Inflight June-July 2009 by Dornier Media

south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine

june - july 2009

Desperate angler www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

Serious fishing in faraway Batanes

Night moves Top six Manila nightspots and why

Victory for Bulabog Beach One woman’s fight to bring life back to one of Boracay’s beautiful beaches

In person Edu Manzano’s best kept holiday secrets

p l u s : SEAIR l a u n c h e s E l N i d o f l i g h t s

i n f l i g h t // j u n e - j u ly 2 0 0 9 Writer Chip Childers fishing in Mabutay, Batanes, one of the most fertile fishing grounds in the country

IN PLACES 37 InsandOuts

Focus on General Santos City, South Cotobato

40 Desperate angler An amateur angler on the joys and woes of gamefishing in Batanes

56 Night moves

Top six Manila nightspots and why

88 InFocus

Jay Jallorina’s Batanes

“Over the course of our five hours out on the first day, I got about three or four bites, with one fish giving me a tete-a-tete battle for about five minutes before winning our encounter” - Chip Childer on fishing in Batanes

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

i n f l i g h t // j u n e - j u ly 2 0 0 9 IN FRONT 09 Editor’s Note

10 InFormed

What not to miss in June and July

13 Inthenews

Bencab Museum opens in Benguet. Plus new dive sites in El Nido, a new art gallery in Puerto Princesa, and Sheridan Resort to open in October

16 InTalk Resort owners talk about their

favorite eco buys

25 InTune One woman’s fight to bring life back to one of Boracay’s beautiful beaches

28 InPerson

Actor/TV host Edu Manzano on his bestkept holiday secret and a hellish night in Batangas

IN vogue 19 Intheshops

Textured coats and cheery-colored wellingtons brighten a rainy day

22 Inmybag

TV host Sam Oh on her favorite iconic goodies to pack for travel

IN GOOD TIMES 31 InRoom

Relax at former mahogany plantation

Le Strand Boracay

34 InDulge If you like crabs, there’s no place like

Café Arturo

PLUS: seair • News • People • Guide

Concept by SEAIR InFlight Photo by Ferdz Decena Cover location: The rocky Mabutay, located in between Mahatao and San Vicente, Batanes

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

Publishing Director and Executive Editor

Nikos Gitsis Editor

Giselle Javison managing Editor

Monica G. De Leon EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

MARGARITA F. FRANCISCO art & design

Art Director

Jocas A. See Editorial Production Inquiries

editors@f lyseair.com • inf lightinbox@f lyseair.com C o n t r i b u t i n g p h o t o g r a p h e rs

Mike Alcid, Mario Babiera, Bien Bautista, Parc Cruz, Ferdz Decena, Alan Fontanilla, Wacky Gochoco, Carlos Legaspi, Oggie Ramos, Rachel Rillo, Philip Sison, Jeffrey Sonora, Daniel Soriano C o n t r i b u t i n g w r i t e rs

Jose Marte Abueg, Vicki Aldaba, Yasmin D. Arquiza, Catherine A. Calderon, Chip Childers, David Dalton, Jan Lao, Ces Rodriguez, Claude Tayag advertising Sales  marketing

Group Sales and Marketing Director

Delza Apostol Advertising Executive

Joy Gutierrez

administration and finance

ARTHUR VALENCIA Advertising Inquiries

inf lightads@f lyseair.com e d i t o r i a l b o a rd

Publisher

South East Asian Airlines Seair Chairman

Iren Dornier Seair Director

Nikos Gitsis InFlight Editor

Giselle Javison InFlight Group Sales and Marketing Director

Delza Apostol Seair Legal Counsel

South East Asian Airlines, Inc.

SEAIR InFlight Magazine: Units 304 & 306, La’O Center, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City 1227 Philippines Tel.: +632 840 2802 (Editorial) • +632 840 2803 (Advertising) Fax: +632 840 2805 URL: www.flyseair.com

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editor’s note

people. places. a dv entur es.

I Model’s clothes by Nullah Asian Home and Clothing Store (Tel: +632/ 898 1559; www.nullah.biz)

was on holiday recently in the UK when I noticed a text message from Monica, our managing editor. “Please call me. URGENT!” it said. Which is all very well, but I was in the depths of Cornwall, one of the remotest parts of England, and we were staying in an old house hemmed in by cliffs on one side and raging sea on the other. The nearest phone signal was five miles away along dark, tricky tracks. One false move in the car and it’s a Cornish rerun of Thelma and Louise.

I must remind Monica not to use the word urgent without giving me an idea of exactly what urgent means. Urgent someone has just decapitated himself on the office Xerox machine or urgent someone need’s a day off? There was nothing for me to do but wait, going over all the connotations of urgent. Next morning, I had some trouble dragging my 11-year-old daughter away from the beach to go to town in search of a signal. When I got Monica on the line the urgent matter was not so urgent after all. No death, no divorce, and no disease. Experienced angler Tony Barrios hadn’t been able to make it on the flight out to Batanes for our fishing cover story. But another angler, Gordon Uy, was willing to help. Our writer wasn’t able to make it either and recommended Chip Childers, who comes from a family of anglers. In the course of a few days, there were more text messages. Chip wasn’t able to catch a fish. The weather was not good, fierce waves rocked the boat, photographer Ferdz Decena was seasick and threw up. And then there was an accident at sea, when the fishing boat the editorial group was renting broke its propeller. When I finally got the story and the photos, it was with a sigh of relief. When you go out at sea to fish, you put yourself in the hands of the elements, and learn to respect and enjoy it. As one fisherman once said: “Fishing is like lovin. You have to take it slow.” Childers didn’t get his big fish, but he seemed to have a damn good time trying. (Story on page 40)

giselle javison Editor editors@flyseair.com

InFlight model Suzie Alcazar onboard a fishing boat in Batanes; and below, writer Chip Childers taking lessons from fishing expert Gordon Uy

What not to miss in

June & July by Margie Francisco

June

Pussycat Dolls: Clear Doll Domination The Pussycat Dolls, an all-female group led by half-Filipino Nicole Scherzinger, is back in Manila for a one-night concert called “A Clear Doll Domination: The Pussycat Dolls Live in Manila” at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The group will sing hits from their latest album “Doll Domination”, including “When I Grow Up”, “I Hate This Part”, “Whatcha Think About That” and “Jai Ho”. For tickets, call TicketNet at +632/ 911 5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph

June

17-23

Baragatan sa Palawan 2009 Check out Palawan’s Baragatan Festival, a celebration of the founding of the province’s civil government. Week-long festivities include cultural shows, art and trade exhibits and float parades. For more information, call +6348/ 433 2968

June

18-20

Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot If you like operas, go and see Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot, staged by The Seoul Romance Philharmonic Orchestra, in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Turandot, set in imaginary ancient Peking, tells the story of the battle of wits between Princess Turandot and Prince Calaf, with an elaborate riddle ceremony as the highlight of the opera. The full-length opera, which will be held in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations, will feature Filipino and Korean opera singers including sopranos Rachelle Gerodia and Cho Young Joo, tenor Oh Kyung Shik and baritone Kim Kwang Soo. For tickets, call the Cultural Center of the Philippines at +632/ 832 1125

June

Virgin Labfest 5 The Virgin Labfest, now on its 5th year, will stage 15 one-act plays and readings of full length plays written, staged and performed by amateur talents. Since 2005, the festival has staged the works of directors Tuxqs Rustaquio, Denisa Reyes, Herbert Go, Phil Noble, Victor Villareal and Roobak Valle, among others. Tickets are at P200 for plays at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute and Bulwagang Amado Hernandez. The Virgin Labfest is a joint venture of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Writers’ Bloc, and the National Commission for Culture and Arts. It will run until July 5. For more details, call Tanghalang Pilipino at +632/ 832 3661, the CCP Box Office at +632/ 832 3704 and Ticketworld at +632/ 891 9999

July

3-26

The Fantasticks

June

20-26

Batanes Day Witness a weeklong celebration of the Ivatan’s cultural heritage through songs, dances and tribal rituals. For more information, visit www.purocastillejos.com

Photo by Oggie Ramos

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Repertory Philippines presents one of the longest running shows in theater, The Fantasticks. In a clever reverse of Romeo and Juliet, the play tells the story of Hucklebee and Bellamy, a pair of small town fathers who, in a well-meaning attempt to spark a romance between their children, fake a feud, and the rest is well, fairy tale. The Fantasticks will be shown at OnStage, Greenbelt 1, Makati. Directed by co-founder, president and artistic director of Repertory Philippines, Baby Barredo. Tickets available at TicketWorld

July

17-26

CINEMALAYA 2009: Independent Film Festival Cinemalaya opens its fifth film festival and features 10 full length films directed by up and coming directors. The movies will be shown at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The winning entry will be announced on July 26 and will receive P200,000 cash incentive. For tickets and more information, call the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Iwahig River. Opposite, spelunking at Ugong Rock

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I february - march 2009

t r av e l

HOTEL S AN D R E S O R T S

a r t s AN D fa s h i o n

art Stop

BenCab Museum now open

A nd mor e!

Photo by Tilak Hettige

BenCab Museum, housing the works of Filipino National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera, opened early this year. The museum, named after the artist, is located in Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet, and is a four-storey, contemporary structure that sits on top of a hill, offering a view of a river and a waterfall. The museum’s BenCab Gallery showcases the artist’s works covering four decades starting in the 60s in Manila, in the 70s when the artist lived in London, and in the 80s when he came back to the Philippines and settled in Baguio and the Cordilleras, places that grew dear to him. The Cordillera Gallery houses the artist’s collection of tribal artifacts and crafts from the northern Philippine highlands such as bulols or rice gods, functional carved objects, baskets,

and indigenous weapons. The Philippine Contemporary Gallery showcases his paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures; and the Maestro Gallery features selected works of Filipino masters such as Jose Joya, Arturo Luz, Vitorio Edades, among others. The BenCab Museum is a project of the BenCab Art Foundation, a nonstock, non-profit organization aimed at promoting the arts, and preserving and protecting the environment and the culture and traditions of the Cordilleras.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.bencabmuseum.org. For inquiries and guided tours, call +6374/ 442 7165 or e-mail bencabmuseum@ gmail.com. -- Monica De Leon

June - July 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

New art gallery opens in Puerto Princesa

Kayaking at the Big Lagoon in El Nido

plunge In

New dive sites discovered in El Nido Three new dive sites have just been discovered in El Nido Palawan. These are the Cagbuli Strait, Imorique Island, and Sibaltan Reefs. The Municipal Tourism Office, El Nido Divers’ Association and El Nido Foundation discovered the sites located in the northern and eastern barangays of El Nido, Palawan during its recent dive explorations, which started in the middle of 2008. Cagbuli Strait offers drift diving or diving in strong currents, while Imorique Island offers macro diving. The dive sites in Sibaltan Reefs house pelagic species. Another diving exploration will be organized in the middle of this year by the three organizations to find new dive sites to include in their Diving Safari scheduled in the last quarter of this year.

For more information on the dive sites, call Arvin Acosta at +63926/ 993 8803 or Meriam Arzaga +63919/ 523 9997. SEAIR is now flying twice weekly to El Nido. To book, visit www.FlySeair.com.

Local artists Dinggot Conde-Prieto, Dan Habaradas, Mario Lubrico Jr. and Frances Mendoza opened Kabadyangan Studio-Gallery in April this year, following a soft opening in November 2008. Kabadyangan is an old house-cum-gallery in Brgy. Irawan located some 12km from Puerto Princesa city proper. It was designed 15 years ago by owner Prieto’s architect and urban planner friend Hans Peder, who designed the old Greenbelt Park. The house-cum-gallery is made from local materials, has an interesting Nepalese temple-inspired roof, and a landscaped garden featuring badyang plants, wild hardy plants from the taro family endemic to Palawan. The gallery offers arts and craft workshops such as monoprinting, bodypainting and beadcraft, and gives guests the chance to meet artists and view unique art works. There are plans for a garden café and to offer accommodation to visiting artists and the public. Kabadyangan is an offshoot of the long established Galeri Kamarikutan on Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa. It aims at bringing art closer to the public in a more relaxed atmosphere.

