Experience Travel and Living Volume 3 Number 4 by Mode Devi Publising Incorporated

EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

EXPER IENCETR AV EL .PH // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Contents 10 Living Well 18 Retreats 30 Beauty 35 Sanctuaries 52 Celebrity Travel 56 Road Trip 62 Profile 66 Travel Lite 84 Travel Luxe 94 The Good life 102 Postings

A celebration of Thai hospitality Dusit International is opening new properties in the Philippines as it turns 21

Baby Go: Queen of main-die films From plain housewife to producer extraordinaire

Untouched by time The centuries-old heritage of the Maranaos is alive and well in Marawi City

Songs of Africa The grasslands and people of Africa casts a spell on anyone who comes near it

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Meat-ing place Johnny’s Steaks and Grill offers mouthwatering grilled beef

Healthcare on your way Healthway Medical provides accessible and convenient healthcare services to more Filipinos

Marking milestones with masterpieces SunJewel helps you find the right ring for that lifetime occasion

An oasis of luxury Henann Resort Alona Beach offers five-star comfort at one of the country’s favorite destination

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A feast of Pinoy cooking Celebrity couple Romnick Sarmenta and Harlene Bautista share their love for food at Salu

Tayo na sa Antipolo The city on the hills is a destination for both pilgrims and those seeking a break from metro life

Mindanao’s grandest fiesta Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebrates the diversity of its people and nature’s bounty

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Editor’s Note Our heritage defines us as a people

When foreigners talk about the Philippines, they speak of the country’s many beautiful beaches, and the warm smiles and innate hospitality of the people. With 1,001 fiestas and celebrations observed during the year, this colorful example of daily life in the country is the face that we unconsciously show the world. Each occasion of merrymaking has its own traditions that come with numerous procedures and requirements: from the banquet that is preferred on these events, the series of parties, programs and games that have come to define a fiesta. All these are part of the heritage that defines us Filipinos. In this issue of Experience Travel + Living, we revisit the things that define us as a people: the Maytime revelry in Quezon Province that has become an example of what to expect all over the country; and the streetdancing festival of Davao that honors the bounties of nature. In some areas, like Vigan, their heritage means living the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to and cultivated since the Spanish colonial period. This is true also of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur that has withstood the incursion of the modern world until now, preserving a culture that is uniquely Maranao. It is in this wondrous diversity that we celebrate our identities as a people, unique, vivid, genial and cheerful despite the odds that may come. This, too, is the guiding idea behind Salu, the family restaurant operated by celebrity couple Romnick Sarmenta and Harlene Bautista that literally offers a Filipino feast on a daily basis. Rather than travel distances just to sample the best cuisine in the country, you can come to their place in Quezon City and enjoy the myriad tastes from the regions. The country’s heritage is also slowly making inroads around the world through the movies of film producer Baby Go. Her awardwinning productions have given viewers the world over, not just a peek at life in the Philippines, but also the abundance of talent we have as a people. Everywhere we look, everywhere we go, so long as there are Filipinos there, the country’s heritage will speak of what we are. It defines us.

Joseph Cortes

Editor in chief 4

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Experience Travel + Living

Publisher: Editor in Chief: Contributing Editor: Graphic Artist: Editorial Assistant: Social Media Manager:

Ana M. Manansala Joseph Cortes Mitch Arceo-Cruz Dave M. Panopio Angela M. Denilla Antoine Greg M. Flores

Contributing Writers: Cherry Bayle, Sigfred Catalan, Lynette Corporal, Ma. Isabel Fortuno, Ayunan Gunting Al-Hadj, Ginggay Hontiveros, Suzette Jessica, Ruby Asoy-Lebajo, Ma. Glaiza Lee, Cora Llamas, Karl Orit, Maan D’Asis Pamaran, Henrylito Tacio, Star Torres, and Rory Visco Contributing Photographers: Teddy Pelaez, Donald Tapan, Renjie Tolentino, Arvin Ligon and Patrick Uy Administrative and Circulation Manager: Administrative and Finance Assistant: Sales Group: US Liason Officer/Authorized Dealer:

Joanne Vera Cruz-Felix Cathy Mapua-Cortez Jun Escuadro, and Kristina Cassandra Ishikawa Johnny Pecayo, MBA

Ex perience Travel and Living is published bi-monthly by

MODE DEVI PUBLISHING, INC. Unit 909 One Capitol Condominium, 2nd St. Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines U.S. Address: Suite 535 West 2155 th Street, Carson, California 90745 DENNIS SIA, Vice President LILIAN SENGIA, Chief Finance Officer

Visit www.experiencetravel.ph

Email: experiencetravelandliving@gmail.com Like us at www.facebook.com/ExperienceTravel.Ph Instagram: ExperienceTravel.ph Twitter: @xptravel.ph The magazine and its editors assume no responsibility for all manuscripts and photographs submitted. While every reasonable effort is made to verify information, facts and figures, the magazine and its editors assume no responsibility for errors or misrepresentations that may appear in the publication. Opinions expressed in Experience are solely those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by the company and its editors. Printed in the Philippines. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of the magazine may be reproduced in full or in part without prior written permission from the editors.

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EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Experience CONTRIBUTORS 1

6 16 14 13 11 (1) LYNETTE LEE CORPORAL is a Bangkok-based writer working as chief of information and knowledge management department for a regional non-government organization focusing on disability. A journalist for more than 20 years, she is now slowly turning to more creative endeavors and getting into various forms of self-expression, including writing poetry, composing songs, playing the guitar, and learning Latin dances. She is also a certified professional life coach and does documentation work on the side. (2) SIGFRED SANCHEZ CATALAN is a former magazine and newspaper editor, and public relations practitioner who now enjoys a successful events and wedding management career. He also dabbles in photography

(5) GINGGAY HONTIVEROS is the co-founder of The Extra Mile Productions where she is producer and managing director. She is an avid traveler, writer and photographer, having focused her work mainly on the documentation of indigenous sites, culture and people in the Philippines and around the world (6)SUZETTE JESSICA is a veteran public relations practitioner. (7) RUBY ASOY-LEBAJO started work in media as editorial assistant and lifestyle writer. She shifted to advertising work and handled a magazine group, an online portal, and a morning TV and culinary shows

(8) MA. GLAIZA LEE is a self-proclaimed traveler. Every person she meets, every (3) MA. ISABEL FORTUNO believes that learning should not be limited to the four adventure she does, and every little experience shapes her perception of the world walls of a classroom. For her, traveling is the best form of education as it allows a person to around her. She looks forward to devouring learn how to embrace differences and come to sumptuous dishes, meeting interesting people, terms with uncertainty. She loves adventures and enjoying life to the fullest. as much as she loves teaching. (9) KARL ORIT usually documents his trips using film cameras he got from Quiapo, flea (4) DATU AYUNAN GUNTING markets or surplus warehouses. Sometimes AL-HADJ is a Maranao publicist. He is he puts his experiences and thoughts from a a consultant for the Autonomous Region trip on paper, and writes fiction inspired by his for Muslim Mindanao, and for the House trips.and enjoying life to the fullest. Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

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(10) A devoted father and husband and a passionate servant of the Lord and His church, RORY VISCO makes sure that everyone is doing OK first before he thinks of himself. His curious mind led him to discover a writing career that took him to many parts of the country and in some other places he never knew he would see in his lifetime. He looks forward to writing more stories that will help more people discover the grandeur of country and beauty of life. (11 ) TEDDY PELAEZ worked at Business World for 14 years as a photojournalist. He was the photographer of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senator Mar Roxas when they ran for president and senator, respectively. He has done voluntary work with various non-governmental organizations when calamities hit the country. He loves traveling and nature photography. (12 ) HENRYLITO D. TACIO is a Davaobased journalist who specializes on reporting science, technology, environment, medicine, agriculture and travel. He has received numerous journalism awards, including Journalist of the Year from the Rotary Club of Manila (1999) and Hall of Fame in Science Reporting from the Philippine Press Institute (1998). His most recent recognitions were from the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. He writes for various publications, including Reader’s Digest.

(13) DONALD C. TAPAN has a career in photography dating back to pre-martial law years. He serves in various capacities as staff and chief photographer to publications like Woman Today, Women&#39;s Journal, Family Today, Mod, Mod International, Free Press, Career Girl Magazines, Sports Weekly, Agriculture Times, Graphic Magazine, PhilippineTribune, Times Journal, Grand Life and Mabuhay, to name a few. After working abroad as and advertising photographer, he put up his own studio Don Tapan Photography to tell a story beyond just words can communicate. He was comissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry, through its agency CITEM, to shoot and put up its Duratrans photo exhibit for APEC, which was held in Manila. (14) PATRICK UY is a sought-after wedding photographer, whose clients include some of the biggest names in local business, politics and show business. He also specializes in advertising photography and is the proprietor of Pacific Light Studio. He is past president of both the Camera Club of the Philippines and of the Advertising Photographers of the Philippines. (15) MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN has a mission to explore the Philippines and show its beauty to the rest of the world through her published travel stories and with her social media accounts. She believes that there is so much that the country and its people can offer by way of experiential tourism.

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ExpEriEncE LIVINGWELL

Johnny's Steak and Grill only uses certified Angus beef (CAB) sourced from the United States.

Meat-ing place

Johnny’s Steaks and Grill offers mouthwatering grilled beef Words by Joseph Cortes

ho doesn’t like steak? The succulent taste of prime meat grilled to your desired doneness is still everybody’s idea of a perfect dinner. With a glass of wine, perhaps a salad, and a delectable dessert, you’ll definitely earn brownie points with your date. But, let’s face it: good steak can simply be too expensive. Wagyu and certified Angus beef (CAB) beef cost an arm and a leg, while local cuts, although lower by half when it comes to price, might just not be too tender for most tastes. Never fear. There is a new place in Quezon City that serves prime meat at prices that will not break the bank. The non-steak options might be limited here—there’s only rack of lamb—but if it’s really good beef that you are after, look no further.

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CAB Upper Choice T-bone steak served with fries and gravy

The steak house's only non-beef option is lamb rack, here served with steak rice, mint jelly and garlic gravy CAB Upper Choice Porterhouse steak and a siding of steak rice

A MODERN LOOK Johnny’s Steak and Grill is located at the ground floor of B Hotel, the modern boutique hotel on Sct. Rallos Street that is slowly becoming a hangout for the in crowd. Named after Bellevue Hotels & Resorts chairman Johnny Chan, who is said to be fond of steaks, this grill is the place to be when in Quezon City. Fact is, the restaurant replicates the industrial feel of the hotel. The walls are of exposed concrete with timber cladding and brick accents to lend ambience to the place, while a chalkboard menu board provides a rustic touch. The open ceiling that shows the inner workings of electricity and lighting adds to the mood of the place. The tables and chairs are basic, arranged in groups around the space. Big groups can opt for the raised table at the center of the restaurant; it can seat up to a dozen diners. The open kitchen is located at the back. Only a glass screen shields the kitchen staff from the guests. You can come up and watch your order being prepared. You may also explore the chiller of meat at the side, and choose your cut of beef from the display. Cakes are arranged in another chiller by the cashier.

NOTHING BUT STEAKS Barely five months in operation, diners and food writers alike are of the opinion that the place serves great steaks—and they are coming back for more. It is busy on most nights, but lunchtime might be a bit quieter, as when we visited a few weeks back. The selection is limited, and this takes out the chore of poring over a long menu. All you need to decide on is whether you prefer rib eye, rib steak, porterhouse, striploin, or tenderloin. A number of cuts are certified Angus beef, and we were told that the beef is supplied from America for high quality. Once you’ve settled on your favorite—the prime rib eye is highly recommended—just sit back and relax. The kitchen’s open plan lets you see the chefs prepare your order, and within minutes a platter of freshly grilled beef is before you for your enjoyment. All orders of steak come with a choice of sides and sauces. For sides, the selection includes mac & cheese, roasted vegetables, corn, peas and carrots, truffle or Cajun fries, onion rings, and steak rice. Sauces are shallot and red wine, peppercorn, mushroom and garlic. The only extra the restaurant serves other than steaks are soup (soup du jour) and dessert (a variety of cakes). If your companion fancies something else other than beef, the staff will gladly share the menu of the hotel’s Lobby Café on the second floor. They will have to run up though to get your order and serve it at the steak house.

Johnny’s Steak and Grill is located at the ground floor of B Hotel Quezon City, Sct. Rallos, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 990-5000 or email info@thebhotelqc.com. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

ExpEriEncE LIVINGWELL

Elegant and timeless F

Words by Ruby Asoy-Lebajo / Photos by Teddy Pelaez

or young furniture designer Michael “Mike” Yu, the key to great design is his “rebellious inclination to challenge conventional thinking,” which he called “enhanced design”; it is making every piece of work with enduring quality, taste and use. Mr. Yu is the owner of the Matt Mason Furniture in Silang, Cavite. It is one of the furniture-destinations in Tagaytay. The white showroom is replete with items in different styles and colors, from home decor, accent pieces, classy mirrors, center-table designs, woodworks, and even paintings. Matt Mason designs are built to last, handcrafted and custom-made. It is a fusion of elegance, durability and value for money without sacrificing quality.

DESIGN SENSIBILITIES Relatively young in the business, he says his designs have yet to gain ground in the industry. “I have not yet joined any design exhibition to date, though I have been invited a couple of times already, local and international. It’s something that I’m preparing for,” he shares. “I’ve been reading and exposing myself a lot on international design. It’s been said that there is nothing new in the world of furniture design for years now. I’d love to make a difference. I believe that my innovation in workmanship and distinct rebellious taste keeps me relevant and ahead so far.” Most of his work is commissioned and involves detailed discussion with a client to understand what they would like: “Most of the time, my technical inputs and design sensibilities, together with the client’s preferences, would result in unique pieces of furniture.” He is also known for his trademark “fur” designs, while some are inspired from baroque, Victorian and industrial designs. Yu admits that custom-made pieces are made to fit a specific space or function. The process goes from thumbnail sketching, scale drawing to compute rendering. He gives credit to the skills of his craftsmen who have contributed to the uniqueness of his products: “I work with my craftsmen over the details of my design. I usually do it over coffee.”

Many of Matt Mason pieces are custom-made for a specific space.

MEETING CHALLENGES Since the start, Matt Mason Furniture has been bullish. With the local design community starting to notice its products and the designer behind it, Yu says the challenge now is to create organic Filipino designs—“Something that can be showcased in the international arena.” He is already preparing for this. “I’m setting up a platform for fellow designers to do some collaboration. I’m accepting the challenge,” he relates. He admits he has a long way to go that is why he has set a goal for himself—to be a catalyst for positive change in our society Yu intimates, five years from now he sees himself “managing networks of furniture showrooms and art galleries here and abroad.”

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QUARRY BAY

OpEnS THirD STOrE in VALEnZUELA

Words by Joanne VC Felix Entrepreneur-couple Elmer and Milet Linchangco of Malabon City opened last July 31 a third branch of their highly successful Quarry Bay Chinese Restaurant in Valenzuela City. Their love for food and their desire to share this with a bigger market of foodies encouraged them to set up the new store. The Linchangcos conceptualized Quarry Bay in 2012, following a trip to Hong Kong. Milet, who is a psychology graduate, decided to study the culinary arts to strengthen her skills in cooking, plating and operating a food business. Her husband Elmer, who works at the Supreme Court, supported her and now assists her in running the business. If there is one thing the couple is sure of, it is the meals they prepare meets the discerning tastes of their loyal customers. Quarry Bay has a menu of authentic Chinese food guaranteed to satisfy Filipino palates at very reasonable prices. From its first store that opened in 2014 in Malabon, followed by a branch in San Fernando, Pampanga that opened in 2015, comes a promising third location along McArthur Highway in Valenzuela City. Quarry Bay has a wide selection from noodles and congees to main courses of pork, beef and seafood, and, of course, its sumptuous dim sum and set meals. As a special, the brand has a dim sum promotion that offers a 15-20 percent discount towards closing time. He is something to surely delight foodies, a reason to check out and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices. Quarry Bay branches are located at 285 General Luna St., Malabon, Metro Manila; San Agustin, Panipuan, San Fernando, Pampanga (across Waltermart); and 71 McArthur Highway, Valenzuela City (beside Galaxi Gas Station).

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Visit its Facebook page at Quarry Bay Chinese Restaurant, Instagram @quarrybay, and Twitter @quarrybay, #quarrybayph #AuthenticChineseCuisine.

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Experience RETREATS

Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical VP for Sales and Marketing

Healthcare

on your way Words by Ma. Glaiza Lee Photos by Noel Pabalate

or parents who work eight hours a day, five days a week, bringing their kids to the doctor for a simple check-up can be a little daunting, since they have to take time off from work or to excuse their children from school. The solution is to bring the kids or themselves to the doctor on a weekend. However, if other parents also take this option, they just might find a long line at the clinic. Weekends also mean there are fewer clinics open, since even doctors take breaks. And should you need a specialist, physicians are mostly available at emergency rooms, which can be toxic considering there might be other urgent cases needing attention. With these challenges, most Filipinos become anxious when it comes to seeking medical care. They see healthcare as a mere inconvenience. Bad experience from past hospital visits and inefficient service, including grumpy doctors and hospital staff, add to their fear and anxiety of going to a clinic. While there are more hospitals and clinics now in the metro, going to their location might be a hassle, especially with the daily traffic. Understanding this challenge in the healthcare industry gave way to the rise of mall-based clinics. Healthway Medical sees the need to close this gap and provide accessible and convenient healthcare services to more Filipinos.

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All Healthway clinics are fitted with state-of-the-art equipment as in most hospitals.

A typical Healthway Medical clinic is laid out like a spa or salon.

Carmie de Leon: “We are customer-oriented. Customers always come first.”

