Experience15 Vol2 No1 by Experience Travel and Living

contents EXPERIENCE Travel & Living // Vol. 2 // No. 1 // 2015

50 58

Tagaytay take home goodies, p74

Postings

Travel Luxe 16 22 26 28

Own an island for the weekend A royal Bhutan wedding Fly like a rock star Fair and unforgettable Florence

Travel Lite 32 36 38 44 46 50 54 57 58 64 68

Mystical India discovered Vibrant Vientiane The hidden gems at Gigantes Group of Islands Stars shine brightly at Minalungao Guimaras raises the (sand)bar of responsible tourism Riding Samar's offbeat tracks San Pablo City and its Seven Lakes Rest and unwind at Casa San Pablo Art and history hiding in Pasay City Making adults squeal like kids again Stay a bit longer in Nasugbu

Daily Chow 70 72 74 76 77

Romancing the road to Tagaytay Romantic family-run affair Tagaytay take home goodies A German gastronomic treat for the holidays A luscious, lip-smacking, must-eat delicacy from Taguig!

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

THERE IS NO BETTER p38 TIME TO EXPLORE THE PHILIPPINES THAN NOW. Encounter 78

“At SkyJet Air, we sell the experience!”

Escape 80 82 84 86

The Taj Mahal, Photographed by Patrick Uy

Balinese paradise Clark’s best-kept secret: Green Canyon Resort Azalea Residences: The new holiday hideaway in Baguio The “homey” and 5-star feel of Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle

Living Well 88 89 90 92

Feng shui tips to welcome the new year Travel & Wellness: Lose weight while on vacation Stay young forever Innovative cancer treatments at Fuda Hospital

94 96

Directory Parting shot

Vol. 2 // No. 1 // 2015 // ISSN 1908-2649

Destinations on the rise

Rediscovering mythical India / Loving Laos Porac Sandbox thrills / Rough tracks of Samar Legendary Gigantes Islands / Plus more!

TRAVEL LUXE

PhP200

Royal wedding at old world BHUTAN Weekend ISLAND KING

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

editor'snote

What's your travel tale? ife is made up of infinite travel tales. Whether it's a short drive outside the city, or a long haul flight to the last continent, we are bound to come up with several interesting stories culled from the new experience. From the cold breeze that greets travelers stepping out of the plane, the first taste of local cuisine, the heart-stopping zip line challenge, all these transform into vital components that create a new chapter in the journey of life. Travel connotes movement, a positive step forward. We are constantly leaving the past behind to embrace the new world at least within the duration of our stay. This is why for some people, traveling is a form of therapy. The quiet moments allow the flow of new ideas, a broader view of existing issues, while allowing a clearer outlook to come into place. We are truly so blessed to live in a time when travel opportunities abound. People hop into planes at a drop of a hat to experience some exotic land. Major events can now take place in some far away remote location. Moreover, guests do not mind traversing the rough roads. New experiences bring so much joy to the optimist. For this issue we hit the unfamiliar yet adventurous path. We pay tribute to destinations that are not exactly at the forefront of commercial travel fairs, yet never short of fun and excitement. Our writers willingly shared their experiences in landlocked Bhutan, colorful India, in the local scene we learn about the mythical Gigantes Island, the seven lakes of San Pablo in Laguna and many more. Such colorful escapades are sure to ignite one's sense of adventure. And in a few months new travel tales are set to unfold. Thank God man's travel book can accommodate endless entries.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

ANA MANANSALA-KEYSER Publisher

TET DEFENSOR Editor-in- Chief

RORY VISCO Managing Editor

ARIES ESPINOSA Online Editor

JERRY MANALILI Creative Director

ANGELA DENILLA Editorial Assistant

RUBY ASOY, CAMILLE BERSOLA, APHRODITE CRUZ RUTH FLORESCA, GLAIZA LEE, CHARLES MENDEZ LEGASPI ROBERT REQUINTINA, JENNY WIENEKE, ANSON YU Contributing Writers

PATRICK UY CHAMPY CACHOLA, RENJIE TOLENTINO, JORGE WIENEKE Contributing Photographers

HUBERT AGUILA, JR., JOY FLORES, RICHARD ESTUISTA Special Projects Group

NILO AGUSTIN Creative Consultant

NANET BONIFACIO Advertising and Sales Director

ALLEN CASTILLO, JUN ESCUADRO, TESS ESCUADRO BERNARD KEYSER, DOMS LLAGAS Sales Group

Experience Travel and Living is published bi-monthly by

MODE DEVI PUBLISHING, INC. Suite 205 Corinthian Executive Regency Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center, San Juan, Metro Manila LILIAN SIA SENGIA, Chief Finance Officer DENNIS SIA, Vice President Call us at (632) 584-5360 Email experiencetravelandliving@gmail.com The magazine and its editors assume no responsibility for all manuscripts and photographs submitted. While every reasonable effort is made to verify information, facts and figures, the magazine and its editors assume no responsibility for errors or misrepresentations that may appear in the publication. Opinions expressed in Experience are solely those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by the company and its editors. Printed in the Philippines. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of the magazine may be reproduced in full or in part without prior written permission from the editors.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

contributors

2 GLAIZA LEE is a self-proclaimed traveler. Every person she meets, every adventure she does, and every little she experiences shapes her perception of the world around her. She looks forward to exploring new places, devouring sumptuous dishes, meeting interesting people and enjoying life to the fullest.

1 PATRICK UY is one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in the country. His clients include some of the biggest names in local industry, politics, and show business. He also specializes in advertising photography and is the proprietor of Pacific Light Studio. He is past president of both the Camera Club of the Philippines, and of the Advertising Photographers of the Philippines. Patrick has a bachelor's degree in business management from Ateneo de Manila University.

3 ANSON YU loves to walk for long hours on end, loves to write freelance and is, as he says, an “occasional photography junkie.” He loves everything about Manila, a fascination born out of the very place where he grew up and worked in. This fascination with the glorious past of the city made him a renowned name when it comes to writing (storytelling, if you want) everything about Manila and its rich history. In 2008, he became part of an organization that regularly holds walking tours in famous Manila spots like Intramuros, Binondo in Chinatown, Divisoria to name a few.

4 JENNY WIENEKE has worked in the advertising industry for more than 25 years, where she still remains as Division Head for Non-Nestle Accounts and Head Digital for Publicis Manila. A mother of 4, lover of food and searcher of new places, Jenny pulls from her advertising war chest to strategically plan her road trips and food expeditions.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

5 APHRODITE CRUZ is a PR and marketing consultant by profession. She is an advocate of local eco-tourism and countryside development. On her spare time, she travels (mostly alone) to rarely visited and often unexplored areas in the country. Ever the restless and elusive backpacker she is rarely in one place for a very long time, as proven by the mole on her left foot. She loves Jazz and world music, Mediterranean and southeast asian cuisine, classical literature, and the Philippines, where you are never too far from the highlands or the beach, where you can experience the best of both worlds in a shoestring budget.

6 CAMILLE BERSOLA is a professional writer and has worked for different print and digital media c ompanies for the last eight years. She recently held the position of assistant editor of the Features section of The Philippine STAR, and she was also the editor of its Career Guide section. Prior to her role in the STAR, she worked in different publications including Hinge Inquirer Publications where she helped handle different titles including F&B World, Turista and Quickfix. She was also a news reporter for Filipinas Herald and a researcher for the news desk of The Manila Times. 7 JORGE WIENEKE III is a consultant and think tank who creates and strategizes a wide array of business ideas for his clientele: from business conceptualization and product development to the creation of franchise schemes and innovations for tired old businesses. He is an 18-year veteran of the food industry, best known for his successful conception and expansion of Potato Corner. Borne out of the advertising industry, Jorge’s entrepreneurial skills are highlighted with an innate creativity that simply made him a stalwart in the industry. 8 RENJIE TOLENTINO started his career in 1998 as media relations officer at one of the biggest public relations firms in the country. In 2010, he shifted to freelance PR consulting while following his passion for photography. As a lifestyle and entertainment photographer, he has handled some of the country’s top brands and had worked with top PR and advertising agencies across the metro. 9 RUTH MANIMTIMFLORESCA started writing professionally 12 years ago and had many of her articles published in major newspapers and magazines in the Philippines. Aside from home and parenting, she also enjoys writing about business, personal finance, advocacies, and lifestyle stories. Ruth also loves traveling and discovering new places where she gets to make friends with the areas' local residents. Aside from print publications, you can read about things she's passionate about online in http:// mommywrites.blogspot.com. 10 C. MENDEZ LEGASPI writes a weekly column for the Life! section of BusinessMirror, the nation's leading business daily, usually about celebrities, fashion and beauty, and most especially about the Good, the Great and the Glamorous.

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EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

POSTINGS

question on why they chose to call the Philippines their “home.” Other specially created sections to be introduced soon include “Road Trip,” designed for Filipino families who may want to discover, experience and appreciate how it is to travel and enjoy being on the road to get to exciting Philippine travel destinations using their favorite vehicle. For its first issue, Experience Travel and Living magazine had as its cover story Amorita Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol. Amorita Experience Travel and Living Publisher Ana Manansala (center), Sales and Advertising Director Nanet Bonifacio (which means “little love” in Span(4th from left), Dennis Sia (5th from right), Vice President of Mode Devi Publishing, Inc., the publishing company of Experience Travel and Living magazine, Lilian Sia-Sengia (4th from right), Mode Devi Publishing, Inc. Chief ish), boasts of a total of 14 private Finance Officer and Tet Defensor, Editor-in-Chief, together with friends from the lifestyle media villas and 20 deluxe hotel rooms, an infinity pool, a dive pool and dive shop, and a restaurant called “Saffron” that offers truly authentic Boholano dishes. The resort now has a total of 97 rooms with an additional 4 clusters, more restaurants, one with a function room with an overlooking view of the sea, a whisky bar (¡Toma! Wine Bar), a second infinity pool plus spa and UK-born management consultant, author and gym facilities and other impressive now Philippine resident Chris Payne (left) and Experience Travel Jazz singer, wife Loydz (right) flank Experience Travel and and Living Creative performer extraordinaire travel and leisure offerings. Living magazine publisher Ana Manansala Consultant Nilo Agustin Richard Merck Other stories include features on the beauteous Amanpulo Island in Palawan and Dedon Island in Siargao under TravelLuxe, plus stories about Manila and its newest wonders, the “Bulihan” festival in Sampaloc, Quezon, and other interesting finds in Iloilo, Baler in Quezon for TravelLite, plus stories on Siem Reap in Cambodia, Kyoto, Japan, Jeju Island in Korea and Santa Barbara in California, USA. “Experience Travel and LivWith a 60,000 copy circulament group, Experience magazine “Experience Travel and Living” (Experience) magazine, one tion, Experience magazine is readers will find interesting secing” magazine is now published of the country’s most established poised to illustrate the beauteous tions that cater to their discrimiby Mode Devi Publishing, Inc., travel and lifestyle reads, now and fun aspects of the Philippine nating tastes. “TravelLuxe” is for with offices at Unit 205 Corinsports a new look with a more tourism scene through its rich those with discerning preferences, thian Executive Regency, Sapphire contemporary and chic vibe for and relevant content. Its crisp with a predilection for affluent, Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. that fresh, dynamic and reimagediting and eye-catching editoluxurious and high-end indulAvailable now at your favorite ined reading experience. rial layouts and photos invoke gence, while “TravelLite” caters to National Bookstore outlets, other Launched recently in simple elegance and modernity. All these the more adventurous types, those major bookstores and newsstands yet stunning rites, the “new” are part of the publisher’s vision who prefer to mingle and be one in the country’s main airports, Experience magazine offers loto help promote the local tourism with the townsfolk, unafraid to Philippine-based foreign embascal and international readers a landscape and lure local and soil their shoes and pants to reach sies, trade organization offices, variety of information about the foreign travelers to immediately the apex of discovery. select provincial areas (Cebu, travel and tourism scene of tropipack their bags and take a look at “Wellness,” on the other Davao, Iloilo), distribution areas cal Philippines and all of its more what the Philippines has to offer. hand, offers the best of the best in the US West and East coasts, than 7,000 islands that are still “The world knows that the in the Philippines when it comes “Tatak Filipino” stores (Los Angeundiscovered and untouched. Philippines is a beautiful place, to healthy living and lifestyle, les, Daly City, Vallejo, Singapore, Unveiled in front of sperich with astonishing sites that are anything and everything that San Diego, Union City and New cial guests from the business, really out of this world and a true contributes to one’s well-being, Jersey), and in areas with thriving lifestyle, advertising and public sight to behold. But more than while “City in Focus” aims to high- Filipino communities (Australia, relations industries, coupled with these places, Experience would light undiscovered yet must-see Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, USA, performances by some of the also like to tell its readers to know areas for both local and foreign Singapore, UK and Spain). country’s foremost entertainers more about Filipinos and their tourists—the place, the people, For orders and subscriptions, such as jazz icon Richard Merk vibrant culture, their way of life, the culture, lifestyle and history. call (+632) 584-5360 or email who sang scintillating favorites, the reason behind each smile. We Experience magazine will experiencetravelandlivingmag Experience magazine hopes to hope to be able to deliver these also have the “Foreignoy” section @gmail.com. Visit www. move readers from everywhere now and in succeeding issues,” that will feature up-close-andexperiencetravelandliving.net to discover not just tourist atnew publisher Ana Manansalapersonal stories of foreigners and enjoy “Experience Travel and tractions but also learn from an Keyser said during the launch. who have lived and imbibed the Living” via your desktop, laptop, inspiring Filipino culture. Now under a new manageFilipino culture and answer the tablet or smartphone.

THE NEW “EXPERIENCE TRAVEL AND LIVING” MAGAZINE— FRESH, DYNAMIC, REIMAGINED

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

Travel healthy during the holidays at Filinvest City Taking the public transport is convenient but it can be very noisy. It is often too crowded and most of all, its thick carbon emissions coming from its engines wreak havoc on everyone’s health.

With throngs of people going around the different places in the metropolis during the holidays, weekend traffic will surely get even worse, so it would be good to have a transport system that’s not only efficient but environment-friendly. Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa is taking the lead as it launched the country’s very first fully integrated electric-powered public transport system, the “Filinvest City 360 EcoLoop,” that will serve as the main mode of transportation to go around the sprawling commercial and residential enclave. The “Filinvest City 360 Eco-Loop” is set to ease the activities around the city with its energy-efficient, electric-powered vehicles. With zero carbon emis-

sion and exceptionally quiet engines, residents can look forward to clean and pollution-free air with less road noise. “Filinvest City 360 Eco-Loop” will have 26 pick-up points, stopping every 5-10 minutes to load and unload passengers. The shuttle service will be available from Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Residents and employees at Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City’s business process outsourcing (BPO) hub, can also utilize the evening shuttle trips from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Monday to Friday and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. With its regular operating hours, residents can actually leave their cars at home and take advantage of the efficient and hassle-free transportation to and from work or leisure around this Garden City. It is also perfect for doing errands, last-minute grocery shopping or simply enjoying the sights of the dynamic city with family or friends. The “Filinvest City 360 Eco-Loop” is in partnership with Electric Vehicle Expansion Enterprises, Inc. (EVEEI), a private operator of sustainable electric vehicles for public transportation.

Backed by experience, EVEEI is a commercial operator with the technical expertise to run emission-free vehicles for commuters. The eco-friendly shuttle service also supports the company's vision to build a harmonious relationship between nature and state-of-the- art residential and business developments. “Residents of Filinvest City can now enjoy the best of both worlds—modern city living amid a refreshing natural environment. Soon, this earth-friendly transport system will be complemented with other nature-inspired features such as a public park system complete with bike and joglanes and other recreational spaces,” Filinvest Alabang, Inc. Executive Vice President Catherine Ilagan said. Filinvest City is a prime development of Filinvest, a leader in property development for over fifty years. Guided by the Gotianun family’s tradition of integrity, quality and service, it forges ahead with renewed dynamism. Filinvest is committed to making the Filipino dream. For more information on Filinvest City, call 846-0278 loc 7023 or visit www. facebook.com/ FilinvestCityOFFICIAL.

Travel magazine partners with top chef

Experience Travel and Living magazine and the Golding Culinary Group founder and President led by Chef Phillip Golding, recently inked a strategic partnership during simple rites held at Brera Delicatessen, Acacia Estates, Taguig City. The collaboration’s initial effort is via the publication of stories about foreigners who stayed and lived in the Philippines. The stories will be showcased in Experience Travel and Living’s “Living Local” section that will feature these The Experience Travel and Living team with Chef Philip John Golding. (L-R) Nanet Bonifacio (Sales and “Foreignoys” and how they Advertising Director), Ana Liza Manansala-Keyser (Publisher), assimilated with Pinoy Chef Philip Golding, Rory Visco (Managing Editor), and Angela Denilla (Editorial Assistant) culture and way of life. EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

POSTINGS tion, there are three meeting rooms good for 30 persons. Microtel UP Technohub also offers a breathtaking view of the Quezon City skyline at its roof deck, where families and guests may enjoy a cool swim or quiet dip. Even in close proximity to everbusy Commonwealth Avenue, the hotel offers a surprisingly quiet and peaceful refuge for business meetings or guests wishing to escape the stressful demands of the city. Microtel established their hotel properties all over the Philippines, providing a much needed jump-off point for tourists to discover the countryside and business professionals to expand their networks. The company is 100 percent Filipino managed and is successful in fusing Pinoy hospitality with Wyndham’s global standards. The UP-Ayala Land Technohub was listed as an approved IT Park by PEZA in 2009 and is located across the tree-filled University of the Philippines Diliman campus.

MICROTEL UP TECHNOHUB: A HOLIDAY “STAY-CATION” OPTION IN QUEZON CITY

f you’re thinking of a new “stay-cation” hotel option in Quezon City for the holidays, then go to the UPAyala Land Technohub. Why UP-Ayala Land Technohub of all places? Because Microtel by Wyndham’s latest hotel property is located right smack at the sprawling complex, just right after the famed Quezon City Memorial Circle if you’re going further up north of the city. Microtel by Wyndham recently opened its doors to business and leisure guests at UP-Ayala Land Technohub, a booming IT and commercial development in Quezon City. The hotel serves to complement a dynamic Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-listed area which is home to technology and business incubators, research firms, BPOs, restaurants, and numerous commercial establishments. A pioneer in the no-frills, back-to-basics, limited-service concept and the fastest growing— now with 13 properties across the country–Microtel by Wyndham strategically positions itself in every key tourist and business hub in the Philippines. It is the sole Microtel by Wyndham franchise

in Asia belonging to the Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest and most diverse hotel company with 7,540 hotels worldwide in 71 countries under 17 hotel brands. As the 13th and newest hotel in the franchise, Microtel by Wyndham UP Technohub offers 120 clean and secure guest rooms. Decently sized at 25 to 30 square meters big, the rooms provide enough space for guests to stretch and breathe in quiet luxury in a six-story structure fronting Commonwealth Avenue. The hotel chain is also famously known for its queen-sized beds with chiropractor-approved mat-

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

tresses, rated on American Chiropractic Association standards to ensure a relaxing night’s sleep. With rooms overlooking the city or a garden quadrangle, Microtel UP Technohub’s modern design complements industrial and environmental elements present around the thriving commercial development area. Millie’s Restaurant, one of only three in the country, serves as the hotel’s official dining facility. A function hall above the restaurant can accommodate 200 people and is perfect for meetings and corporate events, wedding receptions and other social gatherings. In addi-

The area is within short distance of numerous government centers, restaurants, business establishments, shopping malls and specialty hospitals. With Microtel's prime position at UP-Ayala Land Technohub, the hotel focuses on providing guests a clean, comfortable, and secure accommodation at value-for-money rates. Microtel UP Technohub is a joint venture between Aviso Holdings Inc., Grupo Alfaro Inc., and Andorra Investments Corp. along with Microtel Development Corp., and is located at UP-Ayala Land Technohub, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. For more information call (+632) 8046-888 or email uptechnohub @microtel.ph.

The Medical City opens world-class surgical training center The Medical City (TMC) opened recently the Center for Advanced Skills, Simulation and Training Innovation. A collaborative initiative among TMC and key industry stakeholders involved on a per-course basis, the Center is headed by Dr. Deogracias Alberto G. Reyes, TMC surgeon and associate professor at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Reyes is supported by course directors composed of specialists from the Departments of General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Breast Surgery, Gynecology, Head and Neck Surgery, Orthopedics, Airway Management, Intensive Care, and Stoma Care. “CASSTI is changing surgical learning by allowing trainees to learn in a controlled and safe

“CASSTI is changing surgical learning by allowing trainees to learn in a controlled and safe environment"

endoscopic stations, virtual reality room, simulation room, teleconference capability for live surgery transmission to CASSTI and remote locations, animal laboratory, lecture rooms, video editing stations and a research room. There are also simulation equipment that includes alternative inanimate simulator box, inanimate simulator box, and virtual reality simulator. CASSTI offers short courses that run from two to five days and post-graduate certificate courses that run from one to three months. Plans to offer a certificate course and a Master’s Degree in Minimal Access Surgery are underway. CASSTI is located at the lower ground of The Medical City in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. For the list of courses and other inquiries, you may call 988-1000 or 988-7000 ext. 6801.

with synthetic enhancements is the possible danger that it could cause the body in the future.” She refers to the threat to artificial enhancements such as silicone when old age sets in. “We become weaker and our body structure changes when we age. It is not impossible that your old silicone implant may move to another part of the body when bone structure changes.” An example of a regenerative aesthetic treatment would be the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. The process involves acquiring and processing the patient’s blood to extract its growth factors. The extracted serum would then be injected back onto the patient’s face. “While one may ascribe the term stem cell therapy to this process, I think PRP could be simply described a type of regenerative treatment that uses cells taken from one’s body,” she shares. “Regenerative Medicine banks Regenesis utilizes other on the body’s capacity to repair regenerative treatments using damaged cells. Regeneration products and technologies involves stimulating new cells that the Swiss developed and to grow while at the same time pioneered. “The Swiss are known helping damaged cells repair for being pioneers in developing themselves,” explains Dr. Angela cell therapies, obtaining cells Gomez of Regenesis Face and from various sources such as Body Boutique. plants and animals. These According to Gomez, many therapies could either be aesthetic doctors are moving intravenous or orally taken.” towards more natural procedures Regenerative medicine in anchored on the body’s inherent aesthetics also applies to weight capacity to heal itself. “The thing loss. The clinic is the exclusive

distributor of Swiss-made MFIII and Myopep, a muscle-building peptide therapy designed to decrease fat buildup and contour the body. Gomez recommends Myopepto plus-sized individuals who want to lose weight but do not want to undergo invasive treatments and mesolipo. “A Swiss pharmaceutical company has successfully developed a treatment that enables the isolation of peptides, the building blocks of protein, and inhibits myostatin in stopping further muscle buildup in our bodies. When an overweight individual undergoes the Myopep treatment, the muscle mass increases while fat deposits decrease.” Gomez believes that while there is no getting away from aging, one must not let oneself be consumed by the ill-effects of getting old. She encourages every individual to live a healthy lifestyle and make sure that proper care is always given to the body. “At the end of the day, our physical appearance could impact the way we live our lives. The more we look good the better we feel about ourselves,” she concludes. Regenesis Face and Body Boutique has two branches— Filinvest Alabang and Metrowalk Ortigas. For more information about the clinic and its services, visit www.regenesis.ph.

environment. This offers physicians and trainees the ability to assess and achieve proficiency through simulation and an ideal learning environment that is pace appropriate and structured with expert supervision,” says TMC President and CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon. The center was envisioned to address this need for change along with issues of patient safety and quality healthcare and to provide clinical and surgical skills responsive to world developments and standards of care. While minimal access surgery has become a requisite in general residency training locally, there is a gap that needs to be filled when it comes to this kind of training. In the global scene, simulation

Regenerative medicine: A more natural approach to beauty It is not surprising that the word “aesthetics” is more easily associated with invasive treatments like face-lifts, implants, and other plastic surgeries. Now, there is a more natural and less invasive approach to looking good, feeling younger, and losing weight. With improving technology and new innovations, regenerative medicine provides aesthetic doctors with a more natural approach to medical beauty enhancements.

training has been integrated into general surgery training programs using inanimate models, animal phantom models, and virtual reality. The main feature of CASSTI is simulation training. CASSTI trainings are carried out in a controlled and safe environment. Its simulation environment guarantees less errors, thus achieving a greater level of patient safety. The training facilities include

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

POSTINGS YOSI SAMRA’S HOLIDAY COLLECTION Yosi Samra was destined to be a shoemaker. His father owned a shoe factory in New York where Samra first worked as a designer. When his father became ill, he took over the family business. Years later he opened a club, where he saw women walking around barefoot after long hours of drinking and dancing. They carried their stilettos in one hand and their tiny clutch bag in the other.

