south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine
february - march 2010
favorit e My
beach
1 0 tr av e le r s o n th e s e c r e ts o f th e i r b e s t b e ac h e s
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
Batanes A guide to the wild, wild North Spanish colonial Experience 18th century living in a Vigan ancestral home Space matters 7Stones luxury comes in a suite package P LU S : S EA I R l au n c h e s 1 5th y e a r a n n i v e r s a ry fa r e p r o m o s
to Boracay
Photo by Jay Alonzo
The small guide for the big trip
Our InFlight guide to boracay has a 78-page resort listings, featuring some of the hottest resorts and hippest hang-outs, plus a valuable insider’s guide to where to eat, where to go, and what to do on the island. Packed with intelligent information, it’s not small where it matters. B u y a c o p y n o w ! C a l l + 6 3 2 / 8 4 9 0 2 9 5 t o 9 6 o r o r d e r o n l i n e a t w w w . F l y S e a i r. c o m
i n f l i g h t / / F E B R U A R Y - M ar C H 2 0 1 0
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IN PLACES 39 InsandOuts
Batanes: A guide to the wild, wild North
42 My favorite beach 10 travelers on the secrets of their
best beaches
60 A ManileÑo’s Manila
Top tour guides on the best city stopovers
92 InFocus
Allen Mayor’s Davao
DivingLocation: suit by Aquamundo; Bamboo Beach, swimsuit Batangas; by Pink Model’s Belter attire: by Lizle White Hilario; bikini Location: top and Shangri-La’s long skirt fromBoracay KYCS; hat Resort from&Accessorize Spa’s beach
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i n f l i g h t / / F E B R U A R Y - M ar C H 2 0 1 0 IN FRONT 09 Editor’s Note
60
29
16
34
10 InFormed
What not to miss in February and March
13 Inthenews PTAA’s Travel and Tour Expo 2010 opens on February 19
16 InTalk The greening of Boracay: From using electric cars to taking cold showers, Boracay residents promote an eco-friendly island
23 InTune
Greenpeace leader Von Hernandez continues fight against waste incinerators
26 InPerson
Me and My Holidays: Victoria Marin
IN vogue 19 Intheshops
A preview of what’s new on the shop shelves this year, from the latest perfumes to funky shirts
22 Inmybag
Businesswoman Jenny Peñaloza on her travel essentials
IN GOOD TIMES 29 InRoom
Space does matter: 7Stones luxury comes in a suite package
Spanish colonial: Experience 18th-century living in a Vigan ancestral home
34 InDulge From deep-fried pork belly to exotic mountain ants, every dish is worth a try at Kusina Felicitas PLUS: Oh My Gulay!
PLUS: seair News / People / Guide
Concept by SEAIR InFlight Photo by Jeff Sorona Art direction by Jocas A. See Styling by Sheryl Songsong Hair and makeup by Aisa Costo Modeling by Kristina Akheeva for Ideal People Location: Bamboo Beach, Kawayan Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas Model’s attire: Bikini top from KYCS; skirt from Delicious; straw hat from Novelty Village, Tiendesitas; scarf (used as hat bow) from Accessorize; vintage sunglasses from YSL
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Editorial
Publishing Director and Executive Editor
Nikos Gitsis Editor
Giselle Javison managing Editor
Monica G. De Leon EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
MARGARITA F. FRANCISCO ar t & d es i g n
Art Director
Jocas A. See Editorial Production Inquiries
editors@flyseair.com
C o n t r i bu t i n g p h o t o g ra p h ers
Mike Alcid, Mario Babiera, Bien Bautista, Ferdz Decena, Wacky Gochoco, Carlos Legaspi, Oggie Ramos, Jeffrey Sonora, Daniel Soriano, Gutsy Tuason C o n t r i bu t i n g w r i t ers
Jose Marte Abueg, Vicki Aldaba, Yasmin D. Arquiza, Catherine A. Calderon, Lei Chavez Chip Childers, David Dalton, Frieda Dario, Kristine Fonacier, Jan Lao, Oggie Ramos, Ces Rodriguez, Claude Tayag, Cris Yabes a d v er t i s i n g S a l es mar k e t i n g
Group Sales and Marketing Director
Delza Apostol Advertising OFFICER
Joy Gutierrez administration and finance officer
ARTHUR VALENCIA
Advertising Traffic assistant
WALDO J. VILLADOS Advertising Inquiries
inf lightads@f lyseair.com e d i t o r i a l b o ar d
Publisher
South East Asian Airlines Seair Chairman
Iren Dornier Seair Director
Nikos Gitsis InFlight Editor
Giselle Javison InFlight Group Sales and Marketing Director
Delza Apostol Seair Legal Counsel
Atty. Bernard Bandonell Atty. Celina Cua p h i l i p p i n e C o p yr i g h t © 2 0 1 0
South East Asian Airlines, Inc. SEAIR InFlight Magazine: Units 304 & 306, La’O Center, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City 1000 Philippines Tel.: +632 840 2802 (Editorial) • +632 840 2803 (Advertising) Fax: +632 840 2805 URL: www.FlySeair.com
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editor’s note
people. places. a dv entures.
O
ur cover story on beaches this issue is made more interesting because it tackles the subject from the points of view of 10 people, who often spend their working lives and holidays by the sea.
These 10 reveal their favorite beaches, all extremely personal as expected, and all covering a wide range of choices, from the more commercial to the hidden, isolated beach types. I’ve been to most, but not all of the 10 nominated beaches and I’m already making mental notes to check out those I’ve missed. One of the beaches featured is Bamboo Beach, in Nasugbu, Batangas, about two-hour drive from Manila. Batangas does not exactly stand out as a perfect beach destination compared to Palawan or Boracay — its reputation resting more solidly as a diving destination — but our InFlight editorial team came back from Kawayan Cove after our cover shoot in December, totally smitten by the place. The team spent an “Out of Africa” overnight stay in large tents under the stars in the mango grove area, complete with bonfire, hotdogs and marshmallows, rechargeable lamps, electric fan, double mattress, and chairs, and from the emails that came my way, had a riot of a time. (For more info on available accommodation, see page 44) Two weeks before our cover shoot in Kawayan Cove, we understand, was also the venue of a non-editorial, but equally exciting event — the discovery of about three turtle nests on the beach. November to December is Olive Ridley turtle egg-laying season in Western Batangas. People from the cove are happy that the turtles feel safe enough to continue to nest on the beach. On pages 60 to 74, we shift from the beaches to the metropolis. Our regular Insider’s Guide section gives you a new take on Manila from the eyes of three top tour guides. Unlike some people’s views, Manila is not just a stopover point on the way to some other place that’s exciting. Whether you love to paint the town red Las Vegas style, explore the Old Manila Spanish quarters, get acquainted with your cultural, artistic self, or just go and discover our multicultural food, our guides have something for you. Enjoy your read!
giselle javison Editor editors@flyseair.com
Model’s bikini and cover up from KYCS; straw hat from Novelty Village; gold leaf necklace from Accessorize; and white slippers by Melizza from Mix
Kristina Akheeva in Kawayan Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas. Below, Malacanang Museum
What not to miss in
February & March Report by Margie F. Francisco
February
February
Panagbenga 2010
15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
1-28
Join the Panagbenga or Flower Festival’s grand street parade on February 27 on Session Road and a grand float parade the following day. A local term for “a sense of blooming”. Panagbenga gives homage to the beautiful flowers the city is famous for and celebrates Baguio’s rebirth. Lots of activities are lined up including a market encounter at the Burnham Park, Legarda Rocks, and Abanao Nights. For more information, call the Panagbenga Secretariat Office at +6374/ 442 4315 or email panagbenga.secretariat@gmail.com
11-14
February
5-28 RENT
Catch a new stage play called RENT, based on La Boheme but set in the Lower East Side of New York City. RENT is a story of young bohemians struggling to create and survive in the midst of AIDS afflicting their friends. The play runs in February at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Gian Magdangal leads the cast as songwriter Roger Davis, with Fred Lo as filmmaker Mark and Nicole Laurel Asensio as dancer Mimi. Robbie Guevara directs. For tickets, call 9 Works Theatrical at +632/ 557 5860 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call Ticketworld at +632/ 891 9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph
February
March
Century Superbods Run 2010
Neo-Filipino: In a Time of Change
Join Derek Ramsay, coach Rio de la Cruz, the Century Superbods participants and other celebrities in a run for a cause on February 21 at the Bonifacio Global City! This is the first leg of the Run Rio Trilogy. Register at Timex shops at SMs Southmall, Mall of Asia and Megamall, Nike Park Bonifacio High Street, and Second Wind Running Store, Quezon City. Registration is until February 15. Part of the fee of P400 for a 3km run and up to P750 for a 21km run will go to UNICEF and WWF Philippines. For more information, visit www. centurysuperbodsrun.ph or www.runrio. com
Ballet Philippines rounds off its 40th dance season with Neo-Filipino, featuring dances projecting the essence of the Filipino character and culture. The three-act ballet is choreographed and directed by Ballet Philippines’ artistic director Paul Morales, and will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Tickets are available at Ticketworld
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10 SEAIR InFlight
The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, now on its 15th year, comes back to Clark Pampanga with more than 20 countries competing for the most beautiful and unique balloon to grace the skies. Referred to as “the weekend of everything that flies”, the fiesta features skydiving, aerobatics, rocketry demonstrations and kiteflying exhibitions. The 2010 Aviation Awards honoring the achievements of people who have made extraordinary contributions to the aerospace industry is one of the event highlights. For more information, visit www. philballoonfest.net. For tickets, call Ticketnet at +632/ 911 5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph
March
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Avenue Q
March
9
Paramore Live in Manila Catch Paramore, the band behind the songs used as soundtrack for the hit modern vampire movie “Twilight”, “Decode” and “I Caught Myself”, in a concert this month at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City. Tickets are available at Ticketworld
Atlantis Productions is staging the play Avenue Q, the 2004 Tony Award winner for best new musical, best book of a musical, and best original score. The play revolves around a struggling college graduate, Princeton, living in Avenue Q, on his journey of self discovery. Actors and puppets bring the play to life at RCBC Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at +632/ 892 7078 or 840 1187
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t r av e l
H O TEL S A N D RE S O RT S
a r t s A N D fa sh i on
InFlight launches Guide to Boracay
And m o r e !
must Have
The InFlight editorial group, the same group behind SEAIR InFlight magazine, has just released its first “Guide to Boracay”. The 128-page guide contains a 78-page resort listing, featuring some of the hottest resorts and hippest hang-outs in Boracay, plus an insider’s guide to where to eat, where to go, and what to do on the island. Packed with intelligent and up-to-date information and a handy map, the guide is this season’s travel essential. Retails at P200. To order, call +632/ 849 0295 to 96
Photo by Carlos Legaspi
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check it Out
17th Travel and Tour Expo 2010
Switch off your lights for Earth Hour 2010
The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), together with the Department of Tourism, is holding the 17th Travel and Tour Expo 2010 on February 19-21 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The expo’s theme is “Ready, Jet-Set, Go,” featuring two segments: lifestyle products and food. The former will showcase travel accessories, health and wellness products, and services. Last year’s expo attracted 59,000 buyer-participants and 215 exhibitors, occupying 419 booths. PTAA’s Travel and Tour Expo exhibitors include international and domestic airlines, cruise operators, health and wellness companies, hotels and resorts. The event will feature raffle draws, entertainment, games and presentations by exhibitors.
To show support for action on climate change, join cities and towns across the world observing Earth Hour on March 27 at 8:30pm by switching off your lights for one hour. Earth Hour is organized by WWF. Since 2007, Earth Hour has gained worldwide support for positive action against global warming. It all began with 2.2 million people in one city turning off their lights to make a statement. Last year, hundreds of millions of people in over 4,000 cities in 88 countries joined the action. The Philippines was the top participant in the event with 650 cities participating.
For more information, visit www.earthhour.org For more information, visit www.ptaa.org.ph
SEVA Earth inspired community store
check it Out
Ultimate tour of Batanes launches in April Ultimate Philippines opens Ultimate Batanes: Culinary and Heritage Tours!, an extensive tour of the scenic northern Philippine province Batanes. Ultimate Philippines takes you on a four-day tour of Basco, Batan and Sabtang islands, introducing the unique Ivatans’ or Batanes locals’ way of life by visiting old villages, traditional stone houses and colonial churches. En route the tours, participants can also take in Batanes’ stunning views of islands, known for its dramatic rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches. The tour, scheduled on April 9-12 and April 30-May 3 respectively, costs P34,000 per person and includes roundtrip airfare via SEAIR and three-night full board stay at Fundacion Pacita.
For more information, visit www.ultimatephilippines.com. To book, email reservations@ultimatephilippines.com
TOMS shoes now in the Philippines
Boracay now has an organic shop called SEVA Earth Inspired Community Store. Located in Plazoleta Shopping Plaza, along the island’s White Beach, the store sells organic and earth-friendly products, some sourced from Boracay Island and across the country. Some of the products include brands popular in Metro Manila such as Messy Bessy, ZEN, All Organics and SAKTO. SEVA also sells organic coffee from organically grown coffee beans in Kalinga province, upland unpolished rice, also from Kalinga, Pamora free range chicken liver paté from Pamora Farm Abra, and yacon tea leaves from Mindanao.