CONVENIENT OUTPATIENT CARE First opened in 1997 at SM City North Edsa, Healthway Medical was established as a one-stop-shop clinic that provides quality healthcare services, such as minor surgical operations, special medical examinations, preventive healthcare and specialized medical consultations in an accessible location and beneficial environment. Managed under the umbrella group of GenRx Healthcare, a division of HKR International Limited, a publicly listed company in Hong Kong, the health clinic now has seven branches: Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall in Muntinlupa City, Edsa Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong City, Greenbelt 5 in Makati City, Market Market in Taguig, Robinsons Place Ermita, and The Block SM City in Quezon City. “Healthway aims to offer a wide range of medical services that are also offered in hospitals, but making it more convenient by being located in premium shopping malls. By doing so, healthcare becomes part of a family’s lifestyle,” said Healthway Medical vice-president for sales and marketing Carmie de Leon.

Healthway has longer clinic hours daily, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. “We are open all-year-round, except on Good Friday and Black Saturday. We also have a special entrance for our patients, so that even if the mall is still closed, people can drop by early in the morning for checkups before heading to the office,” said de Leon. During its first year of operations, she revealed that they had to overcome people’s misconceptions: “Some people were hesitant to patronize healthcare services offered in mall-based clinics, because they assume they are not as good as those working in the hospitals. But in our clinics, we have the best doctors. We have diplomate doctors whose credentials are at par with those in well-known hospitals. Our doctors are members of medical societies, and some of them even hold clinics in the big hospitals,” she shared. Aside from reliable and qualified doctors, Healthway also takes pride in its medical facilities and equipment. All its clinics, except the branch in Manila, are equipped with a room for surgery where its doctors can perform minor operations. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

CUSTOMERS COME FIRST What sets Healthway Medical apart from traditional hospitals? “We are customer-oriented. Customers always come first. We always think of ways to make their visit convenient and less stressful. We have a hotline where our customers can give us any feedback or complaints. We address these complaints and feedbacks as a company, unlike in most hospitals where you can only tell your concerns to the doctor,” said de Leon. They also introduced the “Hate Wait” program, where the front desk personnel will send mobile messages to clients to inform them whether it is already their turn for checkups, how many patients more before their turn, or if the doctor has arrived. This allows patients to do their errands at the mall, have lunch or do some shopping during their waiting time. Healthway also has a clinic management system that connects all their clinics in one network. Hence, their doctors can efficiently manage electronically the medical records of their patients from all branches. Patients can also access Patients rarely wait at a Healthway Medical Clinic because of its “Hate Wait” program. their diagnostic test results online in the privacy of their homes with Healthway’s Results Online. Continuously enhancing and improving its clinic services, Healthway has been voted by consumers and In its 19 years in the industry, De Leon observed that awarded the Gold Award for the ambulatory and specialty clinic category in Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand in 2013, and people nowadays have become more discerning when it the Platinum Award and Marketing Excellence Award in the comes to their health. With all information available with a mouse click, people have become health-conscious. They same award giving body in 2014. demand more and look for new trends in health services that they can avail. Right now, the trend is tele-medical where patients can call a doctor for a medical checkup and treatment right at their doorstep. “We still are looking at it, if there is a need for it. Right now, our priority is to establish more clinics in the coming year, since more and more people are coming to us,” she shared. Healthway has been partnering with hotels, gyms and other establishments to give incentives to its customers and would-be clients. For instance, it launched the Healthway Visa Card, a credit card that works like any other card but comes with freebies and discounts such as free annual physical examinations and intense diamond peel when you use it at any Healthway clinic. There is also the Health Wallet Card, a reloadable, transferable and shareable health card. It works like a debit card, where a person can load any amount to the card. “It is a good investment. You can save money for your health. Put any amount into the card, which you can use anytime. You can even share it with your family,” she said. She added: “But we are always looking for ways to provide total customer satisfaction. But more than that, we really advocate accessible healthcare for every Filipinos. We want Filipinos to see healthcare as part of their lifestyle, not just an inconvenience they need to overcome.”

HEALTHY IS THE NEW SEXY

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ExpEriEncE RETREATS

Dr. Cris enriquez and Cory Quirino with the Rapha Health SM Masinag team

RAPHA HEALTH JOUrnEYS TO riZAL Words and Photos by Joanne VC Felix Dr. CJ Songcuan shares his medical plan with a patient

Guests sign up for free medical consultation, as Dr. Cris enriquez welcomes them.

“Good health is just within your reach” says Dr. Cris enriquez to a patient from Antipolo City.

For more information, check out its website at www.raphahealth.ph, or call 0917-5326233 22

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Rapha Health brings its journey to better health and long life to the outskirts of Metro Manila as it formally opened its clinic services at SM City Masinag in Antipolo City. Rapha Health Institute is known for preventing and reversing sicknesses and diseases and teaching patients a healthy lifestyle to live life to the fullest. The best of traditional medicine and the most innovative practices of alternative and complementary medicine come together in celebration of the wholesome state of health. Dr. Cris Enriquez continues his mission to widely promote “Good health, Long life” to as many people as possible. Rapha Health encourages the development of good health habits with preventive measures that minimizes doctors and hospital visits, prescription drugs, and surgery. It integrates the best of Western traditional medicine with the most innovative of alternative and complementary medicine to ensure a healthy and longer life. Rapha Health at SM Masinag offers treatments and programs to prevent and reverse sicknesses associated with aging to bring out the youthful glow and energy in you. Various programs are available that are personalized and unique to every individual. Furthermore, the clinic is run and operated in a family center environment, where the staff serves and caters to every need of patients, ensuring them of comfort and clear mind for every visit.

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Experience RETREATS

In the pink of health

Cosmedics Dermaster Aesthetic Center offers Korean-based services and treatments Words by Mitch Arceo-Cruz Photos by Teddy Pelaez

Cosmedics Dermaster specializes in the latest treatment modalities from South Korea.

Dr. Guia Favor-Jorge and Dr. Alvin Jorge of Cosmedics Dermaster Aesthetic Center

L All treatments are done in the privacy of well-equipped rooms.

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et’s face it: many people consider having fair and flawless skin the standard for beauty. It is no wonder that many aesthetic centers continue to offer skin whitening products and procedures that use the latest in technology. But now, just having whiter face, legs and arms are not enough. Some women want intimate parts of their bodies to have that rosy glow, too, so they can feel confident even from within. As women age, the darkening of some parts of the body, particularly the armpits, elbows and nipples, become apparent. The same happens during pregnancy. While pregnancy is a blessing most women dream of, it also comes with physical changes that might surprise you. The nipples and areolas become darker during pregnancy. First-time moms often worry when these changes happen. While for some women, their delicate body parts naturally return to their original color after delivery (or after breastfeeding their babies), some don’t. However, this is no longer a problem as Cosmedics Dermaster Aesthetic Center brings a solution to this dilemma.

“The nipple brightening procedure is a new technique of chemical peeling, bringing about the synergistic effect of four factors: a traditional combination peel, higher concentration of active ingredients, many supporting steps before and after the main step of active peel, and nanoliposome technology that protects and delivers active ingredients to the desired target,” says Dr. Guia FavorJorge, dermatologist and owner of Cosmedics Dermaster Aesthetic Center. The nipple brightening procedure is a chemical peeling process that uses a variety of acids, such as citric, lactic, salicylic, mandelic and TCA, as well as lightening agents like alpha arbutin, niacinamide, kojic acid and phenylethyl resorcinol. This seven-step procedure includes multiple layer application of chemical peels. Those who have hyperpigmented nipples that might be due to genetic causes, hormonal changes, allergies, eczema or tattoos may also undergo this treatment.However, as with all treatments, there are counterindications: pregnancy, lactation, active bacterial, viral or fungal infections, dermatitis, and allergies to components of the peeling formula. Although the process brightens areolas and nipples, Dr. Jorge says patients who want to avail of the treatment must also have realistic expectations. Immediate results can already be seen after one session, which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. While one session might be enough to achieve excellent results, she says some patients still want even lighter results, returning for another session after four to six weeks from the initial procedure. After clinical therapy, the procedure continues at home as patients are advised to apply nipple cream and medication four times a day for two weeks after the procedure, gradually tapering off in frequency for the next 30 days, with maintenance care applied twice a week thereafter. Dr. Jorge says this is needed if the patient wants to retain the pink color of their nipple and areola. With this procedure, you can bring back that youthful pink glow of your nipple area. Plus, not only will the procedure lighten its color, it will also rejuvenate it and make it smoother. Cosmedics Dermaster Aesthetic Center is a franchise of the international Dermaster-Korea chain of aesthetic clinics. It offers both invasive and non-invasive procedures that not only enhance a patient’s beauty but also help fight and reverse the signs of aging.

A visit to Cosmedics Dermaster is like a visit to the spa.

Cosmedics Dermaster resident dermatologist Dr. Guia favor-Jorge

Cosmedics Dermaster Aesthetic Center has branches at Unit 2, second ﬂoor, Paraclete Building, Quezon Avenue, West Triangle Quezon City, with contact details 411-0440, 0905-513-8622 and info.mycosmedics@gmail.com; and at third ﬂoor, Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, with contact details 403-0787, 0917-541-0380 and cosmedicsdermaster@gmail.com. For details about services, visit www.cosmedicsdermaster.com. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Experience RETREATS

Keeping fit is easy and hassle-free at SvelT’i.

A SOOTHING WAY TO STAYING FIT

At SvelT’i Health and Beauty Centre, lose weight and keep ﬁt with relaxing non-invasive treatments

Words by Cora Llamas Photos by Noel Pabalate

ll it takes is roughly 30 minutes per session, but the results are almost always instant and obvious: your slightly bulging tummy loses an inch or two. With a couple more treatments, your weight goes down by a few pounds. And all this happens while you are relaxing in a quiet, comfortable room in the SvelT’i Health and Beauty Centre, which exudes the warmth and the luxuriousness of a first-class hotel. It is time to let go of the mantra “No pain, no gain.” The cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments at this center, which is located in Timog, Quezon City, can help you become fit, slim down, and look good, without going through those grueling exertions at the gym. Yes, you can sweat profusely, but this time it would be in a lyingdown, sedate position. The process that also improves your cardiovascular system actually lets you take a nap. The treatments do not require surgery nor downtime; you can actually go back home or to the office afterwards, fully rejuvenated, with an extra ounce of energy to your step.

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Treatments focus on problem areas in the body for maximum effect.

Keeping fit and looking good have never been as easier or as fun. Some patients wince at the very thought of working out; in contrast, SvelT’i Whatall makes thesetoar possible are the latest scientific What these possible actuallymakes makes you lookall forward their treatments. discoveries that have done away with the scalpel. The first that have done away with the T treatments, reatment, To know more about SvelT’i’s skinscalpel. and body call (02) treatment, Thermogenic, is a combination of a bedroom 332-7546 or 09188-SVELTI (783584), or visit itsand clinic at the fifth Thermogenic, is a combination of a bedroom a private steam a private steam room. 61 AsTimog the machine covers your floor,and South Insula Condominium, Avenue, Quezon City room. As the machine covers your prone position, Far Infrared position, Far Infrared Rays heat your8body to1 p.m. of fromprone 9heat a.m.your to 6 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and from a.m. Rays body to increase the metabolic rate. Astodeeper the increase the metabolic rate. As the rays penetrate Saturdays. You may also visit the SvelT’i FB page at www.facebook.com/ rays penetrate deeper cellular layers, they break down fat cells, cellular layers, they break down fat cells, cellulite, and sveltiph and IG account @SVELTI_PH. cellulite, and waste. These toxic substances leave your as waste. These toxic substances leave your body as body sweat. Perspiring from head toe is is one sweat. Perspiring from headtoto toe onefrequent frequentexperience. experience. Thermogenic can burn 600-800 per treatment; Thermogenic can burn 600-800 kcalkcal per treatment; moremore calories are during lost during the 30-minute treatment with calories are lost the 30-minute treatment than than with one one hour of running on a treadmill. hour of running on a treadmill. While the I-Curve procedure likewise causes you to While the I-Curve procedure likewise causes you to lose fat, what lose fat, what sets it apart is its focus. Laser lights are sets concentrated it apart is its focus. Laser lights ar on specific, unflattering parts of your body, y which have gone flabby or loose. Special pads are placed on Special pads are placed onsuch theseasselected areas,thighs, such asand the arms. these selected areas, the stomach, stomach, arms. broken form, Once thighs, brokenand down intoOnce liquid form, down theseinto fats liquid are siphoned off into small containing devices called apertures. I-Curve’s next phase, administered byadministered aesthetic nurses, shapes nurses, those apertures. I-Curve’s next phase, by aesthetic areas intoarfirmness and contours their roundness into a shapes those roundness into shapelier, a shapelier,slimmer slimmerform. form. Both treatments provide you with other lasting health Both treatments pr benefits—a glowing, younger-looking skin, improvement of glowing, skin, youryounger-looking blood circulation, andimprovement oxygenationof ofyour yourblood cells. With the effects of stress in your body now gone, you can actually stress in your body now gone, you canupactually sleepthe better sleep better at night—and wake recharged next at day. night—and wake fit up and recharged nexthave day.never been as easier Keeping lookingthe good or as fun. Some patients wince at the very thought of working out; in contrast, SvelT’i actually makes you look forward to their treatments.

Treatments focus on problem areas in the body for maximum effect

To know more about SvelT’i’s skin and body treatments, call (02) 332-7546 or 09188-SVELTI (783584), or visit its clinic at the fifth floor, South Insula Condominium, 61 Timog Avenue, Quezon City from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. of Saturdays. You may also visit the SvelT’i FB page at www.facebook.com/sveltiph and IG account @ SVELTI_PH.

Treatments are non-invasive and require little downtime for a client to recover.

All treatments at SvelT’i Beauty and Wellness Center are customized based on a client’s medical history.

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In pursuit of beauty at Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics Words by Mitch Arceo-Cruz

If it is youthful beauty you are after, there may be a myriad of options out there. However, how do you choose which clinic or product suits you? Dr. Emehly Sevilla-Castillo, founder of Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics, offers to assist and guide patients throughout their personal journey in pursuit of beauty. In fact, Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics has been continuously providing beauty solutions since 2013. The path to beauty starts with a consultation and knowing the client’s history, assessing treatments that suit the client’s needs, followed by a series of further treatments to complete this process. Customers are assured that they are in good hands as the center’s aestheticians , nurses and wellness consultants are well-trained and highly qualified. The doctors and staffs personally guide clients in selecting the best procedure for their beauty dilemmas. Fact is, good rapport with clients is important. Each client is treated with a sense of familiarity with equal and fair attention. A comprehensive range of safe and Food and Drug Administration-approved medical aesthetic treatments with minimal or no downtime are offered here. Aside from nonsurgical treatments, like Hiko nose lifting, fillers, Botox, peels, and facials, Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics is also known for treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal and Exilis skin tightening procedure, as well as non-invasive body contouring, like the tri-shaper. The IPL hair removal is the solution to hairy skin problems. While shaving and plucking causes skin darkening and chickenskin condition, the IPL treatment leaves hairless and flawless skin. It does not only remove hair, tighten pores, and whiten the skin, but it also reduces erythema (redness of the skin), rosacea, and flushing (sporadic redness) on the face, neck and chest. It can treat signs of sun damage, such as fine wrinkles, freckling, irregular pigmentation, coarse or rough appearance, large pores, dull skin texture, and pigmentation problems. It can visibly improve acne scarring and lightens post-surgical scars, stretch marks and reddish scars. Those who want tighter skin can achieve this with the Exilis treatment, a non-invasive procedure that instantly tightens skin, dissolves fat and contours the face and body. Radio frequency is used to deliver controlled heat approximately one to three centimeters under the skin. The technology allows the radio frequency waves to go deeper, exerting more energy that dissolves fat cell tissues, contracts skin tissues, and stimulates collagen production. The medical staff is able to monitor the skin temperature through the a built in monitoring capacity. A nurse may be able to control the heat according to the patient’s heat tolerance. The Exilis treatment can be applied in areas, such as the neck or jowls, arms, bra-strap area, abdomen, male chest, thighs and legs.

Dr. Emehly Sevilla - Castillo, M.D. Another popular procedure is the tri-shaper, a body slimming treatment that shaves off the patient’s abdominal fats in just 90 minutes without pain or discomfort. The tri-shaper procedure starts with Lipocryo Sculpt, which freezes unwanted cells and excretes it. It is followed by lipocavitation, wherein unwanted fat is removed through ultrasound wave energy. The last part focuses on the skin, making it tight around the muscles. “After one treatment, you can see the results: the skin still looks fresh and smooth, while the concerned body part has become leaner,” said the Vine founder. Dr. Sevilla-Castillo is a trusted expert in the field of aesthetics, anti-aging and regenerative medicine. She is certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, an associate fellow of the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery, and a fellow of the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic and Age Management Medicine. She is also certified by the American Council of Exercise as a group fitness instructor, and certified by the International Sports Sciences Association as a fitness nutrition specialist.

Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics is located at Unit 2H Mezzanine Level, Grand Hamptons Tower II, 1st Avenue corner 31st Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For inquiries, call 0917-8590642, 217-2687 or 843-3023, email vineaesthetics@gmail.com, or visit www.vineaesthetics.com.

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EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Experience BEAUTY

Marking milestones

with masterpieces SunJewel helps you find the right ring for that lifetime occasion Words by Sigfred Catalan Photos by Patrick Uy

ngagements and weddings are celebrated in life with the best of everything. The excitement of surprising one’s beloved with a proposal has led to some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring events that sometimes go viral within minutes. Nowadays, men proclaim their honest intentions by giving a gift from nature, a diamond, especially one that has been meticulously handcrafted to rival the stars. They say diamonds are a girls’ best friend, which must be the reason why diamond engagement rings have been the choice for decades. However, most men aren’t so discerning and knowledgeable with regards these lifetime treasures. Some of the more hands-on gentlemen would do research on the 4Cs of carat, cut, color and clarity. But still, how are they to know what’s the right one for their true love? Gentlemen, worry not! SunJewel is here to help find the perfect ring for your ladylove. Its excellent team will guide you every step of the way, from finding your choice of diamond, to choosing the right setting in gold, platinum, white gold or other precious metals you desire. “We at SunJewel know that this ring isn’t just a piece of jewelry, it’s a lifetime marker of a milestone in their journey together as a couple,” shares Anya Carlos-Reyes, SunJewel’s marketing manager. And a milestone deserves to be remembered and worn proudly. It is proof of your value from someone who has asked you to walk beside him in his life journey. We asked Carlos-Reyes what would be the perfect engagement ring for ladies these days, to provide gentlemen a hint? “I think half a carat and going up would be great. Ladies, you should feel proud and lucky if you get one,” she answers smiling.

