JUAN Philippines magazine Jan.-Feb. 08 Issue

YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

PHILIPPINES Vol. 3 No. 2

BAGUIO

Hiatus in the City of Pines

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta One Fine Day in Clark

Panagbenga Festival Baguio in Bloom

Your Ultimate Travel Guide

YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

PHILIPPINES Vol. 3 No. 2

BAGUIO

Hiatus in the City of Pines

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta One Fine Day in Clark

www.juanphilippines.com JUAN Philippines is a play on words on how we envision our country - “One” Philippines. We hope that in our own little way, this magazine can contribute in uplifting the image of the Philippines.

This is the driving force behind JUAN Philippines Magazine - Your Ultimate Travel Guide.

Panagbenga Festival Baguio in Bloom

Publisher’s Note Welcome to the Year of the Rat! To some people 2008 represents a new beginning. This goes the same with us here. We at JUAN Philippines just launched our website www.juanphilippines.com.

It’s our way of promoting the best of the Philippines answering the call, to share with you an experience truly worth sharing our beautiful country The Philippines.

Let’s begin our year by taking a road trip. In this issue, we go up north to experience Baguio. We take refuge in its crisp cool air and interesting sites.

On our way to Baguio, we stop over at the Clark Freeport Zone to take part in the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

It’s the weekend of everything that flies, from hot air balloons to planes and kites.

Also in this issue, we feature the beautiful & colorful Panagbenga Festival, popularly known as Baguio’s Flower Festival.

We travel far and wide to bring you the best of the Philippines. With more than 7,107 islands, imagine the possibilities.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Experience the Philippines now!

Let JUAN be Your Ultimate Travel Guide!

Teddy Cruz, III PUBLISHER We welcome your views or comments on our magazine and any of our feature articles.

Be “JUAN” of us! Submit your travelogue & pictures of your recent trips around the Philippines. Pictures should be at least 300 dpi high resolution. Don’t forget to attach a simple caption on your pictures.

Email: publisher@juanphilippines.com/ juanphilippines@gmail.com Be part of our myspace account & multiply account www.myspace. com/juanphil & www.juanphilippines.multiply.com.

Visit our website www.juanphilippines.com.

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Staff Page Publisher Teddy V. Cruz III Editor-in-Chief DJ Tarrosa Editorial Consultant Cori Gillego Photography Director Bopet Gillego Art Director JP Carrillo Contributors Gino Gonzales Shirley de Guzman Contributing Photographers Lito Quimel, Marlin Cruz, Lynneth Baga Marketing Manager Charo Chavez Advertising Manager Rhoel Gaite

We welcome your views and comments. We want to know your thoughts and how we can be of service to you in delivering information, as well as featuring places and personalities, that are of interest to you. Let us know what you think of our magazine. You can communicate with us through: text JUAN <your name> Ă&#x2C6; <your message> and send to:

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@ email: juanphilippines@gmail.com 6

JUAN PHILIPPINES is published bi-monthly by IDEA BUBBLE MEDIA, INC. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

Opinions expressed in this magazine belong to the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject editorial material. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artworks will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Every care is taken to ensure that the content of Juan Philippines is fully accurate; however, the publisher and the printer assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom.

Address all correspondence to: Unit 2505 Cityland 10 Tower 1, 6815 Ayala Avenue North, Salcedo Village,Makati City, Philippines 1200 Tel. (632) 867-1082; 812-4203 Fax (632) 810-4244

Travel Tips In the Philippines, it is always advised to bring clothes for hot weather. Bring light clothes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always safe to have thosehandy white shirts around. Like in any foreign country, be careful of pickpockets. Always bring that handy insectrepellant. When shopping, always haggle.

Mingle with the locals. They always give the best tips. Be adventurous!

Pack light. Bring only essentials like sunscreen, medicine, at least two swimsuits, extra plastic bags, a pair of slippers, one formal clothing (just in case), toiletries, camera and extra money. Plan your outfits prior to leaving to avoid packing too much or too little. Write down all you intend to do to be more organized.

Keep your cash hidden in different places just in case you lose something. Make sure you leave some room in your luggage for souvenirs or other purchases.

Research about the place before traveling. It's best to be informed about weather conditions, local customs, hangouts, etc.

USEFUL FILIPINO WORDS Hello?

Goodbye Thank You Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Welcome Yes / No How much?

Sorry Good Morning Good afternoon Good evening Hot

Cold

Rain

Sun

Kumusta?

Paalam Salamat Walang Anuman Oo / Hindi Magkano?

Paumanhin po Magandang Umaga Magandang tanghali Magandang gabi Mainit Malamig Ulan

Araw

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bread Cheese Chicken Meat

Egg

Fish

Fruit

Pork

Ice Cream Rice

Water

Almusal Tanghalian Hapunan Tinapay Keso

Manok Karne Itlog

Isda

Prutas Baboy Sorbetes Kanin Tubig 7

Table of Contents JUAN’S DESTINATION p.9 One Fine Day in Clark

JUAN’S HERITAGE p.13 Panagbenga Festival: Baguio in Bloom

JUAN’S FEATURE p.15 Hiatus in the City of Pines

ART SCENE p.22

Simon dela Rosa Flores at the Ayala Museum

CALENDAR OF EVENTS p.26 Find out what’s happening this January and February 2008

DIRECTORY p.30

All the contact information you need to plan that perfect getaway

PARTING SHOT p.34

Send us your photos and we’ll publish it in the magazine

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JUAN’s Destination

One Fine Day in Clark

By Crickette Cañizares

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JUAN’s Destination

F

or many years now, I’ve been hearing about this hot air balloon festival in Clark. I never really bothered to go until I saw the charming pictures of the colorful hot air balloons as they floated in the sky. After I saw those pictures, I knew I had to go there myself.