For more information, contact any of the four artists. (Prieto: +63918/ 979 1465; Habaradas: +63915/ 909 3104; Lubrico: +63929/ 750 1467; Meendoza: +63927/ 636 1420) Or email kabadyangan@gmail.com.

-- Margie F. Francisco

Puerto Princesa’s Sheridan Resort to open in October Sheridan Beach Resort & Convention Center in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, a few hundred meters from the famous Subterranean Underground River, is now opening in October this year instead of July. The 96-suite resort is located on a beautiful strip of beach in a secluded bay and right behind it are hills and forests. It has a restaurant, wellness spa, health center, tourism center, internet café, gift shop, and swimming pool with jacuzzi and kiddie pool.

Update

For more information and bookings, visit www.sheridanbeachresort.com. -- Margie F. Francisco

14 SEAIR InFlight

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check Out

-- Monica De Leon

Kabadyangan photo by J. Emilio Reynoso

Kabadyangan’s interior

June - July 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

What’s your favorite eco buy?

Resort owners and managers talk about their best gadgets, from solar panels to waterless toilets Interviews by Jan Lao Illustration by randy r. rey

At our resort we call it “Black Gold”, a simple solution to eliminating the smoke pollution so common everywhere in the Philippines. All biodegradable kitchen cuttings and waste mixed with leaves, grass and tree cuttings put into a compost area produce this “Black Gold” and eliminate the air pollution caused by the antiquated tradition of burning yard waste. Wish all resorts would set an example and compost instead of burning.

- Tom Solski

Secret Cove Dive Resort owner, Camiguin

Pansukian has solar panels which heat the water in the showers of our villas. One panel can provide enough heat for two villas. This helps us cut down on electricity. - Gai Olivares Pansukian Tropical Resort owner, Siargao

We use solar panels to heat our water (for showers and baths) for some of the rooms in the Ayu Spa of our resort. We purchased these at around P150,000 and each panel can power up to four bathrooms. They may seem pricey but it’s worth it in the long run. Although there is a negative side to these solar panels as they have limited life time and are not biodegradable, they are great for an establishment like ours, which constantly uses hot water.

- Vicky Zayco

Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa owner, Negros Occidental

I recently installed waterless urinal systems in all our public toilets at La Luz. I am supposed to be saving 150,000 liters of water per urinal per year. It was so practical because I was able to install the new system on my existing urinals.

- Rommel Marasigan

La Luz Beach Resort general manager, Batangas

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Here at the resort we have a Sewage Waste Management System (SWMS) made by Scotia and Jerry Parco. This converts sewage water to clean water that can be used again for flushing toilets and watering plants. The system works with the waste water moving very slowly and carefully through a mass of reed roots. This liquid is treated and can be reused. - Adrien Uichico

Solana assistant manager and underwater photographer, Batangas

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

It’s Raining Colors! in the shops

i n m y b ag

It may be pouring weather, but cheery, patterned wellingtons, and neon, glossy tints brighten the day Photos by Rachel Rillo Styling by Guada Reyes

On body form: Crackled pink stretch canvas trench coat dress, P8,195, by Barba Clockwise: ‘Oooh La Lace’ rain boots, P2,399, by Plueys; black dotted trench coat dress, P8,195, by Barba; ‘Hamptons’ fedora, P1,795, by RVCA at Republic; long gold shirt dress with sash, P3,295, by Barba; silver thong sandals, P750, by Etnies at Republic; ‘Tokyo Rain’ rain boots, P2,399; ‘Sugar Plum’ rain boots, P2,300, both by Plueys; white patent leather travel case with charms and key chain, P1,800, by Whipped; ‘Icon’ makeup case, P1,295, by Hurley at Republic

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

On body form: Red jacket, P4,695, by Hurley; ‘Telegram’ messenger bag, P1,395, by RCVA, both at Republic; one-of-a-kind sleeveless tee blouse with lace-ribbons bib and two separate white ball chain necklaces, P1,480, by Whipped Clockwise: Short-sleeved spotted jacket with belt, P2,550, by Redherring at Debenhams; green umbrella, P149.75; blue umbrella, P149.75, both by Rain Essentials; yellow patent leather bag, P349.75, by Ms. Handbag Collection, all at SM Department Store; pink patent leather flats, P525; yellow patent leather flats, P525, both by Confetti; electric blue patent leather travel case with charms and key chain, P1,800, by Whipped; ‘Lotsa Dots’ rain boots, P2,399, by Plueys

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I t ’ s r a i n i n g c o l o rs !

inTheShops

On mannequin: Black motorcycle-style jacket, P599.75, by Betty at SM; scoop black tee with koi print, P1,495, by Hurley at Republic; splotchy flared denim pants with charms on a chain belt, P1,480; crochet Velcro cuff bracelet with charms, P350, both by Whipped; purple ‘pizza bag’, P1,250, by Reian Mata at Sy-Kat Couture Clockwise: Royal blue tote bag, P349.75, by Ms. Handbag Collection at SM; ‘Sublime’ rain boots, P2,399, by Plueys; purple shoulder bag P3,150 by Redherring at Debenhams; ‘Origami’ and ‘Matchpoint’ rain boots, P2,399 each, both by Plueys; fawn bag with chain, P2,350, by Redherring at Debenhams; red umbrella, P299.75, by Esprit; purple umbrella, P99.75, by Susino, both at SM; ‘Berry Stripey’ kids’ rain boots, P1,200, by Plueys; rolling red hard case, P2,399.75, by Voyager at SM

For store location and contact details, turn to

on page 70 june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

inMyBag

SMART PICKS

Livin’ It Up and True Confections host Sam Oh goes for no-nonsense, iconic brands in her choice of travel goodies to pack by Margie F. Francisco PRODUCT Photo by Mario Babiera

04 05

06 07 09 08 10

1 Le Sportsac bag (P3,650) 2 Ferragamo wallet (P40,000) 3 Ray Ban Aviators (P5,990) 4 Eye mask 5 Tempur travel pillow (P3,650) 6 A book. The Count of Monte Cristo (P699) 7 Apple iPod Nano Video 8GB (P8,390) 8 Canon Digital Ixus 870 IS (P24,950) 9 Tic Tac mints (P20) 10 Pilot sign pen (P54) 11 Burt’s Bees lip balm (P199) 12 Nokia 6300 (P8,050)

For store location and contact details, turn to

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on page 70

A fiery sunset is an astonishing view you get from Popototan Island in Busuanga

L ov i ng t h e pl a n e t

Victory for Bulabog

One woman has led the fight to bring life back to the waters of one of Boracayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful beaches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with help from the

local community, the government and a revolutionary new

This photo by Che Mambong

technology. Margie F. Francisco reports

Bulabog Beach is a perfect playground for kiteboarders and other water sport fanatics

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

his year, the annual Boracay International Funboard Cup, the country’s long-running windsurfing and kitesurfing competition usually held in Bulabog Beach, the waters opposite Boracay’s main White Beach, was cancelled. This is the first time this has happened since the Funboard started in 1988. The reason? Bulabog’s waters were polluted.

Bulabog, with its two-kilometer stretch of undeveloped beach, fringed by a reef about .7km offshore, and blessed with a consistent 2-20-knot side or on-shore winds, was revered by water sport enthusiasts who came to take to its waters year after year to compete in the Funboard Cup. Unfortunately, its once pristine waters suffer from untreated waste water leaking out of the pipes of Boracay Water and Sewerage System (BWSS), some 800 meters from the shoreline. It was an embarrassing problem and one that could kill the island’s livelihood. Bulabog would have gone on to meet its gradual death if not for the work of one woman and her local community, slalom racer and champion windsurfer Nenette Graf, who was president of Boracay Foundation until 2007. Graf and those who fought and continue to fight with her for Bulabog Beach and Boracay are our eco-heroes. Seeing Bulabog’s problems, Graf who lives in the island, turned her passion for sports to knocking on government’s doors the past years to get urgent help to clean up her beloved beach. After some detective work, Graf discovered BWSS did not have the capacity to adequately treat all waste matter before these were released into the waters. The problem had become even more obvious the past couple of years. The distinct pong in the air drove surfers, tourists, and locals away. Graf and her colleagues from BFI launched into action, writing letters to different levels of government, from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), lobbying, and pounding

26 SEAIR InFlight

I june - july 2009

heavily on doors. After tedious, heartbreaking and frustrating meetings, and years of struggle, Graf and her local community finally got what they wanted in February 2008 when then DOT Wellness and Sports director Cynthia Carrion sat with them. Bulabog’s waters would finally have a new lease of life. Until recently, Bulabog made the cut as an idyllic tropical island and surfing haven. Hopefully, its ills will be cured and the beach restored to its old glory. According to Graf, now DOT secretary Ace Durano commissioned Manila Water to conduct a two-month study on the sewage problem and to come up with recommendations. Said Graf: “The good news is Manila Water is coming in with funds needed to upgrade BWSS’s facilities. The government does not have to look for loans elsewhere because of this. Thanks to secretary Durano. He knows the importance of Bulabog to Boracay.” Durano, during his short stint as PTA general manager, appointed Manila Water to become a partner of PTA

in running BWSS. Prior to this longawaited result, Graf said BWSS did not do anything. “It was all meetings and talks.” “But now we’re happy there is a positive development,” she said. When asked to comment about the sewerage problem in Bulabog Beach, BWSS manager Melanio Barbon said that the problem was in the infrastructure of the pipes. He sent a report to PTA Manila office and PTA sent a panel of engineers to study the pipes and recommend solutions. According to Engineer Giovanni Rolian of the PTA Infrastructure office, Manila Water will take over the whole operation of BWSS and will begin work in June this year. Manila Water has invested P1.2 billion for the upgrade of the system and central drainage system. Did Graf ever think of giving up the fight? “I almost gave up but I couldn’t because I knew nobody else would fight for us. There were times when I almost couldn’t face my members because nothing was moving,” she said. Willy Resort general manager

Massive cleanup drive in Bulabog headed by InFlight eco-hero Nenette Graf

V i c t o r y FO R B u l a b o g B e a c h

gan ed in Ilig-Ili nology is us Biorock tech ow corals gr attempt to re

racay in an Beach in Bo

A drupella snail

Rotchani “Bebot” Gadon was witness to Graf’s fight. She said Graf hit lots of brick walls fighting BWSS. Since nothing much was happening then, Graf turned to other alternatives such as cutting illegal connections to the drainage system. Gadon said Graf held on. Former vice president of Boracay Foundation Pocholo Morillo, currently BFI’s treasurer, also has high praises for Graf: “I’d say she’s always been a strong advocate of Boracay’s [environment protection] even before [her time at] BFI. Development for her is development for the community. I’d more than give her credit for empowering a collective realization by the locals. She also helped in addressing the power situation in the island. She even went to the national level just to fight for rural electrification, which was a radical move for an enterprising woman like her. The power system now is better although it is still in need of improvement; and three, her help in the revival of corals.” Tonglen Beach Resort Boracay owner Lovelle Cann said the sewage problem created another problem, algae. Algae

inTune

were killing Bulabog’s corals, resulting in the reef’s slow decay. “What Nenette did was to get help in studying Bulabog Beach,” said Cann. It was not an easy task. Graf, who was then president of BFI, had to raise about P500,000 to hire marine biologist Dr. Thomas Goreau of United Nations to bring the biorock technology to Boracay. She faced a lot of resistance from several non-governmental organizations, who tagged the project as too ambitious. The money was raised and the local government of Malay also helped by sponsoring the flights of the international team. Dr. Goreau and his team submitted a 20page report, detailing recommendations on reef restoration, fisheries and water sports management. Goreau’s biorock technology also gave BFI under Graf the ability to rebuild the coral reef and slowly clean up the waters. Cann, who is current BFI president, explained that biorock technology is a method of applying low voltage electrical currents to run through seawater, which cause minerals to

attacking a co ral in the wate rs

of Ilig-Iligan Be ach

crystallize on structures. As a result, it grows stronger artificial reefs. This is used to clean up the water and to produce artificial corals to protect the beach. It restores the damaged reef sites and hastens the growth of corals and the cleanup of water. Graf said they used the technology in Ilig-Iligan Beach but had to stop because of low electrical supply. Biorock will soon be applied to help clean up Bulabog and other areas where needed. “We have never seen Bulabog this clean in years,” Graf said when asked about the current status of the beach. “Thanks to windsurfers and kiteboarders for being so cooperative in all the clean up campaigns organized by BWA (Boracay Windsport Association). We were able to do an 85% clean up.” Besides BFI, other groups such as Korean Association, Bulabog Kids and the local government unit helped in the clean up organized by Graf and her group. BFI, through its Boracay Forever Committee, continues its fundraising projects for the replanting of corals using the biorock technology. june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

