3.44% 3.02% 2.75% 2.26% 1.67%

24 FEATURE

PhiliPPine Rice BReakthRough:

A Global Gain

By Isabelo A. Samonte

The best that ever happened to global grain in response to the world’s problem of hunger and poverty is the breakthrough over 110,000 varieties at the IRRI rice in a gene bank and the shipping of some 70,000 varieties to over 120 countries. Today, new rice varieties are innovations meant to respond to various crises around the Unmindful of the Philippine summer sun, over three hundred farmers gathered at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) south of Manila recently and admired the colorful fields of emerald-green rice. On a field day touring the over 200 hectare experimental farm, the farmers marveled at the latest innovations available: the “climatechange-ready” rice tolerant of drought and another variety tolerant of water submergence. There was even rice tolerant of submergence in salt water.

breakthroughs to respond crises that hamper the growth and maturation of crops.

These were milestones for IRRI, the rice research super-body established in the Philippines back in the 60’s with support of the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations. Currently, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also extended their patronage. As an international institution, IRRI has played a vital role in discovering new and better rice varieties as a global grain. The IRRI’s technology-driven growth has given hope to the farmers who were looking for scientific

IRRI Director-General Robert Ziegler had a chance to drive a point in the farmers’ open forum that the primary concern of IRRI is to reduce poverty and hunger. But he did not stop there; Dr. Ziegler also expounded IRRI’s concern for the improvement of the health of the farmers and consumers, as well as the sustainability of the environment.

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Beyond the websites and high definition TVs, the most practical and modern way that IRRI is now using to reach out to the farmers is through mobile phones. This is an innovative communication technology to give personalized technical advice at grass roots level in the field through the use of sms chat.

FEATURE 25

Sub1 in India and Indonesia (2009), and Bangladesh (2010); IR64-Sub1 in the Philippines and Indonesia (2009); and BRII-Sub1 in Bangladesh (2010) — all types are appropriate for flooding problems brought about by climate change.

Noah’s ark, but rice genes instead of animals

With pride, the Director General cited IRRI’s role in the Green Revolution established in the 60’s. Today, some Filipino legislators are seeking to revive this wave of revolution. Even the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have expressed support for the IRRI to have a second Green Revolution, something that is not an impossibility considering that today, IRRI’s International Rice Genebank is the world’s largest with over 110,00 types of rice varieties.

As early as 1966, a high yielding variety (HYV) IRRI-bred rice known as IR8 made it among the top “50 inventions that rocked the world during the past half century.” This was a cover story published in the December 2005 issue of US-based “Popular Mechanics,” which involved 25 authorities and 17 museums and universities across the country that made the study of various innovations like cars, televisions, and other inventions.

It was about that period also that IRRI’s achievements received a prestigious award considered Asia’s Nobel Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding.

But as world climate changed, particularly the onset of the La Nina phenomenon in the country, more challenges arose which drastically affected the Philippines’ rice industry. When super-storms started to hit the Philippines like “Typhoon Rosing” in 1995, IRRI responded, assuring that climate-change-proof rice could be created as ecosolutions. The litmus test came in 2006 with “Typhoon Milenyo” and in more recent years “Typhoon Ondoy” that brought unprecedented flash floods.

Today, IRRI has been able to release new high yielding rice varieties not only in the Philippines, but also in different countries: Swarma-

Since 2008, IRRI became the biggest contributor of all gene banks by shipping 70,000 rice varieties in over 120 countries.

The first crop of any specie is placed in the “Svalbard Global Seed Vault” also known as the “Doomsday Vault.” Svalbard is north of the Arctic Circle about 700 miles from North Pole. The web has described the “Doomsday Vault Concept” to have been designed as a safe house for humanity for seeds in 10,000 years that took 70 years to collect that would be safe in the event of climate change and nuclear war or whatever happens to planet earth. IRRI’s role is to prepare and transport the rice seed varieties to the “Svalbard Global Seed Vault.” The process requires careful technical procedures in expert handling of the seeds with safeguards (e.g. identifying, packaging, labeling, classifying, listing, documenting, crosschecking, storage, etc.). All this work to guarantee food for the survival of future generations.

Focusing in the Philippines, anybody could be carried away by the remarkable rice history of the country. In the countryside, as always it is interesting to see the enduring beauty of the Ifugao Rice Terraces in Banaue built by the upland farmers circa 1150 AD, which curve in all sides of the mountains like a stairway to heaven. Pre-dating the coming of the Spaniards, the Rice Terraces remained a marvel of ancient engineering of systematic water-trapping over-arching mountain sides in synchronized irrigation of the terraces. This world heritage site serves as a constant reminder that the Philippines has a history of a rice-growing civilization, a monument to the country’s sophistication and ingenuity, and a legacy of an ancient people’s deep connection to an earth they cared for and protected, drawing sustenance from its bounty.

The legacy lives on in the work that the IRRI does in its commitment not only to a sustainable and greener Philippines, but also the rest of the world.

26 PINOY PRO Celebrating the Professional Pinoy

Albert Alba Public Relations Manager Action UAE, Dubai

Socrates Alvaro General Manager – Nuran Serviced Residences Emaar Hospitality – Leisure & Hotel Residences General Management, Dubai

A Public Relations Manager at Action UAE, Albert is an ex- journalist who worked at various foreign news organizations and publications, both in the Philippines and in the UAE, for over 20 years.

Socrates Alvaro started his career in the retail industry and never envisaged that he will move to Dubai and meet people from such a diverse background.

Having shifted to PR in July 2008, Albert has been focusing on developing substantive editorial materials for a wide variety of clients from different sectors. However, not totally letting go of his links with the journalism profession, Albert also serves as the UAE news stringer of GMA-7.

With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, competencies in financial, sales and marketing, operations, HR, asset and project management, as well as professional experience in both London and Dubai, Socrates is now managing 2 deluxe hotel residences, and fully appreciates the work ethic and values learnt when he started his career as a receptionist.

Outside of work, Albert is also active in Filipino community activities and charity work particularly through the various organizations such as UPAA-UAE (founding member and president in 20072009) and SBCAA-UAE.

A General Manager with experience in Leisure and Hotel Operations, from a city corporate hotel, a volume airport hotel and beach resort hotel, Socrates feels that everyday is still a learning opportunity and wishes one day to continue his career in his place of birth the Philippines. With the growth and drive in tourism in the Philippines, Socrates feels that he could make a valuable contribution to the future development of young hospitality professionals in the country.

A firm believer in a united effort towards a common goal and aspiration, Albert also initiated the formal establishment of FILCOM Dubai and N. Emirates, with emphasis on ensuring equal stake and opportunity for all Filipino community organizations.

For relaxation, Albert’s hobbies and interests include tenpin bowling, cycling and photography.

Jaime B. Tazara Senior Architect National Engineering Bureau, Dubai Jaime is a Senior Architect at the National Engineering Bureau (NEB) a leading Architectural and Engineering Consultant in Dubai, with responsibility of Design, Visualization and Presentation of major projects local and abroad. James came to Dubai and joined NEB in 2004 as a Junior Architect - the first Filipino in the company.

Prior to joining NEB James worked as Designer at the Environments Collaborative for five years, and as CAD and Graphics Instructor at Crescent Technologies for four years teaching AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, and Adobe Photoshop. Jaime is a Certified Autodesk Professional from Autodesk System in the USA. Jaime is a Graduate from the Far Eastern University Manila, and holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture. He is also a photography enthusiast and won 3rd place at the “Burj Khalifa Photo Competition” sponsored by Gulf News, A resident in the UAE for the last seven years, Jaime lives in Dubai with his wife Marinel, who is a Civil Engineer. Seeing the importance and need for Computer Aided Design in a developing country, Jaime plans on putting up a CAD Training Center in Manila in the future. While still in the UAE, he constantly strives to exhibit his creativity at and perseverance at work, with the belief that any good example shown by Filipinos create a very good impression to employers and other nationalities, proving that Pinoys can really compete and go global.

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Aurea Noreen T. Toledo Sales Manager Prosperity Insurance Brokers LLC, Dubai With a Degree in Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from San Pedro College in Davao City, Noreen Toledo took a surprise spin in her career when she pursued, instead, the world of finance.

Her true potential in the world of finance started in 1997. She started as property consultant, excelled on the job and was promoted in less than a year to Senior Property Consultant in the Quadrillion Group of Companies. Two years later, she took the same position in Asia Plus Corporation where she was consistently awarded monthly as Top Property Consultant.

With those achievements early on in her career, she took a more challenging role as Business Manager and Currency Trader/ Financial Analyst in Eurocom International where she handled manpower development, training of Investment Consultants and provides research and technical analysis of currency movements. All her expertise and dedication paid off and she was recognized as Top Producer in Management and Top Incentive Manager.

Born a true leader, she wanted to pursue her vision and mission of helping her fellow Kababayans achieve financial independence. She was carefully selected as a Life Planner in Pramerica Life Insurance in 2004, where she gained the Bronze Winner Life Planner and Presidential Trophy’s Convention awarded in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. She helped protect three families per week and build their foundation for wealth building.

Her personal goal of reaching out into international markets brought her to Dubai in 2006 and joined Nexus Insurance Broker, former Zurich International Life in Middle East. There, Noreen won over six awards of prestigious recognition of excellence and top performance.

A true woman of substance, Noreen is currently a Sales Manager in Prosperity Insurance Broker LLC, one of the top financial brokerage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. She heads a team of Financial Planners who share the same mission of helping OFs in Dubai, plan and achieve their dreams for themselves and their families.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 29

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

By Ana Santos

A JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP AND OFTEN, A MULTITUDE OF HAPPY MEMORIES.

