Mabuhay Magazine, February 2014 by Eastgate Publishing Corporation

TRAvEl+lIFESTYlE FEBRUARY 2014 MABUHAY FEBRUARY 2014

www.philippineairlines.com

Seoul In Love SEoUl In lovE

ISSN 0217-6998

exploring the city this season of romance

Find love in:

vancouver Toronto Manila laoag

6 UniqUe

Pre-nuptial Photos to inspire You Food & Romance in Binondo | Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neW in Baguio & La union | VoLuntouRism

CONTENTS

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SectionS

| Red Hot and Green

Summer starts early this year with two major music festivals that raise the bar for the Philippines. Eric Cabahug gives us a sneak peek.

| Happy Planning Day

| Romancing Intramuros

| Finding Love in Chinatown

| I Do in Different Ways

| 14 Places to Love In Seoul

From the highest tower to the most glorious palaces, find your piece of heaven in the South Korean capital.

| Ilocos: Love from North to South A road trip couldn’t any be more romantic with windmills and cobblestoned streets as your views.

| Coast Life in La Union

Swing like Tarzan? Live on a treehouse? You can do both and even more, as Lorela U. Sandoval lists down the other activities here.

Check out these unique prenuptial photoshoots from couples who lived out their fantasy roles for a day.

| Getting Hot in a Cool City

Flowers, art, and a cool weather—these are what’s in store for you in Baguio City according to Lissa R. De Guia.

Men, take it from Jella Mercado’s fiancé, who literally took it to the streets when he asked for her hand in marriage.

| Big City Love in Toronto

It’s not like Paris when it comes to romance, but Toronto sure has its fair share of places that’ll make you cozy up to your lover.

Take your lover back in time as Charisse AquinoTugade lists an itinerary around this heritage district.

| Vancouver for All Ages

Young or old, you’ll find something to interest you in this highly multicultural city, says Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

Clueless on where to bring her on Valentine’s Day? Well, lucky you, because Rachel Teotico suggests some out-of-the-box “date” ideas.

80 | PAL Pages

| A Weekend of Voluntourism

In the spirit of the new year, Pia Roxas-Ocampo suggests a different kind of adventure to try this year.

on the cover

High on Seoul Standing at 236.7m, the N Seoul Tower is South Korea’s most recognizable landmark. At night, it is usually lit up represent different themes and events. Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

| A Very Vancouver Valentines

Snowshoe on a mountain. Enjoy a vegan dish. Whichever it is, Vancouver is ready for all you couples out there!

C O N T R I B U T O R S

JELLA MERCADO graduated Doctor of Medicine from Our Lady of Fatima University, did some clerkship rotations at Harvard Medical School, and finished internship at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. She is now studying for the board exams, but she’d rather be planning her wedding. On page 36, Jella narrates how her fiancé popped the question in Binondo. 4 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

CRISTINA TANTENGCO is the multimedia producer of Biyahe ni Drew, the budget travel show of GMA News TV. She is also the editor-in-chief of Kamusta?, a start-up travel magazine based in the Philippines. She loves wandering around—especially in South Korea (on page 46), where people mistake her for a local! kamustamagazine.ph

LORELA SANDOVAL writes news and features for various publications here and abroad. She loves to tag along her son when she travels, believing the love for travel is among her priceless legacies. On pages 66 and 71, Lorela takes us up north to Ilocos province and La Union. www.lorelasandoval.wordpress.com

PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Flying Hope February being the month when many parts of the world traditionally celebrate love and affection, permit me to share with you something that’s close to our hearts at Philippine Airlines. Corporate social responsibility is deeply ingrained in PAL. When calamity strikes the country, the flag carrier is often among the first on the scene. At such times, the sight of a PAL aircraft ferrying medicine, food, and emergency supplies brings hope to victims and rescuers alike. This was dramatically brought to the fore in the aftermath of the most powerful tropical cyclone on record, super typhoon Yolanda (known internationally as Haiyan), which devastated a wide swath of the country, particularly Eastern Visayas, on November 8, 2013. As soon as commercial aircraft were allowed to operate to the heavily damaged airport in Tacloban, we were on our way to help. On November 11, a PAL Express Bombardier Q400 from Manila was the first nonmilitary aircraft to arrive in the city after the storm. The aircraft carried doctors, other medical personnel, search and rescue teams, and several kilograms of medicines and emergency supplies. On the flight out to Cebu, it carried 75 evacuees. But most important for a shattered city, our PAL Express turbo-prop also carried a precious commodity—hope. One of the most heartwarming comments I came across during those desperate first few days was this: When the shell-shocked residents of Tacloban saw airplanes, especially PAL’s, flying overhead again, it brought a sense of normalcy to the city. The roar of the engines reassured them that help was coming. In the four weeks that PAL operated humanitarian flights to Tacloban, our philanthropic arm, the PAL Foundation, delivered more than 200 tons of relief supplies, providing a crucial lifeline to the survivors of Yolanda. To all those who joined hands with PAL in that wide-ranging humanitarian operation, who contributed much of their time and resources, who emptied their hearts in the desire to help—my heart-felt thanks and appreciation. Our collective selflessness, I believe, eloquently captured the spirit of bayanihan, of brotherly and communal love that we celebrate this month. Mabuhay!

Ramon S. Ang

President & Chief Operating Officer Philippine Airlines

EDITOR’s NOTE

Love

Is in the Air

Vo l . 3 6 , N o . 2 , F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4

ell, of course, it’s Valentine’s Day again this month. Our contributors really pulled all the stops to find unique romantic spots in Manila, the Ilocos region, Seoul, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Photo by Justin Ventura

For instance in Intramuros, Manila, our contributor Charisse Aquino-Tugade presents ideas from combining a local carriage ride to stopping along San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, and Barbara’s restaurant where Philippine traditional dances are part of the dining experience. Besides the famous walking tour of Carlos Celdran, Charisse also provides a list of the other tours in this 400-year-old heritage district, which Filipino National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin described fondly as the “The old Manila. The Original Manila. The noble and ever loyal city.” But if all these romantic spots are not enough, there’s always food to provide a surefire charmer. Our contributors searched to present the best places where you can try the culinary specialties of our main features. After all, the route to the heart is still through the stomach.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul (Photo courtesy of KTO)

Now, if it leads to walking down the aisle, you can find inspiration from the different prenuptial photos shared by some photographers. From gangsterthemed shoots to a literally breathtaking underwater concept, getting married has meant getting creative nowadays. Love is something we alternately praise, swoon, curse, and scorn, but let’s face it, nothing is as exhilarating. That’s why love makes the world go ’round. So enjoy the music, food, flowers, tokens, clinking of glasses, and celebrate.

EDITORIAL

Charles C. Chante sImeon s. Ventura, Jr. Jane Ira h. InquImboy Jomar r. GalVeZ Kara r. santIaGo rodel d. ambas alyanna G. sIson Jared Carl mIllan PIa r. oCamPo

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Art Director Contributing Writer Copy Editor Graphic Designer Intern Creative Consultant

PhILIPPInE AIRLInEs

luCIo C. tan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ramon s. anG President and Chief Operating Officer

EAsTGATE PUBLIshInG CORPORATIOn

Chairman of the Board Vice-Chairman President Vice-President, Operations Operations Manager Advertising Manager Marketing Communications Manager maan F. nItura Account Manager nerIe sIlVestre-Correa Accounting Officer leah l. reGalIZa Executive Assistants stePhanIe C. oentoro lorIe m. FernandeZ Business Services Consultant eFren C. CaraG Legal Counsel Manila, Phils. Charles C. Chante luIs b. quIsumbInG sImeon s. Ventura Jr. sammy l. Chan KIm G. Ventura louIe d.s. Gamboa Jane Ira h. InquImboy

EASTGATE WEBSITE: www.eastgatepublishing.com MABUHAY FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/MabuhayMagazine MABUHAY TWITTER: @mabuhaymagazine PAL WEBSITE: www.philippineairlines.com MOBILE SITE: www.philippineairlines.mobi FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/flyPAL TWITTER: www.twitter.com/flyPAL Mabuhay Magazine is published monthly for Philippine Airlines by Eastgate Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2014 by Philippine Airlines. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by Philippine Airlines or Eastgate Publishing Corporation. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising and editorial material. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Address all correspondence to: Mabuhay Magazine, Eastgate Publishing Corp., Rm. 704 Prestige Tower Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. Road., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. 1605; Tel: (+632) 635-7348, 635-9067, 633-4004 to 09; Fax (+632) 635-9221; E - mail: info@eastgatepublishing.com; Mabuhay is authorized in the Philippines under PCFM Cr No. 388. Color separated and printed in the Philippines by THE HOUSE PRINTERS. For inquiries on advertising, please e-mail adsales@eastgatepublishing.com or call (trunkline) +632 633 4004 loc. 14 or 15 and (direct line) +632 635 7882.

ADvERTIsInG REPREsEnTATIvEs HONG KONG/CHINA EASTERN INFLIGHT MAGAZINE PRODUCTIONS Rita Chow Tel: (852) 2823 1080 Fax: (852) 2352 6204 E-mail: rita@cinmedia.com JAPAN ADVERTISING COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Akiyoshi Ojima Tel: 81-(0) 3 3261 4591 E-mail: ojima@media-jac.co.jp KOREA JES MEDIA, INC. Young-Seoh Chinn Tel: (822) 481 3411/3 Fax: (822) 481 3414 E-mail: jesmedia@unitel.co.kr AUSTRALIA FREE SPORTS PRESS Peter Anderson Tel: (612) 9789 5003 Fax: (612) 9789 5004 E-mail: peterando3@ gmail.com SWITZERLAND IMM INFLIGHT MEDIA MARKETING Marcel Wernli Tel: (+41) 061-319 9090 Fax: (+41) 061-319 9095 Website: www.inflight-media.ch E-mail: inflight-media@swissonline.ch USA LEE & STEEL INC. Michael Lee Tel: (203) 445 8900 Fax: (203) 445 1885 E-mail: medialee@aol.com UAE DESTINy MEDIA Aleem Aziz Tel: (9714) 297 6978 Fax: (9714) 297 6988 E-mail: mediaone@emirates.net.ae UK MAJOR MEDIA David Hammond Tel: + 44 020 8467 8884 Fax: + 44 020 8467 5558 E-mail: majormedi@btopenworld.com

Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila (Photo by Erwin Lim)

Simeon S. Ventura, Jr. Editor-in-chief

For comments and suggestions, you can email me at jventura@eastgatepublishing.com.

8 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

We, at Philippine Airlines, are happy to have you on board. Please sit back and relax, and allow us to make your flight enjoyable. For your own safety and convenience, please observe the regulations listed on the back pages. “Mabuhay” is a Filipino verb in the form of a command: “Live!” It is also a wish: “May you live!” Whoever says it wishes you the great gift of a long and full life. It is both a blessing and a lusty cheer. “Mabuhay” (ma-boo-high) is such a large word that it lends itself to a wide number of secondary uses: Welcome, Congratulations, Thanks, Godspeed, Hello, Good Luck, Cheers, Posit, Sante, Viva, Kambei, Aloha, and many other expressions of goodwill. All these are a part of life, but it is the gift of life that makes them possible. “Mabuhay,” in other words, is an invocation and a celebration of life itself.

WHAT’S UP

wICkEd: tHE muSICaL • ruNNINg uNtIL FEbruary 28 IN CHarLottE tHEatEr, SEouL, SoutH korEa • ruNNINg uNtIL FEbruary 23 IN CCP tHEatEr, maNILa, PHILIPPINES

The acclaimed musical based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz continues to dazzle audiences around the world. It is the story of Elphaba before she became the Wicked Witch of the West, loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name.

PHILIPPINES

PamuLINawEN FEStIvaL FEbruary 10 Laoag CIty, ILoCoS NortE

Join the city of Laoag as they pay homage to their patron saint St. William the Hermit, who is believed to intercede in saving the city from calamities. Festivities such as a CivicMilitary Parade, a Dulang Food Festival, an agricultural industry Fair, and a kalesa (local horse carriage) Festival will take place.

FEbFESt 2014 FEbruary 14 aNd 20 ortIgaS CENtEr, PaSIg CIty

Kick off the music festival season in the country with Feb Fest 2014. This year, Random Minds Production, the same people who brought to the country cult act The XX, brings two more: The National and Mogwai, with War Paint and Youth lagoon opening for them, respectively. Post-rock band Mogwai and critical darlings The National, some of the most formidable names in the indie and alternative music scenes will be playing for the first time in the country.

CaNada

wINtErCIty FEStIvaL JaNuary 27 - FEbruary 9 toroNto, CaNada tradItIoNS aNd modErN trENdS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) Canadian International Auto Show; FabFest 2014 in Manila; Hadaka Matsouri in Fukuoka.

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Here’s another reason to go out of hibernation and enjoy the rest of winter time.

In this 14-day event, there are culinary experiences and free entertainment to be had, as well as a public display of the city’s vibrant art scene.

CaNadIaN INtErNatIoNaL auto SHow FEbruary 17 - 26 toroNto, CaNada The biggest auto show on this side of the planet, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year. Over 100 exhibitors will present their products and services, and more than 1,000 SUVs and trucks, concept cars, classics, exotics, motorcycles and alternative energy vehicles will be displayed during the show. www.autoshow.ca

JaPaN

Hadaka matSurI FEbruary 18 INazawaCHō, JaPaN

If seeing 10,000 Japanese men wearing nothing but loincloths is your thing, head over to the Hadaka Matsuri festival in Japan. A celebration of a bountiful harvest, prosperity and fertility; a man is selected to be the Shinotoko (god man), after which he has all the hair shaved from his body and then is stripped naked. The participating men in loincloths then wait around the city and attempt to touch the Shin-otoko as he makes his way around the city.

TRAVEL LOG

Sleek and Hip Hong Kong’s gateway Hotel

Who says that Marco Polo hotels are just classic? Their newly transformed Gateway Hotel is cool, contemporary, and stylish. Whether you are done with work, shopping, or both, it’s nice to be back in a hotel room with just the right design balance —nothing boring but nothing too excessive. Rooms have a 40-inch flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee machine, and an iHome docking station. Their dining outlet like the Three on Canton (bottom) is a gourmet destination, while beside it is the Be on Canton (TOP), which is an al fresco area where you can chill out and enjoy a few cocktails and tapas. The hotel is perfectly located for shopping expeditions. It is along the swanky Canton Road and just outside its lobby are the boutiques of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and others. Behind it is Hong Kong’s famous Harbour City with more than 450 retail shops.

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TRAVEL LOG

Setting Records 500,000 As if to show with a bang that it’s back in business, Dubai exploded this recordsetting amount of fireworks last New Year. US$50 billion Move over Middle East oil sheiks. Russia is opening its wallet, and pouring out this whopping budget to host the Winter Games in Sochi on the coast of the Black Sea. It’s the most expensive winter games so far and is meant to showcase Russia’s newfound progress (and oil money). To put the cost to perspective, the $50 billion that will be spent for a two-week sporting event is almost equivalent to the Philippine government’s 2014 national budget. 828,773 Beyonce’s latest album is the world’s fastest selling with this many copies sold in its first three days of release. 617,000 of that total were bought on Apple’s iTunes Store.

Pot Goes Legal in Colorado It was a very happy new year for marijuana lovers as Colorado (together with Washington state) legalized the sale of recreational marijuana. Notwithstanding the bitter cold, lines began to form as early as 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with customers enthusing that it’s nice to buy pot legally. Indeed it was as first day sales were hmmm…sky high. It reached US$1 million and annual sales are projected to top $500 million, generating taxes earmarked for education. Buyers must be at least 21 years old, present a valid ID, and can only buy up to an eighth of an ounce of marijuana at a cost of $65. Smoking pot in public and bringing it outside Colorado, however, are not allowed. Punters have quipped that the local city paper, Denver Post, should be called Denver Pot while the iconic John Denver song, “Rocky Mountain High” has taken a new meaning. Commentators interviewed by CNN predict that other states will follow suit in the same manner as lotto is now legalized in most parts of the United States. Holy smokes.

