The Rock Volume 1 Issue 2

ROCK APRIL 2011

the

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ROCKWELL CLUB

MEMBERS’ PERKS Hotel Restaurant Dining Exclusive s

The Rocky’s

Gomez couple serve up the romance

The Can-Do Man

Chef Jessie

Secret Recipe & Kitchen Tips

on the balanced life FRANCIS KONG AND FAMILY TALK FOOD, TRAVEL AND SHOPPING

CONT ENT S APRIL 2011

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MEMBERS ONLY

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MAN OF THE HOUR IS A FAMILY GUY Read the Kongs's story on page 24

3 GM’S MESSAGE 4 ADVISORIES

UP & COMING 7 SUMMER CAMP 11 ROCKY’S MONGOLIAN WEEKEND 13 NEW WALKAPEDIA DESTINATIONS

NEWS 15 PAPMERED AT HOME 16 ANANYANA & ABACA PERKS 21 THE CHAIRMAN’S CUP UDPATES

FEATURES 34 WANDERLUST by OSKIE RAVANERA 35 TRAVEL BLOG: TAGAYTAY

THE SCENE

36 VALENTINE’S & JAZZ SESSIONS 37 DUEL MEET 38 MY ROCKWELL: SUMMER FUN

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LETTER FROM THE FRONT Rainy days and hanging in the club

How much did we love 2010? Let us count the ways: Walkapedia Tours, Vacation Perks, Golf and Camera Club Outings, Ovation Concerts, preferred Cinema reservations, airport shuttles, a wellness corner, a boxing gym, doctors and ambulance on call, uplifted facilities, refreshed menus, wine and cheese, plus Alice, Madascar and Potters to boot! If all that’s a mouthful, wait till 2011 rolls around.

Additionally, this issue’s new look should give you a feel of how the club will continue to evolve in the coming year.

Introducing Kirja Parcell, a proud Rockwell Club member and a welcome cover to end a good year. So from the management and staff of your club, we wish each of you “A Blessed Ho-ho-holiday and a Joyful New Year!”

Additionally, this issue’s new look should give you a feel of how the club will continue to evolve in the coming year.

JP Masakayan VP - General Manager

the

ROCK EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Raymond Ang MANAGING EDITORS Jay Abastillas JC Alelis CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Tricia Gosingtian

Facebook Group Rockwell Club Twitter Account @rockwellclub

LAYOUT ARTIST Amanda Cruz CONTRIUBORS Anne Silva Analyn Yap

The Rockwell Club Directory

GM’s Office 756-1516 Membership Services 756-1533 / 897-8310 loc. 7446 Membership Administration 450-2984 Billing & Collection 450-2991 Sports & Recreation 897-8310 loc. 7431 or 7434 Spa 450-2994 BANQUETS The Loft @ Manansala 756-1561/ 450-2989 Palm Grove & Meeting Rooms 450-2998 FOOD & BEVERAGE Chef Jessie 450-2993 / 450-2995 Rocky’s Café & Bar 756-1534 Juice Bar by Fruit Magic 8978310 loc. 7432

ADVISORIES Let’s Go Green!

Guest Policy

We will be doing away with the distribution of plastic bags in the locker rooms to lessen non-biodegradable materials

The Club is primarily for members enjoyment only. Guests are welcome provided that they are accompanied by a member. Members may bring a maximum of only 5 guests.

Each member is entitled to one laundry mesh bag.

Bringing in more than 10 guests to use the Club’s services and facilities has to be pre-arranged with the Club to allow us to subsequently ensure that manning is sufficient to serve members and guests.

This may be claimed at the Membership Services Office.

Likewise, we wish to remind members that Endorsements Letters may not be accepted by the Club. We are strictly implementing the “No Card, No Service” policy in the Club.

Additional mesh bags may be purchased at P ____ each.

If a member wishes to endorse a guest to the use of the Club, a Guest Card has to be issued by a member of good standing.

Lost mesh bags will not be replaced.

Guest Cards are available at the Membership Desk.

Home Spa Service

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UP & COMING

Upcoming Walkapedia Aug Viaje del Sol Oct Corregidor

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UP & COMING

White Heat Pool party

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Pampanga in a

Plateful

April’s Walkapedia boasts of fantastic views and the north’s famous table of glorious homecooking.

