InFlight June-July 2013 by Dornier Media

w w w.inf light.ph

j u n e-j u ly 2013

UNDERWATER RUSH D i v i n g

T w o S eas o ns Coron A Luxe Stay

T ubbataha To p 10 M an i la C i t y B rea k s

A n i la o

U lt i mate H i g h Huma Island Resort

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Inside infligh t | J u ne-J u ly 2013

special features

in front

06 In The News

Huma Island Resort: Arrive by seaplane right on the beach; first and only five-star resort to rise in Puerto Princesa

Calendar

What not to miss in June and July

08 In Room

Resort review: Two Seasons Coron

10 Indulge

Chefs’ Best Breakfasts

14 Me and My Travels

Fashion designer Rajo Laurel

39 InFlight Guides

18 Anilao & Tubbataha, reversed

Gutsy Tuason on why big creature spotting in Anilao and macro diving in Tubbataha may just give you your best shot

28 Manila rainy season breaks

The clouds may be gathering, but there’s still plenty of action and relaxation in and around the city

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• Destination guides to the Philippines and neighboring countries • Airline Guides: All you need to know about South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR), South East Asian Airlines International (SEAIR I), Island Transvoyager (ITI) and Sky Pasada

On the cover Location: Tubbataha Photo by Gutsy Tuason

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S e e t h e P h i l i pp i n e s t h r o u g h the eyes of locals. Visit us at

www.inflight.ph y o u r i n s i d e r ’ s g u i d e t o t h e P h i l i pp i n e s

www.inflight.ph www.facebook.com/inflight.ph • twitter.com/nflight_travel www.youtube.com/user/inflightph editorial

executive Editor Editor-In-Chief managing EDITOR Art Director staff Writer ONLINE COORDINATOR

Nikos Gitsis Giselle Javison Monica De Leon Jocas See Cielo Flores Ariza Rivera

Contributing photographers

Abs Abando, Mon Corpuz, Ferdz Decena, Joel Garcia, Ken Go, Rhonson Ng, Oggie Ramos, Hermes Singson, Jeffrey Sonora, Daniel Soriano, Gutsy Tuason Contributing writers

Jude Bacalso, Freida Dario, Ferdz Decena, Kristine Fonacier, Catherine Kirchhoff, Jan Lao, Fran Ng, Oggie Ramos, Ces Rodriguez, Myra Santigao, Gutsy Tuason

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Publishing

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INTheNews

t r av e l | l i f e s t y l e | h o t e l s & r e s o r t s | a r t s & fa s h i o n | a n d m o r e

Calendar

Huma Island Resort: Arrive by Seaplane Right on the Beach Huma Island Resort in Busuanga, Palawan is opening in June this year, providing the ultimate luxury – arriving in style in a private seaplane that lands you right on the resort’s beach, from where you’re whisked off to your bungalow facing the sea, with a private butler on call. The resort has 81 Maldivian villas, 15 by the beach and the rest over water. The bungalows are spacious at 105sqm, and feature a sundeck, private outdoor jacuzzi and shower facing the sea. Facilities include a spa, which is built over water with glass floors for you to marvel at the vibrant marine life. The spa has six treatment rooms, including Hamam (a Turkish steam bath). Huma Island Resort is all of 32 hectares, located in Busuanga, facing the South China Sea. It’s managed by Mövenpick Hotels and Resort. Huma Island general manager Markus Schneider said the resort can arrange various activities for guest, including wreck diving,

What Not to Miss in June and July June

to 15

6th Siargao Girls International Surfing Cup 2013

Come all ye women surfers and join the 6th Siargao Girls International Cup 2013 on June 11 to 15 at Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao for a chance to win the P200,000 grand prize. Over 30 surfers from England, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, France and the Philippines are expected to compete this year. Registration’s on going until June 10. Call or text +63919/ 809 5769 (event organizer Gerry Degan) or email sagana@cloud9surf.comto register

island hopping to neighboring islands such as Black Island and Matatayoc Island. Bungalows at Huma Island cost from US $550 (about P23,000) per room night. The seaplane service costs $200/person, roundtrip. ■ Huma Island Palawan is in Busuanga, Palawan, 50km away from Coron. From Manila, it is about an-hour-and-a-half flight to Busuanga via the resort’s seaplane. Visit www.humaisland.com or call the Manila office at +632/ 553 0119 for more info and to book.

June

Sungha Jung Live!

YouTube South Korean teen sensation Sungha Jung performs live at the J Centre Convention Hall, Cebu on June 14; and the Performing Arts Theater, Resort World Manila on June 15. Jung is a finger style guitarist who got famous for performing songs by Maroon 5 and Adele. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call +632/ 891 9999 for tickets and inquiries. Follow Jun on www.twitter.com/ JUNGSUNGHA to 15

June

Virgin Labfest

July

Dirty Dancing Musical

July

Adidas King of the Road Southeast Asia 2013

From June 26 to July 7, Tanghalang Huseng Batute, Cultural Center of to July 7 the Philippines, Pasay City will play venue to Virgin Labfest’s “unpublished, untried, untested, and unstaged” one-act plays. All nine “virgin” plays and a full length play are chosen by the festival’s organizers. Scripts by Jimmy Flores, Herlyn Gail Alegre and Benjamin Pimental are selected for this year’s event. There are also stage reading and book launch of Virgin Labfest Anthology during the festival. Visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph or call +632/ 832 1125 to 1139

First and Only Five-star Resort to Rise in Puerto Princesa City Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa, Puerto Princesa’s first and only five-star resort, is targeted to open in the third quarter of 2013. The four-hectare resort, which will house 78 suites and villas, will combine modern-Asian architecture with first class amenities, including seven swimming pools, an in house chapel for weddings, and a floating restaurant serving Asian cuisines, which will be headed by leading chefs from Manila. Other amenities are a health spa, a grand ballroom and conference rooms. Activities such as snorkeling, island hopping in Honda Bay, kayaking, and calesa ride within the barangay will be on offer. For families with kids in tow, there’s face painting and film showing at the resort’s Art’s Ville. For the artistically inclined, there are tutorials for wood and ice carving. A room night at Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa costs from P17,000 to P60,000. ■ SEAIR has daily direct flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa. From the airport, the resort is five minutes away. Like www.facebook.com/pages/Princesa-Garden-Island-ResortSpa/144727082353467?ref=stream or call +632/ 744 7979 for info. 6 | i n f l i g h t . p h | JUNE - JUL y 2 0 1 3

Relive the songs (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life and Do you Love Me of the to 21 hit 80s movie Dirty Dancing at the Dirty Dancing Musical running from July 4 to 21 at the CCP Main Theater. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call +632/ 891 9999

The Philippines is hosting a leg of the Adidas King of the Road (KOTR) on July 7 at Bonifacio Global City. Race categories are 10km (student relay) and 16.8km. The Philippines is only one of the five participating countries in the event, which is expecting some 40,000 participants. Visit www.adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph to register

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IN r o o m

Clockwise from left, this spread: The 600sqm pool bar; Family Bungalow; and Island Tip Bungalow’s toilet and bath

Two Seasons Coron Breathtaking scenery, transparent bottom kayaks, and a 600-meter pool bar make up your Two Seasons Coron holiday, says Michael Marasigan

IRST IMPRESSION. As we approached the resort on a speedboat, I knew I’ll be staying in paradise in the next few days. The reception alone will immediately make you feel that you will be in for a pleasant and pampered stay. Guests are welcomed with a nice glass of orange, mango and grenadine, a concoction of the owner himself, and delicious churros. Your luggage, which is already labeled the moment you check out of the airport, goes

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straight to your bungalow even before you finish signing the check-in form. Founder and owner, John Peñaloza, designed the resort himself giving attention even to the minutest details like which doorknob should go with which door. The resort’s 42 bungalows sit on six hectares of the 18-hectare property, constructed with the least disturbance to the original terrain. LOCATION. Located at the Malaroyroy Peninsula at the northern tip of Bulalacao Island in Coron, the resort island is part of the Calamianes Group of Islands located at the northernmost part of Palawan. ROOMS. Bungalows are named Sandbar and Island Tip, Beach, Seaview and Mountainview. The Sandbar Bungalow — called such because of its close proximity to the area’s main attraction, a sand bar, which connects to two more islands, and perfect for kayaking and stand up paddling when it submerges in the water at high htide — is the only one of its kind on the island. The bungalow is furnished with king-size bed, a verandah with a

jacuzzi, a small private sunset beach cove, BOSE entertainment system, jumbo rain shower, and a second veranda with an unobstructed east and west views of the ocean and surrounding islands. All the other bungalows feature almost the same amenities but they differ in locations. The Island Tip Bungalows are adjacent to the sandbar. The Beach Bungalows are located at the main beachfront and swimming pool area. The Mountain Bungalows are surrounded by tropical gardens and hardwood trees and just a short walk from the beach. Facing the sea from the upper portion of the resort are the Seaview Bungalows while the Seaview Deluxe Bungalows are set at the highest part of the resort. FOOD. Chef Gene Gonzalez designed Sulu’s eclectic menu but you can request the resident chef to cook whatever you fancy. We Like. The furniture and décor of the entire resort — from the reception to the bungalows, from the Bahura bar

to the Sulu restaurant — the bathroom, particularly the rain shower, the spa and cabanas, which were built using wood from dismantled houses in Ilocos, and my favorite pool bar where I can take a dip while enjoying a drink or two. And yes, there’s the coral and clam gardens just in front of the main beach for a fantastic underwater experience. Go snorkeling or take the Molokini, a transparent bottom kayak showing the magnificent underwater scene to depths of 75 feet. Another way to experience Two Seasons’ marine life is riding the HydroBob, an underwater scooter that allows non-divers to go deeper into the sea with a 180-degree clear view of the marine life. Not So Keen. On tours they offer — Coron Island Experience and Culion Island Historical Tour — being a regular visitor to the Calamianes. I’d rather enjoy the activities in the resort. Verdict. I will drop everything at a heartbeat to go to Two Seasons. ■

Essentials How to get there. PAL Express (www. flypalexpress.com) and Zest Air (www.flyzest. com) fly from Manila to Busuanga (Coron) daily. Land trip from Busuanga Airport to Coron Town is 40 minutes; then from Coron Town to Two Seasons Island Resort, boat trip is about 40 to 60 minutes. RATES AND BOOKING INFO. Bungalow rates start from P25,000++ per night for two adults up to P46,000++, during the lean season; and it can go as high as P30,000++ to P58,000++ during super peak season. Airport-resort transfers (P11,500 round trip for two) is not included in the package. But there’s a promo from June to July entitling guests who book a minimum three-night stay free airport-resort transfers. Other charges may apply so better check with the reservations officer. Tel: +632/ 410 2075 to 80 Mobile: +63917/ 566 5810 (weekends and holidays) Url: www.twoseasonsresorts.com/coron