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Cha Lisa and Marco Poli; HMUA: Russel Navia; Stylist: Miguel Moreno Thanks to Erik delos Santos for the gown and Ulysses King for the suit

Truth is you don’t need to break the bank to give your ladylove the perfect ring. It’s now more affordable to buy a diamond ring than before. “You can purchase jewelry using your credit card, and we give up to 12 months 0% interest on major credit cards to 18 months 0% interest on BPI Cards. We understand that businessmen and managerial level people want to remain liquid, so we offer this, and they hardly even notice that, after a few months, they already had paid it in full. Plus some guys inform us it’s great, because they collect points from their cards and use it to travel,” enthuses Nathaniel Gonzales Jr, SunJewel relationship manager.

Is there a way to know if the stone on your ring is the real thing? “Well, high-carat stones come with an international certificate, and if you get your ring from SunJewel, we can give you an in-store certificate as well. Also, Sun Jewel offers lifetime after-sales service for cleaning and repair,” says Carlos-Reyes. On the other hand, wedding rings are normally chosen and mutually agreed on by the couple. Men prefer more conservative styles, while women prefer their rings to have more stones. So how do they get over the impasse? “Nowadays the ladies will choose the same design, but with more stones then the one of their spouse. Some even choose a different style altogether. Others would ask us to custom make an existing ring style, telling us to remove some stones or change the precious metal used, and we’ll oblige. It will normally just take us one week to deliver their order,” Anya adds.

SunJewel is at the 252 level 2 main wing, Edsa Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong City. Call 0915-3098288 and 0917-8036244 for appointments. Visit www.sunjewel.com.ph for details. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Tag Heuer’s

fully connected watch If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, the same can be said of men and their watches. Most men invest in watches that show their personality, as well as class and elegance in all aspects. TAG Heuer, a leading company in Swiss watchmaking, knows this. Thus, the company continues to innovate and produce watches that are sure to elevate any man’s style. TAG Heuer Connected is the latest in a long line of inventions that upholds the timeless engineering and aesthetic codes of Swiss watchmaking. Developed in partnership with Google and Intel, this fully connected watch is equipped with the standout functions of Android Wear. The latest design is equipped with directional wind and weather monitoring, RaceChrono Pro capability, and Google Fit, each designed at the synthesis of style and precision. Bold, custom themes allow numerous display options, while Android Wear connects you with thousands of apps that you can tailor to your taste. Intel Inside supplies the hardware with an exceptional microprocessor and a screen of incomparable resolution quality. TAG Heuer Connected will be synchronized to the connected mobile phone to which it is linked. It has its own dedicated online TAG Heuer platform, connecting it 24/7 to the Swiss brand and its fans. The Android Wear app is the ergonomic and extremely intuitive link between the phone and what appears on the connected watch. TAG Heuer Connected can be easily operated via its touchscreen, a simple wrist movement or voice activation. The TAG Heuer Connected is built with titanium, sapphire, and the best in class touchscreen technology.v

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This watch is loaded with the design codes of the Swiss brand’s most iconic collections, including a large dial for instant readability and the characteristic horns of the legendary TAG Heuer Carrera. Strong and extraordinarily lightweight titanium, not steel, was chosen for the watch chassis. The TAG Heuer Connected dial has three display zones, at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, on which owners can display favorite applications, activity information and alerts. TAG Heuer is a true timekeeper: displaying these non-watchmaking complications directly on the dial streamlines the routines and requirements of everyday life, making this a watch that not only keeps time, but also saves it. The dial design—TAG Heuer Carrera, chronograph, or with GMT function—is customizable and available in several colors. Straps are available in various colors, including racing red, bright yellow, neon green, electric blue, volcanic orange, stealth black, Arctic white and fawn leather.

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Rugged style and reliable functionality Hamilton just re-launched their Khaki Frogman collection and welcomed a more rugged look with a technical, aggressive edge, matching style with function in an appealing choice of variations. This on-trend revival line is a tribute to a piece of real and onscreen diving history: the iconic submersible watch created for the US naval “frogmen” teams and featured in the 1951 smash-hit movie The Frogmen and the brand’s very first on-screen appearance. Each model is equipped with a stunning crown-protection device, inspired by its 1951 ancestor with its inimitable military canteen design. In keeping with its double billing as a super sporty watch and stylish accessory, the 2016 collection comprises 42 mm stainless steel cases that may be fitted with a triplerow bracelet secured by a smart adjustment folding clasp, featuring a convenient and stylish diving extension. These models are available in two colors with a blue or black bezel to suit individual tastes.

The Perfect Face for Khaki Navy Frogman The Khaki Navy Frogman is endorsed by Monaco-based super diver Pierre Frolla who caught the diving virus as a child, much like Jacques Mayol, the hero of Luc Besson’s film The Big Blue in 1988. Frolla started breaking world records in 1999. By 2004, he achieved his fourth world record in the Variable Weight category. Besides his own challenges, Pierre Frolla’s life path and work are also those of a team driven by values of freedom, humility, courage, commitment, the need to share, passion and honor. All these values are conveyed by L’Ecole Bleue and through other initiatives to help disadvantaged children like Opération Poséidon, Amade Monaco project, the fight against cystic fibrosis, etc.

For more information, visit www.hamiltonwatch.com , www.facebook.com/hamiltonwatch, and www.twitter.com/hamiltonwatch.

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ExpEriEncE SANCTUARIES

Cucina chef de cuisine Giuseppe Rivoli

Exclusive privileges at

Marco Polo Ortigas osso bucco ala Milanese with soft yellow polenta

Exceptional hospitality, premium accommodation and exclusive privileges—these define Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Continental Club. With its panoramic views of the city from the hotel’s 42nd and 43rd floors, the Continental Club provides a host of personalised services, privileges and benefits. Guests who avail of Continental Club services are entitled to a complimentary one-way airport transfer, personalized butler service, and private check-in and check-out at the 44th floor of the hotel. They may also indulge in complimentary breakfast, afternoon refreshments and evening cocktails that the Club offers. Other privileges include complimentary pressing of one garment per stay and complimentary laundry service of one shirt or blouse per stay.

Baked salted fish with a selection of special sauces EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Prepare for a busy day of meetings at Marco Polo ortigas Manila’s Continental Club Lounge.

Aside from these benefits, guests may enjoy access to the Continental Club Lounge on the 44th floor of the hotel. Business travellers enjoy complimentary use of the boardroom for up to two hours per stay, unlimited access to the private library and reading nook, and a wide selection of business and office services to choose from. An exclusive 15 percent discount on all Flow Spa treatments and massages is also available for travellers who wish to destress. On the other hand, Cucina, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s flagship restaurant, continues to innovate and give its guest an exciting dining experience. To enhance its menu of delectable treats, the hotel welcomes Giuseppe Rivoli as its new chef de cuisine,. Rivoli boasts an extensive culinary background, with a career than spans over a decade that covers London, Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia. He takes inspiration from his many travels, specializing in Italian and Asian cuisines. He was recently part of Trattoria Italia Restaurant in Singapore as executive chef to its 11 outlets around Asia, and chef de partie in the grill section at Nobu Restaurant London. The chef who hails from Italy portrays Cucina’s cuisine in contemporary and refined ways. On weekdays, guests can delights in new dishes, such as beet-cured salmon with crème fraiche, osso bucco ala Milanese with soft yellow polenta, and beef cheek couscous and grilled vegetables. Weekends becomes special with offerings such as Italian porchetta stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and black olive pate, baked salted fish with Chef Giuseppe’s special sauce, and wild mushroom risotto.

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The Continental Club Lounge ha marvelous views of the hills of Antipolo City.

Cucina is Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s all-day dining restaurant and is open daily for lunch from 12 to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Buffet price starts at P1,500 net per person. Children aged 6 and below eat for free, while children aged 7 to 12 years old are charged half the price. For reservations, call (02) 720-7720. For information, contact (02) 720-7777 or book online via www.marcopolohotels.com, or email manila@marcopolohotels.com. Visit facebook.com/ MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.

Fusion Cantonese dishes at

Lung Hin Lung Hin Chinese executive chef Yeung Waai Hoi

Crystal osmanthus jelly

Lung Hin continues to provide authentic Cantonese dishes, this time with the fusion of traditional and modern culinary techniques, as it welcomes its new Chinese executive chef, Yeung Waai Hoi, or chef Raymond. Sharing over 26 years of Chinese culinary experience gained from fivestar international hotels and well-known international Chinese restaurants across the Asian region, chef Raymond is not new to the Philippines. He was previously assigned for more than four years with a renowned restaurant group and international hotel. A proud awardee of Hofex 2009 Hong Kong International Culinary Classic Gold Award, he showcased his skills in the modern Chinese cuisine challenge hot cooking competition. Chef Raymond’s unique dishes with complex flavors are now being served at Lung Hin, bringing a mixture of traditional and modern, and Eastern and Western dishes, showcasing the diverse and thrilling world of Chinese cuisine. Discover these dishes starting with a uniquely prepared soup chrysanthemum tofu matsutake chicken consommé. Steamed lobster with egg golden leaf brings the freshness of seafood for the main dish, as well as deep fried squid with salted egg yolk. Top the Cantonese fusion experience with the crystal osmanthus jelly for dessert.

Lung Hin is located at the 44th ﬂoor of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. To know more about Lung Hin and the other signature dining outlets of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, visit www.marcopolohotels.com.

chrysanthemum tofu matsutake chicken consommé

Steamed lobster with egg golden leaf

Follow the Hotel in Facebook at facebook.com/ MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Experience SANCTUARIES

WHERE AFFORDABILITY MEETS LUXURY A family vacation or business trip to Davao City, one of the Philippines’ premier cities, does not need to be expensive. Crown Regency Residences - Davao certainly has this in mind, offering an array of excellent facilities and services that belie its affordable rates. This Mediterranean-inspired vintage 3-star hotel is every guest’s gateway to the diverse, colorful and rich cultural heritage of Davao City. Retreat to any of the rooms and villas which are elegant realizations of warmth and space. The hotel prides itself with a strategic location, being only a 10-minute drive from major establishments, including the airport. The hotel features 30 villas and 40 rooms designed to provide utmost comfort to the weary traveler. It also features a swimming pool, gym, and function rooms that can accommodate up to 300 guests and are ideal for meetings, conferences, and special events. The quaint Mediterranean villas and rooms are the perfect home in the city. Providing you quiet reprieve from the buzz of the thriving metropolis, these private spaces are also furnished to meet your needs. Top-notch business and leisure amenities, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and efficient staff makes this hotel in Davao is a sanctuary you would wish to come back to.

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Relax at the end of the day with a dip in Crown Regency Residences–Davao pool.

This Mediterranean-inspired hotel is conveniently located in the city.

One of the hotel’s well-appointed rooms

WHERE EASE AND CONVENIENCE MEET Choose from the spacious Premier, Executive, or Family Villas and Standard Rooms. These Mediterranean-inspired and air-conditioned lodgings offer comfort and convenience with its modern amenities, which include broadband Internet access, cable TV, coffee and tea facilities, and bath with hot and cold shower. After a day of exploring the city or meeting up with colleagues, you will surely feel at home as these features will help you unwind for a restful evening.

A selection of lavish rooms fitted with amenities to make your stay a restful one

MAKING DREAM HOLIDAYS A REALITY Savor the convenience of a lobby lounge, business center, and 24-hour cafe. Relax at the poolside with your family amid a tropical garden setting, sweat it out at the fitness center and rejuvenate yourself at the Regency Day Spa. If you need further assistance during your stay, the hotel offers laundry, car rental, and 24-hour room service. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, you will find everything you need at Crown Regency Residences – Davao. The Crown Regency Residences Davao is a beacon of warmth and hospitality with its homelike ambience and nostalgic charm, redefining a new standard of accommodation tempered by the comfortable nature of a gracious private residence. Davao City promises not only an affordable accommodation in the city. Guests at Crown Regency Residences Davao can expect elegance and comfort within its well-appointed rooms, designed to help you enjoy your business or leisure trip. Discover the best of life and pleasures at Crown Regency Residences Davao!

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ExpEriEncE SANCTUARIES

Guests have a choice of Alona Beach and the azure pools of Henann Resort Alona Beach.

An oasis of luxury

Henann Resort Alona Beach offers five-star comfort at one of the country’s favorite destination Words by Ma. Isabel Fortuno Photos by Arvin Ligon

ohol is exactly what you’d imagine an island-paradise to have fine white-sand beaches, lush green forests, incredible marine life, and a laid-back rural vibe that somewhat belies the array of actionpacked adventures that await tourists. Little wonder that it’s fast becoming a tourist mecca, luring more visitors with its promise of the ultimate island life experience. Ranking high in any traveler’s bucket list is Panglao, the province’s largest island and a favorite sun-and-fun destination. It is considered to be the jump-off point to seeing and exploring the rest of Bohol, not that you’d want to leave the place once you see the grandeur that is its beaches. But of the unblemished sand that constitute its fringes, it’s Alona Beach that has won the heart of many, particularly those whose idea of escape includes spending a few nights being pampered in an idyllic resort. After all, it is on this strip that the Henann Group of Resorts built its centerpiece project; this happens to be the same group that manages three of the top resort developments on Boracay, namely Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, Henann Garden Resort, and Henann Lagoon Resort. Travelers are greeted by a luxurious setting upon their arrival at the resort.

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Occupying the longest beachfront along Alona Beach, Henann Resort Alona Beach sets the standard for island resorts. Everything about it conveys a laid-back luxury, in addition to the excellent guest-centered service and topnotch amenities it is known for since it opened in 2015. The resort’s overall look and feel are reminiscent of its Boracay counterparts with signature massive pools, and wide, open spaces of green and blue. “We consider Henann Resort Alona Beach a milestone in our company’s 17-year history as this is our first property outside Boracay. It has always been my personal goal to expand nationwide and bring the Henann brand of service to the four corners of the Philippines,” said the group’s chair Dr. Henry Chusuey in a previous interviews. The sprawling 6.5-hectare development houses 400 guest rooms, which are some of the most spacious in all of Bohol. These accommodations, ranging from deluxe, premier, suites to family premier, will surely charm resort fans with their coastal-themed interiors accented by locally made furniture. Each room is stocked with the usual modern conveniences, including wireless Internet access. A private terrace is attached to every room, allowing guests to take in the resort’s beautiful landscape. For the ultimate luxury and privacy, Henann also offers 12 exclusive beachfront villas outfitted with Filipino-inspired pieces in calming earth tones. All the creature comforts are found inside the villa: there’s a sitting area with a plush sofa, luxurious marble-clad bathroom with separate rain shower and free-standing tub, 40-inch LED TV, JBL iPod docking

station, a DVD player and, most importantly, a well-stocked mini bar that is replenished daily. But the treasure to every guest’s stay is the spacious patio that comes with an outdoor dinette set and a private plunge pool with sun loungers and table. Another striking structure is the three-story convention center, designed with huge events in mind. Measuring around 2,160 square meters, it is no doubt the largest of its kind in the whole province. It can house over 1,000 guests and is an ideal location for conferences, official business functions and seminars. It also has break-out rooms to accommodate smaller groups for gatherings or meetings.

Lounges allow you to soak up some sun during your stay.

Relax in a freshwater pool after enjoying the beach

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“I like to see guests happy and satisfied with the services and experience they had while staying in Henann Resort Alona Beach,” said Chusuey. As the resort is situated on the quieter side of Alona Beach, guests would immediately find themselves at a sanctuary upon their arrival. They can revel in its tranquil atmosphere and, at the same time, enjoy the leisure facilities designed for pleasurable pursuits. Kai Regency Spa, for one, pampers guests to the hilt with its holistic approach to rejuvenation. Its services include body scrubs, facial treatments and massage packages. A fitness option is the gym and fitness center that is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Those who simply want to unwind can head to one of the resort’s three pool bars, all of which serve up a variety of juices and cocktails, plus snacks. More than these, the resort also scores high for its food as it takes pride in its diverse selection of international cuisine and local fare. Coral Café, Henann’s main dining area, features an all-day buffet spread that highlights continental favorites, while Sea Breeze Café offers a spread of delectable Asian, Western and Filipino cuisines.

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Indeed, Henann boasts of amenities one would expect from a five-star resort, although it only comes with four-star price points. Karl Chusuey, who handles the marketing of the resort, said this is their way of giving guests the best possible service and absolute satisfaction. “We want guests to feel that they have not been robbed of their money,” said the younger Chusuey. “And we want them to feel that they got more than what they bargained for.” Needless to say, Henann Resort Alona Beach hits the balance between luxury, comfort, and idyllic retreat, allowing guests to experience island life done right.

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Guests at Dusit Thani Manila experience Thailand’s unique culture, not just in its stately rooms, but also in the service.

A celebration of Thai hospitality Dusit International is opening new properties in the Philippines as it turns 21

Words by Joseph Cortes Photos by Donald Tapan

hey say that, when it comes to journeys, what matters most is the trip and not the destination. Whoever said this must not have had the chance yet to experience the pleasure of being pampered the Thai way at Dusit Thani Manila. With its grand interiors, well-appointed rooms, and cordial service, it is not just your home away from home: it is home. The small touches are there the moment you step off your vehicle and enter the lobby. A doorman garbed in Siamese livery and an elegant hostess usher you in. As you check in, music from a kim, a Thai hammered dulcimer, played by a lady musician, envelops you with its sweet melody. The vision of the lobby gleaming in burnished gold that is reflected on the black marble flooring fills you with a feeling of wondrous serenity. This innate opulence is what distinguishes this establishment from all others within the Makati commercial and business district.

