Planet Philippines (Edmonton Edition) March 2012 Issue

PLANET

Edmonton Edition

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PHILIPPINES

MARCH 2012

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MARCH 2012

PLANET

16 PHILIPPINES

Edmonton Edition

IMPOSInG IMPOSING MISERY MISERY AMOnG AMONG THE THE POOR POOR A poor housewife says she and her husband had wanted to have only three children, but she was hesitant to try birth control. “The doctor already told me it is dangerous for me to keep on having more children, I think after my fourth or fifth child, but what can I do?” asks the mother of 17 children.

A study in 2010 found that women between the ages of 15-49 only want 2.4 children but end up having an average of 3.3.

By AnA p. santos

T makes us happy to have a lot of children in the house,” Rosalie Cabinyan says in Filipino. “There is endless laughter and cheer with all of them moving about.”

“I guess the only time it gets difficult is during eating time. There’s never enough to eat.” Her cheerful tone changes; her eyes turn misty. “my Grade Four daughter cries when she’s hungry. Often, I have no food to give her so I just end up crying, too.”

Cabinyan, a 55-year-old housewife, lives in Baseco, Tondo, manila, one of the poorest communities in the city, with her husband and their 17 children. Her husband works as a janitor.

Edmonton Edition

PLANET

17 PHILIPPINES

A Manila city ordinance prevents families from accessing birth control methods from public health facilities.

Cabinyan has been pregnant 22 times, but five of her children died.

“I first got pregnant when I was 16 years old. We lived in a very remote part of Baseco then. There were health workers who would visit us and talk to us about family planning and birth spacing. I was open to it, but we lived so far that they could only visit once every three months,” Cabinyan recalls.

In between those visits, Cabinyan would get pregnant again. “I guess I’m just one of those women who get pregnant easily,” she adds.

Cabinyan says that she and her husband had wanted to have only three children, but she was hesitant to try birth control.

“I’ve never tried pills or IUD because my friends told me that would be bad for my goiter,” she relates. And condoms, she says, looking shyly downward, were out of the question for her husband.

“The doctor already told me it is dangerous for me to keep on having more children, I think after my fourth or fifth child, but what can I do?” Cabinyan asks.

Cabinyan is one of the 5.25 million Filipino women who do not have access to contraception, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a US-based reproductive health think tank that specializes in reproductive health care research.

In a May 2010 study entitled, “Facts on Barriers to Contraceptive Use in the Philippines,” Guttmacher found that women between the ages of 15-49 only want 2.4 children but end up having an average of 3.3.

Apart from the cost and lack of awareness, the study also showed that the most common reasons why women do not practice contraception are health concerns about contraceptive methods, including fear over their possible side effects. At least 44% reported these reasons in 2008, as did 41% in 2003.

In 2008, according to the United Na-

In 2008, an estimated 3.4 million Filipino women became pregnant, with 1.9 million having unintended prergnancies tions Population Fund, an estimated 3.4 million Filipino women became pregnant, with 54% of them (around 1.9 million) having unintended pregnancies.

What makes it more difficult for women like Cabinyan is the fact that they live in Manila where a local city ordinance, Executive Order 003, is in place.

Under EO 003, enacted by then Mayor Lito Atienza in 2000, the City of Manila declares its “total commitment and support to the responsible parenthood movement.”

In this ordinance, responsible parenthood means promoting only natural forms of contraception for family planning.

In effect, none of the government hospitals and clinics in the city of Manila offers modern forms of contraception like condoms, pills and services like vasectomy and tubal ligation.

“Since the issuance of EO 003, there has been no procurement of products and services in city health centers and hospitals which are not in the category of natural family planning method,” says Dr. Junice Melgar, executive director of Likhaan Women’s Health. Likhaan runs community health clinics in various parts of Manila.

The women of Manila suffered during the implementation of the contraception ban.

In the report entitled, “Imposing Mis+19

MARCH 2012

PLANET

MARCH 2012

18

PHILIPPINES

Edmonton Edition

CELEBR TY

NORA IS BACK SANS THROAT SURGERY NORA Aunor returned to the country last Feb 24 after spending nearly two months in the United States to have her singing voice treated. Her close friend, John Rendez, accompanied her back from Los Angeles.