Host and actor Edu Manzano has daily shows at Abs-Cbn channel 2. He is the host of early morning show Umagang Kay Ganda and noontime game show Game K N B? Manzano is also chairman and chief executive officer of the Optical Media Board, a government organization aimed at protecting optical media intellectual property rights in the country

profile

Heaven in a sandbar Edu Manzano talks about his best-kept holiday secret and a hellish night in Batangas Interview by Monica De Leon Photo by Raymond Isaac

Which was your most memorable holiday in the Philippines? My childhood holidays spent on Polo Pinya, an island in Iloilo where I grew up. Every summer holiday, we’d leave Manila for Iloilo and spend time in the outdoors. My dad loved the outdoors and made sure we learned how to fish, to throw the fishnet, and to plant coconut trees and rice. Your favorite resort/hotel? I spend a lot of time in Aman [Amanpulo resort in Palawan] (www.amanresorts.com; villas@amanresorts.com). I’m a certified beach bum. They [Aman] also have some really good food. They have the best cheeseburger I’ve tasted. And they have great margaritas and good tapas. I love The Mandarin hotel in Makati and their quaint bar called Kipling’s. It’s a nice, quaint businessman’s hotel in Makati. I’m also a regular of The Peninsula because of its very good service. What do you need for a perfect holiday? Good weather, service and food. I love food. I still love the home-cooked food concept. There’s this little place in Quezon City, just off E. Rodriguez called Aioli (+632/ 727 9678, 414 4806). It’s an old house that’s converted into a restaurant. The son runs the restaurant; the mother takes care of the kitchen. They make you feel like you’re family. They serve Filipino food and some of their own concoctions

like spinach soup and pumpkin soup which are really good. They have really good sinigang (sour soup) and lechon kawali (deep-fried pork). What do you always take with you on holiday? I take as little as I can. Two pairs of denim pants or shorts, four or five shirts, and slippers. What’s your best piece of travel advice? Try not to rush a vacation. Ask advice or don’t be afraid to go to bookstores. Any best-kept holiday secret? A little sandbar close to Leyte that can be reached from Cebu. It’s a 30-minute drive from Lahug to the jump-off point where we took an-hour-and-a-half ride via a private high-speed cigarette boat to get there. The sandbar is about a kilometer long, with one house on it, no bathroom, but is surrounded by trees. It has the whitest sand, even whiter than Boracay’s. The house on the sandbar was put up by fishermen as a place to stay in bad weather. We camped. It was so windy at night. You have to have everything with you. (Contact Islands Banca Cruises for tours. Visit www.islandsbanca.com) Where do you want to go next? I heard Busuanga is turning out really beautiful. That’s next.

Which was your worst holiday? I was booked in a resort in Nasugbu, Batangas where there was a band playing rock music early in the evening, which I could stand. Then later on, the singing became quite bad, you could hardly understand what they were saying because they were drunk already. I could hear everything from my room. It went on until two, three, four in the morning and I thought they kind of overdid it. The next day, I packed my bags and I took off. How do you feel about Boracay? I love Boracay but I will never stay in the middle of the island. I’d stay on the edge. Maybe if I were 15 years younger and would party every night perhaps I wouldn’t mind as much. What I used to hate about Boracay before was when you’re already asleep on the beach, peddlers would wake you up to ask if you wanted a massage. Or, you’re lying down with your sunglasses on, somebody comes and asks if you want to buy sunglasses. What are your top Boracay resort choices? I like Discovery (www.discoveryshoresboracay.com). I like Two Seasons (www.twoseasonsboracay.com). My kids like Fridays (www.fridaysboracay.com). And I stayed a couple of times at Fairways and Bluewater (www.fairwaysandbluewater.com). What do you avoid on holiday? Try not to be with a person who likes to dictate what to do. I like everything at my own pace. That’s why it’s called a vacation. june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

inroom

indulge The area where Boracay Strand is nestled used to be a mahogany plantation. The resort kept most of the beautiful old trees

book Now

Lush retreat

Surrounded by mahogany and fruit trees, The Strand Boracay offers a relaxing stay far from the madding crowd, says Yasmin D. Arquiza Photos by wacky gochoco

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inRoom

T h e S t r a n d Bor ac ay

Location n many European languages like Swedish, Danish, German, even old English, the word strand means beach. The famous four-kilometer White Beach of Boracay is about a minute’s walk from the resort, but The Strand makes up for the minor inconvenience with its verdant grounds. It’s tucked into a hill at the northern tip of Station 1. You’ll have to tell tricycle drivers the resort is at the back of Boracay Terraces so they can find the place. First impression The moment I stepped into my room at the resort, I felt like kicking off my sandals and going barefoot on the wooden floor. The living room has a low table, and in one corner, a flat-screen TV, and a built-in sofa that doubles as an extra bed. The one-bedroom suite is huge at 60sqm giving me a wonderful sense of space. The suite’s verandah with a view of the garden is equally expansive. I felt like I was in Palawan, not in the middle of the crazy party island of Boracay. This Scandinavian-inspired resort started as a private rest house of Pinky Elerud and her Swedish husband and the rooms were designed according to the couple’s specifications. There are 13 rooms in all, the biggest a 100sqm penthouse. The resort can accommodate 30 to 60 people at a given time. ROOMS Each suite has a veranda, living room, kitchen and bedroom. The toilet and shower are separate, and there’s a huge tile-framed mirror above the wash basin. Décor is minimalist, and while the choice of materials and furnishings is sometimes divergent, everything is tastefully done. The bathroom and kitchen fittings are German-made; and you sleep on orthopedic beds. The sliding glass doors open out to the verandah with reclining chairs. The outdoor architecture presents a perfect harmony of wood and stone. Visitors will love the little touches such as the handmade soap in delightful colors wrapped candy-like in cellophane fastened with native twine, a light well with hanging plants outside the shower room, frosted glass panes

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The room of the onebedroom suite

on the door and wall that allow natural sunlight into the bedroom. fOOd Expect the staff to come knocking at your door in the evening so you can select your breakfast choice from the menu. Dining is at the open-air Limestone Café or in the confines of your suite. I chose longganisa (local sausage) for breakfast but found it too sweet for my taste. The sinigang I had for lunch was flavorful, the meat tender, the vegetables just slightly overcooked, and the broth sour enough. In the evening, resort owner Pinky invited us to a sumptuous dinner of fish stewed in capers, chicken pasta, and crunchy green salad. WE LIKE The resort used to be a mahogany plantation. To its credit, it kept most of the trees, providing the grounds with a verdant atmosphere and much needed shade. Trees like mango, avocado, pomelo, and bread fruit also give the place a provincial feel. On top of the hill, hikers are rewarded with great views of the island and its surrounding waters. At sunset, you can enjoy walking on the winding path towards Diniwid Beach. NOT SO KEEN It’s not right on the beach, which is

a shame. The consolation is that the beach is just a short walk away and the resort does have great saltwater pools. There’s a lap pool for adults and a kiddie pool for the young ones. Verdict The Strand is a great choice for corporate team-building activities, family vacations, and perhaps a weekend getaway for harried urbanites.

essentials to book Visit www.boracaystrand.com; e-mail info@boracaystrand.com; call +632/ 843 9516 or +6336/ 288 6900. The one-bedroom suite costs from P6,800 to P9,000 depending on the season.

How to get there SEAIR flies daily to Caticlan from Manila and from Clark. (Visit www.FlySeair.com or call +632/ 849 0100 to book a flight) SEAIR also offers convenient island transfers from the airport to Caticlan pier all the way to Cagban pier, where you can take a tricycle to take you to the resort.

As a summer treat, Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) gave away Havaianas flip-flops to each passenger of its three pre-selected flights bound for Boracay in A p r i l a n d M a y. “We wanted to express our gratitude to our customers who chose to fly SEAIR off to their destination. And what better gift to give beachgoers than a pair of Havaianas slippers?” said SEAIR vice president for Commercial Affairs P a t r i c k Ta n . The SEAIR passengers happily claimed their prized slippers from All Flip-Flops by the Beach in Boat S t a t i o n 1 , B o r a c a y. Havaianas produces the world’s best rubber flipflops and is the perfect footwear choice for the beach.

Buy original Havaianas from retail outlets nationwide. Visit www.havaianasphilippines.com for store information. SEAIR offers special service advantages to its passengers such as having the shortest queues and check-in procedure at the airport, fastest baggage claim, and privileges like special discounts from selected Manila and Boracay partner establishments to SEAIR boarding pass holders. Those flying to and from Caticlan (Boracay) get complimentary transfers from the airport to B o r a c a y I s l a n d a nd vi c e ve r s a . Fly SEAIR and rediscover the joy of flight – speed, convenience and personalized service! Visit www.flyseair.com for best deals or call +632/ 849 0100 for more information.

must Try

A place for crabs

Yasmin D. Arquiza checks out Café Arturo and finds out why it’s the local favorite Photos by Oggie Ramos

C a f é Ar t u r o

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This page: Al fresco dining at Cafe Arturo, with its high ceiling, native cogon roof, and bamboo railings Left: Finger lickin’ good garlic crabs

t’s far from the beaten tourist track, and its location – right beside a cemetery – has prompted many local jokes, but food at Café Arturo is nothing to laugh at. The restaurant serves up good, old home-cooking, using the freshest ingredients. And the star dish on the menu is seafood and in particular, crabs. Located in Barangay San Jose, some five kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City proper, Café Arturo’s approach is a narrow gravel path lined with mahogany trees. The restaurant is an open-air structure with a high ceiling, native cogon roof, bamboo railings, and shell decorations. It’s an ideal venue for al fresco lunch and an intimate dinner. Most diners come here for huge servings of the most delicious crabs anywhere in Palawan, cooked in garlic or chili sauce (P75 per 100 grams). Our gang of four hungry diners

had the garlic crabs, so finger-licking good that we just had to chuck our forks and spoons. Café Arturo’s lengua or ox tongue (P375) is also highly recommended. And so is the kinilaw or tuna ceviche (P195) with tantalizing slivers of cucumber, green bell pepper, and red onions topped with slices of fiery chili. It had the right hint of sourness and piquancy to prime the palate, which was just what we needed as there were more dishes to come. We had grilled prawns (P285) lightly flavored with curry, a unique take on this tried and tested barbecue recipe. Our local guide Gerry Ortega persuaded us to try the squid Rolando (P250), named after chef Rolando Banzuela who owns and runs the place with wife Christine. The squid was tender to the bite and the sauce, drizzled on my plate of rice, was zesty. Finally, we had a mouth-watering slice

of blackened blue marlin (P210). The best thing about eating here is that all the seafood is freshly caught. Palawan has one of the longest coastlines in the country and seafood in the area is abundant. Service is brisk and friendly. Christine Banzuela says it’s largely a family affair with her children helping out in the kitchen. She only hires extra staff during peak tourist season or special occasions. Testimony to the success of the place is its local support. Regular diners are mostly local families who bring along guests to treat them to Palawan’s local cuisine.