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THAI HERITAGE Dusit Thani Manila general manager Bruno Cristol says Dusit Thani has a mission of spreading Thailand’s unique culture in its establishments here and abroad. “Our company brings a heritage of Thai art and culture. That’s why we are more gracious than other hotels, lovely and warm, a bit more luxurious, rich and elegant,” says Cristol. This sense of Thainess is total. Guestroom floors and suites have been renovated to reflect this sensibility. There is now lightness with the gold detailing and glowing lighting. The dark interior from years past has been banished to bring in lightness. There is richness in the paintings of lotuses in full bloom that hang over the beds, while purple is used as an accent against the creamy white walls. And to promote Filipino artistry, most wooden furniture, from the mini bar to desks, was sourced from artisans in Cebu. The hotel GM says the changes implemented last year was just the first of many phases. There are 300 more rooms to be given this meticulous treatment, and all other spaces will follow suit afterwards. Meeting and functions rooms, now totaling 15, will likewise be refurbished, while the hotel’s signature restaurants will also be upgraded.

Dusit Thani Manila PR & Communications Manager Dorothy Jane J. Espiritu

Dusit Thani Manila Director of Food and Beverage Danish Khan

Dusit Thani Manila general manager Bruno Cristol

In 2015, the hotel launched The Pantry, a posh all-day restaurant, bar and deli all rolled into one, which replaced the old coffee shop. It has proven to be a favorite stop for foodies with its daily offering of lechon. But lest you think offerings are limited to meats, there are also seafood choices and even a halal counter. Up by early January 2017 is the new Benjarong, which moves down to the ground floor to a bigger space, to dish out beloved royal Thai cuisine that has delighted foodies. For 20 years, this restaurant has become the benchmark for Thai cooking in the country. It would no have a new lease on life at its new location. The old Tosca Italian restaurant will be given new life as an exclusive meeting room for social events and exclusive dinners. On the other hand, Umu continues to be known for its exquisite array of popular Japanese fare. For frequent travelers, whether for leisure or business, the Dusit Club provides the convenience they expect from a five-star establishment. It provides an oasis to weary souls, with the Club Lounge on the 15th floor with its indoor and outdoor seating to relax in or meetings. Guests enjoy private check-in and free refreshments during the day, as well as breakfast and cocktails. It seals the deal to your stay here.

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The Pantry has a deli station where guests can purchase baked goodies and other comestibles.

An ongoing renovation at Dusit Thani Manila brings Thai splendor to the hotel.

The hotel’s grand staircase

The Library is a private space at the Dusit Club Lounge for meetings or to simply relax with a book.

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EXPANDED PRESENCE All these changes will not just give Dusit Thani Manila a fresh look, but will establish it as the flagship Dusit establishment in the country. With the good economic marks the economy posted in the past years, Cristol admits it was time the hotel chain expanded its presence in the Philippines. Set to open in Bonifacio Global City by 2018 is Dusit D2, the hotel chain’s lifestyle brand. Compared with the Dusit Thani, this hotel is hip and modern, reflecting the youthful vibe of today’s younger generation of travelers. Another Dusit D2 is planned for Davao City, along with Dusit Thani Residences, in anticipation of the demand for five-star accommodations in the south. On the other hand, another brand, the Dusit Princess, will be set up in Cebu. But it is not all hotels. The GM says two Dusit resorts are being eyed for La Union and Palawan. “These resorts are very Thai in ambience,” he explains. “They are classic, elegant resorts that are full of beautiful culture.” With things looking up for Dusit International in the Philippines in the next four years, he believes it would a win-win situation both for the hotel chain and the Philippines. “We have to make our presence felt here, so that we can tray and attract more guests from overseas,” said the GM. “We have six hotels in the Middle East, and the Gulf market is known to like the Philippines.” With an array of properties carrying the Dusit brand in the Visayas and Mindanao, he believes this will entice the market in the Middle East to come here.

Dusit Thani Manila is at the Ayala Center in Makati City, Philippines. For inquiries and details, Call (02) 238-8888, fax (02) 238-8800 or Email dtmn@dusit.com.

Dusit Thani Manila executive Chep nicholas Issel

‘THEY LOVE IT HERE’ However, he believes that travelers of all persuasions will have a grand time in the Philippines. Although this is his first posting here, Cristol has seen a good deal of popular destinations, such as Boracay and Cebu, on the four times he has previously visited. What is attractive about the country, apart from its destinations, is the people. “Filipinos are very friendly and funny,” he admits. “Communication is easier, too.” If there is anyone who can wholeheartedly recommend the Philippines to foreigners, it would be the hotel GM. Take it from someone who has a hotelier for a grandfather and who belongs to a family that traveled a lot because of his father who worked for a French airline company. He liked it so much that he has promoted local destinations to his friends abroad “I have some French friends who came from Australia. They stayed for a week. They love it here,” he says. “Manila is a busy city, and it has its charm. But after you go to Cebu and Bohol, there’s just so much to do. You can go diving or snorkeling, or do both. There are a lot of diving resorts. And then there’s Banawe and Baguio City. There’s also a lot of things to see there.” EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

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Wyndham Rewards named top hotel loyalty program As a consumer, it pays to be loyal. Many businesses recognize the importance of a loyalty program which rewards customers based on earned points, and Microtel by Wyndham hotels in the Philippines is one of them. The Wyndham Rewards, the guest loyalty program of the international Wyndham Hotel Group, recently earned the number one accolade from U.S. News & World Report’s annual assessment based on expert and guest opinions. Identifying some of the most well-known hotel loyalty programs, U.S. News formed their ranking by assessing several factors including ease in earning a free night’s stay, inclusion of miscellaneous benefits, such as points earned via credit card, and perks like free room upgrades or free Wi-Fi, the ability of members to use the program domestically and abroad, and number of hotels in the network and their diversity (luxury, economy, resort, and urban locations). In a USAToday.com report which released the U.S. News ranking, Noah Brodsky, senior vice president of worldwide loyalty and engagement for Wyndham says, “We took this loyalty program really seriously. We set out to create a program for the everyday traveler.” In the Philippines, guests can earn and redeem their Wyndham Rewards points, and enjoy their privileges in all 13 Microtel by Wyndham hotel locations at Acropolis QC, Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Cabanatuan, Eagle Ridge in Cavite, Davao, General Santos, Mall of Asia, Puerto Princesa, South Forbes (near Nuvali), Tarlac, and UP Technohub QC. Guests may also use their earned points internationally at any of the nearly 8,000 hotels of the Wyndham Hotel Group. Signing up to the program is free and guests start earning their points immediately upon check-in. The Wyndham Rewards program has more than 46 million members worldwide.

For more information on Microtel by Wyndham in the Philippines and Wyndham Rewards, go to www. microtelphilippines.com and www.wyndhamrewards.com. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

A BLISSFUL WEEKEND AT

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas Wondering where to spend a delightful and affordable weekend of fun and relaxation with your family, special someone, bosom buddies or simply your fabulous self? Why not stay at the Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, and book the Blissful Weekend Rates, available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday? A little pampering will do you a whole lot of good. All you need are an ultra comfortable bed in a cozy room and a filling and nutritious breakfast for a weekend of happiness to get you refreshed for the week ahead. Throw in the complimentary use of the heated indoor pool for some playtime with your kids, while popular shopping malls are just a stone’s throw away, and you’ve got a hassle-free mini vacation with the family. At Richmonde, you can enjoy all these for as low as P4,390 nett for a Superior Room with breakfast buffet for two adults and two children 5 years old and below and free Wi-Fi access. If uninterrupted quality time with your significant other is what you are looking for, room-only rates starting at P4,000 nett are also available. The Weekend Bliss Rates are available until October 30, subject to room availability, with prior reservations.

For more information, email rho@richmondehotel.com.ph or log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. For the freshest updates on hotel promotions, connect at www.facebook.com/RichmondeHotelOrtigas, www.twitter.com/Richmonde_RHO, and www.instagram.com.Richmonde_RHO

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Spooky Family Halloween

at Diamond Hotel Experience fun family bonding with Diamond Hotel Philippines' spooktacular Halloween event, Spooky Family Halloween, on October 30 at the Diamond Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ticket price is P980nett per person, inclusive of a snack box with your kid’s favorite goodies and a chockfull of exciting magical activities. You may also win a Samsung Gear VR in the grand raffle draw. The Spooky Family Halloween has a thrilling range of fantastic activities, including trick or treat around the hotel, face painting, glitter tattoo, arts and crafts, photo booth and yummy food stations. Also there will be an illusionist and live musical show. Diamond Indulgence members are entitled to a P100 discount for a maximum of four tickets purchased. Children or families in hauntingly creative costumes may win spellbinding prizes from our sponsors. Bring the little ones to this fascinating Halloween party where weird with a twist equals a super fun time! For ticket inquiries, call (632) 528-3000 ext. 8461 and for room reservations call (632) 528-3000 ext. 1140 to 43. For more information on Diamond Hotel Philippines, visit www.diamondhotel.com. For hotel updates and special offerings, follow the hotel on Facebook, YouTube and Google+ at Diamond Hotel Philippines, and Instagram and Twitter at DiamondHotelPh.

HALLOWEEN ON THE HIGH SEAS AT F1 HOTEL MANILA

Fly over and set your sails to the biggest gathering this Halloween at F1 Hotel Manila. Get spellbound as you join the magical world of pirates and pixies on Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Infinity Ballroom. Exciting activities and thrilling treats await the whole family, like balloon twisting, photo booth, doughnut decorating, games, restaurant discounts and access to trick and treat stations. Cover yourselves with pixie dust and wear your finest sail gear for the ultimate Halloween experience and get a chance to win an overnight stay. Tickets to the Pirates and Pixies are priced at P988 nett per person including brunch. Kids aged 2 years old and below are free of charge. Adult companions and guardians are charged the price of a full ticket. Get 50 percent off on lunch or dinner buffet when you present your event ticket at F All-Day Dining Restaurant until November 6, 2016 For ticket reservations, call (02) 908-7888. F1 Hotel Manila is located at 32nd street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 908-7888. For online booking and more information, visit www. f1hotelmanila.com. For hotel updates and special offerings, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @f1hotelmanila. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

ExpEriEncE CELEBRITY TRAVEL

A FEAST OF PINOY COOKING Celebrity couple Romnick Sarmenta and Harlene Bautista share their love for food at Salu Words by Rory Visco

ravel and food do mix together, no doubt about it. For celebrity couple Romnick Sarmenta (or Romeo Nicolas Sarmenta Tejedor in real life) and Harlene Bautista, both certified travel bugs and foodies, their love for travel and food took them to a culinary adventure they never thought they’d venture into. And they summed it up in just one word: Salu.

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Salu offers food Sarmenta and Bautista discovered during their trips around the country. (Photo by Teddy Pelaez)

A STORY WRITTEN IN THE STARS — AND BY GOD Being actors, a good story and script are some of the most important elements in a movie. For Romnick and Harlene, Salu has its own story. Borne out of their many travels together or with their families here and abroad, the restaurant’s design was made of things that they both saw in their travels. “It’s not just about concepts like farm-to-table and stuff,” says the couple. “What we want is that our customers can experience what we experienced from other places. As they say, you can’t share what you don’t have.” Everyone will definitely notice how travel and food, which they are both passionate about, form a big part of Salu in terms of the restaurant’s conceptualization and development. For every destination, they have different experiences and learnings. “When we went to La Trinidad in Benguet, which became one of our prime sources for produce, like veggies, the people we met there, well, it may seem a cliché, but they are genuinely hospitable. It’s an innate characteristic of Filipinos,” says Sarmenta. Bautista retorted that they prayed hard for Salu, even its name. The brainstorming led them to the Bible, talking about feasts and other gatherings.

Aside from authentic recipes, Salu also serves filipino dishes that have been tweaked with another Pinoy item. (Photo by Teddy Pelaez)

“We discussed many possible names, but we kept coming back to salo-salo. So we thought of Salu, again related to feasts, and may also loosely translate to ‘basket,’ which may also signify abundance,” she explains. “Even the logo represents the entire Filipino heritage, the three stars and then the script based on baybayin. Even the plates are hand-painted with baybayin.” This, their first big food venture was conceptualized in December 2015 and was opened on June 9 this year. The planning took a while before they finally ended up with the concept. “We just prayed, and later on, we noticed that things were falling into place. Even this place where we put up Salu, it just came to us, and we really didn’t have to look for it,” he says. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

A MULTI-CULTURAL DESIGN The store’s design was inspired by their travels. From Singapore, they took ideas for plating and service, gathering the best practices when it comes to service. Sarmenta related a restaurant in Paris, France, said to be the favorite of Victor Hugo; when they got there, they discovered it was a fine dining establishment and they were not dressed appropriately: “We looked like tourists and we didn’t make prior reservations. But the maître d’ was very accommodating and even offered to find us a table even without a reservation. That’s one point already,” he says. The maître d’ then took off his jacket and led them inside. “He was really caring. Once inside, we didn’t know what to order, so he gave recommendations. The attention, the service, their appreciation—all were good points.” Harlene Bautista studies a handwoven fabric.

Romnick Sarmenta gives the thumb’s up for pinangat.

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A FAMILY PLACE Salu is for the family, big groups and balikbayans, for reunions and parties, and casual diners, as well. Bautista said none of their regulars have tried the whole menu—as of last count, there are 67 items—and many have yet to be introduced; on Sundays, she said they feature items that are not on the menu. There are fusion dishes, as well, but it’s not Pinoy with a foreign dish. It’s more Pinoy and Pinoy. “We just tweak it a bit, like pakbet soup, balbakwa, even desserts like brazo de calabaza, where squash is used instead of egg yolk, and thus making it healthier,” she explains. They look forward to foreign guests because it gives them a chance to introduce them to Filipino cuisine and culture. “That’s why we plan to talk to travel agencies so that they can recommend Salu as a dining destination whenever they have guests coming to the Philippines,” she adds. This is the reason why they procure their produce from their source of origin: vegetables from La Trinidad, Benguet and durian from Davao City. “It might affect our operating expenses, but it’s not really costly since we buy in bulk that we can even out the costs,” he says. “For kare-kare, we use real nuts and not peanut butter, and definitely no MSG in all our dishes.” The celebrity couple hams it up for the camera.

Sarmenta tries his hand at planting rice.

INTO THE FUTURE For Romnick Sarmenta and Harlene Bautista, who both love to serach for food whenever they reach their destination, they have one advice for would-be restaurateurs: “You have to always be there. It’s not really about always checking on your people. At the end of the day, you yourself have to decide on certain things and not just the staff. I’m not belittling what my staff knows, but until the time comes that they know how to run the place without us there, we still have to be present at the restaurant. Even for us, if we meet the owner of the place, the feeling is different, and that’s what we’re applying.” The couple is praying for Salu’s future: “We’re praying for three to five more branches, and conceptualizing other themes, then go into franchising, and hopefully, go global in places where there are Filipinos.”

Salu is located at 26B Sct. Torillo St., Quezon City. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations and inquiries, call (02) 821-1512. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

ExpEriEncE ROAD TRIP

Binondo’s untold stories Old and new coexist to make Manila’s Chinatown a bustling neighborhood

Words and photos by MA. GLAIZA LEE

raffic around the Plaza Calderon dela Barca, also known as Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, is usually heavy as cars and pedestrians go on their way in this busy part of Manila. On that day, we met up with a man in the middle of the plaza, with a boom box in one hand. Celebrity tour guide and culture expert Carlos Celdran, founder of Walk This Way, a walking tour company, was taking us around Binondo to discover Chinatown. The event was organized by Lido Cocina Tsina, a restaurant that serves popular Cantonese cuisine, which is presently celebrating its 80th anniversary. Here are some initial trivia Celdran shared with us: National Artist Nick Joaquin suggested that the name “Binondo” was derived from the word “binondoc,” referring to the area’s hilly terrain a long time ago. On the other hand, French linguist Jean-Paul Potet said the name might refer to the abundant river mangrove, known as “tundok,” which grew around the area. The prefix “bi-“ indicated its proximity to Tondo.

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Binondo Church became the center of Catholic faith among Chinese migrants.

BASILICA DE SAN LORENZO RUIZ Originally built in the late 1600s, it became the center of Catholicism among Chinese migrants. Back then, Binondo was created by Spanish Governor-General Luis Perez Dasmariñas as a permanent settlement for immigrants who converted to Christianity. It was meant to replace Parian, where the unconverted remained. In 1594, the Dominicans made Binondo their parish and worked on converting the residents to Catholicism. The original church was built and rebuilt countless times to accommodate the growing Chinese community and to repair it following natural disasters and war. Only the church’s stone walls and octagonal belfry survived following the American bombing in 1944. It was only in the 1950s that it had a new lease on life.

The faithful offers prayers at streetside altar in Chinatown.

Binondo church is more than just a religious structure; it is also an architectural treasure, combining elements of the Spanish baroque with a touch of Chinese design, as evident with its bell tower. This structure, a holdover from the 16th century, has five octagonal stories, reminiscent of a pagoda. The altar is loosely based on St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. What is interesting is its flooring with Chinese markings on each stone brick. They were actually tombstones from China, which were used by Chinese traders as ship ballast. When the ships reached Manila, these were sold as paving bricks because of their durability. Some eventually made it to the church’s floor. The church was named after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. Born of a Chinese father and Filipino mother, he served at the church as an altar boy and calligrapher. In 1981, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II. It was the first beatification held outside the Vatican. He was canonized at the Vatican in 1987.

