InFlight October-November 2012

october-nov ember 2012

w w w.inf light.ph

Top 10 Haunted Tours

Visit ithe spookiest places in the country this Halloween

El Nido Hideaway

Pangalusian Island Resort is now open

Me & My Travels

Impressionist Willie Nepomuceno on his holiday hangouts

The ISLES of Thrills

Kayak, Trek, or Bike Your Way Around the Philippines

Inside

inflight | OCTOBER-NOV EMBER | 2012

08

22

08 in the news El Nido Resorts luxury island hideaway, Pangalusian, soft opens; Mt. Apo launches a three-day climb in a bid to get on UNESCO heritage list; Mati to hold third skimboarding challenge 10 Cale ndar What not to miss in October and November 12 In Room Chilline Tagaytag 16 InDULGE Restaurant review: Taklobo Restaurant at Jack’s Ridge

12

18 ME AND MY TRAVELS Willie Nepomuceno, Impressionist 22 cove r s tory The Isles of Thrills: Kayak, trek, or bike your way around the Philippines, says adventure tour specialist Greg Hutchinson

18

30 inside r’s guide 10 Haunted Places: Visit the spookiest places in the country this Halloween

30

40 INFLIGHT Guide s Destination guides to the Philippines and neighboring countries Airline Guides: All you need to know about leisure airlines South East Asian Airlines and Island Transvoyager

october-nov ember 2012

w w w.inf light.ph

Top 10 Haunted Tours

Visit ithe spookiest places in the country this Halloween

El Nido Hideaway

Pangalusian Island Resort is now open

Me & My Travels

Impressionist Willie Nepomuceno on his holiday hangouts

The ISLeS of ThrILLS

Kayak, Trek, or Bike Your Way Around the Philippines

2

| InFlight | october-november 2012

Cover credits: Photo by Getty Images/Robert Zaleski

www.inflight.ph • www.facebook.com//inflight.ph • twitter.com/Inflight_travel

editorial

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

Nikos Gitsis Giselle Javison Monica De Leon Jocas See Cielo Flores

C o n t r ibu t i n g p h o t o g r a p h e r s

Ferdz Decena, Joel Garcia, Ken Go, Rhonson Ng, Oggie Ramos, Hermes Singson, Jeffrey Sonora, Lee Santiago, Daniel Soriano, Gutsy Tuason C o n t r ibu t i n g w r i t e r s

Jude Bacalso, Freida Dario, Ferdz Decena, Kristine Fonacier, Catherine Kirchhoff, Jan Lao, Fran Ng, Oggie Ramos, Ces Rodriguez, Gutsy Tuason Advertising Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing officer Ad traffic & circulation asst.

Pam Ayaay Manard Pama

P ub l i s h i n g

publisher Publishing director Administrative officer

Dornier Media International Nikos Gitsis André Palma

B o a r d o f A d vi s e r s

Seair chairman Publishing director Editorial director Director Legal counsel

Iren Dornier Nikos Gitsis Giselle Javison Delza Apostol Atty. Celina Cua

I n q ui r i e s

Editorial: +632/ 553 7976; Email: editors@inflight.ph; Press releases: press@inflight.ph Advertising: +632/ 553 7978; Email: ads@inflight.ph; Telefax: +632/ 840 2802 Subscription and Archive: Email: subscribe@inflight.ph

p h i l ippi n e C o py r ig h t © 2 0 1 2

Dornier Media International Penthouse, Lerose Building, 832 Edades Street corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, 1227 Philippines

4|

InFlight

| october-november 2012

CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

BY LONDO N-B AS K ED RAN

Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines www.clarkairport.com

ES BUSINE SS L TIM GR O

RD 3BEST

N NA FI

C IA

U

P

ED

THE FUTURE IS HERE

AIRPORT

ZONE IN THE WORLD

GLOBAL FREE ZONES OF THE FUTURE 2012/13

Affordable ways to get you to Clark Airport. Philtranco Bus. Leaves daily from Pasay station at 6:30am, 8:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm and 8:30pm. Leaves daily from SM Megamall at 7:00am, 9:00am, 12:00nn, 3:00pm and 9:00pm. Return trips from Clark Airport at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, 8:30pm and 12:30am. Fare is from Php400 to Php450. Contact +632-851-8077 to 79 | Victory liner Bus. Leaves daily from Marquee Mall (Angeles City) at 9:00am, 10:20am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Return trips from Clark Airport at 10:00am, 11:00am, 2:30pm, 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Fare is Php50 or free for connecting passengers of Victory Liner. Call +632-559-7735. | Accredited Tourists Car Transport Services: avis rent-a-car +632-718-4062; airport shuttle service +6345-892-1311; JMW rent-a-car +6345-8883693; new Motech +6345-889-0797; t-Des transport +6345-656-3269 | air-conditioned Public Jeepneys. Look for green-and-white-painted jeepneys stationed at Dau Bus Terminal beside Jollibee and Mister Donut. Fare is from Php50 to Php100. | regular Public Jeepneys. Stationed at jeepney terminal near Clark main gate and SM Clark. Ask for fastest, nearest route going to Clark Airport. Fare is hp12.

INTheNews t r a ve l | l i f e s t y l e | h o t e l s & re s or t s | a r t s & f a s h i o n | a n d more

Pool Villa

El Nido Resorts’ luxury island hideaway, Pangalusian Island resort, in Bacuit Bay El Nido, Palawan is soft opening on October 15. The resort has 42 deluxe villas and its own private beach, almost a kilometer long. Each 65sqm villa has a private balcony, and depending on your choice and budget, you can get a villa facing the beach, or on stilts above the forest, or close to the pool. Located just minutes away are vibrant coral reefs and El Nido Resorts’ Beach Clubs. Room rates start at about P22,000 (about US $512) a night.

Visit www.elnidoresorts.com. ■

Bedroom

8|

InFlight

| october-november 2012

INTheNews

Calendar

W h a t n o t t o m i s s i n O c t ober a n d n ovember

27

Big Fish Cream Halloween Ball

Don your best Atlantis and under-the-sea costume at this year’s Bigfish: Cream Halloween Ball party at the World Trade Center on October 27, with djs Sean Tyas and Simon Patterson pumping up music for you. For ticket inquiries call +632/ 634 8238 or visit www.bigfishmanila.com.

A Rallying Climb for Mt. Apo The three-day Mt. Apo Climb 2012 kicks off on October 26 to promote Mt. Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines at about 9,692ft, to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mt. Apo is located in Digos, Davao del Sur. Every three years, UNESCO declares a new list of World Heritage Sites designed to preserve natural wonders and ancient ruins.

The Mt. Apo event will cover three activities: mountain climbing, clean up drive, and tree planting. It is open to all mountaineering groups or individuals. ■ Call +63921/ 259 1275.

28

36th Milo Marathon 2012, Iloilo Leg

Join the Iloilo leg of the 36th Milo Marathon on October 28. The race will take off from the West Visayas State University in Iloilo and will finish at the Iloilo Sports Complex. Race categories include the 21km (half marathon), 10km (run), 5km (fun run), and 3km (adult and children run). Registration is ongoing until October 24. P10 from the registration fee goes to Milo’s Help Give A Child A Pair of Shoes advocacy. Call Rommel Castro at +63917/ 720 0630 for inquiries. Visit ww1.nestle.com.ph/milo.

31

Surf and Music Festival 2012

Go and enjoy this year’s Surf and Music Festival in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte from October 31 to November 3. Lots of surfing activities and live performances from bands like Wolfgang and Up Dharma Down. Visit www.alohaboardsports. com/surfmusicfest for more information about the festival. to November 3

The Fray Live in Manila November American band trio The Fray will perform live at

10

Mati to Hold Third Skimboarding Challenge Mati in Davao Oriental will hold its third Annual Skimboarding Challenge on October 26 to 28 at Menzi Beach Park.

The annual competition, open to both beginners and pros, started in 2009, organized by the Amihan Surf and Skim Team founded by local surfer George “Jun” Plaza together with the city government. Last year’s venue was Dahican Beach, one of Mati’s most popular areas.

Skimboarding in Mati started in 2002 when a group of Davao City’s skimboarders, including Plaza, rode the waves of Dahican using makeshift boards. ■ Call Mati City’s tourism office at +6387/ 388 3234 for more information.

10 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 10.

Formed in 2002, The Fray popularized the songs How to Save a Life, a single in their first album launched in 2005; You Found Me from their second self-titled album The Fray; and Never Say Never, which was featured in the movie Tranformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Presented by Dayly Entertainment and That’s Ntertainment Productions.

Call Ticketnet at +632/ 911 5555. Visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Dance Again November Watch former American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez

26

dance the night away in her concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 26. This Philippine leg is part of Lopez’s world tour entitled Dance Again World Tour, named after the Latina artist’s dance-pop song Dance Again (featuring rapper Pittbull), which was released last year.

The event is by Music Management International, Radio High 10.59, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Visit www.smtickets.com.

M T . A P O photo b y R H O N S O N N G

INRoom Ho t e l s a n d re s or t s

Chilline Tagaytay

Splash out for a rental house by Taal Lake for a weekend to remember, says Ana Tuason P hotos courtes y o f M ike T an , J a y M itra and G eo f f G on z ales

F

IRST IMPRESSION. Private and secluded, this house in Tagaytay makes you feel like a guest at a well-designed weekend home. Step inside and indulge in a closeup view of majestic Taal Lake. The white-washed adobe walls of the home evoke the pueblo style of New Mexico, but the Filipino baskets, driftwood and clay pots keep the vibe local.

A big skylight disc right in the middle of the living room, the rounded and floor-to-ceiling windows let you breathe in nature while staying cocooned. Budji Layug, well known for his modern take on Filipino furniture and accessories, designed the property.

LOCATION. It’s just an hour and a half from Makati and is very close to the rotunda of Tagaytay City. Since the place is a quick turn off the ridge, you can get to restaurants within five minutes of driving. The new Robinson’s Mall is only 10 minutes away.

ROOMS. The house sits on a hillside, so two of the four bedrooms offer a panoramic view of verdant treetops surrounding the lake.

In the rooms facing the lake, the cleverly designed C-shaped windows let in light and the cool Tagaytay breeze. Three bedrooms have king-size beds while the fourth has twin beds overlooking a garden. One of the bedrooms comes with an extra daybed and a sitting area.

FOOD. Meals are served lutong-bahay (homecooked) style at the stone dining table. The staff of five, including one cook, who have their own quarters, can dish out Filipino favorites such as suam na mais (corn soup), inihaw na baboy (grilled pork), escabeche (sweet and sour fish) and beef steak. Morning delights are the usual choices of tocino, tapa, and danggit with sinangag (garlic rice).

We Like. The well-designed, flowing and

12 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

organic feel of the space; the basic color motifs of white beddings on wooden frames; the amazing views of the lake, hillside garden and pool; the peace and quiet; the WiFi and TV. Not So Keen. The indoor and outdoor jacuzzi are outdated and don’t seem used.