A meal for four costs about P2,000. Café Arturo is on Mahogany Drive, San Jose, Puerto Princesa City. Call +6348/ 433 4146 or +63917/ 585 0012. E-mail: café_arturo@yahoo.com. june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

c o v e rs t o r y

Gumasa Island photo by Leonard Pe; Marasa Grill’s kilawin and Sarangani Higland photos by Daniel Soriano

ins & outs

insider’s gu ide

Gumasa Island

in focus Marasa Grill’s kilawin or fresh tuna marinated in vinegar and spices

Sarangani Highlands

Ins and outs: General Santos City If you like your tuna, blue marlin and pompano, General Santos is fish heaven. This is the place to get grilling, says Monica De Leon EAT. General Santos City, bounded by the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani – thus the namesake SOCSARGEN – has been dubbed the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. It has one of the biggest and most profitable fishports in the country, the Fishport Complex in Brgy. Tambler that produces some 250-300 metric tons of sea produce a day. The fishport supplies Cebu,

Manila, and as far as the United States. And this doesn’t count the small and medium scale fishing centers scattered around the city. So when in GenSan, indulge in tuna and a variety of seafood, priced considerably lower than Manila.

and hot-off-the-grill dishes. Try its kilawin or fresh tuna marinated in vinegar and spices, clam soup and grilled tuna panga (jaw). The uncomely looking prawns are surprisingly tasteful. About P1,000 for four persons. Quirino Ave.; Tel: +6383/ 552 4682.

Marasa Grill is a family-run, al fresco style

Ranchero Grill is the pricier alternative. Dine

hole-in-the-wall that serves affordable seafood

in the main dining area or in the garden. Try

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Gener al Santos City

Isla Parilla Resort

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voice Parish church

and Celebes Sea (Aprieto, 1995, www.gensan.gov. ph), GenSan sells fresh seafood at half the price in Manila or even lower. The public market is a good place to start. Recommended buys are tuna (whole, jaw or tail), blue marlin and mahimahi, GenSan’s top three products, including pompano and prawns. Other good buys are the vacuum-packed tuna sashimi and kinilaw cuts, hotdog, chorizo, lumpia, patties, embotido and tocino. Pack carefully and seal in a styrofoam container for shipping. The first class yellow fin tuna sells for about P100/gram; the tuna byproducts from P40-P200, depending on weight. Available at Sitramina, Ardex and Pacific Seas, all on National Highway.

SEE. GenSan is the hometown of Filipino

the crispy pata or deep-fried pork thigh, tuna sashimi, and the seafood platter filled with huge clams, mussels, crabs, squids, prawns in semi-sweet sauce with garlic. About P2,000 for four. National Highway; Tel: +6383/ 553 9298.

Sarangani Highlands is a favorite of celebrities and those tying the knot. It specializes in seafood, Filipino dishes and grills. Recommended dishes are watsay soup made of seaweed, crispy pata, and grilled tuna belly. About P2,500 for four. Purok Wall, Brgy. Tambler; Tel: +6383/ 304 0752 or +63922/ 859 0043.

SHOP. A stone’s throw away from tuna-rich fishing grounds like Moro Gulf, Mindanao Sea

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boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. If you’re a fan or are just curious, you might just catch him playing basketball with his old friends in the old neighborhood he grew up in Brgy. Labangal. Best time to do this is off boxing season. Check out Pacquiao’s store in the area, called what else but Pacman’s Convenience Store. The boxer is also taking a business administration course at the nearby Notre Dame of Dadiangas on National Highway. And Our Lady of Peace and Good Voice Parish church is where he and his family go to hear mass. And you haven’t seen GenSan if you’ve not been to the Fishport Complex in Brgy. Tambler. At 7:30-8am, tons and tons of freshly caught tuna, including giant ones, and other sea products are hauled in. For a tour, book in advance through the City Tourism Office. Call +6383/ 553 8338.

STAY. Right at the heart of GenSan is East Asia Royale Hotel, the city’s best and only three-star hotel. It’s a good base for exploring the city’s attractions and shopping. The hotel

has 102 rooms, all air-conditioned with cable TV, NDD/IDD and toilet and bath with hot and cold shower. It has a restaurant, barber shop and salon, bars, wellness center, conference and banquet facilities, and a fully equipped business center. Rates from P2,400. National Highway; Tel: +6383/ 553 4119-28; visit www. eastasiaroyalehotel.com.

Isla Parilla Resort is an agri-tourism concept resort that has live milkfish fishponds right on its premises. This 32-hectare island resort has 14 fully air-conditioned rooms with toilet and bath with hot and cold shower, TV with local channels, three air-conditioned dormitory-type rooms that can house 10 to 20 guests, and an in-house restaurant called Café Formosa known for its grills (must try are sergeant fish, Diana and pompano), garlic chicken and Isla Parilla Express, its version of Bicol Express. Located in Alabel in Sarangani, right next to GenSan. Get a multicab to Alabel Capitol for about P15, then take a tricycle to Isla Parilla; Tel: +6383/ 552 547980; visit www.islaparillaresort.com.

Gumasa Island in Glan, Sarangani, about an hour’s drive from GenSan Airport, is tagged as the Boracay of the South, with its fine whitesand beach. Unlike Boracay, Gumasa is laidback and not yet touristy. Stay at Brod Louie, a resort offering native-inspired cottages, landscaped garden and kiddie pool. Rosal Beach Resort is open for day visits (entrance fee is P30 per head) and overnight stays alike. Open cottages and tents with tables and chairs are at P400. Duplex house for overnight stay at P2,000. The two-storey big house for P7,000. Tel: +63920/ 921 2203. Take a commuter van to Glan from the terminal at KCC Mall in GenSan. Fare is P70 per head. Or rent the whole van for P1,500 per way. Visit www.gumasa.blogspot.com.

Isla Parilla Resort and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voice Parish church photos by Leonard Pe; Map illustration by Marlon A. See

insAndOuts

Cover Story

Chip CHILDERS tries his hand at gamefishing in Batanes, discovering angry seas,

Writer Chip Childers fishing for a giant trevally in Mabutay. Looming behind the waves is Mt. Iraya

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unyielding fish and much more

desperate angler P h otos b y f e r d z d e c e n a

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"You have to be on your mettle with fishing, but you don't really succeed at it until you calm down, accept what the weather's going to give you" - Charles Rangeley, author

A quote taken from The Observer, London

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A tutorial at sea

By all accounts, I had every right to be having a miserable time. The wind was pelting us with rain that felt like rock salt fired out of a shotgun, the ocean swells were tossing our round-hulled falowa boat around like a woodchip in a washing machine, and periodic breakers had soaked every piece of clothing and electronic devices we had brought on board. There’s more. Several fish took my bait but got away, we no longer had a fish finder to help our search after having to use another boat that apparently had none, and massive unseen fishes had ripped all our good jigs and lures right out of our hands. But strangely enough, despite all the factors conspiring to get me down, I found myself energized and grinning like a kid at an amusement park, for on these rough seas I had a purpose – I was here to gamefish, and, as I bobbed off the coast of Basco, Batanes, I couldn't think of a better place to do it, or better company to keep while dropping my line. When the call first came in that InFlight Magazine wanted to send me to Batanes to gamefish, I have to admit that besides the siren call of adventure, travel and recreation, I had one other ulterior goal for my trip: family honor. Let me explain. Thousands of miles away, in the dark basement of my parents’ Colorado house, there is a wall with four mounted fish grinning back at visitors with grimaces locked in permanent toothy grins. Four fish, representing every member of my immediate family besides myself. I had even been out – Hemingway'ed' by my non-fishing New Yorker mom, who has on the wall a 16-inch bass

Far left and center, this spread: Gordon Uy (in khaki shorts) teaches Childers the basics of fishing while out in the waters near Mahatao. Right: Captain Magno Bata pointing out some prey spotted on the fish finder

yanked up from some Texas tank. For years, I felt left out, and this trip was going to fix that. This Captain Ahab shall get his white whale, oh yes... I was overjoyed that a crack team had been assembled for the quest, including gamefishing expert Tony Barrios, Fishing Buddy owner Gordon Uy, Captain Magno Bata of the M/V Viking, one of the only boats in Batanes set up for deep sea gamefishing, with its fish finder, GPS, front and back decks with railing, and sturdy construction. With my ineptitude, I needed all the help I could get. Within an hour or so of our arrival in the capital town Basco, we made our way overland to the Mahatao Shelterport, about 20 minutes south, and were steaming out to sea with fishing on our minds. With Barrios unable to make our flight out of Manila, Uy became my personal june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

“Batanes is a great place to go deep sea fishing – it is unspoiled and rarely fished with jigging techniques, so there's a lot of large fish in deeper waters”

From left: The writer and Uy busy jigging; Uy with his 8kg amberjack; and Uy showing Ivatan fishermen some new techniques

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guru, introducing me to the discipline of jigging, using lures consisting of a lead sinker with a hook, usually painted in groovy color schemes and shiny surfaces to attract fish. Jigging is a fairly new school of fishing, enjoying a re-birth in Japan about 10 years ago, and entertaining fishermen here for about three. “Jigging has brought a whole new generation of anglers to fishing, with many of the old anglers switching as well,” says Uy, whose Fishing Buddy store is fully stocked with the gear needed to pick up the sport. As soon as I had soaked in a bit of the technique, I tried my luck, and dropped my jig to 100 meters. It was not long before I was completely hooked on the sport. The hypnotic process of dropping the jig and pulling it up was good exercise, and the periodic bite

Cover Story

fired up enthusiasm and resolve. Unfortunately, I could not say that any fish were hooked on my hook, at least not for very long. Over the course of our five hours out on the first day, I got about three or four bites, with one fish giving me a tete-a-tete battle for about five minutes before winning our encounter, and another, which Gordon estimated at 20 plus kilograms (using the strength setting for the line and reel as a measure), pulling the line straight off the rod. Two local Ivatan fishermen had joined us, also trying jigging for the first time, and were having the time of their lives, reeling in the line like possessed robots charged with too much voltage. Batanes is an optimal game fishing destination for those appropriately outfitted. Tucked between Luzon and Taiwan, Batanes is bounded by two of the most fertile fishing grounds in the Philippines, with Bashi Channel on the north and Balintang Channel on the south, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the China Sea. Its 10 islands make up the smallest province in the country in terms of land mass (229sqkm), but sprawls over 4,500sqkm of territorial waters. “Batanes is a great place to go deep sea fishing – it is unspoiled and rarely fished with jigging techniques, so there's a lot of large fish in deeper waters,” Gordon said. He later brought up our first fish, an 8kg amberjack, which could have been the pick of the day in most wet markets around the country. Hunters and fishermen always have, as part of their survival instinct, a preternatural drive to wake up before anything else does, in particular their prey. Our second day began at the painful hour of 3:30am, with Gordon’s alarm sounding the signal to get a move on. It was difficult to get out of bed after about only two or three hours of sleep. Finding our way through the darkness, we june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