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This year, the first Walkapedia was outside the Metro, in the plains of Central Luzon. The Walkapedia to Pampanga was the club’s first foray outside the Metro, and the club staff exceeded themselves. They tapped Kapampangan Ivan Man Dy to bring us to two choice eateries offering local and local-style dishes, and to show us how the province has been picking up their lives after the devastation of the Mt. Pinatubo two decades ago.

We were welcomed with candies by Ivan and surprised with Starbucks coffee by the club staff. Our first stop on our journey was breakfast at famous Everybody’s Café, the famous resto offering local dishes at reasonable prices. The resto got its name because it offered meals to all during the WWII, regardless of nationality. The present owner welcomed us with fried rice and longganisa, rebuelto (ground meat with peas and egg), tsokolate batirol (chocolate with crushed peanuts), tamales and the infamous kamaru dish (crickets first cooked adobo-style, then sautéed). Ivan showed us a dish of steamed ulang (local crayfish that looks like US crayfish on steroids).

Ivan then shepherded us to two towns in Pampanga. The first was to the town of Bacolor, which bore the brunt of the Pinatubo eruption in 1991. We stopped inside the San Guillermo parish church which was partly buried by the ashfall. The church has a museum with several images including the Santo Entierro (The Interred Christ), the Virgin Mother. There is a quaint adoration chapel where one has to almost bend to the ground to enter and exit. We learned that the faithful are in the process of restoring the church. As most provincial towns, Bacolor’s focal point is the church and the plaza, and seeing their town rebuild after two decades made us both feel grim and hopeful.

The second town that we visited was Betis in Guagua, which has the parish church of Santiago Apostol (St. James the Apostle). Ivan Man Dy calls it a jeweled church because of its retablo (the structure behind the altar) with gilded arches and hosts of saints. The church ceiling is filled with elaborate scenes of Jesus tending to his flock, of the apostles including John and Mark, and saints like St. Cecilia on the ceiling by the choir loft. We left the church understanding why it is one of the National Culture Treasures.

Our last stop was the 3-hr feast at Bale Dutung (wooden house), owned by Chef and Artist Claude Tayag and his wife Mary Anne. To say that this was the highlight of the trip is to understate. The lunch introduced us to modern Filipino cuisine with strong local flavors such as buro (fermented rice with fish or shrimp) in dishes such as maki roll with taba ng talangka (crab roe). The lunch was capped by five dishes in Tayag’s homage to the lechon (suckling pig). That the feast was situated in a sort of functional art gallery, to which we attribute Ivan Man Dy’s close relationship to the Tayag’s for giving us access, added to the wonder of the experience.

We ended our day tour laden with good food, an understanding of the province, and with goodies from our host Ivan Man Dy. That the day tour was more than a transport to a place but an evoking of local tastes and local culture in comfort and with flair is a reflection of how the club staff tends to its flock, Rockwell Club style.

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UP & COMING

Taking Flight A glimpse into the high-flying world of INAEC. Written by Raymond Ang Photo by Joseph Pascual

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NEWS

Body Rush

New high-end toys to get your heart pumping and your muschles throbbing

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Abaca gets the abc’s right Story and photos by JC Alelis

“This cold towel smells like fresh calamansi.”

You’re stuck in a private car on your way to one of Cebu’s holiday hotspots, the boutique resort where former presidentiable Mar Roxas proposed to Korina Sanchez, and your senses heighten along with the anticipation.

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NEWS

The Mactan Shrine comes into view as you take a sip from your bottle of water. Your thoughts wander. Consider how Magellan fared on this island and you realize that Mactan was probably the Philippines’ first tourist trap.

If you’re thinking whether hospitality on Mactan has improved since Magellan’s ill-fated encounter, rest easy. On the road you see two resort hotels you might have heard of: The Shangri-La Mactan, and The Hilton. Now, let’s say you weren’t in a car. Let’s say you walked from the airport, with gaping blisters on your feet and a parched throat. Keep walking. Abaca is just a little further up the road, and while it’s not as shiny as those other places, it’s certainly no mirage.

Your first glimpse of Abaca, right as you enter, is underwhelming.

