Mabuhay Magazine, September 2012 by Eastgate Publishing Corporation

TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE SEPTEMBER 2012 MABUHAY SEPTEMBER 2012

www.philippineairlines.com

The Phantom in Manila THE PHANTOM IN MANILA

A Theater Special All About the Phantom Nearby Theater Restos Cool Spots After the Show Food Tripping in Chinatown Walking Tour of Old Manila

ISSN 0217-6998

PLUS:

• 50 Hrs. In sIngapore • offbeat balI • guImaras: out of tHe ordInary • Komodo Island Caper

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KEEPS ME

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Certified Public Accountant Bank Manager Busineassman Runner

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES’ INFLIGHT TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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CHARLES C. CHANTE SIMEON S. VENTURA JR. LYNETTE LEE CORPORAL ISABEL L. TEMPLO ELEAZAR S. SALCEDO BENJAMIN L. ABESAMIS JANE IRA H. INQUIMBOY ANIKA G. VENTURA JOSHUA L. LAGANDAON RODEL D. AMBAS JOMAR GALVEZ ARIEL E. DALISAY ROSALIE C. NIMO ANNA LEAH DE LEON JARED R. MILAN RUTH RIVERA ALYANNA SISON

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Features Editor Art Director Graphic Designer Editorial Coordinator Editorial Coordinator Staff Writer Proofreader Final Artist Creative Consultant Contributing Graphic Designer Interns

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.

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LA PRIMA DONNA: Paris Opera House diva Carlotta Guidicelli, as the Queen of Carthage, holds up a severed head, at The Phantom of the Opera’s “Hannibal” scene.

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.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

You Shouldn’t Miss The Phantom

Photo by Justin Ventura

hope this time I will be able to finally watch The Phantom of the Opera now that it’s showing in Manila. A long time ago, my wife and I took a vacation in London and we watched Miss Saigon and Les Miserables. Wanting to make the most of our last night in London, we got tickets to watch the Phantom. There we were already seated for some time inside the theater but the show was not getting started. Then an announcement came that unfortunately, a construction crew’s jackhammer hit the theater’s electrical cables and the show was cancelled. Well, tough luck. Our tickets were still valid for future showings and I just gave ours to our hotel’s Filipino concierge.

My desire to watch this musical just got stronger when we started putting together this issue’s Phantom special and I learned a lot of interesting facts. It’s a masterpiece of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (creator of Jesus Christ Superstar and Cats) that has won more than 50 theater awards. Our newest, regular contributor Tessa Prieto-Valdes shares in this issue how she loved watching Phantom for the first time in Johannesburg, South Africa even though she was outdressed by the show’s costumes. One who has seen it seven times is promoter Francis Lumen and, as he reveals, in “Confession of a Phantom Addict,” he’s still ready for more. So I hope you don’t pass the chance to watch Phantom especially Mabuhay Magazine managing since a Filipino, tenor Dondi Calnea editor Lynette Lee Corporal Ong III is part of the prestigious cast with the “Phantom”, Jonathan in the role of Ubaldo Piangi. My Roxmouth managing editor, Lynette Lee Corporal is such a big fan that she immediately bought tickets as The Phantom of the Opera press launch at Diamond Hotel was soon as they started selling it. She had a big thrill too attended by (FROM LEFT) Ticketworld president Bob Sewell, musical director Guy Simpson, tenor Dondi Ong, Concerwhen she had a souvenir photo taken during the press tus Manila managing director Bambi Rivera-Verzo, Jonathan conference with the lead actor, Jonathan Roxmouth, who Roxmouth, Claire Lyon, Anthony Downing, and Radio High plays the Phantom. president Francis Lumen. Diamond Hotel has a nifty package that includes the works – room, food, tickets, and theater transport. Check out the details on page 17 of our Travel Log section. By the way, Diamond is also the official hotel of Phantom so if you want to catch the cast for an autograph or a souvenir photo, that’s where you should hang out. Thanks and congratulations to Philippine Airlines for playing a big role in making the showing of Phantom in Manila possible. Bravo! (Mabuhay Miles card members may use their accrued miles to avail of Phantom of the Opera tickets. For more details, contact the Mabuhay Miles Service Center through mabuhaymiles.com.ph or +632 855-8888.)

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

For comments and suggestions, you can email me at jventura@eastgatepublishing.com. 6 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

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ON THe ROCKS: AYANA Resort’s one-ofa-kind Rock Bar in Bali is the perfect place to unwind with that glass of Malibu Sea Breeze or Scotch.

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36 ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Moments in Bali Say “ohmm” with Bali’s latest attractions

tRiPPinG

UP cLoSe & PeRSonaL

30 Singapore in 50 Hours: This is Eat!

The Garden City’s new, sizzling food trips

74 The Philippines’ Branding Secrets

44 Guimaras Getaway

The under-the-radar beaches of Guimaras

Why it’s really more fun in the Philippines

40 Enter the Dragon

83 Vintage Vroom!

Close—but not too close— encounters with Komodo dragons

Beyond tRaveL

50 The Phantom in Manila

At last! The fantastic musical is in music-loving Manila

58 Nearby Theater Restos

Anxious not to be late? Here are dining spots close by the theater.

60 Cool Spots after the Show

Adrenalin still high and all dressed up, here’s where to go after Phantom.

64 Food Tripping in Chinatown

Restoring old cars is now the in thing.

70 Marine Life Online

Take a bite of Manila’s Chinese heritage

67 Walking Tour of Intramuros

Carlos Celdran’s hilarious and theatrical take on history

Republiq: The Republiq at Resorts World gives clubbing such a cool name. Photo by Justin Ventura

Getting real about dugongs and other marine animals

ERRATUM: On page 22 of the August 2012 issue, the photos of Boracay and Discovery Shores were shot by Bien Bautista.

Singapore’s Supertrees

SectionS

I I 14 I Travel Log 22 I In the News 28 I Milestones 90 I The Lighter Side 96 I Last Frame 97 I PAL Pages

06 Editor’s Note 12 What’s Up

on the coveR

‘Phantom’ Delights

Let your spirit soar with the music of The Phantom of the Opera and surrender to the power of one of the world’s most memorable theater experiences.

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.

8 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

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CONTRIBUTORS

Even after 10 years as a journalist, STANISLAUS JUDE CHAN admits that seeing his byline in publications still leaves him inexplicably excited. He currently serves as editor of a community newspaper in Singapore. On page 30, he unleashes his inner foodie on the Garden City. He says: My favorite theatrical production is Off Centre, a play produced by The Necessary Stage, a non-profit theater company based in Singapore. It was the first play I went to, back in 1993. It will always be my favorite—I’m a sentimental guy!

TESSA PRIETO VALDES is an interior designer, columnist, and triathlete. She’s currently training for an Ironman race and a marathon next year, and preparing for the annual Red Charity Gala for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption HS 81 Foundation. On page 52, she tells us about watching The Phantom of the Opera for the first time in South Africa, and trying on the costumes backstage. She says: My favorite theatrical production is The Phantom of The Opera because of its exceptional music, dramatic production and amazing costumes! Twitter: @ tessavaldes

DOMINICK A. MERLE lives in Montreal, and is co-founder and Canadian director of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. His recent travels took him to the Dead Sea and Patagonian ice fields of South America. He’s usually looking for the nearest golf course or casino, when not dodging Komodo Dragons. On page 40, he ponders these hoary beasts. He says: My favorite theatrical production is Les Miserables. In any language, with any cast, it’s a feast for my eyes and ears.

SAMANTHA COOMBER has been a fulltime freelance writer for nearly 15 years. Her work has appeared in numerous prestigious international publications, and she has authored two Vietnam travel guidebooks. Inspired by Indonesia and Vietnam, this British global nomad divides her time between these two fascinating destinations. On page 36, she shows us the many sides of Bali, from the traditional to the adventurous and the glamorous. She says: My favorite theatrical production is The Tempest, a classic and magical production in every way, beautifully conveying how fragile and fleeting life is. www.travelwriters.com/ saigonsam

VALERIE CAULIN was born and raised in Cebu, and holds a degree in History from the University of the Philippines Visayas. She now works as a freelance writer and blogger as she keeps up with her two growing boys in the place she now calls home, Iloilo. On page 44, she takes us on an exploration of Guimaras, a gem of an island. She says: My favorite theatrical production is The Phantom of the Opera. I love the contrasting personalities of the characters and of course, the music. www. valcaulin.com

Born in Manila to Spanish-Filipino parents, FRANCISCO GUERRERO considered becoming a pilot and being paid to fly, before deciding to become a travel photographer and have to pay to fly. He attended Brooks Institute in California and moved to London where he studied at Goldsmiths College. Currently based in Madrid, he wonders how many air miles he will rack up this year. On page 62, he shows us Intramuros and Binondo through his eyes. He says: My favorite theatrical production is my five-year-old son’s rendition of scenes from Madagascar. It really is a production, trust me. www.francisco-guerrero.com

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WHAT’S UP

The month of September hosts an array of spectacular performances: ballets, a beachside music fest and a banging indoor rock concert. PHILIPPINES

MAROON 5 LIVE IN MANILA OVEREXPOSED TOUR SEPTEMBER 18 SMART ARANETA COLISEUM, QUEZON CITY

Start brushing up on your Mick Jagger moves and catch Maroon 5 in Manila, as the American pop rock band pays the Philippines their third visit. Sing along to a lineup of chart toppers from their Overexposed album, or stock your camera with photos of swoon-worthy Adam Levine. www.philippineconcerts.com

14TH TUNA FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 5–9

GENERAL SANTOS CITY Tuna exhibits, tuna culinary competitions, and tuna float parades—tons of tuna are in full display in this fishy festival. But more than just a celebration of General Santos’ most bountiful game, the fest includes watersports and street dance and skateboarding competitions. www.gensantos.com

THAILAND

BANGKOK’S INTERNATIONAL FESTIVA OF DANCE AND MUSIC SEPTEMBER 10–OCTOBER 14 HUAY KWANG, BANGKOK

Calling all culture vultures. International theater groups and artists will gather in the Thailand Cultural Center for the country’s largest annual performing arts festival. Get your fill of operas and classical ballets, or watch contemporary and folk dances and extraordinary performances like ballet on ic with thousands of visitors from around the world. www.bangkokfestivals.com

USA

BUGFEST SEPTEMBER 15 RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA Be dazzled by spectacular laser light shows and fireworks at Australia’s Brisbane Festival.

AUSTRALIA BAZOOKA ROCKS SEPTEMBER 30 SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY Rock the rain away with the Philippines’ first indoor rock festival. From punk to alternative, Bazooka Rocks offers headbanging performances by American bands Mayday Parade, The Maine, and The Pretty Reckless, Australian band Avastera, and the Philippines’ Salamin, Penguin, and Robin Nievera. www.pulpliveworld.com

BRISBANE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 8–29 BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

Spend a cool spring in Australia as 642 Australian and 106 international artists are set to flock to one of Brisbane’s largest art and music festivals. With more than 450 performances, this festival is expected to be one of the country’s hottest events with events ranging from dance, theater, and music performances, to fireworks and stateof-the-art laser light shows. www.brisbanefestival.com.au

If creepy crawlers make you shudder, think twice before attending North Carolina Museum of Natural Science’s Bugfest. Educational street fairs, live performances, and exhibits celebrate critters of all shapes and sizes. Those with an iron stomach can skip to Café Insecta and sample dishes with bugs as their main ingredient! www.bugfest.org

DELUNA FEST SEPTEMBER 21–23 PENSACOLA BEACH, FLORIDA

Hit the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach for a three-day concert under the Florida sun. This year’s lineup includes established feel-good bands like Florence and the Machine, Foo Fighters, Ben Folds Five, Band of Horses, Pearl Jam, The Wallflowers, and many more. www.delunafest.com

TRAVEL LOG

Chef Anzani will represent Southeast Asia in Hawaii’s yearly Food and Wine Festival on Sept. 6- 9, 2012, and will hobnob with other renowned chefs like with Nobu, Tetsutya, and Ming Tsai.

Mediterranean Dining at its Best

Perched on a scenic hill, Anzani Restaurant celebrates Mediterranean cuisine in a fine dining setting. At the helm is internationally recognized Chef Marco Anzani who was hailed by New York Times as a “pioneer of New Mediterranean cuisine.” Think bangus (milkfish) done three ways: crusted with polenta, steamed in sugar beet, and seared with almond cream. Be refreshed with their in-house limoncello, but if you want something more robust, check out the wine cellar where they stock 1,250 bottles. The wine cellar is also the intimate venue for Chef Anzani’s Red Plate Degustation. The dishes are great, the view is fantastic—everything you need to impress a date. Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City; www.anzani.com.ph

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Live the Life You Love

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Be first in every way, everyday, in the city for all seasons. learn more about what’s in store for you at eastwood city and one eastwood Avenue. visit the grand showroom at 188 e. rodriguez Jr. Ave. (c-5), Quezon city, Metro Manila.

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TRAVEL LOG

Discovery Leisure Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Jose “Jun” Parreño, flanked by Travel + Leisure vice president and publisher, Jean-Paul Kyrillos and editor-inchief Nancy Novogrod.

HOw Sweet It IS When Discovery Shores Boracay first opened in 2007, chief operating officer Jun Parreño promised that he would make the Discovery Leisure Company proud—and he did. The Filipino hotel group was recently cited as the 2nd best resort in Asia and Asia’s top hotel spa by Travel + Leisure magazine in their highly coveted annual World’s Best Awards, outranking elite resorts such as the Oberoi Jaipur (3rd place), Amansara Siem Reap (6th), and Four Seasons Chiang Mai (12th place). In New York City to personally receive the award, Parreño felt “an overwhelming sense of pride of being Filipino.” Considering that Boracay Island where the resort is located was chosen as “Best Island in the World” also by Travel + Leisure, Parreño adds that “there is no better time to show the world that the Philippines is one of the best destinations in the world.” He attributes their latest award to the resort staff's dedication and hard work.

No Skydive Get ready for some airborne rush with iFly Singapore, the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel that allows anyone the opportunity to fly in an easily accessible, realistic, safe, and affordable setting—with views of the South China Sea and nearby Songs of the Sea to boot. Adults at S$89, kids at S$79; 43 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-01 Singapore; www.iflysinga pore.com

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Claudio Bravo’s works in Manila Chilean hyperrealist painter Claudio Bravo’s artistry will be celebrated in a landmark exhibit entitled “Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila.” It will highlight Bravo’s stint in Manila in 1968 when he painted prominent members of Manila society. About 35 portraits from private collections will be available for viewing for the first time. The exhibit opens September 18 and runs until Oct. 20, 2012 at the Metropolitan Museum. Portraiture workshops and lectures about the artist and his works are also scheduled. Central Bank Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City; +632 250 5271

CHECK THIS OUT

The Multitasker’s Best Friend FlyGrip is a one-handed smartphone solution that maximizes the gadget’s full potential to improve travelers’ multitasking abilities. Send emails and texts, make phone calls, or navigate the web, while printing boarding passes, checking luggage or waiting on the security lines sans the stress. Flip its kickstand to watch videos easily wherever you are. FlyGrip ($29.95) is available at InMotion Entertainment stores, the largest airport-based electronics and entertainment retailer in the United States. www.flygrip.com

Loop it! Headware’s Loop Scarf is a tubular piece that’s stretchable, breathable, and seamless. The versatile scarf’s lightweight material can protect you from intense sunlight and cold temperature. Wear it as a bolero, shoulder shawl, head scarf, or in other ways you can think of. The Loop Scarf (Php690) comes in various colors and is available at ROX, Moana, The Travel Club, Lonely Planet, and Planet Sports. www.theheadware.com

Diamond Hotel’s 'Phantom' Promo Diamond Hotel, the official residence of the cast and crew of The Phantom of the Opera, offers two promos in conjunction with the show. The “Music of the Night” package provides an overnight accommodation for two with breakfast, two show tickets, roundtrip transport to the show venue, plus special discounts. Or opt for the “All I Ask of You” room package to enjoy an additional dinner at Corniche or group dinner in a private function room. Be sure to make prior reservations. Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila; +632 528 3000 local 1140 to 43; www.diamondhotel.com

Sail’s up, Davao! Island hopping in Davao? No sweat, with the fun and chic Islands Banca Cruises. Destinations include Talikud Island (Babusanta, Isla Reta 1 and 2, Coral Garden, Angels Cove, Puting Bato, Dayang) and Vanishing Island. In keeping with Islands Banca Cruises style, you can avail of the Trip Enhancers such as shuttle service, food and drinks, massages, documentation, and equipment rental. www.islandsbanca.com www.philippineairlines.com I 17

TRAVEL LOG

MLC Band (TOP ROW FROM LEFT) Roy del Valle, Nick Guzman, Koko Marbella, Enchong Formoso (BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT) Ronnie Henares, Adel Samson, Leo Baritte, Kettle Mata

Calling All Fans: Midlife Crisis Band’s Anniversary Concert If you are not yet a fan, you are bound to be one when you watch the concert of the Midlife Crisis Band on September 25 at the Newport Performing Arts Center in Resorts World Manila. Entitled “Rock 4 Ages,” the concert celebrates the band’s 4th anniversary and will have new surprise numbers to add to the band’s popular playlist of light rock and pop music. Even during the heavy rains that flooded half of Manila in August, their Wednesday gig at Chef & Brewer Bar in Ortigas was still packed with regular fans, and a gentleman even used the occasion to propose to his girlfriend (and she said yes). Directed by veteran director Freddie Santos, the concert is for the benefit of U.P. College of Music scholars. One great thing about this group is that most of them have regular occupations outside of music. But the way they have been performing so well, they can give up their day jobs. For ticket reservations, visit the band’s Facebook page: Midlife Crisis Band Fan.