With designs existing in a celestial space between the past and the future, Native Shoes is always brewing something that will transcend trends and fly right into the hearts of fun-loving individuals around the world. This season, Native is targeting those individuals once again by introducing geo and herringbone prints to their boots and slip-ons. As chameleons to the urban environment, Native pulls inspiration from Autumn colors and classic prints for their Fall/Winter line. The iconic Herringbone print, a distinctive pattern seen in twill fabric, is revamped this season in opposing black, white, and orange tones. An eye-catching geo print is also brought to life in various shades of blue and red. The prints will elevate your tried and tested Native Shoes into dizzying vortexes that will contrast against your Fall wardrobe. The Geo Prints will feature on Native’s Howard, Jericho, and Verona style slip-ons as well as on the Fitzsimmons boot. The styles carry the Native Shoes staple features of being odor resistant, shock absorbent, washable and water-resistant. The Fitzsimmons boot also has a custom, perforated neoprene sock, allowing for additional comfort and warmth. The slip-ons and boots are ideal for the urban wanderer who craves spontaneous adventures where Native’s can slip right into one’s bag in all their light and portable glory. Native Shoes presents its Fall/Winter 2014 collection with geo prints and a colorful array of Autumn hues to select global retailers. Samra realizedathat womenimpact in the Be the first to know about updates and more. “Like”is Native Facebook. Without a doubt, R.O.X. not Shoes your on average outdoor store and it continues to make positive needed classy, stylish, yet The Primer Group of community Companies is the exclusive distributor of Native in the Philippines. by being active in influencing more and more individuals to get outside through spirited and comfortable shoes that would fit in educational campaigns, exciting events, and highly-engaging activities. a tiny purse. This gave birth to his most iconic fold-up ballet flats. Over the years, R.O.X. has been in partnership with various outdoor organizations to host events, and The Yosi Samra brand competitions, was In line with its “Get your life. Log on to www. tivity granted by R.O.X.. average outdoor store conceptualized in Samra’ssports community. fairs that are all geared towards promotingand theit continues outdoortolifestyle and nurturing the outdoor Outside” campaign, facebook.com/roxphilipDeadline for submission basement. After a year of careful R.O.X. launches the pines, click on R.O.X., the app theisgreat November 8, 2014. is notmake positive impactadventurers Because for outdoors just afor hardcore and athletes but also for everyone and planning, yosisamra.com was What Will You Get and answer the question Banking on this phiin the community by anyone who is bold enough to go out of one’s comfort zone and try something new. Outside For app for “What Will You Get losophy, R.O.X. ensures encouraging individuals finally launched. The brand has adventure seekers. Outside For?” R.O.X. will that its concept stores to get outside through seen tremendous growth since its Bent on promoting choose three grand winlive up to its advocacy. educational campaigns, 2009. date,aover 1,000 either or Life’s too short to spend it within the safe confines of a room. But no one’s launch askinginyou to To climb mountain outdoor fun and exciteners to experience the Upon stepping inside exciting events, and highboutiques carry Yosi Samra shoes go white river rafting blindfolded either. For R.O.X., all it takes to switch up your perspective is to take the first step ment, the App asks the different outdoor activiany of R.O.X’s stores, ly-engaging activities. accessories across the United quintessential question ties like one can expect an might exOver the years, and getcamping/glampoutside. Who knows? You just experience an adventure of a and lifetime you never deemed possible. States and 85 other countries, —“What will you get ing, trekking, surfing, tensive range of outdoor R.O.X. has been in including 15 brand shops in outside for?" “Whether rappeling and others, essentials. partnership with various For more information the Get Outside outdoor campaign and theindifferent outdoor or your friends and Asia and activities The Middleyou East. it’s camping at your while ten runners-up will about From mountain organizations Famous for and smooth, backyard, an afternoon family have one adventure climbing, hiking, and out hosting can try out,ac-don’t hesitate to head to anyevents, R.O.X.competibranches and feel free to ask lookclean around. barbeque with your camping, this one-stop tions, and fairs that are lines, Yosi Samra designs exude buddies, a challengoutdoor shop offers rare geared towards promotsimple and relaxed elegance, while ing climb, adrenalineproducts and equiping the outdoor lifestyle. captivating wearers with playful pumped wakeboarding ment for all ranges of For R.O.X., the choices of color and material. session, trail running or outdoor activities such great outdoors is not The 2014 Holiday Collection stays surfing, something as as cycling, watersports, just for hardcore true to the brand’s philosophy. awesome as paragliding adventure travel, and adventurers and It boasts an array of comfortable or something self-refleceven wellness. On top of athletes but for everyone flats like the different variations tive such as camping that the store also carbold enough to go out of of the Samara, the Orly, the Abbey, out in the woods! ries world-class outdoor their comfort zone and Now, the thrill and brands such as The try something new. and the Samantha to name a few. excitement will no longer North Face, Salomon, R.O.X. Stores are In the Philippines Yosi Samra be stuck in your imaginaColumbia Sportswear, located at Bonifacio has branches in Alabang Town tion as R.O.X. gives you a Quicksilver, even preHigh Street, Marquee Center, GAS Greenbelt 3, Rockwell rare chance to turn your mium labels like Eddie Mall Pampanga, Camp Powerplant Mall, Trinoma, SM dreams of adventure Bauer, Osprey, Nalgene, John Hay Baguio, Ayala Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, into a reality. Don’t Sea To Summit, ZEM Gear Center Cebu, Ayala Glorietta 4 Ayala Center, SM Megamiss the opportunity to and Black Diamond, Centrio Mall Cagayan mall, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City experience the ultimate among others. De Oro and the District Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao. outdoor adventure trip of R.O.X. is not your North Point Bacolod.

Native Shoes releases Fall/Winter 2014 collection

Ultimate outdoor adventure from R.O.X.

More than just a play on the brand name, the X in R.O.X. stands for a highly motivational idea that thrives at the core of the company. X represents the collaboration between the individual and the outdoors, with the equation of Individual x The Outdoors = (the resulting adventures that can happen).

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

TRAVEL LUXE EXPERIENCE Travel & Living

Vol. 2 // No. 1 // 2015

A solitary coconut tree juts out to sea, seemingly wanting to get a better view of the infinite horizon

14 22

Own an ISLAND for the weekend A royal BHUTAN wedding

Fly like a ROCK STAR

The fair and unforgettable FLORENCE

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

travelluxe

Capture that seaside, awe-inspiring experience from this villa

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OWN AN ISLAND FOR THE WEEKEND By TET DEFENSOR

At Island Buenavista, you do not just book a room or a villa, you rent the whole property. Be the island king (or queen) for the entire weekend. How would you like to own your own island? In Hollywood where privacy is oh-so-scarce, celebrities shell out as much as USD10 million to experience their much-needed solitude in their very own piece of land surrounded with crystal-clear blue waters. It is the ultimate in exclusivity. Having your own island is like being the ruler of your own kingdom. You can do whatever you wish. Johnny Depp fell in love with the Bahamas while filming "Pirates of the Caribbean." And so he spent USD3.8 million for a secluded area in Exuma Isles. In 2006 Mel Gibson also spent USD9 million to buy the 5,400-acre Mago Island in Fiji. Other celebrity island owners are Leonardo di Caprio (Blackadore Cay in Belize), Eddie Murphy (Rooster Cay in Bahamas) and Celine Dion (Ile Gagnon in Quebec).

If you are wondering how it feels to actually own an island and have your own kingdom, why not book Island Buenavista for the weekend? Located at Samal, Davao del Norte, the four-hectare property was originally a private dwelling until the family decided to rent it out for special groups and events. The Island Garden City of Samal is actually in the list of best beaches in the Philippines. Since it is far from the metropolis, the island has retained its quiet charm. From Davao International Airport, guests are brought to Sasa Wharf and ferried to Ana Marina Resort in Samal. From there they take a 10-minute boat ride to Buenavista. The island resort is a powdery stretch of white sand by the crystal waters, with lush greens and palm trees. It is not only a traveler’s paradise, imagine having an entire island exclusive for you and your guests, it is also an eco-friendly and marine-protected destination. It is one of the best sites in Davao for diving and snorkeling. All activities in the island are planned according to the guests’ preference. It all depends on how they wish to live their lives for the next few days. They call the shots, no need to take note of the restaurant’s

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HOW TO GET THERE

Buenanavista offers an entirely different experience, which is superior exclusivity in your very own paradise.

From Davao International Airport, the trip to the Island will take approximately an hour. Guests board a private van from the airport, which will take them to Sasa Wharf. A ferry will take them to Ana Marina Resort in Samal and from there they take a 10-minute boat ride to Buenavista. Transfers are included in the packages. RATES Island Buenavista charges a fixed rate of P105,000 per night for 10 guests. Rate for succeeding days is P94,400 per night. There is a maximum of 32 persons per booking. The rate includes use of all facilities and amenities, the family villa, two Island Suites, six beach huts, buffet meals and snacks.

Walking barefoot in this fine, white-sand and tree-lined beach can be truly enriching

For those who wish to take a day tour, the rate is P37,500 up to 10 persons, which includes one buffet lunch and snacks. ABOUT SAMAL The island is at the coast of Davao Gulf, showcasing fine white sand beach and home to over 70 resorts. It is a garden and small city rolled into one. Attractions include wildlife, waterfalls and underwater sanctuaries.

A pathway to private bliss

One of Buenavista’s pavilions that offer beach-front views

operating hours, or the last call for drinks at the bar. If the guests want to start their day with breakfast at 11 am, the staff will make the necessary arrangement. “Our goal is to provide guests with a unique and exclusive island experience,” explains Marketing Manager Brenda Ocampo. While typical resorts hype their rooms and amenities, Buenanavista offers an entirely different experience, which is superior exclusivity in your very own paradise. According to Ocampo, the island can comfortably accommodate a maximum of 32 guests. It has a family villa that can house as many as 18 people with a master’s bedroom, a guest room, living room, kitchen, loft and basement. The villa is actually a modern beach house, with touches of tribal art. The balcony at the master’s bedroom comes with a beautiful view of Davao Gulf and Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. It has one guest room although the loft and the basement can be converted to additional sleeping areas. All bedrooms have their own bathrooms. The Island Suites can accommodate up to three guests, with a veranda offering a nice view of the sea. For couples, Buenavista has open air beach huts close to the beach. The island also has a kidney-shaped pool, great for afternoon get-togethers, or pre-dinner cocktails.

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The meals are served at the Pavillion according to the guests’ preference and schedule. Fresh seafood is in abundance in the island, and guests can ask the kitchen to whip up their favorite seafood dishes. The resort can also arrange theme parties, beach weddings, family events, and even marriage proposals. Ocampo relates there was a time when the island was rented by only two people. “They were on their honeymoon, and they wanted the island to themselves,” she said. Aside from the exclusivity, guests simply do not get tired of Buenavista’s beautiful seaside view. “We take pride in the island’s unspoiled natural beauty. Buenavista is Davao’s version of Amanpulo,” she said. While on the island, guests can enjoy the beach, or go kayaking, snorkeling, diving or island hopping. A few meters from the beach is a marine sanctuary with beautiful coral reefs. Divers will surely delight in the wondrous sight. More than the facilities, most guests long for the quiet moments they do not usually get from typical resort destinations. To sustain its exclusivity, marketing efforts are limited to word-of-mouth and website inquiries. They have an office in Davao located at JFM Corporate Center, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City, or call (6382) 299-2992 to 94 local 113. Email buenavista.island@gmail.com for details.

Samal is considered a fourth-class city in Davao del Norte. It is 15 minutes away via barge ride from Km. 11 Sasa, Davao City to Babak Port or a 45-minute trip from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City to Kaputian and Penaplata Wharf. Not too many tourists visit the island during the rainy season or school days. Accommodations are relatively cheaper during this period, depending on the resort. The island is usually packed on weekends, with Davaoenos trooping to the island as early as Friday up until Monday morning. Samal is also known for its weekend parties that can last till early morning, something which cannot be done in Davao with its No-Smoking ordinance, 1 am liquor ban and 2 am curfew for bars and other drinking places. The best time to visit Samal is during long weekends, Holy Week and summer break.

coverstory

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EXPERIENCE

Delightful Indulgences at 5,&+021'( +27(/ 257,*$6 At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, you get the most value out of your every stay. Its proximity to corporate destinations, shopping and entertainment centers and major thoroughfares, gives the hotel an edge in location. Its well-appointed rooms, the ZDUP DQG JUDFLRXV VHUYLFH RI WKH VWDII Â´UVW UDWH IDFLOLWLHV DQG mouthwatering chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations create an atmosphere where one feels immediately at ease. At the outset, a warm old-fashioned welcome greets guests as they step into the lobby. Then comes the subtle extra effort upon check-in to ensure that every guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay is a pleasant experience. Even Richmonde Ortigasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Suite Rooms were designed to simulate the feel of home. It is the perfect residence not only for longstaying business travelers but for extended vacationers as well. 7KH 2QH DQG 7ZR %HGURRP 6XLWHV DUH RXWÂ´WWHG ZLWK D VLWWLQJ room equipped with an entertainment system; a dining room complete with dinnerware; and a kitchenette furnished with a stove, microwave oven and refrigerator. At dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end, one can look forward to retiring to the cozy FRQÂ´QHV RI 5LFKPRQGHÂV JXHVW URRP RU ZRUNLQJ XQLQWHUUXSWHG in its cloistered comfort. The opulently soft beddings and plush, smooth covers easily melt away weariness and exhaustion and VSHOO D JRRG QLJKWÂV VOHHS ZKLOH WKH KLJK GHÂ´QLWLRQ /&' 79 LQ HDFK room makes personal entertainment genuinely enjoyable. More importantly, the Richmonde Express Agents eagerly provide assistance 24-hours a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;be it a late-night food craving, an emergency clean-up, the sudden want for extra pillows or simply any need to make oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay exceptionally delightful.

Heated Indoor Pool

Richmonde CafĂŠ

)XOÂ´OOLQJ WKH JDVWURQRPLFDO FUDYLQJV RI JXHVWV DUH 5LFKPRQGH &DIp ([FKDQJH %DU DQG 7KH /REE\ &DIp ZKLFK RIIHU WKRXJKWIXOO\ SUHSDUHG DQG XQLTXH PHQX FUHDWLRQV VXPSWXRXVO\ ÂľDYRUHG DQG enticingly presented to guarantee every patronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining pleasure. The hotel also boasts its highly personalized Banquet Services and delectable dishes during banquet events, making it a favorite venue for meetings and celebrations.

Pleasure and relaxation are assured at Richmondeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fully equipped gym, steam room and heated indoor pool. A team of professional masseuses offering various kinds of soothing massage treatments is at oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service. Moreover, Richmonde Ortigas is just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major commercial areas, specialty shops and prime shopping mallsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;making the hotel a true sanctuary for shopaholics and recreation junkies. To make a booking or to inquire about the latest promos, call Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 638-7777 or contact Room Reservations directly at (632) 689-8411. Booking online is also easy via Richmonde Hotel Ortigasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; very own booking engine with guaranteed best rates at www.richmondehotels.com.ph.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas Lobby

Suite Room Function Room Superior Room

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is located at 21 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For more information, send an email to rho@richmondehotel.com.ph or log on to www.richmondehotels.com.ph or connect with us at www.facebook.com/RichmondeHotelOrtigas, www.twitter.com/Richmonde_RHO or www.instagram.com.Richmonde_RHO.

A ROYAL BHUTAN WEDDING

TEXT and Photos By PATRICK UY

I think of royal weddings to be associated with pomp and pageantry, a regal celebration, a union between members of two royal ancestries, an event awaited with much anticipation. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a royal wedding in the Kingdom of Bhutan (called the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”) between The Fifth Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan), the Thunder Dragon King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. The childhood sweethearts were wed in simple yet majestic ceremonies, attended by thousands of expectant and happy Bhutanese and hordes of foreign guests, including international media, and of course, members of the Bhutan royal family. It was supposed to be the first time that a grand event in this kingdom in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas was broadcast for the world to see. I appreciated this very much, for Bhutan is a kingdom that has managed to isolate itself and kept its rich tradition and cultural heritage intact, untouched by modern pleasures brought about by advancements in technology. Still, I enjoyed the old-world environment that Bhutan offered, and the royal wedding of the century in Bhutan left me in awe. It was an up-close-and-personal experience that I will always treasure, accompanied by photos that will pose as my fondest memories of this kingdom that I’ve learned to love, even if for just a few days’ stay.

Thousands of Bhutanese waited to catch a glimpse of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen

The TashichhoDzong, Bhutan’s seat of government

The Fifth Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan), the Thunder Dragon King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in a golden silk brocade gho, and Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, in a yellow tego embroidered with eight lucky signs and golden threads that matched the golden tego and red wonju

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A young well-wisher greets His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Behind him is Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck on their way to downtown Thimpu, Bhutan’s largest city and also its capital

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Dancer performs a Bhutanese cultural dance in celebration of the royal wedding

Fourth Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan) His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the father of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

A monk walks past the massive Thongdroel

A member of the Bhutan Guard of Honor in a traditional march

His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, bows in honor of the National flag of Bhutan

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

The newly crowned Bhutan monarchs are one in prayers with a row of monks as members of the royal family and other special guests and dignitaries look on

Fourth Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan) his Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, middle, participates in the celebratory dance

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan), His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and special guests

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Entertainment is provided by Bhutanese cultural dancers

HOW TO GET THERE Flights going to Bhutan are via Druk Air (Bhutanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national airline) or Bhutan Airlines. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. Visa is required for all nationalities, except Indians.

An elderly Bhutanese, eyes gleaming with pride and happiness for being part of a joyful ceremony

His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, greets members of the foreign media and other dignitaries

The Guru Nansi Zilnoen Thongdroel, which measures a massive 108 x 88 feet and the biggest thongdroel (religious tapestry) in Bhutan to date, stood proud amid the Chang Lingme Thang Stadium, site of the public celebration of the royal wedding. It is made of a collage of patches of silk sewn together instead of ordinary embroidery. The massive artwork used about 3000 meters of goechen (brocade) and took 3 years to complete.

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travelluxe furniture-maker Poltrana Frau. And since chairs must provide utmost comfort, this particular piece actually turns into a bed. If the next door cabin happens to be empty, then passengers can look forward to pleasurable slumber as they toss and turn on their double bed. On the day of his flight, Low proceeded to Singapore Changi Airport and lined up with the rest of the passengers, only to find out that there was a separate lounge for First Class and Suites passengers. The lounge resembled a hotel lobby, according to Low, "there's even a bellhop who carries your luggage." But just when he was getting comfortable at the lounge, he saw an invitation together with his plane ticket. It was a special invitation to the Private Room. When he inquired about it, the staff proudly described that it was "higher than first class." An attendant escorted him to a private room where another surprise yet unfolded. The staff greeted him by his name. "It's like they all already knew me before even meeting me," he said. And although he wasn't hungry he settled for a glass of champagne and Chicken and Mutton Satay. When it was time to board, person can afford such a plane he was not led back to the airport. ticket "without taking out a bank Instead, he was brought to a dediloan." Fortunately, his frequent cated bridge that was exclusive to flier miles were enough to cover passengers staying at the Suites. the cost. "So in September 2014, In terms of privacy, this takes after splurging on a colossal the cake. There is no chance for amount of miles, I was booked ordinary passengers to even catch on Suites Class to NYC." a glimpse of the VIPs in the flight. The suites are one of the Inside the plane, Low chose main features of the Airbus A380. a middle suite. He was informed Passengers enjoy the best seats by Zac, the Chief Steward, that in the house, enclosed in private there were only three passengers cabins with sliding doors. The staying at the Suites. Low joked cabin was designed by French that he can utilize the empty suites luxury yacht designer Jeanand turn them into his dining Jacques Coste, while the soft and living rooms. The plane had leather chairs were hand-stitched a total of 12 suites. Low opted to by the craftsmen of Italian take his meals in a separate cabin. Double bed sprinkled with rose petals for the pampered passenger

FLY LIKE A ROCK STAR Ordinary mortals can feel like a rock star when they book a flight at Singapore Airlines Suites Class. Imagine tossing and turning in bed while flying to New York, or having a butler at your disposal, in case you have an instant craving for chocolate in the middle of the night. While rock stars have their own planes, Singapore Airlines Suites Class can certainly mirror the luxurious accommodations

extended to Hollywood stars, foreign dignitaries, international A-listers and the like. It is the most luxurious, commercially available flying experience reserved to those who demand top-of-the-line exclusivity and can afford the hefty airfare. Website owner Derek Low recently documented his awesome experience onboard his Singapore-New York flight. The roundtrip airfare was SGD 23,000, equivalent to USD18,022 or about P807,035. The airfare alone can buy a brand-new car. In his post, Low emphasized that there is no way an average

1 Special Airport lounge 2 The private cabin inside the plane 3 Passenger waiting area 4 Gourmet meals, no food trays 5 Toiletries by Ferragamo

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For starters, he enjoyed a glass of Dom Perignon and Iced Milo. Since he was traveling alone, he had all the time to savor his luxurious private cabin. The inflight headphones were Bose, the amenity kit was by Salvatore Ferragamo and even included a big bottle of cologne. The blankets, pillows, slippers and pajamas were by Givenchy. Not wanting to miss out on the excitement, he decided to stay awake and asked Zac for coffee. He is not claiming to be a coffee connoisseur. "but I do know the Jamaican Blue Mountain costs a ton." Zac complimented him for his choice. When he felt like drinking tea, he asked for Zac's recommendation. He was immediately given a cup of TWG complete with an interesting lecture about quality tea leaves.

The roundtrip airfare was SGD 23,000, equivalent to USD18,022 or about P807,035. The airfare alone can buy a brand-new car.

ing like a little girl and spent the hour lounging in all possible positions." He even pressed the "Do Not Disturb" button for privacy. He was able to sleep for six hours, and in about three hours they landed in Frankfurt for a two-hour layover. All three Suites passengers were escorted to the Lufthansa Senator Lounge, which had a spa and hot shower. The next day, he asked for a Singapore Sling, a popular cocktail that mixes gin with brandy, orange, pineapple and lime juices. He went for the "Book the Cook" service, which allowed him to pre-order specific meals so he didn't have to keep on looking at the menu. When he felt like taking a nap, he reclined his comfortable chair Incidentally, Zac has been and turned it into a single bed.It with the airlines for 19 years was pretty spacious according to and had the privilege of servhim. Besides, if he asked for a douing actors Leonardo Di Caprio ble bed, a flight attendant would and Morgan Freeman. Just like in a hotel, Low's cabin have to go through all the trouble of putting it together, and he didn't lights were dimmed right after want to bother them anymore. dinner to prepare him for bed. When he finally landed in And while ordinary passengers New York, Low had a big problem: were finding a comfortable posi"I didn't want to leave the plane. tion in their chairs in order to get some sleep, Low watched the flight After being served Dom Perignon in a double-suite bedroom at attendant transform the cabin 36,000 feet, I'm not sure if into a bedroom complete with a full-sized bed. He was at a loss for any flying experience can get words. "I jumped into bed squeal- any better than this."