There’s probably a reason why another way to refer to one’s own country is the motherland.

All things that the word “mother” is attached to – Mother Nature, mother tongue, motherly love — all have connotations of nurturing, sustenance and identity. The word mother land is no different.

This year, Illustrado takes you around our mother land through the words, images and memories of people who have visited these choice places among our 7,107 islands or call it their hometown.

In their accounts, places are not just mere tourist destinations, but objects of deep affection — a fierce source of pride or attachment.

Drawing on the emotions that vacations and beautiful places bring out in us: adrenaline rushes, nostalgia, awe, humility (at the majesty of nature, perhaps) we pay a deserving tribute to our motherland - beautiful Philippines.

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30 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

FILLED

WITH

RUGGED

MOUNTAINS,

VOLCANIC PEAKS, HIGH-ROLLING PLATEAUS, SWAMPY PLAINS AND COASTAL LOWLANDS,

Mindanao parades the greatest geographic diversity of all regions of the archipelago.

It’s no surprise that the island housing the highest peak - Mt. Apo, towering at 2,954 meters in height - in the country also accommodates the country’s greatest depths - that is, the Philippine Trench, which measures approximately 35,400 feet deep.

Apart from holding the countries highest highs and lowest lows, Mindanao also caters to several active peaks. Of which are the Butig Peaks and Mountains Ragang, Kitanglad and Parker. Plateaus of basaltic lava flows also litter the Mindanao landscape.

Mindanao isn’t only gifted with numerous landforms. Water features - waterfalls, lakes and rivers - also grace this island with its natural beauty. One of the most well-known being Lanao Lake, which is famous for its grandeur and pleasant temperature.

Being surrounded by bodies of water from all sides – the Sulu Sea to the west, Philippine Sea to the east and Celebes Sea to the south - makes Mindanao one of the most majestic dive spots in the country. illustrado Magazine

© Christopher Howey | Dreamstime.com

MINDANAO

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 31

ON HIM: TAILORED LONG SLEEVES, FRANCIS LIBIRAN FOR MYTH, SLACKS

BY RANDY ORTIZ FOR MYTH. ON HER: TUBE JUMPSUIT FROM SALABIANCA; NECKPIECE FROM THE RAMP; HAT, STYLIST’S OWN

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32 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Secluded Beach Cove © Jourdan Fernandez | Dreamstime.com

Faith Suzzette Kong, Lawyer Zamboanga City

This City has been my home my entire life and the hugeness of the residents’ hearts still amazes me. Until I reached around 10 years old, I would go home with my nanny whenever she had her vacations. I remember being welcomed wherever I went. The neighbors would pick mangoes, watermelons and bananas from their yards and invite me for meals without hesitation. My own neighbors also treated me with the same hospitality when I was growing up.

Only last year, I got stranded in a mountainous area for four hours. I walked over to the nearest house and the owners gave me coffee and we sat around in their front yard exchanging stories like old friends. They offered me lunch, too.

I lived away from home when I was getting my undergraduate degree and have traveled a few times. What I always miss when I am away is the simplicity with which Zamboangueños live and their unquestioning openness and kindness. Our hospitality is most evident during fiestas; people just come to visit even though they have not been personally invited.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 33

ZAMBOANGA

KNOWN FOR ITS UNIQUE DISPLAY OF CULTURE AND THE ARTS,

Zamboanga City carries with it a plethora of colorful additions - unmarred tropical scenery, exotic Chavacano food, seashells, beautiful flora and vintas, which are small boats with multi-colored sails. But, these are not the only surprises stored on the city’s grounds. Newcomers will be astounded upon discovering that Spanish is the mostspoken language within this city. Coined as Asia’s Latin City, the locals speak a Spanish-influenced Creole language known as Chavacano. illustrado Magazine

34 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

CAMIGUIN HOME TO SEVEN VOLCANOES, CAMIGUIN’S APPEAL LIES IN ITS SPECTACULARLY EXOTIC ECOSYSTEM.

This island of the coast of Mindanao is teeming with beaches, rich forests, waterfalls, springs both hot and cold - and striking marine life, all topped of with a serene local lifestyle. With all its pristine, natural glory, it’s no doubt that this island enraptures even the most critical of tourists. illustrado Magazine

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 35

White beach overlooked by volcanos on Camiguin island. © Simon Gurney | Dreamstime.com

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36 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

BUKIDNON KNOWN FITTINGLY AS ‘PINEAPPLE’ IN ITS LOCAL

the food basket of Mindanao and home to an abundance of the said fruit, couldn’t have been given a better name. This province is located at a landlocked plateau, north of the center of Mindanao. Its six major river systems - the Pulangi, Tagoloan, Cagayan, Manupali, Muleta and Bobonawan rivers - have carved into the province, forming numerous canyons.

DIALECT, BUKIDNON,

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 37

Phrixel Gerald S. Pimentel, Teacher Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Malaybalay city is my hometown. Though I am currently based in Cebu City, I always look forward to the days when I could go home (usually during summer and Christmas break).

My sweet attachment to the place dates back from my childhood years since I was born in Cagayan de Oro. Bukidnon is a place to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

What makes Bukidnon so unique as a tourist destination is its rugged terrain and the cool climate. A two-hour drive from the airport will definitely give you a feeling of calmness and serenity. As you traverse the paved highways, you marvel at the lush forests and the picturesque mountains that tell the stories of the natives and tribes who once ruled the place. To complete the experience, the cool weather will calm your senses. You also get to appreciate the vast and teeming pineapple and banana plantations across the province.

Plowed field with rich fertile soil on a volcanic tropical plateau in front of a mountain covered with rain forest and topped by a majestic cloudscape with nimbus clouds around mountain top in Bukidnon. Š Hugo Maes | Dreamstime.com

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38 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Š Brian Dunne | Dreamstime.com

CAGAYAN DE ORO Nikka Sarthou, Writer Cagayan de Oro (CDO), Misamis Oriental Going white-water rafting in CDO has always been on my bucket list. Being a city girl, I also wanted to travel to someplace new and experience different things. Since I had not been to the Mindanao region, I thought that CDO would be the perfect start-off point.

The City of Golden Friendship offers that laidback feel that anyone living in the metro would appreciate. Alongside the provincial life is an aspect that will cater to the more adventurous spirit. Whether it’s eating the infamous durian fruit, or riding through the rapids in the Cagayan de Oro River, my trip there gave me memorable moments that I will treasure for the rest of my

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life. How can I forget the first time I tried the oh-so smelly durian, which I still believe is an acquired taste? Of course, my first-ever whitewater rafting encounter will always be etched on my mind. Rafting down the majestic river was both a thrilling and serene experience for me. Riding the rapids offered an adrenalin rush, while passing through the ripples gave me time to enjoy the natural beauty of the river. I listened in awe to Mother Nature, as I heard the water splashing, birds chirping, and trees swaying to the wind. This is one extreme sport that I would like to try again.

Seeing the sights in CDO made me more thankful that I live in such a beautiful country, and reinforced my desire to explore it - one island at a time.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 39 Maria Christina Falls, Mindanao, Iligan City. © Hugo Maes | Dreamstime.com

MARIA CRISTINA FALLS RISING AS HIGH AS 98 METERS, this

waterfall wonder is the foremost source of hydro-electric power in Iligan City - system conveniently maintained by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.

For its unique purposes, the ‘Twin Falls’ has also earned the titles ‘Mother of Industry’ and ‘Fountainhead of Progress.’ illustrado Magazine

40 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Allan Polina

Bislig City, Surigao del Sur Bislig City is my hometown. It is a special place that I keep coming back to not only because of my family, but because I also love to spend a day visiting Tinuy-an Falls every time I go for my annual vacation as the place really refreshes me. For those who would like to spend sometime in Bislig, a day inTinuy-an falls, the Philippine version of Niagra Falls, is a must. I would also advise that you spend time on the white sand beaches of Hagonoy Island and take an adventure ride in the underground river of Hinayagan Cave.

Tinuy-an Falls near Bislig City, Mindanao, Š Hugo Maes | Dreamstime.com

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 41

TINUY-AN FALLS

LOCATED IN THE ‘BOOMING CITY BY THE BAY’, BISLIG,

Tinuy-an places as one of the most visited attractions in Surigao del Sur. At a surprising width of 95 meters, and height of 55 meters, this local waterfall has merited the nickname, the Philippines’ Little Niagara. Surrounded by a lush rainforest teeming with trees and ferns, this three-tiered wonder is truly a sight to behold. illustrado Magazine

42 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES © Ximagination | Dreamstime.com

Christina Camingue Buo, Writer/Artist Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Caraga

My internal landscape, shaped by a lifetime of summer visits to my grandparents’ home in General Luna, Siargao Island, is a shimmering blue lagoon, balmy breeze, soaring gulls, pristine islands, flaming sunsets and magical moonlit nights. Despite having been born and raised in Cebu City, I associate summer with only one place – General Luna.

My parents sparked my love for nature and travel by taking us, six children and my cousin Jopee, on summer holidays to their seaside hometown in General Luna, Siargao Island, where we swam in the blue lagoon, climbed the hills and roamed the forests and the outdoors.

I once spent my Christmas birthday on the remote island of Anajawan, the farthest island barangay of the town of General Luna. Many travelers have probably never even heard of Anajawan. Its isolation and inaccessibility is at once its most charming asset and its biggest drawback. Meeting the simple and smiling people of Anajawan gave me a real sense of the place. It seemed like the warmth of the tropical sun radiated back in the smiles and the spirit of the people. Everywhere we found hospitality, innocence, joy and every appearance of happiness. What you rarely find in the city is alive and well in this remote corner of Siargao. Such hospitality, I would say, is instinctive with the islanders. The local folks are after all, the best assets of Philippine tourism.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 43 © Hugo Maes | Dreamstime.com

SIARGAO WHO HASN’T HEARD ABOUT THE SURF-WORTHY WAVES AT COUNTRY’S VERY OWN ‘SURFING CAPITAL’?