The house could also get an update on bath fixtures and furniture, plus sitting areas in all bedrooms. The water heater kept under the bathroom sink needs to be switched on at least two hours ahead of bath time, which can be inconvenient.

Verdict. Chilline Tagaytay is a short-break rental house available for overnight to longer stays so you enjoy home comforts and inhouse service. Your meals are customized: the cook asks you what you’d like for dinner and breakfast. To get your money’s worth, you’d have to be a large group wanting your own private space in Tagaytay. It’s also that perfect spot for enjoying the mistiness of Tagaytay away from other weekenders. ■

Essentials

House rental with meals starts at P25,000 (about US $581) for weekdays exclusive of 12% VAT. Plus 10% service charge. Chilline is also developing properties in San Vicente, Palawan and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Tel: +63920/ 892 1111 URL: www.chilline.com How to get there From South Luzon Express Way, take the Santa Rosa Exit. Turn right at the top of Tagaytay Ridge; head towards the rotunda and make a left on Talisay Road. Chilline is only one kilometer away.

District’s facade Premiere Room

New Luxury Beachfront Resort Opens in Boracay New luxury beachfront resort, the 48-room District Boracay, is set to officially open in October, following a soft opening in April.

Managed by Aura Hotels and Resorts, the District Boracay, located in Sation 2 in Boracay, is on the beachfront along the main White Beach. Guest rooms were designed by Anton Mendoza.

The resort’s sky view lounge, offering a spectacular beach view, serves sunset cocktails, and can be rented out for private parties. Resort restaurants include Caruso Ristorante Italiano, Cafe Caruso serving wood-fired pizzas and Italian cuisine, and a third restaurant serving Ilocos regioninspired dishes, slated to open sometime late this year. ■ The District Boracay is at Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines. Call +632/ 234 5917.

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 13

Have it your way Providing Practical Business Solutions and Highly Customized Contact Center, Creative Services, and Technology Support Services.

H e lic o n Tec H n o l o g y, c o r p.

Unit 306, La O' Center Building, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines 1223 Tel. No. : (+632) 849 0280

Fax: (+632) 849 2804

www.helicontechnology.com

INdulge re s t a u r a n t rev i ew

Taklobo Restaurant at Jack’s Ridge

Taklobo Restaurant, on a clear evening, offers a stunning view

You can’t leave Davao without a seafood meal at Jack’s, says Kristine Fonacier

t

HE SETTING. Taklobo is the main restaurant at Jack’s Ridge resort complex, built on the hillside site where the Japanese military set up headquarters during World War II. Today, it’s still easy to see why the place was a logical choice for an encampment, as Jack’s Ridge offers a commanding view of Davao City and of Davao Gulf. Taklobo is the largest of the three restaurants at Jack’s Ridge.

On a clear evening, the view from here is stunning.

THE FOOD. Homemade. Everyday Filipino food, with the house specialty being seafood, particularly tuna. Start off with kinilaw or ceviche (P152.35 or about US $3.5). The subtle sweetness of the fresh tuna flesh contrasts with the acidity of the vinegar and spices, and will awaken your tastebuds.

16 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

The sinful lechon kawali (P282.65), deepfried pork belly, is popular among those who don’t mind a sudden surge in their cholesterol count; but the truly brave and the truly hungry go for crispy pata (P558.88), a whole pork hock deep-fried till golden and crackling. But of course, you can’t go to Davao and not taste the seafood. I prefer the grilled tuna belly (P88.84/100g), although locals like the panga, or jaw (P80.60/100g), which they say is more flavorful. Taklobo is also a popular drinking place, serving a variety of cocktails and local beers. The fresh pomelo shake (P75) is a cooling, healthy option that goes well with all the grilled and fried food.

Who dines Here. Everyone, it seems.

Families, large groups, businessmen, tourists, and locals pack the place. We went there on a rainy evening in the middle of the workday, and even then, there were no empty tables.

THE SERVICE. Knowledgeable and efficient.

They are able to take orders accurately and respond to requests quickly even when the place gets really busy, as it often does.

Taklobo Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City Tel: +6382/ 297 8830; 297 8831

Price. Prices are reasonable, and the familystyle servings are generous. Expect to spend about P1,000 for a meal for three persons; cocktails are less than P100; wines are at P800 per bottle.

VERDICT. Good, straightforward, no-frills Filipino food. The ambience gets a boost at night, when the city lights come on. ■

Me and My Travels

Willie Nepomuceno Impressionist I nterview b y M onica D e L eon

m

y typical day is erratic. I start the day sweeping the yard, and cleaning my car.

It’s my exercise. I used to have vintage cars, but now I only maintain one. I start my morning with coffee; more coffee the rest of the day; and coffee before I go to bed.

I research characters I mimic onstage, right down to the right glasses and wigs, and tailor-made clothes. I have a stylist for the wigs and a prosthetics artist. I sometimes spend P25,000-P30,000 (about US $581-$698) just for one pair of eyeglasses.

I do my maths to see if it’s worth spending on a character Iike Erap (nickname for former Philippine President Joseph Estrada), or Pnoy (Philippine President Benigno Aquino III). Presidents go for a term of at least six years so that’s a good enough period for me to get back my investment.

I try to analyze which part of my character’s face or body stands out. I had to recreate Dolphy’s nose in prosthetics.

I’ve always been part of a coffee shop forum like Samahang Plaridel, the former Kapihan sa Manila breakfast forum at the Manila Hotel that’s now the Samahang Plaridel at the Diamond Hotel, headed by Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Neal Cruz.

People can usually catch me at the Music

18 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Museum (www.musicmuseum.com.ph). I start with one or two shows and then more people hear about it, and we’d have several repeats. So far we’re pretty successful. I don’t maintain a publicist.

I’m a social commentator in a sense but I always find room to inject entertainment. My “commentary” has to be humorous. But I bite too.

My last show Presidentiables’ Gut Talent presented all the candidates as contestants in a talent show.

Erap did a magic show; Gibo levitated; Villar rapped.

I do [Ferdinand] Marcos with a passion.

I have an unfinished mission and I think people should be able to remember martial law and what bad it has done to our country. Marcos didn’t get piqued. Those who got piqued were his followers, the generals. I once emceed a fiesta variety show in the town plaza in Paoay and Marcos together with Imelda and some foreign guests came. Then someone started shouting: ‘Marcos, Marcos...’ [requesting a performance]. So I did Marcos and Marcos and then First Lady and their guests laughed very hard. I think Marcos had a good sense of humor but nevertheless, I sort of kept my distance. He wanted to have a picture taken of just the two of us. ‘Siguro, ikaw yung Marcos number two’ (perhaps you’re Marcos number two), he said.

Dolphy is well loved so when I do him, I enjoy it because at least for a fleeting moment, I am the comedy king. Or Erap because he’s also a lovable character.

Work has taken me to the US, Europe,

Canada, Australia, as far as Iraq… practically all over.

I like Rome. It’s a walking city. So instead of eating at the hotel, I’d go to a corner store and ask for a pizza wrapped in a newsprint, and then I’d walk and see those fleamarkets that sell antiques, the sidestreet musicians and performers, painters.

I enjoy watching people. Tourist spots are not my trip.

In Paris, I made three failed attempts go to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. One was on a Wednesday and it was closed on Wednesdays.

The next time, it was under renovation. And the third, I came at closing time.

I enjoyed Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. I had all the free time so I savored the view, the walking around.

I enjoyed the first time I went to Boracay. The beach was empty. There was no electricity and lots of mosquitoes. The next time I was there I was kind of frustrated because the sand hardened from too many tricycles (three-wheeled motorized vehicles) plying the area and the establishments were eating up the beachfront. Such a loss. The last time I was there, I felt I was in a mausoleum. Very beautiful hotel but I don’t think it blends in with the tropical setting. They may have an exclusive beachfront but it’s far from White Beach where the action is.

One of the resorts I fell in love with was on Panglao Island in Bohol because it’s quiet.

I also enjoyed Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa (www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort).

In fact, I spent New Year’s there with my family.

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 19

Me and My Travels

I like quiet places, nature. The first time I went to Tagaytay Highlands (www.tagaytayhighlands. com), I was impressed. I haven’t been there in a long time so I don’t know if it’s still the same.

I hate airports and don’t want to suffer the misery of being in an airport, so I pack light.

Sometimes I only take three pairs of jeans even if I’m staying abroad for a month. The hotels supply toiletries so why take those?

My hometown is Marikina. The sapateros (shoemakers) in my town have their own activities like racing, running, all sorts of games. So there’s a feeling of being in a community.

What keeps me fit these days are cigarettes.

I used to run every day for an hour, followed by an hour of tennis. But after I got an injury I stopped for a while and then it became forever.

A few restaurants have stuck in my mind because my parents took me there when I was young and it’s always been nostalgic going back there for a meal. Ma Mon Luk has a branch in Banaue, Quezon Avenue (+632/ 712 3560) and Quiapo but Quiapo is kind of chaotic.

There’s Max’s (www.maxschicken.com), Savory. I still go to Aristocrat (www.aristocrat.com.ph/) on Roxas Blvd for their barbecue. It’s a place to go to.

I can’t name a place now that’s truly Filipino; it’s all pseudo. Someone serenading you with a guitar is not a novelty for me. It’s highway robbery.

Villa Escudero (www.villaescudero.com) comes closest to an authentic cultural experience.

As long as the people are ready to see me, watch me perform, I won’t retire. George Burns missed his 100th birthday by a year. And he was still performing and still loved by the audience. ■

My favorite things TV Shows: I watch Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars and American Pickers because I love old Pawn Stars things. I just restored my jukebox. It’s a 1956 Seeburg VL 200.

Places of Interest: Galleries and protest concerts.

Newspaper Read: As much as I hate it, I read the entertainment section. From time to time, columnists Neal Cruz or Conrad de Quiros. ■

20 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Cover Story

Kayaking in the northern part of Calamian Islands, Palawan

22 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Isles Thrills The

of

Kayak, trek, or bike your way around the Philippines, says adventure tour specialist Greg Hutchinson I nterview and research b y O ggie R amos

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 23

Cover Story

Braving Mt. Tibiao’s class 2 and 3 rapids.

Bottom: It’s not what it looks like. You’re not on the menu. The kawa (metal tub) is made for luxuriating in at the end of a gruelling day

About Our Guide Greg Hutchinson first came to the Philippines in 1986, the year of People Power, as an international Reuters correspondent. He later took early retirement from Reuters to freelance and set up a beach resort in Boracay in 1989, and an adventure company, Tribal Adventure Tours (www.tribaladventures. com), in 1997. The company pioneered white water kayaking, rafting, seakayaking and photojournalism expeditions in the Philippines. Hutchinson is averse to the tourism label, preferring to say that he’s all about taking guests through a genuine “experience” that honors the country’s rich tribal heritage. Over a decade since setting up shop, he is still as excited as the early days about embarking on the next great adventure.

Hutchinson reveals his top adrenaline-boosting tours and activities.

24 |

InFlight

White water rafting in Panay Tribal Adventures takes guests through the rapids of Tibiao River in Antique in a three-day adventure that balances the rugged with the comfy, the fun with the bizarre.