Just trees and hardly any façade to speak of: a stark contrast to the magnificence of its neighbors. But take a moment and consider how underwhelming a rabbit hole must look from the outside—then jump in.

Like Alice, you can let your imagination run wild. No one jumps into a rabbit hole wanting to find just roots and rocks. You want a cozy hideaway; you want to find home. You’re in for a treat because this hideaway is more than just cozy. As a guest in Abaca, expect the unexpected pleasure of finding more than what you wanted.

With six suites, three villas, a gym, spa, restaurant, and a beautiful poolside area, Abaca fits snugly in the Goldilocks zone: not too big, not too small, but just right. Jason Hyatt, the buoyant and animated chef turned hotelier knows exactly who he is—and so does his resort. For him and his staff, it’s all about value for money.

Surprised? Note that “value for money” doesn’t mean cheap.

What it means is getting bang for your buck, and the more buck you chuck the more bang you want—which is exactly what you get at Abaca. The Seaview Pool Villa goes for $600 a night, considerably more than what you would pay for a room in the neighboring Shangri-la Mactan. In this case, the “bang” is in the tastefully bedecked villa, the bespoke Kenneth Cobonpue furniture, a minibar that makes you go, “wow, they thought of putting THAT in there?”, your own plunge pool, your own Mac, your own iPad, free Wi-Fi everywhere, and your own personal butler. Fall asleep after a relaxing massage treatment and wake up to a gourmet breakfast made exactly how you want it. Before long, you’ll start feeling less like a guest and more like a king (or queen) of an island sanctuary.

This is not to say that service at Abaca is all about bowed heads and kowtowing. On the contrary, service is refreshingly casual.

Should you decide to leave the comforts of your room, whether to bask by the pool or dine at the excellent Abaca restaurant, expect to be greeted by your first name—always cheerfully, and always with the brightest of smiles. Expect to be asked how you are: whether you’d like another drink, another towel, where you’d like to have your dinner, and whether you’d like to have a massage. Expect not to mind being asked, because you’ll get a sense that Abaca’s people aren’t just following instructions or being intrusive, but are genuinely interested in your experience.

If you’re a beach person, you might be a bit surprised. There’s hardly any beach to speak of: just a little man-made gulf from which you could get whisked off to an island jaunt. But you didn’t come here for the beach. You came for Abaca. For those who’ve been to Boracay, Palawan, Phuket, Hawaii, the Bahamas, or some other of the world’s top seaside getaways, going to Abaca is just like going home to your own private paradise. It’s a vacation from the typical vacation.

If you want to get the most out of Abaca, spend a lot of time at the restaurant. As the tables fill up, Chef Wade comes in to orchestrate, with military precision, a sumptuous symphony just for you. Take your eyes off the fading light in the horizon, off the lush greens and the island baubles around you, and watch the kitchen come to life.

Listen to their discipline and their attention to detail. Then smell the fruits of their labor before, finally and with relish, you taste them. Should you close your eyes to savor the flavor, chances are that Chef Wade himself will be there when you open them, asking how you liked it. Chances are, you liked it a lot.

As you lounge in your private cabana, sipping mojitos and listening to your favorite beats on your iPod, you realize that luxury sometimes lies in the most basic things: space that’s all your own, service that’s sincere, days that stretch on forever, and nights that just end too soon.

NEWS

Sweet Discovery Find this gem of luxury in the middle of Ortigas’ busy streets. By JC Alelis.

For many urbanites, the city presents few opportunities for escape and relaxation.

Many opt to distance themselves whenever they can, abandoning congested streets for quaint retreats and leaving crowded spaces for the freedom of far-off places.

But with today’s communication technology, do we really ever leave work behind? Unplugging ourselves completely can be a daunting prospect when so many things demand our immediate attention.

What few realize is that some sanctuaries can be found close to home, and that you don’t have to leave the city and your work behind to recharge.

Find both recreation and productivity just a few minutes away from Rockwell Center. Located in the heart of Ortigas, Discovery Suites is home to business travelers and vacation mavens alike. Want a change of pace? Try a power lunch at Restaurant 5, or have a romantic dinner date at 22 Prime.

