Radar MNL Issue 2 by RadarMNL

RADAR / July - August

Food

FEATURE

Learn how unlikely diplomat Giles Garachon went from being a professional expert in ancient Indian civilizations to representing France’s interests in Asia. // Isabelle Garachon embodies the carefree spirit of the cancan dance.

FOOD

Feature

FE AT UR

CONTENTS

SHOPPING

Erwan Heusaff has a unique, nomadic life history, and his restaurants and bars mirror his colorful experiences.

15 Shopping

TRAVEL

Greenhills offers the world on a third world budget. // Agua Brazil swimwear meets Joey Samson rainwear during that strange period between the dry months and typhoon season.

21 Travel

ES EL

RT O

The Raffles Makati: see if you have the sophistication to get into this location with the big reputation.

24 Living

LIVING

Explore the fraught relationship between Filipino and Chinese influences in Binondo. // Marvel at the quiet solitude of Paris after nightfall.

WELLNESS

26 Wellness

Take me to The Farm at San Benito. // HIV/AIDS and BPOs – is there a correlation?

30 Sport

LIF HT G

ARTS & CULTURE

Celebrate rolled gold with Tabacalera. // Olivia D’Aboville brings Mindoro’s natural beauty to the global art scene – and vice vervsa. // See the world through Stephane Morel’s camera lens.

36 Arts & Culture

SPORT

Anton Del Rosario proves he’s a gentleman and a Defender on the greatest pitch of them all. // Have you got the balls? Petanque does.

40 Music

MUSIC

What motivates Sinyma, the reluctant electronic supergroup? // Discover why vinyl records are going from throwback niche to viable consumer option. // Cover Story: Fete de la Musique - 20 years free

NIGHTLIFE

M US

Cocktails from Hooch come to life. // Bikers, street tacos, repurposed warehouses, and homebrew – just some of the highlights from Manila’s under-rated nightspots. // Dee Viray is a guardian of Time and space.

46 Nightlife

53 LGBT

LGBT

This is a public service announcement, without guitars. Know your LGBT rights!

RADAR / July - August

JULY SUN

Editor’s Pick Food Shopping Travel

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Music Nightlife LGBT

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[VISUAL ART] Annie Cabigting solo exhibit Mo_Space, Bonifacio High Street. Runs from June 21 to July 20.

[FILM] Wednesday Movie Night Goethe-Institut, 6PM. Featuring movies about football.

[EVENT] ICON 2014 SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. An international entertainment design conference.

Filipino-American Friendship Day

[TRIP] Angono Art Tour By Route+63 Travels 6:30AM. Register by June 28.

[OPERA] Carmen Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), CCP, 8PM. Presented by Philippine Ballet Theatre.

[DANCE PARTY] The White Party Manila 2014 The Portal in Greenfield District, 8PM. Organized by Mentorque Productions.

[MUSICAL] Rak of Aegis Presented by the Philippine Educational Theater Association, The PETA Theater Center, 3PM (matinee only). Also on July 13, 18, 19 & 20 at 8PM.

[GAMING] Asia-Pacific Poker Tour Finals Metro Card Club, 2PM. Tournament runs from July 2 -7.

[VISUAL ART] Elaine Navas solo exhibit Tall Gallery, Finale Art File. Runs from July 3 to August 2.

[LIVE MUSIC] Tony Orlando in Concert Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, 8PM.

[CLUB NIGHT] Thursdays at M Cafe Museum Cafe, 11PM.

[MUSICAL] Ang Nawalang Kapatid Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman, 7PM. A musical adaptation of the great Indian epic The Mahabharata, presented by Dulaang UP.

[MUSICAL] Dani Girl Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, 3:30PM (matinee only). Presented by The Sandbox Collective.

[LIVE MUSIC] Jack Daniel’s JD Onstage Callback Sessions Capitol Commons, 6PM.

[DINING] Pampanga Food and Heritage Tour By Route+63 Travels, 9:30AM. Register by July 12.

[DRAMA] Venus In Fur Staged by The Necessary Theater, directed by Bart Guingona, at Tanghalang Huseng Batute Theater, CCP, 3PM (matinee only). Also on July 26 & 27 (3PM, 8PM).

[DANCE] Agnes Locsin’s La Revolucion Filipina Presented by Ballet Philippines, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), CCP. Also on July 25 & 27.

[FILM] Wednesday Movie Night “Das Wunder von Bern” (The Miracle of Bern), Goethe-Institut Philippinen Library, 6PM.

[FOOTBALL] 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Playoff for Third Place (live screening), Bar 360, Resorts World Manila, 4AM.

[LIVE MUSIC] Jessie J Live In Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum, 8PM.

[RUNNING] CarbTrim The Bull Runner All Woman Race Filinvest, Alabang. Choose from 5K/10K/21K.

[CLUB NIGHT] Zero Imperial, 10PM.

28 [LIVE MUSIC] The Lumineers World Trade Center Metro Manila, 8PM

RADAR / July - August

[RECITAL] Special Concert Series I featuring Ross Salvosa on piano Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), CCP, 7:30PM [LIVE MUSIC] Bombay Bicycle Club World Trade Center, Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave. Ext cor. Macapagal Blvd, 8PM

[PARADE] 9th Water Lily Festival Las Piñas River. [RUNNING] 38th Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations, Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex. Choose from 3K/5K/10K/21K/42K. Gun start and cutoff time varies with distance. Organized by RunRio.

16 [VISUAL ART] Robert Langenegger solo exhibit Upstairs Gallery and Video Room, Finale Art File. Runs from July 3 to August 2.

[LIVE MUSIC] Irie Sunday B-Side, 10PM.

WED

Living Wellness Sport

[PARADE] Sta. Anang Banak Taguig River Festival fluvial parade Taguig River.

[CLUB NIGHT] Stiletto Prive Luxury Club, 10PM. Ladies’ Night.

[LIVE MUSIC] John Ford Coley: Love Is The Answer Grand Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, 8PM.

AUGUST SUN

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[VISUAL ART] Eric Zamuco solo exhibit Mo_ Space, Bonifacio High Street. Runs from July 26 to August 24.

[DANCE PARTY] Tokyo EDM Invasion SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, 9PM. Featuring DJ Dantz, along with the top DJs from Japanese club WOMB!

[EVENT] Baker’s Fair Manila World Trade Center. Runs from August 4 to August 7.

[CLUB NIGHT] ChooseDaze 71 Gramercy, 10PM.

[CLUB NIGHT] Wasted Wednesdays Palladium, 10PM.

[LIVE MUSIC] Air Supply Live in Manila Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila

[VISUAL ART] Liv Vinluan solo exhibit Tall Gallery, Finale Art File. Runs from August 7 to 30.

[DINING] World Food Expo Marketplace 2014 SMX Conventional Center, Mall of Asia Complex. [CLUB NIGHT] Riot House Black Market, 10PM.

[RUNNING] RUN for Time & Financial Freedom Bonifacio Global City, 4AM. The event also includes a car show featuring luxury brands including Lamborghini, Porsche, Chrysler and BMW. To register, contact Jane Events Management & Production Tel: +63 2 631 6064

[VISUAL ART] Nicole Coson solo exhibit Upstairs Gallery, Finale Art File. Runs from August 7 to 30.

[CLUB NIGHT] Project H Hyve, 10PM. Nothing but hip-hop.

[VISUAL ART] Ateneo Art Awards Ceremony Mid-level 2/3 East Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza. Presenting the winners of the Fernando Zóbel Prizes for Visual Art 2014 and the the inaugural Purita Kalaw Ledesma Prize for Art Criticism.

[RECITAL] Special Concert Series II featuring Sarah Mae Gabuyo on Flute Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), 7:30PM.

[DRAMA] Pahimakas Ng Isang Ahente 3PM and 8PM. A translation of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Repeat performances on August 22 to 24. Presented by Tanghalang Filipino.

[DRAMA] TRIPLE THREATS: Leading Men and Women of Philippine Musical Theater featuring Sheila Francisco, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), 7:30PM.

[EVENT] 22nd Defense & Sporting Arms Show SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall. Runs from August 21 to August 25.

[MOTORING] MFest Philippines Round 2 With the 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship Round 3, Quirino Grandstand, Manila, 9AM.

30/31

[MUSICAL] Pinocchio Onstage Theatre, 2nd Floor, Greenbelt Mall 1, 3:30PM (matinee only). Presented by Repertory Philippines.

[VISUAL ART] Paulo Vinluan solo exhibit Video Room, Finale Art File. Runs from August 7 to 30.

[RECITAL] KONZERTFEST The Sound of Life: Symphony Gaia Concert Series Featuring the music of Glinka, Bruch, Mendelssohn, Tschaikovsky, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), 8PM. Presented by Manila Symphony Orchestra.

[RUNNING] R3RUN for Sustainability Blue Bay Walk, EDSA cor. Macapagal Ave, 4AM. Register at branches of RUNNR or Toby’s.

24 [RUNNING] Cosplay Fashion Run Quezon Memorial Circle. Registration starts at 3PM.

[CLUB NIGHT] Dirty Thursday Time, 9PM.

[LIVE MUSIC] Bazooka Rocks III SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Grounds, 12NN. The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Saves the Day, Senses Fail, We Are The In Crowd and The Summer Set. August 30-31.

RADAR / July - August

AT UR E FE FROM THE

ARCHIVES TO THE

EMBASSY He

would have been an Indiana Jones, driven by a passion for ancient civilizations and languages. Instead, he ended up a diplomat, tasked to strengthen ties between cultures in the modern world. On this sweltering afternoon at a photography studio, French Ambassador Gilles Garachon, lugging a plastic bottle, jests, “A Frenchman drinks bottled water!” The French, famous as a people for their elegant ways, usually drink filtered tap water, or have it served in a carafe. He takes a few sips from the bottle to refresh himself. Humidity is not new to Garachon, who has experienced intense summer heat in such previous posts as New Delhi, Bangkok and Jakarta. He describes the Philippines as the proverbial icing on the cake.

Seriously, it is more fun

“Time flies faster in the Philippines than in other countries. Life is so pleasant and the people are so nice,” he says. For his earlier assignments, he had to learn Hindi, Thai and Bahasa to get around. In the Philippines, like most foreigners, he immediately felt at home since most people spoke English.

“The only downside there is that one becomes lazy. As a rule, it is important to learn the vernacular, to understand the way the people think and feel,” notes Garachon. The man knows what he’s talking about. While many of the French don’t speak English, he took it upon himself to learn the universal language at Sorbonne University. Fascinated by ancient cultures, Garachon also studied Southeast Asian and Indian art history. To further deepen his understanding of these cultures, he studied Sanskrit and Burmese. “I never imagined myself to be a 4

RADAR / July - August

civil servant. My dream was to discover ancient temples—like Indiana Jones.” With scholarships from the French government and the Colombo Plan—a regional organization that focuses on economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific—he studied Burmese history at the University of Rangoon and eventually wrote a book on Burmese architecture.

When Liberté met Kalayaan

The Philippines officially established diplomatic ties with France on June 26, 1947 with the signing of the Treaty of Amity.

The Consul’s Asian prize

But the scholarly pursuits didn’t provide fulfillment. “I was already 25 years old and had spent most of my time studying four centuries—a lim-

ited section—of Burmese history. I wanted to be more connected with everyday history. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life living in the past.” Between studies, he taught at the Alliance Française and worked as translator at the French embassy in Rangoon. Fascinated by the workings in a diplomatic mission, Garachon realized that it was time to heed a new calling. He returned to University of Sorbonne to study International Relations and Economics. At 25, he had a doctorate degree in Ancient Indian Civilization, which qualified him for professorship. He opted instead to start over, which proved to be a humbling process. “I felt pretty old; my classmates were 17 and 18 years old.” After passing the government exams, Garachon worked at the French Head Office for African and Madagascar Affairs, focusing on Angola, Botswana and Zambia. He then became First Secretary at the Embassy of France in New Delhi, then Consul

FEATURE

of France in Hong Kong. He also headed the Asia and Oceania section of the Department of International Cooperation and Development. Returning to Asia, he served as Political Counselor at the Embassy of France in Bangkok and then as the Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of France in Jakarta. The Philippines is his first ambassadorial posting. He explains, “The Ambassador is team leader. You provide stamina and dynamics to the team. You motivate them to do what is necessary to reach a target. The objective is to deepen relations with the host country. Your job is to create this movement.”

The politics of wine and cheese

Ambassador Garachon puts cultural exchange at the heart of his diplomacy. Promoting tourism, cuisine, the arts, and the creative economy are a means to secure France’s national interests. Political scientist Joseph Nye refers to this approach as “soft power”.

Making ‘soft power’ work

Where other countries might focus on trade ties and military aid, Garachon underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy: “In France, we cherish culture. Although diplomacy is about international relations, economics and politics, we also care about cultural exchange, which deepens those relations. If there is a common interest, exchange is possible. As a diplomat posted here, I see the importance of understanding the different cultures in the Philippines.”

“A country is not just about politics and economics. Culture is the way to understand life.” In his first year of posting in 2012, the largest exhibit of Philippine art in Europe was mounted at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. The three-month event showcased pre-colonial arts and crafts from collections in the Philippines, Europe and the United States. Signboards with striking photographs were posted all over the city. The event elevated the profile of the Philippines among the French. The Embassy has likewise taken strides to enhance tourism. The Embassy of France and the European Union facilitated talks between local airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on one hand, and the foreign experts, to resume flights to Europe. Last year, the EU lifted a 15-year ban on Philippine Airlines entering its airspace, after the carrier addressed aviation safety. As of this writing, Cebu Pacific is at work on the same issues, in order to be stricken off the EU blacklist.

Fraternité in action

Rescue operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda were a defining moment for most envoys. Aside from mobilizing medical assistance and conducting a clean-up drive, the embassy had to account for French nationals in the affected areas. “It took us two weeks to declare that no one was missing,” says Garachon. To clear vast areas and help restore vegetation,

France sent professional rescuers, among them a certified arborist who was tasked to remove leaning trees near houses on Bantayan Island in Cebu. The villagers cheered and applauded every time the arborist dislodged a precarious trunk or branch. The buoyant spirit of the Filipinos after a tragic typhoon inspired the French workers, and especially moved Garachon. He related: “Their first experience of the Philippines was to serve in the most adversely affected places. After three weeks of rescue, they had been irreversibly touched by the Filipinos’ resilience. The head of the team told me, ‘My body will go back to France, but my heart stays here.’ They all agreed that it was a unique encounter. I also went to those areas and met people who had lost everything, including loved ones. They suffered all through that, fought against the odds and still found ways to smile. That’s why I say Filipinos are among the nicest people I’ve met.” By Marge Enriquez Photography by Romain Rivierre

For those about to represent your country’s political interests, we salute you.

These two institutions keep French affairs in Manila running smoothly, from dealing with consular issues, to handling the nitty gritty of Fil-French trade relations.

Embassy of France in Manila

16/F Pacific Star Building, Buendia Avenue Extension, Makati City +63 2 857 6900

French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (Le Club FCC)

Unit 2901, 88 Corporate Center, Sedeno St. corner Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City +63 2 491 7708 RADAR / July - August

, SHE S GOT THE CANCAN-DO ATTITUDE Clad in a bold red costume, the French ambassa-

dor’s wife fluffs her skirt to reveal her long, shapely legs. At the photo shoot with Ballet Philippines’ dancers, the visual peg is the cancan, arguably the most celebratory aspect of French culture. Madame Isabelle Garachon reminisces her days as a freelance dancer while demonstrating some cancan moves. Cancan originated from the galop -- footwork that evoked the dash of a horse, which was set to bouncy music. In the mid-19th century Paris, the cancan was performed in dance halls, entertaining the working class audiences. Male performers added acrobatics which have now become part of the cancan vocabulary such as the cartwheel and the jump splits. “The cancan dancers were not ballerinas. They were lavandieres (laundry women) but they were chosen to dance because they were flexible. They were supposed to scream while swishing their skirts,” explains Isabelle. The dancers teased the audience by exposing their fancy drawers while manipulating their skirts or doing high kicks.

long bias skirts, ruffled petticoats, black net stockings and ankle boots.

felt as if you were being pulled towards the orchestra pit,” she recalls.

Since there’s no formal training for cancan, a dancer learns it on the job, says Isabelle. Still, it has an extensive vocabulary such as pied dans la mans (the dancer extends her leg to the side while holding the ankle), the cathédral (the dancers form a steeple with their legs), continuous cartwheels in place, successive fan kicks and somersaults.

Isabelle has also worked with the Argentinean director Alfredo Arias who has won awards for his musicals and opera productions. She also performed with the Folies Bergere, another historic cabaret music hall known for its elaborate produc-

“Even if you’re tired, because you dance with so much energy, you get more energy in return.” Isabelle loves the cancan because of the adrenaline rush and the release of happy hormones. “Even if you’re tired, because you dance with so much energy, you get more energy in return.”

The French cancan, as we know it today, is a product of the Moulin Rogue, the historic cabaret theater in Montmartre, which packaged the dance for tourists. The French cancan is a saucy and comic choreography that involves a female corps and soloists and occasionally some men.

The classically-trained Isabelle, began her professional career with the touring ensemble of “Les Oiseaux Paradis (Birds of Paradise)” which performed in Germany and Belgium. When she worked for the Parisian opera company, Opera Comique, she got exposed to operas with cancan numbers such as “La Vedova Allegra (The Merry Widow)” and Jacques Offenbach’s “La Vie Parisienne.” The latter includes the famous “Infernal Galop,” the music which is associated with cancan.

One of the naughty movements is when the dancer bends, flings her skirt over her back to expose her derriere to the audience. La Goulue, a dancer from the Moulin Rouge dance hall, made it a signature. Whenever she danced, she showed off the heart embroidered on her underwear. The step has since been named Coup de Cul, the predecessor of twerking. The costumes are red or black with

Isabelle says one of her biggest challenges was dancing on the raked stage while doing the cancan in “La Vie Parisienne.” In Europe, the old theaters were built with stages sloped upwards away from the audience for better viewing. Fortunately, her core muscles were strong enough to keep her in balance and prevent the heavy costumes from dragging her down the stage. “Sometimes you

RADAR / July - August

FEATURE tion numbers. It’s known for the dramatic ascent and descent of dancers in ornate headdresses and weighty costumes. “The steps were small so you couldn’t look down wearing those heavy headdresses,” notes Isabelle. Another unforgettable moment was the preparation for a gala performance for Monaco’s Royal Family. She had worked intensively for one month, but before the show, she tripped and twisted her ankle. Running to the pharmacy, she pleaded for a quick fix. After taking an analgesic, she managed to wear her cancan costume including the boots. She then dance for 30 minute non-stop until curtain call. “I couldn’t walk for several weeks afterwards,” she says. A turning point came while working for the Crazy Paris Show in Macau. A dinner was held after the gala night. Since the French ambassador couldn’t make it, he sent Gilles Garachon who was then Consul of France to represent him. “Among the 20 dancers, I was placed at the boring table of the French Embassy. I wanted to be with my friends,” she says. As fate would have it, she sat beside Garachon. The meeting turned out to be the proverbial love at first sight. After Macau, Isabelle signed a contract with the famous Moulin Rouge. Standing at 5’8”, she was among the shortest of the dancers. Still, she rocked the audience with her strong technique and her comic presence. One of her famous comic cancan solos was to rush to the stage and kick her leg up so hard that it hit her face. Meanwhile, Garachon would come home frequently to visit her. He was then transferred to Paris to work in the Asia and Oceania section of the Department of International Cooperation and Development in 1996, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We got married. Gilles worked from 9 am to 6 pm while I worked from 10pm to 2 am. We met for lunch which was breakfast for me. Then a late dinner for him but an early one for me,” says Isabelle. When she got pregnant with their eldest, Valentin, she was still dancing for Moulin Rouge. She retired in her early 30s to start the life of a diplomat’s wife. Still, dancing was close to her heart. When Garachon was assigned to Bangkok as the

embassy’s political counselor, Isabelle danced the cancan for a Thai movie. In their Jakarta posting, Garachon became the embassy’s cultural counselor while she taught dance at the French school. When Garachon became ambassador to the Philippines, Isabelle spent more time entertaining in diplomatic functions and attending meetings of the Spouses of Heads of Mission. She finds time to direct the annual spring show for the students of Lycee Francais de Manille.

One part zest, three parts buzz.

“When I watch them perform, I am happy to see the fruits of what I’ve been teaching. When you are young , you want to be on stage. You don’t want to be choreographer or teacher. Now that you are older, you feel happy that your students got what you wanted them to do. “ Isabelle doesn’t miss dancing. Looking back at the jump splits, she pats her bottom. “I’ve had a hip replacement. I told the doctor that I must have left it the Moulin Rouge.” By Marge C. Enriquez Photography by Jenna V. Genio Experience a hint of France through language classes, cultural events, and an in-house media library.

Alliance Française de Manille

209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 895 7585, +63 2 895 7441 Email: info@alliance.ph Web: www.alliance.ph Enroll in workshops with the graceful dancers of Ballet Philippines. Refer to their website for class schedules.

Ballet Philippines CCP Dance School Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 832 3689 Email: ccpds@ballet.ph Web: www.ballet.ph

Always refreshing. Advertise with us. RADAR / July - August

D O FO

THE INTREPID MR. HEUSAFF Erwan Heusaff is a bit of a conundrum. His sudden appearance on the entertainment industry’s radar as being a food nut (as foodie is such a terrible, terrible term) without much insight into his prior experience caused many people to feel alienated by his widespread acclaim, which came seemingly out of nowhere. However, it isn’t because he is the insert-noun-attached-to-celebrity-here; the fellow is incredibly well-travelled, well-read, and naturally, very well-bred.

Born and raised in Manila, the budding food guru studied in EuroCampus and had all the little experiences that only international school kids will understand, until he was seventeen and then hopped a plane to Paris for university. While in Paris, he worked in various food outlets, as a waiter on the dining floor or le plongeur in the kitchens. “I didn’t really see myself staying there though; the complaining about absolutely every little thing really turned me off.” Heusaff imparted, when asked about his relatively brief stay there despite his heritage being half-French and half-Filipino. “Sure, a discerning patron only helps a restaurant get better – but sometimes it felt that people were complaining just for the sake of it.” Presumably fed up with the French national sport of râler and looking to broaden his horizons, Heu8

RADAR / July - August

saff headed to Shanghai for an internship program. Laughable indeed, as he traded one country of notorious complainers for another. Thrust into a “real life” situation where he lived in a cramped dormitory with fifteen other people, Heusaff looks fondly back on that time of his life as being remarkable despite the accommodations from hell. “It was quite terrible at first, but once I got to know the guys I was bunking with, we got along like family.”