And so, one Saturday morning, long before the crack of dawn, my friends and I trooped to Clark Field in Angeles, Pampanga.

We were surprised to see that as early as 5:00 in the morning, eager spectators had converged to witness the flight of the hot air balloons. It was a good thing that we had our sweaters as it was a bit nippy.

As the SUV’s carrying the deflated hot air balloons arrived, photographers with their SLR cameras jockeyed for position to get the best angle for their pictures.

A little after 6 am, the flag ceremony began. It was a different kind of flagraising for, instead of just having the national flag drawn, three skydivers, one of them wielding a giant Philippine flag, jumped from a helicop-

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JUAN’s Destination

ter. We just stared at the skydivers in amazement while the national anthem played in the background.

Not long after, as the sun was rising, the hot air balloons began their ascent. First to go was the Festo blimp. Then, one by the one, the others followed. The flight of the hot air balloons was a sight to behold. It was then we understood why the festival has attracted so many spectators and participants.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an annual event held every February in Clark Field. As the country’s biggest aviation sports gathering, sky-diving enthusiasts, kite fliers, hang gliders and hot air balloon pilots from all over the world join forces to deliver a great flight show.

This year’s event was dubbed as the “Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

True enough, we saw just about anything and everything that could fly.

Aside from the hot air balloons, people can witness and enjoy skydiving, daily flag jumps, small planes fly-bys and fly-ins; remote controlled airplanes exhibitions; aerobatics; light air-

plane balloon bursting competition; ultra-light formation flying and bomb dropping exhibitions; helicopter fly-ins and exhibitions; an air rally from Clark to Vigan; rocketry demonstrations; kite flying exhibitions; and races between ultra lights and motorcycles.

In between the scheduled activities, we went around and looked at the different booths and planes on display.

We listened to some lectures by K-9 experts and soldiers who showed us the different paraphernalia and gear used during combat. We grabbed the chance to try them on and have our pictures taken. We were shocked to learn the weight the soldiers had to carry as they engaged in combat.

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JUAN’s Destination

We saw a lot of things and we learned a lot of things.

Since our day started really early, by noon, we were ready to fall asleep.

We could no longer wait for the Night Glow Fly-in, which was supposedly another breath-taking sight. Well, there’s always next year. Maybe next time, we’ll get to ride the hot air balloon.

Catch the 12th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta on February 7-10, 2008 at Clark Economic Zone.

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JUAN’s Heritage

Panagbenga Festival:

Baguio in Bloom

E

very February, the City of Pines transforms itself and becomes a veritable garden of flowers. It is the time of the year when Baguio is adorned with fragrant flowers, and the time when parades, flower floats, and residents dressed in flower-costumes swarm the streets for days.

When Baguio celebrates its Panagbenga Festival, the whole city is in bloom with every imaginable color. The crisp mountain air and the sunny blue skies create the perfect setting for the beautiful display of Baguio’s assortment of flowers.

The Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival is an annual pageantry showcasing the best of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s cultural, historical and natural bounties. The festival derives its name from “Panagbenga,” a Kankanaey word meaning “a season for blossoming, a time for flowering.” It is a month long celebration culminating on the last weekend with parades and street dancing.

The Panagbenga Festival began in 1995 after sectors of Baguio’s society decided to come up with something to celebrate the city’s restoration from the devastating earthquake that trans

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JUANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage

pired in 1990. It started as a flower-inspired, flower-themed festival years ago to boost the tourism industry every February, considered then to be a lull month between the Christmas celebration and the busy, crowded Holy Week and summer vacation rush. Since then, groups from various community sectors including the government, education, business, media and civic organizations have expressed strong commitment to hold the festival every year. Thus, the birth of a tradition in the City of Pines.

There are more events in the Panagbenga Festival than just the flower float parades. There are various competitions, exhibits, concerts, battle of the bands, and the search for Mr. and Ms. Baguio Flower Festival.

But more than the activities, what makes Panagbenga something to remember are the people, the sounds, the sights, the scent and feel of the Festival. You will be impressed with the creativity and ingenuity of the people as they present the best of what the City has to offer.

The community spirit that echoes throughout the Festival is truly inspiring.

Panagbenga represents the many facets of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Capitalâ&#x20AC;?, its people and its heritage.

Like the festival, the city blooms with brimming talent, natural beauty and indominable spirit.

There is nothing like experiencing Baguio and its colors during the Panagbenga Festival.

The Grand Opening of the Panagbenga 2008 is set on February 1, 2008 while the parade of Floats and Bands is set on February 24, 2008.

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JUAN’s Feature

Hiatus in the City of Pines

By Jennilyn Q. Salvador

B aguio has charmed people for years. With its relatively close proximity to Manila, the diverse attractions and modern facilities it offers and, of course, its cool weather practically all year round, it hardly comes as a surprise that the City of Pines is considered by many to be a great vacation destination – not to mention one of the most popular.