Requirements: Swimming skills are not necessary though you must feel comfortable in the water. It helps to be in shape. While Tibiao has class 2 and 3 rapids, a oneminder guide is assigned to every paddler. You also don life jackets and get to ride on a sit-on dedicated white water kayak that’s more stable and easier to get in and out of.

Highlights: A mix of stimuli for all the senses. You get to hike the environs of the Tibiao River — Mt Maja-as with its open slopes, mossy forest, waterfalls, passing through the rainforest and rice terraces. You get to swing into the rock pools of Bugtong Bato waterfalls. And after a day of paddling, you get to luxuriate in the unique hot “kawa” tub in the outdoors, have a ticklish fish spa, and a traditional Filipino massage therapy or “hilot”.

Accommodation: You have a choice of native cottages at Kayak Inn with private bath, bedroom and balcony, a room at Angelos Seaside Bungalows, or pitching a tent/hammock under the stars.

Kawa

Where to book: Email tribaladventures@gmail.com or visit www.tribaladventures.com. Panay 3 Day/2 Night Adventure costs P15,000/person (about US $349/person) for a group of four; P16,500/person for a group of three.

| october-november 2012

Getting there: The trip starts in Boracay where guests ride the ferry to Panay Island, then travel by 4x4 vehicle to the jump off point. SEAIR flies daily to Boracay from Manila and Clark via Kalibo. To book your flight, visit www.flyseair.com.

T ibiao river and kawa tub photos b y f erd z decena

Cover Story

Kayaking around the Calamian islands is bliss, revealing perfect little coves and wildlife hidden in the mangroves

Kayak around the Calamianes Tap into your inner Robinson Crusoe and embark on some serious island-hopping by sea kayak. While it’s impossible to explore all 202 islands of the Calamianes group even if you have a year to spare (and who does?), Tribal Adventures’ Calamian Kayak Expedition gives you a generous taste of the island-explorer life in the country’s final frontier.

Requirements: Previous kayaking experience will come in handy as paddling out to sea is serious business. An expert guide accompanies each paddler.

Highlights: Meeting the indigenous Tagbanuas, Palawan’s ethnic tribe. And lots more, including exploring the tropical rainforest, snorkelling in clear waters, and the chance to enjoy some of the country’s unspoilt, secluded, secret beaches. Visit Coron Island, the spiritual hub of the Tagbanuas; Culion, the old-Spanish fort and former leper colony; and Calauit, the wildlife sanctuary.

Accommodation: Choice of local resorts like Discovery Divers Resort (www. discoverydiversresort.com), Darayonan resort (www.facebook.com/pages/

Darayonan/342700212579), or Busuanga Seadive Resort (www.seadiveresort.com).

Book Palawan SandCastles The Beach House (email tribaladventures@gmail.com or book via www.agoda.com) in Cheey, Busuanga if you’re a family or a small group wanting a hideaway all to yourselves.

Where to book: Email tribaladventures@ gmail.com or visit www.tribaladventures.com. The expedition runs from 4-11 days. Costs are on a tier basis depending on individual requirements and preferences. For those with only three to four days to spare, Tribal Adventures offers several variations of its Kayaking Adventures around Coron, starting at US $300.

Getting there: Expedition starts from Coron port. SEAIR flies daily to Puerto Princesa.

To book your flight, visit www.flyseair.com. From Puerto Princesa, you can get to El Nido by air-conditioned shuttle vans (about P600, six to eight hours); buses (about P300, eight hours) or boat from Sabang (about P1,500, eight hours); then ride an outrigger boat to Coron (about eight hours). Alternatively, you can fly direct to Busuanga from Manila.

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 25

Biking in Busuanga takes a rider through the rainforest and several streams en route to the coast

Bike through Busuanga A mix of the brutal and the beautiful, Tribal Adventures’ Hard Core Mountain Bike Day trip is sure to give advanced riders an adrenaline rush pedaling across the island.

Requirements: For hard-core mountain bikers only. A moderate mountain bike day trip is also available.

Highlights: Riding mid-range double and single shock mountain bikes, blaze a carabao trail from Busuanga Airport through the largest ranch in all of Southeast Asia. The trail takes you through the rainforest and several streams en route to the coast. The track to Cheey, a barangay in Busuanga, is downright hard core, with the first two-thirds on undulating terrain with only periodic tree cover.

Accommodation: Stay in Camp Calauit pavilion for the night or arrange a late evening transfer back to Coron town. Or book Palawan SandCastles The Beach House (email

tribaladventures@gmail.com or book via www. agoda.com), especially if you’re a family or a small group.

InFlight recommends: For a bit of

26 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

luxury in Coron, book at El Rio Y Mar Resort

(www.elrioymar.com) in San Jose which has an infinity pool and spa ($230 up plus $30 peak season surcharge) or Coron Gateway (www. corongatewayresort.com), the first boutique resort in town, (from P4,400) Where to book: Email tribaladventures@ gmail.com or visit www.tribaladventures.com.

The Hard Core Mountain Bike Day Trip with 4x4 support costs P3,500/person for a group of four; P4,500/person for a group of three; P5,500/person for a group of two; P9,000 for individual participants.

Getting there: Assembly is at the Camp Calauit in Busuanga or Tribal Café in Coron.

SEAIR flies daily to Puerto Princesa. To book your flight, visit www.flyseair.com. From Puerto Princesa, one can travel overland to El Nido by air-conditioned shuttle vans (about P600, six to eight hours); buses (about P300, eight hours) or boat from Sabang (about P1,500, eight hours); then ride an outrigger boat to Coron (about eight hours). Alternatively, you can fly direct to Busuanga from Manila.

Cover Cover Story Story

HIkE AND SOAK IN THE BEAUTY Walk all the way to the top of Mt. Dalara, a height of about 1,968 feet. In six to eight hours, hike through the forest and be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the expanse of the Calamianes group of islands.

Requirements: For serious hikers only.

Highlights: A breathtaking panorama of the 202 islands of Calamian. Picnic with Coron’s limestone cliffs as backdrop, take a plunge in a rock pool in the middle of the forest, and stop by Maquinit Hot Springs for a warm, relaxing dip.

Accommodation: Stay at the Dalara Mountain and Sea View Inn or at Palawan SandCastles The Beach House. Both resorts may be booked via tribaladventures@gmail. com or www.agoda.com. On Pass Island in the Calamianes, a private island tented camp, for

One of the Hiking tour’s highlights is stopping by the Maquinit Hot Springs for a relaxing dip

$192 (VAT exclusive) per night, minimum of two persons.

Where to book: Email tribaladventures@ gmail.com or visit www.tribaladventures.com.

Costs P1,500/person for group of four; P1,950/ person for group of three; P2,500/person for group of two; P4,000 for individual participants.

Getting there: Assembly is at the Tribal Café in Coron. SEAIR flies daily to Puerto Princesa. To book your flight, visit www. flyseair.com. From Puerto Princesa, one can travel overland to El Nido by air-conditioned shuttle vans (about P600, six to eight hours); buses (about P300, eight hours) or boat from Sabang (about P1,500, eight hours); then ride an outrigger boat to Coron (about eight hours).

Alternatively, you can fly direct to Busuanga from Manila.

maquinit hot springs photo b y michael vivas

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 27

Cover Story

InFlight recommends: Go Bespoke!

If your idea of a vacation is to pull the plug and disconnect from the rest of the world, Tao Philippines’ Bespoke Private Expeditions, journeying between El Nido and Coron and vice versa, is your logical escape route. With just you, your family or friends, and your guide on your own boat, who knows what happens next? Truly, the best plan is not planning anything in advance.

Requirements: A sense of adventure and plenty of time on your hands.

Highlights: Free-flowing adventure.

Explore secluded islands. Swim, snorkel or kayak all day. Laze in a hammock in some island with no name. Moor in a quiet lagoon. The choices are up to you.

Accommodation: Stay in one of the Tao base camps. Or pick an island and pitch a tent.

On clear nights, camp out under the stars.

Where to book: Visit www.taophilippines. com. Its Bespoke Private Expeditions costs P19,500 per day for two, minimum of four nights. The package includes boat and crew, meals and drinks onboard, use of onboard equipment like snorkels and kayaks, a massage, and bedding set for setting up camp either at one of Tao’s base camps or an island of your choice. Additional head costs P3,500 per day for adults and P2,500 per day for children 14 years and below. Taophilippines.com can only accommodate a handful of travelers at a time so those interested in their tours and expeditions must book few months in advance.

Getting there: SEAIR flies daily to Puerto Princesa. To book your flight, visit www.flyseair. com. From Puerto Princesa, one can travel to El Nido by air-conditioned shuttle vans (about P600, six to eight hours); buses (about P300, eight hours) or boat from Sabang (about P1,500, eight hours); then ride an outrigger boat to Coron (about eight hours). Alternatively, you can fly direct to Busuanga from Manila.

28 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Drift away on a banca There’s something primal about taking a journey into the heart of Palawan on a raft and a banca and that’s exactly what Tao Philippines’ 3-Day, 2-Night River Canoe and Native Bangka Sail Adventure offers.

Requirements: An appetite for adventure.

Swimming skills not necessary but can serve you in good stead. No kids under 12 allowed.

Highlights: Day one takes you on a journey down Babuyan River on a native balsa (raft) passing jungle and forest along the way.

Continue drifting downstream towards the mangroves where the river meets the sea on day two, then hop on a native banca and sail for the islands of Honda Bay. Sail around and snorkel in the waters off the islands.

Accommodation: You have a choice of native cottages at Kayak Inn with private bath, bedroom and balcony (P2,000/person on twin-sharing), or rooms at Angelos Seaside Bungalows, or pitching a tent/hammock under the stars.

Where to book: Visit www.taophilippines. com. The Canoe and Sail Adventure costs P10,500 per person for three to five persons for three days, and P30,000 for a three-day trip for two. Taophilippines.com can only accommodate a handful of travelers at a time so those interested in their tours and expeditions must book few months in advance.

Getting there: SEAIR flies to Puerto Princesa daily. To book your flight, visit www. flyseair.com.

Boarding a banca in El Nido town’s beach

Get wrecked in Coron Acknowledged as the wreck diving capital of the country, Coron offers over a dozen sites to fit individual skill levels. Coron Galeri operates specialized dive tours in the area.

Requirements: Advanced, cave exploration and wreck diving certification.

Highlights: For the newbie diver, there’s the submarine hunter in the Lusong Island Wreck to explore. Advanced divers can try the Irako, Olympia Maru, among other wrecks of the Japanese fleet mostly sunk in 1944. The wrecks, sunk for over half a century, have become a coral reef habitat, teeming with marine life.

Where to book: Email corongaleri@ yahoo.com or visit www.corongaleri.com.ph.

Coron Galeri also offers Underwater Macro Photography.

InFlight recommends: Busuanga Island Paradise in Brgy. Sta. Monica, which has casitas, pool and jacuzzi (from P8,000 up); visit www.busuangaislandparadise.com.