Dining at either restaurant is a pleasure. Breakfast is exactly what you would expect: comfort food served with a smile and best enjoyed in your slippers. The evening brings

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surprises for your palette as Discovery Suite’s chef serves up their own take some familiar flavors. Get your appetite going with a heartwarming lobster bisque, then enjoy the best of both worlds with the succulent surf and turf paired with a glass of your favorite wine.

Discover a new range of experience and book a stay at one of the newly renovated suites. Ranging from the studio-type Junior Suite to the grand Admiral Suite, the Discovery Suites are perfect for an overnight business conference or as a family getaway during special occasions. Each suite comes with living, dining, and kitchen areas, and a host of features and amenities for both work and play: televisions, an entertainment system, and broadband internet access.

With its bright and spacious rooms, ample amenities, and culinary comforts, it’s easy to feel at home at Discovery Suites.

NEWS

The Other Mothers STORY BY ANNE SILVA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRICIA GOSINGTIAN

I

t’s no secret that kids often whine about school and homework, and as parents, you can’t help but sympathize because we’ve all been there once before.

However, with all the developments and advancements these days, learning has started to become more and more dynamic to cater to different learning styles and to make classes more fun. Here at Rockwell, two centers offer education in a more enjoyable way, helping kids learn and understand their lessons with more enthusiasm.

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Happy Hearts When Emily Daza Dimayuga first came in The Rockwell Club there was only a children’s play area. Armed with a background in Early Childhood Education and daycare experience in the States, she proposed putting up a pre-school in the Club. “I thought, since they already had a small center, why not take it up a notch? It’s going to be added value your club membership also.” She later became the Administrator of Happy Hearts Pre-School@Rockwell Club.

Happy Hearts Pre-School welcomes children aged 1 ½ to 5; the class is divided into three groups, toddlers, junior pre-school and senior pre-school. There are two teachers per group and all are competent graduates of education courses from top universities in Manila. School is year-round, from mid-June to the end of May, and students can enroll any time of the year.

Every day, teachers at Happy Hearts introduce a different activity so that kids won’t get bored. They also try to mix up traditional practices with more progressive methods, and make sure that these two approaches work hand-in-hand “We also teach the three R’s—reading, writing, and arithmetic,” Dimayuga adds. “And it’s nice here, the parents can just come in and check on their child, and we get to know them also. The community is very tightly-knit, like family.”

Tutoring Club With younger kids becoming more and more competitive these days, it’s easy to fall behind in school because of all the different lessons that they have to master quickly. We know that everyone has a different learning pace, but in a big classroom setting, not all teachers can afford to sit down and really go through the lessons thoroughly with each child. Tutoring Club solves that problem precisely with their individualized program.

“We make sure that they master their basic skills, because these will help them throughout their lives,” says Tutoring Club Director Miles Go. The center offers a more structured program, with three students to one tutor, making it very conducive for learning. They offer support in three major areas, with systems called Amazing Math, The Write Way, and Rx Reading. “And we cater to kids from ages 4 and up, even to the college level, especially those who are having a hard time with more complicated maths and sciences like Calculus & Physics.”

Assistant Director and teacher Angela Gomez continues, “I think the program really works because of course our materials and tutors are top notch, you can’t find them elsewhere. More than that, when students are here they don’t feel like learning is a chore, or that it’s just an extension of school. They really feel at ease learning in Tutoring Club.”

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adventures of a

lifetime

MICROTEL HOTELS & RESORTS BRINGS YOU ACCOMMODATIONS AND ADVENTURES YOU WON’T SOON FORGET. THIS IS WHAT SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT!

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ISLAND HOPPING

Stay at Microtel Boracay and avail of a special package that includes 3 days/2 nights based on quad sharing. Now, this gets better as you choose between island hopping and a buggy car trip to Mount Luho and a bucket of San Miguel Beer. It’s either you get fascinated by the underwater creatures or the highest point in Boracay. Rewarding adventure nevertheless. (P3,000 net/person)

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ENCHANTED WEEKEND

It is time to let loose the kid in you with Microtel Batangas’ Enchanted Weekend.

Enjoy a weekend to remember at Enchanted Kingdom, going from one amusement ride to the next.

This includes an overnight stay good for 4 persons plus 2 RideAll-You-Can EK Passes and 2 EK Entrance-Only Passes with free carousel ride. (P4,500 net, valid for Saturday & Sunday only)

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TAGAYTAY TREK ADVENTURE

Tagaytay is a weekend favorite, with people from all over the country driving over to experience a boat ride to and from the legendary Taal Lake.

