Experience Travel and Living Vol. 6 No. 4 by Experience Travel and Living

CONTENTS

Travel Features Explore 18 Take a cursory look at the mystic island of Siquijor

56 72

Experience 22 The wonders of Ilocos Norte are unfolded 40 Take a beautiful glimpse of Australia 42 Get an introduction to Guangzhou, China Escape 47 Plantation Bay Resort and Spa 50 The Palms of Boracay 52 Tanawin Luxury Apartments 54 Boracay Hills 56 Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel and Restaurant 58 Portofino Beach Resort 60 Oceana Beach Resort and Spa 62 Club Mabuhay Resort 64 La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center

Other Departments

Lifestyle 68 The Point Residences at Thunderbird Poro Point Shopping 72 Shopping for antiques in Vigan Arts and Culture 78 Dayaw: Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration 84 The second Ubod New Authors Series 90 A review of The Cebu We Know by J.I.E. Teodoro Wellness 92 The spa at Abe’s Farm in Pampanga

Dining 94 French and Asian cuisines at the El Galleon Dive Resort and Hotel 96 The best of LJC restaurants at Lorenzo’s Way Encounter 98 Deni Rose Afinidad meets up with Marriott general manager Richard Saul

Regular Sections

ABOUT THE COVER: The rock formations of Kapurpurawan in the town of Burgos is one of the interesting sites in Ilocos Norte. PHOTO BY DONALD TAPAN.

8 Editor’s Note 12 Contributors 14 Postings 74 Travel Directory 78 Travel Calendar

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

TERRAZAS DE PUNTA FUEGO, NASUGBU, BATANGAS

MONTELAGO NATURE ESTATES, SAN PABLO, LAGUNA

THE VILLAGE STORE AT LEISURE FARMS, LEMERY, BATANGAS

TRIBECA PRIVATE RESIDENCES, SUCAT, MUNTINLUPA

Landco Pacific Corporation: THE RIDGE IN TERRAZAS DE PUNTA FUEGO, NASUGBU, BATANGAS

PLAYA AZALEA, SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO

WOODGROVE PARK, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LEISURE P

remier real estate developer Landco Pacific Corporation marks another milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary—two decades of first-class “Life at your Leisure” devel-opments. For 20 years, Landco has consistently pioneered innovative concepts in leisure development beginning with Peninsula de Punta Fuego, followed by Terrazas de Punta Fuego and Amara en Terrazas, high-end exclusive seaside residential resort developments with world-class amenities. Landco is also the first to introduce a hobby farming community by integrating residential resort features with high-value modern farming with its Leisure Farms development located in Lemery, Batangas. This was followed by Ponderosa Leisure Farms in Silang, Cavite, a Spanish-Mexican themed flower garden community. Adding to Landco’s impressive roster are its leisure tourism development projects: Playa Calatagan and Playa Laiya in Batangas, Playa Azalea in Davao, and Hacienda Escudero that straddles Laguna and Quezon. The Playa series combines the quality of residential resorts like Punta Fuego with the concept of a leisure tourism destination. “Life at your Leisure” is the essence of every Landco product, and can be felt and experi-enced even in their urban communities Tribeca Private Residences in Sucat, Muntinlupa and hometown communities, Landco’s signature blue-label primary homes in the provinces located in Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Zamboanga City. As the purveyor of leisure living experiences, Landco is committed to consistently cre-ate innovative and outstanding lifestyle products that revolutionize the way people live. Landco’s premier developments include: (Leisure Communities) Peninsula de Punta Fuego, Terrazas de Punta Fuego, Amara en Terrazas, Playa Calatagan, Playa Laiya, Playa Azalea, Leisure Farms, Ponderosa Leisure Farms, and Hacienda Escudero; (Urban Communities) TRIbeca Private Residences, Stonecrest; and (Hometown Communities) WoodGrove Park, Waterwood Park, MonteLago Nature Estates, Woodside Garden Vil-lage, and The Courtyard at Lakewood Golf Estates and Woodridge Garden Village.

THE BEACH CLUB, PLAYA CALATAGAN, BATANGAS

PENINSULA DE PUNTA FUEGO, NASUGBU, BATANGAS

For more information, please call (632) 836-5000 or visit www.landco.ph

PLAYA LAIYA, SAN JUAN, BATANGAS

EL REFUGIO GARDEN AT PONDEROSA LEISURE FARMS, SILANG, CAVITE

HACIENDA ESCUDERO, TIAONG, QUEZON

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Publisher’s Note Dear readers, Today, one of life’s advantages is also one of its challenges— the increase of number of choices we face everyday. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by a multitude of options in every aspect. Everyday, we come across different challenges that somehow inspire us to be better in what we do. There are many travel magazines in the market today, and it makes the industry vibrant and lively. I myself believe in “healthy competition.” That is why I am so glad and lucky to be in this industry. There is no shortage. Each one of us in the industry has different views and ways of doing things, yet we all aim for one thing— to be the best reading material for our readers. I always believe that more is merrier and that each of us has a place in the industry. Now, as this year ends, we are very hopeful for and anticipating a good year ahead of us. Watch out for us as we switch gears, heading to a more exciting year ahead! We hope you, dear readers, will choose to ride with us as we travel to more places next year. Meanwhile, let me greet all of you: Feliz Navidad a todos! Podemos todos tenemos un pacífico y próspero año nuevo por delante! Dios bendiga a todos nosotros.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE

Editor’s Note One night, I was attending the launch of a new Philippine tourism campaign,“Pilipinas, Kay Ganda” (Philippines, how beautiful), deeming it too uninspired, unimaginative, then before I could really form a valid opinion and put it in writing, Tourism Undersecretary Vicente Romano, the one responsible for the campaign, announced his resignation. I was surprised how quick the controversy flared up and resolved. There were allegations of overspending. Stockholders were not consulted for the campaign, which almost everyone thought as unimaginative. This is delightful—lack of imagination as a grave offense. There is an appalling proliferation of unimaginative ideas and projects in this country. Romano did not totally admit to lack of imagination, and he said that they did not overspend. He admitted though that there were no consultations. He also said that the campaign was formulated and launched hurriedly. He said he wants to effect change quickly. But the eight-year-old campaign Wow Philippines is a very effective and catchy one. Except for age, I don’t see reason for change except, of course, if there is a more effective and impactful campaign and slogan. Otherwise, we can refurbish the good ol’ one or hype it up more. Anyway, many have been said and done, and quickly too. Romano said the campaign is a work in progress. It sounds like an excuse. The whole country actually is a work in progress. Now, on a personal note, this year has been a rocky one for me. I think this time is the most difficult I ever had with problems from almost all sides. It made me older. I am still on the journey with Bob, who is turning out to be my greatest love as well as my greatest pain—an inner journey, a most difficult one. It has been ten months now. I have to deal with insensitivity, lack of consideration, dubious profession of love, etc. Then, there are clashes. He is happy cooped up in some dingy beer house, drinking and discussing office goings-on. He sought it. It’s like he grew up in it. A ballet or orchestra performance we planned to attend would be quickly disregarded if a spur-of-the-moment invitation to drink comes his way. Always, I would concede, the heart heavy. Sometimes, I join. Sometimes I would wait outside, even for several hours. Almost all the time without being shown consideration or concern. But I did not leave him. I am okay with drinking but only occasionally. Many times, this is in order to get stories and observe people for my writing, for my art. But I don’t want to be cooped up for long. I’d rather be in the open, with the sky, mountain, sea, desert, animals, trees, buildings. Beer is okay, more so if it facilitates talk about philosophy, art, life, etc. to spark creativity, creativity to make art, art to inspire, uplift and provoke people. If they get high on alcohol, I get high on knowledge, ideas, beauty, learning, goodness, travel. I’d rather be out there slaying dragons, conquering and knowing worlds, exploring caverns. But I have to compromise now. And I’ve compromised a lot, moving my world to be with and for him. Someday, I hope Bob embarks on the journey with me; I want to lay down the world for him and introduce him to a different kind of intoxication. It may be a long and arduous journey, I know. I hope I have the patience, and I hope he does, too. I have the love, so great, and I hope he does, too. This is a loving and difficult work in progress. And now, on this issue of the magazine, it is also a journey. All magazines are. So, this makes this a journey of journeys. But this is still a work in progress. Meanwhile, enjoy the features on Ilocos Norte, Siquijor, Australia, China, Boracay, etc. as well as the featured items in dining, arts and culture, wellness, etc. I fervently hope the next year will be a very good one. I hope everyone will have an enriching journey.

Roel (from top) at the Cape Santiago Lighthouse in Calatagan, Batangas; Miag-ao Church in Iloilo; Jeju Island, South Korea; and with Bob Jerezo at the San Fernando Airport in La Union.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Roel Hoang Manipon Editor in Chief

Volume 6, Number 4, 2010

ADMINISTRATIVE

EDITORIAL

CELESTINO D. UNTAL JR.

ROEL HOANG MANIPON

Chairman

Editor-in-Chief

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RUZIELL STO. TOMAS

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Fe Marcelino has a penchant for travel and adventure, and loves the beach and exploring “unknown” islands. An accountant by profession, she started photography as a hobby but decided to pursue it as a career by taking intensive lessons. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged travel photographer. A chronicler and a constant voyager, Agnes Marie G. Abrau is a freelance writer for various publications after serving as editor in Expat Philippines and as a senior writer/ journalist in a publication abroad for years. She has toured around the country and some cities in Asia, and she believes that the constant hum and buzz around her and even all that is humdrum are enough to make the world exciting in the eyes of a journalist.

Following her personal mantra “I make time for what I want,” Karla Rey puts travel on top of her must-do list. Aside from constantly exploring the country’s provinces near and far as if it were just a trip to a convenience store, trips to Asian grounds such as Brunei, Cambodia and Vietnam, just to name a few, has widened her already-extensive understanding of different cultures, leaving her craving for future journeys with intensity. Karla also has a fervent affair with books, photography, films, design and architecture, not to mention good stories. And with such desire to explore and learn, she is anything but conventional.

Gege Sugue dines, wines, reads, blogs, travels, snaps photos and lives to write about it. A part-time teacher and freelance corporate trainer, she dreams of becoming a full-time lady of leisure. Her most memorable dining experiences include a Japanese dinner in a 100-year old house on a mountain in the Hiroshima Prefecture and tasting the sweetest fish sashimi so fresh its heart was still beating in Hanoi. Her bucket list includes bungee jumping, visiting the Museo del Prado, sampling the street food stalls of Marrakech and becoming a size six again.

Teddy Pelaez has a big appetite for action and a bigger appetite for food. He was formerly with the BusinessWorld and worked for Panfilo “Ping” Lacson during the presidential election. Now as a freelance photographer, he wants to concentrate on travel photography.

Deni

Rose Afinidad is a beach party hopper. Even though she’s usually afraid to fly or of the open water, she’s a big fan of backpacking, diving and extreme sports. Her other sources of adrenaline rush are writing for The Daily Tribune and studying patternmaking and fashion construction at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School. Whenever she’s with McQueen or her sewing machine, she feels like a rock star would with his guitar. 12

J.I.E. Teodoro is an assistant professor of Filipino in the College of Arts and Sciences of Miriam College in Quezon City. He has won several Palanca awards and a National Book Award from the Manila Critics Circle for his writings. He hails from a village by the sea in Panay Island but is currently living in Pasig City. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree from the De La Salle University in Manila.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

A son of Agdangan, Quezon, Donald Cajayon Tapan’s passion with photography started when journalists from Manila flocked to his small town. He was awed by and fascinated with their fancy cameras. In1968, he made his way to Manila and started showing the city works. He got affiliated with Times Week, Mabuhay, Metro and Mod Filipina. Later, he became chief photographer of The Daily Tribune and The Daily Globe. He has won several awards such as first prize in the Pope John Paul National Photo Contest in 1982 and in the contests of the National Press Club and the Department of Tourism. In the 1980s he delved into fine art photography. In 1991, he flew to New York for his one-man exhibit at the Philippine Center. The following year, he was hired by a well-known advertising agency in Saudi Arabia for a coffee-table book. After almost 20 years of photography, he set up CEO Photography and Designs with big clients, recently providing photography for the coffee-table books Abaca and Coconut. Aside from that, Tapan has been in public service in his hometown for almost 10 years as a councilor and vice-mayor. He says that his legacy is “not only seen as framed photographs in lobbies of hotels and exhibition halls” but instead it “will stay, breathing and alive amongst his children, amongst his students, they who have been impassioned by a man with a dangling camera on his neck.”

POSTING

SHOP | Sports and Street Fashion in Store UrbanAthletics (UA) has recently opened its doors to young people who are defined by street culture and into the sporty fashion styles. The new sports lifestyle store is located at the second level of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, carrying 70 percent apparel and 30 percent accessories and gears with brands such as Vans, Converse, Zoo York, DC, Nike Sportswear, Marc Ecko, Adidas Originals, Tretorn, Manhattan Portage, Sebago, Lonsdale, K-Swiss, Heyday, New Balance and Zuriick. “Across the world new fashions and brands are breaking out,” says UA vice president for operations Toby Claudio. “We also saw how sportswear evolved into street wear, and vice versa. This phenomenon led us to bring together elements from music, skateboarding, parkour, street culture and everything in between to allow every urban hipster to find his or her style. With the wide range of sneakers, apparel and accessories in UA, anyone can make a statement on the streets.” With the coming of urbanAthletics into the sports lifestyle arena, urban street fashion will not be the same again as UA brings with it “a cutting-edge sensibility that infuses attitude with style” and combines the influences of traditional, heritage and street sports with urban fashion. For more information, log on to www.urbanathletics.com.ph.

SAVOR | Giving Back to You This Christmas When the rest of the world is caught up in the holiday rush to buy gifts, and the world is breathless with anticipation, we often forget to buy a present for someone very important: ourselves. And what better present to yourself than something luxurious, something that becomes a delectably indulgent memory? Sit down to a grade-eight Wagyu beef tenderloin foie gras served with red wine and cranberry sauce at Melo’s and remember what it’s like to simply revel in the flavors and textures of great food. Treat yourself to this decadent dish and to Melo’s famous Angus and Wagyu beef this season at their Alabang (771-2288 and 771-3945), Makati (899-2456 and 8999403), Fort Bonifacio (403-5968 and 4035969) and Quezon City (924-9194 and 9249168) locations.

BRING | Girls’ Other Bestfriend You’re about to have your monthly period but you’re traveling. There is a solution. With lifestyle changes, modifications 14

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

in your diet and use of evening primrose oil, some symptoms may be relieved. Exercising regularly, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine may reduce the different physical and emotional symptoms that come with the monthly period. Women experiencing PMS also crave more food with high fat and sugar. Reducing intake of salty food and having more fruits and vegetables can be very beneficial Inclusion of evening primrose oil is likewise helpful. Evening primrose oil has contents that help counteract the effects of premenstrual syndrome like breast pain, bloating, depression and cramps. Aside from relieving symptoms of pre-menstrual tension, it can also help in menopausal discomforts. The oil comes from the seeds of evening primrose, also known as lady primrose, and contains an essential fatty acid called GLA or gamma linoleic acid. Dr. Smith’s Evening Primrose Oil capsules are an exceptionally rich and convenient source of GLA and LA or linoleic acid. Dr. Smith’s Evening Primrose Oil is available in more than 500 outlets in Metro Manila, which include Manson Drug, Landmark Supermarket, Puregold, Waltermart and all Ministop stores. For information, log on to www.lmeyerf.com.

CALL | Hotlines for Depressed OFWs in Hong Kong and Their Family Members Realizing the need to reach out to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong and their family members who may be suffering from depression or other related illnesses, telecommunications company Globe and Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness about depression, have joined hands to provide dedicated telephone lines which may be used to counsel affected individuals during difficult times. Through the hotlines, volunteers from NGF, will be able to help empower those suffering from depression with resources that can open new doors in their journey to self-discovery and well-being. At the same time, family and friends of people afflicted by depression would be given advice on how to understand the illness and provide constructive support. The hotlines set up by Globe are 0917-5584673 (HOPE) with Duo number 211-45502, to be handled by In Touch Community Services (ITCS); and 0917-5724673 (HOPE) with Duo number 211-1305, 09178424673 (HOPE) to be operated by Ugat Foundation. The other number, 0917-8524673 (HOPE), will be manned by NGF. ITCS and Ugat Foundation are both partners of NGF.

WEAR | A Unique Footwear Style for Every Filipino to Join the Band Crocs and Collezione C2 have teamed up to offer an unparalleled and unique design both distinctly Pinoy and distinctly Crocs. My Pilipinas Crocband debuted recently as part of the fall/holiday 2010 collection. Designed by acclaimed fashion designer Rhett Eala, the limited edition My Pilipinas Crocband is designed to intensify national pride in each Filipino, with a dash of fun and loaded with functionality. “It’s an important collaboration in terms of carrying

the ‘fashionalism’ movement forward,” said Rhett Eala, Collezione-C2 creative director and the man behind the Map shirts that influenced the resurgence of Pinoy pride. “We are happy that a global brand like Crocs saw it fit to team up with our label to create an innovative product that speaks so distinctively of our country.” Inspired by Pinoys’ strong patriotism, community spirit and fun-loving nature, My Pilipinas Crocband exemplifies these traits in a uniquely Filipino pair.

VIEW | Art to Cap the Year The BenCab Museum caps the year with “RE:VIEW 2010,” a group exhibition of 38 artists, including young emerging painters and established artists, working in diverse styles from figurative to nonfigurative, and showing a wide range of subject matter and techniques. Participating artists are Leonardo Aguinaldo, Virgilio Aviado, Augusto Albor, Max Balatbat, Welbart Bartolome, BenCab, Elmer Borlongan, Froilan Calayag, Joey Cobcobo, Charlie Co, Marina Cruz, Melvin Culaba, Don Dalmacio, Antipas Delotavo, Abigail Dionisio, Alfredo Esquillo, Emmanuel R. Garibay, Kawayan de Guia, Raul Isidro, Mark Justiniani, Winner Jumalon, Lao-lianben, Arturo Luz, Joy Mallari, Jordan MangOsan, Justin Nuyda, Jonathan Olazo, Camille de la Rosa, John Frank Sabado, Popo San Pascual, Aman Santos, Soler Santos, stevesantos, Dexter Sy, Rodel Tapaya, Roger “Rishab” Tibon, Tatong Torres and Phyllis Zaballero. “RE:VIEW 2010” will be on view until January 15, 2011 at the BenCab Museum’s Gallery Indigo. The BenCab Museum is on Kilometer 6, Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio, and is open daily except Mondays, from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. For more details, call telephone number (+63 74) 442-7165, email bencabartfoundation@gmail.com, or visit www.bencabmuseum.org.

LISTEN | CCP Outreach’s Commemorative CD The Cultural Center of the Philippines, through its Outreach and Exchange Division, launches Lakbay Himig, a commemorative double CD which features the musical geniuses and creation of outstanding Filipino artists who have been part of the CCP Outreach Programs from 1979 to 2009. Lakbay Himig is a musical journey celebrating the thirty

years of the CCP Outreach and Exchange Program, which highlights one of its most successful programs, Touring Program or Lakbay Sining. “With this first ever music compilation, we hope to further promote the excellence of the Filipino artists and original creative works to major arts and cultural communities and organizations in the country and around the world,” says Chinggay Jasareno-Bernardo, director of the CCP Outreach and Exchange Division. Some of the country’s outstanding performing artists who are featured in the CD are Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Bo Cerrudo, Bayang Barrios, Grace Nono, Raul Sunico, Antonio Maigue, Joey Ayala, Joseph Esmilla, Josephine Roces, Mariel Ilusorio, Gilopez and Corazon Kabayao, Lester Demetillo, Michael Dadap, Lourdes De Leon Gregorio, Nolyn Cabahug, Rachelle Gerodias, Jonathan Zaens, Lisa Cabahug, Loboc Children’s Choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Las Piñas Boys Choir, Marikina Rondalla, Samaon Sulaiman, Nanette Moscardon, Marikina Rondalla, Kit Viguilla, Waway Saway, Mangkas Drumbeaters, Patatag, the PPO and Three of a Kind. The double CD goes with a booklet that provides information about the artists and insights about the tours they had with the CCP Outreach. Concert pianist and arts administrator Della Gamboa Besa is the writer of the booklet, and sound engineering of the CDs was done by Gerardo Corpus. The CCP Outreach Program was organized in 1979 to cater to the growing demands to push forth the known frontiers of Filipino culture towards a better appreciation and enhancement of the performing arts beyond the confines of the CCP Complex. To date, the program has implemented countless performances, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, conferences, fora and other forms of artistic productions and cultural exchanges for millions of audiences and communities nationwide and abroad. For inquiries, call the CCP Outreach and Exchange Division at (+63 2) 832-1125 local 1708 to 1710.

READ | Love, Revolt and Joi Barrios Award-winning feminist poet Joi Barrios just launched her third poetry collection entitled Bulaklak sa Tubig: Mga Tula ng Pag-ibig at Himagsik (Flowers in Water: Poems on Love and Revolt). Published by Anvil Publishing Inc., the new book contains Barrios’s latest poems written in Filipino, with accompanying English translation by Mark Pangilinan, also a poet and translator pursuing his doctorate degree at the University of California, Irvine. Stony Brook University’s Nerissa S. Balce said, “Joi Barrios’s metaphors, images and words attempt to capture the impossible—‘bare life’ as a Filipino condition. In her lush Tagalog verse, we encounter hopeful lovers, murdered farm workers, grieving mothers of missing activists, Jose Rizal’s radical but lesser-known sister, and countless Filipino immigrants.” She added: “There is love and loss, brutality and beauty, history and memory in her elegant poems that beg to be read in both languages.” Barrios teaches Filipino and Philippine literature at the University of California, Berkeley. A recipient of the TOWNS award (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) in 2004, she has won the Palanca Awards Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

and continues to be a strong presence in the literary world through her plays and her recent publications.

TRY | Tallest Bridge Can Be Tourist Draw Filipino extreme sports lovers need not go abroad to experience a jaw-dropping and nerve-wracking bungee jump. The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) has brought this famous extreme sport in the country. In building the country’s highest bridge in Southern Leyte, the DPWH has made it possible for extreme sports aficionados to jump thirty stories down from the ninety-meter high from the Agas-Agas Bridge. Agas-Agas Bridge is now the Philippines’ newest tourist attraction, specifically for brave souls who are into bungee-jumping as well as paramotor gliding, downhill skateboarding and zipline rapelling. Seeing Agas-Agas Bridge’s tourism potential, then Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. submitted to the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo a plan to turn the Php1,024,000 billion bridge into a haven for sports enthusiasts. President Arroyo inaugurated the newest annd tallest bridge in the Philippines on August 9, 2009, with a plan of promoting transportation, environment, tourism and sports all in one mega-structure. Arroyo has ordered that a bungee jumping platform to be constructed along the bridge and as well as other tourists amenities. This bridge is by far the tallest pier or column that the DPWH has constructed. It involves the construction of a 350 linear meter bridge, with a mix of steel and concrete, supported by two piers from the ground and has a height of 292 feet above ground.