SEVA is open every Saturday between 9am and 2pm
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Now available in Nothing But Water and Swim retail stores, TOMS shoes made of alpargata, a lightweight canvas that dries quickly in the sun, is the latest line of trendy casual footwear to hit the market. It’s now available in retail outlets such as Nothing But Water and Swim retail stores. According to TOMS creator Blake Mycoskie, for every pair of TOMS shoes you buy, the company will give a pair to a child in need. -- News reporting by Margie F. Francisco
For more information, visit www.tomsshoes.com Atlas 35 bag in officier canvas and Clémence Taurillon calfskin
a d vert o r i a l
SEAIR gave the gift of Havaianas this Christmas! South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) gave away the pairs of Havaianas flip-flops to lucky passengers during the Holiday season. SEAIR selected two lucky Boracay-bound flights during the holidays and gave all the passengers a complimentar y pair of Havaianas. “We wanted to express our gratitude to our customers for choosing to fly with SEAIR this Holiday and we think Havaianas are the perfect gifts,” said Patrick Tan, SEAIR’s VP for Commercial Affairs. A pair of stylish Havaianas complements the trendy beachcomber’s outfit and is the perfect footwear for the beach. The flip-flops brand has captured the attention of the whole world with its exciting and vibrant appeal. SEAIR offers special service advantages to its passengers, such as in flights to Caticlan (Boracay). SEAIR passengers enjoy complimentary transfers from Caticlan airport to Boracay and vice versa, as well as shortest queues and check-in procedures at the airport, fastest baggage claim, and privileges for their boarding pass in partner establishments in B oracay and M anila. Havaianas is available in Metro Manila at the following authorized retailers: All Flip-Flops, Aloha Boardsports, Celio, Duty Free Fiesta Mall, J&S Surf Shop, Manila Polo Club, Moana, Nail Spa, Orange Juice, ROX, Rustan's, Sepatu, Souk, Stoked, The Zone and Kidsports. For provincial outlets, visit w w w.hava ia nas.com . Fly SEAIR and rediscover the joy of flight - speed, convenience, personalized Service! Go to www.FlySeair.com for the best deals or call (+632) 8490100 for more information.
849 0100
f I ys e a i r. co m
How can you help in the greening of Boracay? Interviews by Freida V. Dario Illustration by Mark David A. see
I try to practice conservation of water and electricity by riding my bike and walking as often as possible, and by taking cold showers.
- Christopher “Jude” Lee
Proprietor, Hey! Jude
The powdery white sand is the island’s greatest asset so we must do our best and strive to continue and encourage local government units to implement the municipal ordinance which prohibits taking our precious sand and corals. Sand and corals belong to our beach and not in our home. I’ll continue to plant more trees, particularly the talisay and creeping vines along beachfront areas of our various properties to prevent sand or beach erosion. - Elena Brugger
Sales director, SPR Real Estate
Through proper segregation of garbage, reusing of plastics and styros, maintaining cleanliness and beautifying our surroundings by planting, and by educating the people we work with to be more environmentally conscious.
- Winnie Levai
Continue the advocacy of preserving our Bulabog Beach and coral reef restoration. We will also start the campaign against noise pollution and for clean air along the Main Road. Our resort, the Boracay Beach Resort, provides bayong (native woven) bags in every room for guests to use for shopping. We practice garbage segregation, water and power conservation.
- Nenette Aguirre-Graf
Managing director, Boracay Beach Resort
To devote 15 minutes of dragon boat training to picking-up garbage and encouraging other teams to do the same; to support the Diniwid children’s effort to clean up the beach every weekend and the “Be the Change” beach clean-up program.
- Carolina “Candy” Perez de Tagle
President, Nami Boracay Resort, and five-year resident
Owner, Steakhouse Boracay and Habagat Kite Village
I will start in my own backyard by planting a tree on my days-off from work, and by supporting Mandala Spa’s “TREEtment Project”, which requires planting a tree for every spa treatment and booked room night.
- Abegale Clarino
Sales and marketing manager, Mandala Spa & Villas
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Aqua will have its own sewage treatment plant. We will be promoting the electric club car for our customers to use around the island, and every apartment will have its own club car parking space.
- Marco Biggiogero
Real estate portfolio manager, Paradise Garden, 7 Stones Boracay and Aqua Boracay
i n t h e sho p s > i n m y b a g 1 Shiseido Zen for men fragrance (30ml at P2,498, 50ml at P2,998, 100ml at P3,990) 2 KissKiss Strass lipstick, P1,150, by Guerlain, available in March 3 D Bag for women in vacchetta, lilac, pumpkin and chocolate brown, by Tod’s 4 Lil’ Angel by Harajuku Lovers fragrance, P2,698
Hot launches
ap e k a t , s t ir h s y k n u t s to f n e c s t s e t a l e h t m Fro at the new arrivals this year 01
ee k
Research by Waldo J. Villados 02
04
03
inTheShops 1 David & Goliath Shirts for her, P995 2 Anne Klein silver tone round case and bracelet watch, P6,250 3 Havaianas Baby Estampas, P745, available at All Flip-Flops 4 Jurlique Biodynamic: Serum at P4,650, beauty night lotion at P3,400; refining treatment at P2,200; and beauty eye cream at P2,800 5 Bvlgari-Bvlgari cufflinks in stainless steel and lapis lazuli 6 Burberry Summer for men, limited edition, available in May
Hot l au nches
01
02 06
05
03
04
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1 David & Goliath Shirt for kids, P895 2 Jean Paul-Gaultier Super le Male, P4,650, available in March 3 Tod’s Marlin Hyannisport shoes for men in sand, tan, chestnut, chocolate and blue 4 Bvlgari Diagono Professional Terra in stainless steel case and black alligator leather strap 5 Bvlgari Parentesi cocktail ring in 18kt pink gold with prasiolite and pave diamonds
01
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Prices of the featured items in these pages are available upon request. Turn to page 78 for store directory
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inMyBag
My travel list:
Jenny Peñaloza
Interview by Monica De Leon
PRODUCT Photo by Carlos LegaSpi
“I always pack in compartments. I’ve mini pouches and items in small packages and mini bottles so everything is organized. And I never travel without my medicine box”
Businesswoman Peñaloza is married to John Penaloza who owns Two Seasons Boracay and the soon-to-open Two Season’s Coron (www. twoseasonsboracay.com). Peñaloza is the distributor of Holster Philippines (www.holsterfashion.ph, available at Shoe Salon), a trendy brand of footwear
1 Chanel large dark navy blue tote bag 2 Clarins After Sun shimmer oil “It says in label it enhances and prolongs a tan” 3 Cetaphil or Obaji facial wash or Organic Beauty Oil by Human Nature (P99.75) “I use Obaji to remove heavy makeup. The others I use if I’m wearing only
4 Canon EOS 500D (P49, 950) “I use two cameras and I boughtnthis because it’s a professional camera. I’ve been traveling a lot so I thought it would be nice to capture the places using a pro camera. And I’ve been wanting to take a short course on photography”
5 6 7 8
Juicy Couture cologne (P5,000) Prada shades (P2,960) Hermés Aroma d’ orange verte wakeup gel Chanel Chance hair mist (P2,050)
“It’s not good to spray perfume on your hair because it can cause damage. Spraying this on is as good as wearing any perfume. The scent is nice and fresh”
9 Nintendo DS (P11,999) 10 Phiten Magnetic necklace (P4,295) “I wear this all the time because it’s supposed to energize you and make
you less susceptible to catching disease”
11 Chanel White Essentiel compact foundation (P4,980) “You can’t go cheap with pressed powder” 12 Organic Opti Fresh Breath Gels by Nature’s Plus (P238) 13 Holster jelly sandals (P2,200)
light makeup” 01
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05 09 08 07
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For store location and contact details, turn to
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on page 78
L ov i ng t h e pl a n e t
Burning issue Waste incineration has long been banned by the government, but environmentalists are still fighting for its full implementation, says Margie Francisco
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inTune
Burning issue
Greenpeace Southeast Asia executive director Von Hernandez’s unrelenting campaign to completely ban waste incinerators continues to this day. His work towards this cause started more than a decade ago and has earned him international recognition and the title of eco hero. He was on Time magazine’s 2007 list of “Heroes of the Environment”, along with Al Gore, Mikhail Gorbachev and Prince Charles. In 2003, he was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, the first Filipino to win the award, in recognition of his fight against incineration. “Awards,” he says, “gives us validation that we are doing the right thing. It tells us we’re on the right track and it’s an affirmation for communities fighting incineration in other places.” Hernandez’s campaigns touched other areas, including the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and the cleanup of toxic contaminated sites in former US military bases in Clark and Subic. But it was in 1999 when Hernandez made history when his campaign against trading in waste and highly polluting waste incinerators led the Philippines to ban waste incineration nationwide, the first country in the world to do so. When Hernandez joined Greenpeace in 1995 as coordinator for the toxics campaign, he discovered that non-sustainable technologies were being sent to the country under the disguise of recycling and economic recovery. He saw a pattern that would bring more pollution and health problems to the country. Greenpeace Southeast Asia Board Chairman Dr. Opart Panya, says, “It was during this time when he launched the campaign against the ill advised plans of setting up waste incinerators to deal with the burgeoning waste problems of Metro Manila.” Studies show that large amounts of Dioxin, a toxin being released by incinerators in its process, can cause cancer. Also, upon burning the waste, incinerators release hundreds of toxic chemicals in the atmosphere that can be quite hazardous to the environment. In the mid-90s incinerators were becoming controversial in the United States and Europe, while in the Philippines plans were being
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InFlight’s eco hero Von Hernandez. Above, Greenpeace action at the US Embassy in Manila. Opposite page, a scavenger at the Payatas dumpsite
made for municipal incinerators. Jancom, an Australian waste management consortium, wanted to build an incinerator in Manila that would have burned 4,500 tons of waste a day. “It would have been the biggest incinerator in the world if it had been built,” says Hernandez. Manila generates about 6,000 tons of waste a day. Hernandez and his allies quickly jumped into action to prevent the introduction of more incinerators. He organized the Philippine Clean Air Coalition and took advantage of a political opening provided by the Clean Air Act that was then pending in Congress. “He helped organize mass protests, testified in hearings and waged a national public education campaign in the media to draw attention to the devastating health impacts of waste incineration,” recalls fellow environmental activist Richard Gutierrez of Basel Action Network (BAN). Hernandez’s high profile environmental campaigns prompted attacks from lobbyists for the incineration industry and pro-incineration government officials. He was threatened with libel suits and blamed for Metro Manila’s garbage crisis, but all these did not deter him from his goal. The incineration ban was approved in the Clean Air Act of 1999. Sadly, victory was short-lived. Members of Congress and local government officials worked to repeal the ban. The Supreme Court also ruled in favor
of building an incinerator to service Metro Manila. In response, Hernandez and his allies in the environmental campaign like Gutierrez and the late Odette Alcantara created the Eco Waste Coalition to urge the government to adopt legislation that would manage and allocate resources to more sustainable methods of waste disposal. In January 2001, Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act was adopted. This act “provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program” to ensure the protection of the public’s health and of the environment. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Hernandez says, “I don’t have one really because the work continues for me.” He said the good news was that he was seeing a paradigm shift taking place with people now becoming more aware of environmental consequences. “More and more dumpsites are being shut down and more and more communities are demonstrating crosssegregation; material recovery rather than material destruction. So there is a change of mindset in terms of thinking about how we should approach and use our resources.”
For more on the waste incineration campaign and to donate or do volunteer work for Greenpeace, visit www.greenpeace.org.ph
Victoria Marin is a Cebubased jewelry designer and exporter of fashion accessories. Visit www. victoriamarin.com or visit her shop Victoria Marin at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati
profile
Me and my holidays: Jewelry designer
Victoria Marin Interview by Monica De Leon
Which was your best holiday in the Philippines? Amanpulo when it first opened in the late 90s. It was empty, unspoilt. We saw pink dolphins and it was just wonderful. We stayed there for a week.
a good place for local and international brands. In Manila, I frequent Greenbelt 5 and the Greenbelt area in general and Rockwell.
What’s the best Philippine destination for you? For beaches, Palawan. But overall, Cebu, because it’s got the nice city and the beaches.
For pampering, where do you go? I have someone who comes to my house once a week for massages. My favorite is the Swedish massage. I use this body oil made from Thailand, which is really good. Abaca’s Anna Hyatt also makes wonderful aromatherapy and burning oils. If I am to find time to go to a spa, I’d go to The Spa (+6332/ 4120 888) here in Cebu. I would love to go to The Mandala Spa. I haven’t been there and I heard it’s good.
Any hidden gem you can share with us? Abaca Resort in Cebu, a small, exclusive resort with only about eight or nine villas. Not many people know of it. Its beach is quite small. It’s only about 30 minutes away from Mactan Airport, right next to the Shangri-La Mactan resort. Their food is wonderful; it’s their main draw. The scallop risotto is excellent, the thin crust pizzas are good.
What fashion and design events would you recommend for people to check out? The Manila Fame (+632/ 833 1258, www. manilafame.com) held, I believe every April and October. It’s a big event showcasing the country’s export products. Participants accept orders. It’s held at the SM Mall of Asia’s SMX. And there’s the Philippines’ Fashion Week (info@philippinefashionweek. com) showcasing works of local designers.
Your favorite local buys? Fresh and dried fruit. Our dried mangoes and fruits are the best in the world. Banilad Road in Cebu is a good place to buy fruits. Go to Healthy Options for organic stuff and vitamins. We also get our organic supplies, chicken and vegetables from Euro Veggie, which supplies hotels here in Cebu. They deliver. We get our Italian foodstuff from Corte Fiorita (+6322/ 345 3368). For fashion, the Ayala Mall in Cebu is
Any travel advice? Research on the weather to be sure you take enough warm clothes if needed. Never drink water unless it’s bottled. And never eat anything raw unless you’re sure of the cleanliness of the place.
Your best hotel in the country? I would still say Amanpulo.
Your travel essentials? Several books, my mini iPod, my Clarins moisturizer, my phone (Nokia N97) and mosquito repellant. Where do you want to holiday next in the country? I would love to go to El Nido and some resorts in Puerto Princesa and relax in beautiful beaches. Which was your worst holiday in the country? I’ve never had a bad holiday in the Philippines. The worst hotel you’ve stayed in in the country? It’s in Subic. We had a gig there. The room smelled bad. It had that cockroach-y smell, which I hated. I don’t like places that aren’t clean. A hotel doesn’t have to be fancy for me. I don’t mind if it’s budget provided that it’s clean. What do you avoid on holiday? Tourists. I don’t like traveling with tour guides and planned itineraries. I like discovering a place on my own and being able to live like a local. And Exercise. When on holiday, I’m lazy. What do you hate about holidays? I love holidays but not the actual traveling, the checking in and out, the packing and unpacking, the jetlag, and not being able to take everything with you.