She told reporters who met her at the airport that her throat surgery in Boston did not push through because there were therapy sessions and preparations that needed to be done before the surgery.

NORA

RUFFA

RUFFA Gutierrez is ecstatic upon learning that her marriage to estranged Turkish husband Yilmaz Bektas has been annulled by a local court. Ruffa and her two daughters were in Biacay when she learned about the “bittersweet” news.

“She is now officially single,” Ruffa’s lawyer declared.

The Taguig Regional Trial cited “psychological incapacity” on the part of for its decision to annul the couple’s marriage last March 25, 2003 at The Fort in Taguig.

The court awarded Ruffa custody

NEW MAN IN MS. D’S LIFE

Melai told another PBB housemate that she and Jason are no longer together. “Parang ganoon nga (hiwalay na),” she said, quickly adding, “Pero hindi na naman ako galit sa kanya ngayon.”

Jason said that he and Melai have a misunderstanding.

According to Jason, their rift arose when he forgot to invite Melai to join him in a party hosted by a PBB ex-housemate.

“In-explain ko naman sa kanya na minsan ay gusto ko ding mag-isa kasi may iniisip ako para sa amin. So na-feel niya yata nanlalamig ako sa kanya o wala na akong feelings... Ayoko namang mag-sorry kasi wala naman akong kasalanan.”

As a result of their quarrel, Jason decided to leave the sitcom Banana Split, where he and Melai appear.

Mendoza and in a teleserye for TV5. Nora’s first comeback project last year was TV5’s mini TV series Sa Ngalan Ng Ina. She said she plans to return to the US for her surgery after finishing these two projects.

Nora confirmed that she will resume shooting the unfinished biopic of Emilio Aguinaldo, El Presidente, opposite Laguna Governor Jorge “ER” Ejercito.

She said she is hopeful that she could recover her singing voice soon so she could appear in a planned concert on her birthday on May 21.

RUFFA IS NOW ‘OFFICIALLY SINGLE’

MELAI CONFIRMS BREAKUP WITH JASON

MELAI Cantiveros has finally admitted that she broke up with Jason Francisco.

“Hindi, oo, hindi,” the comedienne told a Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) housemate when asked if Jason is her real-life boyfriend.

Melai and Jason, who were both discovered on Pinoy Big Brother, entered the PBB house on Feb. 19 to help Big Brother in giving tasks and challenges to the remaining housemates.

“Kailangan daw akong magkaroon ng voice therapy, pero pagkatapos no’n... Kinakailangan kong bumalik talaga [sa US] dahil yung doktor doon, masyadong busy at kailangan lang talagang i-schedule pa. Pero nakita na nila kung anong problema. Hindi pa [natuloy] yung operation, dahil may mga prosesong ginawa pa. Pagkatapos ng operation, ‘tsaka naman magbuvoice therapy... sa New York,” Nora explained.

According to her, she is set to star in an indie movie to be directed by multi-awarded Brillante

DINA Bonnevie says she has never been happier now that she has a new man in her life— “I feel so loved,” she beams. “And I also love him in return. He really makes time for me. Minsan nagugulat ako kahit ang layo ng location ng taping ko, he goes out of his way to visit me.”

The lucky guy is Ilocos Sur Vice Governor DV Savellano.

In a text message to a friend, Dina said, “DV and I have been dating since last year and this year, we became officially BFGF (boyfriend-girlfriend).”

Queried if she would be willing to get hitched the third time around, she blurted, “Why not?”

The 51-year-old actress has had two failed marriages – to Vic Sotto, with whom he has two children; and businessman Dick Pengson.

Turning to Vic, who has been linked to younger women, Ms. D said, “Like everyone else, he has a right to be happy. Let’s not deprive him of the joy of being in love.”

Commenting on their son Oyo’s tweet alluding to “material girls” around Vic, Dina explained, “That’s just his way of showing concern.

He knows how generous Vic is. Nakikita niya siguro na naibibigay ni Vic ang mga luho ng girls—which I didn’t get to enjoy before. Natural reaction ’yun of a son who loves his dad. Siguro mas okey kay Oyo kung hindi taga‘Eat Bulaga’ ang ma-link sa dad niya.”

of their daughters, Lorin and Venice.