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IN d u l g e

Fernando Aracama

Chef’s Best Breakfasts

O wner , A racama F ilipino C uisine

From eggs in cream served with foie gras and caviar to artisan buffet, Filipino top chefs reveal where they start their day I nterviews by C ielo F lores

Clockwise from top left: Breakfast at Antonio’s reuben sandwich; Breakfast at Antonio’s interior; and Lusso’s luxe mac and cheese

Sonja Ocampo O wner , C upcakes by S onja

“Lusso is not a breakfast place but it’s a great place for a brunch. It’s a champagne restaurant so it gives you that kind of luxurious ambience, with chandeliers and all. Lusso serves eggs

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cooked in cream, with a choice of foie gras, bottarga or caviar. I also like their foie gras burger, and macaroni and cheese. When in season, fresh white truffles from Italy are on the menu and you can request for truffle shavings on your eggs. I usually pair this with a glass of bubbly drink.” Price: Ranges from P400 (about US $9) to P1,200 for two Rate: sssss

Open Monday-Friday 11am to 11pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am to 12mn G/F, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 756 5893 Url: www.facebook.com/pages/LUSSO-byMargarita-For%C3%A9s/381559664523

“Antonio’s corned beef and pastrami are homemade. Their rösti potato pancake and reuben sandwich are comforting and delicious. What’s good about Antonio’s is that their breads are baked on site. Their salad is delicious. Nothing’s fresher than green vegetables straight from the farms of Tagaytay. Try Antonio’s quesong puti (native white cheese) salad.” Price: Ranges from P400 to P600 for a breakfast dish Rate: sssss Breakfast at Antonio’s is open daily from 7am to 9pm Bgry. Bagong Tubig, Tagaytay City, Cavite Tel: +6346/ 413 0738 Url: www.antoniosrestaurant.ph

B reakfast at A ntonio ’ s photos by at M aculangan of P ioneer S tudios

IN d u l g e

Edward Bugia

Clockwise from top left: Cafe Uma; Spiral; and Cafe Uma’s eggs benedict

O wner , P ino R estaurant

Sandy Daza O wner , W ooden S poon

“Café Uma owned by Chef Jomi Gaston is a good breakfast place in Bacolod. It’s air-conditioned and rather expensive. They have nice eggs benedict with brioche with a slice of thick 1 2 | i n f l i g h t. p h | j u n e - j u ly 2 013

ham, and poached egg with hollandaise sauce or béarnaise, which I enjoy.” Price: Ranges from P350 to P500 per breakfast dish Rate:

Opens daily 10:30am to 9:30pm 15th Lacson Street, Bacolod City Tel: +6334/ 432 3853 Url: www.facebook.com/pages/CafeUma/162356887112980

“The last time I went to Spiral at Sofitel Manila I really enjoyed the honey, spooned straight out of the honeycomb. I also like their cheese selection, cold cuts and freshly baked bread, the croissants. They have excellent crispy bacon. I eat at two places there – the executive lounge where it feels exclusive, superb service, almost like having your own maitre d’, and the second place is the buffet. What’s good about Spiral is that it has a theater kitchen where chefs serve you from behind the counter.” Price: Per adult is at P1,720 MondayFriday; P1,965 Saturday-Sunday Rate: sssss Buffet breakfast is available from 6:30am to 10:30am CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel. +632/ 551 5555 Url: www.sofitelmanila.com ■

spiral’ s chef at work photo by jocas a . see

m e & m y t r av e l s

Rajo Laurel

fa s h i on d e s i g n e r I nterview by C ielo F lores

My favorite things to take on travels are my notebook and pen to jot down my thoughts. And I never travel without my Canon S110 camera, a Christmas gift from my Dad. My favorite resorts in the Philippines are Discovery Shores in Boracay (www.

discoveryshoresboracay.com/discoveryshores) Huma Island Resort (www.humaisland.com) and Amanpulo Resort (www.amanresorts.com). I like Discovery Shores Boracay because of their service and the little details — pillows embroidered with my initials and a welcome cake with a photo of me the last time I was at the resort. Huma Island Resort is about to open and I am working on the resort staff uniforms. I was invited by the owners to experience the resort and there’s something about the whole place that makes you want to stay. Amanpulo Resort for the luxury, solace and peace. I’ve only been there once — I went there for a wedding — and the experience was unforgettable. It’s paradise. I will never go back to Wuhan, China because it’s a “factory city.” Everywhere you look is polluted. My travel luxury is travel itself. I spend on travel

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because it’s a means to educate myself. The first thing I do when I travel is research. With the internet, it’s so much easier. I try to see as much culture as I can, and my first stop is the market place. It is the soul of any city. My previous trip was to Palawan. I went to Huma Island Resort (www.humaisland.com) during the Easter break. It’s an amazing experience. I want to go back to Africa. 10 years ago I went there with my dear travel group mates Tessa Valdes, Malu Gamboa, Kitty Jacinto, Thea Jacinto, Dennis Lustico, Leica Carpo and Bambina Olivares-Wise. I want to go again but this time I want Nix Alanon to come with us. It’s one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had in my life and I want to experience it all over again. I am an Instagram addict. Find me at instagram. com/rajolaurel#. I like sharing what I see. Most of the photos I post are those of my events, food, families and friends. I spend mostly on books and art. The most expensive book I bought was the Limited Edition

Valentino Anniversary Book that cost more than a thousand dollars. And one of my favorite artworks is by Chinese artist Lao Yan Bien. It’s an 8ft tall painting with rough textures of gray and black colors, and I paid for it by installment. I have three tattoos in all and I got the most recent one when I turned 40. It’s a tattoo of a safety pin, unfastened, because it means open to fixing things or putting things together. I got my first tattoo in London when I was 16. It’s a horsefly because I’ve always been fascinated by insects. I think they are one of the most perfectly designed creatures. I started blogging in 2008 and my first blog was for StyleBible www.stylebible.ph. I wrote about what it was like, preparing for my 15th anniversary gala show. [Rajo’s blogsite: www.rajolaurel.com/blog] The most interesting person I’ve ever met is Manny Pangilinan. I think he’s not only intelligent but also very compassionate. My most memorable design/collection is my Optical Illusion collection, which I created in 2001. The collection is avant garde, using

right page photo by D aniel S oriano

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m e & m y t r av e l s

RAJO’S TRAVELS. From top: With high school friends Pinky Webb (left) and Bernice Palanca in Bulog Island, Coron, Palawan; sailing in Coron; and with goddaughter Asia and furniture designer friend Nix Alanon at Huma Island, Palawan

My favorite things

Museums: Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET; www.manilamet.webs.com), National Museum (www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph) and Ayala Museum (www.ayalamuseum.org). I’d also like to check out BenCab Museum (www.

bencabmuseum.org)

geometric shapes, stripes, squares and circles. My experience as judge in the reality television show Project Runway is humbling because I saw myself in those young designers. It is hard to create a designer dress in 12 hours but it happens in real life. The most memorable part of that show was seeing the overly tired models — they’ve been working nonstop for days — drop one by one like flies, alongside the designers. Of course we didn’t show it on TV but we were there judging the contestants. I’ve never seen so many people faint at the same time from pure exhaustion. I am holding a gala show on November 15 called Labyrinth to celebrate my 20 years in the design business. Labyrinth will showcase my new and old designs. I also have upcoming collaborations, which I can’t disclose yet. (For updates, visit www.rajolaurel.com) If I weren’t a fashion designer, I’d probably be a theater actor, a rock star, a chef or a photographer. Filipino designers that people should watch out for are Shaun Samson and CJ Cruz. They are London based designers of men’s wear. ■

About Rajo Laurel

Rajo Laurel (www.rajolaurel.com/blog) was The Loop’s Editor’s Choice Favorite Fashion Designer in 1998 and won in the ASEAN Young Designers Competition in 1993 in Singapore. He made a name in couture and wedding gowns but later branched out into ready-to-wear clothes available at his fashion boutique, House of Laurel (www.rajolaurel.com). Laurel is involved in Rags2Rches Inc. (www.rags2riches.ph), turning scrap materials to stylish pieces. America’s Next Top Model host Tyra Banks, singers Lea Salonga and Jessica Sanchez, and local celebrity Tessa Prieto-Valdes have worn his creations. ■

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Restaurants: Cirkulo (www.elcirkulo.com) along Pasay Road, Antonio’s in Tagaytay (www. antoniosrestaurant.ph), and La Girolle (www. lagirollefort.com). I’m usually at Cirkulo once a week because it is home for me, and it’s owned by my best friend Malu Gamboa. La Girolle’s chef Ian Padilla is brilliant Movies: Himala, Oro Plata Mata, Seven, and Sound of Music Philippine stage plays: Care Divas, Insiang and Himala. I like stage plays. In a year I watch more than 40 plays, both local and international. I try to fill my weekends with plays Clothing brands: Bench (www.bench. com.ph), Uniqlo (www.uniqlo.com/ph), American Eagle Outfitters (www.facebook. com/AmericanEaglePhilippines), Gap (www. international.gapinc.com/gap/ph/en/home), and Rajo (www.rajolaurel.com). Shoe brands: New Balance (www. newbalance.com.ph) and Church (www.

church-footwear.com)

Scents: Rajo Uno and Rajo Dos from Bench (www.bench.com.ph), Jo Malone’s Wild Fig & Cassis (www.jomalone.com), and Acqua di Parma’s Arancia di Capri (www.acquadiparma.

com)

Read: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire, and A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway Bookstore: National Bookstore Artists/bands: Erasure, David Bowie, Axl Rose, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and anything bossa nova. For local, I like Eraserheads, Up Dharma Down, Lani Misalucha, Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo ■

Cover story

UNDERWATER

Gutsy Tuason in Tubbataha, Palawan, ranked by CNN as one of the top 8 dive sites in the world

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RUSH Diving

Tubbataha

Anil ao

S tory and photos by G utsy T uason

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Cover story

ention Anilao to the diving community in the Philippines, and they’ll talk “macro” or muck diving, critter diving, rubble diving or whatever else you call hunting for sea creatures, sometimes as small as a pin, cleverly camouflaged or hiding in crevices. And when Tubbataha comes up — aside from the recent grounding of a US coast guard cutter and illegal Chinese fishing vessel — the talk turns to the giants of the ocean. Both topics have been beaten to the ground more times than a protester in Syria. The fact of the matter is both spots have a wealth of visual stock, from the large to the minute, to fill any photographer’s frame. All you have to do is to throw away the preconceptions and see Anilao and Tubbataha in a whole new light. 2 0 | i n f l i g h t. p h | j u n e - j u ly 2 013

Cover story

Anilao Wonderland. Clockwise from bottom left, this spread: Soft coral tree at Twin Rocks; white-mouth moray eel and goatfish at Beatriz; soft coral, sponge and wrasse at Cathedral Rock; basket sponge and jacks at Twin Rocks; and clownfish, also at Twin Rocks

Wide-eyed

Anilao

Anilao has some of the best coral varieties on the planet. Spots like Beatriz, Bahura and Twin Rocks offer endless attractions. Giant barrel sponges, Gorgonian sea fans and huge soft coral trees are abundant. At Twin Rocks the school of trevallies never disappoints, and they greet every diver like clockwork. Giant angler fish are residents at Kirby’s Rock — just pick out a color you like, from pale pink to neon yellow, and they are all there, waiting to be found if you look hard and dive slow. At the deeper end of Twin Rocks, there is what looks like a soft coral plantation that stretches on for a hundred meters, some as tall a meter in height.