With a remarkable reputation both nationally and internationally, Siargao hosts its own surfing competition, the Siargao Cup, every September.

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44 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Š John Anderson | Dreamstime.com

DUMAGUETE Anna Oposa, Student/Writer/

Environmentalist Apo Island, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental I first read about Apo Island as a successful ecotourism project done by the locals when I was a freshman in college. For my English class, we had to write a position paper. Everyone else was doing research on euthanasia, divorce and I was writing a paper on banning commercial fishing in the Visayan Seas. As an avid scuba diver, I also heard about this place often. Mahahanap daw ang buong cast ng Finding Nemo sans Bruce the Great White.

When my dad was set to receive an award in Dumaguete City, he took me because he knew it was a five-year dream in the making for me.

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I think the people I was with made the story rich.

Mario, my dive master, was a dynamite fisher before. He told me how he and the other locals started running out of fish in the ‘80s, and how the team from Silliman University helped them establish the marine protected area. It was very difficult at first, of course. But Mario and the other fisherfolk were taught the basics of marine ecology, scuba diving, and snorkeling. And now, they protect their own seas. They directly benefit as fishermen, dive masters and they speak about Apo Island as if it were their child. Nakakaiyak.

Apo Island is more than a dive site, more than a pretty place. For me, it became a story of success, and how the beauty of a place means more because people worked hard for it.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 45 Tubbataha Lighthouse © Pstretton | Dreamstime.com

TUBBATAHA REEFS THE PHILIPPINES HAS MORE SPECIES OF CORALS THAN THE ENTIRE CARIBBEAN SEAS AND THE GREAT

The Philippines is worth diving for wrote dive enthusiast, Anna Oposa, This marine life is protected in the Philippines’ only marine natural park, the Tubbataha Reefs is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reefs nestled in the Sulu Sea is home to over a thousand marine species, from majestic whale sharks to elusive seahorses and manta rays.

BARRIER REEF.

Endangered green sea turtle swimming with diver © Tommy Schultz | Dreamstime.com

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46 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

THE SMALLEST ISLAND GROUP RESTING BETWEEN LUZON AND MINDANAO IS ALSO CHRISTENED WITH ITS OWN INCOMPARABLE

It has three divisions Western, Central and Eastern Visayas and is internationally acclaimed for its white sandy beaches, thick forests, rich historical background and charming locals. Housing even the Philippines’ most famous Boracay Island, this group of islands keeps visitors coming back to enjoy the rest of the beauty of the Philippines.

WONDERS.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 47

VISAYAS

© Simon Gurney | Dreamstime.com

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48 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Fort San Pedro, Cebu. © Kaikai | Dreamstime.com

Johanna Michelle Lim Cebu

Cebu for me is a love born out of choice. And because choice bears a more powerful gesture, scratching his surface becomes more fulfilling every day. I don’t care for his famous dried mangoes, his worldclass furniture, his white beaches or his luxury hotels. Do away with that and you will still find me going back to that little place Downtown where the cheapest and most delicious hopia is served.

Its identity will never be just about ‘the beautiful’ to me. And when its landscapes change, its walls crumbles and be built up again, with an idealist’s hope, I stay anyway. Like many things, home too is a choice. Cebu is a visual interpretation of contentment. Half of me will always be here.

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One of Cebu’s undiscovered places is Busay, known as the land of the flowers, of sweet corn and of cults of bikers spending their Sundays there in droves in what would probably be Cebu’s closest version of the Tour de France. Busay tends to hide its best features for locals. Trek to and from the Kan-irag trail as well as to its main roads, and you will find soon enough that conversation is easy to come by from its people. Laborers from their beat-up bikes going home from a day’s work partner their Sarsi’s with a whole day’s account of the weather, the hike and news from the ‘mainland.’ And yes, even when said mainland (the city) is just a good 30 minutes away, one can’t help but feel the sense of height and detachment that isn’t just born from geography.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 49 Tropical paradise garden in cebu island © Yahya Idiz | Dreamstime.com

CEBU

BOTH A HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT AND INTERNATIONALLY

Cebu presents visitors both new and old with a package much more than just its narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, rugged mountain ranges and coastal plains. Hosting much more than just natural beauty, this island is brimming with five-star accommodations, recreational activities and a vibrant nightlife. Ranking as one of the top island destinations in the years 2004-2005 and 2007, the Queen City of the South definitely doesn’t disappoint.

ACCLAIMED TOURIST DESTINATION,

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50 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Rainforest River Cruise © Vitaly Titov | Dreamstime.com

LOBOC

FOUND IN THE RICH PROVINCE OF BOHOL, THIS TROPICAL EDEN IS THE CRADLE OF THE WORLD’S

the Tarsier. A nocturnal animal with eyes as large as its tail is long, the Tarsier is at home in a town teeming with historical roots. One in particular is the Church of Loboc, the first built out of stone in 1602 by the Jesuits. Known as the cradle of the ‘Boholano soul’, Loboc carries with it the piety and traditional values of its esteemed locals.

SMALLEST PRIMATE -

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 51 © Hugo Maes | Dreamstime.com

CHOCOLATE HILLS LOOKING GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, 1,268 HILLS LIE SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THIS GEOGRAPHICAL

the hills are only chocolate brown when it is summer (and the grass dries), but a lush green during summer.

This site has been declared the country’s third National Geological Monument for its scientific value and uniqueness, and has awestricken many with its unusual geological formation.

WONDER IN BOHOL. IRONICALLY,

Tarsier - smallest primate in the world © Vitaly Titov | Dreamstime.com

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52 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Ana Santos, Writer Boracay There was a time in my life when I would visit “Bora” every single year. It was my “goto island” - the place that I knew would have something for me to do. There are certain places you go to because they’re romantic, they’re kidfriendly or just ‘hip and happenin.’ Bora is all that to me. Whether I’m there for fun and sun, for romance or for mother-daughter bonding time, Bora never disappoints. Bora has a kind of magic that is hypnotically welcoming, and laden with a promise to fulfill whatever your heart desires.

If it is friendship you aspire for, lounge around in the world famous white sand that feels like baby powder under your skin. In the evening, party in Hey Jude or Cocomangas. If it is love you want to rekindle, watch the sun set the horizon on fire with its red orange hue and then slowly dip into the ocean to give way to the moon. Though it may disrupt the handholding a bit, the sunset is best served with your favorite Jonah’s milkshake.

If you are travelling with kids, you’ll never be able to resist the banana boat and snorkeling in other islands — not that you would want to, anyway. That is the essence of my Boracay — friend, lover, child — it is everything I would hope for my own little island paradise.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 53 Diniwid beach, Boracay Island © Javarman | Dreamstime.com

BORACAY OFF THE COAST OF PANAY IN WESTERN VISAYAS, BORACAY IS WORLD FAMOUS FOR ITS WHITE SAND AND

Starting its relatively young tourism history in the ‘70s, this holiday hotspot has come a long way from its undeveloped state an island originally inhabited by the indigenous Aki tribe. Its tourism is built on two islands. The more popular White Beach is a four-kilometer area with dozens of hotels, resorts, spas and other establishments dotting its shores. On the opposite end lies Bulabog Beach – the part of Boracay patronized by windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Boracay holds a copious amount of recreational activities for its visitors. Some of the favorites are snorkeling, diving, banana boat riding and windsurfing. If you’re already impressed, wait ‘til the sunset - Boracay is teeming with energy even when the lights are out.

CLEAR BLUE WATERS.

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54 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

THE BIGGEST LANDMASS IN THE PHILIPPINES, IS ALSO THE PRIMARY CENTER OF THE

economy, culture, as well as its seat of government, and contains eight of its regions – the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol.

COUNTRY’S

Luzon beckons tourists with its abundance of natural features. It houses the country’s second highest peak Mt. Pulag - the almost-perfectly-coned Mayon Volcano and even the country’s longest mountain range - Sierra Madre.

Even the Philippines’ longest running river and its biggest lake, the Cagayan and the famous Laguna de Bay respectively, are in this majestic island.

This island shelters some of the country’s most prized manmade features - the ingenious Banaue Rice Terraces and several historical landmarks dating back to the Spanish colonization period, particularly those in Intramuros and Vigan, the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city.

While you’re there, why not visit Kawit, Cavite - the site of the country’s first declaration of independence - and Corregidor Island - the country’s last line of defense during World War II - as well?

It’s no wonder that Luzon plays an integral part of the Philippines’ colorful history, but also central to is present providing a crisp distinction against the fast-paced cosmopolitan background nestling within Metro Manila.

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LUZON

Tropical sea landscape. Philippines, El Nido. © Efired | Dreamstime.com

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56 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Mary Ann Santos,

Advertising Executive, Baguio Baguio will always be a nostalgic place for me.

Growing up, we would spend summers there with my family and friends. Whenever there was a new addition to our family, we would all pack our bags and enjoy the cool summer breeze with them. When my niece was around four years old, we took her to Baguio and enjoyed the crisp Christmas air. When I graduated from university, my best friend and I traveled to Baguio for a much-needed break.

