Mabuhay Magazine, June 2012 by Eastgate Publishing Corporation

TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE JUNE 2012 I FOR INFLIGHT USE, NOT FOR SALE

MABUHAY JUNE 2012

www.philippineairlines.com

Celebrating independenCe day

A PHILIPPINE PRIDE ISSUE

ISSN 0217-6998

A PhiliPPine Pride issue OutstAnding FiliPinOs MAke A nAtiOn greAt

The Residences AT AcquA LivingsTone inTeRioR design By MissonihoMe The fiRsT And onLy in The woRLd

ACQUA PRIVATE RESIDENCES

THE POOL AT THE SKYDECK

ID CENTURY CITY

S T.

ACQUA

PA S

IG RIVE R

J P R IZ A L

POWERPLANT MALL

PAS

ER I G RI V

JP R I Z A L

L LA

K AT

I AV

AVE .

EDSA

BR M ANDALU YO N

ESTRE

AYA AN

PANTALEON ST.

B R ID G E

K AL

IZAL

R CO

JP R

KA Developed by Century Limitless Corporation, an affiliate of Century Properties Group, Inc. LA JUPITER ST.

YA A

ROC K WELL DRIVE

AV E.

SEN. GIL PUYAT AVE.

I AV

Authorized to sell by HLURB: TLTS ENCRFO-12-02-007. JU

PIT E

SA ED

KAT

Contact: (632) 818-9041 • (63) 917-5555-274 (CPI) • www.acqua-livingstone.com . ST

SE N

VE TA YA PU

AcquaOXPrivate Residences is located along the Pasig River on Coronado St., Mandaluyong. The closest bridge connecting it to Makati is Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, making Acqua just a couple of minutes drive from downtown Makati. AS

E PAS

K ALAYA

AN AVE.

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES’ INFLIGHT TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

editOriAL

V o l .

3 4 ,

N o .

6 ,

J u n e

Charles C. Chante Publisher simeon s. Ventura Jr. editor-in-Chief lYnette lee CorPoral managing editor isaBel l. temPlo Features editor eleaZar s. salCeDo art Director Jane ira h. inQuimBoY editorial Coordinator aniKa G. Ventura editorial Coordinator Joshua l. laGanDaon staff Writer roDel D. amBas Proofreader Kara miranDa-Ballesteros Contributing style Director ariel e. DalisaY Creative Consultant marielle s. misula interns Pat r. naBonG JareD r. millan

2 0 1 2

pHiLippine AirLines luCio C. tan ramon s. anG

Chairman President

eAstgAte pUBLisHing COrpOrAtiOn Charles C. Chante luis B. QuisumBinG simeon s. Ventura Jr. sammY l. Chan Kim G. Ventura louie D.s. GamBoa thunDer s. ilustre Jeimie r. QuiJano Jane ira h. inQuimBoY lori m. BlaCKBurn nerie silVestre-Correa leah l. reGaliZa lorie m. FernanDeZ eFren C. CaraG

Chairman of the Board Vice-Chairman President Vice-President, operations operations manager account manager account manager account manager Pr & events manager special Projects manager accounting officer executive assistant Business services Consultant legal Counsel manila, Phils.

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

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY. Look out amidst a verdant setting overlooking the sea at Bali’s Amankila resort, which happens to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. This June also marks the beginning of Philippine Airlines’ direct flights from Manila to Bali. Photo Courtesy of Aman Resorts.

mabuhay magazine is published monthly for Philippine airlines by eastgate Publishing Corporation. all rights reserved. © Copyright 2012 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, jventura@eastgatepublishing.com; mabuhay is authorized in the Philippines under PCFm Cr no. 388. Color separated and printed in the Philippines by house Printer. mabuhay’s Digital magazine iPad app by imageworkz by Cranium esolutions, inc. 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 26/F 625 King’s Road North Point, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2823 1080 Fax: (852) 2352 6204 E-mail: rita@cinmedia.com

JAPAN ADVERTISING COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Akiyoshi Ojima 3-11-1-302 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Japan Tel: 81-(0) 3 3261 4591 E-mail: ojima@media-jac.co.jp

PHILIPPINES EASTGATE PUBLISHING CORP. Ad Sales 704 Prestige Tower Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila, Philippines Tel: (632) 633 4004 to 06 633 4008 to 09, 635 9067 Fax: (632) 635 9221 E-mail: adsales@eastgatepublishing.com

FRANCE N.M. HELLIN Monique Hellin 6 Bis Rue de la Belle Feuille, F-92100 Boulogne, Paris, France Tel: (331) 460 52577 Fax:(331) 460 33321

4 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

KOREA JES MEDIA, INC. Young-Seoh Chinn 2nd Floor ANA Building 257-1 Myungil-Dong, Kangdong-Gu, Seoul 134-070, Korea Tel: (822) 481 3411/3 Fax: (822) 481 3414 E-mail: jesmedia@unitel.co.kr AUSTRALIA FREE SPORTS PRESS Peter Anderson 37 Richard Avenue Earlwood, NSW 2206 Australia Tel: (612) 9789 5003 Fax: (612) 9789 5004 E-mail: peterando3@gmail.com

SWITZERLAND IMM INFLIGHT MEDIA MARKETING Marcel Wernli Gellertstrasse 18 CH-4052 Basel Switzerland Tel: (+41) 061-319 9090 Fax: (+41) 061-319 9095 Website: www.inflight-media.ch E-mail: inflight-media@swissonline.ch

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DESTINy MEDIA Aleem Aziz Destiny Media/ Media One P.O. Box 72247 Suite #602, Bu Haleeba Plaza Al Muraqqabat St., Deira Dubai, UAE Tel: (9714) 297 6978 Fax: (9714) 297 6988 E-mail: mediaone@emirates.net.ae

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LEE & STEEL INC. Michael Lee P. O. Box 2007 Darien, CT 06820, USA Tel: (203) 445 8900 Fax: (203) 445 1885 E-mail: medialee@aol.com

UNITED KINGDOM MAJOR MEDIA David Hammond Hamilton House 1 Wythes Close Bromley Kent BR1 2BA Tel: + 44 020 8467 8884 Fax: + 44 020 8467 5558 E-mail: majormedi@btopenworld.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

A Good Synergy Photo by Justin Ventura

Mabuhay! We say this with even more vigor and verve than ever before as we turn a new page in Philippine Airlines’ long history. Asia’s first airline is now part of San Miguel Corporation, one of our country’s fastest-growing and most diversified conglomerates. And when two beloved institutions—PAL and San Miguel—come together, we can look forward to better and brighter things. Fittingly, San Miguel is also a pioneer of sorts. As Southeast Asia’s first brewery, the company is known the world over as the producer of one of the Philippines’ most iconic brands, San Miguel Beer. With interests in food, packaging, power, oil refining and infrastructure, San Miguel has today spread its wings into the aviation industry, and we welcome its entry into Philippine Airlines. Already, plans are in the works to re-fleet and modernize our airlines, open more routes and more frequent flights to selected cities, so that you have more choice than ever before, and can travel more easily and comfortably to your chosen destination. Our airline is known for its outstanding service culture and the friendly hospitality for which Filipinos are famous. We will continue to provide you the attention to detail that has allowed us to make a mark in the Asian airline industry. Indeed, San Miguel’s entry into Philippine Airlines couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. With tourist arrivals to our country at an all-time high, our marching orders from our new Ramon S. Ang president Ramon S. Ang are to enhance the travel experience for each of our customers. From the Philippine Airlines’ new president moment you book a flight with us, we will aim to be the best in everything we do, from improving check-in, to in-flight entertainment and catering, to off-loading your baggage. We will work to be first in terms of front-line product and service. As our country proudly unfurls our new tourism campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!” and hopes to take its rightful place among other top destinations in Asia, our new owners are committed to making our nation’s flag carrier even better – an airline that will bring the best of the Philippines to the world.

TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE JUNE 2012 I FOR INFLIGHT USE, NOT FOR SALE

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

9. 10. 11. 12.

Celebrating independenCe day

A PhiliPPine Pride issue OutstAnding FiliPinOs MAke A nAtiOn greAt

9 13 ISSN 0217-6998

13.

www.philippineairlines.com

A PHILIPPINE PRIDE ISSUE

Bobby Mañosa, National Artist for Architecture Pearl Farm Resort, Davao. Photo by Rhonson Ng Jose Rizal, National Hero Robin Lim, 2011 CNN Hero of the Year BenCab, National Artist for Visual Arts Amanpulo Resort, Palawan Tubbataha Reef, UNESCO World Heritage Site Lory Tan, WWF-Philippines president Bea Valdes, international fashion designer. Photo by Jay Directo Kenneth Cobonpue, awardwinning furniture designer Lisa Macuja, Prima Ballerina. Photo courtesy of Ballet Manila Lea Salonga, award-winning stage actress Samantha Gomez, Ford Supermodel. Photo by Jo Ann Bitagcol

JUNE 2012

1. 2.

MABUHAY

Get to know some of the country’s outstanding Filipinos and remarkable local destinations in this month’s cover:

Simeon S. Ventura, Jr.

06 COVER_June 2012a.indd 7

5/18/12 9:31 PM

For comments and suggestions, you can email me at jventura@eastgatepublishing.com. 6 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2011

Editor-in-chief

ENJOY

DINE Stay where great value meets wor ld-class leisure . Right across Ninoy Aquino International

RELAX

Airpor t Terminal 3 and at the hear t of Resor ts Wor ld Manila, Remington Hotel offer s great value and access to the nest shopping, dining and enter tainment options.

SHOP www.rwmanila.com +63 (2) 836 6333 â&#x20AC;˘ +63 (2) 908 8833 88 I Mabuhay Magazine I June The Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; r st2012 and only integr ated tour ist destination.

Contents V o l .

3 4 ,

N o .

6 ,

J u n e

PAGE 34IUbud: Art & Soul

Discover Bali’s art and culture hot spot

2 0 1 2

Visit John Hardy Jewelry nearby Ubud for unique jewelry created by Balinese artisans

Hong Kong’s Ozone—the world’s highest bar

tRiPPinG

42 ‘Not Your Usual’ Hong Kong Spots 48 Kenting: Taiwan’s Yes, Hong Kong can still surprise you Playground

Discover an unspoilt hideaway

46 Xiamen’s New Nightlife

Café-filled streets + a dance club district in China’s “Glittering City”

56 48 Hours in Samal: In and Around the Islands Tips for enjoying this island destination

A tRiBUte to GReAtneSS

I 86 I Rizal in Life … in Love 68 Pinoy Pride

The Philippines’ finest on the spotlight

Meet the National Hero’s sweethearts

62 Gen San City: Home of Fresh Fish and Lightning-Quick Fists There’s no place like boxing champ Manny Pacquiao’s home

88 Spot the National Hero

Glimpses of Jose Rizal in Bohol’s Peacock Garden

92 Falling in Love with the Philippines

Expats share what they love about the country

80 Filipinas at the Forefront

Who to commemorate and who to watch out for

Filipina Ford Supermodel Charo Ronquillo enjoys breakfast in the secluded Amanpulo resort in Palawan. Photo by Bien Bautista 10 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

SectionS

I I 16 I Travel Log 28 I In the News 32 I Milestones 94 I The Lighter Side 98 I Last Frame 100 I PAL Pages 06 Editor’s Note 14 What’s Up

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.

CONTRIBUTORS

VALERIE LUMANOG is a freelance writer,

MATTHEW JONES is a freelance writer,

After five years of working as a journalist,

blogger, and someone who is paid to tweet and

photographer, and editor based in Taipei,

seasoned writer APPLE MANDY is now enjoying

create Facebook status messages. She spends

Taiwan. During his free time, he can be found

the fast-paced life in Hong Kong, where she

her day chasing her two sons in between

hiking Taiwan’s glorious peaks or exploring

entertains the media for one of the largest

writing and social media. On page 56, she

the island’s many interesting coastal trails. On

Western restaurant groups in the city. On

packs in as much adventure as she can in her

page 48, he heads to Taiwan’s summer capital,

page 42, she discovers activities from dolphin

two-day stay in Davao’s Samal Island. She says:

Kenting, to explore its verdant parks, exotic

watching to wine tasting in 10 of Hong Kong’s

If I could be a literary character, I’d be Rose,

beaches, and vibrant nightlife. He says: If I could

most offbeat spots. She says: If I could be a

the coquettish flower from The Little Prince.

be a literary character, I’d be Harry Flashman.

literary character, I’d be Harriet M. Welsch in Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. www.

www.valcaulin.com

applemandy.weebly.com

CYNTHIA ROSENFELD is a consultant to the

Waiting impatiently for the birth of her second

KRINGLE SCHUCK is an English and Social

world’s finest hotels and resorts. Since 2001,

child, CHARISSE AGUINO-TUGADE keeps

Studies teacher based in the Philippines. She

she served as Contributing Editor for Condé

herself busy with tour guiding, consulting for

once toured Xiamen in 2008 and fell in love

Nast Traveler covering Asia. Her next travel

museums, developing her nonprofit Culturaid,

with the city, returning years later to teach at a

plans include checking out the new Aman

and taking up her Master’s in Cultural Heritage

prestigious international school. With Xiamen’s

resort in Greece, going on a walking trip around

Studies. On page 62, she journeys to Gen San

new nightlife, she writes about the city’s top

the Cycladic islands, then heading home to

to follow the footsteps of boxing champ Manny

spots to spend after-hours on page 46. She

Los Angeles. On page 34, she heads to Ubud

Pacquiao and sample the city’s abundant tuna.

says: If I could be a literary character, I’d be

and discovers why it is Bali’s prime destination

She says: If I could be a literary character, I’d

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She’s

for art and culture. She says: If I could be a

be Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables. www.

adventurous, smart, and looks fantastic even

literary character, I’d be Alice from Alice in

cultureight.com

after a vicious battle with an ogre.

Wonderland.

12 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

WHAT’S UP

PHILIPPINES

114TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY JUNE 12 NATIONWIDE

Nationwide fiestas commemorate the country’s independence from 333 years of Spanish colonial rule. The official celebration will be launched at Rizal Park, where hundreds of spectators gather for a police and military parade, an inspirational speech from the President, and a 21-gun salute. www.tourism.gov.ph MASTERS OF ILLUSION JUNE 13–17 NEWPORT CITY, MANILA

From the award-winning TV magic show, Masters of Illusion, comes a live performance in Resorts World Manila. Witness top international escape artists, quick-costume-change artists, and comedy magicians perform tricks with dancers and exotic animals. www. rwmanila.com

June gets quirky with an entire town dressed as superheroes, a parade of roasted pigs adorned with wigs, and a comedy magic show.

the world. Each month on a full moon, 12 powerful sound systems are scattered across the torch-lit Haad Beach, pumping R&B, reggae, and house music while performers skip on blazing jump ropes and dance with poi. www.fullmoon. phangan.info

UNITED STATES

SUPERMAN CELEBRATION JUNE 7–10

In Illinois’ Superman Celebration, festival-goers dress as their favorite superhero.

PARADA NG LECHON JUNE 24 BALAYAN, BATANgAS

An event celebrating one of the Philippines’ most iconic dishes, the Parada ng Lechon in Balayan, Batangas, is a parade of roasted pigs or lechon adorned with wigs and colorful costumes. This mouth-watering food fest also commemorates the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, which involves water dousing and splashing. www.balayan.gov. ph

AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL JUNE 8–23 ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

With 194 Australian and 110 international cabaret performers expected to take the stage, this is truly the largest festival of its type in the world. This year, Tony Award–winning Filipino actress Lea Salonga will perform with the 54-piece Adelaide Orchestra along with other notable performers, such as legendary Broadway performer Ben Vereen and comedian Lenny Henry. www. adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au

THAILAND

FULL MOON PARTY JUNE 5 KO PHA NgAN

Batangas’ Parada ng Lechon. Photo by Michael Alfonso R. De Vera 14 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Touted as one of the world’s best beach bashes, this fest is frequented by over 30,000 people from around

METROPOLIS, ILLINOIS

Where better to celebrate this quirky festival than in Illinois, Superman’s home state? Observed annually since 1978, this event honors its hero through live music, film competitions, and Superman figurine and toy exhibits. Dress up as Superman or your favorite superhero and you might win the US$1,000 grand prize. www. supermuseum.com ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL JUNE 8–10 LAS VEgAS, NEVADA

glow sticks, laser lights, and fireworks light up the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the largest annual electronic dance festival in the United States. Head bob with an expected 300,000 people to some of the biggest names in the electronic dance genre, including Tiesto, Benni Benassi, David guetta, and Armin Van Buuren. www. electricdaisycarnival.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

TRAVEL LOG

On the Rocks, Please

Perched on the base of Ayana Resort and Spa’s towering cliffs, the Rock Bar takes the term “on the rocks” to a whole new level. Its minimalist design embraces the elements: its ceiling is the sky; lights, the stars; walls, the cliff-face; and music, the ocean. Guests get different vantage points to view the gorgeous Bali sunset. Unwind with their martini selection concocted by Laval Lim-Hon, who has mixed cocktails for various royalty and celebrities. The Rock Bar is on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Gold List. Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia; +6236 170 2222; www.ayanaresort.com

16 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

TRAVEL loG Bars to check out Harvest A chic gastro pub that serves good comfort food in generous servings, refreshing fruit mojitos and specialty beers. G/F Grand Hampton Tower 2, 31st Street corner 1st Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City; +63 927 9565540 izakaya sake bar Calming Japanese accents are all over this stylish hot spot, while their 15 collections of sake and cool sake mixers keep the night going. G/F Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City; +632 757 4813

Mövenpick Cebu's marine sanctuary is the perfect venue for snorkeling and discovering a myriad of tropical marine life.

Board like a boss

Your upscale pick in cebu Mövenpick Resort & Spa Cebu is an upscale resort offering a tropical experience within its own private white-sand beach and marine sanctuary. Its 241 stylish, well-appointed rooms and suites—all with balconies—offer fantastic views of the Hilutungan Channel. The resort reflects a warm and relaxed ambience amid lush gardens, sparkling pools, and cascading waterfalls. Its Kids Club offers different daily activities, while babysitting service is available on request. For the grown-ups, there’s a private beach to enjoy, plus leisure facilities and activities like an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, water sports, steam rooms, spa, hair and beauty salon, a dive center, and a 24-hour fitness center. Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu; +6332 492 7777; www.moevenpick-hotels.com

Travel envelope from Erb and Chet (Php1,200; available in black, brown, beige, red, and purple). email@erbandchet. com; +63922 837 9297; www. erbandchet.com

ernest’s picks

Mabuhay’s resident food writer, Chef Ernest Gala, recommends his favorite Korean beef ribs in Manila.

Jang Gun (7 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Libis, Quezon City; +632 437 4432) serves a fantastic and authentic beef ribs dish with the perfect spice level. The servings are huge and well presented, not to mention their service is impeccable. Runners-up: Top Dish Korean Restaurant (4890 Durban St., Makati City; +632 758 1122) is by far the best hole-in-the-wall Korean restaurant in town. Prices are very reasonable, servings are generous, and they feature an excellent use of ingredients. The beef ribs are highly recommended. Pok Suk Jung Restaurant (100 Oranbo Drive, Pasig City; +632 634 2010) has a cozy garden ambiance, and is known for grilled meats that are tender, not too spicy, yet full of flavor. They are always served piping hot but never overcooked. Ernest studied in various culinary schools, such as the Italian Institute for Advanced Culinary & Pastry Arts in Calebria, Italy; Le Moulin de Mougins Alain Llorca, Cannes, France; École Ritz Escoffier in Paris Ritz Hotel, and École Lenôtre Pattiserie, Plaisir Cedex, France; and at the Thai Cooking School, Oriental Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

Stride in style!

Burlap Brazilian Triangles ballet flats and Red Canvas ballet flats from TOMS www.facebook.com/ TOMSphilippines

Live the Life You Love

TRAVEL LOG

Fine Filipino Cuisine at Crisostomo

Simple, savory, home-cooked meals enjoyed in a comfortable, well-lit ambiance have always been Crisostomo’s trademark. There is nothing complicated about their dishes: the taste has always been consistent and savory, reminding people that good food is not complex, and bringing out the flavors is just a matter of using the best and freshest produce. Crisostomo’s gourmet masterpieces include Crispy Pata (deep-fried pork leg) Kare Kare Kura (oxtail with peanut sauce), Tinapa ni Tiburcio or salted egg tinapa (smoked) triangles, Emilio (beef morcon slices), and Mang Pablo (crispy beef tapa). 2F Newport Mall, Newport City, Pasay City; +632 846 9275 — Ernest Reynoso-Gala

Party like a rockstar, then swim like fish – the world’s biggest fish! Consummate Traveler’s small group tours mix wildlife and nightlife. Yes, you can have it all.

Consummate Traveler: The Best of Both Worlds

Consummate Traveler, a new personalized travel agency, is coming-up with the Wildlife & Party Animal Tour combining Cebu’s nature tripping and nightlife. Imagine swimming with the world’s largest fish—the whale shark—and hitting up fun glam hotspots with VIP access. It’s really quite cool. One moment you’re island hopping via a luxury banca boat and the next you’re dancing and drinking with Cebu’s party people. Throw in a historical walking tour, guided wildlife exploration, and taste of local flavors for the best of Cebu. Tour sizes are limited, but couple & group discounts apply. For more information, contact Lori Blackburn (loriblackburn@eastgatepublishing.com).

A Sweet Start

Indonesia’s premium lifestyle café J.CO Donuts & Coffee opens its flagship store in Manila. Known for their softbite donuts with amusing names such as Jacky Chunk, Mona Pisa, and the bestselling Alcapone, J.CO will surely appeal to the sweet tooth of the Filipinos. Apart from donuts, they also offer 39 varieties of hot and cold beverages and fat-free frozen yogurt. J.CO uses the best ingredients from all over the world such as premium Belgian chocolates, Californian almonds, Japanese matcha green tea, and Italian roasted coffee. G/F SM Megamall, Megastrip B, EDSA corner J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City; +632 844 8441

20 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Highly-recommended

Dragon Song Ballet Philippines unveils its 43rd season offering, Dragon Song. Four outstanding productions featuring a gala of international masterworks and guest artists from the National Ballet of China in Songs (July 6–8, 2012); the world of talismans and amulets in Tony Perez’s Neo-Filipino: Anting (Sept. 14–16, 2012); the revival of the popular ballet musical based on the Ramayana, Rama Hari (Nov. 30–Dec. 9, 2012); and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Feb. 2013). Subscriptions to the whole season are now available. Performances will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. +632 551 1003; +632 551 7919; +632 624 5701; www.balletphilippines.org

Travel Etiquette 101: Dining in Taiwan

Finishing everything on your plate is highly discouraged. If you do, it implies that the host did not give you enough food. Leave a little rice and food on your plate to show your appreciation of the host’s generosity.

TRAVEL LOG

Dugongs Still in Danger

<VU>

Dugong Alex Woollam

Even the ban on hunting may not be enough to save these placid cows of the sea. Their sea grass pastures dwindle by the day, boats smash into them in shallow waters and entangling fishing nets drown them.

24 FabuLOus HOurs in HK

The Mira Hong Kong launches its all new, round-the-clock Mira 24 room package, allowing for flexible check-in any time, day or night. Designed to be flexible for business and solo travelers making a stopover in Hong Kong, the package also offers all the fine amenities of this urban lifestyle hotel for an entire 24 hours—from the aromatic pillow menu, signature cocktails, and personalized service, to an array of wellness indulgences at the MiraSpa. The Mira Hong Kong was also voted the “Best Business Hotel in Hong Kong” during the 2012 TTG China Travel Awards. 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2368 1111; www.