Bring on the Bliss When you want only the best for your family’s escape, choose this corner of Bohol: Panglao Island. Here, you will find Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, whose charm is all in the details. Benji Reyes’ sleek design concept combines elegance with function, and continues to be completely Filipino, proving that luxury doesn’t have to be loud. Signature therapies from the Amuma Spa will leave you longing for more indulgence. Danao, Panglao Island, Bohol; +63 38 416 0695 or 416 0696; www.bluewater.com.ph – Nyx Martinez 18 I Mabuhay Magazine I August 2012

The Single Malt That Started It All

Unlock liquid treasure in each bottle of The Glenlivet with its range of subtle, complex, and elegant tastes. The Glenlivet 12-year-old has a fragrant, summery scent, and the smooth, sweet taste of peaches and pears. The Glenlivet 15-year-old is an addicting drinking pleasure, with a fruity and nutty taste. With its old gold and apricot hues, the Glenlivet 18-year-old is a burst of intricate nutty and fruity flavors.

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TRAVEL LOG

Makati’s Trusted Business Hotel City Garden Hotel Makati remains to be a trusted “home away from home” by leisure and business travelers. Its 160 well-appointed Italian-inspired rooms make for a comfortable stay, without keeping you away from your business. The hotel offers rooms for as low as Php1,450+ per person on twin-sharing basis. With such value for money, you can stay in a fully-furnished room complete with basic amenities and complimentary internet. Its famous Roofdeck Bar and Restaurant gives you a cozy dining experience with a great view of the Makati skyline—a great way to unwind with colleagues after a day’s work. Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City; +632 899-11-11; www.ctgardenhotels.com

I know you’re sorry… In an open letter to the Philippine environment and agriculture departments, environmentalist Elson Aca appealed for the strict enforcement of the laws prohibiting people from feeding the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu. The practice may seem fun, but it actually harms the whale sharks. Those who surface to receive food run the risk of being injured by the boat motors and propellers. There’s been one documented case so far, but should we wait for more to happen? To learn more, visit Aca’s Facebook page.

20 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Chic Dining at Manila Hotel Manila’s heritage hotel keeps up with the changing times by updating the look of Mabuhay Palace, their regal Chinese restaurant, and Cafe Ilang-Ilang. Cafe llang-Ilang, the hotel’s events buffet restaurant, is a chic casual dining spot that offers global cuisines. Both restaurants have been awarded top marks in the Philippines’ Best Restaurants 2011. One Rizal Park, Manila; www.manila-hotel.com.ph

Pride in Every Step

Havaianas Filipinas 2012 Collection Available in All Flip Flops stores

Word of the Month: “Bakwe” A Capampangan word meaning ‘to smoke a cigarette with the lit end in the mouth.’ — Adam Jacot de Boinod is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from Around the World, published by Penguin Books as well as The Tingo App for iPhones - the Unusual Word Game App.

www.philippineairlines.com I 21

IN THE NEWS Our Islands Photo by Arnold Jumpay

TYCOON LUCIO TAN SAVES BORACAY’S MANGROVES Boracay’s “Dead Forest,” where stumps of dead mangroves protrude like tombstones from the water’s surface, might soon rise from the dead. Tycoon Lucio Tan’s Tan Yan Kee Foundation, along with other signatories, recently signed an agreement to restore 8,362 square meters of mangrove vegetation in the island. To kick off the project, 700 bakauan species were planted along the coast of Sitio Lutugan, Barangay Manoc-Manoc, last July 28.

Lucio Tan

Ramon Ang record-high remittance from overseas workers and call centers (and good governance, of course), the Philippines’ gross domestic product posted a 6.4% growth this year, reports CNN. This is a far cry from the projected growth of 3.5% for 2012. RAMON ANG CITED THREE TIMES IN POWER LIST Third time’s the charm for San Miguel Corporation’s president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, who has made it to Wall Street Journal Asia’s “Power List” for three years in a row since 2010. Ang is the only Filipino in the list composed of influential Southeast Asian tycoons who helped pave the way for the region’s economic growth. SICK MAN OF ASIA NO MORE Here’s another reason why it’s more fun in the Philippines. Thanks to

22 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

FROM LANDFILLS TO GOLDMINES Meet Filipino alchemist Jayme Navarro who, using a process called “pyrolisis,” converted plastic trash into liquid gold—gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. The technique, if implemented in a large scale, could reduce pollution and solid waste by producing cleaner and cheaper fuel. RICHEST MAN TO BUILD THE ULTIMATE CASINO What’s a US$1 billion casino resort for the Philippines’ richest man? Nothing much really. Tycoon Henry Sy has entered into a joint venture with gambling company

Melco Crown Entertainment to build a casino resort in Manila that will include a hotel, shopping area, and entertainment facilities. Henry Sy

Pinoy in Mars Mission FILIPINO ARCHITECTS WIN DESIGN TILT When Filipino architect Abelardo Tolentino Jr. unleashed his talent in a design tilt in Moscow, even the usually hard-to-please Muscovites were impressed. Tolentino’s firm, Aidea, beat nine international teams in a museum design challenge celebrating 2012 as a landmark for London. There’s no cash prize, but the bragging rights and international recognition are rewards enough for Tolentino.

Filipino-American Gregory Galgana Villar III, one of NASA’s youngest engineers, made Mars rover mission history when he became part of the team behind the $2.5 billion NASA project that sent a “mobile laboratory” to Mars. The Curiosity Mars Rover landed on the surface of the red planet, capping off eight grueling months of space travel.

IN THE NEWS Best of the Best

enGland

usa

Best City for Live Theater

Top Theater and Drama School

toP theater and draMa schools and their aluMnae 1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

the Juilliard school, neW york, usa (roBin WilliaMs, Viola daVis) act, san francisco, usa (Winona ryder, nicolas caGe) Pace uniVersity, neW york, usa (al Pacino, lea Michele) Guildhall school of Music and draMa, london (eWan McGreGor, daniel craiG) national institute of draMatic art, sydney, australia (Mel GiBson, cate Blanchett)

SOURCE: www.hollywoodreporter.com

sPain

Most Beautiful Theater

toP 10 cities for liVe theater 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

london, uk neW york, usa athens, Greece edinBurGh, uk chicaGo, usa Vienna, austria toronto, canada Paris, france Buenos aires, arGentina BeiJinG, china

SOURCE: www.cheapflights.com

World’s Most Beautiful theaters 1.

Palau de la Música catalana, Barcelona, sPain 2. teatro aMazonas, Manaus, Brazil 3. Boston oPera house, Boston, usa 4. treatro alla scala (a.k.a. “la scala”), Milan, italy 5. Palais Garnier, Paris, france 6. herodes atticus theater, the acroPolis, athens, Greece 7. sydney oPera house, sydney, australia 8. théâtre des célestins, lyon, france 9. radio city Music hall, neW york, usa 10. Minack theatre, Porthcurno, uk

SOURCE: www.huffingtonpost.com

Who Would you traVel With? Imagine having to travel with Lady Gaga—it would take forever for her to clear the airport metal detector. According to a survey of 1,500 American hotel customers in Hotels.com, Lady Gaga is the worst vacation companion, while U.S. first lady Michelle Obama topped the list of ideal travel partners.

rock band Rolling Stones reunited at the Somerset House in London for a photo exhibit that celebrated the band’s 50-year career. A photographic book named Rolling Stones 50 has also been released. The Mick Jagger-led band is said to be rehearsing, but no official news of a tour yet.

the leaninG colosseuM of roMe

First it was Pisa. Now Rome’s most iconic structure, the 2,000-yearold Colosseum, is leaning. Famous for hosting bloody gladiator fights during the Roman Empire, it is slanting about 16 inches on the south side, and authorities are investigating whether it needs urgent repairs.

24 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

the rollinG stones at 50 They’ve been around for half a century, but they still “can’t get no satisfaction.” The iconic English

froM kitty cliPs to neWscasts It was once popular for showcasing videos of video bloggers and furry kittens, but YouTube is now becoming a major news platform. The Pew Research Center said that news-related events were the most searched items in the Google-owned videosharing website since 2011.

Cruising in Style VoyaGe For the Voracious

Illustration by Benjamin Abesamis

mediterranean and caribbean Calling all foodies, here’s one cruise that will have you bursting at the waist. Upscale Oceania Cruises’ 1,250-passenger Riviera is a culinary experience at sea. Sign up for their 10-night signature sailing—the “Bon Appetit Wine & Food Festival” on October this year, and sail from Athens to Rome while pigging out and food-tripping with culinary stars and wine experts in any of their 10 restaurants.

cruisinG, indiana Jones style

central and south america In Sea Voyager Expeditions’ new line of cruise ships, jump aboard adventure-packed excursions to Latin America’s hottest wildlife and ecotourism destinations. Hike, kayak, and snorkel on off-the-path Colombian ports before transiting to Panama Canal where you can hang out with San Blas Island’s Kuna Yula Tribe.

micKey mouse, ahoy!

caribbean What do you get when you cross a cruise ship with an amusement park? Why, a cute mouse, of course. Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy, boasts of massive water slides, top-notch technology, and elaborate stage shows based on Disney’s famous cartoon characters.

the riVer less cruised

meKonG riVer Calling all off-the-path explorers! Check out the intimate new luxury vessel from cruise operator Avalon Waterways, which is set for its maiden voyage next year. The 32-passenger Avalon Angkor will debut the first ever Mekong River cruise, which sails from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

On the Web

www.broadway.com

Traveling to London to see a show? Get complete editorial coverage, tickets, and hotel packages on nearby accommodations for London’s West End in this one-stop website.

www.theater.nytimes.com a hero turns 94 You’d expect a grand birthday party for anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, but the 94-year-old former South African president preferred a small party at his home with family last July 18. Millions of South Africans, however, dedicated 67 minutes to do volunteer work for the needy as tribute.

yahoo! Gets new chieF Yahoo! has a new chief, and she’s from rival company Google. Marissa Mayer was appointed as Yahoo!’s next chief despite being one of Google’s top executives, and is tasked to resuscitate the “dying” company after being eclipsed by Google’s sophisticated search technology and social media tools.

You loved the show, but what do the critics think? Cap off intellectual post-theater discourses with theater reviews from renowned critics of The New York Times.

www.musicals.net

The musical theater lover’s favorite hangout. Whether it’s Wicked or Jesus Christ Superstar, discuss shows you love with fans, cast, and crew in a variety of forums.

www.philippineairlines.com I 25

IN THE NEWS Olympic Highlights

‘WE DID IT RIGHT, BRITAIN’ Thus said English politician and former athlete Lord Coe at the closing of this year’s Olympics, which saw dancing nuns, a giant, illuminated octopus, Batman and Robin bursting out of an exploding car, and a reunited Spice Girls. The two-week Summer Games produced 2,100 Olympic medalists and numerous world records. The $42 million opening ceremonies was equally impressive with Queen Elizabeth II, who made a cameo appearance in a short film with James Bond (played by Daniel Craig), giving a dramatic entrance when her stunt double parachuted into the stadium (the real McCoy made her regal entrance immediately after). The stadium was also turned into a giant jukebox showcasing Britannia’s pop and rock history. Next stop? Rio de Janeiro—the host for the 2016 Summer Games.

Top MedalWinning Countries (RANKED BY GOLD)

UNITED STATES 46(G), 29(S), 29(B)

China: 38(G), 27(S), 23(B) Great Britain: 29(G), 17(S), 19(B) Russia: 24(G), 26(S), 32(B) South Korea: 13(G), 8(S), 7(B) Germany: 11(G), 19(S), 14(B) France: 11(G), 11(S), 12(B) Italy: 8(G), 9(S), 11(B) Hungary: 8(G), 4(S), 5(B) Australia: 7(G), 16(S), 12(B)

26 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

STUNNING RECORD BREAKERS American swimmer Michael Phelps shone with 22 medals, 18 of them gold—the most number of medals won by a single athlete in Olympic history. He announced his retirement soon after. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is the first man to win the 100- and 200-meter finals at consecutive Olympiads (2008 and 2012) in worldrecord times for both. YEAR OF THE WOMAN For the first time ever, all participating countries fielded female athletes, about 45% of the 10,080 athletes in

this year’s Summer Games. Nicole Adams became the first woman boxer to win an Olympic gold, while American sisters Serena and Venus Williams retained their women’s tennis doubles gold, the first tennis players to win four gold medals each. BEATING THE ODDS South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius became the first double-leg amputee to compete in the Olympics instead of the Paralympics, finishing second in his 400-meter heat. South Korean archer Im Dong-

Hyun may be legally blind but he led his team with a 216-arrow total of 2,087—beating the world record by 18 points. OLYMPIC FLOPS German diver Stephan Feck performed “the worst dive ever” after an embarrassing giant splash when he lost grip of his legs while diving. Greek triple-jumper Voula Papachristou and Swiss soccer player Michel Morganella, meanwhile, got booted off the Games when caught Tweeting racist slurs against Africans and Koreans, respectively.

ONLY ONE ADDRESS IN MANILA’S CHINATOWN GIVES YOU VIEWS OF THE GOLF COURSE. 君臨天下。。。讓您在華人區能夠享受王城區高爾夫球場的美景

At Noble Place, you’re king of the most coveted location in Manila’s Chinatown. And in command of the city’s most beautiful views. Your 47-story address lets you go out to your balcony and look out on the Intramuros golf course everyday. Experience the feeling of being right there on the green. And enjoy the privilege of being among the favored few who have this lush landscape to come home to. You don’t just see nature at its best—you spend the simplest moments in absolute luxury. Whether you’re bonding with your family in your suite, relaxing in the sky gardens or having fun at the eighth-level play deck, your home lets you take your rightful place at the top. See how far you’ve come in life. Noble Place.

君臨天下(Nob le Place)是馬尼拉華人區最令人羨慕的地標。這擁有四十七層樓的豪華大廈讓您每天欣賞馬尼拉最美麗的景色，包括王城區高爾夫球場和著名的馬尼拉灣日落美景一覽無遺，盡收眼底。君臨天下使您不僅能感受到高爾夫球場蒼翠繁茂清幽寧靜的環境，又有都市繁華便利的一面。君臨天下不僅讓您體驗到大自然的美，而且在豪華的環境下享受簡單的生活樂趣。無論是在自己的套房享受天倫之樂，在『空中花園』休息，或是在八樓的娛樂室遊戲輕鬆一下，君臨天下讓您在馬尼拉擁有屬於自己的天地。君臨天下，您在華人區的豪華地址，您的美好家園。將是您最明智、正確的投資選擇。 Megaworld Corporation and the Philippine Retirement Authority are official partners for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa.

美加房產與菲律賓退休局 (PRA) 於申請特別居民退休簽證 (SRRVISA) 建立官方合作關係。

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MILESTONES PHILIPPINES

THE FILIPINOS’ FIRST BEER Ask any Filipino beer-drinker his favorite

beer and you’ll get “San Miguel Beer” for an answer. The iconic beer, one of the top 10 selling beer brands in the world, was first brewed on Sept. 29, 1889, by businessman Enrique Barretto y de Ycaza in La Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel, Southeast Asia’s first brewery. The business is known today as the San Miguel Corporation, Southeast Asia’s largest publicly listed food, beverage, and packaging company, which is headed by tycoon and Philippine Airlines president Ramon Ang.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1995

Online auction and shopping website eBay is founded by computer programmer Pierre Omidyar. To test the website, Pierre began with a listing of a single broken laser pointer. The item sold for US$14.83—to a bidder who was an avid collector of broken laser pointers.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1851

The New York Times is founded by journalist and politician Henry Jarvis Raymond. Humorously nicknamed “the Old Gray Lady,” the paper then was sold at 1 cent per copy. It has won 108 Pulitzer Prizes, the most among news organizations.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

Then 22-year-old Filipino film director Pepe Diokno wins the Venice Film Festival’s $100,000 Lion of the Future Award for his debut film, Engkwentro. The story depicts gangs and vigilante squads clashing in the Philippines.

work week in his industries. His production methods proved so efficient that his creation, the Ford Car, rolled off the assembly lines every 10 seconds of each working day, earning him the title “The Father of Modern Mass Production.”