Going back to Baguio last year with my life partner added to my happy memories in this city. While past vacations involved horseback riding, boat riding in Burnham Park, a visit to the Pink Sisters, and shopping in ukay-ukay, this time, I was able to enjoy the artistic side of Baguio. Baguio Reggae music was at its finest at 18BC Music Lounge along Legarda Road where we watched the PowerPuff Corn Band, a semifinalist in ‘Pilipinas Got Talent.’ In Tam-awan Village, I had my portrait sketched by a local artist, and felt very regal while I sat for a few minutes as the artist captured my image. Right across Tam-awan village is Arko ni Apo Ben-Hur Villanueva, a gallery-workshop-café – a perfect place to enjoy sculptures while sipping a hot brew of Baguio coffee.Going on this art trip in Baguio made me realize that I will never tire of this summer capital.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 57 Š Antonio Oquias | Dreamstime.com Sunrise in Banaue, Mountain Province

BANAUE RICE TERRACES EXPERTLY CRAFTED BY THE ANCIENT INDIGENOUS

the Ifugao, Banaue Rice Terraces prides itself as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This manmade wonder rises about 1,500 meters above sea level, covering a terrain of approximately 10,000 square kilometers. Attracting tourists from all across the globe, the terraces remain true to its original purpose - allowing the growth of crops through a complex irrigation system from the forests in the mountains and thus providing a natural source of sustenance for the people who tend these ancient grounds.

GROUP,

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Jinggay Dinsay, Homemaker Pangasinan

My grandfather was originally from Pangasinan.

Although my mother was born in Manila, she and her family found themselves back in the province during the outbreak of World War II. They found their haven there in Calasiao until the end of the war.

Pangasinan is a place known for the best puto, cacao, tapa, bocayo, bagoong isda (monamon), bagoong hipon (alamang) among many others.

When you get to visit this area, it is a must to partake of the famous puto that will really melt in your mouth, and is traditionally taken with thick cacao. We usually dip the puto in this thick concoction.

Apart from the Hundred Islands, Pangasinan has some amazing places to visit like the Lingayen Gulf. The first time I got to see the place, I was thunder-struck with its power and beauty.

I am not a surfer but the gigantic waves I saw definitely make it look like a surfer’s paradise. It was hypnotic watching the rythmic roll of the water on the soft sands. Dagupan is also very popular and synonimous with the best tasting bangus you can find in the world that is from the Bonoan beach.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 59 Some of the Hundred Islands as seen from the viewing point on Governor Island, Alaminos, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines Š Dirk Sigmund | Dreamstime.com

HUNDRED ISLANDS

124 ISLANDS AT LOW TIDE - ONE LESS AT HIGH TIDE,

this group of small islands can be spotted at the gulf of Lingayen in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Believed to be about two million years old, these ancient water-locked spectacles are one of the most astounding places in the archipelago.

Three of the bigger islands - Governor, Quezon and Children’s island - have established facilities such as a guesthouse, bahay kubos, pavilions and other accommodations for tourist use. The rest lie in wait, unexplored and readily awaiting the discovery of those who want to get away from the bustling city life.

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60 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Scenic view of the crater of Mount Pinatub © Arnel Manalang | Dreamstime.com

PAMPANGA

Maetel Villanueva Pampanga Pampanga is known for its rich heritage. We have lots of beautiful, historic and well-preserved churches like St. James the Apostle Church in Betis, Guagua nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” famous for its baroque inspired interiors.If you are adventurous, Mt. Pinatubo trekking will take you across rivers, cliffs, creeks and scenic landscapes. Mountain-climbing along the river valley will lead you to what once used to be a molten-lava-filled crater, now a beautiful lake you can swim in.

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But Pampanga’s pride has to be its cuisine.

The province has been featured in American hit TV show, “No Reservations,” where show host, Anthony Bourdain, claims that the Philippines has the “best pork dish” after

tasting the original sisig found in Aling Lucing, Angeles City, Pampanga. For some exotic food go to Everybody’s Café. Located in City of San Fernando Del Pilar, this place has been serving no-fear, adventurous food go-ers since World War II. How about adobong palaka, tapang kalabaw and camaru? It’s turo-turo with a twist!

Aside from its notable culinary tradition, Pampanga is also known for the three main events that grab national and even international attention - the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark Pampanga, during February, the “Maleldo” or re-enactment of Christ’s Crucifixion, every Good Friday and the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando. The latter occurs yearly during the Christmas season and started over 100 years ago, earning Pampanga the title - Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 61 © Antonio Oquias | Dreamstime.com

BARASOAIN A PRIME LOCATION FOR SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S

Bulacan is recognized as the birthplace of national heroes and a handful of National Artists. Located within the historical province, the Barasoain Church witnessed events such as the drafting of the Malolos Constitution (1898-1899), and the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899). Going as far as serving as the temporary residence of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Marcos declared this site a National Shrine on August 1, 1973.

MOST HISTORICAL EVENTS,

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62 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Ryan Imperial Camarines Sur

The one place I can permanently call my ‘home’ is the province of Camarines Sur. Located in the Bicol Region, it is well-known as the newest and rapidly rising tourism hotspot with its famous water sports complex, rich religious heritage and amazing natural attractions.

In Naga City, Camarines Sur’s commercial, educational and cultural center, is our family house where I grew up and spent my childhood and teenage years in. Camarines Sur not only provided me with beautiful images to store in my memory, but also was the venue for some of the greatest experiences in my life.

During my pre-college years, our family always participated in the annual Peñafrancia Festival, held every September, in honor of the region’s patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. During the celebration, we would go to the Naga City’s Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica Minore to pray for blessings, along with several thousand devotees, pilgrims and visitors, to the patroness we Bicolanos call Ina. Speaking of wonders, I advise you to visit the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex, the Basilica Minore and the Caramoan Islands.

The third one, Caramoan Islands, is a group of six islands somewhat isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur (but still is a part of it). Whitesand beaches, a diverse marine ecosystem, and magnificent land formations await its thousands of visitors every day.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 63

Generoso Ante- Retired Banker, Property Administrator Malinao, Albay

My hometown of Bicol is known for many things, but I am most appreciative of the values that are popular to our regional culture such as acts of bayanihan and pagmamano (respect for the elderly).

It is also rich in historical tourist spots like the Cagsawa Ruins, the Liberty Bell, Basilica Minore and the Matanag Cross. A main source of pride for Bicolanos is our cooking and our famous dish Bicol express. With plain rice, choose any one of these viands served at La Terraza Restaurant in Ligao - Healthy Bicol Express, Laing (with grilled sea bass) or Rapu Rapu (the Bicolano version of pinakbet). The desserts served by Balay Cena Una in Daraga are a must-try too.

Learn local speak and use the most popular Bicolano adjectives: magayon for beautiful, maboot for kind and uragon for daring, and the locals just might whip you up a homecooked meal. Don’t forget other useful phrases like Maray na aga means good morning, while maray na banggi means good evening.

MAYON VOLCANO

APPEARANCES ARE DECEIVING WITH THIS NATURAL

within the province of Albay. Mayon Volcano, despite the calm air stemming from its nearly-perfect cone, flashes a history of 47 eruptions across the last 400 years. A part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is the most active volcano in the Philippines.

WONDER

Mount Mayon Volcano in the province of Bicol. Š Edwin Verin | Dreamstime.com

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64 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Michelle Tiotangco

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan One thing that makes Palawan unique is the kind of life we have, it is always simple in terms of food, clothing and way of living. We don’t have malls and movie houses in the city like in Metro Manila.

But anytime we wanted to go to the beach, it is so easy and convenient. The food here is not so expensive as you think, fishes and vegetables are most abundant here in Puerto Princesa.

Being in Palawan always makes me realize how lucky I am being born and living in this city because things here are just simple. It made me feel more proud and it made me feel responsible for taking good care of nature and preserve what our elders have done for us. Our generation has benefitted from the wonder of Palawan’s natural beauty like its Underground River; now nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature - future generations should, too.

Amazing rock formation in Coron island. © Oksanaphoto | Dreamstime.com

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 65 Small boat of tourists in the entrance to the underground river in Sabang, Palawan. © Simon Gurney | Dreamstime.com

PALAWAN PALAWAN IS SURROUNDED BY A CORAL SHELF WITH RICH MARINE LIFE AND EXOTIC FLORA AND FAUNA.

With the many accolades it has been accorded: one of the best destinations in the world (National Geographic 2007), one of the 10 best beaches in the world (UK Guardian) and from the lips of underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, the most beautiful place he had ever seen, Palawan has earned the title, “The Last Frontier”.

Palawan is poised once again to secure a place for the Philippines. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is in the running for one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river has a unique landscape all its own, etched in rugged limestone, rock formations, and domed amphitheaters.

Underwater cave el nido palawan © Simon Gurney | Dreamstime.com

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66 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

CALIRAYA LAKE A HAVEN OF SEVERAL LAGUNA RESORTS, this

manmade mountain lake was previously used as a water reservoir in the 1930’s.

Tourists are known to camp and fish within bays and sandbars found across this virtually unspoiled landscape.

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TAGAYTAY

Donnabel Cantilla Tagaytay

I am very blessed to have my roots in Cavite and I’m proud to say that all Filipinos love Tagaytay which is a stone’s throw away from my home. It is the best place for cool weather, awesome food, and fantastic nature views. The captivating and breathtaking image of Taal Lake and Volcano has been tattooed in my mind ever since I first saw it as a child. Through the years, the city has truly come a long way and has progressed much. With the myriad of new tourist and dining establishments, plus considerable efforts of both the city government and various entrepreneurs, Tagaytay is now a premier destination for golf, weekend dining and relaxing vacations.

One of Tagaytay’s well known attractions is the Picnic Grove which features huts line along the gentle slopes of the Tagaytay Ridge. It is a place where you can have a picnic with the grand view of the world’s smallest volcano far below. There are also a lot of good restaurants where you can treat yourself, and have the bonus view of Taal Lake. Try out Dencios, Josephine’s, Viewpoint, Starbucks, Cafe Lupe, including Leslie’s famous for their bulalo.