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FOOD TRIP New Po Heng Lumpia House is tucked away inside the Art Deco Uy Su Bin Building. Its Chinese-style fresh lumpia is made upon order and filled with generously with vegetables and meat, and topped with crushed peanuts and drizzled with sweet sauce. Just a few meters away is Carvajal Street with its charming street market of fruits, seafood and other goods. Old-timers still know Carvajal as Ho Sua Hang, or Umbrella Alley in Hokkien. Back in the day, this alley was known for vendors selling umbrellas. It has become a food haven, with a couple of popular restaurants. In the middle of crowded Chinatown, one can find a moment of peace at the small shrine located at the Santo Cristo de Longos Building at the corner of Ongpin and San Nicolas streets. The shritne is the perfect fusion of Catholicism and Buddhism. Here, one can see a crucifix adorned with sampaguita while incense sticks in an urn burn at a side, an offering from devotees. An alley down T. Alonzo Street led us to the original location of Lido Cocina Tsina. Previously known as Panciteria Lido, it was founded by chef Lido, a Chinese immigrant. Now managed by its president Annie Wong, the restaurant is known for its pugon-roasted asado, of pork loin roasted in a brick oven using century-old traditions. You can enjoy the smoky aromatic flavor with each tasty morsel. Walking around Binondo reveals the marriage of the traditional and the modern. You see it in the ambulant street vendors, hawkers selling lucky charms and Chinese medicine stores mixing with newly built buildings.

Lido Cocina Tsina’s famous pugon-roasted pork loin asado

ONWARDS TO ESCOLTA At the end of Ongpin after one crosses the welcome arch is Sta. Cruz Church. First built by the Jesuits in 1768, it has undergone numerous repairs and reconstruction. The church reflects the Spanish Baroque style. On the facade is an image of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the church. Fronting the church is Carriedo Fountain. Built in 1882, it was meant to honor Francisco Carredo y Pedero, considered to be Manila’s greatest benefactor, who donated P10,000 to install the city’s first water system. The fountain was originally located at Rotonda de Sampaloc, but it was transferred to its present location in 1978. It was them removed site and brought to Quezon City when Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System The façade of Sta. Cruz Church

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A mound of siopao being fried

moved from Arroceros to Balara. Former Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim negotiated with MWSS administrator Luis Sison to return the fountain to its original location. National Artist Napoleon Abueva was commissioned to create a replica to replace the original structure, which now stands on Plaza Sta. Cruz. The tour ventured on to Escolta, which was once known as the Wall Street of the Philippines. Historic buildings, such as the Beaux-Arts-style Regina Building and Calvo Building, which houses the Escolta Museum, remain standing. The First United Building is now home to The Hub: Make Lab, a creative business concept by 98B COLLABoratory. With the aim of reviving Escolta to its former glory as the commercial district of Manila, the collective gathered artists and entrepreneurs to sell their products, most of them hand-made and one of a kind. The space they now occupy used to be the old Berg’s Department Store. The walking tour opened our eyes and hearts to what Manila has to offer. It reacquainted us with Binondo, and the capital city as well, sharing untold stories in every nook and cranny of this city that never sleeps.

ExpEriEncE ROAD TRIP

Tayo na sa Antipolo

Words by Kid Orit Photos by Teddy Pelaez

The city on the hills is a destination for both pilgrims and those seeking a break from metro life

f there is one word to describe the City of Antipolo, “pilgrimage” easily comes to mind because devotees from nearby provinces constantly flock to Antipolo Cathedral to pay their respects to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the city’s patroness. Pilgrims walk up the hills of Antipolo to say their prayers and venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary. They would also bathe in the cool waters of Hinulugang Taktak to refresh their spirits during breaks, and enjoy local delicacies such as suman, mangoes, and cashew nuts. Most of these traditions continue to flourish. Worshippers still make the effort to walk their way up to the city and, afterwards, visit Hinulugang Taktak, though its banks have since been replaced by patios that can now host a variety of parties and events. Nowadays, travelers have an abundance of options when visiting this hillside town.

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Some of the bounties in Antipolo City: (clockwise, from top left) suman sa ibos, cashew nuts, ripe mangoes, an assortment of cakes, and samosas with a tamarind dipping sauce

A RICH CULINARY TRIP Just outside Antipolo Cathedral are numerous hawker’s stands that sell all sorts of pasalubong. Suman, mangoes and cashew nuts are staples, and you can have a sample before making your purchase. Just remember not to munch too much this early in the trip because there is a wealth of treats just waiting for those wanting to go on a food trip. Just a few meters from the cathedral is Cake Draft Café. Serving a variety of cakes, from the light and fluffy to the rich and dense ones, it is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. It also serves pasta meals and sandwiches for people who want to take their time catching up with friends or getting to know a date. The café represents the youthful vibe that is now flourishing in the city,

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one that is driven by the city’s young entrepreneurs. Going further up Antipolo’s hills is a quaint 32-year old restaurant that has the ambience of nostalgia and home. The dishes at Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant are hearty and exude homey goodness. Heirloom recipes are followed, while fresh ingredients are used as the restaurant makes its own pasta, bread and bacon. For those wanting a break from city life, it has a bed and breakfast that allows you to enjoy the view of the city’s green hills. An old-time favorite is Crescent Moon Café and Studio Pottery, which has now become a favorite among the younger crowd with the opening of its The Glass Bar, a watering hole that is not only

a fab place to enjoy drinks, but also has craft workshops for those interested in finding a new hobby. Those dropping by for lunch at Crescent Moon Café should know that the buffet serves alagaw leaves, quite popular among locals and considered to have medicinal properties. Marison’s is another go-to place, which has been gaining attention of late for its unique take on traditional Filipino dishes. Its kare-kare has gravy made with crushed cashews, instead of peanuts, while its fried kesong puti is a delightful treat for those who love cheese.

Enjoy the view of Metro Manila from inﬁnity pool of Luljetta’s Hanging Garden and Spa

PLEASURES AWAY FROM THE BIG CITY On a good day, going up to Antipolo only takes about an hour from the metro. It is the best way to refresh one’s tired eyes and have a breath of fresh air. Those who are planning to stay the night and admire the city skyline as it lights up at night should head to Cloud 9 Hotel/Resort/Sports and Leisure Club with its stunning views. Going up its 360 View Tower, one of the highest points in the city, offers awesome views of the mountains around it. It makes you ponder on the beauty of nature compared with the fast-paced life in the city. Those looking for a soul-inspiring experience should visit Pintô Art Museum with its extensive collection of contemporary art. After you’ve spent quiet time contemplating the artworks that are on view, enjoy the rest of your visit taking a selfie or two in the different picturesque spots that you will find throughout the complex. The whitewashed walls of the gallery that take its inspiration from the unique architecture of Santorini is a perfect backdrop for shutterbugs.

Going up the 360 View Tower at Cloud 9 Hotel

At the end of your trip, enjoy some quality me-time at Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa in Loreland Farm Resort. A soothing massage can relax tired muscles and rejuvenate the flow of energy in the body, while you can also unwind in the spa’s infinity pool with its views of the cityscape and nearby Laguna de Bay. For those who want something novel, enjoy its Dr. Fish foot spa treatment where fish feed on the dead skin cells from your feet. Loreland Farm Resort has a variety of amenities that the whole family and your friends will enjoy. Though it has grown into a city where weekend warriors visit for recreation, one thing remains the same Antipolo still serves pilgrims by offering them a very giving hospitality, with spaces where they can rest, providing them with a taste of its culture with its humble delicacies and the warmth welcoming smiles.

Antipolo Cathedral, home of Our Lady of Peace EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

Baby Go:

Queen of main-die films This former housewife i s n o w p i n o y m o v i e ’s producer extraordinaire

Words by Maan D’Asis Pamaran Photos by Renjie Tolentino

er life, as she tells it, is unbelievable enough that it could become the script for one of the indie movies that she produces. As a young bride of 14, Baby Go was constrained to keeping hearth and home for her husband and their three children. “It was my world, it was all I knew how to do,” she recalls wistfully. Go was a dutiful wife and a hands-on mother, to be sure. But this was not the only role that she was destined to portray. In fact, she recently took a turn as a former prostitute, not in real life, but in the upcoming indie movie starring Ai-Ai delas Alas. “It’s called ‘Area’; this is named after the place where prostitutes service the lowest classes of society,” she explains excitedly. Her staff says she is in all the films her BG Production makes, appearing in cameos the same way Alfred Hitchcock did or Stan Lee does in all the Marvel-based movies.

BORED HOUSEWIFE So how did a housewife end up being an award-winning producer? It arose out of boredom: “I always wanted to keep busy,” she recalls.She holds up her bejeweled and perfectly manicured hands. “There was a time when all my nails were cracked because I was looking for something to do that would help me make my own money,” she declares proudly. When her then small children went to sleep at night, she would make tamarind candies, peeling the thick, hard skin off the fruit by herself. “My in-laws would get angry with me, telling me to get out of the kitchen and to go to sleep. But, I waited until they dozed off and went back to work,” she smiles. She would then sell the finished products to the other parents and yayas waiting for their wards outside the gate of her children’s school. There was just something so rewarding about being able to earn on your own, she says, that is why she hatched a bigger scheme with the help of a co-parent. “When our children went to their classes, we would escape to sell real estate!” she laughs.

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“Area” at the 12th Eurasia International Film Festival in Kazakhstan

At the Salento International Film Festival

A C A R E E R I N R E A LT Y She had a life-changing epiphany when one of the moms at school suddenly became a widow: “She was very dependent on her husband for financial support. She did not have a job. I got to thinking, what if that happened to me?” “When my co-parent invited me to a real estate seminar, and I attended. We just made sure that we were back by dismissal time, so my husband would not suspect a thing!” she confesses. She gamely recalls: “We went ‘tripping,’ bringing prospective clients to the site, in Binangonan, Rizal. I remember hiding my work clothes under my children’s baon. One time, because of all the walking on muddy ground, one of my shoes broke. I had to pick up the kids with a broken shoe.”

It was a Sunday, she reminisces. There was an “open house” at the sales site, and she brought her friends along: “I left at 4 a.m. and came back at around 11:30 p.m. My husband and in-laws were worried and upset, as this was the time before there were cell phones, around 1995. They confronted me about my going out without their knowledge.” They only quieted down when she told that she made P140,000 in commissions that day. Her diligence paid off, and her disarming charm worked on her prospective buyers: “I convinced my friends to buy from me, so I could get out of the house. I did not leave the site until I could bring home proof of my sales, so I could show them that I really was out working.” Since then, she was pretty much left alone with her newfound career. By the time she entered the business of producing films, she had already made a name for herself as a businesswoman, engaged in real estate and lending.

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THE FIRST FILM PROJECT “It was the manager at my bank who introduced me to direk Joel Lamangan, who was also banking at the same branch. Joel told the bank manager that he was looking for a producer for a film project, and my name came up,” she shares. At first, she was hesitant. “What did I know about films? In my mind, I was still just a plain housewife.” Her meeting with the director convinced her that it was a worthwhile project, and she agreed to get on board. In 2013, they came out with “Lihis,” a Ricky Lee-story starring Jake Cuenca, Joem Bascon, and Lovi Poe. It was an entry to the AllMasters Edition ng Sineng Pambansa, and it captured and titillated audiences with its theme of gay rebels set against the backdrop of the martial law era. The movie also featured the mother-and-daughter tandem of Gloria Diaz and Isabelle Daza; for her role, Daza was nominated Best Supporting Actress by the Entertainment Press Society. It was a success at the box office. Another indie project by Go’s BG Productions for the Sineng Pambansa was a Mel Chionglo film titled “Laureana,” with Allen Dizon and Bangs Garcia. This Ricky Lee-script, which is based on a true story as retold by the director, won Best Actor and Best Actress awards for its leads from Gawad Pasado. It merited an A rating from the MTRCB and was part of a film exhibition in Vietnam.

WINNING STREAK That season started the winning streak for this producer who describes her films as “main-die,” which combined mainstream appeal with indie grit. Her films did not only win in local film competitions, but also wowed critics abroad. The plain housewife who was told not to leave home has now been to several countries to accept awards for bringing cinematic art and vision to life. Her film “Child Haus,” directed by Louie Ignacio and starring Katrina Halili, Leni Santos, Christopher Roxas, Ina Feleo, Tabs Sumulong, and child stars Miggs Cuaderno and Felixia Dizon, is a hopeful, heartfelt story about the foundation Children with Cancer, which is housed in

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With the stars of “Area”: Allen Dizon and Ai-Ai delas Alas

iconic beauty guru Ricky Reyes’s halfway house. It won Best Children Film at the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival, and, more importantly, director Ignacio says, was able to bring the children into the consciousness of society. “Laut” had its premiere night at the NCCA Auditorium and brought the plight of the Philippine ethnic group Sama d’Laut to audiences in London and Portugal. Barbie Forteza won Best Actress at the 36th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal. The indie “Iadya Mo Kami,” about the life of a priest who begets a child, won a Silk Road Festival Best Actor Award for Allen Dizon in Ireland.

With director Louie Ignacio and the cast of the award-winning “Child Haus”

Receiving an award at the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival with Dennis Evangelista, Romeo Lindain and Ferdinand Dizon Lapuz

ALL PRAISES Actors like working with BG Productions because it allows them to flex their creative wings. Matteo Guidicelli, usually cast in matinee idol roles, was able to do an action flick with “Tupang Ligaw.”Dizon, who has worked with Baby Go on several projects, is all praises for her as a producer. “I wish there were more of her in the industry, as she allows actors to become artists,” he smiles. Director Joel Lamangan is also thankful for her role in bringing non-formulaic films to life. “I wish there were more Baby Gos in the industry,” he quips.

S TAY I N G G R O U N D E D Go reflects, “For me, it is not just the money that I will earn from the projects, but the feeling that I am helping to elevate the industry and show the world that Philippine cinema is world-class. It can get stressful because I talk to different people from morning to night, but I enjoy it.” She is very hands-on with her projects, making sure them. It doesn’t matter if I come in late, it doesn’t matter if I don’t have a seat, as long as everyone else gets to watch it.” She avers that her attitude has not changed with success. “I am still the same person who is happy with simple things, the one who used to go to the market and cook for her family, which I now do for my grandchildren.” She laughs when she recalls the time someone tried to pull rank on her by claiming that he was part of her production company. “I asked the person, who are you with, and he started name-dropping one of my directors. ‘I am with the director, for BG Productions,’ he told me. I answered back, “I am the executive producer of BG, and I don’t know you!”

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

Presenting citations her ﬁlms received at the Singkuwento International Film Festival

Ever the entrepreneur, she is still managing other businesses apart from her films: “I have a very effective whitening soap. I have perfumes. I have them in the back of my car. My business philosophy is even if I sell you just a bar or two of soap, that is still profit for me!” She is also set to open an art gallery adjacent to her office. When people compare her to Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde, she just smiles: “I am no Mother Lily. I am a, fan and I know I will never be as big as her.” She says her secret to success is all about staying grounded: “I am the same person I was many years ago. I make it a point to always remember where I came from and respect the people I work with.”

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ExpEriEncE TRAVEL LITE

t is known as Mindanao’s grandest festival, at par with some of its counterparts around the country. It has become an occasion for reunions and gatherings among locals, with balikbayans coming home to renew ties and to enjoy the bounty of delicious tropical fruits the region is known for. The convivial dancing, matched with the colorful costumes of the lumad, the local indigenous community, has finally caught the attention of travelers here and abroad, contributing its growth in the past three decades. Yet, did you know that Davao’s Kadayawan is not native to the area?

MINDANAO’S G R A N D E S T F I E S TA

Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebrates the diversity of its people and nature’s bounty Words and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

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A CITY WITH GREAT SOUL “Kadayawan” is derived from the word madayaw, a warm and friendly greeting also used to describe something that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable. Among the Mandaya, “Kadayawan means anything that brings fortune, a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living,” says Marilyn C. Roque in an article in the Mindanao Times. “Kadayawan shows a city with a great soul,” says Arturo “Art” Boncato, Jr., former assistant secretary of the Department of Tourism and this year’s co-chair of the festivity. What makes Kadayawan unique is that it pays tribute to the lumad, the collective group of indigenous people, both locals and aboriginals, living in Davao City and among the Muslims. At one time, the festival had as theme “Ten Tribes, One Vibe”; however, it was discovered that there are actually 11 tribes living in the city: Ata, Bagobo-Klata, BagoboTagabawa, Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Matigsalog, Ovu Manubo, Sama and Tausug. “We hope to give meaning to the celebration by looking at the lives of our brothers and sisters, lumads, and Muslims,” Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte was quoted as saying. “This celebration is about them and will be for them.” EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE The celebration originated from the Kalibongan, an annual festival among the Ubo-Manobo natives of Kidapawan, North Cotabato during the 1970s. During the Martial Law years, the organization led by Datu Joseph Guabong Sibug, a respected tribal leader, experienced difficulties in staging the festival. He asked then newly-appointed Davao City Mayor Zafiro Respicio to help them celebrate it in the city as a way of attracting tourists. At that time, the city had earned a reputation as a city of summary killings. Each day, people would find two to three dead bodies thrown in ditches around the city. Foreigners and even those from nearby provinces shunned what was then known as the country’s “killing fields,” a sobriquet originally bestowed to Cambodia once upon a time. The defunct Asiaweek portrayed Davao City as a land of murders, instead of a land with bountiful resources. Something just had to be done drastically to correct this reputation. An event that truly captures the spirit of Davao, as seen through its diverse people, multi-ethnic and multireligious, was seen as a possible solution. “And so Mindanao’s king of festival was born, full of spirit, forward-looking, and full of gratitude for its abundant resources,” said Dr. Gemina Valderrama, a journalism professor at the Ateneo de Davao University. “It was never the same again, for the better.”