SEPTEMBER 30, 1960

Yabba dabba doo! The animated sitcom The Flintstones premieres on American television. Set in the Stone Age, it is the first American animation that showed two characters of the opposite sex—Fred and Wilma, and Barney and Betty—sleeping together in the same bed.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1926

SEPTEMBER 21, 1972

To attract skilled workers, Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, enforces the 8-hour, 5-day

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS SEPTEMBER 3, 1875

Austrian-German automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche, famous for establishing the Porsche company, which has designed the car nut’s dream car: the Porsche sports car. Porsche also made contributions in German tank, aircraft, and weapons design, earning him one of the rarest awards in Nazi Germany—the German National Prize for Art and Science.

SEPTEMBER 14, 1983

English singer Amy Winehouse. She is the first British female artist to win five Grammys, and following her death from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011, her album “Back to

28 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

The Philippines premieres its own version of reality show Survivor, isolating 18 Filipino contestants in Ko Tarutao Island in Thailand. The upcoming season of the American version was shot in the Philippines’ Caramoan Islands and is set to be aired in the United States this month.

Former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos declares Martial Law. The declaration, which Marcos defended as necessary to stop Communist and Muslim insurgencies, suspended civil rights and imposed military authority in the country.

Black” became the UK’s best-selling album of the 21st century.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1971

Who would have thought that American cyclist Lance Armstrong would survive stage 3 testicular cancer, much more win the Tour de France a record of seven times? But he did. The yellow LIVESTRONG wristbands that became instant fashion hit in 2004 helped fund the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which supports people with cancer.

Photo by Stanislaus Jude Chan

GASTRONOMIC TREATS: Singapore’s bak chor mee (minced pork noodles) is a favorite comfort food at Bedok’s Fengshan Food Center; Jones the Grocer is a hit among foodies looking for gourmet foot on a daily basis, whether it’s artisan crackers or handmade pastas and chocolates.

SINGAPORE IN 50 HOURS: THIS IS EAT! Tag along with STANISLAUS JUDE CHAN on a food trip as he reveals the city-state’s best-kept gastronomic secrets.

ingaporeans have been trained to steer clear of any political, religious, and racial discussion— at least publicly. But not when it comes to food. It is not surprising to find them beginning a conversation with “Jiak pah buay?” (“Have you eaten?” in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect). Welcome to the real Singapore. FOOD CHOICES 101

DAY 1

8 a.m. Expect to be quickly whisked through the gates at Changi, one of the world’s busiest international airports. Typical of Singapore’s renowned efficiency, passengers are often able to get their passports stamped, collect their bags, and

30 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

hop into a cab less than half an hour after the plane touches down. On to the more important things, like eating! 9 a.m.–2 p.m. With bags safely stowed, time for some mean food tripping (with a bit of listless shopping thrown in, if you must). We’ve all heard about the Sentosa Island Resort, which now has Resorts World Sentosa featuring a casino and the Universal Studios Singapore theme park. But the 6 million visitors that troop to this spot yearly need to eat, right? Stop by the Seah Im Food Centre, just across the road from HabourFront Centre at the gateway to Sentosa. Not to be missed are the mouth-watering Cheng Ji fried Hokkien prawn mee, Ichiban Seafood sliced fish soup, and Aspirasi nasi ayam penyet (fried

Dining Wonderland The White Rabbit, located in Dempsey Hill, is a fine-dining restaurant and bar (called the Rabbit Hole, no kidding!), housed in a beautifully restored chapel. Its bestsellers include Salad Printemps, Crepe Suzette, and Baked Alaska.

The

Power of Life

S P E C I A L P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

Francis Joseph Escudero is a man forever on the go. The well-loved “Chiz” juggles a myriad of jobs as a public servant, from senator who chairs two Senate committees to a member of the Judicial Bar Council to being a second father to his kababayans. And beyond all these he still finds the time and the energy to bond with his cute little twins. You wonder what keeps the senator going? It’s a small capsule that packs all the power and energy that gives him the extra edge in his waking hours, boosts his immune system and helps him rest and sleep soundly at night. Malungai Life Oil is pure malunggay extract that does not only boost the immune system and give you extra energy, it has also been found to regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, control blood pressure and fight cancer. This little pill adds mustard to the “Chiz.”

Choose smart and live powerfully with Life Oil. Senator CHIZ ESCUDERO

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BEST-KEPT SECRET NO MORE: Serious Singaporean foodies swear by the food at the Fengshan Food Center in Bedok North, saying that the food here is “much, much better” than the usual tourist traps in the island state. Besides the famous minced noodle soup, the hawker center is also famous for its BBQ chicken wings, pork satays, fried oyster omelette, and grilled seafood. Photo by Stanislaus Jude Chan

chicken rice). But please, remember not to hop on to the rollercoaster rides immediately after—there is no need to emulate the 37-meter-tall Merlion statue in Sentosa! While tourists typically flock to Holland Village, it is in the neighboring Holland Drive, just a stone’s throw away, that you find the New Lucky Claypot Rice. Be prepared for a long wait (up to an hour even!) as there is almost always a snaking queue for this popular dish of chicken, Chinese sausage, salted fish, and dark soya sauce stirred into the rice.

Licensed to Hawk As of 2011, there are 113 government regulated market-cum-hawker centers in Singapore, which houses over 6,000 cooked food stalls.

2 p.m.–5 p.m. If you really must indulge in some shopping activity, no need to go far. Holland Village’s open market yields clothes, footwear (Crocs fans, rejoice!), home furnishings, and arts and crafts. Because of its bohemian appeal, the place is a favorite hangout of expats and young people. 5 p.m.–8:30 p.m. The Peach Garden Chinese restaurant at Orchid Country Club in Yishun used to be one of Singapore’s best-kept food secrets. But a government official early this year inadvertently catapulted the restaurant’s S$10 XO Sauce chai tow kway (fried carrot cake)

NO ‘CLOSING TIME’ HERE: The 24/7 Mustafa Center in Little India is a popular haunt for shoppers and insomniacs alike. Photo by Stanislaus Jude Chan

to fame when he mentioned the dish in a media interview. The dish is now one of the country’s mostsearched terms online. Try it, and see if you agree! 11 p.m. Suffering from indigestion? Walk the rest of the night away in one of Singapore’s 24-hour shopping malls, like Mustafa Centre along Syed Alwi Road in Little India, which sells more than 150,000 types of merchandise, ranging from jewellery to electronic

LAST FRONTIER: Pulau Ubin, accessed via bumboats from Changi Village’s Changi Point Ferry Terminal, is one of Singapore’s remaining rural areas. 32 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

goods and home appliances—and just about anything else you can think of. ATTACK OF THE MUNCHIES

DAY 2

9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Once a British army barracks, Dempsey Hill is now filled with watering holes and restaurants that come alive in the evening. But it is also the perfect place for a quiet start to the day. Jones The Grocer serves up a hearty traditional English breakfast of eggs, sausage, roasted tomato, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and sourdough toast. Cheese lovers will have a great time shopping for artisan cheeses that you can either nibble on later in the day, or take back home. Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, Maxwell Road Food Centre (or Maxwell Market, as it is more commonly known) is a popular hawker center for many white-collar workers craving for the delicious Zhen Zhen Porridge’s pork-and-centuryegg congee, Tian Tian’s chicken rice, and Marina South Delicious Food’s char kway teow (fried rice-cake strips). 2 p.m.–4 p.m. For those who have used up their energy—and calories—shopping, “gas up” at Berseh Food Centre at Jalan Besar for some Very Lucky Turtle Soup, made using a traditional Chinese recipe that has been passed down over three generations. It is also rumored to be an aphrodisiac. While the turtle soup is swimmingly delicious, the additional health benefits remain debatable. After all, Singapore still has one of the lowest birth rates in the world. Indulge in a bowl of tau suan (a porridge-like bean dessert) at Dessert Paradise at Siglap Road in the eastern part of Singapore, or cool down with a tub of premium home-made ice-cream from Ice Cream Chefs just down the road. 6.30 p.m.–11 p.m. Fengshan Food Centre in Bedok (also known as Block 85 Bedok) is closed for renovation, but it is currently housed in a temporary facility adjacent to its original location. Its bragging rights? The Seng Hiang bak chor mee (minced pork noodles), the Wang Wang BBQ sambal stingray, and the Sin Bedok North barbequed chicken wings. If you’re craving for some fine dining fare, head back to Dempsey Hill to sample The White Rabbit specialties. For some light dinner (yeah, right), scrumptious seafood awaits at Changi Village’s Ubin First Stop restaurant. But if you just can’t take all this insane food tripping anymore, then just enjoy a serene stroll

Illustration by Kasey Albano

HOLY CHOW: The chapel-turned-fine dining restaurant, The White Rabbit, serves up classic European comfort food and cocktails, and is located in the well-to-do residential neighborhood of Tanglin. (Photo courtesy of The White Rabbit; www.thewhiterabbit. com.sg)

at the scenic Changi Village, an underdeveloped estate that seems to have escaped Singapore’s rapid industrialization. 2 DAYS and 10+ LBS LATER...

Tip Time The Maxwell Road Food Centre is the perfect place to learn the Singaporean art of chopeing (reserving) tables, by leaving packets of tissue paper on the seats to signify that the space is taken.

DAY 3

8 a.m. You won’t feel like a local if you don’t try the perennial favorite—nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk)—found at Changi Village, or chomp a filling breakfast at Eggs & Berries at Changi Business Park’s Changi City Point shopping mall featuring food made from, well, eggs and berries. What did you expect? 10 a.m. All ready to depart from Changi Airport. I wonder what’s on the in-flight menu. n

PAL flies between Manila and Singapore 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 33

THE FUTURE NOW: Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay offers visitors a perfect environment in which to live, work, and play. Among the well-loved places in the US$800 million project are: (TOP & BOTTOM LEFT) Flower Domes, which have a total of 226,000 plants sourced from all continents except Antarctica. Cooling technologies for these domes provide at least 30% energy consumption savings. (RIGHT) the Dragonfly Lake with a view of the solar-powered “supertrees”, 18 trees of 25-50 meters (9-16 stories) each. Photos by Gardens by the Bay.

SINGAPORE’S NOT-SO-SECRET GARDEN

“G

reen technology” has never been given a modernistic edge until now, with Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay—a chic combination of rich plant life and high-tech innovations. Right by the Marina Bay, the 101-hectare gardens are home to more than 200,000 plants sustained by cooling conservatories that replicate climates from Spain to South Africa. Their 35-meterhigh mountain doubles as a geological classroom with real samples of stalactites and stalagmites. But the star of the gardens definitely is the “super trees.” These manmade “vertical gardens” carry more than 200 species of plants and, come nighttime, dramatically light up, powered by their own solar 34 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

panels. Aerial walkways straight out of a Dr. Seuss book give visitors a spectacular view of the supertree grove. The whole compound has three gardens, though only the first phase, the Bay South Garden, is open for now. What to expect later on? In an interview with CNN, the gardens’ CEO Tan Wee Kiat said, “This a garden to bring in people who normally don’t go to gardens.” Gardens by the Bay is open daily from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Entrance to the Bay South Garden is free, while minimum charges will apply for access to select sections. n

Gardens by the Bay in Numbers • 226,000 plants inside cooled conservatories • Land space equivalent to 177 football fields • Cooling technologies providing 30% energy savings • 18 super trees •$800 million government contribution

ROCK IT OUT: The Rock Bar, the AYANA Resort’s “open-top” bar, gives you a front-row seat to fabulous sunsets and the pounding of the waves on the shore. The DJ booth is carved into the cliff.

EAT PRAY LOVE MOMENTS IN BALI You may think you know everything about Bali. But the island’s still got plenty of pleasant surprises, as SAMANTHA COOMBER discovers.

ne of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, Bali is well known for its beaches, surfing, temples, and cultural attractions. But this magical and culturally intact “Island of the Gods” offers diverse activities and sights whatever your tastes and requirements— whether adrenaline junkies, honeymooners, or families. However many times you’ve visited, in Bali, there’s no chance of getting bored!

n BE A ROCK STAR

Sunset viewing is an essential Bali activity and AYANA Resort’s Rock Bar is acclaimed as one of the world’s most spectacular sundowner venues. This destination is built on rocks 14 meters above the Indian Ocean, accessed via a 35-meter inclinator to the base of AYANA’s cliffs. The split-level bar and

36 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

BAlI BOO-BOO The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, and later, its 1958 film adaptation, both featured an exotic island called Bali Ha’i. It had nothing to do with Bali—it was based on Ambae Island in Vanuatu, but the scene in the movie used Mount Makana in Hawaii. www.thekeeferbar.com

lounge deck are completely open to the elements, offering unrivaled 360-degree sea views. Rock Bar, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, Jimbaran; (+6236 1702 222; :www.ayanaresort.com/rockbarbali n TAKE MySTICAl HIgH TEA

Inspired by Indonesia’s culture, Biku is a onestop tea lounge, restaurant, and antique and book store housed in a 150-year-old Javanese teak Joglo (traditional house) in Petitenget. Famed for its superior ritual teas—the island’s most extensive selection—and genteel tea culture, it is a popular choice for traditional afternoon tea, with homebaked goodies on three-tier cake-stands and pots of high-grade Asian teas. Tarot card sessions (1–5 p.m. daily) at the tea table gives high tea a mystical twist; alternatively, have your tea leaves read! Biku, Petitenget; (+6236 1 857 0888; :www.bikubali.com n UNlEASH yOUR CREATIvITy

You’ve seen Balinese traditional performances, now try it for yourself! A family-oriented private conservatory, Mekar Bhuana documents, preserves, and reconstructs rare Balinese gamelan music

‘It’ List SHERAToN BALI KUTA RESoRT

Starwood’s luxury Sheraton will transform Kuta beachfront when it opens in late 2012, along with its adjoining Beachwalk Mall and ecofriendly architecture. All 203 rooms feature sleek contemporary interiors and spacious balconies with Kuta Bay and sunset vistas. Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali; +6236 1 846 5555; sheraton.com/balikuta

L HoTEL

This unique lifestyle boutique hotel from the L Hotel Group is an übercontemporary “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” member with 30 plush suites, plus spa, fine-dining, lap pool, rooftop bar, and bespoke butler service. Rates from US$280; +6236 1 473 3147; www.thelhotels.com

CENTARA GRAND NUSA DUA RESoRT & VILLAS

Thailand’s largest hotel chain, Centara, opens its second Bali hotel in upmarket Nusa Dua this December. This five-star hotel features 82 spacious suites and luxurious pool villas with butler service, spa, and a kids’ club. Rates from US$236; +6236 177 3300; www. centarahotelsresorts.com

FAVE HoTEL SEmINyAK

FAVE is a stylish yet budget-concept hotel for savvy business and leisure travelers. Fun, fresh, and fuchsia pink, FAVE is on “bar street” and near Seminyak Beach, with 251 Standard, Superior, and Junior Suite en-suite rooms. Rates from US$50; +6236 173 9000; www.favehotels.com

ISLAND PLEASURES: From trekking and whitewater rafting, to yoga and traditional Balinese dance, to bar-hopping and high tea—Bali may be small but there’s something for everyone here. No wonder it averages 200,000 tourists a month. Photo courtesy of Bali Eco Cycling. Illustration by Kasey Albano

and dance. It offers unique workshops and lessons teaching traditional dance and music on antique instruments, but also cultural knowledge from local instructors, researchers, and performers committed to keeping indigenous art forms alive. From onehour to two-week programs, with a maximum of 30 students accommodated. Mekar Bhuana Conservatory, Sanur; (+6236 146 4201; :www.balimusicanddance.com n GET HIGH

Escape the madding crowds on Bali’s most active and second highest volcano, the 1,700-meter high Mount Batur. Better still, do a pre-sunrise summit trek. One of Indonesia’s most ruggedly beautiful volcanoes— with Lake Batur dominating one half—Batur is a relatively easy climb, with a two-hour summit ascent in cool, early morning darkness. Hike around the entire volcano rim and cook your breakfast eggs on

volcanic steam fissures! Bali Eco Tours; (+6236 197 5557, +62 81 337420420; :www.baliecocycling.com n TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Bali is one of the world’s prime yoga and spirituality destinations with Ubud at its center, and boasts the island’s first dedicated yoga studio, The Yoga Barn. Whether you’re a yogi or novice, The Yoga Barn presents Bali’s biggest range of yoga classes (over 70!) from Yin Yang to Hatha, plus workshops and group retreats at indigenous dwellings in rice fields. This holistic, ecofriendly, and culturally sensitive community center has other offerings like Kirtan traditional chanting, Tibetan bowl meditations, and Ayurvedic rejuvenation. Plus there’s an organic garden café. The Yoga Barn, Ubud; (+6236 197 1236; :www.theyogabarn.com

QUIET TImE: The Nyepi, or Balinese New Year, is in March and is marked by silence, with restaurants, shops, and even the airport closed. People are supposed to stay home or in their hotel rooms. 38 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

n FEEL THE THRILL

Grab your oars for some thrilling white-water rafting on Bali’s most spectacular river, the Ayung. Besides navigating an exhilarating nine-kilometer stretch through Class II and III rapids, Ayung River’s towering gorge cuts across tropical rainforests, rice paddy terraces, and tranquil villages, passing under lush foliage and waterfalls. With professionally trained guides and international-standard equipment, it’s an adventure for the whole family. Bali Adventure Tours, Ubud; (+6236 172 1480; :www.baliadventuretours.com n

BALI HIGHS: Yoga enthusiasts seek oneness at The Yoga Barn (left), while thrill seekers conquer the 33 rapids of the Ayung River (right). The book Eat, Pray, Love and the film version is said to have sparked an influx of female travelers in Bali. Photos courtesy of The Yoga Barn and Bali Adventure Tours.