Pretty Inspired English perfume brand Penhaligon’s introduces their Gift Collection, decadent gifts inspired by traditional Victorian music boxes. Featuring illustrations of singing mechanical birds, each of the ornamented tin boxes will contain an array of scented treasures from the elegant Sartorial fragrance collection. Available at Adora, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Just Swipe It EastWest Bank recently introduced its Travel Money—the first multicurrency travel card in Southeast Asia, which can load up to six currencies simultaneously. The EastWest Travel Money can load US dollar, Australian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, euro, British pound, and Japanese yen. What’s good about it is that it eliminates the risk associated with traveling with bundles of cash. Exchange rates are also locked in so that you won’t have to worry about fluctuations. And for shopping addicts, this is good news because it’s a prepaid card, which helps you spend more smartly. www.eastwestbanker.com

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Handy Sounds NudeAudio Wireless Speaker Prices start at Php1,290 Available in the Philippines at Beyond the Box, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Egghead, iStudio, and Quicksound.

Resilience Is the New Green This year’s 19th Philippine World Building & Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) addresses the world’s growing need to promote design and construction that will withstand the test of time, and also be able to weather unpredictable disruptions. With over 900 booths and more than 150,000 visitors annually, Asia’s biggest and most awaited construction show constantly produces the largest gathering of key industry players. With exhibitor and visitor profiles from Europe, America, Africa, Middle East, Australia, and the AsiaPacific, this expo is set to be an international event on its own. The 19th WORLDBEX is set on March 12–16, 2014, adjoining two venues, World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center, from 10 am to 8 pm. Entrance is free. www.worldbex.com

Find Your Prince Charming To showcase the romantic spirit of Hong Kong, HK Love Hub Speed Dating Event will be held at the Ocean Park from February 14 to 16. Forty-eight pairs will enjoy three of the most iconic and romantic spots in Ocean Park and they will also have a chance to receive secret prizes, bringing their date to a sweet conclusion. Last year, close to 50 park guests have successfully proposed to their other half, with a success rate of 100 percent; while 50 couples tied the knot at the Park. Registration is until February 7 at www.hklovehub.com

Taal Vista Taal Vista Hotel was aglow with the bright lights of the holidays as it celebrated its 74th anniversary and ushered in the Christmas Season. Adding warmth to the celebration were the children from the Chosen Children’s Village who together with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation President Elizabeth Sy participated in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The iconic hotel will also have a series of events to kick off their 75th anniversary this year. www.taalvistahotel. com

The Concert King in Singapore This month, join Martin Nievera as he performs at the Esplanade on February 21 in the concert titled Martin Nievera LIVE! 3D – 3 Decades Concert. Expect to be charmed by Martin as he performs with his accompanying eight-piece band his popular hits, such as “Be My Lady,” “Each Day with You,” “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin,” and “Say That You Love Me.” Ticket prices start at S$48. www. esplanade.com

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TRAVEL LOG

Check out these hot new GADGeTS and GeAR that will be perfect when summer starts next month!

4 5

8 7

1. GoPro Hero3 Durable, high-def digital cameras with built-in Wi-Fi. www.gopro.com ($200; Php8,613) 2. Nabi 2 A sturdy, child-friendly tablet for kids ages 4–9. www.nabitablet.com/nabi2 ($180; Php7,752) 3. Mophie Juice Pack Air A case that can charge your iPhone. www.mophie.com ($100; Php4,307) 4. LookMyBabouch Unisex footwear designed after traditional Moroccan slippers. www.lookmybabouch.com ($49; Php2,110) 5. Tieks Collapsible leather shoes; named by Travel + Leisure as their “favorite travel shoes.” www.tieks.com ($165; Php7,106) 6. CamelBak All Clear A water bottle with a built-in ultraviolet light that rids your drink of microbes. shop.camelbak.com ($99; Php4,263) 7. Jane Iredale Dot the i Makeup Remover Swabs Easy-to-use swabs with pre-measured makeup remover. shop.janeiredale.com ($11; Php474) 8. Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero Shirt Shirts whose fabric makes you feel cooler the more you perspire. www.columbia.com ($55; Php2,369) 16 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

IN THE nEWs Our Islands

Fishers oF Men Typhoon Haiyan damaged infrastructure and boats in the Panay and Negros islands and left over 10,000 fishermen without a source of livelihood. Since then, the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, Inc., has put up The Peter Project 2, which supplies fishermen earning an average of Php50 ($1) a day with new boats. To date, there have been over 1,000 boats deployed in the region. Donations are still ongoing at www.nvcfoundation-ph.org.

a new Crown For the PhiliPPines Just before the clock struck 12 to ring in the New Year, Filipina Angeli Dione Gomez, 20, was crowned Miss Tourism International 2013 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. This win earned the Philippines the distinction of having the most number of titles in this pageant. Previous Philippine winners were Rizzini Alexis Gomez in 2012 and Ma. Esperanza Manzano in 2000.

Unleash YoUr Creative JUiCes Graphika Manila 2014: Conference on Creativity will take place at the SMX Convention Center on February 1. It is the annual convention of Filipino graphic designers and design enthusiasts and showcases the industry’s both young and accomplished talents, in addition to artist talks. This year’s artist talks feature Jessica Hische, Sara Blake, Dvein, Isabel Gatuslao, Ash Thorp, and The Mill. 18 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

Palawan Makes it to travel + leisUre The perfect Valentine’s holiday should consist of long walks on secluded beaches, swimming in clear turquoise waters, and being surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs all while tucked in your own private island. Hailed by Travel + Leisure as one of the best places to visit this 2014, Pangulasian Island in Palawan is your sweet spot this month.

IN THE NEWS DESTINATIONS 101 False Creek, Vancouver (Tourism Vancouver)

deSTinaTiOn

Toronto (Photo by Flash Parker)

CiTy adVenTureS

N Seoul Tower (Photo from KTO)

Cape Bojeador, Ilocos Norte (Photo by Erwin Lim)

The $5 STreTCh

LOCaL eaTS and TreaTS

Vancouver

Walk and hike around Stanley Park, feast on the freshest sushi downtown, and ski in Cypress, Seymour, or Grouse mountains before winter ends.

Visit Go Fish restaurant between Granville Island and Vanier Park to share the best fish and chips in town with a friend! ($5 each)

Have a first date at Access Artist Run Centre, where many artists stage their first ever exhibit. www.accessgallery.ca

Toronto

Savor the city’s view atop the CN Tower, enjoy the majestic view of the Niagara Falls, and bike around Toronto with other enthusiasts.

“Winterlicious” aims to warm up the season with a culinary experience of local eats and artisanal restaurants across the city. The best part? Admission to this festival is free!

Royal Ontario Museum’s glass and steel architecture is a work of art. Make sure to read Margaret Atwood’s Life Before Man at the end of your visit. www.rom.on.ca

Seoul

Explore Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park, or feast at Gwangjang Market and take a sip of Makgeolli—a popular alcoholic rice beverage.

What other romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day than by immortalizing it at N Seoul Tower. Buy a padlock ($2–4) and “lock” it on the fence to signify your unbreakable love.

A multi-awarded showcase of both classic and contemporary art, the Sungkok Museum will captivate with its vast collection of unique masterpieces. www.sungkokmuseum.com

Laoag

Go sand boarding in La Paz Sand Dunes, visit the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the beaches of Pagudpud and Currimao.

Indulge in impossibly crispy deepfried pork called bagnet ($4 per order) and pair it with Ilocos empanada ($1).

Drop by Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, and enjoy its pristine beachfront without the fuss of overcrowded shores. www.fortilocandia.com.ph

Manila

Take a stroll along Roxas Boulevard overlooking Manila Bay, head over to Binondo and experience Filipino-Chinese culture, or visit Rizal Park to witness the ceremonial changing of guards.

Explore downtown Manila aboard a traditional kalesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage ($5), and embark on a journey just like Manila’s residents of old did.

Ayala Museum in Makati City houses treasures, ranging from gold exhibits to that of prized local artists like Jose Joya. www.ayalamuseum.com

Surf’S up! The Australian Open of Surfing starts from February 8 to 16 at Sydney’s Manly Beach. Sponsored by Hurley, it is the biggest international surfing event of the year. Events include competitions, exhibitions, concerts, and surfing lessons.

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nfL kiCkS Off iTS 48Th SeaSOn It’s time once again for multimillion-dollar advertisements as the National Football League takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark and the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Following Beyonce’s sizzling hot show in the last season, fans can’t help but wonder: “Who could this year’s half-time performer be?”

a new LOOk fOr nike air Max 90 iCe The Nike Air Max 90 is constantly undergoing change. With new textures, materials, and names to signify change, who won’t get excited with the newest one? The Air Max 90 ICE is set to hit stores this month featuring a geometric pattern as a result of using the Jacquard weaving approach on this 25-year-old highly sought-after classic.

IN THE VALentIne COCKtAILS neWS ASIAN KISS

A smooth and sweet coconut cocktail that’s just like an exotic tropical getaway—unforgettable! • Shake and pour 2 oz. coconut sake and 1 oz. elderflower liqueur into a tall glass. Garnish with a lime wedge for an added kick.

BLUSHING DATE

Warning: Something as sweet as this may cause nostalgia over first date with your significant lover. • Hard shake and pour 2 oz. Soju, 1/2 oz. raspberry liqueur, 1 oz. pink grapefruit juice, and a splash of grenadine into a martini glass. Top off with a sugar rim.

GRAND CERISE SURPRISE

Who says no to chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Even this cocktail wants some of that! • Pour 1 1/2 oz. of Grand Marnier Cherry, 1/2 oz. dark aged rum, 1 oz. milk, and 1/2 oz. simple syrup into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and finish with dark chocolate shavings to taste.

ILLUSTRATION Claudine Delfin Bambu Indah,BY Bali, Indonesia

KAPPA KISS

A mind-blowing cocktail with a surprising ingredient. Dare to tease your lover with a guessing game of sorts? • In a shaker, muddle 10 blueberries with 1 oz. simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice, add 2 oz. KAPPA Pisco, 1 oz. lemon juice, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously and strain into a small champagne or martini glass.

LADIES’ NIGHT

Calling all the single ladies for this tangy concoction! • Pour 1 oz. of TY KU Sake Silver, 1 oz. pomegranate juice, and 1/2 oz. agave nectar into a shaker. Hard shake (preferably while grooving to Beyonce’s hit single), pour into a champagne glass, and top with a splash of Prosecco.

ST. SKINNY VALENTINE

Another spin to the Ladies’ Night cocktail, this is perfect for anyone who’s calorie conscious. • Muddle three fresh strawberries and a celery stalk in a shaker, then add 1 1/2 oz. of TY KU Sake Silver and a splash of lime juice. Hard shake (to burn off the extra calories, while you’re at it!), strain, and pour.

On the Web

ROUGH GUIDES WWW.ROUGHGUIDES.COM

Rough Guides features accurate and up-to-date travel information available online and through smartphones.

STAYDU WWW.STAYDU.COM

Staydu provides a network of locals ready to host you in their respective country for a oneof-a-kind experience.

BALDHIKER WWW.BALDHIKER.COM

A vacation to Azerbaijan, anyone? Tune in as Paul Steele and Cindy Vriend take you to the wondrous sights of the world’s unconventional destinations.

POP ART AT THE TATE London’s Tate Modern Museum showcases a full retrospective of the works of the father of pop art, Richard Hamilton. Featuring paintings, collages, and drawings that took influences from advertising, design, and television in the 21st century, his pieces also feature vignettes of Marilyn Monroe and Mick Jagger. The exhibit will run from February 13 to May 26, 2014. www.tate.org.uk

ATLAS OBSCURA WWW.ATLASOBSCURA.COM A collaborative project of its community of readers, Atlas Obscura is a collection of discoveries that travelers stumble upon their journeys and adventures.

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MILESTONES

February 24, 1937

Cebu, once a humble fishing village, became a trading port in 1575 which the Spanish called Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus. It became a municipality in 1901, and finally declared a chartered city on February 24, 1937.

LOCAL

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS February 9, 1981

Thomas William Hiddleston is an English actor born in Westminster, London. He is best known for his portrayal of the trickster god Loki in Marvel’s Thor and The Avengers. Despite his role as a villain, Tom is quite the philanthropist. He is a staunch supporter of UNICEF’s work for children.

February 24, 1955

American entrepreneur and inventor Steve Jobs is born in San Francisco, California. Along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, he founded Apple Inc., for which he is most famous for. He invented technological innovations involving 323 patents. Unknown to many, he was also one of the founders of Pixar Animation Studios. Jobs died on October 5, 2011.

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February 17, 1985

Filipino-Australian actress Anne Curtis is born in Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia. After she was discovered while on a vacation in the Philippines at the age of 12, she stayed in the country permanently and became one of the highest paid endorsers locally.

February 27, 1981

American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and record producer Josh Groban is born in Los Angeles, California. Groban has sold more than 20 million albums in less than ten years, and was named the #1 Best Selling Artist of All Time on Barnes & Noble in 2007. He is most notable for singing “The Prayer” with Celine Dion.

February 15, 1889

The first issue of La Solidaridad is released. Serving as the principal voice of the reform movement for Filipinos under the Spanish colonial period, it was published fortnightly.

February 1, 1904

American political figure Luke E. Wright was inaugurated as Civil Governor of the Philippines. It was during his term when Manila greatly developed: The port was redesigned, steel and concrete piers were constructed, the water system was enlarged, and the first electric car service was opened.

INTERNATIONAL February 2, 1959

American singersongwriter and rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly holds his last performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Music critic Bruce Eder described him as “the single most influential creative force in early rock and roll.”

February 6, 1971

American Alan Shepard becomes the first person ever to hit two golf balls on the lunar surface. He was also the first American to travel into space, and the only astronaut of the Mercury Seven mission to walk on it.

February 7, 1961

Jane Fonda makes her acting debut in the NBC drama A String of Beads. Fonda is known for her films Barbarella and Cat Ballou in the 60s, winning two Academy Awards, an Emmy Award, and three Golden Globes in her 50 years as an actress.

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY TIPS

TRAVELING WITH Leave your maps, dictionaries, and guidebooks at home. Everything you need to know about your destination is now in your smartphone.

VIRTUAL TOUR With Google Maps’ Street View mode, you can see landmarks, parks, storefronts, and over five million miles of roads in more than 50 countries with 360-degree street-level images.

GOOGLE NOW Google Now gets you the right information at the right time, which is most useful when you’re traveling. Do you want to know what’s happening in Seoul when you arrive there? Or maybe the most photogenic spots in Vancouver that you can share on Instagram? With this app, you can uncover great activities by showing you events and leading you to websites that you can explore. You’ll also see cards for currency conversion, traffic conditions, and flight status. GOOGLE MAPS With a database of 100 million places and 12 billion turn-by-turn directions globally, Google Maps is arguably the most comprehensive, accurate, and userfriendly navigation app. But what sets this app apart are its Street and Indoor views that let you virtually explore a place as if you’re there. Explore streets and alleys using the Look Around mode or get a 360-degree indoor view of a restaurant to see if it’s romantic enough for you and your lover. 24 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

GOOGLE+ Photographers and selfie addicts, this one’s for you. You can automatically upload photos and videos to a private album as you take them using Google+’s Auto Backup. No more wrestling with cables or lost SD cards. Once uploaded, you can easily share them later from your phone. GOOGLE PLAY What to do during a 14-hour flight to London? The question is, how many books can you read in 14 hours? Google Play has the largest selection of e-books so you can read as much as you can. And with PAL’s in-flight WiFi connectivity, you can treat yourself to a book shopping spree up in the air. Your bookmarked pages are also synced across all your devices so you can continue reading right where you left off. n

Photo by Ed Yourdon

Where to go? Where to eat? What to buy? Ah, some of life’s most important questions. Good thing Google is here to save the day.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE Dangsin-eun maeun sip-eo? Before sending mixed signals using hand gestures, ask the person you’re talking to to speak into your smartphone and you will get an instant translation into the language that you want. You might just save your tongue from super spicy food! If you find yourself alone in a Tokyo supermarket, you can even take photos of food labels, highlight the foreign words, and let Google translate them for you.

MUSIC CULTURE FESTIVALS

RED HOT AND GREEN As London has its Glastonbury and America its Coachella, the Philippines is about to put out its own. ERIC CABAHUG gives a preview of the summer’s much anticipated music events.