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A FIESTA OF THANKSGIVING At first, the event was called Apo Duwaling Festival, in honor of the city’s three famous icons: Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak; the durian, the native fruit that “smells like hell, but tastes like heaven”; and the walingwaling, an orchid endemic to the forests of the region. On the last week of September 1986, the first fiesta was held in what is now known as People’s Park. “As the new festival took a life of its own, being held every year since then, the continuous celebration of thanksgiving enabled Davao to slowly overcome adversity, and showed the world that the city is the home of warm people, abundant vegetation and crops, and, literally and figuratively, the abode of the king of fruits, the queen of orchids, and the famous Philippine eagle,” Vaderrama added. When Rodrigo Duterte assumed mayorship in 1988, the Apo Duwaling Festival was renamed the Kadayawan. In 1995, Duterte issued Executive Order No. 10 institutionalizing the celebration of Kadayawan on the third week of August every year. The Kadayawan celebration interfaces three aspects, namely tribal, industrial, and arts and entertainment. One of the highlights of the celebration is the search for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan. Unlike most beauty contests, this is a quest for a young woman who understands her culture and tradition, said Davao City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, who is a member of the Kadayawan executive committee. The most anticipated events are reserved for the weekends. The Indak-indak sa Kadalanan street dancing event is usually held on a Saturday. Contingents from various parts of Mindanao display their award-winning choreography with dancing that follows the rhythm of their music and sounds, moving together in a precise manner, and flashing their colorful attires. The festivity ends with the Pamulak Kadayawan, a floral float parade. Patterned after the Pasadena Parade of Roses in the United States, flowers and fruits are set in colorful floats sponsored by business establishments, community assemblies and peoples’ organizations that promenade the streets, symbolizing all the bounty that is sustainably enjoyed by the city’s residents.

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NOT AN ORDINARY FESTIVAL “Kadayawan sa Dabaw is not just an ordinary festival,” said Mart D. Sambalud, a Tagum-based journalist who comes to Davao City annually to regularly cover the event. “It is Davao’s way of celebrating the bountiful harvest each year, highlighting the various ethnic tribes and their cultures. The celebration is not just intended for ordinary folks to see the vibrant and multitude of culture that Davao has to offer but, in extension, it serves as an invitation to the world to discover what life really means in Davao. “Apart from it,” he added, “celebrating Kadayawan annually educates the young to live the traditions that were handed down from one generation to another. The words ‘Unity in diversity’ are what describe best Davao’s Kadayawan, a celebration that is deeply rooted in a cultural perspective.” Some Dabawenyos who are no longer reside in Davao usually go home during the weekend festival as it is the time of abundant fruits, from durian, mangosteen, marang, pomelo, rambutan, lanzones and mango. In fact, you can eat durian to your heart’s content at only P100 per fruit. The recent celebration was the city’s 31st. Indeed, Kadayawan sa Dabaw has come a long, long way!

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This season’s buffet unfolds with delightful Italian specialties such as Ossobucco a la Milanese with Soft Yellow Polenta, Italian Porchetta stuffed with Sun-dried Tomato and This season’s buffet unfolds specialties such asSauce. Ossobucco a la Milanese Black Olive with Pate, delightful and Baked Italian Salted Fish with Signature

with Soft Yellow Polenta, Italian Porchetta stuffed with Sun-dried Tomato and Black Olive Pate, and Baked Salted Fish with Signature Sauce.

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Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila | (02) 720 7777 | www.marcopolohotels.com

ExpEriEncE TRAVEL LITE

COLORFUL AFFAIRS The towns of Sariaya and Gumaca boast fiestas that rival the best in the region Text by Star Torres / Photos by Department of Tourism Region IVA

any people associate Maytime festivals with the Pahiyas of Lucban town in Quezon Province. This celebration of nature’s promise of abundance against the backdrop of mystical Mt. Banahaw is considered to be one of the most colorful affairs in the country. Yet, jovial fiestas are not exclusive to Lucban. In fact, each and every town in the country has a merry way of partying. Nearby towns also have their distinct way of enjoying themselves comparable to more popular ones, complete with their own attractions, activities and delicacies to offer. And since Quezon is just a couple of hours away from Metro Manila, the Department of Tourism has promoting these destinations for their own unique traditions. On the second week of May, the towns of Sariaya and Gumaca hold the weeklong festivals of Agawan and Arana’t Baluarte, respectively, in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and invoked for a bountiful harvest.

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AGAWAN SA SARIAYA Sariaya lies on the border of the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. Its people are known for their ingenuity when it comes to making crafts and whipping up culinary delights. For the duration of the Agawan, the town’s main streets display well-crafted bags, dresses and furniture that are made by the locals. But it is the produce that is the highlight of this fiesta. The rich harvest of fruits, vegetables, native candies and rice cakes — especially the native leche puto, a combination of favorites leche flan and puto—and colorful kiping—those hangings made from colored rice paste—are displayed on the route to be taken by the procession of the image of San Isidro. And the name “Agawan” is apt considering that the highlight of the day is the custom where locals reach out and grab the array of produce on display as the holy image passes by. It is believed that the more one is able to collect in the ensuing ruckus would mean a more abundant year to come. The whole affair ends on the 15th of May with a fashion extravaganza spotlighting the intricate gowns by local designers made with indigenous fabric.

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GRAND ARCHES OF GUMACA Gumaca’s Arana’t Baluarte—meaning chandeliers and bastion, respectively—is also celebrated on May 15 each year. A few days before the culminating activity, the townspeople erect around town huge arches that are decorated with farm produce, native delicacies and kiping. The most extravagant displays win prize from the DOT and the local government at the end of the affair. And just as in Sariaya, the arches are torn down by the crowd as they reach out for a treat after the image of San Isidro Labrador passes under it. More than the frenzied fun, the fiesta is also marked by performances of folk dances and songs that tell the town’s history

THE NEXT TOURISM HOTSPOT DOT Region IV director Rebecca Labit said festivals such as Sariaya’s Agawan and Gumaca’s Arana’t Baluarte are some of the many reasons why Quezon should be on any traveler’s bucket list. Not only are its fiestas worth exploring, but there is also a wealth of well-preserved churches and ancestral houses dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Its culture and tradition are also worth experiencing. The area’s potential as a top tourist destination is not lost on the private sector. Labit pointed out that a number of restaurants have sprung throughout Quezon. This includes Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Resort with its reasonably priced seafood dishes and native delicacies, and Air Summit Gourmet in nearby Tayabas where guests enjoy a fine dining experience on board a replica of an airplane. More than its food, she stressed that Quezon Province has numerous possibilities when it comes to eco-tourism. The DOT is assisting new and existing players in the hospitality industry to comply with the department’s assessment and accreditation systems. She said the government is active in aiding private stakeholders promote world-class service and amenities, helping companies earn more, but also give to quality accommodation and service to tourists. In spite of the challenges of modernization, these festivals also reflect the commitment of the people of Quezon to nurture and protect their environment, culture and history.

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ExpEriEncE TRAVEL LITE

Untouched by time

The centuries-old heritage of the Maranaos is alive and well in Marawi City Words and Photos by Ayunan Gunting, Al Hadj

The vibrant Maranao culture

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The Agus River is the source of hydroelectric power in Mindanao.

ilipinos have this misconception that all Muslims are alike. Except for their religion, which is Islam, Filipino Muslims belong to a variety of ethnolinguistic groups that define their culture and tradition. Take, for example, the Maranaos who place Marawi City as the center of their vibrant culture. For a time, this place had an image tainted by violence and unrest, which its newly elected mayor, Atty. Majul Gandamra, wants to discard. In fact, he’s bent on turning his city into a tourist destination, and he intends to accomplish this by showcasing Marawi’s distinct location, its scenic spots, and the unique Maranao heritage. “Marawi City is blessed with a cool climate, a rich culture, and exquisite Maranao cuisine,” said Gandamra. “The Maranao hospitality is palpable. The city sits on high ground, so it is cool all year round. Its pleasant climate makes it the summer capital of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.” Those who have visited the city would agree with the good mayor. The serene character of the place immediately disarms first-time visitors, which is a sharp contrast to its turbulent past. Tree-lined streets and majestic mosques make it one of the country’s most picturesque cities. Ensconced at an elevation of roughly 2,300 feet, the city overlooks the largest lake in Mindanao, Lake Lanao, just right where the mouth of the Agus River is located.

THE TRUE MARANAO Marawi City’s inhabitants have been predominantly Muslim. This has been so since the 14th century when ArabMalay Shariff Muhammed Kabungsuwan journeyed to the Lake Lanao region from Johore, Malaysia and introduced Islam to the native population. Islam thrived through the centuries, even as the country became a Spanish colony. The Spaniards did make attempts to conquer Marawi, and they finally did so just prior to the arrival of the Americans. Yet at present, roughly 92 percent of the city’s population is composed of Muslims. The influence of the Spaniards and Americans failed to make an impact on the people. Thus, the heritage of the Maranaos remains intact in Marawi City. But who is Maranao? How is he different from Filipino Muslim peers? There is a saying that you can take the Maranao from Lanao del Sur or Lanao del Norte, their home provinces, and place them elsewhere, but not the Maranao in them. Aside from the very unique names indigenous to our people, we are proud of our faith. Also, a Maranao is not afraid to show his uber-close family ties and will treat friends close to them as families. Nowadays, more and more Maranaos are not only in the field of trade, which is the stereotype, but also in the academe and professional industries. This is something to be proud of, as the Maranaos are adjusting to the changing times, in light of opportunities opening up. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

The many ways to wear the malong

A Maranao plays the kulintang.

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A Maranao performer plays the agung.

The Pagana Maranao is the native way of welcoming guests with a banquet of delicacies.

To have a taste of genuine Maranao culture, it’s best to explore the Padian Wet Market located in the Banggolo district, where vendors are garbed in traditional Maranao attire. This market is a showcase of fresh produce, and fried and skewered smoked tuna fish. The food here is similar to Malay cuisine. It is rich with coconut milk, fresh turmeric and spices. Laced with yellow ginger, olive oil and bay leaves, the Maranao rice goes with palapa, a meat dish with caramelized shallots, ginger and red chili, and beef rendang with coconut milk and spices. One can also shop for hijabs, stunning malongs and other ethnic fabrics, and brassware. Such exotic items share space with a few modern products, such as cell phone covers, fancy umbrellas and just about every consumer item you can think of. It’s a bustling, colorful place and a haven for bargain hunters. The city’s old world character is enhanced by the imposing homes of well-to-do Maranaos. The houses, known as torogan, highlight a distinct architectural style that is characterized by bright and sinuous okir patterns, a flowing local motif, and the panolong, which are carved beams that use a serpent pattern. Malongs serve as curtains that hang from the rafters.

FAMOUS LANDMARKS One of the city’s most important landmarks is the flagship campus of the Mindanao State University. Its school buildings echo the architecture of the torogan house, with its high gabled roofs, flaring eaves, stilts and other embellishments. Two towers with domed caps frame the main entrance to the campus. The university’s location provides it with a panoramic view of Lake Lanao, which is sometimes shrouded in mist in the early mornings, making the place seem so mystical. Another campus attraction is the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts, which houses the country’s largest collection of Muslim artifacts from the different ethnic groups in Mindanao. There’s also the fascinating doll collection of Dr. Sainuddin Malawani Moti. His company, D-Doll Enterprise, produces dolls dressed as the characters from the Maranao adventure epic, Darangen. The costumes on these dolls look so authentic; they were painstakingly embroidered and encrusted with beadwork.

Another famous landmark is the Mindanao Islamic Center Mosque, which is famous for its very regal-looking turret and tranquil courtyard. It’s the most ideal venue for prayer. Even the city’s most prominent hotel manages to make its own contribution to the city’s exotic skyline. The Marawi Resort, which is located within the campus of the Mindanao State University, also highlights the torogan architectural style. It’s also hard to miss the Kilometer 0.000 marker that welcomes motorists to the city. Serving as a sort of gateway, the marker features an eye-catching okir pattern. For those arriving in the city, the marker serves as a foretaste of the sights to behold. For those who are about leave, the marker serves as a reminder of the captivating heritage that thrives in the city they had just explored.

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The Bangui windmills provide energy to nearby towns.

NORTHERN HIDEAWAY

A road trip around the Ilocos region refreshes the soul Words and Photos by Cherry Bayle

had prepared my mind and body for the long journey to Ilocos. What I did not expect was to be fascinated with the place and the experience. I admit that all that I was looking forward to was to have a taste of empanada and cornik, a walk down Vigan’s cobblestoned streets, and taking in the sight of the windmills. It turned out I was in for a whole lot more. The drive seemed short since I was traveling with friends. Armed with an endless supply of humor and trusty Waze, we made it to Vigan a little before dusk. We checked in at Hotel Felicidad, which looked like an ancestral house with lots of stories to tell. We were only stopping for the night, and dinner was definitely on our minds. A walk around town was a must.

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The rock beach around the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

A TASTE OF VIGAN’S EMPANADA The empanada place near the hotel was full, that’s why we walked to Burgos Plaza, the town plaza, to scout the food stalls there. We settled on Aling Tina’s place, which seemed like the most popular among all the other stores because of the long line before it. The empanadas were fresh from the frying pan: they were crisp, deep-fried orange shells filled with generous bits of egg, Vigan longaniza, shreds of young papaya—or was it cabbage? All you needed to do was drizzle the pastry with Iloko vinegar. We devoured the treats at one of tables set up at the empanadahan. One piece was enough for dinner: just P35; two would have been a feast. I still found room for a sundae at a nearby McDonald’s. The plaza, like the rest of Vigan, was a wonderful mix of old and new, of local and global treats.

On the way back, one of my friends bought a box of the famous Royal Bibingka from Tongson’s, along Crisologo Street, even after the popular shop had closed for the day. Yes, we were only in Vigan for a night; we had to experience everything that we could in record time. My bed in Vigan was fit for a princess, with a canopy of sheer, lace curtains over her majesty. Although I had been warned that the hotel’s rooms and hallways were spooked—I slept with a rosary around my neck—I only saw ghosts of the past in my mind. What I couldn’t see and feel didn’t bother me at all. I slept blissfully.

THE CITY WHERE TIME STOPPED

I woke up at 6 a.m. the next morning, inspired by the day’s surprises. My friends—and so many other travelers I later learned—had already taken their morning walk, getting up even earlier than I did. Vigan is unruffled by early risers as its streets sleep lightly. It naturally shows hospitality to its guests, a gracious host that has persisted, despite the slow pace of local commerce that lends a modern-day feel to the period architecture. The signboards somehow add to the charm and artistry of wooden columns, windows and doors of yore. We were there in December, and even here Christmas never gets old. Christmas lanterns in red, green and gold hang from the houses, providing a sense of nostalgic for Christmases past. Breakfast was a warm cup of Iloko tsokolate, sweet yet strong, potent yet relaxing. The large beads of fried longaniza went well with garlic rice and my dessert of pandesal. Along with platters of bacon, ham and eggs, and a choice of orange juice and cold water spiked with lemon slices, breakfast in Vigan is definitely not for vegans.

JOURNEYING ON

At the end of our long trip, the sea beckoned in Pagudpud, calm and peaceful that day. The local scenery and its shoreline are familiar, having been immortalized in countless movies. We were undecided whether to take a dip and feel the cool water on our bodies, or simply walk along the shore, the gently lapping waves, tickling our feet. In between, numerous sights enchanted us. The windmills of Bangui were imposing figures, vanguards of the mountain and sea, standing proudly and quietly, like an Ilocano lass who has lived a charmed life and yet has not lost her manners despite modernization. In reality, they are industrial wind turbines that generate power for nearby towns, yet they blow you away with their presence.

Old and new houses line the streets of Vigan. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

A trek to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is almost like a pilgrimage. It has endured the heat and the humid breeze, its picturesque creamy white limestone boulders formed by the combined forces of ocean and weather. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known the Burgos Lighthouse is a dignified night watch. Going up its steps was like ascending an ancestral home to pay homage to one’s lolo, taking his hand to your forehead as a sign of respect. It stands on a hill overlooking the sea. The scene, as visualized in a local adaptation of Wuthering Heights, is a classic, too.

MY ILOCOS The Ilocos region is a faraway sanctuary. It is a paradise, it is breathtaking, and it is beyond one’s imagination. It is the antidote to a forgotten memory, a bruised soul, a lost love. It pulls you back when you’ve fallen off the track. And it lets you live again when you’ve forgotten how to because of too much work, of stress, of worries, of deadlines. Yes, I was blown away. The only feeling that could match it was finding a last love. One day, I pledge to go back to this northern hideaway with him who wins my heart. Ay-ayatenka, Ilocos.

The beach at Pagudpud has seen many curious travellers.

The welcome sign to the Magsingal belfry

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It’s always Christmas in Vigan.

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Experience TRAVEL LUXE

Songs of Africa

The grasslands and people of Africa casts a spell on anyone who comes near it Words and photos by Ginggay Hontiveros

am lost forever… in a song of Africa. Once entranced, it is difficult to escape the spell she casts over you: the lush yet languid green and brown and golden landscapes matched by barren plains that stretch to as far as the eye can see, the ancient chants of the tribes that echo mysteriously during the night, the seemingly choreographed parade of wild animals in their natural domain. Africa spares no one and nothing from its music that keeps playing to the uninhibited beat. The primal heat from the fertile ground takes hold of you, fills your lungs and envelops you in a choking embrace. It is impossible to break free. But I would gladly surrender to her for all time.

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THE BIG CATS The padded soles of felines in the wild as they step purposely through the bushes are impossible to hear. You turn and suddenly they are there. There is a quiet, powerful majesty to the way the big cats roam and dominate this place. On a hot humid day when the winds blow ripples through the tall golden grasslands at just the right time of the migration season, when game is aplenty, these magnificent beasts are out and about, and you are blessed to gaze upon them once more. You keep your distance, respectful of the space that clearly belongs to them, of the land that they lord over

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CHILD OF ARUSHA When his father closes his eyes at night, he has visions of his child, running carefree, dwarfed by stalks of giant golden maize glistening in the sun: wind blowing across his face, the smile brandished freely, his laughter ringing through the air as the fattened cattle graze nearby. But this is a different time. The sun sears relentlessly a bitter, arid landscape. The colors can sometimes lend itself to a burning furnace, and cornfields are like beggars, thirsty for rain to quench their parched drying leaves. There is less for everyone because the corn stalks that once flourished have been diminishing over the years. The land is dusty and many of the indigenous trees have known the gnashing teeth of giant chainsaws, felled to make burning charcoal for the many. With more and more people on the move, farming and overgrazing in swamp areas or riverbanks have caused much drought in his world. Corn takes longer to grow, if at all. Desperation grows in his heart, as rainstorms no longer visit like clockwork. He would gaze upward to the skies, and pray for the dark tear-laden clouds to appear. They are nowhere to be found. His child pays for the world’s unrelenting consumption. When destructive carbon is sent up to the sky with every unnecessary imprint we make, the weather over this African land changes with each passing season.This father knows he has no answers to the questions in his child’s eyes. He cannot see beyond this field. It is all he knows.