EXPERIENCE THE NEWEST AND GRANDEST IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Cagayan de Oro or “Kagay-an de Oro”, owes its name to kagay, which means river. Considering its riverine origins, this is a suitable name. The flourishing city population has seen migrants who found its hospitality gold-worthy, hence the nickname “City of Golden Friendship”. Previously underserved by metropolitan establishments due to cities like Manila and Cebu, Cagayan de Oro has presently seen the deluge of investor opportunities, rightly so since the city is alternately known as “The Gateway to Northern Mindanao”. Located steps away from the city’s famous shopping and dining destinations, Limketkai Luxe Hotel is set to provide its guests with lifestyle convenience and exceptional warm comforts for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel features 215 sophisticated guest room types such as deluxe twin, superior deluxe, club deluxe twin, executive suite and club executive suite. Lavish guestroom amenities include goose down feather pillow, 300-thread count linen, 48” LED TV, high-speed wireless internet access, in-house movie channels and cable TV, coffee/tea-making facilities, mini-bar, electronic safety deposit box, laundry and valet services and telephone service. Limketkai Luxe Hotel redefines the luxury hotel experience as it combines intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with personalized service and attention to details. Conceptualized to provide sophistication and world-class service, the hotel highlights its Emerald grand ballroom, 5 function rooms, 2 board rooms, KaVe Restaurant Bar, coffee lounge, infinity pool, pool bar, in-room dining service, and the Fitness club, which features a fully equipped gym. Limketkai Luxe Hotel is located at Limketkai Avenue, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. For inquiries and reservations, please contact us at (88) 880.0000 or (02) 7795240. To keep you abreast with the latest events and offerings, follow the Facebook Fan Page and Twitter account or visit www.limketkailuxe.com.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

travelluxe Fair and unforgettable

Florence

By C. Mendez Legaspi // PhotoS by Evans Yonson Of the Italian cities I’ve been to, Florence is the most unforgettable. Maybe it’s because two days weren’t enough to explore the Tuscan capital, incredibly rich with everything aesthetic. Or, maybe because I found Milan too businesslike, Venice a labyrinth and Rome overwhelming. And also because I read Dan Brown’s Inferno and watched the first season of the fictional/ fantasy TV drama Da Vinci’s Demons, it was hard to forget the cradle of the Renaissance. I’ve known from my Humanities classes that Florence was the center of the Renaissance. But to see the fair city up close was more than any textbook could ever prepare you for. I believe I am an old soul, and to walk around a place steeped in history and antiquity was an experience too surreal, too

sensual and too sublime for my senses. Tourists invariably flock to Florence after day trips to Pisa or Venice, and they tend to stay longer as the classics-per-square-meter city has so much more to offer. The first thing my travel-savvy friends (Evans and Alex) and I did was go to the tourism office to ask for a map/guide. The guy in charge asked us where we came from. When we replied "the Philippines," he beamed. Perhaps he was pleased to see Orientals other than busloads of Koreans, Chinese or Japanese or, he was envious of our already golden-brown complexion kissed by the Tuscan sun. “Firenze: The Places of Interest” lists the museums, churches, villas and gardens that

a visitor must not miss. Almost everything is within walking distance, that’s how fascinating Florence is! The tourism office itself is in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo, one of Italy’s “Big Three” (the two others are Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum). Topping our list of must-hold, of course, is Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Approaching Piazza Signoria, the city’s center, with the Palazzo Vecchio dominating the square, we were enthralled with the artistic wealth in full display—for all to admire. David was there—throngs of tourists at his feet—but it was an excellent replica, as was Judith and Holofernes by Donatello. We would also have wanted to behold the beauty of Boticelli’s Birth of Venus over at the nearby Galleria Degli Uffizi. But as with the Accademia, tourists from far and wide had formed kilometric lines. So, what do we do? We decided to distance ourselves from the madding crowd. Not really to go the off-the-beaten path but to seek out Florence’s not-usual attractions. We headed to the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, located behind the apse of its namesake cathedral. The Renaissance masterpieces inside are the wooden Mary Magdalene (1453-1455) by Donatello; an unfinished marble Pieta by Michelangelo which he carved for his own funeral monument; and the restored ten panels of the “Gates of Paradise” (1425-1452)

To see the fair city up close was more than any textbook could ever prepare you for.

Santa Maria del Fiore, or Saint Mary of the Flower, referring to the flower, symbol of Florence.

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EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 1 No. 2 // 2014

travelluxe

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Loggia dei Lanzi

created by Lorenzo Ghiberti for the east doors of the Baptistery. Art works removed from the cathedral and Giotto’s Tower for preservation are also housed at the museum. About 800 meters southeast of the Duomo is the neo-Gothic Basilica di Santa Croce. It’s also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie) because of the buried historical luminaries, namely Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Dante, Marconi and Fermi. Their tombs and funerary monuments are in themselves elaborate works of art. What drew my attention, however, was the Statue of Liberty, or its original inspiration. “The Florentine statue represents The Liberty of Poetry, and thus represents the freedom of art and creative genius in general...She differs from her stern American cousin in her more feminine form, in the gentle grace of her pose,” stated its plaque. Sculpted by Pio Fedi for the funerary monument of the poet Giovanni Battista Niccolini, it was placed in Santa Croce in 1883. “Liberty Enlightening the World” by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who lived in Florence for a time, stood over the bay of New York in 1887. A curious piece in the courtyard is the un-missable statue of a warrior in the Primo Chiostro by Henry Moore. What we missed, though, is the monument to Florence Nightingale built between 1442 and 1446. It has a dedication underneath: “The lady with the lamp, as the soldiers called her, [was] such a wonderful nurse. In the painful hospital nights and since then in a guiding spirit and

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Museo Casa Di Dante

with the virtue of great example, to the voluntary work of international pity that became the Red Cross, has in her Florence, where she was born and of which she carried the kind name, this memory of veneration and of affection.” We navigated empty alleys or followed aimless tourists until we stumbled on the Museo Casa Di Dante, a neo-medieval

The Florentine statue represents the liberty of poetry

reconstruction of the house where Dante Alighieri was born. (A year later, Dante would be famous again thanks to Dan Brown’s Inferno, which transported me back to Florence when I read it.) Walking some more, we came across the Basilica di San Lorenzo. I became giddy as I’ve always felt more

connected to the Medici Dynasty (more than the Tudors, the Bourbons and the Kennedys), whose principal members are buried inside the church. It was nearing dusk and the place was closed, so I didn’t get to pay my respects to Lorenzo the Magnificent. As a journalist, I could have waved my press card for free entries to the museums and churches. But I had to do my share for Italy’s economy. Florence, though, is like an open-air museum. At the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi at Piazza Signoria, you can marvel at various masterpieces: Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women (c 1583); Benvenuto Cellini’s bronze Perseus beheading Medussa (1554); Agnolo Gaddi’s Seven Virtues (1384-89); and copies of Donatello’s Marzocco, the heraldic Florentine lion, which I touched and was quickly reprimanded by guards who are living up to the heritage of the Lanzichenecchi (Swiss bodyguards) of Cosimo I. Milan may be the Italian fashion capital, but it was in Florence that the houses of Pucci and Cavalli were founded, as well as Gucci and Ferragamo, both of which have their own museums. There’s also the Galleria del Costume, which houses 6,000 items from the 1800s to the 1920s. These museums, and David and Venus, and crossing the Roman Ponte Vecchio Bridge over to the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens are the reasons why I need to go back. But next time, I would need to stay for a few days more, if only to fully explore and experience the magnificent city of Florence.

TRAVELLite EXPERIENCE Travel & Living

Vol. 2 // No. 1 // 2015

Hairsplashing escapade at Gigantes Island, photographed by Hali Navarro

destinations on the

RISE EXPERIENCE TR AVEL AND LIVING TAKES THE UNUSUAL ROUTE AND UN VEILS NEW HAVENS BEYOND BOXED TR AVEL GUIDES. THE ROAD TO DISCOVERY BECOMES MORE INTERESTING ON THE LESS-TR AVELED PATH. AND SO, FOR THOSE WHO WANT A BREAK FROM THE USUAL SUN, SEA, AND 5-STAR ACCOMMODATIONS, THESE AMA ZING ADVENTURES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Mystical

INDIA DISCOVERED TEXT and Photos by PATRICK UY

Just a week off from the daily grind, an escape to palaces and temples, mosques and forts to witness the soul of Indian civilization. A trip to India will never be complete if one fails to take a glimpse of Delhi, its capital city and considered the country’s political soul, where civilizations have flourished for the past 3,000 years. We took a full-day tour of both Old Delhi and New Delhi, which was indeed an experience in living contrasts between tradition and modern energy. In New Delhi, we marveled at the India Gate, the popular war memorial often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, and the Parliament House, one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in the whole of India—and perhaps the whole world—which is home to the Indian parliament. Meanwhile, we visited Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun that was commissioned by his first wife Bega Begum in the 16th Century and designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, is deemed as the blueprint of the Taj Mahal. This is best seen at 4 pm during the golden hour. Another spectacle is the towering 12th Century-built, 73-meter tall Qutub Minar with its historic 7-meter-high Iron Pillar that has survived for over 1,500 years. In Old Delhi, we paid a visit to the imposing Red Fort built by Taj Mahal creator Shah Jahan, and India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then took a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old bazaar market where age-old modes of transport like bullock carts still ply the streets. At the break of dawn, we finally came face to face with one of the world’s seven

The Chand Baori, an ancient stepwell that’s one of the largest, if not the largest, in India and is the most visually appealing

At Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) located in Jaipur, and made of red and pink sandstone, watch all on-street activities without getting seen

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wonders, the Taj Mahal, India’s most perfect architectural creation and the world’s greatest monument of eternal love located in beautiful Agra. Shah Jahan, head of the Mughal Empire, built this imposing structure in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. Nearly 20,000 workers—laborers, carpenters, artisans and engineers—worked on this massive architectural piece for 22 years (1631-1653), a multi-purpose complex that features a tomb,

travellite

The imposing Red Fort in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If only all tombs could be just as magnificent as Humayunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tomb located in Delhi

Charmed, or not? Only the deadly snake knows

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One of the many faces of India

A tourist tries her hand at making impressive Indian artwork

The Gyarah Murtis sculpture depicts Mahatma Gandhi’s famous Dandi March

mosque, garden, plus gateways and fountains. These were all built on a 6.7-meter high platform with four elegant tapering minarets, one on each corner of the platform, each minaret capped by a small cupola. The main structure of the Taj Mahal is square and is beveled at its corners, while the outer walls are decorated with shallow marble carving in the Italian Pietra Dura work tradition, marble inlaid with semi-precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, coral and diamonds brought from Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. We were told that a fleet of hundreds of elephants transported the material to Agra. The white marble was painstakingly handcarved by Persian artisans and inlaid with semi-precious stones. The white marble

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came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri. Declared as a UNESCO Heritage site, the Taj Mahal has become the symbol of undying love and beauty not just in India but around the world. A trip to India is definitely not complete if you fail to take a glimpse of the Taj Mahal and make it a part of your travel picture collection. As for Agra, we learned that this is also a popular shopping destination, the most important of which are marble and wood items inlaid with colored stones similar to the ones on the Taj Mahal and made by 6th-generation artisans, a painstaking craft passed on from one generation to the other. From Agra, we moved to Jaipur, the so-called “Pink City,” the capital city of the

northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces and lakes, Jaipur got its name from its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II, the great warrior and astronomer who ruled between 1693 and 1743 and whose lineage can be traced back to the 12th century. Then there was Amber Fort, with its old Rajput palace overlooking a beautiful lake that is located in Amer, a city of natural hill fortifications and red sand stone palaces. We also visited the City Palace, where many royal treasures and portraits are preserved, including the world’s largest silver vessels. Finally, we went to the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” where the ladies of the palace can take a peek at the traditional ongoings of the city life from the safety of their windows.

At the break of dawn, we finally came face to face with one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal, India’s most perfect architectural creation and the world’s greatest monument of eternal love. EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

travellite people doing exercises with their buddies. Traveling long distances around Vientiane is best done using bicycles or motorcycles (which can be rented for 10,000 and 70,000 Kip, respectively) from several shops around Centerpoint. If you don’t know how to ride a bike like I do, you can also hail a tuk-tuk (40,000 Kip and up) or a taxicab (flag down rate is 15,000 Kip).

Food tripping

Aside from the ubiquitous noodle soups and a lot of spicy dishes, I discovered that most Laotians prefer fruits over sweet pastries and even ice cream. I couldn’t remember all the names of the local snacks made with sticky rice that were served to us during break time at the training center, but they were all delicious. One of my favorites there is a dish called Nam Khao where you wrap fried rice and slices of meat in a leaf then eat the whole thing. It’s like the Korean ssam that tastes different but is also delicious. Although there are no popular international brands like McDonald’s or Starbucks there, I was happy to spot a Black Canyon Coffee branch where my host and I indulged in savory Thai food. There’s also a Japanese diner called Fuji that serves really good sushi. Steak lovers, on the other hand, should pay a visit to Santi Souk, a family-owned restaurant near the National Culture Hall that serves value-for-money dishes. The steak there is tender and very tasty. In case your sweet tooth acts up, look for Joma Bakery & Café because they serve the best mulberry pies.

Temples

Vibrant

Vientiane

TEXT and Photos by Ruth Manimtim-Floresca

For many Filipinos, Laos is a country that we hear about now and then but is seldom included in the list of our travel destinations. When I was asked to teach a week-long writing course for Lao graduate students in the capital city of Vientiane, I didn’t quite know what to expect but excitedly accepted the challenge. Vientiane, pronounced “Wieng Chan” meaning “Sandalwood City," is located on a bend in the Mekong River. It can be reached from the Philippines via connecting flights from Thailand or Vietnam. I took a Philippine Airlines flight to Bangkok for three and a half hours, waited inside Suvarnabhumi airport for a couple of hours, then boarded an hour-long Lao Central Airlines flight to the Wattay airport in Vientiane. I stayed in that city for 10 days and had a grand time. Here are some tips that should encourage you to pay this beautiful place a visit, too!

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Accommodations

My host booked me at the Mixay Paradise Guesthouse located at the Centerpoint area. There, an air-conditioned room with breakfast costs 120,000 Laotian Kip a night, which is roughly around USD16-17 depending on the current exchange rate. Mixay is walking distance to a lot of establishments including the Mekong River, bakeshops, restaurants, convenience stores, a foreign exchange kiosk around the corner, souvenir shops, and several Buddhist temples.

Getting around

I found it very pleasant to go around Centerpoint by foot. The Mekong River is less than a block away from Mixay and it’s really nice to go there very early in the morning to breathe the fresh air, soak up the morning sun, and appreciate the view. Often, I’ll see young and old

I got to visit only a few temples during my stay in Vientiane but there seems to be dozens of them around the city as I almost always see one every block or so. The most notable temples include Wat Ho Phra Keo that was originally constructed in the 16th century and the only part of the old royal palace that survived. It features a lacquered door with Hindu carvings as well as wooden and stone carvings, and various statues of Buddha. I was likewise fascinated to see stairs on all sides of the building, each guarded by stone dragons. Wat Si Saket is another must-see temple in Vientiane. It is famous for having thousands of Buddha images ranging from tiny to huge along several long walls. The images—made from wood, stone, and bronze—have existed since the 16th and 19th centuries. Moreover, this temple houses the oldest Buddhist monastery in Laos. Some temples like these two require entrance fees (5,000 Kip for locals, 10,000 Kip for foreigners) while you can roam the grounds of others without being asked to pay anything.

Other attractions

Touring around Vientiane should involve at least a quick stop in front of the gates of the magnificent and imposing Presidential Palace on the intersection of Lane Xang Avenue and Settathirath Road. Although it is not the official home of the Lao president, the palace serves as a venue for government functions and ceremo-

nies. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public. What will probably best represent the city for me is the tall Patuxai Victory Monument Tower that rules the Vientiane skyline. It was built to commemorate Laotians who were killed in the fight for independence from France, as well as from the country’s other occupiers, Siam (now Thailand) and Japan. The Patuxai Tower’s exterior is filled with Buddhist religious symbols designed to pay homage to Laos’ national culture and traditions. It surprised me to find stalls of souvenir items after climbing 122 steps (yes, I counted!) to the first landing. It took another 31 steps to get to the second landing, and another 27 steps on a spiral staircase to reach the topmost floor where one can enjoy a 360-degree view of the beautiful city. A hundred meters or so outside the tower is the World Peace Gong that was presented to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic by the World Peace Committee of the Republic of Indonesia in 2008 for being the most peaceful country. In case you’re looking for it, the Philippine flag is on the right side near the letter A.

Shopping

Of course, a visit abroad should also entail buying stuff for loved ones at home. I was able to buy trinkets and ref magnets

from vendors inside Wat Si Saket and the Patuxai Tower, but the place I enjoyed REMINDERS WHEN VISITING LAOS shopping the most was in the Night Market Greet someone hello with a smile and say at the park beside the Mekong River. After “Sabai dee.” Avoid touching or showing a foray there with my host, I went back a affection to Laotians in public. couple of nights more by myself and learned Dress neatly and be respectful when visiting to successfully haggle with the sellers through temples and when taking photos. smiles, gestures, and by tapping numbers There are a lot of sacred items and sites in Laos. Don’t touch or enter these places on their calculators. without permission. When in doubt, ask. For high-quality handmade items made Do not try touching a monk or his robes. using traditional patterns and techniques and Do not buy antique Buddhas or other sacred which help provide sustainable income to Lao aritems as Laos loses a little of its heritage tisans, please drop by the Camacrafts and Mulevery time these kinds of items are taken berries Boutique. They sell silk fabrics, needleout of the country. Support local craftsmen work, and various craft items created by Hmong instead by buying new, quality handicrafts. and Lao women who use their earnings to send their children to school and to provide food and medicine for their families. Both organizations and would even painstakingly explain local are active in promoting social and environmenjokes in English. The night before I left, they tal awareness in the villages they help. made a reservation at a restaurant so we could all enjoy dinner together. People I’ve only seen a tiny portion of what this Above and beyond everything I Jewel of the Mekong has to offer tourists. experienced in Vientiane, I would remember Someday soon, I’d love to go back and explore most the warmth of its residents. My hosts, other places such as Luang Prabang and Sodachan Ping and her daughter Phou, as well Vang Vieng where there are more to see and as each of my students, welcomed and treated experience about the country. Meanwhile, I’ll me as one of their own. Even if there were continue to treasure the many happy moments some language barriers at times, they made in Vientiane that never fail to make me smile efforts to include me in their conversations whenever I remember them.

1 The Patuxai Arch in Vientiane, one of its most conspicuous landmarks 2 An array of giant flags dot a park along the Mekong River 3 Mulberries' handmade silk scarves 4 Remarkable artwork on the ceiling of the Patuxai Tower 5 A tuk-tuk stands proud, a symbol of Laos’ traditional mode of transport 6 The Pha That Luang 7 Sorry, no quick tour inside the Laos Presidential Palace

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travellite The hidden gems of

GIGANTES GROUP OF ISLANDS

By Aphrodite S. Cruz // PHOTOS BY HALI NAVARRO & J LANCE BLANCAFLOR

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You can't turn your back on the magnificence of this island group

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...The reward was priceless: a postcardworthy view consisting of a long stretch of powdery white sand dotted with evergreen trees and enveloped by translucent aquamarine waters on both sides. My eyes could only grasp beauty everywhere I looked—wispy white clouds above and the tranquil ocean below.

here was a time when giants used to roam free in these islands,” said Pepe Borres, the amicable and good-natured man from Capiz. He served as our guide around the Gigantes Group of Islands, a rarely visited paradise off the northern coast of the province of Iloilo. “These so-called giants had a huge squabble one day and started throwing things at each other like shoes and fruits. That is how the different islands here got their names. The island where the shoes landed became Sapatos Island and the island where the pomelo (cabugao) fruits landed became Cabugao Gamay Island and Cabugao Dako Island,” he added, his eyes tinged with amusement while pointing at the oddly shaped islands surrounding our boat. The Gigantes Group of Islands is composed of several islands, the most accessible and tourist-friendly are Tangke, Antonia, Bantigue Island Sandbar, Cabugao Gamay, and Gigantes Norte. Not so long ago, several wooden coffins containing human remains together with artifacts and jars were discovered in Bakwitan underground cave in Gigantes Norte. The coffins and

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artifacts were brought to the Iloilo Museum. Some wooden coffins were on display at the local tourism office in Gigantes Norte. Call it a product of legend and folklore, but the Gigantes Group of Islands would truly make you feel minuscule, with its astounding magnificence and fascinating sights that would leave you speechless for hours on end. Situated in Iloilo, my friends and I opted for the easier route from Manila. We booked a flight to Roxas City in Capiz and from Roxas City airport we took a tricycle going to the integrated transport terminal in Pueblo de Panay, and then took a van going to Estancia port in Iloilo. From the port, we then rented a boat that would take us around the Gigantes Group of Islands for a whole day. Gigantes Sur is known for the enchanted Tangke saltwater lagoon surrounded by various limestones and towering rock formations, the kind you see in El Nido and Coron in Palawan. Legend has it that the water level would magically rise every 24th of June, the feast of San Juan de Bautista. There is also a tunnel underneath the lagoon which leads directly to the sea, allowing

Beauty everywhere you turn—wispy white clouds and tranquil waters

the water to rise and fall with the tides. On a good day, lucky travelers can also witness wild birds and a family of monkeys swinging around the lagoon. Antonia Island, also in Gigantes Sur, boasts of pristine snorkeling sites with rich and unexploited marine life. For lunch we had a full basket of fresh wasay-wasay, a type of shoeshaped shellfish found in the seas of Gigantes Sur. We ate the boiled fish with our bare hands together with steaming hot rice. Ah, the simplicity of life at its finest. Just a few minutes away from Antonia Island lies the beautiful and elusive Bantigue Island Sandbar, a long strip of white sand speckled with corals of different sizes, colors, and shapes. Cabugao Island is the most popular among the islands. Sitting on the edge of the boat as we approach Cabugao Gamay Island, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for being born a Filipino. There is no other country in the world like my motherland. I truly believe in the unparalleled beauty of our country. With 7,107 unique islands, there is no room for boredom in our archipelago. The Philippines is probably the only country in the world where

everything is within reach at such a low cost—the beach, the highlands and everything else in between. In Cabugao Gamay Island is a cliff where visitors can get a panoramic 360-degree view of the whole island. Climbing the steep cliff laden with sharp rocks was no easy feat, but the reward was priceless: a postcard-worthy view consisting of a long stretch of powdery white sand dotted with evergreen trees and enveloped by translucent aquamarine waters on both sides. My eyes could only grasp beauty everywhere I looked—wispy white clouds above and the tranquil ocean below. Inhaling all the beauty and grandeur, I thought to myself: I must have done something right to deserve this sight. I felt so humbled. When confronted with such an extraordinary sight you somehow understand and accept the presence of a higher power working its way around the universe. I tried to come up with the perfect word to describe the image before me, but my efforts seemed futile. It was as an “un-thought of word, an un-worded thought” to borrow a line from my favorite Filipino short story, The Distance to Andromeda.

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Quiet, yet teeming with natural vibrancy and diversity

COUNTING COSTS: Overnight for 5 in Gigantes ITEM

R AT E

Tricycle from Roxas City Airport to Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal Public Van to Estancia Port Boat Rental for 2-Day Island-hopping

Ceres Bus Back to Roxas City

10.00/Person (50.00 divided among 5 people) 75.00/Person 700.00/Person (3,500.00 divided among 5 people. Rate is negotiable.) 300.00 (1,500.00 divided among 5 people. Rate is negotiable.) 20.00/Person 50.00/Person 200.00/Person (1,000.00 divided among 5 people) 500.00/Person 10.00/Person (50.00 divided among 5 people) 85.00/Person

GRAND TOTAL

1,950.00/PERSON

Tour Guide Fee for 2-Day Island-hopping

Entrance Fee (Antonia Beach) Entrance Fee (Cabugao Gamay Island) Overnight Lodging at Gigantes Norte Food and Drinks Tricycle to Ceres Bus Terminal

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After witnessing a spectacular multi-hued sundown back in Gigantes Norte, we had a bountiful dinner of sweet and sour fish, grilled squid, and scallop adobo. My friends and I slept in a fan room good for five people with our own private bathroom. The next day, the island greeted us with twin rainbows, the beautiful colors turned us all into jolly five-year-old kids. There is no better time to explore the Philippines than now. I wrote this on the mystical island of Siquijor after discussing eco-cultural tourism and countryside development over bottles of beer and rum coke with newfound friends from Australia, Denmark, Holland, and England who all agree that the Philippines has got to be the best country they have ever been to. I mean, why not? Seven thousand one hundred and seven islands and islets with verdant hills and mountains scattered all around the archipelago anytime of the year? Take your pick. Teeming with vibrancy, cultural diversity, stunning islands and jaw-dropping highlands, and people who always have a smile to spare in any given situation, the Philippines is my chosen home. I have said it many times before, and I will say it again: Pilipinas, you own my heart.