Beatriz must be “ground zero” for anthias or fairy basslets; they swarm the reef literally by the millions, creating a pink reddish haze when seen from afar. Slap on a fisheye lens and you would have to be the Mr. Bean of underwater photography not to get a few amazing coral and anthias seascapes. Lionfish hunt by the giant barrel sponges, while an assortment of moray eels swim freely amongst the coral. Anilao has a healthy population of giant anemones with all kinds of clownfish found at every dive site. So grab a wide-angle kit and explore the possibilities (though you might end up seeing a pair of pygmy squid mating and wish you had a macro lens).

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Cover story

Lionfish and a swarm of fairy basslets at Beatriz, Anilao

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Beatriz, fairy basslets swarm the reef literally by the millions, creating a pink reddish hazeâ&#x20AC;?

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Cover story

Tubbataha, known for its sea giants, is also home to an amazing underwater terrain and macro life

Little creatures in the Sulu Sea Tubbataha Reef is the premier big-animal dive destination of the Philippines, but it is also in this vast open blue wilderness where the details lie. I once took a 105mm macro lens on a midday dive (thinking as it was noon, the reef activity would be minimal) and low and behold a whale shark came swimming out of the shallow reef like a white tip reef shark (what can you do, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolution baby). In the shallows, look for cool blennies that live in the hard coral and tiny crustaceans in the sandy areas. Another neat thing is to look at small animals on big things. A funky remora on a sea turtle or a cleaner wrasse inside the mouth of a white tip shark. One of my favorite things to do is to shoot fish portraits, and since the water is so clear, you can get some decent images with a 105mm, or if patient enough, with a 60mm. But the crown jewel for me in Tubbataha are the night dives. Most divers, by the end of the day, are knackered after a schedule of four dives a day, but find the inner soldier in you and push for a fifth. The night dives, if done right, are spectacular. Tubbatahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lagoon is a nursery for juvenile fish, which disperse at night along the many currents running through the reef. The accompanying photos are just a few samples of the different juvies found in the water column, between 20 meters to the surface, free swimming, and not on the reef itself. It takes a strong touch and a keen eye to spot these miniscule beauties and a bit of skill to catch on camera. The next time you find yourself in Tubbataha, I dare you, no, I double dare you to put on a macro lens. Then you will probably see a tiger shark feeding on a manta ray and wish you had that fisheye lens and at the same time wish you had never read this article. â&#x2013;

ne x t page

essentials

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UNDERWATER NEONS Gutsyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night dives in Tubbataha produced this black backdrop and amazing colors. Bottom right, portrait of fairy basslets; above it, a salp; and opposite it, a nurse shark eye. Can you identify the rest? Tweet us at www.twitter. com/Inflight_travel

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Cover story

Essentials Where to stay in Anilao • Bambu Villa Resort (www.bambuvillaresort. com) is Gutsy Tuason’s favorite place to stay in Anilao. It has a nice swimming pool, and a good dive shop, where you can hire dive guides and rent out outrigger boats. The food is good; there’s a big garden, spacious parking, and WiFi in the dining area. The resort has 15 aircon rooms, with hot and cold running water in the bathroom, and a DVD player and cable TV in some rooms. • Acacia Resort and Dive Center (www. acaciadive.com) is another of Gutsy’s recommended resort. It is popular with local celebrities such as Richard Gutierrez, Billy Crawford, Lucky Manzano and Jennelyn Mercado. The resort is smaller compared to Bambu Villa Resort but they also have good food, nicely designed rooms, a swimming pool, and a good dive center that caters to the needs of underwater photographers.

map illustration by mark david a . see

• Balai Sa Anilao (www.balai-resort. com/2012/2012anilao.php) and Planet Dive (www.planetdive.com.ph) are less exclusive but are very economical, have basic but clean rooms, and are very close to Twin Rocks, one of Gutsy’s favorite dive sites in Anilao. Where and when to book Tubbataha dives Currently there are four boats that operate Tubbataha liveaboards. • For high-end liveaboard, Gutsy recommends Philippine Siren (www.sirenfleet.com/diving/ philippine.html), which usually operates longer trips than other liveaboards (minimum 10 days), with a non-fixed departure point — sometimes from Cebu, sometimes from Palawan. And it’s best to book way ahead as they’re usually fully booked. Rates start at about 2,000 Euros (about US $2,600), including meals, guides, equipment, beer and some wine that go with the gourmet meals.

• Palau Sport and Vasco (www.dive-vasco. com) are cheaper liveaboard options, with a package cost of about P65,000 for a seven-day dive trip to Tubbataha from Puerto Princesa Palawan, the jump off point. The best time to dive in Anilao and Tubbataha • Anilao diving is all year round except when it’s raining and there’s a storm brewing as the waters may be rough and chances are you won’t be able to see a lot of good dive sites. The best time to dive in Tubbataha is late March to mid-June. • To learn to dive, call dive shop Squire’s Bingham at +632/ 856 3322. Gutsy recommends taking lessons from Joel Uichico. Squires Bingham also offers lessons in underwater photography (www.squiresbingham. ph). ■

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10 i n s i d e r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s

g u i d e

1 0 of t he Be s t

Manila Rainy Season Breaks The clouds may be gathering, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still plenty of action and relaxation in and around the city Reporting by

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Hyve

nightlife

The King and Queen of Clubs If you’re talking about serious nightclubbing these days, two areas of Manila come to mind — Fort Bonifacio Global City, which is a short cab ride to the east of Makati, and Resorts World Manila complex in Pasay. Both are home to clubs and lounge bars such as Opus, Republiq, URBN and SKYE. Opus (www.opusmanila.com) has been popular for some time and remains so — it’s an opulent superclub-cum-loungerestaurant with entertainment that ranges from mash-ups on Saturday nights to Retro Love nights. Beside Opus is megaclub Republiq (www. republiqclub.com), a sister establishment where Saturday nights offer unadulterated House music with special guests. Prive Luxury Club (www.

H yve photo by M ark A lvarez

priveluxuryclub.com) at Fort Bonifacio is one of the newest luxury clubs to open in Manila and claims to be the country’s first boutique night club. It is operated by people who have revolutionized the city’s nightlife, led by Erik Cua. Prive is all very swanky, with industrial steely-grey and rust-brown décor, velvet seating, candlelit cocktail tables and a central, sunken area for dancing. Guest DJs are common at Prive, with music mostly House and Electro. Theme nights include Wonderland, Incognito and Stiletto, when ladies in heels are free before midnight. Every Tuesday is Weekday Warrior night when there is no door charge. The new kid on the clubbing block — due to open in

Prive Luxury Club

May — is the 1,500 capacity Hyve (www.facebook.com/ HyveManila), which is on the top floor of the W Global Center in Fort Bonifacio and has an interactive LED ceiling that dances with the crowd. Hyve’s Zid Santos says “Hyve is for those who want upbeat music and a party atmosphere, but would still like to be able

to hold conversations and relax.” Hyve serves a lot of Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot and Moet, but is also lining up some signature cocktails. Guest DJs include Dimsum from Hong Kong and Geri Sia from Malaysia, giving Hyve an authentic pan-Asian feel. EDM (electronic dance music) to the uninitiated predominates.

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Nurture Spa Village

Chi Spa at EDSA Shangri-La Manila

2 spa

The Ultimate in R&R You’re never too far from a health club or spa in Manila and the affordable rates for a variety of treatment make a day or two’s pampering a good option. Or take a drive to the countryside — the area around Tagaytay, a couple of hours south of Manila by road — which also has good spas and wellness centers. Le Spa (www.sofitelmanila.com) at Sofitel is open until midnight. It recently launched its Scrunch Package which gives you two choices — a lunch buffet at Spiral with an hour’s massage and ultra-liposuction, or a dinner buffet at Spiral with an hour’s massage and a resolit facial. Le Spa has private rooms and couples’ rooms. Packages range from P4,000 to P4,500 per person. Traditional one hour massages 3 0 | i n f l i g h t. p h | j u n e - j u ly 2 013

are P3,000. The Quan Spa

Chi Spa at EDSA ShangriLa Manila (www.shangri-la. com/manila/edsashangrila) is part of the luxury hotel, but has its own reception area, entrance and driveway. There are outdoor bathing facilities, relaxation lounges, a library, and a yoga studio with classes. Chi offers treatments based on Chinese and native Philippine healing concepts, including the traditional “hilot” massage. An “aroma wellness massage” (1.5 hours) costs P5,400. The Quan Spa (www.quanspa. com) at Marriott Manila offers massages, scrubs, baths and body wraps. The Escape Packages cost P4,900 to P5,900 for a 30-minute bath, one hour massage and one hour facial or 45-minute body

scrub. The traditional Filipino “hilot” massage uses virgin coconut oil and banana leaf — great for relieving stress and smells good. The spa’s general philosophy is “health through water,” so treat yourself to a session in the bathing suite where you can relax in a personal whirlpool with LCD TV and mini-bar.

Right in the heart of Makati, the Manila Peninsula Spa (www. peninsula.com/Manila) has a full range of massage services (Swedish, shiatsu) and full body aromatherapy using warm oils. Finish your treatment with a cocktail in the garden terrace and a swim in the outdoor pool. The Peninsula Manila signature massage (P3,800 per person) is a 90-minute relaxation designed to awaken the senses using Simply Peninsula oils, Thai stretching and Hawaiian massage. At the venerable Manila Hotel (www.manila-hotel.com.ph) at the northern end of Manila Bay the newly renovated spa has been beautifully decked out in relaxing neutrals and offers various massages as well as access to the hotel’s heath club (including dry sauna,

insider’s guide

One stop entertainment hub Resorts World Manila

3 hotel

steam room and Jacuzzi) and swimming pool. A two-hour drive south of Manila is the pretty Nurture Spa Village (www.nurture. com.ph) in Tagaytay, which offers everything from a comprehensive physical evaluation to weight loss sessions, “stress busters” and Tai Chi Qigong breathing exercises. Promotions include an overnight stay with breakfast, full body massage and facial for two people at P5,000 to P7,000. There’s good Filipino food, a choice of rooms, including pretty Ifugao style huts, and “glamping” — glamorous camping — in five comfy tents with shared facilities. They can even lay on a car or van service from Manila.

Resorts World Manila (RWM) (www.rwmanila.com), the first integrated resort to launch in the Philippines about four years ago, has all kinds of entertainment available within one complex. Built in the New Port City in Pasay, close to the Manila International Airport, it’s got hotels from upmarket to budget, an impressive casino, restaurants from exclusive and high end to budget friendly, posh clubs, shops including a Duty Free Shop, and theatres.