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chugged out of Mahatao and quickly found a place that Gordon and Magno deemed worthy of our efforts. Our focus on day two seemed full of an intensity that day one did not have, and the four jiggers were a' flurry with the cycle of dropping the jig to about 80 to 120 meters, and reeling in the line quickly while periodically jerking up the rig, mimicking the appearance of tasty little bait fish. The process is not a placid or lazy technique, and back, biceps and wrists soon began to burn. “Jigging is much more physical a type of fishing than other types like trawling and even casting. It's more active; and you're not just waiting for the fish...” Gordon said, proving his point over bursts of reeling and muscling the lead jig up from the ocean depths. He soon showed us how it was done by pulling in a 10kg yellow fin tuna, which was later made into about four dishes for that evening’s dinner, including the best sashimi I've had in this millennium. In the afternoon we allowed ourselves some time on terra firma, and scouted some of the beautiful nooks and corners of Batan Island, including the fishing village of Diura, which, like so many places in the province, seems like a living history demonstration, with ancient traditional ways of fishing practiced well into this era of outboard motors and long line nets. As we pulled up beside the neatly lined bahay kubos, all with a commanding view of the seas in which they worked, I was beckoned over by a fisherman to join him in working through what I call a 'Batanes Combo Meal', which consisted of the provincial booze of choice, Ginebra gin, and two dishes made with arayu, (dorado or mahi-mahi) a migratory fish prized by fishermen. He told me that during dorado season from March to May, about 40 fishermen in tatayas, or small, three-person fishing boats

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manned with sails, would head out to sea, fishing for flying fish and taking them alive to use as bait for the dorados. Dorados do not eat dead bait. He recalled that once his friend had a dorado hooked on his line after swallowing the flying fish bait, but the dorado had in turn been eaten by a large shark. After a lengthy struggle, the shark plunged back in the depths, pulling the tataya with him, leaving the fisherman at sea, forced to swim several kilometers to shore. After we left Diura, we headed over to a rocky point that stretched into the sea just south of Basco. Here, Gordon and I tried our luck at popping, casting off into the surf and pools and trying to attract the giant trevallys with the splash of the lure as we draw it back to shore. As we stood on rock outcroppings, clouds covering Mt. Iraya

Clockwise from left, this spread: Writer Childers struggling to reel in a heavy catch; fishing lessons on the M/V Viking; one of the local fishermen hauling in the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catch; and Uy and his gutted out yellowfin tuna

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Cover Story The jig is up - Uy and Childers try the popping method of fishing

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“Tucked between Luzon and Taiwan, Batanes is bounded by two of the most fertile fishing grounds in the Philippines”

suddenly cleared, revealing the dormant volcano’s giant mass, perched on the edge of Batan Island like a Hershey Kiss sitting on top of a deck of cards. On the third day, we had to take a smaller falowa out on the waters, as the Viking was not available. Following the shadow of Mt. Iraya to its northern flanks, we hit violent swells, our falowa thrown around as we tried to drop our jigs into turbulent waters. As my stomach bounced up to my throat, I thought there was no better way to come to understand the Ivatan culture than to jump into a falowa to go fishing in demanding seas. The Ivatans are natural fishermen. They have as many words for fishing as the Eskimos have for snow and the ancient Muslim sailors have for winds that powered them around their trading ports. “Taming the Wind”, a history of the Batanes Isles by

Florentino Hornedo, lists over 30 different traditional fishing techniques practiced by the Ivatans. Their vocabulary for fishing equipment such as hooks, harpoons, containers and drying paraphernalia is specialized and voluminous, as well as their superstitions and folklore. This is a fishing culture, and has been since the first Ivatans came to Batanes over 4,000 years ago. I asked local fisherman George Peralta if there were people in Batanes who don't fish, and he said: “There are a few...mostly government employees from the mainland; but it’s okay because we sell our fish to them!” As our third day started drawing to a close, the weather seemed to get angrier. Some people were spotted on the shore, impossibly far from shelter or civilization, perhaps tending to livestock or beach combing. More dolphins than I've ever seen in one day cruised by several times, some breaching right off our bow. The King Kong Island-like uninhabited islet of Dinem, with its mysterious fisherman taboos, cut through the clouds like an ominous arrowhead jutting from the ocean. As our falowa pulled back into Basco port with the last rays of daylight, I felt a tinge of regret that my time in Batanes had not resulted in some gaping, scaled Leviathan that could complete the empty spot on my family's fishing wall. But the flipside to my coming home empty handed is it ensured I would have to come back to Batanes and continue my quest. june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

The best time for gamefishing is from March to July. The yellowfin tuna season is from September to February Fishing Buddies store (www.goodcatchfishing. com, store located at corner of Quirino Ave. and M.H Del Pillar Street, Malate, +632/ 303 8677) can help newcomers and veteran anglers alike in getting the gear, getting the contacts and getting the advice

The fisherman and the sea: Part of the joy of fishing is enjoying the outdoors, not just the tug on your line

To book fishing trips contact fishing expert Tony Barrios (http:// meltingpot.fortunecity. com/michigan/642/ fishing.html, email desnuda_2000@ yahoo.com). Barrios arranges trips to Batanes, Siargao and San Vicente, Cagayan, among other fishing destinations To charter a boat call Magno Bata (+63919/ 621 7283) to book the M/V Viking, one of the few boats in Batanes outfitted for gamefishing

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An organized hook and lure box is always useful

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Cover Story

The reel, rod, all set up for fishing

essentials Our thanks to Tony Barrios for helping InFlight prepare for the fishing coverage and sharing his network of contacts and to Gordon Uy of Fishing Buddies for lending us his fishing equipment and accompanying the InFlight team on its fishing trips, to Mrs. Dely Millan of Shanedel's for her hospitality, and to BCTA for its help in booking a female model (see page 6).

Map illustration by Marlon A. See

SEAIR is the only airline that flies direct from Manila to Basco daily, during most times of the year, with a breathtaking landing on the skirt of Mt. Iraya. To book, visit www.FlySeair.com or call +632/ 849 0100. Basco town has a handful of charming accommodation, most on the simple side of the spectrum. Shanedels's Inn and Cafe is one of the most “angler friendly hotels” because it's close to the Shelterport, the jump off point to fishing grounds. Its cliff top location overlooks Basco Port. Proprietor Dely Millan (+63920/ 447 0737) can arrange for land transportation, boat rental, packed lunches and even cooking the day's catch for dinner. Rooms here are not fancy but clean, with private toilet and bath. There’s a makeshift open-air restaurant that can double as venue to pre-plan a fishing trip. Rooms range from P350 to P750 per person per night, with fan cooled and air-conditioned rooms available. Homestays can be arranged. Live in an Ivatan stone house or a local who rents out rooms. The owners are trained about the basics of hospitality service. Call Batanes Cultural Travel Agency (BCTA) to book at +632/ 813 0510, 810 4006 or +63917/ 811 2282. Visit www.batanestravel. com. BCTA also offers packaged fishing tours. You can hire a boat from boat owner Magno Bata for about P4,500 per day.

n e x t p a g e : G e a r u p fo r fi s h i n g

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

Cover Story

de sper at e a ngler

Gear up for fishing

For starters it's best to rent until you know you are well and truly hooked. Below are the key things to have 01

Make: Tica Taurus TP5000S Price: US $140 (about P7,000) Features: Aluminum body and rotor with 13-14 precision stainless steel ball bearings, forged aluminum alloy spool, CNC machined aluminum alloy handle, power handle knob, stainless steel main shaft, worm shaft and drive gear shaft, high strength brass pinion gear, one-way clutch instant anti-reverse roller bearing, right/left interchangeable handle, and worm shaft oscillating system

1. Reel: Attach it to the rod, and wind the line on its spool. High-tech to medieval options available; and the price range is wide ($40 to $1,000) 2. Main Line: Braid line is $10 to $20 for 100 meters, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to have about 300 meters

52 SEAIR InFlight

Leader: This is the thick monofilament line that ties the jig to the main line. Ten meters usually costs $8 Jigs: Heavier weights (300 grams) are needed for deeper or strong current conditions, to keep the jig sinking. Jigs of about 150 grams are good for shallower or weaker current conditions. About $6 to $20

I june - july 2009

GPS: Garmin is a favorite brand of anglers and can cost about $300. With an additional Pacific Blue chart package, the GPS can be programmed to show depth and underwater topography Fish finder: A gadget that uses echo sounding system or active sonar to detect fish. Must be professionally mounted on boat. Price can range from $400 to $1,000 but is crucial for big game fishing

Gimbal belt: A belt used to fix the butt of the fishing pole securely at your waist. Costs around $10 Trawl lures: Lighter weight, for dragging behind a moving boat that entice fishes to bite. Around $10 each

prod u ct P h otos b y c a r l o s l e g a s p i

Make: XZOGA TAKA JI-5814 Price: US $228 Features: Carbon fiber, Fuji guides and reel seat, PE 4, drag max 10kg, max jig 300g

Make: Knife jig Price: P400-P800 depending on size Features: Red eye and flashing body mimicking wounded fish and fast sinking; made of lead

Make: Heavy duty, stainless steel, split-ring pliers, cutter and crimper Price: P780 Features: Can open up split rings up to 200lbs with ease, cut mono and crimp sleeve

Make: Sufix Mono leader Price: P200-P300 depending on size Features: Monofilament line

Make: Owner's hooks Price: P300-P400/pack Features: Steel hook wrapped with Kevlar braid rig and ball bearing swivels

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Event and club promoter Mark Reyes talks to Margie Francisco and Ces Rodriguez about his top six favorite night spots (in no particular order) and why P h otos b y j e ff r e y s o n o r a

About Our insider Young club promoter and part-time model Mark Reyes is one of the hot club promoters in Manila and Boracay. He takes charge of promoting Fiamma on Jupiter Street every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Club Bureau at A Venue on Makati Avenue every Thursday (lounge) and Saturday (actual club). For more details about his parties at Fiamma, log on to www.fr3shfridays.multiply.com.

Profile photo by: Carlos Legaspi

56 SEAIR InFlight

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insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sguide

Dance the night away at Embassy Superclub

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

The VIP room at Embassy

insider’sguide

EMBASSY SUPERCLUB

Setting: Plush velvety red sofas, dark wooden floors, beaded lampshades and swanky bar. Freestanding cocktail tables are scattered on the dance floor, making dancing less intimidating. While it’s easy to plonk down the entrance fee (up to P500), you can opt for the cordoned-off VIP areas for P10,000 (seats 8 to 10, fee consumable). Strict dress code – no homey or sporty attire. In short, dress up! You get checked out before you even get to the hotel-like foyer. The Draw: It’s all about dancing here and the fact that for almost seven years running, Embassy has hosted the in crowd, including international DJ Steve Aoki. The place has also been known to attract controversy with its share of celebrity brawls and misdemeanors, and talk about drug-taking in its premises. People: Runs the whole gamut, from glammed up office girls letting their hair down to tourists, teens on a night out. Celebrities like Borgy Manotoc, local basketball superstars, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao are some of those spotted at Embassy. Music: Two rooms to accommodate two crowds. The bigger room, dressed French-type with brocade-like walls, holds 800 and plays house on Fridays. The smaller room, accessible from the main space accommodates 300 and pumps out hiphop, R&B and mashup during weekends. On Wednesdays, the rooms switch grooves. Features famous djs Ace, Mars and Manolet Dario. Mark’s take: “For all out dancing, by far, Embassy ’s the number one club. Its three hotspots in one – superclub, cuisine and cafeteria. It’s still the king of Wednesdays for hip hop. The crowd that you find there is always different due to all the expats who drop by.”

The Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila Tel +632/ 816 4195 Open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

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Circular seating encourages intimacy at Tabu

insider’sguide

TABU RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

Setting: Tabu is a good place to chill out early in the evening before the happy crowd. It is intimate, cocooned with semi-circular lounge seating for groups, dimly lit by Asian-type ceiling lamps adorned by pattern, with concrete floor in natural finish. The Draw: Good place to meet people especially on nights when the place is packed full, and standing room only. People: An older crowd in the early evening, and generally, expats, models, old school rockers, and people looking for company. Celebrities recently spotted include actors Anne Curtis and Sunshine Dizon. Food and drink: The place is known for its apple martini and Asian fusion cuisine. Music: Tuesdays is models’ night featuring electro and pop hits; Wednesdays, rock & roll; Thursdays, Brazilian Night with Brazilian models dancing to electro, house and hiphop; Fridays, R&B, hiphop, house; Saturdays, polybeats or anything the crowd wants. Mark’s take: “Tabu Bar is good on Tuesdays when they target the models that are based here. You always get a mixed crowd along with mixed music like house, electro and hiphop.”

235 Salcedo corner Aguirre Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Tel +632/ 817 7523 Tuesdays to Saturdays Open for lunch and again for dinner until the wee hours (anywhere from 2am to 6am)

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The lounge at Club Bureau

insider’sguide

CLUB BUREAU

Setting: A lounge on the ground floor and the club above after you get past the burly minders at the entrance. The Draw: As Mark says, a mini Embassy in terms of the vibe. Humongous dancefloor with cocktail tables serving as social hubs scattered in the middle of the room and raised VIP areas overlooking the action. People: A good mix of locals and expats, young and vibrant, ready to see and be seen crowd. Music: House, mashup, hiphop, electro, R&B. Monthly special events including parties organized by Big Fish and guest international djs. Mark’s take: “Club Bureau is good on Saturdays and Thursdays. Again on Saturday, you get the hiphop and mashups while on Thursday the focus is on underground hiphop and 90s. “Everyone I know who’s been to Club Bureau loves the atmosphere. To me, it looks like a mini Embassy. Club Bureau has laserlight displays, stuff like that. People there are very hip.”

A Venue 7829 Makati Avenue, Makati City Tel +632/ 384 5666

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An upper floor at Ascend is more of for chilling out

insider’sguide

ASCEND SUPERCLUB

Setting: Enter the first floor lobby and take the stairs or the elevator to the second floor where you’ll find a receptionist’s booth and doors leading to the industrialfeel dance floor and the adjacent private function area. Take another flight up past an open balcony just beside a door to the lounge area. Inside the shaggy-rug lounge area there’s a step-down balcony overlooking the dance floor. The Draw: Great video and audio systems, according to Mark. Professional ledge dancers in Vegas costumes. Special events including hosting hiphop band Black Eyed Peas People: Upscale, mostly in their early twenties to early thirties. Food and drink: Pan-Asian menu designed by Chef Rolando Laudico of Bistro Filipino. Music: Tuesday, urban; Wednesday, hits; Thurday, hiphop; Friday, hiphop, house, R&B; Saturday, hiphop, R&B, pop, mashups, Top 40 club anthems. Mark’s take: “It’s a place where people go to drink, dance and eat. It’s very contemporary.”

B3, Quadrant 4, Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila Tel +632/ 856 1786, 856 1788 Mobile +63916/ 538 4393

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05 ALCHEMY

Setting: Began as a three-floor super club consisting of a cafe on the ground floor and two dance floors on the second and third levels. The cafe and second floor dance area are now closed, leaving only the top floor Vapor Room in operation. Get to it via an outdoor scenic elevator from the ground floor. The Draw: The absolute buzz of a crowd and some serious partying that includes risque fun until the wee hours, and ledge dancing. VIP seating is available. People: Young, spontaneous, on the prowl. Music: Euro, house, trance, electro, mashup. Mark’s take: “Lots of bars, a really big dance floor. A lot of people dressed in style.”

Silver City Mall Frontera Verde Drive corner Julia Vargas Avenue Pasig City Tel +632/ 706 1305

Hip Alchemy attracts the young crowd

This photo by Carlos Legaspi

insider’sguide

06 FIAMMA

Fiamma encourages mingling, meeting new people

Setting: Minimal-industrial with 50s inspired furniture, banquet seating made for a party, couches huddled around a coffee table lit by an arc floor lamp, a few cocktail tables pushed to one wall with a second floor that overlooks the ground level cocktail area. There’s an enclosed smoking room at the back of the main area which was closed when we were there, so people spilled out onto the street, drink in hand while chatting. The Draw: Fiamma is like a social club where everyone knows almost everyone. Its location in a nondescript area of Makati, removed from the club/bar row, adds to its snobbish appeal. Inside, the atmosphere is friendly so one feels immediately at ease. Firsttimers in groups will still like the chummy go-mingle atmosphere. People: A motley group in their 20s and 40s, smartly dressed, and lots of young professionals, both local and expatriates. Celebrities spotted recently at Fiamma were local actors KC Concepcion, the Gutierrez siblings, Anne Curtis, Heart Evangelista, and TV host Pia Guanio. Food and drink: Bestsellers are the pepperoni and garlic pizza (P350), margaritas (P180), mini chicken quesadillas (P210), kiwi martini (P230) and the blue kamikaze shaker (eight shots for P500). Music: Monday to Wednesday, mashup ‘80s and ‘90s, alternative and reggae; Fridays R&B, mashup. Mark’s take: “If you want to go somewhere where it’s not so much dancing that matters as much as mingling and where everyone can get to know everyone, then by far it’s Fiamma. It’s the best place to go to on Fridays and Mondays if you’re looking for the A class and social life. The music consists of hiphop mashups and 80s funk. The prices for drinks are similar to that of any upscale club in the city.”

32 Jupiter Street, Bel-air, Makati City Tel +632/ 897 1253 Open Mondays to Saturdays, from 6pm for dinner service to 5 or 6am during weekends and until 3-4am on weekdays Cover: On Fridays the entrance charge is P500 which includes one drink.

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insider’sguide

Alternative night outs

Saguijo All indie, all the time. Live, loud, cramped everything a rock club’s supposed to be. Four or five acts at any given night, from punk to reggae, progressive jazz to goth stylings, old school rock to quirky new pop. Check out the month’s schedule at www.saguijo.com. 7612 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati City Tel +632/ 897 8629

Club Mwah photo by Wacky Gochoco, Mag:net Café photo by Ferdz Decena

Capones Bistro A favorite post-workday spot for eating and chilling out. Themed daily events including live reggae nights and alternative pop. 2/F, A Venue, Makati Avenue, Makati City Tel +632/ 816 4394

Mag:net Café

improvisational comedy, a “rockeoke” night or karaoke with a live band, album launches, and odd events like dancing with flashlights or Fascist Nights when big industry names play pseudo-dj and haul out all their favorite songs. For full schedule, www. magnethighstreet.multiply.com. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City Tel +632/ 856 3400

Bagaberde Grill and Bar Acoustic nights not dead! With the sweet, smooth pop of MYMP, Freestyle, Nyoy Volante and Mannos, Paolo Santos, True Faith, Nina, Aiza Seguerra, Kyla and Jimmy Bondoc among others. Visit www. bagaberde.com. CCP Complex (Boom na Boom Grounds), Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Tel 632/ 02/ 831 2242, 833 9882

Club Mwah

An art gallery cum café, this place is a trendy one not just for the intelligentsia and night lovers, writers and artists. It features indie film screenings,

For four years now this place has been dazzling audiences with its all-transvestite Vegas-type revue. From impersonations to excerpts from Broadway hits like Chicago and Dreamgirls and movie musicals like The Little Mermaid, Club Mwah’s always fab shows are matched by the set designs and the club’s over the top interiors. The Asia Pacific Award council cited it for being the most entertaining club in Asia and awarded it a Global Excellence Award in September 2008. Opulent and wholesome, Club Mwah is a muststop for a novel night out. 3/F, The Venue Tower, 652 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City Tel +632/ 535 7943, 532 2826 Open at 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

june - july 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

Hurry! limited copies only

missed an issue? subscribe now!

In the shops pages 19-21 • Barba 2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

It’s Raining Colors! in the shops

i n m y b ag

It may be pouring weather, but cheery, patterned wellingtons, and neon, glossy tints brighten the day PHOTOS by Rachel Rillo STyLIng by Guada Reyes

• Confetti 2/F Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

• Debenhams

On bOdy fOrm: Crackled pink stretch canvas trench coat dress, P8,195, by barba

3/F Rustan’s Department Store, Ayala Center, Makati City

ClOCkwise: ‘Oooh La Lace’ rain boots, P2,399, by Plueys; black dotted trench coat dress, P8,195, by barba; ‘Hamptons’ fedora, P1,795, by RVCA at republic; long gold shirt dress with sash, P3,295, by barba; silver thong sandals, P750, by Etnies at republic; ‘Tokyo Rain’ rain boots, P2,399; ‘Sugar Plum’ rain boots, P2,300, both by Plueys; white patent leather travel case with charms and key chain, P1,800, by whipped; ‘Icon’ makeup case, P1,295, by Hurley at republic

• H2O Republic Units 5 and 6, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City Visit www.h20republic.com

junE - juLy 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

• Plueys october - november 2008

A PLACE IN THE HEART south east asian airlines on-board magazine

BATANES ON THE BRINK ExplorE thE NorthErN paradisE BEforE thE Crowds ComE

the

simple pleasures of daet

BEaChEs, Big wavEs, & kitEs PLUS

badjao beckons

An Afternoon with the King of ChAt,

thE sEafood, thE viEw, & thE day a British priNCE CamE to visit

Boy Abunda

cool cruise

all aBoard iN a NEw liNEr to BoraCay aNd palawaN

www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

south east asian airlines on-board magazine

august - september 2008

Three families talk about their homes by the sea & how they changed their lives

Luna, 2/F Shops at Serendra, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Visit www.plueys.manila.com

• SM Department Store Ayala Center, Makati City

• Sy-Kat Couture 122 G/F Dona Consolacion Building, Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati City

• Whipped RS-10 (2/F) Makati Creekside Building, Amorsolo corner Herrera Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City Visit www.whippedteecouture.multiply.com green mission Is Boracay ready for eco-rating? 3 days in batangas A horse-ride up the rim of Taal Volcano’s crater cohiba resort boracay Apartment living, beach style PLUS SEAIR lAunchES BoRongAn, SAmAR flIghtS

In My Bag page 22

inMyBag

SMART PICKS

• Canon Digital Ixus 870 IS

august - september issue ‘08

october - november issue ‘08

Livin’ It Up and True Confections host Sam Oh goes for no-nonsense, iconic brands in her choice of travel goodies to pack By MARgIe F. FRAnCISCo PRODUCT PhOTO By MARIo BABIeRA

Abenson Avant, Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 758 2315

• Apple iPod Nano 8GB Video

Abenson Avant

south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine

december - january 2009

SOUTH E AST ASIAN AIRLINES ON - BOARd mAGA zINE

FeelGood Holidays

february - march 2009

Kota Kinabalu

Sun, sea, & spa in Boracay

Mountains, fireflies & a headhunting past

Plus a G u i d e t o w e l l n e s s c e n t e r s

4 days in boronGan Hiking, caving, and surfing in Eastern Samar’s capital town

NEWS FLASH

island life Fruit bats, turtle hatchlings, and a luxury stay in Club Paradise

PLUS

SEAIR STARTS FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO KOTA KINABALU

seair noW flies direct to boronGan, samar

december - january issue ‘09

Rustan’s Makati, Ayala Avenue, Makati City Tel: +632/ 813 3739

09 08 10

For store location and contact details, turn to

22 SEAIR InFlight I jUNE - jULy 2009

• Tempur Travel Pillow 5/L Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City Tel: +632/ 634 8587

Where to Go for live music A hot list from cool people www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

Give your kids a break Top 10 days-out for the moppets

Nokia Concept Store, 3/L Digital Exchange, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 752 8525