Even the ban on hunting may not be enough to save these gentle sea creatures. Their sea grass pastures dwindle by the day, boats smash them in shallow waters, and fishing nets accidentally entangle and drown them. www.creaturemag.com; www. endangeredalphabet.com; illustrated by Alex Woollam

themirahotel.com

W o r d

o f

t h e

M o n t h

‘Pezezengdeng’

A word from the Philippine indigenous group Manobo, which means “to be spoken to but sit motionless and ignore their request.” Adam Jacot de Boinod, author of 'The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from Around the World,' published by Penguin Press

Foodies’ ultimate Guide to Filipino Cuisine Have you ever heard of a dish called chupaculo? Did you know that you can find an interesting style of stuffed lechon (roast pig) in Vigan? If you wish to know the answers to these, you can find them at Claude Tayag and Mary Ann Quioc’s Linamnam: Eating One’s Way Around the Philippines. Published by Anvil, the book is a chronicle of the Philippines’ best dishes discovered by the couple in their numerous trips throughout the country. Available in all leading bookstores.

Quiz Time!

Anvil Publishing will give away a copy of Linamnam: Eating One’s Way Around the Philippines to each of the first five readers who can answer: What is the star of a traditional Filipino fiesta fare? Email your answers to info@ eastgatepublishing.com together with your name and mobile number. Use the subject “LINAMNAM QUIZ.” Winners will be notified by June 29, 2012. Check out Mabuhay's Facebook page to know the answers to our monthly quizzes.

snowflakes for stress De-stress with the Organic Snow Flakes Bodyworks with Crystal Touch (Php2,950) at the Neo Day Spa. After a mild body scrub and shower, crystal wands, known for their healing properties, massage your now supple body. Although located amid The Fort’s charged-up business section, the Neo Day Spa is a calming corner to indulge, and retreat, even for just 60 minutes. G/F Net One Center Building, 26th St. corner 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City; +632 815 8233; +632 815 6948 — Nyx Martinez 22 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

For Your Daily

Nutrition and

Protection. increase energy strengthen the immune system manage diabetes sugar levels lower cholesterol levels control blood pressure fight cancer

Like us (Life Oil)

lifeoil_ask@yahoo.com

“malunggay oil”

Special thanks to our Official Wellness Partners:

K a hu na B e a c h R e s o r t & S p a • N at i o n a l H i g hway B rg y. U r b i z to n do S a n Jua n L a Uni on 2 5 1 4 • Phone no: +6 3 .7 2 6 0 7 .1 0 4 0

• Fa x no: +6 3 . 72 607.1017

TRAVEL LOG Highly-recommended

The Phantom of the Opera in Manila One of the world’s most successful musicals will be staged in Manila for a strictly limited season from August 25 to October 14, 2012, at the CCP Main Theater. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions chief executive James Cundall, who is presenting Phantom in Manila, remarked: “It is a superb show which epitomizes all that is great about musical theater—unbelievable music, a powerfully moving story, lavish sets and costumes, and most importantly, superb audience entertainment.” Book tickets at Ticketworld (+632 891 9999).

Give the Gift of Smile Operation Smile, a private, non-profit organization that provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries for children, celebrates its 30th year with a major charity event in November and December. The event will gather volunteers from 30 countries and bring new smiles to over 6,000 faces in eight Philippine provinces. Founded by Dr. William Magee Jr. and wife Kathleen in the Philippines, U.S.-based Operation Smile is now active in 76 countries, and has changed the lives of more than 200,000 children and young adults around the world since 1982. +632 811 9737 to 40; info@operationsmile. org.ph; bobby.manzano@ operationsmile.org.ph; www. operationsmile.org.ph

Bali’s Cultural Eden

Deep in the heart of Bali is Amandari, Aman Resorts’ take on a traditional Balinese village, where the sacred meets luxury. Situated on the edge of a slope that overlooks a river and rice paddies, Amandari offers guests a lavish Balinese retreat. Here you will see a verdant landscape carefully accentuated by shrines and stone statues. In the evening, relaxing gamelan music is played near the infinity pool. Choose your private villa from their Village, Valley, and Pool Suite categories. But whichever you choose, you will surely remember what Aman Resorts is known for: bespoke service, plush amenities, and the seamless adoption of the local culture. Kedewatan, Ubud Bali, Indonesia; +(62) 361 975 333; www.amanresorts.com

Strawberry Surprise Aboard PAL

This photo was just too cute not to share. Sent in by Geoffrey Ponce, the father of the girl in the photo, he shares: “My daughter Julianna Rae Ponce was amazed with the size of the strawberry in her meal when our family used our PAL mileage to enjoy a trip to Australia last April.” Julianna shares that it’s fun taking PAL because “the food is good, the service is good and the PAL people are kind.” In response, Geoffrey shares, “I totally agree with my daughter, PAL knows how to build their relationship with their passengers. It’s not just business, it’s the relationship.” And perhaps, strawberries.

24 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

TRAVEL lOG Staycation at the Hyatt Manila

Sale MadneSS in MalaySia The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2012 kicks off on June 15 with a string of promotions and tempting discounts for the avid shopper. Ongoing until September 2, the sale carnival runs concurrently with the Hari Raya Puasa festivities. Every year’s carnival is launched with an elaborate opening ceremony held in the country’s top shopping district, Bukit Bintang. During the mega sale, major chain retailers and malls, such as Suria KLCC, Pavillion, and Lot 10 will hold special events, discounts, and promotions every week. www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Enjoy the last stretch of summer with an all-inclusive package at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. With rates starting from Php7,500 per room a night, guests can have a breakfast buffet for two adults at Market Café, 15% off in their main dining outlets and on selected spa services at Club Oasis, complimentary inroom Internet, and special benefits for kids. Offer lasts until June 30. 1588 Pedro Gil corner M. H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila; +632 245 1234 ext. 7512 or 7513; www. manila.casino.hyatt. com

Bagnet in the South Who says bagnet can only be found in northern Luzon? Now, you can satisfy your craving of that crispy pork belly in the heart of Davao City. The Bagnetian Kitchen can whip up seriously good Pinoy fare. They serve favorite dishes like Binagoongan, Sisig, Bicol Express, Kare-kare, and Dinuguan with a hint of crunch. Other recommended dishes are the Bangus Belly Chips and Crispy Tilapia with Coco Garlic Sauce. Palma Gil St., Obrero, Davao City; +63918 264 8323

Old Hong Kong at Ocean Park

Hong Kong’s Ocean Park recently unveiled Old Hong Kong, a brand new attraction that uniquely combines culture, history, iconic architecture, delicious delicacies, and entertainment. It brings to life the streetscape and spirit of Hong Kong from half a century ago by creating a friendly old street lined with tong lau-style apartment buildings and storefronts from a bygone era. The attraction also presents a vintage tramcar, a dai pai dong area offering over 70 classic delicacies, and a dazzling array of nostalgic merchandise. www.oceanpark.com.hk

26 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

IN THE NEWS Our Islands

PhiliPPines named new Breakout nation The Philippines, along with Thailand and Indonesia, are cited to be the three Asian countries poised for an economic “breakout,” according to a new book written by Morgan Stanley’s market guru, Ruchir Sharma. Sharma predicts that these countries will soon be flocked with investors for being able to beat growth rate expectations in comparison to other countries.

Those who do not comply will be penalized with a fine of Php500 to Php2,000 and six months in jail.

land of oPtimism The Philippines has the 4th most optimistic business leaders in the world, after Brazil, Peru, and the UAE, according to a recent survey conducted by Grant Thornton International Business Report, a global professional business network. The survey was based on how business leaders foresaw the next 12 months. think Before You sPit If House Bill 5901 is passed into Philippine law, spitting on the streets will be prohibited to stop the spread of tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other diseases. 28 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

filiPino-led musical wins awards Singaporean TV show The Kitchen Musical, which stars Filipino actors Karylle and Christian Bautista, was recently awarded in the 2012 New York Festivals International TV and Film Awards. It won gold for best writing and bronze for best performance.

aviation uPgrade In an effort to boost Philippine tourism and attract foreign carriers, Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. called for improvements on the country’s aircraft regulation facilities, abolishing aviation taxes, and increasing safety standards. This is another step forward in his campaign’s vision of making it “More Fun in the Philippines.” ust Bestows service award to maBuhaY magazine The University of Santo Tomas, Asia’s oldest university, awarded Mabuhay magazine with the Quadricentennial Service Award for promoting its 400-year celebration in the March 2011 issue. The coverage featured the university’s annual Christmas Paskuhan celebration, its history, and a fun map of the campus.

Disneyland in the Philippines? First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin recently wrote to Robert Igor, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, about his wish to build a Disneyland in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The former U.S. military base boasts a 32,000-hectare land area, and tax-free privileges to business establishments: the perfect place for a world-class amusement park.

www.philippineairlines.com I 77

IN THE NEWS Best of the Best

KOREA

CHINA

Best Food Hotspot

National Dish You Should Try

THAIlAND

One of the World’s Most Exotic Eats

TOP 10 NATIONAl DISHES YOU SHOUlD TRY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

KIMCHI (KOREA) PORK ADObO (PHIlIPPINES) bIGOS (POlAND) TOM YUM (THAIlAND) MOUSSAKA (GREECE) CEvICHE (PERU) NASI lEMAK (MAlAYSIA) bObOTIE (SOUTH AFRICA) KAbSA (SAUDI ARAbIA) bORSCHT (UKRAINE)

Source: www.listverse.com

WORlD’S bEST FOOD HOTSPOTS 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

DONGHUAMEN NIGHT MARKET, bEIJING, CHINA GElATERIA DI PIAzzA, SAN GIMIGNANO, ITAlY lA GRANDE EPICERIE, PARIS, FRANCE TOKYO FISH MARKET, JAPAN HOUSE OF MASTER bElGIAN CHOCOlATE-MAKERS, bRUSSElS, bElGIUM DARJEElING, INDIA SPICE bAzAAR, ISTANbUl, TURKEY MAISON MERCIER ÉPERNAY, FRANCE ROqUEFORT CAvES, FRANCE SAN MINIATO NATIONAl WHITE TRUFFlE MARKET, SAN MINIATO, ITAlY

WORlD’S MOST ExOTIC EATS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

SCORPION (THAIlAND) SEA CUCUMbER (CHINA) GRASSHOPPER (MExICO) FUGU (JAPAN) CHICHA (lATIN AMERICA)

Source: www.lonelyplanet.com

PEPPER.PH

SERIOUSEATS.COM

FANCYFASTFOOD.COM

SMITTENKITCHEN.COM

This Manila-based website by PhotoKitchen, a local food photography company, features honest reviews of both fast food and fine dining, funny culinary commentaries, and zany recipes like “The Dish That Destroyed Popeye’s Boring Diet.”

From burgers with black-dyed buns to pizza-flavored turkey stuffing, this site guides you on a quest for the best pizza and hamburgers, and then tells you how to make them. Hailed as one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites.

ARCHERY FEvER

Thanks to the blockbuster movie The Hunger Games and its heroine Katniss Everdeen, the age-old sport of archery has seen a revival among U.S. youth. According to the U.S. Archery organization, 60 kids have joined their junior program since the film’s debut in March 2012, compared to 18 four years ago. This Saveur’s Best Food Blogs of 2012 finalist gives typical fast food items a luxurious makeover using no additional ingredients, but a simple garnish.

30 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

The challenge: whipping up great meals in a really cramped kitchen. One of Time magazine’s best food blogs of 2011, this website features cooking tutorials on “comfort foods stepped up a bit.”

Quirky Candy Shops Around the World

Jelly bean 101

Illustration by Eleazar Salcedo

California, USA Graduate with a Degree in Beanology in Jelly Bean Factory’s Jelly Bean University by donning a lab coat, learning how jelly beans are made, and trying different candy concoctions. Scared of scoring an F? Take the 40-minute tour instead and browse their gargantuan candy store, or order a jelly bean-shaped pizza in the café.

Great Wall of Candy

New Hampshire, USA Chutter’s is the home of the world’s longest candy counter. Measuring 112 feet long, the counter is lined with three rows of jars filled with gum, sugar fruit slices, and candy knicknacks. Each jar is about five inches wide. Do the math, and you’ve got a whole lot of candy.

Miss…ter universe? Though its doors are still closed to mothers and married women, the Miss Universe beauty pageant will now allow transgender women to compete starting 2013, after letting 23-year-old Jenna Talackova compete in the Miss Universe Canada last May 2012.

Quality eduCation for free Learn Greek mythology without shelling out a penny. Five prestigious U.S. universities have teamed up to build Coursera, a website that offers free

M&M’s Paradise

New York, USA The M&M’s Candy Store is, well, full of M&M’s. The store claims to have a wall of M&M’s as big as New York itself. You’ll find all varieties of M&M-inspired goods here, from candy dispensers, to collectibles, apparel, toys, and even home decor. Personalize your M&M’s by having them printed with tiny messages or drawings.

online classes from calculus to Greek mythology. Online assignments and exams will also be available from professors of top universities like Stanford and Princeton. Go hard, fast! Move over, Viagra. A pill designed to induce erections within 15 minutes, about half the time it takes Pfizer’s Viagra to take effect, has won U.S. regulatory approval. The

Candy sushi

Tokyo, Japan Papabubbles is a candy store chain in Amsterdam, Barcelona, and New York, but its Tokyo location is most noteworthy for its crazy Japanese designs that include candy sushi and caramel toothbrushes. In all Pappabubbles branches, you can watch candy being made while scoring free samples.

Willy Wonka’s faCtory?

Dubai, UAE You don’t need a Golden Ticket to enter this one. Candylicious, the closest you can get to Wonka’s Candy Factory, is a 10,000-squarefoot candy store, the largest in the world. Upon entrance, you’ll see a Candylicious Car circling about, a lollipop tree, and a Candylicious Airplane kids can ride. No Oompa Loompas here.

anti–erectile dysfunction drug, developed by Vivus Inc., is called Stendra and known chemically as avanafil.

the number of visas to Kazakhstan grow tenfold, according to Kazakh foreign minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov.

the future of teChnoloGy? Google’s Project Glass isn’t your ordinary pair of specs; it comes with a speaker, a microphone, a built-in camera, and a tiny monitor. Gaze at the sky and these high-tech glasses flash the weather forecast. Lost? A virtual map pops up and directs you to your desired destination.

kazakhstan’s unlikely tourisM aMbassador Despite being banned for lampooning Kazakhstan, Borat, a movie about a fake Kazakh TV journalist traveling the United States, has attracted visitors to the country since its release in 2006. The mockumentarycomedy film helped

www.philippineairlines.com I 31

MILESTONES PHILIPPINES JUNE 8, 2010 Former U.S. vice president Al Gore visits Manila to deliver his famous talk entitled An Inconvenient Truth, and discuss how global warming adversely affects the country.

DONALD DUCK DEBUTS On June 9, 1934, Donald Duck, one of Walt Disney’s most popular cartoon characters, makes his debut appearance in a cartoon entitled “The Wise Little Hen.” Noted for his squeaky-sounding voice, short temper, and his never-ending rivalry with Mickey Mouse, he is the fifth most published comic-book character in the world, just behind Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and Wolverine. Donald Duck’s trademark voice was created by the late voice actor Clarence Nash after trying to mimic his pet goat.

a Young Girl, and is one of the most-read books in history. Though playfully named Kitty, her diary chronicles her tragic experiences hiding from the Nazis in the Netherlands during the Holocaust.

JUNE 8, 1786 Commercially made ice cream is first advertised to the general public in the The New York Post Boy: “Ladies and gentlemen may be supplied with ice cream every day at the city tavern by their humble servant, Joseph Crowe.”

JUNE 19, 1910 The first Father’s Day is observed in Spokane, Washington, when Sonora Smart Dodd approached the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and suggested a celebration day for fathers to be recognized.

JUNE 12, 1942 As a present for her 13h birthday, Anne Frank receives her famous diary, now entitled The Diary of

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JUNE 9, 1981

Academy Award–winning actress and Harvard alumna Natalie Portman, famous for her roles in Luc Besson’s The Professional and Nina in Black Swan. An equally serious student, Natalie skipped the premiere of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace to study for her high school final exams and co-authored two research papers published in scientific journals on neuroscience and chemical education.

JUNE 18, 1942

Singer-songwriter and former Beatles member Sir James Paul McCartney. He is one of the UK’s wealthiest people and is listed by the Guinness World Records as the “most successful musician and composer in popular music

JUNE 19–21, 2008 Television network ABS-CBN pays homage to overseas Filipino workers (OFW) by holding “The First Filipino Expo” at the World Trade Center in Dubai. Around 30,000 OFWs attended the three-day exhibit and 60 Filipino companies participated. JUNE 27, 2009 The inmates at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, whose documented dance number has gone viral in YouTube and reached about 50 million views, once again receive public attention by doing an encore performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the wake of the pop star’s death.

history.”

JUNE 19, 1861

Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and his many literary works published in the newspaper La Solidaridad inspired the Philippine revolution against Spanish rule.

JUNE 25, 1903

English novelist and journalist George Orwell. He is known for his widely acclaimed novels Animal Farm and 1984, with the latter being said to have inspired Suzanne Collins’ young adult sci-fi trilogy The Hunger Games.

www.philippineairlines.com I 35

JUNGLE HOOK: (LEFT) With an open air set up amidst a lush tropical jungle, Ubud’s Glow restaurant indeed radiates. Try their Courgette Carpaccio (RIGHT), a medley of garden herbs, courgettes, tomatoes, and chili laid on top of cheese. Photos courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts

UbUd: Art & SoUl How does CYNTHIA ROSENFELD love Bali’s artistic oasis Ubud? Let’s start counting, shall we?

he central highland village of Ubud, Bali’s most famous destination, is also its cultural heartland. Ancient emerald rice terraces surround this thriving community of Balinese painters, mask makers, sculptors, stone and wood carvers, dancers, and musicians. The most dramatic introduction to this artful community takes place at Wayang Kulit Shadow Puppet Theater. Acting out the great Hindu epics like the Ramayana from behind an elevated scrim, as many as 100 flat, filigreed creatures sashay across a fire-lit stage in the masterful hands of a dalang, or puppeteer, who is considered a holy priest. Next door at Studio 22K (+6236 197 5624), high wood walls are lined with vintage batiks from around the Indonesian archipelago. Ask about a young contemporary artist, Made Subrata, who while challenged by polio since early childhood, nevertheless possesses exceptional talent. He paints Bali’s most charming souvenir—the classic Balinese Kocokan. Suitable for framing, this hand-painted

34 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

BLESSING IN A BASKET During gatherings in Bali, guests are usually required to offer this ornamental basket called Oko Taka as a form of respect to hosts. The basket commonly contains bits of nuts and plants. Photo courtesy of Threads of Life

canvas mat covered in fantastical turtles, fish, and snakes is actually a traditional game played around Bali since the ancient times. More contemporary art that directly supports the livelihoods of Indonesians can be found at Threads of Life, a nonprofit enterprise that promotes women’s empowerment and sustainable development through the sale of traditional weaving known as ikat and intricate basket weaving. Someone who knows quite a bit about Ubud’s artistic traditions is John Hardy. The Canadian expatriate no longer owns John Hardy Jewelry, but credits locals and their ancient traditions for his success. Hardy explains that he was drawn here in 1975 “by a thriving Hindu goldsmith tradition that came down through history.” These days a visit to John Hardy Jewelry in the rice fields, about 20 minutes from Ubud, reveals around 600 Balinese artisans crafting modern interpretations of traditional Balinese design, like the dot motif that Hardy insists is “a spiritual experience that gives each piece a vibration.” Wind up the tour inside Kapal Bambu, the stunning cathedral-like showroom designed by Malaysian architect Yew Kwan Cheong and constructed entirely of bamboo. Wearable anywhere are pieces from collections named Padi and

SHOWING OFF: Examine the fine details of John Hardy Jewelry’s Kapal Bambu (“bamboo ship”) showroom which is literally made of bamboo and shaped like a ship.

(ABOVE) Green School’s students go hands on with activities that range from creating art to making chocolate.

Kali, meaning smooth stones like those found nearby in Bali’s holy Ayung River. After selling his eponymous business a few years ago, Hardy and his American wife Cynthia built Green School almost entirely of bamboo and mud outside of Ubud. They chose bamboo, a highly regenerative resource beloved by environmentalists, to create a sustainable legacy for the children of

Ubud. Guided walks around the awesome tropical property that include a visit to the world’s largest freestanding bamboo structure known as Heart of School take place every Monday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. and are so popular with environmentally minded students that they require advance booking. Visitors are led along ecofriendly gravel paths and across the all-bamboo Sibang Bridge suspended across the Ayung River, linking the two sides of this eight-hectare spread set among the rice terraces. Don’t leave without buying a handful of bamboo seedlings (US$10) for distribution to local farmers who will nurture the world’s fastest-growing natural building material before selling it back to the school. Green School tours held during the first night of the full moon culminate in a performance of Mepantigan meaning “throw down to the ground.” Ubud’s latest cultural attraction, Mepantigan, integrates judo, taekwondo, capoeira, Korean selfdefense, Balinese folklore, and shadow puppetry with mud wrestling, and is fun for the whole family to watch or even participate in. There is Balinese spiritual meaning behind the wet spectacle sometimes performed in a mud pit or on the sand: to teach the audience about harmony between man,

BALI HIGH: In January 2012, Bali saw an increase of 22.52%, or 248,289, in foreign tourist arrivals in contrast to the January 2011 figures. 36 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

FINE ART: At John Hardy Jewelry, head designer Guy Bedarida first drafts a sketch (ABOVE) then artisans bring the designs to life by carving materials like gold, sterling silver and gemstones into the jewelry (BELOW).

The COMO Shambhala Estate where the Glow restaurant is located was awarded “Best Hotel for Ambiance and Design” by Condé Nast Traveller in 2011. Photo by Luca Tettoni

www.philippineairlines.com I 37

COZY CORNER: Zen-inspired interiors and a balcony that overlooks a village temple are paired with contemporary Asian cuisine at Ary’s Warung.

ISLE OF DELIGHT: Described by Lonely Planet as the “most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia,” travelers to Bali are spoiled with luxury accommodations, a fascinating culture, and great natural settings. The island’s cultural center lies in Ubud. Also a reputable surfing destination, Bali’s location by the Indian Ocean gives it an abundance of shore breaks. Illustration by Kasey Albano.

god, and nature. For the adrenaline junkie, get wet in the white-water Class Two rapids of Ayung River with Bali Adventure Tours. Even after the sun sets on Ubud’s iconic rice terraces, the area teems with inspired options. Expats, locals, and visitors alike congregate at Ary’s Warung, an open-air, rustic chic eatery helmed by European chefs with an unexpectedly impressive wine and cigar selection. Or head into the tropical jungle where the health-minded chefs at Glow turn nuts, seeds, fruits, and leafy greens into raw cuisine. Try the Balinese raw honey that sweetens pad thai salad made with sliced coconut “noodles” and the luscious strawberry agar-agar with cashew nut ice cream. Worth every bite, Mozaic is Bali’s most famous gourmet eatery and a regular on world’s best restaurant listings. The ever-changing seasonal menu is a nightly surprise at this modern French restaurant, but nobody walks away disappointed. The same sense of delightful discovery can be said of a visit to Ubud itself. n

PAL flies between Manila and Bali twice daily. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com 38 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Insights on Bali Compiled by MARIELLE MISULA

BALI’S FINEST SURFING: Bali (Uluwatu and Kuta) ranks 3rd among CNNGo.com’s top 50 best surf spots in the world. NIGHTLIFE: Southern Bali’s party districts, Kuta and Seminyak, abound with live bands, DJs, happy hours, and unlimited tapas that popularly draw visitors from nearby Australia. Ku De Ta, according to Condé Nast Traveler, is where “Asia’s best beach party” happens. Located at the Seminyak beachfront, Ku De Ta has a fine-dining restaurant, ocean-front lounge, and wrap-around courtyard for parties. In 2011, it opened its Singapore branch at the Marina Bay Sands. WAYANG KULIT: The best known of the Indonesian wayang, this ancient shadow puppet theater was designated by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. Its stories are usually derived from the epics Mahabarata and Ramayana. BATIK: A fabric with colorful patterns traditionally made using a manual resist-dyeing technique. Indonesian batik has meanings inspired by religious mythologies, rituals and elements of nature like birds and fishes. UNESCO designated the Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. EAT PRAY LOVE: The film adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book of the same title was partly shot in Bali and stars Julia Roberts.