And Sophia’s Garden Resort, about five-10 minutes away from the main Coron Town; visit www.facebook.com/SophiasGardenResort.

Getting there: Coron Galeri is at 11 San Agustin St., Barangay Poblacion 3, Coron, Palawan. SEAIR flies daily to Puerto Princesa.

To book your flight, visit www.flyseair.com. From Puerto Princesa, one can travel overland to El Nido by air-conditioned shuttle vans (around P600, six to eight hours); buses (around P300, eight hours) or boat from Sabang (around P1,500, eight hours); then ride an outrigger boat to Coron (around eight hours). Alternatively, you can fly direct to Busuanga from Manila. ■

Want More Adventure Stories?

Visit www.inflight.ph and look up In Search of the Feared Bull Shark, Fear Factor Holidays, and Clark for Thrillseekers.

Like Inflight.ph on www.facebook.com/Inflight. ph. Follow us on twitter.com/Inflight_travel

photo b y f erd z decena

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 29

Insider’s Guide

10 Haunted Places

From World War II ruins to the ghostly Manila Film Center, paranormal expert Frank Regis lists macabre places to spook you this Halloween I nterview b y C hip C hilders . additional reporting b y C ielo Flores

About Our insider Our insider guide, paranormal expert Josef Frank Regis, is author of the book “Healing of a Soul-The Ghost Manual”, published by InterSelf Foundation in 1996. He has appeared in the TV show Magandang Gabi Bayan (Good Evening Country) as a paranormal investigator.

A leadership training consultant (www.interself.net), Regis is also generally accepted in the Philippines as a medium and paranormal expert, many believing in his innate sensitivity to reach out to other-worldly beings and another dimension.

Baguio: The Ghost of Laperal House Every place has its haunted stories and Baguio City, known for its cool climate, pine trees and green lung has its fair share.

The city’s Laperal White House, located on Leonard Wood Road in Baguio, is a popular stopover point for the curious. The substantial house was built in the 1920’s by one of Baguio’s oldest clans, the Laperal family. At the height of World War II, the Japanese took over the house, using it as accommodation for its soldiers. It is said the owners of the house died in the hands of the Japanese. One of the last Laperals to live in the house was Roberto Laperal, said to have died in the house after slipping and hitting his head. There are media accounts saying the old man can still be heard walking around the house. Another story tells of an unidentified young girl sometimes spotted on the steps of the White House. The house’s infamy didn’t dissuade tycoon Lucio Tan from buying the house in 2007 and refurbishing it, but strangely enough, upon completion, the house remained unoccupied.

Other places reputed to be haunted in Baguio include the Diplomat Hotel in Dominican Hill, White Hall at Teacher’s Camp, and Casa Vallejo on Upper Session Road. Ghostly occurrences have been reported in these places. Real or not, haunted places are hot topics for local bloggers and Baguio visitors.

Try the Pine Mountain Tours’ Baguio Haunted Tour which takes you on a tour of the Diplomat Hotel, old cemeteries, old pre-war house, Baguio General Hospital, Baguio Botanical Garden’s tunnel and more eerie stops in the city. The package also includes a paranormal consultation and three questers. The package, which costs P1,500 (about US $35) per person for a minimum of six, includes accommodation for one night, and tour transportation. Call +63949/ 616 4808, +63923/ 426 8591 and +63927/ 351 5885, or email pinemountaintours@yahoo.com for inquiries.

A stay at Casa Vallejo costs P2,700 to P4,500 per night. To book, call +074/ 424 3397, +63906/ 202 8655, or visit www.casavallejobaguio.com.

Victory Liner’s deluxe buses operate daily services to Baguio from its Pasay City Terminal. For car or van hire, call John Dionisio at +63923/ 701 8383 or +63928/ 502 0751. Baguio Country Club offers adventure package tours from October to May. Call +6374/ 619 2050-64 or visit www.bcc.com. ph.

30 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

photo b y f erd z decena

Laperal White House

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 31

Vampire country: Siraan Hot Spring in Anini-y in Antique is infamous for allegedly being aswang or vampire country.

True or not, the place attracts its share of holiday makers

32 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

P hoto b y E z ekiel I an C onstantino

Insider’s Guide

Sunrise in Miag-ao, Iloilo

Antique: Vampires and Elementals at Mt. Madja-as The province of Antique in Western Visayas has developed somewhat isolated from its bustling neighbors Aklan and Iloilo, and many of its folk traditions have remained intact well into the modern age. It is not difficult to find first-hand accounts of witches, spells and ‘elementals’, aswangs (bloodsuckers) or nonhuman entities, recounted with conviction. Tales of duwende (elves or dwarves) living in forests and guarding trees under threat from loggers are often heard. Sometimes described as gray little old men with one-eye, a big nose, and only one nostril, duwendes are generally considered a harbinger of good fortune to humans, unless the human has bad intentions or energies about them. Kapres, or giants, are also frequently mentioned, and even now, construction workers are loathe to cut down balete or old acacia trees for fear of angering the kapres and bringing curses upon themselves. While existing in a parallel dimension certainly makes these assorted elementals pretty hard to find at will, the foothills around Mt. Madja-as are rife with reported sightings and stories told with chilling detail and dead serious poker faces.

Tribal Adventures offers a three-day adventure tour package in Antique.

Visit www.tribaladventures.com.

SEAIR (www.flyseair.com) flies from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan. From Kalibo airport, there are regular buses (Ceres Liner) and shuttle vans bound for Antique. For inquiries, contact Antique Tourism Officer Ronald Gayatin at +63915/ 804 4662, or visit www.antique.gov.ph.

P hoto b y oggie ramos

Iloilo: Aswangs, Sigbens, and Tik-tiks Like neighboring Antique and Capiz in Panay Island, Iloilo province has its share of aswang stories. Dueñas in Iloilo is reputed as the home of aswangs and its variants, the sigbens (similar to Mexico’s chupacabra, with spotty fur and large fangs) and tik-tiks (giant prowling bats or birds that suck blood from pregnant women with long proboscises. Other sources describe it as creatures that land on rooftops at night and are able to extend their tongue and pierce thatched roofs and ceiling to get to the stomach of a sleeping pregnant woman and eat the baby in the womb) are not unheard of in some parts of Iloilo like Dumangas. A chilling trademark of the tik-tik, named for the distinctive sound it makes when it is on the prowl, is its ability to project a loud sound when it is far away and a faint one when it is close at hand. Worried? Holy water and agimats (amulets) are easily found if you ask around, and good old dependable garlic is a basic aswang repellent, and can be eaten when you’re done tramping through dark forest.

SEAIR has daily flights from Manila to Iloilo. Visit www.flyseair.com.

For Iloilo tours, Smallville Travel & Tours (www.smallvilletravel.com) located at the Smallville Complex in Iloilo City, is accredited by the Association of Iloilo Travel and Tour Operators. Smallville 21 Hotel (www. facebook.com/smallville21hotel) is a boutique hotel with modern rooms, and is located at Iloilo City’s trendy hub.

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 33

Insider’s Guide

The venerated Mt. Banahaw attracts all sorts of religious groupings and what psychics call “entities”

Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal: Malevolent Spirits Mt. Banahaw, located in the periphery of Laguna and Quezon provinces, has long been venerated by local residents and pilgrims alike as sacred, with ties to revered spirits, deities and a plethora of worshipped and honored holy sites which include waterfalls, rocks and caves. Banahaw is an energized magnet of healing, mysticism and peaceful congregation between humans and entities of all stripes, including discarnates, elementals, with only a few isolated incidents of ‘naughty pranks’ by some denizens, often provoked by irreverent visitors. The focal point for Mount Banahaw’s aesthetic worshippers and mystic puestos (objects with particular and significant spiritual energy) lie in the caves, creeks and rock gardens in the forests surrounding Kinabuhayan.

In contrast, Mt. San Cristobal, or Devil’s Mountain, two thirds up on Banahaw’s western slopes, is where the bad boys hang out, and the malevolent spirits run amok. Regis says, “There’s a lot of not nice things happening there.” Banahaw is renowned for its healing powers, and aesthetics come from near and far to give tribute to the mountain, where the air and drinking water are believed to cure a battery of illness. “The negative entities can’t exist in the high frequencies of Banahaw, so they head to the low frequencies of Cristobal,” adds Regis. Many of the mountaineers who have climbed both mountains tell of stories that corroborate that analysis.

Both mountains are charged with energies, but, as Regis explains, “Cristobal is the antithesis of Banahaw. It’s like comparing a ghetto to a Buddhist temple.”

Mounts Banahaw and San Cristobal straddle the border between Quezon and Laguna Provinces, about two to three hours by overland transport from Manila to San Pablo City, where jeeps take you to Dolores and Kinabuhayan. JAC Liner has daily trips from LRT Buendia Station to Lucena Station. Travel time is about four hours. For Mt. Banahaw tours, call Jhoel Herbolario at +63939/ 194 0928. The tour takes you on a twoday trek and camping for about P2,500 per person.

34 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Siquijor: “Secret” Black Magic Festival The island of Siquijor is the mystical Mecca of the Visayas, a ‘Black Magic Island’ known for the voodoo-esque traditions of its witches. Locals will not readily tell you their secrets, but it is widely known that some residents follow hundreds of years of traditional folk medicine, while others, known to be witches, allegedly practice barang or hexing. Hexing involves the use of black magic and malevolent spells to cause its victim harm.

There are the so-called mananambal, or folk healers, who use their powers for good. They use herbs, mantras and concoctions to sort out mental disorders, harmful spells, broken relationships and insect bites and other ills.

Visit the Anthropology Museum of Silliman University (www. su.edu.ph/anthro_museum/museum.html) in Dumaguete for documents and evidence of the mananambal tradition. The Siquijor Folk Medicine Collection has artifacts used for sorcery, such as miniature wooden dolls and a miniature black coffin. Better still, visit Siquijor during the Holy Week, in time to witness the ‘Lenten Festival of Preparation’ attended by mambabarangs (black magic practitioners) from around the country who meet up to swap information and head into the forests around San Antonio town to look for talismans and crucial ingredients for potions. In a series of private ceremonies, potions are prepared in a mish-mash of Christian and indigenous rituals.

Siquijor is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago.

Accommodation is easy to find, and resorts such as Casa De La Playa (www.siquijorcasa.com) in Larena, will make even the most fruitless witchhunts completely bearable. For island tours, book at Siquijor Island Tours (www.siquijorislandtours.com).

To reach Siquijor, easiest access is through Dumaguete, Negros, from where you can take a 45-minute fastcraft ride via Delta Fast Ferry. There are daily flights from Manila to Dumaguete. Contact Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office at +6335/ 344 2088.