Now Microtel Cavite makes that possible—and easier—with an exciting deal that has a Taal Lake boat ride and an overnight stay good for 2 persons. (P4,000 net)

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MOUNT PINATUBO DAY TOUR ADVENTURE

Now you can conquer the mighty Mt. Pinatubo by trekking and exploring its crater. The great summer weather should be perfect for land travel, allowing you to experience new landscapes and new adventures. Microtel Tarlac’s day tour package includes lunch and a snack after the trek, and an overnight stay based on twin sharing. (P5,000 net/person)

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ADVENTURE BY THE BAY

Just because you are in Manila does not mean there are no new adventures to discover. That is what Microtel Mall of Asia is out to prove with its Adventure by the Bay. This is your best chance to try the popular Zipline Ride by the Bay, and it comes with a souvenir photo and daily shuttle service within MOA. It is inclusive of an overnight stay good for 2 persons in a standard city view room.

(P4,700 net)

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SAGADA ADVENTURE

How does a mountain adventure sound? Take that dream vacation to Sagada and be blown away by its unforgettable attractions: the Burial Caves, the Hanging Coffins, and Echo Valley.

The cool mountain weather is also worth experiencing. Microtel Baguio offers you great value with a tour of those three sites, plus an overnight stay at Microtel Baguio and at the quaint St. Joseph Inn Sagada. (P21,386 net)

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DAVAO SUN & FUN ADVENTURE

Fly all the way to Davao and discover why it is one of the ultimate summer getaways. Great weather and great attractions, now within reach thanks to Microtel Davao’s value deal. It includes 3 days/2 nights based on twin sharing, and these: Eden Nature Park tour, the fab Skyrider Zipline and white water rafting. The latter promises an adrenalin rush with 13km of wild water fun at the Davao River. Talk about an actionpacked vacation. (P8,180 net/ person)

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SUMMER FUN TOUR ADVENTURE

Palawan as the country’s last frontier promises non-stop fun from start to finish. This adventure from Microtel Puerto Princesa is the stuff island dreams are made of. Inclusive of 3 days/2 nights based on quad sharing, consider an adventure made up of exciting tours to the Underground River, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Baywalk, and more. With adventures that cover both land and water, this is how summer is best spent.(P6,999 net/ person)

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BEE FARM TOUR

It is time to buzz about going to an actual bee farm and seeing how honey is produced.

This sweet proposition is courtesy of Microtel Cabanatuan, whose package also counts in a tour of the famous Nueva Ecija longganisa meat processing plant, and a set dinner for 4 at the trendy Liquid Bar Resto. This adventure includes an overnight stay good for 4 persons. Indeed, heading up north has never been this fun! (P2,000 net)

Microtel is an international chain of hotels under Wyndham Hotel Group. All Microtels in the Philippines are managed by Microtel Development Corp., the hospitality arm of Phinma Group For more information, call (02) 899 7171or log on to www.microtelphilippines.com

NEWS

Chairman’s cup car review

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NEWS

Dinner Dance Party & Donation to Charity

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The Can-Do Man FRANCIS KONG AND FAMILY TALK FOOD, TRAVEL AND SHOPPING STORY BY JAY ABASTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRICIA GOSINGTIAN

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’ll believe it when I see it.” Such is the inquisitive and skeptical nature of man. Since the dawn of time, discovery, knowledge, growth, all coupled with adventure and desire have been the paramount reason for man’s being.

We want to realize things ourselves. Only when we find out what something really is, or what it means, are we really satiated. This is the case in traveling. Looking at postcards, watching it on TV, hearing about it from friends simply does not compare to actually experiencing it for yourself. The majesty of the Taj Mahal. The elegance of the Eiffel Tower. The lights and sounds of New York City. These magnificent places are a lot better felt, tasted, heard. And it is in these moments that we foster memories that last forever. And who better to share it with than your loved ones?

Enter the Kong family.