The couple had been estranged since May 2007 when Ruffa and her children returned to Manila. She filed for annulment in 2009.

Since then Ruffa had been linked to at least two men – John Lloyd Cruz, with whom she had a brief affair, and a South American businessman. The actressTV host claims she is loveless at the moment.

DINA

LUIS

LUIS: MARRIAGE ONLY A MATTER OF TIME ACTOR-TV host Luis Manzano is floating on Cloud 9 these days.

He has a thriving career and a happy love life with current girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado.

Asked if people could expect the wedding bells to ring out soon, Luis replied, “Well, I’m very, very happy and it’s only a matter of time. Time can prove me right.

Time can prove me wrong. But hopefully.”

He added: “At the end of the day, kung sino man ang mamahalin talaga ng puso ko nang buongbuo, na ihaharap ko talaga sa Diyos at sa pamilya ko, long way to go. Alam ko na... of course, she [Jennylyn] has a family too, kaya ayoko namang biglain na, ‘Yes, pakakasalan kita!’”

But he said he feels he is now ready to settle down. “I’m not getting any younger. And siguro... yes! When everything has been said and done, siguro it’s safe to say I have lived my life and there’s always a new chapter waiting to be explored.”

Luis had been busy lately preparing for the re-launch of the game show, Deal Or No Deal, last Feb. 25. He takes over from previous host Kris Aquino. He is also co-host of Sarah Geronimo in the new musical program, Sarah G. Live.

Luis is also shooting the movie Moron 5 and the Crying Lady with Marvin Agustin, Billy Crawford, Martin Escudero, DJ Durano, at John “Sweet” Lapus.

PLANET

Edmonton Edition

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PHILIPPINES

MARCH 2012

CELEBRITYFILES

THE VICKI-HAYDEN MELODRAMA RAGES

THE lovers’ quarrel between celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo and her estranged lover, Hayden Kho, is far from over. In fact, the melodrama is getting nastier.

It will be recalled that on Feb. 10 the 56-yearold Vicki said she was ending her affair with the 32year-old former doctor after reports surfaced that the latter had been seeing actress-singer Nancy Castiglione, also known as Nancy Jane. Afterward Vicki hurriedly flew to the US for a few days rest and returned to Manila on Feb. 20.

Upon her return, Vicki sent out his tweet: “...To all those who care I’m doing ok. I’m still sad of course but it would be weird if I wasn’t since in 3 months we would have been together 7 years. Im trying [to] figure out what lesson I’m supposed to learn from this…

People are saying I was stupid for getting involved with a much younger man. Do you tweeps think an older woman younger man thing wont work?”

On the night of Feb. 20, Hayden, seemingly furious over the turn of events, posted two messages on his Twitter account accusing Vicki of having an affair with a certain Al Galang. He posted a photo of the guy, who was identified as a yoga instructor and model, and a supposed letter from him to Vicki.

But a few minutes later, Hayden he took back his accusation, saying he made it “in the height of my anger.” He tweeted, “Vicki DID NOT have an affair with that guy.” Although Al’s letter was true, he said, “Vicki and I spoke about it already and I believe her.” He sent a second tweet: “Vicki NEVER cheated on me.”

At the same time, Hayden denied he had an affair with Nancy, claiming they were just friends. “And about Nancy, it is also not true that we were dating or were having an affair. I hope that clears her name and my name as well,” he tweeted.

He added he was cancelling his Twitter account and would not pursue his plans to return to showbiz.

This was not the first time that the couple had

MARK, PIOLO STILL FRIENDS SINGER-ACTOR Mark Bautista has already put behind him the malicious rumors that dragged him in the middle of the high-profile breakup of his good friend Piolo Pascual and KC Concepcion last year.

He said he has remained friends with Piolo despite having been alleged to have caused the split of the so-called “fairytale” couple.

“Nagkakausap naman kami…

Okey naman kami, wala namang…

Tsaka ayoko nang i-elaborate pa ngayon ah, kasi tapos na at nakamove on na lahat, at naka-move on na ako,” said Mark.