P hoto b y A le x ander C oro z a

Insider’s Guide

Pure magic: Siquijor’s shaman says this charm, made from glass, shaped with an angel in the center, aides her in her healing ritual

P hoto b y C he M ambong

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 35

Insider’s Guide

The Manila Film Center

The Manila Film Center: Tales of Human Remains Underneath the Concrete

Capiz: Home of “Aswangs” or Bloodsuckers

The Manila Film Center in a far corner of the Cultural Center complex on Roxas Boulevard, Manila, is often the subject of sensationalist TV shows in search of Blair Witch-type video footage. The Parthenon-inspired infamous building was a project of then Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, wife of the martial law regime dictator Ferdinand. On November 17, 1981, the film palace’s upper floor collapsed, sending an unknown number of workers — anywhere from 12 to 200 — crashing down a fresh cement pit and upright steel bars. The story goes that it was hours before some of the bodies were retrieved. The unproven story was that the bodies were ordered paved over to meet the construction deadline of the precious building and impress foreign guests.

Regis describes the catacombs beneath the main building as a “veritable hell house, a giant mausoleum of wretched souls and entities.” According to Regis, his MGB TV crew encountered the ghost of a worker on the site who told them 139 people were buried in the building.

These days, the building, regarded by most Filipinos as cursed, houses the “Amazing Philippine Theatre”, which stages transvestite Las Vegas acts. The theatre is run by a Korean-owned company and attracts Korean honeymooners.

The Province of Capiz, now known as Roxas City, has a love/hate relationship with its reputation as a home to the aswangs, a kind of hard-to-define vampire/shapeshifter combo that haunt the nights. Aswangs are ordinary mortals who inherit the bloodline that enables them to transfigure into bats or a scary black dog. They also take many different forms, such as the manananggal, which reportedly splits into two, its top half flying off into the darkness to suck the blood of a human prey, and its bottom half, ready and waiting for the return of its mobile half.

Natives born in so-called aswang provinces such as Antique and Capiz rely on old remedies such as garlic and secret religious mantras prayed in silence in the presence of an aswang to protect them from harm. Children are told never to show fear and never to gaze into the eyes of a suspected aswang. Smacks of the old Dracula tales? There is a little twist. If you do encounter a temporarily dismembered aswang bottom half, sprinkle the stump with salt to kill off your aswang. From 2004 to 2006, Capiz inaugurated the Aswang Festival in late October, poking fun at the province’s reputation as a hotbed of aswang activity. The Church and some government officials did not see humor in it, putting an end to the festival in July 2007. Recently a Canadian film crew travelled to Capiz to film a docu-movie called ‘Aswang: A Journey into Myth’, which shows that aswangs are still a hot topic.

Roxas City, Capiz is also known for a handful of attractions such as caves, the Panay River, and the Olotayan Island, also known as White Island.

For more information on the Manila Film Center, call +632/ 834 8870.

The Manila Film Center is located at the CCP Complex, in the reclamation area off Roxas Boulevard.

Filipinas Stamp Collectors Club (FSCC) offers free Postal Heritage and Metropolitan Theater Tours every third Sunday of the month. Tour stops include the Philippine Postal Corporation office and Metropolitan Theater (MET), both known to be haunted. There's also a Malacanang tour (www. manilacitytour.com/index.php) that costs P1,200 per person. For tours in Manila and Intramuros, try Walk This Way operated by performance artist Carlos Celdran (+632/ 484 4945, +63920/ 909 2021, celdrantours@ hotmail.com), or Old Manila Walks run by tour expert Ivan Man Dy (www. oldmanilawalks.com, +632/ 711 3823).

36 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Capiz Tour Operators Association (CTOA) offers various tour packages from pilgrimage tour to adventure tours. Call Tickets N More Travel Agency at +6336/ 621 9519, 643 1507, and +63908/ 885 2278, or email at ticketnmoretours@yahoo.com. Visit www.capiz.gov.ph for more info on Capiz.

SEAIR (www.flyseair.com) flies daily to Kalibo from Manila and Clark. It takes an hour-and-a-half drive from Kalibo to Roxas City via a commuter bus or van.

P hoto b y R omina R ivera

A chapel in Roxas City, Capiz

P hoto b y oggie ramos

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 37

The ruins at Corregidor that used to be barracks for US soldiers who fought the Japanese in World War II

38 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Insider’s Guide

Corregidor: Ghosts of World War II It should come as no surprise that Corregidor Island, basically untouched since its retaking by the Americans in the last months of World War II, has been described as a “city of the walking dead”. With several waves of war and conquest, at least 3,000 Americans and Filipinos, and 8,000 Japanese lost their lives in Corregidor, known as “The Rock”, a small nine-square-kilometer island that strategically guards the mouth of Manila Bay. It is said the souls of those who died in the extensive caves, underground hospitals, barracks and bunkers still haunt the island, particularly the Malinta Tunnel, which was built from 1922 to 1932. During the World War II, this place, said to be a bomb proof headquarters, held the command communications and medical units. Today, the Malinta Tunnel is a tourist destination offering a Light and Sound Show called The Malinta Experience. Paranormal expert Frank Regis, having surveyed the area for Noli De Castro’s Magandang Gabi Bayan TV show, says that most of the spirits have ‘moved on’, but there are still many remaining. For those wanting a leisurely tour of the island, a nice break from the city, and perhaps a chance for a spooky encounter on the island, book a stay at Corregidor Island Hotel and Resort. For an interesting collection of stories on Corregidor, check out “Corregidor; Glory...Ghosts...and Gold”, by Milly Wood Kennedy (1971, New Underwood).

Corregidor lies about 50km off the city of Manila, and tours run regularly from the pier next to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Sun Cruises offers Corregidor Day Tour at P2,300 per person, plus P150 for a tour of Malinta tunnel. The tour includes round trip ferry ticket and lunch. Visit the Sun Cruises office at Terminal A to book or call ahead to book at +632/834 6857-58 or visit www. corregidorphilippines.com. Sun Cruises can also arrange a stay at the Corregidor Inn (www.corregidorphilippines. com/corr_inn.html), which charges P2,000 per night for a standard room.

Surigao: Demon Horses and Faith Healers The mountains and sprawling wilderness of Surigao, Eastern Mindanao, stretches in some parts from the seas up into towering mountains, and are said by locals to be alive with elementals. Mountain trekkers should keep an eye open for the tikbalang, a being with a horse’s head and feet, and a human's body. It is known for causing travelers to lose their way in mountainous or forested areas. Thinking of swimming in that refreshing looking creek or lake?

Just beware of the balonawa, a giant fish with a red tongue, shark-like teeth, and uh…wings, enabling it to fly. It’s Darwinism gone pear-shaped.

While the mysterious creatures don’t have regular visiting hours, explorers can ask locals in the villages P hoto b y oggie ramos

and they're guaranteed to hear first-hand accounts of close encounters with elementals.

Dinagat Island in Surigao is home to a mysterious group of faith healers called the Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association (PBMA), believed to be practicing old spiritual traditions. Others say it’s a cult.

Led by Ruben Ecleo, Sr., followers of PBMA believed that Ecleo’s son Ruben Ecleo, Jr. was his successor, or a reincarnation like that of Jesus Christ. According to a tourist guide in Surigao, Lenten Season, specifically Good Friday, is the best time to witness rituals and practices unique to the sect.

Dinagat Island is also known as a dive and surf spot.

Other attractions in Surigao are its beautiful caves and rivers such as the Lake Bababu and Silop Cave.

Stay at Tavern Hotel (www.hoteltavern.com), one of Surigao’s finest hotels. Call +6386/ 231 7300-01 or email booking@hoteltavern.com to book. For package tours in Surigao City, contact JF Travel and Tours at +6386/ 826 8485, or Leonardo Go for guided tours +63906/ 696 6272.

Book a flight from Manila to Davao via SEAIR (www. flyseair.com). From Davao City, take a Bachelor Express bus (www.facebook.com/BEI.Davao/info) to Surigao. Philippine Airlines also offers direct flights from Manila to Surigao.

Balete Drive: A Ghostly “White Lady” Balete Drive is a street located in New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. It is known for apparitions of a white lady and haunted houses built during the Spanish Era (1800s). New Manila has an abundance of balete trees, which, according to legend, is a favorite spot of wandering spirits and other paranormal beings. Paranormal experts believe that the white lady was raped by Japanese soldiers during the Second World War, which differs from the movie Hiwaga sa Balete Drive (Mystery on Balete Drive). Those who claim to have seen the white lady advise motorists to avoid Balete street at night, especially if they are alone. If it is necessary to travel the route, they advise that the backseat of the car is fully occupied and that no one should look back or look in any mirrors. The apparition wears a night gown, has long hair but has no face or a face covered with blood.

Balete Drive is a street in Quezon City starting from one corner of Eugelio Rodriguez, and crosses Aurora Boulevard until it reaches near the end of Nicanor Domingo St. Passing through the drive in the wee hours, and turning off of the headlights, although not recommended, has always been a sure way to experience the eerie road. ■ Frank Regis’ book, The Ghost Manual: Healing of a Soul (InterSelf Foundation, 1996) examines some of the reported paranormal stories of the Balete Drive area, as well as other wellknown haunted hot spots. The book is available at the National Bookstore (+632/ 631 8061) for P220. october-november 2012

| InFlight | 39

City Guides

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

Updated Every Issue

p42 Destination guides

p50 Airline guides

Parian Monument, Cebu

parian monument photo b y oggie ramos

map illustrations b y marlon see

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 41

InFlight City Guides

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

BACOLOD CITY

Where to eat

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

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

From the airport • Car Hire: Nyala Tours provide chauffeur driven sedans, SUVs and vans for daily rates starting at P1,800 for the first 10 hours.

Tel: +6334/ 434 4589 • Taxi: Air-conditioned taxis can be found outside the aiport.

• Jeepney: Jeepneys are common modes of transport within the city. There are four major

• Nena’s Beth at Manokan Country. Known for its grilled chicken known as inasal. Tel: +6334/ 433 8830 • Bascon Café. Quiet, elegant and serves moderately priced but delicious food. Traditional fares like callos, lengua estofado, steaks make up the menu. Tel: +6334/ 433 2011 • Jacopo’s. Serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Their dishes are for sharing. Try their pita bread with three dippings: baba ganush, hummus, and chili. Tel: +6334/ 707 2333

Where to stay

• L’Fisher Hotel is a landmark in Bacolod, has been servicing tourists for more than 20 years.

After undergoing renovations in 2009, the interiors of the hotel showcase Negrense ingenuity with the use of locally produced furniture and fixtures.

Tel: +6334/ 433 3731-39 • O Hotel has 53 fully-air-conditioned rooms and suites, all designed and furnished with warm and cold showers, safety deposit box, telephone, refrigerator, cable TV and WiFi internet access.

Tel: +6334/ 433 7401-04 • Check Inn Hotel Bacolod is located in the heart

of Bacolod City, right beside the Bacolod City Hall. It has 91 fully air-conditioned rooms with hot and cold shower, with a 24-hour stand by power generator. Rates range from P650 to P1,750.

Majority of the guests prefer the rooftop rooms because of the scenic garden in the center of the area. Tel: +6334/ 432 3755 Things to do

• Visit Balay Negrense in Silay. It's a museum-

like house showcasing the 19th century home of a sugar baron. It has a horse-carriage entrance at the back of the house and the rooms all have huge windows and doors.