CELEBRATE | Christmas at the Heritage Hotel Manila Eddie Yeo, general manager of Heritage Hotel, toasted to the unveiling of the hotel’s unique 18-feet tall galleon, a festive fantasyland for children, as well as the wishing well, a fund-raising mechanism for the orphans of Asilo de San Vicente de Paul (ASVP). “Christmas is a time for children. Aside from providing an avenue for reliving and creating newfound childhood memories at the flamboyantly decorated Yuletide wharf highlighting the Yuletide galleon at the Heritage Hotel, we encourage everyone to share their blessings to the less fortunate children through donations at the wishing well…We have chosen the Asilo de San Vicente de Paul as a beneficiary of our fund-raising drive to reach out to orphans and street children in Manila and Pasay area. We hope that through our fund-raiser, we would be able to make the Holiday season a little better for them,” noted Romina Gervacio, marketing communications manager of Heritage Hotel. The Yuletide adventure of pirates and fairies will be on display at the Heritage Hotel until January 2, 2011. Make the holidays a special for the young ones in the pirates and fairies costume party on December 11, 2010, at the Riviera Cafe. For holiday party packages at the Riviera Café in the months of November and December, a minimum party of twenty children (ages four to twelve) can avail of PhP700 net per person inclusive of regular buffet spread, regular drink and free buffet for two adults. Enjoy stress-free gatherings and reunions with a special rate of PhP500 net per person for minimum of 16

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

twenty persons in a high tea party inclusive of one round of iced tea. For a lavish feast in an international lunch/dinner buffet party, a minimum of twenty adult persons can avail of fifteen percent discount with one round of regular drinks except on December 11 and December 31, 2010. A treasure chest of house classic treats such as Heritage gingerbread, stolen bread, chocolate Yule log, fruitcake, cinnamon hearts, nutty banana cake, Basler Brunsli, creamy chocolate Santa with big bag and chocolate bell as well as pre-orders of roast turkey and holiday ham are brandished profusely at the 18-feet tall pirates galleon docked at the at the Heritage Hotel lobby. Cap the festivities with the excitement of the New Year’s Eve countdown party at the Riviera Café on December 31, 2010, 7 P.M. onwards. For inquiries and dining reservations, call (+63 2) 854-8888 or e-mail foodbev@heritagehotelmanila.com.

STAY | Carlson Continues Thailand Expansion Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, announced the expansion of its Thailand portfolio with the opening of the 150-room upscale Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel. “Carlson is establishing a strong footprint in Thailand with four hotels in operation and another two hotels scheduled to open by the end of next year,” said Jean-Marc Busato, managing director, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.“With the opening of the Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel, I am pleased that we are bringing the vibrant, contemporary and engaging Radisson brand to the city center of Bangkok.” The Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a contemporary stay for business and leisure travelers. All 150 guest rooms showcase stylish interiors with a touch of Thai design flair, and ceiling to floor windows. The rooms also offer online entertainment and a state-of-the-art wireless multi-media system. Guests can enjoy the extensive recreational facilities located on the hotel roof top, including an outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a fullyequipped fitness center. The hotel also features meeting and banquet space for small to medium size events, and a business center. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary high speed Internet access in all public areas and guest rooms. The hotel has several distinctive dining options, including Mauve, an all-day restaurant serving Asian and European cuisine in a contemporary setting; Aromas, a bakeshop and deli: and Asqu Lounge and Bar, a chic setting ideal for drinks and entertainment. The twin tower Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit is located on Sukhumvit Soi (Street) 13 in central Bangkok city. It is well connected through the nearby Nana and Asoke Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Sky Trains and the Sukhumvit Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. The hotel is only two kilometres to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. For more information or bookings, visit http://www. radisson.com/ bangkokth_ sukhumvit or http://www. radisson.com/ customerservice/contactus. do.

Festive Season at the Marriott Hotel Manila your loved ones to an exquisite experience and set the mood for holiday indulgence.

FESTIVE FLAVORS

Spread the love in sweet forms and shapes with a collection of cookies, Yuletide cakes, gift hampers and vouchers. Visit Java+ and be mesmerized by the different array of delicious delights.

CREATE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS FEAST

Heed tradition and add a personal touch to your own Holiday gathering. Choose from the list of chef’s recommendations for a hassle-free event and party. Throngs of joy and strings of magical excitement come alive as Marriott Hotel Manila launches thrilling promos and activities to celebrate the festive season.

MAGICAL SOLACE

Jingle around the clock and have the most magical Christmas of all. Indulge in a pampering experience with Christmas and New Year room packages. From December 20 to 29, 2010, one can avail of a deluxe room accommodation with breakfast for two at the Marriott Café and a Christmas hamper upon arrival for USD165++ (single/double). Guests though must stay for a minimum of two nights. From December 30, 2010 to January 2, 2011, guests can avail of two-night stay in a deluxe room with daily breakfast for two at the Marriott Café and two tickets to the New Year’s event at the Grand Ballroom on December 31 featuring entertainment by Spirit of ’67 band, inclusive of buffet dinner, for USD450++.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR AT MARRIOTT CAFÉ

To complete the revelry, nothing beats a Christmas table laden with delicious holiday specialties. Have the most-awaited family Christmas gathering over a brunch buffet at Marriott Café and take pleasure with polenta al romana, red crab in sambal chili sauce, wokfried rice with barbeque eel and bean curd with Shanghai brassica and oyster sauce. There are also the Filipino lechon, Indian spices, Japanese sushi, grill and pasta al gusto, and a delightful spread of desserts. While everyone is digging in the pleasurable meal, kids are set to enjoy an interactive day of games, face painting and activities from December 24 to 26, 2010.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR AT THE CRU STEAKHOUSE Take pleasure in this rare offer as Cru Steakhouse is open for lunch on both Christmas and New Year’s Day. Feast on steak and treat

GIVE THE GIFT OF SHELTER

Marriott Hotel Manila supports Habitat for Humanity in building decent place to live. Join them and share the joy of giving. Own a Christmas ball for only Php200 and help build a home. All purchased Christmas balls will be displayed in the Christmas tree located at the lobby. For inquiries on this project, call 988-9999 local 8224, or you may visit the helpdesk at the hotel main lobby.

COUNTDOWN WITH THE SPIRIT OF ‘67

For a more lively way to welcome the New Year, join the party! Don your finest evening wear and be serenaded with Knights of Mabasa then party on with the Spirit of ’67 all the way to the countdown! Tickets are for sale at Php3,500, inclusive of a buffet dinner and party favors.

CELEBRATE WITH THEM

Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family, or organizing the office do, Marriott’s banquet and catering packages put the magic back into Christmas. Choose from an array of incredibly festive packages that will suit your requisites and budget too. Reserve the date now and allow them to make your event a truly festive one!

GIFT VOUCHERS AND EXPERIENCES

Make this Christmas extra special with Marriott’s gift voucher. Available from Php1,000, the vouchers can be used to pay for a meal in the hotel restaurant, spa treatment and hotel accommodation. Gift ideas include lunch/dinner buffet at Marriott Café, three-course dinner at Cru Steakhouse, spa treatment, overnight stay with breakfast, and health club membership. Contact Information For inquiries and reservations, call (+63 2) 988-9999 or visit www.marriott.com/mnlap.

Siquijor

EXPLORE

Rediscovers its Roots Text and Photos by the Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office

he mystic island province of Siquijor retraced its rich culture as it marked its 39th founding anniversary in a four-day celebration dubbed “Pasiugdang Sikihudnon.” According to governor Orlando Fua Jr., the province is an emerging hub of heritage in central Visayas with its wide array of cultural and natural attractions which are largely unexplored. He said the fest is derived from the Visayan word mugna which literally means “beginning” or “origin,” and the event is a rediscovery of the province’s roots in its political, economic and community life. Siquijor’s iconic historic spot is the imposing San Isidro Convent in the town of Lazi, reputed to be the biggest and among the oldest in the country, housing the Siquijor Heritage Museum which contains antique implements and period photographs. Across it is the San Isidro Labrador Church, built in 1884 in coral stone, which was named

The Salagdoong Beach in the town of Maria is one of the fine-sand beaches Siquijor offers

The Saint Francis of Assisi Church of the town of Siquijor

by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of the country’s most outstanding heritage churches. Both the convent and church were declared by the National Museum as National Cultural Treasures. Another noteworthy landmark is the Saint Francis of Assisi Church in the capital town of Siquijor. It has a belfry separated from the church and closer to the shore, which functioned as a watchtower for pirates and Muslim raiders during the Spanish era. The convent across the belfry houses the San Francisco Assisi Museum which contains liturgical and ecclesiastical exhibits. Other picturesque centenarian religious edifices are the Our Lady of Divine Providence in Maria, St. Augustine Church in San Juan, and the hexagonal bell tower of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Larena, all built during the colonial regime. The four-day Pasiugdang Sikihudnon also revived the cumparza, a local chamber string ensemble akin to a rondalla, through a carousal competition. The musical tradition, dating back to the Spanish times, is slowly vanishing because of modernization and the majority of the youth’s reluctance to continue the art. It also featured the municipal festivities such as San Juan’s Bugwas, Lazi’s Saging, Maria’s Lubi, Enrique Villanueva’s Pamukad, and Siquijor’s Dilaab, which are based on the towns’ agricultural background. The province’s most popular fest is the Solili Festival, which portrays traditional marriage rituals with dancers garbed in Spanish-inspired ilustrado attire. Fua added that in addition to its rich culture, the province boasts of a wide array of scenic wonders which are part of its natural heritage. Examples are fine sand beaches and clear water in Salag-

doong, Kagusuan, Candanay Sur and Dumanjug, Tubod, Solangon and Paliton. Mount Bandilaan Nature Park, Cambugahay Falls and Cantabon Cave have captured the fancy of outdoor adventurers. Because of its teeming underwater life, Siquijor was declared a marine reserve in 1978, with Tulapos Marine Sanctuary and Guiwanon Spring Park as showpieces of diverse aquatic life. The province is also noted for its traditional folk healers or bolo bolo, who use natural and herbal medicines, thus earning for the province the moniker “island of healing,” which it is currently using as tourism marketing tag. Created on September 17, 1971, when it was separated from Negros Oriental, Siquijor is the country’s third smallest province with a land area of 343.5 square kilometers with a 102- kilometer coastline. Getting There The usual way to Siquijor from Manila is flying to Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, and taking a ferry to Siquijor. One can also go to Cebu and then take the ferry to Siquijor. The province has three main seaports strategically located in Larena, Lazi and Siquijor. The port in Larena is the main entry point of the province. It can accommodate ships of up to 500 tons. With the recent entry of the fast crafts to Siquijor, Larena port is becoming a hub of travelers in the province. The port links Siquijor to Iligan and Plaridel in Mindanao, and the cities of Cebu, Dumaguete and Tagbilaran.

Contact Information Contact the Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office, located at the provincial capitol of Siquijor, Siquijor, through telephone numbers (+63 35) 334-2088 and (+63 35) 480-9076, and telefax number (+63 35) 344-2015. Log on to www.siquijor.gov.ph. Siquijor attractions (from left) Solili Festival, Dilaab Festival of Siquijor and the San Isidro Convent of Lazi.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Siquijor E in a Day

By Karla Rey Photos by Karla Rey and Orlando Cajigal

verybody wants to see Siquijor but nobody wants to stay the night. As kids, we hear stories about the island’s supernatural creatures, but as adults we have always been intrigued by the natural attractions that have put Siquijor on the tourism map. Only an hour by fast craft from the port of Dumaguete City, one is eager to set foot on this small, laidback island rich with history, myths and natural beauty. Siquijor is slightly bigger than Camiguin, a similar island destination in Mindanao usually accessed through Cagayan De Oro City. It has a 75- kilometer road that spans six towns—San Juan, Lazi, Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Larena and Siquijor, the provincial capital. People come to Siquijor for its century-old trees and churches, waterfalls, natural springs, white-sand beaches and numerous diving sites around the island. And then, there are some, like us, who want to get past the mystery. One day, we had the perfect opportunity. Among the prides of this once quiet town is the Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Belfry, located just outside the port. It was constructed from 1795 and 1831. The San Isidro Labrador Church, one of the few remaining Baroque churches in the Philippines, is also among Siquijor’s attractions. Established in 1857 by Augustinian Recollects, it is a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Across the church is the convent—erected in 1887, it 20

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

The Dumaguete port is the usual jump-off point for a visit to Siquijor (top, left). The Cambugahay Falls (top) is one of the tourist attractions in the town of Lazi. Siquijor also abounds with beaches (above).

is one of the oldest and the biggest in the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the museum. The town of Lazi is home to the Cambugahay Falls, one of the main attractions of the island. It has 135 stone steps for people to view the falls. Cambugahay Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, the cool water coming from the natural springs in the forested area of the island and flowing into one basin after another and surrounded by lush vegetation and coconut trees. Truly, no one will regret a day in Siquijor, not because of its odd and bizarre tales but because of its hidden beauty.

The San Isidro Labrador Church in the town of Lazi is an interesting heritage site.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

EXPERIENCE

In the town of Bangui, the 15 turbines about 70 feet tall, lined along the nine-kilometer stretch of Bangui Bay, has become a tourist attraction. This first wind farm in Southeast Asia provides majority of the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power supply, producing a total of 74,482 megawatts of electricity annually.

Ilocos Norte Awakened by

By Jean Palpal-latoc • Photos by Donald Tapan

From the fair winds of the self-proclaimed True North, Ilocos Norte boasts of graceful, historic churches, deep aquamarine seas, panoramic vistas of rugged mountains, hidden waterfalls and a rich history that whispers of gold mines, bloody revolts and an interesting window to Philippine national politics. Located in the northwestern part of Luzon, it has once been the Philippine’s most popular destination, especially with the development of its tourism industry during the reign of President Ferdinand Marcos, a native of the province. However, the province’s glory and luster seemingly diminished with his demise. It has been in hiatus for several years, but as time healed the people’s wounds brought by the country’s political history, this beautiful northern frontier has again awakened. Slowly, the provincial government and the Ilocanos of the

North polished the overlooked and/or neglected destinations, determined to glow anew. Its tourism industry slumped as number of visitors gradually declined yet this did not discourage nor demoralize the people. Instead, the situation was treated constructively. During the years of “silence”, the Ilocanos, led by governor Imee Marcos, refurbished these treasures, and today efforts are geared towards regaining their luster as they are determined to reclaim their niche in the Philippine tourism map.

Natural Wonders

Currimao Rock Formation. The rock formations of Currimao town looks like dried up coral beds that stretch along most of its coastline. The so-called Lovers’ Peak, located at the center of the stretch is the favorite spot of visitors. The

Rock formations in the town of Currimao

formations resemble the face of two kissing humans. Among the rock formations, there are little lagoons perfect for swimming. Paoay Lake National Park. This enchanting freshwater inland lake is located three kilometers from the sea in Suba. It has an area of 470 hectares and was declared by virtue of Republic Act 5631 a national park on June 21, 1969. This famous tourist destination is also considered an enchanting place by local folks. They claim that this was once the site of a prosperous village inhabited by rich but wicked people. One night, a mysterious old woman came to the place to warn them against an impending flood which they ignored. The great flood then came, submerging the whole barangay in water and since then was never seen again. The La Paz Sand Dunes. On the outskirts of Laoag, one can find the 52 square miles of seemingly endless coastal sand dunes of La Paz (Suba), where scenes from Born of the Fourth of July and Mad Max along with many Filipino movies were filmed. Pagudpud beaches. The beaches of the town of Pagudpod are magnets to visitors. The white sand and clean waters are irresistible. The whole area is divided into three beaches, namely, 24

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, in Burgos, is the oldest and most visited lighthouse in the Philippines

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Pansian, Maira-ira and Saud. Except for Pansian, the area close to the border of Cagayan province, the beaches are lined with small and medium-sized resorts, each having a character of its own. Maira-ira, also known as Blue Lagoon, has the best and bluest waters while Saud is popular for its wide beach area and finer sand. It is likewise a paradise of vibrant and rich-colored marine life teeming with coral reef formations.

Manmade Marvels

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The oldest and most visited lighthouse in the Philippines is Cape Bojeador located in the town of Burgos. Completed on March 30, 1892, the structure which sits majestically on top of the lush Vigia de Nagparitan Hill is also the tallest in the country with a total height of 170 meters. The brick-made lighthouse tower stands like a graceful sentinel of the treacherous seas around and is still functioning to date. Malacanang of the North. Otherwise known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;White House of the North,â&#x20AC;? this used to be the residence of former President Ferdinand Marcos but later converted to a tourist destination after his reign. Constructed in 1977, this was the venue of social gatherings

The Museo Ilocos Norte, or Gameng, showcases Ilocano heritage and culture

for the visitors of the Marcoses. This Spanish-inspired two-storey building was one of the 29 summer residences built by the president during his term. Today, this palace overlooking Paoay Lake, which showcases memorabilia of the former first family, is among the most visited sites in Ilocos Museo Ilocos Norte. Another Laoag attraction is the Museo Ilocos Norte (also known as Gameng, Iluko for “treasure”) which is close to the Provincial Capitol and is the repository of Ilocano heritage and culture. The museum is housed in a former Tabacalera warehouse, a former factory for tobacco which the region is known for, and a throwback to the heydays of the Tobacco Monopoly during the Spanish period. Patapat Viaduct. Primarily built to prevent landslides in the area, this viaduct, elevated 31 meters above sea level, provides a view of Paselang Bay. It is 1.3 kilometer concrete coastal bridge that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag to the Cagayan Valley Region. It rises along the town’s coastal mountains, which is the start of the Cordillera Mountain Range. This is the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines. Bangui Windmills. The first wind farm in Southeast Asia is in the town of Bangui. The 15 turbines about 70 feet tall, lined along the nine-kilometer stretch of Bangui Bay, provides majority of the province’s power supply. Each wind turbine has a six-meter diameter base with three vertically oriented rotor blades. It was built to help reduce the greenhouse gases that harm the environment and cause global warming. The windmills produce a total of 74,482 megawatts of electricity annually. The place is a favorite tourist spot not only for the windmill structures but for the stretch of white beach in the area. Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag. The 45 meter high Sinking Bell Tower found in Laoag City is considered to be one of, if not the tallest, edifice built in the entire Ilocos Norte. It was built by the Augustinian friars in 1612. Inspired by Baroque architecture, the structure is made of old bricks and stones faced with lime stucco plaster. It has six bells of various sizes. The tower is crowned by a double dome with a cross. Stories claim that when it was built a person on a horseback could pass through its doors freely but today one has to stoop very low just to get inside the bell tower. Tobacco Monopoly Marker. This is a marker erected by the Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Dried tobacco leaves (left), longganiza and bagnet (middle) can be bought at the markets of Ilocos Norte. Dragon fruits are being cultivated at the REFMAD Dragon Fruit Plantation in Pasuquin (right).

people of Ilocos Norte as an expression of relief and thanks for the abolition of the century-long tobacco monopoly in the province. Government tobacco monopoly was formally established in March 1782 by governor Jose Vargas by virtue of a Royal Decree signed on February 9, 1780. It was abolished in 1882 by a Royal Decree signed by Ferdinand Primo de Rivera on June 25, 1881. REFMAD Dragon Fruit Plantation. The almost ten-hectare dragon fruit farm in Pasuquin, the biggest in the province, has gained recognition not only because of its humble beginnings but because of the benefit it is giving to the local residents. Owner Edita Dacuycoy started the plantation in 2006 as a backyard business but with hard work and patience she was able to expand. Aside from managing the farm, she shares the technology to local residents making dragon fruit growing a new industry in the area.

Gustatory Delights

Herencia de Paoay. Herencia de Paoay, located just across the famous Paoay Church, is known for their pinakbet pizza and dinuguan pizza. It is a restaurant that serves not only authentic Ilocano but a fusion of international cuisine from Spanish, Italian and Indian. The pinakbet pizza, topped with the famous Ilocano dish (mixture of ampalaya, eggplant, tomatoes, okra and crispy pork) served with bagoong, is the most talked-about house specialty. Also

The Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel is the only five-star hotel in the region.

on top of their order list is another original concoction, the dinuguan pizza. Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant. At the heart of Laoag City is a small restaurant frequented by tourists because of its fusion of Ilocano food. It has gained popularity because of its delicious poque-poque pizza, a pizza topped with the Ilocano dish of eggplant, tomatoes, onions and eggs. Another specialty is the Saramsam pasta which has green and ripe mango, tomatoes, spring onions and bagoong sauce. Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte. Located at the corner of Rizal and Llanes Avenue in Laoag City, the Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte is the favorite of gastronomic adventurers. It is a small complex of al fresco restaurants which mostly serve their Ilocos Norte version of empanada, deep-fried thin pastry pockets filled with shredded vegetables, egg and longganisa (pork sausage). The famous Laoag miki is also served here.

Homes Away From Home

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel. Sprawled over 77 hectares of land amid gentle sand dunes and pine forests, this is the only five-star hotel in the region. The resort complex has five Spanish colonialinspired buildings finished in cool red Vigan bricks. The 267-room hotel is located at the heart of Laoag City near the Laoag International Airport. It is a complete service resort hotel with a golf driving

The Paoay Church, built in the so-called earthquake Baroque style, is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

range, casino, Olympic-size swimming pools and wide playground. Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center. Located in Laoag City, the 100-room hotel is surrounded with lush gardens. Its stateof-the art convention center can accommodate up to 1,120 persons, making it a favorite venue for large gatherings. Guests can also practice their handicap or keep a sharp eye in the nearby sprawling golf course or shooting range. There is also a swimming pool for guests who prefer a cool dip or exercise with a few laps. And for guests who prefer a little private relaxation, in-door massage services are also provided. Rio Grande de Laoag. The natural vista of the place, distinct hospitality of the staff and affordable room rates make Rio Grande a perfect vacation place for the family. The resort hotel was initially built as a family vacation house. The resort located at Barangay 30A, Suyo, Laoag City, features three swimming pools, countrystyle guestrooms, picnic huts and cottages and a grand conference hall. Terra Rika Beach Resort. Located at the southwest tip of Saud

white beach cove in the town of Pagudpud, it offers affordable and relaxing accommodation. Divers flock to this place because of its highly professional diving instructors and diving equipment for rent. The white beach is also an attraction tourists find hard to resist. It is a real Eden in Pagudpud. Sitio Remedios Resort. Located at the barangay of Victoria in Currimao, it is a heritage village resort which faces the South China Sea. It has six Spanish-designed houses all furnished with vintage Ilocano furniture. Each house is uniquely designed and features art works of Filipino artists. The resort has its own chapel and a function plaza which can accommodate 300 guests. Ilocos Norte is crammed with a lot of historical places, adventure nooks, fine beaches and excellent cuisine. But is the most precious treasure of the province is its people—courteous, industrious, friendly, hospitable, browbeaten, intrepid and respectful. Visitors will always want to go back not only because of the impressive tourist attractions but because they are elated by the local folks’ warm character, a treasure really hard to find—the true Ilocano legacy. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Getting There Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, is forty-five minutes away by plane from Manila (via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific) and also serves as an international gateway with the Laoag City International Airport receiving chartered flights from China and Taiwan. (Mandarin Airlines currently has suspended its flights from Kaohsiung). Laoag City is about nine to twelve hours away by land from Manila.

Contact Information Contact the Ilocos Norte Provincial Tourism Office at the Provincial Capitol, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, through telephone numbers (+63 77) 770-4242 and (+63 77) 722-1211 to 20 local 119, and e-mail in.tourism@yahoo.com .

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Travel Fariñas The Fariñas Transit Company is one of the pioneer bus lines connecting Northern Luzon to Manila. While there are other bus companies plying the route, Fariñas buses remain to be the commuters choice. “We assure everyone their safety and comfort,” says its manager Ray Carlos Fariñas. He adds that excellent service and shorter travel time also what people like about them. With its current 40 units, the bus company is set to acquire more buses and expand its fleet as it plans to increase their route to other places like Baguio City. While competition is stiff at this time, Fariñas said they are not fazed, “because we believe that each company has its own strength and that we welcome friendly competition”. The bus company is named after Federico Luna Fariñas, Sr., one of the powerful political clans in Ilocos Norte. For reservations and information, call (+632) 731-4507.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

The La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, part of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes, is known for its dramatic and unique landscape. Several movies have been partly filmed here.

The La Paz Sand Dunes:

Experience the Thrill in the ‘Desert of the North’

xtreme sport enthusiasts have taken a respite from mountain climbing and spelunking as they discover a new way of experiencing adrenalin rush. They are now heading to the northern part of the Philippines to experience the thrill of sand boarding, now the newest craze among adventure lovers. The dramatic landscape of the more than 85 square kilometers of sandy coastal desert is starting to be the hottest tourist attraction of Ilocos Norte. With dunes ranging from ten to thirty meters high, the La Paz Sand Dunes has also been the setting for some scenes in the movies Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. Filipino movies Panday and Himala were also partly shot here. This so-called “Desert of the North,” which is part of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes which stretches to the towns of Pasuquin and Currimao, south and north of Laoag City respectively, has been cited 30

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

By Pearl Herminado • Photos by Donald Tapan

Sand boarding is a new sport that can be done in the La Paz Sand Dunes. Sand-boarding is like snowboarding.

as one of the National Geological Monuments in the Philippines by the National Committee on Geological Sciences on November 26, 1993, because of its unique formation, a rare site in tropical countries like the Philippines.