“Sure, a discerning patron only helps a restaurant get better – but sometimes it felt that people were complaining just for the sake of it.” After Shanghai, the intrepid Mr. Heusaff headed down to Hanoi for a spell and worked at the Sofitel Metropole under the F&B Director. In his spare time, he’d go around and partake of the local cuisine. “The pho was amazing, it really captured the spirit of the entire country. When I think of Vietnam, I can almost taste the pho.” Pronounced “fuh”, because Heusaff is somewhat of a polyglot and takes to languages like a chef to knives. After a

short stint in touristy Rhodes in Greece and Bangkok for training, Heusaff voluntarily took a position in Siberia, where he stayed for two years. “In Sodexo, I ran operations for Far Eastern Siberia, where we were making up to 2,500 meals a day. Complete with stringent quality testing and topgrade sanitation, it was challenging work. Plus, there is nothing to do in Siberia but be cold and drink vodka.” Heusaff laughed, oddly happy at his self-imposed exile. “When they told me that they wanted to send me to either Nigeria or the Falkland Islands, I couldn’t take it. I said thanks anyway, and headed home to the Philippines.” Imagine. After Siberia? And that was supposed to have been a promotion? As a less polite person might say, “Falk that”. He then began cultivating the persona of The Fat Kid Inside, his food blog that reviews restaurants, provides meal plans, and generally explores gastronomy from a fit vs fat perspective. “When I was growing up in Manila, all my friends used to come over and make me whip something up in the kitchen, and I was always happy to oblige.” This willingness to make and serve good food has resulted in a mini-empire for the 27 year old entrepreneur,

FOOD with Niner Ichi Nana, Hungry Hound, Hatch22, and Pink Panda under his belt. With more and more concepts unfolding at his very feet, Manila hasn’t seen the last of Erwan Heusaff.

Fat Kid Inside

Learn how Erwan went from being a tubby lad to a dashing globe-trotting entrepreneur. Check out his quality meal plans and useful health advice at www.thefatkidinside.com

Niner Ichi Nana

A pastische to Harry Houdini in wood, leather, and wrought iron, Niner Ichi Nana is a craft cocktail bar that provides a new twist on choose-your-ownadventure. Bartenders are not mixologists but actual barkeeps with specific specialties. Guests are encouraged to trust the experts and drink what is put in front of them. A fan of rum and whisky, Heusaff even tends bar some nights. Ask for classics like the Aviation Cocktail, where crème de violette, gin, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice make your mouth taste like springtime. If you’re looking to impress a certain someone, order a smoked drink. The sheer preparation of the thing, in a glass chamber that spawns all sorts of politically incorrect jokes, is wonderment enough to save even the most dismal of dates. “You know it’s ready when there’s more smoke in the glass than in the chamber,” Heusaff excitedly explained, wielding blowtorch and gas nozzle with an admirably sinister ease. “The flavour isn’t drastically altered, but enhanced by the proliferation of hickory smoke.” Yes, you have just ordered a hotboxed drink.

Niner Ichi Nana

G/F Globe Tower, 32nd Street cor. 7th Ave, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Operating Hours: 3PM – 2:30AM Price Range: PhP350 – PhP600 Attire: Smart casual Services: Craft cocktails Tips: Don’t insist on what you want, because it is probably boring compared to what the bartenders have in mind.

The Hungry Hound Pub & Kitchen

For those who have become increasingly disillusioned with London’s growing gentrified pub scene, Hound is not for you. You won’t find a red bicycle, threadbare stools, or average pub food like pickled eggs, Ploughman’s, or “pie and a pint” – but their version of chicken in a basket really has come a long way from humble Hampstead. Consider this: you’re in a high-ceilinged, woodpanelled, tile-floored masterpiece of modern restaurant design, in the midst of a bustling city. Do get the steak cooked in a bourbon jus and served with foie-gras butter over truffle fries. It is quite possibly the most savoury thing you will have in all of Manila, so be sure to have a glass of gin and tonic at the ready to cleanse the palate. Hound is not a gastropub, however. The Good Food Guide suggested that the portmanteau has become irrelevant because people are much more demanding about their food than they were in the early nineties when Eyre and Belben took over The Eagle in Clerkenwell. Hound has stuck to the tradition of pubbery, but added the concept of a full kitchen. The pomp and circumstance of the place tends to detract from the down-home cooking style in the kitchen, but don’t be discouraged. Have some smoked baconsilog to make yourself feel better.

Hungry Hound

G/F Globe Tower, 32nd Street cor. 7th Ave, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Operating Hours: 11AM – 12MN Price Range: PhP250 – PhP600 Attire: No preference Services: full kitchen, sit down meals, groups and walk-ins welcome Tips: Get the duck. Duck anything, really, but start off with the fries. Add smoked bacon to it. Ask if they can poach an egg for you as well. Your doctor will hate you, but you will be too food-high to care by that point.

RADAR / July - August

Hatch-22

Without question, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Hatch-22, a breakfast concept that needed to appeal to the after-work crowd, began as a catch 22. For those of you who haven’t read Heller in ages, a catch 22 is a paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules, which one has no control over. While many people see nothing wrong with a few mimosas in the mornings, calling your restaurant “hooray for day drinking” might not be the best course of action. The “Not Your Ordinary Eggs Benedict”, which consists of lox, a perfect egg, grilled asparagus, herbed crème fraiche, and capers on brioche tends to get a bit sodden after a while, so eat it quickly. Make sure to try the Mama Mumbai, which is a curiously tasty concoction of Chai-infused gin, orgeat (almond syrup), smoked honey syrup, cinnamon, lemon juice, muddled pears, and shaken with an egg white foam. For those of us who think that chai tastes like feet, this particular cocktail was one big step on the road towards chai-cceptance.

Hatch-22

Powerplant Mall, Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City Hours: M-W: 7AM – 11PM; Th-Sa: 7AM – 12MN; Sun: 7AM – 10PM Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Parking: Street or mall carpark Services: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, groups and walk-ins welcome Contact: +63 915 109 7711 Tips: Make lunches brunches, because the place fills up pretty quickly around noon.

Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner

Tucked away on a side-street of Makati, Pink Panda is an incredibly adorable Pan-Asian concept that tries to bring the city, and street food, indoors. Iron rod installations on the ceiling evoke associations with the city skyline, the floor is a burnished concrete grey, the windows are framed by the polished steel of jeepneys, and yes, those pink flamingos at the entrance are on purpose. Asian diner food at it’s funnest, Pink Panda takes traditional fare like Beef Rendang and plays around with it until it’s something new and exciting, “Let’s make it crispy.” The General P’s Chicken on the other hand, was so Tso. Orange chicken strips, sautéed to succulence, in a sea of bird’s eye chilis, and fried peanuts. Sure beats a blue plate special.

Pink Panda Southeast Asian Diner

Address: Y2 Residence Hotel, 4687 Santiago St. cor. B. Valdez, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City Contact: +63 2 856 3790 Operating hours: 11:00 – 14:00; 18:00 – 22:00 Photography by Joseph Villaroman 10 RADAR / July - August

Abe

In spite of the casual, laid-back atmosphere, this place takes its Filipino cuisine seriously. It’s the showcase for the well-established LJC Restaurants group. Cafe Adriatico in Malate may be an insitution, with the history to match, but Abe – named in honor of founder Larry J. Cruz’s grandfather – is where the group’s best creations are put to the test. The signature dishes here are the Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic (PhP410) and Abe’s Chicken Supreme (PhP895), which comes in family size. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Serendra, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 856 0526 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM 3PM and 6PM - 11PM Branches in Alabang Town Center, TriNoMa, and SM Mall of Asia.

C2 Classic Cuisine

While the seating may be cramped and the décor unremarkable, the real draw here is the sheer range of reinvented Filipino meals, given new life by the chefs from the veteran Cravings group. The humble tinola gets upgraded into Tinolang Binakol (PhP325), with tender chicken pieces in a ginger-coconut broth, served in a meaty coconut husk. Seared Tilapia (PhP495) gets an interesting twist – fileted and served in a creamy Coconut Emulsion. Wash it all down with refreshing coolers like Salabat Soda (PhP110), where the usual carbonated lemon-lime is spiced up by ice cubes made of frozen ginger-tea. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 3/F SM Megamall, Atrium, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 470 1152 Opening hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM - 9PM F, Sa: 10:00AM - 10:00PM Branches in Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Katipunan, and Greenhills.

Cafe Juanita

The interiors here put an emphasis on gaudy native kitsch – that can be a warning or a come-on, depending on your tastes. What’s less open to dispute is the quality of their home-style Pinoy dishes, including deep-fried lapu-lapu (grouper fish) in sampalok (tamarind) reduction, laing (taro leaves in coconut milk), and angel-hair pasta with aligue (crab fat) sauce. Price Range: PhP 300 – PhP500 2 United St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 632 0357 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Sa, Su: 11AM – 2PM and 5:30PM – 10PM, F: 11AM – 2PM and 5:30PM – 12MN

Crisostomo

This upscale restaurant borrows its motifs from the writing of Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines, particularly his unfinished trilogy of novels. Everything from the décor to the names of the dishes are homages to Rizal’s life and work. While the owners promise “Turn of the Century Filipino Dining”, the dishes are really just stylized versions of Pinoy classics. That includes at least six different kinds of sinigang, a local soup dish with various ingredients stewed in a sour tamarind broth.

Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 846 9275 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN Branches in Alabang Town Center and Eastwood City.

Mesa Filipino Moderne

Mesa claims to innovate on regional dishes from all over the country, although one might be hard-pressed to find anywhere in these islands that prepares Ostrich Salpicao. (The preparation – fried in a hardy soya garlic sauce – is a common enough Spanish-Filipino recipe. It’s the choice of meat that’s unconventional.) But that’s what makes Mesa a relatively unique dining experience; they’re willing to prepare more traditional dishes using unconventional ingredients, and vice versa. Crispy lechon (roast suckling pig) gets rolled in pandan flour wraps, as if it were a Peking duck. Boneless tinapa (smoked fish) is meant to be parceled into fresh lettuce, then eaten like a hand-held dumpling. But even the less experimental fare here is lovingly prepared. It can get especially full here during peak hours, compared to similar restaurants. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 728 0886 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 11AM – 11PM F, Sa: 11AM – 12MN Branches in SM Megamall Atrium, SM Aura Premier, and Tomas Morato.

Romulo Cafe

Its name pays tribute to Carlos P. Romulo, famed Philippine diplomat. Photographs of the man line the walls, and his famous “I am a Filipino” speech is proudly displayed on a plaque. In the daytime, it is a cozy family restaurant that makes gourmet Filipino food. At night, it morphs into a sophisticated cocktail bar. The floor and walls are adorned with bold floral prints, and private rooms are available donning the same pattern motif, but in different colors. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 32 Sct Tuason St corner Sct Dr. Lazcano St., South Triangle, Quezon City Tel No. : +63 2 332 7273 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 3PM and 6PM – 11PM

Wooden Spoon

Chef Sandy Daza comes from a respected family of cooks. He essentially stakes his whole legacy on the quality of the food here. Despite the odd location – an unassuming building on a road full of prestigious universities – he manages to bring in discerning guests. The menu includes specialties like century egg salad, stuffed pechay (Chinese cabbage), and breaded fish filet with wansoy (cilantro) sauce. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 329 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 426 0044 Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 10PM Branch in Power Plant Mall.

CHINESE Aberdeen Court

This is a no-frills Chinese teahouse, with all the usual trappings: round tables, lazy susans, curt service. But hey, you’re getting what you pay for. The take-out counter stays open around the clock for dimsum orders. Given their location smack dab at the fringe of the red light district, one would expect they do a brisk trade in latenight noms. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 (Below PhP150 for dimsum.) Great Eastern Hotel, 7842 Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 899 3190 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 8AM – 10PM (Dimsum take-out counter open 24 Hours.)

Kanzhu Hand-Pulled Noodles

As the name suggests, the specialty here is freshly-prepared noodles, and Kanzhu does a passable approximation of the ones you can get in Hong Kong and Southern China. They’re either served dry and slathered in sauce, or in a steaming bowl of broth. Their dumplings are worth tasting as well. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Citiplace Bldg., J. Abad Santos St., San Juan Tel No.: +63 2 477 7919 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9:30PM

Lugang Cafe

Taiwanese cuisine doesn’t seem to be nearly as popular in Manila as other varieties of food from the Chinese diaspora – at least not beyond the usual milk tea and chicken chop cutlets. This makes Lugang one of the few places in the city dedicated to pork-heavy Taiwanese meals like Tofu Claypot, Maki Thick Soup, and Stewed Pork with Preserved Vegetable. It’s a serviceable version of the roadside fare one might find in Taipei. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 116 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 542 0196 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 11AM – 9:30PM F, Sa: 11AM – 10:30PM Branches in SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, and SM Mall of Asia.

Modern Sichuan

This is a specialized branch of the Modern China chain. In addition to its usual menu, it hopes to popularize spicy Sichuan dishes, which make generous use of black peppercorn, red chili, and hua jian (Sichuan Peppers). It’s located where The Establishment nightclub used to be, but old-timers probably won’t recognize it – the building was completely redesigned with good feng shui in mind. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 The Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 828 9352 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 3PM and 6PM – 12MN

Passion

The main appeal of Passion is its reunion-friendly lunch buffet option. In this case, “buffet” is a slight misnomer – the set-up is more like all-you-can-order on dimsum items and main course platters, intended for sharing. It represents the more family-oriented side of the Resorts World Manila casino. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport Blvd., Pasay Tel No.: +63 2 908 8875 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10PM

Peking Garden

Peking Garden pretty much institutionalized how peking duck is expected to be prepared – at least for diners outside the Filipino-Chinese enclaves of Binondo and Greenhills. Oddly enough, this fine dining restaurant was set up in partnership with Maxim’s Catering of Hong Kong, which is perhaps better known for its ubiquitous fast food shops. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 4/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 729 0567 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2PM and 6PM – 11PM Branch in TriNoMa.

Spring by Ha Yuan

The options here are squarely influenced by Filipino-Chinese sensibilities – the biggest giveaway is the range of noodle soups branded as Chinatown Mami. Even their seasoned Roasted Pork dish is referred to as Asado. Spring is an affordable introduction to “Chinoy style” food – it’s only slightly more costly than mass-market fare like Chow King, but with a quantum leap in terms of quality of flavor. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 BSA Mansion, 108 Benavidez St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 403 1508 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 9PM Branch at Venice Piazza.

JAPANESE Inagiku

Food critics and ordinary Japanese visitors tend to favor Inagiku as the total package, with menu options, food quality, and ambiance befitting a Japanese fine dining experience. Given its location at the Makati Shangri-La, it also meets the hotel brand’s exacting service standards. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala Ave., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 813 8888 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10:30PM

Mangetsu

Mangetsu takes pride in its Soba and Udon dishes, making its noodles from buckwheat and flour (albeit with a machine rather than by hand). That’s still enough to help it stand out from the scores of Japanese ramen joints in the city, which often use prepackaged noodles.

RADAR / July - August 11

FOOD

FILIPINO

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 38 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 478 3292 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2PM and 5:30PM – 11PM

Nihonbashi Tei

While other Japanese restaurants have a particular specialty (with prices to match), Nihonbashi Tei functions more like a middle ground between luxe dining and its shopping mall peers. The menu faithfully covers the full scope of Japanese cuisine at a midrange budget. Price Range: PhP300 - PhP500 806 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 818 8893 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Tsukiji

Tsukiji has a 25-year history. It’s known as the first standalone restaurant (outside a 5-star hotel) where Japanese businessmen judged the food worthy enough to serve at business meetings with clients. The sushi and sashimi platters recieve the most praise. Price Range: PhP500 - PhP800 Milky Way Bldg., 900 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 843 4285 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10PM

UMU

While most Japanese restaurants in 5-star hotels manage to please even discenring Japanese guests, this one in particular excels at its teppanyaki dishes. The premium Kurogi Wagyu beef is sourced from Ibaragi (A4 level) and Tochigi (A3 level). Price Range: PhP 800+ Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Ave., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 867 3333 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10PM

SOUTH EAST ASIAN 101 Hawker Food House

101 Hawker is styled after the kopi tiam teahouses of Singapore and Malaysia. The best value comes from the short-order rice meals, but it’s the pricier items that captures the pan-South East Asian flavors most effectively. This place is tucked away on a small road between Makati Medical Center and Buendia Avenue, so it owes its regular clientele mostly to word of mouth. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Unit 102 Campos Rueda Bldg., 101 Urban Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 886 7329 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 10PM Sa: 8AM – 4PM

People’s Palace

Chef and restauranteur Colin Mackay – a Scottish transplant to South East Asia – puts his signature style on modern Thai cuisine. The restaurant space occupies a

12 RADAR / July - August

prime spot facing the original Greenbelt garden area, providing a leafy backdrop for your meal. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Greenbelt 3-Garden Side, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 729 2888 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 11AM – 2PM and 6PM – 11PM, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Pink Panda

Hailed as a “Southeast Asian Diner”, Pink Panda’s menu takes from comfort food from a myriad of neighboring countries. Its interiors can be described as backpackers taking a mischievous jab at contemporary rustic Asian fusion with bamboo accents, random objects, a bare unpolished floor, hip chairs, and urban street art graphics overhead. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Y2 Residence Hotel, 4687 Santiago St. cor. B. Valdez St., Poblacion, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 856 3790 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM

Soms Noodle House

Soms occupies a charmingly aged building on a side road between the Burgos red light district and posh Rockwell Center. The selection of Thai curries is considerably milder than the kind available on the streets of Bangkok, but for its price point, it’s a great deal. The outdoor seating area has a hawker-like feeling. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 5921 Alger St., Makati City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 10PM

Wild Ginger

Mid-range Pan-Asian cuisine, served fast and easy. The combo meals make it easy to sample particular types of food – choices include Delhi Dinner, Manila Munch, and the curry-oriented Vibrant Veggies. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Basement Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 898 1859 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F, Sa: 11AM – 10PM, Su: 10AM – 10PM

SOUTH ASIAN Kashmir

Kashmir is arguably the elder statesman among Metro Manila’s Indian restaurants. Despite its humble location – a somewhat run-down office building on Pasay Road – Kashmir’s food qualifies as fine dining. For 40 years, the place has served mostly North Indian fare, including vindaloo curry, samosas, and chicken tikka. It has often been a gateway to Indian food, for Pinoys diners who can afford it. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Festejo Bldg., 816 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 844 4924 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

Legend of India

Legend of India distinguishes itself from other Indian restaurants with a bigger selection of seafood dishes like Shrimp Tandoori and Amritsar Fish. Another unique feature is a take-out counter with Indian snacks and pastries. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 114B Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 836 4232 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 3PM and 6PM – 10:30PM

New Bombay

New Bombay began as a modest restaurant in a downscale shopping arcade on Buendia. It’s now a thriving chain with multiple branches, a frequent go-to spot for Metro Manila’s different South Asian communities. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Sagittarius Bldg. III, 312 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 819 2892 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM - 11PM

Queens Taj Mahal

Some of the best samosas in town. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 146 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 922 870 8482 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN – 4PM and 6PM – 11PM

Swagat

Like New Bombay (above), Swagat is housed in a Makati residential building, with a casual dining hall vibe. The menu choices are remarkably similar too. Both restaurants have their fair share of regulars and supporters, but without any branches, those who are partial to Swagat really make the effort to visit here. Authentic lassi. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 FCC Bldg., 119 Rada St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 752 5669 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

EUROPEAN Bianca’s Cafe & Vinotek

Bianca’s is a small and charming café, perfect for breakfasts, business lunches, and savory dinners. The wooden furniture on a checkered floor gives a shabby chic vibe that goes well with a menu that caters to those with a palette for the European countryside. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 7431 Yakal St., San Antonio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 815 1359 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 9PM

Brotzeit

This Singapore-based German “bier bar” and restaurant is as Germanic as it gets with a menu full of hearty national dishes, an impressive variety of sausages, and plenty of beers. All items are listed alongside their elaborate German names. The interiors are simple, with guests sitting on

benches, but there’s a mural of illustrations on the wall of personified animals exploring aspects of the beer culture. The same animals are carried over on the cover of their menus. Price Range: PhP500 - PhP800 112 Streetscape, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 631 1489 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 11AM – 12:MN F, Sa: 11AM – 2AM

Café Mediterranean

Much like other veteran Filipino chains that specialize in a regional cuisine, Cafe Med (as it’s affectionately known) tends to trade authenticity for consistency. Despite some concessions to the local palate, it does offer monthly special menus that focus on particular ingredients (dates, figs, or mushrooms, for instance), or dishes from particular areas of the Mediterranean. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Greenbelt 1, Greenbelt Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 751 9705 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 9PM Branches at Newport Mall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, and SM City North EDSA.