“…the magic of Malasimbo is in the venue itself. This celebration of music, arts, culture, and the environment aptly takes place on the foothills of Mount Malasimbo, in a grass-terraced amphitheater overlooking a beautiful bay.”

ISLAND MUSIC: The Philippines will be host to some of the formidable names in music this month during the 7107 IMF and Malasimbo Festival, the former held at in Pampanga and the latter in Puerto Galera. 26 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

his summer, the live music scene in the Philippines will be Red Hot Chili Peppers hot and earthfriendly green with two major music festivals. First up will be the 7107 International Music Festival, named after the number of islands in the country, where the iconic rock band behind songs “Under The Bridge,” “Californication,” and “Give It Away” will be performing as the headlining act. The event is a two-day, outdoor music extravaganza to be held on February 22–23 in Clark, Pampanga, the former site of an American air force base located an hour and a half away north of Manila. The festival is the first of its kind in the Philippines, boasting a diverse lineup of over 20 international and local artists, including Australian

electronic music duo Empire of the Sun, Danish pop band The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, American alternative rock band Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Filipino jazz-rock band Radioactive Sago Project. “This two-day festival aims to create a global gathering in the Philippines,” says 7107 IMF coproducer Mike Pio Roda. “It will run from noon to midnight for each day with multiple stages at the venue and will feature all popular musical genres—from rock, to rap, to electronica.” A week later, all roads (and waterways) will lead to the 4th Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, a five-day event from February 27 to March 3 in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, a popular beach destination around 130 km south of Manila. Dubbed as the first, and so far only, international music and arts festival of its caliber in the Asia-Pacific, the magic of Malasimbo is in the venue itself. This celebration of music, arts, culture, and the environment aptly takes place on the foothills of Mount Malasimbo, in a grass-terraced amphitheater overlooking a beautiful bay. Alongside performances by international and local “soul

and roots” artists (one of the performers in last year’s festival was chart-topping British pop-soul artist Joss Stone) are art installations by several visual artists, plus a few art workshops throughout the five-day festival. For those looking to party hard, the doubledeck MalasimBoat will once again host DJ sets while cruising the bay. “Malasimbo is primarily powered by its core, our four pillars which are music, arts, [the] environment, and indigenous people,” says festival co-founder and director Miro Grgic. “We believe in the Malasimbo Experience as the overall key factor in our ticket sales, irrelevant of the line up. Having said that, our dream artist Roy Ayers is on lineup this year, someone that we have been trying to book since our debut [festival].” Also set to perform this year are Jose Gonzales, Robert THE BEST ACTS: Some of the Glasper Experiment, and Greg Wilson. performers in this year’s Malasimbo Festival are Jose Gonza“Festivals like 7107 and Malasimbo put local lez, Robert Glasper Experiment, musicians on the same stage as top international acts,” and Greg Wilson. says Andrew de Castro, channel manager of MTV Pinoy. “And this raises the bar for our local artists. DJ Brian Cua, a Filipino DJ and music producer who has played They have to perform—and have shown that they can—at the same level as the foreign bands that come here. They benefit from the a few club gigs abroad, echoes similar sentiments: “I’m all for these exposure to both local and foreign audiences that these events bring. music festivals because they represent new avenues for local music This can serve as a springboard to getting recognition and breaking acts to be experienced outside a bar or club setting. It also generates a lot of jobs and a bit of tourism.” n out abroad.”

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MANILA ROMANTIC & BEYOND IDEAS

HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE: Take her for a spin underwater with these school of jacks. Just a few hours away from Manila, Anilao is one of the Philippines’ excellent dive spots. Photos by Jun V. Lao

HAPPY PLANNING DAY No matter what type of woman she is, she deserves a surprise on Valentine’s Day. Here, RACHEL TEOTICO shares some tips on how to make her smile.

read an e-card on the Internet that pretty much summed up Valentine’s Day. It had a drawing of a woman smiling daintily as the man held her hand and said, “You’re going to love the Valentine’s Day plans you told me to make.” A-MEN, said all mankind. Yes, V-day is a woman’s day. And it can get stressful with expectations set high by the Don Juans in magazine ads or by John Hughes reruns on HBO. But you don’t need to be a mind reader to give her what she wants. If you know a few things about the person you’re with, or at least have access to her Facebook profile, you can figure out what can make her happy, with the help of a few suggestions from us. And for the singles out there, keep those jammies in the closet. We have some tips for you too. GIVe Her THe oceAN For the girl with salty hair and sand between her toes, go on a dive date at Balai Resort in Anilao, Batangas. A homey resort about 2 hours’ drive from Manila, Balai offers rustic bamboo rooms cooled 28 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

by the sea breeze, local fares, and some of the best underwater views. Swim with turtles, frogfishes, and silly-faced electric eels. Then relax with some beers on the resort deck and watch the sun dip into the sea. You don’t need to give this girl the world. She only wants the ocean. INsPIre Her seNses For the girl with paint chips under her fingernails and a growing collection of Klimt notebooks, go to the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City. This gallery is set on a breathtaking canvas of flora and verdure and exhibits work from some of the most talented Filipino contemporary artists. Some pieces hang on the walls while some loiter on the greenery. Explore the whole area and after working up an appetite, enjoy a meal at Vieux Chalet (www. vieuxchaletswissrestaurant.com), about 10 minutes’ drive from the museum. This Swiss-style restaurant serves delicious homemade dishes, from pizzas and pastas to tender lamb and beef fillets. And (in

MANILA ROMANTIC & BEYOND IDEAS

GOURMET TEMPTATIONS: with the bounty of tagaytay at its doorstep, chef hazel Lu-Galvez of Massimo’s farm can whip up such sumptuous dishes like this Peppered uS Beef tenderloin with Bernaise (Left) and risotto (riGht).

For those looking for a simple date in Manila, try Lemuria private dining in Horseshoe Village, Quezon City; Grace Park in Rockwell; Isabelo Garden Restaurant in Marikina City; or at night Prime 101 along Pasong Tamo in Makati City. These are some of the best restaurants in the city. Just make yourself sure you call ahead to reserve.

the occasion of Valentine’s) you can have your fill of cheese, cheese, and cheese. Dine here at night and find yourself surrounded by the twinkling lights of Manila and, if all goes well, a mirrored twinkle in her eye. Dine here

and find Ditch work! For the overanxious workaholic with three surrounded by the have fun! Starbucks cards and eight different planners, go to twinkling lights Now for the singles that refuse to crawl into a cave and Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay City (www. just wait for this day to end, gather your best buds and nurture.com.ph). Whisk her away from the bustling of Manila and, if hire a party limo (or bus) either from The Black Fleet Manila life, hold her hand, and pry the iPhone out of all goes well, a or The Party Bus Manila. Take this day to celebrate the other. Massage the stress-knots out of her body, your freedom and treat yourself to the best drinks in fill her lungs with fresh air and lavender, and relax mirrored twinkle town. V-day is a day of love, and self-love counts too. her mind, if only for this one day of the year. After in her eye. So while couples fill the restaurants, the bars are yours an afternoon of unwinding, take her to Massimo’s for the taking. Head for Speakeasy in Makati City, or Farm (www.massimosfarm.com) and indulge your palate with Chef Hazel’s French, Asian, and Italian dishes, all made Black Sheep, Pablo’s, Prive, Hyve, Urbn, and Vask in Bonifacio from the freshest ingredients. Dine al fresco, pour the wine, and fall Global City and dance the night away. Enjoy singlehood and the best relationship there is—a no-tears and no-stress friendship. n in love all over again with your beloved’s frown-free and candle-lit face. 30 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

WALKING HISTORICAL TOURS DISTRICT

Romancing

Intramuros

Go for Old World charm for a change and follow CHARISSE AQUINO-TUGADE as she explores Manila’s historic walled city.

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IF WALLS COULD TALK: Intramuros encompasses the entire Philippine history—from the rise of the Philippines as the trade hub of Asia during the Manila Galleon to World War II, and the rebuilding thereafter. Photo by Erwin Lim

aaah, February, the love month. It’s that time when everyone tries to one-up each other with the most romantic getaway— love notes, fancy dinners, the whole nine yards. But you can stop the scrambling and kick that romance meter up another notch. Cancel your dinner reservation to that trendy restaurant because it’s time to visit Manila’s old district: Intramuros. Intramuros is a 400-year-old European-style fortress complete with ancient stone churches and buildings that you see in books. Today it is just another district, but back then, it was the center of the Spanish Empire in Asia. Here are several romantic stops to get you through the day.

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THE NIGHT IS ALIVE Traditional Filipino dances are performed at Barbara’s (Photo by Noel Salazar), while beautiful views of Manila make evening cocktails at The Bayleaf lovelier.

Horse-Carriage Revelry Grab a kalesa or horse-carriage and ask your driver to take you around the walls. For a mere Php350 you get a private guided tour for half an hour. All the drivers can guide and give you tidbits on other spots worth seeing during your ride. World Heritage Site Enter the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Inside, you can marvel at the Church’s 3D, 18th-century trompe l’oeil or “fool the eye” paintings. Head to the monastery and check out a real-life treasure chest from a galleon ship; visit Juan Luna’s crypt., or walk up the granite staircase to the choir loft with its 17th-century carved chairs and molave planks.

Good Eats If you’d like to experience Philippine turn-ofthe-century dining, try Barbara’s. An evening here includes a performance of Philippine traditional dances, courtesy of student-dancers from a local university. In fact, a portion of your bill goes to their schooling. For a take on Spanish-Filipino cuisine, walk down the street to Illustrado’s. Try their delectable sampaguita (jasmine) ice cream. Ristorante delle Mitre is one of the newer restaurants and offers a “holy” experience—it’s run by the local LOCAL BITES diocese and is Head on to Patio Conchita complete with for whole-mango shakes and kalderatang kambing memorabilia like (stewed chevon or goat vestments. Their meat). Go to Breadhouz and ask for the malunggay entire menu is (soft rolls with named after famous pandesal local Moringa leaves). priests.

of the Pasig River. You’ll find that there is plenty to do. Walk up the walls across Bayleaf Hotel and check out the old Spanish cannons forged by Filipino ironworkers in Baluarte de San Diego.

Cultural Shops Intramuros has a good mix of popular souvenir items and cultural one-of-a-kinds. Try Mananzan for local pearls and barong Tagalog (the national shirt for men). Visit Silahis, along General Luna Street, for antiques and tribal arts, which boasts four floors of collector’s items! The Manila Collectible Co. on Cabildo Street is known for hard-to-find goods, exquisite textiles, and free tours on pre-Spanish Philippine history. In Plaza San Luis, go to La Monja Loca for books and kitschy trinkets, and Papier Toile for handmade notebooks and postcards.

Walk the Walls There is nothing more romantic than getting lost, and this is the perfect place to do so, whether it’s exploring gardens like Baluarte de San Andres or Fort Santiago’s bulwarks, ravelins, and a view

Killer Views and Evening Golf The Bayleaf Hotel has the best 360 view of Intramuros and the surrounding Daniel Burnham– designed Manila. Go to the rooftop at about 5 pm, then order a couple of appetizers along with your favorite cocktail and just relax. Have you ever golfed atop a moat in the evening? During the American occupation, the Americans felt that the moat wasn’t useful and could be a conduit for diseases. They filled it with earth and gravel and, voila, they built themselves a golf course. Club Intramuros is an 18-hole course open every day of the week. n

HOP ON A TOUR Carlos Celdran. Famous for his theatrical performances, Carlos gives his guests a lively and entertaining take on the old city of Manila. www. carlosceldran.com Old Manila Walks. This outfit is run by Ivan Man Dy, and gives an architectural perspective of Intramuros. www.oldmanilawalks.com Manila for a Day. They call themselves time travelers and hit the most important spot of the district. www.manilaforaday.com The Manila Collectible Co. Offers trips for the entire family, which includes archaeology workshops, ancient writing, and trips to San Agustin Monastery. www.facebook.com/manilacollectible

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FOLKTALE

The ForgeT Me NoT

n a town near a forest there lived two happy lovers. One day they took a long walk in the forest until they reached a lake, the water of which was very clear but its bottom could not be seen. The girl shivered for this thought flitted within her mind: “What if either of us should fall into it!” The man soothed her when he learned of her apprehensions and said, “Would you soon forget me if I should be the first to fall?” “I? Never!” replied the girl with emphasis. They resumed their walk. The girl saw a bunch of tiny, blue flowers hanging from a branch on the

brink of the lake. She fixed on them a longing gaze. The lover followed her eyes and saw the flowers. Instinctively he made his way toward the flowers and reached for them. He got them, but he lost his balance and fell into the lake. He sank and when he reappeared, he threw the flowers to the girl. “There, dear, and forget me not,” and he sank again never to appear again. The girl picked up the fatal flowers and pressed them to her bosom. “For his sake,” she murmured, “I shall call you ‘forget-me-not.’” n

THE MYTHS Philippine Folk literature by Damiana l. Eugenio Published by the University of the Philippines Press, 2001. Paperback, 513 pages. University of the Philippines Press, E. de los Santos St., University of the Philippines Campus; (+632) 928 2558; up.press@gmail.com; www.uppress.com.ph 34 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

ILLUSTRATION BY Stephanie oentoro

(Tagalog)

PERSONAL FEATURED TAKE LOVE STORY

STANDING STRONG: Also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the Binondo Church was erected in 1596—one of the oldest places of Catholic worship in the Philippines. The octagonal bell tower is all that remains of the 16th century structure. Photo by Erwin Lim

FINDING LOVE IN CHINATOWN Busy streets, honking jeepneys, rushing people—these don’t paint a romantic picture, right? But one fine day, JANELLA SANTOS MERCADO got the surprise of her life in an unlikely place.

f you asked me months ago what the top 10 most romantic places in the world for me were, Binondo, Manila, wouldn’t even make it to the shortlist. This district, one of Manila’s 16 and established in 1594, is home to the world’s oldest Chinatown. It is famous for a lot of things, like its rich culture and food, but it isn’t known in the romance department. Apparently, the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” is not gender specific. It also applies to women, and throwing in roses, fireworks, and a marching band won’t hurt either. Weeks before that fateful day, my boyfriend, Ross Garcia, suggested we form a group to go on a Binondo Food Trip, which we’ve been wanting to try for a long time. He said this tour would be made into

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a tourism video for Manila, and participating in it with our friends would be a lot of fun. The tour fell on a holiday and we rounded up 20 friends to go with us. Upon reaching Binondo, our group was already on the way to the second stop. All of our friends were already with Anson, our tour guide. There were also videographers and a photographer with us to document the trip for the “tourism video.” The stop that I missed was the New Po Heng Lumpia House in Quintin Paredes Street. They served—you guessed it—lumpia (spring rolls), which my friends claimed was the best they have ever tasted. Excited and hungry, I couldn’t wait to get to the next stop. We went to a small siopao (steamed buns) stall off Ongpin Street,

WORLD’S FIRST: Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594 by the Spanish authorities. It was also home to San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. Photo by RJ Babilonia

Afterwards, we exited the store to find the marching band lined beside Maki Place restaurant. One bite of that fried siopao made me forget my name, and all the minor hassles of the day. It’s pure up. I was so excited as they started playing the famous cha-cha song unadulterated happiness made into edible form. Granted, it was my from a local variety show and Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are.” first meal of the day, and anything could taste great to me at that time, There was a group of policemen who escorted us to Plaza Lorenzo but you can’t just imagine that sort of perfection. Yes, I just described Ruiz, in front of the Binondo Church, where they said we would have a final group picture. Ross said he wanted to change his shirt fried siopao as perfection. We then walked to Yuchengco Street for our third stop, Sincerity first and he disappeared, leaving me with our friends. As we approached the plaza, I saw that there was a big gathering of Restaurant. They served us oyster cake and fried chicken, that latter was the star for me. They initially served us one plate of chicken, but people. My friends said there was probably a fiesta that night, which we had to ask for more because I inhaled that plateful before anyone was odd because we should’ve been seeing signs of celebrations else could get one. At this point Anson announced that we would be heading to our last stop. He said the dumpling place that we were supposed to go to was full, so we would be going straight to dessert: hopia (Chinese-style pastry, typically bean-filled) from Eng Bee Tin. I was saddened that we couldn’t have dumplings, but was excited for hopia. Little did I know that it was all part of Ross’ master plan. We took a leisurely walk to the Eng Bee Tin store in Carvajal Street and I was on sensory overload. I took in the sights of the quaint shops, the distinct smell of surroundings, and the happy buzz of our group talking about that day’s adventure. I saw a marching band along the street, and when I asked Anson, he said the marching band was for the “tourism video.” Thinking nothing of it, we entered the store and sampled their different hopias. From monggo (mungbean), ube (purple yam), chocolate, SETTING THE MOOD: Musicians excite the crowd moments before Ross proposes to dulce de leche—name the flavor, they probably have it. Jella. Photo by RJ Babilonia We hoarded hopia to bring back home like there was no tomorrow. www.philippineairlines.com I 37