A Desert Experience

Very much similar to snowboarding, sand boarding is a recreational activity but on sand dunes rather than on snow-covered mountains. It involves riding across or down a dune while standing with both feet strapped to a board. However, more daring riders stand with both feet on the board with no straps or bindings. One has to walk to the top of the dune after every run on a dune buggy, making it more difficult than snowboarding. It is more difficult to build a mechanized ski lift on a sand dune. While the sport was first developed in Florianopolis City, Brazil, modern sand boarding was popularized in the United States by Jack Smith and Gary Fluitt in 1980 and has since become prevalent especially in desert areas or areas with beach dunes. The world’s first sand board park is located in Florence, Oregon, USA. The Sand Master Park is a forty-acre (160,000 square meters) private sculptured sand dunes. The park was opened in 2000 by Lon Beale and introduced sand board as a sport to about 25,000 people each year after. Dune Riders International is the governing body of sand boarding worldwide. Professional snowboarder and sand boarder Erik Johnson holds the Guinness World Record for speed on a sand board at 51miles per hour (82 kilometers per hour). Sand board base is made of Formica or Laminex hardwood ply and special base materials. The board bottom is rubbed with a paraffin-based wax for it to glide freely on the sand.

The LEAD Movement

Inspired by sand boarding in Dubai, an eco-tourism advocate from Laoag introduced the sport in the country in August last year. Rene Tan, with architect friend Glenn Guerrero, organized the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development (LEAD) Movement with the goal of promoting sand boarding as a tourist attraction of the province. They designed and handcrafted their own sand boards and geared up for their initial desert adventure at the La Paz Sand Dunes. This was the start of the all-new, thrilling sport. Their members then surged, from as young as twelve to more than forty years old. Tan said this extreme sport is easy; all one needs is a sand board and a backpack of guts. In promoting the sport, LEAD also aims to support the provincial government’s program to promote Ilocos Norte as the country’s eco-tourism capital, in addition to being known for its old churches and rich heritage. “We are inviting outdoor enthusiasts and adventurists to experience a new kind of thrill as they enjoy the fine sand, peace and tranquility of the sand dunes,” Tan said. For more information on the movement, visit http://leadmovement.wordpress.com or http://blauearth.wordpress.com or e-mail bennyarce@yahoo.com. Getting There La Paz Sand Dunes is located at the barangay of La Paz, Laoag City, and is accessible either by a public jeepney or motorized tricycle. It is barely a fifteenminute ride from the city proper. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is available for rent. Get in touch with Rene Tan of LEAD Movement. 32

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Some Old

Structures of Faith:

Churches of Ilocos Norte By Pearl Herminado â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by Donald Tapan

They stand steadfast against the test of time. They are landmarks of faith. They are the silent yet living testimonies of the country’s Spanish colonial past. These old churches of Ilocos Norte are among the main reasons people visit the province. These structures, which weathered the times, are witnesses to the Filipino people’s struggles against colonial rule as well as their bravery and resilience.

Paoay Church

The Saint Augustine Church in the town of Paoay is a glorious fusion of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental architectures. Built in 1894 by Augustinian friars, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Philippine National Treasure. In his book, Fr. Pedro Galende describes that the massiveness of the structure is balanced by its grace and fluidity. Its details are inspired from by seal of Saint Augustine, the emblem of the king of Spain, the logo of the Pope, the “init-tao” or the sun god and stylized Chinese clouds. Its 24 solid pillars, whose breadth is almost half the length of the nave, are beautifully adorned with snails and floral patterns. While portions of the church were damaged by earthquakes in 1865 and 1885, it was restored, and the religious structure still remains a sentinel of the town. Its 35-meter high coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros (Filipino fighters during the 1898 Philippine Revolution) as an observation post. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Construction of the church, convent and bell tower started in 1669 and was completed ten years after. It was originally named San Miguel Church before it was renamed Santa Monica, in honor of the mother of Saint Augustine. The complex was damaged by fire twice, in 1817 and 1882. The church had a major makeover in 1983 for the grand wedding of then presidential daughter Irene Marcos. Remnants of a torture chamber, where Filipinos suspected to be guerillas were reportedly persecuted, still stands in the complex, a living proof of the suffering of local residents during the Spanish and Japanese colonial periods.

Bacarra Church

Constructed by Spanish Augustinian friars in the 16th century, the Saint Andrew Church is a historical and cultural landmark of the town of Bacarra. The church, inspired by Baroque architecture, was inaugurated in 1782 but was destroyed by a 7.8 intensity earthquake on August 1983. A year after, it was reconstructed, following its original form. Beside the church is its bell tower popularly known as Torre ti Bacarra (Tower of Bacarra), the town’s most prized heritage. Atop the high structure is a large bronze bell, whose ring can be heard within a radius of ten kilometers. A strong earthquake in 1931 sheared off the top portion of the tower, depositing its conical dome at a skewed angle. This made the tower lean to the side, giving it the name “Leaning Tower of the North.” Another earthquake which rocked the town in 1971 further deformed the tower. It was preserved, and support walls were added. But after another quake in 1983, more than half of the structure was destroyed. Today, despite the destructions, the tower still remains among the town’s most visited sites.

Sarrat Church

The largest Catholic church in the Ilocos region, Santa Monica Church in the town of Sarrat is entirely made of red bricks. This Baroque and Neoclassical church has an isle 137 meters long, the longest in the Philippines.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Laoag Church

The Saint William Cathedral of Laoag City was built in 1590 also by the Augustinian friars. It was originally made of huge stones, gravel and sand but was reconstructed in 1612 and adopted the Italian Renaissance architecture. Like the other churches in the province, this too suffered damages brought by nature’s wrath—a hurricane in 1640 and earthquake in 1706. It was also damaged by fire in 1843. Unlike other churches, its bell tower is located 85 meters away. This 45-meter high bell tower built in 1612 is considered the tallest in the Philippines. However, since it is built on soft ground, the tower sinks at least an inch every year, thus earning its name “the Sinking Tower.” Through the years, the tower entrance, which used to be so high a man riding a horse can easily pass through, is already half buried.

Ilocos Norte New Hotel Brings New Hospitality to

Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center (INHCC) opened its doors on March 24, 2010. Located in Laoag, it sits in the heart of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic and social whirl. It is 55 minutes away (by plane) from Manila, Hong Kong or mainland China. It was also declared by the Department of Tourism as an important eco-tourism area.

The facility boasts of 100 hotel rooms, 24 dormitory rooms, a restaurant and a state-of-the art convention center that can accommodate up to 1,120 persons. Standard rooms and suites come equipped with cable TV, IDD/NDD service and your own private verandah so guests can relax in private.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Guests can feel close to nature with its lush gardens. Guests can also practice their handicap or keep a sharp eye in the nearby sprawling golf course or shooting range. There is also a swimming pool for guests who prefer a cool dip or exercise with a few laps. And for guests who prefer a little private relaxa-

The newly established Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Laoag City has four suites, 96 standard rooms and 24 dormitory rooms with air-conditioning system, cable TV, private toilet and bath, phone, coffee maker and a mini-ref. Located at the back of Café Ayuyang is the swimming pool (facing page). At the back of the hotel is a non-sectarian chapel, an ideal venue for small, intimate weddings (bottom).

tion, in-door massage services are also provided. It caters to business travelers, foreign and domestic tourists, and pleasure seekers. The property’s location puts it close to many unique, distinctly Ilocano attractions like Spanish-era styled buildings, Pagudpud’s white sand beaches and the centuries-old Paoay Church, considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel is managed by Paramount Property Management Company, a property development and management firm with more than ten years of experience in developing properties in the Philippines.

Contact Information Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center is at Barangay 41, Balacad, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, with phone and fax number (+63 77) 670-8817, e-mail address reservations@ilocosnortehotel.com and Web site www.ilocosnortehotel.com. Paramount Property Management is at the second floor of Phinma Plaza, 39 Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, with telephone numbers (+63 2) 899-7171, (+63 2) 870-0100 and (+63 2) 897-1039, and fax number (+63 2) 870-0319. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

A Sense of Place

A trip down

Australia Text and Photos by Selah Conejos

Everyone has a place one considers “sacred”—a space that gives us a sense of belonging, serenity, oneness with nature and heritage; a place where one develops his/her spirituality and enjoy his/her being, imbued with a sense of environmental stewardship. Uprooted from the Philippines, my motherland, I have yearned for a sacred place that will lead me to a well-balanced lifestyle while taking my studies. I was led to a land called “God’s own country,” so-called because nature, heritage, people and places are interconnected. Australia is a place which offers a diverse range of scenery,

vibrant mix of cultures, a thriving culture scene and wonderful travel experiences. Its natural wonders are a fascinating combination of wildlife, tropical rainforest, ancient Aboriginal rock art and stunning sceneries. It was recently voted as the world’s fourth best country in an international survey of national wellbeing because of its education, health, quality of life, economic competitiveness and political environment. Inspite another laurel, Australia continues to put more efforts in conserving and protecting its environment, delicate ecosystems and rich cultural heritage. Australia has a wealth of wildlife not found anywhere in the

world. It is home to some 800 species of birds, half of which are endemic to this country. It has more than 4,000 fish varieties and tens of thousands of species of invertebrates and micro-organisms. Australia also supports at least 25,000 species of plants, compared to 17,500 in Europe. These include living fossils like the Wollemi pine, grass tree and brilliant wildflowers. Moreover, Australia’s coastline stretches to almost 50,000 kilometres and is linked by over 10,000 beaches, more than any other country in the world. Aside from its 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Australia also boasts of bustling cities—Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to mention a few.

Multicoloured mountain parrots, kangaroos, wombats, emus and koalas meet visitors in Currumbin Sanctuary. Visit Cedar Creek Falls in Tamborine Mountain National Park, and discover the spectacular Natural Arch, a waterfall cascading through the roof of a cave that also holds Australia’s largest glow worm colony, in Springbok National Park. A visit to quaint mountain villages and retreats at award-winning rainforests are things visitors must not miss. Visitors can likewise experience virtual reality rides at Dreamworld, swim with dolphins at Sea World and watch movies at Warner Bros. Movie World. A ride in the world-class waves of Broadbeach, Kirra and Main Beach, a frolic along the golden sand of Surfers’ Paradise and Burleigh Heads, dining in Broadbeach, a bike ride and picnic on Mermaid Beach and shopping at the art and crafts market are just some of the exciting activities everyone will love and surely build good memories of an Australian vacation.

Gold in Gold Coast

Gold Coast, the second city of Queensland, is the city I consider my second home. Beaches, natural parks, theme parks and shopping centers are among its attractions and are accessible by different modes of transport. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Making Most of a Few Free Hours:

A Harried Introduction to

Guangzhou Text and Photos by Karla Rey

The Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

One of the first cities that benefited from China's Reform and Opening Up policy since 1978, Guangzhou acts as the pioneer of the economic development of the country. It is the third largest city in China after Shanghai and Beijing and is the capital city of Guangdong province, southern China. Better known to the world as Canton, the city is famous for foreign trade and business with thousands of large, small and medium-sized enterprises, and holds China's largest trade fair, the Canton Fair. Guangzhou has ten districts. The main tourist areas—Liwan, Yuexiu and Tianhe— are in the northern part of the city. Moving around is easy as Guangzhou has a fairly efficient public transportation system. But for a day of exploration, finding your way to the Yuexiu (Yue Xiu) Park Station of the Guangzhou Metro 2 (Take Exit B1) is your best bet as Yuexiu district is the political and cultural center. The large and lovely Yuexiu Park, the largest urban park in China, is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Guangzhou. Visitors spend a pleasant afternoon wandering about the lush green area that flows over acres of hills and includes several lakes. You can easily spend hours here following trails, taking boat rides, or just people watching. It includes the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower, also known as the Five-Storey Pagoda. Check out the Stone Statue of the Five Rams, the symbol of the city. It also has an amusement park and a children's play area. Entrance is free and park closes at nine in the evening. A good walk from the Yuexiu Park is the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. This key venue for the city’s large-scale performances is considered the most symbolic building of Guangzhou. Found on the southern slope of Yuexiu Hill and offering stunning views of the city of Guangzhou, it has an impressive area covering 12,000 square meters. Built in 1931 on the original site of Sun Yat Sen's presidential office, this magnificent building is a tribute to Dr. Sun Yat Sen, founder of the Republic of China and local hero, who has a five-meter tall bronze statue in front of the hall. Open from eight in the morning to six in the evening, admission is free for the park and there is a ¥10 fee to go inside the hall. If you still have energy and some cash for shopping, find your way to Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street. This big

The Five Rams Statue was built in 1959 and is one of the most famous scenic spots in Guangzhou. With a height of more than ten meters, the whole sculpture was built using 130 pieces of marbles. It symbolizes a beautiful legend. According to this legend, Guangzhou was a not a rich land more than 1000 years ago. People during those days had to work very hard until one day, people heard a heavenly song and saw five fairies wearing colorful dress and riding five rams with each ram carrying six bundles of grains in their mouth. They gave the grains to the Guangzhou people and blessed the place forever with a good harvest. Then the fairies left but the five rams were turned into stones. Since then Guangzhou became a prosperous land and its people enjoyed a better life. This transforming legend was passed through the ages till today. That’s why Guangzhou is also called Five Rams City or Grain City. During the 40th anniversary of the foundation of China, the government decided to beautify the park. The government then instructed a sculptor, Yun Zhi Chang, to take the responsibility for telling the fairies legend, using sculptures only on the base of the Five Rams Statue. The area containing the Five Ram Statue has been enlarged by building the kiosk, pavilion, stage, tablets and corridors of paintings among others. The area is about 10,000 square meters. The whole scenic spot is now called the Five Rams Fairies Pavilion.

road has been converted to a pedestrian street where mid- to highend brand stores, off-season outlets and shopping malls are open from nine in the morning to ten in the evening. Head to 328 Plaza Mall where you can indulge in eat-all-you-can cheesecakes for ¥35 at Cheese Town. The French cheesecake is absolutely delicious and surprising goes well with hot tea. Guangzhou isn’t that sleepy at all. This itinerary gives you just enough of an introduction to the city and its culture, capped with a few hours of shopping. See you again in Guangzhou!

The Metro is a convenient way to go around Guangzhou

Tips While there is a foreign currency exchange at the International Arrival Hall, it is best to have Chinese yuan on hand as there is a charge of RMB50 for changing US dollars to local money. While Guangzhou is recognized as one of China's most liberal and cosmopolitan cities, there is still a lack of English signage (but greater improvements have been made in time for the city’s hosting of the 16th Asian Games). Also note that outside the business districts and tourist areas, very few locals converse well in English. In line with the second suggestion, it is best to stay with a reputable hotel chain such as the China Hotel or a Marriott hotel. It will be a lot easier to get a booking online. Cleanliness is at its best, and service is of world-class caliber, things you will greatly appreciate after a day at the Canton Fair or after visiting a supplier’s factory. Being a full-service hotel, it has all the amenities such as a pool to cool you down on hot days and a spa for some relaxation treatments after stressful meetings. China Hotel is also walking distance from the Yuexiu Park Station. Special thanks to Girlie Tan of Suniture (China)

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Paradise ESCAPE

Trapped in

By Gege C. Sugue • Photos by Efsy and Gege Sugue

dmit it. For most of us, hotels are convenient and, one would hope, clean and comfortable lodging places—holding cells for rest as one prepares to go to and from other places. So it might seem odd to plane all the way to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa and just stay there. Just there. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is just there in Mactan Island in Cebu, a mere twenty minutes away from the Mactan International Airport. But a world away from whichever urban jungle you’re coming from. It’s a world that will hold you captive a minute after you enter its nondescript entrance, enchanting you, making you its all too willing prisoner.

Outside the Prison Walls

The truth is you’re free to leave the resort any time to take advantage of Cebu Island’s rich offering of natural, cultural and historical attractions. Older than the city of Manila, Cebu has a rich heritage well preserved and presented in museums, churches and even a fort built in the 1500s. Tourists will find a diversity of entertainment, shopping, and nature trips. If you’re visiting the island to do business, you’ll discover that Cebu is a highly developed shipping and industrial hub and is rife with commercial and corporate centers. Cebu City, 30 minutes away from the resort, is enjoying a resurgence of business growth brought about by the development of technoparks that house call centers, 44

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is a sprawling leisure and relaxation haven with an expansive lagoon surrounded by villas and cottages. Islands in the lagoon provide a touch of privacy while still being where the action is (facing page.) Every corner in the resort there is an invitation to lounge (below). The resort has Mogambo Springs Spa, which is patterned after an ancient Japanese village (right). Belly dancing lessons are offered during Sahara Nights, one of the themed nights of the resort (bottom).

BPOs and e-service companies. But here’s the real truth—only when you have urgent business outside the resort and only when you’re tired of luxury and beauty will you ever consider leaving the confines of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

The Facilities

This is a gilded cage one can find easy to love. This 11.4-hectare complex balances natural elements and five-star development. The resort’s main attraction is a breathtakingly large and magnificent salt-water lagoon that gives the look and feel of a natural waterway as it is surrounded by white sand and palm trees, yet provides the comfort, security, protection and cleanliness of a swimming pool. Waterfalls and giant slides enhance the swimming experience. And when you’re tired swimming, you can plop into the many decks and mini-islands equipped with hammocks and lounge chairs. Frangipani trees shade you from the sun as you sit to read or lie down for siesta on comfortable divans scattered all around the lagoon. Prefer fresh to salt water? There are four children-friendly freshwater conventional pools around the resort’s different villas and activity centers. Now, if you want venture to the open sea, you can head to Galagapagos Beach to enjoy Marigondon’s white sand and turquoise waters. Off the water, one will find charming structures following the design aesthetics of a Caribbean plantation village. The highceilinged lobby is large and breezy, and looks more like a warm, welcoming verandah that embraces you as if you’ve just come back home. One feels immediately relaxed amid the elegant but casual surroundings. Then, just as you’re admiring the décor and getting comfortably ensconced in one of the plush sofas, you are whisked away in a colorful golf cart to your bedroom. Upon entering the spacious bedroom, the visitor discovers that the beauty of the exteriors is matched by the gorgeous comfort of the bedrooms. Cream stucco walls, crisp white sheets, island art, ceiling fans, and dark wood tropical furniture provide both ambience and relaxation. Five-star amenities, a roomy bathroom, cable television, and free internet access all make this your haven away from home. But then again, who needs TV and the Internet when your suite opens up into a terrace that overlooks a pool or the lagoon? You can literally step from terrace to water in just one stride.

Keeping the Prisoners Happy

If you’ve come to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa to escape the daily grind and just laze around, you might be pleasantly surprised. Be ready to enjoy the hard labor of sunbathing in your private deck, the corporeal punishment of a hard stream of water bouncing on your back, and the pleasurable punishment of having so much to do. Aside from swimming and lounging, many other water sports can keep you in your bikini or board shorts 24/7. With all the resort’s facilities for skiing, jet-skiing, Hobie cat sailing, parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking and coral and cave diving, you’ll never run out of excuses to be by the water. Certified professionals are on standby Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

to offer diving lessons and certifications, and the resort rents out water sports equipment at very reasonable costs. And if you want to journey farther out, resort personnel can also arrange for inter-island cruises. One need not worry about entertainment costs at the resort. Many facilities are offered gratis. You and your kids can explore the resort riding golf carts, horse drawn carriages, as well as single and tandem bicycles for zero rent. There are activities for everyone. The adventurous can try wallclimbing, archery and the firing range. The nature tripper can go fishing or just walking around admiring the greenery. The game room offers teeners and adults fun facilities that include billiards, Nintendo Wii, foozball, air hockey and video arcade games. Children can play at the Children’s Center and the Children’s Playground. The fashionistas need not rough it up for there is a fully equipped salon for hair and nail services. The shopping maven can head over to Jamaica Market and the Gallery to grab some magazines, postcards, toys and some of Cebu’s finest products—jewelry, bags, handicraft and delicacies. And the exercise junkie can get a fix in the resort’s well equipped gym. If you’re not exhausted yet, there is more. By the lagoon, you can go for cover under the blue striped tents and have a foot spa, buy a custom printed shirt, or have an artist apply henna or ink tattoos. 46

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

And if you’ve always wanted to try riding a Segway, you can rent to ride a unit, but only after watching a safety instruction video and receiving lessons from the staff. Time your trip so you can be at the resort when they stage themed nights such as Sahara Nights and Hawaiian Luau, which feature live entertainment and international buffet. Which now brings us to the delicious topic of food.

Glorious Gourmet Grub

All those activities will ensure that you work out an appetite. So, do you feel like having Japanese, Spanish, seafood, or do you just want a juicy hamburger with everything on it? Plantation Bay Resort and Spa gives you a range of culinary options to satisfy the foodie in you. Start your day with a hearty breakfast from the Kilimanjaro Kafe’s themed breakfast buffets. The Louisiana Creole breakfast is very substantial, featuring egg benedicts Creole style, Southern fried chicken and an array of tropical fruits. Grab lunch at Fiji, which serves the freshest of sushis and sashimis and what they claim to be the best prawn tempura in Cebu. It is no empty claim. It could very well be the best, the biggest, the

Plantation Bay’s look is inspired by Caribbean plantations (this and facing page). Here, you can read a book by the lagoon (below), have a foot spa (facing page) or learn archery (facing page, below).

sweetest and the most elegantly served prawn tempura in the country. Generous servings will fill you up, so be sure to leave space for their delectable mango samurai in a serving size that can feed a family. Stave off mid-afternoon hunger at the Savannah Grill, where they whip up the “best burger on earth.” And finally, top the night with tapas and Spanish wine at Palermo. Be consoled that participating in all the resort activities will help you burn off all those calories so delightfully ingested.

Solitary Confinement

After engaging in all those activities, after the dining, the wining, the socializing, it’s time to wind down. It’s time for rest and seclusion…at the spa. Most hotel and resorts boast of spa facilities, but for many of these hotels, the spa seems like an afterthought, a concession to respond to popular demand. Such is not the case for Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. Notice how the word spa is part of their name? This is where you would most likely want to be trapped—in this island of bliss called Mogambo Springs. This award-winning spa is created to resemble a Japanese Tokugawa village, designed to delight your spirit and detailed to pamper your body. Come about an hour before your appointment so you can enjoy the wet floor facilities that include a dry sauna and a steam room. It is a truly sensual experience to alternately dip into the hot spring, the salt water bath and the cold pool. Let the waterfall stream give you a starter back rub in preparation for your full body massage, enjoyed in your private room. You can choose from a long menu of body, face and foot treatments from the traditional Filipino hilot to Asian and European techniques. After all the glorious kneading, squeezing and stretching, the charming therapist dresses you up in a batik wrap and caps your spa experience with tea served in Zen-inspired clay cups.

Wardens of Indulgence

Prepare to say thank you a million times at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. At every turn, there is somebody to help you make your stay an indulgent experience. Conspicuous when you need privacy but attentive when you need assistance, Plantation Bay staff are always around to cater to your every whim, volunteering to take your photo, agreeing to pose, indulging your every decadent desire. No wonder it has been rated one of the top twenty resorts in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler readers for three years in a row. If one has to nitpick on something not to like about Plantation Bay, it is this—they have a no-tip policy, which is some kind of cruel punishment because the top quality service makes you want to reward them to show appreciation.

Captivating Details

A refreshing moist towel handed to you as you check in. A much needed welcome drink. A footbath outside your verandah. Lounge

chairs in every nook. Babysitting while you’re in the spa. The fascinating stories behind the names of the room clusters. Board games and books free to use. All these pleasant surprises entrap even the most jaded of travelers.