Hot new beachside spots

MozAIc BEAcH cLuB Ubud’s world-renowned Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique brings the same concept and culinary genius to upcoming Batu Belig Beach: fine dining under the palms and poolside bar and sunset lounge for cocktails and tapas. Jl. Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan; +6236 1 473 5796; www.mozaicbeachclub.com

PoTATo HEAd BEAcH cLuB One of Bali’s hippest venues for events, this sprawling amphitheaterstyle beach club provides infinity-edge pool with daybed decks, three exceptional restaurants, sensational cocktails, and DJ sunset sessions. Jln. Petitenget, Seminyak; +6236 1 473 7979; www.ptthead.com

FInn’S BEAcH cLuB

SAkALA

cocoon

Part of Semara Luxury Villa Resort perched on Uluwatu’s cliff tops, it’s a Castaway-style beach-bar restaurant in a pristine cove. Buy a day pass for chillin’ with fine cocktails, gourmet nibbles, snorkeling, and sunbeds. Semara Luxury Villa Resort, Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan; +6236 1 848 2111; www.semarauluwatu.com

On quiet Tanjung Benoa Beach, two-storey Sakala is a corporate fave for French fine-dining and wine cellar, poolside drinks, nightspot, and rooftop sky deck. Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Bali; +6236 177 4499; www.sakalabali.com

Contemporary Miami-style meets Seminyak, Cocoon is a sophisticated restaurant and bar-lounge beach club with center-stage pool, sunset deck, and VIP cabanas, hosting hot DJ events and kids’ Sunday sessions. No. 66 Blue Ocean Blvd., Seminyak, Bali; +6236 173 1266; cocoon-beach.com

PAL flies between Manila and Bali twice weekly. Swingaround packages are also available. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com www.philippineairlines.com I 39

ISLES OF THE DRAGON: If you’re in Bali and want to have a face-to-face encounter with the Komodo dragon, you can fly to Labuan Bajo and take a boat to Komodo islands. The estimated population of Komodo dragons in Komodo islands is about 5,700 — Komodo Island has about 3,000 dragons, Rinca Island has 900, and Gili Motong about 150 dragons.

ENTER THE DRAGON DOMINICK A. MERLE gets up close and personal with the ferocious yet endangered Komodo dragons and lives to tell the tale. Photos by TOMMy SCHuLTz

hen a “really hungry,” flesh-eating, 300-pound Komodo dragon is sniffing the air for the scent of fresh meat and you’re less than 20 yards away, you curse the curiosity that brought you here in the first place. Especially when you’ve been told that this giant reptile can easily devour 80 percent of its own weight—that’s all of me and half the guide—in one meal! “I don’t think we should approach any closer,” the guide advised, which has to be one of the greatest understatements of all time. In a flash we were inside the nearest ranger shack where we could continue our observation through telescopic lenses. Komodo Island, one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature,” and two neighboring islands in central Indonesia are the only places on earth where you can see these gluttonous carnivores in the wild. They will kill and eat just about anything and everything— including each other—along with you and me.

They stop eating only when their bellies triple in size and can ingest no more. Then they can go without food for a month, often staying in one position, without blinking an eye, for 24 hours. After a 90-minute speedboat ride from the nearby island of Flores, we were greeted by our ranger-guide, Alexander, who promptly gave us a few ground rules. “Stay behind me and do not approach the dragons within 10 meters. They can strike very quickly.” He motioned toward me. “Do not let your camera dangle loose like that. They will think it’s meat. Cup it in your hand.” A full-grown dragon, which looks like a threeway cross between a lizard, crocodile, and dinosaur, grows to three meters (10 feet) long and weighs up to 225 kg (500 lbs). They have oversized heads with shark-like teeth and can kill with one bite, injecting a combination of 50 strains of bacteria and venom into their victims. Small prey die quickly. Larger animals, like water

DID yOu KNOW? The Philippines’ bayawak (monitor lizard) is a close relative of the Komodo dragon. Komodo Dragons…

• Have walked Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years • Are the world’s biggest and heaviest lizards • Are excellent swimmers • Were accidentally discovered in 1910 when a World War I pilot’s plane crashed close to Komodo Island and he discovered the “dragons.”

ISLAND DETOuR: Visit Labuan Bajo’s Kelimutu Volcano and its surrounding areas. Its three crater lakes irregularly change color—red, green, and blue—depending on the waters’ oxidation level. 40 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

DELICATE BALANCE: Komodo dragons can live in excess of 30 years. Yet despite their deadly aggressiveness, they have become an endangered species because of poaching, the dearth of egg-laying females, natural disasters, and the wild pig packs.

buffaloes, can live for a week, with the Komodo patiently following behind for its big meal. (To put that “big meal” in perspective, that 300-pound dragon back there is capable of eating 950 Big Macs in a row. Now how ridiculous is that!) “Look…there is a young one,” Alexander said, pointing his long wooden pole with a forked end. We would later learn that in addition to the pole, he also carried a concealed weapon in case a Komodo became aggressive and attacked. The young dragon, looking much like an oversized lizard or iguana, was darting about and turning its head in different directions. “It’s sniffing for blood,” Alexander said. “They can smell blood a kilometer away.” About 20 minutes later in our walk, Alexander stopped and pointed towards one of the ranger shacks. “That one has just eaten. It will not attack. We can get close.” From that distance, the dragon looked like a log, but as we approached we could see the grotesquely bloated belly. Suddenly we heard some loud squeals up ahead followed by a flurry of footsteps. “Wild pigs,” Alexander said. “You will rarely see them, they run away from humans.” “They hunt in packs and often kill and eat the Komodos. But if a pig is alone,

the Komodo always wins. The third and final dragon we would see during our 90-minute jungle walk was the nervously sniffing 300-pounder that had us hightailing it to the safety of the ranger shack. “As soon as it picks up the scent of blood, it will head in that direction,” Alexander said. “A hungry dragon can run up to 20 kilometers (13 miles) an hour. About as fast as a wild dog. “That is why we warn anyone who is recovering from an open wound—even women during their menstrual period—to never set foot on the island.” There are about 5,000 dragons in the wild on the three islands, about half of them on Komodo Island. There are also some 2,000 natives here and occasionally one is killed and eaten by a Komodo dragon. The closest hospital where antidotes and treatment can be administered is in Bali, an hour away by plane, but flights are few and far between. My question was, if the Komodo dragons become extinct, who will miss them? And one last question: How many wild pigs would it take to consume a Komodo dragon who has just eaten the equivalent of 950 Big Macs? Just curious. n

Komodo Island to-do list Guided Walking Tours. A choice of three types: •Tenderfoot (90 minutes), •Medium (2–3 hours) •Adventurous (half day). Swimming and Snorkeling (but beware of jellyfish stings). EAT LOCAL For tasty local food, go to the open-air satay and barbecue rib stands in downtown Labuan Bajo. Try Padang food, which is spicy seafood, beef, or chicken placed around a pile steaming rice. Try not to eat 80 percent of your body weight.

TRUE COLORS: The beach in Komodo Island is one of only seven beaches in the world with pink sand, said to have been a result of white sand mixing with red foraminifera (microscopic one-celled sea creatures). 42 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Guimaras GolD: It may not have the glamor of Boracay or the popularity of Bohol but beach bums are attracted to its less commercialized beaches. Extreme mountain bikers, hikers, and spelunkers have also discovered gold in Guimaras with its hilly terrain, trails, and caves. Photo by Rogelio Gabiano Jr.

GUIMARAS GETAWAY Follow valerie lumaNoG-cauliN on a trip to one of the Philippines’ most underrated island provinces.

t’s easy to see why the small island province of Guimaras, just 15 minutes by boat from Iloilo City, is being compared to Boracay: it has the same clear, inviting waters and fine sand. What it doesn’t have, however, are crowds of tourists and high prices. Add to this its raw beauty, lush greenery, and relaxed atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect place for an island getaway. Want to go off the grid completely? Head for these “secret” beaches. Make the comfortable Zemkamps Chalet in San Miguel, Jordan, your home base (rates start at Php1,600 for two; call +63 929 2085545 or email krystine.palmes@yahoo.com). From here, the beach is just a tricycle ride away.

Guisi Beach, Nueva valeNcia

Nueva Valencia has resorts and commercial beaches, but Guisi Beach, with its 18th-century lighthouse, is definitely worth going to. Imagine a wide cove with golden sand, bordered by tall cliffs,

44 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

with limestone boulders adding drama to this beach. You can bring your own food, rent a cottage, and trek up the hill to the lighthouse, said to be the second oldest in the country. You’ll also see the ruins of a Spanish settlement nearby. caBaNo Beach, saN loreNzo

Excluded from tourist beach maps, Cabano Beach will excite those who just want a quiet stretch of beach to call their own for a day. You can sit or lie on the sand, read a book or meditate, and breathe in the fresh air as you gaze upon the peaks of Nadulaw and Ago Islands. In the summer, you can rent a boat to reach these islands, do some fishing, and savor different species of shellfish. Contact Jennifer Lalor of the San Lorenzo Tourism Development Office for inquiries (+63 930 2338635, lgu_sanlorenzo@yahoo. com).

Fit for Royalty Among the world’s sweetest, Guimaras mangoes are said to have been served at the Buckingham Palace and the White House. The sweetness is due to limestone deposits in the soil, which is also the secret to Cebu’s sweet mangoes. To maintain the quality of their produce, a Guimaras ordinance bans the entry of mangoes (fruits or seedlings) into the province.

Photo by Maritess Reyes

Lawi, Jordan

TaTLonG PULo, Jordan

Turtle Island, as the locals call it, is not an island but a former turtle sanctuary with a resident pawikan (sea turtle) waiting for visitors on the shore. To get here, you can hire a banca (outrigger boat) to take you, or go by foot from Lawi Port. If you choose the latter, wear comfortable footwear and get directions from the locals. Watch out for rocky terrain and muddy paddies during the rainy season. The small cove with its rock formations and marine sanctuaries is worth the walk. The beach faces Ave Maria and Baras islets. Delight in the corals and fish during low tide, when you can walk all the way to one of the islets. You may want to drop a small amount into their donation box as entrance fee.

Named for three big limestone formations along its shore, Tatlong Pulo (“Three Islands”) is home to a small fishing community, known to serve homecooked meals to bikers after conquering the rocky and hilly terrain of Guimaras. From uphill, the rock formations are a sight to behold, especially after the 1.5-kilometer hike from the main road. The place’s cove is small, but cottages are available for napping. For a small amount, rent a fishing boat and paddle toward and around the rock formations. No fancy food or accommodations here, but contact Bert or Janet Ohana (+63 928 3375687) ahead to prepare your meals and to reserve a cottage for you.

GUiMaraS TrEaSUrES: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) At Lawi Beach in Jordan, designated as a Marine Reserve Area, get up close and personal with the resident pawikan (sea turtle); the 300-year-old Guisi lighthouse and ruins facing Panay Gulf; local boys have Tatlong Pulo, one of Guimaras’ “secret” beaches, all to themselves. Photos by Valerie Lumanog-Caulin

nUTS aBoUT LiME: Guimaras also produces cashew and calamansi (local lime). Delicacies include bandi (sweet brittle) and calamansi juice jellies. www.philippineairlines.com I 45

EXPORT QUALITY: Largely grown in Guimaras as a backyard livelihood resource, these world-famous, distinctly sweet mangoes are being sold for as low as Php60 to Php80 per kilo farm gate prices. Guimaras exports 40% of its 7,000 to 8,000-metric ton mango production. Photos by Valerie Lumanog-Caulin

Agri-Tourism in Guimaras With bee farms, salt farms, fish ponds, and orchards (with more than 50,000 mango trees), Guimaras has plenty of agri-tourism opportunities. Visit these farms and get a taste of the province’s local, everyday life. GUImARAs WOndER’s FARm

It’s a seven-hectare organic farm with 600 mango trees, tropical fruits, and different kinds of organic vegetables. It also raises farm animals and tilapia. Pick and pay options are available during harvest time. Purchase their organic jams at Php120 per bottle. For inquiries, contact Rose Griesser (+63 917 3261142). Entrance fee: Php50 for adults, Php10 for children. sEbARIO sALT FARms

Witness traditional salt-making that uses simple windmills to pump water from the sea and into the salt beds. Dubbed “white gold” by the locals, salt has been the source of their livelihood for generations. Contact the local tourism office for inquiries. n Illustrations by Benjamin Abesamis

PAL flies between Manila and Iloilo four times daily. PALakbayan tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www.philippineairlines.com. 46 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

吉马拉斯岛逍遥假期跟随Valerie Lumanog-Caulin 畅游菲律宾其中一个被低估的小岛省份。吉马拉斯小岛仅距离伊洛伊洛市15分钟的船程。它被拿来跟长滩岛相比，因为同样拥有清澈、诱人的海水及细洁沙滩，然而，人气没那么兴旺，价格也相对廉宜。其苍翠繁茂的雨林、大自然的原始魅力以及悠闲自在的氛围，绝对是岛屿度假的绝佳之选。Zemkamps Chalet位于Jordan的San Miguel（房费从双人1600比索起，电话：+63 929 2085545或电邮：krystine. palmes@yahoo.com），迷人的海滩近在咫尺加上舒适温馨的住宿，肯定让您流连忘返。 Nueva Valencia的Guisi海滩-18世纪的灯塔竖立于此，是一个值得到访的胜地。广阔的海湾拥有金黄细沙，被高耸的石灰岩峭壁包围着，呈现出风情万种的蔚蓝之美。游客可自备食物，在那儿租下一间小屋，徒步跋涉游览菲国第二古老的灯塔，体验别具一格的海岛生活。此外，该区附近的西班牙殖民遗迹也值得一游。 Jordan的Tatlong Pulo（意指三个岛屿）- 是以海岸上的三个巨大石灰岩来命名。此地无食物或住宿供应，但可联络Bert或 Janet Ohana(+63 928 3375687)，他们可提前为您准备膳食以及预订一间小屋。 Jordan Lawi的海龟岛-据当地人称该地不是一个岛屿，前身是一个海龟保护中心。其海滩面向Ave Maria和Baras小岛，海水退潮时您可观赏到各色绚丽的珊瑚和鱼类，而且还能徒步登上另一个小岛。您或许得捐一点钱充当入场费。 San Lorenzo的Cabano海滩- 您可躺在沙滩上或坐着阅读、沉思、眺望Nadulaw和Ago岛的山峰。在炎热的夏天，您可租下一只船环游这些岛屿、钓鱼并尽享各种贝类海鲜。有何询问，可联系San Lorenzo旅游部办事处的Jennifer Lalor(+63 930 2338635, lgu_sanlorenzo@yahoo.com)。

吉马拉斯岛的农业观光吉马拉斯岛设有蜜蜂场、盐场、鱼塘以及逾五万棵芒果树，推荐游客参观，以体验当地的风土人情。吉马拉斯岛的Wonder’s Farm-这是一个七公顷大的有机农庄，种植了六百棵芒果树、热带水果和各式各类的有机蔬菜，而且还饲养农场动物及罗非鱼。在农产物收割期间，游客允许先挑后付。该农庄的有机果酱售价每瓶120比索。有何询问，请联络 Rose Griesser (+63 917 3261142)。入场费为成人50比索，儿童10比索。游客可在Sebario盐场亲眼目睹传统的制盐工艺-使用简单的风车抽吸海水然后注入盐层。盐是当地几代人的生计来源，因此被誉为“白金”。欲询问详情可联络当地的旅游办事处。

www.philippineairlines.com I 47

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The ‘Phantom’ Enchants Manila

He’s here, the Phantom of the Opera (yes, complete with the crashing chandelier)! Manila’s theater scene is abuzz with the spectacular sights and sounds of Broadway’s longest-running musical, along with a stellar cast, including its first ever Filipino member. Plus, marvel at Phantom fans’ experiences and learn the secrets behind its huge success.

50 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

PARTNERS ALL: The Phantom of the Opera’s Philippine run is produced by avid “Phans” (FROM LEFT) Hi Definition Radio Inc. chairman Francis Lumen, Concertus Manila managing director Bambi Rivera-Verzo, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions chief executive James Cundall, and Ticketworld president Bob Sewell.