He said speculations on his true sexuality—an issue that came out in his early days in showbiz—has made him immune to such nasty intrigues. “At first,

HAYDEN & VICKI been engaged in a public spat. The first and worst quarrel was in 2009 when a sex video of Hayden and actress Katrina Halili was circulated on the Internet.

Hayden lost his medical license as a result of the scandal.

But Vicki and Hayden eventually reconciled and had even discussed getting married.

PIOLO

IMPOSING MISERY AMONG THE POOR From page 17

ery”, a collective study done by various women’s groups, including Likhaan, women had to resort to sleeping in separate homes from their husbands just to avoid having intercourse with them.

Some husbands insinuated that their wives were having affairs and were beaten for refusing to have sex.

Others were advised by their health care provider to avoid additional pregnancies, but could not offer services like ligation.

The women would be advised to transfer to another hospital, where they could have the procedure, but would have to pay for it.

Women’s groups and NGOs also suffered as a result.

“EO 003 meant that modern forms of contraception would not be funded by the city government.

So NGOs and civil society groups

had to fill in the gap when it came to reproductive health services.

But even that was difficult. Many of our staff were harassed for conducting sexuality seminars or giving out condoms,” adds Melgar.

In January 2008, a group of Manila residents, with the help of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) and ReproCen, a reproductive rights and health organization based in the University of the Philippines in Manila, filed a class action suit against the City of Manila and the implementation of EO 003.

The case, Lourdes Osil et al. v. Mayor of Manila, with Beth Pangalangan as lead counsel, labeled the provisions of EO 003 as a violation of various treaties that the Philippines is a signatory of. These include the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against

A streamer proclaims opposition to the Reproductive Health bill which promotes family planning.

Women (CEDAW); various provisions found in the 1987 Constitution; and the Magna Carta for Women of 2009.

“The City Council of Manila should immediately revoke EO

003, and ensure that artificial birth control devices, including birth control pills and injectables be made available to all adult citizens who are residents within its jurisdiction, in health centers and

MARK medyo taranta ako… Shocks, bakit ganito? Bakit ganyan? Pero ngayon, okey [na ‹ko]…

He continued: “Of course tao lang din naman ako… Sabi ko, tahimik naman lahat so ang pangit pa kung magsalita pa ko›t may sasabihin pa ko... Buti na lang hindi ako nadi-depress ng mga ganung bagay. Buti na lang pinapalagpas ko lahat sa tenga ko…

Kasi kung iisipin ko pa ‹yon, baka kung sa›n ako hanapin ngayon.”

He said he also realized that in the industry he›s in, “hindi mo maiiwasan so tanggapin mo na lang na ‹yun talaga ‹yung puwedeng sabihin sa›yo... As long as you’re confident about yourself… your sexuality, there’s no need for you to worry.”

hospitals,” said a report signed by CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales.

Filed with the Court of Appeals, the case was dismissed in May 2011. An appeal was filed before the Supreme Court in September 2008 but was also dismissed.

The groups however continued to hold dialogues with the Manila Health Office under Mayor Alfredo Lim (who defeated Atienza in 2007).

In November 2011, City Hall issued a new ordinance, EO 30, entitled “Further Strengthening Family Health Services.”

It clearly gives couples birth control choices, following the principle of responsible parenthood.

But what would this mean for the women of Manila? And for women like Rosalie Cabinyan who had had too many? (Rappler. com) n

PLANET

MARCH 2012

KIM AND XIAN

BRINGING

20 PHILIPPINES

Edmonton Edition

Kim and Xian are more than happy to supply the audience with moments that are all seemingly genuine, unique, and sincere.

‘KILIG’

BACK IN SHOWBIZ

Fans have noted that the KimXi love team is for everyone -- bridging the proverbial gap between the ages and the classes. The pair is wholesome enough to be adored by the younger fans but still relatable enough to be admired by the older audiences.