Start the year with a road trip to Baguio and rediscover the sights and thrills that make for a fantastic hiatus from your busy lifestyle.

WHAT TO SEE The city is filled with a myriad of attractions to keep visitors well occupied, so whether you’re with your family for a weekend break, or tagging along with your friends for an overnight trip, Baguio is certain to have something for everyone.

Burnham Park has got to be one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Designed by Daniel Hudson Burnham, the park sprawls over a wide area featuring gardens, bike areas, a skating rink, children’s playground, and its trademark man-made lake at the center, where you can rent a boat and row your way to having a good time. However, since rowboats are

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JUAN’s Feature

really popular, and most people who visit the park all have that in mind, it’s advisable if you try your hand at this late afternoons or early evenings to avoid the crowd. I got the chance to try that out at night when my friend and I visited Baguio last year, and it was great! Only one or two other boats were being used at that time, and we could see distant city lights in the horizon. If you love to spend chilly evenings outside (after all, how often does it get cold in Manila?), this is definitely worth checking out.

If you want to go on a short pilgrimage, try going to Baguio Cathedral. This beautiful church sits atop a hill, and to get there you have to climb more than a hundred steps – definitely a good workout to keep the cold at bay. When you reach the top, you are also rewarded with the city’s scenic view. And while you’re at it you can also check out the Bell Church, which is situated in the northern part of the city. You can take a breather strolling in its landscaped gardens, or drop by the pagoda there. If you are inclined with Oriental history, there are Buddhism artifacts that can be found, as well as excerpts of literature from ancient China to keep you quite occupied. And to cap it off, go to the Lourdes Grotto, a Catholic shrine that is situated in the western part of Baguio. It is already a famous pilgrimage site on any given day, but even more so during the Holy Week, especially Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Like the cathedral, you can go there ascending several flights of steps, or if you have your own vehicle you can drive a long winding road to get there.

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To see a really picturesque landscape, however, don’t miss going to Mines View Park, or simply called Mines View. The somewhat small view deck lets you marvel at the mountain ranges in the distance. On clear weather the lush surroundings and blue skies dotted with clouds make for a picture-perfect scenario. But, as it is also very widely popular, it is best to go early in the morning if you don’t feel like elbowing your way through hordes of visitors just to get a small spot. Having tried it myself, it is guaranteed that the breathtaking site is well worth the effort dragging yourself out of bed extra early! After you feel you’ve had enough, check out the souvenir shops and stalls that line the entrance of the park.

JUAN’s Feature

For a quick glimpse of a place said to be a replica of the Buckingham Palace in London, visit The Mansion. The official summer residence of the President of the country, it features beautiful gardens and well-manicured lawns great for picture-taking.

When you’re in downtown, don’t forget to check out Session Road. This is the main street of the city and arguably the most popular too!

Here you can find different shops lined on either side of the street, as well as different food establishments. If you want to start with a laidback pace, or if you are inclined to cap off your busy day with a cup of hot coffee maybe, this is a good option for you. And since this is strategically located at the heart of Baguio, you can easily hop on jeepneys that frequently pass by if you want to visit the famous landmarks.

If you want to watch a military parade, then the Philippine Military Academy, or more popularly known as PMA, is definitely a must-visit for you. It is based in a wide expanse of 373-hectare property since 1950, and has been one of Baguio’s famous sites since then. Even on ordinary days, it is possible to catch a glimpse of these fine gentlemen going on military parades in the vicinity – something that easily delights many people. So if you have the time to spare do check it out.

WHAT TO DO Baguio is an interesting destination because you can actually tailor your itinerary there depending on the activities you like to do and your preferences.

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JUAN’s Feature

If you’re with kids, you will definitely find Wright Park a great place to keep them busy for hours riding ponies. In fact, that’s the main attraction there. If they still want to have another go at horseback riding, you can take them to “Shalan di Kabadjo” in Camp John Hay and Country Club. The kids can also practically spend the bulk of the day just trying out the many activities in Burnham Park. If you happen to be there in summer, you can let them learn something at the art lessons offered in Botanical Garden and Tam-awan Village.

When you’re with that ‘special someone,’ then Baguio definitely spells out romance.

The city is known for its many parks – not just Burnham and Mines View – so you can take your pick on where you want to go. The locals are always happy to give suggestions, so feel free to ask them. How about a picnic on a hilltop? Try going to Tiptop, Beckel or Ambuklao. If you really want to ‘get away from it all,’ you can try to take horses from Wright Park and follow a mountain trail – along with a guide, of course.

For a dose of cultural insights, start with the Botanical Garden Gallery and Tam-awan Village. After checking the different artworks exhibited, you can have your portrait done by a local artist there. For other exhibits you can drop by the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary or the VOCAS inside La Azotea building. And if you constantly drool over flowers, then stay a bit longer at the sanctuary. It has gardens of myriad flowers you can easily marvel at. If you want to know more about the proud Cordillera heritage,

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visit the Cordillera Museum located at Governor Pack Road. You can even get a tribal or henna tattoo at any one of the salons in the upbeat and lively Session Road.

It may not be a byword in Baguio for regular visitors, but for those who want something a bit more than the usual sites to visit, then drop by the Asin Hot Springs. It is actually located outside of the city already, but the slight detour is more than compensated if it means being able to bathe in natural hot springs – especially in the cool weather that Baguio has! Since it is not very popular, it is not that developed yet, but if you are thrilled with the prospect of going a bit off course, this should be included in your list.