Maxims Hotel

Book a suite at Maxims Hotel, the most luxurious of the three hotels in Resorts World. A total of five hotels are planned in 2016. Each suite at Maxims is lavishly furnished, has a jacuzzi with a view of either the pool or the airport, offers complimentary make

over at the Maxim’s branch of Jing Monis’ salon and massage at M Spa, and comes with a dedicated butler. All suites have a door that links up to the room next door, useful for big groups; an iPod docking station; a computer TV with free internet access and some 20 movie selections installed; and a well-appointed spacious toilet and bath. If you’re a group with money to spare, book the Royal Villa (P126,800++ per night), a detached two bedroom villa with its own kitchen and massage room, two bedrooms, a massive sala that opens up to a private swimming pool, and two toilet and baths supplied with Bulgari toiletries. A butler is at your beck and call, whether you’d like help throwing a party or getting your hair done. Otherwise, the Signature Suite (P20,800++ per night) is also well-appointed, comfortable, spacious, with a sala that opens up to a jacuzzi, and a bedroom. RWM will open the Musikat Jam in June this year, a series of concerts featuring various artists. Broadway on June 1 will have theatre icons Audie Gemora, Pinky Marquez, and Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo performing. The jazz night will

have artists like Bituin Escalante performing; June 5’s classical concert will see world class leads perform together with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Gerard Salonga; Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha performs on June 6; Bamboo will be the front act for RWM’s “Rock with Bamboo” on June 7; and on June 8, Eric Moo will open his concert series in Manila entitled “Come Back To You.” Must see also this year is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which local singer Karylle will star in and launch in October. Shopping? RWM has Bulgari, Pandora, Travel Club, Jewelmer, among a host of luxury brands.

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insider’s guide

A Tour of “The Rock”

Kayaking in Corregidor

adventure Corregidor Island in Bataan, the island fortress that protected Manila Bay during World War II, is a great city break for history buffs and leisure tourists. It’s a one-hour-and-30-minute ferry ride from the CCP Complex in Pasay City. Known as The Rock, Corregidor was where Filipino and American soldiers fought and bravely held out against the Japanese 27 days after the Fall of Bataan. There’s lots to see, from the mile-long barracks, the Pacific War Memorial, Spanish lighthouse, and Malinta tunnel. There’s Corregidor Inn (www. corregidorphilippines.com/corr_inn.html) for an overnight stay. For tours, you can rent an ATV or bike your way, trek through woodland trails, explore by kayak, or join a curated walking tour by Ivan Man Dy. Sun Cruises offers Corregidor Adventure Race, which can be organized for groups. Racing teams will be lead from one point to the next using clues and tasks prepared by Sun Cruises’ staff. Sun Cruises (www. corregidorphilippines.com) operates daily ferry trips to Corregidor Island. During the rainy season, they cut down trip to three-four times a week.

diving

Skunk anemonefish at Cathedral Rock, Anilao

Wet, Wet, Wet Just a few hours’ drive south of Manila is Anilao, Batangas, a favorite scuba diving spot. It’s home to some magnificent marine life (sea turtles, big jacks) and the weather doesn’t have any significant impact on enjoyment because you’ll be getting wet anyway. Anilao has more than 60 dive sites from Janao Bay to

Maricaban Island. Professional underwater photographer Gutsy Tuason says Secret Bay and Twin Rocks are both great for coral and marine life, while Kerbis is a great spot to find frog fish, and Mainit Point is good for the “big stuff.” Bambu Villa Resort (www. bambuvillaresort.com) is a laidback little resort at Bagalangit,

underwater photos by gutsy tuason

Intramuros

Culture

Ristorante Delle Mitre

Manila’s famed walled city Intramuros remains unbeatable a place for escaping time and urbanity without really leaving it. It may be a cliché but here you can hire a horse drawn, coach chauffeured carriage that can tour you around. Worth revisiting, or visiting if it’s your first time, are the centuries-old churches like the San Agustin Church and Museum, and the Manila Cathedral, the highest seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Philippines. Have a picnic at the gardens of Puerta Real, or for an interesting dining experience, go to Ristorante Delle Mitre (+632/ 559 5220) located in front of San Agustin Church. It’s a quaint cafe from the outside but inside, its character is noteworthy — wood carved beams, wooden cherub carvings on the stairs’ balusters, an altar with a life-size statue of a bishop, and a menu that’s inspired by the favorite dishes of bishops, cardinals and priests. The bestsellers are crispy pata (crisp-fried pork thigh) and ox tail kare-kare or ox tail in peanut sauce, both are favorite of His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal; lengua and paella. The bestseller for dessert, the homemade silvanas, is after Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle’s choice for dessert. To cap off your experience, take home some souvenirs available at Casa Blanca. If you want more than a day tour, book at The Bayleaf hotel (www.thebayleaf.com.ph), the only hotel that’s right in the middle of the historic Walled City offering a fantastic view of the city, the heritage sights, and the worldrenowned Manila Bay sunset. Opened in November 2011, this deluxe hotel has 57 contemporary rooms, all with vibrant look.

Barrel sponge and butterfly fish

Mabini with 13 air-conditioned rooms and access to 20 dive spots. Accommodation is minimalist but chic, with verandas. There’s a pleasant restaurant, a large infinity pool and a good dive shop. One of the most popular dive sites nearby is the Cathedral, which goes to a maximum depth of about 30m and has a roofless cavern.

Other recommended resorts in the same area include the modern and stylish Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort (+63917/ 814 3800) at Sitio Looc and Planet Dive Resort (www.planetdive.com. ph) at San Teodoro. Both offer PADI scuba courses and dive packages.

calesa ride photo by hermes singson

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Dutch Bread Hauz Atelier 317

Bespoke salmon sandwich at Dutch Bread Hauz

Insular Bakery

Pinoy Village Life

Local life

For a taste of local Filipino life, visit Poblacion, a charming residential area in Makati, close to the popular Rockwell Power Plant Mall. Poblacionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Insular Bakery, along DM Rivera Street, sells freshly baked bread, including local favorites pinaputok bread (a sweet bread with sugar sprinkles), kababayan cupcakes, banana bread, and hopia (mooncake). Stop by Saints Peter and Paul Parish, a church built by the

I nsular B akeshop, church , D utch B read H auz ,

insider’s guide

Power Up at R.O.X.

Saints Peter and Paul Parish

adventure

Just Hanging Around House of Laurel

Jesuits in 1620. Dutch Bread Hauz (www.dutchbreadhauz. ph) on General Luna corner Matilde Street, sells premium European bread baked daily on site. Their sandwiches are good, which they make using fresh ingredients and your bread of choice. They also accept orders for bespoke cake. Book an appointment with the marketing head Jorg Van Der Plaat to discuss your needs. Delivery within Makati is free for a minimum purchase

of P500. Poblacion is also the new location of Atelier 317 (www.epicurusinc.ph/atelier-317. aspx), chef Stephanie Zubiri’s quaint restaurant serving Filipino dishes and fusion cuisine, and House of Laurel, the shop of Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel (www. rajolaurel.com), which now retails ready-made clothes and eco-ethical accessories by Rags2riches (www.rags2riches. ph).

A telier 3 1 7 and P ower U p photos by hermes singson

What with the heat and a lack of major open spaces, one of the most enjoyable ways of keeping fit in the city is indoor wall climbing. It’s popular among serious trekkers and climbers, and also as a fun (and less monotonous) alternative to the gym. Power Up: Center for Climbing and Fitness (www.facebook. com/pages/Power-UpClimbing/352641928079307) is the first indoor wall climbing site in the country, established in 1994 by University of the Philippines Mountaineers member Joey Cuerdo. Power Up has three branches. Its main branch is in Tandang Sora in Quezon City (206 Road 1, Commonwealth), open from 2pm-10pm and offers Ladies’ night every Tuesday for P180 and

Men’s night every Thursday for P200 (regular adult price P230). The other two branches are at Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X) at Bonifacio High Street and Centro Atletico in Cubao. All three branches cater to both children and adults, and have professional coaches trained by Sport Climbing Association of the Philippines. Hanging out at BaseKamp (www.facebook.com/ basekampofficial) is convenient and affordable. You’ll find it on the fifth floor of Market Market Mall in Bonifacio Global City, close to Makati. Its indoor wall is more than 10 meters high with six lines. All instructors are qualified and it’s not expensive — you can do a single climb for P50 or book unlimited climbs for P300 (including a belayer). Shoes rental is P50.

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Solaire Resort and Casino

entertainment

Try Some High Rolling

Solaire casinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VIP reception

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At Solaire Resort and Casino (www.solaireresort. com) in Manila Bay area, you can spend the weekend in a Bayside Villa (24-hour butler and chef service included) and pit yourself against the high rollers at tables and slot machines in the Solaire Club. There are two floors of gaming. The ground floor is modern, while the second floor is more Asian and where the VIP rooms â&#x20AC;&#x201D; catering to big spenders who are mostly from Hong Kong, China and Macau â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are located. There are more than 100 gaming tables (from baccarat and roulette to black jack and poker), 1,200 slot machines, and private high-stakes gaming

rooms. You might want to warn your bank manager. There are even private rooms where all betting is in Hong Kong dollars. Ladies in red Rajo Laurel designed cheongsams walk the main floor with cocktails and refreshments. Solaire is the first hotel to open in the Entertainment City Manila complex, a Las Vegas-style casino development being built on land reclaimed from the sea and designed to give Macau some competition. The hotel has a number of bars and restaurants. The funky Eclipse bar is a Latin-themed venue with live entertainment. A mall is due to be completed before the end of the year.

insider’s guide

Arts for Art’s Sake The National Museum of the Philippines (www. nationalmuseum.gov.ph), established in 1901, is a timeless repository of all things significant in Philippine art and culture and should be your first stop for culture and history. There are ancient death masks, the remains of prehistoric boats, Sama grave markers and a vast collection of animal specimens from all over the archipelago. And that’s just scratching the surface. This is also the home of masterpieces by National Artists such as Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos Francisco, and Vicente Manansala, and the sculptures of Guillermo Tolentino and Napoleon Abueva. Pride of place goes to Juan Luna’s magnificent (and magnificently large) Spolarium, a Latin word referring to the basement of the Roman Coliseum where fallen and dying gladiators were dumped, devoid of their worldly possessions. The museum is next to Rizal Park, near Intramuros. Its main building, designed in 1918 by American architect Daniel Burnham, used to house the Congress of the Philippines. An adjacent building in Agrifina Circle houses the museum’s anthropology and archaeology divisions and is known as the Museum of the Filipino People. Pasong Tamo, an otherwise nondescript and traffic-heavy road on the western edge of Makati, has established itself as a “gallery row” where big-time galleries sit side-byside with smaller and more affordable outlets. If you’re hunting for art, three of the best and most well-known Pasong Tamo galleries are Silverlens (www.silverlensgalleries.com), Manila Contemporary (www.manilacontemporary.com) and Finale Art File (www. finaleartfile.com). Silverlens specialises in photography but has expanded to accommodate other contemporary art. Manila Contemporary tends to feature modern work and has 12 exhibitions a year featuring