Sonia’s Garden is also a nice place for a hearty lunch, including amazing spa packages.

Whatever you are there for, it is a must to bring home with you the best of Tagaytay’s ‘pasalubongs’ like - senorita bananas, pineapples, buco tarts and pies, apple cookies, ube jams and steamed peanuts.

Island within Taal Volcano Caldera Lake © Jonald John Morales | Dreamstime.com

Local fruits © Rboncato | Dreamstime.com

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68 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES © Antonio Oquias | Dreamstime.com

MAKATI HOME TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE, MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES, THEATRES AND MUSEUMS, MODERN

not to mention a glittering nightlife, Makati is one Philippine city that sure doesn’t sleep. Much like what New York is to the US, Makati prides itself as the commercial and economic core of the Philippines. Towering with its abundance of skyscrapers, this cosmopolitan city houses several well-known corporations both locally and internationally owned locally and internationally. Well-off Filipinos and expatriates crowd around its busy streets, living a sophisticated culture inherent to the city.

ARCHITECTURE

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©Epixx/dreamstime

© Jonas Marcos San Luis | Dreamstime.com

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5 Month 70 TRIPPIN’

things To Do This

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The scorching heat and occasional sandstorm are sure fire signs that summer is officially here in the UAE. Before we hibernate to the shade indoors, let us make the most of the remaining al fresco breeze and celebrate April’s bid to winter. This white hot month of April, Illustrado suggests outdoor activities that won’t make you sweat so you can enjoy this month as a prelude to the not-soawaited summer.

Rock with Maroon5 Live Put your concert shirts on, and rock with the international pop group Maroon5 as they return to Dubai this month. Following their successful gig in the emirates in 2008, the band comes back with a promise to excite their fans with the new singles from their latest album “Hands All Over.” But concert-goers need not worry because the Grammy-award winning group will also play its muchloved smash hits “She Will Be Loved,” “This Love” and “Sunday Morning” for the UAE audience. Maroon5 Live in Dubai is going to headline the local-based rock band Juliana Down as they’re set up as open act for the Los Angeles band.

Maroon5 Live in Dubai will be held this 21st of April at the concert arena of Dubai World Trade Centre. For ticket information, call Live Nation at 04-4278166.

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Sweltering White Hot Fun under the Desert Sun

Drum on a Full Moon It’s desert safari with a twist. The Full Moon Desert Drumming hosted by local group Dubai Drums gives combined fun of drumming, full moon, friendly people and mother earth. Experience drumming in the desert with Dubai’’s drumming crowd, connect with your inner rhythms and feel free to join in with the jamming and tribal dancing. Chill out with friends and family, enjoy a tasty barbecue and when you’re not drumming or dancing, just sit back, soak up Mother Earth’s desert energy and gaze at the moon. It’s a great place to de-stress from busy city life, go barefoot on the sand and meet people from all parts of the world that live in the melting pot called Dubai. Beginners, die-hard drummers and drumming divas all welcome. Drums are provided but you can bring your own percussion instruments if you like.

Drumming under the full moon happens this April 15th in Al Awir.

If interested, contact the organizer at fullmoon@dubaidrums.com.

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Prosperity A Refreshing approach to financial planning At Prosperity we believe that everyone has the right to be heard.

But...that you have to earn the right to be taken seriously.

Our aim is to do just that!

Prosperity is an independent company of financial consultants who provide unbiased and bespoke solutions to both Corporate and Private Clients.

Our Services: • Trust & Estate Planning • Life Insurance • Critical Illness • Savings & Investments • Education Fee Planning • Wedding Expense Planning

Noreen Toledo Sales Manager – Certification on Chartered Insurance Institute noreen.toledo@prosperity.ae Mobile No. +971 50 2748 174

• Offshore Pension Planning • Business Insurance • Corporate Solutions • Mortgage Service • Will services

Parveez Atterwala Financial Adviser parveez.atterwala@prosperity.ae Mobile No. +971 50 5754175

Bey Celso Financial Adviser bey.celso@prosperity.ae Mobile No. +971 50 4241712

www.prosperity.ae

PO Box 107729 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 495 0700 • Fax: +971 2 445 4672 Email: enquiries@prosperity.ae

P.O. Box 346057 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel. +971 4 427 0428 • Fax +971 4 427 0424 Email: enquiries@prosperity.ae

72 TRIPPIN’ Shake it with Shakira If you can’t rock with Maroon5, you shouldn’t not miss the “Waka, Waka” singer Shakira. Returning to the UAE for the 3rd time, this Grammy-award winning artist will again hold the crowd captive with her famous hits “Whenever, Whereever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” This month, Shakira is bringing ‘The Sun Comes out World Tour’ along with her distinctive pop/folk sound and incredible Middle Eastern Latin-inspired dance moves to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. She is expected to draw bigger crowd as she headlines the upcoming concert with Arabic pop superstar Amr Diab. The Egyptian legend Amr Diab will reveal his latest songs to an excited crowd on the same evening of Shakira’s performance and will look to wow his fans across the Arab World, reminding us of his hit songs: “Nour El Ain” and “Aktar Wahed” which have established his multi platinum sound.

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So, dance the night away with Shakira Live in Yas Island Abu Dhabi this coming April 29th. To book your tickets, contact Flash Entertainment at 02-5098000.

Cruise in a dhow When you don’t feel like drumming, rocking or swaying your hips, then perhaps you can just go cruising. There are a number of travel tours offering a cruise down Dubai Creek via an authentic wooden dhow. Experience a romantic evening with your partner, or a fun night among your friends, while marveling at the magnificent beauty of the old Dubai. For a two-hour sailing across the creek, you will surely feel a great sense of traditional Bedouin affair especially with the offer of sumptuous Arabic cuisine and Arabic entertainment on board. Indeed, dhow cruise is a must for any resident or tourist in Dubai.

For more information, contact your local travel operators to help you get on with the tour.

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Getaway in Hatta Either you take a road trip down to the border of Oman and the UAE, or simply call and book for a Hatta tour – whichever you prefer, the important thing is that you go for it before the weather gets too hot. If it’s your first time then better take the pre-designed itinerary. It’s a unique opportunity to see the marvelous desert landscapes and explore the mountainous beauty of Hatta. Tours are usually for a group of four to six people, a short roundtrip to Dubai.

Activities do not only include sightseeing and picture taking but also thrilling dune bashing and off-road driving. You can opt to visit the Heritage Village and Carpet Market for some memento shopping as well.

For more info and travel packages, call any travel operator, and they’ll be happy to serve (and book) you.

74 WOS EVENT

Illustrado Women of Substance 2011 Celebrates Filipina Achievers in the Gulf Photos by Donald Rosales

Illustrado celebrated the fourth edition of its annual Women of Substance (WOS) event at the Godolphin Ballroom in Jumeirah Emirates Towers on the 1st of April 2011, in the presence of some 600 attendees comprised of the Filipino diplomatic corps and community key opinion leaders.

The program started with the ribbon cutting ceremony headlined

by Consul General Benito Valeriano and the unveiling of “The Empowered Filipina Nikon Photo Exhibit and Competition.”

This was followed by a talk show, where the seven WOS honorees, namely Gerby Cadungog, Socorro Yap Sun, Tata Kintanar-Kapfer, Agnes Briggs, Lily Libo-on, Susan de Guzman and Ambassador Corazon Yap Bahjin, were presented.

Con Gen Benito Valeriano cuts the ribbon to open proceedings. (L-R) Phil Embassy AUH Charge D’Affairs Adelio Cruz, Shaji Shanmughan of Nikon, and Illustrado’s Lalaine Chu-Benitez with husband Mon Benitez.

Another highlight of the event was the premiere screening of the new documentary film “Filipina on Top” directed by Dubai-based Kamil Roxas, winner of the Hayah Film Competition at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in 2008. A follow-up to last year’s “Empowered Filipina,” the film hopes to create awareness on the harsh realities Filipinas face and, at the same time, provide relevant information and worthwhile advice, to help Filipinas avoid problems and protect themselves from compromising situations.

The film was complimented with the launch of WOS’ spinoff campaign – “Pinays Take Charge.” The campaign, which will be cascaded to the Filipino community in the UAE, Gulf and other countries is slated to provide simple guidance specific to prevalent Pinay problems in the region.

At the Nikon Empowered Filipina Photo Exhibit

Dr. Margie Holmes, renowned Philippine clinical psychologist, television personality and columnist, the event’s featured guest speaker delighted guests with a short talk and a question and answer portion.

Despite the serious topics at hand, the WOS event continued its tradition of socials and glamour. Musician Clarita de Quiroz, WOS 2009 honoree, performed during the event, while a number of sophisticated Filipinos, led by top fashion designers Michael Cinco, Butz Fuentes and Albert Andrada donning elegant style, dazzled at the red carpet.

Nikon reps award winners of the photo competition with Johanna Dalocanog (2nd from right) of Illustrado. See separate feature on the exhibit.

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Illustrado Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez

At the talk show - (l-R) WOS 2011 Honorees Agnes Stott-Briggs, Lily Libo-On, Tata Kintanar Kapfer, Gerby Cadungog & host Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Previous WOS Honorees (L-R) Clarita de Quiroz, Lucille Ong, Tini Meyer, Nila Bandigan, Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi, Laarni Eugenio, Mariecar Jara, Juliet Solas, Tess Bautista and Fe Ging Ging Hyde with Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Opening Speech - Con Gen Benito Valeriano

Special Guest Speaker Dr. Margie Holmes

Fun continued on as the event wrapped up with the “The Dove Real Beauty Runway Show,” a fashion show cum make-over session that put five Filipinas’ natural beauty on center stage. The attendees were also able to enjoy the many activities presented by the event sponsors in the designated booths.