Not a lot of people know that you can also indulge in trekking when you’re in Baguio.

Check out Mt. Santo Tomas, the city’s highest peak and flex your muscles while enjoying the scenery along the way. When you reach the top, you can enjoy the 360 view of the city, as well as the neighboring province of La Union and the South China Sea in the background.

If you want to marvel at indigenous wood

JUAN’s Feature

carvings, then there’s no better place to do so than at the Wood Carver’s Village. It is located in the Asin Road – the same place where the hot springs are located – and the village has a myriad collection of wood works ranging from small figurines all the way to life-size statues. For those who are more into weaving, however, there’s the Easter Weaving Room. You can watch the actual process of making intricate patterns come alive, and if you want to bring home a souvenir or two you can buy them at a shop just nearby.

When you’re ready to head back home, drop by the Baguio City Market first for that allimportant pasalubong to your friends and relatives! The market is clean and wellmaintained and – here’s the best part – you can find all sorts of souvenirs and food items there, at reasonable prices.

WHERE TO DINE For food enthusiasts, a trip to Baguio is also synonymous to indulging in native delicacies and visiting restaurants that are only found there.

If you’re with a big group, Atenara House is worth checking out. It offers Eat-All-YouCan Roast Beef, Salad Bar and Pasta Buffet.

Reservation is required, though, so if you’re planning to visit make sure to arrange for it in advance. For vegetarians, Bliss Café will easily prove to be a haven. Café by the Ruins should not be missed if you want to sample ethnic dishes. And to add in a kiddie flair to your food tripping drop by Little John’s, where your little ones can draw and color their menu while waiting for your order to arrive.

If you have a little more time to spare then it’s worth looking for Eve’s Garden. You can take your pick from different varieties of lettuce, and their set meals are also something their regular patrons come back for. You have to remember to reserve before you drop by, however. For Mongolian cuisine, check out O’Mai Khan.

Their Mongolian barbeque is a favorite, and they also have a wide selection if highland vegetables. For something very laidback, there’s Palizzata. It’s a small bistro that has a good view of Session Road – with cosmopolitan meals to choose from, like their tandoori chicken.

HOW TO GET THERE Being the popular getaway that it is, the City of Pines is easily accessible from Metro Manila. Bus lines such as Philippine Rabbit, Dagupan Bus Lines and Victory Liner ply to Baguio on several trips daily. Travel time takes approximately 6 hours. If you have your own vehicle, you can go via Kennon Road or Marcos Highway, and the trip takes about 5 hours.

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DOT Press Release

Exhibit on vintage warcraft opens in Intramuros

Exhibit on vintage warcraft opens in

Intramuros The Department of Tourism (DOT), Intramuros Administration (IA) and the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) Manila recently opened Vintage Warcraft, an exhibit of scale models of World War II weapons and equipment at the Intramuros Visitor Center in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.

“The exhibit provides a new dimension to seeing the already historic Fort Santiago.

The best way to experience Manila is to understand its history. The new display gives both local and domestic tourists a heightened awareness and appreciation of what made the city as it is today,” said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano. A series of miniature displays tell the story of Manila’s ordeal during the Second World War. Replicas of firearms, cannons, airplanes, ships and other war elements used during the period are of special emphasis.

The exhibit items were assembled by members of the IPMS Manila, a group

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of hobbyists who share the passion for putting together and collecting plastic scale models. Vintage Warcraft is aptly presented at the Baluartillo de San Francisco, a small bulwark build by the Spaniards in 1662 as part of the seafront defense of Intramuros. During World War II, the chambers served as prison cells of Filipino and American soldiers arrested by the Japanese military police or Kempei Tai. Today, the baluartillo houses the Intramuros Visitor Center, which consists of an information desk, souvenir shops, exhibit galleries, and a coffee shop. The display was conceived by IA Administrator Dominador Ferrer Jr., AFP Museum Curator Jose Custodio and IPMS Manila President Mitch Doren, who wanted to offer a fresh approach to history, as well as promote the craft of scale modelling.

IA is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

Vintage Warcraft will run until February 2008. The exhibit is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30pm. Fort Santiago entrance fees are at PhP50 for adults and PhP25 for children and students.

For inquiries, please call the Intramuros Visitors Center at 5272961 or the IA Tourism Marketing and Promotions Division at 5273138.

Art Scene

Simon dela Rosa Flores at the Ayala Museum

A yala Museum presents the exhibition Simon dela Rosa Flores at the Third Floor Galleries beginning March 31, 2008. The show will feature the few remaining paintings by Simon Flores and showcase portrait painting at the turn of the century.

Little is known about this 19th century master, whose most outstanding works are with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas collection and a few select private collectors. Simon Flores (1839 – 1902) learned the rudiments of art from his uncle Pio de la Rosa during his teen years. Born in San Fernando de Dilao, now Paco, Manila, his formal art schooling happened at the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura under the tutelage of Lorenzo Guerrero and Lorenzo Rocha. His artistry was recognized when he was commissioned to paint a portrait entitled “Amadeo I,” most likely of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for the province of Pampanga in 1871. At the peak of his career, Flores was painting portraits of the wealthy and “landed” of the central plains. He excelled in portraiture, especially on the detailed representation called miniaturismo, of the elaborate piña costumes and jewelry his sitters wore.