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Stars shine brightly at

sun, picnic area or a convenient place to park their stuff. The group chose the farthest cottage, away from the crowd so they could better commune with nature. For years, the strong connection between man and nature has been lost with the industrial revolution. It was only recently that some people were starting to go back to the basics and celebrate a passionate intimacy with Mother Earth. Minalungao reverberates with all that to help a person experience an undeniable sense of unity with nature and emphasize spiritual thinking. To discover its hidden gems, one can trudge along the limestone formations. But it’s best to visit Minalungao during the dry season because the formations can be slippery and the river turns murky during the rains. At one end of the river are water pools where tourists can take a refreshing dip. To reach that, one can use a bamboo raft, which the locals also use to transport their produce along this nautical highway. There are also floating cottages available. Riding the bamboo raft is surreal. The boatman manually stirs the raft using a long bamboo pole which he thrusts into the water to propel the craft. Sitting still, one can breathe in the picturesque view of the emerald green pristine river, unique rock formations, and the scenes of people bonding with nature. For more adventurous souls, some limestone rock formations are good launching pads for diving where locals, especially children, engage in cliff diving. But be wary first, or better yet, ask the locals which spots are safe if you will attempt to try it. At one end of the river is a system of unexplored subterranean caverns. One has to ascend the rocky terrain and go through the forest to reach the mouth of the cave. Light is needed inside the cave’s maze. Ask some locals to guide you to avoid getting lost in the darkness. It has a promising potential for a spelunking experience. After all, Minalungao actually means “goldmine in caves.” Another must-explore area is Minalungao Huge limestone boulders make perfect diving pads Hill, highlighted by the thousand-step staircase leading to its peak. Going up the staircase is river, bordered on both sides by 16-meter really quite challenging, but intrepid explorers high limestone walls in the foothills of the are rewarded with a beautiful vista of Central Sierra Madre mountain range. Luzon’s green and golden plains, with the Located in Sitio Minalungao, Barangay Sierra Madre mountain range as backdrop. Pias in the rural town of General Tinio, Tourists often visit the nature park for a Minalungao is an undiscovered treasure trove day tour. Overnight camping is allowed in areas of white limestone cliffs towering over the where the water is shallow, but campers must emerald green clear water from the river. avoid places where the water rises at night. Getting there was quite challenging. If you think being in this remote place is no Kilometers of rough road would greet the brave fun, think again. Stars seem to shine brightly souls who would want to explore and conquer its here, with nothing to hide them from view very heart. At one point, the same adventurers and distract a person from admiring them. had to transfer to a tricycle to prevent their car At night, fireflies light up the dark skies. from breaking down. But the rough ride was all Camping out into the wilderness brings worth it. As soon as they arrived, a panoramic a certain tranquility and peace to weary souls. sight greeted them, teasing and giving them Its remoteness is a solace and refuge and gives a promise of more treasures to be discovered. a person an escape from the trappings of the At the river’s banks, wooden cottages modern world, even just for a while. Minaluncould be rented for a minimal fee. These are gao Park is truly a genuine paradise perfect for used as resting places from the sweltering soul-searching and communing with nature.

Minalungao by MA. GLAIZA LEE

Some weary, stressed souls bonded together to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily city life and find some peace for their disillusioned hearts. They hopped in their old reliable car and went on a journey to revive their spirits. And off they went, driving through the paved highways and rough roads with no certain destination in mind, just a shared purpose, until they reached a pit stop in one of the northern provinces of the Philippines, Nueva Ecija. Apparently, there is more to Nueva Ecija than meets the eye. Known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” there is more to this Central Luzon province than rice fields. Some locals convinced them to explore one of its hidden treasures—the Minalungao National Park. Established as a nature park in 1976, the protected area covers 2,018 hectares of land surrounding the scenic Peñafranda

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travellite

The fun begins as you trudge along the limestone cliffs Unexplored caves

Tranquility at the camping park

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A narrow stream where one wonders what lies ahead

A lone starfish dots the shallow seashore

An enjoyable and amazing flatboat ride amid limestone formations

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travellite

Guimaras

raises the (sand)bar of responsible tourism TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANSON YU

Add South Point Island in Guimaras among the growing number of contenders for the title “best beaches in the Philippines.” Comprised of two big islands and 37 smaller ones, South Point Island offers a mix of mangroves, limestone rock formations and coves with white sandy beaches. I myself was unaware of the beauty of South Point Island, until friends from Iloilo told me about it. Apparently since it is so near their city, Guimaras has become a favorite weekend getaway for the people of Iloilo. We began our journey at Ortiz Wharf, near Iloilo’s main public market. We walked down stone steps to a pump boat ferry that threaded its way around the city's harbor. After 10 minutes, we reached Jordan, the main town of Guimaras. We rented a van and began the hour-long trip to Nueva Valencia. Approximately the size of Singapore, Guimaras is lined with rice paddies, fruit orchards and quaint houses. In Barangay San Roque, we stopped at a small, unfinished shed with an outhouse next to it, where we would take a flatboat to South Point Island. We were met by two local guides, Nora Beheraldoy and Vilma Gonzaga. They told me that in 2010 the local government unit, with help from a Canadian non-government organization, taught the local fishermen and their families how to properly

run their own community-based tourism program in order to benefit from a potential industry boom. We were told that, because it was low tide, we had to be driven to another place to board our boats. We ended up on a rocky beach, where we spotted evidence of an oil spill. A friend of mine told me that in 2006, a tanker carrying bunker fuel sank nearby, causing its contents to contaminate the immediate environs. The place, however, looked well on its way to full ecological recovery. We boarded our flat boat headed for Taklong Island, which in 1990 was declared part of a national marine sanctuary protected by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. One hectare of Taklong Island was donated to the University of the Philippines-Visayas (UP-Visayas), which maintains a research lab onsite for its professors and students. Our cruise was nothing short of amazing. From time to time we saw flying fishes jump out of the water as we weaved our way around limestone formations, small coves and mangroves. The water was so clear you could see seaweed well below the surface. The mangroves served as nurseries for the teeming marine life. Upon arriving in Taklong Island, other tourists and backpackers had come ahead of us. Apparently, UP-Visayas runs a dormitory here that is open for visitors during the schoolbreaks.

From time to time we saw flying fishes jump out of the water as we weaved our way around limestone formations, small coves and mangroves. The water was so clear you could see seaweed well below the surface. EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

What seems to be in this boatman's mind as his watercraf t approaches a nearby island?

A hear t y meal care of simple, home - st yle country cooking awaits everyone

A genuine smile greets diners at Camina Balay na Bato

Iloiloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Cristopher crabsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; looks so sumptuous

TRAVELER'S NOTES Aside from Ortiz Wharf, The Parola and Lapuz wharves are also possible jump-off points from Iloilo. Ortiz, however is the quickest and shortest route. But if you plan to drive or bike on your own, you can take the RoRo ferry service at Lapuz; If you want to rent a dorm room at Taklong Island, you must make reservations with the Division of Biological Science of UP-Visayas, Miagao campus, via e-mail clovers_bio@yahoo.com; Help out the people of San Roque in their tourism and conservation efforts by renting flatboats and hiring local guides (flatboats at P800 for the first two hours, P150 for every succeeding hour, and P75 for each guide.); Homestays at San Roque is available at P200 per person; For tour reservations, the San Roque LGU can be reached at 0912-4141797. If you can't get through (the signal is erratic), call the provincial tourism office of Guimaras at DOT-Region VI, (633) 337-5411, fax (633) 335-0245.

Mango Pasta

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Balay na Kawayan owners Lutz and Gerard Camina

Wading in knee - high, crystal - clear ocean water

My friends stayed on the flatboat and told the boatmen to bring us to a sandbar. Out in the middle of the sea, the islands some distance away, I was wondering why my companions seemed to be disembarking. It turned out we were already on top of the sand bar. And when they jumped from the boat into the cool waters, the ocean reached just below their knees. I did the same, and my feet dug into soft, powdery white sand, starfish dotting the submerged beachscape. Some of my friends swam and frolicked, while I snapped photos. I missed my chance to swim, as my friends waded back to the boat all too soon to make it to our lunch reservation back in Guimaras. Had my friends stayed on, lunch would have been served by fishermen for a small fee, or we could have stayed overnight in La Puerta al Paraiso, Isla Miguel and the Sto. Nino beach resorts in South Point Island. As I climbed up the boat, I lost my footing and fell into the water. The place didn't want me to go without a swim, after all. As the refreshing sea enveloped my body, I felt as if I had just received a stolen, wet kiss: sudden and exhilarating, and most definitely welcome! Cruising back to shore, we saw a huge rock formation that resembled the skull of a boar. Our guide said that, according to native folklore, a giant boar once played on the shore. The mud that it tossed aside became the rock formations, and when the boar was killed by a giant hunter, its skull became the island. The route back was different, and our van drove us to Balay na Kawayan, where we were warmly welcomed by owners Gerard and Lutz Camina. Gerard used to work for the government, while Lutz worked for a bank. They opted for

early retirement and decided to convert Gerard’s ancestral home in Iloilo City into a restaurant called Camina Balay na Bato. When that became successful, they started an inn and a restaurant in Guimaras. On that sunny and breezy day, Balay na Kawayan was the perfect place for the midday repast—the bamboo blinds were rolled up to reveal a lush landscape with the sea in the horizon. The décor was provincial chic with daybeds for us to plop onto for a siesta. Lutz introduced us to our feast: a selection of local vegetables such as coconut sprout, sigarilyas (wing bean), okra, mini-spinach and taro root—all prepared to highlight their natural flavors and texture. Since Guimaras is known for its mangoes, Lutz included a mango pasta in the main course. And that was just for starters. By the time the main dishes were laid out, the table was groaning under all the weight of a variety of seafood such as St. Cristopher crabs, huge bangus and fresh shrimps, stuffed grilled squid along with binu-og or pork ribs simply grilled with sea salt, the lundicap or chicken tinola flavored with peppery labog broth, and adobo-flavored rice arranged to look like a paella. Lutz downplayed this lavishness by claiming these were just examples of simple country cooking. Nevertheless, there was no denying the freshness of the locally sourced ingredients. It wasn't a peasant's meal, nor was it food for the gods, but a feast fit for hungry kings and queens. The hearty lunch was capped by a dessert of fresh fruits, while a gracious Lutz suggested that the best postre was to just sit back and enjoy the view from her restaurant. And what a sweet, sweet view it was.

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A Basey woman patiently weaves a meticulouspatterned banig inside the Saub Cave

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Inside the Sohoton Cave of the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. Notice the lush vegetation outside that awaits

RIDING SAMAR'S OFFBEAT TRACKS By Camille Bersola // PHOTOS BY RENJIE TOLENTINO

Natural rock formations in and out of the Sohoton Cave provide that mesmerizing wonder

Beyond the pristine beaches and exotic islands that the Philippines is famed for, there’s a wealth of undiscovered destinations strewn from island to island worth visiting. Samar is among them, with its abundance of amazing biodiversity, otherworldly landscapes and natural wonders from scenic waterfalls to spectacular caves. Yet, it has been unheard of and less-traveled, which all the more adds thrill and charm to the place. Samar is a province that has traditionally lacked profile. Not many Filipinos understand that it is divided into different regions—Western Samar, the main province also known as Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar. An under-the-radar destination, the travel itself to Samar is already a challenge, where travelers must drive along the long and winding, sometimes rugged, roads from the more developed city of Tacloban in Leyte. But as soon as one reaches Basey, the point of entry after crossing the famous San Juanico Bridge from Tacloban, the traveler will immediately realize and discover that Samar has so many attractions and sights to explore, those that truly define its character—its range of activities, the warmth and ingenuity of the locals, the rich heritage and culture, and endless natural wonders. “What make us very proud of our province are our natural resources and the people’s hospitality. Here, you feel the genuine warmth of the people just with their smile alone. Visitors feel like they truly belong to the community. And of course, we have a food culture that is unique and remarkable,” enthuses Samar governor Sharee Ann Tan-De Los Santos. At present, Samar humbly contributes only five percent of the overall annual tourism rate of the region, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office, with a serious poverty rate further aggravated by typhoon Yolanda last year. But having the resilience and indomitable spirit

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Crossing an almost perpendicular cliff side makes one appreciate the beauty of nature

Shoot the rapids, we dare you, at the Lulugayan Falls and Rapids in Calbiga town

Some of Samarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own sweet treats for the sweet tooth

Lulugayan Falls and Rapids

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A boat ride beneath clear, blue skies, a picture of true tranquility

Filipinos are known for, Samareños rose after the disaster. With the attention they received after the super typhoon, they took it as an opportunity to boost their tourism industry qand explore the province’s potential. “We used to lag behind other provinces when it comes to tourism but it doesn’t mean we’d stay there forever,” says Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOT regional director. “We were hit by Yolanda but we took it as a blessing in disguise so we can start again. Because we’re one of the roads less-traveled, we now aim to be a destination but we want to do it the right way, be identified as our own unique province.” For now, Governor Tan-De Los Santos says the local government will develop the roads and highways to make traveling to Samar more comfortable and easier for tourists who wish to explore its sites and attractions. Plus, upgrading/ improving their health centers and adding more healthcare professionals is also in the offing. “We aim to regain the self-worth and dignity of the people of Samar. Once we have a progressive tourism industry, I believe it will start to change their lives and will make them look at life from a different perspective,” she said.

Samar’s secret spots revealed

While many luxuriate in 5-star hotels and exclusive beach resorts or marvel in white sand beaches or go bar-hopping all night, Samar also provides some of the most rewarding and meaningful travel experiences, and is now gaining a reputation as an intriguing destination. Here, you can find rocky refuge and wild waterfalls, among other delightful sights and wonders. To begin the journey from Tacloban, crossing the majestic San Juanico Bridge is already an enthralling experience before reaching Basey, home to the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. It is a place rich in natural wonders that are distinctly magnificent, a favorite spot of visitors for its exotic caves, subterranean rivers,

waterfalls and exceptional limestone configurations. What makes Basey more interesting is the strong entrepreneurial spirit of the female banig weavers who have made the Saub Cave their shelter for daily weaving activities, preferring to work there because it protects their raw materials from the sun’s rays which may weaken the banig’s quality. Made up mostly of middle-aged women, they gather under the cave every day to weave sleeping mats made of ticog or reed grass, and sell them to their patrons.

“What make us very proud of our province are our natural resources and the people’s hospitality. Here, you feel the genuine warmth of the people just with their smile alone.” Next stop, the Sohoton Cave is just phenomenal and probably the heartland of the national park. Once you reach the cave area after a 20-minute boat ride, marvel at the surrounding lush vegetation and natural rock formations. More fun and adventure await tourists once they’re there, either via spelunking or learning about its history from well-informed and friendly tour guides. Of course, it’s a great spot for the usual “selfies.” If the sound of cascading waterfalls is what thrill-seekers fancy, then the jaw-dropping Lulugayan Falls and Rapids in Calbiga town is where they can splash out and delight in the beautiful scenery. Just be prepped for a rough-and-tough drive along the bumpy roads to reach Barangay Literon, and a 20-minute trek to the falls. Best seen with bright sunshine, the falls beautifully glistens as they gush down the rapids, while the falls’ strong and thundering current that connects to the Calbiga River makes it ideal for white water rafting. For more breathtaking scenery, the town of Marabut boasts of a glorious marine park which features 15 fascinating rock islets and coves, plus private resorts that provide idyllic spots to enjoy the sun and sand.

The taste of Samar

Samar governor Sharee Ann Tan-De Los Santos

While the Philippines has a rich culinary landscape, Samar also boasts of delectable homegrown flavors and delicacies, the most exotic of which is the Tamalos (huge chunks of pork covered with thick, spicy peanut sauce), their own version of tamales. They also have their own sweet treats perfect for pasalubong for family and friends, the best of which are in Catbalogan City’s Charritos Delights with its wide array of pastries and baked goods— the local favorite torta, a rich butter-flavored cake and Hopia de Pili, a unique hopia with its flavorful taste of pili nuts. Other delightful desserts that are worth the trip are the delicious cookies Delicias de Pili, Corioso and Cocadas, as well as Mazapan de Pili and Pastillas de Ube. Of course, the rice cakes here are also extraordinarily tasty, especially their binagol.

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San Pablo City and its

Seven Lakes

by Ruth Manimtim-Floresca // Photos by Nonoy Floresca I grew up in Laguna and have long known San Pablo as the City of Seven Lakes. Still, despite spending my grade school years in the city, I’ve only been to three of the seven lakes when I was a little girl. Recently, I finally got to visit all of them. San Pablo City is about two hours away from Manila. It is accessible via roads of adjoining municipalities: in the west and northwest by Alaminos, Laguna and Sto. Tomas, Batangas; north by Calauan, Laguna; east by Rizal and Nagcarlan, Laguna; southeast by Tiaong and Dolores, Quezon; and southwest by Lipa City, Batangas. According to the brochures distributed by the City Tourism Office, in the old days, San Pablo was just a village known as Sampalok, belonging to the town of Bay (pronounced as "Ba-eh") in Laguna, before it became an independent municipality in 1647. The city’s main tourist attractions are

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its scenic and legendary crater lakes. To be able to find the seven lakes more easily, my husband and I traveled around the city on a motorbike borrowed from an uncle of mine who lives in the area. We discovered that all lakes are more easily accessible when one takes the road going to the towns of Rizal and Nagcarlan and visit each one in the following order:

Bunot Lake

This lake is located in Barangay Concepcion, just 4.5 kms from the city proper. Keep your eyes open for the “Bunot Lake” sign on the left side of the road. It has an arrow instructing tourists to turn right. Several hundred meters or so, we could already see the lake on our left slightly hidden behind houses, trees, and fences. We asked some locals for permission to pass through their gated property so we could

approach the water’s edge and take some photos. We saw a lot of water lilies growing on the water’s edge and a few fishermen paddling their boats early in the morning. Bunot Lake is known for its cultured tilapia and fish pens. It has a surface area of 31 hectares with a maximum depth of 23 meters.

Kalibato Lake

From Bunot Lake, go past the barangays of Sta. Isabel, San Diego, Sto. Angel, and the mini zigzag roads of Biuyan. Ask locals to point you to the entrance to Kalibato Lake, which is still quite far from the boundary of San Pablo and Rizal (in case you missed the spot). The rugged and rocky path towards the lake is lined with really tall weeds made beautiful with their white, pointy flowers. Along the way, you might encounter a family of goats and several friendly dogs. It is approximately a half-kilometer hike

going down to Kalibato and we had to step on rocks and sand-filled sacks to pass a small stream going there. On a clear morning, one could easily spot the white cross on top of Rizal, Laguna’s Tayak Hill located at the foot of Mt. Cristobal. We found men fly fishing on top of bamboo rafts. Sadly, the water was quite dirty and filled with floating debris such as empty cigarette packs and food wrappers. Thus, it’s surprising to know that Kalibato is still able to supply a lot of fish to the city and its nearby towns. This crater lake has an area of 42 hectares and maximum depth of 135 meters.

Pandin Lake

After visiting the first two lakes, head to Pandin where you can have lunch. From Kalibato, go back towards the city proper. In Sto. Angel, ask locals where the parking area to Pandin is located. You need to hike for about half a kilometer after leaving your vehicle. Pandin is a lovely lake that is well taken care of by the locals. The water is pristine and going around the lake gives one a sense of kinship with nature. I loved watching birds fly above our heads, feeling the cool breeze on my skin, watching other tourists have fun swimming and dangling on vines, and simply appreciating the peaceful surroundings. This lake is around 20 hectares in area with maximum depth of 63 meters. It is teeming with tilapia, hito, dalag, carp, shrimp,

dulong, bituo, and kuhol. For around P400 per person, you can pre-book a hearty lunch on a raft while being toured around the lake. We enjoyed a meal of grilled tilapia, tiny shrimps cooked in coconut milk, pako (fern) salad, and halo-halo for dessert.

Yambo Lake

According to an old legend, Yambo and Pandin were star-crossed lovers who remained close to each other even after their death. Yambo is actually only 110 meters away, located on the other side of a narrow piece of land accessible by boat across Pandin or a long hike from Pandin’s shore. We rode a boat towards the makeshift steps going to Yambo and were delighted to see another beautiful lake that looks very serene under the bright sunlight. Like Pandin, Yambo is suitable for swimming, outings, picnics, and fishing. It is about 29 hectares big and 38 meters deep.

Palakpakin Lake

Back at the main road, just a few meters away from Pandin’s parking area is Sambat 1 A toothy smile from a local fisherman 2 Lush greenery and calm waters are among the greatest qualities of Laguna’s famed lakes 3 Calm, serene lake equals eerie silence 4 Among the many fish pens that dot Palakpakin Lake 5 Bamboo rafts turned dressing area and picnic venue 6 Pako (fern) salad with salted egg, tomatoes, onions 7 A family that takes a raft ride together at Mohicap Lake, well, remains a family

Street, which you have to take to get to Palakpakin Lake in Barangay San Buenaventura. We traveled for about a kilometer or so before stopping at a vacant lot beside a small chapel. The locals pointed us to a makeshift stairway leading down to the lake. The water surface was quite crowded with fish pens and lots of moss floating about. The brochures say residents around the lake rely on income from growing cultured tilapia and silver carp. Like Bunot and Kalibato, we saw no reason to stay long at this lake because there was not much to do. Palakpakin has a surface area of 43 hectares with a maximum depth of 7.5 meters.

Mohicap Lake

From Barangay San Buenaventura, we reached the fork on the road and turned right going to Barangay Sta. Catalina. A group of kids pointed us towards a side road where we found a vacant lot and a flight of cement steps going down to Mohicap Lake. We were very fascinated with the two towering hills overlooking the lake and asked one of the locals their names. A lady told us those were called Balayhangin (the smaller one on the left) and Imok (the pointy one on the right). Soon, a small girl started paddling a long raft, leaving their hut in the middle of the lake, to fetch her mother and brother who were standing on the shore beside us. It was EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

8 Majesty at its most awesome around Sampalok Lake 9 Fun and frolic along Dagatan Boulevard that encircles the lake 10 Sunset, Sampalok Lake-style

amazing to see the little boy who confidently stood on the narrow raft while his mom paddled towards home. Mohicap is the smallest of the seven lakes with a surface area of 15 hectares and a maximum depth of 30 meters.

Sampalok Lake

We left Mohicap Lake in the middle of the afternoon so we could catch the sunset at Sampalok Lake. We were there the day before but were not able to go around the lake and take photos from different vantage points. Sampalok Lake is the most popular among San Pablo’s seven lakes because it is located in the middle of the city proper and is within

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walking distance from the Municipal Hall and San Pablo’s main street. The lake is surrounded by various establishments ranging from simple houses and mansions to restaurants and hotels. The 3.7-km Dagatan Boulevard encircling the lake has quite a lot of foot traffic from joggers and bikers composed of individual runners, families with kids, groups of friends, and pet owners. Aside from the long viewing deck near the main road entrance to Dagatan Boulevard, For pre-booking a meal and raft ride at Pandin Lake contact Ms. Tina Tolentino, president of the Association of Bangkeras, at 0907-995-2983

there are several mini parks around the lake where one can sit and enjoy the majestic view of water, mountains, and sky as well as ogle at different species of birds that perch on bamboo stems that surrounded the many fish pens. After enjoying the awesome sunset, it was easy to find somewhere to eat as there are a number of restaurants and food stalls in the vicinity. Sampalok Lake has an area of 104 hectares and a maximum depth of 27 meters. Aside from the seven lakes, there are many other places visitors can explore in San Pablo City. If you’re staying for more than a day, make sure to discover other activities and areas where you can immerse yourself more in the city’s culture, traditions and festivities.

Rest and unwind at Casa San Pablo Before or after exploring San Pablo City’s seven lakes, find time to further unwind and enjoy one of the city’s popular Bed & Breakfast places located in Barangay San Roque. Casa San Pablo is a charming place that will make you feel like you’re in Baguio because of its pine trees and sprawling lawns. They have very inviting hammocks where you can lay down and soak up the morning sun or go moon gazing at night. When darkness falls, the pathways are lined with tea lights in glass bottles to guide those who love to stroll after dinner. The place is owned by avid collector and hobby enthusiast Boots Alcantara and his wife An Mercado-Alcantara, a writer and clay artisan. All the guest rooms reflect their passion for contemporary and folk art, eclectic junk-turnedart, and literary collections. They were individually designed in the shabby chic style—rustic, nostalgic, and witty— some with themes that collectors would definitely also appreciate. Individuals and families come to Casa San Pablo to relax, have a picnic, or swim. Some sign up for its cooking tours to experience the city’s cultural heritage better. On the other hand, companies go there to conduct meetings or have team-building sessions while many couples hold their wedding receptions on the lawn or in one of the halls.

No, this is not a place in Baguio despite the pine trees

Casa San Pablo is a charming place that will make you feel like you’re in Baguio because of its pine trees and sprawling lawns. Casa San Pablo’s staff members are warm and accommodating. They are always ready to answer questions or cater to simple requests. This B&B has packages that include delicious meals, which are served in a spacious dining area filled with more knickknacks to pique one’s curiosity. The Alcantaras offer Casa San Pablo as an ideal getaway for people who want to recharge their creative energies and re-learn to see the world in a whole new light. Unlike staying in a resort or hotel, Casa San Pablo provides travelers a taste of how it is to live in San Pablo City and a chance to connect with its friendly people. Please log on to www.casasanpablo. com, email info@casasanpablo.com, or call 0920-967-5277, 0917-812-6687, (632) 211-2132

Rustic, nostalgic feel in Casa San Pablo’s main dining hall

Unwind, with coffee or book in hand, amid a true rural set ting

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ART AND HISTORY HIDING IN PASAY CITY TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANSON YU

When you think of Pasay City, what readily comes to mind are malls, hotels and entertainment complexes. But hidden inside its narrow streets are historical structures built during the first half of the 20th century. Many of these structures— mostly houses—still stand to this day, and have become interesting examples of the various architectural styles of that period. A few homeowners, in fact, are ensuring that these houses survive well into the future by opening their doors to the public. Among these houses is a mansion built by developer Vicente Rufino in 1937. Only a few steps away from LRT Gil Puyat Station, the house was purchased in 1986 by Jeane E. Monteverde and was used as a storage and work space. Recently, she decided to set up her art gallery inside, calling it M Gallery, where her collection of art works by local masters such as HR Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, and other contemporary artists are on display and on sale. Her family-owned Estacio Art Supply Store made it possible for her to accumulate such an impressive collection. When many of these now-famous artists were still financially struggling back then, they would barter their art works for art supplies. Jeane added to her collection by purchasing from other art galleries that were closing down. Visitors to the house are restricted to the ground floor exhibit area, which is a shame, because once one glimpses the beautiful art deco staircase, one would want to see the rest of the house. You can, but only if you purchase antique Chinese furniture, which Jeane is also a collector of. According to public records, Jeane’s house was designed by prominent architect Pablo Antonio, whose works include landmarks such as the Far Eastern University and the Manila Polo Club. He was named National Artist in 1976.