PERSONAL FEATURED TAKE LOVE STORY

“I proposed in Binondo because I’ve always thought there was something special about that place. We had enjoyed Carlos Celdran’s tour around Intramuros before, and I wanted to explore more of Manila with Jella. THE BIG MOMENT: The newly engaged couple, Ross and Jella, savors their milestone at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz. Photos by RJ Babilonia

throughout the day if there were. That’s the time when I started wondering about what was really going on. Upon reaching Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, there were pink and white balloons and bouquets of red roses all over the ground. We were asked to form a circle, and my friend Nina started pushing me toward the center. She said that my family and friends who weren’t in the tour were here, and that this “was it.” Ross and I have been talking about eventually getting married, but I had absolutely no idea that he was finally going to propose. I started crying as my friends and family handed me bouquet after bouquet of roses. As Ross emerged from the crowd, the band started playing “The Scientist” by Coldplay, and people lit up the plaza with sparklers. He came up to me and said he wanted to spend forever with me. If it weren’t for the video, I wouldn’t have remembered what he said because I was so overwhelmed. He knelt down and asked me to marry him; and just when I said yes, 38 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

Ending the tour by proposing to her hopefully sends the message that I want to explore more of our country and the world with her.” – Ross Garcia, Jella’s fiancé fireworks filled the sky. It was absolutely perfect. I mean, I would have fixed my makeup and worn heels during the tour if only I had known this was going to happen, but it was perfect nonetheless. After the proposal, despite having spent the whole day eating, we headed to President Grand Palace Restaurant in Ongpin Street. Their seafood fare was amazing, and it was a great way to cap the day and to celebrate our engagement. If you had asked me months ago what were the most romantic places for me, Binondo wouldn’t even make it as a footnote. Now I couldn’t imagine getting engaged anywhere else. The delicious food, the charm of the place, and the people I was with turned this quaint place into the one of the most romantic places I have ever been in. Binondo became the most romantic place in the world for me, courtesy of my fiancé Ross and with the help of the wonderful people of Manila. n

LOVE IS IN THE CLICKS The video of Ross’ proposal to Jella, edited by Bob Nicolas, went viral roughly two months after it was posted online. As of writing, it has almost 420,000 views on YouTube. You can also have a food tour of Binondo through these recommended guides (marriage proposal not guaranteed): Carlos Celdran www.celdrantours. blogspot.com Anson Yu of Old Manila Walks www.oldmanilawalks.com

IDEAS & PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATIONS

I Do

in Different Ways Take inspiration from these prenuptial photos and play your fantasy roles before your big day.

ConCept: 1940s photographer: Noel Salazar (www.quirkycreatives.com) Couple: Kerwin Mones (civil engineer) & Gertrude Bongar-Mones (VP for administration and finance) Venue: El Hogar Filipino building in Binondo, Manila StyliStS: Rae Venturanza-Salazar & Alexandra Lapa

The couple is pretty laid back so they wanted to do something out of the ordinary. They were inspired by one of their favorite movies, Pearl Harbor, which was set in the 1940s. They initially wanted to shoot in Intramuros, but Rae and I suggested El Hogar instead, to give vintage a different perspective. There were also elements in the building that worked really well with their outfit. – Noel Salazar 40 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

photographer’S tipS: Get a creative team that can help you achieve your vision. Consider the time of the year when you’re planning. It’s tricky to shoot outdoors during the rainy season. Rest well the day before the shoot because it’s quite tiring!

ConCept: Street Photography photorapher: Edwin Tuyay (www.edwintuyay. blogspot.com; www. edwintuyay.pinterest.com) Couple: Marc Roland de Leon & Nina Pabustan, both IT practitioners Venue: Ayala Bridge, Manila The Singapore-based couple asked me to do their prenuptial shoot a la street photography, which was a good thing because photojournalism is my forte. Believe it or not, we did everything guerilla style. We stuffed all their costumes and props in a van and just went around the streets of Manila—no permits, no makeup artist, no stylist! – Edwin Tuyay

photographer’s tip: Make sure to have a pre-production meeting with your photographer.

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IDEAS & PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATIONS ConCept: The motion picture Twilight photographer: Wowie Wong (www.wowiewong.com) Couple: Jan Acosta (Scuba instructor) & Jules Acosta (corporate lawyer) Venue: Dive and Trek, Anilao, Batangas StyliSt: Marie Lat

It was over two months of planning for the shoot. Since both couples were scuba divers, we had wanted to give their audience a peek of what their hobby is all about. It would have been a regular prenuptial shoot, however, we had to highly consider their safety since we had the shoot under the open sea where they will have limited breathing apparatus. Poses were rehearsed in bed to mimic the way they will look underwater. One of the themes we thought about was the movie Twilight and see how we could apply the pale skin effect blending in with the reef. – Wowie Wong 42 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

photographer’S tip: Go for it! Every shoot done underwater is never the same.

ConCept: Bonnie and Clyde (roaring ’20s) photographer: Bogs Ignacio (www.bogsignacio.com) Couple: Ray Montaniel (fitness coach) & Belle RiveraMontaniel (chef, entrepreneur) Venue: Timberland Sports and Nature Club, San Mateo, Rizal Just like Bonnie and Clyde, we've been partners in crime ever since we met. We've experienced many obstacles and challenges, but no matter what, we always had each other's back. We styled our own wardrobe, and to help us recreate the mood, make up was done by Chyla Guerrero. – Ray & Belle Montaniel

ConCept: John and Yoko photographer: Paul Vincent (www.paulvincentphoto. com) Couple: Ernan De Jesus (Lead Assistant Manager at a BPO company) & Kristine Legaspi-De Jesus (Finance Supervisor at a financial shared services for a consumer company) Venue: Antipolo StyliSt: Anika Ventura It was the couple and stylist who conceptualized the theme, but since we are not able to replicate 100 percent of the famous images of John & Yoko we decided to make it close enough and give a little twist.

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fashion

Eternity

BanDS oF

When sealing a lifetime commitment, nothing comes close to embodying it than nature’s most beautiful and strongest material.

ow do you mark a milestone? For most of us, a diamond engagement ring is one of the world’s most enduring emblems of love. From the illustrious royalty of Austria in 1400s to Jennifer Garner’s engagement ring from Ben Affleck—diamond rings have expressed man’s commitment to a lifelong union. One of the world’s most celebrated makers of diamond rings, Harry Winston, has been crafting the world’s most exquisite engagement rings since 1932. Every ring begins with a diamond chosen for its exceptional character and superlative quality. Each stone is cut and polished to release all its brilliance and distinctive beauty. Only then do their designers and master craftsmen fashion a setting that will reveal each individual diamond’s heart and soul in a way that is at once contemporary, classic, and impeccably elegant.

Micropavé EngagEMEnt ring This ring captures the enduring elegance and rare beauty of the world’s finest diamonds. Set in a delicate design, each ring is meticulously handcrafted using the timeless techniques that have long defined Winston’s legacy of unsurpassable style. Every diamond, weighing 1/100 of a carat, is hand-picked and graded to ensure it meets the same quality standards as the center stone. These tiny diamonds are then set by hand to create an entire setting that highlights the exquisite beauty of the center stone. HW Logo ring The quintessential symbol of love, this stunning collection continues the timeless tradition of Harry Winston bridal styles

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with an elegant, modern design. The ring setting features two logotypes, “H” and “W,” representing the brand initials, as well as the titles “husband” and “wife,” which support a round brilliant-cut diamond center stone. True to the quality of Winston craftsmanship, each setting is custom designed for the individual stone. Handcrafted in platinum, the design further accentuates the purity and inherent beauty of each diamond. SoLitairE DiaMonD EngagEMEnt ring Befitting the title “King of Diamonds,” this classic design represents Harry Winston’s devotion to and confidence in its diamonds. The simple setting serves to enhance the stone’s natural beauty and vitality without distraction. The platinum wire is meticulously filed to minimize the volume of metal and maximize the diamond’s brilliance. The tapered platinum setting supports the diamond visually and structurally. Simply put, this ring is designed to express those qualities of a diamond which have been sought after for centuries. n

QUALITY OVER WEIGHT Diamonds of higher carat weight are generally more valuable because they are found less frequently in nature. But diamonds of equal carat weight may vary greatly in value because they differ in the quality of their cut, color and clarity. Therefore weight alone is a poor guide for evaluating a diamond since it is a complex combination of factors that determines a diamond’s beauty and quality.

TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT Engagement or wedding rings are traditionally worn on the left finger beside the pinky according to the belief that the “vein of love,” or vena amoris in Latin, is directly connected from this finger to the heart.

Harry Winston is located at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

city top GUIDE DESTINATIONS

14 Places to Love in Seoul CRISTINA TANTENGCO lists the South Korean capital’s sweet spots— from visiting a flower market and going on a night cruise, to seeing some street art.

A NEW LOOK: The N Seoul Tower is already 33 years old but it was renovated in 2005, thus gaining the name N Seoul Tower, with the “N,” signifying “new.” Photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization. 46 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

city top GUIDE DESTINATIONS

ROMANCE FOR ALL AGES: (CloCKwISe FroM ToP) Bukchon hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses (hanok) built during the Joseon Dynasty. lotte world is an amusement park that is perfect for kids and couples alike. At the n Seoul Tower, lovers write their names on a lock and secure it on the fences signifying their everlasting love.

omance in Seoul is all about the walk and talk. South Korea’s capital is a seamless blend of ultra-modern skyscrapers, lush parks, and colorful side streets—conversation comes easy in locations this interesting. So put on a pair of comfortable shoes and fall in love with these 14 unique spots in Seoul. 1. CheonggyeCheon Cheonggyecheon was once a choked-up stream that was then paved over and turned into a highway; after a 2005 urban renewal project, Cheonggyecheon has become Seoul’s crown jewel of urban planning. This 5.8-kilometer stretch of gurgling water is lined with pedestrian

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walkways and decorated with numerous fountains and sculptures. Grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, then walk along the stream until you reach the grand waterfall at Cheonggye Plaza. To get here: Take the subway to City Hall Station, Exit 4. Walk for 5 minutes to Cheonggye Plaza. 2. n Seoul Tower Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu Resting atop the Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower isn’t just Seoul’s highest point—it’s also one of the most romantic. Young couples come here to scrawl their names on a padlock before attaching it to the metal fence and throwing away the key. Come here in the late afternoon to watch the sunset and the tower’s nighttime light show.

To get here: Take the subway to Myeongdong Station, Exit 4. Walk past Pacific Hotel, taking the right fork in the road; after 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at the cable car station. 3. Han RiveR There are many ways to enjoy the Han. Pedestrian walkways and bike lanes are available on both sides of the river, while a night cruise gives you a front-row seat to Seoul’s cityscape. If quiet conversation is what you’re after, “sky cafés” perched along the major bridges have amazing sunset views. The Noeul and Gureum Cafés of Dongjak Bridge offer customers the highest vantage points from their outdoor viewing decks, while Riverview 8th St. Café on Gwangjingyo Bridge has a glass observation floor and free piano concerts every week. 4. Miss Lee staR Cafe (별다방 미스리) 2nd Floor, 144 St., Gwanhoon-dong, Jongno-gu On the South Korean reality show We Got Married, celebrities are paired up and made to go on a series of dates. For the date of rock vocalist Jung Yonghwa and Seohyun of pop group Girls Generation, they visited Miss Lee, a themed restaurant in the cultural district of Insadong. Miss Lee is all about childhood nostalgia, with rice

and grilled meat packed in silver lunchboxes. After eating, you can write your date a message and hang it on Miss Lee’s “tree”—instead of leaves, you’ve got notes from hundreds of people who’ve dined there before. To get here: Take the subway to Anguk Station, Exit 6. Miss Lee is near the Tourist Information Center. The café’s signage is not in Romanized form so take note of the Korean name above. 5. HaneuL (sky PaRk in seouL) 45-1 Nanjido-gil, Mapo-gu Located at the far west corner of Seoul, Haneul feels miles away from the bustling cityscape. Close to a hundred varieties of plants and flowers grow wild in Haneul; during the winter months, the greenery changes to a barren but picturesque landscape of tall, golden grass. With an area of over 192,000 square meters, any visit to Haneul feels like you have the whole park to yourself. To get here: Take the subway to World Cup Stadium Station, Exit 1

Got quEstioNs? Contact Seoul’s tourist hotline. Assistance is available 24/7 in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Calling within Seoul: 1330 (No area code) Calling within South Korea: 02-1330 Calling from overseas: +822 1330

6. Hongdae (Hongik univeRsity aRea) Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu If your idea of a good time is watching buskers perform and having conversations in cozy bars, the

HAN-MADE: along the banks of the Han River, there are pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths lined with many restaurants and cafes.

PAL flies between Manila and Seoul twice daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. www.philippineairlines.com I 49

city top GUIDE DESTINATIONS university town of Hongdae is the perfect place for you to get lost in. Grab a drink from Vinyl, a bar that serves to-go cocktails in plastic packs, or visit their Trick Art Museum for some laughs. Because Hongik University has one of South Korea’s best Fine Arts programs, you can enjoy the streets’ vibrant street art. To get here: Take the subway to Hongik University Station 7. DReam FoReST 173, Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu Head up north to the Dream Forest for an off-the-beaten track hangout. The sprawling park is perfect for picnics and long conversations during the day; at night, visit the stunning Moonlight Falls. From the Dream Forest Observatory, you can see the Bukhansan, Dobongsan, and Suraksan mountains; N Seoul Tower; and the Han River. To get here: Take the subway to Mia Samgeori Station, Exit 1. From here, take a 10-minute ride via local bus #9 and #11. 8. LoTTe WoRLD This amusement park is a go-to date spot for couples in Seoul so much so that you’ll spot a lot of couples in matching shirts! Have fun with instant-print photo booths and buy matching sets of the park’s wacky headbands. If you’re the adventurous type, hop on their Gyro Drop and Atlantis rides for a burst of adrenaline. For more relaxed activity, there’s always the ice skating rink and carousel from the K-drama Stairway to Heaven. 9. BukCHon Hanok ViLLage Jongno-gu Fall in love with this residential district of hanok, or traditional Korean houses. The streets here feel like time capsules of old Seoul, and are home to several artisans of age-old crafts. While you’re at it, why not spend the night in a hanok? Top-rated hanok inn Rakgojae has heated floors, a garden courtyard, and a traditional bathhouse. To get here: Take the subway Anguk Station, Exit 3.

NOW STREAMING: The Cheonggyecheon Stream is 5.8 km-long and connects to the Han River, and finally flows out into the Yellow Sea.

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10. namSangoL Hanok ViLLage 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu Unlike residential Bukchon, the Namsan Hanok Village is a distinctly touristy park. However, it’s a good place to learn about

Korean culture together. You can spend an afternoon wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and playing Korean folk games before walking to the cable car station to N Seoul Tower. To get here: Take the subway to Chungmuro Station, Exit 3. Namsangol Hanok Village is closed on Tuesdays. 11. SamcheonGdonG WalkInG Street Jongno-gu Samcheongdong is a place where old meets new—Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces are within walking distance, while coffee shops are on every corner. What makes this area unique is the walking street that greets you after exiting Anguk Station: it’s bordered by stone walls and lined with carved stone benches, making it a favorite pick for a laid-back afternoon stroll. To get here: Take the subway to Anguk Station, Exit 1. 12. natIonal muSeum of korea 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu Take a trip back in time! Inside this sprawling museum, you’ll find treasures from old Korea, such as golden crowns, giant bells, and a 10-story pagoda. Outside the museum, there are plenty of flower beds and benches where you can relax.