Cibo

Cibo has been the centerpiece in the career of noted caterer and restaurateur Gaita Fores. What began as an open kitchen in the hallway of Glorietta in 1997 has since grown into a brand name, on the strength of its modern Italian dishes. The pizza and pasta choices are the most obvious staples here, but it’s worth sampling the unique appetizer dips. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 2/F, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 631 7753 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F: 11AM – 10PM , Sa: 10AM – 10PM , Su: 10AM – 9PM

Cova Tapas y Sangria

Cova is a chic restaurant that serves playful spins on savory Spanish dishes. Famous for its interesting interiors, hanging above your head are pale pieces reminiscent of topographical cross sections, arranged together to form one whole cave ceiling (for its namesake “cova”) that unevenly swells, rises, and falls. Late into the evening, dim lights and DJs take over to turn the space into a sensual nightlife spot. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 22 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 478 9700 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 6PM – 3AM

El Cirkulo Restaurant

High end restaurant headed by renowned Executive Chef J.Gamboa, specializing in updated Spanish cuisine. Cirkulo is dressed as a relaxed lounge, with contemporary interiors bathed in warm light. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 Milky Way Bldg., 900 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 810 8735 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 5:30PM – 10:30PM

Despite the modern flourishes of the interior design, the actual food here is straightup traditional Spanish fare. Old-fashioned meals like Gambas Al Ajillo (spicy garlic fried shrimp) and Tortilla de Trampo (chorizo sausage omlette) are favored over Filipino-Spanish innovations. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F One Mckinley Place, 25th St, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 552 2815 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 2PM and 6PM – 2AM

Poco Deli

This little deli is a warm nook that brings the outside indoors. Its European deli menu includes artisanal sausages, pastas, and savory desserts that you can enjoy on wooden picnic tables with miniature potted plants as centerpieces. The walls are covered in brick, and the menus are written in chalk as are the prices on even the wine shelves. The original branch is still in Kapitolyo (Pasig), but the new spot in Makati is more spacious and the food, just as good. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Ave., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 808 6229 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM – 10PM, F: 10AM - 12MN, Sa: 10AM - 11PM

NORTH AMERICAN 2nd’s

If one can overlook the fundamental ridiculousness of high-end comfort food, 2nd’s excels at what it does: reinventing simple college-dorm meals using gourmet ingredients. Bacon Chicharon is worth more than just novelty appeal, while Truffled Three Cheese Mac is as indulgent as it sounds. The low-lit ambiance and roomy interiors make it feel like diners are getting their money’s worth. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Quadrant 3 Wumaco Bldg 1, 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 846 5293 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11:30AM – 11:30PM, F, Sa: 11:30AM – 12MN, Su: 11:30AM – 10:30PM

A Taste of L.A. Café

Baked shellfish platters, including oysters and clams baked over a pugon (wood fire) stand out among the more typical meal options at A Taste of L.A. Their best-known dish isn’t actually very California at all: it’s lechon (suckling pig) baked in a wood fire, then served in Chinese-style pancake wrappers. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 171 Roces Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 374 2461 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11:30AM – 2AM, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Borough

Nolita

El Chupacabra

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F, The Podium, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 570 8906 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 UG/F Bonifacio High Street Central, West Superblock, 7th Ave. cor. 29th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 547 8661 Business Hours: M, Su: 11AM – 12MN, T, W, Th: 11AM – 2AM, F, Sa: 11AM – 5AM

Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 5782 Felipe St. cor. Polaris St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 895 1919 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM – 2AM

Borough has a very similar approach to 2nd’s, doing upscale versions of easy American snack dishes. Some of the experiments are decidedly unconventional – think fried chicken seasoned in cocoa, and served with pumpkin waffles. Diners have responded well, and the place gets especially full around dinnertime.

Burger Bar

Chances are, there’s a burger for every kind of patty lover among their wide menu options, from the bacon-heavy Piggy to the vegetarian Falafel Burger. Even then, one might decide to completely customize their burger with their You’re The Boss option. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 625 2792 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Chelsea Market & Cafe

Chelsea tends to bring in the ladies-wholunch crowd with generous servings of pasta, pizza, and Big Dish plated meals. Freshly sourced ingredients justify the slightly hefty price tag. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Serendra Piazza, Mc Kinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 909 7011 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones is as big on quantity as they are on taste, as noted by the Big Sandwiches and Blue Plate special meals, ideal for sharing. Expect upscale versions of diner fare like the char-grilled Jones Classic burger and Even Better Yankee U.S. Pot Roast. They’re not kidding about serving “American portions”. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 501 3111 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Myron’s

Surf and turf is the order of the day here. Even if the signature combination of Petite CAB Steak and Slipper Lobster might be heavy on the stomach and the wallet alike, there’s still plenty to choose from, including several cuts of Angus Beef Rib Eye and different Baked Oyster recipes. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 757 8898 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 11PM, Su: 11AM – 10PM

The scaled-back portions at Nolita set it apart from the super-sized meals of its competitors. Gourmet pizza is served by the slice. The Grub options, like the Bowl of Chili and the Stovetop Mac and Cheese, are similarly made for people with a more human-scale appetite for upscale comfort food.

Wingman

For a brief spell, flavored buffalo wings seemed to be the rage in Manila. Wingman was well ahead of the curve, introducing seasonings like Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan before they became standard ways to prepare chicken wings. The Classic variety continues to be a gold standard for wings in this city, while the Apocalyptic and Inferno variations push the envelope for acceptable spice levels. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 478 6770 Business Hours: M: 12NN - 1AM, T, W, Su: 12NN – 2AM, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 3AM

LATIN AMERICAN Brasas

Given the variety of South American dishes available here, the prices at Brasas are surprisingly reasonable. The location of the original restaurant – right next to the Asian Development Bank headquarters – means lunch hours are usually packed with expat professionals looking to more unique Latin American fare. The seasoned grills make it worth braving the crowd. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 5/F The Podium, 18 ADB Ave., Mandaluyong Tel No.: +63 2 570 5559 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM 9:30PM, F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM Branches in SM The Block, SM Aura Premier, and SM Jazz.

Chihuahua

While it’s also known as a nightspot – and conveniently located a few steps from Time – Chihuahua is a restaurant, first and foremost. It’s significantly pricier than some of its rivals for the exact same type of fare – burritos being the go-to order – but the portions and freshness of their ingredients make it stand out. The full rack of specialty hot sauces is a welcome bonus. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 7838 Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 890 3192 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 3AM F, Sa: 11AM – 5AM, Su: 11AM – 12MN Branch in Greenbelt 2.

El Chupacabra is owned by the same company as Mexicali – they’ve been introducing Tex-Mex cuisine to Manila’s diners long before most of their competitors. Now they’re bringing hearty urban Mexican food to a charming if tightly-packed hole-in-thewall in the Burgos area. The street tacos are the main draw here.

Ristras

The initial word of mouth about Ristras was that it was a local answer to US chain Chipotle Mexican Grill. Pick a meat (options include ox tongue, ox cheek, and tripe), then decide how you want it served. Most opt for a burrito, but options include fajita, chimichanga, or taco truck style. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F, Fairways Tower, 5th Ave. cor. Mckinley Rd., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Business Hours: 11AM – 11:30PM

Silantro

Silantro is unique among its peers. For one thing, it started out in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. It also brands itself as a “Fil-Mexican Cantina”, willing to forgo complete authenticity for something with a more local flavor. This non-traditional approach leads to dishes like Paella Fajita Mix and Pancholon’s Burger. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 East Capitol Dr., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 917 508 4748 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 10:30AM – 12MN F, Sa, Su: 10:30AM – 1AM

Sofrito

Puerto Rican food is fairly uncommon in Manila, making Sofrito a de facto market leader. The menu is limited but it makes up for it with originality. Featured dishes include Rellenos de Papa (rolled meat) and Pastelon (plantain lasagna, basically). Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Ground Floor, LPL Mansion, 122 San Agustin St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 800 9570 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F: 11AM – 10PM

MIDDLE EASTERN Bricks & Cooper

Pidi – Turkish-style pizza – is what distinguishes this place from other Middle Eastern restaurants. The rest of the menu is rounded out by more familiar items with an Ottoman twist – doner instead of shawarma, and the kebabs come with actual Turkish rice instead of the usual buttered white rice at more downscale establishments.

RADAR / July - August 13

FOOD

Las Flores

Price Range: PhP150 - PhP300 Shaw 500 Zentrum, Shaw Blvd., Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 697 2007 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 7AM – 2AM

Jacob Shawarma & Kebab

Like Bricks & Cooper, owner Jacob Cortes prides himself in making food inspired by the Asian side of the Bosphorus river. Better still, it’s available 24/7. The actual store is nothing much – a small ground-floor unit with a high ceiling on a non-descript backstreet in Ortigas, but it’s worth dining in just to savor their signature dishes right off the grill. Price Range: Below PhP150 AIC Gold Bldg, Sapphire Rd., Pasig City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 12AM – 12MN Sa: 1AM – 8AM Branch at Robinsons Magnolia.

Maharajas Kababs

Ash Mipuri started out with a stall in the Legazpi Sunday Market. When his Ashman’s Pork Kebab won a BBQ Cook-off in 2012, word spread about Maharajas. Now his hole-in-the-wall restaurant at the fringe of Makati has become an unlikely destination for discerning Middle Eastern food lovers. Price Range: Below PhP150 1405 Pablo Ocampo St cor Dungon St., San Antonio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 817 6217 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 12MN, Su: 2PM – 9PM

Persia Grill

This particular branch of the Persia Grill chain caters to the after-office crowd with stripped-down, unpretentious versions of staple Middle Eastern dishes. The Executive Meals are value for money, if not particularly authentic. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Valero Carpark 2, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 818 9090 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM Branches at SM Megamall, University Mall, and Eco Plaza.

Ziggurat

Filled with low tables and throw pillows, Ziggurat complements its affordable Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian menu with colorful, fun, and exotic décor. Hookah is optional, but recommended to complete the aesthetic experience. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Sunette Tower, Durban St. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 897 5179 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12AM – 12MN

14 RADAR / July - August

INTERCONTINENTAL

Whistlestop

Corner Tree Cafe

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 116 Jupiter St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 890 4728 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours

This vegeterian and vegan gem is as adorable, quaint, and tiny on the inside as it is on the outside, like a cottage along a country road. Creativity is key for green-eaters, which is why their menu boasts items inspired by all corners of the globe, from North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Spain, to India and Japan. Price Range: PhP300 - PhP500 150 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 897 0295 Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM

Green Pastures

Organic doesn’t necessarily connote health-conscious. It’s really all about dining fresh from the farm. The food here is flavorful, robust, and they don’t shy away from frying, or duck fat. The way this colorful restaurant is put together with an entire wall of green crops, grocer’s counter, and wood everywhere, it feels like picnicking right at your neighborhood market. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 4/F East Wing Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 654 3219 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM

Hatch 22

This upscale café and bakery serves adaptive dishes good for breakfast and brunch all-day, everyday. Following the modern-nostalgic trend, their sculpted wooden ceiling floats above a nifty and eclectic mix of metal, wood, and cushioned furniture. Every dish is served beautifully presented, with recipes that are mostly Western in nature, but there is a Filipino breakfast selection. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Powerplant Mall, Amorsolo Dr., Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 839 0482 Business Hours: M, T, W, Su: 7AM – 11PM Th, F, Sa: 7AM – 12:00MN

Nomnomnom

A common haven for carnivores and vegetarians alike, Nomnomnom focuses on general healthy eating with Italian dishes full of fresh crisp greens, herbs, and delicious breads. The ambience is rustic, bright, and cutesy alongside DIY touches and friendly pastel colors. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 3/F Pos Bldg, Sct. Madriñan St. corner Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 416 3280, +63 917 472 8472 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN – 10PM

This is a popular 24-hour spot to eat and drink with a diverse menu, lots of seating, and a very casual laid-back attitude.

SPECIALTY COFFEE Commune

All of the coffees here are made with Commune Blend, a locally-sourced combination of Philippine Arabica and Robusta varieties. The playful murals and cozy space make it especially conducive for hanging out. Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Liberty Plaza St, 102 HV Dela Costa Tel. No.: +63 2 889 2660 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 11PM

Craft Coffee Revolution

Craft gets credit as the trail-blazer in designer coffee. When it began as Craft Coffee Workshop in 2012, naysayers scoffed that it would be a flavor-of-the-month hipster trend. Now it’s set the precedent for on-site roasting, and it continues to hire and support some of the most knowledgeable baristas in Metro Manila. Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) 88 Esteban Abada St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 964 7994 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 11PM Su: 11AM – 8PM

The Curator

Find The Curator hidden away inside Cyrano Wine Bar. By day, it serves single-origin coffee like Hineleban, sourced from Bukidnon, and brewed with an AeroPress. After dark, it offers craft cocktails. With rigorous training via the EDSA Beverage Design Group, the staff is equally adept at preparing both coffee and booze. Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) 134 Legazpi St. cor. C. Palanca St., Makati City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 7AM – 2AM F, Sa: 7AM – 3AM Su: 7AM – 6AM

Kuppa Roastery

Kuppa is co-owned by Karen Lo-Tsai, the Philippines’ only certified Q-grader – the coffee equivalent of a sommelier. Roasting is done on-site with a Probat roaster. Choose how you want your coffee brewed: via French Press, AeroPress, or V60 Pour Over (similar to Vietnamese ca phe). Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Commercenter Bldg., 31st St cor 4th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig Tel. No.: +63 2 623 5120 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 7AM – 11PM F, Sa: 7AM – 12MN

Magnum Opus

Once you get south of Makati, the options for specialty coffee get increasingly slim. Luckily, Magnum Opus exists to help fill the need. Billing itself as a “fine coffee gallery”, they make “bespoke” creations like their “Dirty” iced drinks (“Dirty”, in this case, meaning topped with espresso grounds). 2/F The Prime Bldg., 115 Aguirre Ave., B.F. Homes, Parañaque Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Tel. No.: +63 939 920-0701 Business Hours: M: 4:30PM – 11PM T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10:30AM – 11PM

Toby’s Estate

This is the flagship store of the craft coffee franchise from Down Under. It has a Slow Bar setup for serving Chemex and Siphon-method brews. Their go-to cup is made with beans directly sourced from farmers in Woolloomooloo, Australia. 125 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 7AM – 10PM F, Sa: 8AM – 12MN Su: 8AM – 10PM

Yardstick

Yardstick takes things a step beyond just roasting and selling coffee. They offer actual coffee education workshops like recipe design and basics of espresso making. They serve three blends with unique flavor profiles, with Brazilian, Ethiopian, and Indonesian beans. G/F Universal LMS Bldg, VA Rufino St, Legazpi Village, Makati City Price Range: Below PhP150 Tel. No.: +63 2 845-0073 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 11PM Su: 8AM – 6PM

O SH SHOPPING

G IN PP

GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER Ubiquitous to Metro Manila as jeepneys, is the famed shopping complex

–Greenhills. Located in the city of San Juan, it is comprised of over two thousand stores that offer everything from designer knock offs to rare collectibles. It all began in the early ‘60s, when plans were drawn up to create a shopping centre that complemented the first-class residential neighbourhood that was being developed at the time. Nothing much has really changed since, except for a series of renovations and safety measures that have been implemented by the local government unit. Greenhills used to run on the “tiangge” (pronounced “chung –geh”) principle, in that you could bargain prices down and feel good about yourself compared to other shoppers who take things at face value, but rumour has it that “tawad” (pronounced “tah-wud”) has been discouraged to promote fair competition amongst the vendors. Currently, it is a labyrinthine arrangement of different specialty stores that, despite having no tawad, are still incredibly affordable. If you’re looking for something in particular, check out Radar MNL’s easy guide to Greenhills!

Annapolis Carpark Square Computer shops; easily identifiable by large fastfood chains on the ground level

The Jewellery Er… Jewelry.

Connecticut Carpark

(pronounced connek –ticoot) Restaurants and Bars

Theater Mall

Really cold cinemas, a couple of sad boutiques, and salad bars

Promenade

Karaoke, a concert hall, and book shops; very popular hangout for students

Music Museum

Mobile-phone shops and kiosks

Planet Hollywood, Filipino-style. Been around since the late 80s, has all the glam and kitsch of the Philippine artista culture

The Shops

Shoppesville Arcade

Bridgeway Shops

Clothing boutiques and kiosks

LifeStyle Center

Antiques, old coins, war memorabilia

Beauty Central Great manicures

McKinley Arcade Pricey Filipino cuisine

The Strip

Pricey Pan-Asian cuisine

Photo by Juan Paulo Gutierrez

Four levels of stuff. Clothes, gadgets, toys, computer shops, anything you might possibly need is probably here, right alongside the stuff you will never ever buy except as a gag gift

V-Mall

Pretty much anything you could ask for, and the best tailor, Lord West on the third floor.

Map courtesy Greenhills Shopping Center

Greenhills Shopping Center

Greenhills, San Juan City Operating Hours: Sundays to Thursdays, 10AM to 8PM ; Fridays and Saturdays, 10AM to 9PM Services: shopping, dining, bargain hunting, tailors, repair shops, tech kiosks, cinemas, coffee shops, book stores Tips: Do not go on weekends or near major holidays if you’re not used to a constant crush of people. Wear comfortable shoes, bring drinking water, and expect to be irritated as people cut in line, shove, push you aside, talk over you, and try to sell you things you don’t want.

RADAR / July - August 15

CALM BEFORE THE STORM Photography by Romain Rivierre. Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. Makeup and hair styling by Fatima Rabago. Associate styling by Mikka Velasquez. Featuring swimwear by Agua Brazil and rainwear from the Joey Samson Fall 2014 collection. Modeled by Ann Umali and Jasmine Maierhofer.

We brace for it every year. As the sunlit hours of the dry season give way to overcast skies, we await the inevitable coming of the typhoons.

We treasure that momentary lull between the arid mid-year and the storms ahead. The northeast tradewinds cling to their hold over the islands, caught in a dance with the oncoming Hagabat, as each force struggles to make its presence felt. So even as we prepare for the deluge, we hold out that faint glimmer of hope for one last stretch of beach weather. We eagerly grasp at these last hints of sunshine, praying for the opportunity for a final trip to the coast. And that’s when it happens. The French call it pleuvoir des cordes – literally “rain like ropes”. The heavy downpour washes away the fading memories of summer. We huddle together through flash floods and work days cut short. Yet our minds resist the idea that the rains are here to stay. We hesitate to pack away the bathing suits and sunscreen; to acknowledge it would mean giving in to the bleak period ahead. By August’s end, the reality will be too stark to ignore. Until then, we’ll be living for those fleeting moments, the calm before the storm.

Jasmine: Black Trench Coat by Joey Samson; Green Penas Print Swimsuit by AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Gladiator Heels by Nereku Ann: Orange Penas Print Swimsuit by AGUA Brazil Swimsuit; Black Knee High Gladiator Heels by Nereku 16 RADAR / July - August

Mar Print Low Back Swimsuit by AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Knee High Gladiator Heels by Nereku

SHOPPING

Black Silk Kimono by Joey Samson; Salmon Pink Bandeau and Blue High Waisted Bikini Bottom both from AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Heel Less Shoes by Nereku

RADAR / July - August 17

Maya Blue Bikini by AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Suede Wedges with Ostrich Feathers by Nereku Black Coat by Joey Samson; Blue Cobra Print Swimsuit by AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Peep-Toe Suede Boots with Acrylic Heels by Nereku

18 RADAR / July - August

SHOPPING Jasmine: Black Oversized Blazer by Joey Samson; Black Triangle Top with Black Beads and White Brazilian Cut Bikini both from AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Gladiator Heels by Nereku Ann: Black Pea Coat by Joey Samson; Metallic Black Triangle Top and Red Brazilian Cut Bikini both from AGUA Brazil Swimwear; Black Knee High Gladiator Heels by Nereku

Agua Brazil

www.aguaswimwear.com aguabrazil@gmail.com

Joey Samson

455 Adalla St., Palm Village, Makati City +63 2 890 4419, +63 918 959 2541 joeysamson@ymail.com

RADAR / July - August 19

FASHION The Appraisery

The Appraisery deals in pre-loved vintage clothes. An in-house stylist curates the range of apparel. The store also houses a coffee shop and tabletop gaming space. Oddly enough, there’s a significant overlap among the clientele of fashionistas, coffee lovers, and geeks. Cubao X, Gen. Romulo St., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 921 2682 Business Hours: T, W, Su: 2PM – 12MN Th, F, Sa: 2PM – 2AM

Aranaz

This business has only been around since 1998, but it already spans generations. Becky Aranaz teams up with daughters Amina and Rosanna to deliver chic, well-crafted accessories. They actively make use of native materials like mother of pearl, coconut shell, and wood beads, mixing them with fabrics, leather, and stones to create items that “de-ethnicize the ethnic”, as they put it. Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 757 0301 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM Branch at Power Plant Rockwell.

Greyone Social

The country’s pioneering dedicated street wear retailer has been dealing in men’s sneakers, tees, hats, and accessories since 1997. The global urban labels they stock include 10 Deep, Benny Gold, OBEY, and Undefeated. R2 Wing, Greenbelt 5 Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 729 0945 Email: greyonesocial@gmail.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM

House of Laurel

Acclaimed local designer Rajo Laurel is now offering ready-to-wear pieces off the rack. In addition to the main ladies wear line (Rajo!), they also cater specifically for plus-size and maternity (Nine by Rajo). RajoMan deals in menswear, while Rajito is made for stylish children. 6013 Villena St. corner Manalac St., Poblacion, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 895 5688 Ext. 2

Rags2Riches

These days, the phrase “social enterprise” has been used and abused by every company looking to earn brownie points from conscious buyers. Rags2Riches is the real deal, with a business model that provides fair market access to cottage industry artists, while giving them skills-based training, as well as health and financial guidance. For consumers, the key to their staying power is an attractive range of bags, including satchels, totes, clutches, and even carriers for tech gadgets. Their chic designs are crafted out of upcycled scrap cloth and indigenous fabrics.

20 RADAR / July - August

3/F Glorietta 1, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 920 476 0730 Business Hours: Su, M, T, W, Th: 10AM – 9PM F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM

Sunnies by Charlie

Exactly what the name suggests: sleek, vintage-styled designer eyewear. The brand comes heavily endorsed by local celeb Georgina Wilson, who’s also their Marketing Director. However, credit for the faux retro aesthetic – think Lana Del Rey gone tropical – goes to her pal, designer Martine Cajucom. Level 2, Glorietta 2 (beside Astrovision), Ayala Center, Makati City Email: hello@sunniesbycharlie.com Business Hours: Su, M, T, W, Th: 10AM – 9PM F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM

Team Manila Lifestyle

For over a decade, this design firm turned lifestyle brand has been using Filipino mass iconography as the basis for a range of unique consumer products. Taking inspiration from street signs, local movie posters, public school textbooks, and other sources of everyday visual culture, they’ve managed to maintain a brisk trade in stylized Pinoy pride. Powerplant Mall, 2F South Court (above Zara), Rockwell Center , Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 403 2645 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F: 11AM – 10PM, Sa: 10AM – 10PM, Su: 10AM – 9PM

CONSUMABLES ECHOstore

Think of ECHOstore as an upscale sari-sari shop, dealing in a range of organic and locally-sourced items, from Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates (available in flavors like Calamansi and Siling Labuyo), to skincare products from social enterprise Human Heart Nature. But they’re not just an ethical retailer, they also make their own branded goods, like Honest Herbs teas (Malungay, Lagundi, Banaba, and Ginger varities) and their Body Basics Personal Care line.

the beverage selection – tapuy rice liquor, Katipunan Craft’s Indio Pale Ale [sic], and small-batch rhum from Don Papa. Also worth recommending are Kalsada’s single-origin coffee beans. Unit A, The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 400 4326 Email: hola@ritual.ph Web: www.ritual.ph Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 9PM

HOME GOODS Dimensione

tThis chain of furniture concept stores is targeted at upwardly mobile young professionals, looking to spruce up their home on a midrange budget. To that end, it carries sleek, minimal interior goods, with Ikea-like sensibilities – albeit without the modular, knock-down practicality of the Swedish home brand. Unit 901, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 856 6756

Firma

This store is now on its 14th year of dealing in swanky home accessories. It’s the brainchild of Richard Danao, a former theater stage manager, and Markus Schmidt, a German entrepreneur, they now produce an eclectic range of lamps, candelabras, and decorative tassels that highlight the duo’s playful, opulent sensibilities. Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 757 4009 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM

Heima

The main draw is the tastefully colorful furniture, but they also carry unique home accessories from their My Apartment line, as well as charming décor items like funky throw pillows and stylized wall clock. The overall aesthetic here is twee and quirky.