“As misty shadows of sleepy waves drift in with the autumn storm, your breathlessness at dusk returns to restless seas we calmed, by sands our summer warmed.” —excerpt from the poem “Distant Shores” by Manny Gonzalez from the book The Many Moods of Plantation Bay To be trapped in Plantation Bay is to be inspired to read or write poetry, to dream, to rest, to ride the waves, to glide the skies, to indulge, to laugh, to love, to stay. As guest feedback forms indicate, the worst thing about Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is leaving it. You can console yourself with the thought that this place, this prison of luxury, this paradise is just there, a plane ride and a world away. Getting There Domestic and international flights go to Cebu daily, arriving at the Mactan International Airport. Direct international flights come from Hong Kong, Singapore, Doha, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Palau, Taipei and Shanghai. Domestic flights come mostly from Manila. There are also daily ferries to Cebu from Manila, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete and Leyte. From the Mactan International Airport, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is a short drive away.

Contact Information The Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is in Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu, with telephone number (+63-32) 340-5900 and fax number (+63-32) 340-5988. The Manila office is at Suite 906, National Life Insurance Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, with telephone numbers (+632) 844-5024 to 25 and fax number (+632) 8445030. For inquiries and reservations e-mail inquiry@plantationbay.com or rsvns@ plantationbay.com. Web site is www.plantationbay.com. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Enhanced Travel Experience via APX Cebu-Singapore-Cebu Route Frequent trips abroad, especially when taken with families and friends, used to be out of reach for most working Filipinos. The concept of a global village – a world where cultural boundaries melt and people everywhere can easily connect – used to exist only in the virtual sense, via internet connection and cable television. With the advent of budget flights in recent years, a new vista of travel opportunities opened up for Filipinos. But along with discounted fare rates, passengers have been made to endure less savory flight experiences like cramped seats, noisy airplane engines, scary turbulent rides, and overcrowded airports. The romance of travel has all but flown out the window, and it’s about time that a journey in a low-cost carrier brought as much delight for the passenger as the destination itself. Having transformed itself as the country’s fastest growing low-cost carrier, AirPhil Express is launching a new exciting route that will connect two progressive, internationally famous destinations, Cebu and Singapore as the holiday season rolls in on December 1, 2010, and will service passengers seven times

weekly. The Cebu-Singapore-Cebu offering of AirPhil Express is a much-awaited addition to the airline’s expansion efforts underway in the regional market. Singapore, being one of Asia’s most visited places, is the first international destination of AirPhil Express. The island nation is second home to a strong contingent of Filipino professionals, and offers a variety of thrills for tourists, such as night markets, food courts, retail outlets, theme parks, botanical gardens, and museums. In the Philippines on the other hand, Cebu represents a significant base of travel operations for AirPhil Express: the province shares the proud tradition, industriousness, and modern-day savvy of Singapore, while serving as a gateway to the Visayas region’s network of beautiful islands. Recognizing a growing, mutual interest between the two destinations, Airphil Express flies direct Cebu-Singapore flights, minus the hassles that have come to be associated with low-priced flights. Since travel comfort must include the airport experience, AirPhil Express arrives and departs from the modern, centralized Terminal 2 of Changi Airport, unlike other low-cost carriers that use the airport’s Budget Terminal. This means that customers will enjoy less congested, premium airport terminal services despite being on a budget carrier. The experience includes extensive duty-free shopping and efficient immigration and baggage handling services.

AirPhil Express continues to make its presence felt in the travel industry as “the budget airline with a heart.” Its Airbus A320 for Cebu-Singapore-Cebu flights is highly reliable and one of the safest narrow body aircrafts around, serviced by world-class pilots and crew. The plane also offers more leg-room and easily accessible stowage spaces in a quiet, restful cabin environment that can seat 180 passengers. On the reservations and ticketing front, the airline company’s refunding and rebooking policies are sensitive to the sometimes changeable needs of customers so passengers are assured of smooth, time-efficient, and cost-friendly transactions. Travelers will be glad to know that AirPhil Express is the only low-cost airline to provide as much as 15 kilos free baggage allowance. Interested parties can learn about great deals on Fridays (4-8pm) and Sundays (whole day), and other AirPhil Express promos by logging on to www.airphilexpress.com www.facebook.com/flyairphilexpress, or www.twitter. com/airphilexpress. It takes traveling to another city or country to stir up appreciation for one’s own land while awakening the senses to broader horizons. Once you’re back in Cebu from Singapore, go around your hometown with new eyes -- the travels in and out of the country will serve to whet your appetite for more worthwhile journeys there and back, thanks to an airline that gives so much more for less.

The Palms of Boracay

Tradition and Sophistication at

Text and Photos by David Sta. Maria

“Mabuhay!” reads the alibata insignia of The Palms of Boracay. Bright runners and murals welcome guests in its reception area, facing a water feature that is reminiscent of Tausug long houses. Right next to the main building is The Palms’ restaurant—a dining hall that appears to be the concrete structure counterpart of the large bamboo clan houses seen all over Lanao. Its high ceiling and woven seats are enough to make one expect traditional Mindanaoan piassok to be served out of the kitchen when matched with the painted beams displaying kulintangs. Architect Therese Yupangco, inspired by Mindanao, designed this massive new project. Everything, from its beams to the colors, bespeaks of Mindanao. The Palms of Boracay features 63 fully-furnished condotel rooms complete with full hotel service and amenities, all harking Filipino motifs. In its entirety, it gives one the feel of luxury and an expectation of Filipino hospitality. Such hospitality is worldrenown and much identified with the people and the culture. The massive condotel’s commitment to stay true to the Filipino and the island’s traditions shows even in the Filipiniana-inspired uniform the staff sports. Beyond the aesthetics, The Palms takes its commitment to the island to environmental concerns, offering very unique items such as hundred-percent organic cotton towels and handmade organic soaps with biodegradable packaging. This is set to make The Palms of Boracay

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

one of, if not the biggest, green advocates in the hospitality industry of the island. Among the major things Filipino the resort features is the food. The restaurant highlights traditional and fusion Filipino cuisine. Regional cuisine seems to be the direction they are going with dishes and recipes from different island groups, culling from traditional family recipes and also whipping up new ones. Island tradition doesn’t necessarily mean old. Boracay has been known all over the globe as a party place. The Palms of Boracay partnered with some well-known players in the party scene such as Hey, Jude to bring in a sampling of what locals would call “more recently established traditions.” For a smooth, easy-going vacation, The Palms of Boracay proves to be a rising star, mixing luxurious condotel living with excellent hotel service and time-tested Filipino traditions and culture.

Getting There Boracay Island is at the northwest tip of Panay Island. There are several flights from Manila to Caticlan, a barangay in Malay, Aklan. From Caticlan, there is a short boat ride to Boracay. Flights can be as fast as 36 minutes. Some planes land in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. From there, there is a two-hour ride to Caticlan. From Iloilo City, Boracay can be reached by bus or van with travel time of four to five hours.

Contact Information The Palms of Boracay can be contacted through telephone number (+63 36) 288-1361 and e-mail reservations@thepalmsofboracay.com. Web site is www. thepalmsboracay.com.

The Palms of Boracay, at the north end of White Beach, has luxurious rooms, promising an amazing stay. The Mindanao inspiration can be seen in several architectural features of the roof, the color schemes, and the original and antique artworks and crafts showcased in the rooms, corridors and lounges.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Tanawin Luxury Apartments

Tanawinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condo style apartments have been designed to bring the utmost in modern living with an innovative and contemporary style, combining sophistication with the peace and tranquility of a serene tropical island.

Paradisiacal Views from

Text and Photos by David Sta. Maria

Imagine having a sweeping view of paradise: lush, green mountains bordered by gleaming white sand and a sparkling blue sea reflecting the clear afternoon sky. In the morning, there is a clear view of the sunrise and by dusk an unobstructed view of the sunset that gives way to a romantic, star-lit night sky. Those and more are what Tanawin Luxury Apartments in Boracay Island offers. Nestled at the highest point of the island, Tanawin overlooks Boracay like no other resort does. Upon entering the resort, the asymmetrical architecture gives one the idea that what this resort has to offer is nothing like what any city folk have experienced before. The 52

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structure took four years to complete, using top-of-the-line fixtures brought in from the finest crafters, and furniture and artworks that were customized for the resort by local artisans and craftsmen. Originally conceived for long-term occupancy, each of the 14 rooms and suites of Tanawin features a fully functional kitchen, wholly imported from Germany. Match that with glass doors that open to a veranda and warm food brought in from the poolside bar, and one has the perfect excuse to stay indoors while basking in the sights from the comfort of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own room. Each room has a telephone, sports a state-of-the-art

Tanawin rooms are complete with a fully equipped modern kitchen, appliances, TV and home theatre, large granite airy bathrooms with rain shower and the most amazing views on Boracay. There is also a swimming pool overlooking a golf course with a restaurant and bar to relax and unwind in with views of the sea.

throngs, read a book undisturbed, or simply be one with nature. Sand lovers need not be concerned. Transportation can be arranged from the resort to the beachfront for free, trip taking between five to fifteen minutes depending on which part of the island one wishes to go. Truly, that is sweet frosting on top of luxury living made affordable at Tanawin Luxury Apartments.

Contact Information Tanawin Luxury Apartments is located in Mount Luho, in the sitio of Lapuz, Bulabog, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, with telephone numbers (63 036) 288-6654 and (+63 036) 288-1919, and fax number (+63 036) 288-6654.

home entertainment system and has wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi), giving techies more reason to just stay in. Tanawin welcomes its guests with a very fresh, modern-looking façade that compliments the property’s spacious interiors and gives it the appearance of a compact, modern urban condominium. Up the first flight of stairs and on the first landing is a pleasant surprise—a water fountain that opens into a koi pond, tucked in a nook for a pocket garden. Go up a few more steps to where the bar is, and one’s heart cannot help but miss a beat upon witnessing the sights beyond the infinity pool. The pool area opens to the island’s western side, taking in the full glory of the sunsets of Boracay, definitely a perfect place to get a tan away from the Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

ucked away in the heart of the island of Boracay, the Boracay Hills truly is a hidden gem. Unlike most of the popular resorts in the island, Boracay Hills is a good five to fifteen minutes drive away from the beachfront. It is partly for this reason that the hotel attracts a good amount of foreign and expat guests looking for a very private and quiet getaway. Not all guests they receive, according to the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management, are necessarily in Boracay to bask in the beach, although everything is virtually within reach with the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complimentary shuttle service. The 3,350-square meter property earned the name from its construction back in 1997, when then Swiss ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Vogel built a house. It was then the largest edifice on the island, and the locals called it Boracay Hills, after Beverly Hills. The Atanacios, present owners of Boracay Hills, acquired the property in 2003, converting it into a hotel with a total of 11 quarters. Both veterans of the cruise ship industry, the couple who bought the house decided they would run their new family business as they would a luxury cruise liner, with a rather unique twist. It is known for its no-glitzy-plastic and feelat-home atmosphere that gives the place a really unique charm. The palatial residence, filled with intricate fixtures and ornate furniture and surrounded by a lush garden, makes one feels like visiting a dear old friend, only the food is prepared by a seasoned chef. 54

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Boracay Hills: A Hidden Gem

Text and Photos by David Sta. Maria

Personal care, matched with a flair for traditional hospitality, places Boracay Hills right at the top of the Trivago best hotel awards, which named the hotel among the top two hotels in Boracay and in the Philippines, and the top hotel for water enthusiasts. This is interesting, since the property only features a pool and no beachfront, but not altogether surprising considering how flexible and helpful the staff is. The Boracay Hills staff and management are always ready to lend a hand with anything their guests want, whether it’s within the property’s grounds or elsewhere on the island. These bring in mostly expats, who are not necessarily on the island to enjoy the beach, but just to have time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in the city. Maybe it’s the serene environment that the property offers, a well-hidden haven even from Boracay’s party crowd. It could also be that they drawn by the decade-old manor itself, filled with character and fine details enough to write another story. It may also be the helpful staff and famed Boracay Hills salad and pasta Bolognese, which is well known by former guests and staff to be reason enough to stay in. Most likely, it is the homey atmosphere. After all, there is no place like home.

Contact Information Boracay Hills can be contacted through telephone number (+63 36) 2883315, fax number (+63 36) 2883764, and e-mails boracayhills@kalibo-cable.tv and mail@ boracayhills.com. Log on to www.boracayhills.com.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Discovering Elizabeth’s Hideaway Photos by Donald Tapan

It used to be the center of complaints. The rocky and muddy road used to be a route no one, local and foreign visitors alike, would want to take. But with the opening of Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel and Restaurant, the road going to Boquete Island, the once less traveled road, became everybody’s favorite route. The resort is built on a natural platform separating two waterways. This sprawling, tranquil resort boasts of commanding views of the breathtaking turquoise waters and lush tropical vegetation of Puerto Galera Bay. “Its seclusion is the resort’s main selling point,” stressed owner Elvie Garcia. The development, she added, is controlled because the whole island is owned by their family. Exploiting the place’s natural beauty in exchange for profit is far from the family’s vision. Garcia underscored the fact that each

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

of their family member is an advocate of the environment. Aside minimal development, their resort is plastic-free. Elizabeth’s Hideaway cottages boast of simple yet comfortable architecture. The rooms are furnished in traditional Filipino style to fit into the relaxed atmosphere of the resort and surrounding community. Each room is air-conditioned, equipped with refrigerator and TV, and have en suite shower and toilet with hot/cold water. Rooms are serviced daily and include complimentary breakfast, making it ideal for corporate conferences and seminars as well as romantic wedding ceremonies performed at the beachside chapel. The resort’s Sandbar Divers is famous for its water sports and recreation. An inhouse instructor and guide is always ready to assist the guests who would wish to go snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing and island-hopping. Recreational and technical diving courses are also offered by duly certified dive masters. This has become one of the must-visit places for diving excursionists. Food at the rustically designed, fullservice restaurant overlooking the sea offers the best pizza on the island. Local and international foods are also served at the guest’s pleasure. Grilled lamb chops in butter sauce are among the favorites. Their version of the famous Galera Sling, a combination of local wines and fruit juices, is top of their beverage orders. After a long day at the beach, guests can relax and be pampered by expert massage therapists. Their in-house services include

With fine accommodations, excellent facilities and numerous activities on offer, Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel and Restaurant is a superb choice for a getaway in Puerto Galera.

Swedish, shiatsu and Thai massages and reflexology. Massage cottages are located by the beach, making guests feel the warmth of the aromatherapy oil and the cold breeze at the same time. No client, according to Garcia, left the place without a smile and a promise to return, for truly Elizabeth’s Hideaway is a hidden paradise that needs to be discovered.

Getting There Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel and Restaurant is located in Boquete Island in the barangay of Santo. Nino, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Puerto Galera can be reached via land routes from Manila to Batangas. Travel time to Batangas Pier from Manila is two hours. From Batangas, there are several ferryboat services that bring passengers to Puerto Galera in one or two hours. The Sikat and MV Super 85 Ferry and Bus Services have a package with a bus, coaster or van that goes to Batangas Pier and ferries. Sikat buses depart daily from the lobby of the City State Tower Hotel on1315 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila, with a departure time of 9 A.M. For more details, visit www.int-office. de/SI-KAT.

BLTB, JAM and Tritran buses depart for Batangas Pier from their terminals in EDSA Pasay, Taft Avenue and Pasay City respectively. At the Batangas Pier, there is a wide selection of ferries going to Puerto Galera. Usually the first departure is around 7:30 A.M. and the last ferry leaves at about 4 P.M. There are three main entry points to Puerto Galera by way of its port facilities: Muelle Pier (town proper), Balatero Pier (east of the town proper) and Sabang (north of town proper). Some ferries also go directly to White Beach. Outrigger boats are available to transfer guests to El Galleon Resort in Small La Laguna Beach.

Contact Information Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel and Restaurant can be contacted through telephone number (+63 43) 442-0047, mobile phone numbers +639093371753 and +639065110872 and e-mail address elizabethhideaway@gmail.com. They also have a Facebook account.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Portofino Beach Resort Fine Diving and More at the

Photos by Donald Tapan

When divers go to Puerto Galera to explore its underwater wonders, they always look forward to staying at the Portofino Beach Resort. Just a fifteen-minute boat ride off its shores is the Verde Island Passage, described by the American Smithsonian Institute as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity. The passage has the highest concentration of marine species of any region in the world’s oceans. Beneath the turquoise waves that funnel nutrients from the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea are spectacular reef formations of more than 300 species of coral and underwater rock canyons that host nearly 60 percent of the world’s known shore fish species. Portofino Beach Resort’s strategic location caused an influx of divers which prompted management to partner with Action Divers to provide better services to the clients. They partnered to provide visitors with a number of special packages to satisfy their accommodation and diving requirements at special rates. Portofino Beach Resort is located on a prime beachfront in the lovely Small La Laguna Beach area of Sabang, Puerto Galera. The Spanish-Mediterranean style buildings, nestled among a grove of coconuts and other exotic tropical plants, create an environment of quiet intimacy and relaxation. Here, privacy and security of guests are assured. The resort’s unique menu, which is a fusion of Mexican, Thai and Philippine cuisines, is unparalleled. Most of their breads, including their famous English muffins are baked in-house. “Ours is the best food here because all our dishes are prepared by our chefs with love,” says its manager, William Moore. He adds that these are likewise served with love by a well-trained staff. The resort’s circular bar is perfect for after diving camaraderie and pre-dinner cocktails. The beachfront dining tables next to the pool and waterfalls are excellent choices for casual dining or even intimate romantic diners. Aside from diving, sailing, sea kayaking, wind surfing and snorkeling are also among the many daytime activities guests can enjoy. Visitors can choose from twenty-five luxury studios, onebedroom and two-bedroom suites. Contact Information Portofino Beach Resort, located in Small La Laguna Beach, Sabang, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, can be contacted through telephone number (+63 43) 287-3227 and e-mail resort@portofino.com.ph. If you are a dive travel wholesaler or group leader, contact them directly at reservations@portofino. com.ph for group rates and packages. Log on to www. portofino.com.ph.

The resort is surrounded by lush vegetation, a definite draw for nature lovers. Plus, Oceana’s excellent facilities and amenities make any vacation memorable.

Oceana Beach Resort and Spa: Garden by the Beach Photos by Donald Tapan

Tropical gardens blaze with a profusion of wild and cultivated plants, giving one a feel of nature within the comfort of one’s own garden with the hypnotic rhythm of coconut trees swaying in the sea breeze and the gentle sound of the surf, all chorusing for a genuine experience of paradise. These can be found at Oceana Beach Resort and Spa. Set on a 7,000 square meters lot, away from the crowded Sabang and White Beach, it is a resort that captures the spirit of Puerto Galera and celebrates its extraordinary natural beauty. It is a sanctuary that excites the senses and soothes the mind, body and soul. Guests can stray from the seclusion of their rooms to its heartshaped freshwater swimming pool. The resort’s deluxe rooms are all surrounded by lush foliage and enclosed within stone walls under traditional cogon thatched roofs. The beachfront cottages, which can accommodate a maximum of six persons, are freestanding, and each has its own balcony overlooking the sea. The rooms are modestly furnished but spacious and clean. The lounging chairs lined along the beach beckon one to enjoy the sun and fine white sand during the day and the cool breeze at night. Visitors can shed off stress and pamper themselves at its wellness center or at the outdoor cabanas. Massage and beauty treatments are done only by certified practitioners. Oceana is among the few resorts in Puerto Galera with conference facilities, well equipped with state-of-the-art audio/video system and LCD projectors. Its 140-seat restaurant is perfect for large family and corporate gatherings. Sumptuous international and Filipino cuisines are served a la carte or buffet depending on the guests’ requests. Remote and teeming with natural life, Oceana Beach Resort and Spa indeed makes one’s vacation perfect and memorable. Contact Information Oceana Beach Resort and Spa can be contacted through mobile phone number (+63) 9176255097 and e-mail info@oceanabeachresort.com. Call its Manila booking office at telephone numbers (+63 2) 642-6215 and (+63 2) 642-6290 and mobile phone number (+63) 9228623262. Log on to www.oceanabeachresort.com. 60

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

Club Mabuhay Resort Have a Dream Holiday at

Photos by Donald Tapan

“This is my third time in five years to visit Puerto Galera to dive, and Club Mabuhay Resort is always my choice destination,” says a forty-something European tourist while waiting for the boat at the shore to bring him to his dive site. “Though devoid of white-sand beaches, this place is a haven for divers like me, who enjoy the underwater rather than the beach.” He made a right choice. Of the numerous dive resorts in Sabang, Club Mabuhay Resort is among the favorite of tourists. Aside from the scenery, food and diving packages, the resort staff is well-loved for its hospitality and excellent service. The extraordinary vacation atmosphere and comfortable accommodation definitely complete one’s holiday. All rooms are in European style. Guests can stay at the Sea View Rooms, which are the perfect vantage points to view the sunset or the Poolside Rooms, surrounded by flowers and trees. Those who love water and sand can opt for the Beachfront Rooms.

Other Amenities

Aside from refreshing guests after a dive, the oval pool also serves as a venue for dive classes, while the kiddie pool is perfect for 62

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

children to frolic around. The bar and restaurant, supervised by well-trained chefs, offer local and foreign cuisines that are satisfying to the taste and the pocket. For couples who want to enjoy a romantic setting, food can be served at a specially designed dining area under the palms by the beach. Families and friends, on the other hand, can have a memorable picnic, barbeque party or even a luau on the beach. Aside from the regular diving package, the resort offers night diving to clients who love to mingle with marine creatures without the heat of the sun. Sunset cruises are also available upon request. Guided day trips to various tourist spots in Puerto Galera can be arranged. Club Mabuhay Resort is indeed an impeccable vacation choice for the whole family! Contact Information Club Mabuhay Resort is located in Small La Laguna Beach, Sabang, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, with telephone number (+63 43) 287-3098, mobile phone number (+63) 9278520434, e-mail clubmabuhayresort@gmail.com and Web site www.clubmabuhayresort.com. They also have a Facebook account.

La Laguna

The Wonders Under and Above the Waters at the

Beach Club and Dive Center Photos by Donald Tapan

The replica of cannons lined up on its side makes La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Centre look more of an armory museum than a resort. These sometimes foment fear among new visitors but the fear later gives way to awe as they get near the war weapons. The cannons, which became the landmark of the resort, reflect the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality. While he is not a soldier, he has a great passion for war gadgets, especially the cannons used during World War II. But his staff assures, their big boss is soft-spoken and gentle, far from our usual perception of men exposed to battlefields. The man behind La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center loves war weapons but manages his organization with love. The latter is what drives the employees to perform their jobs well, and this is what visitors remember them for. Most resorts are remembered for their elegant structures and delectable food. While La Laguna has these to boast of, the management would prefer to touch the hearts of their visitors with excellent service.

The Resort

La Laguna is nestled at the heart of the beautiful Big La Laguna Beach, where the sand is white and the water crystal clear and teem64

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center is one of the finest resorts in Puerto Galera (top). The bar is where guests like to hang out and exchange stories after a day of exploring, swimming or diving (above).

One curiosity of the resort, which attracts guests, is the collection old canons of the owner (left). La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center has 41 well-appointed single, double, fam足ily and suite rooms (below).

ing with fish and corals. It has 41 well-appointed single, double, family and suite rooms around the pool and along the beachfront. All are fully air-conditioned and furnished with a mini bar, cable TV, Wi-Fi connection and bathrooms with modern comforts including hot water. In a place full or resorts and dining options, there is more to La Laguna Beach Club than having classy international and local cuisines. They have the friendliest staff as well. After a dive or stroll at the beach, their bar is a perfect place to laze around and taste the wine of your choice. Being a dive center, the resort does not only entertain professional divers but teaches enthusiasts as well. Because of this, their freshwater swimming pool doubles as a venue for diving students. The resort has more to offer its visitors including sea kayaking, sailing, fishing and even mountain hiking at the famous Tukuran Falls. The each club also offers dive trips to other destinations aboard the company-owned M.V. Rags II.