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inroom > indulge
book Now
Space matters
Splurge on a 7Stones suite to get the most out of your Boracay stay, says Kristine Fonacier P h otos by da n iel soria n o
Room to swing a cat: Suites at 7Stones are from 72sqm to 99sqm
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inRoom
7Stones
An infinity pool that separates the residential wing from the property’s boutique hotel
Location. 7Stones Boracay is on Bulabog Beach, on the eastern side of Boracay, less than a kilometer away from the D’Mall shopping strip of the island’s White Beach. Bulabog Beach is ideal for watersports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. FIRST IMPRESSION. To get to 7Stones from the Main Road requires some tricky navigation through narrow alleyways, so it’s best to take hotel transport from Cagban pier until you learn the route. A trellised walkway leads you to the vacation homes/hotel complex right on Bulabog Beach, with the residential wing to one side and the 22-room boutique hotel wing on the other, separated by a swimming pool in the middle. It has the feel of a luxury apartment complex. ROOMS. 7Stones’ junior suites and deluxe suites, with floor areas from 72 to 99 square meters, are larger than many one-bedroom condominiums in the city. Grand deluxe and family suites have floor areas of up to 164sqm. In contrast, the superior room is about 40sqm with little walking space and a tiny closet you can only get to by reaching over the bedside table. That said, 7Stones does try to make it very hard for guests to ever leave the room, with its 32-inch flat screen television set connected to a home theatre system, plus a large bathroom, and – in the deluxe, grand deluxe, and family suites – a jacuzzi. The better suites also have spectacular terraces with a view of both the pool and the beach. The superior room has a small outdoor veranda from where you can see a sliver of the beach through an alley. The décor tends towards clean, simple and classic. fOOd. The food here isn’t remarkable;
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but you’re in Boracay and there are hundreds of options along the main White Beach. The resort’s bar service is pretty good. The pool’s sunken swim-up bar allows guests to have drinks without ever leaving the water; and sometimes there is a beachside setup, perfect for having a nice sundowner while watching kiteboarders in the afternoon. WE LIKE. The location on Bulabog Beach puts you right at the heart of the action if you’re not the type for lazy vacations. At the same time, it’s also a quiet, private (and romantic) getaway that is not too far away from White Beach, with its myriad of dining and entertainment options. NOT SO KEEN. The hotel seems to be very popular with Korean honeymooners, so if you’re single and find that the sight of couples everywhere to be cloying, this may not be the best place for you. Also, rooms are built so that the doors can be quite close to one another, which means that your privacy and silence can suddenly be shattered by the coming and goings of neighbors and housekeeping staff.
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FINAL VERDICT. To get the full benefit of your stay, pass up the superior room and splurge on one of the suites.
essentials Visit www.7stonesboracay. com or call +6336/ 288 1601. Off-peak prices (June 15 to October 16) for the superior room start at US $145++ (about 7,250), and for suites, anywhere from $185++ for the junior suite to $380++ for the family suite. Peak period (October 16 to June 15) prices can be up to $60 higher. Breakfast is $10 extra per person. How to get there. SEAIR flies daily to Caticlan from Manila. It also flies a few times weekly from Clark and Cebu. Visit www.flyseair.com or call +632/ 8490100 to book a flight. SEAIR offers convenient island transfers from the airport to Caticlan pier all the way to Cagban pier, where a hotel representative will meet you.
inRoom
V i g a n Pl a z a H o t e l
Vigan Plaza’s standard room
Spanish colonial
Experience 18th-century living at the ancestral home of politician Chavit Singson, says Ces Rodriguez P h otos by da n iel soria n o Location. Vigan Plaza Hotel is located on Mena Avenue in the center of the tourist action – a block from Vigan’s Heritage Village along Calle Crisologo, close to St. Paul’s Cathedral and fronting the calesa ride station along the perimeter of Plaza Burgos. It’s a fiveminute stroll to the Archbishop’s Palace, 10 to the Burgos Museum. CHARACTER. Once an ancestral home owned by politician Chavit Singson, the hotel has been sympathetically updated, preserving its colonial character. The three-floor hotel has a large sala or living room on the second floor, cooled
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by breezes from the large open capiz windows fitted with a ventanilla, a sliding panel located below the window and protected by wooden balusters. Next to the sala is an open balcony lit by Spanish style wall lamps. ROOMS. I was booked in a standard room furnished and designed in the traditional style – Spanish period lighting, dark hardwood wardrobe, an intricately carved headboard, Spanishtype chairs, capiz or mother-of-pearl windowpanes – and equipped with modern-day comforts from free WiFi, split-type airconditioning, 21-inch TV,
cable, to IDD. The mattress was rather hard and the windows opened to a nondescript courtyard, but other than this, the room is perfect for resting at the end of a long tiring day. fOOd. Breakfast is included in the room charge. Bigaa Restaurant serves full-course Filipino breakfast consisting of garlic rice, eggs the way you want it, brewed coffee or Vigan’s traditional thick Spanish chocolate, a glass of fruit juice and a main meal of your choice: tapa or cured beef, tocino or sweetened cured pork, and Vigan’s renowned spicy longganisa or pork sausages. It’s delicious Vigan Plaza’s standard room photo by Jocas A. See
Bigaa Restaurant
Breakfast to get up for: Vigan’s local longganisa, bagnet, pinakbet and dinengdeng
essentials and comforting, the kind of robust Pinoy breakfast we’re used to – heavy on carbs, protein and the early morning rush of caffeine and sugar. WE LIKE. The location. It’s at the center of the touristy must-sees, so you can just stroll to the nearby cathedral museum or the weekend outdoor dining area by the area just at the mouth of Calle Crisologo. The cool hotel lobby is a great place to retire to when it gets too muggy outdoors. NOT SO KEEN. On the upper floors, the long empty corridor, with its large, dark, rectangular, Spanish-style windows, appear rather spooky at night.
Rates start at P2,300 (about US $46). For budget travelers, inquire about dorm facilities. For large groups, there are family rooms on the ground floor fitted with multiple shower rooms and toilets and a long dining table that can seat from eight to 10. Call +6377/ 722 1527, 632 0317 and +632/ 246 1501 to book. Email viganplaza@yahoo.com or visit www.viganplazahotel.com. How to get there. From Manila, take a Partas Bus with terminals in Cubao and Pasay City. It’s a 10-hour ride from Manila to Vigan so best to take the deluxe buses (P680). From the bus terminal in Vigan, hire a tricycle to take you to Vigan Plaza Hotel.
indulge
K usi na F elici ta s
Pork belly in rolls with stewed vegetables
A cozy Filipino interior, from the folk art paintings, 18th century bricks, hardwood chairs, to the bamboo placemats
Filipino delight
From deep fried pork belly to the exotic mountain ants, every dish is worth a try at Kusina Felicitas, says Ces Rodgriquez P h otos by jocas a . see
THE SETTING. Just beside the dark antique-y recesses of Grandpa’s Inn at Bonifacio Street corner Quirino Boulevard on Vigan City, Kusina Felicitas has a low ceiling with original beams, marble flooring, 18th century brick walls adorned by an exuberance of folk art, dark wood tables and Spanish-style chairs and a long deli counter filled with pickled onions, sugarcane wine, honey and preserves of caramay (a tart fruit that looks like a small pumpkin), pineapple, kondol (white gourd melon), mangoes, langka (jackfruit), kamias (tree sorrel) and singkamas (jicama). The waiters assume the air of head housekeepers of ancestral mansions and easily explain away what goes into dishes on the menu. THE FOOD. Every dish is worth a try because of its depth of flavor and the unusual combination of textures and tastes. The restaurant serves Ilocano staples such as Vigan’s celebrated bagnet, the twice-cooked deep fried pork belly, and pinakbet Bistro Filipino interior or vegetable stew of bitter
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melon and okra, and other Ilocano dishes such as poqui-poqui, an omelet of grilled eggplant with bagoong or fermented shrimp (P75); gamet, seaweeds in soup with binnek, a local freshwater shell (P100), and seasonal specialties like adobo nga abuos, mountain ants from the rain forests of Abra stewed in vinegar and soy sauce (available from March to June). Others to try are lumo lumo, a ragout of pork often served at breakfast (P140); sapsapuriket, a hot spicy chicken soup similar to tinola, a chicken dish with a ginger-based broth (P140); adobo saluyot and alamang, a slimy vegetable stewed with vinegar and dried shrimps (P75); and pipian, a chicken stew thickened by ground rice and flavored by the sour fruit kamias (P140). THE SERVICE. Brisk and efficient if not exactly warm. You can ask for an after meal sweet or cappuccino sent in from the adjacent Uno Café. WHO DINES THERE. Mostly walk-in tourists as
the restaurant is located just off Calle Crisologo and guests of Grandpa’s Inn. The restaurant serves international dishes too to bring in the locals. THE PRICE. The breakfast plate consisting of garlic rice, eggs and your choice of tapa or cured beef, boprits or fried pork and the fat spicy Vigan longganisa or sausages goes for P95. Add P50 for their thick native chocolate and P40 for brewed coffee. Off the a la carte menu, orders (which average P140) are good for two. Breakfast for two costs about P300, and lunch or dinner, from P400 to P500 with drinks. THE VERDICT. If I could eat every meal of my life in Vigan at Kusina Felicitas, I would. But I’d reserve some room for empanada snacks at the plaza stalls.
Kusina Felicitas is located at #1 Bonifacio St. corner Quirino Blvd., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Tel. +077/ 722 2118 This photo by Mike Alcid
indulge
Oh M y Gu l ay !
Talong parmigiana
OMG!’s interior
Oh My Gulay!
It’s all in the name. OMG! (Oh My Gulay!) is proof that the humble gulay or veggie need not be boring. Chip Childers reports THE SETTING. OMG! (Oh My Gulay!) is up five flights of stairs to the top floor of Azotea Building, with its high ceiling, cave-like entrance, a stage to the left, several dining nooks, a kitchen to the right. The stage comes alive on weekends so check out the restaurant’s message board. An added attraction is the view of the Baguio cityscape and lights. THE FOOD. The restaurant serves vegetarian and organic food, anything from salads to sandwiches, pasta and other dishes that will make you feel like you did something good for yourself. Try the interestingly named dish anak ng putanesca, a pasta dish with tangy pomodoro sauce made from the freshest tomatoes in town and capers combined with house handmade pasta; the chow chow noodles, fresh egg and garlic noodles and market veggies with a spicy soy and hoisin sauce; the lumpia salad with crisp fried tofu rolls on a bed of Baguio greens in tangy Asian dressing; and talong parmigiana, deep
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fried eggplant on a crisp fried baguette, topped with pomodoro and basil oil. My favorite is the pasta mestizo, with an exquisite combination of pomodoro and thick cheese sauce. For dessert, there’s a variety of fresh fruit crepes. THE DRINKS. Like the food, the beverages are imaginative creations. Hot chocolate, local coffee and other hot drinks like ginger tea are perfectly warming during Baguio’s chilly December days and cold drinks like dayap (mountain citrus) iced tea and strawberry concoctions are perfect for cooling down in summer. You won’t find softdrinks and beer.
director Kidlat Tahimik, and as such attracts the Cordillera artists and intelligentsia. People who want a tasty, affordable and healthy meal, people who want a place for big groups, or those who want to sip coffee quietly while looking down on the Baguio city lights dine here. THE PRICE. The amply-sized dishes are almost all priced at about P100 a dish, with drinks for about P50.
THE SERVICE. Relaxed and warm enough to make you feel like an instant member of the family.
THE VERDICT. With its healthy, fresh, interesting dishes served in a hallucinogenically intriguing setting, all at a price that is easy on your pocket, OMG makes it to my very short list of restaurants I would consider dining in twice a day.
WHO DINES THERE. OMG! is owned and operated by the De Guia family, an artistic clan headed by Filipino independent film
Oh My Gulay! is at 5/F La Azotea Building, Session Rd. Call +6336/ 288 5119 or +63918/ 667 6025. Opening hours are from 11pm- 8:30pm
Interior photo by Jocas A. See; talong parmigiana photo by Ferdz Decena
ins & outs
c ov e r s t ory
insider’s gu ide
in focus
Valugan Bay
ins&outs
Batanes: A guide to the wild, wild North Research by Lei Chavez Photos by jocas a. see map illustration by randy r. rey
Stay. Homestays in traditional Ivatan stone houses are becoming quite popular, according to Joel Mendoza of Batanes Cultural Travel Agency Tours (www. batanestravel.com). Contact Homestay Association to help arrange a homestay for you at +63926/ 901 5689. Tour packages start at P13,200 per head inclusive of twonight accommodation. Shanedel’s Inn & Café, a charming
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cliffside hostel that overlooks Basco Port, has clean rooms with private toilet and bath starting at P350 per person for fan rooms and P750 for air-conditioned single rooms.
Contact Dely Millan at +63920/ 447 0737. Pension Ivatan on Valugan Bay has
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rooms that overlook the South China Sea and the rocky Valugan Bay. Basic rooms with air-conditioning with bathroom can be rented at P1,000 to P1,200 a night. (Tel:
+63939/ 207 4643 or +63905/ 303 5855; email: pensionivatan@yahoo.com.ph). Newly opened DDD Habitat, a four-
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storey pension house with a roofdeck, offers a 360-degree view of Basco. Its single bedrooms come with cable TV and private toilet and bath. Contact Noemi S. Cruz at
+63906/ 517 7580, +63920/ 459 1516; email: dddhabitat@yahoo.com. Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge is
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insAndOuts
Bata n e s Rakuh-A-Payaman
House of Dakay
Honesty Coffee Shop
Songsong Ruins
highly recommended. It has a lush garden setting and its nicely-furnished rooms showcase paintings from up and coming Ivatan artists, has WiFi access, hot and cold shower and bath, and massage service. Rates start from P6,750. (Tel: +63927/ 290 2404;
email: inquiries@fundacionpacita.ph and myla. pisig@fundacionpacita.ph) SEAIR’s Leisure Escape Packages’ department has value-for-money packages for Pension Ivatan and Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge that include airfare, resort transfers and set breakfast. Call +632/ 843 7308 or email packages@flyseair.com.