G/F Serendra Piazza, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 901 3485 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM Branches at Podium Mall and Eton Centris.

Unit 103, Three Brixton Building, #3 Brixton St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 501 7588 Email: online@heimastore.com Web: www.heimastore.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 7PM Branch at LRI Design Plaza in Makati City.

Legazpi Sunday Market

Resurrection Furniture

With a shifting roster of vendors hawking cooked food, organic produce, and artsy goods, this long-running weekly market is a dependable source of interesting finds. It may not be as down-to-earth as going to your neighborhood wet market, but this place has an undeniable friendly vibe of its own. Legazpi St. corner Rufino St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Business Hours: Su 7:30AM to 2PM

Ritual

Similar to ECHOstore (above), Ritual presents itself as a “sustainable general store”. We’re particularly impressed with

Old items are refurbished and given a new life here, hence the name. Vintage card catalog shelves turn into functional cabinets. Spanish-style aparador wardrobes are reinvented as contemporary shabby chic. Chairs are patched up with a bohemian aesthetic. Most items here are one of a kind. The owners also do customized made-to-order items, for consumers willing to provide the source materials. 10A Alabama St., Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 918 924 0580 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 6PM

Space Encounters

This store describes itself as “mid-century Scandinavian furniture meets Pop Asia. Aesthetic meets functionality. Wrapped in neon science fiction.” Frankly, it’s quite accurate: ironic Chinoiserie and Orientalist kitsch décor finds a place alongside miniature Chippendale chairs, Hemmingway writing tables, and funky lamps. Unit B Mezzanine, Padilla Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. (Emerald) Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 910 8031 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 11AM – 8PM Sa: 11AM – 5PM

BOOKSTORES Book Sale

Not a lot of expats pay attention to this chain of second-hand bookstores, but for cash-strapped bibliophiles earning in Pesos, this place can feel like a miracle. The stocks here are a mix of overruns, remaindered copies, sometimes even former library books. The lack of a proper inventory system makes every visit hit or miss. Yet the variety of titles on offer is staggering – genre fiction, quasi-academic books, contemporary literature, graphic novels. The most current books are one to two years old. It also carries back issues for American and British specialty magazines. Level 1, Entertainment Mall, Mall of Asia Complex, Seaside Blvd., Pasay City Tel. No.: +63 2 556 0697 Web: www.booksale.com.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 10PM Branches at SM Megamall, Market! Market!, and Shopwise Cubao.

Bookay-Ukay

The name of this used bookstore is a play on words: it comes from ukay-ukay (which loosely means “rummage sale” in Filipino). It’s quite an apt moniker – the titles are loosely organized, but you’ll really need to dig around for the perfect find. In the end, it’s totally worth it: you just might find a pulp classic, cult title, or discarded best-seller – sometimes for even PhP50 or less. The store also hosts poetry readings and even the odd intimate gig. 78 Maginhawa St., UP Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 905 428-3125 Email: bookayukay@gmail.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 11PM

Fully Booked

This is the go-to store for the latest reading material, especially now that competitor National Bookstore has drastically cut back on their stock. This one is the flagship. At best, it’s at par with regional chains like Kinokuniya, in terms of new releases, best-sellers, specialty non-fiction, and especially comics and manga. However, the Filipino market bias towards self-help and religious literature seems painfully obvious. There are branches of Starbucks, White Hat frozen yoghurt, and Comics Odyssey on site. Bldg. 6, 902 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 858-7000 Email: fb_fort@fullybookedonline.com

EL AV TR TRAVEL

BIG THINGS IN LITTLE CHINA The oldest Chinatown district in the world,

Binondo was the centre of commerce during the American occupation of the Philippines. Binondo, like the preternatural cockroach that will outlive everyone else, has stood firm and clung tenaciously to life, maintaining the soul and character that locals all know and love (though quite frequently deride). Created by Gobernador Luis Perez Dasmariñas in 1584, Binondo was intended as a settlement for Chinese immigrants and a hive for conversion as all Chinese immigrants were given the choice of becoming catholic or being executed. Pretty soon, Catholic Chinese intermarried with local Filipinos and begat the social caste known as the Chinese Mestizos. Some popular examples of Chinese Mestizos are St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, and Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. If you think that knowing Tagalog will help you out on the streets of Binondo, you’d only be halfright. If you spoke Minnan, Hokkien, or Mandarin, you’d get by much better than if you were limited to English and Tagalog. If you’re purely an English speaker, make sure you have a guide. We can all agree that it isn’t Chinatown until you can buy some really weird sh*t. Things to enlarge certain body parts, roots to chew for tonic purposes, banned ingredients – all these and more can be found in Binondo. Look for authentic ginseng, but try to refrain from buying shark’s fin cartilage, powdered deer horns, dried snake, and swallow’s nests as these things all encourage poaching. On the safe side, pick up a few chocolate tableas or chocolate tablets and make a cup of Philippine hot chocolate. Be sure to make it with milk rather than water because tsokolate eh, slang for espeso, is much tastier than tsokolate ah, slang for aguado, or watered-down.

Points of Interest:

Street view of Binondo in 1900, taken from Photobucket.com user BetaColexn

Royal Garden Restaurant Binondo Church: one of the oldest places of Christian Worship, and is home to the Our Lady of China icon. Breath-taking ceiling details and a delightful mix of votive candles and red Chinese incense sticks let you know that you’re really in Chinatown. Also houses the Santo Cristo de Longos, an image of the crucified Christ, allegedly found by a deaf/ mute Chinese convert in an old well in the barrio of Longos. Yuchengco: Essentially, apothecary road. There’s an amazing drug store that sells Pi-Yen-Chin, a naphazoline hydrochloride solution for Fifteen Pesos (yeah, that’s right. 34-cents in USD. And you put it in your eyes) that will clear up any eye redness and/or nasal inflammation known to man. Ask your doctor before trying it out, although he will probably tell you to steer clear. Across the drugstore is Dong Bei Dumpling, the best Northern Chinese dumpling shop in the country. Xiao Long Bao be damned, the pork and chives dumplings are where it’s at. Kuang Kong: Buddhist temple dedicated to Scholars, Martial Arts, and the God of War, you can burn incense and have your fortune told by using Chinese runes.

Open 24 hours, serves authentic dim sum and Shark’s Fin soup. Price Range: P150 - P350 Ongpin St. corner Padilla St., Binondo, Manila

President’s Teahouse

An offshoot of President’s Restaurant, which is known for fresh seafood, the Teahouse is a great place to have merienda, a mid-afternoon snack and a warm pot of oolong tea. Price Range: P150 - P300 809 Salazar St., Binondo, Manila

Wai Ying Fastfood

Go for the mami (noodle soup), stay for the harkaw (shrimp dumpling) Price Range: P80 - 150 810 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila

Ying Ying Teahouse

One of the best harkaw joints in town, also does a mean radish cake and kuchay dumpling. The house tea, despite the name, is just so-so. Price Range: P250 - P500 233 Dasmariñas street corner Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila

RADAR / July - August 21

The Solitude ofNight “It was at a wine party —I lay in a drowse, knowing it not. The blown flowers fell and filled my lap. When I arose, still drunken, The birds had all gone to their nests, And there remained but a few of my comrades. I went along the river – alone in the moonlight.” By Li Po, Translated by Shigeyoshi Obata, from The Works of Li Po, The Chinese Poet (EP Dutton & Company, 1921) Photography by Romain Rivierre 22 RADAR / July - August

TRAVEL (Left to right) 1. Eiffel Tower, 2. Esplanade of Sacrée Coeur, 3. Fountain of La Concorde, 4. Champs Élysées, 5. Opéra Garnier

Paris-Philippine Connection

History: During the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, national hero Jose Rizal sought to organize a conference called the Association Internationale des Philippinistes which was to be launched with Ferdinand Blumentritt as President and Edmond Plauchut as Vice President. The French government also permitted Rizal to live in exile in France where he wrote his famous books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Filipinos living in France work as artists, professionals, students, writers, in information technology, electronics, domestic helpers, and in the health care industry. The French government encourages Filipinos to work in France as long as they eventually return to the Philippines. 10% of Filipinos living in France have married French citizens. By 2000, 5,823 French citizens had been born in the Philippines, including both French nationals and naturalized Filipinos. Every year since 1980, a festival embracing the Filipino culture has been held in Paris, called the Pista sa Paris (Feast in Paris). The event is sponsored by the Philippine embassy in Paris, and features singers, dancers, and Filipino cuisine.

RADAR / July - August 23

L IV IN G

ADVERTORIAL

All under one Tips & Tricks

Looking for a new condo is easier said than done. Consider the following tips to help you out: 1. Lifestyle: Know thyself! Workaholic? Pet owner? Parent with kids in school? Weigh all possible factors first, and only view condominiums that fit your lifestyle! 2. Location: Research a neighborhood well! Consider public transportation, proximity, traffic situation, and safety. 3. Price: Compute your budget. Here’s a good pointer: your monthly rent should be a third of your net income. Factor in bills, transportation costs, and living expenses. 4. The condominium proper: Could this space be your home? Think about amenities (or lack thereof), building structure, et cetera. Chances are, you’ll sign a year-long lease. Can you live here for 365 days? 5. Friendliness of staff: This matters! Need a taxi during rainy season? Ask the lobby guard. Leaky faucet at 4:30AM? You need maintenance, stat. But are they willing and able?

Roof’s Property of the Month This month’s featured property is The Raffles Makati, which brings the celebrated Singaporean hospitality brand to our shores. • A 30-storey building that houses three different living options: the Raffles Hotel, the Raffles Suites and Residences, and the Fairmont Hotel. • Opened in December 2012, with a grand launch in February 2013. • The first luxury hotel to open in the Central Business District after 18 years. • Shares in the rich history of the Singapore Raffles Hotel, founded in 1887 and popularly known as the “Grand Lady of the Far East”. Literary greats Somerset Maugham and Ernest Hemingway frequented Raffles’ Long Bar — the birthplace of the famed Singapore Sling. • Managed by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, which also manages the flagship. In 2010, a Qatar sovereign wealth fund purchased Singapore’s Raffles Hotel for US$275 million.

• West-facing room with a full view of the Makati sunset from each of the floor-toceiling windows • Large bed, with lush high-thread-count sheets, for the ultimate in comfort and rest • A 153 sqm unit – ample space and movement in each room

Where

Now the Raffles Manila will chart its own history, built on the success of its parent brand.

Experience convenience and mobility. Cut down on maddening traffic. • At the corner of two main roads, Arnaiz and Makati Avenue • Shared amenities for hotels and condominium units: same lobbies, restaurants and cafes, the Long Bar, two swimming pools, residents’ lounge, spa, and gym 300 meters from Greenbelt Mall: prime retail, entertainment, and culinary choices 450 meters from The Ayala Museum: a glimpse of the Philippines’ art, culture and history • About 1 km from Makati Medical Centre, the CBD’s foremost hospital • Makati’s commercial buildings, multinational corporations, financial institutions, embassies, and BPOs are nearby.

What

Why

A 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom condominium with maids’ quarters, owned by a balikbayan gentleman, is for sale at PhP39,500,000. • Unit owners may lease out their condominiums to Raffles patrons and guests via the Raffles program, for up to 7% yield per annum. • Fully furnished unit with kitchen and entertainment facilities, according to the Raffles standard. Each unit could ostensibly be considered a hotel room, leased under the Raffles rental program.

24 RADAR / July - August

The Raffles’ amenities are above par. • Two swimming pools — one for lounging, another for laps, each with a bar and lounge area. • Prime food and drink options: - Café Macaron – pastries and baked goods- Spectrum – all-day contemporary dining - Fairmont Lounge – High Tea at sunset and cocktails after dark - The Long Bar – old-world charm with a modern twist - The Writers Bar – drinks amid opulent décor

rating Develop a good relationship with a proper broker to help match you with your ideal space. Good luck! • Fully equipped gym and wellness centre • Spa that encourages spa parties for more than 5 people • Residents’ Lounge, a private set of rooms for Residences tenants, for hushed meetings over a premier tea selection • The same Raffles butler and concierge service as the hotels, with a staff that epitomizes Filipino hospitality

How

To show your interest or to schedule a viewing of the property, just call +63 2 488 7603 and ask for a Roof representative. Every one of our staff speaks fluent English, and would be more than happy to assist you. At PhP39,500,000, the unit retails for more than PhP250,000 per square meter. • Approximately 20% more expensive than many of Makati’s luxury condominiums • Value based on many amenities, top quality service, luxe pampering, the Raffles program benefits, the convenience of its location, and the quiet, elegant beauty of the building itself

By Ana Warren González

Fun Facts

Condominium prices in the CBD can be up to 50% more expensive. There are several affordable options to check out, though: 1. Palm Towers, Belton Place, and Kingswood Condominiums: San Antonio Village, north of the CBD, has an indie vibe. It’s poised for rapid medium-term growth too. 2. SMDC Jazz: Early property prices are still low, with amenties set to open in 2015. Other positives: mod interiors, pretty finishings, and central location. 3. Don Chino Roces Avenue: Rent gets more affordable near the Philippine National Railways tracks. Check out Beacon tower for top amenities., Cityland for budget options, and cozy and economical units at the Makati Cinema Square condominiums. 4. Oriental Place Makati: This 3-year-old building has 1- and 2-bedroom options for competetive prices. Decent amenities make it an oasis in this part of Makati! 5. Grand Soho and Gramercy: Yes, their advertised prices are higher than other condos on this list, but some lucky people have found very reasonable deals here.

RADAR / July - August 25

LN ES S EL W

RAW-VOLUTION!

The Farm at San Benito, a sprawling oasis of

green, nestled in the underbrush of Lipa, Batangas and just an hour and half’s drive from busy, bustling Makati, seems to hold the secret to a long and full life. Everything from yoga, massages, scrubs, clinical procedures aimed at increasing the quality of life as well as lengthening it, raw and vegan food, meditation, and strutting peacocks serves to soothe the soul and clear the mind while cleansing the body. As Plato said, “Mente sana in cuerpo sano” – and The Farm takes the cuerpo very seriously.

Greenest Pastures

When someone gets “put out to pasture”, it indicates obsolescence. If someone were to be made obsolete only to live on The Farm, it would not be such a bad deal. The Farm at San Benito has won no less than twenty-nine prestigious international awards, including SENSES’ Germany “Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World”. It is dotted with private villas and terraces, a man-made waterfall and numerous lagoons. A large two-hundred year old mango tree is at the center of the entire property, a nervous system and circulatory system in one. Lush greenery all throughout, the eye is only interrupted by bursts of colour from bougainvillea flowers, flame trees, and brightly coloured peacocks that languidly patrol the grounds. Rooms span from the petite Sulu Terraces to the extensive Lakan Villa, meaning you can pay anywhere from $200 to $1200 USD a night and still feel like a million bucks. The Oil of Life in particular is worth mentioning; produced right on The Farm, this 100% virgin coconut oil plays a huge part in their healing regimen. From the cuisine down on to what they have in the loos, coconut oil is an integral part of life at The Farm.

26 RADAR / July - August

Coconut Oil can be used to ease mild sunburns, treat skin and hair conditions, and studies show that one tablespoon a day of virgin coconut oil will result in weight loss. Yogi Bear

The Farm offers beginners’ and intermediate yoga classes, as well as private instruction for the more advanced students who would put the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to shame.

At certain times of the year, The Farm offers yoga retreats and packages so be sure to keep an eye on their website for promo offers or sign up for their newsletter. RAWr!

General Manager of The Farm, Michael di Lonardo, said, “Your stomach looks for the last meal it had, it’s a syndrome. If you had junk, it will look for junk – that’s why it is easy to lose track of how much you eat because you’re always hungry and looking for the same empty thing. If you have something healthy, your body will keep looking for something healthy, simply because it remembers.” Raw food enthusiasts believe that heating food destroys its nutrients and natural enzymes, which is bad because enzymes boost digestion and fight chronic disease. They claim that a raw food diet can clear up headaches and allergies, boost immunity and memory, improve arthritis and diabetes, and most definitely aid in weight loss.

If you want the pure Farm experience, order only from the right side of the menu as it changes from day to day depending on what is available As Michael said, “I’m not going to push anyone to be vegan or go purely raw. It’s a choice you make for yourself; but I do urge everyone to eat healthy. A green smoothie a day is the best bet for improved all-around health, a delicious way to get your daily dose of nature’s goodness.”

You are the Other

Without a doubt, the staff at The Farm is one of the best-trained teams in the country. This total acceptance, nay joy at having you around surely adds to the whole relaxing effect of the place. You are appreciated, you are important, you mean something – this is what you feel when you are being waited on by the staff at the Farm. And it isn’t because everyone talks in Spa Voice. You can’t fake the smiles, the little anecdotes they share with you after some minor probing questions, the eagerness to meet you, or the courtesy and respect with which you and your belongings are treated.

Happy Ending

Too often do spas over-promise and under-deliver on their “healing capabilities” – but The Farm is for real. Results like glowing skin, whiter eyes (a sign of a detoxed body, apparently), shinier hair, stronger nails and teeth – all those indicators of good health manifest for up to three weeks after treatment. You can also get the integrated medical experience. If you’re going for the gold during your stay,

The Skinny: The Farm at San Benito

All in all, The Farm is one of the best places you can go if you want to clear your head and cleanse your body. It is also best enjoyed by women and gay couples. If you’re a man in the mood for a little rest and relaxation that doesn’t indirectly involve body glitter, you’re better off buying a book or going on a long drive by yourself. Sure, the fit women clad in yoga pants isn’t such a terrible thing, but you will get bored out of your head. Scrubs, raw food, nature walks, flower arrangement – nah. There’s beer, but it’s artisanal and you don’t need to schlep all the way to Lipa, Batangas for a pricey bottle of hipster brew. However, if you’re looking to score some serious pogi points (i.e. Look at what a great husband/ boyfriend I am!), bring your lady to the Farm and you’ll be out of the line of fire for quite some time. Photos courtesy of The Farm at San Benito website gallery

The Farm at San Benito

Address: 119 Barangay Tipakan, 4217 Lipa City, Batangas For Reservations: +63 2 884 8074 ; +63 918 884 8078; info@thefarm.ph; Agoda.com partner venue Tips: Pet friendly; just inform the reservation desk ahead of time, sign a pet waiver upon check-in, and enjoy your stay. If you’re the religious type, head into town to see a beautiful cathedral. If you’re the undisciplined type, there are a couple of great restaurants in town that offer homestyle Batangas cooking if you’re willing to sacrifice what progress you’ve made on the holistic diet and lifestyle front. If you’re the frugal type, book a promo for yourself that already includes the incidental activities such as scrubs, massages, and clinical treatments.

OF CONDOMS AND CALL CENTRES In 2010, a government official from the De-

partment of Health (DOH) said that call-center agents have a higher risk of acquiring Human Immuno-Virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS), and this sparked questions from the general public that have largely gone unanswered, due perhaps to the taboo nature of the subject and the possible detrimental impact that high media exposure could cause to a golden goose industry. The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is expected to create approximately 124,000 new full-time jobs in 2014 alone, as per a statement from Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo. “Based on sectoral projections, we are confident that BPO firms will be able to add an average of 124,000 well-paying jobs annually from 2014 to 2016, or a total of 372,000 new posts over the next three years.” Since having taken over the roost from India in 2011 as the BPO capital of the world, the Philippines is very careful to keep BPO firms happy. Thirty-six firms that operate out of the country posted combined revenue of Php 192 Billion in 2012; giants such as Accenture and Convergys currently have more than thirty five thousand employees each. It is no wonder that the postulation of the DOH that links HIV/AIDS to BPOs is a sensitive issue. Dr. Crisol Tabajero of the DOH cited environmental factors and peer pressure resulting in agents tending to engage in risky sexual behavior in her 2010 study. Tabajero released her findings in August of that year, stating, among other things, that twenty percent of male call center agents were found to be commercial sex workers while fourteen percent gave payment in exchange for sex. More statistics about allegedly promiscuous practises were then relayed, without really giving specific correlations between casual sex and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Josefina Natividad of the University of the Philippines’ Population Institute urged that the study conducted by Tabajero followed a cross-sectional trend which was done at only one point in time, rather than as an observational study – meaning the timing of occurrence of high-risk sexual events was not prima facie linked to working in call centers. She urged that it was not safe to conclude that the higher prevalence of high-risk sexual behavior among BPO workers can be directly attributed to working in the BPO industry. As for HIV in the Philippines, almost 500 new cases were reported in March 2014, the highest

number recorded in one month. This was a 35% increase over figures for the same period in 2013. Of the 498 new cases, 53 were already full blown, according to the DOH. The new HIV cases bring to 1,432 the total number reported from January to March 2014. For the thirty-year period of 1984 to 2014, there were 17, 948 cases reported. 498 cases were reported in March 2014 alone. It is still unclear how many actual cases of HIV/AIDS are in the country, due to the number of unreported cases and most cases being asymptomatic at that. As part of its campaign against HIV/AIDS, the DOH is allegedly flooding massage parlors, nightclubs, and KTV bars with information brochures and free condoms. The veracity of this statement is thus far unproven.