• Le Sportsac Bag

• Nokia 6300

art spark A guide to the Philippine artworld shangri-La’s rasa ria Luxury amidst nature’s reserve restaurants for two A hot list for Valentines

february - march issue ‘09

• Ray Ban Aviator Sarabia Optical, 4/L Glorietta 4, Ayala Avenue, Makati City Tel: +632/ 728 0627

• Count of Monte Cristo Fully Booked, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Estrella Street, Makati City Tel: +632/ 756 5001-04

• Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Beauty Bar, 2/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 757 4577

• Ferragamo Wallet

to subscribe past issues from our archive, call:

+632/ 8402803 70 SEAIR InFlight

I december - january 2009

1/L Rustan’s Makati, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel: +632/ 840 0629

• Tic Tac SM Hypermarket, SM Makati, Ayala Center, Makati City

• Pilot Sign Pen National Bookstore, Glorietta 5, Ayala Avenue, Makati City

on page 70

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i oCtobeR - novembeR 2008

december - january 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

seair

Vision To provide world-renowned domestic and international airline and aviationrelated services following the highest safety standards. Mission To satisfy customer needs and surpass their expectations and requirements. • To fulfill the requirements of shareholders, business partners, employees and suppliers, following ethical business practices • To foster an atmosphere of team building through commitment and dedication to employees’ welfare and to achieve the highest sense of company identity • To be a benchmark model in the application of Quality Management System in the aviation industry • Our philosophical outlook is to support environmental conservation and community empowerment through educational awareness and direct involvement Quality Policy To provide excellent, safe, and reliable air transport that exceeds customer requirements through continual improvement of the established Quality Management System. Basic Facts and Figures South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is a pioneer in Philippine aviation. Since 1995, we have been flying passengers to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Consistency, quality and reliability characterize SEAIR’s operations. • Awarded “Best Airline of the Year for two consecutive years (2002 and 2003) by the Philippines’’ Consumers Excellence Award • Serves a total of 15 destinations nationwide. We fly the most number of flights to Palawan and offer the fastest and most number of connections to Boracay • Employs over 200 people ready to provide excellent service to our passengers • Our fleet is made up of four Dornier 328s and six LET 410 UVP-E aircraft for use in scheduled and chartered flights.

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Competitive Advantage EXPERIENCE. SEAIR has been a pioneer in aviation, flying foreign and local tourists to the most remote tourist destinations in the Philippines since 1995. MODERN FLEET. SEAIR operates one of the youngest fleet of aircraft in its segment in the industry. FASTEST FLIGHTS. Our state-of-the-art aircraft allow us to offer you the fastest flights in selected routes, including Caticlan (Boracay) in 35 minutes. HIGH LEVEL OF ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT. SEAIR is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) authorized third-party repair station. Its services include maintenance service for airframes, power plants, avionics and aircraft interiors. INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS. We continue to innovate in customercentric products that will make traveling more fun and convenient. Other Services Leisure Escape Packages (LEP) We offer one-stop shopping for your next vacation. Hassle-free and competitively priced, our fully packaged vacations include accommodation and air fare. Call us and book now at: Tel. +632 843.7308 E-mail: packages@flyseair.com Charters Our aircraft may be chartered for special corporate and group travel. Our charter specialists will assist you in planning and arranging your special travel. For inquiries call us at: Tel. +632 849.0200 E-mail: charters@flyseair.com Cargo We ensure a safe, secure and reliable delivery of your freight and parcel. For inquiries call us at: Tel. +632 851.5555 E-mail: cargo@flyseair.com.

milestones 1995 Iren Dornier, Nikos Gitsis and Tomas Lopez founded South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) with two nineseater DO-28 airplanes flying from Manila to Caticlan, and Taytay and Busuanga in Palawan. 1996 SEAIR took delivery of its first LET410 aircraft, a 19seater Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, ideal for the small runways of Palawan and other destinations where bigger commercial aircraft could not land. 1996 to 2003 With the success of the first LET410 aircraft operation and the commitment of SEAIR to fly on a regular basis, SEAIR gradually increased its fleet from one LET410 to nine. 1999 SEAIR embarked on a nationwide expansion program. It opened regional hubs in Cebu and

Zamboanga and became the only airline to interconnect the premier destinations in Palawan with its ManilaBusuanga-El Nido-Puerto Princesa service. 2001 to Present SEAIR established a base in Zamboanga in Mindanao. It continues to operate flights to remote Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. 2002 and 2003 SEAIR was awarded “Best Airline of the Year” consecutively by the Philippines largest ‘Consumers Excellence Award.’ 2003 SEAIR’s Quality Management System was certified ISO 9001:2000 compliant by the TÜV Rheinland Group. 2004 SEAIR reached the 1 million passenger mark. SEAIR also acquired its first Dornier 328, launching the “Fastest Flights to Boracay” campaign. 2006 SEAIR acquired its fourth Dornier 328. Its fleet size

allowed it to operate up to 30 flights to Caticlan daily. • SEAIR introduced its online reservations and e-ticketing system the first and only on-line system to offer e-tickets from Manila to Boracay and Busuanga. E-ticketing services later expanded to include Cebu, Clark, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa. • By December 2006, SEAIR’S transactions through its online reservations system reached a record high in Philippine e-commerce. 2007 SEAIR celebrated its 12th year in aviation, the longest running airline, next to Philippine Airlines. SEAIR now offers up to 41,000 seats a month throughout its network and flies up to 20,000 passengers to Boracay a month. 2008 SEAIR launched its first regional flight to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia in November. SEAIR also started flights to Tablas in Romblon, Daet in Camarines Norte, Baler in Aurora, Batanes in northern Luzon and Borongan in Eastern Samar.

april may 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

fleet

Dornier 328 The Dornier 328 is a German built, new generation aircraft with 32 passenger seats. It is one of the fastest and most advanced jetprop in the world. specifications Make: Dornier Powerplant: PW 119B Length: 21.28 m (69 ft 10 in) Wing Span: 20.98 m (68 ft 10 in) Height: 7.23 m (23 ft 9 in) Seating Capacity: 32 +z 3 crew Number of planes: 4 Max Take-off Weight: 13,990 kgs (30,843 lbs) Speed: 325 knots

LET410 UVP-E The LET410 UVP-E provides first class comfort, while simultaneously servicing both paved and unpaved airstrips. In the 19-seater class, no plane is better suited for short-haul transport than this aircraft. specifications Make: LET a.s. Powerplant: WALTER M601-E Length: 14.42 m (47 ft 4 in) Wing Span: 19.98 m (65 ft 5 in) Height: 5.83 m (19 ft 2 in) Seating Capacity: 19 + 2 crew Number of planes: 6 Max Take-off Weight: 6,600 kgs (14,520 lbs) Speed: 175 knots

Do-24 ATT No airport required! Let our unique amphibian aircraft bring you and your 15 closest friends to your choice of 7,107 islands in real style. For the latest update on this spectacular aircraft and its progress around the world, visit www.do-24.com.

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route map Basco, Batanes

reservations Laoag

makati Ticketing Office Tel. +632 849.0100 San Fernando La Union

Sales Office Tel. +6302 849.0201 to 18 +6302 849.0219

Philippine Sea

Baguio

Luzon

Metro Manila Domestic Terminal Tel. +6302 851.5555 Fax +6302 891.8711

Baler CLARK, ANGELES MANILA

Clark, Angeles City Headquarters DMIA, Hangar 7224 Tel. +6345 599.2384 Fax +6345 599.2383

Philippines MINDORO

Angeles Sales Office Tel. +6302 851.5555 Fax +6345 323.6713

Tablas Romblon

Busuanga Boracay

Cebu Ticketing Office Tel. +6332 341.4879

Daet

South China Sea

Caticlan

Borongan

PANAY

El Nido

CEBU

PALAWAN

Boracay Caticlan Airport Tel. +6336 288.7360 +6336 288.7272 Fax +6336 288.7163

Visayas

Iloilo

Taytay

Sales Office Tel. +6332 254.9337 / 38 +6332 255.0801

SAMAR Masbate

Puerto Princesa

Camiguin

Mindanao

Zamboanga Tel. +6362 991.2225 Mobile +63919 333.8520

Sulu Sea

Cotabato

Malaysia

Jolo SABAH

Davao

Zamboanga

Kota Kinabalu

BRUNEI

Cagayan de Oro

Pagadian

Balabac

Puerto Princesa 399 Rizal Avenue Extension Tel. +6348 434.5272 +6348 433.2540

Siargao

NEGROS

General Santos

Tawi-Tawi

Celebes Sea

SARAWAK

Borneo Regular Route Seasonal Route

april may 2009 I SEAIR InFlight

p e op l e

Clarissa Bautista SEAIR ground attendant supervisor

"I make sure we give quality customer service" Interview by Margie Francisco Photo by Mario Babiera

As ground attendant supervisor, everyday is a different challenge. Flight delays and technical problems are inevitable but I like the challenge of having to be on my toes as I explain to the passengers why such things happen. The challenge is how to handle the situation properly and to make sure that things work well in the end. My job’s quite special. I meet a lot of people. I get to talk to people from different walks of life. And what’s nice about being a ground attendant supervisor is when these people appreciate what you’ve done for them. I’ve been with SEAIR for eight years now. I started as a ground attendant. I assist passengers from the time they enter the check-in terminal until they board the plane. I make sure that all their luggage are loaded in the aircraft. I also make sure we give quality customer service. I spend 10-and-a-half hours at work and the first thing I do is make sure I look presentable. Supervisors check our uniform, our grooming. Our uniforms have to be wrinkle-

free. There should be no runs on our stockings. Our makeup should be well-applied but not overdone. Then I monitor all SEAIR ground areas and make sure all are manned. If there are vacancies in the check-in counter, I would usually fill in the post myself. My philosophy at work? Service with a smile. When I’m stressed at work, I just laugh things off. I guess I’ve gotten used to handling problems and dealing with passengers. When I get home, I relax, play with my kids. I play the guitar. Recently, I’ve started to make accessories using swarovski crystals and hopefully, when I’ve done many designs, I can try and sell them. My favorite Philippine destination is Palawan. It’s so peaceful there. It’s pristine and untouched. The waters are so clean. SEAIR has taught me important values in life like patience and understanding. Working on the ground has taught me a lot.

news

Fly to Boracay for P350

Back to El Nido Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR)has started two-times weekly flights to El Nido, Palawan, making travel to one of the most beautiful island destinations of the country much easier. The one-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Manila to El Nido on board SEAIR’s LET 410 was launched on May 17,2009, heralding the airline’s return to this northern part of Palawan, a must-see destination in the country. El Nido belongs to the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, the largest marine sanctuary in the Philippines, home to one of the largest and one of the

most diverse species of corals and marine life in the world. There are over 30 dive sites and more than 50 beaches and hidden lagoons in the area. Magnificent limestone cliffs carved out of coralline deposits – a startling picture at any time of the day but more so at sunset – characterize the island’s geography.

SEAIR flies Manila-El Nido-Manila every Sunday and Wednesday. For bookings and inquiries, visit www.FlySeair.com or call +632/ 849 0100. For packages call SEAIR Leisure Escape Packages at +632/ 843 7308.

SEAIR is slashing its fares to Boracay to as low as P350, one way, with no other charges and for a limited period. This promo is valid from from June 15 to October 15, 2009. You can buy tickets for this period from June 1, 2009 to October 15, 2009. The Boracay experience is enhanced with SEAIR offering special service advantages to its passengers to Boracay. SEAIR offers complimentary transfers from Caticlan airport to Boracay and vice versa, as well as shortest queues and check-in procedures at the airport, fastest baggage claim, and privileges for their boarding pass in partner establishments in Boracay and Manila.