• Visit The Ruins and see how the rich sugar haciendero Don Mariano Lacson and his wife Maria Braga lived. A walk into the mansion will show the intricate designs that tell their love story and the wonderful life that the family has led back then.

• Enjoy Mambukal Mountain Resorts where tourists can go boating, climb the seven waterfalls, or swim in the cold natural pool or their sulfur hot spring. There are also bats to see, red sulfuric mud you can put on your skin, and lots of Bacolod food to eat in their Ikea Cafe.

photo b y oggie ramos

Batanes Owners and Drivers Association (BATODA) at +63906/ 697 0679 or +63929/ 703 8404. Rate within Basco proper is at P30. itbayat island

batan island

sabtang island

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

From the airport • Car Hire: For car and van rentals, contact Ivatanya c/o Batanes Cultural Travel Agency (BCTA). The hire costs P2,200 per day. For more information, call BCTA at +632 635 4810 or email sales@batanestravel.com.

• Tricycle: Tricycles can be found along Lizardo Street, Barangay Kayhuvukan in Basco. You can also call the 24-hour service of Basco Tricycle

42 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Where to eat • Hiro’s Café is a restaurant serving local staple food like beef stew, fish lumpia, and sandwiches.

Located at 409 Abad St., Basco, Batanes • Honesty Coffee Shop is an unmanned storecafé operating on honesty-basis. You can grab coffee, cola, fried bananas, biscuits or anything you’d like from the store, and jot down your order on a notebook next to the box where you are to leave your payment. Radiwan, Ivana, Batanes • Bunker Café is steps away from the famous Basco Lighthouse. It opens at night for dinner and serves Ivatan dishes like uved balls, uved lunis and native fern salad. Tel: +63999/ 727 4789 Where to stay

• Batanes Resort is nestled atop a hill, facing the

South China Sea. A typical cottage here has two rooms with ensuite bathroom, airconditioning, and hot water. Rates are about P1,800 a night.

Mobile: +63999/ 990 7554 • Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant. This 15-room lodge is popular for celebrities. There is TV, free WiFi, aircon, and hot shower. Rates

The cliffs of Viang, just 20 minutes from the airport

start from P1,600. Mobile: +63921/ 229 0120 or +63999/ 994 2313 • Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is a boutique hotel perched on top of a hill and has had good reviews. Rates start at P7,500, inclusive of set breakfast. (www.fundacionpacita.ph). Mobile: +63920/ 272 7836 • For more on places to stay in Batanes, visit www. inflight.ph

Visit our piece of paradise!

Soon to open: Fridays Boquete, Puerto Galera See you in beautiful Boquete!

For reservations and inquiries, contact our Makati Sales Office at +632.8929283 or email us at reservations@fridaysboracay.comwww.fridaysboracay.com

InFlight City Guides

Boracay Road with alleys leading to White Beach. Tricycle fare starts from P10. Chartered rates for tricycles range between P100 (from Cagban to Station 3) to P200 (from Cagban to Yapak). Tricycles also offer island tours for up to a group of four for P300 per hour. For more information, call the Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) at +6336/ 288 3090 or 288 3271.

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

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

• Tricycles: Tricycles can drop you off on Main

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

cebu island

Where to stay mactan island

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

From the airport

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

HONG KONG

• Cebu City Marriott Hotel features 301 rooms

and 23 suites equipped with aircon, cable TV, mini bar, high-speed internet access, and with luxurious beddings. Tel: +6332/ 411 5800 URL: www.marriottcebu.com • Marco Polo Plaza Cebu mixes Western comforts and Asian hospitality, comprised of 329 guest rooms (some with a view of the mountain or sea) and suites. Tel: +6332/ 253 1111 URL: www.marcopoloplazacebu.com • Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino has 561 rooms with two casino floors open 24 hours.

Tel: +6332/ 232 6888 URL: www.waterfronthotels.com.ph

24-hour numbers +6332/ 262 4697 or +63917/ 320 5688.

Nightlife • Taxi: Metered taxis are lined up outside the MALAYSIA arrivals' terminal. Fares down town to the city • Marshall Irish Pub Bar and Restaurant serves proper are about P150. burgers and sandwiches as well as Filipino dishes

| october-november 2012 SINGAPORE

CHINA

like caldereta and afritada. Also try its signature drinks greenttini, Irish Eyes and Leprechaun.

Open Monday to Sunday 5pm to 1am. URL: www. marshallsirishpub.com/; Tel: +6332/ 412 6418 • MO2 Restobar is a disco bar with KTV rooms that opened in 2011. Rental of KTV rooms start at P1,200. The menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to Chinese noodles and pizzas.

URL: www.facebook.com/pages/MO2-RestobarCebu-Mandaue-City/118873351509749; Tel: +63917/ 320 6262

photo b y jocas a . see

Golden Cowrie

bantayan island

InFlight

Where to stay

• Boracay Regency Beach Resort is a

Mediterranean-style, 285-room property with excellent facilities and amenities. Tel: +6336/ 288 6111 to 17TARLAC • Punta Rosa Resort is a resort in a secluded Where to eat area in Station 1, with seven types of accommodation, each with its own verandah that • For a list of the best Boracay restaurants, read overlooks White Beach, en suite bathroom with our InFlight Guide to Boracay at www.inflight.ph Clark rain shower, and fixtures made of native materials, • Real Coffee is a good place for breakfast ideal for couples. Tel: +6336/ 288 6740 and a nice cup of coffee. Try their freshly baked brownies, banana walnut and calamansi muffins, • Discovery Shores Boracay has 88 spacious and oatmeal cookies. Tel: +6336/ 288 5340 guestrooms all exuding luxury, combining traditional fabrics and furniture with modern • If you’re into Moroccan cuisine, try Kasbah’s PAMPANGA amenities.

Its two-level clubhouse has the resort's lamb tajine, a stew slow cooked in the traditional restaurant, bar, function room and spa. tajine, a glazed terra cotta casserole with a Tel: +6336/ 288 4500 funneled lid. Tel: +6336/ 288 4790

• Aria is best known for authentic Italian cuisine.

Nightlife It’s a good place for pasta, salad and pizzas cooked from wood-fired oven. Tel: +6336/ 288 • Epic for celebrity spotting and some of the best 5573 parties on the island. Visit www.epicboracay.com BATAAN • Zuzuni serves delectable Greek cuisine.

Try their • The Sand Bar for watching fire dancers BULACAN and enjoying a drink by the beach. Visit www. moussaka or baked layers of eggplant with ground thesandbarboracay.com or call +6336/ 288 3161 beef and béchamel sauce, souvlaki or skewered

Cebu

44 |

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

photo b y erick liongoren

Clark Where to eat • Pampanga's capital, San Fernando, just 20 minutes from Clark, is home to Everybody's Cafe serving local dishes.

• Angeles City is the birthplace of sisig (chopped grilled pork cheeks) and make sure you taste the original at Aling Lucing's. Call +6345/ 888 2317

clark

Where to stay

• Mimosa Resort. Situated in a 175-hectare

pampanga

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

From the airport • Car Hire: MLS VIP Rent A Car has daily rates from P800. Call +6345/ 892 6216 or +63918/ 906 7265.

• Taxi: Taxi stands are located in the arrival halls of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and the fare is metered.

• Jeep: Public jeepneys areCHINA available outside the airport. Rates start at P8.50.

Davao

landscaped property, Mimosa offers both standard hotel rooms and villas. Rates start at P7,260 per night. Tel.: +6345/ 599 7000 • Wild Orchid Resort A property nestled along A. Santiago in Balibago, Angeles with 55 clean, fully-equipped airconditioned rooms, and in-house dining that serves good Filipino dishes. Rates start at P3,900 per night. Tel: +6345/ 892 0134 • Holiday Inn Clark. A local favorite, the Holiday Inn has air-conditioned rooms and WiFi. Private garden villas are also available for families and groups. Tel: +6345/ 599 8000 Things to do • One of the activities in Clark is horseback riding at El Kabayo Riding Stables.

• For P3,000, tourists can enjoy a dip at the Puning Hot Spring.

Aling Lucing's sisig

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

person in a four-seater Cessna 172 aircraft.

Tel: +6345/ 892 6664 or 599 5524 • If you're a high-roller or just looking for some fun, the Clark area has several casinos including Casino Filipino Angeles, Casino Filipino Mimosa, Fontana Casino and Hotel Stotsenberg's Casablanca Casino.

For more information, call the tourism office at +6345/ 599 3222

HONG KONG davao del norte

0445 or 234 1360 or 235 1784

cotabato davao city

south cotabato davao del sur

Where to eat • Jack's Ridge, located just across the Shrine Hills, serves delicious Filipino cuisine in a venue that overlooks the city. Tel: 6382/ 297 8830 to 31 • Harana offers great food at reasonable prices.

Try their tuna panga or tuna belly. Tel: +6382/ 227 3937 or 227 5615 • Riverwalk Grill. Located right next to the famous Crocodile Park, Riverwalk Grill is for the adventurous eater, serving crocodile meat, ostrich meat and egg, and pangasius fish.

Where to stay

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

• Mictrotel Inns & Suites Davao has fully fitted

double rooms and suites, all designed to for a comfortable stay. It's right in the Damosa Gateway Complex and IT Park, Davao’s major business and commercial hub, and about a 10 minute ride From the airport away from the airport. Mamay Road, Lanang, • Car Hire: Ecotrans Car Rentals provides point to Davao City. Tel: +632/ 899 7171. Visit www. point and charter service. Car hire are on per hour,

per day, per week or pick-up and drop-off basis.

MACAU•microtelphilippines.com Rates start from P500.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort lies in a secluded cove on Samal Island off the coast of Davao City.

• Taxi: The simplest way to get around is by taxi.

It's perfect for a romantic getaway, for diving Fares start from P40. A typical trip can cost about and snorkeling. This 11-hectare resort was once P70-P95. You can call Mabuhay Taxi directly to a pearl farm, thus the name. Kaputian, Island have a cab driver pick you up. Tel: +6382/ 233

Garden City of Samal. Tel: +6382/ 221 9970 • Eden Nature Park & Resort is a mountain resort

surrounded by lush forests and overlooks the city and the gulf. Great for camping, nature hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding. Matina Town Square McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City.

Tel: +6382/ 299 1020 or 296 0791

Things to do • Visit the Davao Crocodile Park, a breeding center for saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.

Visit www.psdgroupph.com for schedules of crocodile shows • People's Park along Legazpi Street showcases a mini forest, interactive fountains, ponds and waterfalls, a durian dome, a shady and open plaza, a statue of a gigantic Philippine eagle and a fantasy-themed park with large sculptures made

by Mindanaon artist Kublai Millan.

• Davao Wildwater Adventure across Davao River. The three-and-a-half-hour wild water rafting starts from Barrio Tamugan in Calinan, and ends at the lowlands. Tel: +6382/ 221 7823 • The Xcelerator is the third longest zipline in Asia at 720m long, with the zipline suspended 200ft above ground. Choose to slide along the zipline either sitting down, superman style or the extreme inverted position. Tel: +6382/ 221 7823

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 45

InFlight City Guides

El Nido • Bus: Two bus companies operate regularly

between Puerto Princessa and El Nido, stopping in Roxas and Taytay. Departures are daily at 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am both from El Nido and Puerto Princesa. Travel time is six to eight hours with a fare of P350 per person.