“Twenty percent of male call center agents were found to be commercial sex workers while fourteen percent gave payment in exchange for sex.” The government it seems has taken a somewhat weak-willed stance in addressing the issue. Department of Health circulars, perhaps unwittingly, correlate “unhealthy lifestyles” as being the leading cause of HIV, rather than blatantly discouraging unsafe sex. Labour and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis – Baldoz noted in May 2013 statistics that approximately 90% of Filipinos are at risk of contracting many of the top ten leading causes of death, namely heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. She then stated, “The number of HIV and AIDS cases is also continually rising,” citing the most recent ILO data available at the time. As per the Department of Labour and Employment’s (DOLE) circular entitled “OSHC mainstreams healthy lifestyle through online BOSH” posted on their website on 9 May 2013, “the culprit, according to Baldoz, is unhealthy lifestyle. But she also said that through the Occupational Safety and Health Centre’s CHANGE module, these diseases can now be prevented.” This might be a case of mistaken context on behalf of the DOH newsroom, but the circular goes on to explain the jointly-developed CHANGE module which contains behavior change communication

RADAR / July - August 27

WELLNESS

take this chance to avail of some of the best medical treatments in the world, under the supervision of licensed physicians.

strategies, as well as tools for instituting and measuring workplace improvements in workers attitudes on smoking, alcohol and drug use, HIV, AIDS, and other sexually-transmitted diseases, nasal and lung ailments, good nutrition, and breastfeeding. It somehow seems as if HIV/AIDS is being downplayed, by being lumped in with other “unhealthy” lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking. Ignorance of HIV/AIDS, safe sex, and proper contraceptive use should, in this writer’s opinion, have its own module, as it is an important issue that needs to be addressed. It is quite possible that the namby-pamby response of the DOLE to HIV/AIDS is in deference to the BPO industry. It is also quite possible that a direct approach to HIV/AIDS admits that there is such a problem and this will likely affect other industries like tourism, which is another avenue of revenue for the country. But the question remains: are we doing enough to curb this disease? In this writer’s opinion: no. Worldwide, campaigns to encourage safe sex haven’t tapered off as much as become part of the normal fabric of the media. Emphasis isn’t as strong nowadays as it was in the 1980s and 1990s because it is already assumed that people know that safe sex is good sex. While approaches to this message vacillate from the shocking and graphic to the humourous and witty, these sorts of campaigns have yet to take a real foothold in the Philippine market.

Writer’s Note:

Despite being neither a BPO industry insider or particularly knowledgeable on HIV/AIDS, I believe that everybody is connected very keenly to these two things. If BPOs crash, our economy will likely tank. Regarding HIV, it affects people we know, people who we have lost, people who we want to see live long, full, asymptomatic lives – and that affects us. We cannot choose to remain ignorant of HIV/ AIDS because it is upsetting, for investors and activist groups alike. And while there are people out there much more qualified than me to speak on such a pressing issue, I felt the need to speak up. You don’t have to be infected to get affected, and this column stresses that more than anything else. If you would like to know more about HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, do contact the following:

“Without a condom, you’re making love with AIDS. Protect yourself.” Produced by a French NGO named AIDES, which was founded by Daniel Defert in 1984 following the death of his partner, the philosopher Michel Foucault.

If BPOs are to remain a golden goose industry, they would do well to be more forthright about preventing HIV/AIDS rather than lumping it in with other “unhealthy lifestyle” indicators, as the Church has very little sway in outsourcing, to our knowledge. There are foreseeable problems with distributing condoms at the workplace, but considering that

Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC)

Created in 1993 by E.O. 39 as an advisory body to the Office of the President on all matters related to AIDS. Made up of 26 members from the government, civil society, and organisations of people living with HIV, the Council envisions a fully-empowered national coordinating body where different individuals and sectors work in partnership to prevent the transmission of the virus and lessen its impact on society and affected persons. Contact Information: 3rd Floor, Bldg 15, San Lazaro Compound, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila +63 2 651 7800 loc 2550/2552 ; +63 2 743 0512

Youth AIDS Filipinas Alliance (YAFA)

YAFA was founded on 8 March 2008 in Metro Manila by advocates of an awareness campaign regarding HIV/AIDS issues concerning young people. Contact Information: 2040 Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila Igor G. Mocorro, BSN, RN, MPH, YAFA Founder and CEO +63 915 743 3849

28 RADAR / July - August

sex is the best form of stress release and there are many incidences of on-the-job quickies (both reported and unreported), perhaps this might improve the outlook and overall perception of the industry nevertheless.

By Xabi Gonzaga

Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc (PAFPI)

An organization devoted to helping Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and their families, particularly those who are displaced from their employment due to HIV Contact Information: 1083 Zobel Roxas Avenue, Malate, Manila Joshua Formentera, President & CEO +63 2 832 6239 ; + 63 2 404 2911 ; +63 2 729 4421 ; +63 2 528 4531 pactionphil@netscape.net ; pafpi@edsamail.com.ph http://pafpi.org

AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP)

Established in 1996 by Dr. Ofelia T. Monzon, who pioneered investigative studies on HIV/ AIDS at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Its mission is the promotion and support of activities to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS Contact Information: Info@aidsphil.org +63 2 376 2541 ; +63 2 410 0204

Ace Water Spa

United St. cor. Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 451 1111, +63 2 582 5754 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 6AM - 10PM F, Sa: 6AM - 11PM Branch in Quezon City (Del Monte Ave).

Chi, The Spa

Shangri-la EDSA, 4 & 5/F Garden Wing, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 633 8888 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM - 12MN

Devarana Spa

Dusit Thani, EDSA, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 238 8856 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 12MN

Earthly Senses Spa

Unit OC-2, 2/F The Crescent Building San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 502 7493, +63 917 514 4006 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa: 1PM - 1AM Su: 11AM - 11PM

Ki by Neo Day Spa

35 Wilson St cor. Washington St., Greenhills WeSt., San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 584 6789, +63 2 584 6066 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM - 11PM

Lasema Jjim Jil Bang Spa

35 Wilson St cor. Washington St., Greenhills WeSt., San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 584 6789, +63 2 584 6066 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM - 11PM

Mandara Spa

McKinley Park Residences Unit 308, 31st Corner 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 782 7162 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN - 11PM

Mont Albo Massage Hut McKinley Park Residences Unit 308, 31st Corner 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 782 7162 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN - 11PM

Murad Medi-Spa

5th Level, Rustans, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 813 3739 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 9PM

Neo Day Spa

G/F Net One Center, 26th St. cor. 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 815 8233, +63 2815 6948 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th: 1PM - 11PM F, Sa: 12NN - 11PM

Nuat Thai

238 Banawe St., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 942 828 6828 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN - 6PM

Nuovo Spa

7/F Torre Venezia Suites, 170 Timog Ave cor. Sct Santiago, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 709 4557 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM - 2AM

Qi Wellness Spa

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, 119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 556 1818, +63 916 793 6666 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM - 11PM

Terra Wellness Spa

4/F Discovery Suites, 25 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 638-9145 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 10PM

The Third Eye

600A, 6/Fl, 20th Drive Corporate Center, 20th Drive, McKinley Business Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 808 2984, +63 917 636-2800 Web: www.thirdeyeonline.com

Toccare Spa

4th Level, Best Western Antel Spa Suites, 7829 Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 403 0808 loc. 2050 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM - 1AM

Urban Spa

Level 5 Wellness Zone, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 687 6195 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F: 11AM - 10PM Sa: 10AM - 10PM, Su: 10AM - 9PM

Wensha Spa

Boom Na Boom Grounds, Roxas Blvd cor. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave., Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 833 9879 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours

White Space Mind and Body Wellness Studio

6/F Regis Center, 327 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights 1108 Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 577 0345, +63 917 577 0345 Web: www.whitespacewellness.com

Zenyu Eco Spa

Hotel H2O, Manila Ocean Park Complex, Luneta, City of Manila Tel No.: +63 2 238 6190 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 11PM

YOGA STUDIOS Bikram Yoga Eastwood

Yogini Joy Geronca set up Bikram Yoga Eastwood (BYE) as space to pass on the style of guru Bikram Choudhury, an intense regimen made up of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The studio has enough room to keep things from getting too uncomfortable, even when the grueling routine works participants into a sweat. Unit E One Orchard Road Condominium, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 703 4346, +63 922 881 9955 Email: jgeronca@bikramyogaeastwood.com Web: www.bikramyogaeastwood.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 9AM – 9PM Sa, Su: 10AM – 8PM

Yoga Manila

Located inside the plush Chi Spa on the grounds of EDSA Shangri-la hotel, Yoga Manila leverages the experience of its teachers, some of whom have 500-hour certification. They also maintain a personal practice of Pranayama, guided by Sri O.P. Tiwari, based on the traditions of Swami Kuvalayananda. A drop-in session is PhP500, while packages begin at PhP2000 for a 5-class card. At Chi Spa Yoga Studio, EDSA Shangri-la, 01 Gardenway, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 917 522 YOGA Email: info@yogamanila.com Web: www.yogamanila.com Branches in Alabang, Makati City, and Quezon City

Bliss Yoga

With calming interiors that match their brand name, Bliss Yoga works to help members find a style that best fits their needs and skill level. Gentle Flow targets people new to yoga. Yoga Fundamentals helps to correct basic form and technique. For those looking for a more specific flavor, there’s Vinyasa Flow, Bhakti Urban Flow, and Jivumakti Yoga. It’s PhP500 for a drop-in session. Packages start at PhP1000 for 7 consecutive days, as part of their New Student Introductory Deal. Unit 203 Plaza One Hundred, Rufino St. cor Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 551 1485, +63 917 841 9642 Email: inquiry@blissyogamanila.com Web: www.blissyogamanila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 7AM – 9:30PM F: 7AM – 8:30PM Sa: 8AM – 3:30PM Su: 9:30AM – 4:30PM Branch at Greenhills (Madison St. cor. Ortigas Ave.)

WELLNESS

SPA DIRECTORY

Urban Ashram

A notice on this studio’s website announces “YOGA REVOLUTION THIS WAY. FLEXIBILITY NOT REQUIRED”. This beginner-friendly space has a Vinyasa Foundations class to break newcomers into the practice. Other classes include Hatha (Sun-Moon) Yoga for aligning life forces in the body, as well as contemplative Kundalini Yoga, which includes pranayama (breathwork) and mantra (sound and chanting). 3rd Floor, Active Fun Building, 9th Ave. cor. 28th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 869 YOGA Web: www.urbanashrammanila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 6:30AM – 9PM F: 6:30AM – 8PM, Sa: 8:30AM – 6PM Su: 10AM – 5PM Branches in Makati City (6780 Ayala Ave.) and Kapitolyo (3 Brixton St.)

RADAR / July - August 29

RT SP O

GET ON THE LAWN, KIDS

At first glance, the story of the 8th Pan Pacific Petanque Championships

seems like a case study in everyday globalization. For one thing, it all revolves around a lesser-known French lawn sport with no gender restrictions, popular in former French colonies like Cambodia and Vietnam, but relatively obscure in other parts of the Asia-Pacific region. So the idea that a Philippine Petanque Association (PPA) exists at all, under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Lawn Bowls Association (PLBA), is unlikely enough. It gets even more incredible. The PPA are hosting the Championship games at the Korean-owned Asian Greenville Resort, on the grounds of the Clark Freeport Zone, a former American air force base in Angeles, Pampanga. As firsttime sports organizers, the PPA had guidance from Sports Boules Singapore, who in turn convinced Japanese investors to help raise funds and provide financial support. That includes constructing terrain, paying umpire’s fees, and buying new shooting kits. It also means flying in about 200 players from member countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Mongolia, China, and Taiwan (officially Chinese Taipei).

Viva la Vio

Despite the cross-border scope of it all, if you scale things back, a lot of it comes down to the outsized efforts of one person: Coach Vio Dela Cruz, who is also a spokesperson for the PPA. She’s an unlikely sports idol. Her presence is unassuming; even her P.E. teacher androgyny seems like a matter of fact, rather than distinguishing feature. She looks determined but unharried as she inspects the lawn where the Championships will be held – a rough plot of gently sloping turf in the back of the resort. Ragged boundary markers divide the field into play areas. Needless to say, some landscaping will need to be done ahead of the tournament, less than a month away. It’s a sweltering afternoon in mid-May, and she’s left her team of Junior (under 21) players in the care of Coach Gilbert Dela Cruz, a cheery fellow who resembles a kayumanggi John Cena. As she looks on from poolside, she begins talking about her history with the sport. A one-time track and field athlete, Coach Vio discovered petanque almost by chance, after being invited to train for the 2005 South East Asian Games. Without foreign training, the national petanque team was a spartan bunch. When not practicing, they relied on book reasearch and streaming video clips to familiarize themselves with the rules of the sport. They experienced moderate success, bagging Bronze and Silver medals against more experienced competitors. That put the country in the sights of the Asian Petanque and Sports Boules Confederation. It also helped to finance basic training in Bangkok, under the auspices of the FIPJP, the world federation of petanque clubs.

Thousand Peso jolens

Unfortunately, that just wasn’t enough to keep the group’s heart in the game, and they eventually went their separate ways. It’s a situation that Vio blames on lack of institutional support.

What the boule is petanque anyway?

Lawn sport or Masonic rite? Players throw or roll hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a jack while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground.

Pet-what-now? The name comes from an Occitan (regional French) term pès tancats, meaning “anchored feet”. The jack is also called a cochonnet (literally “piglet”), which casts suspicion on what exactly Southern French people do with infant livestock.

Hommes et femmes Petanuque is a gender neutral sport. Mixed sex teams are common.

The Pinoy connection Petanque has similarities to jolens, a Filipino marble game, often played on the sidewalk. 30 RADAR / July - August

Granted, it will always be difficult to get backing for “non-essential” activities, especially ones that are so unfamiliar. That’s why Coach Vio points out the similarity between petanque and the Pinoy marble game, jolens. Of course, jolens doesn’t require the same kind of expenses as an amateur petanque league.

SPORT

For one thing, the balls are a fundamental expense. Sure, there are low-end China-made balls, at PhP500 or so, but these tend to rust. A mid-range alternative are Thai balls, which cost around PhP1000. But the real deal are French balls, made from alloys of copper and tungsten, that can go into the PhP15K range.

Boules in the Barangays

Unlike her old SEA Games team-mates, the Juniors have the benefit of time and youth on their side; all they need is a push from the system. With that goal in mind, the PAP has approached the Department of Education about introducing petanque as one of the sports options in the revised K-12 curriculum in public schools. In five years’ time, she hopes to see more seminars, workshops, and local tournaments. For what it’s worth, Coach Vio sees petanque as a kind of mythic level playing field – it’s gender-neutral, friendly to older players, and size is not an issue. She’s hesitant to claim that Pinoys have a necessary advantage, but at least we’ve got a fair shot, all other things being equal. It also helps that it’s easy to pick up a game, once you’ve got the literal balls for it; it can be played on the roadside, in empty lots, in the playground. It’s the same scrappy, ragtag appeal that got her SEA Games team to the winners circle. So what does she consider the biggest challenge when introducing the sport to locals? The name. She laughs as she mimics bewildered newcomers. “Pehtung-ke? What is that?”

By Paolo Jose Cruz Photography by Romain Rivierre RADAR / July - August 31

POSTER BOY There is no truer poster boy of Philippine

football in recent years than Anton del Rosario. He is emblematic of the ideal archetype player – fit, passionate, skilled, and dedicated. Because however of his media exposure, people are quick to judge him, believing him to be a product that they are well within their rights to critique mercilessly, rather than a person with foibles and yes, feelings. Del Rosario, like all embodiments of particular industries, receives a bad rap just for being himself. When asked what they thought of him, the most common responses people had were, “He’s so hot, but I heard he’s an ass” ; “He only gets airtime because they need to make the sport popular. He’s just a face” ; and “I don’t know why I don’t like him. I just don’t”. All of which underscore the unfounded and sometimes unbridled hatred against a complete stranger who, in truth and in fact, is not such a bad guy. A profound football nut since the age of six, he played peewee for a local team in Hillsborough, California, moved on to varsity in high school, then played at Notre Dame de Namur University. He tried out for the Philippine national team and has been on the roster since 2000, despite his first appearance on the pitch being in 2004 against Myanmar in the Tiger Cup. A strong right back, del Rosario holds his own on the pitch despite having somewhat of a hot temper.

“I’m passionate about the game,” he laughed. “Sometimes that means getting a little aggressive.” He scored his first goal against Brunei via a free kick from 30 yards in the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship qualifiers held in Panaad Stadium, Bacolod. Unfortunate but all part of the game, del Rosario also has two own goals on his record, against Malaysia in the 2007 AFF Championship and against Turkmenistan in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. As is the fickle nature of sports, the thirty-three year old del Rosario is already planning for his next endeavor. “I love working with kids,” he eagerly intoned. “You can see how much fun they’re having, and you teach them the importance of discipline and dedication – the potential that children have is quite amazing.” Father, fiancé, footballer – this poster boy has a lot more to offer than just a pretty face. He’s got a life, in which football and family play a major role. Why hate on that? Photography by Romain Rivierre

32 RADAR / July - August

The First Philippine Football Team to Reach

A WORLD CUP FINAL

The Street Child World Cup was a rollercoast-

er from start to finish. From the stresses of the preparation, the players’ passports were only released the day before, to the joys of bringing Team Philippines to the final of the Street Child World Cup, the experience was exhilarating and exhausting in equal measures. As great ambassadors for the nation on and off the pitch the kids came from some of the poorest slums, slept on the streets, worked scavenging through our trash, and one of the players was born in a cemetery. They had mixed backgrounds representing the different kinds of street kids in the country because this was a football tournament with a difference: all the players had lived or worked on the streets.

And from this success we will be building the Fairplay Academy, a quality facility with a 5 a side football pitch, a dynamic school, and an urban farm on top. With areas for livelihood projects, it is a holistic way of breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering the community. This model of development will then be replicated in other areas too. The kids have shown that they have the potential to succeed when they are given the opportunity. When you see their smiles, see their efforts, and get to know them as people, you realise that all children deserve those basic opportunities in life. And we can help provide them. The Fairplay for All Foundation organised Team Philippines in the Street Child World Cup. We work mainly in Payatas to holistically break the cycle of poverty. To find out more and support the charity visit our website at www.fairplayforall.weebly.com or email us at ffafoundation@ gmail.com By Roy Moore

Pitted among 15 boys teams and 9 girls teams, the boys beat eventual champions Tanzania in the group stage to reach the Quarter Finals, losing on penalties. The girls, meanwhile, won all their games on the way to the final where they narrowly lost 1-0 to the hosts, Brazil, in front of the biggest crowd of their lives. A team of girls from a country where football isn’t even one of the top four most popular sports had reached the final of a international competition against football crazy countries. At the Fairplay for All Foundation, the charity I founded with Naomi Tomlinson, we’ve seen it many times before. No matter a person’s background, where they were born, or how poor they are, the children are capable of amazing feats with the right mix of dedication and support. In football this is especially true, it creates a level playing field. Several of the players have already got Varsity scholarships to Universities through football and several of the younger players are lined up for Varsity Scholarships when they graduate High School.

Photos courtesy of The Fairplay for All Foundation

RADAR / July - August 33

FIFA WORLD CUP SCHEDULE Catch the World Cup action at these places. Inquire about special opening hours on game days.

121

Unit G1B & G2B Eastwood City Walk Phase 1, 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave (C5), Quezon City +63 2 709 3860

H & J Sports Bar

5081 Felipe St., Poblacion, Makati City +63 2 954 1130

Cable Car

G/F CKB Topcenter Bldg, 303 Tomas Morato Ave (near Scout Rallos St), Quezon City +63 2 586 2403

Handlebar

31 Polaris St., Bel-Air, Makati City +63 2 898 1976

Mulligan’s Irish Gastro 61 Aguirre Ave, B.F. Homes, Parañaque +63 2 807 3128

Murphy’s

105 V. A. Rufino St. cor Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City +63 2 894 1884

San Mig Pub

2/L Corte de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa +63 2 842 0776, +63 2 807 3595, +63 928 500 9631

Skinny Mike’s

32nd St. corner Justice Drv., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig +63 2 551 1853, +63 917 853 6998

JUNE 13

JUNE 14

JUNE 15

JUNE 16

JUNE 17

BRA VS CRO

MEX VS CMR

COL VS GRE

SUI VS ECU

GER VS POR

ESP VS NED

URU VS CRC

FRA VS HON

IRN VS NGA

CHI VS AUS

ENG VS ITA

ARG VS BIH

GHA VS USA

JUNE 22

4:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

CIV VS JPN

9:00AM

JUNE 18

JUNE 19

JUNE 20

JUNE 21

BEL VS ALG

AUS VS NED

COL VS CIV

ITA VS CRC

ARG VS IRN

BRA VS MEX

ESP VS CHI

URU VS ENG

SUI VS FRA

GER VS GHA

RUS VS KOR

CMR VS CRO

JPN VS GRE

HON VS ECU

NGA VS BIH

JUNE 23

JUNE 24

JUNE 25

JUNE 26

JUNE 27

BEL VS RUS

AUS VS ESP

ITA VS URU

NGA VS ARG

USA VS GER

KOR VS ALG

NED VS CHI

CRC VS ENG

BIH VS IRN

POR VS GHA

USA VS POR

CMR VS BRA

JPN VS COL

ECU VS FRA

KOR VS BEL

CRO VS MEX

GRE VS CIV

HON VS SUI

ALG VS RUS

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 2:00AM

4:00AM 6:00AM

34 RADAR / July - August

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 2:00AM

4:00AM 6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 2:00AM

4:00AM 6:00AM

12:00AM 3:00AM

6:00AM

12:00AM 2:00AM

4:00AM 6:00AM

JUNE 29

JUNE 30

JULY 1

JULY 2

JULY 5

ROUND OF 16

QUARTERFINAL

ROUND OF 16

QUARTERFINAL

JULY 9

JULY 10

JULY 13

JULY 14

SEMIFINAL

3RD PLACE

12:00AM 4:00AM

JULY 6

12:00AM 4:00AM

QUARTERFINAL

12:00AM

QUARTERFINAL

12:00AM

FINAL

3:00AM

4:00AM

360o Fitness

This center has a very specific philosophy – what they refer to as “functional fitness”. The goal of exercising here is to make guests better prepared for their daily activities. With a focus on efficiency, they keep core programs brief – there’s a full roster that can be done in 30 minutes, including Kettle Bell, Suspension Training, and a Body Weight Circuit. Free trials available. Inquire for rates. 22nd Floor, Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road (Emerald Ave.), Ortigas Ave., Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 577 7807, +63 917 560 0360 Email: 360fitness@completethecircuit.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM – 10PM Sat: 11AM – 6PM. Branches in Makati City (C. Palanca St.), Quezon City (Timog Ave.), and Bonifacio Global City/ The Fort (9th Ave.)