THE BALINESE–FILIPINO CONNECTION RELIGION The Balinese Hindus and Filipino Roman Catholics share some similar religious practices, such as: • Placing altars in houses and town courtyards • Traditionally carving the images of their gods as a form of worship

Bali’s Amankila Resort. A bridge leads to the entrance of their suite which sits on a hillside and offers an ocean view. Photo courtesy of Aman Resorts

• Celebrating festivals in honor of their gods and patron saints. • Giving offerings that range from food to money • A belief in the concept of heaven and hell BEHAVIOR • VALUING RESPECT: Filipinos are particularly taught how to say po and opo when addressing elders as a sign of respect. Meanwhile, the Balinese don’t pat or touch other people on the head, deemed as the most sacred part of the body. • CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY TIES: Families, including grandparents and cousins, usually live in the same neighborhood. • LANGUAGE FILIPINO BALINESE Ulo (head) Ulu Lima (five) Lima Aso (dog) Asu

ST. REGIS BALI RESORT www.starwoodhotels.com PITA MAHA RESORT AND SPA www.pitamaha-bali.com THE LEGIAN BALI www.ghmhotels.com JIMBARAN PURI BALI www.jimbaranpuribali.com FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT SAYAN www.fourseasons.com MATAHARI BEACH RESORT AND SPA www.matahari-beach-resort.com VICEROY BALI www.viceroybali.com

WHERE TO STAY Luxurytravel.com recommends these first-class accommodations: AMANKILA RESORT www.amanresorts.com BVLGARI RESORT www.bulgarihotels.com THE OBEROI, BALI www.oberoihotels.com www.philippineairlines.com I 39

TIME TRAVEL IN SAIGON FLASH PARKER discovers the delightful mix of the old and new in Vietnam’s largest city.

012 marks more than 25 years of Philippine Airlines’ regular flights to Vietnam. More than flight operations, the Philippines also sent over 10,450 troops to provide medical and civil assistance during the Vietnam War between 1955 and 1975. Since then, notable landmarks between the flight history of PAL and Vietnam followed. On November 1, 1968, PAL operated flights from Manila to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam, twice weekly until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. For the third time, PAL chartered a flight from the United States to Ho Chi Minh City to Manila on December 9, 1985. And finally, on September 1, 1986, the start of weekly flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City using Airbus A300 take place. This year, top PhilViet government officials, travel agents and businessmen will get together to commemorate this milestone in Saigon on June 1. Elsewhere in Vietnam today, evidence of the country’s revival can be seen in its biggest city, Saigon. But for the nostalgic ones, some spots offer a feel of the past with the comforts of the future. One such example is The Park Hyatt Saigon, which proudly lies about its age. This fabulously appointed hotel is a masterwork of colonial art. Staying here is like stepping back into old Indochina, though the hotel was constructed in 2005. Bits of history have been flecked onto every surface of the property, from the 1960s-era ceiling fans that whirr above opulent four-poster beds, the wrought iron bars that wind skyward with the grand spiral staircase, to the surfeits of renewal and reinvigoration found within the Xuan Spa. Curled up in a plush armchair with a copy of The Quiet American in your lap, you’ll be forgiven if you begin to think that the Saigon Opera House is also in on the act; the Opera House, built by the French in 1897, is revealed through louvered windows, and will transport you to a time when bicycles ruled the roads below.

TRADITION + TREND: (ABOVE) Visitors to Vietnam today may spot women wearing the áo Dài (pronounced as ou dahy), the country’s national costume usually worn as a uniform or a daily ensemble. Photo by Manuel Librodo Jr. (LEFT) The 2 Lam So bar mixes Vietnamese traditional art with a modern layout.

But enough culture for the day. Come night time, The Park Hyatt is home to 2 Lam Son, one of the city’s trendiest nightclubs. The mood here is vibrant and chic, with famous DJs spinning on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. When you’re ready for the clock on the wall to move in the other direction, slip into the cozy confines of Square One, where chefs in a gorgeous open kitchen enthrall with their approach to clean, simple dining. Pass the Opera House once again and slip into the belly of a former opium refinery at Hoa Tuc–a phrase that means poppy in Vietnamese. Sample the best tapas Vietnam has to offer while sipping on delightfully sinful jasmine tea. By the time you return to the Hyatt you’ll have come full circle. Crack into a fresh coconut and fill with Rượu đế in the Park Lounge. Rượu đế, the Vietnamese equivalent of American moonshine, is a distilled Vietnamese liquor made from rice and was popular in the Mekong River Delta since the early days of French colonial rule. Nothing makes time travel more fun. n

PAL flies between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City daily. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com 40 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

86 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

THE NEXT SOHO?: Tai Hang is fast becoming a dining and shopping hub these days, which is a sharp contrast from the mainly residential area of yesteryears. Now, mom-and-pop stores and makeshift eateries thrive alongside the newest restaurants and shops around.

‘NOT YOUR USUAL’ HONG KONG SPOTS Food and travel enthusiast APPLE MANDY checks out 10 of the Fragrant Harbor’s coolest digs. Photos by WILLIAM MAK

o you think you’ve seen all of Hong Kong’s nooks and crannies? If you’re willing to go beyond the usual haunts, like Causeway Bay or Mongkok, you will be in for a sweet surprise. Go where the locals go and open your eyes to the unique attractions of this neon-lit metropolis.

HEARD IT THRU THE GRAPEVINE

TAI HANG TREATS

A mere five-minute walk from the Tin Hau MTR station, Tai Hang is an old residential neighborhood-turned-dining destination. A close rival of Soho in Central, the vicinity is chock-full of restaurant options, ranging from Japanese ramen houses to charming al fresco cafés, from traditional dai pai dongs to a 24-hour hole-in-the-wall dim sum eatery. BEST BETS: Daruma Ramen House, 92E, Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, +852 2565 6600. Ming Shi Bing Shi, G/F, 16 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, +852 2576 7272; TAB: HK$100–150 42 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

TOUR OPTIONS: It’s best to tour GeoPark via a local travel agency. To get to Sharp Island, take the MTR to Choi Hung Station (exit C), then a minibus (1A) to Sai Kung’s last stop. Walk toward the Sai Kung Public Pier and take sampans to Sharp Island. TAB: HK$148 to HK$198

Dining al fresco in Tai Hang

NATURE RULES!

Magnificent rock formations and beautiful scenery are Geological Park’s top draws. Sharp Island, an exceptional isle located 2,000 meters east of Sai Kung Pier, boasts of a magnificent wave erosion landscape. Get tanned in one of the great beaches here or hike up the trail and check out the whitebellied sea eagle, which breeds along Hong Kong’s coastline.

Get a taste of a “Made in Hong Kong” wine at 8th Estate Winery, an urban winery in Ap Lei Chau established in 2007. Sourced from wine regions in the United States, Italy, Australia, and France, the premium wines are produced locally by top winemakers. Take a sip of Washington State cabernet sauvignon 2007 and be amazed. BOTTOM’S UP: Room 306, 3/F, Harbour Industrial Center, No. 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, +852 2518 0922, www. the8estatewinery.com; TAB: Private tastings of four varietal wines cost HK$180 per person (minimum of eight persons), and HK$80 per person during public tastings every Saturday. Wines start at HK$140. WORTH ONE’S SALT

Couple Omri Shamar and Caroline Goldsmith opened Inhalo eight months ago, bringing the “salt therapy” concept to

Hong Kong

It List The places to see and be seen around the city. By CYNTHIA ROSENFELD Shop Local socialite Marisa Zeman does more than lounge by the infinity pool at her father’s uberchic Andara Resort in Phuket. Her Lan Kwai Fong boutique Nude is Rude is filled with flowing kaftans, sexy dresses, and slinky jumpsuits in vibrant monochromes plus tiger, retro-inspired, and gilded prints.

BBQ PARTY: There’s something special about friends and family sitting down in front of a fire at MK BBQ and savoring grilled fare that ranges from sausages, squid, scallops, chicken wings and thighs, and a variety of meat and seafood ‘balls’. Photo by Apple Mandy.

Hong Kong. This 100-year-old health-promoting practice from Eastern Europe involves breathing in microscopic salt-infused particles in a natural salt cave. The revolutionary treatment helps alleviate ailments like bronchitis, sinusitis, snoring, and ear infections. HEALTH STOP: W Place, 7/F, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3489 3144, www. inhalospa.com, info@inhalospa.com; TAB: HK$200 to HK$675. CoDE RED: Pink dolphins in HK continue to struggle with pollution, too much boat traffic, and habitat loss.

includes cream soda, Coca-Cola, green tea, and a bottle of water. CAMPING FUN

Stay in a teepee on Palm Beach for a one-of-a-kind accommodation. Found on Lantau Island’s south side, these hand-painted, multi-sized American Indian tents sit on a 20,000-square-foot lawn. Other activities available include sunbathing, kayak surfing, skim boarding, and standup boarding. WHAT’S WHAT: Palm Beach, Cheung Sha, Lantau Island, +852 2980 4822, www.palmbeach.com. hk, info@palmbeach.com.hk; TAB: HK$1,300 (26” teepee), HK$600 (16” teepee), HK$550 (12” teepee). For more information, visit www.palmbeach.com.hk/ lodging.html TICKLED PINK

GRILLIN’ & CHILLIN’

Forget about the grungy décor and interior, MK BBQ is the place to be for good food. Sitting around a large fire pit in a terrace and grilling ingredients of your choice could be fun. The staff does not speak fluent English, so the good ol’ “point and order” routine will do. GOOD TO KNOW: 6/F, 29 Soy Street, Mongkok, +852 6693 8700, daily 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.; TAB: Monday to Thursday, HK$128 for 4 hours; Friday to Sunday and public holidays, $138 for 4 hours. Price

With only fewer than a hundred Chinese white (or pink-colored) dolphins existing today, the Dolphin Watching Tour available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in North Lantau and Soko Islands is a must to raise awareness about these endangered animals. They’re colored pink because they are said to blush; that is, blood is carried to the skin’s outer layers to regulate the dolphin’s body temperature. DO YOUR PART: Dolphin Watching Tour, +852 2984 1414, www.hkdolphinwatch.com, info@hkdolphinwatch. com. TAB: HK$380 per adult, HK$190 per child (3–11 years old), and HK$50 for kids 3 years and younger. BIKERS’ PARADISE

Fancy a picturesque bike tour? Rent a bicycle at Wan Wah Bicycle Rental and explore Tai Mei Tuk in the

Dine Indulge in Michelin-starred chef Gray Kunz’s Café Grey Deluxe. Their wellpriced, pre-fixed lunch features creative starters like porcini pumpkin gnocchi in chanterelle cream as a prelude to a sublime steamed Tasmanian salmon with leeks and ginger. Drink The world’s highest bar at 490 meters, OZONE is not for the vertiginous. Try their signature Dragontini made with vodka, yuzu, and raspberries while admiring captivating Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and Victoria Harbour views. Sleep Fans are divided on the best aspect of EAST Hong Kong. Is it the location, in the former dockyards turned newly cool Taikoo Shing area with new art spaces and eateries just 10 minutes by MTR from Central, or the super plush beds in reasonably priced rooms? (Cynthia Rosenfeld is a consultant to the world’s finest hotels and resorts. Since 2001, she served as Contributing Editor for Condé Nast Traveler covering Asia.)

www.philippineairlines.com I 43

GAME ON!

Get your thinking caps on and join board game geeks at Jolly Thinkers Boardgame, a game center-retail-coffee shop in Wanchai and Prince Edward. The choices are many— from all-time favorite games to popular ones like Geistesblitz, Jungle Speed, Dixit, Blockers, or Saboteur. Also for sale are over 100 game titles on the rack. WINNERS’ CIRCLE: 11/F, Bayfield Building, 99 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, +852 2527 2882, www.jollythinkers.com, info@jollythinkers.com; TAB: HK$55 (first 2 hours’ rental inclusive of one drink—tea, coffee, or juice—worth HK$30); boardgames are sold from HK$80 and up. TEE-HEE…

TOUR DE WAN WAH: Renting bicycles is the most relaxing option to explore Tai Mei Tuk, Hong Kong’s longest bike route that stretches for about 20 kilometers or so from Tai Wai.

New Territories. Savor the fresh breeze while cycling on spacious, two-lane flat pavements overlooking the Plover Cove Reservoir, verdant hills, and calm waters. GETTING THERE: Wan Wah, Stt 811,

DD28, Tai Mei Yuk Village, Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, New Territories, +852 2662 6292. To get there, take the MTR to Tai Po Market, then take a green taxi to Tai Mei Yuk Village. TAB: HK$35/person per day.

T-shirt design is taken to the next level with Shikisai, a Japanese brand that enables buyers to play with its interactive design details or simply catch other’s attention. Be it real lace dangling from a two-dimensional print on a white top or blinds that can be folded up. The clean, minimalist designs are the brainchild of Japanese dynamic duo Noto-Fusai. T-SPOT: T Nation, Shop 157, Causeway Place, 2-10 Great George Street, Causeway Bay, www.shi-ki-sa-i.com, tnation.cwb@me.com. TAB: HK$499. n

LUXE LIVING: With living spaces on land getting smaller and more expensive, Hong Kong’s expats are discovering the joys of houseboat living...and how!

WATER, HO!

Thinking of trading a serious flat for a luxurious houseboat? APPLE MANDY helps you make up your mind. It’s easy to feel claustrophobic in Hong Kong’s “shoebox apartments,” so named because of the dwellings’ limited spaces which, on the average, measure 700 square feet or less. For Michele Cameron and her husband St John, with daughters Stephanie, 15, and Lucie, 13, and two dogs Pepper and Brandy, what better way to get back and savor that gift of personal space than living in houseboats? Six years and

five houseboats later, the Camerons are proud owners of a 57-foot, three-bedroom vessel named “Toad Hall” docked at the Discovery Bay Marina Club in Lantau Island. “What I like about living here is that there is a lot of space and a lot of outdoor living. It just gives you such a wonderful lifestyle,” shares Michele. Indeed, a visit to the Discovery Bay Marina, popular among expatriate families, reveals glamorous perks for residents— complimentary use of highclass facilities, such as a 25-foot swimming pool, tennis courts, library, a fully equipped gym, and a restaurant called Anchorage

that serves both Western and Asian fares. One of the world’s largest marinas for liveaboards, the Discovery Bay Marina is home to 214 berths. Living on a houseboat is a lifestyle choice. Renting one costs between HK$40,000 and HK$50,000 per month, including utilities and the right to use all the club facilities. But buying a 2,400-square-foot semifurnished houseboat costs a whopping HK$6.5 million. Michele, a qualified state agent for HK Boat and Homes Ltd, says demand for houseboats is increasing. To date, she has sold 60 and rented out over 20 liveaboards.

Other houseboat haunts in Hong Kong include Gold Coast and Aberdeen. But even with 24-hour security, accidents do happen. “Stephanie has fallen in the water three times over the last six years but luckily she can swim,” says Michele. This is why safety measures, such as walking down the middle of the dock, are taught to residents, especially kids. Those who fall into the water can climb the safety staircases or onto smaller boats. Certainly, living on a houseboat can be expensive, but the promise of breathing in that precious personal space is priceless. n

PAL flies between Manila and Hong Kong five times a day. Swingaround tour packages are also available. For more information, call PAL Reservations Office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. 44 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

www.philippineairlines.com I 35

WORK HARD, PARTY HARDER. Xiamen, one of China’s Special Economic Zones, is home to dozens of booming businesses that reel in thousands of young graduates and job seekers from China and around the world each year. Highly exclusive dance clubs such as Club Louis One are packed with yuppies looking for a hiatus from their daily grind.

Xiamen’s new nightlife KRINGLE SCHUCK discovers how when it comes to nightlife, Xiamen is no longer just Shanghai’s little sister. Photos by WANG YUANCHANG

s evening approaches, Xiamen costume changes into a nightgown of neon-colored LED lights, beckoning everyone to doll up and head out. It was the British after the First Opium War who turned this Fujian port city into an enclave of pubs and dance halls. Fast-forward hundreds of years later and it’s the start of Mao Zedong’s communist regime in 1949, where foreigners were expelled from the country and streets were hushed as nightlife waned. It was not until the 1980s when the Chinese government reopened foreign trade, and Western pop culture gradually made its way back. With newfound freedom, clusters of posh hotels, discotheques, and trendy European-style coffee shops sprouted around the city. Today, Xiamen is not just known as the location of the quiet and cultural Gulangyu—its most frequented tourist attraction. Zhongshan Night Shopping Flanked at both sides with restaurants, clothing

LIVING LARGE Three of the richest tycoons in the Philippines— SM’s Henry Sy, PAL’s Lucio Tan, and Robinson’s John Gokongwei—all hail from Xiamen.

stores, international malls, and European-style buildings, Zhongshan Road is the busiest shopping district in Xiamen. This 100-year-old, 1.2-kilometer road that stretches from the Cultural Palace all the way to the ferry landing is overcome by keen shoppers every night. Upscale shopping malls are slowly upgrading the street markets in Zhongshan Road. Boutiques and factory outlets of high-end brands like Gucci, Armani, and YSL compete with street vendors who offer lingerie, leather bags, and embroidered beads at friendly prices. This type of variety, a stark contrast between the old and the new, is an apt representation of Xiamen in its entirety. Zhongshan Road, studded with food stalls from left to right, is also a fitting place to sample Xiamen’s exotic bites. The Xiamenese have an eclectic taste in food and are unfazed by the potent smell of grilled squid and “stinky” tofu wafting through the air. In this city, you’re bound to see culinary oddities along the way. In Xiamen, Coffee over Tea Glance to your right—a café; and to your left— another one. You are in Yundang Road, better known as Xiamen’s famous coffee street, home to

THE GLITTERING CITY Xiamen was recently voted as China’s cleanest city. It is also Business Travel magazine’s second “Most Suitable City to Live In” 2011, topping Portland, Montreal, and Amsterdam. 46 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

A SIP BY THE SEASIDE: An al fresco bar in Haiwan Park provides a scenic view of LEDlit buildings across the bay.

MIDNIGHT MARKET: A clothing stall in Zhongshan Road, the city’s central shopping strip that’s home to numerous department and clothing stores.

ALL THAT SQUIRMS The Xiamenese have arguably one of the world’s strangest tastes, with almost anything that crawls or wiggles in their coastline making their way to the dinner table. Boiled seaworm wrapped in cold jellyfish is a popular local delicacy, while bird’s nest soup (made with swallows’ coagulated saliva) is another popular dish.

dozens of cafés, restaurants, and shops (sometimes even all three at once). In this long strip of road overlooking the scenic Yundang Lake, coffee shops of different varieties run ‘round the clock—book cafés, bohemian cafés, and lounge cafés—which punctuate Xiamen’s European-esque love for coffee. Lakes Café, a charming coffee shop with white wicker furnishings and New England-style décor, is most noteworthy for its extensive offerings of coffee, tea, and cheesecake. Go al fresco at the balcony for a spectacular view of the sun setting down the horizon. Just a few blocks away is Coyote Café and Cantina, Xiamen’s first provider of Mexican food. Tacos and burritos are served in rooms adorned with Southwest American-style décor. Their bar serves excellent margaritas while its kitchen whips up what is perhaps Xiamen’s best chimichangga. Nightclubs, Xiamen-Style

As evening approaches, fast cars, dapper gentlemen, and ladies in stilettos take to the streets. For club-hopping, head to Haiwan Park, Xiamen’s dance club district, located near the Marco Polo and Pan Pacific Hotels. Dubbed the “Xiamen City that Never Sleeps,” Haiwan provides a breathtaking view of Gulangyu Islet to the left and Haicang Bridge to the right with the beautiful bay as their foreground. As soon as the sun sets, commercial buildings across the bay put on dazzling LED light shows which are best witnessed in any of the al fresco bars along Haiwan Park. Live music is a staple in Xiamen’s entertainment scene, and Filipino bands are almost always favored for their vibrant musicality. Sip on draft beer, cocktails, or quality Australian wine while listening to some of Xiamen’s best Filipino acts in Me&You2 Bar. Its kitchen is also known to serve the best pizza in the city. More mature crowds call dibs on True Love. This bar hosts a variety of quirky gimmicks such as handing guests masks upon entry, or placing cards that say “You can only sit with strangers” on every table. Their tangy mojitos are an all-time favorite. For a more exclusive setting, Club Louis One offers a Victorian mansion theme. Huge paintings, golden chandeliers, and massive backlit dance floors trodden by the high-brow Xiamenese make this club extremely popular. Once just a little coastal region eclipsed by Hong Kong and Shanghai’s nightlife, it’s time to find out why Xiamen is now dubbed as China’s “Glittering City”. n

CoNTACT DETAILS: Me&You2 Bar Hou Hai Ting 1, Haiwan Park +86 592 221 1747 Lakes Café 3-8 Yundang Road, Siming District +86 592 512-9945 KK Bar Champs Elysees Building, No. 9 Xiti Haiwan Park, Siming District True Love Donghui Garden, 2-4 Yundang Road, Siming District +86 592 531-5666 Club Louis one Hubin South Road, Siming District

PAL flies between Manila and Xiamen daily. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. www.philippineairlines.com I 47

uNder tHe sea: The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA), located near Kenting, features an 81-meter underwater tunnel. It has a capacity of 1.5 million gallons making it the largest in Asia. Photo from imagetaiwan.com.tw.