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CHIEF OF THE MASAIS Have you seen the passing of time, old man? Or have the years gone by, never yesterdays, never tomorrows? There is only today in this landscape of plains and valleys, of dust and heat, of water and life and death If illness takes hold of your body, would you simply shrivel up and die? For disappeared is the thought of healing tomorrow. Would these young children never walk the pathway to school? For what good is the unfamiliar ritual of ABCs when you refuse the coming of a future disparate from your truth today? If a strange white man came and told you, chief, you will never live to be a thousand years, how could you believe him when you have been alive forever? There is only here and now. Will you struggle against the tide of encroachment and change to keep your today? EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

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Experience TRAVEL LUXE

Vientiane in my mind

The capital city of Laos is a haven for culture and coffee aficionados Text and Photos By Lynette Lee Corporal

ientiane has always been my favorite go-to weekend getaway whenever I wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. First of all, I don’t need a visa. Second, it’s just about 10 hours or so away via a comfortable overnight sleeper train service to the northern province of Nongkhai just at the Thailand-Laos border. And, of course, Vientiane is still pretty much unspoiled and laidback, although traffic in the city is now getting heavier, and more commercial spaces are being built these days.

Vientiane has varied architecture, ranging from temples, European-inspired homes and the Beaux-Arts style Presidential Palace. EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

HOW TO GET THERE The first leg of the trip is from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok. The train departs nightly at 8 p.m., and one gets to choose whether to go first class air-conditioned with its private cabins, second class air-conditioned with a choice of either upper or lower berths, and third class non-air-conditioned, which is not advisable for overnight trips as it’s not very comfortable. Local and foreign tourists usually choose the secondclass air-conditioned cars due to the reasonable prices: about 600 baht for the upper berth and about 700 baht for the lower berth.

Solo female travelers, elderly ladies, or moms with kids can also opt for the Women and Children’s Car. At times, a train to Nongkhai also offers a car that is accessible for persons with disabilities. Once the train reaches Nongkhai at past 7 a.m., all you have to do is get into a tuktuk (20 baht) to take you to the Thailand Immigration. Once you’re done, you get a green bus (20 baht) that will take you across the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and into Laos Immigration. Once your passport gets stamped, you can now either choose to hop on a public bus to take you to the station near the public market or hire a tuktuk or air-conditioned van for the 20-minute ride to Vientiane proper.

WHERE TO STAY Finding a place to stay is not really a problem as the city has a wide selection of hotels, guesthouses and inns. My favorite is Faa Apartment along Rue Nokeokoummane, located just across the National Cultural Hall and near the National Museum. It’s also a 10-minute walk to the Mekong riverside promenade, where the night market sets up shop from late afternoon to midnight. When you’re in Vientiane for the weekend, you have at least three choices: Rent a bike and go cycling around the city; go on long, leisurely strolls up and down the quiet streets; or read a book in one of the open-air cafes scattered around the city. My own routine when I visit is simple enough. After checking in, I would head off to my favorite café, La Banneton, for a breakfast of eggs, ham, and baguette with butter and jam on the side. Or, if you want something healthier, opt for a good selection of salads that will certainly whet your appetite. The café-cum-bakery has a homey, cozy feel to it that will make you want to linger longer. Life is good, and so is the frothy hot cup of cappuccino right in front of you. The bread and pastries counter is a comfort food zone that draws clients like bees to honey. Don’t forget to buy a jar of crocodile pate to bring home with you.

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Most temples have gardens with distinct Buddhist sculptureAn ornate door at Wat Ongtu

An ornate door at Wat Ongtu

A vista of Vientiane from the viewing deck of Patuxai Monument

SEE THE CITY ON A BICYCLE The best way to see the city is by bicycle, which available in most guesthouses and inns in Vientiane. A day’s rental could be as low as 50 baht; other options would be a motorcycle for a higher cost. Seldom would you see a taxi in the city, so your next best bet would be a tuktuk; you either negotiate the price or follow a set price list based on kilometers. Fancy a temple and historical buildings tour? Vientiane has lots of them. Just within walking and biking distance are two very old and famous temples: Wat Si Saket, a 198-year-old Buddhist wat that houses over 6,800 tiny Buddha images dating back to the 16th and 19th centuries, and the grand Ho Phra Keo, known as the former home of the Emerald Buddha, which is now displayed in Thailand’s

Grand Palace. Both temples are just right across each other. A few meters away from these two temples is another tourist attraction, although you can only view it from outside its sprawling and intricately-designed gates: the Presidential Palace easily identifiable by its Beaux-Arts architectural style. The best place to take a photo? Right in the middle of the traffic island directly facing the Palace. Just be careful when crossing the busy road. This same road, Lane Xang Avenue, will lead you at its opposite end towards the famed Patuxai Monument, a replica of the Arc de Triomphe of Paris. There’s a viewing deck atop the tower, so prepare to climb several flights: don’t forget to bring some water with you. From the top, you have a 360-degree

view of the whole city, including the Presidential Palace and the beautifully designed fountain on the plaza below. Equally impressive, albeit newly built, is the six-year-old Chao Anouvong Park and Statue overlooking the Mekong River, which was built to honor one of Laos’ most respected kings, Anouvong. Other attraction worth checking out is the Pha That Luang, a revered stupa by locals, and That Dam (black stupa) located near the Talat Sao morning market. This 19th century stupa used to be covered in gold but was pillaged and ransacked by invading Siamese army in the early 1800s. Now, it is forlorn and forgotten, but not by tourists and devotees who continue to flock to it and make offerings.

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STROLLING DOWN THE MEKONG RIVER One other very popular activity in Vientiane is taking a long and leisurely stroll of its night market along the banks of the Mekong River. The traditional Lao sinh (skirt) with its beautiful embroidery and local fabric are sold here, as well as artwork on handmade paper created by local artists.

Colorful household décor, accessories and jewelry are also a-plenty. It’s worth checking out as, once in a while, you will stumble upon unique items, such as dove-shaped pendants and key chains made from actual metal from the UXO (unexploded ordnances) bombs that continue to haunt the whole country. Laos, according to statistics, is the “most heavily bombed country, per capita, in history.”

A FOODIE CITY One of the reasons why I keep coming back to Vientiane is Makphet, a restaurant that trains and helps marginalized youths get livelihood. It is one of the restaurants founded by Friends International, which is active in other Mekong countries, in 2004 and supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of Lao PDR. The food is really good, innovative, and is vegetarian friendly. It’s a bit pricey, but well worth it, as you are assured the profit goes to the training of outof-school youths. Drop by its adjacent shop called Friends N’Stuff and marvel at the wonderful creative pieces, including purses made from recycled newspapers and magazines, fashion accessories made from teaspoons and dessert forks, beaded bracelets, and more. Vientiane is a city that foodies would enjoy visiting. Apart from Lao cuisine (try the black sticky rice), there are lots of French-influenced cuisines, Japanese restaurants and really good Indian restaurants. Of course, it’s coffee heaven for coffee connoisseurs. After all, Laos is known for its good coffee and offers several cozy cafes, such as Joma Bakery Café, which is popular among younger generation. Apart from the banks of the Mekong, another place where there’s a thriving nightlife is along Rue Setthathirat where you could find many restaurants, bars and cafes, especially around the Nam Phou Fountain area. In recent years, signs of modernity—more cars and more traffic, construction of big malls and hotels—have appeared in Vientiane. But somehow, its quiet charm steadfastly holds on in spite of the changes. I can only hope it stays that way for decades to come.

The variety of baked goodies at La Benneton

Laotian cooking is influenced by Sino-Asian cuisine.

How about a salad of fresh vegetables for breakfast?

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Experience GOOD LIFE

A night of good food, great wines

Titania Wine Cellar Inc. chairman Tita Trillo and Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s Director of Restaurants, Bars & Events Mirko De Giorgi

By Suzette Jessica There is nothing more perfect in the world than good food paired with great wines. And if the venue of such an occasion is Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s Cucina restaurant, you are sure to enjoy delicious dishes, including The Best Paella in Town, one that is sure to have Selva shrimps, a brand of premium-quality black tiger prawns naturally raised in mangrove forests. And since it was called “A Night with Cadet d’Oc,” Titania Wine Cellar Inc. Chairman Tita Trillo familiarized guests with the best wines from the estates of Baron Philippe de Rothschild in France that accompanied each dish. The genial Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s Director of Restaurants, Bars & Events Mirko De Giorgi and super-efficient director of marketing communications Judith Los Baños made sure the cocktail and dinner event was a success.

Linda Tan, Grace Ong Gobing, Brenda Ngo, Nannette Ibasco and Belle King

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Nonoy Anson and Elaine Rojas-Villar

Titania Wine Cellar Inc. president and CEO Jose Meneses with Michael Anthony Lopez and Nico Ang

Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s Director of Marketing Communications Judith Los Baños, Titania Wine Cellar Inc. president and CEO Jose Meneses, Paige Meneses, with Suzette Jessica

Experience GOOD LIFE

Charlie Liu, Jerry Tiu, Alen Alban, Sta. Rosa Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, Arch. Johnny Hubilla, Wilcon executive financial audit manager Careen Belo, Laguna Rep. (1st Dist.) Arlene Arcillas, Wilcon president and CEO William Belo, SEVP and chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong, Arch. Maria Nina Bailon-Arce, Wilcon brand ambassador Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Jakkrit Suwansilp, Sidantha Tantirimudalige, and Justin Ongsue

Wilcon Depot

opens 37th store By Suzette Jessica Wilcon Depot unveiled recently Wilcon Sta. Rosa, its 37th store. The new large-format homebuilding and construction retail outlet is along Tagaytay Road in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The ceremonial ribbon cutting was participated in by Wilcon founder and chairman William Belo, SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong, president and CEO Lorraine Belo, AVP for Business Development and CFO Mark Belo, and executive financial audit manager and product director Careen Belo. They were joined by Laguna First District Rep. Arlene Arcillas and Sta. Rosa, Laguna Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, along with other guests. “Wilcon wants to make a difference in the home building activities of our customers and our society. We are fulfilled whenever we do our job of supplying, assisting, and providing solutions for the people,” said Wilcon Founder and Chairman William Belo. “We are particularly excited to be launching in your town, as we believe in its robust potential to grow and become an industry hub in the country,” said Wilcon SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong about the Laguna expansion. The opening of the Sta. Rosa branch coincided with the launch of Wilcon Digi, a network created to be accessed inside Wilcon stores that links shoppers to a portal of information about the store, corporate values, news and events, services, product information, and practical home tips.

Guests go around as Wilcon Depot Sta. Rosa is being blessed.

Marbee Go, columist Suzette Jessica and Experience Travel & Living editor Joseph Cortes

Wilcon president and CEO William Belo EXPER IENCEPH.COM // Vol. 3 No. 4 // 2016

ExpEriEncE GOOD LIFE

Wordtext Systems Inc. (WSI) President Juan Chua

nuance Communications’ Sunny Lun, senior presales consultant, Imaging Desktop and DnS Solutions, Asia Pacific; Derek Austin, director for Dragon Solutions, Asia Pacific; and emmanuel Catimbang, channel and oeM manager, Asia Pacific

Innovative business software lauched By Suzette Jessica

Nuance Communications, Inc., a global provider of speech and imaging solutions, has partnered with Wordtext Systems, Inc. (WSI) to distribute Power PDF 2, software that makes it easy for businesses to gain control over PDF workflows with the ability to create, convert, edit, assemble and securely share PDF files. Power PDF 2 combines and delivers usability, compatibility and security to organizations that work with PDF files heavily on a daily operational basis. Sectors that stand to gain from this software include government, banking and finance, legal, engineering, healthcare and manufacturing industries. WSI president Juan Chua noted that this strategic partnership with Nuance would help them reach new customers and revenue channels, such as the education industry. “The Power PDF 2 is a cost-effective choice for organizations… The software is customizable to meet business needs, regardless of company size or nature,” noted Emmanuel Catimbang, channel and OEM manager for Nuance Communications in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sunny Lun (second from left) with WSI’s Angelica Shenine Quizon, technical engineer; Patrick Mendoza, Technical Sales; and Jacqueline Tong, Marketing manager

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WSI VP for Solutions Division Jing Laurente and Derek Austin

emmanuel Catimbang with WSI’s Mary Joy ferreras, product manager, and Reina Putong, Senior Business Development Manager

Derek Austin, Jing Laurente and emmanuel Catimbang

ExpEriEncE GOOD LIFE

A grand bridal show at Marriott By Suzette Jessica

A wedding is one of the most important milestones in life. That’s why at Marriott Hotel Manila, nuptials are always grand occasions. The recent Marry Me at Marriott bridal show pulled out all stops to showcase not just the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, but also the talented culinary team, led by Executive Chef Miek Brammer, which provides impeccable service the hotel is known for—from the selection of cakes and pastries to the cocktails and dinner service. Highlight of the evening was the wedding collection of designers Mark Bumgarner, Francis Libiran, Ryan Madamba, and Cary Santiago with gowns and suits for the bride and groom presented for the appreciation of guests. The show was prefaced by presentations by General Manager Bruce Winton and Director of Marketing Communications Michelle Garcia.

The adorable flower girls of Ryan Madamba: Alex Winton, Jessica Carreon and Raquel Yanni Garcia

Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales Lala Quilantang, Mark Bumgarner, Francis Libiran, Marriott Manila’s Director of Marketing Communications Michelle Garcia, Ryan Madamba, Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales and Marketing Cristy Carreon, Cary Santiago and Marriott Manila’s General Manager Bruce Winton

Marriott Manila’s General Manager Bruce Winton and Megaworld Chairman and President Kingson Sian

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ExpEriEncE GOOD LIFE

Johnny Litton with his four Muses (from left): Angola Consul Helen Ong, Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza, Dean of Consular Corps of the Philippines and Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma, and Tanzania Consul Betty Chua

Oh yes, Johnny

turns By Suzette Jessica

The stars of Philippine society, from legislators to diplomats, tycoons to entrepreneurs, the leisured set, entertainment celebrities and so many more, trooped to the Marriott Grand Ballroom to toast the good health of emcee par excellence and lifestyle columnist Johnny Litton. Litton’s 80th birthday was graced by almost 600 A-listers. It was a job well done for Marriott Hotel Manila general manager Bruce Winton and marketing communications director Michelle Garcia. Among those who gave testimonials to the man of the hour were former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, business icon and diplomat Bobby Romulo, Ambassador Chuching Tambunting, SGV & Co. founder Washington SyCip, Senator and Philippine Red Cross chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, Belo Medical Group founder and medical director Dr. Vicki Belo, singer and songwriter Jose Mari Chan, and Concepcion Industries’ Paing Hechanova, among others. The beautiful women who added pizzazz to the evening’s special fashion show were Johnny’s four Muses: Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza, Monaco

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Argentinian Ambassador Roberto Bosch and wife Madame Julia with Lizette and Mikey Cojuangco

Consul General and Dean of the Consular Corps of the Philippines Fortune Ledesma, Angola Consul Helen Ong, and Tanzania consul Betty Chua. Ambassadors, consuls and lovely ladies of the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) walked down the runway in designer clothes from Rustan’s. To close the program, the country’s loved Concert King Martin Nievera sang many of Johnny’s favorite tunes. As part of his birthday pledge, he made a donation to the EJ Litton Foundation. Guests went home with gifts from Rustan’s, Beabi, Laneige, and Aficionado Germany Perfume. Tita Trillo of Titania Wine Cellar provided overflowing spirits, while Jacques Christophe Branellec of Jewelmer Joaillerie and DMark Beauty Corporation’s Nikki Tang and Turkish Airlines gave gracious support. The evening’s program was directed by Raymond Villanueva, and Muebles Italiano, florist Robert Blancaflor, Bloomwoods flower shop, tenor George Tagle, Oli Laperal, Jr. of RS Video, and 10 Inch for the TV monitors made the evening a success.

SGV & Co. founder and Austrian Consul General Washington SyCip, Rustan’s patriarch and chairman emeritus Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. with Johnny Litton

Ambassador Ana Ugarte and Marriott Hotel Manila General Manager Bruce Winton

Norge and husband Marco Polo Ortigas Manila General Manager Frank Reichenbach

Czarina Ablaza Syquia with Suzette Jessica

Brazilian Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral Souza and Timor-Leste ambassador Juvencio de Jesus Martins

Gretchen and husband, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario

Henann Group of Resorts Vice president for Marketing Karl Chusuey, Assistant Vice President for Sales-Boracay area Isabel Garcia and executive Vice President Alfonso Chusuey

Lexus Manila team (from left): president Danny Isla, incoming Executive Vice-President Yuichiro Suzuki, Operations Executive Ofﬁcer Raymond Rodriguez, Sales and Marketing Director Spencer Yu, and outgoing Executive Vice-President Toshihiko Hiranuma

.Mesdames Sylvia Tay-Van Remoortele of Belgium and Sille Forner of Norway

Madame Maria Jose and husband Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo, ambassador Isabel Caro-Wilson, and Royal Norwegian Ambassador Erik Forner

Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corp. President Hans Hauri and wife Bo

Israeli ambassador Efﬁe Ben Matityau and Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno

Madame Wang Qi of European Union

Belgian ambassador Roland van Remoortele, Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen and Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev

Dr. Kieu Phung of Denmark

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Experience GOOD LIFE

PAPSHPI Batch 26: Dr. Joy Gequillana, Dr. Ana Liza Lopez-Ong, Dr. Jacqueline Casco-Buduan, Dr. Catherine Anne Caoile, Dr. Sherry Marie Gallardo, Dr. Karen Patricio-Moreno, Dr. Teresa Katrina Aquino, and Dr. Romel Jarabelo

Doctors at skincare lecture By Suzette Jessica

Members of the Philippine Association of Primary Skin Health Physicians, Inc. (PAPSHPI), led by founding chairman Dr. Grace Lopez and president Dr. Marlon Ulit, attended a symposium on NeoStrata’s Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Manufactured in the United States, this highperformance, clinically proven advanced anti-aging neck cream, specially formulated to visibly reverse all signs of aging skin, is distributed locally by DMark Beauty Corporation, a market leader in the distribution of antiaging skin care headed by Nikki Tang as CEO. Dr. Lucia Lourdes Castro-Fores was the event’s main speaker.