CrossFit Halcyon

This gym projects an approachable, family-friendly vibe with its spacious facilities and colorful equipment. This one-stop location aims for variety, with programs that range from CrossFit, Kinesis, and Zumba, as well as more performance-oriented activities like Pole Dance and Belly Dance. Fisher Mall, 325 Quezon Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 294 3591 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 7AM – 10PM

Eclipse Gym 24/7

Ideal for night owls, BPO workers, and people who keep flexible hours, Eclipse stays open around the clock. So if you ever feel like doing strength training after midnight, or getting some cardio exercises in the ungodly hours of the morning, now you know where to go. Rates begin at PhP350 per month for off-peak hours(9AM to 4:30PM). Second Floor, 429 Shaw Blvd. (across PureGold, next to Residenza), Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 726 0091 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours. Branch in Malate (Mabini St.)

FitFast Wellness Center

FitFast was developed by the same folks behind the popular Ringside Boxing Club in Alabang (no, not the midget wrestling venue in Makati). In addition to boxing, they have dedicated strength and cardio programs, emphasizing the importance of fat-burning. The first session includes a free trial and consultation, to set fitness goals. UPRC 1 Bldg., 2230 Don Chino Roces (Pasong Tamo) Ave. (behind Tile Depot), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 556 4075 Email: athletics@fitfastph.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 6AM – 10PM

Fitness First Platinum

This king-sized branch of the popular fitness club chain boasts a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, in addition to the usual assortment of weights, state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, and group exercise facilities. Likewise, the Personal Trainers on staff are complemented by a Beauty and Massage menu, with the goal of providing a total health experience for members and guests. 3/F RCBC Plaza, Tower 2, Ayala Ave. cor. Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 845 3480 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 6AM – 10PM Sa: 8AM – 8PM, Su, Holidays: 8AM – 6PM

SPECIALTY TRAINING barre3 Philippines

The specialized training here combines athletics and dance with the aim of building strength and flexibility in equal measure. It’s a 3-step process that mixes isometric holds, low-impact dynamic movements, and seamless recovery stretching. A First-Timer Trial (3 sessions in 2 weeks) will set you back PhP1500, with multiple other packages available. See website for rates, promotions, and booking. Located inside The Spa Wellness, Bldg. 8, Bonifacio High Street 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City

Web: www.barre3.com.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM – 9PM Sa, Su: 9AM – 6PM Branches in Greenhills (Promenade 3), Alabang, Libis, Shangri-La Mall, and TriNoMa Mall.

CrossFit Philippines

While CrossFit is hailed as a “fitness program for everyone”, it also means committing to rigorous sessions and dedicated training. Start with a Foundations class, as a de facto certification of fitness. From there, you can move on to a Boot Camp, which promises “no weights, no machines, just results”, or one of their different Workouts of the Day, which help to keep things varied. Monthly packages start at PhP3750, with a separate Foundations class at PhP1500. Philippine Army Gymnasium, Lawton Ave. cor. Bayani Rd. (near the army driving range), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 582 1338 Web: www.cfmnl.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM – 9PM Sa: 11AM – 6PM Branches in Alabang, Kapitolyo, Eastwood City, and Makati City

Krav Maga Philippines

Learn the Israeli art of self-defense from Krav Maga Global country director Kenneth Asuncion and his team of instructors. Most people will opt for the basic civilian program, but if you want to really get serious, there are options to learn Krav Maga for VIP Protection or Military and Law Enforcement purposes. 20 Asuncion Badminton Center (ABC) Bldg,. E. Maclang St. cor. P. Guevarra St., San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 726 5021 Sessions on M, T, W, Th, F: 5:30PM – 7PM and 7:30PM – 9PM Sa: 10:30AM – 12NN and 1:30PM – 3PM Also offering classes at 360˚ Fitness in Makati City, and Crossfit Manila in Alabang.

Options Studio

As part of a region-wide chain of Pilates and Movement studios, Options promises a structured menu of both group and private workouts, including Gentle Pilates, and the more challenging Stott Pilates.

Most classes make use of the Reformer equipment, but there are also options focused primarily on bodyweight Matwork. They also have classes designed specifically for recent and expecting mothers. The price for sessions ranges from PhP450 to PhP1700. Refer to their website for schedules. Unit 103 G/F Nobel Plaza, 110 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 553 3314, +63 2 585 1404 Email: ph@options-studio.com Web: www.options-studio.com Branches in 32nd St Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Greenhills, and Podium Mall.

Planet Zips Poi Academy

Poi dancing isn’t just for Boracay or Burning Man anymore. Learn the modern version of the Māori flow arts from Paulino Servado and his enthusiastic troupe, the PZ Luminaries. The group has a store and main office in the Makati Central Business District, but they hold classes all over the metro. Refer to their Facebook page for rates and schedules. Store: Unit 241, Cityland 8 Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave. (before the PNR tracks and Cash & Carry), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 625 0728, +63 927 871 9835 Classes held at Jaime C. Velasquez (Salcedo) Park, between Leviste St. and Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Schedule: W: 8:30PM – 10:30PM Classes also offered at Arts in the City, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Ortigas (Valle Verde 1 Park), and Quezon City (UP Diliman and Quezon Memorial Circle)

Project Lifestyle Manila The main focus here is Brazilian Jiu-litsu, headed by Professor Alvin Aguilar, 1st degree Black Belt under Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu and founder of DEFTAC Philippines. They also offer a broader selection of classes related to mixed martial arts and a CrossFit training regimen. Call to inquire about schedule and opening hours. Unit 1418 AIC-Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor. Garnet St. (across TGI Friday’s Robinson’s Galleria), Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 917 576 4898, +63 921 753 1359

RADAR / July - August 35

SPORT

SPORTS

C ART UL S TU & RE

was ended by government that year. López and company won the bid against British and French firms for local factories and their extant workers. In 1885, La Flor de la Isabela was built as Tabacalera’s main manufacturing center. What López would achieve in his lifetime—with his fleet of steam-powered trading ships, his international relations, and his closeness to heads of state including royals—would make him the most influential Spanish businessman of his generation. The most important clients were the Spaniards, but Tabacalera found itself spreading across Europe from the Netherlands to Germany, Hungary to Romania, Serbia, Turkey, Tunisia, and the Russian Empire. Tabacalera didn’t even bother competing with the local Philippine market outside fellow “peninsulares” (mainland Spaniards living in the colonies). The natives had their own low quality street supply, which was significantly cheaper.

‘Beyond Tobacco’ indeed!

Originally intended to cultivate and process tobacco and snuff, the company decided to expand its industry in the 1890s.

SMOKE SIGNALS The story of the Tabacalera brand provides a snapshot of Philippine history, through the lens of the Spanish merchant class. In many ways, the fortunes and struggles of the cigar company mirror the shifts in power within the archipelago. All Filipinos grow up well aware of how hundreds of years under Spanish colonization shaped our country’s history. Some hints of those times survived through wars, the weather, neglect, and just plain age. They’re in the familiar facades of Spanish heritage houses—either run down or restored—and the sprinkling of old stone churches around the archipelago. They exist as heirlooms, as landmarks, as cultural legacies—in museums, personal collections, and in the imagination. Likewise, the name “Tabacalera” (meaning ‘tobacco factory’ or ‘tobacconist’) still resounds here and there: in the old tales of history buffs, and among tobacco enthusiasts who eagerly puff cigars bearing the brand name today.

Rolled gold

The common citizen may or may not have heard of Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, but it played a significant role in Philippine-Spanish relations. Tabacalera’s business is a testament to the success of marrying sound economic endeavors to a courageous entrepreneurial spirit—one that dates back to the 19th century frontier. There’s a 36 RADAR / July - August

running joke that the finest cigars are rolled on the inside of women’s thighs—a charming marketing meme that expresses the rugged glamor and old-fashioned luxury of savoring good tobacco. Tabacalera enjoyed a century-long heyday, but it’s a challenge to look back with accuracy, due to the loss of important documents and the destruction of their facilities. Fortunately, The Embassy of Spain, in partnership with the Ayala Museum and S&R, is presenting “Beyond Tobacco”, a program of exhibits and talks that attempt to give its guests a glimpse into the history of Spain’s first multinational company based in the Philippines. The event kicked off with a lecture at Ayala Museum on April 23, 2014 by speakers Martín Rodrigo (Professor of Contemporary History at the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona) and researcher Marçai Sanmarti (History graduate with Masters in Asian Studies and Historical Studies), who is writing his disseration on Tabacalera.

Brand building

Professor Rodrigo introduced a full room of listeners to the legacy of the Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas. It was founded by Don Antonio López López (Marqués de Comillas) in 1881 Barcelona, as an undertaking shared by the family Comillas and friends linked to financial institutions. Tabacalera was and still is the company’s flagship brand with its plantations along the Cagayan Valley of Northern Luzon. López and company brought over knowledge about the tobacco industry from travels in Cuba, just as Magellan originally did when he introduced Tobacco to the Philippines from the Carribean. It was as opportune a time as any, since state monopoly in the Philippines

Logging

Even in a steam-driven era, nothing said “profits” quite like felled trees!

Copra

A fat for soap making obtained through sundried coconuts, not a misspelled snake.

Abaca and Maguey fiber

Becuase a maritime empire needs rope and fishing nets.

Ice production

Which makes total sense in this heat!

Alcohol

Where else did the hot-blooded Spaniard stereotype come from?

Sugar

Fun fact! The controversial Hacienda Luisita – owned by the prominent Cojuangco family – was originally Tabacalera’s sugar plantation.

Misadventures with Uncle Sam

The entire company struggled through the American occupation with all the sociopolitical and economic paradigm changes it entailed, but Tabacalera was able to rise and adapt. After all, Hacienda Luisita, which was then their sugar plantation, had sweet trade deals with the Americas. Wars also took their toll, but the company had the advantage of being private and neutral. As Sanmarti noted, the company had massive political influence because of its revenues, a fact that was not lost on the competing authorities. By the 1930s, Tabacalera had even started giving out loans and successfully formed its own insurance company. World War I and even the Spanish Civil War would have no long-lasting ill effects on its

Falling empire, rising sun

Marçai Sanmarti opened our eyes to the intrigue surrounding Tabacalera during WWII. He cites exchanges between the Japanese and General Franco, the head of Spain’s military dictatorship at the time, based on letters found in Madrid. Franco firmly requests the Japanese to stop stealing Tabacalera’s revenues, which were being intercepted on their way to families in Spain. Franco threatens to stop supporting Japanese nationals

The tobacco maker as archivist

Tobacco, Inc.

In particular, they gave us Philippinologist Wenceslao E. Retana’s 1906 historiographical collection “Aparato Bibliográfico de la Historia General de Filipinas”.

Tabacalera was never really an embodiment of imperialism; it actually starts to seem more like an early harbinger of capitalism. It wasn’t all about exploiting the lands of Cagayan — the company had in its interest the integration and development of surrounding communities. Tabacalera helped set up the first electricity grid and tram systems in Manila. They modernized the hacienda system, making it so that workers were not slaves, but paid and free. They built schools and hospitals for their employees — a “mind and hearts” sort of win-win morale-boosting effort to avoid conflict and revolt. Their approach was largely progressive and non-traditional. At the end of the lecture, when the floor was open to questions and discussion, someone mentioned that the mid-level managers of Tabacalera already afforded living in high-end subdivisions comparable to our modern-day gated communities, while driving Studebakers and Renaults. The third floor of the pre-war Tabacalera building was a hip hangout spot for expatriate bachelors, nicknamed the “Republica”, which Manuel L. Quezon also frequented.

Tabacalera gave the Philippines a number of valuable items of over the years.

An ornate Spanish chest

Gifted to President Manuel Quezon, to serve as the repository for the Philippine Constitution. The chest is blinged out with steel, gold, and marble.

Six volumes of Fr. Manuel Blanco’s “Flora de Filipinas” These were gifted to President Ramon Magsaysay.

Rare books for the National Library

The myth of the happy cigar maker?

During a casual meeting with the historians after the lecture, a skeptical gentleman raised the issue of Tabacalera’s actual working conditions. How much do we really know? Colonialism is typically oppressive and exploitive; his point was that if we rely on the surviving records kept by the Spanish about Tabacalera, we must remind ourselves that those stories are told only from the Spanish perspective. Archive photographs show their workers — tidy, clean, well dressed, orderly, peaceful— but such a photo could also be staged. It brings up mixed feelings for Filipinos. On one hand, one takes the claims of prosperity with a grain of salt and a taste embittered by centuries of countless human rights violations. On the other hand, one tends to be romanced by the embellished artifacts, pictures of those that thrived, and numerous idyllic paintings. As students of the world, we cultivating a nosy nostalgia and if there is anything that an incomplete grasp of Tabacalera should inspire, it should be our curiosity. Sanmarti expressed his difficulty in finding books and research material on the topic, but this excites rather than discourages him — because “it just means there’s much to be done, as an investigator.”

ARTS & CULTURE

business while it played its neutrality card, but come World War II the battles rained directly on the Philippines. Most of Tabacalera’s installations, factories, facilities, and records were subsequently destroyed in the crossfire between the Americans and Japanese. Hacienda Luisita even served as one of the headquarters for Douglas MacArthur.

in South America, and implies the possibility of sending Spanish volunteer soldiers to attack Japanese troops. The Spanish state helped Japanese spies settle into South America and perhaps even housed them in the Philippines; Hacienda Luisita had Japanese immigrants employed on the property prior to WWII. Occasionally, Tabacalera had to leave the Philippines and privately do business in Japan to keep things moving neutrally. Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas must have indeed had a remarkable amount of clout to warrant such a letter to be written by General Franco. After the amount of destruction WWII had on Tabacalera’s assets, the Spanish government apparently bought majority of what was left of the company in order to save it — yet another sign of its value to our former colonizer.

At the end of the day, after all that has been brought to light so far about Tabacalera, there is still a lot of intrigue left unanswered. The company’s past remains as mysterious as the moody Filipinas depicted on their vintage cigarillo boxes — exotic, distant, vaguely represented, and reticent. By Jenna V Genio

Archive photographs courtesy of Tabacalera Incorporada

RADAR / July - August 37

THE VERY FABRIC OF HER BEING Olivia D’Aboville is known for her fascinating textile sculptures. She uses

locally sourced fabrics and recycled materials to fabricate creatures that resemble undersea life or flowing waves, which she exhibits as sculptures, tapestries, and wall-mounted pieces. These creations echo the maritime culture of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, a place dear to her family. We asked D’Aboville to give us an overview of her art, in her own words.

Her inspiration

I am inspired by nature – most particularly the ocean and it’s incredible fauna and flora. I’m drawn to the organic shapes, fluidity, movement, and light. I like minimalist displays with good lighting.

Her choice of materials

I’m a textile designer by training. I started “sculpting” with textile techniques, weaving my own forms, going three dimensional. At the time, a French artist opened my eyes to that kind of art – her name is Gaelle Chotard.

The message of her work

I’d say nature is really the overarching theme, although for a few years I dedicated my works to the theme of the ocean exclusively. I wanted to be consistent and create some sort of a “brand name”. The ocean is a very dear subject to me and I will always find endless inspiration through it. I do a lot of recycling in my art, and it felt right to recycle mass-produced plastic objects into marine forms. 70% of plastic waste ends up in the sea, which is very alarming. I wanted to share the message that it is crucial to preserve and protect our environment.

Her favorite work

My favorite exhibit to date was the group show at Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival this year. We were the largest group so far, with new additions to the Malasimbo artists family. The whole venue was decorated with amazing art installations by more than 25 artists. I had my Giant Dandelions displayed. My favorite solo show of mine was my first, in 2010 at the Ayala Museum. I displayed 40 textile sculptures inspired by the deep sea. D’Aboville will be showing her work at J Studio this July.

J Studio

6/F Unit 604, VFP2 Building, Veterans Rd, Veterans Center, Taguig Tel: +63 2 216 9164, +63 917 899 1015 Refer to her website for the final schedule: www.oliviadaboville.com

Buy her design work (including lamps, textiles, and home accessories) at HallOne in CITEM.

Hall One in CITEM International Trade Center, Roxas Blvd cor. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave, Pasay Tel: +63 2 831 2201 loc. 600

38 RADAR / July - August

See her sculpture Tsunami Wave at the Senta residential building by Ayala Alveo. It’s in the glass-walled lobby facing Legaspi Street.

Senta

HISTORY REPEATS Philippine cinema (Pelikulang Pilipino) has a long and storied history that

any cinephile would do well to know and understand. It all started with the introduction of the first moving pictures to the country on 1 January 1897 at the Salon de Pertierra in Manila. Un Homme Au Chapeau, Une scene de danse Japonnaise, Les Boxers, and La Place de L’Opéra were the fare for the night, held at No. 12 Escolta aka Phonograph Parlor, way back then. More than 115 years later, in a delightful twist of fate, a French cinematographer by the name of Stéphane Morel is making his way through the incredible fabric of Pelikulang Pilipino and seems to be doing quite well for himself. For the most part, his bread and butter comes from work for hire – he’s done audio-visual production for gas companies and city governments, and lensed institutional videos for credit cooperatives. Nevertheless, his passion for his craft has let him cross paths and swords with some of the Philippines’ most lauded directors. Working under Brillante Mendoza in a director’s workshop by CenterStage Productions, Morel had nothing but praise for the man. “A visionary,” Morel smiled. “A really great director.” Likewise, Morel has done work with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), a government agency tasked with cultivating Philippine cinema at home, and representing its interests abroad. As cameraman for the FDCP, he shot reports from the travelling Sineng Pambansa film festival, as it brought examples of quality Pinoy film-making to provinces in Mindanao. This field experience led to a gig doing coverage for the United Nations Development Program, in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. Morel’s tropical stint has brought more insighful dimensions to his own vision, which is heavily influnced by funk and hip-hop culture. (He’s directed music videos by French Antillean reggae artist Keefaz, and whimsical short films like “Soup Doggy Dog vs Lion Man”.) Through his work at FDCP, he hopes to share the transformative power of Pelikulang Pilipino, even in the furthest reaches of the archipelago. “Philippine cinema,” he says, “has a lot to offer in terms of art and story.” Photography by Romain Rivierre

Legazpi St cor. Rodriguez St, Legazpi Village, Makati City

By Paolo Jose Cruz

Photo courtesy of Olivia D’Aboville

FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES (FDCP)

26th flr. Export Bank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Chino Roces, Makati City, Philippines Tel: +632 846-2498 +632 846-2496 +632 846-2437 +632 846-2885 Fax: +632 846-2883 FB: FDCP SinengPambansa Twitter: FDCPH Email: info@fdcp.ph

98B

Mezzanine, First United Bldg., 413 Escolta St. (in front of JRS Express/PLDT), City of Manila Email: hello@98-b.org Web: www.98-b.org

1335 Mabini

1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, City of Manila Tel No.: +63 2 254 8498 Web: www.1335mabini.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F: 2PM – 7PM Sa: 10AM – 7PM, Su: 10AM – 2PM

ArtInformal

277 Connecticut St., Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 725 8518, +63 918 899 2698 Web: www.artinformal.com

Blanc Gallery

145 Katipunan Ave., St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 442 5262, +63 920 927 6436 Email: info@blanc.ph

The Drawing Room

1007 Metropolitan Ave., Metrostar Bldg., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 897 7877 Email: contact@drawingroomgallery.com Opening Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 6PM Sat: 10AM – 5PM

Finale Art File

Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Compound (Gate 1), 2241 Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo) Ext., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 813 2310, +63 2 812 5034 Email: info@finaleartfile.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 7PM

Galleria Duemila

210 Loring St., Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 831 9990, +63 2 833 9815 Email: gduemila@gmail.com Web: www.galleriaduemila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 6PM

Pablo

C-11 South of Market, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig Tel No.: +63 2 400 7905 Email: fort@pablo galleries.com Web: www.pablogalleries.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 7PM

Post

Shop 7, Cubao Expo, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 920 960 5690 Email: post@pablogalleries.com Web: www.pablogalleries.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 7PM

Secret Fresh Gallery

RONAC Art Center, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 570 9815 loc. 7 Email: freshmanila@gmail.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 7PM, Su: 1PM – 6PM

Silverlens Gallery

2F YMC Bldg. 2, 2320 Don Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo) Ext., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 816 0044, +63 917 587 4011 Email: info@silverlensgalleries.com Web: www.silverlensgalleries.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 7PM Sa: 1PM – 6PM

Vinyl On Vinyl

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 922 848 7427 Email: vinylonvinyl@gmail.com Web: vinylonvinyl.blogspot.com Business Hours: T, W, Th: 12NN - 7PM F, Sa: 12NN – 10PM

West Gallery

48 West Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 411 0336 Email: info@westgallery.org Web: www.westgallery.org

MUSEUMS Ayala Museum

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 940 8310 Email: parasakanto@gmail.com Business Hours: W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM – 10PM

Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 757 7117 to 21 Web: www.ayalamuseum.org Business Hours: Museum – T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM – 6PM Library – T, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM – 6PM

MABINIEXTN

Lopez Museum

Kanto

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 940 8310 Email: parasakanto@gmail.com Business Hours: W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM – 10PM

MO_Space

3rd Level, Mos Design Bldg., Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 856 2748 ext. 2 or 3, +63 917 668 3951 Email: exhibitions@mo-space.net Web: www.mo-space.net Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 8PM

G/F Benpres Bldg., Exchange Rd., Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 631 2417 (museum), +63 2 631 2425 (library) Email: info@lopez-museum.org.ph Web: lopez-museum.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 5PM

Metropolitan Museum of Manila BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd., City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 250 5271 Web: www.metmuseum.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 4:30PM Sa: 10AM – 5:30PM

National Museum of the Philippines

Padre Burgos Drv., City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 527 0278 Web: www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 5PM Free admission on Sundays.

Vargas Museum

Roxas Ave., University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 928 1927 Email: vargasmuseum@gmail.com Web: vargasmuseum.wordpress.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM – 5PM

The British Council Philippines

10/F Taipan Place, F. Ortigas Jr. (Emerald) Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 555 2000 Web: www.britishcouncil.ph Business Hours: M, T: 9AM – 5:30PM W, Th, F: 9AM – 5PM Sa: 9AM – 4PM

Goethe-Institut Manila (German Cultural Center)

All of these groups organize workshops for adults or children. Check their websites for most recent schedules.