Dine. There are numerous hole-in-the-wall dining options. Brandon’s Lodge near the airport serves sandwiches, balinsyaana or yellow rice and ovod, a native Ivatan dish of minced banana rhizome with condiments. Contact
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Magdelena Siazon at +63919/ 366 2158. Therese Coffee Shop at Pension Ivatan on Valugan Bay serves native dishes like tadyang ng baka (cow’s rib) and Ivatan iced tea. Casa Napoli serves pizzas. Call +63920/ 284 2019. Homey Honesty Coffee Shop in the town of Ivanah serves Lola Gabilo’s special bukayo (caramelized coconut meat) and garlic chips and sells souvenir items.
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SEE AND DO. Batanes is famous for its
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pastoral scenery – sloping hills and rocky seaside cliffs. From the main town of Basco, you can visit the House of Dakay, a UNESCO heritage stone house in the town of Ivana, the prehistoric burial caves in Itbayat, and the Idjan or the fortress in southern Batan. Further down south is the seaside town of Uyugan, which has good views of Chana’tuan fields and the sea. Drop by nostalgic and eerie Songsong Ruins, the only remnant of a seaside town struck by tsunami in the 50s. Cuyab is a good spot for bird-watching in October, when migratory birds from China flock to the island. There are also numerous lighthouses you can visit like the one in Naidi Hills in Basco, which has a round rubblestone base. If you like the beaches, check out Nakaboang, Chadpidan, White Beach, and the famous Valugan rocky beach. When none of these inspire you, try walking or biking around the island to get good views of Rakuh-A-Payaman, more popularly known as Marlboro Country, and the rolling hills in Naidi and Vayang Ranch.
For more information, contact the Ivatan Center at 316 Philippine Social Science Center (PSSC), Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City; tel: +632/ 922 9621 local 333, or email the office of the governor at governor@batanes-ifdci.com.ph
Rakuh-A-Payaman and Honesty Coffee Shop photos by Oggie Ramos
Cover Story
Bamboo Cove, Batangas: It's not your white-sand beach, but this is home to the Olive Ridley turtles that come each year to nest. The sand is fine and the waters sparkling clear
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M y favorit e b e a c h
Ten people who spend their working lives and holidays by the sea tell us the secrets of their best beaches I n t e r v i e w s b y J a n L a o o p e n i n g s pr e a d p h o t o b y J e f f r e y s o n o r a
Styling by Sheryl Songsong Hair and makeup by Aisa Costo Modeling by Kristina Akheeva for Ideal People Model’s attire: Bikini top from KYCS; skirt from Delicious
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Cover Story
M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
Bamboo Beach
K awa y an C ove , N asugbu , B atangas Photos by Jocas A. See
Bamboo Beach is one of the finest patches of sand in the Nasugbu area of Batangas and is easy enough to get to from Manila. Its water is usually clear and calm for most parts of the year. On some days around the months of July to September, the waves can be surfed. Although Bamboo Beach is exclusive and 80 per cent privately owned by Kawayan Cove, a small part, about 20 percent is for public use. Kawayan Cove is a private 68-hectare seaside residential community with a picturesque 650-meter crescent cove of white sand and sparkling blue water. Central to the concept of development is the conservation of the natural environment with lots occupying only 30 per cent of the total area, having approximately 300 prime view lots, ranging from 500sqm to 2,000sqm, with a breathtaking panorama of the Southern Batangas coastline. It’s a very romantic, very private hideaway, with excellent facilities and amenities that lot owners and residents can enjoy. (For more info, visit www.
kawayancove.com) - Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez Managing director of Terry SA, owner of Havaianas Philippines
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Where to stay: The one and only public resort in the area is Munting Buhangin Beach Camp with rates constantly fluctuating – entrance fee of P150 to P170 and lodging from P1,000 to P5,000. Tel: +632/ 818 4798, email: buhangin@
info.com.ph Right inside Kawayan Cove’s gated community is a private beach house for rent. A Balinese-inspired property consisting of two houses on a 1,000sqm lot with an infinity pool adjacent to the Beach Club is all yours at P25,000 per night (minimum of two nights) for weekends or P22,000 per night on weekdays. Tel: +63922/ 4348687 or +63920/
932 8664, email: thessgonzalez@yahoo.com. Visit: www. beachhouseforrent.multiply.com How to get there: From Makati, go south via the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX), exit Santa Rosa and when you get to Tagaytay ridge road, turn right towards Tagaytay Rotunda. Keep right heading towards Taal Vista Lodge via the Tagaytay-Nasugbu National Highway, then keep going until you see the Kawayan Cove directional signpost just before the Balayan-Lemery intersection. Follow the signpost and make a right turn (u-turn) at the intersection and keep going until you reach the intersection of Calatagan-LianNasugbu where you turn right towards Nasugbu town proper headed for Wawa Pier. When you reach the pier, turn right, passing a little bridge. Follow this road for another 2km until you reach Kawayan Cove
Cover Story
M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
Pagol Beach S orsogon
Photo by Gutsy Tuason
“The first time I went to Donsol, the son of the mayor of Sorsogon told me about this great secluded beach. There is nobody else there, except some of the locals.” Apart from the popular whale shark territory in Donsol, the area of Sorsogon does not really pop up when we talk of tourism. One thing is for sure though; what lies around the area is a string of hidden coves and islands just waiting to be discovered. My favorite is Pagol Beach, which used to be called Bon-ot, since it’s located in Barangay Bon-ot, Bacon District, Sorsogon City. The place is almost invisible from the road, but as soon as you find your way, you are greeted by this simple little piece of white, even almost pink-ish beach covered with swept corals and lined by a thick forest of coconut trees and coastal plants. The water is usually calm, and is filled with beautiful corals, tempting you to snorkel or dive right in. The sand and the water are comparable to the more popular beaches on the southern part of the province, in Rizal, Gubat; but what’s great about Pagol is that it’s secluded and unexplored by people despite its beauty. Probably one of the few beaches in the area where one can be near the city but feel totally isolated as chances are you’ll be the only city-dwelling soul in sight.
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As part of this lengthy stretch along the road of Bacon District, all the way to Sawanga, Pagol is sandwiched by two other more visited beaches. It starts with the beach of Tolong Gapo in barangay Boñga, where you can find three rocks not far from the shore, which legend says were once a cat, a carabao, and a boy turned into rocks by lightning. Then further up the road in what feels like the end of the earth is Sawanga looking out to Paguiriran Island. The island is so beautiful that it beckons even to those who have sworn to stay out of the sun. From the shore, Paguiriran can be reached by walking in knee- to waist-deep water during low tide. There is a lagoon in the middle that opens into the bigger ocean, great for snorkeling. These three beaches can take all of one day at the minimum. - Gutsy Tuason Underwater photographer Where to stay: Bacon Beach Resort and Dive Center on Bacon Beach has eight rooms on a narrow but scenic coast looking out towards Albay Gulf and Rapu Rapu Island. Rates start at P5,200 (about US $104). Tel: +63919/ 582 2732. Email:
baconbeach@telefonica.net How to get there: The Bicol Region is only 45 minutes by plane from Manila. Book a 45-minute flight from Manila to Legaspi Airport in Legaspi City, Albay. From the airport, you can hire a van to Sorsogon City, and from Sorsogon, take a jeepney or rent a van to get to Pagol Beach, a drive that should take you about 30 minutes
ABCD Beach C a l icoan I s l and , G uiuan , E astern S amar Photo by Francis Austria
ABCD Beach is the Philippines' next epic surfing destination. It’s like Boracay, but with consistent worldclass waves and minus the immense commercialization. There are no crowds. All you get are beautiful white sand, crystal clear waters, and consistent powerful swells rolling in from the Pacific, with waves hitting eight feet or more during peak surfing season. Hugged by the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Leyte Gulf in the west, Calicoan’s 1,800-hectare island has a rugged landscape, half covered by lush virgin tropical forests, home to the civet cats, monitor lizards, rare species of birds and curious Macaque monkeys. ABCD Beach has gnarly world-class breaks, with the approximately 200-meter lefthand break best on a north swell, while the approximately 150-meter right-hand break working on a south swell. Surfing seasons are between April and November with waves of eight feet or more. Summer months produce gentle two- to three-foot waves. Other surf spots are at points north of Homonhon Island and north of Suluan Island. Suluan is the location of the infamous Jurassic Point, perhaps the largest rideable wave in the country at 15 feet.
Hike a bit north of ABCD and within a few minutes you’ll hit Ngolos Beach, a 3km stretch facing the Pacific Ocean, ideal for swimming as the beach extends out for so many meters. Lobsters can be caught just offshore. - Paolo Manuel Soler Surf coach and president of the Philippine Surfing Academy Where to stay: The Surf Camp (www.calicoansurfcamp. com) right on ABCD Beach is a Balinese style accommodation with an infinity pool facing the Pacific Ocean. Rooms start from P5,000 to P8,000, but are well worth the stay. Tanghay Lodge (tanghaylodge.multiply.com) in the main town of Guiuan is 20 minutes by motorized tricycle from ABCD Beach. Room rates are about P2,000 How to get there: If you’re booked at the Surf Camp, you can travel from Cebu to Guian on board the resort’s private plane for P5,000 per person. Calicoan Island is connected to the main municipality of Guiuan via a causeway. By land, buses like Philtranco and Eagle Star ply direct from Manila to Borongan, Oras and Guiuan via the Philippine National Highway. Fare is about P1,200 to P1,400, and takes a whole day. By air, take a flight from Manila to Tacloban, and get to the new Tacloban Bus Terminal, where buses depart every one to two hours to Borongan and Guiuan. The fare is P150 and the trip takes about five hours. Or you can get to Eastern Samar via a SEAIR flight from Manila to Cebu via Caticlan; while Superferry sails from Manila to Cebu. From Cebu, take Cebu Ferries or Supercat to Ormoc, then on to Tacloban and Borongan. (Book SEAIR at www.FlySeair.com or
call +632/ 849 0100)
Cover Story
M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
Amanpulo P a l awan
Photos courtesy of Aman Resorts
Amanpulo, located in the private island of Pamalican, is a known holiday haunt of international celebrities and wealthy guests. Only 360km southwest of Manila, the lowlying coral island of Pamalican, with an area of 5.5 kilometers, is covered with a sandy jungle of shrub and thorn-bush thickets, and sparkling white beaches. Its waters are teeming with marine life. At low tide, baby sharks chasing families of bat fish are sometimes seen in the shallows at the southern end. Starlings, kingfishers, white-breasted wood swallows, black-naped orioles, sea eagles, egrets have been spotted in the area. Green and hawksbill turtles also nest on the island every year from March until October. Females come and to the beach at night to lay their eggs. And further on are sandbanks and a channel where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been sighted. Seven square kilometers of pristine reef surrounds Pamalican Island, 50m to 300m offshore, making it an ideal place for diving. - Katrina Tantoco-Lobregat Fashion buyer
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Where to stay: Amanpulo has 40 casitas, which are 65sqm bungalows fashioned after the Philippine bahay kubo (nipa hut). Check out casita 39 and 40, as they offer great sunrise and sunset views and views of the Sulu Sea and neighboring islands. Amanpulo also has its own private holiday villa for rent. Casa Kalikasan, a luxurious, fourbedroom residence located just a few meters from the sea. Rates range from $750 to $4,300 a room night How to get there: Amanpulo arranges a chartered one-hour flight from Manila. Guests are met at Manila's international airport and go on a short drive to a nearby hangar where they wait at the Amanpulo lounge for the direct flight to Pamalican Island. Roundtrip air transfer, Manila-Amanpulo-Manila, is $400 per adult and baggage is limited to 20kg, including carry-on. Visit www.amanresorts. com to book
Cover Story
M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
Puntod Island P ang l ao , B oho l Photo by Darius Pimentel
Commonly known as the Virgin Island by locals, Puntod Island is an uninhabited island across Panglao Bay. It is only 10 minutes by pumpboat from the town of Panglao. Its main attraction is a 1.2-hectare stretch of crescent-shaped white sand sandbar dotted at one end by shrubs and coconut trees. There are no accommodation on the island except for a skeleton of a house used by fishermen. If you’re okay to rough it out, try camping on the island, and be lulled by the waves and sea breeze and woken in the morning by chirping birds. Located at the southwest side of the island, three kilometers southwest of Panglao Island, is the Puntod Island Wall Dive. The dive site can be reached by motorized boat, only 35 minutes from Alona Beach. The site is a beautiful coral garden, starting at two meters and then sloping down
to about 20 meters. Soft, leathery and stony corals abound plus lots of small fishes such as angelfish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, wrasse, and more. Check out nearby islands such as Balicasag Island, home to manta rays, and of late to a newly discovered species of mollusks; Pamilacan Island, famous for dolphin and whale watching; Snake Island, an excellent dive site; Gak-ang Island, ideal for swimming. - Oudine Santos Operator of Travel Club Philippines Where to stay: Oudine’s pick is Ananyana Resort located on the shores of Doljo Beach. It has 12 stylish rooms with rates of about $220 to $340. Tel: +6338/ 502 8101. Visit www.
ananyana.com How to get there: You can reach the island via Manila or Cebu. From Manila, it’s a one-hour, 15-minute flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol and a 50-minute flight to Cebu. From Cebu, take a half-hour cab ride to the pier for about P165. From the pier, it’s a 30-minute fast boat to Tagbilaran. From Cebu, you can also fly to Tagbilaran, a 25-minute trip. From Tagbilaran, hop on a jeep, a van, a taxi, or a motorcycle to Panglao. To
book a packaged tour, contact TripleStar Travel at +632/ 843 7308
San Vicente P a l awan
Photo by Michael Marasigan
Marc Nelson first visited San Vicente about seven years ago for his tv show Sports Unlimited. He visited the beautiful Boayan Island, Port Barton, and nearby waterfalls. Recalling that first visit, he said: “I fell in love with the place and when the opportunity arose to invest in a piece of this paradise myself a couple of years ago, I jumped at the chance. While I do love places like Boracay, it can feel a little crowded, especially during the high season. In contrast, San Vicente is only beginning to get developed now, and they’re trying to keep a master plan for the area that will learn from the mistakes of other beaches. It has a beautiful 14km stretch of white sand beach – Long Beach – making it the longest in the Philippines, so that’s pretty hard to beat. Palawan also has a wonderful in-harmony-with-nature kind of vibe that is rare to find elsewhere.” Located in the northwestern part of Palawan’s main strip of land, San Vicente sprawls just above Puerto Princessa and below El Nido. It has pristine waters, rich marine life, vast mangroves, verdant virgin forest that’s home to some of the country’s endangered wildlife, majestic waterfalls and caves.