The PADI Scuba Dive Centre

Their PADI Scuba Dive Centre provides modern facilities and instruction for all levels, from beginner to technical diving. Whether you are a novice beginning a PADI open water course or an advanced diver wanting to further your skills, a call at the Dive Centre is all you need. The La Laguna dive center also has an IANTD facility offering Nitrox, Trimix, gas blending and rebreather courses. For professionals who want to share their skills, the center has an IDC program, a prerequisite to become a dive instructor. La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Centre offers direct VIP airport transfers for as low as Php6000. A guest can get to the beach club in a matter of three hours as soon as he steps off the plane from the airport.

Contact Information La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Centre is at Big La Laguna Beach, Sabang, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, with telefax number (+63 43) 287-3181, mobile phone number +63 9177940323, e-mail address lalaguna@llbc.com.ph and Web site www.llbc.com.ph. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila Celebrating Christmas at the

The Christmas Banquet Ball

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila has launched its new party packages in time for the holiday season. Featuring a yuletide list of tempting cuisines, stylish venues, premium amenities and attentive service that takes care of all the important details, Hyatt guarantees a memorable holiday celebration with attractive Christmas banquet ball packages perfect for that corporate or personal affair. Celebrate the holidays with Hyatt as each package includes a lunch or dinner buffet, two rounds of non-alcoholic beverages, gift certificates for a lunch or dinner buffet at The Market CafĂŠ for two people, a gift certificate for an overnight stay in a guestroom with breakfast, complimentary corkage for five bottles of wine and two bottles of liquor, use of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audiovisual system, special discounts for additional room requirements during the event and more. Guests can enjoy the Christmas banquet ball until the end of December, with rates starting from Php127,000 net for the first 75 people. Book early and get a special early bird discount. For inquiries, please call Events at 245-1234 ext. 7528.

Christmas Party Perks at Market Cafe, Li Li and The Fireplace From November 15 to December 31, 2010, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila’s award-winning restaurants will offer an early yuletide treat with special Christmas Party Perk packages. Guests can choose to hold a Christmas gathering at Market Cafe, Li Li or The Fireplace, where executive chef Josef Miklavc and his team will make sure that the dining experience is elevated to new heights of merrymaking. With a minimum of ten people, guests can celebrate with a lunch or dinner in any of our dining outlets and receive holiday add-ons, such as a bottle of sparkling wine, a Christmas cake and a holiday hamper worth Php1,000. Guests receive more holiday treats when dining in groups of at least 20 people, among them two bottles of sparkling wine, a Christmas cake, a stuffed toy and a holiday hamper worth Php2,000. For a minimum of 40 people dining together, diners enjoy the same benefits, this time with three bottles of sparkling wine plus a complimentary overnight stay in a guestroom with breakfast buffet for two at Market Cafe. Favorite spots for the most discerning of palates, Market Cafe, Li Li and The Fireplace offer only the freshest and finest cuisines prepared by Hyatt’s master chefs. A sumptuous feast with complimentary gourmet holiday hampers, festive cakes, bottles of bubbly and a pampering overnight stay with breakfast for two…what more could one ask for?

Holiday Goodies The Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila also presents holiday gift ideas that will surely delight friends and loved ones. Give the gift of tradition with Christmas cookies, cakes, Stollen and pudding as well as luscious chocolate Santas available in different shapes and sizes. Satisfy the sweet tooth of the chocolate lover in you with pastry chef Johann Dreisger’s truffle selections featuring popular flavors of Bailey’s, mint and Kirsch Grand Marnier, champagne, earl grey and Cognac XO, to name just a few. Create that one-of-a- kind holiday gift with chocolate pralines that can be personalized with a company logo, photo or special message. This sweet Yuletide treats are offered until January 1, 2011, at the Pastry Boutique, a gourmet haven located on the first level of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. Known for offering the best desserts in town, the Pastry Boutique is a treasure trove of freshly baked breads, homemade pastries, perfectly baked cakes and signature chocolate items such as chocolate truffle cake, mango pavlova, praline mousse, Felchlin Grand Cru 72 % Arriba chocolate bars, personalized pralines, double chocolate chip cookies and other confectionery delicacies. For inquiries, call (+63 2) 247-8669. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

LIFESTYLE

By Roel Hoang Manipon

ne a clear day, one can see the blue South China Sea, its waves lashing against the cliff. An 18-hole golf course sprawls on the cliff, its greenness bristling, with a small lighthouse in the backdrop. Across, one can see the city of San Fernando, the capital of La Union in northwest Luzon. The South American company Thunderbird Resorts has built a resort and casino in this peninsula, formerly occupied by the United States military. Now, the area is a free port and development zone. Thunderbird Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main building and adjacent hotel affects the style of the famous resort island of Greece, Santorini. Behind it is the pool area, overlooking the sea. Pass the golf course is the casino. Promising leisure and relaxation for a short stay, the resort is the only five-star resort in the whole of northern Luzon. Now, Thunderbird has just launched another development in the 65-hectare propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an exclusive residential, leisure and wellness community within the resort complex. Now, one can live or stay longer in this leisure haven. The Point Residences, launched on October 12, 2010, is the first real estate development of Thunderbird Resorts in Asia, which has been hailed by the Philippine government as a catalyst for the development of the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone into a major tourism attraction. Fifteen hectares in the Thunderbird property has been earmarked for The Point, which will have 139 lots and two mid-rise condominiums. There will be three phases. Phase 1 has thirty-nine lots, Phase 2 forty and Phase 3 sixty. Lot sizes for Phase 1 ranges from 300 to 450 square meters, costing Php7,705 to Php9,200 per square me-

High Point of Living in Poro Point

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

The Santorini-inspired Thunderbird Resort Poro Point is the only five-star destination in northern Luzon. Recently, it launched a real estate project featuring Mediterranean-style villas and promising luxurious living.

ter. House construction cost is pegged at Php35,000 per square meter with in-house financing with different options. The management is targeting expats and balikbayans for the residences. Surprisingly, many San Fernando residents are buying lots. Actually, lots in Phase 1 are almost sold out. Thunderbird Resorts hired Impact Asia Concepts and Solutions as general contractor, project manager and architectural and interior designer for this project. Established in 2003 as a subsidiary of Thunderbird Resorts to provide for internal architectural and visual communication needs in its casinos and hotels based in Central America, Impact has designed and built nearly 116,000 m2 in casinos, 121,500 m2 of hotels and spas, and has taken over construction of 9,846 m2 in six hotels of Las Americas Thunderbird Chain of Hotels in Peru. In the Philippines, Impact Asia developed Thunderbird Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hotel and Casino in Rizal and the first phase of the hotel and casino of Poro Point. Purchase of The Point lot comes with free membership shares to The Cliffs Golf Course and Beach Club, and free access to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amenities plus privileges and discounts at the hotel and food and beverage outlets. The Point facilities and amenities include salon and spa, fitness center, commercial center, clubhouse, kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pavilion, chapel and meditation garden, basketball and tennis courts, jogging path and swimming pools. The commercial area, located in Phase 1 across the hotel, will be a two-storey building and will feature a coffee shop, restaurants, a convenience store and wellness Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Artist’s rendition of a living room in the Alexa villa

center. The Thunderbird management will also be offering residential services such as housekeeping, laundry, landscaping, waste management, shuttle, automated community gates, 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance network and rental program. Owners have the option of renting out their villas, assisted by the Rental Management Office. To complement the Santorini style of the Thunderbird hotel, villas will be in the Mediterranean style, with four choices: the three-bedroom villa called Athena with a lot area of 300 square meters and total floor area of 160 square meters, the threebedroom villa Aphrodite with a lot area of 450 square meters and total floor area of 243 square meters, the two-bedroom villa Selene with a lot area of 300 square meters and total floor area of 136 square meters, and the three-bedroom villa Alexa with a lot area of 300 square meters and total floor area of 158 square meters. Owners of The Point villas will enjoy the dramatic landscape of the surrounding as well as Thunderbird luxuries and facilities such as the pools, the restaurants, the golf course and the casino. The Fiesta Casino, one of Thunderbird Resorts’ brands, started operating in 2005, while the Santorini-inspired hotel opened in 2008. Recently, Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point secured a 25-year lease extension from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), which is mandated to convert former US military base lands and camps into productive civilian economic growth centers. Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point now enjoys a 47-year lease from the government. Aside from that, The Point residences will have the opportunity to enjoy the attractions La Union offers such as the surfing in the town of San Juan and the pebble beach in Luna. Also Baguio City is just an hour’s drive away.

Another living room concept for Alexa The common area for Aphrodite

Getting There From Manila, one can either take the plane or drive by land. Take the North Luzon Expressway and pass by SCTEX and take Tarlac exit. Drive straight to Pangasinan until you reach Urdaneta and Pozzorubio. Take the bridge to La Union and drive pass towns of Aringay, Caba and Bauang. Take a left turn upon reaching Pennsylvania Road after passing Oasis Hotel. This road leads to The Point Residences. Zest air has trips from Manila to San Fernando Airport every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Contact Information The Makati office of The Point Residences is at the 24th floor of Salcedo Tower, 169 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227, with telephone number (+63 2) 886-5555 extension 150, fax number (+63 2) 894-3333, and e-mail info@thepoint.com.ph. Log on to www.thepoint.com.ph. Contact Sofia Lista at mobile number (+63) 917-5865064.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

SHOPPING

Shopping for

Antiques in Vigan

By Irma Villa • Photos by Donald Tapan Vigan shopping is synonymous to antique shopping. This historic city of stone and brick buildings charms visitors with an array of more than centuries-old rare pieces. Visitors are lured with the craftsmanship of these artifacts on sale along the stretch of Crisologo Street and Plaridel Street. Aside from the exquisiteness of these unique treasures, antique fanatics frequent the place even more because of the reasonable prices, a lot cheaper than other shops anywhere in the country. Fine and diverse collection of period furniture and paintings are priced as low as two thousand pesos while some silver and estate jewelry and other memorabilia are as low as a thousand pesos, real good bargains that even non-antique lovers are enticed to buy. Antique shopping is not as easy as it seems, one has to have that “eye” for antiques, and an extensive knowledge of fair market values. Those without this “eye” become easy prey for some shops which sell “replicas” of real pieces and pass them on as genuine. 72

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Crisologo Street in Vigan is famous for its concentration of old houses. This is where one can shop for antiques.

One doesn’t have to be an expert antique collector to be able to tell the difference. A little research and knowledge, however, are necessary. Here are some details to keep an eye on, particularly in buying antique furniture: Style. Know the different elements used in various styles and ages. Screws. The earlier the screw, the cruder it will be. The groove on old screws tends to be off-centre and the top irregular. The thread is also irregular and open and, unlike modern screws, runs the entire length of the shank. Locks. Early locks are usually made of wrought iron and held in place with iron nails. From the 18th century, locks were steel or brass and secured with steel screws. Wood. This is critical in measuring a piece’s age. You need to be able to recognize different types of wood and know in which period of history each was used. Construction. Early furniture was constructed using mortiseand-tenon joints held together by wood pegs or dowels, instead of glue or screws. This method was used until the late 17th century. Pegs were handmade and stand slightly above the surface. Antique shopping is “knowledge shopping” to avoid being caught in the trap of fly-by-night antique shops. It is best to buy from reputable dealers because bringing home a genuine antique is surely a one-of-a-kind buy! Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

By Joel Atencio â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by Donald Tapan Good news for balikbayans, returning Filipino travellers and tourists this Christmas Season. To welcome its loyal shoppers, Duty Free Philippines (DFP) Fiesta Mall has lined up numerous irresistible and special treats --- the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and genuine products of prestigious brands at great values, exciting promos and great giveaways ranging from bags, umbrellas to even small kitchen appliances! The Duty Free Fiestamall is south of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) where newly arrived passengers can do their pasalubong shopping with the family. Aside from its state-of-the-art, shopper friendly facilities, this once touted as best travel retailer in the Asia-Pacific region prides itself in

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

carrying only genuine merchandise at great values as well as worldrenowned brands exclusive only to DFP. DFP was created to primarily augment service facilities for tourists and generate foreign exchange and revenue for government. DFP turns customers’ shopping dollars into vital support for the country’s tourism infrastructure. Every hard earned dollar spent at a duty free store contributes to the development of the country’s tourism industry, as DFP is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT). This holiday season, store hours at the Fiestamall have been extended from 9 am to 2 am the next day until December 23 to allow customers a more pleasant and longer shopping time. While regular travelers are allowed to shop within 48 hours upon arrival, Balikbayans, on the other hand, may shop within 30 days upon arrival from December 15 to January 15 by virtue of Republic Act No. 9174 (Balikbayan Law). For more information on Duty Free Philippines, please visit its website at www.dfp.com.ph or its Facebook page.

Cigarettes, chocolates, liquor, cosmetics, electronic goods, household appliances, clothes and many others can be bought at duty-free prices by newly-arrived passengers at the Duty Free Fiestamall, near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Embellished mother of pearl purse.

This ornate necklace with nature-inspired bead accents makes a beautiful gift. Coin purse embellished with glass beads and wood accents.

Fine and functional gifts: Set of 6 napkin rings with a natural shell fringe.

This necklace’s design is a mix of tribal and trendy.

Exquisite evening purse with motherof-pearl tassels.

This necklace’s design is a mix of tribal and trendy. This necklace’s design is a mix of tribal and trendy.

Exquisite evening purse with motherof-pearl tassels.

Whole bean coffee from the highlands of Iloilo and Negros.

Native-inspired corporate gift suggestions.

Gifts for men: Mother of pearl cuff links and studs in an elegant black box.

Floral, statement necklace with a hand painted pendant.

KULTURA FILIPINO’S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR We’re in search for the perfect gift Christmas after Christmas. And after years of going through – and surviving -the Christmas rush, we’ve learned that it’s important to start early and to open ourselves to new gift ideas. Kultura Filipino, where one can find all things uniquely Filipino, ushers in the Christmas season with a pre-holiday bazaar. Here, one can find a wide range of homespun gift items and décor, as well as corporate gifts and new Crafts for a Cause. You’ll really get into the Christmas mood with Kultura Filipino’s holiday décor – dazzling trees, topiaries, and centerpieces from Geuel; elegant capiz and mother of pearl table accents from Philippine Treasures; traditional lanterns from Starglaze; serene nativity sets and celestial angels from Alriver; and jolly Santa Clauses from Mister Santa. For your gift list, there are stylish scarves, hand painted piña shawls, fine pearls, and semi-precious jewelry as well as embellished bags for ladies. Made from indigenous materials, these are masterfully handcrafted into modern pieces that are great to give and great to own. More finds for your gift list: barong tagalog fabric and mother of pearl or agate cuff links for men; fine cigars and local wines for Balikbayan relatives; as well as the best brews from coffee plantations from as far north as Kalinga and Ifugao, and as far south as the mountains in Mindanao. The Bazaar is also a treasure trove of corporate gifts for business associates, clients, and colleagues. It has embellished pens, mother of pearl picture frames and cardholders, kamagong office table organizers, pandan covered notebooks and documents holders, capiz servers, and resin napkin holders. You can also give gifts of hope with Kultura Filipino’s Crafts for a Cause collection, which includes products from livelihood projects of various foundations that have adopted marginalized communities as their beneficiaries. These are products that put the heart into retailing, some of which creatively celebrate the joys of recycling – parol from foil packs, ornaments from soda cans, wreathes woven from vines. Not only will your gifts warm the hearts of your loved ones, but also help these foundations find sustainable projects for their beneficiaries. Discover more uniquely Filipino holiday finds at Kultura Filipino stores located at SM Makati, SM Megamall, The Block at SM City North EDSA, the SM Mall of Asia, SM City Cebu, and at selected SM Department Stores. Also visit our website at www.kulturafilipino.com.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

ARTS & CULTURE

Indigenous Peoples in a Changing Environment By Roel Hoang Manipon â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by Marvin Alcaraz

The Kalinga showcasing their ethnic dances in the performance component of the Dayaw festival

“Climate change equals culture change,” declares anthropologist Enrique G. Oracion, president of the Ugnayang Pang-AghamTao (UGAT) or the Anthropological Association of the Philippines. Among other things, we are shaped and affected by the environment we live in, including the natural environment. This is also true for indigenous peoples (IP), and the impacts of the environment and its changes in their lives and culture are more profound. UGAT tackled these issues as well as perennial concerns like IP rights, mainstreaming and marginalization, preservation of culture, poverty, etc., in the celebration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Month by the country’s national organization of anthropologists and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Every October, the NCCA spearheads Indigenous Peoples’ Month, one of the national arts and culture agency’s major celebrations. Of recent, the celebration is in the form of grand festivals focusing on each Philippines’ major island cluster. In 2007, Kalimudan: Panaghi-usa sa Mindanao (Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Gathering) held in Davao City in November, featured Mindanao’s ethnic groups. The following year, Timpuyog: Indigenous People Month Celebration in Luzon was held in Santiago City, Isabela, focusing on Luzon ethnic groups and featuring performances, arts and crafts workshops, cultural awareness lectures, forums, tours, and a themepark exhibition featuring the traditional houses, cultural resources, practices/rituals, chants, music, songs and dances, stories, traditional arts and crafts, indigenous games. Last year, the Indigenous Peoples’ Festival was held in the Visayas, particularly in Roxas City, Capiz, called Dungog, with similar activities and aims. Via activities such as performances, exhibitions, forums, lecture-demonstrations and workshops, the festival aims to “provide venue for indigenous peoples (IP) to celebrate the richness of their cultures; allow cultural exchanges that will foster deeper cultural understanding to sustain a culture of peace; provide opportunity to discuss IP rights; give students and other people a chance to deepen their awareness and appreciation of indigenous cultures; recognize the expertise and contributions of indigenous communities; and advocate for the preservation as well as integration of traditional culture into the national cultural mainstream.” This year, the celebration was held in the National Capital Region, named Dayaw: Indigenous Peoples Festival 2010, with three major components: dance and performance or Palabas, exhibit or Sulyap, and conference or Suri. “This year’s Buwan ng Katutubong Filipino draws inspiration from the word dayaw, which means, in old Tigaonon of Surigao del Sur, ‘to show off, parade or display’ and ‘to present with pride what is distinctly and essentially inherent in oneself”; in old Catandunganon, ‘to show one’s best with pride and dignity coupled with excitement’; and in Ilokano, ‘honor.’ It also draws inspiration from the word kadayawan, which means, for Dabawenos, ‘a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, and the bounties of harvest and the serenity of living,” stated Dr. Eufracio C. Abaya, this year’s festival director. “Accordingly, Dayaw: Buwan ng Katutubong Filipino not only celebrates the wisdom of social and environment peace and harmony enshrined in IP cultural practices, but also the continuing reflexive and pragmatic engagement among IPs, the government and the public at large to uphold the IP’s strategic importance and rights.” Assisting Abaya in the steering committee were deputy festival Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

ronment in the shaping and viability of indigenous cultures as well as the effect of climate change, specifically in the conference titled “Kalikhasan in Flux: Cultural Creativity in a Changing Environment,” which was also the 32nd UGAT Annual Conference. Held at the Tambunting Hall of the Museum of the Filipino People, National Museum, from October 20 to 23, 2010, the conference aimed to gathered IP representatives, artists, cultural workers, academics and representatives from government and non-government organizations. “This year’s theme is particularly timely because indigenous peoples, due to their marginalized position and unique relationship with the environment, are seen as one of the most vulnerable segments of the population to the impacts of environmental criMindanao ethnic groups featuring their colorful costumes and dances sis. And yet, they are also some of the most active participants in environmental movements, who, together with support groups, challenge dominant idedirectors Domingo Bakilan, head of the NCCA’s Subcommission on ologies and practices towards the environment,” said Rosa CordilCultural Communities and Traditional Arts, for the Luzon group; lera A. Castillo, the conference chair. Alphonsus Tesoro, head of the Committee on Central Cultural Com“But I do not want to sound as an environmental determinist bemunities, for the Visayas group; and Cheryl Cellona, head of the cause the ways people live likewise impact or alter the environment; Committee on Southern Cultural Communities, for the Mindanao it could also be culture change equals climate change, and the degree group. of change varies across time and space,” explained Oracion. “In genAside from the showcasing of indigenous cultures, Dayaw eral, the changes in the conditions of the natural environment have highlighted the serious aspect of environmental concerns. Each festicorresponding cost to the lives and culture of indigenous peoples val component carried a title with the word kalikhasan. Abaya coined particularly the Philippines. And this is not only seriously affecting the term, a combination of the Filipino words likha, meaning “creatheir food supply and nutritional requirements but also other facets tion,” and kalikasan, meaning “nature” or “natural environment,” to of their lives such as traditional knowledge, rituals, medicines and underscore the “inseparability of creative practice in the natural enhealth practices, music, art and other aesthetic production which vironment as well as the natural environment in creative practice.” have made them culturally distinct.” The celebration put into spotlight the importance of the envi80

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On the other hand, Abaya said: “Main issues touched on the theme of the conference, which is the interaction between nature and cultural creativity. So given that current situation in which climate change and extractive industries and the way land is used, patterned or defined, these have really affected the way of life of the indigenous peoples. And when I speak of their way of life, we’re talking about things that they do in their everyday life. For instance, their agricultural practices have been affected. Practices such as these along with rituals, the way they usually organize their lives have been affected by changes in nature. Concretely, we talk about displacement as a result of the mining industry, ancestral domains, land conversion. He further said that they heard these kinds of comments and stories “from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.” The conference gathered academics, anthropologists and cultural workers such as Owen Lynch, Vellorimo Suminguit, Philip Largo Anghag, Mynabel Pomarin, Victoria Diaz, Reuben Andrew Muni, Maileenita Penalba, Emerson Sanchez, Michael Armand Canilao, Nicole Revel, Edwin Gariguez, Timuay Alim Bandara, Alicia Magos, Robert Panaguiton, Erlinda Burton, May Shiu-Buslig, Randy Nobleza, Earl Francis Pasilan, Norli Colili, Bernadeth Wampa, Bernadeth Ofong, Gideon Binobo, Maria Victoria Espaldon, Van Leigh Alibo, Rico Ancog, Arnold Salvacion, Ramon Docto, Lyer Galulo, Nicomedes Briones, Paolo Vicerra, Jem Javier, Kathleen Tantuico, Ros Costelo, Ramon Felipe Sarmiento, Ponciano Bennagen, Maria Mangahas, Arlene Sampang, Cynthia Zayas, Lilian dela Pena, Zona Hildegrade Saniel Amper, Maria Teresa Dominguez, Artiso Mandawa, Matyline Camfili, Julius Dagitan, Benjamin Nebres III, Bonindo Revidad, Jr., Harrish Serrano, Cyndi Mae Paje, Christian John Morales, Paul Vincent Silo, AT Roxas, NL Bracamonte, SL Ponce and LN Marapao. They presented their studies which dealt with the impact of changing land use patterns on indigenous cultures; the relevance and efficacy of national, regional and global instruments addressing environmental crisis, specifically those affecting IPs; the relation between ritual life and environmental crisis; the relation between

art practices and weaving and environmental crisis; the relation and challenges among indigenous peoples, biodiversity conservation and climate change; environmentally-linked knowledge and practices; the relation between changing marine environments and fishing traditions and creativity; and extractive practices affecting IPs’ ancestral domain and their ramifications on cultural creativity. A session paneled by the NCCA dealt with topics such as microfinance scheme for IPs, IP rights including intellectual property rights and the Dungog Declaration, a document drafted and signed by IP leaders who participated in the Dungog celebration, detailing the issues and concerns of the IPs and recommendations and solutions. The microfinance scheme was presented by Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), which offers financial and non-financial services such as loans with very low interest and no collateral especially to indigenous peoples, so they would not be victims of loan sharks. Noted anthropologist Dr. Jesus Peralta talked on indigenous peoples’ rights, particularly intellectual property rights. He is currently helping draft a bill to protect the traditional intellectual property rights of indigenous peoples. He pointed out that the present copyright law, which mostly deals with individual works, is insufficient or no apt in protecting indigenous intellectual properties. He said that the law states that any work, after fifty years of creation, becomes public domain. He said that traditional expressions such as crafts, performances and others are “older than fifty years and are therefore considered public domain and subject to exploitation by anyone.” Dr. Peralta mentions two ways in protecting these: by amending the copyright law and by signing of a new bill that particularly protects indigenous intellectual properties. He believes that that it is possible to legislate traditional cultural properties of all the ethno-linguistic groups that “shall not lapse into public domain after 50 years and shall continue indefinitely to be exclusive property of these ethno-linguistic groups that communally own them.” “Traditional tangible and intangible properties are to be held in perpetuity in ethnic memory and considered valid as ethnic intellectual property,” he states. To be able to “copyright” a traditional expression, it must be distinctive to a group, which can claim solely as its own. “There are cultural properties that are distinctive, characteristic