A National Artist's house

And it turns out Antonio's own house can be found in Pasay. His daughter, Maria Lourdes (Malu) Veloso, has opened up the house to the public as well.

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Located near the Libertad Station of the LRT, the house stands within a compound on Zamora Street. Visitors will immediately notice the cooling effect of the house's crossventilation, and how the interior and the garden seem to blend seamlessly together. Notable also is the architect's adoption of local architectural styles—cantilevered windows and a high ceiling—to produce a modern yet Filipino home. Personally, I was amazed at how the house has seemingly defied aging. Built in 1948, the house still looks like it was built just recently. To gain entrance to the house, visitors must book for a meal here. Ever since her mother died six years ago, Malu has been catering to private lunches and dinners in the house for a minimum of two people. She and her staff would come up with a delicious buffet that would consist of family heirloom recipes. The menu might include melanzane, a meatless eggplant casserole, or chicken stuffed with mushrooms, leeks and onion and served with two kinds of candied sweet potato. Once guests have filled up their plates at the buffet table, they can dine anywhere in the house or in the garden. Malu has recently opened “The Yellow Room,” which can accommodate diners who would wish to eat inside an air-conditioned space. Since Malu is also a fashion designer, the house also serves as a venue for her and daughter Letlet's designs. A room in the house serves as a showroom and changing room. You can also find a shop offering fashion accessories such as necklaces made by Letlet.

Factory-turned-art gallery

Some owners, though, are content to let others “evolve” their establishments. At FB Harrison Street, near EDSA, stands a factory compound built by a rich Filipino-Chinese businessman intended for his children. The children, though, had other plans and moved elsewhere, and so they decided to have their portions of the compound rented out. In 2003, gallery owner Albert Avellana first came to this place looking to set up his art gallery. He was immediately taken in by the

Antique wood furniture in its simplest yet stunning form

Art works surround the main exhibit area at the ground floor

Gallery Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unimposing faĂ§ade

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Enjoy dining in serenity in this classy chic dining area

A lone potted plant provides meaning to an otherwise bare wall

Enjoy sumptuous meals from tried-and-tested family recipes, in the dining room or the garden

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Visitors will immediately notice the cooling effect of the house's cross-ventilation, and how the interior and the garden seem to blend seamlessly together. Notable also is the architect's adoption of local architectural styles—cantilevered windows and a high ceiling—to produce a modern yet Filipino home.

quiet garden ambience of the compound. Right then and there, he decided this was it. Compared with Jeane and Malu's houses, Avellana's rented two-story townhouses inside the compound are simple and utilitarian. Made of wood and cement, they are distinguishable by the wide windows that offer good ventilation. He converted one of the townhouses into a showroom for his repurposed furniture pieces, his art gallery and his office. The other townhouse, at the back, is also a showroom, but used more as a workshop and storage space. The interiors assume the feel of a part-tropical resort, part-thrift shop and part-urban sophistication. There is also a yard that Albert would use as an entertainment area for clients. Sometimes, he would let friends use the space for intimate events such as weddings, baptisms and debuts. Word of Albert’s discovery did spread among the art circles, and pretty soon other artists began moving into the compound, among them fashion designer Jojie Loren. Like Albert, Jojie fell instantly in love with the compound's

The famous “Yellow Room”

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simple charms. In 2010, Jojie took the 2-story townhouse next to the Avellana Art Gallery, turning the ground floor into a meeting room where he could discuss fittings and designs with clients. The upper floor became “Jojie’s space” where he and his staff would work. As for the interior styling, Jojie opted for a simplified version of the Philippine baroque. The compound has gained international attention, with the likes of actress Sarah Jessica Parker and fashion editor Nina Garcia paying a visit during their trips to Manila. Albert admits, though, that the serene atmosphere within the compound has changed somewhat. Some houses near the main gate are in the process of being converted into a boutique hotel. Some of the fruit trees were felled, either due to the ongoing construction, or to recent typhoons. Still, Albert and Jojie can't imagine themselves living in, and doing business, elsewhere. “I'm just happy to see people enjoying the house,” Albert gushes.

Take note of the Avellana Art Gallery’s wide windows that offer good ventilation

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The compound has gained international attention, with the likes of actress Sarah Jessica Parker and fashion editor Nina Garcia paying a visit.

Furniture showroom and art gallery

The design evokes a part-tropical resort, part-thrift shop and part-urban sophistication

HOW TO GET THERE M Gallery is at 2131 Taft Avenue. Call (632) 551-6343, 0917-533-9798. National Artist Pablo Antonioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House is at 2650 Zamora Street. Call first at (632) 232-4573. The Avellana Art Gallery is at 2680 FB Harrison. Call (632) 833-8357. Next door, Jojie Loren can be contacted at (632) 556-4725.

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MAKING ADULTS SQUEAL LIKE KIDS AGAIN By Aries B. Espinosa Photos by Tessa R. Salazar

Sandbox’s roller-coaster zipline, Asia’s first, and the only one of its kind in the country

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The 30-foot high swing, the Philippines’ tallest, that makes you scream and squeal

Try out the Aerial Walk for size

Close your eyes, and let your mind dig deep into memories, way back to childhood. I'm pretty sure many of those happy thoughts involve you on a swing, with a playmate or two mischievously pushing you harder and harder until you feel you'd be going over the top and make a complete circle. And then there was that tumultuous transition in your life when you had to abandon the playground and pursue more grownup endeavors in your personal and professional life. All those childhood games, like old cellphones, had outgrown their usefulness. Playtime was over. Board(room) games had begun. We left the swing many years ago. But what if the swing never really left us? What if it just lurks in our subconsciousness— dormant, waiting—until such time that it gets the chance to jump out of the backs of our minds, and comes out literally ten times larger? Would wonderment turn to sweaty-palm terror? Those were the life-altering questions that ran circles in my brain when I first saw the giant, 30-foot-high swing at Sandbox in Porac, Pampanga. And then I saw the swing seats—two people being positioned into them—the harnesses snapping them snugly in place, and then pulleys hoisting them three stories up, and the two or three seconds they're at the very top, waiting for the operators to let go of the cable holding them up. Then, a loud snap, and gravity takes over, pulling the riders down to just three feet from the ground in a split second; the next instant sees the momentum gathered from that freefall propeling the riders up nearly three stories high at the other end. Then gravity takes over again and pulls the riders down to the ground, only to swing them up again at the other side. The riders look like giant pendulums, but they sound like squeaky doors. Ever so gradually, the arc of the swing lessens, until, 10 sequences later, the riders—legs wobbly and voices hoarse from screaming—are assisted by the operators toward the exit. All the while that I stand there watching them, all I could hear are shrieks, and top-of-the-lung cursing (the profanities uttered in English, Pilipino and Kapampangan). All those pent-up emotions, locked in by all those years of having to behave properly in school, at

home, and in the office, suddenly had a proper venue for venting, like Mount Pinatubo on a bad day. Sandbox's giant swing had opened a Pandora's Box of emotional release from its captive audience. A ride at the giant swing begins and ends in five minutes. The actual ride takes about two, the rest is spent on harnessing, safety checks, verbal reminders to the riders to get rid of loose change and jewelries that might fly off once they're swinging and to not let their mouths hang too wide open while up there so as not to catch migratory insects and birds (just kidding), and the seemingly interminable 30-second hoist up. Falling in line, though, is another story. I and Tessa went to Sandbox on a Sunday afternoon, which turned out to be not so good an idea if we were looking to book a seat right away. Sunday was family day, and the place was swarming with people of all ages, sizes, tempers and genders. A crowd of about 100 was lined up at the giant swing, and if we joined that throng, I estimated that we wouldn't make it to the ride cut-off time of 5:30 pm. The giant swing at Sandbox is the Philippines' tallest—not that I've seen any other giant swing in the country, and it is the most challenging and frightening of Sandbox's big boy/big girl attractions. Yet, it's also its most popular. If you manage to survive this, you'll be doing just fine with Sandbox's other come-ons. Rivaling the giant swing in the uniqueness and excitement factor is the so-called roller coaster zipline. It's the first in Asia, and the only ride of its kind in the country. The concept is ingenious, as it combines the stomach-turning sensation of a twisty roller coaster ride with the flight-like headiness of the zipline. The 180-meter-long ride begins five stories up at the top

What if the swing never really left us? ...waiting—until such time that it gets the chance to jump out of the backs of our minds, and comes out literally ten times larger?

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ATVs, anyone?

The five-story high staircase tower with wall-climbing, rappelling, the freefall, and the roller-coaster zipline

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of a staircase tower, snakes over Sandbox's landscape of sand, cement, shrubbery and trees, and ends safely in the arms of an operator (and I don't mean that romantically). Instead of being in a superman pose (as zipliners usually go), riders go through the 60-second course suspended, in a seated position, below a steel tube. What this ride lacks in zippy speed, it makes up for in the sudden drop-offs and twists, with a magnificent view of Porac's hills and surreal desert landscape of lahar and grassy fields. The roller coaster zipline is literally the top ride in a five-storyhigh staircase tower that offers three other challenges. One level below is the freefall section where participants are made to jump off the tower to experience a 40-foot freefall—of course, the jumper is safely attached to a cable that stops the fall just inches from the ground. I could even consider this a more harrowing experience than the roller coaster zipline. On another side of the tower is a wall-climbing facility for those who would rather go up than down the wall. The remaining side is for those who'd like to try their hand, and foot, at rappeling. Tessa wanted so much to try the roller coaster zipline. Too bad, though, that Sandbox operators had cut the line as early as 2 p.m. that day. There were simply too many people on a Sunday to accommodate for all the rides. An engineering staffmember remarked that Tuesdays to Fridays were the best days to visit Sandbox, as we could enjoy the rides all we wanted. Tessa and I had to content ourselves in taking in the sights and sounds (yes, piped-in music could be heard everywhere, with strategically placed speakers blending into the green landscape) of Sandbox, as we toured around the 3-hectare recreational facility. We came upon a group who were sweating it out and enjoying themselves in the challenges of the so-called Aerial Walk, which reminded us of team-building group activities that involved balance and coordination. Off in the distance, we saw another group (perhaps a family) in a convoy of ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) headed towards Porac's hills. I thought, “Hey, if we can't ride ATVs around a belching Mt. Mayon, we can do it closer to home here in Porac.” Just beside the ATV staging area, we spied

a couple of kids trying their hand at the mini-golf course. What has the world come to? Grown men and women are screaming their ghosts out on a swing, while kids are swinging golf clubs, possibly closing a business deal for more candies from their playmate. Sandbox, which just opened April last year, is part of the expansive 1,100-hectare mixed-use Alviera development of Ayala Land Inc. in Porac, Pampanga. The entrance fee is P75 (for both adults and children 4-feet-high. Kids below that height are not allowed to ride the giant swing, the roller coaster zipline, and the other attractions at the staircase tower).

Train ‘em young for golf at the mini golf course for kids

What has the world come to? Grown men and women are screaming their ghosts out on a swing, while kids are swinging golf clubs. If you're coming from Manila using a car, the fastest way to Sandbox is via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTex), exiting via Porac. From the Porac tollway exit, Sandbox is a mere 5 minutes away. Just ask the friendly toll attendant for directions to Sandbox or Alviera. Tessa and I spent a total of P2,600 for fuel, lunch, and entrance fees. We would have added about P500 to that if we were to fall in line for the giant swing and the roller coaster zipline. The ATV ride costs P1,500 per person per hour. If you do mind the Sunday crowds, go to Sandbox Tuesdays to Fridays (the place is closed on Mondays for maintenance services and safety checks). And just to be doubly sure, be there early. Sandbox opens at 9 a.m. Log on to www.alviera.ph for more details.

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travellite

The Pico de Loro Cove: elegant modern living amid a natural setting

A tour of Nasugbu will never be complete without a visit to St. Francis Xavier Church

STAY A BIT LONGER IN

Nasugbu

By Ruby V. Asoy // Photos By John Herald “Champy” Cachola While we enjoy the exciting and magnificent conveniences of a locality, our unique experiences would convince us to stay longer or come back. As a favorite destination for local and international tourists, Nasugbu, Batangas has it all. I visit Nasugbu every summer with my family to frolic in the beauty of Tali Beach. Upon the invitation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to cover the 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines (ACGTDT), I was once again taken by its charm. “Nasugbu has been a destination for tourists. But the challenge is, how do we make every stay

longer?” observes DOT’s Regional Director Rebecca VillanuevaLabit, who welcomed and joined some 400 Filipino-Americans and other American visitors of the 9th ACGTDT at the Pico De Loro Cove in Nasugbu. In CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), exciting attractions include the Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna, Higantes Festival in Quezon, Taal Lake and Volcano Island in Batangas. Nasugbu Mayor Rosario Apacible happily relates how Nasugbu was chosen as the venue for the 9th ACGTDT after joining

the DOT roadshow in Canada. “The first choice for an out-of-town venue for delegates was Villa Escudero. However, after we did our presentation on Nasugbu, the DOT preferred to do it here,” she quips. Mayor Apacible says Nasugbu (population of 138,000) is a popular beach holiday destination for its medicinal black sand beaches. Visitors include mostly Europeans, Americans and Asians, mainly Koreans, who patronize diving and mountain resorts, historical and cultural landmarks, ecotourism destinations, retirement havens, native restaurants, and modern hospitals. Mayor Apacible also mentioned other property developments in Nasugbu, namely Evercrest Golf Course and Country Club (managed by Koreans), Sandari Batulao, Terrazas De Punta Fuego, Kawayan Cove, Canyon Cove Beach Resort, Chateau Royale Sports and Country Club. “This is one occasion to convince tourists to go back and invest here. We are putting up diving shops in Pico De Loro and a convention center in Nasugbu Beach Park Pavilion to be finished by 2015. It is important to have a hotel in the area for those who will use the convention center.”

Nasugbu: A major tourism town

The Kaybiang Tunnel of the Ternate - Nasugbu Highway

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Our tour of Nasugbu town started with a sumptuous lunch at Kainan sa Dalampasigan in Martinez Street in Nasugbu.

This 13-square-meter restaurant is owned by Normita “Tita Baby” Limjoco-Lucas and offers excellent home cooking amid a rustic ambiance. Nasugbu is about two hours’ drive from Manila, located at the western coast of Batangas, and a favorite leisure and vacation getaway of tourists because of its proximity from Manila. The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites; recreation and accommodation; gastronomic delights; and ecotourism. It has 18 natural attractions, including the famous Hamilo Coves, the Karakawa Rivers and Falls, the Layong Bilog River and the Tumalim Water Falls and River. The surrounding mountains like Talamitam, Batulao and Pico De Loro are famous for mountain-climbing adventures. Rock formations around Nasugbu Bay include the Elephant Rock, Pinnacle Rocks and Payong-Payong, plus the popular Fortune and Twin Islands. It is also surrounded by four marine-protected areas: Fuego Point Marine Sanctuary, Taytayen/Etayo Marine Reserve, Pinagdakutan/Santelmo Marine Sanctuary, and Cutad/ Pico De Loro Marine Reserve. As for its cuisine, Nasugbu boasts of a wide array of kakanin varieties, with at least 13 of them. The town’s annual festival called “Sugbuan” (a play on the town's name) is celebrated from

November 30 to December 3, and depicts the tradition, culture, primary products and livelihood of Nasugbuenos. Highlights include the Kakanin Festival, street-dancing and mini band competitions, and Barangayan (an annual beauty competition where beautiful and elegant ladies represent their barangays and compete to win the coveted Mutya ng Nasugbu title). The tour will never be complete without a visit to the Saint Francis Xavier Church and Lumang Simbahan that pilgrims and devotees visit every Friday to offer prayers to the Black Nazarene. The influence of the Catholic Church in Nasugbu is truly evident in the townspeople’s culture and religious faith. The group ended the tour with a soothing Barako foot bliss at the Rain Spa of Pico Sands Hotel. This coffee-infused foot treatment relieves sore feet and frees up one’s thoughts. Coffee’s calming and anti-oxidant qualities help relieve stress and tension as well as improve circulation, restoring the body’s natural balance. Definitely, it’s worth coming

back again and again to this wonderful place called Nasugbu. Pico De Loro is a worldclass private beach resort community composed of eight mid-rise residential buildings set in a serene environment that makes owning a beach home as easy and practical as condominium living. Each condo comes with playing rights at the Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club’s extensive land and seabased recreational facilities.

Homeowners and guests can enjoy eco-adventures such as biking, trekking, fish-feeding, cove tour, diving, kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, banana boat, Frisbee, jet skiing, paddle boarding, water taxi, and beach volleyball. The ACGTDT is a joint project of all Philippine Foreign Service missions in the U.S. located in Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. It was launched in 2005 during

the term of then-Philippine Ambassador to the United States and now Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. ACGTDT’s basic tour package consists of an international round-trip airfare to and from Manila via Philippine Airlines, four days/three nights hotel accommodation at the Dusit Thani Manila, daily buffet breakfast and two lunches, a welcome dinner with entertainment at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel and a fellowship night.

Members of the Philippine Foreign Service missions in the US during the 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines (ACGTDT) in Nasugbu, Batangas

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dailychow

The famous Proposal Bridge

Melt-in-your-mouth Osso Bucco Milanese

Old-world vibe echoes upon entry

Romancing the road to

Tagaytay

by Jenny Wieneke // PHOTOS BY JORGE NOEL WIENEKE Road trips are therapeutic for me and my husband. We treat it as an escape from the daily grind of corporate and business life. I am an advertising executive who deals with multinationals and big local brands while he is one of the stalwarts in the food industry, an entrepreneur advocate and professor. Our four kids are all grown-ups, leaving us with an empty nest and four itchy feet, waiting to discover where the road will take us. Weekends usually find us hitting the asphalt in search of places to go to and restaurants to dine in. One of our favorite destinations is Tagaytay. Aside from its proximity to Makati where we live, Tagaytay offers a wide array of undiscovered gems waiting to be explored. Its cool, breezy atmosphere immediately relaxes and its exhilarating landscape rests your mind and soul.

Domestic goddess

This trip brought us back to our most favorite haunt, Chateau Hestia, a cozy European restaurant that boasts of an Austrian-German-

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Italian-Swiss menu with a Deli and Wine Shop to boot. Before you even go in, you will spot a wooden walkway, one which they call Proposal Bridge as many men have gone on bended knee here and many women have said “yes.” As you enter, you are welcomed by a comfy living room setting, inviting you to sit back and absorb the surrounding paintings (created by the owner’s daughter, Juliana) and quaint elements. The old world vibe is echoed, not only in the ambiance but also in the menu, derived from family recipes of owner Johannes Zehethofer. While waiting for our orders, the eversmiling and warm attendants served us their complimentary bread basket with Chateau Hestia’s signature eggplant dip. Much like babaganoush sans the creaminess, the dip went well with the soft wheat bread. Needing to warm our tummies, the soup list seemed inviting, so we split a bowl of creamy Austrian Pumpkin Soup. There was something dark burgundy glistening atop the soup which I thought was balsamic vinegar,

but it turned out to be rich and earthy pumpkin seed oil. Salad Nicoise came next, a combination of farm-fresh greens tossed with tuna, green and black olives, anchovies, and capers, topped with hard-boiled eggs and drizzled with vinaigrette. From there we each had a main course so that we could partake of more variety, paired with Chateau Hestia’s own Limoncello and Vin de Orange, though I preferred the Limoncello more. My hubby had the Osso Bucco Milanese which was insanely soft and melt-in-yourmouth! So rich and satisfying, this is a hearty meal one deserves after a long hard week of toil! I opted for the Kummelbraten, nope, not a naughty kid but the Viennese version of Roast Pork. The pork was so moist and tender, served with bread dumplings and sauerkraut on the side. The melding of flavors of salty and sour, infused with the essence of caraway seed, reflected the passion of Johannes' ancestors and seemed to transport one to another world altogether.

Chateau Hestia is truly one place we will keep coming back to. We have seen its growth from a blackboard menu resto to a full-blown bed-and-breakfast that is resplendent with the beauty of nature, coupled with the charm and warmth of home.

Eco-friendly rooms with the warmth of home

Creamy Austrian Pumpkin Soup

Pecorino, Asiago, Scamorza, Gorgonzola and Teleggio cheeses

It even has a wine shop

Dibriziner, Austrian Buren and Bockwurst with potatoes and sauerkraut

Chateau Hestia’s own Limoncello and Vin de Orange

Chocolate Mousse, Passion Fruit Panna Cotta and Mango Napoleon—too pretty to eat

To share, we had the Chicken Geschnetzeltes and the Real Pizza, chicken breast ragout cooked in white wine sauce with mushrooms and sour cream. The last part of the meal and my most beloved is dessert. For this course, we had the Love Triangle: a sampler of Chocolate Mousse, Passion Fruit Panna Cotta and Mango Napoleon, a plate that’s too pretty to eat and yet can’t get enough of once one has tried it. Wanting to walk off all that we ate, we followed a footpath seemingly to a forest glen but what we chanced upon were cottages that blended with the surroundings. Set amid luscious greenery, the owners decided to build eco-friendly rooms named after native materials used for their construction. The nature-inspired casitas range from P3,500 for a loft, P4,850 for a cottage to P6,580 for a suite with a Jacuzzi and a steam bath. These are perfect for couples or small families who want to meditate amidst the sound of twittering birds and crickets sans TV and WiFi connection (my boys would freak out, though). Chateau Hestia is truly one place we will keep coming back to. We have seen its growth from a blackboard menu resto to a full-blown bed-and-breakfast that is resplendent with the beauty of nature, coupled with the charm and warmth of home. The difference is Flora Zehethofer’s personal touch, taste and passion. This definitely begs for another visit—next time overnight. For reservations or inquiries, call or text 994-8360 / 0929-711-3289 or visit www.chateauhestia.com.

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Lush greenery, extreme quiet usher you in as you enter Massimo’s

Going vegetarian? Try Massimo’s own veggie salads

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Lamb or Angus burgers? Take your pick

dailychow

Romantic family-run affair

Another weekend, another road trip. As always, closest to home is Tagaytay, our usual suspect. Hubby has mastered the one-hour route leaving Manila at 8:30am and arriving at our destination at 9:30am happily breathing the fresh air. We took the road off the beaten path and set our sights for Silang, Cavite this time. This trip brought us to Massimo’s Farm, a 1.3-hectare property a few meters off of the Sta. Rosa route going to Tagaytay. It may be hard to find but you will see iconic red “M’s” (for Massimo’s) along the way guiding your path to the farm. Lush greenery ushered us in, plus extreme quiet, only violated by the occasional chirping of birds and crickets. The site seemed like a sanctuary of sorts—my kind of place. Chef and owner Hazel Lu-Galvez welcomed us, together with Massimo, a young lad of 13 whose name the farm carries. Massimo’s Farm is a family-run affair that caters to

Chef Hazel with Massimo’s Farm namesake, Massimo himself

Stay overnight and discover more at Massimo’s

private dinners, small weddings, anniversaries and other mini events. Chef Hazel has an open menu, meaning she can customize the meals according to your taste and budget. As a default for the undecided though, she has Asian, French and Italian-themed set menus that customers may choose from. When we arrived, the place was abuzz with movement as they were preparing for a Sunday morning event, catering to a group of 27, a car club that requested for a Filipino Buffet Breakfast. Single-handedly managing the kitchen and the dining area (with the help of her 2 aides), Chef Hazel ably swishes her magic toque which she earned from Le Cordon Bleu Paris. Chef Hazel is not new to the business as prior to Massimo’s Farm, there was Massimo’s, an Italian restaurant found in the heart of Tagaytay near the Petron gas station. They closed this several years ago to give way to the Farm, without regrets. Their old customers would call in to dine

by Jenny Wieneke PHOTOS BY JORGE NOEL WIENEKE at the Farm as well as requesting for tried-and-tested favorites. On that Saturday, Chef Hazel served us Huevos Cabriados, Pesce alle Milanese with Pasta Pomodoro plus Lamb and Angus Burgers. After lunch and the chitchat, Chef Hazel showed us the accommodations, a 3-bedroom affair that allows events organizers and guests to stay overnight. Breakfast is included. If you want personalized service set in a lush forest setting, Massimo’s Farm provides an idyllic venue for more intimate gatherings. The food is wellprepared and planned. They even cater to special need requests such as vegan menus, specific food allergy menus and more. Dining is by reservation only, with a minimum 24-hour notice. For inquiries, you may log on to massimofarm.com or contact them via email at info@massimofarm.com or call 0917-520-8887 / 0927-847-5034.