Fly SEAIR and rediscover the joy of flight! Go to www.FlySeair.com for the best deals or call +632/ 849 0100 for more information.

A Batanes summer If you’re lost for holiday ideas in the rainy season, why not go to Batanes in the northernmost part of the country? Batanes, now served by SEAIR thrice a week via its Dornier 328, enjoys its summer from June to August when most parts of the Philippines may be pouring with rain. Batanes is blessed by a pastoral beauty once compared to the Scottish highlands and beautiful white sand beaches.

A sandbar in El Nido with a fantastic view of limestone cliffs and nearby islands

To book Batanes, visit www.FlySeair. com or call +632/ 849 0100. For packages, call SEAIR Leisure Escape Packages at +632/ 843 7308. For more on Batanes, click on the InFlight link via www.FlySeair.com or e-mail inflightinbox@FlySeair.com for archive copies.

Booking Amadeus SEAIR has signed up with Amadeus, a leading global technology partner to the travel and tourism industry, to distribute its flights on Amadeus’ Global Distribution System (GDS). The deal will enable more than 1,500 travel agency locations in the Philippines and 100,000 travel agency locations worldwide to book

SEAIR flights easily and conveniently. The system will help expand SEAIR’s passenger network, promoting some of the most beautiful island destinations in the country.

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TRAVEL DIRECTORY BORACAY BLUEWAVES BEACH HOUSE Boat Station 1, Balabag, Boracay Tel: (036)288-6544 (0917) 629-0189 • 819-1897 (0922)539-6036 www.bluewavesboracay.com PINJALO RESORT Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608,Philippine s Tel: (6336)288-3206 Fax: (6336)288-3478 info@pinjalo.com, info@calypso-asia.co m www.pinjalo.co m THE BORACAY BEACH RESORT Boat Station 1 & D’Mall , Boracay Island, Malay Aklan Tel: (036) 288-3208 •(036) 288-3130 Fax: 036)288-5565 www.windsurfingboracay.com nenettewindsurf@hotmail.com PEARL OF THE PACIFIC RESORT & SPA Balabag, Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan R&G Bldg., 831 EDSA, Quezon City Tel: (632) 926-0162 • 924-4483 (036) 288-3220• 506-3131 www.pearlpacific.com.ph boracay@pearlpacific.com SEA WIND RESORT Balabag, Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan Rm. 305R&G Tirol Bldg., 831 EDSA cor. E. Lopez Avenue, Quezon City Tel: (632) 416-4010 • 920-2257 www.seawindresort.net seawind@pacific.net.ph WALING-WALIN G BEACH HOTEL BORACAY Balabag, Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan 395Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati Cit y Tel: (632) 896-9456• Fax: (632) 896-9451 www.waling.com boracay@philonli ne.com sales@waling.com LA RESERVE RESORT AND RESTAURAN T Balabag, Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan Tel: (036)288-3020 Fax: (036)288-3017 www.lareserveboracay.com info@la reserveboracay.com ORCHIDS RESIDENCES ON BORACAY Angol, Manoc-Manoc, Malay, Aklan Tel: (036)288-3313 Fax: (036)288-3012 orchidslynn@hotmail.com BORACAY REGENC Y Boat Station 2, Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan Unit 5-B 5/F W. DEEPZ Bldg. , 1033 M.H. del Pilar St., Ermita, Manil a Tels: (632) 523-8707• 523-8708•523-2899 (036) 288-6111 Fax: (036) 288-6777 • (632) 523-9790 www.boracayregency.com LE SOLEIL DE BORACAY Boat Station 2,Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan G/F PJL Corporate Center, 1782 Nicanor Garcia cor. Candelaria Sts., Makati City Tel: (632) 899-6779 • 890-0493 Fax: (632) 899-8756 • (036) 288-6118 www.lesoleil.com.ph lesoleil@pjlhullier.com

SPR REAL ESTATE, INC. www.sprboracay.com Tel: (6336)288-3631 (Sales) (6336)288-5798(Rental) Fax: (6336)288-5797 MANDALA SPA Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan Tel: (036)288-5858 Fax: (036)288-3531 www.mandalaspa.co m ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT Balabag, Boracay Island, Mala y, Aklan Unit 1207 President Tower Condo , 81 Timog Avenue, Quezon City Tel: (632)426-2817 • 411-4448 •(036)288-4777 Fax: (632) 413-5079 Telefax: (632) 413-5079 escondido@hotmail.com NAMI PRIVATE VILLAS White Beach, Boracay 12th Floor Sage House, Herrera St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Tel: (632) 812-1484 • (632) 892-0371 (036) 2886753-55 www.namiboracay.com SURFSIDE BORACAY RESORT & SPA White Beach, Angol Point Boat Station 3, Malay, Aklan Manila Ofc. Tel: (632) 338-8659, 338-6899 mail@boracaysurfside.com www.boracaysurfside.com ZUZUNI BORACAY Resort & Restaurant Boat Station 1, Balabag , Boracay Island Tel: (6336)288-4477 info@zuzuni.net • www.zuzuni.net MICROTEL INN & SUITES Diniwid Beach, Boracay Is., Malay, Aklan 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Ugong Pasig City Tel: (632) 671-7171; (63 917) 523-7171 Tel: (6336) 288-4311; (63 917) 716-5004 sales@microtelphilippines.com www.microtelphilippines.com SANDCASTLES THE APARTMENTS White Beach, Boracay Island 5608 Tel: (6336) 288-3207/ 3449 (0917) 819-3049 / (0920) 558-7188 info@boracaysandcastles.com www.boracaysandcastles.com www.tribaladventures.com

PALAWAN CLUB NOAH ISABELLE Apulit Island, Taytay, Palawan 6/F Multinational Bancorporation Centre, 6805Ayala Ave., Makati Cit y Tel: (632) 844-6688 • (632) 844-6166 (0918) 909-5583 www.clubnoah.com. ph info@clubnoah.com.ph CLUB PARADISE Regent Bldg. Malunggay Rd. FTI Complex, Taguig City 1630 Philippines Tel. Nos.: (632) 838-4956 to 60 Fax Nos.: (632) 838-4465 / 838-4762

MARIBAGO BLUEWATER BEACH RESORT Maribago, Mactan Island, Cebu 1120 Cityland/Her rera Towers, 98Herrera cor. Valero Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel: (632) 817-5751 • (6332)232-5411 to 1 4 Fax: (632)845-0680•(6332)492-0128to 29

EL NIDO MINILOC/LAGE N Miniloc Island/Lagen Island, Palawan Ten Knots Development Corporatio n 2/F Builders Centre 170 Salcedo St., Legaspi Vill., Makati City Tel: (632) 894-5644 • Fax: (632) 810-3620 www.elnidoresorts.co m

BADIAN ISLAND RESORT AND SPA Badian Island, Cebu Cebu Capital Commercial Complex- A N. Escario St., Cebu City Tel: (6332) 253-6452 • 475-1103 Fax: (6332) 253-3385 • 475-1101 www.badianhotel.co m

OLE SPANISH TAPAS BAR Y RESTAURANTE

D’Mall Boracay • Tel: (036)288-5940 ARIA beachfront of D’Mall, Boracay Tel: (036)288-5573 MONGKOK DIMSUM & NOODLE S D’Mall of Boracay, Boracay Island Tel: (036)288-5978

MICROTEL INN & SUITES

EL RIO Y MAR ISLAND RESORT Regent Bldg. Malunggay Rd. FTI Complex, Taguig City 1630 Philippines Tel. Nos.: (632) 838-4964 Fax No.: (632) 838-0595

Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Ugong, Pasig City

Tel: (632) 671-7171; (63 917) 523-7171 Tel: (6382) 233-2333; (63 905) 303-9840 sales@microtelphilippines.com www.microtelphilippines.com

LAMURO RESORT & SPA 73 Real Street, El Nido Palawan Tel: (0918) 908-1204 Manila e: 1 First Street, Virginia Summerville, Mambugan, Antipolo City Tel: (632) 682-7168 • (632) 682-7170 • (632) 682-7172 www.lamuro.com

LEGEND HOTEL PALAWA N Malvar St., Puerto Princesa, Palawan 60Pioneer cor. Madison Sts., Mandaluyong City Tel: (048) 433-9076 • (632) 633-1501 Fax: (048) 434-4276 • 433-9077 www.experiencepalawan.com.ph WATERFRONT MACTAN 1 Salinas Drive Lahug, Cebu City 6000 27/F Wynsum Corporate Plaza, 22Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel: (632) 687-0888 • (6332) 232-6888 Fax: (632) 687-5970 • (6332) 232-6880 www.waterfronthotels.net

CAMIGUIN JOHNNY’S DIVE ‘N’ FUN Volcano Diving, Sport Fishing, Parasailing MTB Tours, Rapelling, 4x4 Tours . . . Secret Cove Dive Resort Yumbing, Mambajao, Camigui n Tel: (088)387-9588 www.johnnysdive.com

DAVAO PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT 1504 Corporate Center 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel: (632) 750-1898 • 750-1896 •893-2093 Fax: (632) 750-1894 Kaputian Island Garden City of Samal Tel: (6382)221-9970 to 78 Fax: (6382)221-9979

SECRET COVE DIVE RESORT Mambajao, Camiguin Island Tel: (088)387-9084 Fax: (088)387-9184 www.secretcovecamiguin.net Info@secretcovecamiguin.net

CEB U

RESTAURANT AND DELI HEIDILAND DELI D’Mall, Phase IV, Boracay Island 5608Mala y, Aklan Telefax: (036)288-5939

ALEGRE Calumboyan, Sogod, Cebu Pathfinder Holdings Philippines, Inc. Hotel and Restaurant Division Tel: (6332)231-1198 • 254-9800•254-9811 Tels:(632) 634-7505to08 www.alegrebeachresort.co m

SHANGRI-L A MACTAN Punta Engaño Road, P.O. Box 86,Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu 2nd Floor Makati Ave., Shopping Arcade Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makat i Tel: (632) 818-0952• Fax: (632) 893-8503 Tel: (6332)231-0288• Fax: (6332) 231 -1688 www.shangri-la.com PLAN TATION BAY RESORT AND SPA Marigondon, Mactan Island Cebu Suite 906,National Life Insurance Buildin g Ayala Ave., Makati City Tel: (632) 844-5024to25 Fax: (632) 844-5030 www.plantationbay.com

THE MARCO POLO DAVAO CM Recto Street, Davao City Tels: (6382)221-0888Fax: (6382)225-011 1 3/F Adamson Center, 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tels: (632) 893-0888•893-5719 •752-0888 Fax: (632) 840-5111 www.marcopolohotels.com/davao MICROTEL INN & SUITES Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Ugong Pasig City Tel: (632) 671-7171; (63 917) 523-7171 Tel: (6382) 233-2333; (63 905) 303-9840 sales@microtelphilippines.com www.microtelphilippines.com

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Jayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Batanes Self-taught landscape photographer Jay Jallorina went to Batanes in December 2008 in search of a perfect landscape. He found this breathtaking picture of rocky Diura Beach in Mahatao, with the exquisite Mount Iraya in the backdrop. Jallorina, a mountaineer, loves the outdoors so much that he is constantly drawn into taking photos of landscapes using a small point-and-shoot digital camera. He is now an active contributor of Digital Photographer Philippines and has won photography awards, including two spots in the final 10 of Epson Color Imaging 2008. -- Margie F. Francisco For more of Jallorinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works, visit www.jayjallorina.com.

Camera: Canon 30D Lens: EF-S 10-22mm at 10mm Aperture: F/8.0 Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec. ISO Speed: 100

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LEP Leisure Escape Packages

We make your vacation precious. So, we have it all wrapped up in the best packages.

For holidays made convenient, call:

+632 843 7308

E-mail: packages@flyseair.com URL: www.flyseair.com