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

The Dayaw Festival featured different components such as performances, exhibits and a conference

of and or derived from the particular ethnic traditional culture, to the exclusion of other ethnic cultures. For instance the hagabi of the Ifugao is theirs only exclusively and not found in culture of other groups. All other cultures have properties that are exclusively their own,” Peralta said. This as well as others may “be established in a communal ownership of sort, and to be registered under the group’s name for protection within the copyright law.” All we have to do is to pinpoint these distinctive items. Aside from intellectual ownership, there are several issues confronting the indigenous peoples. One deals with perception and classification. To explain, Abaya looked at history. “When the colonist arrived in the country, nakita natin kung paano nila klinasfy ang mga lipunan sa ating bansa. Merong Christian and non-Christian. Nagkaroon ng minority/majority. Mayroon ding cultural minorities… hill tribes. And meron ding commission sa ating gobiyerno na patuloy ang ganitong classification. Ang implication nito ay ang paningin ng so-called majority sa minority. Mas superior sila, mga ganyan. At silang mga minority ay kawawa,” he said. “In fact, ang nangyari pa sa mga labels na ito na-stigmatize nga ang pagiging katutubo. Na-associate sila sa mga primitive. And yet, ang irony din ay nakikitaan natin sila ng source ng mga materials para ma-define natin ang national identity. So, ang nangyayari, humuhugot-hugot sila ng mga symbols, mga sining ng katutubong Filipino, at sinasabi nila ito ang ating sining. Parang may irony doon.” (“When the colonist arrived in the country, we saw how they classified societies in our country. There is the Christian and then the non-Christian, minority and majority. We also have cultural minorities… hill tribes. And we have a commission in the government that continues this kind of classification. The implication of this is the perception of so-called majority of the minority. They’re superior, like that. And the minority is pitiful. In fact, these labels stigmatize being indigenous. They are associated with being primitive. And yet, the irony is that we see them as a source of materials for us to define our national identity. So, what happens is that they draw out symbols, the arts of the indigenous Filipinos, and say that these are our arts. There is irony in that.” He further related: “On the one hand, nakikita natin, ah, napakacolorful ng buhay nila, napaka-creative nila. Pero at the same time, kapag titingnan mo ‘yung regard ng karamihan, parang mas mababa silang kategorya. Kahapon, may nagsabi, tinanong ng isang researcher ang isang 82

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kabataan sa Cordillera, Igorot ka ba? Ay ako, hindi na. ‘Yung parents ko lang ang Igorot. I think may pagbabago na sa kanilang pananaw kung ano ang identity nila. Siguro tingnan din natin ang papel ng media rito. Nire-reproduce lamang din kadalasan ng media ang mga pananaw ng dominant sector ng ating lipunan. Kung minsan, kinakikitaan natin sila ng source ng spectacle… So makikita natin, mga festivals, for example, doon lang natin hina-highlight. Maganda naman talaga ang kanilang sayaw, tapos, nagke-cater kunwari sa turismo. So marami tayong dapat pagnilaynilayan kaugnay siyempre ng kanilang lugar sa pangkalahatang lipunan natin sa Pilipinas.” (On the one hand, we see, ah, their lives are colorful; they’re very creative. But at the same time, if you see how they regard them, it’s like they’re in a lower category. Yesterday, a researcher asked a young man from the Cordillera are you Igorot. He answered not anymore. Only my parents are Igorot. I think there has been a change in how they perceive their identity. Maybe let’s look at the role of media. It often reproduces the perception of the dominant sector of our society. Sometimes, we see them as a source of spectacle. So we see them in festivals, where they are highlighted. Well, their dances are really beautiful. They cater to tourism. So, there are many things that we have to ponder on especially about their place in the overall society of the Philippines.”) Abaya also touched on the issue of nationality: “Until such time na hindi natin ma-solve ‘yung idea ng nationality versus ethnicity kung saan ang isang Maranao ay magsasabi na ako’y isang Maranao at isang Filipino, ako’y isang Ilocano at ako’y isang Filipino, Mandaya, ganyan, kailangan pa rin nating tingnan ng mas malalim ang interaksyon ng etnisidad at ng pagiging citizen of the Philippines. Itong kategoryang IP ay mahalaga lalo na kapag nag-iisip tayo ng mga programa. Without a category such as this, how programs are developed and implemented, mahihirapan kung wala talagang kategorya ang isang grupo. Hindi naihihiwalay ito sa mga kategorya tulad ng mga magsasaka, mga manggagawa, mga kababaihan. Importante iyon sa pag-identify talaga ng mga grupo sa Pilipinas. It just so happened na we know that historically, ang mga indigenous peoples ay special sector na talagang marginalized culturally, socially, politically, economically. So multiple ang kanilang marginalization. Kung nagre-react man sila na na huwag ninyo kaming tawaging indigenous peoples ay nakikita ko sa isang anggulo, mas mabuti siguro na tayong mga Filipino. Siguro kung isang makakasolusyon sa problema. Pero depende talaga sa konstekto ng usapan. Ganoon naman talaga ang lengguwahe ay nasa konteksto ng paggamit. Maraming nuances

ang paggamit ng lengguwahe. Ang nakikita kong posibleng solusyon doon ay mag-isip tayo na tayo ay Pilipino pero kailangan nating i-recognize na tayo ay nanggagaling sa iba’t-ibang pangkat etniko.” (“Until such time we don’t address the issue of nationality versus ethnicity, in which a Maranao can say I am Maranao and a Filipino, I’m Ilocano and a Filipino, like that, we still need to look more deeply into interplay of ethnicity and being citizen of the Philippines. This IP category is important if we’re developing programs. Without a category such as this, how programs are developed and implemented, it is difficult if a group has no category. This is not different from other categories such as farmers, fisher folks, women. It is important in identifying groups in the Philippines. It just so happened that we know that historically, indigenous peoples is a special sector that is really marginalized, culturally, socially, politically, economically. So, their marginalization is multiple. If they are reacting, don’t call us indigenous peoples, it may be better if we just call ourselves Filipino. That may be one solution. But it also depends on the context. Language is really about contexts. There are nuances. One solution I see is that we think that we are all Filipino but we also recognize that we come from different ethnic groups.”)

Showcasing Ethnicity

Dance is important and even integral to the cultures of indigenous peoples, serving many purposes such as entertainment and ritual. Selected ethnic groups and performers were invited to showcase their dances and music for the performance aspect of Dayaw, titled “Indayog ng Kalikhasan,” under the artistic direction of Shirley Halili-Cruz, head of the NCCA’s Committee on Dance. “Indayog ng Kalikhasan” was held simultaneous with the conference, opening at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium on October 20 preceded by a short parade and going to several venues such as government branches (House of Representatives), television stations (NBN 4 and ABS-CBN 2), malls (SM City San Lazaro and Star Malls Las Pinas, Alabang and EDSA Mandaluyong), nearby cities (Malolos, Bulacan) and schools (Miriam College; St. Scholastica’s College in Pampanga; Pedro Poveda College; Manila Business College in Sta. Cruz, Manila; and Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong.) Featured groups were the T’boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotobato; Mangguagan of Davao del Norte; Teduray of Maguindanao; Kamayo of Agusan del Sur; Bagobo of Davao City; Manobo of Bukidnon;

Subanen of Zamboanga del Sur; B’laan of Balut Island, Saranggani; Sangir of Balut Island; Tausug of Jolo; Kaagan of Davao Oriental; Mamanwa of Surigao del Norte; Hiligaynon of Capiz; Palaw’an of Palawan; Jama Mapun of Palawan; Bukidnon of Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Capiz; Ati of Iloilo, Guimaras and Capiz; Waray of Samar and Leyte; Mangyan of Midoro; Dumagat of Quezon; Ifugao of Kiangan, Ifugao; Kalinga; Bugkalot of Nueva Vizcaya; Gaddang; Ayta Magbukon of Bataan; Ibaloi of Benguet; and Malaueg. They presented traditional dances and rituals and music such as the shelayan by the Subanen, pattong by the Kalinga, binanog by the Panay Bukidnon, dagungguan by the Jama Mapun, damsu by the T’boli, pangalay by the Tausug, kasamungan by the Kaagan, and ini-ini by the Ati of Iloilo. “Indayog” closed on October 23 also at the Rizal Park OpenAir Auditorium, with a series of performances capped by a “unity dance,” comprising selected steps from different ethnic dances, by all the participants.

Visual Glimpse

Under the artistic direction of Edgar Talusan Fernandez, head of the NCCA’s Committee on Visual Arts, “Sa Tinubuang Kalikhasan” presented ethnographic photographs and artifacts at the NCCA Gallery for the whole month of October. It also featured reproduction of works by Federico “Boy” Dominguez, a Mindanaoan artist with Manobo and Mandaya roots, on indigenous peoples. Additionally, interactive exhibit on traditional arts and crafts, such as mat weaving, handloom weaving, pottery and the making of accessories was put up at the National Museum during the conference.

Related Activities

Aside from the three major components, smaller events were held. The Australian Embassy showed a series of Australian indigenous films at the NCCA. Several NCCA-supported events and projects celebrating indigenous cultures were included in the overall celebration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Month such as the Tipo Tipo Festival of the Bagobo Clata in Tagakpan, Davao City; the Tuba Pansakatan Tan Kagam-es Festival of the Ibaloi of Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet; the Kaliga Ta Talakag Festival of the Higaonon of Talakag, Bukidnon; and the Alibay di Badang of the Kankana-ey in Loo, Buguias, Benguet. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Budding Then, Ubod Now:

A Crop of New Authors By Roel Hoang Manipon

he ultimate dream and realization of being a writer is the publication of his/her own bookâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a legacy to pass on from one generation to another, a vessel of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thoughts and emotions, an achievement of patiently tended maturity and creativity, an instrument to touch other lives, a document of the world as well as an instrument for its change, a contribution to the cultural wealth of the country. A book is all these and much more, even for a mere reader. As a child, the great American fictionist Eudora Welty thought that a book is a thing of wonder, sprouting magically like trees. But books are written by men, her painful realization later. There is a process to that fruition, entailing growth, patience, evergreen faith, perseverance and passion. One nurtures the dream with books, smelling their leaves aromatic with age or newness but defiant of time, marveling how words blossom into images and stir emo84

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

tions, and desiring to capture and create. One attempts at composing maudlin poems and self-conscious essays. One studies the rudiments of writing, learning the necessities slowly and often painfully like life itselfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;finding a voice of his/her own, fermenting thoughts, wielding well the implements and devices, etc. One finds his/her way to workshops and the need for kinship of spirit. One comes out in periodicals and proves oneself worthy. Sometimes, one wins awards. Although important, they are not requisite. Then one publishes a book. But sometimes, even though one completes the process and/or is good enough to publish a book, one is not able to. There may be economic interventions. In a developing country like the Philippines, publishing is not a lucrative endeavor. There is a dearth of readership to spur publishing. And if there are publishers, creative works may not be given importance. It is harder for those writing in languages not widely used. Furthermore, still aspiring authors are seldom given

Poet Janice Claire Salvacion with her first book and NCCA National Commission on Literary Arts head Ricardo de Ungria (facing page). Several of the fourteen writers who launched their first book through the Ubod New Authors Series (facing page, below).

a chance. Publishers bank on the proven and the popular usually. The manuscript lies inside the drawer or is stashed at the innermost cranny of the heart, waiting for the light of day and eternity. It can be a loss—both for the writer and also for the reader. Although a product of passion, patience and pain, a book is also a product of opportunity. Even though the process of making a book seems disappointingly mundane, the aspiring writer will eventually find it magical, something akin to giving birth, the common allusion—bloody but miraculous. It is something the fourteen writers felt when their first books were launched under the Ubod New Authors Series, a project that gives selected writers who have not published a book yet the chance to have their first books published. “It’s like giving birth to your first child,” Francisco Arias Monteseña, 44-year-old finance officer from Majayjay, Laguna, echoed the proverbial sentiment. “It’s a dream come true!” exclaimed Leonilo Dalit Lopido, a 32-year-old employee of the Philippine Information Agency Region 8 from Eastern Samar. “I thought this is impossible.” He further said: “About two years ago, a friend of mine (Voltaire Oyzon) once wrote a note for me on his first poetry book, An Maupay ha mga Waray ug iba pa nga mga Siday, which said ‘Huhulton ko an im libro’ (I’ll wait for your book). I just laughed at it. Now, I realized that having my first book published is gonna be fulfilling especially that I love siday (Waray poems).” Mar Anthony Simon dela Cruz, a 28-year-old college instructor at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos who hails from Santiago City, Isabela, related: “Siyempre, talon ako nang talon sa tuwa….Akalain mo, may mga naka-appreciate sa mga kuwento ko. (Of course, I was jumping for joy….Who would have imagined someone appreciated my stories?)” Likewise, 29-year-old Phil Harold L. Mercurio, also a college instructor from Calbayog City, was exultant: “Just like any writer who has just had a book debut, it feels like heaven. I am now convinced that I am indeed a writer and that my voice in the world of poetry does exist.” Noel P. Tuazon, a 38-year-old college instructor from Bingag, Dauis, Bohol, tried to be wry: “Hindi ko alam; hindi ako sanay sa kaligahayan. (I don’t know; I am not used to happiness)” Although 32-year-old freelance writer and editor Sherma Benosa, who hails from Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, thought that having a book published is a realization of a dream, she felt overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) by how soon it was achieved. She explained: “I can’t help thinking that it’s a bit too soon for me to publish a book. I had initially given myself five years to write materials from which I’d choose several to include in a possible anthology. I had envisioned myself knocking on university presses’ doors for some editors to please take a look at my works. I had expected to be turned down a few times before someone would say, ‘Okay, let me see what you have.’ But just two years into the timeline and already there was Ubod. I thought I’d lose nothing if I submitted my work so I did. Little did I expect them to be chosen. I think I was just lucky.” Benosa thinks that she has to go through the process more, holding that romantic image of the suffering writer, and experiencing more hardships to bear sweeter fruits. On the other hand, the much younger (at 23 years old) Christoffer Mitch C. Cerda, a part-time lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University and a son of San Pablo City, Laguna, was a tad impatient for the outing of his book. He said more than anything else he felt relieved “kasi sa pagkatalagal-tagal na nagsusulat ako, ngayon ko lang talaga naramdaman na may pinatutunguhan ang ginagawa ko. Sa ganito, may kongkreto akong maipapakita sa ibang tao. Gayundin, relieved kasi, tulad ng sinabi sa akin minsan ni Egay Samar tungkol sa pagkaranasan ng makalathala ng libro, parang na-exorcise na ako. Puwede na akong mag-move on. Kasi ang ‘ako’ na Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

nagsulat ng mga kuwentong ito ay hindi na ang ‘ako’ ngayon. Ngayong libro na ang bahaging ito ng buhay ko, puwede na akong magtungo sa ibang bagay. (because for the long time I am writing, it is only now that I felt my writing is going somewhere. With this, I have something concrete to show to other people. Relieved because, like what Egay Samar said to me once about the experience of having a book published, I felt like I was exorcised. I can move one. Because the ‘I’ who wrote these stories is not the ‘I’ I am now. Now that this part of my life is a book, I can move on to other things.)” But generally, the feeling was of euphoria, but this is later laden with consciousness of responsibility and maybe of pressure. Writing is a kind of power. Being published is a realization of that power. “Having been published actually ushers in more challenges to refine my craft as a poet and broaden my themes further,” said Mercurio. “I am overwhelmed but challenged to continuously hone the craft of writing,” agreed 24-year-old Jerome Mendoza Hipolito, a teacher of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture from Calabanga, Camarines Sur. Monteseña, Lopido, Dela Cruz, Mercurio, Tuazon, Cerda, Hipolito and Benosa join Marlon Hacla, Jay Gallera Malaga, J.V.D. Perez, Adrian V. Remodo, Janis Claire B. Salvacion and Aida Campos Tiama in the celebration of the printed word made possible by the Ubod project. The Ubod New Author series was started in 2002 by the National Committee on Literary Arts (NCLA), headed by poet and professor Ricardo De Ungria, of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine government arm that administers to the country’s arts and culture and give grants to its projects. Aiming to find emerging talents and encourage them by publishing their first books, a chapbook of about fifty pages (about twenty to forty poems or five to ten short stories, etc.), Ubod took three years to select and publish its first roster of new authors from all over the country, writing in different genres and in English and different Philippine languages. Ubod is the Tagalog and Cebuano word for “heart of palm or bamboo,” meaning that the selected writers are thought to be the best of the crop. Having a book published is such a sacred honor meant for the deserving. Out of 140 entries, the editorial board of distinguished writers led by poet and literary scholar Gemino Abad chose forty writers: Sid Hildawa, Naya Valdellon, Gabriela Lee, Raul Moldez, Rosendo Makabali and Ralph Semino Galan for poetry in English; Joseph Salazar, Edgar Calabia Samar, Richard Gappi, Joselito de los Reyes, Joselyn Floresca, Enrico Torralba, Marieta Culibao and Jema Pamintuan for poetry in Filipino; Santiago Villafania for poetry in Pangasinan; Estellito Baylon Jacob for poetry in Bikol; Anna Felicia Sanchez, Peter Mayshle, Ian Casocot, Mildred Malaki and Arifa Jamil for fiction in English; Alwyn Aguirre, Vlademeir Gonzales, Alvin Yapan, Maricris Calilung and Ernesto Carandang, Jr. for fiction in Filipino; Julio Belmes for fiction in Iluko; Januar Enero Yap for fiction in Cebuano; Genvieve Asenjo for fiction in Kinaray-a; John Barrios for fiction in Aklanon; Georgina Verdolaga and Maryanne Moll for creative nonfiction in English; Debbie Ann Tan, Christopher Gozum, and Liza Magtoto for drama in English; and Bay-viz Canleon, Edward Perez, Dennis Marasigan and Chris Martinez for drama in Filipino. With about 800 copies published for each title, the books were launched on December 6, 2005, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Heartened by the bountiful harvest, the NCLA launched a second edition in 2009, partnering with the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP), headed by children’s writer and literary critic Christine Bellen, of the Ateneo de Manila University. The second Ubod garnered about 25 entries from which 14 were selected by a prestigious pool of readers, editors, translators and writers including Cles Rambaud, Eli Rueda Guieb III, Michael M. Coroza, Kristian S. Cordero, Timothy R. Montes, John Iremil Teodoro and Merlie M. Alunan, each of them 86

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specializing in a language. Literary critic Soledad Reyes served as the general editor of the collection. Launched on August 12, 2010, at the Ateneo were Benosa’s short stories in Iluko, Dagiti Babassit nga Alipugpog (Little Whirlwinds), edited and with selected translation by Rambaud; Cerda’s short stories in Tagalog, Paglalayag Habang Naggagala ang Hilaga at Iba Pang Kuwento (Venturing While the North is Wandering and Other Stories), edited and with selected translation by Guieb; Dela Cruz’s short stories in Tagalog, Pasakalye (Introduction), edited and with selected translation by Guieb; Hacla’s poetry in Tagalog, May Mga Dumadaang Anghel sa Parang (There are Angels Passing Through the Meadow), edited and with selected translation by Coroza; Hipolito’s poetry in Bikol, Oda sa Tadik asin iba pang Bersong Bikol, edited and with selected translation by Cordero; Lopido’s poetry in Waray, Ha Salog ug iba pa nga mga Siday (In the River and Other Poems), edited and with selected translation by Alunan; Malaga’s poetry in Hiligaynon, Duha Ka Tingog (Two Voices), edited and with selected translation by Genevieve Asenjo; Mercurio’s poetry in Waray, Ayaw Pagpudla an Tuog Ug Iba pa nga mga Siday (Don’t Cut the Tuog and Other Poems), edited by Montes and with selected translation by Alunan, Salvacion and Mercurio; Monteseña’s poetry in Tagalog, Pagluluno at Iba Pang Tula (Shedding of Feathers and Other Poems), edited and with selected translation by Edgar Samar; Perez’s short stories in Hiligaynon, Ang Mga Anak Sang Montogawe (The Children of Montogawe and Other Stories), edited and with selected translation to Filipino by Teodoro; Remodo’s poetry in Bikol, Ini an Sakuyang Hawak Asin Iba Pang Bersong Bikol (This is My Body and Other Verses in Bikol), edited and with selected translation by Cordero; Salvacion’s poetry in Waray, Siso Sakradang Ug Iba pa nga mga Siday Han Tagoangkan (Seesaw Up and Down and Other Poems From the Womb), edited and with selected translation by Alunan; Tiama’s poetry in Iluko, Pinagbiahe (Journey), edited and with selected translation by Rambaud; and Tuazon’s poetry in Cebuano, Tanang Namilit sa Hangin (Everything Windborne), edited and with selected translation by Alunan. The new authors, whose ages range from 23 to 44, come from a variety of professions, as it is not possible in the country to make a living on creative writing alone. Most are teachers as with most of the writers in the country are. Teaching most likely is the profession that is most compatible with writing. It is noticeable that ten of new set of Ubod books are poetry, considered the most “refined” of the literary arts but the most “unprofitable.” While publication of poetry in popular avenues like magazines and even in book form declines, Ubod provides an opportunity for it. But the most notable aspect of the Ubod project is that it allows publication in the different vernacular languages of the country, which have no or limited venue. Ubod has the potential to renew or energize writing in the vernaculars. “Sa labing-apat na kalipunan, apat lamang ang naisulat sa Filipino; walo sa iba’t ibang bernakular. At ilan sa mga akdang ito ay isinalin sa Filipino at sa Ingles upang mabasa ng higit na malaking publiko. Napakaluwang na pintuan ang binuksan ng seryeng Ubod sa paglutang ng panitikan mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon. Patunay lamang ito na sa sistemang waring pinaghaharian ng panitikang Tagalog, buong lakas na maigigiit at maisusulong ang iba pang uri ng teksto sa ibang mga wika. Kailangan ito tungo sa sistematiko at masinsinang paghabi ng panitikan ng Pilipinas—pagpupuno sa guwang at espasyo ng ating kasaysayan (In the collection of 14, only four are written in Filipino; eight in the different vernaculars. Several of these works were translated into Filipino and English in able to be read by a wider audience. The Ubod series opened a big door for the surfacing of literature from the different regions. This is proof that in the system in which Tagalog literature seems to reign other kinds of texts in different languages can emerge and progress with might. This is needed towards a systematic and earnest weaving of Philippine literature—filling in the gaps and spaces of our history),” wrote Reyes in her foreword to the Ubod collection. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