Long Beach is not as creamy white as Boracay's and some parts of Palawan, but it is still quite secluded, unspoilt and presents you with some of the most beautiful seascapes in the country. - Marc Nelson Host of Sports Unlimited, kiteboarder and wakeboarder Where to stay: Marc suggests “Before the rest of the resorts open, either at Caparii Resort (Tel: +6348/ 4334868, e-mail: capari@mozcom.com), which can do full board and meals. Or try Coconut Garden Island Resort at Cacnipa Island. Rates range from P590 to P1,600. Visit www.coconutgarden. palawan.net. Nearby Port Barton, or the local market are good bets for fresh seafood How to get there: Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, and then take a bus, rent a van, or drive 3.5 hours to San Vicente.
Contact TripleStar Travel to arrange air and land travels
M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
El Nido P a l awan
Photos courtesy of El Nido Resorts
About 420km southwest of Manila and 238km northeast of Puerto Princesa, El Nido has an amazing scenery of tall dark cliffs, thick green forest, white sand beach, sparkling water and, rising above it, a series of magnificently sculpted jade islands. Covering a land area of 465.10-kilometers at the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait on the north, the Sulu Sea on the east, and the South China Sea on the west. It has 45 islands and islets. “El Nido is nice because the staff are very attentive and I like the fact that the guest relations would come to you at dinner time and ask you what you’d want to do the following day. I always tell them I want to go to an island where there is no one else. And so in the morning after breakfast they would take me on a boat to this island where we have the whole place to ourselves so you could nudebathe if you want. And before lunch time, around 11:30am, the boat would
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arrive with monoblock table, chairs, table cloth then serve the food. Sometimes I like going to sandpits. “In El Nido, they have this small lagoon and the big lagoon so we took a boat there. I convinced the musicians to come with us. As we entered the lagoon they started playing the violin. The wild monkeys came out, curious. I took a dip in the water, which was so calm it was like glass, and floated listening to classical music." - Tetchie Agbayani Actress and Psychology professor Where to stay: Lagen Island Resort has 51 rooms, including water cottages built on stilts on both sides of its cove. Rates are from P13,000 to P22,500. Visit www.elnidoresorts.
com How to get there: One-hour, 15-minute flights land at Lio Airport, located about four kilometers from the main town. Arrange land and motorized boat pick up with Lagen resort
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M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
Urbiztondo Beach S an J uan , La U nion Photo by Melchor Labagala III
Urbiztondo Beach, more known as “Seabay Beach” in San Juan, La Union, considered the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines, is a firm favorite of resort owner and pro surfer Luke Landrigan. The beach is less than a kilometer long, the sand grayish and the water clear. There’s a beautiful right point break on one side, a left hand reef break that is just fantastic on a south swell on the other end, and in between both of the breaks is a beach break ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers. The surf break just offshore called “The Point,” otherwise also known as the “Monaliza” is the main surf area in the vicinity. Boards, specifically longboards, are readily available for rent and it’s not difficult to find instructors. What makes this place even better are the locals, like Luke, who are friendly and accommodating. La Union has two
surf seasons, one running from July to October and the other from November to March. There are over a dozen breaks in La Union, including Luna, Darigayos Reef, Cement Factory, Tubok, Rivermouth, German Sunset Break, The Point, Dalumpinas, Car-rile, Sea and Sky, Poro Point, San Fernanado Airport, Southern Palms, and Bauang. - Luke Landrigan Pro surfer and Billabong Surf School head instructor Where to stay: The San Juan Surf Resort has dormitories, budget and standard rooms, bungalows and condo units, a bar and restaurant, and a surf shop that offers surfboard sales and rentals, and activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Rates range from P650 to P3,600 a room night.
Call: +6372/ 720 0340 or +63917/ 880 3040. Visit: www. sanjuansurfresort.com, email: admin@sanjuansurfresort. com How to get there: San Juan is located in La Union, 277 kilometers north of Manila, a five-hour journey by car. Travel by road to San Juan from Manila via North Luzon Express Way (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Express Way (SCTEX) and then MacArthur Highway. A bus ride costs P300 and surfboards are allowed on board. San Juan Surf Resort has created an association with the Southern Cross Hotel and recommends using their shuttle service.
Call: +632/ 521 2013 or +63906/ 326 2146 or visit: www. thesoutherncrosshotel.com
Cloud 9
S iargao I s l and , S urigao de l N orte Photo by Mike Alcid
Stoked/Billabong Siargao Surf School (Call Rico at tel +63 Cloud 9 in Tuason Point, General Luna, Siargao Island is a favorite of JV Borromeo and many other surfers. It is home to a famous break called Cloud 9, and the site of the annual Cloud 9 International Surfing Invitational, which draws surfers from all over the world, who compete for the fun of it and for a $30,000 prize money. Siargao Island, in Surigao del Norte, about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific. Its reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and the extremely deep offshore waters assure the ocean swells have undiluted power when they encounter the many coral and rock reefs. Excellent surfing conditions run particularly during the southwest "habagat" monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore. “Another thing I love about Cloud 9, Siargao, is that I can go barefoot on the beach if I wanted to. It’s so clean and pristine, untouched!” said Borromeo. Borromeo’s outfit,
917 7144110 or Nildie at tel +63 920 6385111 or visit www. stokedinc.com.ph) provides surfing lessons and staff will gladly show you interesting spots around the island. Siargo has an area covering 437km, the biggest in the group east of Surigao and boasts of the largest mangrove forest reserve in Mindanao. It has a typical coastal landscape of palm trees and sparkling seas. And if General Luna, with its row of resorts and its surf spots is not enough, there are several beautiful beaches offshore to visit. - JV Borromeo Stoked Inc. and Billabong Philippines president and CEO Where to stay: JV suggests Siargao Inn (www.siargaoinn.com) with rates from P1,000 to P2,300 and Sagana Resort (www.cloud9surf.com) with rates from P3,300 to P4,500. At the higher end are Pansukian (www.pansukian. com), with rates from P6,500 to P14,000, and a number of new designer resorts run by Europeans such as Kawayan (www.kawayansiargaoresort.com) with rates from P5,000 to P6,000, and Kalinaw (www.kalinawresort.com) with rates from P2,700 to P6,900 How to get there: There are several flights from Manila and Cebu to Surigao City, the main hub for two- to three-hour ferry rides direct to Siargao Island
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M y fav o r i t e b e a c h
Banol Beach
Coron P a l awan
Photos by Ferdz Decena
Coron in Palawan has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the country and the region. It also presents excellent diving. This side of the planet has more than 200 islets, mostly uninhabited, and its coastline is fringed with white sand and clear waters. It has towering limestone cliffs, sheltered lakes, lush mangroves, and thriving marine reserves. Check out Banol, a small strip of beach lying at the foot of a towering limestone cliff, Debatoc at the entrance of Coron passage, with its white sandy beach and steep limestone cliff partly bordered by coral reefs, Lagat, a small island 334-feet high surrounded by a reef with a narrow passage, and Malcapuya, said to be better than Boracay. Sports enthusiast Jeena Lopez's favorite beaches are Sangat, Gutob, Malcapuya, Mangenguey, and all the uninhabited islands that you pass by on your pumpboat ride: “It is ideal to hire a boat and travel as far as you can, then turn back and explore the different uninhabited islands on the way back that catches your interest,” says Lopez. Attractions in the area that she adores are Makinit Hot Spring, Twin Lagoons and Kayangan Lake. Also, submerged at the narrow
passages of Sangat, Gutob and Black Islands are Coron’s biggest attractions – 11 World War II Japanese naval wrecks. - Jeena Llamas Lopez Extreme sports enthusiast, kiteboarder Where to stay: With numerous lodgings on and off the main island, the best bet in town would be the Sea Dive Resort (www.seadiveresort.com). Built over water, it has rooms ranging from only $10 to $21. It has a very large restaurant, a bar, a good dive shop with pocket friendly rates. Across the wharf, check out Sangat Island Dive Resort (www.sangat. com.ph) with rates ranging from $63 to $151, and Mangenguey Island with rates ranging from $200 to $250. Visit: www. mangenguey.com. Dive Link Resort (www.divelinresortpalawan.com) is a short scenic boat ride away from the main Coron Town and offers clean and basic rooms, starting off at $90 per night. Club Paradise (www.clubparadisepalawan. com) is an upmarket resort option set on Dimakya Island How to get there: Coron town is located in Busuanga Island, and is the major jump off point to other neighboring islets. There are 55-minute to one-hour flights from Manila direct to Busuanga. Coron town is 28-kilometers or about a 45-minute P150 jeepney ride from the airport. From Coron town head off to the town market where motorboats for hire are docked at the wharf. For more information, contact Coron
Tours and Travel at +63928/ 503 9622 or +632/ 838 4992
Kayangan Lake in Coron
Rizal Park
An untiring attraction: Manila Bay at sunset
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Luneta Park photo by Ferdz Decena
insider’s guide
Manila A M ani l e ñ o ’ s
Three top tour guides reveal the secrets of a much-loved and maligned city T e x t a n d P h oto s by O g g i e R a m o s
About our insiders
Car los Celdran
I van M an Dy
Yael Fernande z
He’d rather be called a performing artist but Carlos Celdran is more known as one of the best travel guides to Manila. He started as a tour guide for the Philippine Heritage Conservation Society and the American Women’s Club before establishing Celdran Tours. Celdran’s themed tours include wildly-entertaining shows that are part theater, part history class, with Celdran himself clad in anything from Spanish colonial dress to bell bottom pants. “I can’t change the way Manila looks, but I can change the way you look at Manila,” he says. His tours, which include “Living La Vida Imelda,” includes a visit to former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos' monuments to beauty (or folly, depending on your perspective) – the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Philippine International Convention Center – a tour spiced up by juicy tidbits on Marcos' life. To contact Celdran, call +632/ 484 4945 and +63920/ 909 2021 or email celdrantours@hotmail.com
Owner of tour guide company Old Manila Walks, Ivan Man Dy, was thrown into the spotlight when he stepped into the coveted role of tour guide to international chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain, showing him the culinary hot spots of Binondo’s Chinatown. Dy, a true Manileño, who was born in Manila and lived in the city most of his life, worked as a volunteer museum guide for 10 years before becoming a staunch advocate of cultural and architectural heritage preservation. He calls himself a ‘street walker’, regularly guiding tourists around the busy thoroughfares of Binondo to the hallowed halls of Malacañang Palace. For more information on Old Manila Walks, call Dy at +632/ 711 3823 and +63917/ 329 1622 or email fun@oldmanilawalks.com
When the Department of Tourism embarked on a project to find and train a new generation of guides, more than a hundred people applied. Some 51 were interviewed and only 24 applicants qualified for the Mabuhay Guides Foundation Course, and Yael Fernandez, was one of the applicants who succeeded and passed the course, giving her one of the highest qualifications usually afforded a UK professional tour guide. She now works for Mabuhay Guides and reveals to us some of her favorite spots in Manila. To contact Yael, call +63901/ 928 2512 or email yaeltf@yahoo.com
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Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch
A ManileÑo’s Manila
Metro Manila is a city of paradoxes. On the one hand, there are the 21st century gleaming skyscrapers along Ayala Avenue, the glitz of the High Street swanky shops in Bonifacio Global City, the private mansions and villas of Forbes Park, and the old world charm of the Spanish colonial walled city of Intramuros. And on the other, in the midst of the growing affluence, pockets of poverty in slums and unkempt areas.
insider’sguide
San Agustin Museum
Maki mi or noodles and pork soup at Shin Din Kha restaurant in Chinatown
Truth is, like most developing areas, Manila is a “love it or hate it” city. It’s easy to hate the traffic jams, pollution, the mañana habits, and be saddened by the desperateness of its poor quarters; but then again you meet some genuinely friendly, warm, and hospitable, and fun-loving people, and experience a city with a big heart. Three top tour guides help us see Manila in a new light and reveal its secrets. Insiders’ top choices Below are stopovers all our three guides put on top of their list, presented in the order of their popularity. 1. Intramuros The Walled City of Intramuros, a city within a city with surrounding walls up to 22-foot high, was built in 1571 to protect the seat of the Spanish colonial government and its people from hostile native revolts and pirates. These days Intramuros is a tourist attraction and a reminder of the country’s colonial past. Dy suggests climbing up the Baluarte de San Andres for a gorgeous view of Old Manila. Celdran calls Intramuros “the birthplace of Manila,” and one can find Fort Santiago, the baroque San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, as well as the Casa Manila and Bahay Tsinoy museums within the walled city’s 64-hectare grounds. The cobble stone streets and old stone houses share space with shops, schools and restaurants. Both Celdran and Dy offer walking tours of Intramuros. 2. Chinatown While virtually every country in the world has its own version of Chinatown, the one in Manila holds the record of being the oldest. Established in 1594, Manila Chinatown occupies about a square kilometer of land bustling with commerce, culture and religious fervor. Dy calls Chinatown “Manila’s culinary wonderland; its food, culture, history and streetlife in one fascinating district.” His favorite stops include the old ma mi houses and panciterias, serving various types of noodles and steaming congee.