CONFESSION OF A PHANTOM ADDICT What is it about The Phantom of the Opera that made concert promoter FRANCIS LUMEN watch it seven times before? Read on and find out. Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime, lead me, save me from my solitude... The Phantom of the Opera’s reprise of the well-loved song “All I Ask of You” seconds before his complete unmasking in a world that “showed no compassion” to him, lay bare the musical’s very essence. The tragic life of the disfigured genius exposed— vulnerably so—for all the world to see, while he pleaded with the love of his life, Christine Daaé, to “save” him from a life of utter loneliness. I’ve watched the Phantom of the Opera seven times and that scene immediately following the “Point of No Return” duet has got to be one of the most poignant moments in the whole opera. Even after 25 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece still draws people in, not unlike Erik’s luring his beloved Christine into his Paris Opera House underground lair. “Phans” like me will never tire of the drama, the horror, amazing stage

sets, spectacular costumes, and music that will haunt you forever! The very first time I got to watch Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, the original cast of this hit musical, was in a Los Angeles production of The Phantom of the Opera in 1990. Thus began my “serial watching” of the production in New York, San Francisco (three times!), and London’s West End. No matter how many times you watch the show, as soon as you hear the thunderous, goosebumps-inducing organ music in the musical’s “Overture,” your heart starts to beat faster as the amazing transformation happening onstage takes you back in time when the Phantom lived, loved, and played his music in the night. You will inevitably be taken through the story of the disfigured musical genius that took control of the mind and heart of Christine, the soprano that he taught and nurtured. I’ve watched various actors interpret the Phantom’s role differently and it would be unfair to compare them only because they

all brought out different aspects to the tragic figure’s complex character. The Phantom character’s depth is as unfathomable as the subterranean cave he haunted. He’s definitely no Batman but his “rat cave” is as dark as the Dark Knight’s, perhaps even more so. Christine, on the other hand, is the beam of light (and of hope) that the Phantom allowed into his dark chamber, and Raoul, his bitter rival, is the perfect foil to his plans. Watching the Phantom is like going through a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I went from feeling so good hearing Christine’s lilting “Think of Me” aria to holding my breath trying to see if Christine can hit that high E in “Phantom of the Opera” to clearing the lump in my throat after that intense final scene! Just about every song in this musical—“Phantom of the Opera,” “All I Ask of You,” “Think of Me,” “The Music of the Night,” “Point of No Return,” “Angel of Music,” and “Masquerade”—is sure to captivate the audience. You feel for the Phantom but the stark reality of Raoul’s love for Christine is something you will sympathize with, too. This tale of unrequited love and ultimate redemption is an experience that you want to share with your family and friends. It’s high romance at its best. Do yourself a big favor and include The Phantom of the Opera in your bucket list! n www.philippineairlines.com I 51

TEATRO ‘QUEEN’: Tessa Prieto-Valdes beams with excitement as she and members of the Philippine media experienced first-hand the breathtaking world and music of The Phantom of the Opera in Johannesburg’s world-class Teatro at Montecasino.

THE PHANTOM OUTDRESSES THE ‘SEA PRINCESS’ Fashion diva and socialite TESSA PRIETO-VALDES relives the thrilling experience of watching the South African production of The Phantom of the Opera.

agic happens in the opera. As I sat in the dark at The Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg, South Africa, I knew I was going to be transported into a glorious space while watching Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. And indeed, it was a sumptuous production, from the ornate golden angels around the proscenium arch, to the swirling curtains, to the majestic chandelier that floats to the center of the auditorium with the resounding opening bars of the “Overture.” Dressed in a spectacular gown, I was

excited to see the famous “Masquerade” scene with its glittering costumes. Phantom is the ultimate wardrobe paradise for the costume cognoscenti: all the masks, fabric, embroidery, and brocade make it such a fantastic musical. Scene after scene, from “Hannibal” and his life-size elephant to the painted faces and burlesque of “Il Muto,” I was enthralled. What’s not to like watching a darkened stage with the Phantom’s boat sailing through a candle-lit subterranean lake, further enlightened with music? It was pure enchantment! Next to the “Masquerade

Ball,” it is my favorite scene. Andrew Lloyd Webber and his opera are glamorous, over the top, larger than life, and truly magical. Arguably the most popular musical of all time, Broadway’s longest-running production will have a five-week run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines starting August 25. Phantom is the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness, and passion collide. Jonathan Roxmouth brings both passion and pathos to his role as the genius but fatally flawed Phantom. Roxmouth is a South African actor who has received

RECORD-BREAKING FEAT: The Phantom of the Opera’s run in Johannesburg, South Africa, was extended four times and sold more than 200,000 tickets since Jan. 31, 2012 breaking all previous box-office records at the capital’s Teatro at Montecasino. 52 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

PHANTOM MOMENTS: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Tessa Prieto-Valdes plays dress-up with Phantom costumes and wigs backstage; the chandelier moving up between acts in front of the elaborate stage; South African cast members, seated from left, Cat Lane, Anthony Downing, Thabiso Masemene, Jason Ralph, and Jonathan Roxmouth, with Filipino journalists, standing from left, Pam Pastor, Nathalie Tomada, Pepper Teehankee, the author, and Tim Yap

numerous awards and nominations, including the Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical at the 2012 Fleur Du Cap Awards. Claire Lyon plays the equally soughtafter role of Christine, the beautiful and talented soprano. Classically trained, Claire graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne in Australia, with a Bachelor of Music Performance. It will be thrilling to hear both sing the classics from the musical, including “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Music of the Night.” Tim McFarlane, managing director of The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific, said that this touring production of Phantom is as fine as the West End and Broadway versions. It has the same superb sets and designs, and 230 costumes executed by international designer Maria Björnson.

Paris, London, New York, Manila! The Phantom has come full circle! It was great to find out that homegrown talent will be joining the cast for the Manila and Asian performances. Tenor Dondi Ong successfully auditioned for musical director Guy Simpson earlier this year as part of their worldwide search for talent. And worldwide the Phantom truly is, as its shows have traveled everywhere. Bambi Verzo of Concertus took a small media group on a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, to see the musical and experience it “behind the scenes.” It was here that I got to see the opera

and more—the incredibly high-tech stage, complete with hydraulics and moving parts, is quite a production in itself. Tim Yap and I had fun emoting beside the Phantom’s gondola, imagining ourselves on stage along with floating candles. At an intimate lunch with some of the cast, I had a long friendly chat with wardrobe head Eugene Titus, who said I “outdressed” him and that he was looking forward to seeing my costume in Manila. Company manager Johann Kupferburger pointed out the costume of the Phantom weighs over 20 kilos. I will surely be outdressed again as I watch The Phantom of the Opera here in Manila! Paris, London, New York, Manila! The Phantom has come full circle! With its powerfully moving story, incredible music, and astounding sets and costumes, this musical is a must-see. n

GO, JO’BURG!: Johannesburg is the second biggest city in Africa, next to Cairo, Egypt, and is the site of the world’s biggest manmade forest with more than 10 million trees planted under the Green Soweto project in 2006. www.philippineairlines.com I 53

EVERYtHInG tHAt YoU WAntED to KnoW ABoUt tHE ‘PHAntoM’

FROM THE PRODUCER

James Cundall

Plus points for James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, in presenting Phantom in Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines: “It is an amazing and a truly wonderful theater. However, it wasn’t built to put The Phantom of the Opera in, as the show

FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Guy Simpson

requires an enormous amount of steel work in the roof to hang the chandelier. But kudos to the venue and Phantom teams—the work was completed and the spectacular chandelier will now be able to wow the audience!” Filipinos: “One of the wonderful things about the Filipino audience is their love of music. They epitomize everything that is joyful about music. They do understand musicals and language is not a problem.”

‘Phantom’ Facts According to James Cundall

Phantom musical director Guy Simpson spent three to four days auditioning musicians and singers. His views: On the Filipinos in Phantom: Of the 130 cast, crew, and orchestra members involved in Phantom, there are 14 Filipino musicians in the orchestra (with another 14 players learning the show in case of illness), 23 stage crew, and one cast member.

1 ton

Number of times the Phantom prosthetics can be used nightly

On the auditions for Piangi’s role: We only had one vacancy in our international cast and it was a great pleasure to find that person in Manila. The audition process in Manila was very demanding for the singers and the standard was very high. Our new Filipino cast member will now join the international tour.

3 WEEKS

Weight of the dramatic chandelier

100

it took to install Phantom materials into the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Number of 40-foot containers full of set, scenery, costumes, and props

Countries where auditions were held for the Philippine production

People on the road to bring in the whole Phantom set

‘Phantom’ Rehearsals 101 6 WEEKS REHERSAlS In All

4 WEEKS

SEPARAtE StUDIo

1-2 WEEKS

›

REHERSAlS

54 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

›

fUll & onStAGE REHERSAlS

›

Money Matters

US$5.6+ billion

Phantom’s total worldwide gross

$1.6 million

$8 million

Original Phantom production cost

oN BRoADWAY

Phantom’s highest weekly gross on Broadway (a week in December 2011)

10,177 Broadway performances since 1988 (as of July 15, 2012)

68% of audience are women 14.5+ million people have seen the Broadway run

50+ major theater awards

40 million (and counting) Album sales of the original cast/studio/foreign language recordings and film soundtrack

MiND-BoggLiNg

70-Storey Building

MASKS OFF: It takes about a second to remove the white mask, but about half an hour to get the rest of the prosthetic “mask” off.

If laid out in a single line, the length of all fabric used in the Phantom production totals 2.23 kilometers. The 226-meter tassled fringes, meanwhile, is equivalent to a 74-storey building.

3 REASoNS foR PhANtoM’S ENDURiNg ChARM CUnDALL On THE Phantom’S LASTInG APPEAL

MUSIC: “It’s music you remember; you take it home with you.” MARIA BjöRnSOn’S SETS AnD COSTUMES: “They are so lavish and so rich that they haven’t been replicated in any other shows.” LOvE STORy: “The world loves a love story and every one falls in love with the Phantom.”

Andrew Lloyd

WEBBER UNMASKED

RECoRD RUN

130 million audience in 145 cities in 27 countries and in 15 languages

FROM THE COMPOSER

hEigh ho, SiLVER!

Broadway will celebrate Phantom’s 25th year in January 2013. It is currently Broadway’s longest-running musical.

Did you know that it was out of love for his then-wife, soprano Sarah Brightman, that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber createdThe Phantom of the Opera? The dream took form after watching an earlier theater version of Phantom (produced by Ken Hill) in 1976 and reading Gaston Leroux’s book of the same title. Born in London, England, in 1948 to musician parents, Webber studied history in Oxford University but left to pursue his love for music. WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM 7 Tonys 3 Grammys 7 Laurence Oliviers 1 Golden Globe 1 Oscar 2 Emmys MAGICAL MUSICAL TOUR Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968) Jesus Christ Superstar (1971) Evita (1971) Tell Me on a Sunday (1979) Cats (1981) Starlight Express (1984) The Phantom of the Opera (1986) Sunset Boulevard (1993)

www.philippineairlines.com I 55

CHANCE Of A LIfEtImE: Dondi Ong, who has been asked to join the South Korean run of Phantom from November 2012 to March 2013, sang the operatic aria Nessun Dorma and the Broadway piece, Love Changes Everything from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, among others, at the Phantom audition. Ong, a member of the Harana ng Kasarinlan (shown here with, from left, Trygve Bolante, Jonaf del Fierro, and Alex Bite), has an eclectic taste in music, including pop, rock, and jazz.

SAY HELLO TO THE ONLY FILIPINO ‘PHANTOM’ CAST MEMBER Tenor CONRADO “DONDI” CALNEA ONG III, the first Filipino cast member of The Phantom of the Opera, reveals how it’s like to audition for the cover of the role of Piangi. How did you learn about the auditions? I got an SMS from Philippine Opera Company head Karla Gutierrez asking if I was interested to audition for The Phantom of the Opera. I was informed that I got the role on June 1. How familiar are you with The Phantom of the Opera? I had seen the musical in Broadway and Los Angeles and its songs are staples in my iPod. I have sung the love duet All I Ask of You ad nauseum. I adore the melody and feel of “Music of the Night,” and had included it in my repertoire. What was the feeling like auditioning for the musical? It was like just before I sing at any engagement, meaning I get nervous like crazy just before I sing. But once I start singing, it all becomes easy and natural. [It’s like] somebody else takes over, and I just surrender to the music. I consider it a gift— making people happy. It’s that simple. How are you going to tackle Piangi’s role? I am learning the part and memorizing. I didn’t want to 56 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Dondi’s Dossier

watch any previous Piangi characters so I wouldn’t have to copy their take of the role. I guess the better way is to just wait for the direction once rehearsal starts. What’s the feeling like being part of such a stellar production and cast? Overwhelmed, excited, and yet strangely enough, a bit detached. But as some folks were good-naturedly pointing out, I am representing the Philippines and a lot of our local talents, so I would have to do my best. Who are your musical influences? No particular influence, but I have idols per genre. If it’s classical, it would have to be Pavarotti or Bocelli. If it’s ballad, my peg would either be Martin [Nievera] or Gary [Valenciano]. Kundimans (Filipino love ballads) would have me sounding like Ruben Tagalog. Broadway music, I like Michael Ball. And for inspirational songs, there would be Steve Green or David Phelps. Some people get shock when I belt out “Moves Like Mick Jagger” with no hesitation. n

AwARDs • Two-time Aliw Awardee for Male Classical Performer of the Year (2009 and 2011) • University of the Philippines Alumni Association Presidential Distinguished Alumnus Award for Service June 2011 stAGE PERfORmANCEs • Puccini’s La Boheme • Lucio San Pedro’s Bayan Isang Paa na Lamang • Boni Ilagan’s Pagsambang Bayan • Lucrecia Kasilag’s Why Flowers Bloom in May • Roldan Asencio’s Song of Joseph • Floy Quinto’s Isang Panaginip na Fili

Photo by Mel Gatchalian

(FROM LEFT) My Kitchen’s Risotto Katrina; Cold appetizers station at Corniche; Illustration by Ruth Rivera

Before the Show

NEARBY THEATER RESTOS Start your theater night right with a full stomach. ERNEST REYNOSO-GALA gives us the best dinner options within the vicinity of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. CorniChe, DiamonD hotel Corniche is elegance personified with an array of supreme-smelling and greattasting cuisine. The top-class buffet serves up Japanese, Indian, Filipino, and western dishes, while top-notch desserts include homemade ice creams—a crowd favorite. Chic and cozy, its ambiance doesn’t disappoint, with white walls, comfortable chairs, and a fantastic glass façade overlooking a sprawling garden. Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila; +632 528- 3000 FireplaCe, hyatt hotel anD Casino manila Fireplace’s certified U.S. Angus and Australian grain prime beef are cooked in a 10-foot copper-covered wood-burning oven with grillers inside, making the prime cut steaks rich and smoky on the outside while retaining a melt-in-your-mouth juiciness inside. Seafood lovers can opt for the grilled marinated butterfly tiger prawns, or the very fresh Chilean sea bass. Another to-die-for 58 I Mabuhay Magazine I August 2012

with the choices of 7 to 12 Wagyu beef grading. Guests will enjoy a novel dining style wherein they cook their own steak exactly to their preference on a searing hot stone that is visually appealing. 4th floor, Prism Plaza of the E-Com 2 Building, Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City; +632 553 8437.

The Fireplace

treat is the hot chocolate soup, a dessert similar to lava cake, with a pinch of pepper inside, and plated on a soup bowl with vanilla ice cream in the middle. 5th Floor, 1588 Pedro Gil cor. M.H. Del Pilar, Manila; +632 247 8666 house oF Wagyu stone grill From the high-ceiling, plush dark woods and furnishings, down to its informative and debonair staff, House of Wagyu is an exercise in elegance. It raises new standards

my KitChen by CheF Chris Infused with true Italian passion, My Kitchen showcases the best of Italian cuisine from owner Chef Chris Locher. He’s famed for the original Panizza (rolled pizza) in C’Italian Dining Restaurant in Pampanga but his other dishes are equally sumptuous. The sweet and garlicky Salsica Dolce sausages is served with golden fried potatoes and lentil casserole. The Risotto Kristina, meanwhile, has a creamy texture combined with the perfectly cooked prawns tail, salmon fillet, broccoli, mushroom, asparagus, and parmesan cheese infused with truffle oil. The Oasis Paco Park Hotel, 1032-34 Belen Street, Paco, Manila; +632 521 2371 to 75 n

Post Theater Action

COOL SPOTS

Whether you came from Phantom of the Opera or just want to hit the town, LORI BLACKBURN shares places to fit the mood.