Illustrado’s Women of Substance 2011 is a project done in cooperation with Dove and Nikon, and supported by London Dairy, SM Development Corporation, and Anlene.

The premier of ‘The Filipina on Top: Deconstructing Maria Clara

ExpressMoney and UAE Exchange reps with Johanna Dalocanog

Red Carper host Clarita de Quiroz with Yann Biojau

(L-R) Designers Albert Alba, Michael Cinco, Bandoix Flores, Butz Fuentes & Eros Goze with Dr. Margie Holmes

Dove Real Beauty Runway Show make-over subjects and designers (L-R) Ushi Sato, Grace Brutal, Ralph Ramirez, Gina Biteng, Joey Baluyot, Matilyn Bagunu, Ruben Santos, Jan Barlow, Aldwin Ornopia, Adelle Lumalang & Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Team Illustrado (L-R) Donald Rosales, Ron Babao, Wendy Rozon, Eros Goze, Sherry Tenorio, Rony Pagtakhan, Mon & Lalaine Benitez, Dan Villanueva, Johanna Dalocanog, Charlie Drilon, Kamil Roxas, Ed Aquino,

76 ADVERTORIAL

Max Spring 2011 This spring, Max has updated its classic menswear favorites. Key themes for the season include nautical, varsity and rock, with key items that include the casual single button jacket, patterned plaid shirts, granddad tops, shorts, worn jeans, chinos, cardigans, striper polo tees and utility styled shirts.

Colors are light and soft and prints are fresher for womens wear. The homespun chic look is big this season with washed colors mixed with denim blues. Floral prints are mixed with crochet and lace detailing capturing the naive folksy feel. Chambray denim is important for this look with a variety of shirts, skirts, tops and trousers. A variety

Belhoul Hospitals win 2010 Dubai Quality Award Belhoul Speciality Hospital and Belhoul European Hospital won the Dubai Quality Appreciation Program for 2010. Board Members Faisal Bin Juma Belhoul, Khalfan Bin Juma Belhoul together with Mr. Jalal Hafeedh (Hospital Director) received the certificate from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai at a ceremony held at Grand Hyatt Dubai on April 5, 2011.

Each submission for the DQA was reviewed by assessors according to procedures laid down by the Business Excellence Centre at DED that are modeled on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence.

Belhoul European Hospital, established in 1996 and Belhoul Speciality Hospital which has been operational since 2003, both

of plaids are available, from pretty checks and washed plaids to micro ginghams.

For the boys, a playful range with hoods on t-shirts, gives a hint of attitude along with edgy graphics as seen in their Motocross, Rock On and Skater inspired ranges.

The girls’ collection, with key themes of Spring Florals and Safari is all about the girl who is the aspiring trend setter with the right amount of attitude and girly glamour. A variety of A-line dresses can be perfectly teamed with vibrant cover-ups and denim jeggings.

come under the umbrella of Belhoul Life Care. Both hospitals comprise an extensive range of medical specialties, advanced diagnostic technology and outstanding services which have positioned them as leading comprehensive healthcare providers in the region.

It was a moment of pride and prestige for Belhoul to receive the Certificate of Dubai Quality Appreciation Program in the health care sector. This recognition is an additional feather of success in their journey towards excellence.

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa turquoise waters of the Sibuyan Sea and the volcanic peak of majestic Mt. Malindig. Only Bellarocca guests and staff are on the island to ensure guests’ ultimate privacy. The Mediterranean architecture of immaculate stucco white buildings and structures, bound by the azure blue seas below, makes Bellarocca truly unique in the Philippines and sets it apart from other native-style thatch-roof luxury resorts found all over Asia.

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa is located in Marinduque province, situated at the heart of the Philippine Archipelago. It is 170 km southeast of Manila and occupies Elefante Island, southwest off Marinduque. Perched on a 20 hectare private island of mountainous rolling terrain, with its peak at 114 meters above sea-level, the resort is reminiscent of Santorini, Greece. The resort’s elevation provides breathtaking vistas, panoramic views of islands, dramatic sea cliffs,

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Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa is the only Philippine property included in the 147-resort collection ECOLUXURY Retreats of the World (www.ecoluxury.com). Ecoloxury, an established brand which combines all that is eco with all that is luxury, is a collaboration of the best retreats in the world, which is changing the focus of tourism by demonstrating that the two can go hand in hand.

78 TRAVEL & FASHION

JOURNEY TO THE CRATER WORDS: BY KAREN BOLILIA PHOTOGRAPHY: FILBERT KUNG & GLENN PETER PEREZ OF BLACKFOX PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING: MIKE DE GUZMAN & GEORGE PALMIANO (MGP) HAIR & MAKEUP: NANAN VILLABA MODEL: CARLO IAN ADORADOR

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DON’T GO TO MT. PINATUBO. Don’t go if you’re expecting a run-of-the-mill tourist experience. Don’t go if you don’t want your endurance and patience tested with muscle cramps during the long hard trek. Don’t go if you think it isn’t going to take you at least half a day to actually get to your destination.

But hey, here’s another don’t: don’t knock it until you try it.

It’s been almost 20 years since the most significant geological event of the 20th century, Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, and along with it came a decade’s worth of substantial environmental collateral damage. But perhaps, what nature has taken away, it gives back through breathtaking landscapes, covered in Mt. Pinatubo’s ashes - majestic, postcard-perfect deserted lands clawing their way back to life, rugged, raw, and determined. Under the heat of the summer sun, the scenery is bursting with the hopeful hues of ‘feast-youreyes-on-this’ kind of promise.

If you were to explore this promise, you might as well do it the right way.

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80 TRAVEL & FASHION

ON ALL FOURS We were ushered into the first leg of our Pinatubo adventure by rugged 4x4 trucks. Travel Factor’s use of the hardwearing vehicle provided an intimidating yet accessible ride. The 4x4, a master of all terrains that seemed to recognize the topography like an old friend. Once you get over the mandatory jolt, thump and crash, it’s unlike any other terrestrial transportation you’ve ever been on. It’s the ultimate compromise between the tourist and the adrenaline junkie, which appeases both the sightseeing and the thrillseeking requisites of the trip.

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At our truck stop mid-way, we were able to admire the beauty on standstill; untapped and wild. Here, one can’t help but be in awe. Some of the locals may have already pegged us as peculiar, for taking photos in a place they consider merely as home.

Halfway through our journey, we encountered an incline, a treacherously steep one, and even before we could weigh in on the odds that our trucks won’t plummet downwards, we were back on our seats, moving towards the aptly named route, the Skyway.

It was a one-way alley that could only fit one truck, sandwiched between elevated plateaus. The repetitive uphill-downhill movement makes one think that the excavated road is limitless or maybe a result of some paranormal activity where you just keep going back to where you came from. It could be that the ashes had obstructed a portion of our vision, but doubt inevitably creeps in when, for over 25 minutes, there was you, your companions, and your truckagainst the vast territories of nature, impeded by the limits of the human senses.

Thankfully, the endlessness did have an end.

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82 TRAVEL & FASHION

But Pinatubo isn’t just about to let you get away with it so easily. After lahar composites clung all over your body, and you’ve adapted to the robust springing up and down (and even sideways), you leave the ‘comforts’ of that hour-long ride, to stand on your own two feet, and embark on a Trek to Remember.

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PINK TRIBAL PRINTED BARONG, CARVED WOODEN IDOL MASK USED AS NECKLACE, BOTH BY TESORO’S; WOODEN CHOKER BY TINA BONOAN AT FIRMA; SILVER COIN RING BY AC+632; LEOPARD-PRINTED SHAWL BY TANGO; CORDED BELT BY GEORGE PALMIANO; DROPPED-CROTCH PANTS BY GERRY KATIGBAK

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84 TRAVEL & FASHION BARONG TOP, IBALOI WAIST WRAP, WOODEN BEADED NECKLACES AND WOODEN BRACELETS, ALL BY TESORO’S; ANTIQUE GOLD CHAIN NECKLACE AND DRIED WATERLILY SANDALS, BOTH BY AC+632; MILITARY GREEN DROPPEDCROTCH PANTS BY TERRANOVA

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TREK-WRECKED Once you begin on the (supposedly) hour-long hike to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, a very strange thing happens. The concept of time, communication and technology gets left behind in the truck all those 21st century appendages we’ve come to identify ourselves with are well, gone.

SHEER PRINTED TOP AND HAREM PANTS, BOTH BY GERRY KATIGBAK; LEOPARD-PRINTED SHAWL BY TANGO; SILVER CHAIN NECKLACE, DRIED WATERLILY SANDALS AND STRIPED BLUE SHAWL USED AS WAIST WRAP, ALL BY AC+632; SILVER CUFF AND RED IFUGAO BAND, BOTH BY TESORO’S

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86 TRAVEL & FASHION

Ten minutes turn into 30, and time seemed as boundless as ever, as you tread the tumultuous terrain. The absence of any network reception was unnerving at first - but with it came the price of unadulterated liberty – the strange feeling of willingness to disconnect from the entire world, even for just 11 hours. It was as if Pinatubo held us all hostage, keeping us in a bubble where only a few things mattered, but there was no ransom you were your only way out.