Where to eat

• Artcafe for freshly-baked pastries, pizza and

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

From the airport • El Nido Airport serves South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) and Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI).

• Van Rental: From Puerto Princesa Airport, van company Fortwally Shuttle Service has daily shuttles to El Nido. Fare is P600 per head. Private tours range from P2,800 to P3,600, inclusive of food. Travel time takes about five hours.

pasta. They are known for their pancakes, fresh muesli and homemade yoghurt. Tel: +63917/ 560 4020. Visit www.elnidoboutiqueandartcafe.com • Vista Beach Resort in Corong-corong is known for their lemon pepper tuna or Cajun maya-maya. www.elnidostunningvistas.com • An institution in itself, Balay Tubay on Real Street serves Filipino and European cuisine. Local musicians regularly perform.

Where to stay

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

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

Visit www.marinagardenelnido.multiply.com or call

+63917/ 624 7722 or +63908/ 884 3711 Things to do

• Rock climbing & walking. The western side of El Nido town lies in the shadow of an impressive sheer cliff face which is just the visible portion of an even more impressive headland. There are organized walking treks to the top of the headland.

• Bacuit Bay has islands with limestone cliffs, ideal for climbing, diving, and swimming.

• Explore the island on foot. After a 14 kilometer ride from El Nido Town proper, you can go on a one-hour trek to Nagkalit-kalit Falls in the town of Pasadena. Five kilometers from the waterfalls is the undeveloped Makinit Hotspring, open only for sightseeing. Bulalakaw Falls in Villa Paz, 15 kilometers from El Nido town, is about a two hour hike. Seven kilometers from El Nido town proper is Ille Cave with its archaeological artifacts dating back 10,000 years. The waterfalls are best visited during the rainy season by tricycle. Fares from P600-P800. For more info on El Nido contact El Nido Tourism Office at +63917/ 841 7771 or email info@elnidotourism.com or elnidotourism@yahoo.com

Iloilo Where to eat

• Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafood is the most

iloilo city

popular, and described by Philippines Travel Guide author Jens Peters as the best, native restaurant. Known for its native lechon manok, tourists and locals alike trek to the restaurant just to eat their tasty chicken.

Sto. Nino Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City • Breakthrough is a native-style restaurant popular among visitors and locals for its fresh and affordable seafood. Tel: +6333/ 337 3027 • Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy serves diners the original La Paz batchoy. Tel: +6333/ 320 1945 Where to stay

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

From the airport • Car hire: Bench Transport offers a wide selection of newest models of sedans, AUVs/ SUVs, and vans, with rates starting from P2,200, inclusive of driver and fuel. Tel: +6333/ 336 6190 • Taxi: Taxis are found at a terminal outside the airport. Flagdown rate is P40 for the first 500m, with P3.50 surcharge thereafter.

46 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

• Eon Centennial Plaza Hotel has 41 rooms that are fully air-conditioned and have private toilet and bath with shower and tub, cable television, and mini-bar. They’re also furnished with a coffee/ tea maker, hair dryer, and daily newspaper.

Tel:+6333/ 337 2277 • Sarabia Manor Hotel is 40 minutes away from the Iloilo Airport and 15 minutes away from the seaports. It has 187 fully air-conditioned spacious rooms equipped with high-speed internet access, satellite and cable television, a working desk, personal refrigerator and complete bathroom amenities. Tel: +6333/ 335 1021 to 27

• MO2 Westown Hotel offers a range of stylish designed rooms which are fully equipped with modern facilities and amenities. Each of the 90 rooms has flat panel television, high-speed LAN internet access, electronic safe, fully stocked miniref, down comforters, cotton pillows, and hot and cold showers. Tel: +6333/ 508 3838

Things to do

• Hunt for authentic antiques at the different

antique shops in Iloilo. There are various collections of Philippine colonial sculptures, wood, stone, and ivory saints, Chinese porcelain wares and other artifacts at reasonable prices.

• Take home famous delicacies like pinasugbo (banana brittle), barquillos (local wafer), and biscocho (buttered toasted bread) from Jaro district. Try Panaderia de Molo and Biscocho Haus.

• Watch women weavers as they make delicate

jusi, piña and hablon fabrics of elegant designs.

Buy finished products at Sinamay Dealer near Arevalo Plaza.

Puerto Princesa standard routes. The fare around the city starts at P8 per person.

Where to eat

• Kinabuch’s Bar & Grill serves grilled squid,

puerto princesa city

palawan

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

From the airport • Car Hire: Ellen’s Travel and Tours offers van rentals in Puerto Princesa City. A three-hour city tour costs P600. Call +6348/ 434 7052 • Jeep: Available 24 hours and covers most of the city. The usual cost for a jeepney ride is P8 for the first three kilometers.

• Multicabs: Multicabs and tricycles have

Tacloban

grilled blue marlin steak, baked mussels, and the local delicacy tamilok, a wood worm.

Tel: +6348/ 434 5194 • KaLui serves only seafood and vegetables and the menu varies according to the catch of the day.

There’s also a vegetarian option.

Tel: +6348/ 433 2580 • La Terrasse has a delicatessen offering organic produce, homemade by local entrepreneurs. For sale are dried fish called dilis, bread, chorizo, smoked bacon, yoghurt, cheese and vegetables.

Tel: +6348/ 434 1787 Where to stay

• Marina de Bay, located 20 minutes from

Puerto Princesa Airport, has 18 air-conditioned villas surrounded by mangroves and landscaped gardens. Each room has a balcony with a view of the Puerto Princesa Bay. Tel: +6348/ 723 1754 • Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa has 94 spacious guest rooms and suites; all are tastefully furnished and decorated in a contemporary Asian style with local touches. Tel: +6348/ 434 1449

• Jeepney: Jeepneys can be found outside the arrivals terminal in Tacloban City. Fares start at P8. tacloban city

leyte

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

From the airport • Car Hire: Duptours Shuttle Service offers vans for rent per day starting at P5,500.

Tel: +6353/ 523 8107 • Havens Rent-A-Car is the first and only selfdrive car rental in Tacloban City. On the menu are sedans, auv-suv-type vehicles and a Starex van. Rates start from P2,500 for a 24-hour use of sedans. Tel: +6353/ 523 0765, 321 0846

Where to eat

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

Where to stay

• Hotel Alejandro is a five-storey structure having

a total of four executive suites, 25 standard rooms and 33 deluxe rooms. The fifth level is the roof deck where parties are mostly held as it can accommodate up to 200 persons. Tel: +6353/ 321 7033 • Welcome Home Pensione has 28 guest

• Balay Inato Pension, a three-year old guesthouse near the airport with 14 fully airconditioned rooms, equipped with cable TV, intercom, hot and cold shower, and private lanai.

Also offers free Wi-Fi. Tel: +6348/ 433 8595

Things to do

• Underground river tour. Book at least two weeks in advance to be assured of a place in the tour. URL: www.puerto-undergroundriver.com • Visit The Gypsy’s Lair. Apart from being home to local artists and musicians, the lively café features an eclectic menu consisting of Filipino, Asian, Spanish and Western cooking.

Located at Mercado de San Miguel • Honda Bay island tour. The tour offers white sand and blue seas on any number of small islands in the bay. Average cost P1,100 per person, inclusive of transfers, lunch, and entrance fees to some of the islands

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

• Sto. Niño Church. Considered the main church

in Tacloban City, this house of prayer is home of the Señor Santo Niño that believed to be miraculous.

• San Juanico Bridge, about 15 minutes away north of Tacloban City, is a 2.16-kilometer long S-shaped span connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar.

• Inzomnia Bar is a big nightlife hotspot in Tacloban, where parties are being held nightly.

Featuring the newest hip music with the club DJs, good food and drinks at reasonable prices.

Tel:+6353/ 321 1588 • A visit to the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum will give you an idea how the Marcos clan lived. A guided tour for up to five persons costs P200.

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 47

InFlight City Guides

Bangkok Where to eat

• Bed Supperclub is Bangkok's trendiest address

thailand bangkok

laos

cambodia

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

From the airport • Bangkok Skytrain: Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) operates from 6am to 12mn everyday with two main lines – Sukhumwit and Silom lines. The fare ranges from 15 to 40 Thai Baht (THB 15-40).

• Taxi: Finding a taxi is not a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attractions. The fare starts at THB 35 for the first two kilometers, and THB 2 per kilometer thereafter.

with its contemporary, all-white, tubular design, serving modern Asian cuisine. Try the roast duck and mushroom risotto with foie gras cream and dried shallots, and the BSC Burger, wagyu beef, gorgonzola, smoked bacon and hand cut fries.

26 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoeynua, Wattana. Tel: +66/ 2651 3537 • Hidden in Talaat Mai in "Trok Itsaranuphap" is Hong Kong Noodles, famous for its wheat-andegg noodle soups. Come for breakfast or lunch, but prepare to wait for a seat.

136 Trok Itsaranuphap, Th Charoen Krung • You'll find Thai and Chinese street food at Soi 38 Night Market. Try the famous flame-fried phat thai and divine mango sticky rice. Soi 38, Th Sukhumvit Where to stay

• Wendy House is a good-value budget choice.

A brightly colored coffee shop and reception greet visitors. There's internet, laundry and business services. 36/2 Soi Kasemson 1, Rama1 Road, Patumwan. Tel: +66/ 2214 1149 or +66/ 2214 1150 • The Sukhothai is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and decorative pools, close to shopping, entertainment and historical sites, and the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The hotel features 210

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

• Chatuchak Weekend Market is where to go

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

Hong Kong china

hong kong

tickets that include unlimited use of the MTR for three days, which are very good value for money.

• Taxi: Upon arrival, make your way to the Taxi Station via the left-hand ramp outside the Arrivals Hall. Taxis are color-coded but red taxis will travel to most areas, including Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. An approximate taxi fare to Central is HKD 290 and to Tsim Sha Tsui is HKD 230.

Where to eat

• Yung Kee is a local favorite and has been

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

From the airport • Train: The MTR (Mass Transit Railway)-operated Airport Expresscan get you to Kowloon in just 21 minutes and Hong Kong Island in 24 minutes.

It also operates a complimentary shuttle bus service from the stations to most major hotels. The platform is located within the terminal building, connected to the Arrivals Hall, and is clearly signed. Return fare is HKD 160 (Kowloon) or HKD 180 (Hong Kong). It is also possible to purchase

48 |

InFlight

MACAU | october-november 2012

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

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

rooms and suites overlook Victoria Harbour and the surrounding cityscape. Operates 10 restaurants and bars, including the Michelinstarred Pierre and the three-storey Mandarin Spa. Rates start from HKD 4,100. Address: 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852/ 2522 0111 URL: www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong • The Peninsula Hong Kong. Hong Kong's grand old dame that features rooms with high ceilings and classical proportions, all spelling luxury. Rates start from HKD 5,580. Tel: +852/ 2920 2888 Visit www.peninsula.com/Hong_Kong • Park Lane Hong Kong offers 805 fully equipped guestrooms and suites with the view of the famed Victoria Harbour and Park ideal for business and leisure travellers alike. Rates start from HKD 2,470. Tel: +852/ 2293 8888 URL: www.parklane.com.hk • W Hong Kong has 393 rooms and specialty suites featuring interesting infusions of wood, fire, earth, metal and water and modcons in each room.