The National Museum of the Philippines

10 arts

artists from the Philippines and Southeast Asia, while Finale Art File concentrates on up-and-coming artists. It also has occasional auctions and organizes talks and forums. The Filipinas Heritage Library (www.filipinaslibrary. org.ph) has opened at its new location on the sixth floor of the Ayala Museum (www. ayalamuseum.org) in Makati

N ational M useum photo by E rwin S ebastian

Silverlens

Avenue, Makati. It’s a major leap for the library because alongside the move, its collections have been digitized — including more than 35,000 images of Philippine culture from the 15th to the 21st century and the first known recording of the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, which you can hear with the library’s audio station. Around 2,000 rare books are

being made accessible online, saving the originals from wear and tear. And of course the museum itself is also worth a few hours, with its excellent historical, archaeological and fine arts collections. The dioramas that chart Philippine history from 50,000 BC are terrific. Don’t miss ‘Gold of Ancestors’ on the fourth floor, a stunning collection of precolonial Philippine treasures. ■

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Promotions inflight

Last Call for Manila Pavilion’s Promos It’s the last call for Manila Pavilion’s three ongoing promos, which will end in June 2013: the Bed and Breakfast promo (P2,400 for two) inclusive of overnight stay and breakfast in bed; the Suite Grandeur Package (starts at P9,500) inclusive of breakfast buffet at the Ambassador Lounge, complimentary cocktails, shoe shine service, in-room dinner for two, and a night at either the Ambassador Room, Ambassador Suite or Executive Suite; and the Pavilion Treats (starts at P3,000) inclusive of overnight stay at the Superior Room with buffet breakfast for two at Season’s Café and a set of minibar and special souvenir shirt from the hotel. This year, Manila Pavilion Hotel refreshed its look by redecorating its rooms and upgrading its technological features. Manila Pavilion Hotel is operated by Waterfront Philippines, a Filipino-owned hotel chain. ■ Visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph/waterfront/ manila-pavilion-hotel-casinoor call +632/ 526 1212 for reservations and inquiries.

Presidential Task Force Implements 25 Plus 5 Meter Easement Regulation In Boracay Island The Presidential Task Force composed of the Department of Tourism, Department of Justice, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, and Department of Interior and Local Government, in cooperation with the local government of Malay and the Department of Public Works and Highways recently asked Boracay beachfront establishments to remove structures violating the 25-meter easement from the shoreline. DOT-accredited business establishments in Boracay acted by cleaning their respective beachfront areas in support of the 25 plus five meter easement regulation in the island. Establishments that will not comply with the regulation will be forced to demolish. ■ Visit www.tourism.gov.ph

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Wttc Hails El Nido Resorts as Global Trailblazer In Sustainable Tourism El Nido Resorts bagged the 2013 World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism for Tomorrow Awards under the Community Benefit Award category last April 9 at Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi. The resort is one of the four winners chosen from 113 applications from 46 countries. El Nido Resorts, owned by Ten Knots Development Corporation, and composed of four luxury resorts, was cited for “demonstrating the power of tourism to address poverty alleviation, improve local livelihood and protect the cultural and natural heritage for future generations.” The award highlights the efforts of travel and tourism businesses around the world in balancing commitments to profitability, environmental practices and benefits of local communities that host them. ■ Visit www.elnidoresorts.com.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino Plans to Facelift Guestrooms and Add More Duty Free Shops Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino plans to refurbish some of its key areas in the coming years, including a facelift of its banquet kitchen and guestrooms that will boast of new furniture, carpets and restrooms. Another grand renovation plan is to expand to accommodate more Duty Free commercial shops in the hotel. The plan is to set the shopping arcade at the hotel’s lower lobby and convention rooms. In May last year, the hotel launched its new lobby, a multi-million peso refurbishment that now gives guests a better check-in experience. Waterfront Hotels and Casinos brand is the largest Filipino-owned hotel chain in the country. ■ Visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

City Guides bacolod // Batanes // bor ac ay // Cebu // Clark // davao // el nido // iloilo // puerto princesa // tacloban // Bangkok // Hong kong // Singapore

Updated Every Issue

p40 Destination guides

p50 Airline guides

Naidi Hills, Batanes

batanes photo by jocas a . see map illustrations by marlon see

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InFlight City Guides

Bacolod jeepneys routes: Banago-Libertad, MandalaganLibertad, Bata-Libertad, Shopping-Libertad routes.

BACOLOD CITY

Where to eat

• Mu Shu Asian Restaurant and Lounge is an

Asian restaurant by day cum party venue at night. Their best sellers include beef kebab, java spare ribs, lemongrass prawns and grilled salmon belly. Located at 20 Lacson Street. Tel: +6334/ 435 0972 • Bascon Café. Quiet, elegant and serves moderately priced but delicious food. Traditional fares like callos, lengua estofado, make up the menu. Tel: +6334/ 433 2011

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Country code: +63 Area code: 34 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • Car Hire: Nyala Tours provide chauffeur driven sedans for P1,800, and SUVs and vans for P2,000, both for the first 10 hours. Tel: +6334/ 441 2202 • Taxi: Air-conditioned taxis can be found outside the aiport. • Jeepney: Jeepneys are common modes of transport within the city. There are four major

• Art District is one of Bacolod's nightlife spots and has got various bars to choose from. Try dining at Ju Ja and Cafe Joint. Located at Lopues Mandalagan

Where to stay

• L’Fisher Hotel is a landmark in Bacolod,

operating for more than 22 years. After undergoing renovations in 2009, the interiors of the hotel showcase Negrense ingenuity with the use of locally produced furniture and fixtures. Tel: +6334/ 433 3731-39 • O Hotel has 53 fully-air-conditioned rooms and suites, all cozy and fully equipped. Tel: +6334/ 433 7401-04

• Check Inn Hotel Bacolod is located in the heart

of Bacolod City, behind the old Bacolod City Hall. It has 92 fully air-conditioned rooms with hot and cold shower, with a 24-hour stand by power generator. Rates range from P650 to P1,750. Majority of the guests prefer the rooftop rooms because of the scenic garden in the center of the area. Tel: +6334/ 432 3755 Things to do

• Visit Balay Negrense in Silay, a house

showcasing the 19th century home of a sugar baron. Tel: +6334/ 714 7676 • Visit The Ruins and see how the rich sugar haciendero Don Mariano Lacson and his wife Maria Braga lived. A walk into the mansion will show the intricate designs that tell their love story and family's lifestyle back then. Tel: +6334/ 476 4334 • Enjoy Mambukal Mountain Resorts offers boating, climbing of the seven waterfalls, and swimming in the cool natural pool or sulfuric hot spring. Tel: +6334/ 433 8516

photo by oggie ramos

Batanes Owners and Drivers Association (BATODA) at +63929/ 703 8404. Rate within Basco proper is at P30. itbayat island

batan island

sabtang island

Country code: +63 Area code: 78 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • Car Hire: For car and van rentals, contact Ivatanya c/o Batanes Cultural Travel Agency (BCTA). The hire costs P2,500 for eight hours. For more information, call BCTA at +632 635 4810 or email sales@batanestravel.com. • Tricycle: Tricycles can be found along Lizardo Street, Barangay Kayhuvukan in Basco. You can also call the 24-hour service of Basco Tricycle 4 0 | i n f l i g h t. p h | j u n e - j u ly 2 013

Where to eat • Hiro’s Café is a restaurant serving local staple food like beef stew, fish lumpia, and sandwiches. Located at National Road, Brgy. Kayvaluganan, Batanes • Honesty Coffee Shop is an unmanned storecafé operating on honesty-basis. You can grab coffee, cola, fried bananas, biscuits or anything you’d like from the store, and jot down your order on a notebook next to the box where you are to leave your payment. Radiwan, Ivana, Batanes • Bunker Café is steps away from the famous Basco Lighthouse. It opens at night for dinner and serves Ivatan dishes like uved balls, lunis and native fern salad. Tel: +63999/ 727 4789 Where to stay

• Batanes Resort is nestled atop a hill, facing the

South China Sea. A typical cottage here has two rooms with ensuite bathroom, airconditioning, and hot water. Rates are about P1,800 (no meals) a night. Mobile: +63999/ 990 7554 • Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant. This 15-room lodge is popular for celebrities. There is

The cliffs of Viang, just 20 minutes from the airport

TV, free WiFi, aircon, and hot shower. Rates start from P1,600 per person. Mobile: +63921/ 229 0120 or +63999/ 994 2313 • Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is a boutique hotel perched on top of a hill and has had good reviews. Rates start at P7,020 for two, inclusive of breakfast and transfers (low season). (www.fundacionpacita.ph). Mobile: +63938/ 252 0942 • For more on places to stay in Batanes, visit www. inflight.ph

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InFlight City Guides

Boracay Road with alleys leading to White Beach. Tricycle fare starts from P10. Chartered rates for tricycles range between P100 (from Cagban to Station 3) to P200 (from Cagban to Yapak). Tricycles also offer island tours for up to a group of four for P300 per hour. For more information, call the Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) at +6336/ 288 3271.