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DENIM PANTS BY JEFFREY ROGADOR; SKELETAL NECKLACE AND TUSK NECKLACE, BOTH BY OS ACCESSORIES BY AJ OMANDAC; BROWN LEOPARD-PRINTED SHAWL AND BROWN BRAIDED BELT, BOTH BY TANGO; LEOPARD-SPOTTED SCARF BY AC+632; BLACK NATIVE BRACELET BY EDMIR LAGUI AT BOBON; WOODEN CLASP BRACELET BY TINA BONOAN AT FIRMA

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The arrest, though, is a gift that kept giving. But Mt. Pinatubo heeded a two-way relationship, in which you’d have to give something back, too. In this case, it was every fiber, every inch of muscle in your body, fighting their way through all kinds of rocks, altitudes, formations and slopes; and with every trickle of sweat came the reward of getting closer to the destination, the pinnacle and purpose of the entire journey in the very first place.

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90 TRAVEL & FASHION

RED IFUGAO WRAP USED AS SKIRT, BLUE T’BOLI WRAP USED AS BELT, FEATHER CROWN AND RED IFUGAO ARM BAND, ALL BY TESORO’S; GOLDEN TRIBAL NECKLACES BY FIRMA; DENIM PANTS BY JEFFREY ROGADOR; DRIED WATERLILY SANDALS BY AC+632

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It takes at least another hour of treading rocks, mud, water, and the possible serpent cameo to get to Mt. Pinatubo’s crater, and on its last stretch, a strenuous path that resembles a staircase posed as the last roadblock to victory. “You’re getting closer when you start seeing the sun,” one of the tour guides said. And as we begin to see prickly shafts of light streaming through the leaves, we knew it. “It” wasn’t some abstract concept, a sun-induced delusion, or a figment of our imagination that we’ve been trying to reach for hours, it was here. It was now. illustrado Magazine

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THE SUM IS CRATER THAN ITS PARTS The sun hit the mountains around the crater perfectly, creating contours and shadows that highlighted its best assets: the ash-filled tops resembling the Alps, and the lake that designated itself as the queen bee attraction of Mt. Pinatubo. For a moment, the pain and dehydration cease to bother, as you gasp and marvel at the majesty of it all. And there it is: the proof of your burden in all its glory, generous in its charm and allure - Mt. Pinatubo’s invincible crater, something so stunning beyond human comprehension. It was daunting to see something so potentially destructive that serene, like it could do no wrong. illustrado Magazine

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PINK TRIBAL PRINTED BARONG, CARVED WOODEN IDOL MASK USED AS NECKLACE, BOTH BY TESORO’S; WOODEN CHOKER AND WOODEN BRACELET, BOTH BY TINA BONOAN AT FIRMA; SILVER COIN RING BY AC+632; LEOPARDPRINTED SHAWL BY TANGO; CORDED BELT BY GEORGE PALMIANO; DROPPEDCROTCH PANTS BY GERRY KATIGBAK

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96 TRAVEL & FASHION

Choirs of angels seemed to ring in my ears as I took the final steps back to our 4x4 truck. Parched and nearing fatigue, I tried to recall how we all ended up looking like we had such a dreary predicament (that was only partially true). Our journey began in Capas, Tarlac, by a security checkpoint called “Garden of Eden.” Little did we know, the noncommittal biblical reference was every bit prophetic, and with surprising accuracy.

So here’s something you hear often: if there’s anything we humans can’t resist, it is trying something for the first time even going as far as wandering through that Garden of Eden.

SHOPPING GUIDE: AC+632 - GREENBELT 5, MAKATI CITY EDMIR LAGUI AT BOBON - MARKATTI PALAZZO AT THE PODIUM, ORTIGAS FIRMA - GREENBELT 3, MAKATI GEORGE PALMIANO - +63 917 351 8646 GERRY KATIGBAK - +63 918 941 7189 JEFFREY ROGADOR - +63 917 208 0227 NICO AGUSTIN - +63 916 259 9945 OS ACCESSORIES BY AJ OMANDAC - +63 916 209 5872 TANGO - GLORIETTA 3, MAKATI TESORO’S - ARNAIZ AVE., MAKATI CITY TERRANOVA – SM MALL OF ASIA, MANILA TINA BONOAN AT FIRMA - GREENBELT 3, MAKATI TRAFFIC - SM MALL OF ASIA ULYSSES KING AT BOBON - MARKATTI PALAZZO AT THE PODIUM, ORTIGAS

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TRAVEL & FASHION 97 BARONG TOP, IBALOI WAIST WRAP, WOODEN BEADED NECKLACES AND WOODEN BRACELETS, ALL BY TESORO’S; RED LEOPARD-PRINTED SHAWL BY TANGO; ANTIQUE GOLD CHAIN NECKLACE AND DRIED WATERLILY SANDALS, BOTH BY AC+632; MILITARY GREEN DROPPED-CROTCH PANTS BY TERRANOVA

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CONQUER MT. PINATUBO THROUGH TRAVEL FACTOR Travel Factor has been providing accessible adventure tours since 2006, and with its current lineup of Surfvivor, Dive, Backpacking, Foodtrip, Photoholic and Conquer, one is provided maximum adventure through maximum variety. The Mt. Pinatubo Conquer adventure begins in Capas, Tarlac, and covers all bases, including roundtrip van transfers, 4x4 vehicles, and local guides ensuring that the only fuss you’re left to worry about are the clothes off your back, the contents of your backpack, and the physical limits you’re willing to overcome during your excursion.

For more information e-mail tours@ travelfactor.org or phone Team TF at +632-746 5119, +632-964 2527, +63917-847 5341. Also check-out thetravelfactor.wordpress.com

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100 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Darwin Daclan Darwin Daclan is an Accountant with a Masters Degree from the Delta International University of New Orleans. Based in Al Khobar and a resident of Saudi Arabia since 2008, he has been in love with photography since his high school years when owning a camera was but a simple childhood dream.

Although he’s dabbled in the art since 2000, photography became a serious hobby in 2008. Darwin joined Al Khobar-based International Shutters Organization (ISO) and benefited from the group’s workshops, trainings, and shoots. He also polishes his skills through research and by learning from the works of photography greats like Manny Librodo. Always interested in teaching, Darwin has also been sharing the knowledge he has gained in recent years, with the rest of the photography community in Khobar through workshops.

Neil Generoso Cavite native Neil Generoso loves to travel to scenic locations, souqs and shopping malls, or simple chill out in the streets of Dubai with his camera always ready to capture interesting scenes. The 33 year old shutterbug got into the hobby in 2008 when he joined OPPPS and joined various photography workshops. But it wasn’t until he was given the opportunity to collaborate

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with photography production group 77th Street Productions, that he became serious in pursuing his passion for the art. Neil calls his photographic style - comprehensive, romantic, stylish and most of all, modern. More than anything, Neil enjoys photographing fashion, architecture, landscape and events.

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Earl Dominic Lerio

Earl Dominic Lerio is a Project Coordinator in a prestigious consulting firm - Dimensions Engineering Consultancy, based in Dubai. He is new into the field of photography – his first foray was in 2011 when joined Batch 22 of the Basic Photography course at OPPPS. Since then, Earl has developed a passion for capturing the images of different people – their expressions and the diversity of culture around him has served as strong inspirations for all his works. Earl also believes that beauty does not only reside in smooth skin, fairy eyes and a wellshaped nose, but exists in all different faces in the society.

This month, Earl, together with friends Sharfy Daligdigan and Yollanda Garcia founded photography group TUBAW RETRATISTA (Tubong-Dabaw Retratista) to encourage amateur photographers like them to indulge in the art of creating beautiful images.

ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK 101

A M M 010 C t a ds 2 t s i al war n i s F edia A a en e M s o Ch ippin l i h P

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104 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

The Empowered Filipina Nikon Photo Competition

annual elegant coffee-afternoon event on the 1st April 2011 at the Godolphin Ballroom of Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Following last year’s success, Illustrado’s Women of Substance 2011 has brought back the Nikon Photography Competition with a new theme – “The Empowered Filipina.”

Thirty-five finalist photos which captured the different facets of an empowered Filipina woman were showcased at the exhibit during the

Consul General Benito Valeriano of the Philippine Consul General in Dubai lead the exhibit opening at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Judging the competition were UAE Philippine Embassy Charge d’Affairs Adelio Cruz, Leo Burnett Creative Director Ramon Benitez and Nikon Grandstores Marketing Director Shaji Shanmughan. Winners - Gerry Pilapil (first), Donald Rosales (second) and Harry Cruz (third), were awarded a Nikon D90, Nikon D5000 and Nikon D3100 respectively, as prizes.