We all know who Francis Kong is. Motivational Speaker. Business Guru. A man who needs little introduction. One of the brave pioneers currently leading the Philippines’ charge towards growth and development. But what about the people behind the man? The people from whom Francis Kong draws his inspiration, his motivation, and his love? For a man like him, the family is his foundation. The family is his refuge, his strength. And while each member of the family leads his or her own busy life, they find common ground which they use to forge and expand their bonds: Travel.

“For us, traveling is really important because it allows us to create shared memories that we can’t ever get at home,” explains Rachel Kong, the family’s youngest member, a 20-year old MMA student from College of St. Benilde.

Most of these memories, as the family would share, would be related to their shared appetite. The Kong family loves taking in the gastronomic culture of every country they visit. “We like to eat. We eat together all the time when we’re abroad,” says Bryan, 28, a dog-loving musician who owns a retail company. Asked what their most memorable travel experience was, Bryan explains of a quaint little Sushi restaurant in Japan called “Daiwa,” the family’s favorite food destination so far. Some people would suggest seeing the sites, climbing mountains, swimming in the oceans as their fondest memories. But for the Kong’s, it’s all a lot simpler. “For a reasonable amount, you can get an entire platter of Sushi and be ‘busog.’ (full) And not just any kind of ‘busog’ but ‘Pinoy Busog.’” That of course referring to the way Filipinos eat a lot and really enjoy eating. When you come down to bare necessities, you can’t go any more basic than food. And that’s how grounded this family is. They are wholly content with sharing a meal and each other’s welcome company.

But alas, even simplicity has a pricetag these days. Francis Kong jokes, “Actually, you can summarize our entire bonding experience in two words: Credit Card.” To build up that hunger for food, one must first satiate one’s hunger for shopping. Hannah, 24, a petshop owner and a made-to-order fashion designer (Check out her line of clothing, Google “Fuddy Duddy”) explains that she and her siblings love to shop when they’re abroad. One of their guilty pleasures. It’s always satisfying to find great deals abroad, especially things you won’t be able to find here in the Philippines. “The kids really appreciate culture. They appreciate the culture of H&M versus the culture of Nordstrom versus the culture of Urban Outfitters,” Francis jests more.

Next on their list, the family would like to visit Europe and go through Paris, Italy and Rome (“Where the nicest retail brands are,” Francis says). Wanderlust is deeply rooted in this family. Despite the seemingly tough esteem that Francis Kong upholds, it is plain to the eyes that he has a heart of gold and his family is still of absolute importance to him. And through the family’s travels, they are given the opportunity to find out and appreciate more about the world, and most importantly, more about each other. Lilia Kong, the woman of the family puts it very nicely: “It’s a great way for us to widen our horizons. And it’s a special way for us to be together and to bond.”

The Kong Family Hannah, Lilian, Bryan, Francis and Rachel

Ask Jessie Chef Jessie shares a few secrets and a special recipe PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRICIA GOSINGTIAN

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Twin Hearts

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The Winie & Ricky AS TOLD BY ANNE SILVA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRICIA GOSINGTIAN

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Gomez story

‘ wo peas in a pod, kindred spirits, soulmates…there are only so many ways to say that two people are destined to be together. For couple and business partners Ricky and Winie Gomez, all of those are true, and much more. Read on as we discover how the creators of Grams Diner and Rocky’s Café wandered through all these years of fun, food, and family life.

How did you meet? And how did the courtship go?

Ricky: In the hospital nursery. We were born on the same day, in the same hospital. She was born 11am, and I was born 11pm. She told the nurse to place me near her, so that we could hold hands!

Winie: Only the first part is true! We later met through my sister-in-law who was then working in the same company as Ricky. It was during a small party…

Ricky: And then she couldn’t take her eyes off me.

Winie: You mean, you couldn’t let me go!

Ricky: It was pretty much love at first sight. We had only known each other for a month, and then I proposed. We became friends as we coursed through the relationship already.

What was the defining moment in your relationship, when you knew that this was The One? Ricky: It really was when we first met. More practically though, it was the right time for both of us. By then, I felt it was time to slow down, take things seriously. And then I met her and I just knew.

What’s it like to have your spouse as your business partner at Grams?

Ricky: We have a secret; when we go to the house, we leave everything behind. We don’t bring home the problems of the business to our home. We don’t talk about it at all.

Winie: Also, I respect his roles in both settings. When we’re in the office, I respect him as president of the company. At home, we’re partners. It’s really all about respect for each other in the different situations.