To get there: Take the subway to Ichon Station, Exit 2. Take the “Moving Museum” underpass connected to the museum. 13. YanGJae floWer market 232, Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu While the Yangjae Flower Market’s main customers are wholesale buyers from flower shops, over a third of the foot traffic comes from casual visitors who are content with just walking inside the warm greenhouses or buying blooms for a single bouquet. Yangjae is Korea’s largest flower market, and is most colorful from the months of February to May. To get here: Take the subway to Yangjae Station, Exit 7. Take city bus 4422, 4432, or 4424 to the Yangjae Flower Market bus stop. 14. chanGGYeonGGunG (chanGGYeonG Palace) 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu Changgyeonggung may not be the biggest of Seoul’s palaces, but being relatively low-profile means there is less crowd to contend with. At sundown, light shines through a forest canopy and reflects off Chundangji (two ponds). At night, the palace buildings light up in hues of blue, pink, and green. To get here: Take the subway to Hyehwa Station, Exit 3. n

Download iTour Seoul, the free travel app by the Seoul Metropolitan Government where Seoul’s historical sites, dining options, and hotels are listed according to what’s nearest to your location.

from the aSheS: Because it was regarded as a symbol of national sovereignty, Gyeongbokgung Palace was burned to the ground by Imperial Japan during the early 20th century.

Beyond kimchi: Street food, Seoul-Style

tteokBokki Tteokbokki are bite-sized logs of chewy rice cake (tteok) doused in a spicy red sauce. Some shops add noodles, dumplings, and sausages, too. You’ll find tteokbokki shops all over Seoul, but one of the more famous ones is Hongdae Jopok Tteokbokki (literally, Hongdae Tteokbokki Gang). umook Also known as odeng, umook is a long, flat strip of processed fish cake. It’s served on skewers and comes with a hot cup of fish broth.

BBopki Are you up for a challenge? If you can bite around the stamped design on this crunchy sugar candy without breaking it, the vendor will give you another bbopki for free. Bung-a-BBang (fiSh Bread) This street food gets its name from its unique shape: it looks like a goldfish! Inside, you’ll find warm, sweet red beans.

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CITY ROMANTIC GUIDE SPOTS

A Very

Vancouver Valentines Local DEVON WONG shares how the city’s blend of beach, mountain, and crisp air fit well in February.

LOCAL APPS Tourism Vancouver’s Citysmart Mobile App helps tourists plan travel itineraries with live updated information on everything, from nearby attractions, events, to traffic and weather conditions. Urban Spoon is one of Vancouver’s most prolific food-reviewing websites. Read reviews and recommendations before you decide where to dine.

False Creek is a place of activity: Dragon boating, canoeing, kayaking, public ferries, charter ships, and visiting pleasure boats abound in the area. Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

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Translink provides upto-date information on route planning and transit schedules. It’s a simple and effective tool to figure out what combination of bus, Skytrain, or Seabus you need to take on your next adventure!

CITY ROMANTIC GUIDE SPOTS

VANCOUVER FOODIE STAPLES If you haven’t already heard a Canadian rave about our unofficial national dish, all visitors must try Vancouver’s best poutine at the iconic Fritz European Fry House (718 Davie St.). With their hand-cut Canadian potato fries covered in cheese curds and gravy, this local favorite is considered the midnight snack of champions. For price point and freshness, sushi in Vancouver is hard to compete with. With the sea at its doorstep, the local appetite for seafood is insatiable. For ambience and a quirky fusion menu, The Eatery (3431 West Broadway) in Kitsilano draws a young crowd willing to try just about anything wrapped between a sheet of seaweed. Head to Nanaimo Sushi (350 Nanaimo Street) for a classic and straightforward sushi bar, the portions, flavors, and constant crowds here are impressive.

GUILT-FREE: Vegan or not, The Acorn is a place everyone will enjoy (Photo by Mathew Smith). One of their specialties, the Goji Tart (BELOW), is a velvety treat that’s raw and gluten free. Photo by Sean David

ebruary weather in Canada might not scream romance, but Vancouverites sure know how to turn up the heat when the temperature drops. February brings an average “high” of 7–8°C, making it the perfect excuse to cuddle up. The surrounding landscape makes Vancouver a unique romantic destination by nature. After all, where else can you take a stroll on the beach and then sit on a mountain top all in the same day? Channel the locals’ love of the outdoors into your day, and you’ll both fall in love with the city’s natural charm. ‘I’LL HAVE THE SALAD’ If wolfing down a steak isn’t your idea of a special meal, consider one of Vancouver’s new and exciting vegetarian restaurants. The Acorn in Riley Park (3995 Main St.)

impresses both veggie- and meat-lovers alike, with its sophisticated menu and downto-earth ambience. The dining room is cozy and intimate, as a Valentine’s dinner date should be, so make sure to book your night in advance. SIGHTS, SMELLS, AND SEAGULLS A regular haunt for both locals and tourists, you can spend an entire day in Granville Island to take in the full experience. Spy on artists working in their studios, sit by street performers, and shop for everything from artisanal meats and cheeses to flowers in the public market. At night, reserve tickets to a theater show or grab a cocktail at one of the many trendy lounges and restaurants.

PAL flies between Manila and Vancouver daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. 54 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

An American hotdog covered in Japanese toppings is the perfect symbol for the Vancouver food scene: taking the best of multicultural ingredients and making it our own. What started as a small street food stand opened by an enterprising Japanese couple, Japadog (Burrard St. at Smithe St.) has quickly expanded into a local empire. Love at first bite guaranteed!

SNOW BUNNIES February is the perfect season to hit the ski slopes, but if you’re looking for a more low-impact activity, try snowshoeing on Mount Seymour. Just a short drive away from downtown Vancouver, you’ll arrive at a winter wonderland that calls for hand warming over a fireplace and two cups of hot chocolate. AN OLYMPIC FINISH Extend your evening with a visit to Vancouver’s Olympic Village to take in gorgeous views of downtown across False Creek. Originally built as the housing cooperative for Olympic athletes during the 2010 Winter Games, you’ll spot subtle commemorations to this proud piece of Vancouver history. Make sure to stop and admire one of Vancouver’s coolest public art pieces, The Birds.

GOING GREEN: Granville Island Public Market (ABOVE) is where one can find artisanal cheese products, coffee shops, bakeries, and fresh produce. The Olympic Village, (LEFT) one of the greenest communities in the world, has a thousand residential units, parks, retail and service outlets. Photos courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

A DRIVE IN THE PARK Stanley Park’s lush woodland setting with some of the best views of the Lionsgate Bridge and downtown Vancouver makes it one of the most romantic destinations both day and night. Rest on a bench to soak it all in or take a drive quick drive through the park to experience Vancouver’s perfect mix of nature and city. Stick around for the 9 p.m. gun fired daily. It’s a historical gun that was used in the past to warn fishermen of ‘closing,’ but today it’s more of a tradition that the city maintains. n

CELEBRITY COUPLE SPOTTING Vancouver is referred to as “Hollywood North” within the film industry. Here are some venues made famous by some of their star-studded clientele: Located in the posh Yaletown quarters of downtown Vancouver, Glowbal Grill (1079 Mainland St.) was a regular haunt of Robert Pattinson and the rest of the Twilight cast during the filming of the movie series. Known affectionately as “that delicious brunch place with the crazy interiors,”

Sophie’s Cosmic Café (2095 West 4th St.) draws a loyal following. You might be pleasantly surprised to rub shoulders with the likes of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who were spotted waiting in line for this buzzing retro-diner. Quiet, off-the-beaten-track and with an earthy charm, the UBC Farm was the choice wedding destination for Hangover star Zack Galifianakis and his then-fiancée. It’s located on the perimeter of the University of British Columbia.

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CITY FAMILY GUIDE TRAVEL

VANCOUVER FOR ALL AGES On her first trip to Vancouver, TESSA PRIETOVALDES finds that the city’s activity-filled mountains and tourist-friendly attractions offer something perfect for the whole family.

here are only a few places in the world where it is possible to ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon. Breathtakingly beautiful Vancouver is one such blessed place. Surrounding the city are snow-covered slopes that are perfect for winter sports and one of the city’s attractions is its port and the myriad types of boats that populate it. On my first visit to Vancouver last year, I fell in love with the city’s vibe. Here is a travelers’ haven with excellent opportunities for outdoor adventure and all the urbane amenities of a world-class city. With abundant green spaces and recreational eco-places, Vancouver has many options to offer.

LET IT SNOW: Less than an hour from downtown Vancouver are three ski resorts including Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain (THIS PHOTO) and Mount Seymour. Skiing and snowboarding are available, along with other non-ski activities, such as ice skating, sledding, and snow shoeing. Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver 56 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

A GREEN HOLIDAY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park; the author with (FROM LEFT) Robin Valdes and son Rafa, the author’s husband Dennis Valdes; Treetops Adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Photos courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or visit www. tessaprietovaldes.com.

PAL flies between Manila and Vancouver daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com.

The Grouse Mountain Skyride is probably on top of the list of Discovering Vancouver begins in its historic district Gastown, where a stroll down its cobblestone streets past 19th-century child-friendly pursuits. Take a quick ride to the top of the mountain buildings presents many photo opportunities. While there, do a and enjoy the many restaurants there, which have great views and quick stop in Chinatown before ambling on to Robson Street for entertaining shows. Grouse Mountain has so many snow-based winter activities and outdoor adventures to offer in the summer, some shopping. including hiking, camping, fishing, mountain For more athletic pursuits, start with Stanley biking, and zip-lining. Park, which is best explored by bicycle or with a brisk “Here is a travelers’ If museums and science explorations are more 5-km run. At Brockton Point, see the nine historic haven with excelyour cup of tea, Vancouver has various ones to offer, totem poles built by the original indigenous people including the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver in British Columbia. Not far is Prospect Point, lent opportunities Maritime Museum, and the H.R. MacMillan the highest point of Stanley Park, which presents Space Centre. The Science World at TELUS World a panoramic view of the North Shore Mountains, for outdoor advenof Science has hands-on activities, including giant the Lions Gate Bridge, and the Burrand Inlet. The ture and all the ursoap bubbles and freezing wall shadows. The BC Vancouver Aquarium is also in Stanley Park. Museum of Mining is also an interesting place to My own favorite area would have to be Granville bane amenities of a learn about the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush history of Island, with a public market that presents a British Columbia. multitude of credit-card opportunities for itinerant world-class city.” For the more daring kids, crossing the river shoppers like me. There is also a Kids Market with at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park is a great idea for an interactive craft shops, toys, and candy shops, and a giant arcade. In the summer, a free water park on Granville Island sprinkles adventure. Attractions include a towering rope bridge, rainforest more fun with a chance to splash around in the spray park and nature trails, and a collection of totem poles. Try the Treetops glide down water slides. Every May, the Vancouver International Adventures, a network of smaller bridges strung between trees. Older kids will want to visit the University of British Columbia. Children’s Festival is held at Granville, drawing lots of visitors of all ages. Having endless number of family-friendly activities, kids have This campus hosts a number of Filipino students, and many of the alums have gone on to successful careers around the world. n several chances to channel all their energy during their holiday. www.philippineairlines.com I 57

CITY GUIDE

ROMANTIC SPOTS

bIg cIty love In toronto FLASH PARKER lists his city’s most date-worthy spots—from sipping champagne amidst dinosaurs and art, to a place that feels like the other side of the moon.

MORNING BEAUTY: One of the best vantage points to see Toronto’s stunning skyline is from across Lake Ontario shortly after sunrise.

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CITY ROMANTIC GUIDE SPOTS

anada’s cultural capital has a soft, sweet side that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Unlike other romantic cities, whose fairytale reputations sometimes feel like they were built on foundations of melting chocolate and errant kisses, Toronto stands firm as a destination that offers plenty of genuine magic and wonder for love birds. This guide to the most romantic experiences will take the guesswork out of planning the perfect date, and allow you to focus on more important elements of your trip, like how much maple syrup to add to your pancakes, and whether or not anyone ever considered a hockey sweater a romantic gift. For the Love oF the outdoors Embrace Toronto’s hurry-up-and-go attitude by whisking your date through some of the city’s lesserknown outdoor hideaways, like the winter wonderland at Withrow Park or the ballyhooed Scarborough Bluffs. The towering cliffs, rocky headlands, and quiet tundra of the Bluffs make this part of the city feel like the other side of the moon. The tumbledown elegance of Sorauren Avenue Park, with its crumbling industrial spaces and train tracks, serve as a counterpoint to Cedarvale Ravine, the site of Toronto’s most beautiful and oft-photographed bridge. Those brave enough to explore Toronto’s outdoors during winter will be rewarded with spectacular vistas, the blissful quiet, and crisp Canadian air. RECHARGE: toughen up at the Academy of Lions on ossington, then chill out in the coffee shop, where you can order some fresh java or a rejuvenating smoothie. hard work = playtime. BEyond IndulGEnCE Toronto’s most iconic bite doubles as its most romantic: the glorious peameal (aka Canadian bacon sandwich) is a savory, decadent taste of Canadian culture that comes out of the kitchen at Rashers (948 Queen St. East; www. rashers.ca) sporting a bib of aged cheddar and a fried egg cummerbund.

the heArt oF the City What the city may lack in excruciating grandeur, it makes up for in cultural mystique. The Royal Ontario Museum is known for its unparalleled art collections. See the exhibits come to life at Friday Night Live at the ROM where visitors can sip champagne in the company of dinosaurs and other relics of the past. Lovers of art should plot the Power Plant Gallery at the Habourfront Center on their itinerary, and make sure they’re in town for the Nuit Blanche all-night arts festival, a celebration of local artists that takes place from sunset to sunrise in the heart of the city. PLAy the GAme oF Love Discerning travelers know better than to settle for a candlelit dinner and a confusing French film on Valentine’s Day. Toronto is home to a number of late-night cafés and game shacks that will thrill the little geek in all of us. One of them is the beloved Snakes and Latte’s, where the popular party game Cards Against Humanity and piping hot cappuccino make the perfect pair. Castle Board Game Café has a chill vibe

PAL flies between Manila and Toronto via Vancouver thrice a week. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. 60 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

RiDe LiKe A LOCAL: A ride on one of Toronto’s iconic streetcars is a unique way for visitors to see the city, and allows you to hop on and off at top destinations, like the heart of Chinatown or Kensington Market.

SweeT GifTS The city is home to a number of shops carrying bespoke goods from some of the finest domestic and international designers. Favorite gift ideas include: Saddleback Leather briefcase, for the man who has everything and needs a special way to carry them all HoldFast Gear camera straps, for those who want to look good while they shoot Shoe The Bear boots, shoes, and casual footwear, for both men and women

and an excellent selection of games to get fired up about, while the venerated Hairy Tarantula Comics & Games has long been known as a pen-and-paper roleplaying outpost. Take a trip down memory lane at A&C Video Games, one of Toronto’s last arcades. Then swat any tension with a paddle at SPiN, Toronto’s only pingpong nightclub. Finally, immerse yourself in the city’s literary legacy at the wonderfully peculiar Monkey’s Paw book shop. The Good Life Take a glimpse of the good life from box seats at Roy Thomson Hall, home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, or the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, one of Canada’s most spectacular ballet and opera platforms. If the bright lights of the Entertainment District don’t inspire puckered lips, a stroll through the University of Toronto’s stunning campus just may, though those who are able to save their smooches through the night will be rewarded with sterling skyline views from the

Port Lands, Polson Pier, or Toronto Island. The hunGer GAMes Chef Mark Cutrara of Hawthorne wears his heart on his sleeve when he hosts live butcher demos in his glistening kitchen, while Pure Spirits Oyster House in the Distillery District will provide you with opportunities to get your hands dirty with one of the world’s most romantic foods. For a classic twist, take in the 54th floor views over Lake Ontario and the skyline from Canoe Restaurant & Bar, or the elevated perspective offered at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant—at 1,152 feet, it is one of the highest in the world. You’ll find Asian flavors on just about every block, from Sabai Sabai Kitchen & Bar’s savory Northern Thai kho soi, to Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu’s dolsot bibimbap and kimchi stew. End your night with a toast at the Drake Hotel’s Sky Yard, where some of the city’s finest views await, and Paper Plane cocktails flit overhead and into your hands. n

LOCAL APPS

Get around town with the help of these user-friendly apps: See Toronto (Official Visitors Guide), for the latest news on what, where, and who’s hot in the Big Smoke

Rocket Man TTC, GO & nextbus transit, for navigating the city’s extensive transit network above and below ground

Spotted By Locals, for great tips on eating, drinking, and merrymaking by local folk

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LocaL COLOR festivaLs

IN FULL BLOOM: The term “panagbenga” means “seasons of blooming” or “a time for flowering” in the Kankanaey, a South-Central Cordilleran language. Photo by Rob S. Pinzon

GETTING HOT IN A COOL CITY The temperature may be dropping in Baguio City, but local LISSA R. DE GUIA shares how a flower festival has the city in full bloom.

A FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS February is the coldest month of the year in Baguio, and it is when the erstwhile hill station is at its most beautiful. In the daytime, its mountains are blanketed by a cobalt sky, and at night the cold temperatures send one burrowing under thick blankets or reaching for yet another shot of single malt. The city’s cool clime, pine trees, and picturesque mountain ranges are an essential aspect of Baguio’s century-old allure. Nineteen years ago, the city government found a way to heat things up by creating the now-famous flower festival, otherwise known as Panagbenga. The origin of the festival is the Begnas di Panagbenga, the indigenous Kankanaey ritual celebrating the conception of rice. Its modern incarnation veers away 62 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

from rice production and focuses on the region’s flower industry, and Panagbenga today is known as the “season of blooming.” The highlight of the festival is the Grand Float Parade featuring various designs, composed mainly of the vibrant flowers the city is known for. Other events involving the Baguio community, such as the Grand Street Parade, feature a marching band and dance competition between the city’s various elementary schools. In the last two weeks of the festival, iconic Session Road is closed to vehicular traffic, and sidewalk cafés and commercial stalls make locals and tourists alike hanker after a time when Session Road was open only to pedestrians and horses. For those who want to escape the crowds of the

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Panagbenga 2014 opens on February 1 at the Panagbenga Park. Traditionally, the Grand Street Parade (Feb. 22) and the Grand Float Parade (Feb. 23) are the most anticipated activities. Both begin at Panagbenga Park, and follow a route through Session Rd., Harrison Rd., and Abad Santos Drive, ending at the Athletic Bowl. Best vantage points are on top of buildings along Session Rd., for those with access. Others are advised to line up as early as 5 a.m. on the said dates for a spot at any of the parade stopping points, such as Upper Session Rd., Mid Session Rd., and in front of the Maharlika Bldg. at the bottom of Session Rd.

LocaL COLOR festivaLs

BAGUIO’S ICONIC STREET FOOD It can be said that Baguio is street food central, and many of the city’s residents will argue over what is considered the city’s “iconic” street food. One that’s unmistakably Baguio’s, however, is strawberry taho. This soybean custard dessert can be had in Burnham Park, Minesview Park, and Pacdal Road, and a cup costs about Php10 (25 cents).

ART IN THE HIGHLANDS: Set in a residential neighborhood, the BenCab Museum is extensive and features some of the best of what Philippine art has to offer. Photo by Leah de Leon

Grand Street Parade on February 22, pay a visit to BenCab Museum (+6374 442-7165), where a triple exhibit opening will be taking place on the same day. The main exhibitor is Baguio boy Emmanuel Santos, now based in Melbourne, Australia. His photographic essay highlights the impact of development on our world, juxtaposing modern technology in a bucolic setting. Other exhibitors are potter Adrian Mendoza and Cordillera artists Joey and Dexter Simsim. HIGHLAND ROMANCE Where to Eat Baguio’s low temperatures make it an ideal city for lovers. The Hill Station (+6374 424-2734) restaurant in Casa Vallejo is offering a Valentine’s set dinner and concert featuring Japanese finger tapping guitarist Hikaru Tanimoto and singer Erykah Hayakawa. You can also check out the newly opened Hill Station Bistro at Camp John Hay’s Baguio–Ayala Land Technohub, where they offer deli take-away dishes such as lasagna and Mitos Yñiguez’s own take on the Mexican mole. The bistro’s signature banoffee pie is the perfect way to end any meal. For those who hanker after a quiet, cozy Baguio, visit The Secret Garden (+6374 442-0406) on Paterno Street, just off South Drive. Their balcony for two offers a never-ending view of pine trees, a great place to greet dusk while enjoying their thin crust pizzas or sumptuous pasta dishes. Inside, cushy sofas and pine wood walls are the perfect setting for an intimate tête64 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

à-tête over a cup of hot coffee or chocolate. If you want to serve (or be served) breakfast in bed, then visit Kiwi Bread and Pastry Shop (+63939 910-6441)at the entrance of Minesview Park. Their artisanal breads such as cottage rye, sourdough, Viennese bread, and brioche are essentials for a hearty, authentic meal at home. Café by the Ruins (+6374 442-4010)honors the day of lovers with carabao (water buffalo) cream of hearts and carabao milk panacotta, both topped with strawberry syrup and

IN PERFECT RUIN: Located near the City Hall and Burnharn Park, Cafe By The Ruins is a good place to hang out and chill with its cozy ambiance and the rustic interiors. Photo by Leah de Leon

NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: If an adventurous date is what you want, the Santo Tomas Mountain is for you. It is located only 45 minutes from the city’s outskirts. Photo by Waffy Casem

fresh strawberries. For those looking for traditional Chinese, family-style dining, Rose Bowl Restaurant (+6374 442-4213) is a classic choice. The decadesold restaurant is now located on General Luna Street, and its efficient kitchen can reliably handle its two dining floors and private rooms at full capacity . Where to Stay For those with friends or relatives who are members of the Baguio Country Club (+6374 619-2060), one may book a room at this historic landmark that has five-star amenities such as a newly renovated spa, gym, and pool. The Club also has stunning views of the golf course and mountains. The Manor at Camp John Hay (+6374 424-0931) is luxury tinged with a flavor of the site’s colonial history. Its serene and excellent Spa has therapy rooms for couples, and for those who book early enough, have a romantic getaway at their famous Honeymoon Cottage. The one-bedroom, two-story cottage has its own parking space. Its seclusion gives couples a chance to truly relax and experience privacy in a hotel setting. A few streets away from the Mansion House is C Boutique Hotel

(+6374 619-0158; +63917 534-3818), a clean and thoughtfully designed hotel in one of Baguio’s quiet neighborhoods. With its own restaurant, bar, and two lounges with wood-burning fireplaces, one can savor Baguio’s cool ambience without getting caught in the city’s buzz. Where to Explore Baguio’s location in the country’s highlands offers something for every kind of traveler. A camping trip near the “mouse ears” or the PAG-ASA station near the radar atop Santo Tomas Mountain (about 45 minutes outside the city) might perk up the ears of more adventurous travelers. There are other informal camping sites known to long-time mountaineers in the area. Or you can just take a picnic lunch to enjoy an expansive view of the city from a spot behind the radar. So, you lovers of nature, culture, or just plain lovers in love, Baguio is calling! Enjoy a city in bloom. n

OTHER PANAGBENGA EVENTS Session Road in Bloom from February 24 to March 2 will see this iconic road, which still serves as Bagiuo’s main street and central business district, closed to vehicular traffic. Here’s what’s worth checking out: Market Encounter opens on February 1 and invites visitors to pavilions set up for dining and merchandise along Burnham Park’s Lake Drive.

Handog ng Pamilya on February 16 offers family-centric activities such as games for children, kiteflying, and an open-air concert at Melvin Jones (Burnham Park).

Pony Boys’ Day on March 1 gives the pony boy community a chance to exhibit their culture with a parade at Wright Park.

The festival ends on March 2, 2014, with closing ceremonies and a grand fireworks display at the Athletic Bowl.

For more information, check out the festival website at panagbengaflowerfestival.com or call the Baguio Flower festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) at +6374 442-4315.

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TOP NORTHERN DESTINATIONS PHILIPPINES

BREAKING WINDS: The Bangui Wind Farm consists of 15 turbines. They are arranged in a single row spaced 326 meters apart. Photo by Erwin Lim

ILOCOS: LOVE FROM NORTH TO SOUTH LORELA U. SANDOVAL retraces these provinces’ attractions—from atop a lighthouse down to a historic town’s cobblestone streets—to find spots worth escaping to.

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locos Norte and Sur have always had this image of being historic, spiritual, adventurous, and romantic all at the same time, so if you’re looking for a little oohmph in your relationship, here are some of suggested picks up North of the Philippines. ILOCOS NORTE (NORTH) Bangui Bay and Windmills. Let the gigantic windmills at Bangui Bay pull you closer to your date, especially if you’re advocates of green living. The windmills are one of the province’s major sources of energy, and an effective way to help minimize greenhouse gas emission. The strong winds and crisp air are perfect for snuggling or, if it’s a sunny day, you can take a dip at the beach. Try to see the bay and the windmills during the blue hour—you’ll both find yourselves at a loss for words.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Get a bit of a workout by climbing the stairs up to Burgos town’s lighthouse. The reward is a vista of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll have the top all to yourself. Interestingly enough, the lighthouse is also a National Cultural Treasure, the highest appointment of cultural property in the country. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Take your significant other to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos for some cool photo ops against this pure, white, and seaside rock. Kapurpurawan or puraw is an Ilocano term for “white.” Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon. Pagudpud undeniably has one of the finest shorelines in the country. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sailing, or just lying on the sand and getting a tan. The crowds often go to Saud

HERITAGE TOWERS: Designed by Magin Pers in 1887, Cape Bojeador In Burgos is one of the three lighthouses in Luzon designed to guide seafarers during the Spanish era. Photo by Erwin Lim

LOCAL BITES Pinakbet A stew of vegetables flavored with fermented shrimp sauce. Dinengdeng Similar to pinakbet, but this dish contains more soup . It is also called “Abraw” or “Inabraw.” DESERT THRILLS: For Php1,500, you get a 30-minute ride on a 4x4 jeep and a chance to experience sand surfing, which is best done at sunset for the most picturesque views. Photo by Erwin Lim

Beach, while Blue Lagoon offers a more secluded area. Whichever is your choice, the white sandy shoreline remains a consistent respite. La Paz Sand Dunes. Lighten up and go sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding

except here, locals slope down short inclines on makeshift boards. You’ll be laughing at yourselves falling off board and stumbling down the sand at La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City.

Igado Cubed pork tenderloin, liver, heart, and kidney stewed in soy sauce and vinegar. Sinanglao or Sinanglaw Soup made from beef innards and skin flavored with bile and kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi).

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TOP NORTHERN DESTINATIONS PHILIPPINES

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR (SOUTH) Kiteboarding in Puro. If you think sandboarding is too easy, try kiteboarding in Brgy. Puro. It entails harnessing a kite while strapped to board, and riding the power brought about by the wind. This new sport has gained a following particularly from international tourists. But it is definitely not for the fainthearted. Alternatively, watching the more experienced kiters is entertaining in itself so you can just grab a beer, sit, and chill. Heritage Village or Calle Crisologo. Nothing beats a stroll or a calesa (horsedrawn carriage) ride through the Heritage Village of Vigan or Calle Crisologo, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can only imagine the forms of harana or serenades that took place once in this area’s cobblestone streets. If you find it hard to leave, book a room in the Spanish-inspired, decades-old structures converted into quaint inns. Pagburnayan Jar-making. Remember the Demi Moore–Patrick Swayze movie hit Ghost? Learn something new and try your hand at the potter’s wheel. If you’re a little rusty with the form, they may just suggest you make something simple, like an ashtray; nevertheless, you’ll definitely leave with a good story behind your souvenir. Hidden Garden Restaurant. Dinner amidst a garden-inspired restaurant is good old romance, but the truth is, it never really gets old. You’ll find such ambience at Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant. If you’re no longer up for anything new or adventurous, then a foodie treat is just perfect to conclude your trip. n

SING IT LIKE A LOCAL Duayya ni Ayat (Lullaby of Love) Dungdunguen kanto unay unay Indayonen kanto iti sinamay Tultuloden kanto nalumanay Pagamuanen inkanto mailibay Translation: I will love and cherish you always I will cradle you to sleep in a soft-cloth swing I will swing you ever so gently And soon enough you will be asleep Source: avrotor.blogspot.com/2013/07/ilocano-songdungdunguen-kanto-i-will.html

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IN TRADITION: Vigan City’s (ABOVE) founding name was “Villa Fernandina,” in honor of Prince Ferdinand, the firstborn son of King Philip II of Spain (Photo by Francisco Guerrero). The root word “burnay” is an earthenware jar crafted with the aid of a wheel (LEFT).

Under Licensing Agreement

PAL Express flies between Manila and Laoag 10 times weekly. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 9000 or visit www.philippineairlines.com or www.flypalexpress.com.

PAmuLINAwEN Pamulinawen, pusok indengam man, toy umas-asog, agrayo ita sadyam… Translation: Pamulinawen, my love, please hearken to me who am sighing, who am enchanted by your graciousness… Source: English translation lifted from biagkensiak.wordpress. com/2006/09/12/who-what-where-is-pamulinawen

爱在伊罗戈斯-北部至南部的探索之旅

伊罗戈斯省南部-维甘

LORELA U. SANDOVAL重游这省份的景点-从顶端的灯塔到古镇的卵石街道，寻找值得一览之地。

若您觉得滑沙不具挑战性，可前往BRgy. pURO进行风筝冲浪。玩风筝冲浪者双脚绑在一块冲浪板上，然后借助风力用一个大风筝把身体从海面上拉起。这种新兴运动越来越受到国际游客的喜爱，但胆小者勿试。

伊罗戈斯省北部第一站布尔戈斯（BURgOS）镇的灯塔。游客得动身爬楼梯到顶端，抵步后即可饱览西菲律宾海的远景。此灯塔是菲国的文化宝藏，属于国内最高规格的文化遗产。第二站是班吉海滩（BANgUi BAy）的巨大风车，若您是绿色生活的倡导者，就不容错过。那里的风车是该省份主要的能源来源之一，可有效地减少温室气体排放。强风和清新的空气环绕四周，您可下海畅泳，尽情放松身心。其傍晚时刻的美丽景致让人无法言喻。

克里索乐高大街（cALLE cRiSOLOgO）被联合国教科文组织列入世界文化遗产，在那里一边乘坐马车，一边游览鹅卵石小街两边的石头房，别有一番滋味。若想过夜，可选择入住具有西班牙风格的古雅旅馆。

接着游览布尔戈斯的白奇石景观（KApURpURAwAN ROcK FORmAtiON），那纯白色的海边岩石值得拍照留念。

还记得黛米摩尔与帕特里克斯韦兹主演的电影《人鬼情未了》吗？您可犹如该电影的情节般在陶轮上制造陶器。若不熟悉其制作过程，他们可能建议您做一些较简单的如：烟灰缸，这可说是最佳的旅游纪念品。

pAgUDpUD 无疑是菲国最美的海岸线，亦是游泳、帆船或晒太阳浴的绝佳去处。SAUD海滩是人群集中地，BLUE LAgOON则是僻静地区。无论是哪一个地方，皆可享受洁白的沙滩海岸线。

晚餐可光临富有花园风格和怀旧情调的HiDDEN gARDEN LiLONg和LiLANg 餐厅。若您不想再探索新事物，那么享用美食后即可结束您的旅程。

推荐游客到佬沃市的 LA pAz 沙丘滑沙，它类似于滑雪，当地人脚踏临时滑板从短斜坡开始下滑。当您从滑板上掉下来的那一刻，自己也会忍不住发笑。

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NORTHERN BEACHES & PHILIPPINES ADVENTURE

Coast Life IN LA UNION LORELA U. SANDOVAL shows that there’s more to this northern Philippine province than catching a wave.

San Juan. It’ll give you a glimpse of what coastal life is and have you glued to your bean bags or wooden stools while you hang out with friends or strangers, have a good read, or sip a fresh drink. I’d also have to say one of the coolest things FlotJet has brought to the province is the very first recreational vehicle (RV) accommodation. Of course, worth checking out also are the province’s other first-rate oldtimers: Thunderbird Resort, Sunset Bay Resort, San Juan Surf Resort, Oasis Country Resort, Marand Resort and Spa, Kultura Splash Wave Resort, and many others that have undergone some makeovers.