San Agustin Museum photo by Ferdz Decena
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insider’sguide
A ManileÑo’s Manila
Celdran finds color in Chinatown, a place for wholesale shopping and a voodoo market in one. He suggests stopping by the popular 168 Mall for anything and everything at rock-bottom prices. Fernandez points out that the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, served as an altar boy at Binondo Church. Various Chinatown tours are now available. Join Celdran’s “Downtown Express Halo Halo Tour,” a carriage ride through Binondo, Escolta and Quiapo. The tour includes stops at Plaza Ruiz, Binondo Church, Carvajal Street Market, Santo Cristo de Longos, Ongpin, Escolta, Escolta Street Musuem, Carriedo Fountain, Santa Cruz Church, Evangelista Herbalist Market and Quinta Market. Dy’s “The Big Binondo Food Wok” tour takes tourists through 400 years of history and four hours of indulgence, with stops at Plaza Calderon dela Barca, Basilica de San Lorenzo Ruiz, Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine, Ongpin Street and Carvajal Alley Market. 3. National Museum Celdran suggests visiting on a Sunday when admission is free. The museum, a must for every self-respecting Filipino, is a repository of the Philippines’ natural and cultural heritage, housed in three buildings in Manila, and comprised of the National Art Gallery, Museum of the Filipino People, and Planetarium. The art gallery is the permanent home of Filipino artist Juan Luna’s immortal masterpiece, Spolarium, painted in 1884, as well as the priceless works of Filipino masters such as Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Mananansala, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, H.R. Ocampo, visual artist BenCab and sculptors Napoleon Abueva and Guillermo Tolentino. Its significant collections span from archeological finds from as early as 16,000 B.C. to modern-day animals in its zoological collection. At the adjacent building, one can find the Museum of the Filipino People, four floors of changing exhibits including artifacts, treasures and armaments recovered from the Spanish battleship, San Diego. The museum shop sells Filipino handicraft and trinkets ideal for souvenirs. National Art Gallery and the Museum of the Filipino People exhibit days are from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm, Tel: +632/ 527 0278 • Planetarium exhibit days are from Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm, Tel: +632/ 527 7889 • National Museum is located on Padre Burgos Avenue • Email administrative@nationalmuseum.gov.ph 4. American Memorial Cemetery Located on 152 acres of land on a plateau in Taguig City, the American Memorial, with its 17,206 graves, is the largest cemetery in the Pacific for the US military dead of World War 11. It also contains the war dead from the Philippines and allied forces. The memorial is a great vantage point for viewing the city. Dy’s favorite spots are the benches around the memorial, offering a view of the cemetery’s wellmanicured lawns and plots that form a symmetrical, circular pattern hemmed with tropical trees and shrubbery. Fernandez suggests visitors take a good look at the chapel and the 25 mosaics that dramatize the
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Clockwise from top left, this spread: Chinese Garden at Rizal Park; American Memorial Cemetery; and the National Museum
achievements of the US forces in the Pacific, China, India, and Burma during WWII. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9am to 5pm except on Christmas and New Year’s Day. A staff member is on duty to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites. 5. Luneta The 58-hectare Rizal Park, named after Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, who died defending his patriotic belief and immortalized in a monument erected in the park, is a favorite weekend place for Filipinos wanting to spend time away from the malls. The park, or Luneta, stretches from Taft Avenue to the seawall of Manila Bay, and has gardens, plazas, a stadium observatory, open-air concert hall, light and sound theater, fountains, playgrounds and food outlets. History buffs will appreciate the “Lights and Sounds of Rizal”, an audio-visual and three-dimensional diorama of Rizal’s execution, with life-sized sculptures by Eduardo Castrillo. There’s also an open air theater presentation, “The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal”, featuring a 30-minute dramatization of Rizal’s final hours. The Lights and Sounds of Rizal is shown Wednesday to Sunday, 7pm-7:30pm (Tagalog version) and 8pm-8:30pm (English version) while guided tours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm. Both come with a fee
Chinese Garden, Luneta photo by Jocas A. See; National Museum photo by Ferdz Decena
A quirky shop in Cubao X. Opposite, Club Mwah' s transvestites in a dazzling perform spoofs and Parisian Lido-like showgirl songs and dances
A ManileÑo’s Manila
Celdran recommends
Corregidor While not part of Manila, Corregidor is within sight of the city, located at the entrance to Manila Bay. This three-mile-long island flanking the provinces of Bataan and Cavite, played a vital role in the Filipinos’ last stand against the Japanese forces during World War II, and is a veritable museum of war ruins, described by Carlos as “the Philippine version of Angkor Wat, the evidence of a lost empire.” The Light and Sound Show at the Malinta Tunnel depicting a series of World War II events is a must-see. For visitors staying overnight, the Night Lateral Visit, which gives a tour of the 1,000-bed hospital area inside Malinta Tunnel’s unexplored side, is an interesting and eerie experience. Mornings on the island is a joy for birdwatchers who are certain to have a field day spotting white-collared kingfishers, zebra dove, among other birds. Try out a 455 feet long and 40 feet high zipline connecting Corregidor Inn to South Beach. Sun Cruises makes daily trips to Corregidor. Call +632/ 834 6857 to 58 or email corregidortours@suncruises.com.ph • From time to time, Carlos hosts “Rock Out” an overnight tour that covers visits to the island’s historic sites and museums, ghost-hunting and trail hikes. Visit celdrantours.blogspot.com for future announcements Cultural Center of the Philippines Built in 1966 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos as a venue for promoting and preserving Filipino arts and culture, the CCP Main Building was designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. After more than 40 years, it remains a significant Manila landmark and a center for cultural and art performances.” The CCP has a permanent art collection that includes the works of such luminaries as Victorio Edades, Cesar Legaspi, Vicente Mananansala, Napoleon Abueva and Fernando Zobel, among ohers. The CCP is open for tours daily except Mondays from 10am6pm. Call the Theater Operations Department at +632/ 833 2125; tour cover galleries, museums, exhibit halls, theater venues and other related spaces • The CCP Museum follows the same operating hours; admission fees: P40 for adults, P20 for students and children; email museo@culturalcenter.gov.ph
insider’sguide
White Moon Bar Best for a late afternoon drink while watching the Manila Bay sunset. Tucked at the Sunset Quay Mall of the Manila Ocean Park, White Moon Bar is a chic open-air lounge offering a laidback vibe and spectacular Manila Bay sunset view. Located at the second level, Sunset Quay Mall of the Manila Ocean Park, Boardwalk, behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Imelda Tour “Living La Vida Imelda!” takes the visitor back to the 1970s when the former first lady Imelda Marcos, known for her 3,000 pairs of shoes, portrayed by the press as a symbol of the Marcos regime’s excesses, captured the national consciousness. The trip includes an architectural tour of the finest buildings of National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, which includes the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines. Along the way, Carlos analyzes the turbulent, controversial 70s as seen through the life and ambitions of Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Club Mwah It’s the gay take of Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace and New York’s Studio 54, with glammed up transvestites impersonating famous stars and singers. “Who wouldn’t want to see a chorus line of transvestites singing Broadway tunes while sipping some bubbly in a tigerskin chair?” asks Celdran. Enjoy “Bedazzled,” an original dance/musical comedy show enhanced by special lighting and stage set design, dance at the psychedelic dance floor or sing like a diva at the club’s VIP room. Club Mwah is located at 3rd Floor, The Venue Tower, 652 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. Tel: +632/ 535 7943 or 532 2826 Bistro Remedios Lonely Planet listed the 26-year-old Bistro Remedios as a place for barbecues and bulalo (bone marrow soup) but Carlos recommends ordering the more exotic fried crickets to go along with his order of deep fried beef tadyang (crispy ribs). This is the place for authentic Kapampangan food served complete with strolling troubadours. Staples include the crispy camaru (crickets) and betute (stuffed frog). Located at 1911 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate. Tel: +632/ 523 9153 Cubao X Carlos refers to Cubao X as “the epicenter of Manila’s youthquake and indie art scene, Manila’s hipster wasteland with fashion boutiques, bars, art galleries and an indie cinema house.” Tucked in an alley known before its rechristening as Marikina Shoe Expo, Cubao X lies at the fringes of the bright and gleaming commercial establishments of Araneta Center. Go on a Friday night or the weekend for live bands, talks, storytelling, and poetry reading, among other activities.
Club Mwah photo by Wacky Gochoco; Cubao X photo by Ferdz Decena
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insider’sguide
A ManileÑo’s Manila
Dy recommends
ago as a venue for selling and buying fresh produce and homemade specialties. Now, it has grown to include food from all over the country and the world. Stalls sell a variety of food stuff from local specialty budbud-kabog (millet rice cake) from Dumaguete, authentic French crepes, to sea salt from the Himalayas. Also sold are fresh seafood, plants, woven crafts. The Salcedo Market is located along Tordesillas Street, near the Makati Sports Club. It is open every Saturday from 7am2pm
Clockwise from bottom left, this spread: Dampa at Farmer's Market; Salcedo Market, open on Saturdays; and the Chinese Cemetery, the second oldest cemetery in Manila
Dampa sa Farmer’s Market It’s a place for clean market stall food and serves a wide array of the freshest seafood. Airconditioned rooms are available on the second floor and in the evenings live bands entertain diners. Located at the Araneta Center in Cubao; function rooms are open from 7am-2am daily while some stalls such as Andok’s are open 24 hours to accommodate late hour diners and call center workers. For inquiries, call +632/ 913 2803 or 911 3101 local 6877 Salcedo Market The Saturday market in Salcedo started out five years
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Chinese Cemetery This is the second oldest cemetery in Manila. Chinese citizens refused burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period are buried here. Flamboyant tombstones, mausoleums and temples characterize the cemetery. Check out the oldest Chinese temple in Manila, the Chong Hock Tong Temple and the Liat See Tong or Martyrs Hall built in honor of the Chinese community leaders executed by the Japanese during World War II. Try out Dy’s “Mounds, Magnates and Mausoleums!” Chinese Cemetery Walking tour, which tells the story of past Philippine taipans and explains the thinking behind the cemetery’s Chinese architecture. La Cocina de Tita Moning “It’s tricky to get to but the paella at La Cocina may be the best in the city,” says Dy. La Cocina is located in the
A ManileÑo’s Manila
insider’sguide The living room of the Legarda Mansion still bearing the opulence of a bygone era; below, La Cocina de Tita Moning's ante-room; and opposite page, lamb shank, one of the specialties of the restaurant
San Miguel district, so near Malacañang you have to pass through the Presidential security guards to get there. And this is the only place in the city where one can dine in a real ancestral home filled with art and memorabilia reliving a lost era. La Cocina is housed in the Legarda Mansion, one of the first art deco houses in Manila known for its lavish parties. La Cocina de Tita Moning is located at 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel District. Tel: +632/ 734 2141 or 7342146 or visit www.lacocinatitamoning.com Greenhills The refurbished mall sells computers, gadgets and toys at bargain prices. Go out to the tiangges (bazaars) and haggle for a wide range of quality pearls, semi-precious stones and faux jewelry, handicrafts and other quirky home pieces. For quality RTW, PX (imported) goods and clothes at affordable prices, try Shoppesville Arcade. Visit www.greenhills.com.ph for more details
The library regularly schedules storytelling and reading sessions, creative writing workshops and photography sessions. The library sells hard-to-find Filipiniana books and CDs by Filipino writers and artists. Members enjoy unlimited visits to the library, free WiFi and discounts on products and services. Unique services include Libros Filipinos Online (www.libros.com.ph), an online bookshop dedicated to Philippine books, music and multimedia. Located at The Nielsen Tower, Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City. Tel: +632/ 892 1801 or visit www.filipinaslibrary. org.ph
Fillipinas Heritage Library The Filipinas Heritage Library maintains a collection of old and rare manuscripts and documents, some dating back to the Spanish colonial period, plus more than 10,000 contemporary volumes on Philippine history, art, language, religion and the social sciences, over 2,000 rare titles, rare books on microfiche plus an extensive library of slides and photographs.
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insider’sguide
A ManileÑo’s Manila
Fernandez recommends
The Main Hall of the Malacañang Museum, an entire floor devoted to a huge collection of memorabilia including personal items from the different presidents of the country; opposite page, former Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay's statue located near the Kalayaan Hall
Malacañang Museum Located at the heart of the Malacañang Palace Complex, at the Old Executive Building built in 1920. Moving from one exhibit to the next is like leafing through the pages of Philippine political history – from the Spanish era displays at the Old Reception Room Gallery to the EDSA People Power Revolution mementoes at the East Staircase Gallery. The Gallery of Presidents of the Philippines at the Main Hall on the second floor with its huge collection that includes official state gifts to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a must visit. Try out Dy’s “Power, Palace and a shot of Beer” tour covering Malacañang Palace Museum, San Miguel Mansion Row, Plaza Liga Anti-Imperialista, Legarda Mansion and Basilica de San Sebastian. Due to the Palace security procedures, you have to book at least five days in advance. Tour is on weekdays only. For public visitors, a regular fee of P50 is charged; visits are strictly by appointment only; fax the Director, Malacañang Museum at +632/ 784 4286 loc. 4722 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Museum A visit to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Money Museum is a walk through of a number of galleries dedicated to periods in the country’s history, with a narrative relating the development of the Philippine economy parallel to the evolution of its currency. The museum also showcase select paintings from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas art collection as well as artifacts. On
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I FebrUARY - MarCH 2010
permanent display are collections of coins, paper notes, artifacts and monetary items found in the Philippines during different historical periods. Yael recommends seeing the gold collection located in the basement. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is located at A. Mabini cor. P. Ocampo St., Malate, Tel: +632/ 524 7011 Ayala Museum For over forty years, its handcrafted dioramas continue to impress visitors but the Ayala Museum really has so much more to offer. For the price of admission alone, the Maritime Vessels collection of finely crafted ship models paying tribute to ancient boats is worth every peso you pay. Add to that the museum’s fine arts collection, a veritable trove of priceless masterpieces which includes paintings by Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zobel, representing Philippine art from the late nineteenth to the twentieth century. Not to miss is the People Power Revolution live exhibit, retelling the story of the country coming together in the 80s to overthrow the oppressive Marcos regime, a revolution that held the world spellbound and restored the Filipino people’s dignity. Museum hours from Tuesday to Friday: 9am-6pm; weekends: 10am-70m; closed on Mondays • Artist Space is open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm; weekends: 10am-7pm • 3rd Floor Shop is open during gallery hours, Tuesday to Friday: 9am-6pm; weekends: 10am-7pm
n e x t pag e : m a n i l a m a p
insider’sguide
74 SEAIR InFlight
A ManileÑo’s Manila
I FebrUARY - MarCH 2010
Map illustration by Marlon A. See
Hurry! limited copies only
missed an issue? subscribe now!