2rd place Neil Generoso

Donald Rosales

Albert Alba

Bless Afable

Christina Linaza

Dennis Mejia

Divino Rex Kintanar

Mariyah Gaspacho

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3rd place EROS GOZE

Grace Montives

Harry Cruz

Cedrenan Cayon

Darwin Japat Guevarra JB Dacanay

Earl Dominic Lerio

Joe Agdeppa

EROS GOZE

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James Tasarra

Pao Sta. Rosa

Roger Alfonso

Rozen Antonio

Sherwin Flores

Walter Bautista Trinidad

Rozen Antonio

Danabelle Gutierrez

A platform for budding Filipino creative talentILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK 107

Algene Suria

Allan Polina

1st

place

Jerry Pilapil

Arvinn Baurtista

Arian Marcos

Bless Afable

Leslie Feistan

Marlon Bautista

Neil Generoso

108 ILLUSTRADO RED CARPET

Photos Courtesy of Harry Cruz, Benny de Guzman, Edwin Riguer, Erwin Nieva, John Soriano and Roy Francis Manalang

PBC Dubai (L-R) Dr. Facundo Sun, Gentry & Leslie Angsanto, Rick & Marie Coreces, Ishwar Chugani, Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Chairman Lucille Ong, Milen & Medel Aviles

Roy Sahron Tamano & wife

Dan & Maetel Villanueva

Illustrado Publisher Lalaine Chu-Benitez (center) in Amato Couture by Furne One, together with Filipino designers (L-R) Rene Santos & friend, Butz Fuentes, Albert Andrada, Michael Cinco, Angelo Estera & friend, Garimon Roferos

Hon. Jose Ma. Dinsay, Philippine Commercial Attache for the UAE & Qatar & wife Mme Jinggay Dinsay

Chris Calumberan, Jimbo Cayetano & friend, Tracy Ley Orencio & friend, ETA Executive Dir. Ishwar Chugani, Pauline Moreno & designer Sky Zarris Manapat

Rowena Niduaza and her daughter WOS 2011 Honoree Agnes Stott-Briggs & Vikki Mikkelsen

Neil Parra and wife WOS 2011 Honoree Gerby Cadungog

Boyet and Baby Damot (left), and Nova & Quay Neil Smith & Dinny Crocker of Above & Beyond Middle East

Jeff Price & Cynthia Villanueva

Rafa Valencia and Christine Avendan

Anlene (Fonterra) representatives Pamela Karout, Shehan Fernando & Maria Teresa Isidro Shiela Teodoro

Designer Izhcka Zeta

Tina Vitug & Digna Paruli

ILLUSTRADO RED CARPET 109

(L-R) Ushi Sato, Lalaine Chu-Benitez & Shelfred Surdilla

Carlo & Deng Nassif

Darwin Japat Guevarra & Michelle Santos

Thesma Talinga of FACE (2nd from left), Gina Salazar (center) of FDSC, & friends

(Right) City 7 TV reporter Khadijah Sali and friends

Jenny Cabuhat & Mike Ortega

Prosperity Reps. Noreen Toledo & Parvez Atterwalla

(L-R) Shafie & Zekundo Chu, Liz Leron & Dawn Almario

Phil.Embassy Abu Dhabi Charge D’ Affairs Hon. Adelio Cruz & Mme Lileth Cruz in Joey Baluyot

(L-R) Gia Benjamin, Mikaela Santos & Remilie Benjamin

(R-L) Ruben Aranda Mirabel, Mariyah Gaspacho, Lou Parroco, Cristina Linaza & guest

Nikon reps. Shaji Shanmughan (left) Gopal Sudhakaran (right), & guest

(L-R) Designers Carla Fuentes, Ruben Santos, Jlo Aldwin Ornopia, guests, and Joey Baluyot

Alya Abdelrida & Nisrin Safar

Cherrie and Ramon Navea

Anna de Leon

WOS 2009 Honoree Clarita de Quiroz

Sheryll Ann Caisido & friend

110 FILIPINISMSS

Onli In Da Pilipins - 1. n. a phrase used to define anything or anyone that only exists anywhere in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines || 2. adj. a phrase used to describe a Pinas episode or a Pinoy persona so rare one would never find anywhere else in the WWW (whole, wide world). It merits a documentation of some sort.

Must See! Must Eat!

By Aby Yap

With 79 provinces, not to mention the over 7,000 islands, listing down the beautiful-must-see places and delicious-must-eats (if not daring-must-trys) in the Philippines is a challenge, if not a close to impossible task. So, next time the thought that there’s nothing more to do in the country crosses your mind, go for a little adventure. Go into uncharted territory and feed your curiosity.

Presenting…

Top 10 Must-See Pinas Places Palawan Palawan is paradise that’s painfully clean! There are more than just a few trash bins present on every street and concerned residents reminding you that there’s a fine for littering, now, there’s the ouch.

After all, they’ve got so much to protect: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, home to endangered marine species; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park with the famous underground river that’s a museum to fascinating veggie/fruit/sexy/religious/crazy rock formations; and the Coron Reefs with its World War II Japanese shipwrecks.

Then, there’s Amanpulo. Enough said. But if you can spare USD800/ night, plus USD400 roundtrip airfare, go na!

Boracay Otherwise, you can always gladly settle for the clear blue waters and powdery white sand of Bora. Never mind that it has become awfully commercialized. The fact is, you have to set foot on this baby powder white sand beach at least once in your lifetime — though you’re no artista.

Batanes The northernmost tip of the country (not Aparri, forget the old Eat Bulaga theme), this province unveils another facet of the Philippines with its distinct, dreamy landscape: cliffs, mountains, hills, meadows, beaches, and stone houses. It makes for wonderful photo ops too, and we Pinoys always love a photo op

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Baguio Definitely, Pinas isn’t all hot and humid. Head off to Baguio and indulge in its cool climate ranging from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius.

Your hair suddenly standing on end can tell you how cold it is.

There’s more to this city than pine trees, peanut brittle, walis and strawberries…

Sagada It’s 100% nature-tripping in this side of Mountain Province.

Conquering rugged trails, slippery caves, ice-cold waterfalls, eerie cemeteries, hanging coffins, and English-speaking natives — you don’t need anything else to get high. And with the imposed 9pm curfew — it’s literally lights out on some of the streets, you can sleep as much as you want.

Banaue These amazing rice terraces will remind you how ingenious our Ifugao forefathers were. Even without any hi-tech tools 2,000 years ago, they were able to build terraces with an efficient irrigation system. And now, even with the advent of Twitter and Facebook, their culture remains intact to this day.

Vigan With this town’s classic 16th century Spanish/Mexican/Chinese architecture, you can’t help but imagine you’re Maria Clara munching on sinful bagnet while waiting at the azotea for the coming of your beloved Crisostomo aboard our own version of a horse drawn carriage - a calesa. Just pray that no Padre Damaso or Sisa ruins your delicious fantasy.

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Banahaw This sacred mountain offers refuge to people of diverse beliefs: cults worshipping Jose Rizal, groups seeking to meet ET, pilgrims hoping for a cure for physical/spiritual ailments, and climbers determinedly aiming to reach the summit. Whichever party you belong to, may the Force be with you.

Siquijor Potions, curses, mambabarangs. A lot has been said, mostly terrifying, about this island. Are you brave enough to find out the truth? Go on a Good Friday when Christ is supposedly dead and healers/sorcerers hold their annual gathering. Don’t leave without seeing the fiery Siquijor sunset.

Manila Exclusive subdivisions and filthy slums, high-rise condominiums and barong-barongs, trains and jeepneys, clubs and videoke stalls, shopping malls and ukay-ukays, fine dining restaurants and karinderyas, churches and lotto outlets, yuppies and tambays — the city bustling with urban diversity. There is simply, no place like Manila.

Top 10 Must-Eat Pinoy Food Grilled Street Food An ensemble of what you thought you’d never put in your mouth for fear that they are not meant to be ingested by a human or simply because they’re loaded with bacteria: IUD or isaw, these chicken intestines are shaped like an Intra-Uterine Device; Helmet or chicken head; Adidas or chicken feet; Betamax or little cubes of chicken blood; and Walkman or pig ears. At least, the way they’re cooked is healthy for those who are conscious about cholesterol-filled dishes.

Tamilok Woodworm found in decaying mangroves, it is. Fat, long, gray, and slimy, it’s eaten fresh by most Palawan locals who liken it to oyster. If you prefer it cooked, you can have tamilok marinated in vinegar or ala kilawin style. To swallow it with ease, your lambanog will be the spoon full of sugar to make the tamilok go down.

Kamaru Mole crickets sans legs and wings boiled in vinegar and garlic, then sautéed with tomatoes and onions. It tastes a lot better when you eat it, than when you read it. Indeed, you will forget that you’re having insects for lunch. They’re crunchy and actually great to be had with steamed rice. Eat with bare hands to savor the experience.

Betute Tugak The name is a mouthful, but these deep-fried stuffed frogs are a delight to the mouth because they taste a lot like chicken, especially the frog’s legs. (Chickenjoy, you better watch out!) They look very proud and macho, too, their tummies bulging with minced pork.

Dagang Bukid Fried Street Food As in the chicken, no part of the pig is left ignored. So, there’s chicharon or pork skin; chicharon bituka, nicknamed chibit, or pork intestines; and chicharon bulaklak, chilak for short, or pork omentum.

If you’d rather try what seems more “familiar,” a day-old chick might interest your palate.

Boiled Balut If you already feel sorry for the sisiw, better skip this aphrodisiac. But if you’re intrigued by the “pampatibay ng tuhod” marketing line, just close your eyes when you’re about to eat what’s inside the duck egg.

See, it’s a 17-day old embryo boiled alive.

Bagoong Don’t judge bagoong by its odor. True, the shrimp or fish is fermented for almost a year and its smell can rival your stinking socks and win hands down, BUT pair it off with green mangoes and you’re halfway to heaven. It’s also the secret ingredient of many Filipino dishes. (Bet you didn’t know that, did ya?)

Another worthy substitute for chicken, old folks say, are field rats (or country mouse for political correctness?). Ugh, sounds gross, but they’re purportedly clean since they live off rice only; no Dora to poison you. Adobo, fried, or roasted rats — take your pick. Mickey will understand.

Asocena Animal activists won’t be happy with this one since it’s roasted dog meat. Often served as pulutan during gin bilog/lapad sessions, it’s known to give a warm feeling in the stomach. Warning: dogs will bark at you with a vengeance for eating one of their kind.

But hey, if the French can make rabbit (poor Easter Bunny, you must be thinking) a gourmet dish, then we can be just as creative with uhm, pets.

Dinuguan For this dish alone, the Cullens will be so at home in Pinas. (Hey, Team Edward, rejoice!) Just don’t tell them it’s pig’s blood stew with pork and innards. Best served with with puto - a spongy rice cupcake to soak up this bloody scrumptious dish.