To many new authors, the ability to write and get published in the vernacular languages is Ubod’s attraction as well as its most powerful aspect, which gives an added specialness to the already special feeling of having a first book published. “The Ubod project gives writers a shot at having their works published in book form,” Benosa, a linguistic graduate and a member of Gumil, an organization of writers in Iluko, explained. “It is especially helpful for writers in the vernaculars whose chances of having their books published is much slimmer compared to their Tagalog and English counterparts as university presses, especially those in Manila, favor works written in languages for wider communication, that is, Tagalog and English. In order for vernacular works to be published, they generally need to be translated to either Tagalog or English first. Ubod not only publishes works in their original languages, it also allows some works in a collection to be translated.” She added: “I hope the Ubod project will give the vernacular literatures the respect that they deserve.” “I hope my book will inspire young Bikolano writers to publish their own. My book is one of the proofs that Bikol literature is continuously flourishing,” Hipolito said. “The chapbook is very special to me because this is my contribution to Bikol literature.” “For me who came from an upstream barangay, a far-flung barangay in Dolores, Eastern Samar, this (his book) is really a big accomplishment considering that this is published through a national grant, which accepted our works to be published,” related Lopido. “The stories of (my) poems were based on experiences in the place where I grew up, including the culture, beliefs and the setting. This book is a manifestation that Waray literature is still alive. Thanks to the creative writing programs in Eastern Visayas, particularly the UP (University of the Philippines) Creative Writing Workshop and Lamiraw in Northwest Samar State University as well as the Iligan National Writers’ Workshop, which were part of the realization of this book.” For Tuazon, his book is “my simple contribution to Binisaya-Sinugboanon literature. Sa wakas, may mailagay nang aklat na isinulat sa naturang lengguwahe sa estante ng aming library. (At last, there is now a book written in that language, which can be placed on the shelves of our library)” He hopes that his work as well as other works in the series are read by the whole country so that they will know “na buhay na buhay at humihinga ang regional literature na inakalang lumisan na at ang Philippine literature ay pinaghaharian lamang ng mga nasa sentro. (regional literature is alive and kicking, which many thought dead and that Philippine literature is ruled by those in the center.)” For Mercurio, who is responsible for putting up the writing workshop Lamiraw in his hometown, finds more self-fulfilment in promoting regional literature. “I was able to write this collection out of the need to help revive Waray literature. It is not really meant just to showcase my literary works and creative techniques but more of telling the world out there that Waray literature is alive and kicking, that it is not dead. Perhaps, it just hibernated for awhile but now it has awakened from its deep slumber, and it is back on its track to reclaim its forgotten glory,” he declared. “I hope that my book will serve as an inspiration to young Waray writers to embrace tradition and, at the same time, absorb modern techniques in writing. I am optimistic that this publication will encourage writers in the regional languages to search for their unique voice in the world of creative writing. I am looking forward to having more Waray poems and short stories published in the coming years.” While others who write in their own languages struggled to find a venue for their writings, Benosa struggled to find her way back to her mother tongue. “I wasn’t really very good at writing in Ilocano. Though I have been reading Ilocano materials since I was a kid, I never wrote in the vernacular. And since it 88

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wasn’t used and taught in school, I did not know its grammar and orthography well enough to write in the language. So at first, it was very difficult for me to write in Ilocano,” she related. “The very first Ilocano short story I wrote (‘Pasuksok’) was originally in English. It took me weeks to translate it into Ilocano. It was in 2007 when I made the decision to write in my mother tongue that I forced myself to write directly in Ilocano. It was very difficult. I had lots of blanks, as well as Tagalog and English words scattered all over the drafts. Editing took a long time. I had to consult the dictionary many times and ask people about the Ilocano translation of lots of terms. But I persevered, writing nothing except Ilocano sentences. After three months of constant practice, in December 2007, I wrote my very first short story directly in Ilocano. To me, it was a great achievement.” With Ubod, Benosa found new encouragement to pursue writing in Iluko and even in other languages: “I have several plans, but I am still deciding which to pursue first. I am thinking of trying my hand at Tagalog writing, or going back to writing in English. Or perhaps writing a novel in Ilocano. Definitely I’ll continue writing for children and eventually put up a publishing company.” It is precious also the encouragement and the affirmation the Ubod project gives to emerging writers. Many in the first harvest have continued writing and are now known writers. In this second batch, one notices the fire, now stoked for grander things. Dela Cruz, who dreams of becoming a National Artist for literature, said: “Naiinggit ako sa mga kaibigan, kaklase at kakilala na may publication na at nanalo na sa Palanca at sa iba pang literary competition. Eh, sabi ko, bakit ako wala pa ring achievement sa pagsusulat? Iba siyempre ‘yong mga napanalunan kong essay writing contest noong elementary at high school. Eh, ngayong bahagi na ako ng Ubod, may yabang factor talaga. Importante ito dahil kahit paano may nagsasabing may talent din pala ako sa pagsusulat. Siyempre, nakaka-boost ng self-esteem. Ngayon, mas lalo akong ginanahang magsulat. (I envied my friends, classmates and acquaintances who have been published and who have won in the Palanca and other literary competitions. I thought why I haven’t achieved anything in writing? The essay writing contests I won during elementary and high school, those are different. Now, I am part of Ubod. This is important because someone is saying that I also have a talent in writing. Of course, it boosts your self-esteem. Now, I am more inspired to write)” For Mercurio, who dreams of writing a novel in Waray, his book “is important in the sense that it serves as a milestone of my writing career…It inspires me to write more poems or even branch out to other genres, like the short story. Moreover, it promises and signals the coming of other works written by young writers in the Waray language, especially by Lamiraw writers at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) in Calbayog City.” With renewed vigor, he is “looking forward to organizing more writers’ guilds in Samar in order to boost the revival of Waray literature. Well, Lamiraw is already an established writers’ organization in NwSSU. CALAO (Calbayog Literary Arts Organization) is already there in the city consisting of traditional and modern writers. Likewise, ALAG (Abaknon Literary Arts Guild) is already in place in Capul, Northern Samar. But we feel that we still need to encourage more writers in the region to write in their mother tongue. We, the contemporary Waray writers in Region 8 like Voltaire Oyzon, Neil Lopido, Janis Salvacion, Jhonil Bajado, Nemesio ‘Totoy’ Baldesco and Dante Rosales, are actually aiming to create a tsunami of publications written in our mother language.” The Ubod project means many things and may start many things. Ubod and the first publication of a book are all these and much more—blossoming, fruiting, ramification, defiance of death of any kind. A book is man’s bid to immortality. “Life is short and art is long. Isang simpleng paraan kung paano maging imortal tulad ng hangin (a simple way to being immortal like the wind),” Tuazon said of having a book. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Romancing Cebu A review of the collection of essays The Cebu We Know By J.I.E. Teodoro

The Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu, where old women sell candles and dance for you, and the Magellan Cross (facing page) are iconic touristic images of Cebu City.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

he answer to the question why there are so many writers in Cebu can be found in this beautiful book edited by Cebuano fictionist Erma Cuizon. The Cebu We Know (Anvil Publishing, 2009) is a collection of essays written by writers of, in and/ or from Cebu who have an on-going (some, life-long) romance with this city and province in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Literary critic Isagani R. Cruz, in his short but comprehensive foreword to this book, says, “From this book, I learned that writers can be inspired by almost anything on the island, such as horses, songs, cab drivers, stinginess, trees, seafood, corals, weeds, roast pig, coffee and schools. From what they experienced in Cebu, the writers in this book have woven words of wonder, turning reality into literature and memories into dreams.” For Cruz himself, Cebu City is the place to hide into when he has to finish important writing projects. “Not as distracting as Manila with its innumerable social obligations, and better than Manila with less pollution, fewer crimes and a smaller population, Cebu represents to me a haven or heaven for writing,” he explains. Cruz is from Manila. So imagine if you are a writer born in Cebu? The Cebu-born Filipino-American fictionist Cecilia Manguerra Brainard in her essay entitled “Where the Daydreaming Came From” that opens the collection says, “The very first breath I took was in Cebu. My first words were those spoken by Cebuanos. Even though I’d gone on to live in other places in the world, it is as if I carry a part of it within me always and, likewise, I feel as if Cebu has a place for me always.” She talks about their first house in Talisay, Cebu, “the house was made of wood, on stilts, like a big nipa hut. It was situated near the sea and so early on I slept and awoke to the sound of waves lapping the shore and to fishermen shouting as they beached their outriggers. I was used to taking in the sea breeze and having salt on my skin and in my hair.”

Brainard also talked about the miraculous Santo Niño de Cebu that saved her life in her mother’s womb who was malnourished during her pregnancy because the war has just ended. This image of the Santo Niño is the same image that Ferdinand Magellan gave as a baptismal gift to Queen Humamay of Cebu. It is in a convent school in Cebu City that Brainard started to nurture her talent of daydreaming which translated into being an excellent fictionist later. Of course the nuns did not like this. Cebuanos are famous for being romantics and good singers. National Book Award winning poet and essaying Simeon Dumdum, Jr. validates this in his essay entitled “He Sings, She Sings.” Dumdum celebrates the beauty of a Cebuano folk art called balitaw, a traditional form of poetry being sung, which is actually a debate between a man and a woman about love. “The balitaw is itself an indicator of a Cebuano trait, a predilection for music. Magellan’s chronicler, Antonio Pigafetta, commented on the native’s fine musical sense, a virtue that has survived the longuers of the centuries. That explains why a guitar invariably hangs on the wall of a Cebuano home and in the entertainment industry Cebuano musicians and singers are in a class of their own,” Dumdum explains. Cebuano literary critic and historian Resil Mojares problematizes love from the Visayan point of view in his erudite essay “Visayan Love.” He uses poetry (especially that of Vicente Ranudo) and historical and anthropological documents and researches to elucidate on his points. He speaks about how the Visayan gugma (the Visayan word for “love”) was changed by the “Christian guilt.” He says, “Reconstructing desire is a tricky thing. One can discern it only through what traces remain—poems, songs, charms, recorded practices and rituals, full, one judges that the early Visayans were less prone to mystify heterosexual love. Seventeenth-century Jesuit chronicler Francisco Alcina speaks of Visayan males carrying women off to the woods.” He adds, “What is further interesting is that in this field of unabashed sensuality, women were more sensual, vicious, and restless than men… Women did not collapse in sights, secretly willing in unrequited love, they were active foragers for both sex and love.” Of course all of these changed when the friars arrived and made sex dirty and sinful. The young Palanca award-winning poet Lawrence Lacambra Ypil, in his essay “Taga-asa Ka?” (Where are you from?) , reaffirms his allegiance to Cebu as the home of his blood and imagination. Larry was born in Cebu and grew up there but went to college and later on taught at the Ateneo de Manila University. Physically he is in Metro Manila but his heart is always at home and homing in Cebu City. Currently he is honing his poetic craft in a university in the United States of America. He ends his essays this way: “When I write, I claim I’m from Cebu. When I’m in Cebu, I write.” My favorite essay in this collection is by the great poet Merlie M. Alunan entitled “Layover Cebu.” Her family came from Iloilo in Panay Island, and they migrated to Iligan City where her father came from, then they went back to Iloilo again, then again back to Iligan. Her childhood is a story of transferring houses, pots and pans, from Iloilo to Iligan. As a young woman, she taught in Tagbilaran City in Bohol and in Dumaguete City, and she is now retired in Tacloban City. Cebu City is at the center of all these places, the place for layover. Alunan opens her essay with this: “Always, I am going some-

where, on the way toward some place father away, am here now, but would be off— as soon as the bus leaves, or the plane takes off, or this boat sails on toward another port of call. I am in Cebu only for a layover, a few hours, a day, a night’s sleep, a week’s wait, a year’s stay, many years, always knowing that the time to pack would come up sometime, time to give away some of the books, at the excess plates, pots and pans, basins, and pails from the kitchen, find someone to take care of the plants, find a home for the old dog who sheds its fur on the sofa, the cat who does nothing but

sleep in a box under the stairs, for they cannot go wherever it is I am going. Wherever that would be, Cebu is always the midpoint of my journey.” Hers is a wise and elegant voice of a poet, of an old woman with a golden heart who have seen and experienced life on its best and worst. I cannot stop my tears from falling while I was reading the ending of her essay, “My own journey has not come to an end yet. Cebu still serves as my layovers. I know the way to the Basilica del Santo Niño. Some Fridays, it is still possible to go there, to the women bearing flowers and candles, who would offer to pray and dance to the Santo Niño for one’s heart’s desire. Old scarecrow that I am, do I even know what my heart desires? I could give them coins and nod, yes, pray and dance for what I do not know I desire. And if I lose my way in the changing landscape of this venerable old city, how would I find it again? I can always ask anyone, appropriating the rough raw tongue of the native that had already become my own, ‘Unsang lugar man ni, dong?’ (What place is this, young man?)… Best place for a layover, Cebu.” After reading this book, I feel that like the writers in this anthology I also know Cebu enough to start a romance with this beautiful and charming city in the Visayas. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Abe’s Farm WELLNESS

Countryside Charm at

By Agnes M. Abrau • Photos by Fe Marcelino

Getting to Abe’s Farm is a breeze—a smooth ride pass the quiet and quaint town of Magalang in Pampanga complemented by the majestic beauty of Mount Arayat. After Magalang’s municipal hall, a gated structure, concealed with fully-grown, fruit-bearing trees, comes into view—a refuge infused with neat and clean elegance and subtle countryside charm. No one would even think that hidden in this noteworthy town of Pampanga is an oasis called Abe’s Farm. On second thought, this delightful discovery is not surprising if one knows about the legacy left behind by Abe’s Farm owner, the late Larry J. Cruz (LJC)—gourmet, restaurateur, publisher, writer and a mover and shaker in the food industry—known for his passion for good life. Abe’s Farm was built in honor of Emilio Aguilar Cruz, nicknamed Abe and fondly considered the “Son of Magalang”. He was a great influence to his son, LJC.

The New Spa Village

Flowers are sprinkled almost all around the spa of Abe’s Farm in Pampanga, fomenting an atmosphere of beauty and delicacy and setting the mood for a rejuvenating massage.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

An increasing number of spa enthusiasts are venturing out of town in search of good spa services. It is not because spas in Metro Manila are diminishing or deteriorating in quality, but because a change of scenery is one way of de-stressing. While Abe’s Farm is just one and a half hours away from Metro Manila, it has an authentic provincial feel. Tucked in this nearly four-hectare farm is a lifestyle village and resort with a restaurant built like a grand bahay kubo furnished with everything vintage and beautiful; food that is top-notch; cozy and air-conditioned accommodations built like Ifugao huts; a museum; and spa treatments at Abe’s Farm Spa Village, where one revels in the lush greenery—already a big treat for your senses. The spa is a fine addition to complete the lifestyle destination concept. Therapists who are mostly from the town of Magalang itself greet you with shy yet sincere welcome. But it’s the peaceful atmosphere, the lightly fragranced rooms and soft music that create a sense of relaxation. The spa treatments and choices are not complicated, the techniques simple yet rejuvenating. They allow one to rest, refresh and rejuvenate. One can choose from a menu of full-body massage, foot therapy or a thirty-minute head and shoulder massage. The spa also offers aromatherapy massage and reflexology that promote healing and relaxation. The full-body massages remove tension and stress and leave you rejuvenated. Choose Swedish massage, which is said to increase blood circulation while promoting relaxation, or shiatsu, a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy which applies pressure to areas of the

Aside from the spa, Abe’s Farm also offers accommodations in Ifugao ulogs and an exquisite dining experience. Indeed, the Farm is turning out to be a complete lifestyle destination.

body using thumbs and palms, like in acupuncture. There is also aromatherapy, a therapeutic treatment that uses essential oils to improve a person’s mood, cognitive function or health. Clients may also try foot therapy. Foot Reflex, which is about one hour, relieves tired feet through a relaxing soak and rejuvenates the body through foot reflexology. It uses the ancient technique of applying pressure to certain zones and areas of the foot believed to be linked to different parts of the body. Also on offer are foot scrub and reflex; head and back massage that’s designed to revitalize and relax your head, scalp and neck areas; facial treatments to exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturize the facial skin the natural way and ease facial muscles with a gentle massage; and manicure and pedicure services. The spa services here are surprisingly affordable. Life’s demands can get crazy. In such moments, we need to slow down. Having a spa treatment in this quick getaway in Magalang helps promote a sense of well-being and gets us re-energized to face the journey again.

Getting There Abe’s Farm is located at 98 Livestock Village, Barangay Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga. Take the Angeles Exit on North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Follow the Magalang road leading to the town plaza (about 15 minutes). Turn right after the Magalang municipal hall, then head towards the barangay of Ayala. In Ayala, go past a resort on the left. Go straight until you see the sign pointing to Abe’s Farm.

Contact Information For inquiries, call (+63 45) 865-1930 (Pampanga office) or (+63 2) 506-8140/41 (Manila office). Pre-booking is required. Visit www.abesfarm.com.ph.

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

DINING

El Galleon Dive Resort Savor a Fusion of French and Asian Cuisine by the Beach at

Photos by Donald Tapan

Aside from its wide beachfront and white sand, El Galleon Dive Resort and Hotel attracts visitors because of its authentic, mouthwatering French cuisine. Puerto Galera visitors always look forward to having a meal or two at this seaside restaurant, and those who fail to do so promise to put it in their priority list as soon as they have the chance to go back to Mindoro. Who would not want to try the toothsome coq au vin, quenelles of fish, quiche Lorraine and pot au feu, resident French chef Antoine’s own concoction? “I have added some local touch to these homeland dishes (referring to France, his home country) to give them distinct flavors,” says the chef, who has been in the island for more than 30 years. 94

Coq au vin is a French braise of chicken cooked with wine, lardons, mushrooms and sometimes garlic. While this is traditionally cooked in red wine, the chef said he uses a different one to give the dish his “personal” touch. The quenelles of fish are similar to a traditional Japanese fish ball soup but made more delicate with the addition of stiffly whipped egg whites. The “secret” to the un-fishiness is putting lots of ginger, he revealed. The steaming hot soup is great during early morning or after a long dip at the pool. The freshly baked quiche Lorraine is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially those who are skipping rice in their diets. The custard made from eggs and cream in a

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

pastry crust filled with a mixture of minced meat and vegetables keeps one full without having to feel the guilt of eating too much. While this is a classic French specialty, quiche, meaning “cake,” originated in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, Germany, which the French later renamed Lorraine. The chef is elated when guests commend his pot-au-feu, a French beef stew. The dish, which literally means “pot on the fire,” is among the favorites and the restaurant’s top food choice, he said. Great tasting, reasonably priced food is not only El Galleon’s pride but also its elegantly designed restaurant. Owners of the resort believe in the philosophy that good food deserves beautiful surroundings, and they live up to this. All their food are pre-

The restaurant of El Galleon Dive Resort and Hotel in Puerto Galera is known for its authentic French cuisine, whipped up by its resident French chef Antoine, whose pot au feu is an original specialty.

es and enjoying the corals, after attaining that much desired tan under the sun, after bronzing around Puerto Galera, there is no better place to spend the remaining hours before bedtime than dropping by The Point.

Accommodations

pared at their open kitchen, and guests can see how the food is prepared to assure them sanitation is strictly observed. The simple yet elegant decors and fixtures plus the sumptuous food make one’s trip to the resort really memorable.

The Point Bar

El Galleon Dive Resort offers guests a wide choice of rooms, making guests feel this is their home away from home. A blanket of peace and tranquility covers each room whether it is the budget, poolside, family or sea view room. With views of the Sabang Bay and Small La Laguna Beach, each room has the amenities of a hotel room at great prices. Getting There

It does not have the picture of the usual “bar” we know of—a sing-along machine, a dance floor, stage performers. It is but a plain and simple place to chat, drink and relax. This is what the Point Bar, another El Galleon’s attraction, has been conceptualized as. It provides a wide selection of wines and spirits yet guests seldom go home drunk because they do more joke-cracking, story-telling, laughing and even debating than drinking. The place has the touch of sophistication yet evokes simplicity. “It is very easy to find a friend at the Point Bar,” said a foreign banker who frequents the place. All one needs, he added, is to wear a genuine smile. After a long day of mingling with fish-

El Galleon Dive Resort is located at Small La Laguna Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, 60 miles south of Manila. Puerto Galera can be reached via land routes from Manila to Batangas. Travel time to Batangas Pier from Manila is two hours. From Batangas, there are several ferryboat services that bring passengers to Puerto Galera in one or two hours. The Sikat and MV Super 85 Ferry and Bus Services have a package with a bus, coaster or van that goes to Batangas Pier and ferries. Sikat buses depart daily from the lobby of the City State Tower Hotel on1315 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila, with a departure time of 9 A.M. For more details, visit www.int-office. de/SI-KAT. BLTB, JAM and Tritran buses depart for Batangas Pier from their terminals in EDSA Pasay, Taft Avenue and Pasay City respectively. At the Batangas Pier, there is a wide selection of ferries going to Puerto Galera. Usually the first departure is around 7:30 A.M. and the last ferry leaves at about 4 P.M. There are three main entry points to Puerto Galera by way of its port facilities: Muelle Pier (town proper), Balatero Pier (east of the town proper) and Sabang (north of town proper). Some ferries also go directly to White Beach. Outrigger boats are available to transfer guests to El Galleon Resort in Small La Laguna Beach.

Contact Information Contact El Galleon Dive Resort through telefax number (+63 43) 287-3205, mobile phone number +63917-8145107, and e-mail admin@asiadivers. com. Its Manila office is at Abimir Place, 1741 Dian Street, Palanan, Makati City, with telephone number (+63 2) 834-2974, telefax number (+63 2) 551-8063, and e-mail manila@asiadivers.com. Web site is www. elgalleon.com. Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

Some of Lorenzo's Way's bestsellers: yummy desserts such as porcupine tart and Baklava Dream and the good old Kare-Kare Klab.

Lorenzo’s Way

Dining

By Agnes M. Abrau

Seafood lover's favorite: seafood couscous.

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

LJC Group of Restaurants has become a fixture in the dining landscape of Metro Manila. With the passing of its founder, Lorenzo “Larry” J. Cruz (LJC), in 2008, Lorenzo’s Way was born as a fitting tribute to LJC, who was known for his passion for good food and the art of living well in his almost 30 years in the food industry. The latest addition to the LJC chain gathers the best and most delicious dishes from the LJC kitchens, given new twists thus “a new lease on life.”

Kitchen manager, chef Ed de Leon

King p rawns Creole Hollandaise

The LJC Dining Experience Lorenzo’s Way is well thought out, down to the last detail. The restaurant’s interiors create an elegant atmosphere with soft earth tones blending perfectly with the restaurant’s furnishings. “We have the best of the best dishes from all the LJC kitchens,” chef Ed de Leon, the kitchen manager, beamed with pride as I browsed through the menu, which lists 24 main course dishes, couscous and paellas, about a dozen vegetable and rice dishes, salads and soups, more than a dozen appetizers and a good number of mouthwatering desserts. Any of them should be enough to bring gourmets right at the restaurant’s elegant entrance. Apart from LJC’s signature dishes, Lorenzo’s Way also serves international cuisine. For starters, the heart of palm with mango and shrimps salad— a crunchy fresh ubod (palm pith) julienne with boiled shrimps and ripe mango tossed in vinaigrette—was enough to set you in the mood for excellent dining. Appetizers sparkle here with a good mix of Filipino and international flavors and favorites from other LJC restaurants, notably the beef tenderloin salpicao of Café Havana.

Then, there was the king prawns Creole hollandaise, meltingly tender king prawns cooked to perfection matched with a hefty amount of sauce and served with buttered risoni and vegetables. While we’re on the topic of seafood, try its seafood couscous, a flavorful combination of clams, mussels, squid and fish fillets with a seafood saffron broth. There are more choices. For steak lovers, a prime choice is the chateaubriand steak Solana, which according to the menu is the best part of local tenderloin, grilled to your liking and served with vegetables in a bone marrow and red wine sauce. Not to be outdone, its KKK—that’s short for Kare-kare Klab— is one of the bestsellers among Filipino dishes. Lovers of binukadkad na plapla, originally from Malate’s Bistro Remedios, would be happy to see the dish served here. Most of the dishes are in hefty servings, which are good for two to three people. Vegetarians would be glad to know that a set of savory vegetarian dishes are on the offer such as Fried Vege-licious Lumpia (fried spring rolls filled with a julienne of assorted vegetables and tofu), teriyaki mushroom and tofu kebab and vegetable burgers. The wine selection is also varied. The best wines from all over the world are displayed in the elegantly designed wine rack visible from all corners of the main dining area. Desserts like the Baklava Dream, a Mediterranean-style sweet filo pastry filled with walnuts and pistachios and porcupine tart, a chilled cheesecake and chocolate filling on a Graham crust with chocolate chips and almonds are just perfect to cap a meal without being cloying. With its slogan “a matter of taste,” the restaurant upholds the mother company’s reputation of good food, tasteful ambience, warm service and affordability. Give us this kind of outstanding food and we will surely come back again. Taste does matter a lot. Contact Information Lorenzo’s Way is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5, Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Call (+63 2) 729-0047 and log on to Web site www. ljcrestaurants.com.ph.