By CHERiE del rio

T was an unexpected chemistry. she’s recovering from a heartbreak and slowly reclaiming her place in the industry. He’s a multi-talented newcomer who was likewise seeking stable ground in show business. although they have worked together previously albeit with smaller roles, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim did not have an established love team until their hit primetime teleserye, My Binondo Girl. Kim was even paired with two other leading men in the show: Jolo Revilla and Matteo Guidicelli. But it was her pairing with Xian that had the series title trending in Twitter both in the Philippines and worldwide. as the series progressed, both the show’s producers and viewers were pleasantly shocked by the onscreen romance between Kim and Xian, how they got televiewers kilig with their scenes. It truly was a surprise -- and it is this very element that triggered the success of KimXi (Kim’s and Xian’s names put together to form a label for their love team). almost out of nowhere, KimXi garnered recognition and support not just from the local fan base but even from colleagues in showbiz as well. all of a sudden, KimXi is the

next big thing and everyone, regardless of their age, social class, or geographical location (thanks to TFC!), is feeling kilig over Team Jandy (another label that represents Jade + andy, characters in My Binondo Girl played by Kim and Xian, respectively).

Everyone was pleasantly shocked by the onscreen romance between Kim and Xian, how they got televiewers kilig with their scenes.

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Edmonton Edition

21 PHILIPPINES

MARCH 2012

Kilig factor Today’s leading newspapers, magazines, and even Kapamilya shows all share a bit of the limelight with KimXi. Everyone seems eager to feature the budding romance between the Filipino-Chinese pair. In an episode of KrisTV, Kris Aquino unabashedly pointed out that Kim and Xian looked really good together and more importantly, that Xian had her vote.

A lot of fans have noted that the KimXi love team is for everyone -bridging the proverbial gap between the ages and the classes. The pair is wholesome enough to be adored by the younger fans but still relatable enough to be admired by the older audiences. If Filipino TV had a poster couple for the exciting beginnings of young love, then KimXi would definitely be it.

Their My Binondo Girl co-star, Cherry Pie Picache, admits to feeling butterflies whenever she looks at the pair. It has been reported that Xian is quite old fashioned when it comes to his courtship ways.

Lumang tao is how Kim described him in a recent interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal.

Xian, as part of his Christmas gift to Kim, hired a choir to serenade the young actress after the latter commented that she can’t quite feel the spirit of Christmas. Earlier, Xian overheard Kim talking about wanting a life-sized teddy bear. He then surprised her with one: a dark brown, fluffy, giant stuffed bear.

Apart from these grand gestures, Kim admits to receiving flowers from the actor-singer. She says that guys like Xian are a rarity nowadays. This all the more enflames the passion of KimXians (fans of their love team).

Everyone seems to be guessing, trying to determine whether there is something more to the onscreen pair of Jade and Andy. And of course, all these guessing and excitement contribute to the overwhelming kilig that now envelopes the Pinoy TV fandom. Kim and Xian, on the other hand, are more than happy to supply the audience with moments that are all seemingly genuine, unique, and sincere. They are careful with interviews, though -- always being clear on what their relationship status is so far and how things are being taken in stride.

From Kimerald to KimXi Perhaps one of the strongest fan organizations that will define Filipino showbiz history is the Kimeralds (fans of Kim and Gerald Anderson). And when the

Xian is quite old fashioned when it comes to his courtship ways, prompting Kim to describe him as lumang tao.

Armed with simple flowers, hired choirs and teddy bears, Kim says that guys like Xian are a rarity nowadays.

pair split up, the Kimerald hype died as well. Now that both Kim and Gerald have separate career paths, one cannot help but wonder how the fan group is thriving in all the changes.

A lot of Kimeralds have been supportive of the KimXi love team, adding force to its growing popularity today. Everywhere on the inter-

net, you will find KimXi-devoted websites. From Facebook fan pages to Tumblr to Twitter, the KimXi tag is visible and dominant.

Upon closer inspection of these sites, however, you will find that there are still a lot of fans that compare Kimerald to KimXi even though they are supportive of both pairings. It is as though they approve

of the KimXi pair but, just like any other hardcore fan, Kimeralds will always advocate the Kim-Gerald pair, hoping for a reconciliation in the future may it be on or off cam.

Rivalry between the Kimerald and KimXi camps is rare if not altogether nonexistent on major websites. And all this positivity boosts KimXi’s promising direction in the tough industry.