SURF CENTRAL: Bacnotan is one of the favorite surf spots in La Union. Photo by Kage Gozun

a Union—cramped between two large northern Philippine provinces—was previously known for two things: smooth, sandy shoreline and simply as a stopover to other tourist sites up north. But things have taken quite a spin for La Union when surfing seized the tourism spotlight a few years ago. Lately, new establishments, activities, and eats have drawn in more visitors to the province. SO WHAT’S NEW? The eclectic and free-spirited will love Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel at surf camp in Brgy. Urbiztondo,

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GET MOVING It’s hard to get bored on vacation here when the area offers surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, skim boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kite-flying, sandcastlebuilding, and Frisbee playing. For other adrenaline-pumping activities, try ziplining, sky walking, and wall climbing at Kultura Splash Wave or at Pugo Adventure (PUGAD), both found in the town of Pugo. Or take the Tarzan swing (and try not to scream like Jane) at Tapaw Mountain Resort in San Juan. This place offers other nature-based activities like Tilapia fishing and bamboo rafting. You can also visit their mini-zoo, and lovely tree houses are available for accommodation. Can’t get enough of nature? Breathe in the good vibes at a visit to the La Union Botanical Garden or a trek into the Arosip Ecotrail. The science geek should also take a peek at the La Union Science Centrum & Museum.

GETTING THERE La Union to Baguio (vice versa): About 2-3 hours by public transport, depending on exact point of origin. You can take mini-buses (w/o aircon) or big buses (w/ aircon, like Partas). Shorter travel time for private vehicles, about 1 hour at least. La Union to Laoag (vice versa): About 6-7 hours by public transport such as Partas and Farinas Transit. Shorter travel time for private vehicles, about 5 hours.

CLOSER TO NATURE: Tapaw Mountain Resort (LEFT) offers treehouse accommodations, while Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hotel (BELOW) appeal to artists because of their bohemian design.

GRAB SOME GRUB Reboot your energy with a variety of treats from local restaurants, which have stood the test of tongues and time: Café Esperanza, Kaw Bin’s, Mandarin, Golden Society, Midtown, Midway Grill, Halo-Halo de Iloko, Taipan Garden Restaurant, Jochen’s Euro Bread & Deli, and Cake Centrum. If you’re game for street food, a must-taste is the chicken feet by Virgie’s Store at Brgy. Poro, which is a daily hit among customers. New restaurants have also added excitement to the province, such as the Persianinspired Sama Restaurant in San Fernando City, the provincial capital, and Gefseis Greek Grill in San Juan. There’s also a little coffee shop called El Union Coffee in Urbiztondo. n

LOCAL BITES Native delicacies to try are nilupak (a mash of boiled cassava, grated coconut, margarine, and condensed milk) tupig and bibingka (rice cakes), and binalay (a mix of glutinous rice and coconut milk), which are all sold at any market in the province.

EvENTS: Summer Chill falls on Holy Week days of 2014 Sillag Festival of Lights on March 7 and 8, 2014 For more updates or details on these events, check www. facebook.com/pitolaunion

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BEYOND TRAVEL HIGHLANDS

WORLDWIDE TREND Voluntourism has gained in popularity spurred by graduates taking their gap year, as well as an increase in tour companies offering volunteer vacations. Photo by cid Jacobo

In a 2012 international survey conducted by Mintel, 35 percent of respondents said they would like to try a holiday that includes a voluntourism component, and 6 percent said they had already done so.

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a WeeKend oF VoluntourisM

Always up for adventure, PIA ROXAS-OCAMPO goes on a fulfilling journey to help rehabilitate a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

t’s past 2 a.m. and I’m on a bus trundling up Banaue, Ifugao. It’s not the most comfortable seat I’ve taken up there, and I’m afraid to drink water for lack of a built-in bathroom, but I’ve never been this excited for a trip north. The reason? The chance to participate in a badchang—an Ifugao tradition where members of the community come together to help out one of its farmers. In 2012, the Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office, together with partner private organizations, started opening up badchangs to tourists. It allowed visitors to pitch in for the rehabilitation of some parts of the Banaue’s rice terraces. Erosion, neglect, and lack of funding had taken its toll on some of the paddies, and now a larger community was needed to preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luckily, I caught a Facebook post on badchang by Route +63 Sustainable Travels. I thought, wow, in one trip I’d get the chance to help preserve a national landmark I care about, plus get the opportunity to participate in an Ifugao tradition. All just over a weekend? Perfect.

Vacationers ready to Volunteer A new word to be sure—the Oxford English Dictionary pegs its origin in the 1990s— voluntourism generally means traveling to a destination in order to work without pay for a cause you believe in. Think holidays for the highly idealistic. Or sightseeing with a side of doing good. The Philippine Department of Tourism has partnered with NGOs for tour offerings geared toward travelers who’d like to make a difference. Most of the available opportunities involve direct coordination with an NGO. Route +63 is unique in that it is primarily a tour company working with communities and NGOs to develop trips around cause-oriented experiences. not-so-hard labor We arrived at Banaue town proper around 7 a.m. and headed for Banaue viewpoint after breakfast and a briefing. The task at each badchang differs according to the need of the farmer. Our assignment that day was to clear a rice paddy that had been abandoned years before.

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED: Voluntourism lets you experience the local life beyond what’s in the guide books. photo by pia roxas-ocampo (left) and geofrey nawe (right)

The weeds had grown thick and tall. The wall and irrigation system were hidden under layers of thorny, wild greens. It was so far from the picturesque neatness of most of the rice terrace “steps,” and I couldn’t imagine how it could be rehabilitated. Route +63 and the local heritage office provided us with bolos (a cutting tool similar to a machete) so we could hack away at the paddy’s years of neglect. We took shifts, 15 of us from Manila, a dozen soldiers and several community volunteers, passing around the bolos and taking short turns under the sparse shade. Between our hacking sessions, we would chat with the heritage officers and they would tell us familiar stories of young Ifugaos wanting to work in offices rather than farms. At some point, I cut myself on a sharp root. But quickly, a young man from the farmer’s family tore a leaf from a bush, rolled it in his fingers and applied the juice to my wound. “A local herb we use to stem the bleeding,” he said in the local dialect. True enough, the cut closed within seconds. Everyone wanted to take a picture...of a wound! A chAnge of pAce while creAting chAnge Our mixed group of volunteers cleared about 200 square meters of brush in four hours. It was a

physically challenging but satisfying work. Most of us worked in offices, usually only hacking away at computers. It was a unique feeling, stepping back and immediately being able to say “Hey look, I’ve done some good.” After our meal, one heritage officer sang a local love song. Unaccompanied, it was a spare, lovely melody. One of the soldiers spoke, then some shared their impressions of the experience. The family that would now be farming the paddy thanked us warmly. But I think we were more grateful to be given a chance to be of help. Allowed A closer look As we all hiked back up to the road, our feet picking through the either slippery or sticky paddies, we would all occasionally look back at Banaue’s rice terraces. I realized then that the badchang isn’t just a tradition participated in by a community; the badchang could create a community too. This trip had allowed us to be more than just visitors to this amazing place. We were no longer looking at it as the rice terraces of postcards, the subject of a photograph from a high vantage point. We had been given the chance to jump into the postcard and get its mud all over our sandals. We weren’t just its visitors now. We had become its participants. n

photo by Ar Veloso

PHILIPPINE VOLuNTOuRISm OPPORTuNITIES www.balyena.org www.handsonmanila.org.ph/ volunteervacations www.gk1world.com/volunteer INTERNATIONAL VOLuNTOuRISm OPPORTuNITIES www.itsnotjustmud.com www.volunteerforeducation.org www.vsobahaginan.org

GETTING THERE Banaue, Ifugao, can be reached via bus or hired van from Metro Manila. The trip takes about 9 hours. Route +63 posts up-coming trips on its website (route63travels.com). You may also request for a custom tour.

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THE LIGHTER SIDE

Nautical History Comes Alive in Palawan “Sailing, natural navigation and paraw building [are] now on the brink of disappearing,” says the founders of the Palawan Paraw project, an initiative to help restore knowledge and appreciation for the Philippine paraw, a traditional boat used by Visayan region’s indigenous groups. As one of the biggest vessels known to Philippine culture, it used to transport people and heavy cargo back in the day. This 72-foot giant needed 102 men to hull the boat into the Babuyan River. Last year, the Palawan Paraw initiative was available for the youth to view as an educational and social welfare project around Palawan. The vessel is set to sail around the Bacuit Archipelago on short expeditions this 2014. Gener Paduga, Jack Foottit, and Eddie Brock are behind this project, and Katherine Jack photographs and documents every step in this wonderful project, which breathes life back into one of the country’s forgotten facets of history. www.palawanparaw.wordpress.com

INSPIRED BY TRADITION The seafaring tradition of the Philippines are represented in the Palawan Paraw which is built entirely by hand by the locals.

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THE LIGHTER SIDE

Switching Time Zones Has Never Been This Easy Have you ever had a ruined vacation caused by an unending jetlag battle? Ever needed to catch up on rest before that big conference speech in four days? Consider the Re-Timer. Futuristic as it may seem, it is a device that emits green light that regularizes your sleeping pattern by wearing it 20–30 minutes during the day to sleep earlier or during the night to sleep later, depending on your need. Users have sworn on effectiveness in fixing body clocks, so it must be worth a shot! www.retimer.com

LIFESAVER

WWW.LIFE-SAVER.ORG.UK

As you’re walking down the street, you see someone suddenly collapse. Are you prepared to handle the situation? Lifesaver is an interactive website where you can test your knowledge in first aid as well as learn new skills.

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A Bachelor’s Furniture Haven Heima features a different take on their quirky furniture assortment with My Apt. Highlighting a more neutral and masculine edge, this breakthrough collection will definitely please the gents and help them spice up their first pad. www.heimastore.com

C L I C K

THE WIDER IMAGE

WWW.WIDERIMAGE.REUTERS.COM

Nothing tells a story quite like a photo does. In an easy-to-view interface, you can scroll endlessly through photos from all over the globe through Reuters’ The Wider Image—a new way of getting your daily dose of world headlines and breaking news coupled with stunning photos that captivate you.

BLIND

WWW.YOUAREBLIND.COM

Have you ever wondered what it’s like living without sight? Blind simulates their world and puts you in their shoes. Requiring actual user movement and interaction through the webcam and microphone, it is a website that helps put things into perspective, making you learn more about the world other than your own.

COFFITIVITY

WWW.COFFITIVITY.COM

The people behind Coffitivity believe that music plays a key factor in your coffee shop experience. That’s why they brought the music out of the coffee shops’ playlists and into your computers, making it available to you anytime, anywhere.

L I S T E N

All Charged for Takeoff

My Powerbag is a nifty, all-around carrying case that charges your devices on the go. Its complete charging system allows you to plug in multiple gadgets such as your laptop, tablet, and smartphone sans the hassle of packing those bulky plugs in your luggage. www.mypowerbag.com

MOdulOgeek Modulogeek (Number Line Records) HHHHH

Hong Kong–based Filipino musician Joon Guillen has dabbled in a number of bands before finding his stride as Modulogeek, his current solo electronica project. After several well-received EPs and singles, his first full-length album heightens his profile with catchy, Nintendo-inspired tracks (“For The Bleeps,” “Evantown”), groovy beats (“Automaton Welcome”), and excursions into trip-hop (“Germ”). Released online just a few days into 2014, Modulogeek could be one of the year’s best records, if not its most inventive. –Jason Caballa

Life’s a Beach

Download the album at http:// tunes.modulogeek.com/album/ modulogeek

What started as a simple passion for surfing and all things at sea has grown into a store every surfer (and non-surfer) can come to love—Coast Thru Life. From art pieces, music, graphic tees, and custom surfboards, the good vibes go on as they have also pledged to give part of their proceeds to Typhoon Haiyan victims. www.facebook.com/coastthrulife.

Project Mom: Our Natural Approach to Motherhood BIANCA ARANETA-ELIZALDE AND AMANDA GRIFFIN-JACOB

Fully Booked Php999 (US$22.34)

Books are available at Fully Booked branches.

There’s no single definitive guide to motherhood, but this one is definitely deserving of a place in your bookshelf. Project Mom was created for first-time mothers by first-time mothers themselves, ensuring an accurate and honest take on what it takes to become a good parent. You can get raw and straightforward answers to your questions, from becoming pregnant with your first child, giving birth, up until planning their first birthday party. This book proves that motherhood can be a breeze. –Ignatius Gan

1. NEMESIS Jo Nesbo Harper Collins Publishers (US) Php315 (US$7) 2. THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN Mitch Albom Harper Collins Php695 (US$15.55) 3. DIVERGENT #3: ALLEGIANT Veronica Roth Harper Collins Children’s Books Php395 (US$8.83) www.philippineairlines.com I 77

LAST FRAME

THE BIG JUMP Bali, Indonesia The river that winds through Klungkung, East Bali, has been dammed to create a dramatic cascade of waterfalls. The dams have created two large pools, easily accessible from a footpath leading from the downtown area. On a hot day, the pools are a popular spot where locals cool off. Local kids even love to jump off the falls (about 4 meters high) and plunge into pool. The local kid in this photo was waiting for his friends to catch up with him on the ledge before he jumped. Photojournalist Tommy Schultz snapped this while the afternoon sun brought out the contrast of the water against the dark stone background of the falls.

GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT Mabuhay is accepting high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) digital photos of interesting people, places, and things from around the world. Send your entries to info@eastgatepublishing.com. 78 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

NEW ROUTES

LONDON CALLING: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) The Houses of Parliament is a stunning sight in the evening. Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Philippine media enjoy a walking tour around the London Bridge. PAL COO Ramon S. Ang and Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez. Photos of London courtesy of London on View website.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LONDON JONATHAN P. GESMUNDO shares his musings on the flag carrier’s latest destination.

eather in London in early November is unpredictable. The sun may be out, but the cool breeze especially at night could at times be pleasantly sinister for a first-

time visitor. The nippy rains that paint a gloomy London for locals could not dampen the excitement of Filipino tourists to venture out to rainsoaked attractions previously seen only in travel agency posters. The intricate maze of crypt-lined corridors and passageways at Westminster’s Abbey could be more than one can digest of England’s illustrious lineage of royalty, and not-so-royal, too. The suspense leading to the display of the actual crown jewels at the Tower of London could whet any titled visitor’s imagination yet prove quaintly unfamiliar to the Filipino commoner. But the familiar tents of knick-knack shops at Covent Garden is a tourist’s shopping haven—what Filipinos would call tiangge. And whether one is lining up to watch Wicked at West End or ride the London Eye, the urge to buy a souvenir or two may be too much

80 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

to overcome. True enough, souvenir shops abound everywhere, proof the British have mastered the art of attracting tourists. It’s as if they don’t need further persuasion because the visitors are definitely arriving, especially for Filipinos who now can get to London fastest via Philippine Airlines nonstop flights. But for some Filipinos living and working in London, flying PAL can best be described as an act of patriotism. PAL’s more than 15-year absence may be cause for tears to many as it fulfilled PAL’s promise to return to Europe, first via Heathrow, London’s premier and the world’s busiest airport for international traffic. The Philippine colors emblazoned on an airplane tail once again soars the British skies. It’s good to be back. Cheers! n