G/4-5/F Adamson Centre, 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Metro Manila, Philippines Tel. No.: +63 2 840 5723 Email: info@manila.goethe.org Web: www.goethe.de/manila Business Hours: Reception – M, T, W, Th, F: 8AM – 6PM Library – M, T, W, Th, F: 12NN – 6PM Sa: 8AM – 12NN

Philippines Educational Theater Association (PETA)

Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural Center)

THEATER

The PETA Theater Center, 5 Eymard Drv., New Manila, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 725-6244 Email: petafr@petatheater.com Web: www.petatheater.com

Repertory Philippines

Unit 13-14 Ecoville Executive Townhomes, Metropolitan Ave., Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 843 3570 Email: workshops@repertoryphilippines.com Web: www.repertoryphilippines.com

Tanghalang Pilipino

2/F PDC Bldg., Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Tel. No.: +63 2 832 1125 loc. 1621 Email: tanghalangpilipinomarketing@yahoo. com.ph Web: www.tanghalangpilipino.com

Trumpets Playshop and Musicademy

L/5 Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel. No.: +63 2 636 2842 Email: trumpetsplayshop20@gmail.com Web: www.trumpetsplayshop.com

CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 526 1482 Email: cenmni@cervantes.es Web: manila.cervantes.es Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 8:30AM – 5:00PM F: 8:30AM – 4:30PM Sa: 8:30AM – 12:00NN, 1PM – 3:30PM

The Japan Foundation

23rd Floor, Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil J. Puyat (Buendia) Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 811 6155 to 58 Email: email@jfmo.org.ph Web: www.jfmo.org.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 7PM Sa: 9AM – 1PM

Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

2/F Mancor Corporate Bldg., 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 555 1711 Web: phil.korean-culture.org Business Hours: Center – M, T, W, Th, F: 8:30AM – 8PM Sa: 8:30AM – 5PM Library – M, T, W, Th, F: 8:30AM – 5PM Sa: 10AM – 5PM

ARTS & CULTURE

GALLERIES

Alliance Française de Manille

209 Nicanor Garcia (Reposo) St., Bel-Air II, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 895 7585 Email: info@alliance.ph Web: www.alliance.ph Business Hours: M, T, Th: 8:30AM – 6:30PM W: 8:30AM – 8:30PM F, Sa: 8:30AM – 5PM

RADAR / July - August 39

US IC M 40 RADAR / July - August

THE SOUND

It’s awfully tempting to refer to Sinyma as a ‘su-

pergroup’. Among their present line-up, two out of three members were already established solo musicians. As Silverfilter, Cyril Sorongon is a veteran of Manila’s electronic music scene, a co-founder of Electronica Manila, and a long-time proponent of the misunderstood genre. Even before he formed Sinyma, Madz Abubakar a.k.a DJ Abdel Aziz was a staple of club nights around the Metro, having worked the decks at Rocket Room and other venues. He’s also an Applied Music insturctor at the College of Saint Benilde School of Design & Arts. While singer Jessica “JessCon” Connelly is a relative newcomer, she’s gifted with a powerful and naturally full voice. (It doesn’t hurt that her looks draws comparisons with an Annebi... er, ambitious local celebrity, who is decidedly less blessed in the vocal department.)

Teamwork in stereo

With such able persons involved, why did they feel the need to come together at all? Think of Sinyma like a giant robot from a 70s Japanese cartoon. It’s assmebled from units that volt in; the sweet mix of technology and human ability combines into a singular force that’s even greater than its parts. Connelly’s a hip hop and R&B artist, first and foremost, so it wasn’t until she joined Sinyma that she began creating electronic music. That would normally be straightforward enough, but she also replaced original vocalist Nyko Maca, who’s a natural at blending organic and electronic instruments. It was a challenge Sinyma took in stride. Connelly’s fresh perspective meant Aziz and Silverfilter had to adjust to their roles as de facto spirit guides into the realm of electronic music. From JessCon’s end, she had to learn to use her voice to fit music created with MIDI controllers, samplers, effects units, and sequencers. On the whole, it’s a lot more involved than what listeners normally associate with the solitary practice of Electronic Dance Music (EDM).

Deconstructing just press play

Indeed, the term EDM has become somewhat muddled by the sheer variety of sounds that it represents. Specifically, Aziz and Silverfilter have little patience for the advent of the lone superstar DJ. That is, someone who plays a pre-mixed, pre-selected set, while they posture and work the crowd, on the basis of their cult of personality. It’s an approach that they dismiss as “just press play”, and they’re convinced that it doesn’t represent the RADAR / July - August 41

MUSIC

OF SYNERGY

Just like the medium they’re named after, Sinyma represents a team effort. In fact, each member of their current roster would be able to stand out on their individual talents alone. So what moves them to pool their skills?

vast majority of EDM being made, in the Philippines and elsewhere. Silverfilter points out the upside to the commercial popularity of EDM. On one hand, it’s now easier and more affordable than ever for budding DJs and would-be producers to learn the basics, source their gear, and get in touch with promoters and audiences, even in a developing economy like The Philippines. There are free streaming instructional videos for newcomers to develop their skills. Beat libraries and samples can now be readily downloaded – legally and otherwise. Plus, online forums and communities exist to give feedback and share best practices, almost in real time. However, the rise of EDM is a double-edged sword, as critics, haters, wide-eyed newcomers, and even well-meaning supporters wrongly assume that “just press play” is how things are done. For one thing, it devalues the performer in favor of top-of-the-line gear. It’s a mindset that undervalues the practice hours, dedication to craft, and good, old-fashioned hard work that keeps Sinyma going.

42 RADAR / July - August

It’s one thing to lay down tracks, but the next consideration is how to bring all that complex studio recording to live audiences. It’s here that the real groupwork comes in. The stucture of Sinyma’s live show is decided ahead of time; it’s more like a precision military strike than improvisational jazz. This coordinated approach is mainly to give JessConn enough breathing room between each of her parts. It also lets the members show off their gifts as multi-instrumentalists. Silverfilter’s bass provides a solid bottom end for Connelly to pace her vocal stylings. In the hands of Abdel Aziz, the Ableton Push MIDI controller guides the flow of it all, like a conductor and virtuoso player rolled into one. Cheesy as it may be, Sinyma’s music is sonic proof of the Filipino concept of bayanihan – loosely, it means “mutual aid”. But in practice, it’s closer to what corporate gurus refer to as synergy: that organic process where different parts of a system reinforce each others’ function, almost by instinct. If their recordings and live gigs had an end credit sequence, it would show a band where every person found their role, even before the lights came on.

Listen to Sinyma at www.soundcloud.com/sinyma Refer to their Facebook page for the latest gig schedules: www.facebook.com/sinymasound By Paolo Jose Cruz Photography by Romain Rivierre

Abdel Aziz now teaches Ableton classes at Music Colony, which also offers various DJ and Music Production classes. Inquire about schedules.

Music Colony

San Pedro Bldg., Lot 35 Block 9 President Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque City Tel No.: (63 2) 697-9703, (63 918) 814-1980 Email: musiccolony@yahoo.com

JUST FOR THE RECORD celebration put together by Filipino audio brand Satchmi. The main focus of the event was a music market, where audiophiles could dig through crates full of new and “pre-loved” vinyl records. It was a rare opportunity to browse the full stock normally carried by Satchmi’s online store (www. satchmi.com). It’s an eclectic mix of vintage releases, present day reissues, and more contemporary albums, one that caters as much to mainstream pop fans as it does to indie conoisseurs. For analog-loving consumers, who might still prefer to buy their music off a shelf in the “real world”, Satchmi have begun distributing their wares at select Astrovision and Astroplus branches – albeit the ones located in more upscale malls.

Find select vinyl releases at Astrovision stores in Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, Shangrila Mall, and V Mall (Greenhills), as well as Astroplus in Mall of Asia and SM Aura Premiere. What about music-lovers who don’t actually own a record player (yet)? Satchmi offers a homegrown solution: the newly-launched Motorino II. It’s a portable record player, engineered and built in-house by Satchmi’s own team. Managing director Edric Chua characterizes its as an ideal starter model for newcomers to the hobby. It’s a more compact upgrade of their previous Motorino, which hit the market in 2013. The design of machine itself reflects the sensibilities associated with the burgeoning vinyl revival – it resembles a sleek vintage briefcase (available in Ivory and Graphite styles) that opens up to reveal a minimalist turntable. At just shy of PhP8000 from Satchmi’s website, inclusive of shipping anywhere in the Philippines, it’s a reasonable investment for budding collectors. Indeed, if someone on a much tighter budget needed an ever cheaper alternative to the Motorino, they can now get a portable record player from CD-R King. Yes, that ubiquitous retailer of mass-market Chinese electronics now sells them for PhP1,280. No fancy branding – just look for the USB Turntable.

That explains the most basic ‘supply’ side. So what’s fueling this apparent vinyl resurgence? It’s awfully tempting to write it off as trend-chasing hipsters with too much disposable income, driven by faux nostalgia for a technology that most of them never actually experienced. However, the sheer variety of stock that Satchmi carries indicates that it caters to more than just niche enthusiasts. Even if one can afford to collect vinyl – regardless of taste – it’s still a bulky hobby. For one thing, it takes up physical space with all those bulky sleeves. Plus, it’s a real commitment to keep the records from warping in the tropical heat or getting water-damaged in the rainy season. Yet it might be precisely these tangible qualities that make vinyl so appealing. Long-time record collectors maintain that the format’s imperfections – the almost imperceptible sound artifacts created as the needle passes over the grooves – give vinyl a warmth that simply can’t be recreated in a digital medium. For other listeners, it’s the package itself – those unweildy record covers and full-sized album designs form valuable parts of a total cultural product that’s just missing from an intangible digital album. Downloading an MP3 single from iTunes may be convenient for the latest chart-topping ditty, but certain fans are willing to pay for entire long-playing (LP) records, as an organic whole. In that regard, the growing demand for vinyl is filling a gap left by the shift towards a single-oriented market. This reasoning makes even more sense in the Philippine context. Sure, we’re a culture of music fans – hence the seemingly endless stream of radio hits, karaoke sessions, live gigs, club nights, and casual impromptu sing-alongs. However, one thing we’ve shifted away from is the old-school model of buying music from brick-and-mortar record stores (or even the “record bars” found inside Filipino department stores up to the late ‘90s). Even bookstore Fully Booked, which used to proudly carry CDs – including local independent releases – has started clearing them out of their branches, as of press time. Yes, piracy is one obvious culprit, but so is the prevalance of cheap MP3 players, smartphones, and legit digital music services like Smart Communications’ pre-paid music portal, Spinnr. All of this has driven potential demand for vinyl among listeners who prefer to source their music in person, via full albums or label-curated compilations. In fact, Satchmi explicitly started their annual Vinyl Day last year, in

response to the lack of organized Record Store Day activities in Metro Manila. (Although it has yet to coincide with the recognized Record Store Day events around the world.) One final consideration – flighty as it may seem – is the vague idea of belonging to a loose-knit community of record collectors. It’s counter-intuitive, especially with the breadth of sounds represented, but this desire to shop among like-minded consumers drove the success of the pop-up shop run by Tom’s Vinyl Shack, held every Sunday morning in May. While it began as a Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/TomsVinylShack), it started co-organizing Vinyl Brunches at V Hotel in Malate, with the help of DIY urban champions #VivaManila. It’s hard to narrow down the demographics of the Pinoy record collector. Perhaps the easiest way to understand the market is via the stores that cater to them. By Paolo Jose Cruz

Motorino promotional image courtesy of Satchmi

The Grey Market

Make no mistake: The Grey Market is upmarket. It also deals in high-end audio equipment. This one comes closest to fitting the “yuppie hipster” customer profile. Bellitudo Lifestyle Strip, 79 Katipunan Ave., White Plains, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 791-8704, +63 939 306-4642 Web: www.thegreymarket.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 9:30PM

Tres Kuleros Records and Dry Goods

Given how difficult it can be to find this place, it’s no surprise that it attracts mostly veteran collectors: DJs, genre afficionados, and Rob-from-High Fidelity types. 2/F 641 Boni Ave. (inside Next Frame), Mandaluyong City Tel. No.: +63 927 823-0516 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM – 9PM

Vinyl Dump

Everything here is pre-owned, drawing a wide mix of savvy old-timers, bewildered newcomers, and seasoned hobbyists. A little dusty, but it represents the whole pre-casette crate-digging experience most faithfully. This is where the quarterly Kagatan Vinyl Swap Meets started. Cubao Expo, Socorro St., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 439-8558 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 8PM

RADAR / July - August 43

MUSIC

April 26 this year marked the second Vinyl Day

21 June 2014

44 RADAR / July - August

Fête de la Musique 2014: Throwback to ‘94

This year, Alliance Française de Manille, the Embassy of France to the Phil-

In order to accommodate the huge demand, and to properly give credit where it is due, Fete management has tied up with top outfits and music collections to run and produce pocket-stages that are dedicated to different genres, in support of the main stage.

ippines, the Department of Tourism and B-Side Productions are once again at the helm of one of the world’s most lauded and celebrated affairs, the Fête de la Musique. Launched in France by the Ministry of Culture in 1982 following then-Director of Music and Dance Maurice Fleuret’s philosophy of “the music everywhere and the concert nowhere”, the Fête found its way to the streets of Manila in 1994.

World Performance Art / Art Installation / Street Fair / Luna Fest Café Curieux Market Viva Manila Reggae & Ska Electronica

Rebel Lion x One Beat Live Vibe

Since then, the festival itself has gone through many changes and established itself as one of the most popular and well-attended free events in Manila. The statistics are rather impressive: over 12,000 music enthusiasts, over 100 bands, across more than 12 stages around the city – these are the kind of numbers you just can’t buy.

Chillout

Boogie Down Manila M Café

The Fête showcases the Philippines’ best musical talents across different genres, representing both the stalwarts in the music scene alongside relative newcomers to the field. Featuring top acts from France every year such as Merzhin (2011), Chinese Man (2012), Naïve New Beaters (2014) – this year’s headliner DJ JonAttend is playing for record crowds in a groundbreaking double-stage format.

Faites de la Musique à la Fête de la Musique!

Intramuros

Nomad Massive Time Radar MNL Buddha Bar

Jazz

PI Jazz Festival Foundation St. Giles Hotel

Nu-Jazz

PI Jazz Festival Foundation Bayleaf Hotel

Latin

Chihuahua Chihuahua

Blues & Soul

Mamborat Productions H&J

Mod

Manila Soul Club La Dolce Vita

FEATURE

20 YEARS FREE

Hiphop & R&B

Hip-hop & Experimental Buwan Buwan Collective 1335 Mabini Gallery

Indie

NDFY 12 Monkeys

Indie Pop & Electro Numberline Records Bar 1951

Rock

Chronic Wheeze B-Side

Alternative Red Ninja Sazi’s

90s

Riot House x Hotdog x Today x Future Black Market

LINE-UP

Alvin Cornista’s Jazzmatik featuring Bea Tantoco The Blue Rats LDP (Lyrically Deranged Poets) featuring Ron Henley Kalayo featuring Grace Nono Tropical Depression featuring Noel Cabangon Wonderful All-Stars Motherbass Sandwich Basti Artadi Samba School Imperatriz Filipinense Words Anonymous Philippine Human Beatbox Alliance Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community Flow Arts Philippines Planet Zips Goddesses of Bellydance Philippine All-Star Kadara Capoeira Philippines SPIT (Silly People’s Improv Theater)

INTRAMUROS MAIN STAGE @ MAESTRANZA PLAZA

Banda Kawayan Kate Torralba Chocolate Grass Similar Objects Cosmic Love Humanfolk Jack versus the Crab Kjwan Mr Bones & the Boneyard Circus Curbside Wilderness Tarsius / Pedicab Cocojam Taken by Cars Halik ni Gringo Sipatlawin Theater Ensemble Pole Academy Leeroy New Pangalay Artists Circle

MUSIC

MAKATI MAIN STAGE @ A-VENUE PARKING LOT, MAKATI AVENUE

RADAR / July - August 45

E HT L IF NI G

HOOCH, WOMEN, AND SONG Drinking culture in Metro Manila has always played an

integral role in the character and soul of the city. Nowadays, designer cocktails and craft beers are popping up left and right in bars and speakeasies across the board, elevating the simple matter of getting your buzz on to an art form. As Martin Luther so aptly put it, “He who loves not wine, women, and song, remains a fool his whole life long.” These are Radar MNL’s top five picks of cocktails engineered to get your engines started, care of the chicest new bar in the city, Hooch.

Photography by Romain Rivierre, Modeled by Giannina Ocampo Makeup byYciar Castillo, Drinks prepared by Icy Mariñas on location at Hooch

Hooch

Address: G/F 125 V Corporate Center, L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati 1227 Specialties: Designer and Classic Cocktails Contact: 0927 375 9467; hooch@luluresto.com Attire: Casual Price Range: P395 – P595 Services: Takes bookings, walk-ins welcome, outdoor seating Parking: Street, Neighbourhood carpark Tips: Always order from the specials board. You’re helping out the bar by selecting the hit cocktails, and they’re always a great treat!

46 RADAR / July - August

Cold Shoulder Hooch Instead of being someone’s crying shoulder and love suicide, be the greatest fan of the Hoochside and not some girl who obviously doesn’t like you all that much. Stolichnaya vodka, elderflower liquor, sour apple, citrus notes, and a cherry topped off with a dash of liquid nitrogen are sure to warm even the coldest shoulders.

Neil Young’s Fantasy If you wanna live with a Cinnamon Jack, you could be happy the rest of your life, with a cinnamon jack. Jack Daniels with some cinnamon syrup, honey syrup, sour apple, and lime powder will keep you chasing the moonlight for many moons to come.

Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy While Freddie Mercury uses his fancy patter on the telephone, have an Old Fashioned the proper way. Makers Mark, a sugar cube, Angostura and orange Bitters – the true mark of any bar worth their salt. After a couple of these with a date, you too can do the tango just for two.

Candyman

Los Angeles

If sometimes you feel like your only friend is the city you live in, mosey on down to Hooch for a Los Angeles. A generous serving of Johnny Walker Black with a dash of lemon juice and cardamom syrup, shaken with an egg white and topped with Jerry Thomas Bitters will, guaranteed, kiss you windy. Be careful not to have too many of these and end up under the bridge!

RADAR / July - August 47

NIGHTLIFE

We’ll begin, with a spin, travelling in a world of Hooch’s creation with the Candyman. Actual cotton candy spun in their very own kitchen, vodka, raspberry jam, and sugar syrup will give you the sweetest ride to Candyland. When it arrives at your table, it simply defies explanation.

, THE NIGHT S WATCH YOUR LATE-NIGHT PARTY GUIDE

Black Market

Café Curieux

Do you find yourself missing the seedy, grungy techno clubs of Europe? Be transported to Torstrasse, Berlin, by stepping through the black-out curtains into Black Market, the undeniable home of bass in the city of Manila. Popularised by such nights as #baddecisions and #WeAreBiPolar, this venue offers some of the best dub, dnb, glitch, hip hop, future, traps, techno, and much more for the discerning audiophile.

If perchance you find yourself walking through the red light district of Makati in search of something other than “Beeagra ser! Dibidi X! Cealis? I have girl, nice face, big boobs, speak Inglis!”, do amble on over to Le Café Curieux for a change of pace.

The distressed look and feel is intentional by the way, as the venue is a refurbished warehouse in Makati’s design district. The concrete and steelworks, coupled with some overly enthusiastic bassheads, may mean that the volume and reverb aren’t ideal – but as Black Market is more of an after-hours club than anything else, most people don’t care so much by the time they stumble in. If you find yourself in need of some ear-cleansing music, pop on over to the bar next door, Finders Keepers, and/or grab a burger at Joe’s Meat Shack on your way out.

Black Market

Address: Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Compound 2, Sabio Street Makati (beside Mazda showroom) Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 21:00 to 06:00 Parking: Street Tips: #baddecisions on Wednesdays is the perfect mid-week de-stressor. Great music, beautiful people, and strong drinks – the ingredients for a great night that might end in an awkward morning.

The anteroom contains a cozy bar with crazy looking concoctions and a wide selection of liquor and wine, a few barrels in place of cocktail tables, and spindly wrought-iron chairs. Paintings and mixed media works bedeck the walls and lead you past the glass-enclosed kitchen into the back garden. The garden is arranged like a house patio, with deep sofas and lawn chairs dotting the floor. It is not uncommon to see the proprietors of the bar sharing a bottle of wine with patrons, or drinking Pastïs on a hot day.

Café Curieux

Address: Bel Air Soho Building, Polaris Street corner Badajos Street Brgy. Poblacion, Makati Contact Details: +63 927 898 1151 / +63 915 624 7211 / www.lecafecurieux.com Price Range: P500 – P1500 Operating hours: 00:00 – 15:00; 17:00 – 02:00 Services: Lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, takes bookings, walk-ins welcome, good for groups or parties, catering, table service, outdoor seating Parking: Street Payment: Cash Only Tips: Order the steak tartare, arguably the best thing on the menu. Also be sure to try their selection of homemade infused rums, especially the Café and Piment!

Promotional photos courtesy of featured nghtspots

48 RADAR / July - August

El Chupacabra

Handlebar

Nightlife in Manila doesn’t always require gussying up. Far from it, actually! If you want to know what most Filipinos do when they go out at night, the answer is, unequivocally: eat. Want to experience Manila like a local? Have a beer by the side of the street and a neverending stream of pica-pica or finger food coming from the kitchen to your table.

No, this is not a gay bar. Shame on you for thinking so. This is Manila’s premiere biker bar, home to the Mad Dogs Motorcycle Club and local watering hole for sports enthusiasts and manly men. It isn’t uncommon to see a hog or two parked outside, and hear the thundering roar of an engine as one of these monsters peels out of the driveway and into the city.

The street-y feel of El Chupacabra in Makati is the perfect answer for long drinking sessions between friends, with lovely street tacos. In case you’re wondering, tacos are not supposed to stand up by themselves, nor are they filled with ground beef, lettuce, and cheese. An authentic Mexican street taco consists of a fragrant and soft corn tortilla, filled with carne asada, carnitas, lengua, pollo, pescado, camaron, chorizo, barbacoa, or tripa, topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa. If anyone says any different, they have Dixie Mabanta of Mexicali to answer to.

Big name bands like Wally Gonzales and Friends, Tempestuous Jones, General Luna, and Xanctuary all call the humble stage in the middle of the bar home – and it is one of the few places that plays good ‘ole classic rock all day, every day.

El Chupacabra

Address: 5782 Felipe Street corner Polaris Street, Makati Price Range: P80 – P450 Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 02:00 Services: Walk-ins welcome, big groups, outdoor seating Parking: Street Tips: Get there early or you will be one of many in line for a table. Make friends with your waiter so he or she will always prioritise your table and be alert for when you want to order more. Best roast chicken in town! It takes about half an hour to cook, but is well worth the wait.