Looking ahead After My Binondo Girl ended on January 20, fans started clamoring for more KimXi appearances - emails to the ABS-CBN network,

posts and comments on public websites, twitter pleas, etc. With the success of their pairing, though, Kim and Xian would most likely show up on another teleserye or in a movie in the very near future. Kris Aquino, also in another episode of her morning talk show, hinted that Kim is presently working on a movie with one of the major stars of the network and Xian will be joining her. Online discussion boards have guessed that Xian and Kim’s first movie together will be with the Star for All Seasons herself, Ms. Vilma Santos.

Xian has gained a lot of fans and admirers for how special he has been treating Kim. He already wrote a song for her entitled Ako’y Sayo Lamang, which is part of the soundtrack of their soap. After the choir serenade, the life-sized teddy bear, and the song, one can’t help but wonder how Xian will possibly outdo himself. Whatever magic he still has up on his sleeve, the entire Pinoy fandom will definitely be keeping watch and feeling kilig. n

PLANET

MARCH 2012

22 PHILIPPINES

Edmonton Edition

By jERRiCHo reynaldo

V E RYO N E can remember that dramatic November interview: tears, mockery and cryptic answers the viewers could only speculate on. But 2012 was a new beginning for actress KC Concepcion as she started the year single, fulfilled and crazily sultry on the pages of two glossy magazines – Rogue (JanuaryFebruary 2012) and Cosmopolitan (March 2012).

Gracing the cover of Rogue magazine for the second time, the new KC shows more skin amid the use of freakish props and flattering garments, much to the excitement of readers and fans. Her mother, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, however, displayed apprehensions about the release of the magazine, as she said over Twitter that she was “nervous about rogue!”

Unlike the mostly negative reactions received by the magazine covers featuring Jinkee Pacquiao and Charice Pempengco, bloggers and the media had only positive comments for the Rogue photos, with many theories sprouting across the web as to the nature and meaning of the props therein. In one interview, KC revealed, perhaps jokingly, that the shoot was inspired by her “feelings” and “emotions,” while the photographer of the set, Mark Nicdao, said that the cover is “open for interpretation.”

The head prop hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who saw the cover, saying it may be an allusion to ex-boyfriend Piolo Pascual or a supposed celebrity third-party, sensationalizing the extant rumor on Piolo’s sexuality. The addition of KC’s pet snake Coco has even prompted gossip show hosts to muse on possible movie titles, like Shalala’s “Adam? Or even Eve.” There are those who say, however, that the Rogue feature is nothing but a publicity stunt set to propel the actress into another level of stardom. With parents like Sharon and Gabby Concepcion, KC may have no need for such an exposure but now may be the perfect time to grab the audience’s attention, what with the resounding echoes of the ended relationship

and the reasons behind it.

KC, nevertheless, has come out of the controversies fresh and unscathed – a risen victim of love.

In an elegant use of fur, leather and hugging swim clothing, she has artistically showcased a restricted view of her voluptuous body as a tease for many of her fans, all with an exclusive interview from awardwinning director Jose Javier Reyes.

Since its release during the last week of January, the magazine has since been seen in many bookstores around the country, and has even found its way in cafes for the reading pleasure of coffee-lovers.

As it is said, people do strange things when they come from a bad breakup. At the rate things are going for KC, an FHM feature may not be that far-off. A sexy role in a 2012 movie, even? n

IF YOU YOU IF COULD COULD SEE ME ME SEE NOW! NOW!

KC has come out of the controversies fresh and unscathed – a risen victim of love. In an elegant use of fur, leather and hugging swim clothing, she has artistically showcased a restricted view of her voluptuous body as a tease for many of her fans.

PLANET

Edmonton Edition

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PHILIPPINES

MARCH 2012

This is how the Entertainment City will look like from Manila Bay.

The new Entertainment City, expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2012, will serve as a springboard for tourists to discover the rest of the Philippines.

multi-billion-peso casino resort complex is rising not far from Sm mall of Asia in the reclaimed area along manila bay in Paranaque City.

Called the bagong nayong Pilipino Entertainment Complex, the development is a project of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), the state-run company that operates lottery and casinos in the country. the project cost is estimated at $15 billion. the complex is a massive fullyintegrated entertainment and leisure complex that aims to attract tourists from Asian countries, notably China, taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and malaysia. it is touted as the country’s answer to the gambling mecca of macau. it expects to generate some 400,000 jobs.