From the airport • You can fly to Boracay via Caticlan Airport and Kalibo Airport. From Caticlan, a shuttle bus takes you to the jetty port where you ride a boat to take you to Boracay Island in five to 10 minutes. From Kalibo, it’s another two-hour land travel to Caticlan jetty port on air-conditioned shuttle bus or coasters. • Tricycles: Tricycles can drop you off on Main

Where to stay

• Boracay Regency Beach Resort is a

Mediterranean-style, 285-room property with excellent facilities and amenities. Tel: +6336/ 288 6111 to 17TARLAC • Punta Rosa Resort is a resort in a secluded Where to eat area in Station 1, with 12 types of accommodation, each with its own, en suite bathroom with rain • For a list of the best Boracay restaurants, read shower, and fixtures made of native materials, ideal our InFlight Guide to Boracay at www.inflight.ph Clark for couples. Tel: +6336/ 288 6740 • Real Coffee is a good place for breakfast and a nice cup of coffee. Try their freshly baked • Discovery Shores Boracay has 87 spacious brownies, banana walnut and calamansi muffins, guestrooms all exuding luxury, combining and oatmeal cookies. Tel: +6336/ 288 5340 traditional fabrics and furniture with modern amenities. It has a restaurant, bar, function rooms • If you’re into Moroccan cuisine, try Kasbah’s PAMPANGA and spa. Tel: +6336/ 288 4500 lamb tajine, a stew slow cooked in the traditional tajine, a glazed terra cotta casserole with a Nightlife funneled lid. Tel: +6336/ 288 4790 • Epic for celebrity spotting and some of the best • Aria is best known for authentic Italian cuisine. parties on the island. Visit www.epicboracay.com It’s a good place for pasta, salad and pizzas cooked from wood-fired oven. Tel: +6336/ 288 • The Sand Bar for watching fire dancers and 5573 enjoying a drink by the beach. Tel: +6336/ 288 BATAAN 3161. Visit www.thesandbarboracay.com • Zuzuni serves delectable Greek cuisine. Try their BULACAN moussaka or baked layers of eggplant with ground beef and béchamel sauce, souvlaki or skewered

Cebu

Golden Cowrie

Where to eat • Anzani is highly-rated restaurant that served affordables Mediterranean and Italian food. Tel: +6332/ 232 7375 • CNT Lechon serves the best lechon or roast pig in Cebu City. Tel: +6332/ 254 4249 • Golden Cowrie for Filipino food and Cebuano dishes. Tel: +6332/ 238 1206

bantayan island

cebu island

mactan island

Country code: +63 Area code: 32 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport

• Car Hire: Call any of Cebu Trip Rent-a-Car's

SINGAPORE

HONG KONG

Where to stay

• Cebu City Marriott Hotel features 301 rooms

and 19 suites equipped with aircon, cable TV, mini bar, high-speed internet access, and with luxurious beddings. Tel: +6332/ 411 5800 URL: www.marriottcebu.com • Marco Polo Plaza Cebu mixes Western comforts and Asian hospitality, comprised of 329 guest rooms (some with a view of the mountain or sea) and suites. Tel: +6332/ 253 1111 URL: www.marcopoloplazacebu.com • Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino has 561 rooms with a 24-hour casino floor.   Tel: +6332/ 232 6888 URL: www.waterfronthotels.com.ph

24-hour numbers +6332/ 262 4697 or +63917/ 320 5688. • Taxi: Metered taxis are lined up outside the MALAYSIA Nightlife arrivals' terminal. Fares down town to the city proper are about P150. • Marshall Irish Pub Bar and Restaurant serves

4 2 | i n f l i g h t. p h | j u n e - j u ly 2 013

CHINA

burgers and sandwiches as well as Filipino dishes like caldereta and afritada. Also try its signature drinks greenttini, Irish Eyes and Leprechaun. Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 3am. URL: www.marshallsirishpub.com/; Tel: +6332/ 412 6418 • MO2 Restobar is a disco bar with KTV rooms that opened in 2010. Rental of KTV rooms start at P1,200. The menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to Chinese noodles and pizzas. URL: www.facebook.com/pages/MO2-RestobarCebu-Mandaue-City/118873351509749; Tel: +63917/ 320 6262

photo by jocas a . see

Country code: +63 Area code: 36 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

meat, garides saganaki pasta and the Mati chocolate sin for dessert. Tel: +6336/ 288 4477

photo by erick liongoren

Clark Where to eat • Pampanga's capital, San Fernando, just 20 minutes from Clark, is home to Everybody's Cafe serving local dishes. • Angeles City is the birthplace of sisig (chopped grilled pork cheeks) and make sure you taste the original at Aling Lucing's. Call +6345/ 888 2317

clark

Where to stay

• Mimosa Resort. Situated in a 250-hectare

pampanga

Country code: +63 Area code: 45 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • Car Hire: VIP Rent A Car has daily rates from P800. Call +6345/ 892 6216 or +63918/ 906 7265. • Taxi: Taxi stands are located in the arrival halls of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and the fare is metered. • Jeep: Public jeepneys areCHINA available outside the airport. Rates start at P8.

Davao

landscaped property, Mimosa offers both standard hotel rooms and villas. Rates start at P6,600 per night. Tel.: +6345/ 599 7000 • Wild Orchid Resort A property nestled along A. Santos, Angeles with 135 clean, fully-equipped airconditioned rooms, and in-house dining that serves good Filipino dishes. Rates start at P3,900 per night. Tel: +6345/ 892 0134 • Holiday Inn Clark. A local favorite, the Holiday Inn has air-conditioned rooms and WiFi. Private garden villas are also available for families and groups. Tel: +6345/ 599 8000 Things to do • One of the activities in Clark is horseback riding at El Kabayo Riding Stables. • For P2,500, tourists can enjoy a dip at the Puning Hot Spring.

Aling Lucing's sisig

• Omni Aviation offers Mount Pinatubo Sky Tours overflying Mt. Pinatubo for P5,500 per

person in a four-seater Cessna 172 aircraft. Tel: +6345/ 892 6664 or 599 5524 • If you're a high-roller or just looking for some fun, the Clark area has several casinos including Casino Filipino Angeles, Casino Filipino Mimosa, Fontana Casino and Hotel Stotsenberg's Casablanca Casino. For more information, call the tourism office at +6345/ 599 3222

HONG KONG davao del norte

cotabato

directly to have a cab driver pick you up. Tel: +6382/ 234 1360

davao city

south cotabato davao del sur

Country code: +63 Area code: 82 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

Where to eat • Jack's Ridge, located just across the Shrine Hills, Matina in a venue that overlooks the city. Tel: 6382/ 297 8830 to 31 • Taklobo Restaurant serves Filipino dishes, while Carlos Café serves French, Italian and Mexican food. • Riverwalk Grill. Located right next to the famous Crocodile Park, Riverwalk Grill is for the adventurous eater, serving crocodile meat, ostrich meat and egg, and pangasius fish. Where to stay

• Mictrotel Inns & Suites Davao has fully fitted

double rooms and suites, all designed to for a comfortable stay. It's right in the Damosa Gateway Complex and IT Park, Davao’s major business and commercial hub, and about a 10 minute ride From the airport away from the airport. Mamay Road, Lanang, • Car Hire: Ecotrans Car Rentals provides point City. Tel: +632/ 899 7171. Visit www. to point and charter service. Car hire are per three MACAUDavao microtelphilippines.com hours, per day, per week or pick-up and drop-off basis. Rates start from P1,150. • Pearl Farm Beach Resort lies in a secluded cove on Samal Island off the coast of Davao City. • Taxi: The simplest way to get around is by It's perfect for a romantic getaway, for diving taxi. Flag down rate is P40. A typical trip can and snorkeling. This 11-hectare resort was once cost about P70-P95. You can call Mabuhay Taxi

a pearl farm, thus the name. Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal. Tel: +6382/ 221 9970 • Eden Nature Park & Resort is a mountain resort surrounded by lush forests and overlooks the city and the gulf. Great for camping, nature hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding. Reservations office is at Matina Town Square McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City. Tel: +6382/ 299 1020 or 296 0791 Things to do • Visit the Davao Crocodile Park, a breeding center for saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. Visit www.psdgroupph.com for schedules of crocodile shows • People's Park along Legazpi Street showcases a mini forest, interactive fountains, ponds and waterfalls, a durian dome, a shady and open plaza, a statue of a gigantic Philippine eagle and a fantasy-themed park with large sculptures made by Mindanaon artist Kublai Millan. • Davao Wildwater Adventure across Davao River. The three-and-a-half-hour wild water rafting starts from Barrio Tamugan in Calinan, and ends at the lowlands. Also try their 310m long zipline suspended 100ft above the ground and set at the hilltop in Brgy. Langub, Ma-a. Tel: +6382/ 221 7823; 221 7749 j u n e - j u ly 2 013 | I n F l i g h t. p h | 4 3

InFlight City Guides

El Nido five hours. Mobile +63917/ 762 2875 • Bus: Two bus companies operate regularly between Puerto Princessa and El Nido, stopping in Roxas and Taytay. Departures are daily at 4am to 10pm except 8pm. Both from El Nido and Puerto Princesa. Travel time is six to eight hours with a fare of P250-P483 per person. Where to eat

• Artcafe for freshly-baked pastries, pizza and

Country code: +63 Area code: 48 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • El Nido Airport serves South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) and Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI). • Van Rental: From Puerto Princesa Airport, van company Fortwally Shuttle Service has daily shuttles to El Nido. Fare is P700 per head. Private tours is P7,000 one way. Travel time takes about

pasta. They are known for their pancakes, fresh muesli and homemade yoghurt. Tel: +63917/ 560 4020. Visit www.elnidoboutiqueandartcafe.com • Vista Beach Resort in Corong-corong is known for their crab cake and phad thai. www.elnidostunningvistas.com • An institution in itself, Balay Tubay on Real Street serves Filipino and European cuisine. Local musicians regularly perform. Where to stay

• For a private, luxurious experience, El Nido Resorts has premiere resorts on Lagen and

Miniloc Islands. Visit www.elnidoresorts.com • Marina Garden Beach Resort at the center of El Nido town offers native-style cottages with basic facilities for budget travelers and concrete country villa rooms with air-con and hot showers.

Visit www.mgelnido.com or call +63917/ 624 7722 or +63908/ 884 3711 Things to do

• Rock climbing & walking. The western side of El Nido town lies in the shadow of an impressive sheer cliff face which is just the visible portion of an even more impressive headland. There are organized walking treks to the top of the headland. • Bacuit Bay has islands with limestone cliffs, ideal for climbing, diving, and swimming. • Explore the island on foot. After a 14 kilometer ride from El Nido Town proper, you can go on a one-hour trek to Nagkalit-kalit Falls in the town of Pasadena. Five kilometers from the waterfalls is the Maquinit Hotspring. Bulalakaw Falls in Pasadeña, 15 kilometers from El Nido town, is about a two hour hike. 22km from El Nido town proper is Ille Cave with its archaeological artifacts dating back 10,000 years. The waterfalls are best visited during the rainy season by tricycle. Fares from P600-P800. For more info on El Nido contact El Nido Tourism Office at +63917/ 788 7024; +63999/ 978 7257 or email elnidotourism@yahoo. com

Iloilo

iloilo city

Country code: +63 Area code: 33 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • Car hire: Bench Transport offers a wide selection of newest models of sedans, AUVs/ SUVs, and vans, with rates starting from P2,200 for two hours, inclusive of driver and fuel. Tel: +6333/ 336 6190 • Taxi: Taxis are found at a terminal outside the airport. Flagdown rate is P40 for the first 500m, 4 4 | i n f l i g h t. p h | j u n e - j u ly 2 013

with P3.50 surcharge thereafter. Where to eat • Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafood is the most popular, and described by Philippines Travel Guide author Jens Peters as the best, native restaurant. Known for its native lechon manok, tourists and locals alike trek to the restaurant just to eat their tasty chicken. Sto. Nino Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City • Breakthrough is a native-style restaurant popular among visitors and locals for its fresh and affordable seafood. Tel: +6333/ 337 3027 • Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy serves diners the original La Paz batchoy. Tel: +6333/ 320 1945 Where to stay

• Eon Centennial Plaza Hotel has 41 rooms that are fully air-conditioned and have private toilet and bath with shower and tub, cable television, and mini-bar. They’re also furnished with a coffee/ tea maker, hair dryer, and local newspaper upon request. Tel:+6333/ 337 2277 • Sarabia Manor Hotel is 30 minutes away from the Iloilo Airport and 15 minutes away from the seaports. It has 180 fully air-conditioned spacious rooms equipped with high-speed internet access, satellite and cable television, a working desk, personal refrigerator and complete bathroom

amenities. Tel: +6333/ 337 8460 • MO2 Westown Hotel offers a range of stylish

designed rooms which are fully equipped with modern facilities and amenities. Each of the 90 rooms has flat panel television, high-speed LAN internet access, electronic safe, fully stocked miniref, down comforters, cotton pillows, and hot and cold showers. Tel: +6333/ 509 0303; 300 1808 Things to do

• Hunt for authentic antiques at the different

antique shops in Iloilo. There are various collections of Philippine colonial sculptures, wood, stone, and ivory saints, Chinese porcelain wares and other artifacts at reasonable prices. • Take home famous delicacies like pinasugbo (banana brittle), barquillos (local wafer), and biscocho (buttered toasted bread) from Jaro district. Try Panaderia de Molo and Biscocho Haus. • Watch women weavers as they make delicate

jusi, piña and hablon fabrics of elegant designs. Buy finished products at Sinamay Dealer near Arevalo Plaza.