The bar is a sight to behold whenever a large sporting event is being televised. Filled to the rafters with exuberant sports fans, Handlebar is one of the few places where people congregate to cheer on their teams en masse. During World Cup 2010 for the final match between Spain and Netherlands, the bar was a sea of red and orange. Waitresses maneuvering themselves around the patrons balancing trays piled high with beer buckets and bottles of liquor, plywood put down on top of pool tables to make more room for patron seating, people saving seats for their friends up to five hours in advance – this is the sort of electric atmosphere you can expect when watching a match at Handlebar.

Handlebar

Address: 31 Polaris Street, Bel Air Village, Makati Contact details: 02 -898 – 2189 / www.handlebar.com.ph Operating Hours: 24/7 Price Range: P150 – P500 Services: Lunch, dinner, drinks, walk-ins welcome, no reservations Tips: Stay away from the meat pies, as they appear to be microwavable. Do make friends with the bartender, and always pay your tab before leaving! RADAR / July - August 49

NIGHTLIFE

Proudly declaring themselves a dive bar, Chupacabra serves good food, cheap beer, and is open ‘til late.

As for the menu, manly men need their meat. The steak at Handlebar is one of Makati’s best kept secrets – large cuts grilled to perfection, with a healthy heaping of beans, potatoes, slaw, mushrooms, and a plethora of other side dishes all designed to keep protein and testosterone levels high.

HOLYSHIP! One Boat. One Island. One Epic After Party.

Laboracay was once just a coined term for a few

college kids who were after that Spring Break feeling while partying on the famed Aklanon island. Five years breezed by, and Laboracay grew as a brand that sells not only the idea of spring break in paradise, but a weekend that has potential for international aplomb. Holyship, a massive boat party organised by thirty different party personalities, paid tribute to that massive weekend of dancing, drinking, and tearing down of all inhibitions in the Philippines’ very own backyard paradise. As every true partyphile knows, a party isn’t a party without a kickass afterparty. The event was hosted at VYNE, the newly opened tapas bar in the W Building in Bonifacio Global City (the Fort). Hundreds of partygoers grooved to the beats of DJs JP Jimenez and Mike Bolante, wistful for that Laboracay feeling. Kudos to the Holyship Crew, some of which are familiar names in the industry such as Asias’ Next Top Model Runner Up Katarina Rodriguez, model L.A. Aguinaldo, ZOO Fashion’s Karla Zulueta and Coca-Cola’s Macy Magpayo! To everyone who was at Holyship’s Laboracy Afterparty: we hope you had a night you will never remember, with people you will never forget!

Promotional photos by VYNE

UP ALL NIGHT TO GET SUCKLEY Trance ‘Till Dawn

In the world of electronic dance music, Trance

is just barely legal. Although its origins are hotly contested (by Trance fiends, mostly), it is generally accepted to have emerged some time in 1993 in Germany. That technically makes it no older than 21. At least it can order its own liquor! Amazingly however, the listeners of Trance range from the young and nubile to the old and crusty -- and more seem to pop up each day. Perhaps as with every genre of music nowadays, the splintering of the styles allows for deeper exploration into different deliveries of a simple formula: 125 - 160 beats per minute, plus repetitive melodic phrasing, and a musical form that builds to the point of frustration until it is released on the eager listener. 50 RADAR / July - August

One of Trance’s prolific acts, Jordan Suckley (UK), hit the decks of Black Market recently and brought the crowd through the ups and downs of Dark Tech Trance and Psytrance, alongside Philippine Trance figures John Odin, DBT, & MushProject (MX). Trance ‘Til Dawn, the Young Turks of the nightlife scene are making waves and taking names. Each night they host at TIME in Manila or Black Market is a guaranteed good time, full of warm bodies and cold drinks. Engage with Trance ‘til Dawn via these links: www.fb.com/TTDFamily www.twitter.com/TranceTilDawn Photos by ShizoBoi for Trance ‘Till Dawn

DOOR BITCH On Labor Day this year, Dee Viray marked one

year as the fierce sentry at the gates of Time, the clubbing institution along Makati Avenue. On paper, it can seem like a thankless job – with all the patience and diplomacy required from customer service, but all the rough decisions and physical risks associated with working security. It’s especially difficult at a place like Time; she’s expected to let in anyone who might genuinely enjoy the party, but also have the good judgement to keep out possible troublemakers. Just the same, it’s a task she takes pride in. Part of it is an instinct for recognizing who’s legitimately showing up for the music. That knowledge comes with experience; in Dee’s case, she’s been organizing parties with events group The HoUsE KiDz since June 2010, at venues like Palladium and Icon. Given the somewhat insular nature of Manila’s party circles, it becomes easier to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff. In some ways, what this self-described “door bitch” does is to make sure the right customers get in. It’s about using one’s discretion without being a snob, and recognizing the nuances of the club’s door policies. It’s a skill that took Dee some time to master – and not without some hitches along the way. So what keeps BadGalDeeV (as she’s known on Instagram) going? One clue would be the large number of photos she takes with her toddler. If working the door means a better life for baby Aerin, then she’ll keep up the meeting, greeting, schmoozing, and – when necessary – bouncing. Catch Dee in action at Time. Once she lets you in, you’re free to explore all three floors of supreme beats. 7840 Makati Ave. (across A-Venue Mall), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 519 8903, +63 905 559 6531 (table reservations) (As of printing, Ms. Viray is now employed by Republiq Superclub)

RADAR / July - August 51

NIGHTLIFE

TIME in Manila

BARS 71 Gramercy

Located on the 71st floor of the highest residential building in Manila, the panoramic view from the roof deck terrace already packs in the crowds. Regular guests are drawn to the swanky interiors and (in)famous clientele. 71/F Gramercy Residences, Century City, Kalayaan Ave. cor. Salamanca St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 847 7535

Agave

The unlimited refills on mojitos and margaritas are what keeps guests coming back to this place, beyond the Mexican fare on the menu. There are branches in Eastwood City, Venice Piazza, and SM SouthMall.

The Distillery

A veteran in the specialty booze market, The Distillery boasts a Eurocentric range of imported beers and unique spirits. 108 Forbeswood Heights Condominium, Forbes Town Center, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 856 9014

Exit Bar

Look for the unmarked door within Plaza Cafe to find this hidden spot. Guests have their pick from a diverse range of specialty cocktails. Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 551 1283

Finders Keepers

LIVE MUSIC

CLUBS

B-Side

Black Market

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 859 1013

Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave. cor. Sabio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 908 813 5622

Fat Benny’s Rock Bar

Hyve

Despite inconsistent opening hours, this place has been running for four years now. Its staying power comes from theme nights like the reggae-centric Irie Sunday.

Most people know of Fat Benny’s by way of Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar, which it shares space with. A lively, growing selection of live acts are gradually helping the place come into its own.

Bringing the hidden bar concept outside the staid borders of Legazpi Village, Finders Keepers shares its space with dance club Black Market.

32nd St., cor. Justicia Drive, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 823 9499

Barcino

Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave. cor. Sabio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 908 813 5622

Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 501 3250

Shamelessly embracing the finer aspects of British imperial chic, Long Bar traces its brand of colonial outpost style to the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Its namesake was the birthplace of the signature Singapore Sling cocktail. In keeping with its regard for tradition, shells from the complimentary peanuts are tossed on the floor, for good luck.

One might think this place was targeted primarily at geeks, with framed comic books on its walls and a name that references a Dragonlance novel. But no, Last Home draws a broad clientele with relatively affordable booze and a different type of live music on each night.

Bonifacio High St. Bldg. B3, 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 403 6003 A broad wine selection is the main draw here, usually paired with a tapas platter. Choose from seven branches across the Metro, including Rizal Drive and SM Aura Premiere in Fort Bonifacio.

BigSkyMind

Depending on the night, the vibe at this repurposed shophouse can go from relaxed to debauched. Gigs happen sporadically on the lower floor. There’s usually an art exhibit ongoing, spread out across both levels, although the quality of work can vary widely. Broadway Ave. cor. 14th St., Brgy. New Manila, Quezon City

Blind Pig Speakeasy

Determined guests make an effort to find this intimate, dimly-lit bar to sample its custom drinks. It’s hidden away in an unassuming condominium building. 227 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 549 2264

Boho Sarapsody

As its name suggests, the mood here is carefree and artsy, from the street art on the walls to the comfy, worn-out sofa seats. This one-time residence maintains its familiar charm. The clientele is especially LGBT-friendly. 272 Ermin Garcia Ave, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 917 702 7392t

Café Curieux

This homey, French-owned bar offers home-brewed rum in a variety of flavors. It’s a welcome, laid-back respite from the chaos of the Burgos Avenue area nearby. Bel-Air Soho Polaris St. cor. Badajos St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 905 482 6371

52 RADAR / July - August

Long Bar

Lobby Level, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 555 9777

Prohibition Liquor Lounge

True to its name, you get to this place via a hidden entrance inside Dillinger’s 1903. It’s just like a bootleg liquor lounge in 1920s America, only far more upscale. 3F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 621 6790

Skye Lounge

Chill out and take in the view of the ever-developing Metro Manila skyline at this swanky, airy lounge. Roofdeck, W HighSt. Building, 28th St. cor. 11th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 478 4278

Vyne

While the main draw here is breezy terrace, the main seating area features an interesting mashup of grafitti style art with tasteful, upscale interiors. 8/F W Global Center, 9th Ave. cor. 30th St., The Fort, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 553 0197

Last Home

Ortigas Home Depot, J. Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 915 244 1193

Route 196

Like Saguijo (below), this venue started out as a house. It gives their rock-oriented shows an intimate vibe, since they’re literally happening in someone’s former living room. 196 Katipunan Ave., Blue Ridge, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 439 1972

Salon De Ning

The look of this place is inspired by a heady mix of 20th century Chinoiserie, Oriental chic, and even hints of steampunk in the Boxing Room and Zeppelin Room. Spirited hotel lounge live acts provide a backdrop for the older regulars to share after-hours drinks. The Peninsula Hotel, Ground Floor, Makati Tower, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 887 2888 Ext. 6737

Saguijo Cafe + Bar

For nearly a decade, this converted residence in the backroads of Makati has been a hotbed for Pinoy independent music, from established scene veterans to upand-coming acts. Entrance is usually P150 with one beer or iced tea. On any given week, the sched will usually cover a random mix of styles, including production nights dedicated to niche appeal genres (soul, reggae, punk, etc.) 7612 Guijo St., San Antonio Village , Makati City Web: www.saguijo.com

Built in a disused warehouse, Black Market has a roomy, industrial vibe. Theme nights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays focus on particular urban subgenres.

This upscale club is the only place in town that serves Dom Perignon Luminous Label, which glows in the dark. 8/F W Global Center, 9th Ave. cor. 30th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 633 5882

Palladium

Located inside New World Hotel, Palladium draws a mixed clientele with its opulent decor and crowd-friendly music choices. Table rates vary from Black (PhP5,000) to Gold (PhP15,000) based on pride of place. New World Hotel, Esperanza St. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 576 8479, +63 917 581 3572

Privé Luxury Club

This place keeps a healthy gender ratio with some appealing promos for women. There’s complimentary drinks on Tuesday ladies’ nights and free entrance before midnight for women in stilettos on Wednesdays. The standard entrance fee is PhP600. Reserve at least one week ahead of time. The Fort Strip, 7th St. cor. 28th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 898 8181

Republiq

Wearing its Vegas aspirations on its sleeve, Republic prides itself on its exclusivity. It opens to the public on Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends. Booking a spot can be challenging, even with prices ranging from PhP4000 (for a cocktail table) to PhP20,000 (for a top-range platinum table). Second Level, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City Tel No.: +63 917 5508888

Time

Dance and house music are the focus of this multi-level club. Their roster of DJs make an effort to broaden guests’ tastes with an eclectic mix of underground electronic sounds. 7840 Makati Ave. (across A-Venue Mall), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 519 8903

OF RIGHTS AND RAINBOWS

LGBT rights in the Philippines aren’t fully under-

stood by most heterosexuals. On a gut level, it makes sense: LGBT rights (or the lack thereof) do not have a direct effect on straight citizens’ lives. Sure, tolerance for the LGBT community has increased due to better education on sexual orientation and gender identity issues. There have also been efforts by LGBT groups to make themselves recognized, as both a target market and a political bloc. However, the broader population’s attitude remains skewed in favour of heterosexual unions, from a legal, social, and moral (often religious) standpoint.

But, seeing as how we rank as one of the top gay-friendly countries, just how LGBT-friendly are our laws? Does this social tolerance extend to legislation? Here’s a rundown of LGBT rights, as protected by legislation:

1. It is not against the law to be homosexual 2. The age of consent is universal, despite sexual orientation

3. Openly gay and bisexual men and women may enlist and serve in the Philippine Armed Services

4. There are anti-discrimination laws in employment

5. There are anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services

6. Step-adoption is possible for same-sex couples

Photo from Associated Press

On the other hand, there are some laws and prohibitions that are downright discriminatory against the LGBT community, not only as LGBT persons, but as citizens of the State.

1. There are no general anti-discrimination laws that protect against indirect discrimination, hate speech, and so on

2. Same-sex marriages are not legal 3. Same-sex marriages, despite being

officiated in a country where the union is considered legal, are not recognised

4. Joint-adoption by same-sex couples is not permissible

5. You do not have the right to legally change your gender

6. You do not have the right to commission a

commercial surrogate for a same-sex couple

7. Lesbian women may not have access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

8. Men who have sex with men (MSM) may not donate blood

9. Automatic parenthood for both spouses is not granted upon birth of the child

Apples to apples, Philippine legislation is not as gay-friendly as the people are. If we are to believe Thomas Hobbes, that great realist philosopher who said, “The State is the individual writ large”, then the State might be reneging on its social contract.

Politically speaking, the LGBT community has been denied at every turn – from the junked 1997 Sectoral Reform in the House of Representatives, to the pushing of the bill to ban same-sex marriage by respected Madame Senators. The Philippines still upholds its quiet refusel to sign the United Nations Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, which condemns violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatisation, and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Ang Ladlad, the progressive LGBT political party whose main agenda consists of combatting discrimination and harassment on behalf of the LGBT community, has had the worst go. In 2007, the party was disqualified from running in the mid-term elections because they failed to prove that they had nationwide membership. In 2009, the COMELEC denied their petition to run on the grounds of “immorality”. Thankfully, the Supreme Court reversed this prejudicial ruling and allowed the party to run in the May 2010 elections. They still have yet to secure a representative seat, but I vote for them every election. So in summary, the LGBT community has some rights in the Philippines, which is apparently a very gay-friendly country. This is not nearly good enough. Our legislation should protect and uphold the rights of many, not of the bigoted few. Our public servants should act on behalf of and in response to their constituents, not on their own whims and wills. Our government should uphold the constitution and enforce the separation of church and state. Come on Philippines, you can do so much better! By Xabi Gonzaga RADAR / July - August 53

LGBT

Approximately 90% of the Philippine population – some 96.3 Million people – consider themselves to be Christian. Christianity has not always had the most open-minded views on the LGBT community, but the Philippines has bucked the trend. We are considered to be one of the most gay-friendly nations in the world, and the most gay-friendly in Asia as per the Pew Research Center survey; the poll covered 39 countries, only 17 of which had majorities that accepted homosexuality. Out of all those surveyed, the Philippines ranked as the 10th most gay-friendly nation, with 73% of adult Filipinos agreeing with the statement that “homosexuality should be accepted by society”. However, there will always be those hard-liners who insist that homosexuality is sinful, or cross-dressing is a sign of decadence and immorality – even choosing to use the Bible’s rather doomsday approach to Sodom and Gomorrah as a legitimate reaction to homosexuality and LGBT rights.

COLUMN

Photo courtesy of bubblews.com

THE UNBEARABLE DRYNESS/WETNESS OF BEING

Hello readers! Welcome to What the Balut? – a place where we explore the daily affairs of life in the Philippines that make the foreign expat/tourist initially think “what the *uck?” In this column, I help Metro Manila newcomers and tourists cope with seemingly bewildering cultural, social, and physical environments.

The Filipino summer is winding down and while you may be looking forward to more bearable temperatures, you might not like the alternative – wet season. Pretty soon, the streets of Metro Manila will be flooding and traffic will be even more horrible (if you can imagine that). During my first year of expat life in this country, I was caught like a noob empty-handed and wet many a time. Here are seven tips that will help you prepare for or avoid the deluge:

Always bring an umbrella. Get a simple, cheap PhP 250 umbrella from MINISTOP / 7-11 or perhaps the innovative Senz umbrella which can withstand typhoon winds (up to 100 km/h) and won’t turn inside out, purchasable at R.O.X. in BGC.

Install the GrabTaxi or Easy Taxi phone app. Getting an impromptu cab in the rain will be near impossible, but offering an extra ₱50-100 for a ride on these apps might do the trick. If you do find an empty cab don’t be surprised if the driver asks for an exorbitant “tip” on top of the meter amount. The MMDA app is also handy as it signals how bad traffic is on the major thoroughfares (EDSA, C-5, etc.).

If your legs do get soaked in dirty water, either on the streets or inside a cab (yes, water does infiltrate when passing flooded roads), pick up some Nizoral (antifungal) cream. ‘Nuff said.

Get out of Metro Manila. The eastern seaboard (e.g. Eastern Mindanao, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar and Southeast Luzon) has flipped seasons and is fairly dry when it’s pouring in this town. Cagayan de Oro (place of water sports galore) and other parts of Mindanao rarely get typhoons any time of the year.

Get out of the Philippines. Peak rainy season in Manila is summertime in North America and Europe – take your annual trip back home in August when it’s nice and sunny o’er yonder. Lastly, if you can’t escape the water, join the Filipinos and just have some fun – because even in the rainy season, it’s more fun in the Philippines.

Yours truly, JL

Sunny mornings can trick you. Soak up the sunshine when you can but get back inside when the rain falls, generally in the afternoon.

During the rains, stay away from flood-prone cities like Pasig and Manila – newer CBDs like Makati and BGC have less drainage problems. Google “Project NOAH” for the rain forecast and a detailed map of flood-prone areas, and try to avoid them. PAGASA, the national weather agency, provides weather updates via text message, too. 54 RADAR / July - August

Photo courtesy of neffy.net

This is prime real estate. Get on it, quick. Advertise with us. RADAR / July - August 55

, EDITOR S NOTE: VIVE LE RADAR! We’re now on our second issue and wow, was it fun! From the shoots to the first-hand experiences, every minute of Issue 02 was a wild ride. It was only fitting, as this is the Fete de la Musique issue, an annual celebration of freedom, hope, and change. Plus, like Fete, it’s FREE! You know what else is free? Knowledge. We learned a sh’load this issue about obscure sports, interesting places to hang, climate change, human rights, public health, and all sorts of great and intriguing topics that you normally wouldn’t find in a lifestyle and listings magazine. We’d like to think we’re more than just that, though. We’re hoping to do more than inform you about what’s up in your neck of the woods; Manila is our city, and we want you to know it as we do. You know how there are people about whom you say, “they’re really nice once you get to know them”? Manila doesn’t need that sort of justification; you need only look through these pages and Radar MNL will point you in the right direction. We can only hope that we have done the city proud, through our carefully selected content and painstaking reviews. You might notice a bit of a format change from the last issue; that is completely normal. You are not hallucinating. We took a more structured and easily recognisable approach to things, so you, dear reader, don’t need to know everything before we put it out there. You can be a casual bystander (byreader?) and just soak it up. Radar MNL is now your navigational companion through the incredible fabric of Manila. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy night! If you liked what you read, and we certainly hope you did, pay it forward. Like our page, follow our Instagram and Twitter feeds, tell a friend, post a comment, and ENGAGE. We want to know who’s out there; we want to know whom we’re talking to! Most of all, we want to know what you want. If you have a great idea for a feature, drop us a line! If you’d like to contribute, well hello! If you think your brand needs to be on these pages, come on down! We’re pretty easy to get along with, and very easy to get in touch with. Simply hit us up through social media or email, and we’ll get back to you. Our next issue is bigger and better than ever before… Quite possibly the most important issue we’re going to put out this year: September/October. I’m getting chills just thinking about it, Radarlings. As the internet says, “I can’t even.” Of course, with a byline comes great responsibility so if you have anything you’d like to say in response to the pieces we wrote, please feel free to email us at radarmnl@gmail.com, or contact us via our Facebook page (Radar Manila). Lovelovelove,

Izzy

EIC, Radar MNL

For any queries about advertising, suggestions on features, inclusion of events in the calendar, and new directory entries, please contact: Marketing Director:

Alexandra Pierson +63 905 493 5783 alexa.radarmnl@gmail.com Publisher/CEO/EIC:

Isabelle Gonzalez +63 917 814 4989 izzy.radarmnl@gmail.com

Registered Address: 6F East Tower at One Serendra, McKinley Parkway corner 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1638

The Crew Editor In Chief: Izzy Gonzalez Managing Editor: Paolo Cruz Marketing Director: Alexa Pierson Head Photographer: Romain Rivierre Art Director: Micki Aviado Graphic Artist: Rich Tuason Staff Writer: Jenna Genio Chairman: Mark J. Kooijman Publisher and CEO: Isabelle Gonzalez CFO: Antonio Arellano Board of Directors: Jelmer Ikink Soo Fong Woo Jay Magsaysay Distribution Supervisor: Edgar Valiente

56 RADAR / July - August

L et u s put y ou on the m a p .

RADAR / July - August 57

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53sqm + 1br

rating For rent: PhP 40,000

• All our staff is fluent in English. • Reliable information, reliable partners. This expansive unit has interesting old-world effects to create a unique interior.

• Relationship-driven.

Colonnade Residences 93sqm + 1br

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This unit’s ample seating space encourages entertaining of guests.

Rizal Tower

For rent: PhP 65,000

rating For sale: PhP 58,000,000 The balcony in this unit looks out onto the peaceful neighborhood of Legaspi Village.

Colonnade Residences 93sqm + 2br

5 Bedrooms

6 Bathrooms

335 sqm Floor Area

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1 swimming pool, acceptance into membership of the exclusive Rockwell Club

For rent: PhP 70,000

The generous living area of this unit makes it ideal for welcoming guests.

visit us at 58 RADAR / July - August

“This massive suite is sumptuously decorated. From the foyer, which houses many knick-knacks from the owners’ many travels, to the wide living area with its floor-to-ceiling windows and glorious view of the city, this unit is a perfect characterization of what it means to live well.”

www.roof.ph

(63) 2 4887603