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Simon Flores y de la Rosa (1839-1904 La Virgen Maria, ca. 1870 Oil on wood 95.6 x 68.5 cm Paulino Que Collection

In 1876, Flores received the first-ever international art recognition for an individual of pure Filipino descent. He was awarded the silver medal for his work of La Musica del Pueblo (The Music of the Town) in the Philadelphia Universal Exposition of the same year.

The exhibition Simon dela Rosa Flores will be on view until May 25, 2008. Ayala Museum is located along Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue corner De la Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines 1224. Tel (632) 7577117 to 21. Fax (632) 7572787 or visit www.ayalamuseum.org

Island Pride

Why visit the Philippines?

Tourism in the country has blossomed in recent years. And for good reason. There is so much to see and experience in our beautiful country. Here are our top 5: 1. Island Hopping - With 7107 islands, the Philippines is the sun-worshipper’s paradise. The tropical island experience at pristine beaches and world-class resorts is priceless.

2. Sweets to Go – There is quite an amount of things that can only be bought in the Philippines. Philippine mangoes are without a doubt the best in the world.

3. Irresistible Populace – There is nothing quite like the Filipina beauty or the Filipino mannerism. The alluring personalities, first class talents, and quiet charm

of Filipinos are attractions in themselves.

More than activities and destinations, our strength and best asset is our people.

4. Flora, Fauna and Aura – The Philippines is one of the most ecologically gifted areas.

The rice terraces of Banaue, fruit plantations of Laguna, flower farms in Tagayatay, lush forests of Bohol and the amazing marine life of Palawan give the Philippines a topography and atmosphere conducive for an adventurous getaway.

5. Infinite smiles – Nothing can compare to Filipino hospitality – always accommodating and everything done with a smile. We are famous worldwide for our warmth and generosity. Guaranteed to be infectious.

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CORPORATION

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Diosdado Macapagal International Airport FLIGHT SCHEDULE

OPERATOR SEAIR SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS CEBU PACIFIC ASIANA SEAIR SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS ASIANA SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS CEBU PACIFIC ASIANA SEAIR SEAIR SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS ASIANA SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS CEBU PACIFIC ASIANA SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS ASIANA SEAIR SEAIR SEAIR SEAIR AIR ASIA AIR ASIA TIGER AIRWAYS TIGER AIRWAYS ASIANA

FLIGHT NO. DG 203 DG 216 DG 204 AK502/AK503 AK032/AK033 TR506/TR903 TR902/TR507 5J-588/5J-589 0Z-7075/0Z-7085 DG 231 DG 215 DG232 AK032/AK033 AK502/AK503 TR506/TR903 TR902/TR507 0Z-7075/0Z-7085 DG 225 DG 224 AK032/AK033 AK502/AK503 TR902/TR507 TR506/TR903 5J-588/5J-589 OZ-7075/OZ-7085 DG 216 DG 231 DG 211 DG 212 AK032/AK 033 AK502/AK503 TR506/TR903 TR902/TR507 OZ-7075/OZ-7085 DG 216 DG 215 AK502/AK503 AK032/AK033 TR902/TR507 TR506/TR903 5J-588/5J-589 OZ-7075/OZ-7085 DG 215 DG 478 AK032/AK033 AK502/AK503 TR902/TR507 TR506/TR903 OZ-7075/OZ-7085 DG 231 DG 232 DG 211 DG 212 AK032/AK033 AK502/AK503 TR506/TR903 TR902/TR507 OZ-7075/OZ-7085

ROUTE CRK-MPH MPH-CRK MPH-CRK BKI-CRK-BKI KUL-CRK-KUL SIN-CRK-MFM MFM-CRK-SIN CEB-CRK-CEB ICN-CRK-ICN CRK-MPH CRK-MPH MPH-CRK KUL-CRK-KUL BKI-CRK-BKI SIN-CRK-MFM MFM-CRK-SIN ICN-CRK-ICN CRK-MPH MPH-CRK KUL-CRK-KUL BKI-CRK-BKI MFM-CRK-SIN SIN-CRK-MFM CEB-CRK-CEB ICN-CRK-ICN CRK-MPH CRK-MPH CRK-MPH MPH-CRK KUL-CRK-KUL BKI-CRK-BKI SIN-CRK-MFM MFM-CRK-SIN ICN-CRK-ICN CRK-MPH CRK-MPH BKI-CRK-BKI KUL-CRK-KUL MFM-CRK-SIN SIN-CRK-MFM CEB-CRK-CEB ICN-CRK-ICN CRK-MPH MPH-CRK KUL-CRK-KUL BKI-CRK-BKI MFM-CRK-SIN SIN-CRK-MFM ICN-CRK-ICN CRK-MPH MPH-CRK CRK-MPH MPH-CRK KUL-CRK-KUL BKI-CRK-BKI SIN-CRK-MFM MFM-CRK-SIN ICN-CRK-ICN

ETA * 1400H 1640H 1620H 1115H 1255H 2015H 1140H 2340H * * 1700H 1115H 1620H 1255H 2015H 2340H * 1300H 1115H 1620H 2015H 1255H 1140H 2340H 1400H * * 1300H 1115H 1620H 1255H 2015H 2340H 1400H * 1620H 1115H 2015H 1255H 1140H 2340H * 1700H 1115H 1620H 2015H 1255H 2340H * 1700H * 1300H 1115H 1620H 1255H 2015H 2340H