In the shops pages 19-21
i n t h e sh op s >i n my bag 1 Shiseido Zen for men fragrance (30ml at P2,498, 50ml at P2,998, 100ml at P3,990) 2 KissKiss strass lipstick, P1,150, by Guerlain, available in March 3 D bag for women in vacchetta, lilac, pumpkin and chocolate brown, by Tod’s 4 Lil’ angel by Harajuku Lovers fragrance, P2,698
• Anne Klein
Available at Lucerne, 2/F Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Edsa corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City Tel: +632/ 634 3161
Hot launcHes
• Burberry, Escada , Ferragamo, Harajuku Lovers, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul – Gaultier and Paul Smith fragrances First Level, Rustan’s Makati Tel: +632/ 813 3739
take a peek ts to Funk y shirts, From the latest scen at the new arrivals this year 01
ReseaRch by Waldo J. Villados 02
04
• Bvlgari
03
G/F Greenbelt 4, Makati City Tel: +632/ 728 5061
• David & Goliath 2/F, Greenbelt 5, Makati City Tel: +632/ 729 8928
• Guerlain First Level, Rustan’s Makati Tel: +632/ 813 3739
• Havaianas Available at All Flip Flops, Quadrant 1, Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel: +632/ 856 1390
• Jurlique G/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City Tel: +632/ 729 9854
• Shiseido
sold out
G/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City Tel: +632/ 729 9853
• Tod’s august - september 2008
Changing the “Last Frontier”
Palawan toP Man Joel reyes on the islanD’s facelift
siquijor’s seCrets
sorcery, healing anD beautiful beaches
PLUS
river wild Dornier 328s now fly 3X a week to the beautiful northern islanD
Why fighting davao’s rapids is the best Way to spend the day
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
seair launches batanes flights
june - july issue ‘08
BATANES ON THE BRINK ExplorE thE NorthErN paradisE BEforE thE Crowds ComE
the
simple pleasures of daet
BEaChEs, Big wavEs, & kitEs
badjao beckons
thE sEafood, thE viEw, & thE day a British priNCE CamE to visit
cool cruise
all aBoard iN a NEw liNEr to BoraCay aNd palawaN
G/F Greenbelt 4, Makati City Tel: +632/ 757 6292
A PLACE IN THE HEART south east asian airlines on-board magazine
south east asian airlines on-board magazine
Mangoes, Malongs, anD the roMance of the rio granDe
south east asian airlines on-board magazine
3 Days in Cotabato
october - november 2008
PLUS
An Afternoon with the King of ChAt,
Boy Abunda
august - september issue ‘08
Three families talk about their homes by the sea & how they changed their lives
In My Bag page 22 green mission Is Boracay ready for eco-rating?
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
june - july 2008
3 days in batangas A horse-ride up the rim of Taal Volcano’s crater cohiba resort boracay Apartment living, beach style PLUS
SEAIR lAunchES BoRongAn, SAmAR flIghtS
october - november issue ‘08
My travel list:
Jenny Peñaloza
• Chanel Visit: www.chanel.com
• Clarins After Sun shimmer oil Available at Rustan’s Essences, G/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 813 3739
• Organic Beauty Oil by Human Nature
sold out
inMyBag
INtervIew By Monica De Leon
BusinesswoMan peñaLoza is married to John Penaloza who owns Two Seasons Boracay and the soon-to-open Two Season’s Coron (www. twoseasonsboracay.com). Peñaloza is the distributor of Holster Philippines (www.holsterfashion.ph, available at shoe salon), a trendy brand of footwear
1 Chanel large dark navy blue tote bag 2 Clarins After Sun shimmer oil
south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine
december - january 2009
FeelGood Holidays
south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine
february - march 2009
Kota Kinabalu
Sun, sea, & spa in Boracay
a chef’s tour of Boracay Get the best of the island with our culinary hot list
Mountains, fireflies & a headhunting past
Plus a G u i d e t o w e l l n e s s c e n t e r s
holidays in heaven& hell Party man Mark Reyes talks about his travels cool resorts From Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, The Tides Boracay, to Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
NEWS FLASH
island life Fruit bats, turtle hatchlings, and a luxury stay in Club Paradise
PLUS
SEAIR STARTS FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO KOTA KINABALU
seair noW flies direct to boronGan, samar
december - january issue ‘09
art spark A guide to the Philippine artworld shangri-La’s rasa ria Luxury amidst nature’s reserve restaurants for two A hot list for Valentines
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
Where to Go for live music A hot list from cool people
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com
Give your kids a break Top 10 days-out for the moppets 4 days in boronGan Hiking, caving, and surfing in Eastern Samar’s capital town
april - may 2009
A Green Dream Palawan
residents launch enchanting eco tours
Watc h o u t f o r s e a i r ’ s d i r e c t f l i G h t s to m a s B at e
february - march issue ‘09
april - may issue ‘09
“I use two cameras and I boughtnthis because it’s a professional camera. I’ve been traveling a lot so I thought it would be nice to capture the places using a pro camera. And I’ve been wanting to take a short course on photography”
5 Juicy Couture cologne (P5,000) 6 Prada shades (P2,960) 7 Hermés Aroma d’ orange verte wakeup gel 8 Chanel Chance hair mist (P2,050) “It’s not good to spray perfume on your hair because it can cause damage. Spraying this on is as good as wearing any perfume. The scent is nice and fresh”
9 Nintendo DS (P11,999) 10 Phiten Magnetic necklace (P4,295) “I wear this all the time because it’s supposed to energize you and make you less susceptible to catching disease”
3 Cetaphil or Obaji facial wash or Organic Beauty Oil by Human Nature (P99.75)
“You can’t go cheap with pressed powder”
“I use Obaji to remove heavy makeup. The others I use if I’m wearing only light makeup”
12 Organic Opti Fresh Breath Gels by Nature’s Plus (P238) 13 Holster jelly sandals (P2,200)
01
Unit 9-D,Mahinhin St., UP Village, Quezon City Tel: +632/ 332 7885 Visit: www.humanheartnature.com
02
03
05 09 08
• Canon EOS 500D Canon D’ Zone, Level 3 Trinoma, Quezon City Tel: +632/ 916 7503
4 Canon eOS 500D (P49, 950)
11 Chanel white essentiel compact foundation (P4,980)
“It says in label it enhances and prolongs a tan”
07
04
SOUTH E AST ASIAN AIRLINES ON - BOARd mAGA zINE
PrODUCt PHOtO By carLos Legaspi
“I always pack in compartments. I’ve mini pouches and items in small packages and mini bottles so everything is organized. And I never travel without my medicine box”
06
10
11
12 13
For store location and contact details, turn to
on page 78
22 SeAIr InFlight I FeBrUAry - MArCH 2010
• Juicy Couture cologne Marionnaud, 2/F Mall of Asia, Pasay City Tel: +632/ 556 0422
• Prada shades Prada, G/F Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 757 6298
• Hermés Aroma d’ orange verte wakeup gel Hermés, G/F Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 757 8910
• Chanel Chance hair mist Available at Rustan’s Essences
• Nintendo DSI
to subscribe past issues from our archive, call:
+632/ 8402803 76 SEAIR InFlight
I december - january 2009
Abenson Avant, 2/F Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 758 2315
• Phiten magnetic necklace Phiten, 5th level, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City Tel: +632/ 636 1338 Visit: www.phitenphil.com
• Chanel White Essential compact foundation Available at Rustan’s Essences
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i oCtobeR - novembeR 2008
sea i r
Vision To provide world-renowned domestic and international airline and aviationrelated services following the highest safety standards. Mission To satisfy customer needs and surpass their expectations and requirements. • To fulfill the requirements of shareholders, business partners, employees and suppliers, following ethical business practices • To foster an atmosphere of team building through commitment and dedication to employees’ welfare and to achieve the highest sense of company identity • To be a benchmark model in the application of Quality Management System in the aviation industry • Our philosophical outlook is to support environmental conservation and community empowerment through educational awareness and direct involvement Quality Policy To provide excellent, safe, and reliable air transport that exceeds customer requirements through continual improvement of the established Quality Management System. Basic Facts and Figures South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is a pioneer in Philippine aviation. Since 1995, we have been flying passengers to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Consistency, quality and reliability characterize SEAIR’s operations. • Awarded “Best Airline of the Year for two consecutive years (2002 and 2003) by the Philippines’’ Consumers Excellence Award • Serves a total of 15 destinations nationwide. We fly the most number of flights to Palawan and offer the fastest and most number of connections to Boracay • Employs over 200 people ready to provide excellent service to our passengers • Our fleet is made up of four Dornier 328s and six LET 410 UVP-E aircraft for use in scheduled and chartered flights.
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Competitive Advantage EXPERIENCE. SEAIR has been a pioneer in aviation, flying foreign and local tourists to the most remote tourist destinations in the Philippines since 1995. MODERN FLEET. SEAIR operates one of the youngest fleet of aircraft in its segment in the industry. FASTEST FLIGHTS. Our state-of-the-art aircraft allow us to offer you the fastest flights in selected routes, including Caticlan (Boracay) in 35 minutes. HIGH LEVEL OF ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT. SEAIR is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) authorized third-party repair station. Its services include maintenance service for airframes, power plants, avionics and aircraft interiors. INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS. We continue to innovate in customercentric products that will make traveling more fun and convenient. Other Services Leisure Escape Packages (LEP) We offer one-stop shopping for your next vacation. Hassle-free and competitively priced, our fully packaged vacations include accommodation and air fare. Call us and book now at: Tel. +632 843.7308 E-mail: packages@flyseair.com Charters Our aircraft may be chartered for special corporate and group travel. Our charter specialists will assist you in planning and arranging your special travel. For inquiries call us at: Tel. +632 849.0200 E-mail: charters@flyseair.com Cargo We ensure a safe, secure and reliable delivery of your freight and parcel. For inquiries call us at: Tel. +632 851.5555 E-mail: cargo@flyseair.com.
I february - march 2010
milestones 1995 Iren Dornier, Nikos Gitsis and Tomas Lopez founded South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) with two nineseater DO-28 airplanes flying from Manila to Caticlan, and Taytay and Busuanga in Palawan. 1996 SEAIR took delivery of its first LET410 aircraft, a 19seater Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, ideal for the small runways of Palawan and other destinations where bigger commercial aircraft could not land. 1996 to 2003 With the success of the first LET410 aircraft operation and the commitment of SEAIR to fly on a regular basis, SEAIR gradually increased its fleet from one LET410 to nine. 1999 SEAIR embarked on a nationwide expansion program. It opened regional hubs in Cebu and
Zamboanga and became the only airline to interconnect the premier destinations in Palawan with its ManilaBusuanga-El Nido-Puerto Princesa service. 2001 to Present SEAIR established a base in Zamboanga in Mindanao. It continues to operate flights to remote Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. 2002 and 2003 SEAIR was awarded “Best Airline of the Year” consecutively by the Philippines largest ‘Consumers Excellence Award.’ 2003 SEAIR’s Quality Management System was certified ISO 9001:2000 compliant by the TÜV Rheinland Group. 2004 SEAIR reached the 1 million passenger mark. SEAIR also acquired its first Dornier 328, launching the “Fastest Flights to Boracay” campaign. 2006 SEAIR acquired its fourth Dornier 328. Its fleet size
allowed it to operate up to 30 flights to Caticlan daily. • SEAIR introduced its online reservations and e-ticketing system the first and only on-line system to offer e-tickets from Manila to Boracay and Busuanga. E-ticketing services later expanded to include Cebu, Clark, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa. • By December 2006, SEAIR’S transactions through its online reservations system reached a record high in Philippine e-commerce. 2007 SEAIR celebrated its 12th year in aviation, the longest running airline, next to Philippine Airlines. SEAIR now offers up to 41,000 seats a month throughout its network and flies up to 20,000 passengers to Boracay a month. 2008 SEAIR launched its first regional flight to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia in November. SEAIR also started flights to Tablas in Romblon, Daet in Camarines Norte, Baler in Aurora, Batanes in northern Luzon and Borongan in Eastern Samar.
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fleet
Dornier 328 The Dornier 328 is a German built, new generation aircraft with 32 passenger seats. It is one of the fastest and most advanced jetprop in the world. specifications Make: Dornier Powerplant: PW 119B Length: 21.28 m (69 ft 10 in) Wing Span: 20.98 m (68 ft 10 in) Height: 7.23 m (23 ft 9 in) Seating Capacity: 32 + 3 crew Number of planes: 4 Max Take-off Weight: 13,990 kgs (30,843 lbs) Speed: 325 knots
LET410 UVP-E The LET410 UVP-E provides first class comfort, while simultaneously servicing both paved and unpaved airstrips. In the 19-seater class, no plane is better suited for short-haul transport than this aircraft. specifications Make: LET a.s. Powerplant: WALTER M601-E Length: 14.42 m (47 ft 4 in) Wing Span: 19.98 m (65 ft 5 in) Height: 5.83 m (19 ft 2 in) Seating Capacity: 19 + 2 crew Number of planes: 6 Max Take-off Weight: 6,600 kgs (14,520 lbs) Speed: 175 knots
Do-24 ATT No airport required! Let our unique amphibian aircraft bring you and your 15 closest friends to your choice of 7,107 islands in real style. For the latest update on this spectacular aircraft and its progress around the world, visit www.do-24.com.