Among its major features are luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants, shopping centers, theatres, convention halls, museums, an amusement park, a sports stadium, a racetrack, and a residential complex for expatriates and retirees.

MULTI-BILLION ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX TAKES SHAPE Artist’s conception of glass dome-covered indoor beach at Manila Bay Resorts. there are four major investors in the complex: Aruze Corp. of Japan, the Genting berhad Group of malaysia, bloombury investments limited of Australia, and Sm investments Corp. (SmiC) of retailing and banking taipan Henry Sy Sr. Each of the four partners is required to build at least 800 ho-

tel rooms —for a total of 3,200 rooms—before they will be allowed to open casino operations at the site. this requirement is meant to ensure that adequate hotel facilities would be available to accommodate the influx of tourists to the complex.

Collectively, the four proponents have committed to invest a

The $15-billion entertainment and leisure complex is touted as the country’s answer to the gambling mecca of Macau.

It aims to attract tourists from Asian countries and expects to generate some 400,000 jobs.

minimum of $4 billion to build a world-class destination, which will serve as a springboard for tourists to discover the rest of the Philippines.

the new Entertainment City is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2012. two of the four investors -- retail tycoon Henry Sy’s Sm Group, jointly with belle Corp.; and port magnate Enrique Razon’s bloomsbury investments – began work on their gaming havens last year. bloombury Resorts and Hotels inc. Held its first concrete pouring on its $1-billion project in February 2011. its complex features an integrated resort facility including a five-star, 500-room hotel, a state-ofthe-art meeting and convention and ballroom venues, restaurants, health and wellness facilities. it expects to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2012. last Jan. 26, it was the turn of Japanese gambling giant tiger Resorts, leisure and Entertainment inc., a subsidiary of Japan’s Aruze Corp., to break ground on a $2-billion casino resort development in the complex.

Dubbed manila bay Resorts, the project will have two luxury casino hotels with 1,100 rooms. Another 1,000-room budget hotel will be built. the project, to be completed in the third quarter of 2014, is intended as a family-oriented venue featuring an indoor man-made beach enclosed in a glass dome that will allow the use of natural lighting to replicate the authentic beach experience. it will also feature las Vegas-style water fountain shows. it has a casino which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 500 gaming tables and 3,000 slot machines. the site will also have 150 high-end stores and outlet malls to cater to shoppers. n

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BEAUTIFUL P

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By AnA MARIA vILLaNuEva-LykES

O U ’ V E FallEn in love with her beautiful chaos, drowned in her swirl of colors. There is no one quite like her.

You’ve been away for so long, yet you still hear the echo of her voice. It’s a cacophony of sounds- the honking of colorful jeepneys, the cry of the ballot vendor, calling for your return. and so you go back, seeking out her smells, the intoxicating scent of sampaguita, the mouth-watering aroma of street food fare. On your reunion, go on a full day date with her and re experience her splendor. an hour or two is not enough. Rekindle the spark with Manila with this sunrise to sunset itinerary: 7:00 Breakfast You’ve lived on cereal for so long; it’s time to enjoy

The San Agustin Church is the oldest in the country.

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ROMANCING MANILA (FROM A TO ZZZ...)

At the Remedios Circle are bars with character and life that offer a variety of entertainment options from live bands to ballroom dancing. In quiet cafes, the artsy spirits toast to poetry and food art.

breakfast the way you used to with large helpings of fried rice, eggs, and chorizo. Dulcinea has some of the best Filipino breakfast favorites including chorizo bilbao, chorizo Pamplona and jamon serrano sprinkled with a generous helping of tradition. Their famous Spanish style Churros Con Chocolate will give you the sugar buzz that you need to start off your Manila tour.

Dulcinea has 10 branches all over the city, but it’s best to have your breakfast at Greenbelt 1 in Makati where you’ll be close to your next stop. If you have the craving for freshly baked puto bumbong or bibingka, head over to Via Mare or to

The Manila American Cemetery, a quiet sanctuary in the middle of a concrete jungle.

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PHILIPPINESthe BEAUTIFUL At sunset, Manila Bay reflects the fusion of city lights and the burst of colors in the sky.

the Manila Peninsula.

9:00 Historical tour Start your day quietly at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, a sprawling green 152-acre plateau at the Global City Taguig, a short scenic ride from Makati.