ETD 0900H * 1645H 1145H 1325H 2045H 1210H 0110H 1330H * * 1145H 1645H 1325H 2045H 0110H 1330H * 1145H 1645H 2045H 1325H 1210H 0110H * 1330H 0900H * 1145H 1645H 1325H 2045H 0110H * 0915H 1645H 1145H 2045H 1325H 1210H 0110H 0915H * 1145H 1645H 2045H 1325H 0110H 1330H * 0900H * 1145H 1645H 1325H 2045H 0110H

NOTE: TIGER EFF. 28OCT. ‘07 TO 29MARCH’08 ASIANA DAILY EFF. 28OCT. ‘07 SEAIR FLT. SCHED EFF. 15OCT. TO 13JAN. ‘08

Ramon R. Navarro Operations Command Center

Fast Facts GENERAL INFORMATION

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The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands covering a land area of 115,739 sq. m. (299,764 sq. km.). Main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Capital is Manila. Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education. Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

CLIMATE March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C; humidity is 77%.

POPULATION There are a total of 76.5 million Filipinos as of the latest national census in May, 2000. Population growth is estimated at 2.36 percent annually.

Luzon, the largest island group, accounts for more than half of the entire population.

Filipino is that native language which is used nationally as the language of communication among ethnic groups. Like any living language, Filipino is in a process of development through loans from Philippine languages and nonnative languages for various situations, among speakers of different social backgrounds, and for topics for conversation and scholarly discourse.

There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.

RELIGIONS Some 83% of Filipinos are Catholic. About 5% are Moslem. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.

UNIT OF MEASURE The Metric System is used in most trade and legal transactions.

ELECTRICITY 220 volts a/c is the common standard. 110 volts a/c is also used, especially in major hotels.

CURRENCY The Philippines’ monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any hotels, most large department stores, banks, and authorized money changing shops accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Bank Americard, Master Card, and American Express are accepted in major establishments.

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MAKATO STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL January 15 | Poblacion Makato, Aklan.

The ati-atihan festival of Makato dates back before the Spaniards came to sow the seeds of Christianity into this land.

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KURALDAL January 6 | Sasmoan, Pampanga.

The Kuraldal of Sasmuan occurs during the week of the town fiesta on January 6, when Kapampangans from neighboring towns gather in front of the chapel of St. Lucy and dance for favors all night

MALATARLAK FESTIVAL January 13- January 20 | Tarlac City, Tarlac. The festival features various contingents of school children garbed in grassinspired costumes - painted with black soots.

SANA-AW FESTIVAL January 27 | Jordan, Guimaras. Sana-aw pays tribute to the skillful artisans and the enduring workers in an endearing characterization through dance drama.

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BANDI FESTIVAL & BAYLUHAY FESTIVAL January 8- January 15 | San Joaquin, Iloilo. Festivals featuring the biggest “bandi” (sweet delicacy) in Western Visayas and the Reenactment of the Barter of Panay.

LONGANIZA FESTIVAL January 22 | Vigan City, It features the “Longest Longaniza” with the hope of entering to the Guinness Book of Records as the longest longaniza of the world.

HINIRUGYAW FESTIVAL January 29 | Calinog, Iloilo. The festivity and fun of the people of Calinog reach a peak during the feast day of the Child Jesus or Sto. Niño.

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FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS January 2 | Gasan, Marinduque. A feast honoring the three kings who are visiting houses around the Poblacion of Gasan

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE January 9 | Quiapo, Manila. An intense, day-long festival highlighted by a mammoth procession through the streets.

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KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL January 16 | Libertad, Butuan City.

Butuan’’s version of the Sinulog of Cebu which has an equally lively and spectacular street dancing.

FRIDAY SATURDAY

ARAW NG KORONADAL “HINUGYAW FESTIVAL” January 10 | Hinugyaw Festival, dubbed as the “Festival of Festivals”, is a celebration of the different cultures that has dwelled on the fertile valley of Koronadal for many years now.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE January 24 | La Carlota City. These features cultural shows and traditional fiesta activities like procession, traditional games and cultural presentation

BALOT SA PUTI FESTIVAL January 31 | Pateros. One of the highlights of the Pateros Town Fiesta celebration

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL January 25 | Malolos, Bulacan. The biggest expression of devotion to the Holy child Jesus in the entire Luzon island.

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BAILES DE LUCES January 5 | La Castellana, Negros Occicental. The town’s celebration of Charter Day and a befitting culmination of the Christmas season, the festival is conceptualized as a festival of hope and thanksgiving.

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SINULOG FESTIVAL 2007 January 12- January 21 | Cebu. Cebu’s biggest and most popular festival in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Sto. Niño

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ATI-ATIHAN 2007 January 19-21| Kalibo, Aklan. A yearly celebration in honor of the Sto Nino, it is a phenomenal party and religious experience with salsa, merengue and costumes.

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FIESTA TSINOY February 5- February 6 | Legaspi City. Chinese New Year Celebration featuring activities like Dragon / Lion Dance, Chinese Cultural Program and others.

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KAP’YAAN FESTIVAL February 18- February 20 | Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur. Founding Anniversary of the creation of the municipality; agri-trade fair and civic military parade

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FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES February 10 | Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Featuring “Laro ng Lahi” an indigenous games for all ages.