ASIA’S FIRST AIRLINE included the Boeing 747-400 in 1993, the Airbus 340-300 in 1997, and the Boeing 777-300ER in 2009. On April 20, 2012, PAL welcomed a strategic investor into the company— San Miguel Corporation, the Philippines’ largest conglomerate—significantly boosting the flag carrier’s immediate and long-term prospects. Recharged, PAL embarked on a bold growth strategy anchored on fleet modernization, network expansion, and service innovations. On August 28, 2012, the airline placed a firm order for 54 new-generation Airbus aircraft comprising 44 short-range A321-200 and 10 long-range A330-300 High Gross Weight Philippine Airlines—Asia’s first airline—is the flag carrier of the Republic of the Philippines and the pioneer airline of the country, with a 72-year history steeped in tradition and modernity. PAL first took flight on March 15, 1941, with a small propeller-powered Beech 18 airplane flying 212 kilometers from Makati, near Manila, to Baguio in the northern Philippines, carrying a full load of five passengers. Upon the outbreak of World War II on December 8, 1941, PAL’s two Beech 18s were pressed into military service, flying missions to evacuate American pilots to Australia. Both were destroyed in battle. Postwar operations resumed on February 14, 1946. On July 31, 1946, a PAL-chartered DC-4 took off from Makati carrying American servicemen home to Oakland, California. The 41-hour journey across the Pacific, with stops in Guam, Wake, Kwajalein, and Honolulu, made PAL the first Asian airline to cross the vast ocean. On May 3, 1947, PAL opened a route to Rome and Madrid, later extended to London, becoming the first Southeast Asian airline to fly to Europe. Over the next three decades, its international route network ranged from Asia to Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, establishing PAL as one of the world’s leading carriers of that era. PAL keeps in step with advancements in aircraft technology, regularly acquiring the latest aircraft to maintain a young, modern fleet. From DC-3s that served as its workhorse in the 1940s and 1950s, Vicker Viscount turboprops and Fokker F-27s were added to the fleet in the 1960s. In 1966, BAC 1-11 aircraft introduced pure-jet service in the domestic sector and in 1974, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10—PAL’s first wide-body aircraft—went into service on the trans-Pacific route. It was succeeded as PAL’s flagship in 1979 by the Boeing 747-200, which featured “Skybeds” paired with First Class seats on its upper deck—a first in the industry. Upgrades to the long-range fleet

(HGW) jets—the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. The following month, ten more A300-300 HGW aircraft were added to the order. Deliveries commenced in August 2013 and will continue until 2019. Today, the PAL fleet comprises 79 aircraft across six family types, ranging from turboprop airplanes that serve far-flung islands and smaller communities of the Philippines, to “jumbo” jets that fly the intercontinental routes. As of December 2013, the fleet included four Bombardier Q300s and five Q400s; four Airbus A319s, twenty-six A320s, and six A321s; eight Airbus A300-300s and six new HGW A330-300s; eight Airbus A340-300s, four of which have new cabin configuration; six Boeing 777-300ERs; and four Boeing 747-400s. PAL is in the midst of a comprehensive fleet renewal program that began on August 7, 2013, with the arrival of its first A321, the vanguard of 64 aircraft on order from Airbus. The airline received 12 aircraft from that order in 2013, including the A321 equipped with Airbus’ new blended winglet design called “sharklets.” This made PAL the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to operate the A321 with this new technology. Over the next six years, PAL will have a busy delivery schedule. It is slated to accept 56 aircraft in the next five years. The influx of new aircraft has allowed PAL to rapidly expand its route network. In 2013, the flag carrier launched services to 10 international destinations in seven countries across three continents, including the first direct link between the Philippines and Europe in 15 years, to London Heathrow, in November. More destinations are planned for 2014 onward. In its eighth decade, with a new investor on board, and a bold vision to chart its path, PAL can look back at a proud legacy of service to the nation and beyond to a future where it will soar once more as a major global network carrier. n

OUR FLEET

Q300 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

A320 :

Q400 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

A340 :

6 + 38*

16 + 12*

A321 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

NO. OF AIRCRAFT

* On order

NO. OF AIRCRAFT

8 + 4*

B747

A330

A319 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

NO. OF AIRCRAFT

B777 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

www.philippineairlines.com I 81

WELCOME ABOARD flights leaving after six in the evening. Junior Jetsetter Activity kits featuring well-loved cartoon characters are given to children aged 2-11 flying on flights bound for the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

hAnd luggAge. Passengers are permitted one cabin bag each. The hand luggage should not weigh more than 7 kg, and the combined length, width, and height dimension must not exceed 115 cm or 45 inches in total. Personal items such as laptop computers, handbag, camera, and infants’ food and carrying basket may be carried separately. eleCtrOniC deviCes. These must be turned off completely while walking to/from the aircraft, during take-off, approach, and landing. Non-transmitting electronic equipment and those without any accessories that would transmit/ receive radio signals, such as laptop computers (without Wi-Fi and wireless peripheral devices) and CD/DVD/MP3 players, may be used during flight and ground stops. deep vein thrOmBOsis (dvt). This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins in the lower extremities. Risk factors of DVT include prolonged immobility, obesity, smoking, taking birth control pills,

pregnancy, and inherited blood-clotting disorders. Circulation can be improved by practicing simple exercises while seated. sAfety On BOArd. During takeoff and landing, ensure that seat back is in upright position, the tray tables securely folded, hand luggage stowed, and seatbelt securely fastened (to ensure uninterrupted rest, kindly fasten seatbelts during the entire flight even if the seatbelt sign is off). Life vests are placed beneath your seat or in/under your armrest. In the event of sudden drop in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will automatically drop in front of the passenger. Smoking, including artificial cigarettes, is strictly forbidden at all times on all PAL flights.

fOOd And BeverAge. Philippine Airlines is pleased to serve on all international flights complimentary in-flight meals ranging from traditional Filipino dishes to favorite international cuisines. Drinks are available, featuring a variety of refreshments depending on the route. Alcoholic drinks are served only to passengers aged 18 years and older (21 years on sectors to and from the USA). Government regulation prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages brought from outside or purchased on board. The cabin crew reserves the right not to serve alcoholic drinks if the situation so warrants. Alcoholic drinks are not available on domestic flights. Passengers with special dietary needs may order special meals when they book their flight. For more information, call our service hotline (+632) 8558888 or log in to www. philippineairlines.com. n

in-flight Amenities. Toiletries (handwash, mouthwash, lotion, and cologne) are available inside the cabin lavatories. Pillows and blankets are available upon request or can be found on the seat on all international flights. Business class overnight kits are are provided for long-haul

SERVICE GUIDE Online BOOking. Our online booking features a fully automated facility that allows travelers to decide quickly when it is most convenient and cheapest to fly. For more information, please visit us at www.philippineairlines.com. AirpOrt CheCk-in. PAL offers “early bird” advanced check-in service in select airports to avoid rush during peak check-in hours. Senior citizens traveling with up to two companions and passengers with NO CHECK-IN BAGGAGE on PAL flights departing Manila may avail themselves of the express check-in service at designated counters. AirpOrt lOunges. PAL has Mabuhay Lounges in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos City, and San Francisco. Mabuhay Class passengers, as well as Mabuhay Miles Million Miler, Premier Elite, and Elite members, can unwind, dine, and freshen up in these lounges before boarding their flights. PAL has contracted the services of airport lounge operators in other interna82 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2014

tional stations to offer the same amenities to said passengers. rhush (rApid hAndling Of urgent shipment). This is the fastest way to ship cargo domestically and overseas. An airport-to-airport service that has the highest priority in cargo, guaranteed space, fast and quick acceptance and release time, and money-back guarantee (conditions apply). For more information, please call PAL Cargo Sales and Reservation in Manila at (+632) 8313061, 8795879, 8340362, or 8533059, or any PAL office in your area. ChOiCe eCOnOmy seAt surChArge. We are pleased to announce that passengers may purchase a choice economy seat. These seats are positioned at the bulkhead and exit rows to provide the widest legroom possible on this class of service. Seats may be reserved upon ticketing. Confirmation will be done at the airport to comply with the Philippine Civil Air Regulations. Fees are collected upon check-in and may vary per destination.

fOrwArd eCOnOmy seAt surChArge. For your easy and priority disembarkation, you can get forward seats located in the front rows of the economy zone except exit rows or bulk head seats area which shall remain Choice Economy Seat. This will also ensure that families and groups are seated together. These preferred forward seating that are applicable for flights between USA/Canada and Manila may be reserved subject to applicable Forward Economy Seat Surcharge (FESS). mABuhAy miles freQuent flyer prOgrAm. Travel the world with Philippine Airlines and enjoy a host of privileges that add up to miles of difference. Open to anyone aged 2 and above, the Mabuhay Miles Frequent Flyer Program is designed to deliver to you the best rewards and privileges. And as you move up to higher elite levels, more travel privileges await you. For details, visit www.mabuhaymiles.com or visit any PAL office. n

TOUCHDOWN MANILA

advantage of “happy hour” drink promos at bars and pubs, dance up a storm at clubs and street parties, or cap an exhilarating night with a calming cappuccino at the corner café. Hotspots not to be missed are bohemian Malate in Manila, cosmopolitan Fort in Taguig, upscale Ayala and Rockwell Centers in Makati, trendy Libis and Timog districts in Quezon City, and chill out in the south Paranaque and Alabang areas.

COASTAL BEAUTY: The province of Palawan has many more natural attractions beyond the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puerto Princesa Underground River, such as this beautiful beach in Sabang.

PHILIPPINES AT A GLANCE

Official Name: Republika ng Pilipinas/ Republic of the Philippines Capital: Manila Official Languages: Filipino, English Land Area: 1115,830 sq mi/300,000 sq km Climate: Hot Dry Season: March–May Rainy Season: June–November Cool Dry Season: December–February Temperature Range: 21°C (70°F) to 32°C (90°F) Currency: Philippine peso (Php) PHILIPPINE JEWELS. One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature can be found in Palawan, Philippines. It is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. The Conus gloriamaris or “Glory of the Seas cone” is the rarest and most expensive seashell in the world and can be found in the Philippines. Boracay, an island located at the northwestern tip of Panay, has some of the world’s best beaches, with sugary-white, powdery sand that never burns your feet no matter how hot the day gets.

RELIgION. Approximately 90% of Filipinos are Christians: about 80% belong to the Roman Catholic Church while 10% belong to other Christian denominations. Between 5% and 10% of the population are Muslim, most of whom live in parts of Mindanao, Palawan, and the Sulu Archipelago—an area known as Bangsamoro or the Moro region. SHOPPINg. The Philippines is fast becoming a shopping haven, yielding great bargains if you know what to look for and where. Divisoria Flea Market in downtown Manila is the place to go for cheap and tight-budget shopping. The country’s upscale malls carry international brands and can be found within the area of the Makati Central Business District. Handicraft stores can be found all over the country, selling export-quality products like native baskets, hand-woven fabrics, fine jewelry, and home accessories. NIgHTLIfE. Metropolitan Manila is considered a pleasure-seeker’s paradise, with an array of nighttime activities, from the soothing to the sinful. you can listen to whatever music you fancy from the country’s popular bands and singers, take

TRANSPORTATION. PAL flies between Manila and 32 cities and towns throughout the country. Public transportation such as taxis, buses, jeepneys, and motorized tricycles are available in major cities. The train services are provided by three main railway networks that serve different areas of Metro Manila and parts of Luzon: the Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT), the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR). International car rental companies provide chauffeured or selfdriven limousine service. Large groups may hire medium-sized passengers vans or tourist coaches. fOOD. Filipino food may puzzle the first-time eater. Philippine history is largely responsible for this complex mix of cuisine from the Chinese traders who introduced their culinary influence to Castilian and Mexican cooking brought by the Spanish colonizers. The Americans brought the convenience of fast food meal while other Asian cuisines from the Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese started to emerge as well. Famous Filipino dishes include lechón (whole roasted pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa (cured beef), torta (omelette), adobo (chicken and/ or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil, and soy sauce), kaldereta (meat stewed in tomato sauce), mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato sauce), puchero (beef and plantains in tomato sauce), afritada (chicken and/or pork with vegetables simmered in tomato sauce), kare-kare (oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce), crispy pata (deepfried pig’s leg), hamonado (pork braised in pineapple sauce), sinigang (meat or seafood in sour broth), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls). n

AIRLINE PARTNERS To serve you better, Philippine Airlines broadened its route network through Codesharing with its Airline Partners, offering you more destinations worldwide. PAL sells the flight sector operated by the Airline Partner. When traveling on any of PAL’s Codeshare flights, Mabuhay Miles members enjoy certain privileges. The privileges listed in the tables below are applicable provided ticket sales and reservations are under PAL’s seat allocation and upon presentation of the Mabuhay Miles membership card.

SECTOR

PRIVILEGES

AIRLINE PARTNERS

SECTOR

PRIVILEGES

CEBU–HONG KONG

Cathay Pacific

MANILA–DUBAIvv

nHl

Emirates

MANILA–BAHRAINvv

unHl

Gulf Air

MANILA–KUALA LUMPURvv

nHl

Malaysia Airlines

NOTE: PRESENTATION OF MILLION MILER’S MEMBERSHIP CARD IS REQUIRED TO AVAIL OF ETIHAD PRIVILEGES. LEGEND: u LOUNGE ACCESS n MABUHAy MILES MILAGE ACCRUAL H EXCESS BAGGAGE BENEFITS l TRANSFER SERVICE BETWEEN NAIA TERMINAL 1 & 2vv

AIRLINE PARTNERS

ELITE, PREMIER ELITE, AND MILLION MILER MEMBERS, MILLION MILER MEMBERS, MILLION MILER MEMBERS PLUS 1 TRAVELING COMPANION

www.philippineairlines.com I 83

DOMESTIC ROUTES Basco / Bacolod / Busuanga / Butuan / Cagayan de Oro / Calbayog / Catarman / Caticlan / Cebu / Cotabato / Davao / Dipolog /Dumaguete / General Santos / Iloilo / Jolo / Kalibo / Laoag / Legazpi / Manila / Masbate/ Naga / Ozamiz / Puerto Princesa / Roxas / Surigao / Tacloban / Tagbilaran / Tawi-Tawi / Tuguegarao / Zamboanga

BASCO

LAOAG TUGUEGARAO

LONDON

MANILA

NAGA LEGAZPI CATARMAN CATICLAN

MASBATE

BUSUANGA KALIBO

ILOILO CITY

BAHRAIN DAMMAM

CALBAYOG CITY

RIYADH

DUBAI ABU DHABI

ROXAS CITY TACLOBAN CITY

AFRICA

BACOLOD CITY

CEBU

PUERTO PRINCESA DUMAGUETE CITY

TAGBILARAN CITY

SURIGAO CITY BUTUAN

DIPOLOG CITY

CAGAYAN DE ORO OZAMIZ

ZAMBOANGA CITY

JOLO

TAWI TAWI

84 I Mabuhay Magazine I December 2013 February 2014

COTABATO CITY DAVAO

GENERAL SANTOS

I N D I A N

O C E A N

INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Abu Dhabi / Bahrain / Bali / Bangkok / Beijing / Busan / Brisbane / Dammam / Darwin / Dubai / Fukuoka / Guam / Guangzhou / Ho Chi Minh / Honolulu / Hong Kong / Jakarta/ Kuala Lumpur / London / Los Angeles / Macau / Manila / Melbourne / Nagoya / Osaka / Riyadh / San Francisco / Seoul / Shanghai / Singapore / Sydney / Taipei / Tokyo / Toronto / Vancouver / Xiamen

ASIA NORTH AMERICA VANCOUVER TORONTO BEIJING

SAN FRANCISCO

SEOUL TOKYO NAGOYA OSAKA FUKUOKA

BUSAN SHANGHAI

LOS ANGELES

XIAMEN GUANGZHOU

HONOLULU HONGKONG TAIPEI

MACAU

PHILIPPINES MANILA

BANGKOK HO CHI MINH

GUAM

PAC I F I C

O C E A N

CEBU KUALA LUMPUR SINGAPORE

JAKARTA BALI DARWIN

AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

LEGEND PAL Flights PAL Codeshare Flights

www.philippineairlines.com I 85

FLIGHT FACTS Facts and figures about our flights and schedules. Distances and flight times may vary due to weather conditions, flight path changes, and the type of aircraft utilized. FLIGHT TIME refers to the time from when the aircraft engines start up before take-off, until the aircraft comes to a halt after landing. MM MILES refers to flight miles earned when travelling on Fiesta (Economy) Class, as adopted from the IATA standards.

DOMESTIC ROUTES & S ECTO RS

MM MI LE S

FL IGH T TIM E

INTERNATIONAL RESERVATIONS

MANILA

MM M IL E S

F L IG H T T IM E

R E SE RVAT IO NS

MANILA

Bacolod Basco Busuanga Butuan

298 413 176 489

1:10 1:45 1:00 1:30

Cagayan de Oro

486