KENTING: TAIWAN’S PLAYGROUND

MattHeW JoNes takes us to Taiwan’s southern summer capital for some sun, scenic landscapes, and nightlife.

enting is to the Taiwanese what the Côte d’Azur is to the French and Bali is to the Indonesians— the definitive beach resort destination. But unlike its better known international counterparts, it remains blissfully free of the influence of big corporations, making a holiday here a welcome break for your credit card, too. Nestled in a sparsely populated crescent on Taiwan’s southern tip, sleepy Kenting is a world away from the island’s industrial north, where factories churn out everything from key fobs to blade servers. The 330-kilometer journey by road from Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport takes less than half a day and passes through many of Taiwan’s most famous cities. Along the route, the scenery changes from gray clouds and tree-covered mountains in the north of the island, to blue skies and tropical palms in the south. Most visitors stay in Hengchun, a typical Taiwanese provincial town, save for its hundreds of tourist hotels that range from two-room family-run B&Bs to five-

48 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

star international properties. Though the town itself is unremarkable, it serves as the gateway to the stunning Kenting National Park, which covers a total of 33,269 hectares of emerald peaks, primeval forests, unspoiled coastline, and a thriving tropical reef. Natural WoNders

There’s so much to see and do in Kenting that it’s hard to know where to start. Nature lovers should head for Sheding Nature Park, home to nearly 240 species of plants and 100 different kinds of butterflies. The park’s beauty lies in its striking scenery—limestone caves, fissures in the uplifted coral, and the outlines of gnarled, windswept trees all compete for attention. Sheding is also famed as one of Taiwan’s premier birdwatching destinations. An information center and specially designed lookouts help ornithologists track and photograph the many rare species. Nearby, the Kenting Forest Recreation Park offers hikers substantial trails and is home to an even wider variety of vegetation, including tea trees,

Famous Taiwanese

JereMY lIN TaiwaneseAmerican NBA star, responsible for recent “Linsanity” F4 Boy band and stars of the TV series Meteor Garden aNG lee Director of such acclaimed movies as Eat Drink Man Woman (1994), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Brokeback Mountain (2005), and Lust, Caution (2007)

MarIne wOnderLand: Kids will have fun when they imagine swimming underwater with these huge whales! A huge model of a humpback whale and a sperm whale are found at the center of NMMBA’s outdoor pool. Photo from imagetaiwan.com.tw

rubber trees, medicinal herbs, tropical fruit groves, and coconut palms. A short drive north of the parks is a rare natural wonder the locals call chuhuo, or eternal fire. Here, amid an otherwise unremarkable field, natural gas escaping from rock fissures deep underground makes its way to the surface, where it burns as ghostly flames. Chuhuo is best visited at night when the flames are most visible. Sand and Sun

After a day exploring the great outdoors, it’s time for a relaxing day at the beach, and it is for the seaside that most Taiwanese head to Kenting. Nanwan (South Beach) is the largest of Kenting’s beaches, and offers a wide range of activities from ATV rides and jet skiing to surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Baishawan (White Sand Beach), a little further north, is altogether a more relaxing place where motorsports are banned. This is the place to head for a romantic day out or just to relax in the sun with a book and work on a tan. Come sunset, make a detour to Mount Guan, whose westerly facing viewing platforms overlooking the sea are perfect for taking in the golden sunset. underwater adventureS

Kenting’s National Park status ensures that its coral reef is protected from commercial exploitation, and that’s great news for scuba divers and snorkelers.

teen SPIrIt: Kenting town comes alive at night when throngs of teenagers look for the most fun gaming spots and good grub. Photo by Richard Matheson

Kenting is home to a handful of dive operators, all of whom rent equipment, organize dives, and offer instruction. “Kenting is home to 60 percent of coral species found worldwide,” says Andy Gray, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer who currently lives in Kaohsiung. “Within the marine park boundaries are found some 1,105 species of reef fish, 42 species of stony corals, and 42 species of soft corals.” “Diving from the shore in Kenting may present some challenges for the novice diver,” he adds. “Not least are the coral rocks, coral sea cliffs, and lava flow rock that bound many of the shorelines, rip currents, and swiftly moving tides. This makes Kenting an ideal place to learn how to dive as open water, advanced open water, and rescue divers come out of their

rOarInG tIGer One of the “Four Asian Tigers,” Taiwan’s economy ranks 19th in the world by purchasing power parity (PPP). The island has the world’s 4th largest foreign exchange reserves. Taiwan is the world’s largest supplier of customfabricated computer chips and one of the biggest suppliers of LCD panels.

BuBBLe uP! One of Taiwan’s most innovative drinks, bubble tea was invented in Taichung City in the 1980s and quickly became an island-wide craze. It is served either hot or iced depending on the season. A host of innovative variations have appeared in recent years, from bubble green and fruit teas to bubble coffee. www.philippineairlines.com I 49

TANK WITH A VIEW: The kelp forest tank in NMMBA features simulated kelp typically found in the Pacific Coast of North America. These kelps can grow to as long as 60 meters. Photo from imagetaiwan.com.tw

FOODIES’ HAVEN: Thai food is quite popular in Kenting, and one restaurant to try is Mambo, which is just along Kenting Road. Photo by Richard Matheson

ILLUmINATING HISTORY

Local Lowdown

courses far better able to cope with the less than ideal conditions.” For those not inclined to observe marine life in its natural habitat, many of the species can be seen at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. At a length of 81 meters, the aquarium has the longest underwater viewing tunnel in Asia, offering visitors the chance of a face-to-face encounter with a whale shark and a host of other captivating marine creatures. It takes a full day to explore all the exhibits in the aquarium complex, but visitors on a tight schedule should at least check out the dedicated beluga pool, the penguin enclosure, and a kelp tank with a viewing window as large as a movie screen. The aquarium is open daily and entrance costs NT$450 (US$15).

GLORIA YU Office worker

Favorite summer drink: Coke with ice Favorite weekend escape: Taiwan’s northeast coast Favorite shopping area: Xinyi District, Taipei Favorite season/event of the year: Camping during the cooler autumn weather Favorite local food: Soyamixed meat (luwei)

One of the most picturesque spots in Kenting is Oluanpi Lighthouse, a former working lighthouse that has been restored to its former glory and which now serves as a museum. It was built in 1883 following the wreck of the U.S. cargo ship Rover off the southern tip of Taiwan 16 years earlier. The sober-looking tower stands within an allwhite fortified compound that was built to keep out marauding aborigines. Because of its color and beautiful vantage point on the coast, it is one of Taiwan’s most popular locations for shooting wedding photos. DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

Henchun comes alive after sunset, when Kenting Main Street road turns into an enormous night market offering Taiwanese, Chinese, and international snacks for as little as NT$100 ($3). The town is also home to a huge variety of restaurants serving up Chinese, Western, Japanese, Thai, and Balinese cuisine. Pubs serve food well into the small hours and offer entertainment such as belly dancers, singing contests, and other usually raucous activities. n

HIDDEN TREASURES Following the forced abdication of Puyi, the last Chinese emperor, in 1914, the Qing Court’s artistic and historic treasures were seized by the new Chinese Nationalist government and put on display in the Palace Museum in Beijing. The Japanese invaded China in 1931, prompting the Nationalists to close the museum and crate up the most valuable works. Some priceless items were sent overseas for long exhibitions while the bulk of the collection was hidden in various locations in southern China.

In 1948, the Nationalists faced defeat in the Chinese Civil War and prepared to retreat to Taiwan. Believing that the retreat would be a temporary one, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek ordered that the imperial treasures be shipped to Taiwan by the ROC Navy. They were stored in underground bunkers in central Taiwan and weren’t seen by the public again until the National Palace Museum opened in Taipei in 1965.

PAL flies between Manila and Taipei daily. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL Reservations Office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. 50 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

NATURE’S BEST: (LEFT) Outdoor dining satisfies one’s appetite as much as it draws one closer to nature. Surrounded by trees, the wooden picnic tables for lunch and the bench for an afternoon siesta provide a relaxing environment. (RIGHT) Electrolyte lemonade is just one of the reinvigorating drinks made from ingredients harvested daily from The Farm’s organic garden.

RESTED AND RESTORED JOAN C. BULAUITAN leaves the city to recharge at one of the world’s best wellness sanctuaries—The Farm.

find myself sitting in one of the benches under a glorious mango tree with outstretched branches coiled with cascading tendrils of vine. I relish the cool breeze and the holy hush of verdant scenery and catch myself wondering why it took me this long to return. I look forward to giving my system a reboot, here at what is considered to be one of the top wellness sanctuaries in Asia—The Farm at San Benito. SyStem Reboot Appropriately, my schedule begins with colema. I expect it to be a breeze. Alas, my heavy meal the previous night takes its toll. I have gas pains all over. When the procedure is over, my knees feel like jelly. The therapist gives me four tablets of bioplasma to replenish the nutrients that were flushed out during the procedure. I take the warm ginger lemon tea given me and settle on a sofa with a hot compress on my belly. I want to allow my digestive tract to rest some more, so instead of having my lunch at the usual hour, 52 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

I participate in a tai chi class. After 45 minutes, I am sweating, not out of breath, but definitely feeling my quads and hamstrings. In the Raw I didn’t know exactly what to expect from food labeled as raw, except perhaps for the usual salads and fresh fruits. The corn, ginger, and lemongrass soup is richly flavored, not too thick but smooth and impeccably spiced. The jicama slaw is garden fresh, punctured by the lovely texture and subtle sweetness and heat of the spicy macadamia. Upon the suggestion of Jennifer Hazen, The Farm’s resident manager, I order the entrée sampler—fresh coconut meat instead of the usual heart of palm put the spring back in spring rolls. Drizzled with sweet chili sauce, it was a perky bundle. I unwrap the tamales to find the staple of almost every Filipino meal—rice. It is the glutinous variety,

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” — Ovid (Roman poet)

Live at the Height of Luxury.

78 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

HEALTHY LIVING: (LEFT) Alive! Restaurant serves incredibly sumptuous raw cuisine; the meals are dehydrated to resemble cooked food. Dine inside or enjoy a meal, al fresco style, amid the verdant trees. With its own tropical garden, the Master Villa offers a solitary place for some downtime. Start the day with breakfast at the patio overlooking Mt. Malarayat, and end the night with a private meal by the heated pool (RIGHT).

steam-softened, and subtly seasoned, hitting all the right buttons and embodying all that the phrase “comfort food” represents. Finally, dessert is served. I take one spoonful after another of the chocolate (sundae) on chocolate (chip ice cream) combination lavishly strewn with candied nuts and mango bits, until I realize I have nothing left to take a photo of but a chocolate-streaked dessert glass. Scrub Down After an hour-long siesta, I head to The Farm’s Salus Per Aqua spa. My skin kayud treatment begins with two therapists massaging oil on my back and gently scraping my skin with what looks like capiz shells. This procedure stimulates the lymph canals to draw toxins out of the body. Following the kayud is the body detox using a curcumin scrub. Curcumin has been used for thousands of years in Negros Island. It has the active healing power to detoxify the liver, skin, kidneys, and heart. With both sides of my body slathered with curcumin, the therapists wrap me, burrito-like, in a blanket and lay a warm compress on my abdomen. I lie like a mummy for 15 minutes, then I take a shower to wash off all the gunk. I get into an outdoor bathtub with warm water and freshly pressed coconut milk, and for the next 30 minutes, wallow in the warmth and comfort of this glorious bath. It’S In the blooD From the spa, I proceed to the clinic for my capillary scan and live blood analysis. The doctors remark that my blood is one of the palest they’ve seen, indicating

iron deficiency and lack of sleep. The cells are clumpy, most likely due to dehydration. I am horrified and vow to drink eight glasses of water as soon as I step out of the clinic. Dinnertime arrives soon enough. The meal starts with a very light (read: guiltless) avocado tomato tartar, followed by a Provençal vegetable soup. The “interactive” salad consists of romaine lettuce leaves tied into bundles with nori wrapper, with a creamy and mildly piquant shallot dressing. I take a few bites of the mains sampler: the zucchini package filled with carrot pâté and grilled vegetable napoleon on millet and sweet potato polenta. Desert was a velvety mocha chocolate layer cake, with a chocolate taste that lingered on in my tongue.

The Farm at San Benito is located at 119 Barangay Tipakan, 4217 Lipa City, Batangas; +632 884 8074 to 75; reservations@ thefarm.com.ph

FreSh StArt After a good night’s sleep, I head to the outdoor rainshower to enjoy the lemongrass scented body scrub, a mixture of bath salt and coconut oil that does wonders to my dry skin. For breakfast, I start off with mixed fruit salad with coconut and fruit yogurt. I decide against coffee and opt for the organic hot chocolate. I love the pop and crunch I get from the granola with mixed cereals, which I douse with a good serving of nut milk. The Japanese scrambled tofu had me at hello. It is creamy and egg-y, each luscious mouthful blending so well with the sweet coconut bacon. Fresh, delicious, and healthy—this is the true breakfast of champions. It is a meal that represents all that is great about new beginnings. n

COMFORT ZONE: The Farm offers well-appointed accommodations, ranging from the Sulu Terrace, Anahaw Family Villas, Palmera Suites, and Garden Villas to the very plush Master Villa. 54 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

www.philippineairlines.com I 35

A THING OF BEAUTY...: One of the two main waterfalls in Samal Island, Hagimit Falls, is a beautiful, three tiered waterfall located two kilometers away from the Peñaplata town proper. Photo by Jojie Alcantara

48 Hours in samal: in and around tHe islands Let VALERIE LUMANOG show you how to maximize both the land and sea delights of this southern Philippine island.

amal, anchored in the heart of Davao Gulf, is Davao region’s shining pearl. Highly accessible from Davao City, the island is a place not just for beach bums but also for those who want a destination that offers something authentically organic.

DAY 1

SUROY SUROY SA ISLA (INLAND TOUR)

8 a.m. Warm Breakfast in Davao Before leaving for Samal, enjoy warm rice meals from any outlet of TAPS, Davao City’s breakfast capital. 9 a.m. Off to Samal. Take a passenger jeepney (Php12) or a cab (around Php150) to your respective wharf. Depending on where you are staying in the island, travel time is from 10 to 45 minutes. 10 a.m. Hello, Samal There are at least 70 resorts in Samal, ranging from budget to luxurious 56 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

accommodations. On the forefront are The Pearl Farm Resort (www.pearlfarmresort.com), Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort (www. paradiseislanddavao.com), Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark (www.bluejaz.net), and Maxima Resort and Aquafun (www.aquafun.psdgroupph.com). As you settle in your chosen accommodation, take pleasure in the pristine coast of Samal or lounge on the beachfront with your welcome drinks. Book your tours for the next 40 hours on the island. 12 p.m. Pani-udto (Lunch) Enjoy a Samal feast of panga (grilled tuna jaw), kinilaw (local ceviche), and sinuglaw (combination of sugba or grilled pork belly and kinilaw). Freshly opened buko (coconut) is an islander’s thirst quencher. 1 p.m. Fruity Bats Warm up your tour with something relatively unspoiled. Start with a trip

Samal Trivia The word Samal comes from “Isamal” and “Sama,” two different indigenous groups who were the island’s first settlers. The waters surrounding Samal used to be the main source of South Sea pearls. There is no pearl farm in Samal at present. Samal is a separate city and goes with its formal name: The Island Garden City of Samal. With its fresh and healthy environment, Samal has been a retirees’ haven for years.

CAVE CRITTERS: The Monfort Bat Sanctuary houses the world’s biggest colony of fruit bats in the world. Photo by Rhonson Ng

AND AWAY WE GO: Maxima Aqua Fun has a lot to offer to guests: kayaks, canopy walks, and waterslides—one of which is their well-known 40-meter tarpaulin slide, situated atop a hill and goes down directly to the sea. Photo by Jojie Alcantara

to the Circadian Monfort Bat Sanctuary. With approximately 1.8 million bats that call the three caves their home, it is listed by the Guinness World Records as the largest bat colony in the world. 2 p.m. Extreme Adventure Visit caves, many of them unnamed. Those who want excitement can proceed to Bito Depression in Brgy. Guilon and rappel down to more than 270 feet deep (contact Samal Adventure Tours; www.samaladventuretours. com; +6382 300 7741). 4 p.m. Chasing Waterfalls Samal has two waterfalls: Hagimit and Mangongawong Falls. Hagimit Falls is the more popular and perfect for day-trippers. From the town of Penaplata, head off to Brgy. Cawag. From the entrance, hold the railing as you go down 50 steps to the falls. Cottages for overnight stays are also available (day cottage rentals, Php50). Meanwhile, Mangongawong Falls is located in Brgy. Tagbaobo (people prefer to call it “Tagbaobo” since it is easier to pronounce) in Kaputian District, the southeastern part of the island. These falls, believed to be developed by the Japanese, is less frequented

due to its location, and it is smaller compared to Hagimit Falls, where there are many natural pools for swimming. 5 p.m. Relax and Get Pampered After a long day exploring Samal’s rough side, freshen up in your respective accommodations. Get a quick nap or sign up for a traditional Filipino massage or hilot. 7 p.m. Panihapon (Dinner) With day-trippers gone from the island, own your resort. Enjoy an informal dinner accompanied by live musical performances. 8 p.m. Nightlife in Samal No, this is not about going to bars. Grab your bottle and enjoy the island’s best entertainment: the moon and the soothing sound of the waves. Samal beaches are safe for night swimming under the moonlight.

DAY 2

ISLAND CRUISING

WANNA DIVE? Travelers have many options to reach Samal from Davao City. Many resorts have their own boats to ferry their guests from the city to the island and back. Others can take a barge (Php10) from either Sta. Ana Wharf or Sasa Wharf. Last trip leaves at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the banca and barge, respectively.

With seven bigger islands and a cluster of islets and rock formations, island hopping and watersports are the best parts about Samal. Contact Paradise Island

www.philippineairlines.com I 57

WATERWORLD: (LEFT) Young Badjaos, a native group of the Sulu and Celebes seas, are known to offer precious pearls to tourists (Photo by Jojie Alcantara). (RIGHT) The Coral Garden is a 4-kilometer stretch of vast corals teeming with underwater life (Photo by Rhonson Ng).

Park and Beach Resort for arrangements (+6382 233 0251). 7 a.m. Pump It Up! Pump your day with some earlymorning exercise. Ditch the fitness center and jog along the shores. Want something more challenging? Run along the island’s slopes and hilly terrain. 8 a.m. Pamahaw sa Samal (breakfast) Native coffee and a nice breakfast. Enjoy the morning sun as you await your boat for your island-hopping trip. 9 a.m. All Aboard! White-sand beaches, small islands, deluxe accommodations like the Pearl Farm and Ekran Berhad Casino Resort, fishing villages, and private beaches. Get to see community projects preserving Samal’s coral reefs and fish population along the way. 10 a.m. Snorkeling Coral Garden, which is named after a natural underwater garden from colorful corals, is one of the most popular stops for snorkeling. Members of the indigenous group Badjao, also known as “sea gypsies,” peddle their pearls to

RIDE ON Motorcycles with sidecars (“motor”) and single motorcycles or habal habal are the typical modes of transportation in Samal. Resorts can also arrange van rentals for their guests.

travelers. Buying from the Badjaos is fun as they are very friendly to travelers. (Just a tip, don’t buy anything more than Php500.) Back at Davao City, you can also visit Nur Aimar’s Gift Shop at Aldevinco Shopping Center (+6382 301 5099) for South Sea pearls and hand-crafted accessories. 11 a.m. Beach Bumming Babu Santa Beach (babu means “grandmother”) at Talikud Island is a recommended stop. Though not highly commercialized. However, it boasts a longer shoreline compared to other beaches. Have lunch under coconut trees or rent a cottage for Php350. Most tour packages include meals (morning and afternoon snacks and lunch) and a member of their staff to assist you throughout your trip. 3 p.m. Satisfied Beach Bums Hop back to a banca to Samal. 5 p.m. Davao City Bound With a glowing tan and pearls in your pocket, you can bid Samal Island goodbye with a smile. n

PAL flies between Manila and Davao four times daily. PALakbayan tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL Reservations Office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. 58 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

沙茂48小时：内陆与环岛游 VALERIE LUMANOG向您推介玩转此菲南岛屿的水陆两栖观光。第一天：SUROY SUROY SA ISLA（内陆游）早上八点：于达沃享用温馨的早餐前往沙茂岛之前，到达沃市任何一家TAPS享用一顿温馨的饭餐。早上九点：启程至沙茂岛乘搭吉普车（12比索）或计程车（约150比索）至码头。行程时间为10至45分钟，取决于你住宿在岛上的哪个地区。早上十点：哈罗，沙茂岛！沙茂岛至少有70家提供廉价或豪华住宿的度假村。其中著名的有：The Pearl Farm度假村(www.pearlfarmresort.com)、Paradise 岛屿公园和海滩度假村(www. paradiseislanddavao.com)、Bluejaz海滩度假村和水上乐园(www.bluejaz.net)以及 Maxima度假村和水上乐园(www.aquafun.psdgroupph.com)。中午十二点：Pani-udto（午餐）尝尝沙茂岛的美食如：panga（烤鲔鱼下颌）、kinilaw（当地的酸橘汁腌鱼）以及 sinuglaw（烤五花肉和腌鱼）。清甜可口的buko（椰子）则是岛上人家的解渴佳饮。

验菲律宾的传统按摩hilot。傍晚七点：Panihapon (晚餐) 日行者离开岛屿后，您就可独霸度假村了。伴随着现场乐队的表演，享用一顿悠闲晚餐。晚上八点：沙茂岛的夜生活这里说的不是上酒吧，而是到沙滩一边畅饮一边欣赏皎洁的月光、倾听悠闲舒缓的海浪声。此外，游客也可尝试在夜光下到沙茂海滩夜泳。第二天：岛屿巡游早上七点：健身运动大清早锻炼身体，开启美好的一天。与其到健身中心，不如选择沿着海岸慢跑。若想更具挑战性，您可沿着岛屿的斜坡和丘陵地带跑步。早上八点：早餐享用当地咖啡和丰富的早餐。趁等待环岛游船只的空档时间，享受早晨的第一缕阳光。早上九点：环岛游游览洁白沙滩、小岛、豪华住宿如：珍珠园、Ekran Berhad赌场度假村、渔村以及私人沙滩。沿途中还能观赏到一些社区项目如：沙茂岛珊瑚礁和鱼类品种保护区。

下午一点：探索水果蝙蝠旅程第一站是Circadian Monfort蝙蝠保护区，一个未受破坏的景点。大约有一百八十万只蝙蝠栖息在三个洞穴里，那里已被列入吉尼斯世界记录，为全球最大的蝙蝠洞。

早上十点：潜水珊瑚园，是以一个拥有五彩缤纷珊瑚的天然海底花园命名，它是深受欢迎的潜水景点之一。当地土著巴瑶人，也被称之为“海上吉普赛人”会向游客兜售他们的珍珠。

下午两点：极限冒险那些热爱刺激活动者可前往位于Brgy. Guilon的Bito 山谷进行绕绳下降活动，降至 270英尺深的山谷（Samal探险旅行社：请浏览www.samaladventuretours.com或致电 +6382 300 7741)。

早上十一点：海滨漫步位于Talikud 岛的Babu Santa海滩（Babu是“奶奶”的意思）是一个备受推荐的景点。这里还未高度商业化，也不是“幸存者类型”的海滩。然而，比起其他海滩，它拥有较长的海岸线。您可在椰树底下或以350比索租一个小屋来享用午餐。

下午四点：瀑布嬉水沙茂岛拥有两个瀑布：Hagimit和Mangongawong瀑布。Hagimit瀑布较有人气，适合日行者游玩。游客可从Penaplata城镇出发，驶往Brgy. Cawag。抵步后沿着栏杆，走下50层阶梯直达瀑布。此外，那里也备有小屋供游客过夜留宿（小屋租金为50比索）。Mangongawong则座落于 Kaputian区的Brgy. Tagbaobo。

下午三点：心满意足的海滨漫步结束海滨漫步后，乘坐螃蟹船回到沙茂岛。

下午五点：放松身心到沙茂郊野地区游玩了一整天后，就各自回住宿梳洗休息。游客可以睡个午觉或体

菲航每日执飞四班往返马尼拉和达沃的航班，也为游客提供PALakbayan旅游配套。欲知更多详情，请致电菲航订票办事处(+632) 855 8888或浏览www.philippineairlines.com。

下午五点：返回达沃市带着晒成棕褐色的炽热皮肤及口袋中的珍珠，扬起满足的微笑与沙茂岛道别。

CHEESE FEAST: (LEFT) During Easter Sunday, Olive prepared dishes like French beans with fresh Chevre and freshly grated black pepper and a whole Rustico wheel served with pecans and grapes. (RIGHT) Happily at work, Olive says: “I don’t intend to be big (in the cheese industry). I intend to be the best.” Photos by Rhonson Ng

The LiTTLe Cheese ThaT CouLd

VALERIE LUMANOG highlights how a mother’s simple experiments with cheese have blossomed into good business. With reports by JOJIE ALCANTARA

t all began when, wanting to satisfy and impress her children, Davao-based Olive Puentespina started making cheese in her own kitchen. Little did she know that this simple act of motherly love would give birth to a new venture—homemade Philippine cheese. Thus began her journey into the wonderful world of cheeses filled with experimentations, tasting, and mentoring from local and Swiss cheese experts—in a desire to let the Filipino public get access to local homemade cheese. In 2006, Malagos Farmhouse Cheeses was introduced to the market. Olive’s cheese is made from fresh milk from young does raised on her mother-in-law’s farm, popularly known as the Malagos Farm in Davao City. The family originally had only 30 goats, but now they have more than 300. Aside from the fact that Malagos Farmhouse offers Philippine-style cheese, one factor that led to their success is the freshness of their products—their cheese is processed on the same milking day. Perfect for health-conscious eaters, their cheeses contain very low sodium. Another trademark of their cheeses is that they are made to suit local taste—they don’t have that pungent aroma common among European cheeses, but carry the same creaminess, softness, and crumbliness of gourmet cheeses. It’s no surprise that their cheese has impressed not just local foodies and chefs, but also

60 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Malagos Farm Fair Want to wake up to the smell of fresh cheese? Stay at the Malagos Garden Resort, just next door to the Malagos Farmhouse. Join their annual Malagos Farm Fair in August for cheesemaking and cooking demos, food festivals, photo contests, livestock and animal-raising seminars, and craft workshops. +6382 221 1545; sales@ malagosfarmhouse. com. Photo by Jojie Alcantara

European cheesemakers. Malagos’ signature cheeses include the Goat Cheese Feta, Chèvre, Blue Goat Cheese, and Blush (Manchego Blue Cheese with a pinkish tint brought about by being soaked in Malagos Bignay wine). For Blue Peppato (Blue Cheese with peppercorns), Malagos Farmhouse uses milk from young cows. To date, the farm has created 26 kinds of cheese. It also produces cacao beans, tableya (local chocolate), fruit wine, empty ostrich eggs for decorations and paintings, and leather. Olive created four kinds of cheese for Philippine Airlines’ business class flights: Blush, Blue Goat Cheese, Peppato, and Mango Chèvre. Exclusive to the airline is the Chèvre with Davao dried mangoes served in a cheese platter. Other reputable names in the Philippines that carry Malagos Farmhouse Cheeses include Makati and Edsa Shangri-La hotels, The Peninsula Manila, and Rustan’s Supermarket in Manila. They also supply cheese to Spirale, Swiss Deli, Chimes, Claude’s and Ronaldo’s in Davao, and Dedon Island Resort in Siargao. As the late Larry Cruz, who started one of the Philippines’ most successful restaurant chains, the LJC Group, once said, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Malagos Farmhouse is located at Bolcan St., Agdao, Davao City; +6382 226 4446; www. malagosfarmhouse.com n

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

The Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu has a contemporary and elegant ambiance with engaging hospitality.