Puerto Princesa • Multicabs: Multicabs and tricycles have standard routes. The fare around the city starts at P8 per person.

Where to eat

puerto princesa city

palawan

Country code: +63 Area code: 48 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • Car Hire: Ellen’s Travel and Tours offers van rentals in Puerto Princesa City. A three-hour city tour costs P600 per person, minimum of six. Call +63928/ 500 2126 • Jeep: Available 24 hours and covers most of the city. The usual cost for a jeepney ride is P8 for the first three kilometers.

• Kinabuch’s Bar & Grill serves grilled squid, grilled blue marlin steak, baked mussels, and the local delicacy tamilok, a wood worm. Tel: +6348/ 434 5194 • Scenario Bar is a tiny lounge bar at the ground floor of Asturias Hotel. Try their crocodile burger and kilawin tanigue, fish cooked in spiced vinegar. Open from 7pm to 1am. Located at South National Highway, Tiniguiban. Tel: +6349/ 434 3851 • La Terrasse has a delicatessen offering organic produce, homemade by local entrepreneurs. For sale are crispy duck rolls and adobo overload. Tel: +6348/ 434 1787

Where to stay

• Marina de Bay, located 20 to 30 minutes from

style with local touches. Tel: +6348/ 434 1449 • Balay Inato Pension, a five-year old

guesthouse near the airport with 14 fully airconditioned rooms, equipped with cable TV, intercom, hot and cold shower. Also offers free Wi-Fi. Tel: +6348/ 433 8595 Things to do

• Underground river tour. Book at least two weeks in advance to be assured of a place in the tour. URL: www.puerto-undergroundriver.com • Visit The Gypsy’s Lair. Apart from being home to local artists and musicians, the lively café features an eclectic menu consisting of Filipino, Asian, Spanish and Western cooking. Located at Mercado de San Miguel • Honda Bay island tour. The tour offers white sand and blue seas on any number of small islands in the bay. Average cost P1,300 per person, inclusive of transfers, lunch, and entrance fees to some of the islands. Visit www.puertoprincesa.ph

Puerto Princesa Airport, has 26 air-conditioned villas surrounded by mangroves and landscaped gardens. Each room has a balcony with a view of the Puerto Princesa Bay. Tel: +6348/ 723 1754 • Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa has 94 spacious guest rooms and suites; all are tastefully furnished and decorated in a contemporary Asian

Tacloban tacloban city

use of sedans. Tel: +6353/ 523 0765 for rent inquiries. • Jeepney: Jeepneys can be found outside the arrivals terminal in Tacloban City. Fares start at P8. Where to eat

leyte

Country code: +63 Area code: 53 Currency: Philippine Peso (US $1 = about P43)

From the airport • Car Hire: Duptours Shuttle Service offers vans for rent per day starting at P5,000 (driver and fuel inclusive) within Tacloban for 12 hours for 16 people. Tel: +6353/ 523 8107 • Havens Rent-A-Car has sedans, auv-suv-type vehicles and a Starex van. Rates start from P4,000 inclusive of driver and full tank fuel for a 24-hour

• Ocho Seafood Grill for seafood. Pick your seafood of choice and have it cooked the way you want it done. Its bestsellers are baked scallop, porbidang kangkong, an Ilongo dish cooked in coconut milk, and sarad (a seashell variant cooked in soysauce and vinegar). Tel: +6353/ 3254171, Located at Sen. Enage Street. Visit www.ocho.ph • Sunzibar serves Mexican meals and is famous for their nachos salad and rum ribs. Tel: +6353/ 5234565. Located at Burgos Street • Rafael Farm is a restaurant and a park, about 11km away from the famous Philippine landmark San Juanico Bridge. Specializing in native food, this restaurant serves lechon kawali, native tinolang manok, and fish kinilaw. Tel: +6353/ 325 0729

Where to stay

• Hotel Alejandro is a five-storey structure having

a total of two executive suites, 25 standard rooms and 29 deluxe rooms. The fifth level is the roof deck where parties are mostly held as it can

accommodate up to 200 persons. Tel: +6353/ 321 7033 • Welcome Home Pensione has about 28 guest rooms that can accommodate from one to six persons per room. It offers a range of affordable budget, standard and suite rooms when staying in Tacloban. Free internet access is available at their cottage and lounge areas. Tel: 6353/ 321 2739 • Leyte Park Resort Hotel was built by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1979 and is now a major tourism and convention complex with its 6.1 hectare parkland nestled on a hill overlooking beautiful Pier Tres. Tel: +6353/ 325 6000 Things to do

• Sto. Niño Church. Considered the main church

in Tacloban City, this house of prayer is home of the Señor Santo Niño that believed to be miraculous. • San Juanico Bridge, about 15 minutes away north of Tacloban City, is a 2.16-kilometer long S-shaped span connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar. • A visit to the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum will give you an idea how the Marcos clan lived. A guided tour for three persons costs P200. Tel: +6353/ 321 9775

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InFlight City Guides

Bangkok Where to eat

• Bed Supperclub is Bangkok's trendiest address

thailand bangkok

laos

cambodia

Country code: +66 Currency: Thai Baht (US $.032 = THB 1)

From the airport • Bangkok Skytrain: Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) operates from 6am to 12mn everyday with two main lines – Sukhumwit and Silom lines. The fare ranges from 15 to 40 Thai Baht (THB 15-40). • Taxi: Finding a taxi is not a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attractions. The fare starts at THB 35 for the first two kilometers, and THB 2 per kilometer thereafter.

with its contemporary, all-white, tubular design, serving modern eclectic cuisine. Try their smoked and thyme-marinated Alaskan salmon and tempura tofu wrapped in nori with vinaigrette; and double chocolate brownie sundae with banana ice cram and sesame-peanut brittle for dessert. 26 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoeynua, Wattana. Tel: +66/ 2651 3537 • Hidden in Talaat Mai in "Trok Itsaranuphap" is Hong Kong Noodles, famous for its wheat-andegg noodle soups. Come for breakfast or lunch, but prepare to wait for a seat. 136 Trok Itsaranuphap, Th Charoen Krung • You'll find Thai and Chinese street food at Soi 38 Night Market. Try the famous flame-fried phat thai and divine mango sticky rice. Soi 38, Th Sukhumvit Where to stay

• Wendy House is a good-value budget choice.

A brightly colored coffee shop and reception greet visitors. There's internet, laundry and business services. 36/2 Soi Kasemson 1, Rama1 Road, Patumwan. Tel: +66/ 2214 1149 or +66/ 2214 1150 • The Sukhothai is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and decorative pools, close to shopping, entertainment and historical sites, and the

Suvarnabhumi Airport. The hotel features 210 contemporary Thai guestrooms, three restaurants, a swimming pool, health club and spa. 13/3 South Sathorn Road Tel: +66/ 2344 8888 • The Peninsula Hotel has 370 guestrooms and 60 one-bedroom suites, each with state-of-the-art electronic system for access to features at the touch of a button, modcons, luxurious furniture, bespoke accessories, and a large balcony that overlooks Chao Pharya River. 333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan. Tel: +66/ 2861 2888 Shopping

• Chatuchak Weekend Market is where to go

for antique pieces, beautiful plants, hand-woven textiles and ceramics. Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak • Flower Market is one of the most interesting places in Bangkok. You can fill up an entire car with orchids and spend only $6 maximum. Chak Phet Street, Bangkok • Gem shops are ubiquitous in Bangkok – and many of them will rip you off. David Glickman at Lambert Holding Co. offers a cash-back guarantee with no time limit; if you change your mind about a purchase, you can return it, no questions asked. 807 Silom Road. Tel: +66/ 2236 4349

Hong Kong china

hong kong

tickets that include unlimited use of the MTR for three days, which are very good value for money. • Taxi: Upon arrival, make your way to the Taxi Station via the left-hand ramp outside the Arrivals Hall. Taxis are color-coded but red taxis will travel to most areas, including Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. An approximate taxi fare to Central is HKD 300 and to Tsim Sha Tsui is HKD 300. Where to eat

• Yung Kee is a local favorite and has been

Country code: +852 Currency: HK Dollar (US $1 = HKD 8)

From the airport • Train: The MTR (Mass Transit Railway)-operated Airport Expresscan get you to Kowloon in just 21 minutes and Hong Kong Island in 24 minutes. It also operates a complimentary shuttle bus service from the stations to most major hotels. The platform is located within the terminal building, connected to the Arrivals Hall, and is clearly signed. Return fare is HKD 160 (Kowloon) or HKD 180 (Hong Kong). It is also possible to purchase

MACAU

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awarded a Michelin star in 2010. Famous are its roast meats, especially the goose, seafood and dim sum. Address: 32-40 Wellington St., Central Tel: +852/ 2522 1624 • Ajisen Ramen serves affordable and satisfying noodle soup and curries and bento boxes served in a traditional Japanese setting, with over 30 outlets across Hong Kong. Address: Shop 5, 4/F, Langham Place, 8 Argyle St., Mong Kok, Kowloon Tel: +852/ 3514 4396 Where to stay

• Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. Located in Central near the major business landmarks that’s an ideal place to stay if visiting for shopping. With 501 guestrooms, 71 of which are suites. Select

rooms and suites overlook Victoria Harbour and the surrounding cityscape. Operates 10 restaurants and bars, including the Michelinstarred Pierre and the three-storey Mandarin Spa. Rates start from HKD 4,100 a night. Address: 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852/ 2522 0111 URL: www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong • The Peninsula Hong Kong. Hong Kong's grand old dame that features rooms with high ceilings and classical proportions, all spelling luxury. Rates start from HKD 4,080 per night. Tel: +852/ 2920 2888 Visit www.peninsula.com/Hong_Kong • Park Lane Hong Kong offers 809 fully equipped guestrooms and suites with the view of the famed Victoria Harbour and Park ideal for business and leisure travellers alike. Rates about HKD 2,640 a night. Tel: +852/ 2293 8888 URL: www.parklane.com.hk • W Hong Kong has 393 rooms and specialty suites featuring interesting infusions of wood, fire, earth, metal and water and modcons in each room. Address: 1 Austin Road West Kowloon Station Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: +852 3717 2222 URL: www.whotels.com/HongKong

ry. a r o p n te m

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88 : 888-

A feast for every occasion. Solaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste for the good life is highlighted by nine restaurants, bars and lounges headed by world-class chefs. Each venue features luxe interiors, a myriad of exquisite cuisines and beverage choices.