Indulge in Italian with Massimo’s Pesce alle Milanese (poached fish with herbed butter and pasta pomodoro)

Your own private hideaway, a home away from home

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dailychow Tagaytay take home goodies

Angel Cookies (P150.00)—cookies made from unblessed communion hosts; perhaps this can make the unholy, holy?

Snowballs (155.00)— Russian tea cookie

Alfajor (P170.00)— soft and crumbly, shortbread caramel-filled cookies with a lemon splash; just the right blend of sweet and tart

Tired of the usual pasalubong from Tagaytay? Here are a few new discoveries that may just keep you coming back for more. Ube Dimples (P70.00)—soft and plump chewy ube halaya rolled into bedimpled balls; only sold in Good Shepherd Tagaytay... very dimple-inducing

Cecil's Cafe

located in CVI Bldg, Sitio Muzon, Bgy. Puting Kahoy, Silang, Cavite (near the Adventist University)

Brazo de Mercedes (P60.00/ slice & P440/whole)—Cecil’s Brazo is thick and chewy. The yema in the middle is not cloyingly sweet hence you may just finish it in a second without even noticing

Amoy Lumpia (P75.00/pc) —fresh lumpia filled to the brim with ground meat and vegetables; not your ordinary fresh lumpia as the special sauce is made with coco jam

Good Shepherd/ Bahay Pastulan located along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road

Sonya’s Garden Panaderia located in Brgy. Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite

Hispanis Bread (P150/ pack of 10)—this version of Spanish Bread is just bursting with creamy, buttery goodness; catch it fresh from the oven and the soft pillowy bread just melts in your mouth; the Panaderia’s top-seller

Organic Garden Salad (P100/pack) & Herbs (P50/pack)—for the healthconscious traveler, take home with you an organic salad greens pack and shop for your favorite herbs like basil, coriander, tarragon, oregano and ashitaba while you’re at it

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Cheese Hopia (P90/pack of 10)—the cheese density of this hopia will put pizza to shame. Cheesy, creamy, flaky and just oh-so-good... hopia like this one, too!

Leek Hopia (P90/pack of 10)—reminiscent of hopia baboy sans the baboy. Rich and cheesy, the strong onion flavor makes this one more savory than sweet but nonetheless awesome

Rowena's

is located in 152 Brgy. Francisco, TagaytaySta. Rosa, Tagaytay, Cavite

Balai Pasalubong 2

Located at Tagaytay Road, 4118 Silang, Cavite. Balai Pasalubong is a hipper, more up-to-date version of Rowena’s. This one-stop-shop creates its own products under the auspices of one of the owner’s daughters, who is a culinary student at Enderun; mixing the old with the new seems to be the vibe in this place

Sylvannas (P190/box)—these sylvannas may be small but you know what they say regarding small packages...these babies are packed with creamed butter and melts both in your hands as well as in your mouth; to die for! Apple Pie (P180/box)—apple pie just like what mom used to make; just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar, at the right price

Breakfast at Antonio’s if you’re a fan of Antonio’s chorizos, you can take home both the regular and the spicy version for P1,000/kilo. 685gms @ P753.50/12pcs 690gms @ P759.50/12pcs Breakfast at Antonio’s is located along E. Aguinaldo Highway (Tagaytay-Nagsugbu Highway), Brgy. Bagong Tubig, Tagaytay, Cavite

Mr. Moo's

Feta Cheese in Olive Oil (P229.00/bottle)

located along Tagaytay Road, Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite

Kesong Puti, choice of Carabao Milk (P91.00) or Cow’s Milk (P89.00) 1 Buco Pie (P180/box)—you can taste the buco plus the custard filling and not the crust; a welcome alternative! 2 Sylvannas—crispy and buttery 3 Blueberry Cheese Tarts (P150/box of 6 & P200/box of 9)—you’ve tried the tarts from the other place; well, take a bite from this one and you’ll immediately be addicted. One bite and you can taste real cream cheese thickly coating your tongue. The crust is much like shortbread and in itself is tasty. This is the real thing, folks! 4 Crème Brulee Tart (P150/box of 6 & P200/ box of 9)—never have I encountered such a tart in Tagaytay before, the crème brulee custard’s sweetness is just right and is balanced by a lemony, tarty flavor that brings everything together 5 Toasted Pastillas (P110/pack)— A must try if you’re into chewy, milky goodness. This version has a burnt caramel coat that enrobes a not-so-overly sweet candy 6 Tocino Del Cielo (P150/10 pcs)—baby leche flans you can pop in your mouth

Flavored Fresh Cow’s Milk (P39.00/bottle)— comes in Ube, Strawberry and Melon flavors EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

dailychow A German gastronomic treat for the holidays by Jenny Wieneke PHOTOS BY JORGE NOEL WIENEKE The holidays make one binge on the usual ham, queso de bola, lengua, paella, or whatever traditional food. This year, you don’t have to suffer through the typical holiday menu as we have discovered a great alternative. Wilkommen! Welcome to the world of German beer and authentic Bavarian cuisine. If you’re looking for a new place to dine in for the holidays—or for any time of the year, for that matter—why not try German cuisine for a change? Chef Ivan Maminta of Brotzeit shows us how to party the Bavarian way with these mouth-watering, festive dishes, perfect for celebrating whatever season.

Try introducing duck to your Christmas palate with Ente

40 0 grams of prime Australian Angus Striploin Steak with pommes, served with red wine sauce

Schweinkotlette is grilled pork chop with mashed potatoes & mixed vegetables, topped with herb butter

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Zwibel Rostbratena is a flank steak served with roasted potatoes and caramelized onions for that fully loaded meal that can last you the whole day

A luscious, lip-smacking, must-eat delicacy from Taguig! A must-try dessert, Topfennockerl are sweet cheese dumplings served with plum sauce

For the sweet tooth out there, you’ll drool over their trio of desserts—Kasekuchen, Brotzeit's version of blueberry cheesecake; Schwarzwalder, chocolate enrobed black forest cake; and Eis Auf Cookie, Chef Ivan’s homemade cream cheese ice cream served in a cookie cup—simply divine!

If you’re tired of the usual sweet holiday treats, try a home-grown delicacy that began at the kitchens of Taguig. “Inutak” has always been the staple household delight prepared by the women of Taguig for their families. Made from the basic ground sticky rice (kaning malagkit) with a hefty infusion of real coconut milk (gata), Inutak is baked using a customized oven. Kristina’s Inutak Premium is surely the perfect sweet option for any occasion: savor its creamy-licious and delightful goodness in many ways. Complement its supreme taste with ice cream a la mode, while the more adventurous can try their assortment of fantastic flavors like Quezo de Bola, Corn, Tablea, Macapuno and Langka. The traditional Inutak Classic is rich enough to be served on its own. Best eaten hot and superb when served with salabat, hot chocolate or coffee. Experience great value and savings. Come and visit any of Kristina's Inutak Premium outlets located at SM North Edsa, Robinsons Galleria, SM Megamall, SM Marikina, Robinsons Ermita, Cash and Carry, Glorietta 3, Market! Market!, SM Mall of Asia, Festival Mall, SM Southmall, SM San Lazaro, SM Bacoor and SM Sta Rosa. Like them on Facebook (www.facebook. com/kristinasinutakpremium) or call (632) 586-1824 or 0917-700-5515 or email info@ inutak.com.

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encounter SkyJet planes are made for ViPs, yet are very affordable to fly in

“AT SKYJET AIR,

we sell the experience!” I’ve always wanted to visit what people call “dream” destinations, the likes of Batanes, Vigan, Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Baler, and other spots that may seem to be hard to reach. I would prefer taking the long road, but at a certain point, my back will kill me because of the amount of time it would take to get there by road. If by plane, I’m a little uneasy since direct flights there are—well, mostly—propeller-driven because of the short runways in their airports. If given the choice, I wouldn’t want to take a propeller-type of aircraft. Call me not being too adventurous, but the noise, and more importantly, the stability of the plane itself, are things that make me jittery. However, one airline company promised me that all these things about propeller planes are now things of the past. They said I will enjoy going to hard-to-reach destinations because I’ll get there fast, feel comfy and luxurious and better yet, it’s affordable. SkyJet Airways is Manila’s “boutique” airline, a concept introduced in the commercial aviation industry by Magnum Air, Inc., SkyJet’s operator and the newest airline operating in the Philippines, according to Mr. Dino Chua, President of SkyJet Airways. Chua, who is a Provincial Board Member of Cavite, a former Vice Mayor of Cavite City and a hotelier by heart, said that the boutique concept came from the fact that most “dream” destinations are difficult to reach. “Basco in Batanes is one example. Old-timers said that before, to get to the island, you have to travel by boat, which goes to the province only once a month. We know that Batanes is truly beautiful and we know that there are spots there that Filipinos would really like to see and discover.” So they conceptualized SkyJet Airlines because other budget or low-cost airlines usually

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

by Rory Visco

use smaller propeller planes since their bigger planes cannot land in small airports. SkyJet uses the 80-seater British Aerospace jets, the only passenger jet that can land in short runways because of its STOL or “short take-off and landing” capability, even if it has four engines. This aircraft is considered one of the world’s safest, and is used by the British Royal Family and royal families in the Middle East. This is really made for VIPs because it has four engines compared to other twin-engine planes. If one of the engines fail, there is always one in reserve, and SkyJet is the only airline company in the country that uses this kind of aircraft. I’m 5’6” and when I fly my problem is

SkyJet president Dino Chua

leg room. You won’t notice this with SkyJet because it has bigger leg room so passengers can comfortably sit. The British Aerospace jet is also neither too big nor too small, unlike bigger planes where you don't have to wait long to get on or off. On the budget airline travel concept, Chua said airlines seem to sell seats at a lower price, but it would still be costly in the end. “If you want travel insurance, you have to pay extra; for luggage, pay extra as well and it’s the same if you want food or drinks. Our edge is that our planes seat 80 people so the cost is spread out better to make it more affordable compared to propeller planes that can only seat 50 people. Plus the fact that we get to the destination much faster, safer and more stable, our planes are cooler and quiet, and we give free baggage allowance because our planes can carry heavier loads of up to three tons.” Chua explained that the concept of the boutique airline is to offer premium and personalized service at affordable rates. Even if most Pinoys still stick to the low, budget flying rates, he believes there are those who are willing to pay extra for added comfort. “Budget-flying works because it takes ‘commuter routes.’ They go there and then fly back. They just want to get to the destination and don’t need the frills and amenities that can add to the travel cost. For SkyJet, since we’re a boutique airline, we specialize on dream destinations. Since you’re going on vacation, you wouldn’t mind paying extra to be comfortable. That’s why we always say, 'your holiday starts onboard.'" By next year they are targeting 10 other “dream” destinations like El Nido, Caramoan in Bicol, Baguio, Vigan and even Siargao. “Our vision is to make travel of both local and foreign tourists, especially balikbayans, to hardto-reach spots be comfortable as possible. We want them to reach their destination quickly so they can enjoy their vacation and not get tired because of the long travel time.” Aside from increased destinations, Chua said part of the plan is to increase their fleet from their existing four British Aerospace 146 jets and Dornier aircraft. They are also happy that the Department of Tourism (DOT) national and local offices are very supportive. Tour operators have also been helpful in organizing familiarization trips with travel agencies. However, Chua emphasized that they want to change Filipinos’ mindset about budget flying. Of course, for lower costs you get less service and if you want more, you have to pay more. However, SkyJet wants to introduce value for money, where passengers get their money’s worth. “All we want is for passengers to feel like they are boarding their own VIP jet because at SkyJet, we don’t just sell seats—we sell the experience!” SkyJet Air currently flies to Busuanga, Virac and Batanes. For more information, visit the SkyJet Air booking office at the Manila Domestic Airport, Parking A, Terminal 4, NAIA Complex, Brgy. 191, Pasay City. Call telephone number (632) 823-3366 or 0917-853-7431 or their trunk line at (632) 863-1333, 0917-863-1333 or 0908-863-1333, or email sales@skyjetair.com. Visit www.skyjetair.com for more details.

WHEN ITS ALL ABOUT COMFY AND CONVENIENCE HOTEL SOGO...SO CLEAN, SO GOOD

MANILA: • EDSA, HARRISON PASAY • EDSA, PASAY ROTONDA • EDSA GUADALUPE, MAKATI • EDSA, CUBAO • EDSA, IN FRONT OF TRINOMA • EDSA, CALOOCAN • BAGONG BARRIO, CALOOCAN • MONUMENTO, LRT STATION • RECTO AVE. • AVENIDA • MABINI, MALATE • QUIRINO AVE. • STA. MESA • BUENDIA, NEAR LRT STATION • BANAWE AVE. • QUEZON AVE. • CUBAO, AURORA • KALENTONG • • IMELDA AVE., CAINTA • SANTOLAN MARCOS HIGHWAY • NOVALICHES • ALABANG • ALABANG, MONTILLANO • • WOOD STREET, MAKATI CITY • PROVINCE: • CABANATUAN MAHARLIKA COR. CIRC. RD. • TARLAC CITY, TARLAC • DAU, MABALACAT PAMPANGA • PAMPANGA, ACROSS SM • BACOOR, CAVITE • SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA • STA ROSA, LAGUNA • NAGA • CEBU • CAGAYAN DE ORO • EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

escape

he charm and romance of Bali, Indonesia come alive in Balete, Batangas as a Balinese-inspired garden resort, Cintai Corito’s Garden, beckons to weary travelers to take a respite. The seven-hectare property has been landscaped with lush greens, shrubs in monochromatic shades of green, flowering plants and tall trees, quietly breathing nature into its sprawling grounds and pocket gardens within the bounds of its rolling terrain. Imagine sleeping in a small villa with glass doors that provide a breathtaking view of the trellis-lined terrace and the relaxing greens beyond, with the sound of chirping birds and ricketing crickets lulling you to sleep. You’re one with nature, and yet you’re surrounded with creature comfort sans the trappings of modern living, such as

TVs and ringing phones. Yes, there are no TVs. There’s just a lone TV in the Bar. TVs were consciously "omitted" from the master plan to create the opportunity for guests to commune solely with nature and reap the benefits from doing so. Cintai Corito’s Garden started as a private weekend rest house of the Palma Gil family in 2005. When the mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the place was transformed into a garden as a therapeutic place for her to stay. Two years later, though, she succumbed to the illness, and so the family decided to turn the place into a Balinese-inspired garden resort as a tribute to their beloved wife and mother, who had nonetheless benefitted from the calming environment of Cintai. The name Cintai (pronounced "Chin-tai") is an Indonesian word that means "Love,"

By Dolly Dy-Zulueta // Photos by Rafael R. Zulueta

BALINESE paradise

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and love was what the family wanted to share with people through their garden resort. So in 2011, Cintai Corito’s Garden opened its doors to the public, which responded overwhelmingly. The family then turned over the management of the resort to Paramount Hotels & Facilities Management.

Nature sanctuary

Cintai is unique in the sense that it is a garden resort. Its lush green environment is complemented by other nature elements, such as animals. There are 10 peacocks roaming around the place, and the male peacocks, when they spread their wings, are simply magnificent. There are chickens, seven deer, six horses, two hawks, two musangs (civet cats), an alpaca, a donkey, an eagle, and a monkey. There is also a big bird cage where guests can marvel at the colorful birds inside. The property is dotted with fruit-bearing trees, such as makopa, durian, mangoes and guyabano. Unlike other places, Cintai actually encourages guests to take advantage of the bounty by picking ripe makopas and mangoes and enjoy them with their meals or as a snack.

They can have their fill for the entire duration of their stay. Guests can find four swimming pools—two adult pools and two children’s pools—spread across the property, each designed around free forms using rocks found in the place. For recreation, aside from swimming, guests can jog or take a hike around the property. Yoga sessions can be arranged, even cooking activities centered around organic food. The kids can feel free and play at the outdoor children’s playground, with the sprawling grounds providing them the space to run and stretch their legs instead of just sitting in a corner and playing computer games. Children—thank God—can be real children again. As for adults who are looking for a little pampering, Cintai doesn’t have an in-house spa just yet, but spa services can easily be arranged with a reputable independent spa. For those who simply want to relax and take it slow, Cintai’s beautiful pieces of Balinese-inspired architecture, wall "murals," sculptures and art pieces do the trick. From the reception to the main restaurant called Abadi, to the pavilion-type ballrooms and

The villas are secluded yet easily accessible from the rolling terrain

function rooms, to the villas and even the public area comfort rooms, the design revolves around the Balinese theme.

For special functions

A place to relax and recharge

Perfect for special occasions, corporate planning and team-building sessions, Cintai offers two pavilion-type ballrooms: the Pavilion Tresna and the Napas Pavilion. Pavilion Tresna is the biggest event area in the resort that can accommodate 180 to 200 persons. It is very private in the sense that it has its own gate and gardens, and the ballroom boasts of metallic black flooring, authentic sandstone “Gebyok doors,” which are traditional Javanese carved teak wood doors, intricate lattice work and a set of authentic “Joglo” ceilings complemented by two magnificent chandeliers. Napas Pavilion, the second biggest event venue within the resort property, can comfortably sit 150 to 180 persons. It is an elegant open pavilion with authentic sandstone-carved walls specially made by a Boracay designer, and the ceiling artistry and roof design are simply awe-inspiring. The Open Garden, meanwhile, is great for garden weddings and ceremonies with approximately 100 guests.

The things that matter the most

With all this attention to detail, Cintai Corito’s Garden never forgets that the things that matter the most in a resort or hotel are the accommodations and the food. For accommodations, Cintai offers 18 villas. These villas, with sliding glass doors and Balinese elements and furnishings, offer utmost privacy to guests because they are set in secluded yet easily accessible areas along the main pathway of the resort’s rolling terrain. They are categorized into three—Terrace Villa, which is good for 4 to 6 guests, with two Queensized beds, a mini ref and its own terrace; Garden Villa, which can fit 6 to 9 persons, with

two regular Queen-sized beds and one Poster bed, a day bed, mini ref and its own terrace; and Executive Villa, which was designed for 6 to 9 guests in mind, with its own Jacuzzi and personal bar, terrace and pocket garden, and is easily the biggest villa available in the resort. As for food, guests are never wanting, as Abadi Restaurant provides more than what’s expected by guests. The chef in charge of the kitchen, Mel Lopez, has long years of experience working for Millie’s Restaurant of the Microtel Group. His menu consists of international favorites as well as Filipino staples and local Batangueño dishes. For guests staying over for the weekend, the Bar offers a street-food fiesta every weekend, where guests can dine on kwekkwek, isaw, barbecue and all types of street food that has been cooked properly and safely. On Saturdays, families can even lay a mat down on the grass of the Napas Pavilion and Open Garden for movie night with family and friends gathered around under a canopy of the moon and the stars for that precious bonding moment. HOW TO GET THERE Cintai Corito’s Garden is located in Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan, Balete, Batangas. Bookings can be done online via the resort’s website, www.coritosgarden.com. Using a private car, take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) straight to Star Tollway. From the Star Toll booth, drive 8 kilometers to Malvar Exit. Turn left to P. Montecer St. and drive 2kms. to President Laurel Highway, the main road. Turn right to the highway, drive 8kms. on and turn right to Gen. Leviste Highway. Drive approximately 6.3kms. through Gen. Leviste Highway until you see the Cintai Corito’s Garden sign on the left. To get there through public transport, take a Jam Liner bus bound for Lipa at the Buendia Terminal in Makati and get down at the Lipa Bus Terminal. From there, take a jeepney going to Malabanan and get down at the Caltex Station in Malabanan, then take another jeepney going to Balete and get off at Cintai Corito’s Garden.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

Clark’s best-kept secret

GREEN CANYON RESORT

By Dolly Dy-Zulueta // Photos by Rafael R. Zulueta

Tucked in the serene highlands of Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Green Canyon Resort is Clark’s best-kept secret that has just been revealed with its formal launch last October. For the longest time since resort development began on the 29-hectare property, Green Canyon quietly rose on unspoiled forest grounds, amidst verdant greens and trees on a gently rolling terrain, punctuated by the rejuvenating flow of the Sacobia River and surrounded by mountain ranges. Sunrise is Mt. Arayat and sunset is Mt. Pinatubo, with Bamban, Tarlac, in the middle. Within the property, there’s a still-unexplored cave and everywhere nature breathes a refreshing sense of rustic vibe to the place.

Eco-friendly accommodations

Green Canyon is the first eco-art resort development in the Clark Highlands spearheaded by the Jose family, with two brothers at the helm—Abel Jose as the brand manager and Niccolo Jose, the artist in the family, providing the art component to it. At the heart of the resort development is a stately 60-room boutique gallery hotel that offers the contemporary conveniences, creature comforts and cutting-edge features that guests look for in a hotel but still remains uncompromising on its environment-friendly advocacy. The hotel used recycled materials, bricks from Negros Oriental sugar mills line its outdoor flooring, boulders from Mt. Pinatubo were incorporated into the design, solar panels supply a sizable amount of energy, and water is collected and subjected to reverse osmosis to make it very clean and potable. What used to be an old warehouse metamorphosed into a hotel that harmoniously combined nature and art to provide guests with a relaxing sanctuary. To a certain extent, the hotel looks like an art gallery with its wide and spacious lobby that showcases the paintings, sculptures and artistic yet functional furniture pieces created by Niccolo himself, who also designed the wooden furniture—bed frames, side tables, writing tables, dressers, closets—in the rooms. Since these furniture pieces have been handcrafted, no two rooms are exactly alike. And found along empty corners of the corridors are Niccolo’s signature studio furniture pieces, including chairs and rocking chairs that are on spotlight in art galleries, and yet very purposeful and comfortable. Niccolo has taken pains to study the human anatomy to give his functional, handcrafted wooden furniture pieces ergonomic designs that follow the human body’s natural contours. Speaking of rooms—the Presidential Suite, Grand Suite, Suite, Deluxe and Standard—guests are pampered with a host of amenities and privileges, including complimentary WiFi for those who still prefer to get connected while retreating to a private hideaway to commune with nature and enjoy some quiet “me” time.

Wholistic experience

And things to do at Green Canyon Resort are plentiful. Swimming, for one, looks very inviting via the Symphony Pool, a luxurious quarter-round shaped plunge pool where guests can take a refreshing dip while enjoying sips of coconut juice straight off the coconut shell, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and admiring the grandiose view of the mountains that seem to embrace the resort from all around.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

Combining nature and art for a relaxing sanctuary

escape

The gallery hotel that offers contemporary conveniences, creature comforts and cutting-edge features

Another pool, the Water+Wave Pool, exists within the serene confines of the resort, but guests will have to cross a short hanging bridge to get there. Guests can also take a guided tour (twice daily on weekends) around the resort, go hiking or drive an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) to go up the mountain trail. Picnics can also be arranged for that simple family bonding time, while art enthusiasts can join painting, woodworking, sculpting and cooking classes. To soothe weary bodies and refresh tired minds, the resort offers invigorating massages and body treatments centered on traditional healing arts, which can be done under the sun while listening to the sound of the flowing Sacobia River or chirping birds, or right in the comfort of guests’ own rooms. The less adventurous can opt to walk through Green Canyon Resort’s Organic Farm and learn about sustainable agriculture and how fresh produce makes a difference in one’s food, healthy diet and lifestyle. Green Canyon Resort’s approach to food is more towards a healthy diet through the use of lots of fresh green produce and fruits. The resort grows its own herbs, spices and fresh vegetables and fruits to serve guests at its main dining facility, The Palette, located in another The young and talented brothers behind building adjacent to the Green Canyon—Abel and Niccolo Jose

hotel, that also houses the Boulders Lounge and the resort’s function rooms for private meetings, seminars and receptions. The Palette serves delightful Asian fusion dishes, including Green Salad, Cream of Mushroom Soup and Chicken Inasal, and washes these down with Lemongrass Iced Tea, Cucumber Malunggay Shake or Mango Malunggay Shake instead of sodas. The restaurant is proud of its slow-cooked cuisine, which brings out the natural flavors of ingredients used, as well as its delicious take on traditional local dishes. Boulders Lounge, which affords guests an unobstructed view of the entire resort and the massive boulders from Mt. Pinatubo, crafts exquisite cocktails, seasonal beverages and light snacks. And soon to rise beside the pool is Shed Restaurant, where guests can go to for a reprieve from the sun and enjoy a bite after a blissful swim in the pool. Shed shall serve simple, rustic and homemade dishes and cool refreshments at poolside. All these—luxurious accommodations, healthy and delicious food, facilities for a myriad of recreational activities, pampering like no other, nature and art—come together harmoniously under the blessed skies of Green Canyon Resort, which tries, with all its might, to live up to its promise: “resort to your imagination.”