Radisson Blu: YouR Place in the heaRt of ceBu They say that there’s no place like home. And with a city like Cebu, balikbayans will find themselves captured by everything it offers. The city is well-known for its dazzling and spectacular Sinulog festival, vibrant city life, and proximity to idyllic beaches. The Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu is the newest 5-star hotel in this gateway city to open its doors to balikbayans. Guests are ushered to the World of Radisson with the hotel’s signature “Yes I Can!” service concept and 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee. The hotel is strategically situated adjacent to SM City Cebu, one of the biggest malls in the world, and minutes away from the airports, ferry port, I.T. Park, business centers, entertainment, and leisure hubs. For a much needed relaxation, guests can lay back in the elegant and contemporary interiors of the 400 rooms furnished with iPod docks, flat screen televisions, and a range of refined amenities. Guests can also enjoy complimentary wired and wireless broadband internet connection in the rooms and public areas. For discerning travelers, the Business Class is available with a roster of upgraded amenities catered to their needs. Business Class guests enjoy exclusive access to the Business Class Lounge with breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails, complimentary use of the board room, and express check-in and check-out service. Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu also has a range of banquet facilities, which are perfect for balikbayans who wish to celebrate their reunions, anniversaries, or grand weddings. The Santa Maria Grand Ballroom and the Niña Ballroom are ideal for large gatherings and homecomings for up to 1,500 persons. Dining and entertainment choices are available at Feria restaurant, Lobby Bar, and Pool Bar. Guests also have access to the hotel facilities such as the free-form swimming pool, gym, and Blue spa.

Since its opening over a year ago, the hotel has been ranked No. 1 on Tripadvisor.com and is rated as one of the top hotels in the guest satisfaction survey among Carlson Rezidor Hotels in Asia-Pacific. In view of the hotel’s service excellence and numerous amenities, balikbayans choose the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu as a place they can call home in the Queen City of the South.

BalikBaYan Package

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu offers Filipinos all over the world the Balikbayan Package:

• Php3,400 net per person, twin sharing in a Superior Room • Buffet breakfast for 2 persons • Welcome delicacies from Cebu • 2 t-shirts from Island Souvenirs • Optional Island Banca Sunset Cruise for an additional Php295 net per person

Validity from June 1, 2012 to Jan 31, 2013 (except on Jan. 19 to 20 during the Sinulog Festival). Terms and conditions apply. contact details

Address: Serging Osmeña Blvd. corner Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City, Philippines 6000. Tel: +63 32 402 9900 / 505 1700 Fax: +63 32 402 9999 Philippine Toll Free Reservation: 1 800 1 611 0293 reservations.cebu@radisson.com, radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu Per DTI Cebu Permit Number 282, Series of 2012

www.philippineairlines.com I 61

WHISTLE A HAPPY TUNA. Here, tuna sashimi is being prepared for serving. Gen San is the largest sashimi-grade tuna producer in the Philippines. On average, tuna in Gen San sells for Php 250 per kilo; in Manila it sells for Php 400-450 per kilo. Photo by Rhonson Ng

GEN SAN CITY: HOME OF FRESH FISH & LIGHTNING-QUICK FISTS CHARISSE AQUINO-TUGADE finds out how two “national exports” have put this southern Mindanao city on the tourist map.

eneral Santos or “Gen San” is known for two things—unbelievably fresh tuna and the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer. The city and the towns around it have quickly impressed travelers with its authentic culture, copious natural resources, and, of course, the occasional sighting of the eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Born from the swells of Sarangani Bay, Gen San is surrounded by the equally beautiful provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato. Culture here is packed and heavy with gritty authenticity. Maybe it’s because this is the land of the B’laan, T’boli, Maguindanaon, and some spritely Indonesian seafarers, to name a few of the major ethnic groups that were the first inhabitants of the area. In the 1930s, people from Luzon and the Visayas started moving in, adding more texture to the landscape. Reverberations of all kinds are found here today, from the indigenous

62 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

settlements, modern malls, beach resorts, coral dives, tuna eateries, colorful fiestas, and everything and anything Manny Pacquiao. So where does one start? A trip around the city is quite easy. For those who seek adventure, the city is a gateway to the raw and untouched provinces around. There are two musts when you arrive here: first is experiencing tuna first hand, and second is tracing the footsteps of the Philippines’ pambansang kamao (literally, “national fist”), a moniker for the boxing legend-turned-congressman Manny Pacquiao. TUNA DELIGHTS

PACQUIAO OF ALL TRADES Manny once said, “Boxing is my passion. Singing is my hobby. Public service is my calling.” Boxing aside, Manny is also a singer (his cover of “Sometimes When We Touch” climbed no. 11 in a Billboard charts subcategory) and a public servant (in 2010 he was elected congressman of Sarangani).

For the freshest tuna, look no further than General Santos Fish Port Complex (Brgy. Tambler, General Santos City). A world-class facility, it can accommodate a whopping 750 metric tons of tuna and tuna-like species every day. You can roam around the port and take a gander at the incoming tuna and view the hustle of the fishermen. The Philippines is among the world’s top 10 tuna producers, and with seven tuna canneries right smack in Gen San, tuna here is king. Every street corner sells some sort of tuna product—raw, cooked, smoked, fin, tail, belly; it’s almost a sin if you don’t. If it’s your first time in Gen San, visit Sarangani Highlands (Purok Wal, Brgy. Tambler) for a killer view of the Sarangani Bay and amazing yellowfin tuna dishes. If you want fresh seafood and tuna in all

BEST BETS: (LEFT) Make like Manny and try river tubing in Maitum, Sarangani. River tubing entails riding a tube down a river while being propelled by the current. Photo by Rhonson Ng. (RIGHT) Try taking off from Gen San and exploring popular attractions like Sarangani’s white sand Gumasa beach and Davao’s Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak. Illustration by Kasey Albano.

shapes and sizes with a price that can’t be beat, visit Tiongson Arcade (Tiongson St., Brgy. Lagao). Think of stalls upon stalls of grilling stations and restaurants as far as your eye can see. Red Trellis Seafood Garden (Tiongson Ext. corner Calina St., Brgy. Lagao) is located at the corner and not only serves tuna, but is famous for their opulent crab with coconut milk. Pacquiao is said to dine at Ranchero’s Grill (Villa Consuelo Subdivision, National Highway), which not only serves tuna in all its glory like tuna kinilaw and sizzling tuna entrails, but superb baby back ribs as well. PACQUIAO’S MARK

Raised in a poor, single-parent household, Gen Sanborn Pacquiao has risen through the ranks to become one of the most famed boxers of his generation. Celebrated as the “People’s Champ,” he is known to host concerts after his million-dollar fights, occasionally acts, and is also a congressman for the Province of Sarangani. Together with his wife Jinkee, they raise a bi-coastal family with both of them heavily investing in their hometown and Sarangani. Oh, and one more thing, they are both really, really nice. When visiting Gen San, the Pacquiao stamp is everywhere. Look around, and he’s either been there, or owns the place. The boxer attended Saavedra Saway Elementary School in Barangay Labangal and dropped out of high school when he left home at the age of 14. A few years back, he enrolled in Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (Marist Ave., General Santos City). You may visit the school museum in the university for a glimpse of Gen San’s history. For a glimpse into Manny’s home life, tourists can take a peek at his grand mansion in NLSA Road,

Barangay Lagao. You can’t enter his residence, but you can view the stately manor from afar. If you are looking for overnight accommodations, snooze at Pacquiao’s newest hotel, Roadhouse Economy Hotel (Aparente Ave. and Block 1 Dadiangas Heights Subdivision, General Santos City). Up for shopping? Have your fill of Pacman-related novelty and souvenir items at the Team Pacquiao Store (Robinson’s Place, Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao). If you are an aspiring boxer or just an enthusiast, take a jab at the People’s Champ Gym (Family Country Hotel and Convention Centre, Mateo Road, General Santos City) and see Gen San’s boxing hopefuls train. If you’re lucky, you can meet Pacquiao himself. Pacquiao trained in this gym when he was an up and coming boxer and sometimes still trains there today. Since the boxing champ is an all-around sports and outdoor enthusiast, he is seen quite frequently around his congressional district taking in what nature has to offer. Check out Lemlunay Resort (Tampuan Point, Maasim, Sarangani Province) in Maasim, the closest town to General Santos City. Here you don’t only find breathtaking views of the bay, but intact coral reefs populated with Napoleon wrasse, giant clams, and juvenile jacks. For more snorkeling options, hire a boat in the neighboring town of Kiamba, hometown of Manny’s wife Jinkee, and head on to Tuka Marine Park (Poblacion, Kiamba, Sarangani Province). For a holistic travel experience, Maitum is your best bet. Go river tubing in New La Union (Barangay Malalag, Poblacion, Maitum, Sarangani Province) where Manny has adventured; hike with a T’boli guide to Zion Cave; and check out 2,000-yearold anthropomorphic burial jars in an ancient archaeological site. n

THE WORLD’S 1ST POUND-FOR-POUND BOXER Since the beginning of his boxing career in 1995, Manny Pacquiao has won eight world titles. He maintains a 71.7% knockout record out of all his boxing matches. His current winning streak is 15 straight fights. This started when he beat Hector Velasquez in 2005 up until his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011. Pacquiao is also one of today’s richest boxers, with a net worth of US$70 million.

PAL flies between Manila and General Santos daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www. philippineairlines.com. www.philippineairlines.com I 63

FOLK TALE

IlluSTraTIon bY rYan KabIGTInG

THE MAN IN THE MOON The first people of Mindanao were all pagans. They fought among themselves as well as against people from other lands. One day a member of one of the tribes, weary of the petty battles of his people, went to the witch doctor of this community and asked that sage to help him find a way to stop his people from fighting. The witch doctor readily agreed to do his best. The tribal doctor disguised himself and visited the chief of the greatest enemy of his tribe. He informed the old chief that he had found a way to reach the moon, and he invited the old chief to go along with him. The invitation was accepted, and the two immediately began making a long ladder with trees from the forest. When it was finished the witch doctor erected it against the moon. Then they started climbing. The chief was an old man, so he had to stop now and then for a rest. Encouraged by his companion, he at last reached his goal, but being tired he lay down and slept. While the chief was sleeping the witch doctor descended as quickly as he could, and the moment he reached the ground he cut down the ladder. Thus to this day the old chief still sleeps on the moon. When he turns over in his sleep he covers the face of the moon and we have what we call an eclipse; when he stretches himself he kicks off some pieces of the moon which we see on earth as shooting stars.

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.press. up.edu.ph.

Moon MYTH buSTEr. The idea of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man in the Moonâ&#x20AC;? is born out of dark spots seen in the moon that may resemble a face, head, or body. This is just an illusion however, created by the presence of maria or plains in the moon. 64 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

82 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Special Promotional Feature

www.philippineairlines.com I 83

PINOY PRIDE

It’s the people who make a nation great. Meet some of the country’s most outstanding people that include two national artists, an award-winning stage actress, and a CNN Hero—all from diverse fields such as the arts, tourism, environment, social work, and fashion.

An Architect and Patriot

Filipino architecture and it is beautiful!’”

Francisco “BoBBy” Mañosa National Artist for Architecture

He might be tisoy (Spanish mestizo), but he’s more Filipino than you think. This National Artist for Architecture has been called “the most outspoken champion of indigenous Filipino architecture” and one of seven visionary architects of Asia. He uses indigenous materials and experiments with traditional architectural designs and technological trends . He often pokes fun—with a twinkle in his eye—at those firms that bring in alien design concepts. His designs have won awards abroad, including a Gallivanter’s Award for Excellence for the six-star Amanpulo resort. Asked what he wants his legacy to be, he says, “To be able to hear foreigners look at any of our projects and say, ‘That is

Considering you are a tisoy with a Spanish heritage, you are very nationalistic and pro-Filipino. Where do you attribute your strong love for our country? My grandfather, also named Francisco Mañosa, came from Barcelona, Spain, and landed in Abra, Benguet, to make a better life for himself in the Philippines. My father was, by far, the greatest influence to me as a patriot of my country. He was a sanitary engineer and very loyal government official. He would constantly preach, “You only have one country. Accept it! And learn to love it for what it is! Don’t let anyone speak garbage of your country!” I have taught the very same lessons to my three children and they, too, have imbibed the same love for our country to my seven grandchildren.

Design

“You are a Filipino, accept who you are first, then embrace it! Look for inspiration in your own culture.”

Why do you think developers and architects are using foreign influences for their themes and designs? Sadly, I think we still have not gotten rid of our “colonial mentality”

LocaL TrEasUrE: Amanpulo, or “peaceful island,” one of Bobby Mañosa’s finest creations, is a relaxing and tranquil island resort designed to promote Filipino aesthetics via, for instance, the resort’s casitas, a contemporary representation of the traditional bahay kubo (nipa hut). Photo by Bien Bautista 68 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

‘GREEN’ RESORT: Influenced by the sea gypsies of southern Philippines, the Badjaos, Davao’s Pearl Farm is an award-winning resort that used local materials like bamboo. Photo by Rhonson Ng

URBAN FLAIR: The San Miguel Corporation Headquarters building, designed by Bobby and his brothers Manuel and Jose, was inspired by the 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banaue Rice Terraces.

which I can accept and respect. But one also has to realize that architecture is a commitment because that structure will stand for the next 50 to 100 years. What can be done to reverse the lack of love for our own culture, specifically in architecture? The funny thing is that I have personally designed primary and secondary homes of many owners of real estate development companies. And of course, they are all Filipino in design. Yet they refuse to develop the same for the masses, afraid that a Filipino home will not sell. Sadly, Filipino architecture seems to be for the rich and famous…our job is to lift up and educate everyone of its beauty and benefits. Elements of Filipino architecture are gaining acceptance again, although most still call it something like “Asian architecture.” I think we are in a better situation now than a few decades ago. But I truly believe that we will get there one day. It may not be during my lifetime but I know that I have done my share of it. BEAUTY & THE BEACH: Supermodel Charo Ronquillo soaks up the sun and seclusion in Amanpulo resort. Photo by Bien Bautista

and many developers use this to sell their products. They do this recklessly without realizing that by importing foreign architecture, you are essentially also importing an architecture that was made for a certain climate and culture. It does not mean that it is not beautiful—it just simply does not belong. I want to know that I am in a house in Tagaytay in the Philippines, and not in an Italian villa in Tagaytay. A Filipino who has worked for years in a foreign land will likely come back and build a home in his province according to what they have seen abroad. We call it “provincial architecture,” where it’s a hodge-podge of various styles of architecture (and not to mention the colors!). Architecture belongs to the arts. It’s a matter of taste,

What advice can you give Filipino architects and designers? You are a Filipino, accept who you are first, then embrace it! Look for inspiration in your own culture. Our cultural flavor will manifest once we are comfortable with ourselves. We are citizens of the world, but we are Filipinos first! What trends do you see in the future and how do you fuse these with a Filipino character? The “in” word today in architecture is “green.” The funny thing is that the bahay kubo (nipa hut) is actually the greenest home one can have in the Philippines. It has the lowest carbon footprint to build, has the perfect design for our climate, and is even 100% biodegradable! How do you keep your design juices flowing? If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. I have practiced architecture for close to 60 years now and I can honestly say that I’ve never worked a day in my life! n

TRUE SERVICE: As part of its corporate social responsibility, Mañosa Properties Inc. is set to enter into the employee housing market by the end of 2012 to serve the Filipino workforce. 70 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

tHe pHOeNIX RISeS: Phoenix, a lightweight, eco-friendly car made of bamboo, rattan, steel, and nylon, is invented by Kenneth Cobonpue in partnership with German product designer Albrecht Birkner and with designs inspired by forms and structures in nature.

Stylish Innovator KeNNetH CObONpue

1st Prize, 2004 Singapore International Design Competition; 2005 Design for Asia Award of Hong Kong

“People think inspiration is a bolt of lightning, but it’s really hard work.”

Design

Kenneth Cobonpue is an artist who does not believe in “moods.” Rather, he says “putting deadlines to creativity always work.” For him, inspiration is hard work. He swears by Einstein that genius is 99% perspiration, and 1% inspiration. Give him a piece of abaca or bamboo and almost instantly, he will know what to do with it.

Do you have any dream project? A boutique hotel. How do you stay on top of your game? What keeps you going? I travel a lot and look for inspiration everywhere. The desire to innovate and try out new things pushes me to expand the collections every year. How do you see yourself in the future? I hope to expand the brand in more countries and cross over into transportation, interiors, and architecture. We have been doing that already around the world. n

How do you incorporate the Filipino character in your design? Design is a reflection of its creator, and my designs will always have something that is Filipino without my conscious effort to inject it. The complexity of many of my designs ensures that it can only be made in our country. What are the future trends that you see? Living spaces are becoming smaller in cities all over the world, so the trend for smaller furniture will grow. Because of globalization, more and more people in the upper end of the market will value individuality and custom-made things. Can you tell us a specific, unique Filipino character that you have incorporated in your designs or that has inspired you? Dragnet was inspired by fishing nets. I used to watch the fishermen haul their nets on the beaches of Cebu, and it was beautiful to see the sun bounce off the weave. Lolah is constructed like early ships and galleons, and Voyage is a romantic bed. Yoda is patterned after the long cogon grass.

H’WOOD FAN Ocean 13’s star Brad Pitt bought Kenneth Cobonpue’s innovative Voyage Bed and his knitteddesigned stainless steel Dragnet chairs.

www.philippineairlines.com I 71

Passionate Hotelier Jose “Jun” Parreño Jr.

COO, Discovery Group of Hotels and Resorts

“Treat your staff the way you treat your guests and the rest is easy. Trust is key.”

Nothing—not even the minutest detail—escapes Jun Parreño’s attention. Even when being interviewed, for instance, he would know know what’s going on around him that his staff sometimes suspect he has an eye at the back of his head. This keen sense of awareness and quest for perfection, however, is precisely what brought the Discovery Group of Hotels and Resorts to the top of the heap. What is Discovery’s secret to winning so many awards? We love what we

do. We work with a burning passion. We take our guests’ holiday seriously, with a sense of family and good old-fashioned hospitality. We have been fortunate because for the past five years, our return guest ratio continues to increase. That for me is the best recognition and the best compliment yet. Service that’s all heart—that is our service mantra. Treat your staff the way you treat your guests and the rest is easy. Trust is key.

new technologies available to serve our guests better.

Hoteliers

What new resort trends are coming up and how does Discovery plan to maintain its edge? Everything we do is for our guests. Innovation is key. Technology is integral in our business plan. We will find new ways in using

How do you stay on top of your game? One should have balance in his life all the time. I work hard but I also know how to enjoy time with my family and friends.

What is bliss for you? Knowing that I am able to share what I have learned with others. Knowing that the people I have worked with are all successful in their chosen field. What do you find horrific? When I stop being creative. n

one oF THe WorLD’s BesT: Discovery Shores Boracay is one of the top 15 resorts in Asia that earned Travel + Leisure readers’ nod in 2012. 72 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

WHErE TO iMPrEss YOur DaTE? The luxurious, 24-storey Marco Polo Plaza, built 600 feet above sea level, is one of Cebu’s most popular landmarks that offer a panoramic view of the city, the Mactan Channel and nearby islands.

Swiss-TurnedFilipino Tourism Champion Hans Hauri

“Tourism in the Philippines is about to burst out of its seams. Why? Because it’s more fun in the Philippines.”

General Manager, Marco Polo Plaza; President of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Province Visayas; Vice President, Tourism Congress of the Philippines

How long have you been in Asia and in the Philippines, in particular? Twenty-five years in Asia and six and a half years in Cebu. Here I am, amid the natural beauty of the Philippines, and working with people whose natural beauty reflects all the characteristics this country stands for: smiling, caring, devoted, and passionate. Your hotel, the former Cebu Plaza and now Marco Polo Cebu, is considered one of Cebu’s landmarks. How big a factor is this in your promotion of the hotel? When the decision was made to renovate the hotel, design and style were important considerations. We knew that the former Cebu Plaza in its almost 20 years in the business touched the heartstrings of the local community and international travelers alike. What we have now, after the renovations six years ago, is classic, almost understated elegance.