M Café, photo by Noel Salazar

Chill Out

M Café – Indoor, Outdoor Art

Vibe: This artsy café-bar sits between a Zen garden and the Ayala Museum. DJs spin under buttery lights. Crowd: Yuppies and ExPats Drink Me: Brown Sugar Mama mixes vanilla vodka, cranberry juice, and brown sugar. Tip: Closed for renovations until mid-September. Thursdays become outdoor parties. Dial In: www.museumcafe. com.ph

Even when most bars are calling it a night, REPUBLIQ still goes strong. The main room hosts the biggest party in town. Photo by Justin Ventura

Skye Lounge – Nice Views

Vibe: Listen to high-energy house music on tangerine lounges at this sleek skyline bar. Tables feature built-in beverage tubs for beers or bubbly. Crowd: Friendly Yuppies

Drink Me: The Skye Cooler tastes like a beach. Tip: Table reservations secure entrance. Dial In: www.facebook.com/SkyeManila Salon de Ning – Cocktail Drama

Vibe: A jazz band plays under jeweled parasols while thematic rooms spark imagination. Enjoy attentive service and complimentary snacks. Crowd: The more sophisticated set Drink Me: Gummi Bear shots give a grownup twist to a childhood favorite. Tip: Enjoy 24-hour dining in the elegant lobby. Dial In: www.peninsula.com/Manila

Go Clubbing

REPUBLIQ – Mega Club

SaLON DE NING

60 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Vibe: Join dance-floor residents and big name DJs at Manila’s hottest club. Things heat up after midnight. Crowd: Mixed-age party people Drink Me: Drop cash on bottles in U-

Dial in: No cover charge, but dress smart. www.opusmanila.com PRIVÉ – Boutique Nightlife

Vibe: Follow creamy hallways with golden mirrors to an intimate club featuring VIP service and luxe design. Crowd: Socialites, celebrities, fashionistas Drink Me: Candle lit bottle service on plush couches Tip: Fancy a cheeky pint? A few doors down, Draft’s modern European pub serves imported beers and tasty food. Dial In: www.priveluxuryclub.com

Good Place to Chat

Blind Pig – Makati’s Worst Kept Secret

Vibe: No sign, the door is locked, but knock to enter this hidden speakeasy - Prohibi tion-style bar. Bartenders serve crafted cocktails and remember your name. Crowd: Regulars and serious cocktail lovers Drink Me: The Mint Julep, served in a steel tumbler, mixes bourbon, sugar syrup, and fresh mint. Ice is hand cut. Tip: Order a personalized drink based on your preferred tastes. Dial in: Reservations required. +632 478 6990; open from Mondays to Sundays after 6 p.m.

OPUS, photo by Justin Ventura

Barcino – Spanish Winebar

shaped booths Tip: Satisfy late-night cravings at Resorts World restaurants. Dial in: Open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Reserve tables early. www.republiqclub.com Opus – Glam Scene

Vibe: Sure, red velvet and tall mirrors el-

evate this restaurant lounge, but disco balls and zebra prints keep it down-to-earth. Crowd: More upscale partygoers Drink Me: Molecular Lychee Martinis topped with coconut foam and a lychee pearl. Tip: Single? Mingle at the illuminated Onyx Bar or at the Art Bar’s chrome sculpture.

Vibe: Socialize with the lively crowd in wine cellar ambiance. Delicious tapas compliment a sizable wine list. Crowd: Young urbanites Drink Me: Affordable, quality vintages Tip: Ask about wine promos and discounts. Dial in: www.barcino.com.ph n www.philippineairlines.com I 61

Old Manila Walking Tours RediscoveRing intRamuRos and Binondo

If you’re here to watch The Phantom of the Opera, might as well sign up for two interesting tours nearby—Carlos Celdran’s Intramuros tour and Ivan Dy’s Binondo food walk, JOSHUA LAGANDAON writes.

FOLLOW THE PIED PIPER: Likened to the Pied Piper, Carlos leads his group not with a flute, but with a boom box playing various “mood” music, such as George Michael’s version of “Moonlight Serenade.” He shatters misconceptions of Manila with spontaneous bursts of criticisms, trivia, confetti and vaudeville dance numbers. 62 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

PHOTOGRAPHER: Francisco Guerrero STyLIST: Raquel Guttierrez MODELS: IM Agency’s Daniel Herman and Gabriela Kreisher ILLUSTRATIONS: Benjamin Abesamis

A Fun Stroll through hiStory If you think a walking tour of Intramuros is boring, think again. These days, thanks to a tour guide’s fun take on history, visitors are now looking at the Walled City’s narrow, cobbled streets and Spanish colonial structures with new eyes.

SightS to SEE

Fort Santiago This fortress gives a complete chronicle of Philippine history, from Spanish colonial times all the way to the Japanese occupation in WWII. At its heart is the Rizal Shrine, where National Hero Jose Rizal spent his last nights.

CaSa Manila Ever wondered how rich Spanish families lived during the 19th century? Relive the ilustrado (Filipino elite) lifestyle at Casa Manila museum where each room is decorated in period style.

San aguStin ChurCh San Agustin, the Philippines’ oldest church built in 1571, is a 400-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also known as “The Wedding Capital of the Philippines.” At least three weddings are said to take place here in less than three hours.

Manila Cathedral This cathedral has seen some major events in Philippine history, including the funerals of former presidents Carlos Garcia and Corazon Aquino, and the late Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. Today, it is the most prominent structure in Intramuros.

Father BlanCo’S garden Father Blanco’s Garden, a vast, verdant park beside the San Agustin Museum, was created in 1937 by Augustinian friar Manuel Blanco, the Father of Philippine Botany. The inner courtyard is a popular venue for weddings and receptions.

64 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

The Tour Guide CarloS Celdran

Carlos Celdran’s Walk This Way Intramuros tour is a mixture of music, theater, and comedy instead of the boring narration of names and dates. (Php1,100 for adults, half off for kids. www.celdrantours. blogspot.com)

HORSE AROUND

A fun highlight of Carlos Celdran’s tour is a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) ride that roams Intramuros’ streets. Follow Carlos to the main entrance, where dozens of calesas await to escort you to your next stop. Hop aboard, and sit tall and proud knowing that in the 18th century, only high-ranking Spanish nobles and rich Filipinos known as ilustrados could afford this type of transportation.

GET A BLAST FROM THE PAST

These days, Intramuros guards don blue get-ups and hats typical of the brave men who took part in the revolution against the Spaniards. Though they look every inch the soldiers they depict, they’re more than willing to goof around with you. n

MANILA 101: The late Filipino writer and historian Nick Joaquin’s book, Manila, My Manila (A History for the Young), gives fascinating insights on Intramuros and Binondo—from their prominent personalities to the events that molded their history. www.philippineairlines.com I 65

A ‘WOK-ING’ TOUR IN BINONDO A hop around the 416-year-old Chinatown (the world’s oldest) is a good introduction to Manila’s Chinese heritage and cuisine. Beyond the gritty streets and noisy alleys is a treasure trove of yummy treats, courtesy of tour guide Ivan Dy’s Big Binondo Food Wok. BINONDO BITES: Forget about your diet with Chinatown’s great food finds, ranging from cumin chicken with sesame seeds (ABOVE) to bicho-bicho (deep-fried local pretzels dipped in sugar), fried meatball-filled steamed buns, and surprise, surprise, cold brewed coffee!

MEET OPTIMUS PRIME

Among the more striking sights in Binondo are the purple fire trucks parked right outside Binondo Church. They may bear a striking resemblance to Transformer’s Optimus Prime, but they won’t be morphing into full-fledged battle robots anytime soon. Even these vehicles have a culinary history: they were donated to the community by Chinese deli Eng Bee Tin (ABOVE) , as a nod to their famous Hopia Ube (purple yam-filled pastries).

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD: The only areas of the Binondo Church remaining from its original construction in 1596 are its western façade and the octagonal bell tower. Its other parts are rebuilt in 1852, after being destroyed in 1762 by Spanish bombardment. 66 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

phoTogeniC: This dragon street sign on the corner of Ongpin and Salazar is one of the most photographed in Binondo.

SIGHTS TO SEE

ongpin sTreeT The most iconic of Binondo’s streets is Ongpin, a two-kilometer road studded with oriental markets and eateries— from high-carat jewelry shops and dumpling stalls to fireworks and apothecaries selling freshly-squeezed cobra bile.

The Tour Guide iVAn dY

This Chinese-Filipino culture vulture was one of the hosts for culinary legend Anthony Bourdain’s visit to Manila in 2010. His quirky demeanor and passion for Chinese food and heritage have made his Binondo tours quite popular around Manila. (Php1,000 per head; www.oldmanila walks.com)

Filipino-Chinese Friendship ArCh You’ll know you’ve stepped into Chinatown territory when you’ve crossed this dragon-decorated arch— a monument that serves as a reminder of the history between the Chinese and the Filipinos. eng Bee Tin Some people head to Binondo for the sole purpose of hoarding hopia (filled pastries) in this Chinese deli. What began as a simple stall selling Chinese delicacies in 1912 is now one of the biggest international exporters of hopia in Asia, Europe, USA, and the Middle East.

Binondo ChurCh A Catholic Church in a Buddhist enclave? Go figure! The Binondo Church was founded in 1596 by Dominican priests to convert the Chinese to Christianity. You can’t miss the curious purple fire trucks parked just outside! plAzA lorenzo ruiz In front of the Binondo Church sits Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, one of the biggest and busiest of Binondo’s plazas. The late historian Teodoro Agoncillio described this plaza as “one of the most impressive open spaces of Manila” when it was once flanked with trees and handsome mansions.

Filipinos TrY ChopsTiCKs. Early cultural contact with China during the period 960-1279 BC introduced a variety of staple foods into Philippine cuisine. Among these are toyo (soy sauce), tawge (bean sprouts), patis (fish sauce), and tokwa (tofu). www.philippineairlines.com I 67

BE in TWo CuLTurEs AT onCE

Chinatown is like a chameleon—one minute, you’re walking along a street bedecked with Chinese lanterns and feng shui décor, and then suddenly you’re in the middle of Plaza de San Ruiz, with its Spanish-style fountains and cobbled pavement, beholding Binondo Church’s Spanish architecture. Chinatown, being just “one cannon shot away” from Intramuros, was a strategic location for the Spanish to relocate Chinese settlers so they could better control them. The dynamics between the two races has formed today’s Binondo, where East meets West.

EAT Your WAY Through hisTorY

If you want to last through Ivan’s three-hour eating spree, it’s best to start slow. As you try to digest his bite-sized offerings of Chinatown’s history, pig out on steamed dumplings dipped in black vinegar; fresh vegetable spring rolls drizzled with sweet brown sauce and crushed seaweeds (INSET); soft tofu drenched in thick sweet and sour sauce; and yes, pancit (noodles). Ivan’s strict rule before the tour starts: If you want more, you can raise your hands and have another helping. n

ThE FirsT FiLiPino sAinT: San Lorenzo Ruiz, who was born of a Chinese father and Filipino mother, trained in the Binondo church and became the Philippines’ first saint on his canonization in 1987. His statue now stands in front of the church. 68 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

ENDANGERED ‘MERMAIDS’: Dugongs, shown here grazing and swimming in Club Paradise, Busuanga, North Palawan, can stay underwater for as much as six minutes. These “sea cows,” which are closely related to elephants, are sometimes sighted while they breathe on the surface by “standing” on their tail with their heads above water.

MARINE LIFE ONLINE ALYA B. HONASAN chats up an avid conservationist known for his dedication to saving some “sexy, charismatic” creatures via popular social networking sites. Photos by JÜRGEN FREUND.

ost days of the week, Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay sits behind his desk at the Makati travel agency he manages. In between paperwork, however, Yaptinchay is on Facebook—not because he’s goofing off, but because he’s doing his part to save the Philippines’ endangered and misunderstood marine animals, from turtles and dolphins to sharks and dugong. Four to five times a day, Yaptinchay, a veterinarian and conservationist by training, posts information on the Facebook page of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, the nonprofit, nonstock organization he established in 2010 to help people understand that we’re all part of the circle of life. “We’re all connected, and this is especially significant to us because the Philippines is an archipelago, and we’re surrounded by marine animals.” Whether it’s information gleaned from the Internet, like a dramatic video of people in a Brazilian

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ACT NOW “Like” Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on Facebook—and help Dr. Arnel Yaptinchay spread the word on saving our sea creatures.

beach helping stranded dolphins get back to sea, or data from his own extensive research, Yaptinchay will share anything that can help people understand why these “sexy, charismatic” animals are essential to the ecosystem, and why we have to protect them. Yaptinchay calls himself an educator, and Facebook has helped him connect to more people than he would reach in, say, one of the lectures he is often invited to give, owing to his several years of experience with the Marine Turtle Conservation Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and, later, with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines. As a fresh graduate of the University of the Philippines, Yaptinchay joined the DENR in 1991 and found himself in the Turtle Islands, one of the country’s most isolated conservation areas and last turtle nesting sites. He calls the experience “life-changing.” He was also director of the Marine Species

Photo by Jayson Arquiza

Conservation Program of WWF, and with this new advocacy, is still partnering up with international groups for conservation projects. “Education” means explaining some things to the unenlightened tourist—such as the fact that “ecotourism” is an overused word nowadays, and not every allegedly ecofriendly facility practices what it preaches, making them “part of the threat instead of the solution,” Yaptinchay says. “Unfortunately, a lot of tourists are not interested in being educated; they just want to be entertained.” For instance, Yaptinchay illustrates, steer clear of establishments that let you “release” turtle hatchlings into the sea for a fee. The fact that these hatchlings were kept in a confined area has already harmed them and their natural behavior. Same thing goes for facilities where large marine animals are made to perform tricks for audiences. “These animals move around a lot. If you change that, you affect not only

their migratory habits, but also their reproduction and instincts for survival, and you put them in danger.” What it all boils down to, Yaptinchay stresses, is respect for these animals and their environment. “Remember, we’re the visitors, not them. So if you’re traveling to the sea, don’t litter, don’t tease or harm any marine animals, and don’t take them out of their habitat or try to bring them home,” he exhorts. Finally, if you’re choosing a resort or a destination to patronize, choose wisely and find out if the place is as environment-friendly as it claims. “Tourism is a business and it needs facilities, but developing tourism in natural sites should be based on the ecological and biological needs of an area and its animals,” Yaptinchay says. “When you make decisions only for economics and politics, it’s never good for nature.” n

(TOP) Chocolate chip starfish collected in the thousands in Punta Enganio, Mactan, central Philippines for export in the home decorative industry. (LEFT) Marine wildlife expert Dr. Arnel Yaptinchay in one of his environmental sorties. (RIGHT) Coastal pollution in the Philippines in Mabini-Tingloy, Batangas after a typhoon.

SEA VEGANS: Also called the “elephant of the sea,” the dugong is a marine mammal herbivore that lives on sea grass. An adult dugong measures about three meters long and weighs as much as 400 kilograms. www.philippineairlines.com I 71

FOLK TALE

IllustratIon by alyanna sIson

The Origin Of The DuyOng*

n one of the coastal towns of Negros Occidental, there lived in a house by the sea, a couple with a baby.The husband was one of those inveterate gamblers and a profligate who would come home only after a night of debauchery, to beat his wife mercilessly for no reason at all. The poor wife seemed to be of the meek and sacrificing type who in spite of the barbarous treatment of her husband, still stuck to him, as a wife is expected to. The cruel treatment went on without let-up. When she could no longer endure the severe beatings, she would go with her baby to the beach and sit by the big rock to cry out her fate. This continued until the escape to and the crying by the rock became customary to her. One night her husband gave her such a savage mauling that the poor woman, to save her life, fled with her baby from the house at midnight. Inevitably, she went to her usual haunt by the rock and cried and cried. Her wailing became so sad that the night and the sea were filled with her grief. Suddenly the waves became agitated, and from out of the foaming billows, the god of the sea stepped out. Evidently, the king of the ocean was aroused by the woman’s lamentations. The woman was frightened, but the god of the sea spoke to her gently. “Come with me into the sea and be my subject and all your griefs are at an end.” Then he sprinkled a handful of salty spume on the woman and her child. Suddenly, the woman felt herself changing and before she knew it, she and the baby had become duyongs, a kind of sea mammal. Forthwith, she splashed into the sea after the king, and together with her baby, became happy denizens of the world beneath the waves. n *Duyong is Hiligaynon for “dugong”.

SIREN CALL. Different cultures have identified the dugong with the siren of Greek mythology. Its name translates to “beauty of the sea” (Egypt), “queen of the sea” (Kenya), and “princess dugong” (Indonesia). 72 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

THE MYTHS Philippine Folk Literature by Damiana L. Eugenio Published by the University of the Philippines Press, 2001. Paperback, 513 pages. University of the Philippines Press, E. de los Santos St., University of the Philippines Campus; ( (+632) 928 2558; * up.press@gmail. com; : www.uppress. com.ph

PROS & CONS: For branding expert Jörg Dietzel, the Philippines has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and business, but it also needs to be aware that foreign investors are looking for stability in the political system and a corruption-free environment. Other than that, he agrees 100% that it’s really more fun in the Philippines.

THE PHILIPPINES’ BRANDING SECRETS Country branding expert JÖRG DIETZEL discusses with LYNETTE LEE CORPORAL the uniqueness of the Philippines as a tourism destination. What is your take on the so-called “Asian Pride” phenomenon? Recent studies have shown that

for the past 10–20 years, Asians in general have developed a new kind of self-confidence in the products and services they can offer. Before this, Asians equated ownership of Western brands with success and status. To a certain extent this is still true; the queue outside Louis Vuitton in Paris is still purely Asian, for instance. Asian brands also pretend to be what they are not. A brand like Giordano, which is from Hong Kong, tends to make you think it actually comes from Italy. The Singaporean luxury brand Raoul seems to have come from France. But that has changed. The mindset now is, hey, we can produce good things too, so we don’t always have to look [Western] to look good.