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ARAW NG ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY February 24 | Zamboanga Sibugay. A civic-military parade kicks off the celebration. Agri-trade fair, sports competition, cultural presentation and selection of Bb. Zamboanga Sibugay are also held.

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HARANA FESTIVAL “KARANTAHAN NIN PAGRANGA” February 11- February 15 | San Jose, Cam. Sur. The festival feature local talents and young artists in its efforts to promote cultural awareness, tourism development

ADIVAY February 25 | La Trinidad, Bengued The maiden launching of an annual Agri Tourism Trade Fair featuring the various products of the BLIST area which will complement the activity highlights of Panagbenga.

DIA DELA CIUDAD DE ZAMBOANGA February 26 | Zamboanga City A celebration to honor the historical event when Zamboanga was converted into chartered city. Activities include street dancing, cultural dance festival and a regatta

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TINAPAY FESTIVAL February 7- February 13 | Cuenca, Batangas. An annual activity conceived by the town as thanksgiving to their patron saint, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for a bountiful life.

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BALSAHAN FESTIVAL February 20 | Sibunag, Guimaras Balsahan is Sibunag’s way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag river which snakes its way through most of the town’s barangays

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PANAET TARAMBAYAWSANIBAYANG FESTIVAL February 28March 31 | Tobias Fornier, Antique. A celebration of rites called samba/paned.

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“SAMBALILO” HAT FESTIVAL February 13 | Paranaque City, Metro Manila

MANIAMBUS FESTIVAL February 27 | Negros Occidental “Maniambus” is a Visayan term meaning to strike with a club because its coastal waters were them beaming with fish that catching could be done simply by clubbing.

PABIRIK FESTIVAL February 1- February 2 | Paracale, Camarines Norte Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the gold mining industry in the province.

SALAPAN FESTIVAL February 15 | Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.

Exhibit of various products of the municipality especially the guinamos industry. Features Regatta Contest and Fishing Tournament.

HIMAG-ULAW FESTIVAL February 22 | Placer, Masbate. A celebration of praise and thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest in farming or good catch in fishing expressed through various forms of activities

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES February 2 | Jaro, Iloilo City. The biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with the blessing of candles and a procession of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria and the Fiesta Queen FEAST OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE CANDELARIA February 9 | San Enrique, Negros Occidental. Annual Town Fiesta is celebrated every February 9 in honor of the patron saint of the town Nuestra Señora de Candelaria.

SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL February 23 | Zamboanga Sibugay. Highlighted by colorful ethnic street dancing with rituals depicting good harvest, wedding and healing rituals.

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Directory EMBASSIES Australia Level 23 Tower 2 RCBC Plaza Ayala Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 757-8100 Austria 4th floor Prince Building, 112 Roda St. Legaspi Village, Makati City (63-2) 817-9191; (63-2) 817-4992 Bangladesh 2nd floor Ayala Wing BPI Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas cor. Perea St. Legaspi Village, Makati City (63-2) 817-5010; (63-2) 817-5001 Cambodia Unit 7-A7th flr Country Space Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 818-9981 Canada Level 6 to 8, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 867-0001; (63-2) 867-0002 Chile 17th Floor, Liberty Center Building 104 H.V. de la Costa corner Leviste St.

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Salcedo Village, Makati City (63-2) 810-3149; (63-2) 810-3687; (63-2) 810-3820

Finland 21st floor BPI Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 891-5011 to 17

China 4896 Pasay Road, Dasmarinas Village Makati City (63-2) 844-3148

France 16th floor Pacific Star Building, Sen Gil Puyat cor Makati Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 8576900; 811-1001 to 04

Colombia 18th floor Aurora Tower Araneta Center, Quezon City (63-2) 911-3101 Cuba Penthouse, Cacho Gonzales Building, 101 Aguirre cor. Trasierra Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City (63-2) 817-1192 Czech Republic 30th floor Rufino Pacific Tower, Ayala Avenue Makati City (63-2) 811-1155 Egypt 2229 Paraiso Cor. Banyan St. Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 843-9220; (63-2) 843-9232

Germany 25/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave. Makati City, Metro Manila (63-2) 702-3000; (63-2) 702-3015 India 2190 Paraiso St. Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 843-0101; (63-2) 843-0102 Indonesia 185 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City (63-2) 892-5061 to 68 (63-2) 818-4441 Iran 37 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City (63-2) 888-4757 to 59 Israel 23rd floor, Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.V. Dela

Directory Costa St. Salcedo Village, Makati City (63-2) 892-5329 to 32 (63-2) 894-0441 to 43 Italy 6th floor ZETA Building 191 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City (63-2) 892-4531 to 34 19091012200 (Visa) Japan 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City (63-2) 551-5710 Korea 10th floor Pacific Star Building Sen. Gil Puyat cor Makati Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 8116139-44 Kuwait 1230 Acacia Road, Dasmarinas Village Makati City (63-2) 887-6880 to 84 Libya 1644 Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 817-7331 to 32 Malaysia 107 Tordesillas St. Salcedo Village, Makati City (63-2) 817-4581 to 85 (63-2) 817-4551 to 53

Mexico 2157 Paraiso St., Dasmarinas Village, Makati City 1222 (63-2) 812-2211/12/13 (63-2) 812-2225 (Consular) Netherlands 9th Floor, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court Building I 2129 Don Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo) Makati City (632) 812-5981; (632) 811-2512 New Zealand 23rd floor BPI Center Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 891-5358 to 67 Nigeria 2211 Paraiso St. Makati City (63-2) 843-9866 (63-2) 843-9868 (63-2) 843-9870 Norway 21st floor Petron Mega Plaza Building, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 886-3245 to 49 Pakistan 6th floor Alexander House, 132 Amorsolo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City

(63-2) 817-2772; (63-2) 817-2776 Portugal 17th floor Unit D Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.V. Dela Costa St. Salcedo Village, Makati City (63-2) 848-3789 to 90 Qatar 2056 Lumbang St. cor.