Hoteliers

When asked if Switzerland really had this strange law that makes toilet flushing illegal after 10 p.m., Swiss hotelier Hans Hauri impishly replied, “Why do you think I’m in Asia?” The inveterate traveler whose career in the hotel industry has spanned over 45 years, in fact, has fallen in love with the laidback lifestyle of his new home—Cebu.

What do you find unique about the Philippines? What makes this country so special is its densely knitted social fabric created by mutual respect, friendliness, and collaborative attitudes. How do you see the tourism growth in the immediate future and how does your hotel plan to capitalize on this? Tourism in the Philippines is about to burst out of its seams. Why? Because it’s more fun in the Philippines. Imagine 92 million ambassadors of genuine hospitality, guarantors of friendliness, care, and dedicated service, and 10 million more goodwill ambassadors overseas. Which country has such a vast pool of resources to make tourism a premier industry? You are Swiss and now you are in Cebu. How many percent Swiss and Cebuano are you now? Our family philosophy is: When we come to a place, that is our home. Cebu is our home. As a foreigner living in Cebu, I involve myself in the community by taking part in causes and initiatives. n

www.philippineairlines.com I 73

Pièce de résistance: The BenCab Museum, located outside Baguio CIty, houses Cordillera tribal art, Filipiniaña paintings, and photos. (RIGHT) saBeL: acyrlic on canvas, 60 x 30 in. (2012).

An Artist at Peace with the World Benedicto “BencaB” caBrera

National Artist for Visual Arts Founder, BenCab Museum Photo by Wig Tysmans

“The main thing is to be interested in a lot of things. There’s never a dull moment”

BenCab is not your “typical” artist—he’s not angst-ridden, he has a very neat studio, and is very disciplined. The tall and lanky owner of a four-hectare Baguio farmland that houses the BenCab Museum spends a lot of time puttering around in his farm and garden that if you didn’t know any better, you’d think he was a gentleman farmer. What made you decide to put up a museum? Since I’m a collector of a lot of things, aside from Cordillera tribal art, photography, and contemporary art, I thought it would be nice to put up a museum not just for my work, but also my collection. So I thought it should be a proper museum–complete with a museum shop and café. What are your thoughts about the art in the Cordilleras now? There are a

74 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

number of young artists in the Baguio area, and some are self-taught. It’s very unique; how their work evolved based on tradition, adding modern touches. How much pleasure do you get from monitoring your garden? A lot of pleasure. I wake up early, have coffee, and just walk around and notice something that needs to be done. Across the museum is a forest, and somebody gave me 70 pine trees for my 70th birthday, which we planted on Earth Day. We’re also planting more coffee trees. That’s what

we serve at the museum’s Café Sabel. We also sell strawberry jam made from the strawberries harvested from the farm. Some artists have lulls in their careers. Did you ever experience that? There are a lot of moments like that. If that happens, I do some other things like draw from life, say, nude drawings. It’s like an exercise. I do a lot of drawings. I just take a break, do a bit of bonsai. The main thing is to be interested in a lot of things. There’s never a dull moment. n

Arts

Hands across tHe Water

WHat: A three-man exhibit by Philippine National Artist BenCab, Mexican scupltor Sebastian, and Malaysian painter-draughtsman Ahmad Zakii Anwar WHen: June 2, 2012 to July 1, 2012 WHere: VA@T, 28 Temenggong Road, Singapore, +65 62723733 (The exhibit is jointly presented by the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore and VA@T, and is supported by AndrewShire Gallery, Fundacion Sebastian, and the Lee Foundation.)

Eco-Warrior

water, and waste footprints? Lifestyles and markets are changing. Time to get on board.

Jose Ma. Lorenzo “Lory” Tan President & CEO, WWF-Philippines

“The key to managing things lies in finding happiness, laughter, and satisfaction in the smallest of things. There is grandeur everywhere.”

Eco-crusader Lory Tan means business. But behind his no-nonsense approach to environmental issues is a man who still looks at the world with a sense of wonder. He gets frustrated, yes, but this multi-awarded writer, wildlife photographer, and dive master is an avowed optimist.

How would you describe the country’s environmental situation? There are some pockets of excellence. We could be managing our environment a lot better. What victories have the WWF and other similar organizations achieved as far as conservation efforts in the Philippines are concerned? The improved management of Tubbataha Reef Natural Marine Park; the continuing program for Whale Shark Ecotourism in Donsol; and the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s captive breeding program. How can corporations and individuals help out? As key economic players, contributing to jobs, efficiency, added value, and continuity, corporations have everything to gain by becoming part of the solution. Are you managing your carbon,

sTefanie WaLMsLey

Academy Award Winner Best Live Action Short Film (2011) “God of Love”

“Nothing’s gonna happen when you’re sitting in your living room Some people have great ideas but they just remain ideas.”

Conservationists like you are oftentimes stereotyped as “serious.” What are you guys really like? What makes you laugh? Conservationists are flesh and blood, like everyone else. The only difference is that we see the world through different lenses. Balance is the secret. The key to managing things lies in finding happiness, laughter, and satisfaction in the smallest of things. There is grandeur everywhere. n

aQUaTiC riCHes: Palawan’s Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the Philippines’ first national marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Photo by Erwin Lim

Rising Star

Photo by Xander Angeles

Environment

In your role, what gives you fulfillment and frustration? Each opportunity, each success, each productive day gives me fulfillment. Frustration comes briefly (only briefly) each time I encounter people who don’t get it, or who don’t care to understand.

at least once a week, family is so important to me. I try to find humor in even the direst situations. I call myself an undercover Asian. What brought you to work on “God of Love”? I met the director, Luke, at a party because I was wearing a dish costume and he was dressed as a spatula. I asked if he wanted a producer. He said he didn’t really need one but I was persistent.

Stef Walmsley has a strong drive to succeed. Born and raised in the Philippines, Stef went on to win an Oscar with director Luke Matheny and fellow Fil-Am producers If you were to explain Stephen Dypiangco “God of Love” to a and Gigi Dement while Filmmaking seven-year-old you still holding a job in would say: It’s about a cosmetics. She has since lovestruck lounge singer gone to work on a reality and dart champion who show, a pilot for a fashion receives a box of love-inducing tilt, and for HBO. darts. It’s an 18-minute smile. You were raised in the Philippines but Describe your typical day while now live in New York. What Filipino working on this film. My job, along traits do you still manifest today? with the other producers, entailed Aside from having a Filipino breakfast

everything from ensuring there was toilet paper in the bathroom to securing permits for location shoots. Upcoming plans? I’m working on producing my first feature in the Philippines. I’d also love to film in Intramuros or on the outskirts of Manila. I think the Philippines is rife with cinematic locations. If you were to take foreigners on a trip to the Philippines, where would you take them? I think all foreigners should go to Cebu! My mom is from there and it’s amazing that in 24 hours you can wake up surrounded by hills, eat the best lechon (roasted pork), catch the sunset by the beach, and finish the night dancing in the city. Advice for filmmakers today? Nothing’s gonna happen when you’re sitting in your living room. Some people have great ideas but they just remain ideas. n www.philippineairlines.com I 75

Do-GooDERS: All Heart Amid the cynicism in this world comes forth the salt of the earth –– a modern-day hero, a practical dreamer, and a noble project.

Earth Mother Robin Lim

Founder, Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Earth Foundation); 2011 CNN Hero of the Year Waist-length hair, fire in her eyes, and a determined set in her jaw—these are the three things that you’ll first notice about half-American, half-Filipino 2011 CNN Hero Robin Lim, a natural birthing advocate. Meet the real Ibu (Mother) Robin behind the hero. On her heroes and inspirations: My lola, Vicenta Munar Lim, was a hilot (traditional healer) in Baguio City and in the Cordilleras, and my younger sister, Christine, who died at age 32 while pregnant, are my heroes. She had medical insurance and was under the care of an OBGYN doctor in the USA, but he did not take the time or care with her, to prevent her unnecessary death. Every day, 981 mothers, in the prime of their lives, will die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. On the real Robin Lim: I am a mother, and a lola. I eat, pray and love midwifery! I am married to Wil, a musician, who is my best friend. My life has had many setbacks and heartbreaks. I have been discouraged many times, and have had to get back up and keep going, even with a broken heart.

76 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

On singing: I sing, but not too well, as I am a bit tone deaf! I do love to sing, and my favorite song is, “Thank You for Mine,” which was written by my husband, Wil, for me. On her personal indulgences: I love to spend time in the kitchen, just hanging out with my kids and grandkids, and enjoying my husband and sons’ music. I love working in my vegetable garden. My most favorite dish is chicken adobo! I love my work! On her dreams: To build a Gentle Childbirth center in Baguio that would take care of the poor and wealthy mothers with exactly the same wonderful service. The challenge is that I am far away in Indonesia. However, once we set it up, it will run smoothly and the Filipino midwives will care for it as well. On her fondest memories: I remember singing Christmas carols and loving the Baguio pine trees; the smell of lola’s cooking on a wood fire; being very sick and my lola curing me with her herbs and massage, and not allowing my father to take me to the American hospital at Clark Air Field Base; and my lola trying desperately with her bare hands to dig the people out who were buried in a mudslide beside our house after a typhoon. Many of my memories of the Philippines are in my novel: “Butterfly People” published by Anvil and available in bookstores. n

DO-GOODERS: All HEARt

Social Catalyst IllAC DIAz

Founder, MyShelter Foundation; World Economic Forum’s 2008 Young Global Leader His name means “God of Light” in Aztec. Social entrepreneur Illac Diaz has recently been “enlightening” the lives of many families with his “A Liter of Light” ‘solar bulb’ project. The half-Filipino, half-Italian model-actor-turnedadvertising executive has been blessed not only with good genes (he is the nephew of former Ms. Universe Gloria Diaz) but also with a philanthropic spirit. He is a product of the Asian Institute of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. How did you get started with your projects? MyShelter Foundation, which gives access to innovative and sustainable housing models to low-income and marginalized communities in rural and urban areas, originally started out building schools made out of soil- and liquefied adobe-filled plastic bottles. We later replaced the bottle content with water and set up windows, which brought in more light and reduced the need to use electricity. We eventually set up a social enterprise known as “A Liter of Light” (www.isanglitrongliwanag.org), which helped families install “solar bulbs” out of plastic bottles in their houses.

Today, it has already crossed continents and has lit up 25,000 homes around northern Luzon and other parts of the Philippines. Who or what is your inspiration behind all this? “A Liter of Light” moves away from a village-to-village approach into the more powerful world of social networks where everyone can build something using simple tools through videos, instruction kits, and Skype seminars. Is being good-looking helpful in your getting more awareness about your projects? Being a former product endorser is not the most credible way to make people believe in your capacity to make a dent in the world. But it’s also from here that you begin to have the desire to do some good with the airtime you’re given. You want to do something more relevant with this temporary voice you’ve been given. So is awareness about projects. What are your future plans? The MyShelter Foundation plans to consolidate all the plastic bottle technologies into one of the largest up-cycling programs in Asia; if not the world. Discarded plastic bottles are everywhere, and these can be building blocks to solve social problems a bottle at a time. We also want to move the Philippines away from being the beneficiary into a benefactor of the world. What is your dream project and what would it take to achieve it? My dream project is for the “Liter of Light” to reach 100 countries and be the first large-scale, international success for a Filipino NGO. n

Joel Uichico teaches the latest batch of bike recipients to maneuver the steep mountain roads, some of whom did not know how to bike before the training.

THE WHEELS OF CHANGE Sixteen-year-old Elmart Maglinte is just one of the estimated 200 students of Baclayon National High School (BNHS)who walk at least three kilometers to school. Living in a remote part of Baclayon with no access to public transportation, he was often late for school. Then, in January 2012, Elmart received a mountain bike from Bikes for the Philippines. His daily 30-minute walk to school became a five-minute bike ride. “The bike made going to school easier,” he says. It also enabled him to do more housework and help his parents. The brainchild of businessman Joel Uichico, Bikes for the Philippines has distributed some 100 bikes from U.S.based nonprofit organization Bikes for the World to BNHS high school students. They also received helmets, shoes, and training on good biking practices—from learning about

78 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

bicycle parts and hand signals, to the use of the helmet and bike repair. BNHS principal Elvira Iyog-Jabonillo has noticed the change—higher grades, decline in absenteeism an cutting classes, reduced dropouts and no failing grades. Uichico, however, has no illusions. “We might not be able to get them out of poverty—not with a bicycle—but we’re giving them a chance,” he stresses. Elmart has since graduated from high school. “I’ll be working for [Uichico] fixing bikes part-time,” he says. He admits he may not go to college, but he is proud he’ll be able to help his family financially. The smile on his face says it all. — Isabel L. Templo. n HOW YOU CAN HElP Bikes for the Philippines accepts donations of helmets, shoes, pumps, and other biking paraphernalia. Send cash donations through the Synergeia Foundation, Inc. Visit bikesforthephilippines.org or the Bikes for the Philippines Facebook page for more information.

Filipinas at the ForeFront Find out how these Filipinas have earned the spotlight—from a world class ballerina, multi-awarded stage actress, and even an “Asian Kate Moss”—there’s just no ignoring them. Photo by Allen Zaki

lisa Macuja Legendary BaLLerIna Famously known for being a prima ballerina, Lisa Macuja has performed more than 300 principal roles in some 81 cities around the world. In 1984, she was the first foreign soloist to ever join the famed and Russian-dominated Kirov Ballet (now known as the Mariinksy Ballet)—a 260year old institution in dance. Today she is the Artistic Director of Ballet Manila and Vice-Chairman of the Philippine UNESCO National Commission. Like a fitting applause, her numerous contributions to Ballet Manila has earned her the title, “ballerina of the people.”- Jared Millan; Photos courtesy of Ballet Manila

lea salonga TheaTer Icon and dIsney Legend You may not have ever spoken to Lea Salonga, but you will most likely have heard her voice. Her first major role in international theater was in Miss

80 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Saigon, for which she won an Olivier, a Tony, a Drama Desk, an Outer Critics Circle Award, and a Theatre World Award—a feat that until today is unrivaled. She was also the first Asian to portray the roles of Eponine and Fantine in the musical Les Miserables, in the 10th and 25th Anniversary Concert, respectively. She later on landed the singing voices in Disney films like Aladdin (as Princess Jasmine) and Mulan (as Fa Mulan). And just like a fairytale, Lea, along

with Jodi Benson (the singing voice of Ariel) and Paige O’Hara (the singing voice of Belle), was officially honored a Disney Legend in 2011, an award that recognizes people who have made exemplary contributions to The Walt Disney Company. - Jared Millan

Monique LhuiLLier Red CaRpet Fashion designeR If you can’t find ‘em, make ‘em. Cebuana-born Monique Lhuillier’s career began in 1995 when after discovering the lack of fashionable gowns for her wedding, decided to create her own. Her first collection was launched in 1996. Since then, she has a become a household name in the fashion industry—creating her own lines of evening dresses, earning various red carpet fashion awards, and garnering high-profile Hollywood celebrity clients such as Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. One can only imagine how far Monique would have gone if she wasn’t happy with her shoes. – Jared Millan

Josie natori going global then giving baCk Josie Natori’s brand is known in some 40 countries and includes lingerie, ready-to-wear clothing, swimwear, home products, fragrance, and eyewear. The Natori Company, where she is CEO, has been around for more than 30 years and going strong, generating about US$100 million in annual retail sales. However, for Natori, it’s all about giving back; a factory she set up in the Philippines handles about half of her company’s production. Proving that good karma comes around, Natori eventually received the highest honor that can be awarded to a Filipino civilian in 2007, the Lakandula Award. – Isabel Templo

www.philippineairlines.com I 81

Bea Valdes Making Filipino CraFts Fashionable Coming from three generations of family jewelers, it’s hard not to recognize the trademark craftsmanship that goes into

Bea Valdes’ handcrafted accessories, which have appeared in magazines from Vogue to Vanity Fair and seen on celebrities from Kate Hudson to Sharon Stone. From 1999-2000, Bea served as the design consultant for the Philippine Presidential Palace but her

career took a turn when in 2005, Vogue USA described her work as that year’s “must-have evening bags.” To date, her creations– from bags to necklaces to headresses–have been spotted in more than 20 Vogue issues. – Anika Ventura

Photo by Jay Directo

Photo by

Silverlens

Gallery

danica Magpantay strutting the World runWay In 2011, Danica Magpantay proved that Filipina beauty is truly world-class. She is the first Filipina to win first place at one of the world’s most prestigious modeling contests, Ford Supermodel of the World. Coincidentally, her mother Lala Flores was Supermodel of the World Philippines in 1990. “She was one of those, a natural,” says BJ Pascual, Danica’s photographer during her first test shoot. Since then, she has graced the runways of both Philippine and New York Fashion Week, modeling for Levi’s, Porter Grey, Tim Hamilton, and Norman Ambrose, among others. – Pat Nabong; Photo by Phillip Angert for Levi’s

82 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

84 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Samantha Gomez Proving Age Ain’t nothing but A number Only 14 yet already 5’10”, Samantha Gomez has more than one reason to stand tall. This towering beauty from Angeles,

84 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Pampanga clinched the grand prize and Photogenic Award in the Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines in 2011, the youngest in the year’s batch of contestants. Local newspaper Business Mirror describes Samantha as “a dazzling gazelle with legs so endless Elle Macpherson, Oluchi Onweagba and Nadja Auermann will weep.” She received her first modeling stint at the age of 12 and today she models for popular local brands like Oxygen, Penshoppe, and Human. What were you doing when you were 14? – Joshua Lagandaon; Photos by Jo Ann Bitagcol and courtesy of CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines

Charo ronquillo the “aSian Kate moSS” Charo Ronquillo was once a boyish 12-year-old girl from Laguna who dreamt of walking the runway. Five years later, she won third place at Ford Supermodel of the World in 2006. Dubbed as the “Asian Kate Moss” because of the similarity of their features, the former president of Ford Models Inc., Bill Ford, gave emphasis on “her unique look from the Philippines,” which has landed her modeling stints for brands like Lacoste and Kenneth Cole and editorials in glossies such as Marie Claire and Vogue. – Pat Nabong; Photo by Bien Bautista; Location: Amanpulo resort

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A Promise of PArAdise At APulit islAnd resort This island hideaway in Palawan entices with the right mix of adventure and luxury. The northern part of Palawan province is blessed with scenic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and its relative isolation fascinate travelers who come here. Spectacular limestone cliffs tower over marine sanctuaries teeming with innumerable species of tropical fish and coral, as well as five species of endangered sea turtles. Lush forests abound with more than 100 species of birds. It is a truly exotic destination. In the town of Taytay, nestled within a private cove surrounded by tropical rainÂ forest is Apulit Island Resort, an idyllic getaway for those in search of a tropical paradise. The sprawling resort offers allwater cottages and a wide expanse of white-sand beach lined with coconut trees. The resort has a total of 50 water cottages constructed in traditional Filipino architectural style combined with contemporary design. All air-conditioned cottages offer stunning views of Taytay Bay and easy access to snorkeling areas. It has a restaurant that serves fresh

COOL TROPICS: Apulit Island Resort guests can enjoy either a private picnic lunch (TOP) at the West Beach or in Isla Blanca, or a memorable beach dinner under the stars. (ABOVE) Water cottages with deluxe amenities provide guests a grand view of the bay via private verandas.

seafood, a beach bar, massage cabana, private gardens, and a marine sports center. Guests are treated to fresh local seafood and delectable international cuisine, a variety of exciting land and water activities, genuine local hospitality, and the promise of a glorious sun, sand, and sea experience. Reservations Hotline: +632 902 5962 holday@elnidoresorts.com www.elnidoresorts.com www.philippineairlines.com I 85

IN GOOD COMPANY: A rare photo of a smiling Rizal (standing, second from left), taken in Paris at the home of Filipino painter Juan Luna’s mother-inlaw, Juliana Gorricho (seated, with baby). To Rizal’s left is painter Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Nellie Bousted.

Rizal in life … in love Historian and author AMBETH R. OCAMPO lets us in on the romantic life of the Philippines’ national hero.

ilipinos know about the National Hero, Jose Rizal: how his novels inspired a revolution, how he made his last moments dramatic by twisting round after the fatal bullet struck his back so he would fall with his face to the sky. But what fascinates people about Rizal is his human and romantic side. Textbook history and the internet list nine women linked romantically to Rizal. A third of the names on the list are familiar to everyone: Leonor Rivera (his first fiancée), O-sei San (who he met during his brief stay in Japan in 1888), and Josephine Bracken (his last love, immortalized in his valedictory poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios”). The other names are Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, Consuelo Ortiga y Rey, G ertrude Beckett, Suzanne Jacoby, and Nellie Bousted. From this “shopping list” the pre-war Filipino painter Pablo Amorsolo chose eight to comprise a set preserved in the art collection of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (with another set or a copy in the Yuchengco Museum). These Amorsolo paintings and classroom history make us pause and ask—are there only nine women associated with Rizal that were more than mere dates but sweethearts with whom he had a relationship?

86 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Secret Lovers “Leonoras, Dolores, Ursulas, Felipas, Vicentas, Margaritas, and others: Other loves will hold your attention and soon you will forget the traveler. I’ll return, but I’ll find myself alone, because those who used to smile at me will save their charms for others more fortunate. And in the meantime, I fly after my vain idea, a false illusion perhaps... —Rizal’s diary entry on May 1882 about his “loves” when he left for Europe

It is unfortunate that although Rizal was a dedicated diarist, who left us with 25 volumes of revealing writings, he kept his emotions private. He had lofty lines on love of country but no cheesy lines to describe the women he found attractive. Nevertheless, going through his writings with a fine-tooth comb uncovers stray references to other women in his life and heart whose names are lost to history. There is a woman in his student diary, hidden under the name “L,” who lived in a house to the east of his hometown Calamba. His father didn’t approve of “L,” thus Rizal was forbidden to continue his visits. Then there is another unnamed woman he met in the woods while she was chasing butterflies. What Rizal kept to himself, however, we find in the memoirs of his friends like Maximo Viola who recalled that Rizal spent a night with a beautiful prostitute in Vienna, an obscure historical footnote that has since spawned the urban legend that Rizal is the father of Adolf Hitler! Of the dozen women linked to Rizal only four were relationships serious enough for him to offer marriage: Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Rivera, Nellie Bousted, and Josephine Bracken. To complicate things further, there is only one woman he loved above all else, a woman who completed him, a woman he could never marry—his mother, Teodora Alonso. When people ask why Rizal never married nor had children, the standard textbook answer is that Rizal was married to his country. But isn’t it possible that in the large brood of 11 children born of the union of Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso, some children were destined to remain unmarried in order to

DOOMeD lOVe: Rizal’s first fiancée, Leonor Rivera

FROM pARIS, WITh lOVe: Frenchwoman Nellie Bousted, one of Rizal’s serious loves

In Plain Language

care for their aged parents? Unfortunately, while we have the names of Rizal’s loves no book gives the basic biographical information: date of birth, date of death. What were they like before and after their association with Rizal? After Segunda Katigbak was jilted by Rizal, she married Manuel Luz. What became of her? Leonora Rivera married the English engineer Charles Henry Kipping, but when did she pass away? Where is she buried? When and where was Nellie Boustead born, when and where did she die? What was Josephine Bracken’s life before she met Rizal in Dapitan? What happened to her after Rizal’s

execution? We know she died and was buried in Hong Kong but her grave remains undiscovered in Happy Valley to this day. All these women are irrelevant to academic historians who dismiss Rizal’s love life as trivial, not appreciating that it is this so-called gossip that keeps the memory of Rizal alive outside the classroom and the official commemoration of his martyrdom. Rizal remains alive in the hearts of his countrymen when he is rescued from textbooks and statues of bronze and marble because the secret to Rizal’s greatness is that he was, like us, a man who lived and loved. n

privileged, and have a fantastic personality. He would probably be even written about because he’d be quite a celebrity. Women would perhaps gravitate to him. It would be easy to imagine him as a very sexually attractive guy.