HOW TO GET THERE Green Canyon Resort is located along San Vicente Road, Clark Special Economic Zone (Sacobia), Pampanga, with telephone number (+63 45) 4991381. By car, it’s a 1 1/2-hour drive from Manila via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) or Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Transportation to and from the resort can be arranged with Green Canyon Resort through packages that may include pickup and drop-off at either Dau Terminal in Dau, Pampanga, or TriNoma in Quezon City for Manila-based guests. For security reasons and to accord its guests with the ultimate in resort services, Green Canyon Resort does not accept walk-in guests. Bookings have to be made at least 72 hours in advance. EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

escape

Azalea Residences

The new holiday hideaway in Baguio By Camille Bersola // PHOTOS BY Marie Nebres Sampayan Baguio has always been one of the ultimate summer destinations for generations especially for those who’d like to keep their feet off the sand in exchange for the cool mountain breeze, and offers other exceptional attractions that can only be found in this beautiful northern city. Not only is it famous for the cold weather and breathtaking natural landscape, Baguio City is known for its rich history and heritage. It is home to some of the country’s most celebrated festivals, brilliant artists, cultural wonders, delectable cuisine, fresh strawberries and organic produce, lively street markets and historical structures. Some eerie abandoned buildings even lure ghost hunters and ordinary tourists seeking exotic adventures. Tourism in Baguio City has always been progressive and it’s no surprise that even with the growing residential communities in the

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

city, it continues to attract visitors from different parts of the country. To address the need for cozy tourist spaces are a variety of accommodations suited for all types of budget. Azalea Hotels and Residences recently opened the latest addition to its chain of establishments in the mountain province. Located on Leonard Wood Road just across Teacher’s Camp, Azalea Residences Baguio is a few minutes away from Session Road, Botanical Garden, and exciting dining destinations as well as the vibrant night markets. For a truly relaxing vacation, Azalea Residences Baguio has tastefully designed and well-appointed modern rooms and suites. For couples or small families, the Deluxe Hotel Room is an ideal choice because it can accommodate up to four people. Bigger groups can go for the two-bedroom suites, which can house

Cozy weekend home

up to six people, while the three-bedroom suites are spacious enough for eight guests. Each suite comes with a sprawling living area, bathroom and bath. And since many guests prefer to cook and prepare their own meals, there’s a kitchen and dining table in each suite where they can conveniently whip up a nice lunch or dinner for the family. Azalea Residences Baguio also features modern on-site facilities and services. The huge lobby lounge houses the Eight Degrees Lounge, which serves cocktails, coffee, snacks and light meals. The hotel also has a souvenir shop in case guests need novelty items and other knick-knacks as a pleasant reminder of their weekend in Baguio. It also has a playground for kids and free WiFi connection for everyone. Azalea Residences Baguio offers spa and massage services,

Spacious lounging area

tour arrangement and vacation services like laundry and dry cleaning, even transportation arrangement to and from Manila. You will also admire the hotel's 24-hour front desk staff, always ready and glad to assist guests. Tour packages are also available via the Family Fun and Group Getaway, which includes one-hour use of the van courtesy of Azalea Residences Baguio.

Guests can cook their own meals

Tradisyon Café

Azalea Residences Baguio extends a delightful gastronomic experience to its guests via Tradisyon Café, which serves traditional Filipino comfort food and various international culinary specialties. The restaurant has a Mongolian Buffet every Thursday at P180 per person and Hot Pot Buffet every Friday at P350 per person. Those hankering for Italian delights can satisfy their cravings every Saturday with the Pizza and Pasta Buffet. At P350 per person, the spread includes delectable pizza flavors like Margherita, Chicago, Hawaiian Pizza, plus a make-your-own pasta corner. Tradisyon Café also offers a Weekend Brunch Special every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for only P350 for adults. Kids eat for free.

HOW TO GET THERE Azalea Residences Baguio is located at #7 Leonard Wood Road just across Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City, about 10 to 15 minutes away from the city's major tourist destinations. Get there via private transport or by bus, which is still the most popular mode of transportation, where some even offer luxury trips (with own toilet, WiFi, wider and reclining seats and snacks served on-board) for an additional fee. Travel time varies since buses usually make frequent stops for meals or bathroom breaks and of course, traffic.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

escape

Indulge yourself with the finest cuisines and enjoy your “stay-cation” at Hotel Benilde

The “homey” and 5-star feel of Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle Text by Angela Denilla // Photos by Larry Tamondong Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle (formerly the College of St. Benilde Hotel) underwent a significant transformation to assure guests of the consistent elegant and gratifying service the establishment has been known for. At its relaunch, this pioneering hotel-and-school showcased its brand-new look and all the upgraded rooms and facilities. The hotel serves as the learning facility of the College of St. Benilde-School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (CSB-SHRIM) students. The 49 rooms, which include the Presidential

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

With its top hotel amenities, guests will surely feel “at home” at Hotel Benilde

Suite, Deluxe Queens, Superior Twins and Dormitory rooms, are all designed to cater to guests' varying preferences, be it single, couple or group (barkada) occupancy. The “homey” feel is definitely something to look forward to. Guests are assured of utmost relaxation, comfort and ease even if they are away from home. Imagine a weekend getaway or “stay-cation” with the family in a 5-star hotel setting but within a reasonable price range. Hotel rooms are equipped with top-of- the-line amenities and state-of-the-art features like a 40-inch multimedia LED Smart TV, free high-speed Internet access, advanced proximity door lock system, in-room safety deposit box and many more features. But one thing that can truly attract guests

Imagine a weekend getaway or “stay-cation” with the family in a 5-star hotel setting but within a reasonable price range.

is the hotel’s free mini bar, and when they say “free mini bar,” it means absolutely free since guests who booked a room can consume the mini bar’s contents without having to pay a single peso. Rest assured you won’t be asked, “Did you consume anything from the mini bar?” upon checking out. Aesthetics-wise, Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle uplifted their overall look. The façade and the lobby, the meeting and venue rooms for business and corporate events, and up to the roof deck, are all awash in light and earthly colors. Foodies won’t go hungry as well since the hotel offers the finest in local and international cuisine, courtesy of the inhouse and student-chefs of CSB-SHRIM who take charge of Café Romancon at the ground floor. If you prefer to dine in a more relaxing and secluded setting while enjoying the Manila and Makati skylines, then go for Vatel Restaurant Manila at the hotel’s Roof Deck. And don’t be surprised if the staff is a happy mix of young and energetic individuals. They happen to be college students and Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is the first premiere hotel-school in the country where CSB-SHRIM students learn—and

train—in both simulated and “live” learning environments. The hotel thus serves as their very own training ground where they can instantly apply everything they learned from the classrooms to an actual business setting. To experience the “homey” and “5-star” yet affordable services and facilities of Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle, visit them at Arellano corner Estrada Streets, Malate, Manila, Philippines. For inquiries and accommodations, call (632) 230-5230 or visit their Website, www.csbhotel.com or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ HotelBenilde.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

livingwell house, which he describes as the “mouth of the house.” He explained that a main door that is broken or not fixed will lead to health problems on the stomach, pancreas, liver, and ulcer. Another area that should be organized is the kitchen. “If it’s dirty and disorganized, this will affect the health and wealth of the occupants. If possible, the kitchen’s color should be yellow, red or orange to attract luck.” The third area that should be organized is the bedroom where there should be no books, magazines, computers, television sets and most of all, mirrors. “If we have these things, chances are our sleep will be affected, especially if the mirror reflects on our bed.” If the television set, mirror or computer cannot be avoided in the bedroom, the occupants should cover it before sleeping, suggested Master Hanz.

Food galore

FENG SHUI TIPS TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR BY ROBERT R. REQUINTINA

Now that the most wonderful time of the year is over, with the flickering lights, holiday tunes, decors and delicious food gone, it’s time to look forward to the coming of another year. Many may not know it but following simple Feng Shui tips would help us prepare to welcome the new year and make it even more vibrant and alive. The positive energy they emit signify peace, happiness, and generosity to the human spirit. Feng Shui for the holidays is so simple, says Master Hanz Cua, Asia’s youngest Feng Shui Master. “Just look around and there are many things you can do to help your New Year celebration happy and even prosperous.”

De-clutter

Master Hanz said the first order of the day in preparing to welcome 2015 is to de-clutter the most used spaces in the home. “Do your

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

general cleaning before the New Year. Throw away old things, especially those with cracks in your plates and drinking glasses or wornout clothes. They will only invite negative energy. By December 30, everything should be clean. If we don’t do this, luck will be stagnant, so change it and fix it.” Master Hanz said that there should be no problem concerning the main door of the

“The dining table should show abundance. Serve 12 different kinds of fruits with pineapple as the star fruit. The fruits do not really have to be round. Banana is also good because it signifies family bonding.”

The dining table should also be filled with food. “The dining table should show abundance. Serve 12 different kinds of fruits with pineapple as the star fruit. The fruits do not really have to be round. Banana is also good because it signifies family bonding.” Fish and meat dishes like pork and chicken also attract luck. In the olden days, Master Hanz said kings and queens are served chicken on feast days. “That’s why it’s not true that you will be ‘isang kahig, isang tuka’ as the popular Filipino saying goes, which means going poor, if you eat chicken on New Year’s Day,” he added. Master Hanz also encouraged the public to wear red, which he described as a lucky color. At 12 midnight, Master Hanz said that revelers may roll kiat-kiat (small and sweet mandarin or ponkan oranges from China) from the house’s main door toward the living room. In throwing coins, make sure they are fresh or new. “Then throw coins from the living room towards the bedroom. Occupants should scamper in picking up the coins while they are being thrown. Make sure also that bed sheets and pillow cases are either brand-new or newly-washed,” he added.

Make some noise

Master Hanz, who studied astrology, palm, face and tarot reading abroad, said that people should make noise in welcoming the New Year to get rid of negative energy. “Open all lights, faucets, windows and doors for a few minutes. The front of the house should be well lit. Flickering lights are not good because it means wealth is not stable.” But Master Hanz stressed that Feng Shui is only part of a person’s life when it comes to luck. “We also need to work hard and pray to be successful and not just rely on luck and depend on Feng Shui.” For more details about Feng Shui, Bazi, Tarot, Palmistry and Face Reading, visit Master Hanz Cua at Level 1 EDSA Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Call him at 0922-829-0382 or email Hanz_cua2002@yahoo.com.

TRAVEL&WELLNESS Dra. Mary Jane “MJ” Torres

Aesthetic Medicine Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery International Society of Mesotherapy French Society of Mesotherapy

“If you are having a hard time scheduling your doctor's appointment or skin care treatment, why not have the procedure while on vacation leave?

Lose weight while on

vacation

he country is fast becoming known as a premiere destination for medical tourism. With the long list of luxurious island resorts and natural attractions, it is the perfect place to relax, after a soothing beauty regimen or weight-loss treatment. If you are having a hard time scheduling your doctor's appointment or skin care treatment, why not have the procedure while on vacation leave? Busy people often complain that they hardly have time to breathe in between their hectic work schedule, much less see their doctor. If this is the case, spending a week of utmost rejuvenation seems the perfect solution for busy individuals. In order to stay in shape, one needs to relax after going through weeks of stress. The mind needs to recharge, and the body must be given ample time to make up for all the sleepless nights. As your body gradually recovers, why not nourish it with healthy meals and rejuvenating treatments?

People seem to throw all caution to the wind when they are on break. They eat like crazy and stay out in the sun for hours without sunblock. If you wish to begin your weight-loss program while on vacation, you can still relax and unwind while giving your body the right nourishment without the unwanted calories. In order to have a productive vacation, The Zen Institute recommends a holistic protocol-based approach to weight management. The non-invasive treatment includes nutritional counseling, workout regimen and colon cleansing. The Lipocryo treatment is recommended in order to remove the fat around problem areas like thighs, hips, upper arms and other visible areas. A combination of vacuum and cooling technology, the treatment can melt bulging fat. Results are highly visible after three sessions. Those with ugly cellulite marks, on the other hand, can inquire about the wonders of Ultralipo. It can reduce cellulite and body volume up

to two centimeters per session. To halt the production of body fat, Mesotherapy and L- carnitine injections are also administered. Mesotherapy targets cell receptors that produce fat. Once injected into the skin, the formula slowly diffuses the fat while breaking it down. L-carnitine, on the other hand, plays a major role in transporting fatty acids to other important metabolic processes. It also fights visceral belly fats that may later lead to fat gain in vital organs like the liver, heart— or even in the muscles. To eliminate stomach impurities and for proper absorption, colon cleansing procedure is recommended. By gently rinsing the colon with warm water, gas, mucus and other matter are removed. A clean colon easily absorbs vitamins and nutrients, allowing the body to feel healthy and light. The program also includes a coffee cocktail that promotes faster metabolism. Once the colon has been cleansed, Intravenuous (IV) Micronutrition is administered, which brings the nutrients straight to the veins. To complement the entire weight management program, The Zen Institute also offers workout classes for Yoga, Zumba, and RIP 60. THE ZEN INSTITUTE is located at 69 Scout Rallos St., Tomas Morato, Quezon City (632) 441-1712 / (632) 412-2528); Ground Floor, Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st St., corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (632) 856-2027; and at the St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center, Maharlika Highway, Bgy. 2, Sto. Tomas, Batangas (643) 778-4811. Visit www.thezeninstitute.com and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ZenMedicalSpa

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

livingwell FINE Company Japan Ltd President Nobutsuna Sasaki, Fine Nutrition Trading InternationaI President Imelda Manook Tesalona and International Academy of Aesthetic Sciences (IAAS) and Manila Eye Surgical Center Vice President, Business Affairs Rudy Apostol

Stay young forever Among Asians, the Japanese are envied for their flawless and youthful skin. This is attributed to their healthy diet, which primarily consists of natural ingredients gathered and extracted from various plant and animal sources. The Japanese are also known to take only natural-based food products and health-food supplements. Even beverages and cosmetics follow high manufacturing standards to ensure the finest results. Natural elements like Hy-

aluronic Acid (HA), Collagen, and Ubiquinol have been proven to restore youthfulness while giving the skin a healthy glow. Premium HyC 150 combines 150 mg. of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Collagen, and Ubiquinol. All three major components are in every sachet to effectively counter rapid skin deterioration due to aging. Collagen helps keep skin flexible while Hyaluronic Acid, found in the body’s skin tissues, helps hold moisture and reduce skin

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

dryness. It hydrates the joints and connective tissues to prevent problems such as osteoarthritis, and even cataract. Ubiquinol, on the other hand, is an antioxidant that provides energy and protects skin against free radicals. Premium HyC 150 also includes Elastin, a protein that keeps the skin resilient and firm, and Biotin to keep skin, hair and nails healthy, and ease eczema and dermatitis. The Pearl Coix extract in Premium HyC 150 promotes clear and luminous skin, while Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, repairs the body’s natural collagen. Unlike other beauty products like creams and lotions, Premium HyC 150 works from within. Proven effective and safe for improving health and restoring youthfulness, it won the prestigious Monde Selection Gold Award in 2014. “We want more Filipinos to enjoy their lives longer and healthier, and maintain youthful skin, especially for those advancing in age. With the help of Premium HyC 150 and the expertise of FINE Japan Co., Ltd., consumers can look forward to ‘revealing their new youth’ through beautiful, flawless and youthful skin

they can be truly proud of,” explains Imelda Manook Tesalona, RPh, President of Fine Nutrition Trading International, the local importer of food supplements by FINE Japan Co., Ltd. Established in 1974, FINE Japan Co., Ltd. is an ISO-certified nutraceutical company known

"With the help of Premium HyC 150 and the expertise of FINE Japan Co., Ltd., consumers can look forward to ‘revealing their new youth’ through beautiful, flawless and youthful skin they can be truly proud of." worldwide for manufacturing and developing excellent beauty and wellness supplement products that help restore youthful glow to the skin. Premium HyC 150 is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by BrightRAY Enterprises, and is now available in Watsons stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.HyC150.com.

There are so many reasons to love Christmas in the Mall of Modern Makati THE SHOPAHOLIC WEEKEND PROMO November 29 & 30, 2014 (Sat. and Sun.) Spend P10,000 in single or accumulated receipts and receive P2000 of free GC’s that can be spent ANYWHERE in the mall!* KISS & TELL INSTAGRAM PROMO November to December 2014 Photograph yourself kissing under some mistletoe (kiss your girlfriend, puppy, baby, or even your car!) and upload to Instagram with hashtags #KissAndTell #LoveChristmas and tag us @centurymallph for a chance to win cinema tickets! We’re giving away 10 tickets per winner, 5 winners a week for 6 weeks! SANTA’S CORNER AND SNOW GLOBE Bring your kids to Santa’s corner and then hop over to the giant snow globe for some great photos starting Nov 23! *For promo details and more information visit www.centurycitymall.com.ph Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 7077 series of 2014. Century City Mall is located at Century City, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City.

SANTA AND HIS CUTE LITTLE REINDEER! When you see Santa, keep your eyes open for his cute little “reindeer”! If you love dogs, you’ll surely love this! SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MASSES December 22-25, 11 am at 5th floor Event Center Reflect, remember, and fellowship with others over the real reason for Christmas. CHRISTMAS CAROLING Every Sunday 6:30 PM at Basement 1 Nothing beats the sound of united voices heartily singing with Yuletide cheer! Plus more treats, surprises, scrumptious food and drink, festive entertainment and décor as we celebrate our first Christmas in style! You’re gonna #LoveChristmas at #CenturyCityMall! www.centurycitymall.com.ph EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

livingwell The medical facility focuses on minimally invasive treatments that strengthen the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system

Innovative cancer treatments at

may be suffering from the same type of cancer. However, their genes and other pathological factors are different because every tumor has a unique biological and heterogenic feature. Most cancer treatments fail when such uniqueness is not addressed accordingly. While most hospitals recommend the usual surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy route, Fuda Cancer Hospital goes a the Chinese government back in 2010. step further with its "CCC" cancer model, At the helm of Fuda hospital is a combination of Cryosurgical Ablation (CSA), Professor Xu Kecheng, an oncology and Cancer Microvessel Intervention (CMI), and gastroenterology specialist. The hospital Combined Immunotherapy for Cancer (CIC). focuses on early diagnosis and treatment of Incidentally, Fuda Cancer Hospital various cancersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;pancreas, liver, lung, breast, has performed more than 7,000 cases of uterus, stomach, esophagus, tongue, prostate, cryoablations, the most number of cases skin and larynx, as well as nasopharyngeal performed by a single hospital worldwide. cancer, colorectal cancer and lymphoma. Cryo surgery destroys tumors through Cancer cells are systemic as it affects the cycles of freezing and thawing. The abrupt whole body. Removing the tumor does not end change in temperature destroys the tumor the disease because it can recur or metastabecause it stops microcirculation. The death size. Cancer is also chronic because it can of cancer cells is almost certain once the take years to manifest or stay dormant for life. temperature falls below -40oC. The procedure The immune system plays an important is minimally invasive, and does not involve role in controlling the development of cancer. any form of cutting. The probes are inserted If the body's natural antibodies are strong, through the skin and guided by ultrasound. then it can kill the cancer cells. But if the However, Cryo surgery has limitations. antibodies are weak, it can develop into It cannot be performed if the tumor is near the a life-threatening disease. artery or an important organ. For such cases, It is likewise important to note that iodine seeds are planted and treated with local tumors are caused by gene mutation. Patients radiation. Unlike the conventional procedure

Fuda Hospital

by Rory Visco Cancer patients are normally limited to the conventional chemo or radiation therapy. And while medical science has proven its effectiveness, it is also known to be a debilitating procedure. It kills even the good cells, causing patients to weaken and be more prone to complications. Patients who are looking into other forms of treatment can inquire about the minimally invasive approach at Fuda Cancer Hospital located in Guangzhou, China. According to Edward Puno, Fuda Hospital volunteer, a significant number of Filipino cancer patients have displayed very promising results after weeks of treatment at Fuda. Fuda Cancer Hospital is known for their innovative cancer treatments. Affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and the Jinan University School of Medicine, the hospital became one of the National Key Clinical Cancer Specialty Centers designated by

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

Patients can choose to stay in a suite or a regular hospital room

Cryosurgery destroys tumors through thawing and freezing

where the solution is injected to the veins and even kills the body's good cells, the iodine implants lead the radiation directly to the tumor. Cancer Microvessel Nano Material Blockage (CNB), meanwhile, uses chemo medicine but in fine grain particles. Through superselective catheterization, the fine grain particles are brought to the arteries. When it reaches the tumor, the nano chemo particles will cause osmotic stress that will stop blood flow inside the tumor. The grains will continue to move inside the tumor's blood capillary and will stay there for a long time. The particles are very small and will not cause embolism. And because only a small amount of chemo medicine was used, side effects are very minor. On the other hand, CIC prevents metastasis and recurrence. It slows the growth of cancer, improves general health and boosts the immune system. The treatment raises the systemic immunological function of cancer patients so that their bodies are able to fight. Since tumor results from gene mutation, the treatment strengthens the immune system of specific cells, depending on the genes. It upgrades the function of T cells and/or B cells; another is to upgrade the function of DC, NK cells, macrophages and various kinds of cytokines. It all depends on the hetorogenic features causing the tumor growth. This combination of cells is able to destroy

or inhibit cancer cells. Those who wish to seek treatment at Fuda can visit their website, www.fudacancerhospital.com. It contains all pertinent information, from the treatments, visa requirements, what to expect in Guangzhou and many more. Patients can also visit their Manila office at Linden Suites in Ortigas and meet with Fuda hospital oncologist Dr. Shanshan Chen, or email Fuda Hospital volunteer Ed Puno

"At Fuda, once the doctors receive the test results from Manila, immediately a medical conference is conducted. At least 10 doctors will review and evaluate your test results before they come up with a recommended treatment plan." at ebpuno@gmail.com. Mr. Puno explains that "here in the Philippines, when you have cancer, you go to one doctor who decides on your treatment. At Fuda, once the doctors receive the test results from Manila, immediately a medical conference is conducted. At least 10 doctors will review and evaluate your test results

The treatment leads to a post-cancer quality life

before they come up with a recommended treatment plan." With several minds determining the solution to the disease, the patient is assured of the best treatment approach that will lead to recovery. As for the costs, this is discussed together with the treatment plan. Once admitted, patients are asked to put in an adequate amount of cash, where each day's expenses (tests, medicines, etc.) are deducted. Patients are issued invoices daily. Also, doctors in Fuda do not charge professional fees. The hospital only accepts Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese yuan and credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. International patients carry US dollars when they go to Fuda, which can easily be exchanged to RMB. Patients and their companions are required to get visas before entering China. Endorsement letters from Fuda are issued for quick facilitation. Upon arrival in Guangzhou, patients are met at the airport by the hospital staff. All doctors and nurses speak English and the hospital also has a customer service representative who is fluent in both spoken and written English. There are a lot Filipinos in Fuda, so patients can feel right at home. All rooms have cable TV that carries Filipino channels so teleserye lovers will not be at a loss.