Let’s bring it down to the local level. What can you say about “Philippine Pride”? Local brand

quality and the Filipinos’ confidence have improved. To a certain extent, the Philippines has always had that confidence. Filipinos I’ve met overseas wore t-shirts that say “Proud to Be Pinoy.” The people are your biggest asset, because they are the ones that go out there and every single one of them is an ambassador. They’re different, [more] special, friendlier than other people, warmer, and have a more positive attitude. All of these are very nicely captured in the Department of Tourism’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

Top three fun and not fun things in the Philippines, according to Jörg Dietzel:

Fun 1. People 2. Diving 3. Food

Not Fun 1. Traffic 2. Airport 3. (Lack of) free Internet access

What makes this campaign such a hit? It works on many levels. On the superficial level, that’s what Western and Asian travelers are looking for—a fun holiday filled with wonderful experiences such as

GOOD NEWS: The Philippines, according to the Department of Tourism, posted a 13.05% growth in tourist arrivals from January to May 2012 with more than 1.8 million. The biggest group of tourists came from Korea (21.83%), followed by the US (16.40%), and Japan (7.11%). 74 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

S P E C I A L P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

THE PARIS BEACH CLUB REVEALED

The Paris Beach Club

AT THE AZURE URBAN RESORT RESIDENCES

A grand beach needs a worthy beach club. Which is why the Azure Urban Resort Residences, the first real estate development in the Philippines to feature a man-made beach, is building the Paris Beach Club: a one-of-a-kind leisure space that rivals the best seaside clubs in the world. Designed exclusively by fashion and style icon Paris Hilton, this beach retreat is born out of her extensive experience of the most exotic and electrifying resorts in the world. Nestled at the center of a six-hectare and nine-tower residential enclave, the Paris Beach Club is literally a few steps away from every Azure resident’s home, allowing exclusive to access to a unique beach club experience 365 days a year. And

with a full-scale man-made beach right next to it, as well as a myriad outdoor amenities inspired by the ideal island getaway, the Paris Beach Club is Azure’s crown jewel – enveloped in the true definition of paradise. The Paris Beach Club offers authentic resort-style living while appointed with modern conveniences such as an indoor and outdoor restaurant, spa, ice cream and candy bar, day care, and fitness gym, all imbued with Paris’ indelible sense of style. The Paris Beach Club is ingeniously planned for the best of times. To learn more visit the Azure showroom at the 2/F Low-rise, Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City or log on to www.azure.com.ph.

Two restaurants on the third floor will bring Paris’ favorite flavors to Azure residents for a delightful dining experience.

Azure’s man-made beach lets you enjoy summer for 365 days a year

The Paris Beach Club lobby offers a warm and glittering welcome to residents and visitors.

Photo by Alex Wu

Photo by Erwin Lim

TOP DRAWS: T he country’s best assets, says Jörg Dietzel, include its natural attractions, such as great diving sites, and the people themselves with their positive outlook in life and bright, friendly smiles.

“People need to know that things are super stable in the country and that their investments are going to be safe here. Working toward more stability and continuity would help.” beaches, diving, maybe a bit of shopping. But it also captures the essence of what it’s like to be a Filipino. It’s the spirit of seeing the silver lining and keeping a positive attitude even though things may be hard.

safe and welcome, then they will have a memorable, pleasant experience.

How do we balance this positive campaign with the Philippines’ negative image abroad in terms of the peace and order, political and economic situations?

others. For example, a traveler gets stuck and is lost. Somebody talks to you and that person speaks English. That’s not going to happen in Bangkok or Indonesia. You’ve a bit of an Asian touch in the people, in the food, but it’s not completely foreign. It’s almost like Asia for beginners, different in some aspects but very accessible. From volcanoes to diving sites to wonderful beaches— it’s probably very difficult for any country to offer that same range and that’s a big draw.

It’s not easy because the Philippines needs to improve its structural system. That’s not something a campaign can solve. The campaign already does as good a job as any; the rest really needs to be solved by investing in infrastructure, cleaning up the system, and making sure that people are not going to be ripped off. What do Western tourists need to experience and see in the places they visit? People now are looking

for authentic local experiences. They don’t want to wake up in a hotel room that looks the same as the one in New York or Chicago. They want to wake up not really knowing where they are. Local carriers will be better off if they can extend the Philippine experience once travelers step into the aircraft in their home city. As long as they can be sure that the service or product is of good quality, and that they will feel

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What makes the Philippines a unique tourist destination? The Philippines has a big advantage over

‘Mr. Consultant’ Dubbed as a “worldrenowned brand guru” by Channel News Asia, Jörg Dietzel is the man behind the Jörg Dietzel Group, a regional branding group in Asia based out of Singapore. The former advertising executive and now brand consultant has offices in Jakarta, Hong Kong, China, Berlin, London, and the Philippines.

If you were to give the Philippines an image makeover, what would you change? I wouldn’t

change the focus on people. It’s a matter of combining this friendly spirit, natural and genuine hospitality with the things the country has to offer. At the same time, I would be very open about some of the barriers that may hold people back. Maybe focus on things that have improved. I would also have dedicated ambassadors that can take you around, bring you to their home for dinner…something extra but very authentic. n

PORTRAITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Imee Marcos (oil pastel on paper, 2012), Josephine Murphy Cojuanco (oil on canvass, 2012), Hetty Que (oil on canvass, 2012), and Carmen Tiglao (oil on canvass, 2012) PAINTING NINJA: (RIGHT) Portrait artist Rafael del Casal poses in front of his work during a recent exhibit. Of his work, he says, “If I get the eyes right, everything falls into place.”

AN ARTIST WITH SOUL Action indeed speaks louder than words. And in the case of artist Rafael del Casal, not a single word is needed to promote his work. ISABEL L. TEMPLO writes. Photographs by IAN SANTOS.

t’s been said that a good portrait reveals as much about the artist and his milieu as it does about the subject. One has only to see Rafael del Casal’s portraits to know that he comes from refinement and gentility. Each brushstroke shows care and discipline in the way he paints the curve of the neck. Light falling on the skin. The delicate detail of a dress. Rafael’s career in portraits has spanned more than 30 years, beginning at the age of 11 or 12. “It just came naturally to me,” he says. “I was lucky.” Aside from pure talent, he had a supportive grandmother and mentors who pushed him. An apprenticeship with National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal made Rafael more versatile. “I learned about Philippine costumes and history,” he says. “That’s a blessing for me; I can use that in the work that I do.” And he has. He has done period portraits with only old, worn photos—or faded photocopies—to work from. Perhaps his most impressive portrait so far is that of Pedro Calungsod, the 17thcentury Cebuano martyr who will be canonized on October 21 by the Vatican. With nothing but some historical writings to guide him, Rafael came up with a portrait for the Loyola School of Theology.

It was later selected as the official portrait, and he was asked to do another one for the beatification in 2001. Rafael’s portraits adorn the walls of the Vatican Museum in Rome, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy in Manila, educational institutions, and homes of the rich and famous. His work may be in such high-profile places, but you won’t catch him bragging or hogging the spotlight. “Most of my clients want discretion,” Rafael says. “So I’m like a painting ninja. My work is all over but people don’t know it,” he adds. And when your list of clients reads like the “who’s who” of Philippine high society, that is important. Rafael credits what he calls his “educated instinct” for his success as a portrait artist. The first thing he does when commissioned for a portrait is to really study the subject. He takes care not to “prettify” her or him. “You always have to have the character there when you do a portrait. It cannot be a portrait without character—or as some people have said, without soul,” he emphasizes. “It has to be always the soul—the eyes. If I get the eyes right, everything falls into place. That’s the first thing.” n

FAMOUS FACE: The most recognizable portrait in the world is that of 16th-century Italian Lisa Gherardini, better known as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. 78 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Illustration by Benjamin Abesamis

The ABOMINABLe SUMATRAN JOHN M. EDWARDS tracks down a mercurial Missing Link in the primary rainforests of Sumatra.

“G

et your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty apes!” A shaggy American with a Yankees cap and soul patch spat out the words haltingly, photographing a rust-colored simpering simian with a winsome pout who looked vaguely human. Unfortunately, the American was me. It was a fair imitation of Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes. Except we weren’t extras in a futuristic flick where evolution goes awry. No, we were a barrelful of primates planted firmly in the present on good old terra firma: face to face not with an apocalyptic Lady Liberty half buried in sand but with a playful Pongo pygamaeus--a creature better known by its Malay name: Orangutan, a “man of the forest.” We’ll call him “Cornelius.” Two hominids on holiday, my galpal and I had arrived in the remote jungles of Sumatra to check out Bukit Lawang’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Here domesticated orangutans--pet monkeys were once all the rage in Indonesia--are retrained to go ape and survive in the rainforest.

Hanging by one arm from a branch, Cornelius spun from side to side like a Bulgarian Olympian taking five from the parallel bars. More mischievous monkeys emerged on the scene. “Dr. Zaius” whooped it up, brachiating, shaking the branches with long muscular arms. “Zira” pitched a hissy fit, baring her teeth, with a sparsely-haired baby (“Caesar?”) suckling at her breast. At 3 p.m. sharp, the rangers hauled buckets of bananas onto a makeshift platform, feeding the orangutans with Fossey-like finesse. Another ranger, an Indo Indiana Jones in camouflage and an explorer’s vest, then offered to take us into the jungle for a week. “Selamat Siang! We go into jungle where no man go and see many wildlifes.” Tempting. But something was keeping me from plunging too deep into the jungle. Fear. I’d heard rumors of another beast haunting these parts. Like the American Sasquatch and Tibetan Yeti, Indonesia has its very own version of the Big Foot

IN DANGER “According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are only about 30,000 orangutans left in the forests of Sumatra and Borneo. They are further threatened by forest fires and farmers who kill them for eating their crops.

NO MERE ISLAND: Sumatra, also known for its coffee, is the world’s sixth largest island at 470,000 square kilometers, or roughly three times the size of Texas. 80 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Illustration by Benjamin Abesamis

Legend. Or rather, “Little Foot.” The Abominable Sumatran, an Indonesian Ape Man, known as Orang Pendek (“little man”) or Orang Letjo (“gibbering man”) is purportedly a shy hairy biped, three to five feet tall, spotted infrequently since the turn of the century fringing the forests of central and western Sumatra. In 1924, for example, a Dutchman named Van Herwaarden encountered an orange ape man of very human appearance, but with a mouthful of sharp canine teeth, who uttered a “hu-hu” sound. He raised his rifle to shoot at it, but balked, deciding it would be like comitting murder. Unlike the arboreal orangutan, this mysterious manimal, known locally as Sedapa, has long since come down from the trees and ambles about on two legs. I never imagined, though, that I might actually come into contact with one of these legendary beasts. On our last night in town, we celebrated by drinking far too many Bir Bintangs with some local long-haired lads. Then we made our way by flashlight to our traditional thatched hut and crashed out, soothed by the narcotic noise of the Bohorok River bubbling over the boulders outside. That night, strange visions assaulted me and I awoke with a start, heard a scuffling sound. Probably, I thought, a rummaging rodent. Again, I drifted off. Crash! The door flew open. “What the ffff--?” A small shadowy figure, maybe five feet tall, yelled

and leaped about in the most frightful manner, before darting out the door and off into the jungle. I bolted out of bed and started yelling for help. Girlfriend woke up and joined in on the chorus. Our screaming roused the couple in the cabin next door. Together we assessed the damage. The intruder had dropped in after breaking the bamboo near the roof, attempted a stealthy escape via the bathroom window by prying loose its wooden bars, then instead somehow found the key in the dark and left right through the front door. It was lucky we both slept with our money belts, containing our passports, traveler’s checks, and credit cards. But something had left with our visitor: my day wallet. We woke up the manager, who seemed at a loss about what to do. Conveniently, the police station didn’t open until eight, and our bus was to depart at seven. Could this have been an inside job? Completely snookered, we left without informing the police. What else could we have done? Out here in the wilds of Indonesia’s largest and most mysterious island, after all, could we be absolutely certain the thief, whom I’d only half glimpsed in retreat, was in fact human? The Missing Link? In any event, I chose to believe the abominable burglar was indeed the fabled Indonesian Ape Man, who’d just committed the perfect crime only to vanish once again back into legend.n

Close Encounters “It was relatively small, immensely strong, non-human primate... It doesn’t look like an orangutan. Their proportions are very different. It is built like a boxer, with immense upper body strength... It was a gorgeous color, moving bipedally and trying to avoid being seen.” — English travel writer Debbie Martyr’s account of an Orang Pendek sighting in 1990 (www.guardian.co.uk)

WHAT’S IN A NAME?: Sumatra’s ancient Sanskrit name is “Swarna Dwipa,” which means “Isle of Gold.” www.philippineairlines.com I 81

SEND IN THE CLOWNS: Circus students at Phare Ponleu Selpak practice for a performance. The program teaches juggling, acrobatics, trapeze, clowning, balancing, and contortion. Photo by Quinn Mattingly

CIRCUS WITH A PURPOSE DUNCAN FORGAN discovers a circus in a low-key Cambodian town slowly rebuilding children’s lives.

t is nearing the end of another sweltering premonsoon day in Battambang, western Cambodia, but the circus students at Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) show no sign of slacking. They maintain their poise, practicing the sinew-stretching holds and stunts they will perform in the school’s bamboo big top later that evening. The genesis of the organization, which translates from Khmer as “the brightness of art,” came in the decidedly grim environs of the Site 2 refugee camp on the Thai border. At that time, Cambodia remained decimated by the legacy of life under the Khmer Rouge regime and the long civil war that followed. Formally founded in 1994 by a group of former Site 2 children, PPS provides education, leisure facilities, and a library to over 1,000 children, some of whom are victims of child trafficking, domestic violence, abandonment, disease, extreme poverty, and begging. The beating heart of PPS, however, is its three artistic schools. The visual arts school and the music school have both produced many success stories. In terms of international recognition, however, the performing arts school—in particular, the circus arts program—is making the biggest noise. The circus started in 1998 as a means of harnessing the untapped energy of the more unruly and troubled kids under the wing of PPS. Battambang shows are

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very popular among foreign tourists and locals. It is easy to see why the circus has become such a hit. The lithe artistes are as talented as they are enthusiastic, performing their stunts with grace and élan. Shows are generally happy-go-lucky affairs, but the creative directors are not afraid to touch on themes such as war and civil unrest. With a soundtrack of traditional Khmer music provided by students from the music school, the joie de vivre of the performances makes them impossible to resist. “I am very proud of what we have done here,” says Kuon Det, the director of the performing arts school and one of the founding members of PPS. “[During] the Khmer Rouge period, more than 90 percent of the [country’s] artists were killed. Now we are producing a very admirable generation of artists in various fields. “Life has been extremely hard for most of our students. I am so happy to give [them] a purpose and a peaceful life.” n HOW YOU CAN HELP The Child Protection Programme of Phare Ponleu Selpak reaches out to vulnerable children and youths from the Battambang area. A monthly pledge of US$12.50–50.30 sponsors a child’s food, education, accommodation, schooling equipment, and computer training. Single donations are also accepted. To donate online, visit www.phareps.org. PPS also welcomes volunteers, especially those with skills in circus, music, and art. For more information, email inquiries@phareps.org.

Getting There A bus trip from Phnom Penh to Battambang takes 5 and 1/2 hours, while that from Siem Reap takes 3 hours. Both cities are served by international airports.

Where to Stay Located at the outskirts of the town, Battambang Resort (www. battambangresort.com) offers stylish, good value accommodations on a bucolic property. Their saltwater pool is a great place to cool down after a long, hot day.

HIS FAvORITE RIdE: With around 26 special cars in his collection, Alfred Perez takes particular pride in this 1948 Buick Roadmaster convertible, the first car he personally restored. This fresh maize yellow convertible is now valued at Php2.5 million.

VINTAGE VROOM! One man’s piece of scrap metal is another’s passion, MARI M. SANTIAGO writes. Photos by CENON O. PALOMARES

t involves a lot of work, but nothing beats owning a vintage car. There’s a certain pleasure in hearing the low vroom of the engine when it comes to life and a thrill in seeing a classic beauty gleaming in the sun. You’ll get these feelings from a new car, of course, but from a vintage car? It’s priceless. Alfred Perez knows this well. A second-generation collector of classic cars, he runs Alfred’s Motor Works, a well-known car restoration shop on a busy corner of Kamuning Road in Quezon City. His passion for cars has been written about, his collection has won prizes, and his services are highly sought after both by local and foreign clients. Perez estimates there are about 100 active vintage car collectors in the Philippines—among them, business tycoons Danding Cojuangco and Ramon Ang, whose fleets number 300 to 350, some of which he has worked on. “They own real valuable cars, not one unnecessary car in their garages—only the

CARS OF THE RICH & FAMOUS

INSIdE ANd OUT: The Buick Roadmaster was known for its sleek body and luxurious interior. The 1948 model, a redesign of the pre-war Buick, sported a black steering wheel and power windows.

desirable, the rare, and the collectible,” Perez says. “They are also very knowledgeable about cars.” Vintage car owners in this country mostly own and maintain a car for their personal use or for profit—they sell after restoration. Some people go vintage for sentimental reasons. One client may have wanted to evoke a past feeling of safety and warmth

Perez has been commissioned to work on some vehicles that were used by some of the country’s past presidents: Manuel Quezon’s 1937 Giesler Jose Laurel’s 1947 Packard Elpidio Quirino’s 1953 Chrysler Imperial Cadillacs of Manuel Roxas and U.S. general Douglas MacArthur

www.philippineairlines.com I 83

BeFORe Alfred Perez found this 1918 Chevrolet pickup with wood panel in a remote town in Bicol, rusting among the foliage.