Rates start from HKD 3,300. Address: 1 Austin Road West Kowloon Station Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: +852 3717 2222 URL: www.whotels.com/HongKong

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

Where to eat • @mosphere Restaurant (Tel: +6088/ 425 100) for its oven-roasted Australian beef tenderloin and a selection of sorbets and ice-creams for dessert.

• First Beach Café (Tel: +6088/ 268 546) serves Borneo favorites like curries, noodles and a Sabah sushi called hinava.

mt. kinabalu

• Kampong Nelayan Seafood Restaurant macau

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

From the airport • Taxi: A taxi costs around RM 25, and takes only 10 minutes to the city center, situated eight kilometers away.

• Bus: There is a minibus terminal outside the airport that can take you to the city center. The bus costs RM 1.50.

• Car rental: A car for hire, excluding driver, costs

balconies with views of the Pantai Dalit Beach.

Room rates start at RM 640 per night. Call +6088/ 792 888 • Novotel Borneo is a four-star hotel with 263 rooms and suites, each with LCD satellite TV, internet access, in-room safe, coffee and tea making facilities and a flexible workplace. Rates start at RM 260 per night. Call +6088/ 529 888 Kinabalu Heritage Tours For a wide range of travel and tour packages, call +6088/ 318 311

(Tel: +6088/ 23 003) for its prawn dish, Sabah vegetable with garlic, ostrich meat with spring onions and ginger and steamed saltwater grouper in sauce.

Where to stay

• The Jesselton Hotel is a 32-room hotel with

a colonial house feel. It has a cozy lounge, and a restaurant that serves international and Asian cuisine. Room rates start at RM 191 per night. Call +6088/ 223 333 • Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort is a five-star hotel with 420 guestrooms in soft earth tones and intricate panel carvings. All ground floor rooms have private lanais while upper rooms have private

Novotel Borneo

Singapore and SG$ 1.20. Buy a copy of TransitLink Guide available at most bookstores for a comprehensive guide on bus time-tables, routes and fares, sold at SG$ 1.50.

• Taxi: A taxi stand is located outside the departure hall of the airport. A taxi from the airport to the city has a SG$ 3 surcharge but there is no surcharge when you travel from city to the airport.

A trip from Changi airport to the city costs about SG$ 13, excluding surcharge.

New Majestic Hotel

Where to eat

• 49 Katong Laksa. For authentic Peranakan

specialty Laksa. Tel: +65/ 6344 5101

• Jumbo Seafood. Known for its black pepper

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

beef short ribs, sweet and sour prawns, and Yangshou fried rice. Tel: +65/ 6442 3435

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

• Car Hire: San’s Tours and Car Rentals charges daily rates between SGD$ 90 per day for a minimum of five days. Call +65/ 6734 9922.

• Bus: A trip will cost you between 60 cents

Where to stay • The Scarlet Hotel Singapore is an 80-room “lavish” hotel set in a four hectare property at the center of Singapore, close to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Raffles Place. It’s designed in modern Moulin Rouge style. Room rates start from SG$ 235.

Tel: +65/ 6511 3333 URL: www.scarlethotelsingapore.com • New Majestic Hotel offers 30 exclusive and

unique rooms that incorporate the 1920's style with being state of the art, with modern luxurious amenities. Rates start at SG$ 268.

Address: 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Chinatown Tel: +65/ 6511 4700 URL: www.newmajestichotel.com • Wanderlust is a left-field and totally experimental boutique hotel set to draw madcap voyagers and curious travellers to its doorstep. Located in Little India, the hotel has four thematic levels with 29 rooms created by award winning Singapore designers. Rates start at SG$ 219.

Address: 2 Dickson Road Tel: +65/ 6396 3322 URL: www.wanderlusthotel.com

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 49

AirlineGuide Airbus 319

Dornier 228

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR)

Island Transvoyager (ITI)

Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is the second oldest airline in the Philippines.

SEAIR was founded in 1995 by Capt. Iren Dornier, Capt. Nikos Gitsis, and Tomas Lopez, starting operations from Manila to Rodriguez and Busuanga, Palawan. In 1996, it started the Caticlan route, servicing Boracay bound passengers.

SEAIR now flies to domestic destinations such as Kalibo (Boracay), as well as to international routes Singapore, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Bangkok in Thailand.

In August, SEAIR will start direct flights from Manila to Cebu, Davao, Kalibo, Tacloban (Leyte), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Iloilo and Bacolod.

Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI) is the airline that operates to prime tourist destinations El Nido and Taytay, both in Palawan, offering as much as daily flights from Manila.

ITI is the official carrier of the upmarket El Nido Resorts that operates three resorts in El Nido and one in Taytay. Both El Nido and Taytay are known for having stunning limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, and highly diverse eco systems.

ITI is also engaged in air taxi services and air charter operations using the 19-seater Dornier 228-212 aircraft. It is committed to protecting the environment and conserving the natural resources and beauty of El Nido, and is the first airline to establish a program to offset carbon emissions in 2008.

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

• Puerto Princesa • Tacloban • Bangkok (Thailand) • Hong Kong • Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia) • Singapore

Fleet • 4 Dornier 328 • 1 LET 410 UVP-E • 2 Airbus A-319 • 3 Airbus A-320

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

50

| InFlight | october-november 2012

Destinations • El Nido (Palawan) • Taytay (Palawan)

Fleet • 3 Dornier 228

Booking and Ticketing • ITI Hangar No. 5-03-127, Andrews Avenue (near PAL Medical Center), Domestic Airport, Pasay City Tel: +632/ 851 5664, 851 5674, 851 5667 Email: info@itiair.com URL: www.itiair.com

CHINA

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

BHUTAN

PAL

NA

SEAIR International Route Map

REPUBLIC OF KOREA TAIWAN

HONG KONG

BANGLADESH MACAU MYANMAR LAOS

PHILIPPINE SEA

LUZON

PHILIPPINES CLARK, ANGELES

SOUTH CHINA SEA

MANILA

THAILAND VIETNAM

Kalibo AKLAN

BANGKOK

CAMBODIA SULU SEA

ANKA KOTA KINABALU

CELEBES SEA

MALAYSIATAIWAN

HONG KONG SINGAPORE MACAU SEAIR Domestic and ITI Route Map

OS

Basco BATANES

SEAIR low cost flights from Manila ITI flights

INDONESIA PHILIPPINE SEA SOUTH CHINA SEA

PHILIPPINES EAST TIMOR

LUZON CLARK, ANGELES MANILA

LAND VIETNAM

Caticlan

Taytay

CAMBODIA

VISAYAS

Kalibo

AKLAN

El Nido

Tacloban

ILOILO BACOLOD CEBU

PALAWAN Puerto Princesa

SULU SEA

MINDANAO DAVAO DEL NORTE Davao City DAVAO DEL SUR

AUSTRA

CELEBES SEA

BRUNEI

october-november 2012

| InFlight | 51

i n f l ig h t p r o m o t i o n s

SEAIR Carries the DOT Campaign on its Airbuses South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has teamed up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) in promoting the Philippines across the region by painting the fuselage of the airline’s two new Airbus 320s with the DOT’s slogan It's More Fun in the Philippines.

SEAIR unveiled its campaign tie-up with the DOT during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao last August 19. According to tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, SEAIR is the first airline in the Philippines to help spread the DOT’s campaign line. The DOT has granted SEAIR the right to use the popular campaign logo and slogan in the next three years.

SEAIR’s Airbuses fly daily from Clark International Aiport to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kalibo, and from Manila Domestic Airport (NAIA Terminal 4) to Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, and Kalibo.

For more information, visit www.FlySeair.com and www.tigerairways.com.

Like SEAIR’s Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/flyseair for updates on promos and new routes.

Travel Brand for Young Travelers Launches Outdoor adventure and travel brand Eagle Creek launched its first luggage and business collection, the Ease Collection, in the Philippines last May 2012.

Ease Collection includes lightweight luggage in 22”, 25” and 28” sizes, with four wheels, top and side handles, TSA-friendly lock, and travel accessories like ID holder and coat keeper, suitable for professionals and young travelers.

Eagle Creek products are built and tested for high quality and performance that can last a lifetime.

Primer Group of Companies is the exclusive distributor of Eagle Creek in the Philippines.

Ease Collection is available at The Travel Club stores in Manila, Davao and Cebu.

Visit www.eaglecreek.com.

52 |

InFlight

| october-november 2012

Travel Brand Flight 001 to Open its First Shop in the Philippines in November Travel and leisure brand Flight 001 (pronounced as flight one) is opening its first branch in the Philippines in November this year at the Bonifacio High Street in Global City. It has made its way to the Philippines last August by partnering with the Primer Group of Companies, distributor of the world's top branded travel and lifestyle products.

John Sencion and Brad John, who created Flight 001 in 1998, launched the exclusive Spacepak and Go Clean collections.

Spacepak, with its two-sided compartments, enables space-efficient packing of clothes while Go Clean allows travelers to pack their shoes, lingeries and wetsuits in a more organized way, and without compromising cleanliness.

Flight 001 products are available at all The Travel Club stores. Visit www. flight001.com.

Manila: Hello Interactive Classroom Microdata Systems and Management, the Philippine distributor and provider of world class electronic imaging systems, has brought to the country the 21st century interactive classroom with the introduction of interactive whiteboards (Auroplus Mutiscreens, PolyVision Interactive Whiteboards), multimedia projectors (Sanyo multimedia projectors), and 3D technology systems.

These products come with educational software such as AmBook (Active Media Book), a software that uses audio, video, and animated experiments and games that suit Grade School levels; P3D software used for interactive tri-dimensional images for subjects like biology, geography and chemistry; and Tense Buster software used for grammar and pronunciation programs.

Microdata provides interactive materials not only for students and educators but also for business and corporate conferences (InFocus Mondopad, videoconferencing systems), events (LED screens, projectors, microphones), and advertisements.

Visit www.microdata.com. ph or call +632/ 897 7777, or email Microdata at inquiries@microdata. com.ph.

royal care with king air Your Triple “A” “One-Stop-Shop Solution” for Aircraft, Airport and Airline related services.

SERVICES: Ground Handling for Commercial Carriers (International/Domestic) • Flight Operations Flight Planning & Permits • Handling for Private Aircraft • Charter / Special Flights • Storage and Supply Airport Services • Catering Service • Cargo Sales/Handling • Special Handling • Land Transport VIP Security Escort Services

KING AIR FBO, INC. Domestic Airport Terminal 4, Domestic Airport, Pasay City Philippines Tel. No. : (+632) 553 0495

Fax: (+632) 553 0550

www.kingairfbo.com