1398 Caballero St. Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 887-4944 to 45 Russian Federation 1245 Acacia Road, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 810-9614; (63-2) 893-0190 Saudi Arabia 389 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 890-9735 Singapore 35th floor Tower I The Enterprise Centre, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 751-2345; (63-2) 751-2646 South Africa 29th Floor Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala

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Directory Avenue, Makati City (63-2) 889-9383 (Trunk Line) Spain 5th Floor, ACT Tower 135 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue 1227 Makati City (chancery) 818-5526; 759-2971 (Embassy) 818-3561; 818-3581; 7592970 (Consulate) Sri Lanka 2260 Avocado Avenue Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 887-5222; (63-2) 887-5223 Sweden 16th Floor, Equitable PCI Bank Tower 2, Makati Avenue corner H.V. dela Costa Street, Makati City (63-2) 811-7900 Switzerland 24th Floor, Equitable Bank Tower 8751 Paseo de Roxas 1226 Makati City 757-9000; 757-9001 (Visa) Thailand Royal Thai Embassy Building 107 Rada Street, Legaspi Village Makati City

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815-4219 to 20; 816-0696 to 97; 810-3833; 817-4262 (Consular) Turkey 2268 Paraiso St. Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (63-2) 843-9705; (63-2) 843-9707; (63-2) 887-6373 United Arab Emirates 22nd floor Renaissance Building 215 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City (63-2) 817-3906 United Kingdom 15th to17th Floors, L.V. Locsin Building 6752 Ayala corner Makati Avenues, 1226 Makati CIty United States of America Chancery Building 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila Tel: 528-6300 Fax: 522-4361 Venezuela Unit 17 A, Multinational Bancorporation Center, 6805 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1227

(632) 845-2841; 845-2842 Vietnam 670 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila; 521-6843; 525-2837; 524-0364 European Union 30/F Tower II, RCBC Plaza 6819 Sen. Gil Puya cor. Ayala Ave., 1200 Makati City; 859-5100 TRANSPORTATION AIRLINES Air Philippines R1 Hangar ATC, Gate 1 Andrews Avenue, Nichols, Pasay City Tel (63-2) 855 9000 Fax (63-2) 851-7922 Asian Spirit Domestic Road cor.

Andrews Avenue, Pasay City Tel (63-3) 851-8888 Fax (63-2) 851-1804 to 05 Cebu Pacific Air 16/F Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equitable Tower ADB Avenue cor. Poveda St.

Directory Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel (63-2) 636-4938 Fax (63-2) 637-9165

BLTB EDSA, Malibay Pasay City Tel (63-2) 833-5508

Philippine Airlines G/F Philippine Airlines Center Legaspi St. Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel (63-2) 855-8888 Fax (63-2) 853-7725

Phase II Bus Terminal Ali Mall Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City Tel (63-2) 913-1526

SEAIR 1020 2/F Dona Concepcion Building, Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City Tel (63-2) 884-1521 Fax (63-2) 844-3813 SHIPPING COMPANIES Negros Navigation Company Pier 2, North Harbor, Tondo Manila Tel (63-2) 245-5588 Fax (63-2) 247-7427 WG&A Superferry 12/F Times Plaza Rower cor. U.N. and Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila Tel (63-2) 528-7100 Fax (63-2) 528-7107 BUS LINES

Philippine Rabbit 1240 EDSA, Balintawak Tel (63-2) 364-3477 RENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A- CAR Avis 2/F Guevent Commercial Center 54 LIbertad St. Mandaluyong City (63-2) 533-0861 (63-2) 714-4060 to 61 Fax (63-2) 533-0785 Budget Nayong Pilipino Compound, Pasay City Tel (63-2) 888-6513 Fax (63-2) 851-0931 Nissan UPRC Building 3, 2289 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City Tel (63-2) 816-1808 HOTELS Discovery Suites 25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas

Center, Pasig City Tel (63-2) 635-2222 Fax (63-2) 683-8333 Hyatt Regency Manila 2702 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City (63-2) 833- 1234; (63-2) 833- 5913 Makati Shangri-La Hotel Manila Ayala Cor. Makati Avenue Makati City (63-2) 813- 8888; (63-2) 813- 5499 Mandarin Oriental Manila Makati Avenue, wwMakati City (63-2) 750-8888; (63-2) 819- 9659 Manila Diamond Hotel Roxas Boulevard cor.

Dr. J. Quintos St. Manlia (63-2) 526- 2211; (63-2) 526- 2255 Manila Hotel One Rizal Park, 1099 Manila (632) 527- 0011; (632) 527- 0022/24 The Peninsula Manila Ayala cor. Makati Avenue Makati City (63-2) 810- 3456; (63-2) 815- 4825

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Parting Shot

Panagbenga Festival

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