What made you think of the unique diner theme?

Ricky: We went into the restaurant industry because we love to cook and we love to eat. We liked the idea of a diner because we love comfort food and the casual, neighborly feel to it.

Winie: When we first opened, a couple dined there on their first date. One year later, he proposed there, and we were even invited to the wedding! Even graduates of Ateneo Law School studied there, waited for their Bar results and, spend their first paycheck there. It’s really a close community, not only in Grams but also the whole Rockwell.

Since this is our summer issue, can you share your most memorable summer together?

Winie: Our summers are very well-planned because we have a special arrangement with four other families, who are all our friends. We deposit pot money every month, and by January, we decide where to go with our money.

We travel as a big party—22 people all in all. It’s very fun and crazy!

Ricky: It’s cliché, but every trip is memorable. As long as we’re together, we have fun.

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The RoaD to [injury] Recovery nick padilla talks about his skateboard injury and how the rockwell pt team got him back into shape..

STORY BY ANNE SILVA. PHOTO BY TRICIA GOSINGTIAN.

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ummer is probably the most anticipated time for thrill-seekers; everyone’s wanderlust is usually amplified and the weather is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities. Most people take up a new hobby or sport, especially with the active lifestyle that everyone is trying to get into. As with most new pursuits, not all roads to fitness tread smoothly, and sometimes people hit a little snag and end up injuring themselves.

Extreme sports enthusiast Nick Padilla knows this well, having been skating since 1998. “I just got into it when someone gave me a skateboard as a gift. I’m pretty much into all board sports and team sports now.” The 25-year-old athlete confesses that he is actually injury-prone, with most problems being his left shoulder, right ankle, and both his knees. This however, doesn’t stop him from all his passions. “I like competing with myself, not just other people. But it’s bad because I end up injuring myself a lot.”

Because of the natural tendency to get hurt in extreme sports, Nick frequents many physical therapy and rehabilitation centers. “I’m a regular in those places; every year I would go,” he says. One center that stands out for him though, is The Rockwell Club’s very own Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center. “I was hesitant at first, because the therapist is a girl. But I saw that they were really mindful of what I wanted to achieve while I was recovering, so I was impressed.”

What sets The Rockwell Club’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center is their well-rounded program.

Nick adds, “I usually frequent a center for 3 months at a time, so I get to gauge their performance pretty well. Most clinics I’ve been to are okay, but I like it more here because they’re not just healing you, they’re strengthening you.” While the staff treats you for your

injury and helps you recover, they also make sure that you are still engaging other parts of your body. This is done while still keeping your injury safe as it heals.

“When I was younger, I used to be less mindful of my injuries, but now I’m really starting to feel the effects of it. I need to be able to get comfortable with being active again after physical therapy, and the people here really help me with that,” says Padilla. The Rockwell Club’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center makes sure that as they undo the damage done to your body, you are still getting the best fitness program to help you keep in shape. This is especially true for athletes who need to be prepared to go back into the sport as soon as they can. The downtime is shorter, which enables them to get going right away.

Most clinics I ’ ve been to are okay, but I like it more here because they ’re not just healing you, they ’ re strengthening you.

“Like I said, I think the biggest plus is that they ask you about what you want. At the center, when you come in they say, ‘we’ll focus on your injury, but also get to your goals, get your body fit. It’s rehabilitation, plus fitness, which is really the end objective of an active lifestyle.’”

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Mother’s Day Surprise

Allesandra Oledan Rodriguez talks about how an unexpected marathon win made their motherdaughter closer.

The Forbes Earth Run was another run (our third run) my Mom and I could participate in, as a way of bonding, fitness and running for a cause - Gawad Kalinga, Wishes of Aids + Limbs for Kids, Rotary Watch and Miss Earth’s Compassion. We arrived at Park Road, North Forbes early in the morning, with 400 runners participating. When the 5K run finally began, the only thing going through our minds was, “We cannot be last.” At approximately forty minutes, we saw the finish line. I told my Mom, “Mom, keep going! We’re nearly there.” We raced forward and ran across the finish line hand in hand. Giddy and exhausted, we bent over and took a breath, laughing in spite of ourselves, only to be interrupted by an official clocking the arrivals. “Excuse me, Ma’am! Congratulations! You were the first to finish in the female/female buddy category.” My Mom and I looked at each other in shock. How was it possible? One of the Miss Earth ladies brought us to the pavilion where, after waiting for the others to finish, we received two trophies. I looked at my Mom and said, “Happy Mother’s Day!” This was a Mother’s Day surprise, something we did not expect.