Philippine Association of Primary Skin Health Physicians, Inc.’s (PAPSHPI) Public Relations Officer Dr. Diane Chan, Founding Chairman Dr. Grace Lopez and President Dr. Marlon Ulit with DMark Beauty Corporation CEO Nikki Tang

Dr. Elizabeth Tingson, Dr. Mary Grace Garin-Mariano, Dr. Donna Geraline Cruz, Dr. Juan Calixto, Jr., and Dr. Edith Bernus

NeoStrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream speaker Dr. Lucia Lourdes Castro-Fores

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DMark Beauty Corporation CEO Nikki Tang, Dr. Diana Christy Manuel, PAPSHPI Immediate Past President Dr. June Paul Garcia, and DMark Sales and Marketing Manager Cookie Nadal

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ExpEriEncE POSTING

Connecting places and moments with Ace Suitcases are designed to be one step behind the traveler that takes them, except for Ace. This world-renowned Japanese luggage brand is always one step ahead and has been a relentless trailblazer luggage for innovation in suitcase functionality and design. Travel is a way to connect places and moments. It is a passion shared by many people, including the team creating the bags at Ace. They know what it takes to build a functional, modern and high quality bag that can stand the constant movement of travel. Oki Sato, founder of design house Nendo and recipient of countless design awards, was tapped to be the creative director of Ace for his ability to take inspiration from the Japanese uncluttered aesthetic design and transform it into something personal and modern with a touch of quirkiness. From the streets of bustling Tokyo to the tarmacs of the Philippines, the Ace bags and luggage brand, exclusively distributed in the Philippines by the Primer Group of Companies, launched its much awaited collections last June at Whitespace Manila. This exclusive event was attended by the country’s most influential media partners and top style casters, who were treated to a three-part performance that demonstrated the arts and elements that inspired the Ace Tokyo luggage collection, namely the Rockpaint, Ripple, and Palisades. The program Mittsu No Geijutsu, or “three arts,” started off with kinaesthetic calligraphy, a demonstration of the Japanese calligraphy combined with dance. It was followed by a spellbinding water dance, and ended with the thrilling yet graceful handstand acrobatics that left the guests in awe. The technical precision of these arts, combined with the beauty of movement and fluidity in its execution, is the inspiration behind the Rockpaint, Ripple and Palisades collections.

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Gem Buenaflor, Patricia Nietes, Primer's Macel Abejero & Vida dela Cruz, & Ms Marie Lapira of Manila Bulletin

The Rockpaint, Ripple and Palisades feature classic, elegant lines with technological innovations that ensure the security of the bag’s contents and the user’s comfort. An ergonomic pull-up handle and organized interior design that maximize storage space make packing and going around a breeze, even to the most jaded of travelers. The TSAaccepted three-combination lock of each luggage assures the user that their bags are safe even during busy transits. The different collections also have lightweight, but extremely durable impact resistant material that will guarantee the quality and longevity of your luggage. As the visual feast for the senses came to an end, Noguchi Yuichiro gave a short talk, presenting the brand and its stunning collections. Cocktails were served wherein guests mingled and enjoyed the ambiance of the entire affair. A special raffle closed a truly unique event that people will be talking about in the weeks to come. Travel is not just an activity, it is an experience best shared with those who share your passion. Make Ace your travel companion and experience the world the way it should be done. Like @ace.PHILIPPINES on Facebook and stay connected to places and moments that matter.

ExpEriEncE POSTING

HARD WORK PAYS FOR

MRS. LAM RICE

Ask any entrepreneur his secret to success, and he would tell you that it is more than just luck. For Victor and Evelyn Lam, the powerhouse couple behind the Mrs. Lam Rice brand, it was really the four Ps of perseverance, persistence, parental care, and prayers for God’s blessings that guided them throughout the years. Fact is, the family of Victor Lam has been in the rice business for generations before his generation decided to venture into other careers. He learned much of what he knows about the business from his grandfather. That is why he was confident of going back into rice trading in 2000. After deciding on naming the business after his wife, he went through the arduous process of finding suppliers and trying out different varieties of rice. Unsteady supply from rice traders meant that quality would vary from one purchase to another, from one harvest to another. There was the also the issue of storage. Being new in the business, they learned that rice mills often did not entertain small orders. “We could not sell rice without a consistent supplier and quality,” says Mrs. Lam. “We had to build our own brand, and consistent quality would be the key to our success.” The Lams bit the bullet. They ordered an initial stock of 40 sacks of rice, thinking that what they could not sell, they would just cook and serve on their dinner table. Only then did they learn that you could not keep rice in storage for more than three months because weevils start to eat it up by then.

DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES

The Lams started to personally sell their rice door-to-door in villages near their home, distributing flyers themselves, and eventually advertising in village publications. They did the deliveries themselves, using their own car and tapping their family driver. Their cook, who she discovered had an extensive knowledge on rice varieties, helped out by answering and taking down phone inquiries. They also gave out samples to prospective buyers.Their base of loyal clients eventually grew from their relatives and close friends when they started placing their products in supermarkets. When their first big order came in, her parent’s and sister’s households helped in delivering their commitments in time. Mrs. Lam Rice had become a family endeavor. Getting into supermarkets proved to be a tough task considering there are already a number of brands in the market.“Honesty is very important when you deal with people,” says Mrs. Lam. “I remember the first clients we had. Initially, we were told they don’t have space to display our rice. But after being very truthful in our answers to their queries, we were allowed to sell two varieties, namely Sinandomeng and Dinorado.” To stand out from the crowd, the Mrs. Lam Rice brand was the first in the market to introduce vacuum-packed rice as a means of prolonging shelf life. From then on, sales started to grow slowly. “We started getting accepted in various supermarkets, engaging in retail on a per kilo basis, as in wet markets. We kept our margins very low, and delivered best quality and tasting freshly milled rice. Our rice undergoes processing at par with big Thai rice mills,” says Mrs. Lam

Celebrity endorser Danica Sotto-Pingris and Evelyn Lam of Mrs. Lam Rice

PRODUCT EXPANSION

Mrs. Lam Rice caters presently to the broad A to E market segment, from the budget-conscious to discriminating ones. Its premium local rice varieties include Dinorado Special, Whole Grain Sinandomeng, Long Grain, Sinandomeng Special, Intan, Sinandomeng Regular, and Laon—palay that has been aged for a year for those who prefer a looser grain with more yield. Its specialty variety includes Thai Jasmine, Sticky (Malagkit), Japanese and Thai White Rice. “When my father was diagnosed with cancer, we searched for an organic rice supplier and found a cooperative in Nueva Ecija to ensure a steady supply of Organic Red and Organic Brown Rice,” says Mrs. Lam. “Organic Rice is highly recommended for health enthusiasts as it is absolutely free from pesticides or chemicals,” she explained. “This is important because in semi-polished rice, only the husk is removed. There is no polishing. That’s why we are able to avoid residual pesticides when we eat Organic Rice.” The company also attended international expositions to upgrade its packaging to international standards. It currently works from a small storage facility, roughly around 80 square meters, to intentionally limit its stock to just a few days’ supply of freshly milled rice. It counts top Chinese and Thai restaurants in Metro Manila among its loyal clients.

BREAKING NEW GROUNDS For the past 16 years, Mrs. Lam Rice has relied on word-of-mouth and client recall to promote its products. However, the firm believes it is now time to actively market its inventory of rice varieties. It recently signed up actress and celebrity mom Danica Sotto-Pingris as its brand ambassador. “Danica is already serving Mrs Lam’s Rice to her family, and they enjoy it. So, she is the perfect brand endorser for us,” Mrs. Lam proudly declares.The endorsement of Sotto-Pingris of their rice varieties highlight the family orientation Mrs. Lam Rice wanted when the Lams were searching a name for their product. “When we were deciding what to call it, my husband wanted a name that was more family sounding,” she recalled. And the rest is now history.

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Retirement

More fun in the Philippines! World-class affordable healthcare, an inexpensive high-quality standard of living, a warm and hospitable people, and virtually no language barrier are some of the factors that attract foreigners to retire, reside and invest in the Philippines. Healthcare in the Philippines is of a good standard. There are Joint Commission International (JCI)accredited hospitals, such as St. Luke’s, Medical City, Makati Medical Center, and Asian Hospital. The cost of hospitalization and medicines are inexpensive; in fact, the amount of copay in the United States may practically be equal to the amount of the whole medical procedure in the Philippines. Doctors and medical staff are well trained, highly skilled and competent to provide excellent service. With this, a non-native retiree will be able to maximize his funds. The cost of living here is cheaper compared to many places in the world.

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Most foreigners live comfortably on a monthly budget of $800 to $1,200. There is a variety of restaurants offering international cuisines. Access to the Internet is stable to continually provide important information on visa requirements, public transportation, and local events, as well as keep in touch with relations abroad. Further, the Philippines is the only country in Asia that uses English as its official language in most transactions. Widely spoken even in the provinces, almost all signages and instructions are in English, as well as major broadsheets and magazines. Other foreign nationals can also avail of newspapers, such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean. The tropical climate is a boon for those wishing to escape harsh winters. The weather is favorable for the elderly who might have ailments triggered by cold weather. The respect Filipinos show for the elderly is also extended to foreigners.

There is a wealth of activities and tourist destinations for those who lead active lives. There are a host of beaches and dive sites around the country, particularly in Cebu, Palawan, Batangas, and Puerto Galera, as well as nature activities, such as swimming with whale sharks, in a variety of locations nationwide. A variety of colorful festivals, such as Cebu’s Sinulog, Aklan’s Ati-Atihan, and Iloilo’s Dinagyang, will charm of the ways of the people. Filipinos are by nature hospitable, and their amiable interactions with foreign guests have been much talked about worldwide. The people have become an important factor in attracting tourists to the country. All these have put the Philippines on the world map as a leading retirement destination in the world. A retiree have a variety of visa options to avail of depending on his situation: dual citizenship, 13A (for those married to Filipinos), and the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) offered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

SRRV is a non-immigrant multipleentry, indefinite-stay visa. With the SRRV, holders may stay in the Philippines for as long as they want without giving up their citizenship. Other benefits include: multiple-entry privileges, exemption privileges, access to greet-and-assist programs, discount privileges from services offered by PRA merchant partners, and assistance in obtaining documents from other government agencies, among others. The Philippine Retirement Authority, a government agency dedicated to lead the retirement agenda of the country, designed the retirement visa based on varying retiree lifestyles and needs. The basic features of the SRRV are: SRRV Smile: For active/healthy principal retirees 35 years old and above who would like to maintain their visa deposit of $20,000 in any of the PRA designated banks; SRRV Classic: For active/healthy principal retirees who would opt to use their visa deposit of $10,000/$20,000 (50 years old & above), or $50,000 (35 to 49 years old), to purchase condominium units or use for the longterm lease of a house and lot; SRRV Human Touch: For ailing principal retirees, 35 years old and above, who are shown to have medical/ clinical needs and services. Under this option, the retiree only needs to have a visa deposit of $10,000, a monthly pension of at least $1,500 and a health insurance policy; and, SRRV Courtesy: For former Filipinos (35 years old & above), and foreign nationals (50 years old & above) who have served in the Philippines as diplomats, ambassadors, or officers/ staff of international organizations. The visa deposit is $1,500. There are many reasons for retirement. Some retire to experience utmost comfort and enjoyment after long years of working, while do so to begin a new life. Whatever the reason, retiring in the Philippines is an experience one will never forget. Come and retire in the Philippines!

One of Hotel Fleuris’ well-appointed rooms

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ExpEriEncE POSTING

FREEWATERS BECOMING AN INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE How does one make an impact on society? How does one make a change? For entrepreneurs Eli Marmar and Martin Kim, avid surfers and industrial designers who founded the Freewaters footwear brand, merely creating innovative, stylish and comfortable footwear was not enough. As they had a deep respect for the healing power of water, they were committed to transform lives by providing access to clean drinking water. From the time Freewaters was launched in 2012, the company has set aside one percent of its gross sales to fund global clean drinking water projects. It has mobilized water ventures and enterprises in Kenya, Haiti, California and, recently, the Philippines. Together with Freewaters’ Kim, associates from Primer Group of Companies and their partners set out for an Agta community in Casiguran, Aurora, located 121 kilometers from Baler. The reason for the trip was not to surf, but to hand over 30 water filters to residents in the coastal sitio of Dipontian, which was ravaged by typhoon Lando in October 2015. Since that time, the barangay has had no access to clean drinking water. With this humanitarian initiative, over 2,200 people making up over 570 families would finally have potable water.

Why is it that those who have less in life seem to be livelier and possessed with positive energy?? The Agtas gladly regaled the mission with singing and dancing, their smiles heartfelt and their laughter contagious. When the folks from Freewaters presented the water filters, their appreciation and gratitude was sincere and evident. When one is given the opportunity to be an agent of change and provide to a community in need, the experience is deeper and more meaningful. Indeed, Freewaters takes it upon itself to be an instrument of change. Its philosophy revolves around what feelsgood, whether it’s the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped a community or the simple joy of being near the sea. Freewaters co-founder Martin Kim

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DRIVING WITH AN ICON Words and photos by Kid Orit It took renowned German automaker Volkswagen 80 years and 21 million units before it produced a successor to its iconic Beetle. While today’s millennial generation may have no memory of the time when it was the leading car on metro streets, its distinctive design is definitely a cultural trademark. The latest generation Beetle inherits the old car’s classic exterior—its iconic curves and distinct headlights with a couple of modern tweaks that continue to make it a head-turner. Features such as Electronic Stabilization Program, eight-channel Park Distance Control, standard safety features, and an infotainment system pumped up with eight built-in speakers, among others, means driving has never been this stylish. It is also no pushover as it offers two powerful turbo-charged engines. The 1.4 TSI (Turbo Stratified Injection) allows it to accelerate immediately to 100kph in just 8.3 seconds, while the 1.2 TSI with manual transmission (M/T) can accelerate to 100kph in 10.9 seconds. By having a small turbo-charged engine, the new Beetle can ride the distance with power while being fuelefficient.

The interior roars with a balanced elegance and sportiness. The dashboard and steering wheel are covered with sleek leather as an accent to the car’s exterior color, if you are driving the 1.4 TSI. The multifunction steering wheel gives the driver full control of the vehicle, as he never has to take his hands off the wheel even as he is adjusting some settings in the car. The speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge are reminiscent of the classic Beetle, paying homage to the original design. And lastly, the seats comfortably hug back both driver and passenger. Aside from these cool features and its great look, the 21st century reboot is real fun to drive, and provides car lovers and families who had the Beetle for their first car with brand new memorable moments. Whether you are going to the latest urban getaway, a last minute road trip up the mountains or to a nearby beach, a spoken word gig or an art opening, the new Beetle takes you there in real cool fashion.

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TIME TO SWITCH TO DLP PROJECTORS Tech giant Acer launched recently two top quality projectors, the ES-12 and the X117H. These models use digital light processing (DLP) technology and high-performing and heavy-duty digital micromirror device (DMD) chips. “DLP projector technology is different because of its digital micromirror device (DMD) chip that projects a thousand mirrors to compose a high-definition image. Other technology makes use of LCD panels to produce a colored image,” explained Faith Kuo of Acer Philippines. “The DMD Chip is highly durable and long-lasting which contributes to the DLP projector’s total cost of ownership.” The Acer ES-12 has a standard resolution of 800x600, which can be maximized to a supported 1920x1200 resolution. Acer’s DLP technology 12 has 3,000 lumens, which can display brighter presentations. Despite brighter projection of images, the unit maintains quality by also providing 1.07 billion colors and provides a contrast ratio of 20,000:1. The new X117H model has the same features as the ES12, but delivers more brightness and vividness. It features 3,600 brightness with 20,000:1 contrast ratio compared to the mainstream brightness of 3,200 lumens and contrast ratio.

from left to right Debbie Santos - VP for Talent Acquisition, VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc. ; Wilkins Tan, VP for Business excellence and Support Services, VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc. ; Anant Singh - Vp for operations VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc. ; Jared Morrison - SVP and Country Manager, VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc. ; Secretary Adrian Cristobal - DTI Secretary ; eppie Titong - VP for operations, VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc. ; Jovy Llanes - VP for Human Resources, VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc

VXI opens flagship facility in Pasay Contact center solutions provider VXI Global Solutions recently opened its flagship facility in Pasay, its seventh in the Philippines, and is looking at opening one or two more by end of this year. Speaking to the local media during the facility’s grand opening at the Five E-Com Center located at the Mall of Asia Complex, Jared Morrison, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for the Philippines of VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc., said they are already scouting for two more additional locations in the country. Morrison said among locations being considered are in Metro Manila and in provinces that are in the Next Wave Cities list of the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP). Announcement of the new locations will be made by late this year or early next year. The Pasay site, costing an estimated P185 million to build and will house more than 1,000 employees, is already filled to about 80 percent of its total capacity. Morrison said they expect to be fully loaded by the end of this year as well. VXI provides call center and ITO services in more than 25 languages for leading global Fortune 500 companies. Its partners rely on a complete range of contact center and technology solutions to retain and grow their customer base while maintaining the highest level of quality and operational excellence. For more about VXI, visit www.vxi.com.

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BG Productions international inc.

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Experience Travel and Living Volume 3 Number 4

Articles inside

Postings

Road Trip

The Good life

Travel Luxe

Celebrity Travel

Beauty

Sanctuaries

Living Well

Retreats