Restoration How-to’s Car restoration is not simply scraping off some rust and slapping on new paint. Here are some steps to bring a vintage car back to a desirable, road-worthy state.

1 Do your research. How did the car look originally? How do you want it to look now?

2 With your car restoration specialist, assess the changes that need to be made on your car. Be clear about what you want, how much you plan to spend, and how long you’re willing to wait and work on giving your car a second lease on life.

aFteR The same pickup, after more than a year of careful restoration, is now valued at Php2.5 million. The upholstery was made in Perez’s shop.

3 Pay attention to the following: Body replacements and mechanical work: Rust repairs, paint job, correcting misalignments, and fixing dents and scratches are the usual body work requirements of old cars. Electricals: This may include engine swap and electrical wiring work. Suspension and chassis work Custom fabrication for hard-to-find car parts Interior work, such as repairs and creating panel sidings and upholstery, as well as dashboard and instrument servicing

What’s In a name?

After the restoration, special accessories like hub caps, emblems, and mirrors can be installed at regular motor shops or at home by the owner. Be involved in every stage of your car’s restoration and your patience will be rewarded. You’ll soon drive off with the car of your dreams.

Manufactured between 1919 and 1930. Daimler, Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge, Olds, and Hudson models are considered vintage cars.

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American-made two-door sports coupes equipped with powerful V8 engines. Examples are Pontiac GTO, Plymouth Road Runner, Ford Torino GT, and Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Between 20 to 40 years old, manufactured no earlier than 1925, and should not have been modified or altered. A Chevrolet Nomad, Ford Falcon, and Chrysler Valiant are classics.

Cars over 45 years old. Common antique models are the first cars produced on an assembly line, such as Henry Ford’s model T, Pierce Arrow, Stutz, Duesenberg, and Durant.

NEW LIFE: Perez’s Buick gets new life with an original Fireball 8 engine, chassis and interior work, and a fresh coat of paint. With its trademark curves and iconic grille, the 1948 Buick Roadmaster was considered among the most stylish cars of its time.

when he restored the Love Wagon, his family’s 1976 Mitsubishi Galant Station Wagon. For some, it’s the sense of connectedness that goes with driving around in a piece of history. Imagine driving around in President Manuel L. Quezon’s 1937 Giesler. For others, there is pride in having successfully and lovingly restored what was once a pile of scrap metal rusting away from years of neglect. Under all this is passion. Knowing and pursuing one’s passion are as ancient and primal an instinct as when early man invented the wheel and got it rolling. n For more information, contact Alfred’s Motor Works Car Restoration, Body Repair and Painting, +63 2 4111323 or +63 917 9481719, alfredmotorworks@yahoo.com.ph.

www.philippineairlines.com I 85

A TOAST TO GREATER HEIGHTS: (FROM LEFT) Host Patti Grandidge, PAL President & COO Ramon S. Ang, Boeing Asia Pacific Sales Director Dan Schull and PAL Board Member Michael Tan

PAL: SOARING TOWARDS NEW ALTITUDES A brand-new Boeing 777-300 ER, exciting destinations, Apple iPads on board, ‘Book and Buy’ ticket kiosks in Petron gas stations, new in-flight food selection…

hese were the expansion plans and service innovations unveiled by PAL president Ramon S. Ang in a wellattended cocktail event at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel last July 23, 2012. The event, which drew together PAL patrons, million milers, aviation, tourism, and travel stalwarts–all dressed in the event’s corporate chic theme–generated an air of excitement as guests awaited the PAL president’s pronouncements on the company’s ambitious re-branding efforts. In his remarks, Ang announced that PAL will fly non-stop to Toronto, Paris and New York City, eliciting applause from the crowd. He added that three more Boeing 777 planes will be delivered to PAL–one before yearend and two more in 2013. He stressed, “Our number one priority is to turn around PAL by tapping into the strengths of San Miguel Corporation and the Lucio Tan Group of Companies. As PAL president, I am committed to transforming our airline’s business operations.” He expressed confidence and optimism about the new partnership. “With our new aircraft and a new team that is

86 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

determined to make this partnership a success, I am confident that together, we will make the most of the opportunities before us.” Excitement filled the air anew as new service enhancements were announced. PAL passengers flying to and from any of PAL’s four North American destinations will soon enjoy one of the world’s most sought-after mobile devices: the third generation Apple iPad that comes fully loaded with myriad inflight entertainment options–from the latest fulllength movies, TV shows, music, games, even the latest newspapers and magazines–all in one handy gadget. A brand-new menu awaits PAL patrons as guests got the chance to taste sample dishes from PAL’s restyled inflight menu prepared by five guest chefs–all accomplished masters of the kitchen. They are: Chefs Fernando Aracama (Filipino food); Billy King (Western); Masahiro Mizumoto (Japanese); See Cheong Yan (Asian Fusion) and Khun Suwanna Puangdee (Thai). The chefs represented the global profile of the flag carrier

1. Ramon S. Ang, PAL president & COO

2. (FROM LEFT) PAL Board Member Michael Tan and Conrad Banal 3. (FROM LEFT) PAL adviser Annabelle Tan Go, PAL manager for Product Loyalty MarketingOperations Eileen Galindez, Million Miler Jerry Doviak, and PAL AVP-Product Loyalty Marketing Ria CarrionDomingo 4. Million Milers (FROM LEFT) Cristina Yang, Jerry Doviak, Marvin and Myra Caparros, and Antonio Flores 5. The new Book and Buy ticket kiosk 6. PAL flight attendants with Secretary of Tourism, Hon. Ramon Jimenez Jr. and Ramon S. Ang 7. String Minstrels 8. PAL and Airphil Express family

6 7

with signature dishes from Filipino, Western, Chinese, Thai and Japanese. These delectable dishes will soon whet the palate of even the most discerning passenger! “Book and Buy” ticketing kiosks, which guests got to try firsthand, will be available at selected Petron gas stations with San Miguel Food Avenue (SMFA) shops. The kiosks will allow passengers on-the-go to book a PAL or an AirPhil Express flight to any domestic destination and the option to book and pay directly at the SMFA cashier for a printed itinerary. Indeed, this is synergy at work, with the interfacing of two business entities. The ticketing kiosks are powered by Wi-Tribe 4G technology and Eastern Communications, giving motorists who regularly gas up at Petron with the added convenience of finalizing their travel plans. In fact, guests took part in a raffle promo, which entitled winners to roundtrip business class tickets to selected domestic, regional or international destinations. They joined the raffle using actual “Book and Buy” kiosks just by logging in their individual user codes given upon registration.

PAL’s new endorser Patti Grandidge hosted the event, made enjoyable by the performance of the shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra. The group’s routine included silhouette interpretations of PAL’s in-flight service and upcoming destinations made more vibrant by background music played by a talented string ensemble. Ang could not have said it any better when he capped his speech emphasizing the importance of “being driven”. “Each of us must be passionate about exceeding the expectations of our passengers in creative and helpful ways.” With such mindset, PAL will surely soar towards new altitudes! n The show was a production of JCA Production and NY Entourage, while stylist Robert Blancaflor transformed the ballroom into a feast of the senses. Photos were provided by Fuji Film YKL. Written by Cielo Villaluna / Tini Rosales - PAL Corp. Comms

www.philippineairlines.com I 87

S P E C I A L P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E

Venus & Mars naturals: Organic gOOdness fOr all Men may be from Mars, and women from Venus, but when it comes to skin care, they don’t have to be worlds apart. Inspired by age-old beauty rituals, V&M Naturals offers organic skin care products that help you bring out that natural, great-looking skin every day.

Jagermeister Soap The combination of 56 herbs, fruits, woods, barks, and roots help shrink those visible pores.

Poppy Plush Soap Your sensitive skin’s best friend!

Lulur Soap Say hello to supple and renewed skin!

100% Pure and Fully Refined Emu Oil Emu oil has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of burns, wounds and bruises. It is considered to be the “it” ingredient in beauty products, such as nonsurgical face lifts and wrinkle removers because it is the only natural oil that penetrates the skin the fastest.

Raw Shea Butter Goodbye damaged hair!

Rosehip Oil Rosehip seed oil penetrates dry or damaged skin immediately. Because it is so gentle, rosehip seed oil may be used undiluted on the skin, even on sensitive skin.

Bare It All Body Cream Shea butter, jojoba oil and mango butter are known to be the best moisturizing elements from nature. Just imagine how good these can be when mixed with Emu Oil, the only natural oil that is closest to the human oil components. It also penetrates five times faster than any other natural oil.

CPC+G “It” Whitening Oil A combination of the four pure active whiteners—Clair Blanche, Papain, Calamansi, and Glutathione—will visibly brighten your skin!

Supernatural Magic Cream For facial tissue regeneration and rejuvenation

88 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

A Hair Story Anti-Dandruff Emu Shampoo The contained pure Emu Oil helps heal your scalp and leave it dandruff free! It is also potent in preventing hair loss making your hair shiny, manageable and worth sniffing! Never a Bad Hair Day Conditioner All limp, unruly, dry, and coarse hair shall transform into gorgeous locks! For people suffering from scalp allergies, it’s best to use both Emu Oil-based shampoo and conditioner for optimum results.

V&M Minerals Make-up Discover a brighter, healthierlooking skin with V&M Minerals. The V&M Minerals Make Up formula is so pure and gentle that even those with sensitive skin, acne, or rosacea can confidently wear make up with grace and ease. It is mineral make-up in its purest form—no irritating components, only what your skin needs. Fortified with Vitamin E, V&M Minerals is the best your skin can ever experience. Finally, your skin can truly breathe. V&M Minerals uses allimported, high-quality, cosmetic-grade and FDAapproved raw materials and has been processed in compliance with GMP.

With V&M Minerals, you Will get: • Chemical-free make-up that will not cause your skin to have oil slicks, acne, and rosacea • A natural, dolled-up look without excess oil throughout the day • Make-up that is safe from bacteria because they do not grow in our cosmetics • Diminished crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles • Protection from UV rays because of SPF 25 • Vegan-friendly make-up • Longer lasting make-up For more information, visit www.vnmnaturals.com or www.venusandmars08. multiply.com/. Email vandm08@yahoo.com. Mobile nos. +632927-895-7685 or +632933-390-0609 Photos by Anna Leah de Leon

www.philippineairlines.com I 89

THE LIGHTER SIDE

MOOD ROOMS: Themed hotel rooms are given an eclectic twist at Au Vieux Panier with (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) graffiti artist Tilt’s edgy but splashy “Panic Room”; P. Baudelocque’s subaquatic “Fusion” feel; Eugénie Bergon’s subdued “Land of Moon”; Matthias Olmeta’s labyrinthine-like den; Mass Confusion’s all-embracing sense of style in Purgatory Palace; and Mourad Mesoubeur’s highly organic “Ciel”.

The Fine Art of (Hotel) Living Trust the French to turn a 17th-century-old townhouse in Marseille, France into an art space-cum-boutique hotel. At Au Vieux Panier, six bedrooms pay tribute to art and freedom of expression. Choose the rooms that reflect your aesthetic sense: Fusion, a suite depicting images that represent nature; Panic Room, a place filled with graffiti art; Matthias Olmeta, which highlights décor using negative film images; Purgatory Palace, a room offering a mixed bag of surrealism, Art Deco, psychedelia, and Baroque; Ciel, featuring tints of microorganisms spread onto plexi-glass surfaces; and Land of the Moon, a room that brings guests back to their childhood years. And oui, the art pieces are for sale. www.auvieuxpanier.com 90 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

Beer-y Beefy You’ve heard about having beer with burgers, but how about having beer in your burger? Juicy medium-rare Black Angus or Wagyu beef served on lettucelined dark beer buns, with gooey cheddar cheese, and topped with strips of crisp bacon, caramelized onions, tomatoes, and beer-braised mushrooms. Now if this thumbs-up from burger buffs didn’t make your mouth water, then you’re a serious vegan. But if it did, then go have that Happy Hour with the new San Miguel Beer Burger at Charlie’s Grind and Grill. 16 East Kapitolyo Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City : www. charliesgrindandgrill.com; ( +632 635 4857;

luNches theN & Now: Now’s your chance to take a peek at the Big Apple’s lunch culture with “Lunch Hour NYC,” an exhibit that looks back at the city’s rich and fascinating lunch history.

A 45,000-Menu Collection Yes, foodies, there’s more to New York quick lunches than pastrami sandwiches, pizzas, and hot dogs. The Big Apple’s 150-year lunch history is currently being “served” at the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue in an exhibit dubbed “Lunch Hour NYC.” See if you can read through all of its 45,000-menu collection, or stop ogling at the original Horn & Hardart Automat, a coin-operated lunch dispenser used from 1912 to 1991. The exhibit, which runs until Feb. 17, 2013, also features street foods, home and school lunches, and more. : www.nypl.org

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92 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

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Say Goodbye to Slashed Pockets The pickpockets’ days are numbered! They will rue the day when every traveler will be wearing the PˆCubed, a pair of pickpocket-proof pants from Clothing Arts. The Teflon-coated (look, Ma, no stains!) trousers offer three layers of protection—a hidden passport and money pocket inside the main pocket; a zipper to seal the pocket; and a button flap to cover the zipper. The wrinkle-, rain-, and stainresistant pants also repel razor blades—it’s made of double-thick fabric and thread. www.clothingarts.com

sUPer PoCKets: Hard-core travelers rejoice! You will love the triple protection the P^Cubed anti-theft pants offers that guarantees your passport and money will stay with you at all times. Plus, it’s wrinkle- and stain-free so, go ahead, go out and make like the ultimate adventurer Bear Grylls for as much as you want.

L I S T E N

FOLLOW THE LEADER Ciudad Independent HHHHH

Singer, bassist, and songwriter Mikey Amistoso has said that Ciudad’s fifth record could be what the Sgt. Pepper album is to The Beatles, and as selfassured as this comparison may seem, it’s actually not far from the truth. Follow the Leader is brimming with keyboards (“Due Dates”), orchestral sounds (“You Know the Answer, Just Follow the Leader”), and vocal harmonies (“When You Get to the Top”), making this the longtime indie outfit’s most ambitious record, but the songs are as accessible as ever. - Jason Caballa

The History of the World According to Facebook Wylie overstreet

HarperCollins Publishers Php599 ($14) If the social media revolution started 13 billion years ago, then it would resemble Overstreet’s book. Inspired by his passion for social networking, the author takes a compilation of pop culture and historical references and transforms it into clever Facebook newsfeed posts. Starting from the creation of the Universe, with God posting “Let there be light!” up until Osama Bin Laden’s welcome wall post from Satan in Hell, Overstreet’s parody of Facebook is a hilarious take on history through the lens of the 21st century. –Ignatius Gan ZsAZsA ZAtUrNNAH sA KAlAKHANG MAyNilA

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Available on iTunes and on www.ciudad.bandcamp. com. www.philippineairlines.com I 93

Want to Make Your Friends Jealous?

Well, Mabuhay is willing to publish your most memorable travel experiences. Here’s what we’re looking for: best travel experience—by land, sea, etc., best travel photo, best value stay, best food trip, best shopping find, best hangout spot, best service experience, best good samaritan act.

Email entries to info@eastgatepublishing.com with the subject “my best travel experience.” State your name, contact details, category title, and a brief description of your experience. For travel photos, these must be 300 dpi with a size of at least 6 inches. Published entries will be paid contributors’ rates.

*Mabuhay magazine has been published since 1988 by Eastgate Publishing Corporation and has won 18 international and local travel awards. Visit eastgatepublishing.com for more information.

LAST FRAME

Three Cheers for London Ju l y

2 012

Talk about being an Olympic fan -- and a Londoner at that! The celebratory mood was captured here with three avid supporters of Team Great Britain at the sprawling Olympic Park hours before the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremonies began. From the shirt and Union Jack flag, down to the pair of earrings, shades, and even nail polish, this diehard sports fan on the foreground (enthusiastically supported by her friends) will not hesitate to toot-toot her countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glorious hosting of the 30th Olympiad, which drew more than 4 billion viewers worldwide.

96 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 2012

www.philippineairlines.com I 97

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 39 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

98 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 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 260 260 passengers passengers

A320-200 NO. OF AIRCRAFT

M A B U H AY C L A S S

FIESTA CLASS

15 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 99

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

100 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 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 S N 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 anytime during 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 number 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 103 and 104. 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 101

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.

102 I Mabuhay Magazine I September 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 IONS

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

ROUTE 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