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

directory DOT REGIONAL OFFICES Region NCR (National Capital Region) CATHERINE AGUSTIN: OIC 351 Gil Puyat Ave., JB Bldg. 1200 Makati City (632) 459-5200 loc. 101/102 (special projects) 212 (accreditation/finance/ personnel) ncr@tourism.gov.ph ncraris@tourism.gov.ph Region CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) PURIFICACION S. MOLINTAS: Regional Director DOT Complex, Gov. Pack Road 2600 Baguio City (6374) 442-7014 / 619-1127 (6374) 442-8848 0918-9593009 dotregioncar@gmail.com pssmolintas@gmail.com Region I (Ilocos Region) MARTIN VALERA: Regional Director Oasis Country Resort Nat'l. Highway, Brgy. Sevilla 2500 San Fernando City La Union (6372) 888-2098/2411 / 242-1656 (63 2) 888-2098 0920-9617393 dotregion1@pldtdsl.net msv111@yahoo.com (Laoag Satellite Office) MILAGROS GONZALES: OIC Rm. 207, 2F Ilocano Heroes Hall 2900 Laoag City (6377) 771-1473 (6377) 772-0467 0920-6031850 dotlaoag@digitelone.com Region II JOSEFA MALLABO: Officer-In-Charge 29-A Rizal St., Tuguegarao City 3500 Cagayan (6378) 304-1503/1499 / 373-0786 dotr2@yahoo.com cvtourism2@gmail.com www.dotregion2.com.ph Region III (Central Luzon Region) RONALDO P. TIOTUICO: Regional Director Hilaga Village (formerly Paskuhan Village), 2000 San Fernando City Pampanga (6345) 961-2612/5617 0918-946-4586 / 0917-500-8351 0929-864-7485 tourismregion3@gmail.com support@visitmyphilippines.com (Angeles Satellite Office) G/F Marlim Mansions Hotel Bldg. Diamond Subd., Balibago 2900 Angeles City (6345) 625-8525 0939-904-5231 / 0917-506-2221 dot3_marlim@yahoo.com Region IV (Southern Tagalog Region) REBECCA V. LABIT: Regional Director G/F Dencris Business Center Halang, National Hwy., Calamba City, Laguna (6349) 508-0731 to 34 (6349) 508-0741/0760 region4@tourism.gov.ph lbeckylabit@gmail.com (MIMAROPA Office) 351 Gil Puyat Avenue JB Bldg.,1200 Makati City mtcastro2007@yahoo.com Region V (Bicol Region) MARIA ONG-RAVANILLA: Regional Director Regional Center Site, Rawis

4500 Legazpi City (6352) 481-5593 / 435-0085 482-0715/0712 0917-5583460 mariaravanilla@yahoo.com.ph dot_bicol@yahoo.com www.wowbicol.com Region VI (Western Visayas Region) ATTY. HELEN J. CATALBAS: OIC Western Visayas Regional Tourism Center, Capitol Grounds Bonifacio Drive, 5000 Iloilo City (6333) 337-5411 / 509-3550 (6333) 335-0245 0917-622-7979 / 0917-722-6691 deptour6@mozcom.com deptour6@yahoo.com www.westernvisayastourism. com.ph (Boracay Tourism Field Office) ARTEMIO "TIM" TICAR: OIC D' Mall, Stn 2, Balabag Boracay, Malay, 5608 Aklan (6336) 288-3689 0947-8528110 deptour6boracay@yahoo.com www.boracay.com (Bacolod Satellite Office) Doña Ceferina II Bldg. Door #4, 22nd St., Lacson 6100 Bacolod City (6334) 709-0626 Region VII (Central Visayas Region) ROWENA MONTECILLO: Regional Director G/F LDM Bldg. cor. Legaspi and MJ Cuenco Street 6000 Cebu City (6332) 412-1980 (Executive Assistant of RD Montecillo) (6332) 412-1967 (Administrative/Acctg. Div.) (6332) 254-3534 / 412-1980 (Planning and Statistics Office) (6332) 254-6650 (Product Development Div) (6332) 254-2811 / 412-1966 (Accreditation Div) dotcebu@gmail.com dotregion7@gmail.com dot7accounting@yahoo.com dot7statistics@gmail.com dot7prodev@gmail.com dot7accreditation@gmail.com (Bohol Satellite Office) Door 2, 2/F Sum Bldg., San Jose St., Brgy. Cogon 6300 Tagbilaran City (6338) 501-0143 Region VIII (Eatern Visayas Region) KARINA ROSA S. TIOPES: Regional Director Brgy. 25, Kanhuraw Hill, Magsaysay Blvd., 6500 Tacloban City, Leyte (6353) 832-0901 / 325-5279 321-2048 dotreg8@yahoo.com tiopeskrs@yahoo.com dottacloban@yahoo.com Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) MARY JUNE G. BUGANTE: Regional Director Lantaka Hotel Bldg. NS Valderosa Street 7000 Zamboanga City (6362) 992-6242 (6362) 993-0030 0917-7105219 dotr9@yahoo.com mjune_b@yahoo.com (Dapitan Satellite Office) City Library Bldg. 7101 Dapitan City (6365) 213-6616 / 213-6787 dotsatoffice@yahoo.com Region X (Northern Mindanao Region) CATALINO E. CHAN III: Regional Director

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Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center A. Velez Street 9000 Cagayan de Oro City (638822) 723696 / 726394 (88) 856-4048 / 880-0172 880-3637 0920-9531810 dotr10_nm@yahoo.com nmtravelpower10.com.ph Region XI (Southern Mindanao Region) ART BONCATO: Assistant Secretary for TRCRG/ Regional Director Rm. 512 5/F LANDCO Corporate Ctr. Bldg., J.P. Laurel Avenue, 8000 Davao City (6382) 225-1940 (6382) 221-0070/6955 dotr11@gmail.com dotr11@yahoo.com artboncato@gmail.com www.discoverdavao.com www.davaocity.gov.ph Region XII (South Central Mindanao Region) NELLY NITA N. DILLERA: Regional Director 2/F Hua Hing Bldg., Sinsuat Ave., Cotabato City (6364) 421-7868/1110/7868 0917-7141524 dotregion12@yahoo.com dillera.nelly@gmail.com (Koronadal Satellite Office) 2/F Sienna Complex, Alunan Avebue 9506 Koronadal City (6383) 228-8667 Region XIII (CARAGA Administrative Region) LETICIA DC TAN: Regional Director G/F, Grateful Realty Corp. Bldg., 008 Pili Drive, 8600 Butuan City (6385) 341-8413/5928 (6385) 815-6040 0917-7035617 dotr13@yahoo.com

CONSULAR OFFICES

China 4896 Pasay Road Dasmariñas Vill., Makati City (632) 844-3148 loc. 101 for operator visasection_ph@sina.com Colombia Aurora Tower, 18F Malvar St. Araneta Center 0810 (632) 911-3101 (632) 911-2846 France 16th floor, Pacific Star Building cor. Gil Puyat and Makati Ave. 1200 Makati City (632) 857-6900 chancellerie.ambafrance. manille@gmail.com Germany 25/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue cor. Gil Puyat Avenue 1261 Makati City (632) 702-3000 visa@mani.diplo.de India 2190 Paraiso Street Dasmariñas Village Makati City (632) 843-0101 / 843-0102 amb@embindia.org.ph Indonesia 185 Salcedo Street Legazpi Village, Makati City P.O. Box 1671 MCPO Metro Manila (632) 892-5061/68 fungsipensosbud @yahoo.com.ph Italy 6th Floor Zeta Condominium 191 Salcedo Street Legazpi Village, Makati City (632) 892-4531/2/3 informazioni.manila@esteri.it ambitaly@surfshop.net.ph Japan 2627 Roxas Boulevard 1300 Pasay City (632) 551-5710 jicc-mnl@embjapan.ph

Saudi Arabia 389 Gil Puyat Ave. Ext. Makati City (632) 890-9735 / 856-4444 phemb@mofa.gov.sa Singapore 505 Rizal Dr., Bonifacio Global City 1634 Taguig City (632) 856-9922 singmb_mnl@sgmfa.gov.sa Spain 5F A.C.T. Tower, 135 Gil Puyat Ave. 1251 Makati City (632) 818-3561 / 818-3581 759-2970 con.manila@maec.es Taiwan 41F Tower 1, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave., 1200 Makati City (632) 887-6688 phl@moga.gov.tw Thailand 107 Rada St. (Thailand St.), Legazpi Vill., 1252 Makati City P.O. Box 1228, Makati Central Post Metro Manila (632) 815-4219/20 / 816-0696/7 adminmnl@pldtdsl.net thaimnl@pacific.net.ph UK 120 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Hill, 1634 Taguig City (632) 858-2200 manilavisaenquiries @fco.gov.uk USA 1201 Roxas Blvd., 1000 Manila (632) 301-2000 / 2555 / 2246 http://manila.usembassy. gov.wwwhcont.html Vietnam 670 Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.) Malate, Manila 525-2837 / 521-6843 sqvnplp@qinet.net

LOCAL AIRLINES

Australia Level 23-Tower 2 RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave. 1200 Makati City (632) 757-8100 manila.consular@dfat.gov.au

Korea 122 Upper McKinely Road McKinely Town Center Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City (632) 856-9210 philippines@mofa.go.kr

CebuPacific Airlines Ailine Operations Center Domestic Airport, Pasig City (632) 851-8769 / 290-5242 (632) 7020-888 (Manila) (6332) 230-8888 (Cebu)

Austria 4th floor, Prince Building 117 Thailand Street (formerly Rada St.) Legazpi Vill., P.O. Box 2411 MCC PO Makati City, Metro Manila (632) 817-9191 / 817-4992 817-4993 manila-ob@bmeia.gv.at

Kuwait 8th Floor, Total Corporate Ctr. (opposite Villa Kalayaan) Kalayaan Ave. cor. Triangle Dr. Bonifacio Global City Taguig City (632) 556-38614 marybeth_ortua@hotmail.com

AirPhil Express (Main Office) PNB Financial Center Diosdado Macapagal Ave. CCP Complex, Pasay City (02) 320-8300 (Customer Service— For ticketing, booking and rebooking concerns) (632) 855-9000 (Manila) (6332) 505-1616 (Cebu) reservations@ airphilexpress.com

Belgium Multinational Bancorporation Centre, 9th Floor6805 Ayala Ave., Makati City (632) 845-1869 / 845-1873 manila@diplobel.fed.be Brazil 16th floor, Liberty Center 104 H.V. de la Costa St. Salcedo Vill., 1227 Makati City (632) 845-3651 to 53 brasemb@info.com.ph Brunei 11th Floor, Ayal Wing BPI Building, Ayala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City (632) 816-2836 to 38 manila.philippines@mfa.gov.bn Canada Level 6 to 8, Tower 2 RCBC Plaza, Makati City (632) 857-9000 / 857-9001 manil@international.gc.ca manil-cs@international.gc.ca

Mexico 2157 Paraiso Street Dasmariñas Village, Makati City (632) 812-2211 / 812-2212 812-2213 ebmexfil@info.com.ph Netherlands 26F Equitable Tower PCI Bank Tower 8751 Paseo de Roxas Makati City (632) 786-6666 man@minbuza.nl Pakistan 6F Alexander House 132 Amorsolo Street Legazpi Village, Makati City (632) 817-2772/6 parepmnl@info.com.ph parep@info.com.ph Russia 1245 Acacia Road Dasmariñas Vill., Makati City (632) 893-0190 / 817-5406 rusemb@i-manila.com.ph

Island Tranvoyager Inc Andrews Avenue Domestic Airport, Pasay City (632) 851-5674 Island Aviation Inc. A. Soriano Hangar Andrews Avenue, Pasay City (632) 833-3855 (632) 852-0508 iai@islandaviationph.com info@islandaviationph.com Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) 2nd Floor, Lerose Bldg. No 832 Arnaiz Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas, 1223 Makati City (632) 849-0101 (SEAIR Call Ctr.) Philippines Airlines Manager-Customer Relations PO Box 1344, Makati City (632) 855-8888 (Reservations)

Interisland Airlines Inc. Interisland Airlines Hangar Andrews Avenue, Pasay City (632) 852-8010 to 12 (632) 852-8013 info@interislandairlines.com Air Asia/Zest Air Domestic Road cor. Andrews Ave., Pasay City (632) 742-2742 Monday to Sunday 7am-11pm (GMT+8)

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES Thai Airways Limited Room Passenger Terminal 1 Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Formerly Sucat Road) Parañaque City (632) 834-0366 to 68 mnlairport@thaiairways.com.ph Japan Airlines 2nd Floor, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Oledan Square, Makati City (632) 403-2763 American Airlines Lower Lobby Century Park Hotel P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila (632) 524-8625 / 400-5988 British Airways GF 135 Filipino Merchants Bldg. Legaspi cor. Dela Rosa St. Legaspi Village, Makati City (632) 817-0361 Asiana Airlines 6F The Salcedo Tower 169 Dela Costa Street Salcedo Vill., Makati City (632) 793-6888 (for reservations) (632) 793-6868 (for sales) Air New Zealand 10F Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 632) 856-1423 Jet Airways 9F The Athenaeum Bldg. 160 L.P.Levisite St., Salcedo Vill. 1227 Makati City Cathay Pacific Airways (632) 757-0888 (632) 757-0111 (Dragonair) MNL#DS@cathaypacific.com China Airlines GF Unit-1 Golden Empire Tower 1322 Roxas Blvd. cor. Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila (632) 354-6700 to 09 (Reservation) (632) 354-6713/14 Eva Airways 23rd Floor, LKG Tower 6801 Ayala Ave., Makati City (632) 753-1383 (632) 884-1142 Emirates 18th Level, Pacific Star Bldg. Gil Puyat cor. Makati Avenue Makati City (632) 858-5300 Finnair Citiland 10 Tower II H.V. Dela Costa Street Salcedo Vill, 1200 Makati City (632) 892-2701 Korean Air GF LPL Plaza 124 Alfaro Street Salcedo Village, Makati City (632) 815-8911 / 815-9261 (632) 789-3700 (Korean Air Reservation Call Center, Mla.) (632) 817-6668 / 789-3714 to 16 (Korean Air Regional Ticket Office, Mla.)

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 39F Yuchengco Tower RCBC Plaza, Gil Puyat cor. Ayala Ave., 1200 Makati City (632) 588-6900

PHONE

MOBILE

FA X

WEBSITE

BUS TERMINAL

DESTINATION

Qatar Airways GF One Global Place 5th Avenue cor. 25th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (632) 519-1888 Qantas Airways Limited HT&T Travel Philippines 10F Salustiana D Ty Towers 104 Paseo de Roxas Legaspi Village, Makati City (632) 812-0607 Gulf Air Unit 8, GF Solemare Parksuites 5 Bradco Ave., Aseana Business Park, Macapagal Boulevard, Parañaque City (632) 869-7599 (6320) 831-9655 Delta Airlines Travel 9F Athenaeum Building 160 LP Leviste Street Salcedo Village, Makati City (632) 841-9800 Royal Brunei Airlines Global Air Services Corp. (Sub GSA) 2F Miascor Cargo Center Ninoy Aquino Avenu, Parañaque City (632) 851-9631 / 851-9645

Budget Rent A Car Manila 5/F Suite 503 La Paz Centre Building Salcedo Street cor. V.A Rufino St., Legaspi Village, 1229 Makati City www.budget.com.ph Gemini Transport Services Inc. 433 B Francisco Street New Zaniga, Mandaluyong (632) 531-1439 www.geminitransport.com Viajero Rent A Car Philippines 401-B, 4F RCI Building 105 Rada St., Legazpi Village, Makati City (632) 546-6742 / 836-7997 Basic Taxi (Radio Call) Lot 4 Market Avenue Basic Compound, Pasig City (632) 374-7505 / (632) 643-7777 Manila Car Rental of The Philippines P. Burgos Elementary School, Altura, Manila (0917) 945-9523 manilacarrental. wordpress.com National Car Rental Philippines 5032 P. Burgos Street 1200 Makati City (632) 897-9023 / 890-3252 www.nationalcarph.ukf.net www.nationalcar.com/fleet. do?countryId=PH

Malaysian Airlines 23rd Level, LKG Tower, Ayala Ave. Salcedo Village, Makati City Nissan Rent A Car (632) 887-3215 / 889-2347 2317 Aurora Boulevard 843-6674 (formerly Tramo), Pasay City (632) 854-7099 / 854-8331 Singapore Airlines 854-6941 33F LKG Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave. (632) 852-6599 1226 Makati City nissanreservation@ (632) 756-8888 nissanrentacar.com www.nissanrentacar.com United Airlines 10F Rufino Building, Ayala Ave. Safari Rent A Car Philippines cor. Rufino Street, Makati City (Makati Station) (632) 884-8272 1839 Eureka Street La Paz Village, Makati City Vietnam Airlines (632) 890-7851 / 890-3606 GF Colonnade Residence Bldg. 899-2942 / 896-5927 / 896-4196 132 Palanca cor. Legaspi St., (0922) 890-3006 Legaspi Vill., Makati City. (632) 899-2304 (632) 810-3406 / 810-3653 info@safarirentacarinc.com 893-2083 www.safarirentacarinc.com (632) 812-2743 (Sta. Rosa, Laguna Station) Unit 23A, 2F Paseo 3 South African Airways Paseo de Sta. Rosa Complex 21F Tower 2, The Enterprise Ctr. Sta. Rosa, Laguna 6766 Ayala Ave., Makati City (632) 994-9227 (Manila Direct) (632) 884-8129 to 30 (049) 541-1958 (632) 884-8224/27 (049) 541-1959 0915-6215797 Swissair (Calamba, Laguna Station) GF Zuellig Building, 15 Regalena Building Malugay St., Makati City 9049 National Highway 818-8351 / 818-8521 Baranggay Turbina 815-3350 Calamba, Laguna (632) 359-4924 (Manila Direct) Lufthansa (German Airlines) (049) 545-2588 Legaspi Parkview Condominium (049) 545-9675 134 Legaspi Street 0915-6861433 Legaspi Vill., Makati City (Cavite Station) (632) 810-4596 36 Governors Drive (632) 812-9463 Baranggay Manggahan Gen. Trias, Cavite (632) 330-9065 (046) 402-0394 CAR RENTAL (046) 509-2076 AND TAXI SERVICES 0915-6269465 Philippine Car Rental, Manila 52 Libertad Street, Mandaluyong City (632) 718-4064 www.carrentalmanila.com 24/7 Taxi Services (632) 640-2318 / 642-3525 Avis Philippines (632) 584-2463 / 584-2464 reservations@avis.com.ph www.avis.com.ph

karen.santos@aboextravel.com Aerospeed karen_aboextravel@yahoo.com (632) 652-3346 www.manilarentacar.com/ index.ph Allied Car Charter www.aboextravel.com 9687 Pililla cor. D. Oleman St. J.P. Rizal Santiago Village Sunshine Transportation 1201 Makati City and Car Rentals (632) 897-5658 Nayong Pilipino Complex (632) 897-5658 1301 Pasay City (632) 832-8738 Aries Rent-A-Car (632) 832-8736 77 Harvard, 1100 Quezon City (632) 912-4287 Black & White Car and Limousine Hire Auto Speed 411 A. Flores Street Transport Services Ermita, Manila Auro Vir Plaza Building (632) 523-8541 1695 Evangelista cor. Lacuna St. bookings@swaggy.com 1200 Makati City www.swaggy.com/r (632) 811-3992 / 837-3201 ent-a-car.ph 843-3461 / 843-4505 / 843-6540 Dollar Taxi (632) 927-8718 / 921-2383 www.dollar.com Global One Taxi (632) 480-9144 (0927) 771-2034 MGE Taxi (Radio Call) (632) 364-8260 / 363-6096 Reno Taxi (632) 931-3272 / 931-2681 Filcar Transport Rent a Car 1092 Chino Roces Ave. Brgy. Tejeros, Makati City (Makati Office) P27 Yulo Plaza Townhomes 226 Don Bosco cor. Pasong Tamo, Makati City (632) 897-3011 / 817-8346 994-7481 (632) 843-3530 info@filcartransport.com www.filcartransport.com Transroad Rent A Car (0919) 243-4392 (within Manila) (0919) 243-4392 (Within the Philippines but out of Manila) 011-63-91-9243-4392 (USA direct) 0063-91-9243-4392 (Most other countries) www.transroad.ukf.net Tai Taxi (Radio Call) (632) 772-2715 Trends Taxi (Radio Call) (632) 822-9345 / 823-8951 Xavier Taxi (Radio Call) (632) 788-0204 / 826-1769 JB Rent A Car Midland Plaza Hotel Adriatico St., Manila (632) 526-6288 www.jbrentacar.com KEI Transport GF Palm Plaza Hotel Pedro Gil Street cor. M. Adriatico St., Manila (632) 524-6834 A and M Car Service 1201 MCS Tower 2154 Pasong Tamo St. Bangkal, Makati City (632) 809-971 / 813-3810

Rent A Car Manila Ortigas Extension Sta. Lucia, Pasig City Telephone Number (632) 656-5798 info@rentacarmanila.com www.rentacarmanila.com

Ace Car Rental 3839 General Macabulos Estella St. cor. South Super Highway, Makati City (632) 889-0180 / 889-0181 889-0187 (632) 889-0187 / 889-1756 acecar@info.com.ph

ManilaRentACar (632) 246-1508 / 246-1518 (Manila Lines) (6377) 722-6491 / 632-0396 (Local Lines) (0917) 570-0279

Advantage Discount Car Rental Intercontinental Hotel Ayala Ave., 1200 Makati City (632) 815-8316 (632) 813-7505

AutoWorld Rent A Car and Co. 1782 Nicanor Garcia 1200 Makati City (632) 896-8325

JAM Transit Taft Avenue, Pasay City New York St., Cubao, Q.C. Batangas / Quezon / Laguna (632) 541-4409 / 924-7712 831-4390 Maria de Leon Transit Dapitan cor. Gelinos St., Sampaloc, Manila. San Fernando City, La Union Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (632) 731-4907. Partas Transportation Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Q.C. Baguio City, Benguet Bangued City, Abra Laoag City, Ilocos Norte San Fernando City, La Union Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (632) 725-7303 / 724-9820

Philippine Rabbit Edsa, Quezon City Bangued City, Abra Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Avalon Rent-A-Car San Fernando City, La Union 2965 Kakarong St., 1200 Makati City (632) 890-8667 / 890 8668 Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (632) 890 8668 Tarlac avalon@fatinet.org (632) 734-9836 / 734-9838 G & S Travel and Tours 11 San Buena Bldg. 2 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City (632) 634-1178 / 636-0895 633-2407 (632) 634-1799 gnstrave@guevent.com

BUS COMPANIES Alps, The Bus Incorporated Iloilo to Cubao Batangas / Alabang / Iloilo Lipa / Cubao / Kamias Capiz / Antique (643) 723-9033 (0917) 504-6042 Baliwag Transit Rizal Ave., Ext., Caloocan City Edsa, Cubao, Q.C. Bulacan / Cabanatuan / Aparri Tuguegarao / Tarlac (632) 364-0860 / 363-4478 0912-3343 / 0912-3349 Dagupan Bus Lines New York St., Cubao, Q.C. Dagupan, Alaminos, Lingayen, Pangasinan / Baguio City (632) 727-2330 / 929-6123 928-5639 / 727-2330 / 727-2287 Dangwa Tranco Company Dimasalang Street Sampaloc, Manila / Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Q.C. Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region (632) 731-2879 / 410-1991 Dominion Transit New York St., Cubao, Q.C. Abra / La Union / Ilocos Sur (632) 741-4146 / 731-4180 Fariñas Transit Company Laong Laan cor. M. dela Fuente St., Sampaloc, Manila Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (632) 731-4507 / (632) 731-4375 743-8580 DLTB Malibay, Pasay City (632) 855-8040 / 855-8071 484-7449 Five Star Bus Company (First North Luzon and Bataan Transit) Aurora Boulevard, Pasay City Dagupan and Bolinao, Pangasinan / Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija (632) 833-8339 / 833-3009

Philtranco Edsa, Pasay City Daet, Camarines Norte Legaspi City, Albay Lucena City, Quezon Naga City, Camarines Sur Sorsogon / Also travels via ferry to Samar, Leyte and Davao City (632) 851-8077 / 851-8078 851-8079 Victory Liner Edsa, Pasay City Edsa, Cubao, Q.C. Rizal Ave., Ext., Caloocan City Olongapo and Iba, Zambales Tarlac, San Fernando City, La Union / Baguio City Benguet / Alaminos, Bolinao and Dagupan City, Pangasinan Tuguegarao and Aparri towns, Cagayan (632) 833-0293 / 833-5019 361-4665/1510/1506 / 741-1439

SHIPPING AND FERRIES WG&A Philippines 12F, Times Plaza Building U.N. cor. Taft Avenue 1000 Manila (632) 528-7979 Sulpicio Lines Inc. (Manila Office) 415 San Fernando St., Binondo, Manila (632) 241-9701 to 07 241-9801 to 05 (Cebu Office) Don Sulpicio Go Building Sulpicio Go Street Reclamation Area Cebu City (632) 232-5361 to 80 (Manila Terminal Office) Pier 12, North Harbor Tondo, Manila (632) 245-0616 to 30 El Greco Jet Ferries Inc. 70 Sgt. E. A. Esguerra Ave. 1107 Quezon City (632) 929-7052 to 54 (632) 921-3354 Negros Navigation Pier 2, North Harbor Tondo, Manila (632) 245-5588 (632) 245-0780 Cebu Ferry Corporation Pier 4 North Reclamation Area Cebu City (6332) 232-4229

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015

partingshot

The female banig weavers of Basey in Samar province proudly display their entrepreneurial spirit in making their famous "banig" while under the comfort and coolness of the natural rock formations inside the Saub Cave. These good-spirited women opt to preserve tradition by working on colorful banigs with their own hands, free from the deceptive conveniences of modernity and technology. " B a n i g ," p h o t o g r a p h y b y R e n j i e To l e n t i n o

EXPER IENCE TR AV EL A ND LI V ING // Vol. 2 No. 1 // 2015