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FALCON 10 Make: Dornier specifications Make: FALCON 10 Powerplant: 2x Garett TFE 731-1-2-1c on engine, 14.65 kN (3,230lbf) thrust each Length: 13.86 m (45 ft 5.75 in) Wing Span: 13.08 m (42 ft 11 in) Height: 4.61m (15ft 1.5 in) Seating Capacity: 7 + 2 crew Max Take-off Weight: 18,740 kgs Speed: MACH + .85 Max Range: 1700 Nautical Miles Ceiling: 45,000 ft Inflight Entertainment: VCR Video; Flight Watch; Satellite Phone
Falcon 10 photos by Cyrene Leicht
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r o ute map Basco, Batanes
reservations Laoag
makati Ticketing Office Tel. +632 849.0100 San Fernando La Union
Sales Office Tel. +6302 849.0201 to 18 +6302 849.0219
Luzon
Metro Manila Domestic Terminal Tel. +6302 851.5555 Fax +6302 891.8711
Baler CLARK, ANGELES MANILA
Clark, Angeles City Headquarters DMIA, Hangar 7224 Tel. +6345 599.2384 Fax +6345 599.2383
Philippines
Tablas, Romblon
Busuanga Boracay
Cebu Ticketing Office Tel. +6332 341.4879
South China Sea
Daet
Marinduque MINDORO
Angeles Sales Office Tel. +6302 851.5555 Fax +6345 323.6713
Caticlan
SAMAR Masbate Borongan
PANAY
El Nido
Visayas
Iloilo
Taytay
Sales Office Tel. +6332 254.9337 +6332 255.0801
CEBU
PALAWAN
Boracay Caticlan Airport Tel. +6336 288.7360 +6336 288.7272 Fax +6336 288.7163
Camiguin
Mindanao
Zamboanga Tel. +6362 991.2225 Mobile +63919 333.8520
Sulu Sea
Cotabato
Jolo
Malaysia SARAWAK
Borneo
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Davao
Zamboanga
Kota Kinabalu
SABAH
Cagayan de Oro
Pagadian
Balabac
BRUNEI
Siargao
NEGROS
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa 399 Rizal Avenue Extension Tel. +6348 434.5272 +6348 433.2540
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Philippine Sea
Baguio
Tawi-Tawi
Celebes Sea
General Santos
news
Watch out for SEAIR 15th anniversary cut-price Boracay fares SEAIR is offering special early morning fares to Boracay of P1,999.20 one way, including all taxes and charges, as well as great fare discounts to celebrate its 15th year anniversary. The reduced one-way Boracay fare is valid for limited seats in all flights to and from Boracay before 7am. The booking and travel period is from January 25, 2010 until further notice. Great online deals are also available. Those booking online from March 14-25 for travel from June 15 – October 15 get a P1,500 discount one way. The deal is valid for all seats on all flights and routes. Just type iloveseair15 in the promo code field when booking online at www.FlySeair.com SEAIR has been serving key tourist destinations especially Boracay since 1995 and has the longest history of uninterrupted service to Boracay direct via Caticlan.
For more anniversary promo info or to book, call SEAIR Reservations at +632/ 849 0100 or book online at www.FlySeair.com. Join SEAIR Facebook fan page for updates on promos
In memory of Ryann Pulleros: SEAIR donated 18 life rings to the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, 609th squadron, in Boracay in memory of Ryann Pulleros, a former lead agent of the airline, who lost his life in a drowning incident in White Beach, Boracay, last August 8, 2009. The donation was made in December as part of the project of the Boracay Foundation. Pulleros, who passed away at age 27, left SEAIR and its staff with a feeling of great loss and sadness. The donated life rings, which will be placed at lifeguard stations strategically located throughout Boracay’s White Beach, will hopefully help in lifesaving efforts. SEAIR and Boracay Foundation are embarking on a project to make Boracay a safer and more enjoyable destination for everyone.
For inquiries on SEAIR visit www. FlySeair.com or call +632/ 849 0100. For inquiries on Boracay Foundation and the locations of the life rings call +6336/ 288 3971
SEAIR brings Christmas medical mission to Boracay
Double daily Flights for Batanes spring SEAIR is increasing flights to Batanes to twice a day, from March 1 to May 31 this year. Due to its proximity to Taiwan, Batanes experiences four seasons – summer, fall, winter and spring. Like the temperate countries, springtime in Batanes is from March to May. At this time, Batanes experiences sunny weather and cool temperature of as low as 17 degrees celsius. With its green pastures overlooking the sea, windmills, lighthouses, and cool temperate weather, Batanes has often been likened to Scotland.
As a special Christmas present to the Boracay community, SEAIR, in partnership with Metropolitan Doctors Medical Clinic (MDMC) – Boracay, organized a Christmas medical mission to treat some 100 Boracay residents for free last year. The “SEAIR – MDMC Konsulta sa Spesyalista” medical mission, held on December 12, gave free consultation to those suffering from eye, skin, and allergy problems. SEAIR gave free airfares to the participating specialist doctors.
For more details and for 24-hour medical service in Boracay, call Metropolitan Doctors Medical Clinic (Boracay) at +6336/ 288 6357. For news on SEAIR visit www.FlySeair.com
To book flights to Batanes visit www.FlySeair.com or call +632/ 849 0100. For packages, call SEAIR Leisure Escape Packages at +632/ 843 7308
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Travel directory BORACAY BLUEWAVES BEACH HOUSE Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 6544 C (+63917) 629 0189; (+63917) 819 1897; (+63922) 539 6036 www.bluwavesboracay.com BORACAY BEACH RESORT Boat Station 1 & D’Mall T (6336) 288 3208; 288 3130 F (6336) 288 5565 E nenettewindsurf@hotmail.com www.windsurfingboracay.com BORACAY REGENCY Boat Station 2, Balabag T (6336) 288-6111 to 17
Unit 5-B 5th F, W.DEEPZ Bldg., 1033 M.H del Pilar St., Ermita, Manila T (632) 523 8707 / 08 E rsvn@boracayregency.com www.boracayregency.com ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT Balabag Beach C (+63922) 850 1161
G/F, Torre de Salcedo Bldg., 184 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 489 8907; 812 4221 E namiresorts@yahoo.com.ph www.namiboracay.com PEARL OF THE PACIFIC RESORT & SPA Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 3220
R&G Tirol Bldg., 831 EDSA cor. E. Lopez Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 926 0162; 924 4483 E info@pearlofthepacific.com www.pearlofthepacific.ph PINJALO RESORT Boracay Island T (6336) 288 3206 F (6336) 288 3478 E info@pinjalo.com; info@calypso-asia.com www.pinjalo.com SANDCASTLES THE APARTMENTS Boracay Island T (6336) 288 3207 / 3449 C (+63917) 819 3049 E info@boracaysandcastles.com www.boracaysandcastles.com www.tribaladventures.com
35 Scout Lozano St. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 376 4535 E escondidoboracay@yahoo.com www.escondidoboracay.net
SEA WIND RESORT Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288-3091 F (6336) 288-3425
LA CARMELA DE BORACAY Boat Station 2, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 5423 / 5921 / 4376
RM. 305 R&G Tirol Bldg., 831 EDSA cor. E. Lopez Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 416 4010; 920 7490 E seawind@prime.net.ph www.seawindresort.net
Teka cor. Kamagong Sts., San Antonio Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 895 8048 to 49 E info@lacarmeladeboracay.com www.lacarmeladeboracay.com LA RESERVE RESORT & RESTAURANT Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 3020 F (6336) 288 3017 E info@lareserveboracay.com www.lareserveboracay.com LE SOLEIL DE BORACAY Boat Station 2, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 6209 to 12
G/F, PJL Corporate Center, 1782 N. Garcia cor. Candelaria Sts., Makati City T (632) 895 1777 loc. 1712, 1714, 1715 E lesoleil@pjlhullier.ph www.lesoleil.com.ph MANDALA SPA & villas Boracay Island T (6336) 288 5858 F (6336) 288 3531 www.mandalaspa.com
SPR REAL ESTATE, INC. T (6336) 288 3631 (Sales) T (6336) 288 5798 (Rental) F (6336) 288 5797 www.sprboracay.com SURFSIDE BORACAY RESORT & SPA Angol Beach T (6336) 288 5006 / 5049
17/F, Metropolitan Bldg., Mabini St., Malate, Manila, Philippines T (632) 338 6899 / 8659 E mail@boracaysurfside.com www.boracaysurfside.com TWO SEASONS BORACAY Boat Station 1 T (6336) 288 4384 to 85
Nena Bldg., 132-A. Bayani St., cor. Araneta Ave., Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 415 4652; 413 5903 E rsvn@twoseasonsboracay.com www.twoseasonsboracay.com
MICROTEL INN & SUITES Diniwid Beach T (6336) 288 4311
WALING-WALING BEACH HOTEL BORACAY Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 5555
106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City, Philippines T (632) 671 7171 E sales@microtelphilippines.com www.microtelphilippines.com
395, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines T (632) 896 9456 to 58 F (632) 896 9451 E sales@waling.com www.waling.com
NAMI PRIVATE VILLAS Diniwid Beach T (6336) 288 6753 to 55
ZUZUNI BORACAY Resort & Restaurant Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 4477 E info@zuzuni.net www.zuzuni.net
RESTAURANT AND DELI ARIA D’Mall, Boracay Island T (6336) 288 5573 FISH BAR D’Mall, Boracay Island T (6336) 288 4026 HEIDILAND DELI D’Mall, Phase IV T (6336) 288 5939 OLE SPANISH TAPAS Y RESTAURANTE D’Mall, Boracay Island T (6336) 288 5573
PALAWAN CLUB PARADISE Regent Bldg., Malunggay Road, FTI Complex, Taguig City, Philippines T (632) 838 4956 to 60 F (632) 838 4465 / 4762 www.clubparadisepalawan.com EL NIDO MANILOC / LAGEN Minilioc Island & Lagen Island
Ten Knots Development Corporation 2/F Builders centre, 170 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 894 5644 www.elnidoresorts.com EL RIO Y MAR Island Resort Regent Bldg., Malunggay Road, FTI Complex, Taguig City, Philippines T (632) 838 4964 www.elrioymar.com EL NIDO COVE 73 Real Street, El Nido T (632) 838 4956 to 60 F (632) 838 4465 / 4762 C (+63918) 908 1204 www.clubparadisepalawan.com LEGEND HOTEL PALAWAN Malvar St., Puerto Princesa T (6348) 433 9076 F (6348) 434 4276
60, Pioneer cor., Madison Sts., Mandaluyong City, Philippines T (632) 633 1501 www.experiencepalawan.com.ph
CAMIGUIN JOHNNY’S DIVE ‘N’ FUN Yumbing, Mambajao T (6388) 387 9588 www.johnnysdive.com SECRET COVE DIVE RESORT Mambajao T (6388) 387 9084 E info@secretcovecamiguin.net www.secretcovecamiguin.net
CEBU ALEGRE Calumboyan, Sogod Pathfinder Holdings Philippines, Inc. T (6332) 231 1198; 254 9880 (Cebu) T (632) 634 7505 to 08 (Manila) www.alegrebeachresort.com BADIAN ISLAND RESORT & SPA Cebu Capital Commercial Complex-A, N. Escario St. T (6332) 253 6452; 475 1103 F (6332) 253 3385; 475 1101 www.badianhotel.com
MARIBAGO BLUWATER BEACH RESORT Maribago, Mactan Island T (6332) 232 5411 to 14 F (6332) 492 0128 to 29
1120 Cityland-Herrera Towers, 98 Herrera cor. Valero Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 817 5751 F (632) 845 0680 MICROTEL INN & SUITES Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island T (6382) 233 2333
106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City, Philippines T (632) 671 7171 www.microtelphilippines.com PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA Marigondon, Mactan Island
Suite 906, National Life Insurance Bldg., Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines T (632) 844 5024 to 25 F (632) 844 5030 www.plantationbay.com SHANGRI-LA MACTAN Punta Engaño Road, P.O. Box 86, Lapu-Lapu City T (6332) 231 0288 F (6332) 231 1688
2/F, Makati Ave., Shopping Arcade, Shangri-la, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 818 0952 F (632) 893 8503 www.shangri-la.com WATERFRONT MACTAN 1 Salinas Drive, Lahug T (6332) 232 6888 F (6332) 232 6880
27/F, Wynsum Corporate Plaza, 22 Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines T (632) 687 0888 F (632) 687 5970 www.waterfronthotels.net
DAVAO MICROTEL INN & SUITES Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City
106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City T (632) 671 7171 www.microtelphilippines.com PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT Kaputian Island, Garden City of Samal T (6382) 221 9970 to 78 F (6382) 221 9979
1504 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City T (632) 750 1896 / 98 F (632) 750 1894 THE MARCO POLO DAVAO CM Recro St., Davao City T (6382) 221 0888 F (6382) 225 0111
3/F, Adamson center, 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City T (632) 893 0888 / 5719 F (632) 840 5111 www.marcopolohotels.com/davao
Allen’s Davao Travel photographer and naturalist Allen Hipolito Mayor spotted this centuries-old Dracontomelon dao tree, standing tall and proud near a makeshift local basketball court, when he was in Davao Oriental last year on a research expedition. He took this photo of the gargantuan tree dwarfing the 50-80foot tall coconut trees around it. The base of the trunk spreads like a fan with the sun casting light and dark shadows on it. Mayor founded Klub Natur, a 15-year old organization of environmental and travel photographers based in Manila. He is busy these days taking part in a five-year research expedition documenting the endemic flora and fauna of the 16 regions of the Philippines, from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. -- Margie F. Francisco For more of Mayor’s works, visit www.allenhipolitomayor.com Camera: Olympus E-520; Lens: 14mm; Aperture: F/9; Shutter speed: 1/60sec; ISO Speed: 800
92 SEAIR InFlight
I february - march 2010
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