Near Mall of Asia Asean Avenue, Entertainment City Paranaque City 1701 Philippines solaireresort.com | +632.888.8888

InFlight City Guides

Kota Kinabalu RM 160 for a whole day’s use if traveling within Kota Kinabalu. Call Kinabalu Heritage Tours & Car Rental at +6088/ 318 311. kota kinabalu

Where to eat • Kampong Nelayan Seafood Restaurant

making facilities and a flexible workplace. Rates start at RM 260 per night. Call +6088/ 529 888 Kinabalu Heritage Tours For a wide range of travel and tour packages, call +6088/ 318 311

(Tel: +6088/ 231 003) for its prawn dish, Sabah vegetable with garlic, ostrich meat with spring onions and ginger and steamed saltwater grouper in sauce.

mt. kinabalu

Where to stay

macau

Country code: +6088 Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (US $1 = RM 3)

From the airport • Taxi: A taxi costs around RM 20 to 30, and takes only 10 minutes to the city center, situated eight kilometers away. • Bus: There is a minibus terminal outside the airport that can take you to the city center. The bus costs RM 1.50. • Car rental: A car for hire, excluding driver, costs

• The Jesselton Hotel is a 32-room hotel with

a colonial house feel. It has a cozy lounge, and a restaurant that serves international and Asian cuisine. Room rates start at RM 195 per night. Call +6088/ 223 333 • Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort is a five-star hotel with 420 guestrooms in soft earth tones and intricate panel carvings. All ground floor rooms have private lanais while upper rooms have private balconies with views of the Pantai Dalit Beach. Room rates start at RM 1,100 on high season per night. Call +6088/ 792 888 • Novotel Borneo is a four-star hotel with 263 rooms and suites, each with LCD satellite TV, internet access, in-room safe, coffee and tea

Novotel Borneo

Singapore daily rates between SGD$ 90 per day for a minimum of five days. Call +65/ 6734 9922. • Bus: A trip will cost you between 60 cents and SG$ 1.20. Buy a copy of TransitLink Guide available at most bookstores for a comprehensive guide on bus time-tables, routes and fares, sold at SG$ 1.50. • Taxi: A taxi stand is located outside the departure hall of the airport. A taxi from the airport to the city has a SG$ 3 surcharge but there is no surcharge when you travel from city to the airport. A trip from Changi airport to the city costs about SG$ 13, excluding surcharge.

Country code: +65 Currency: SG Dollar (US $1 = about 1.30 SGD)

From the airport Getting around Singapore on foot is a pleasant and hassle-free way of seeing the center of the city, but when you want to venture slightly farther or dart between different districts, then a bus or train is the fastest and most economical option. • Car Hire: San’s Tours and Car Rentals charges

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Where to eat • For private dinners, Xi Yan is the best place. It's located in a quiet spot of down-town Tanjong Pagar area (Craig Road). Cuisines vary from Cantonese and Zichuan to Thai and Japanese, which are intricately created by celebrity chef Jacky Yu. 38A Craig Road.Tel: +65/ 6220 3546 • Lau Pa Sat Festival Market has about 80 food stalls, which offer continental and Halal cuisines. Must try are fried carrot cake, chili/black pepper crab, and laksa a thick rice noodles in spicy gravy, herbs and coconut milk. 18 Raffles Quay, Lau Pa

Sat Festival Market. Tel. +65/ 6220 2138 Where to stay • The Scarlet Hotel Singapore is an 80-room “lavish” hotel set in a four hectare property at the center of Singapore, close to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Raffles Place. It’s designed in modern Moulin Rouge style. Room rates start from SG$ 235. Tel: +65/ 6511 3333 URL: www.thescarlethotel.com • New Majestic Hotel offers 30 exclusive and unique rooms that incorporate the 1920's style with being state of the art, with modern luxurious amenities. Rates start at SG$ 268. 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Chinatown; Tel: +65/ 6511 4700; URL: www.newmajestichotel.com • Wanderlust is a left-field and totally experimental boutique hotel set to draw madcap voyagers and curious travellers to its doorstep. Located in Little India, the hotel has four thematic levels with 29 rooms created by award winning Singapore designers. Rates start at SG$ 219. 2 Dickson Road; Tel: +65/ 6396 3322; URL: www. wanderlusthotel.com

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AirlineGuide Airbus A-320

Dornier 328

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR)

Island Transvoyager (ITI)

Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is the second oldest airline in the Philippines. SEAIR was founded in 1995 by Capt. Iren Dornier, Capt. Nikos Gitsis, and Tomas Lopez, starting operations from Manila to Rodriguez and Busuanga, Palawan. In 1996, it started the Caticlan route, servicing Boracay bound passengers. SEAIR now flies from Clark to Kalibo (Boracay), as well as to international destinations Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok in Thailand. SEAIR also flies from Manila to Cebu, Davao, Kalibo, Tacloban (Leyte), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Iloilo and Bacolod.

Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI) is the airline that operates in Palawan, a prime tourist destination in the country. El Nido flights depart from Manila with frequency of up to three regular flights daily. ITI is the official carrier of the upmarket El Nido Resorts that operates three resorts in El Nido and one in Taytay. Both El Nido and Taytay are known for having stunning limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, and highly diverse eco systems. ITI is also engaged in air taxi services and air charter operations using the 19-seater Dornier 228-212 aircraft. It is committed to protecting the environment and conserving the natural resources and beauty of El Nido, and is the first airline to establish a program to offset carbon emissions starting 2008.

Destinations • Bacolod • Cebu • Clark • Davao • Iloilo • Kalibo (Boracay) • Laoag

• Manila • Puerto Princesa • Tacloban • Bangkok (Thailand) • Hong Kong • Singapore

Fleet • (2) Airbus A-319 • (3) Airbus A-320

Booking and Ticketing • Book online at www.flyseair.com or www.tigerairways.com • Makati: Unit 202 La O' Center Building, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) corner Makati Avenue, Makati City Tel: +632/ 849 0100 • Cebu: SEAIR Cebu Office, YMCA Building, Jones Avenue, Cebu City Tel: +6332/ 341 4879 • Clark: Unit 166, SM City CSEZ, Clarkfield, Pampanga Tel: +6343/ 499 0258-59 • All airport destinations

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Destinations • El Nido (Palawan)

Fleet • (1) ATR 42-500

Booking and Ticketing • ITI Hangar No. 5-03-127, Andrews Avenue (near PAL Medical Center), Domestic Airport, Pasay City Tel: +632/ 851 5664; 851 5674 Email: info@itiair.com URL: www.itiair.com

Dornier 328

South East Asian Airlines International (SEAIR I) SEAIR International (SEAIR I), founded in July 2012, is one of the country’s youngest airlines. From the spun out Turboprop division of SEAIR, it was established to continue services to some of the Philippines' remote destinations and missionary routes. Staying true to the vision of the original SEAIR (now Tiger Airways Philippines), SEAIR I aims to chart the path in discovering the country's hidden gems, developing the next Boracays. On November 24, 2012, SEAIR I started its domestic cargo services from Clark to Cebu, and from Manila to Clark using its Boeing 737 freighter. On December 7, 2012, it launched its flights from Manila to Basco (Batanes), its first official scheduled operation, using the Dornier 328. In addition to offering executive charter services in 2013, SEAIR I intends to establish a hub and spoke system in Puerto Princesa, Palawan that will allow for inter-Palawan flights. SEAIR I was founded by aviation veterans and pioneers Iren Dornier, Tomas Lopez and Nikos Gitsis.

Destinations • Manila • Basco (Batanes)

Fleet

LET 410

Sky Pasada SKY PASADA, dubbed the "aeronautical highway of the North," was established in 2008 as the airline and charter business of local aviation school WCC Aviation Company. In 2008, Sky Pasada started servicing the provinces in the northern part of the Philippines covering Batanes, Baguio, Palanan (Isabela) and Maconacon (Cagayan), with flights departing from Tuguegarao and Cauayan (Isabela). In 2012, Sky Pasada started operating direct flights from Manila to Basco (Batanes) and other Manila-bound flights. The airline, which is the brainchild of Sky Pasada president and CEO Capt. Ramon V. Guico III, is under the conglomerate of World Citi Inc., which also operates World Citi Medical Center (in Anonas, Quezon City), World Citi Colleges (Antipolo, Quezon City, Caloocan and Nueva Ecija), and several resorts in Batangas and Antipolo.

Destinations • Batanes • Cauayan • Maconacon (Cagayan) • Manila • Palanan (Isabela) • Tuguegarao

• (3) Dornier 328 • (1) Boeing 737 200 series • (1) LET 410

Fleet

Booking and Ticketing

• Book online at www.wccaviation.com Tuguegarao Airport Brgy. Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Tel: +6378/ 304 1054

• Book online at www.flyseair.com • Makati: Unit 202 La O’ Center Building, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue (former Pasay Road) corner Makati Avenue, Makati City Tel: +632/ 849 0100

• (2) LET 410

Booking and Ticketing

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CHINA AirlineGuide

PAL

BHUTAN

SEAIR Regional Route Map TAIWAN

HONG KONG

BANGLADESH MACAU

MYANMAR

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

LAOS

PHILIPPINE SEA

LUZON

PHILIPPINES CLARK, ANGELES

SOUTH CHINA SEA

MANILA

THAILAND VIETNAM

Kalibo AKLAN

BANGKOK

CAMBODIA SULU SEA

ANKA CELEBES SEA

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

TAIWAN

HONG KONG

SEAIR Domestic, SEAIR I, ITI and Sky Pasada Route Map MACAU

SEAIR low cost flights SEAIR I flights ITI flights Sky Pasada flights

INDONESIA Basco BATANES

CAGAYAN Tuguegarao Maconacon

Cauayan

SOUTH CHINA SEA

PHILIPPINE SEA

Palanan

EAST TIMOR

ISABELA

PHILIPPINES

LUZON CLARK, ANGELES MANILA

LAND VIETNAM

Caticlan

Taytay

CAMBODIA

VISAYAS

Kalibo

AKLAN

El Nido

Tacloban

ILOILO BACOLOD CEBU

AUSTRA

PALAWAN Puerto Princesa

SULU SEA

MINDANAO DAVAO DEL NORTE Davao City DAVAO DEL SUR

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BRUNEI