The AlphA MAle

Then & Now

Do A-listers feel entitled to ‘break the rules’ of society? No, I don’t think so. What are they breaking -having more women? But everybody else is like that, right? I am not a priest so I can’t comment on morality issues. I guess these popular public figures who get ‘caught’ are just being careless. It doesn’t mean that the others are not doing what they’ve been caught doing.

To be an A-lister is to have it all, including many women. Is this really so? Human sexuality expert Dr. Agnes Bueno gives us the lowdown on what really makes a man “attractive”, genius or not. Is it common among A-listers and geniuses to have a high sex drive? On the contrary, I think they have less because they are able to sublimate their sexual desires into something intellectual whereas the ordinary guy is more preoccupied with sex because he has no means to displace those desires. In my own practice, there is really not much distinction between an A-lister and, say, a carpenter or a jeepney driver. I think the sex life of the guy next door is more interesting than these high-profile achievers. The latter are just the ones being written about. Do you think it was a common thing for men in Rizal’s time to have many girlfriends, or affairs maybe? Men in Rizal’s time were in a very difficult situation. During that time, to be ‘sexy’ would be sinful. If a man equated sex to sin, then he’d develop all kinds of neuroses about sex. A healthy male who doesn’t have any restraints would be having sex all the time. In Rizal’s

According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, Rizal spoke Tagalog, Spanish, German, English, and “probably had passable French and Italian.” He tried to learn some Visayan while in Dapitan and could read classical Latin and Greek.

Dr. Jose Rizal time, there were more restraints and, since they couldn’t totally repress their libidinous energies, they either sublimated, pleasured themselves, or went insane (laughs). how would you gauge Rizal’s attractiveness factor? It is interesting to know that Rizal had nine significant women in his life. It could have been that regardless of his being a genius, he had a charming personality. Perhaps he was also knowledgeable about women, how to woo and have a relationship with them. In the present context, Rizal would be a very attractive guy. He would be educated,

Are A-listers more creative or productive if they lead active sex lives? Creativity is sublimation. If they are sublimating, it doesn’t mean that they are sexually less or more than the ordinary guy. When a guy sublimates, he can be into the arts, writing, etc., because he doesn’t channel all his libidinal energies into sex. But, basically, all men are into sex. Those who can’t sublimate will probably be having sex three times a day, while those who can’t will be content to having sex only three times a week. You need to channel some of those energies into something else. If you can’t, the worstcase scenario is you’ll have the caveman, the rapist, the sex addict... men who can’t control themselves. n (Dr. Agnes Bueno, a practicing psychiatrist and sex therapist, is the head of the first and only human sexuality clinic in the Philippines, at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City; 723-0101/723-0301 loc. 2217/6501.)

www.philippineairlines.com I 87

SPECIAL KIND OF SUPPER. Admire the Grecian exteriors of Peacock Garden while having dinner by the infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Spot the NatioNal hero First it was a restaurant, now a luxe resort. GLENN GALE meets a German hotelier whose interest in Jose Rizal is revealed in his establishments. The latest—Bohol’s Peacock Garden.

e all have our dreams, but very few actually get to realize them. One such lucky dreamer is Philippine-based German hotelier and bon vivant Hans Schoof, who can rightly claim to be a Dr. Jose Rizal aficionado as well. Trekking the world in the early 1980s as a backpacking, free thinking, New Age traveler (though he prefers to tag it his “hippie stage”), taking in everything from the sun-kissed beaches of Greece to the valleys of the Khyber Pass in Pakistan, and encountering all kinds of people and experiences along the way, Hans had a lot of time for dreaming both by day and night. But his recurring dream was having his own place perched on a hill with a sweeping view of the sea a kilometer or so beyond. Fast forward to 1986. After a laid-back stint in Thailand, the adventurous Hans surfaces in the Philippines where through a series of good circumstances he finds himself in Bohol and actually discovers the location he has been dreaming about. What’s more, in Baclayon—the sleepy Bohol hamlet

88 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

HOME AWAY FROM HOME While completing his opthalmological studies in Heidelberg, Germany, Rizal met Pastor Ullmer who invited Rizal to stay at his family home in Wilhelmsfeld. The road by the pastor’s house, pictured here, is now named Jose Rizal Street.

where his dream comes true—he also finds the girl of his dreams. On his chosen 35-hectare sea-view hilltop site Hans built a sprawling Mediterranean-style home that carved up around 13 hectares. And some years later, almost as an afterthought, Hans and Lani—who by happy coincidence celebrate their silver wedding anniversary this month—used up another 11 hectares of the property to build the magnificent Peacock Garden Resort and Spa (incidentally the only spa from the Philippines lauded in the 2012 edition of the Condé Nast Luxury Spas), which is a little bit of Bohol that is now for ever Europe in its imperial setting. With their son Chris (they also have a daughter Katrina) now running the luxury 33-room resort so named because of the peacock’s connotations with beauty and royalty, Hans has more time to indulge in his pleasures, which includes a fleet of vintage Bentleys and Rolls Royces for a leisurely and elegant drive, augmented by a Mercedes Benz AMG Gullwing (with top speed of 320 mph), a Porsche Cayenne, and a BMW sports convertible which fulfill

PIECES OF HISTORY: (LEFT) Black and white portraits of historical figures like Hemingway, Churchill and Rizal’s nine lovers adorn the wooden walls of Peacock Garden’s Hemingway Cigar Lounge. (RIGHT) Hans Schoof poses outside his home with his beloved babies—a Harley Davidson, two vintage Bentleys, and a Mercedes Benz AMG Gullwing.

TOUCH ME NOT Why the velvet rope? This set of furniture found in the Peacock Garden today was once a part of the home of the late Pastor Ullmer from Wilhelmsfeld, Germany. It was in the pastor’s home where Rizal completed his novel Noli Me Tangere, which when translated to English means “Touch Me Not.”

his need for speed by day. By night he is most content when he has a Cuban cigar dangling from his fingers and a bottle of 40-year-old Port by his side, and engaging in expansive conversation about his idol, Dr. Jose Rizal. Though hailing from Wiesbaden, Hans (whose family was in the business of manufacturing automobile parts) lived in Heidelberg for five years— that being the city where Rizal also spent a significant amount of time. Hans explains: “There were various ‘Rizal markers’ in the town which piqued my interest. The building across Heidelberg University where Rizal wrote his poem ‘To the Flowers of Heidelberg,’ and the ophthalmology clinic where he honed his skills to later operate on his mother’s cataracts. There’s even a street and a river embankment named after him. Heidelberg was the city where Rizal stayed the longest during his travels. And even though I was still to visit the Philippines, it already was imprinted on my mind that Rizal must be a great man.” Several years later when he settled in the Philippines, Hans put up a German restaurant in Malate and named it Old Heidelberg. “I wanted it to be a place where Filipinos, Germans, and other expats could enjoy classic German cuisine. And I thought it would be fitting to have a portrait of Rizal by the entrance to welcome Filipinos, but also as a way of introducing German customers to the Philippine national hero. By then I had also gathered a few books on Rizal which I had on display in the restaurant.” “One evening, a Filipino turned up [and] asked why, as a German, I had a picture of Rizal at the restaurant entrance. I told him what I had read and thought about Rizal. By the end of the conversation he insisted I come with him. I had no clue where he was taking me, but he brought me to a gathering of

the Knights of Rizal, a Philippines-based international organization of like-minded individuals whose purpose was to ensure that Rizal remains relevant. I was inducted as a Knight and met more people who had a wealth of knowledge and a genuine interest in Rizal. My fascination for Rizal grows to this day.” Hans notes that what he really admires about Rizal is his being a “multifaceted genius.” He goes on: “Rizal’s capacity for 22 languages, his interest in medicine, engineering, literature, politics, all contributed to what I believe is his greatest legacy: his global, forward thinking. Clearly ahead of his time, his legacy wasn’t just to Filipinos but also to modern Asia. Gandhi credited Rizal for being one of the cornerstones of political selfconsciousness in the region. “As much as he was the biggest critic of himself, he was the same for the Filipino people. Even in the deepest of his revolutionary thoughts he cautioned Filipinos about the price and responsibility of freedom.” Hans’ efforts toward perpetuating Rizal’s legacy (in 2005, he sponsored the first translation of El Filibusterismo into the German language) have not gone unnoticed in his homeland. The living room furniture of the late Pastor Ullmer, used by Jose Rizal during his stay in 1886 in the vicarage in Wilhelmsfeld (from where he wrote the last few chapters of Noli Me Tangere, which was published in Berlin in 1887) was donated by the pastor’s family to Hans for his commitment to promoting the ideals of the Philippine national hero. There is a proviso that the furniture—on permanent exhibition in Peacock Garden—cannot be sold. In case it is no longer in the custody of the Schoof family it is stipulated that the furniture be turned over to the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna. n

ALL EYES: The peacock is a sacred bird in the Hindu religion. The spots on the peacock’s tail is believed to represent the eyes of the gods. 90 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Falling in love with the PhiliPPines

Living abroad can provide exciting opportunities. loRi BlaCKBURn learns how the Philippines charmed these expats into staying.

sean stone moved to Manila from Singapore. He is the director of Perfect Dives.

hevelyn almeiDa is

why did you move to the Philippines? To expand my business and build Perfect Dives which promotes diving as a form of sustainable ocean development in the Philippines

why did you move to the Philippines? Work opportunities. The Brazilian look is appreciated in the Philippine fashion industry.

what is your favorite part about living here? Scuba diving. If I’m not at the office then look around a coral reef. where would you take visiting friends and family? This year, I’m getting married in Cebu with a post wedding dive trip to Bohol. I’m training to be a dive instructor and certify friends. Bohol is perfect with reefs, beaches, and scenery. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? The care free attitude in the provinces. Fill in the blank: Muck Diving is More Fun in the Philippines.

a Brazilian model living in Manila.

what is your favorite part about living here? The natural beauty and that Filipinos are talented singers. It’s similar to Brazil because people are friendly with strong family and religious values. where would you take visiting friends and family? Bohol for Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. Boracay for nightlife. Camsur for wakeboarding. have you picked up any Filipino traits? I learned to eat with a fork and spoon. I enjoy beef tapa and halo halo, too. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? The blue ocean, white beaches, and good food. Fill in the blank: Summer Is More Fun in the Philippines.

DelPhine De loRme is a French artist based in Cebu. why did you move to the Philippines? Mainly because of the Filipino smile, but it also gave me time to paint and design with my talented Filipino team. what is your favorite part about living here? The opportunities. Creating Cebu’s ‘’GILT’’ lounge led to designing Cebu’s French cultural center and sharing France with the Philippines. I get my inspiration from the vivid colors of the jeepney! where would you take visiting friends and family? Siargao for surf, Cagayan de Oro for adventure, and GILT in Cebu for the best lounge! have you picked up any Filipino traits? Manny Pacquiao’s PacMan mania. I even painted a series representing his major fights. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? Authenticity because many islands are untouched by mass tourism. Fill in the blank: Leaving it All Behind is More Fun in the Philippines.

92 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

hylton le RoUx traded London for Alabang. He is owner and executive chef of Pi Catering.

why did you move to the Philippines? I saw culinary potential. My business, Pi Catering, thrives through Manila’s diverse food scene. I also launched a cooking show, ‘Market to Master’ that showcased Philippine wet markets. where would you take visiting friends and family? Antonio’s in Tagaytay is fine dining with spectacular mountain ambiance. It’s perfect when visiting Taal Volcano. have you picked up any Filipino traits? Saying huy and diba. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? Breathtaking landscapes are a step away from city life. Fill in the blank: San Miguel beer is More Fun in the Philippines.

Thinking of moving abroad? Here are some expat tips: • Do your homework first. Learn about visas, banking, neighborhoods, transportation, etc.

Carsten stormer is a German journalist, photographer, and author.

Why did you move to the Philippines? By accident. I was supposed to do a ten day story for a German magazine. I fell in love with country and people so decided to stay. What is your favorite part about living here? Meeting my wife! The natural beauty. Hardly any communication issues – language wise. Where would you take visiting friends and family? Relaxing at Sugar Beach in Negros, caving in Sagada, climbing Mt Canlaon, diving with thresher sharks in Malapascua. Have you picked up any Filipino traits? Eating beefsteak & kinilaw. Speaking Tagalog. Filipino driving. What sets the Philippines apart as a destination? The beaches. Fill in the blank: Diving is More Fun in the Philippines.

Bryan Benitez mCClelland arrived in

Manila via San Francisco. He is the creator of Bambike. Why did you move to the Philippines? I started out building environmentally responsible villages for Gawad Kalinga. Since the States was in a financial crisis, I continued my volunteer work to see what would happen. What is your favorite part about living here? The rich natural resources and inventive, hardworking people. Tapping into these assets is now my career. I started Bamb Ecological Technology Inc. and Rapid Stream whitewater kayaking eco-tours in Tarlac. Where would you take visiting friends and family? Surfing in Zambales. Paddle boarding in Batangas. Kayaking with Rapid Stream in Tarlac. What sets the Philippines apart as a destination? There are many interesting environments. Filipinos are welcoming. The food is delicious and inexpensive. Fill in the blank: Riding Bikes is More Fun in the Philippines.

alesya Folley left Australia to launch Corporate Executive Offices in Manila. Why did you move to the Philippines? I loved visiting the country and wanted to move here. I researched work opportunities then opened a Manila branch of our company – Corporate Executive Offices. What is your favorite part about living here? The friendly people and my wonderful staff. Most people speak English making business and social activities easier. Where would you take visiting friends and family? Boracay, but I need to find a new island jewel. Luckily, there are many beautiful islands to choose from. What sets the Philippines apart as a destination? The Philippines has the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Fill in the blank: EVERYTHING is More Fun in the Philippines.

• Visit the country beforehand to understand annual weather and everyday life.

• Consider how far you are moving from your original country and the costs and frequency to return. • Don’t forget that you are in someone else’s country. Respect their values and habits. • Join sports, clubs, classes, and social engagements to meet like-minded people.

• Spend time with other expats who know the local culture. Most expats are used to making friends quickly. • As the saying goes, “Be mindful where you move to, because you will become that place.”

www.philippineairlines.com I 93

THE LIGHTER SIDE F.S. 5,60

ONU

2012

NATIONS UNIES

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

F.S. 16,80

ONU

2012

NATIONS UNIES

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

F.S. 28,00

ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

.A. Tan

es oir es il de es nt n, ur ns os et

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E

NATIONS UNIES

F.S. 16,80

NATIONS UNIES

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E ONU

2012

F.S. 1,40

S E N S I B I L I S AT I O N À L’ A U T I S M E F.S. 28,00

(ABOVE) The UN stamps’ green and blue design entitled “Victory” was made by J.A. Tan while the dominantly pink design was made by Michael Augello from the USA. (INSET) J.A. poses with David Failor, Chief of the United Nations Postal Administration.

Filipino Design Picked for UN Stamp J. A. Tan is the only Filipino artist in the history of the United Nations whose artwork is featured on a stamp. He is also diagnosed with autism. To celebrate World Autism Day last April 2, the United Nations released stamps designed by artists with autism. Out of more than 200 submissions, J.A.’s work, along with eight other artists, was chosen. Their designs will be issued in the United Nations Postal Administration offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. Past UN postal artists include the likes of Norman Rockwell. Coincidentally, J. A.’s stamp is entitled “Victory.” To know more about J. A., visit www.artofjatan.com.

94 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

THE LIGHTER SIDE

2D or not 2D?

Amid all the 3D craze, that is the question. But Taiwan artists Chay Su and Rika Lin like to keep things two-dimensional with their Jump from Paper bags, which look like illustrations that literally leap from paper. Turn heads with these super kooky creations described as “seriously ridiculous!” Bags start at around US$79 (Php3,320) each and are available in Taiwan, Malaysia, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, and some parts of Europe. : www.jumpfrompaper.com

Biking with Bamboo Not to be ridden in close proximity to pandas, Bambikes offers a different kind of ride—bikes made with bamboo. The bamboo element is more than just a green touch, though. These bikes consume less fossil fuel and bamboo’s flexible nature ensures a smoother ride. Bambikes are also hand-built by Gawad Kalinga villagers who were formerly struggling with poverty. Creator of Bambikes Bryan McClelland shares: “We want to build the greenest bikes on earth and create jobs for the people that need them the most.” Bambikes prices start at Php45,000. +63917 598 2000; bamb.bike@gmail. com; bambike.com

C L I C K

ANIK-ANIK LOVE

HOW ABOUT WE

GONNA TRY

SMALL DEMONS

Like MTV Cribs for creative people. Here, photographer Mitch Mauricio shoots the homes of creative Filipinos like fashion designer Kate Torralba and National Artist F. Sionil Jose.

Score a date depending on how interesting your proposal is—from “how about we take a cooking class” to “how about we go skydiving.” Featured on GQ and the New York Times.

A user-friendly site for keeping tabs on your goals with the help of online tools and deadlines. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

Lists the real-life references of books from people, places, and things. Titles covered range from Stieg Larson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs.

WWW.ANIKANIKLOVE.BLOGSPOT.COM

96 I Mabuhay Magazine I May 2012

WWW.HOWABOUTWE.COM

WWW.GONNATRY.COM

WWW.SMALLDEMONS.COM

New Dog Hotel in Manila Nowadays, pet owners are taking their responsibilities—and their pets—more seriously. You’ll see it on shows like The Dog Whisperer. To cater to this, The Dog Park offers to take care of your precious pooch while you’re away. They offer lodging, day care, and grooming (prices start at Php500, Php40, and Php400, respectively). Owners Ruth Cariño and Karen Vigo share: “We want to encourage people to keep pets—some want to but can’t because no one will look after them.” Ladies, Mr. Millan would be proud. The Dog Park is located at 30 F. Banaag St., Brgy. Pineda, Pasig City; +63917 827 3898; the.dog.park.inc@gmail.com

101 Places Not to See Before You Die by Catherine Price HarPerCollins

PHP588 (Us$14) If you want unusual, you’re going to get it. Spots from the contrived Mount Rushmore, mundane Beijing Museum of Tap Water, to the totally gross Giant Room Filled with Human Crap are included in this unconventional travel book. A light, witty read and a good source of anecdotes, this book might even interest you to actually visit the places you were warned about. –Lou Marquez-Hernandez

KeeP CalM anD CarrY on

Andrews McMeel Publishing Php360 (US$8)

L I S T E N

Your Year Malay (Independent) HHHH

Pochoy Labog’s former rap-rock outfit had been accused of sounding derivative at one point, but with his new trio Malay, the ex-Dicta License front man proves that he has more aces up his sleeves. With a skilled rhythm section, Labog brings his lyrical prowess and guitar skills to fore, as Your Year displays driving rock numbers (“Moving,” “Lundag”), and languid, spacey grooves (“December,” “Breaking”). And “Halina” shows that Labog hasn’t lost his touch for arena-scale anthems. – Jason Caballa

WilD THinG BY JosH BaZell

Hachette Book Group Php315 (US$7)

ZoMBies Vs. UniCorns BY HollY BlaCK

Simon Schuster Php360 (US$8) BOOKS AVAILABLE AT FULLY BOOKED, FORT BONIFACIO, GLOBAL CITY

Available online at www.malaymanila.bandcamp.com www.philippineairlines.com I 97

LAST FRAME

These Hooves Were Made for Trekking May

2 0 0 5

It was the second morning of a three-day horse trek in Songpan—one of Sichuan Province’s Tibetan-dominated counties—when Australian photographer RICHARD SHAW glanced at his guide, Norbu, packing the horses for the day’s journey. “I couldn’t resist this shot,” says Richard, who snapped the image on his Canon EOS 3 (film body). Songpan is located in the rugged northern reaches of China’s Sichuan Province. In Tibetan regions such as Songpan, travelers can go on treks guided by traditional horsemen like Norbu. These horses may lack the imposing stature of a racehorse, but they are extremely hardy and have long been used to ferry goods and people through an alpine landscape that is as harsh as it is spectacular. Richard has been photographing horse-racing festivals and carnivals around the globe for the last decade. For more of his work, visit www.richshaw.net

98 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

CMY

100 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

www.philippineairlines.com I 101

ASIA'S FIRST AIRLINE Philippine Airlines—Asia’s first airline—is the flag carrier of the Republic of the Philippines and pioneer domestic airline of the country, with a 71-year history that is steeped in tradition and modernity. PAL first took to the skies on March 15, 1941 with a small twin-engine Beech Model 18 airplane, flying 212 kilometers from Manila to Baguio City, carrying a full load of five passengers. Upon the outbreak of World War II in December 1941, the PAL airplanes were commandeered by the military and eventually destroyed in combat. Post-war operations resumed February 14, 1946 with five ex-military Douglas DC-3s. In July 1946, PAL chartered DC-4s to carry American servicemen home to Oakland, California, making PAL the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific. In May 1947, PAL also became the first Asian carrier to fly to Europe by opening regular service to Madrid. This was followed by rapid expansion of services to Asia and the Middle East in the next two decades. By the 1970s PAL international route network covered two-thirds of the world. PAL keeps in step with advancements in aircraft technology, acquiring the latest aircraft type suited to market demands and local aviation conditions. From DC-3s that serve as a workhorse in the 1940s and 1950s, Vicker Viscount turboprops and Fokker F-27s were added to the fleet in the 1960s. After the BAC1-11 jets were introduced in the 1970s, the McDonnel Douglas DC-10—PAL’s first wide-body aircraft—went into

OUR FLEET Since its first flight on March 15, 1941, Philippine Airlines has flown almost 30 types of aircraft to fulfill its mission of providing the Philippines with efficient and reliable air transportation as the country’s flag carrier. Now with a fleet of 38 aircraft, PAL operates one of the youngest and bestmaintained fleets in the region.

service on the transpacific route in 1974. The Boeing 747-200Bs jumbo jet replaced the DC-10s in 1979 on long haul routes, while the Airbus 300B4s replaced the DC-8s on regional services. In November 2009, the Boeing 777-300ER (extended range)— the most fuel- efficient, twin-engine jet that can fly long-haul—joined the fleet. It boasts of one of the most spacious cabins, fitted with state-of-theart inflight entertainment system. Today, the fleet consists of Boeing 747-400s, B777-300ER, Airbus A340-300s, A330-300s, A320s and A319s. They carry an average of 12,000 passengers and 180 tons of cargo daily on domestic routes, and 10,000 passengers and 170 tons of cargo daily on international sectors. PAL’s modern aircraft and equipment are complemented by frequent customer service enhancements, both inflight and on ground. The PAL website—whose features are regularly upgraded—can now be accessed by WAP-enabled cellphones, making PAL available at the palm of your hands. Mabuhay Class passengers now get to enjoy fine-dining in the sky through a new personalized inflight meal service known as One By One. PAL’s seven-decade tradition of warm Filipino hospitality has always been coupled with strong commitment to continuous improvement of services and operations. Despite the many challenges, PAL remains focused on its vision of becoming a world-class Filipino airline.