The cemetery contains the largest number of graves of American heroes from World War II. White washed headstones stand in a uniform circular pattern, reminiscent of how these soldiers used to stand in attention. Around these sentinels are a lush variety of tropical trees and shrubberies that offer a quiet sanctuary in the middle of a concrete jungle. Outside is a spectacular view of the Laguna de Bay and neighbouring mountains. Close by is the Cemetery of Heroes where our own heroes and martyrs are laid to rest.

10:30 Shopping It won’t be a tour without the shopping, and Pinoys are known for cheap retailing. From Taguig, take the C5 road to Tiendesitas in Pasig City. Tiendesitas offers a new shopping experience, showcasing the best Philippine products from art, antiques, furniture, pets, plants, to novelty items, souvenirs, native delicacies, and fashion. More than 450 traders sell their wares under Maranao inspired pavilions adorned with cogon grass, old kalesa wheels, and duyans.

12:00 Lunch Before you blow all your hard-earned dollars on

Head to Binondo for Chinese buns and hopia, good luck charms, exotic ingredients, and jewelry. antique jars, head back to Taguig for lunch at Serendra Piazza. Serendra at Bonifacio Global City is a two level indoor and outdoor diner’s paradise. If you’re missing lola’s dishes, Conti’s or Abe’s is a great choice.

2:00 Spanish colonial stop Head over to old Manila, to trace your roots in Intramuros. Within the walled city are numerous places of interest that harks back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period. The San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the country. The Trompe-l’œil painted ceil-

ing, the ornately carved massive door, the choir loft with 17th century molave seats, and the courtyard make the San Agustin Church a worthy stop. Beside the Church is the museum, home to countless church artifacts, statues, paintings with gold niches from the 17th century, and tombs of Spanish conquistadors like Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Juan de Salcedo.

3:00 Merienda Barbara’s across the museum has a little courtyard where you can cool off and share a slice of decadent chocolate

cake with caramel sauce. Upstairs is the dining hall that takes you back to the 17th century with its lavish chandeliers and ornately bordered mirrors, and traditional Filipino and Spanish cuisine.

If you prefer the oriental delicacies, head to Binondo for some Chinese buns and hopia. Be careful because you can get lost in Chinatown, allured by the good luck charms, exotic ingredients, and jewelry in shops and stalls along the streets.

3:30 Spa treatment Rejuvenate at the Wensha Spa Center near the World Trade Center for a very affordable body massage and treatment. Be warned though, the center allows you to sleep over, so there might be a good chance you’ll doze and miss the rest of your Manila date.

5:45 Dinner cruise Head over to the Manila Baywalk for the world renowned Manila Bay sunset. The water reflects the fusion of city lights

and the burst of colors in the sky.

After the dazzling display, take a moment to reflect at the Malate Church, just across Roxas Boulevard, famous for its Baroque style and history.

Later, take a walk towards the Harbor Square in the CCP Complex for the Spirit of Manila Prestige Cruise. Experience Manila from afar, on a moving vantage point while dining al fresco over a full course gourmet meal.

9:00 Party Once back on land, rediscover just how Manila loves to party. At the Remedios Circle are bars with character and life that offer a variety of entertainment options from live bands to ballroom dancing. In quiet cafes, the artsy spirits toast to poetry and food art.

Intoxicated with the festive air and the bottles of wine and spirits, wind down at Cafe Adriatico, dubbed as “the first true Filipino café,” by the late food connoisseur Doreen Fernandez. Indulge on a midnight snack of Salpicao and Chocolate Eh.

1:30 Second wind If the rich dose of chocolate gives you a second wind, take a ride back to Greenbelt 3, Makati at Absinthe for a glass of the anise-flavored “Green Fairy” while dancing to the beats of DJs imported from all over the world.

Not quite done yet? Put on your dancing shoes and dance with Latin flair or snack on some tapas at the Cafe Havanna in Greenbelt 3.

4:30 Turning in Before the sun catches you, head over to the Horizon Club of the Makati Shangri-la where you can finally rest your weary head in a pillow of luxury and dream of your love affair with the city that will always be in your heart. n (Check out the author’s travel blog - http://anaviajera.com.)

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