What prompted us to start running was our sudden awareness of the world around us; it’s so easy to get these sicknesses, and we want to be healthy so we can live a long and happy life. What I find most fulfilling in running are the goals that you can set yourself. I go to the British School Manila, where we have PE teachers that set high standards, and what’s great is I can apply all of their advice and motivate myself this way. One of the great things about my Mom is that she always finds the time for something, whether it be a one-week trip to Boracay or simply a one-hour movie here in Rockwell. She was the main reason why I decided to join. These runs have made me realize that we need to enjoy the moments we have with the people who take care of us.

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Luang Wanderlust Journals Prabang

by Oskie Ravanera

The visit to the historic city of Luang Prabang in the Lao Democratic Republic or what many still refer to as Laos started from a keen interest to have a conversation with a Monk.

This city turned out to be more special that I thought it would be. To me, it was magical and at the same time very solemn. The people were simple yet, industrious. They lived on basic resources yet they were sensitive to others.

They remain deeply religious the same way many Asian are (I think). Slow in pace compared to the megacities of the world. Most things remain handmade and to think, it’s 2011!

But they rightfully take pride in this.

One day, I chanced upon a group of Novice Monks. And they were nice, gentle in their ways, curious to improve their conversational English. I can still name many of them today as we keep in touch through email. While some graduate soon from high school and make plans to move on to University, they struggle with the prospect of living away from the temple that they have called home for almost half of their life. I was told that the youngest novice to enter the temple is at age 6 and no woman can touch him as a novice monk other than his mother. So, the sheer thought of it makes me wince – remembering my personal experience of a mix of excitement and anxiety of moving to the big city from down south.

And, did I mention that the entire city is a UN World Heritage Site ? To protect some 36 temples, the people, the culture. Some of the temples were small, some large but the detailed paintings on the cold concrete walls gave me lots of calming moments as they illustrated the way of life of the Lao people.

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So, it did not come as a surprise that there were lots of young people visiting from all over the world. We met a few who were from Asia, Europe and America. Know that there is not much nightlife in this city. The few bars close before midnight when they turn exclusive for locals. But since we were up often at 5AM to witness the very solemn morning ritual of giving alms to the hundreds of monks in their bright saffron robes, that walk the streets.

After which, I found myself walking towards the early morning market and discovering what I could safely snack on or interesting enough for my lens to capture. Perhaps, a freshly cut hairy ear of a wild boar. Or, a basketful of live frogs. Or a mat-full of baby eggplants, water chestnuts or chili. Or, going another direction in search for yet another wat (or temple) or a French colonial home that dates back in the 18th or 19th century. Or snacking on Lao food that felt clean to the palate with all the greens that have been mixed into their food.

The people of Luang Prabang may be poor in wealth but they are truly rich in spirit, history and culture. Perhaps, this is what makes this visit magical to me.

Why, Luang Prabang ? I don’t know. Will I go back soon ? Yes, definitely, I am planning my next visit with new experiences this time. Like visiting the villages of the novice monks that I met so I can meet their families. Learning how to meditate from a monk. Learning how to stencil. Visiting the cheerful ladies that will make my silk cushion covers and curtains. Taking on the Kwang Xi Waterfalls for the third time, hopefully successfully this time. Or, going up the Phu Si Mountain and Pak Ou caves after months of preparation on the treadmill at The Rockwell Club.

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“Why Luang Prabang ?

I don’t know.

Will I go back soon ?

Yes, definitely.”

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Mediter Cru

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rranean uise

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THE SCENE

EASTER RODEO

Who says costumes are only for Halloween? Kids celebrated last Easter in full Western style!

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Summer Lov The cool pool, the fruity drinks, the water games, the warm sun.

These kids are just happy that summer’s here.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATA YAP

Mara, 16 Chili, 5

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MY RW CLUB

vers Alex, 78

Annie, 6 Annie, 6

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