B777-300ER NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

3 42 passengers 328 passengers

B747-400 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

5 42 passengers 383 passengers

A340-300

102 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

4 44 passengers 220 passengers

A330-300 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

8 42 passengers 260 passengers

A320-200 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

14 12 passengers 144 passengers

A319-100

NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

4 8 passengers 126 passengers

www.philippineairlines.com I 103

WELCOME ABOARD HA ND LU GGA G E One hand luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin may be carried without charge. The hand luggage must not exceed a total linear dimension of 115 cm or 45 in, and should weigh not more than 7 kg or 15 lbs. If hand luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, hand luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable). In addition to the free hand luggage allowance, the following items are allowed onboard: a laptop with case; a small handbag; a coat, wrap or blanket; a walking stick or a pair of crutches; a small camera or a pair of binoculars; a reasonable amount of reading material; and infantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food and carrying basket. S EC U R IT Y IT E M S The following items are prohibited from being loaded in the hand luggage or inside the aircraft cabin on all Philippine Airlines flights: liquids and gels; sharp items and blunt instruments; explosives, munitions and fireworks; weapons (including replicas), accessories and martial arts devices; large and heavy tools; and other dangerous items contained in, but not limited to, Section I.D. 8 of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Model Security Program. All passengers travelling from/to the United States (including Guam) will be prohibited from carrying any type of lighter in their carry-on luggage and into security checkpoints. Please contact any Philippine Airlines Reservations or Ticket Office for the complete list of prohibited items. Prohibited items discovered during the security search will be immediately referred to law enforcement officers or appropriate authorities at the airport for disposition. Security Removed Items (SRI) shall be loaded in the aircraft cargo / baggage compartment subject to security clearance procedures by airport authorities. When traveling in the U.S.A., please give enough lead time for the stricter screening of both checked and hand luggage at all commercial airports. All bags will be subject to search; bags that set off alarms or otherwise raise security concerns will have to be opened for inspection.

T A K E- OF F / LA N DI N G During take-off and landing, ensure that seat back is in the upright position and the tray table is folded or secured properly. Hand luggage should be stowed in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front. S EA T BELT S It is Philippine Airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safety requirement that passengers must fasten their seatbelts for the entire duration of the flight even when the seat belt sign is off. While you are sleeping, please fasten your seat belt over your blanket for the easy inspection by the cabin crew. This is to assure uninterrupted rest during the flight even during moments of turbulence. ELEC T R ONIC E QUI P M E N T In the interest of flight safety, any transportable electronic equipment are not to be operated during take-off, climb out, descent, final approach and landing, except for personal electronic life support systems. Electronic devices which intentionally transmit radio signals should never be used for the whole duration of the flight. These include, but are not limited to: radio transceivers, CB radios, cellular phones, and electronic remote control transmitters. Transportable electronic equipment which are non-transmitters and without any accessories that would transmit/receive radio signals, such as laptop computers without Wi-Fi and wireless peripheral devices, video cameras/players, tape recorders/ players, CD/DVD/MP3 players, calculators, electronic entertainment devices and electronic shavers may be used after the safe use of these has been announced. Some flight conditions may require the discontinuance of the use of electronic devices and will be announced by the crew. Personal electronic life support systems such as hearing aids, electronic nerve stimulators, respirators may be used throughout the flight.

N O S MOK IN G In compliance with the Administrative Order 121 of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, smoking is strictly prohibited on all PAL flights, including when the aircraft is on the ground prior to take-off and/or after landing. EMER GENC Y O X Y G E N S UP P L Y AN D L I F E V E S TS In the event of a sudden drop in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop automatically in front of the passengers. An inflatable life vest is located beneath the seat or in/under the armrest. Please watch the live or film demonstration of safety procedures, which will be given or screened prior to take-off. F IES T A BOU TI QUE A selection of duty-free liquor, cigarettes, perfumes and other high-quality gift items can be purchased during the flight from our Fiesta Boutique. Payment may be made on selected currencies. Credit cards acceptable on major routes. The minimum amount for credit cards is US$10.00 and the maximum amount is US$250.00. Please refer to our Fiesta Boutique Catalogue or inquire from our cabin crew. IN F LIGHT A M E N I T I E S On long-haul flights, you receive an overnight kit that contains grooming items and other travel essentials to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Mabuhay Class passengers are treated to additional amenities in their kit, such as branded toiletry products and handy travel accessories. Our cabin lavatories are also stocked with other toiletry products to help you freshen up for your arrival at your destination. For a more comfortable rest especially during long-haul flights, pillows and blankets are available upon request or can be found on the seat. Seats can be reclined except those that remain fixed for safety or other physical reasons. We also suggest that

104 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

Welcome to Philippine Airlines! Here are a few reminders to ensure your safety and comfort on board. Have a pleasant trip!

passengers tune in to the Flite Lite channel of our Flights of Fancy inflight radio program to keep them relaxed during the flight. Fun and treats are in store for PAL Junior Jetsetter passengers from ages 2-11 when they hop in on their flights. On flights between Manila and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Melbourne and New Delhi, kids are provided with Junior Jetsetter Activity Kits featuring some of the most beloved cartoon characters of all time, Mickey Mouse and Friends. The kits contain activity books, coloring materials, puzzles, stickers and toys, which provide children with hours of fun, while educating them on various travel destinations. Two different activity sets, packed in easy-to-carry bags, are available on flights originating from Manila and on flights bound for Manila.

C O MP L IME N TA RY B E VE RA GE Complimentary beverage service is offered on all international flights. On long-haul flights, distilled water is passed around every-hour-on-the-hour in between meals to promote passenger well-being. A L C O HO L IC B E VE RA GE Red Wine / White Wine / Gin* / Vodka* / Whiskey* / Brandy / Selection of Beer (*Available only on long-haul flights) Alcoholic drinks are served only to a passenger aged 18 years or over. Government regulation prohibits passengers from opening and drinking alcoholic beverage other than what is served inflight. For the safety and comfort of all concerned, the cabin crew may decline to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be intoxicated. Alcoholic drinks are not available on domestic flights and Vancouver - Las Vegas -Vancouver flights.

N O N -A L C O HO L IC B E VE RA GE Cola / Diet Cola / Uncola / Diet Uncola / Orange Juice / Apple Juice / Ginger Ale / Absolute Distilled Water / Tonic Water / Soda Water / Lemon Iced Tea / Lipton Tea / Coffee IN FL IGHT SN A C K S On flights between Manila and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and Honolulu, Philippine Airlines invites passengers to enjoy our complimentary snack selection. These include Asian noodle soup, meat-filled buns, and pastries. Preferred snacks may be requested from the Cabin Crew during anytime of the flight. READING MATERIALS We carry a number of Filipino and foreign language newspapers to keep passengers abreast with the lastest news and current events. Our inflight magazine, Mabuhay, is available for all classes of service on all international flights. Our Mabuhay Class service on international flights carries an array of News, Business, Fashion, Travel and Sports Magazines, including some Foreign Magazines on selected flights. These may be requested from the Cabin Crew onboard the flight.

B E F O RE YO U L E A VE Passengers must ensure that all personal belongings are in their possession before disembarking. If anything is forgotten, passengers may check with ground staff or call Philippine Airlines. D E E P VE IN T HRO MB O S IS ( D VT ) DVT is the formation or presence of a blood clot (thrombus) in any of the deep veins of the body, most frequently involving those of the legs, thighs or pelvis. The blood clot may interfere with the circulation and manifest as combinations of pain, soreness, heaviness, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, or prominent superficial veins over the affected area. It may also break off (an embolus) and travel to the lungs or other organs, sometimes leading to undesirable complications. Warning signs of lung involvement (or pulmonary embolism) include shortness of breath, sudden unexplained coughing, or abrupt chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms during the flight, please inform any of our cabin crew right away; or if you already left the aircraft, please seek medical attention immediately. 1. Internal Risk Factors: DVT especially affects people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as a history of thrombosis or embolism, heart disease, stroke, or malignancy. Other risk factors include advanced age, obesity and paralysis, use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, recent childbirth, blood coagulation disorders, varicose veins, recent major surgery, and fractures of the pelvis and lower extremities. Prolonged immobility due to illnesses or injuries may also predispose one to DVT. Before you make travel plans, consult your physician to determine your fitness to take a flight. You might also need to secure clearance form our PAL Medical Office before you purchase a ticket. 2. External Risk Factors: Sitting or sleeping in cramped positions for extended periods may occasionally induce DVT. For your comfort and relaxation, we suggest you perform in-seat exercises. Extreme dehydration can also increase the risk of DVT, so drink plenty of water and minimize alcohol and caffeine intake before and during the flight.

YO U R F E E D B A C K WIL L B E A P P RE C IA TE D We encourage any comments or suggestions on how we can further improve our products and services. Please call our Customer Relations Office at telephone numbers 777-5932, fax number 777-5928 or email wecare@pal.com.ph.

Get acquainted with the Philippines even before you arrive. These tips will guarantee a carefree and informed stay.

PH I LI P P I N E S A T A G LANC E Stretching 1,839 km north-to-south off the

southeast coast of Asia, the Republic of the Philippines has a total land area of 300,000 sq. kms. Its 7,107 islands comprise one of the largest island groups in the world. About 92 million Filipinos make up the population, 55% of whom occupy the largest island of Luzon. Filipinos comprise 111 cultural and linguistic groups of Malayo-Polynesian origin, with varying degrees of Chinese, Spanish and American influences. Majority are Roman Catholics, though a significant number are Protestants and Moslems. The Philippines is the world’s third largest Englishspeaking country after the United States and the United Kingdom. Filipino is the national language; English is used for commercial and legal transactions. Literacy rate is a high 94%.

CLI M A T E The Philippines is a tropical country with an average temperature of 32°C (89.6°F). March to June are hot and dry (36°C); rains and typhoons abound from July to October; November to February are pleasantly cool (around 23°C) and dry. In mountainous regions, temperatures dip to about 15°C. Light casual clothing is recommended for daily wear and Barong Tagalog or coat-and-tie for business and formal functions.

TOUCHDOWN MANILA

The secret to a satisfying shopping expedition is to go where the locals go, whether it be to world-class malls, bargain-rich flea markets or “tiangges,” ubiquitous sidewalk stalls, or tiny “holes-in-the-walls.” Handicraft stores can be found all over the country, selling export-quality products like native baskets and hand-woven fabrics, exquisite shellcraft and fine jewelry, or one-of-a-kind home accessories. Antique shops are a rich source of Philippine antiquities such as carved wooden furniture, old religious images, unique tribal artifacts, or vintage collectible pieces. The country’s upscale malls carry international brands with prices comparable to those in Hong Kong or Singapore. Don’t forget to check out the kiosks scattered throughout these sprawling spaces. They sell interesting items you may want to bring back home – from household bric-a-brac to curio items, native delicacies, or even the must-buy souvenir T-shirt.

NIGHT L IF E Metropolitan Manila is considered a pleasure-seeker’s paradise,

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas supervises authorized foreign exchange dealers (at airports, hotels, major commercial establishments and all bank branches), and posts official exchange rates for most international currencies.

with an array of nighttime activities, from the soothing to the sinful. No wonder it has been consistently voted as Asia’s number one destination for entertainment and relaxation by expatriates. You can listen to whatever music you fancy from the country’s popular bands and singers, take 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, and the trendy Libis and Timog districts in Quezon City.

TR AN S P O R T A T I O N Philippine Airlines flies between Manila and 19 cities

F OOD Filipino food may puzzle the first-time eater. Philippine history is largely

CUR RE N C Y The monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. The

and towns throughout the country. In Metro Manila, taxis, buses, jeepneys and a four-line Mass Transit System (LRT and Metrorail) provide public transport. In certain areas like Binondo (Manila’s Chinatown) and the old walled city of Intramuros, horse-drawn carriages or calesas ply short routes. International and local car rental companies provide chauffeured or self-driven limousine service. Large groups may hire medium-sized passenger vans or tourist coaches.

SH OP P I N G The Philippines is fast becoming a shopping haven, yielding great

responsible for this complex cuisine: on a matrix of native dishes akin to those in the rest of Southeast Asia, Chinese traders added their culinary influence, Spanish colonizers threw in touches of Castillan and Mexican cooking, and U.S. colonization brought in convenience and fast-food meals. Eating in the Philippines can therefore be an outstanding experience at all budget levels. In recent years, a profusion of restaurants has emerged, many catering to continental European or exotic Asian tastes. There are some good Japanese restaurants, too, plus a smattering of Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and other cuisines.

bargains if you know what to look for and where.

AIRLINE PARTNERS To serve you better, Philippine Airlines broadened its route network through Codesharing with its Airline Partners, offering you more destinations worldwide. Together, PAL and the Airline Partner, sell the flight sector operated by the Airline Partner.

In Manila, Codeshare Flights operated by PAL’s other Airline Partners arrive/depart at NAIA1. For details on Codeshare Flights, please refer to the PAL Flight Facts and Flight Schedule on pages 127 and 128. When traveling on any of PAL’s Codeshare Flights, Mabuhay Miles members enjoy certain privileges. For specific Mabuhay Miles privileges per Airline Partner, especially on baggage allowance and lounge access, please contact the Mabuhay Miles Service Center at (632) 817 8000. Mabuhay Miles members can redeem travel awards on PAL operated sectors only. The privileges listed in the table shown are applicable provided ticket sales and reservations are under PAL’s seat allocation (ticket should reflect “PR” in the carrier designation box) and upon presentation of the Mabuhay Miles membership card.

SECTOR

PRIVILEGES

AIRLINE PARTNERS

CEBU-HONG KONG

LEGEND LOUNGE ACCESS

MANILA-ABU DHABIvv

EXCESS BAGGAGE BENEFITS

MANILA-BAHRAINvv

MABUHAY MILES MILAGE ACCRUAL

MANILA-DOHAvv

TRANSFER SERVICE BETWEEN NAIA TERMINAL 1 AND 2vv

MANILA-DUBAIvv

ELITE, PREMIER ELITE AND MILLION MILER MEMBERS MILLION MILER MEMBERS

MANILA-KUALA LUMPURvv

MILLION MILER MEMBERS PLUS 1 TRAVELING COMPANION

NOTE PRESENTATION OF MILLION MILER’S MEMBER SHIP CARD IS REQUIRED TO AVAIL OF ETIHAD PRIVILEGES www.philippineairlines.com I 105

SERVICE GUIDE

Philippine Airlines is pleased to offer you the following services to make your travel experience not only convenient but delightful as well.

SP E C I A L M E A LS Special meals may be requested on all Philippine Airlines international flights to cater to the various dietary requirements of passengers, for reasons of age, health or religion. These include: baby meal, child’s meal, western vegetarian meal, low-fat meal, diabetic meal, fruit meal, gluten restricted meal, moslem meal, asian vegetarian meal, seafood meal, hindu vegetarian meal, kosher meal and low-sodium meal. Please call PAL Reservations at least 24 hours before date of departure to ensure availability.

“Early Bird” advanced check-in service in select airports, to help passengers avoid the rush during peak check-in hours. Check-in counters generally close 45 minutes before flight departure. If passengers check in after the counter closure cut-off time, they may not be accepted for the flight even if they are holding a confirmed booking. Always have your travel documents on hand. As with other airlines, Philippine Airlines may refuse carriage to passengers who lack the necessary travel papers.

PAL passengers can now compare fares across a seven-day period. Our online booking features a fully automated facility called “Calendar Pricing” that displays the lowest fare available over a seven-day range-three days before and three days after the planned travel date thus allowing travelers to decide quickly when it is most convenient and cheapest to fly. Experience the difference. Book online!For more information, please visit us at www.philippineairlines com.

EX PRES S CH E CK- IN CO U NTE R S Senior Citizens traveling with up to two (2) traveling companions and passengers with NO CHECK-IN BAGGAGE on PAL flights departing from Manila or Mactan may avail of the express check-in service at designated counters. For more information on restrictions and check-in procedure, log on to www.philippineairlines.com.

PAL Mobile connects passengers to us while on the go! Our mobile site, www.philippineairlines. mobi gives flyers the more flexibility and convenience. With web-enabled mobile phone, Blackberry or PDA, passengers can check the latest arrival and departure times, check flight schedules, track Mabuhay Miles mileage, and know more about our latest news and promos. Important advisories, travel essentials, contact information and a lot more can also be accessed. For more information on how to access the PAL Mobile site, check our FAQ at http://www.philippineairlines. com/faq/pal_mobile. Normal browsing charges apply. Please contact mobile carrier for details. N E E D T O RE CON FIRM Reconfirmation is not required for all Philippine Airlines flights. However we recommend that when making reservations, passengers provide telephone numbers at every stopover in their itinerary. This will allow us to call and advise them of any changes in their flight. AIRPORT

CH E CK-IN

Philippine Airlines offers the

AIRPO RT LO U NGE S Philippine Airlines has Mabuhay Lounges in Manila (Domestic and International), Cebu (Domestic and International), Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos City and San Francisco. Mabuhay Class passengers, as well as Mabuhay Miles Elite and Premier Elite members, can unwind, dine and freshen up in these lounges before boarding their flight. In other International Stations, PAL has contracted the services of airport lounge operators to offer the same amenities to said passengers. AIRPO RT T RA NSFE R SE R VICE IN M A NIL A For passengers connecting from a Philippine Airlines flight at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2, to a code share flight operated by any of its Airline Partners at NAIA Terminal 1 (and vice versa), a complimentary transfer service is available. This service is subject to certain conditions and qualifications. For more information, please inquire with any of our Transfer service staff at the arrival area. CHO ICE EC O NO M Y SE A T SU R CHA R GE Feeling cramped-up sitting with limited legroom when traveling on economy class? 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. Please advise our Customer Service representatives of your request. Seat 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. TR A VE L ING WITH INFA NTS Infants at least 16 days old may be accepted for travel. Passengers requiring the use of baby bassinets should book their flights and make the necessary reservations at least 24 hours before the date of departure. We follow a One-InfantPer-Adult Policy. Philippine Airlines reserves the right to decline bassinet requests without prior reservation. These bassinets are limited in number as they can only be attached to certain seats on the plane and are available only on flights with a flying time of three (3) hours or more. The bassinets are approximately 70 cm long and 30 cm wide, with a weight limit of 10 kg. They are not suitable for infants over 18 months of age. Infants who turn two years old at the time of travel are required to occupy seats for safety reasons. FR E E BA GGA GE A L L O WA NCE O F IN F A N T S ON U S, GU A M A ND CA NA D A F L IGHTS An infant paying at least 10 percent of the adult fare is entitled to one piece of checked baggage weighing 7 kg (15 lbs) and whose dimensions do not exceed 45 inches. The passenger is also entitled to one fully collapsible child’s stroller or pushchair. FR E E BA GGA GE A L L O WA NCE O F IN F A N T S ON NO N- U S, GU A M A ND CA NA D A FL IGH T S From the Philippines, an infant paying at least 10 percent of the fare is entitled to 10 kg (22 lbs) of checked baggage plus one fully collapsible child’s stroller or pushchair.

Philippine Airlines introduces the RHUSH (Rapid Handling of Urgent Shipments) airport-to-airport service, the fastest way to ship cargo domestically or overseas. Enjoy the following advantages with RHUSH: highest priority in cargo, guaranteed space, fast and quick acceptance and release time, and money-back guarantee (conditions apply). But what makes RHUSH the hands-down choice is its guarantee that your cargo is released on the day you expect it. For particulars, please call PAL Cargo Sales and Reservations in Manila at (632) 831 3061 / 853 3062 / 853 3059 / 851 3063 / 879 5879 / 834 0362, or any PAL Office in your area.

FLIGHT TRANSFERS IN MANILA Philippine Airlines offers worry-free transit procedures for passengers coming from an international flight with an immediate connection to a PAL domestic flight. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Centennial Terminal 2 in Manila, all passengers have to do is clear with immigration, claim their baggage from the carousel, and proceed to the Special Customs Examination Counter for baggage clearance. They must then return the baggage to the carousel to ensure its loading on the domestic flight. If passengers onboard a PAL flight from the U.S.A., Canada or Narita are connecting to Cebu or Davao, they can proceed directly to the PAL Domestic Terminal at NAIA 2 after clearing Immigration. Baggage no longer has to be cleared in Manila, as the appointed Customs personnel in Cebu or Davao will take care of your baggage clearance. If passengers do not have their boarding passes for domestic flights, they may proceed to the PAL Transfer Desk at the Arrival Area for assistance. Passengers may take the escalator or elevator located at the Arrival Lobby to go to the PAL Domestic Terminal. Airport Terminal Fees: Php550 for international departure and Php200 for local departure (paid in Philippine pesos only). Departing passengers for international destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist information counters (Tel. Nos. 524-1703; 832-2964) for the departure fees which may change without notice.

PAL PASSENGERS FROM USA, CANADA OR NARITA WITH CONNECTING FLIGHT TO CEBU, DAVAO OR LAOAG (FOR CHECK THROUGH PASSENGERS ONLY): 1. Disembark from plane and go through Immigration check. 2. Proceed to PAL Domestic Terminal (via escalator or elevator at Arrival Lobby). 3. Pay terminal fee of Php200.00 at the Domestic Terminal. 4. Proceed to the assigned gate for your connecting flight.

106 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR FLIGHT TRANSFERS

PASSENGERS FROM ANY OF PAL’S INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS BOUND FOR ANY PAL DOMESTIC STATION: 1. Disembark from plane and proceed to the Transfer Desk to check in for your connecting flight. 2. Go through Immigration check. 3. Proceed to Baggage Claim Area. 4. Proceed to the Special Customs Examination Counter for clearance. 5. Return baggage to the PAL staff at the baggage area for reloading. 6. Proceed to PAL Domestic Terminal (via escalator or elevator at the Arrival Lobby). 7. Pay terminal fee of Php200.00 at the Domestic Terminal. 8. Proceed to the assigned gate for your connecting flight.

FLIGHT FACTS

Below are useful facts and figures about are 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.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L MM FLIGHT MILES T IME

RESERVAT IO NS

Abu Dhabi Bahrain

4,352 4,580

9:00 9:58

Bangkok Busan

1,368 1,515

3:15 3:45

Beijing

1,797

4:25

Doha Dubai

4,528 4,294

8:15 8:45

Fukuoka Guam Ho Chi Minh Hong Kong Honolulu Jakarta

1,445 1,596 1,002 712 5,296 1,732

3:30 3:40 2:30 2:00 10:15 6:15

00971 2 6351700 00973-17225650 extension 212 (662) 633-5713 / 14 (8251) 466-0333 (8251) 464-7890 (8610) 6510 2991 2992 / 2993 (974) 455-8760 (9714) 203-3788 / 316-6632 (8192) 415-3232 (671) 632-1615 / 17 / 19 (848) 832-872105 (852) 230-19350 / 51 1-800-435-9725 (6221) 300-15757 (6221) 526-8668

R OUTE S & SE CTOR S

MANILA

(via Singapore) Manila-Singapore Singapore-Jakarta Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu) Manila-Kota Kinabalu Las Vegas (via Vancouver) Manila - Vancouver Vancouver - Las Vegas Los Angeles

3:35 1:35 3:40 7,393

1:55 16:15

7,290

12:05 2:40 12:30

Macau Melbourne Osaka Nagoya San Francisco

723 3,927 1,651 1,741 6,978

1:55 8:00 3:55 4:00 12:00

Seoul Shanghai Singapore Sydney (via Melbourne) Manila - Melbourne Melbourne - Sydney Taipei Tokyo Vancouver

1,624 1,152 1,476 3,883

4:00 3:10 3:35 10:50

731 1,879 6,560

8:00 1:30 2:00 4:15 12:05

714

2:10

Xiamen

DOMESTIC R OU TE S & SE C TOR S

MA NIL A

Bacolod Busuanga Butuan

298 489

1:10 1:05 1:30

Cagayan de Oro

486