This seafood dish is perfect with Lorenzo's Way's own sangria

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

ENCOUNTER

Heart and Saul By Deni Rose M. Afinidad • Photos by Teddy Pelaez

Even before Manila hostage crisis that shook the world, tourists and expats in the Philippines like the Australian Richard Saul, general manager of the new Marriott Hotel Manila, have talked about tourists’ safety in the country. “I think the tourism industry here has many issues. For one, there’s a problem in tourists’ perception of safety. Not really about being kidnapped, but about transportation and airlines systems—as simple as getting to the airport without being ripped off by a taxi or riding in one that’s falling apart,” he explains. Not only are foreigners worrying about personal safety, but also about their investments’ safety, says Saul. “They don’t want to invest because they’re afraid there will no be return on investment,” he frets. For these problems to be solved, he thinks the country’s justice system should be fixed, investments’ return should have better guarantee, and the right people should be appointed in the right departments. “This new government is very popular by a big margin. We are very optimistic of the president’s agenda to end corruption. I hope he stays in that issue,” he expresses. “It’s like the question ‘How do you eat an elephant?’ The answer is to eat one at a time. Just like in President (Noynoy) Aquino’s case. He’s got a lot on his plate, but small steps are quickly expected in addressing issues.” According to him, everybody, even foreigners, wants the president to be successful. “There’s a great sense of hope with the new government. We just need to get it going.” Despite these challenges, the GM believes the Philippines is still generally a safe place for foreigners to work and live in. “The Philippines is a gateway and given its ideal location near Southeast Asia and China, the country has an enormous potential...Working in the Philippines is a great experience. If I would have a choice, I would love to stay here for ten years more,” he asserts. “I’ve worked in 10 countries, and this is one of my favorites because the people here are very friendly, natural and warm—qualities you don’t always find elsewhere.”

Manning the Marriott

Born and raised in Australia, Saul graduated with a business

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

degree major in hospitality management from the University of Melbourne. “Right after high school, my mom suggested I get a business degree because it’ll be good for whatever I wish to be, good for somebody looking for a good future,” he narrates. He then went on to work in hotels in Palau, Micronesia, Vanuatu and New Zealand. By 1997, the Marriott group of hotels asked him to become a part of their growing family. “What attracted me to Marriott is its wonderful culture of taking care of people. It’s global, extremely successful, and offering a lot of opportunities with its nearly 500 hotels in sixty countries. It’s fulfilling to see Marriott grow,” he exclaims. From Marriott in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Australia, Malaysia and Bangkok, Saul came to the Philippines last year to experience what he hasn’t done before: put up the country’s first Marriott (and first five-star hotel in Manila in five years) from scratch. “Manning a new Marriott is completely a different atmosphere. With the other older Marriotts it’s just fine tuning. In a way, it’s easier because past experiences made me careful in starting things up. First, it was stressful, we started from a blank shelf. But when we’ve got everything in motion when we opened last October, I only have fun memories to look back. Everybody started together so it’s easier to build rapport,” he says. As GM, he’s the father of 430 employees (Filipinos and five foreigners). He supervises everything—from construction, to selection of uniforms, to hiring employees or, in Marriott’s term, associates. “My personal touches in this hotel are in the million tasks I perform. As a GM, you have to be a generalist, a master of many tasks, like the way a chef is in charge of his kitchen.” A good GM, he notes, is someone engaged in talking with staff and guests, listening to the needs of the community, always interested to keep on learning, and of course, passionate and hardworking. “This industry requires 24/7 work, so a lot of perseverance and common sense is extremely important. You always have to ask questions and be interested in how things work.” Since Marriott is a community member, it’s his job as GM to initiate corporate social responsibility endeavors like donating to Red Cross, visiting the Sisters of the Poor and entertaining a nearby

Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010 EXPERIENCE Travel and Living |

school for orphans. It’s a protocol in their team building activities to include green education among employees, and this includes waste segregation, lessening energy consumption, and coming up with creative ideas for recycling. A GM is an ambassador of culture, and every hotel has its own culture. That’s why most companies keep their own GMs, he shares. “The Marriott’s signature culture is a steady and successful formula, and that is to take care of guests and each other. In other hotels, they go through swings in culture, when a new GM comes in, he brings his own culture. Whereas in Marriott, it’s a consistent culture, because the GMs in Marriott came from other Marriotts, too.” For him, that quintessential cultural ambassador is no less than John Willard Marriott, their founder and president, whom he had the privilege of meeting once. Saul describes the older Marriott as totally compassionate, extremely hardworking and has great attention to detail. “He walks the talk. He loves to personally inspect hotels and tries to meet as many of the staff as he can,” he enthuses.

Behind Closed Doors

To be a GM, one also has to be flexible, Saul adds, as this job requires a lot of travel. “I’ve got an open contract and can be relocated anytime so I have to keep an open mind,” he divulges. Part of being flexible is balancing private life with passion. Though it’s hard for a hotelier like him to join a sporting club, he finds diversion in enjoying meals with his Malaysian wife and two children. “My wife and I balance our cultural differences through respect,” he shares. His son, who loves to join him in buffet tours, can potentially follow his footsteps, like the way Bill Marriott succeeded his father as the hotel chain’s president. “My son’s an academic and good at people...I would recommend (this industry), but not influence my children’s choices,” he points out. Recently, he and his family spent a four-day “great break” in Cebu, the only place in the Philippines he has gone to apart from Manila. “When I go on vacation, I go low-key to relax and spend time with my family.” In the hotel, his favorite spots for unwinding are the small java gallery with its “beautiful” pastry and coffee; the lounge that’s “lobby reinvented” because of its great fixtures and lush features; and Cru Steakhouse, with its “stylish” great dark brown interior and flaming grill. Likewise, it soothes him to hear foreigners say that the hotel is one of the best Marriotts they’ve stayed in. “I really love my job,” says Saul, who’s been in the business for over 25 years, 14 to 15 years of which have been spent in Marriott. “Majority of the GMs have been with the hotel for 40 years, so those like me who’s been there for under twenty are in the minority,” reveals Saul, who entertains possibilities like becoming an area general manager someday. “(The best part of being a GM) is that everyday is different. My work’s scope is diverse, from talking to the chef to the laundry to the cafeteria staff, there’s a lot of variety, more walking than office, and I enjoy it...I get a lot of self-satisfaction for seeing how everything develops,” he confides. The hotel is well-decorated; it’s where you see beautiful things like works of art, the finer things in life. That’s why Saul thinks a hotel is where people want to be and where his heart truly belongs.

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TRAVEL DIRECTORY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM OFFICES

Web site: www.corporate.mozcom.com/dot, www.westernvisayastourism.com.ph

National Capital Region Rm. 207, Department of Tourism Bldg., T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 523-8411 to 20 Web site: www.wowphilippines.com.ph

Boracay Field Office Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Phone: (036) 288-3689 Web site: www.boracay.com

Ilocos Region (I) Oasis Country Resort Hotel National Highway, Sevilla, San Fernando, La Union Phone: (072) 888-2411/2098 Fax: 888-2098 Email: dotregion1@pldtdsl.net

Central Visayas (VII) Ground floor, LDM Bldg., Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City Tel. (032) 254-2811, 254-6077 and 254-6650 Email: dotregion7@gmail.com, dotcebu@gmail.com

Laoag Sub-Office Room 207, Ilocano Heroes Memorial Hall, Laoag City Phone: (077) 722-1473 Fax: (077) 722-0467 Email: dotlaoag@digitelone.com

Eastern Visayas (VIII) Ground floor, Foundation Plaza Bldg., Leyte Park Resort Compound, Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City Phone: (053) 321-2048, 321-4333 Fax: 325-5279 Email: dotreg8@yahoo.com Web site: www.visiteasternvisayas.ph

Cordillera Administrative Region DOT Complex, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City Phone: (074) 442-8848/7014 Fax: (074) 442-8848 Email: dotcar@pldtdsl.net Cagayan Valley Region (II) No. 29-A, Rizal St. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Phone: (078) 844-1621, 846-2435 Fax: 846-2435 Email: dotr02@yahoo.com Web site: www.dotregion2.com.ph Central Luzon (III) Hilaga Village San Fernando City, Pampanga Phone: (045) 961-2665, 961-2612 Fax: 961-2612 Email: celtour@yahoo.com Southern Tagalog Regions (IV) Room 208, Department of Tourism Bldg., T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 524-1969, 524-1528 and 526-7656 Fax: 526-7656 Email: lcjurilla@tourism.gov.ph Bicol Region (V) Regional Center Site Rawis, Legaspi City, Albay Phone: (052) 482-0712, 820-3664 Fax: 482-0715 Email: dotr5@globalink.net.ph Web site: www.wowbicol.com Western Visayas (VI) Western Visayas Tourism Center Capitol Ground, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City Phone: (033) 337-5411, 509-3550 Fax: 335-0245 Mobile: 0917-722-6691 Email: deptour6@mozcom.com

Zamboanga Peninsula (IX) Lantaka Hotel by the Sea Valderosa St., Zamboanga City Tel. (062) 991-0218 Fax: 993-0030 Email: dotr9@yahoo.com Northern Mindanao (X) Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center, A.Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Phone: (08822) 726-394, 723-696, 856-4048 and 858-8866 Fax: 723-696 Email: dotr10@yahoo.com Davao Region (XI) Rm. 512, Landco Corporate Center Bldg., J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City Phone: (082) 221-6955, 487-0659 Fax: 221-0070 / 225-1940 Email: dotr11@yahoo.com Web site: www.discoverdavao.com Soccsksargen (XII) Second floor, COMSE Bldg., Quezon Ave., Cotabato City Phone: (064) 421-1110 Fax: 421-7868 Email: dot12@greendot.com.ph Koronadal Sub-Office Ground floor, Marvella Plaza Hotel, Gen Paulino Santos Drive, Koronadal City Phone: (083) 228-8667 Caraga Region (XIII) Ground floor, Grateful Realty Corp. Bldg., 88 Pili Drive, Butuan City Phone: (085) 341-8413 Fax: 815-6040 Email: dotr13@yahoo.com Web site: www.dotcaraga.ph

EMBASSIES and CONSULATES Australia Level 23-Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1200 Phone: (+63) 2 757 8100 Fax: (+63) 2 7578 268 Web site: www.philippines.embassy.gov.au Email: manila.consular@dfat.gov.au Belgium 9th floor, Multinational Bancorporation Centre, 6805 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: + (63) 2 845-1869 Fax: + (63) 2 845-2076 Web site: www.diplomatie.be/manila Email: manila@diplobel.org Brazil 16th floor, Liberty Center, 104 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 845-3651 to 53 Fax: (+63) 2 845-3676 Email: brasemb@info.com.ph Brunei Darussalam 11th Floor BPI Building, Ayala Avenue cor. Paseo De Roxas, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 816-2836, 891-6646 Fax: (+63) 2 816-2876 Cambodia Unit 7A-B, Country Space 1 Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63-2) 818-9981, 810-1896 Fax: (+63-2) 818-9983 Email: cam.emb.ma@netasia.net Canada Level 6, 7 and 8, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 857-9000 Fax: (+63) 2 843-1082 Web site: www.manila.gc.ca China 4896 Pasay Road, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 844-3148, 843-7715 Fax: (+63) 2 845-2465, 843-9974 Email: chinaemb_ph@mfa.gov.cn Denmark 51st floor, PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Manila, Philippines Phone: (+63) 2 815-8015 Fax: (+63) 2 815-8017 Email: mnlconsul@maersk.com Egypt 2229 Paraiso cor. Banyan Sts., Dasmarinas Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 843-9220 Fax : (+63) 2 843-9239

Finland 21st Floor BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 891-5011 to 15 Fax: (+63) 2 891-4107 Web site: www.finland.ph Email: sanomat.mni@formin.fi France 16th floor, The Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Ave. cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ext., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 810-1981/8 Fax: (+63) 2 813-1908 Germany 25/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-4906 Fax: (+63) 2 810-4703 Web site: www.manila.diplo.de Email: germanembassymanila@ surfshop.net.ph India 2190 Paraiso St. Dasmarinas Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 815-8151 Fax: (+63) 2 815-8151 Web site: www.embindia.org.ph Email: amb@embindia.org.ph Indonesia 185 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-5061/68 Fax: (+63) 2 892-5878, 818-4441 Web site: www.kbrimanila.org.ph Email: fungsipensosbud@yahoo. com.ph Ireland 3rd floor, Maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bldg., 70 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 896-4668 Fax: (+63) 2 897-8534 Email: irishcon@info.com.ph Israel 23rd floor, Trafalgar Plaza, H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-5330 Fax: (+63) 2 894-1027 Web site: www.manila.mfa.gov.il Email: info@manila.mfa.gov.il Italy 6th floor, Zeta Bldg. 191 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-4531/2/3 Fax: (+63) 2 817-1436 Email: informazioni.manila@esteri.it Japan 2627 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 551-5710 Fax: (+63) 2 551-5785, 551-5780 Web site: www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp Email: jicc-mnl@embjapan.ph

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TRAVEL DIRECTORY Korea 10th floor, The Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Ave. Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 811-6139 to 44 Fax: (+63) 2 811-6148

Singapore 505 Rizal Drive,1634 Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Phone: (+63) 2 856-9922 Fax: (+63) 2 856-9932

United States of America 1201 Roxas Blvd., Manila Phone: (+63) 2 528-6300 Fax: (+63) 2 522-4361 Web site: www.manila.usembassy.gov

Emirates Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 858-5350, 858-5300

Malaysia 10th and 11th floor, The World Centre Bldg., 330 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 864-0761 to 68 Fax: (+63) 2 864-0727 Email: malmanila@kln.gov.my

Spain 5th floor, ACT Tower, 135 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 818-5526 Fax: (+63) 2 810-2885 Email: emb.manila@maec.es and con.manila@maec.es

Vietnam 670 Pablo Ocampo, Malate, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 525-2837, 521-6843 Fax: (+63) 2 526-0472 Web site: www.vietnamembassyphilippines.org Email: vnem@yahoo.com

Eva Airways 5438 Don Tim Building, South Superhighway, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 889-5701 to 04

Mexico 2157 Paraiso St., Dasmarinas Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 812-2211, 812-2212 Fax: (+63) 2 892-9824 Web Site: www.sre.gob.mx/filipinas Email: ebmexfil@info.com.ph

Sweden 16th floor, Equitable PCI Bank Tower II Bldg., Makati Ave. cor. Dela Costa Sts., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 811-7900 Fax: (+63) 2 815-3002 Web site: www.swedenabroad.com/ manila Email: ambassaden.manila@foreign. ministry.se

Netherlands 26th Floor Equitable PCI Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 786-6666 Fax: (+63 2) 786-6600 Web site: www.netherlandsembassy.ph Email: man@minbuza.nl New Zealand 23rd floor, BPI Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 891-5358 to 67, 891-3272 to 75 Fax: (+63) 2 891-5357, 891-5353 Web site: www.nzembassy.com/ philippines Email: nzemmanila@globelines. com.ph Norway 21st floor, Petron Mega Plaza Bldg., 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 886-3245 to 49 Fax: (+63) 2 886-3244, 886.3384 Web site: www.norway.ph Email: emb.manila@msa.no Pakistan 6th Floor, Alexander House, 132 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 817-2772/6 Fax: (+63) 2 840-0229 Email: pakrepmanila@yahoo.com Russia 1245 Acacia Road, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 893-0190 Fax: (+63) 2 810-9614 Web site: www.rusmanila.mid.ru Email: RusEmb@i-manila.com.ph Saudi Arabia 389 Gen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 890-9735 Fax: (+63) 2 895-3493

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Switzerland 24th floor, Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 757-9000 Fax: (+63) 2 757-3718 Web site: www.eda.admin.ch/manila Email: vertretung@man.rep.admin.ch Taiwan 41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 887-6688 Fax: (+63) 2 887-7679, 8874661 Web site: www.taiwanoffice.org.ph/ Email: phl@mofa.gov.tw Thailand 107 Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 815-4219/20 Fax: (+63) 2 815-4221 Email: thaimnl@pacific.net.ph Turkey 2268 Paraiso St., Dasmarinas Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 843-9705, 843-9707 Fax: (+63) 2 843-9702 Email: turkembm@info.com.ph United Arab Emirates 2nd floor, Renaissance Bldg., 215 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 817-3906 Fax: (+63) 2 818-3577 United Kingdom 15th to17th floors, L.V. Locsin Bldg., 6752 Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 580-8700 Fax: (+63) 2 819-7206 Web site: www.britishembassy.gov. uk/philippines Email: uk@info.com.ph

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

AIRLINES Air Philippines R-1 Hangar, APC Gate1, Andrews Avenue, Nichols Tel. 851-7601 Ground Floor, Charterhouse, 114 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-1459/2071; 24-Hour reservations number: 855-9000 Air India Phil Am Life Salcedo Building, 126 L.P. Leviste St., SalcedoVillage, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 815-2441/1280 Air New Zealand 10th Floor, Rufino Pacific Tower, Ayala Ave., Makati City. Phone: (+63) 2 884-8097 American Airlines Ground Floor, Olympia Somerset Condominium, Makati Avenue cor Sto. Tomas St., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 817-8645, 810-3229

Gulf Air 9th Floor, Ayala Life FGU Center 6811 Ayala Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-1313 Island Aviation, Inc. A. Soriano Hangar, Andrews Avenue, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines Phone no.(63) 2 833-3855 Island Transvoyager, Inc. A Soriano Hangar, Lima Road cor Andrews Avenue, Domestic Airport, Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 821-5674, 851-5667 and 854-5674 Inter Island Airlines 74 Roxas Blvd., Paranaque City Phone: (+63) 2 852-8003 Japan Airlines 2nd floor, Oledan Square, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 886-6877 to 78 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 8th floor, Athenaeum Building, 160 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 848-5817, 815-4790

Asiana Airlines 6th Floor, Salcedo Tower, Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 892-5681 to 88

Korean Air Ground floor, LPL Plaza Bldg., 124 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 815-9262, 815-9264

British Airways 4th Floor, Filipino Bldg., Dela Rosa Street cor. Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 817-0361, 815-6560

Laoag International Airlines Terminal 1, Manila Domestic Airport, Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 551-9729, 551-4813

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited Room 446, 4th Floor, IPT Bldg., NAIA Terminal 1, Ninoy Aquino Ave., Paranaque City Phone: (+63) 2 832-2979

Lufthansa German Airlines Legaspi Parkview Condominiums, 134 Legaspi cor. Palanca Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 810-5033

Cebu Pacific Airlines Airline Operations Center Domestic Airport, Pasay City, 1301 Philippines Phone no: (63) 2 702-0888

Malaysia Airlines 23rd Floor, LKG Tower Bldg., 6801 Ayala Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 887-3215, 843-6674

China Airlines Ground Flr., Manila Midtown Arcade, Malate, Manila, Phone: (+63) 2 523-6319, 524-4950/4331

Northwest Airlines 8th floor, Athenaeum Building, 160 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 819-7261

TRAVEL DIRECTORY Philippine Airlines 2nd Floor, Power Realty Bldg., 1012 Arnaiz Ave., Makati City. Phone: (+63) 2 892-7339, 815-6481

Budget Rent-A-Car The Peninsula Hotel Manila Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 818-7363, 816-2211/6682

Sunflower Transport Services 7 Santa Teresita St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Phone: (+63) 2 631-3496

Philippine Rabbit Oroquieta St., Sta.Cruz, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 734-9836 and 489-0328

Pacific Airways Domestic Airport Road, Pasay City, Phone: (+63) 2 851-1465/1416/1509

Carlines Rent-A-Car Services Tuscany Condominium, 6751 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 810-5421, 813-1975 to 76

Tigers on the Run 3rd Floor, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Mkti. City Phone: (+63) 2 899-98-28/08

Philtranco Edsa, Apelo Cruz St., Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 851-8077 to 79 (Pasay) and 722-7567 (Cubao)

Qatar Airways Ground floor, 132-A The Colonnade Residences, Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 812-1888 Qantas Airways Limited 4th floor, Filipino Merchants Building, 135 Legaspi corner Dela Rosa Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 812-4738 Royal Brunei Airlines Saville Building, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 897-3309, 895-3545 South East Asian Airlines Domestic Passenger Terminal 1, Manila Domestic Airport, Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 849-0100 Singapore Airlines 33rd floor, LKG Tower, 6801 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 756-8899, 756-8888

Delâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transport Services 1042 Vito Cruz St., Singalong, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 524-5187, 525-8396/2696 Executive Transport and Cars Casa Blanca, 1447 M. Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 523-5595 Filcar Transport Services 2nd Floor, Unit 2-A, Torre De Salcedo Bldg., 184 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 894-1754, 817-8346 and 843-3530 Telefax: (+63) 2 893-1251 Web site: www.filcartransport.com Email: info@filcartransport.com Gemini Transport Services 43 B. Francisco St., New Saniega Phone: (+63) 2 811-6888

South Phoenix Airways AASI Hangar, General Aviation Area, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 852-5565, 852-5402

Grayline Philippines 7737-C, St. Paul Road, San Antonio Village, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 890-3963 to 64

Thai Airways International Country Space 1 Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 812-4812

Hertz Rent-A-Car Unit 101, Sunset Tower, Makati Ave. cor. Durban St., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 897-5161

Tiger Airways 1000 Makati Ave. cor Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 884-1524

NAIA Airport Terminal 1 Branch, Phone: (+63) 2 877-1406

ZESTAIR Domestic Road cor Andrews Avenue, Pasay City Phone no.(63) 2 855-3333 CAR RENTAL AND TAXI SERVICE Alamo Rent-A-Car 211 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, Paranaque Phone: (+63) 2 551-4923/07 Avcar Rental Corp. 3674 Bautista cor Dayap Sts., Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 687-2212 Avis Philippines Manila Peninsula Hotel Shop #1, Ayala Wing Ayala Avenue, Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 845-1844, 843-7140 Web site: www.avis.com.ph

Mobeline Charter Services 2449 Sequia St., Sta.Ana, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 890-2778 Nissan Rent-A-Car 2317 Aurora Blvd., Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 854-7099 Fax: (+63) 2 852-6599 Web site: www.nissanrentacar.com Email: lgq-sales@nissanrentacar.com Orix Auto Leasing Phil. Corp. 148 Yakal St., San Antonio Village, Makati City. Phone: (+63) 2 893-2523 to 27, 893-3233 and 893-2020 (24 hrs.) Sandeco Rent-A-Car 5446-48 South Superhighway Phone: (+63) 2 844-7954/7960/ 4478 to 79

BUS COMPANIES Aladdin Transit Cayco St., Sampaloc, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 781-9168 BLTB 2nd Avenue, Caloocan City Phone: (+63) 2 363-4478, 365-7886 Baliwag Transit 2nd Avenue cor Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City Phone: (+63) 2 364-7002, 364-0860, 364-0778 and 363-4331 Dagupan Bus Line New York St. corner Edsa, Cubao, Quezon City Phone: (+63) 2 727-2330 or 2287 Dangwa Tranco 832 Aurora Blvd. cor Driod St., Cubao, Quezon City Phone: (+63) 2 410-1991 Executive Carriers and Services, Inc. 153 Quirino Ave., Baclaran, Paranaque City Phone: (+63) 2 851-8701, 912-4289 Five Star Bus Company 2220 Aurora Blvd., Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 853-4772 Genesis Transport Services Inc. 101-A Giselle Park Plaza, Edsa Rotonda cor. H. Taft Avenue, Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 733- 8622 704 Edsa cor. New York St., Cubao, Quezon City Phone: (+63) 2 709-0803, 421-1413 JAC Liner #2 Mapagmahal St. Brgy. Pinyahan, Kamias Road, Quezon City Phone: (+63) 2 927-4745/6139, 928-6140 Jam Transit Timog St. corner Edsa Quezon City Phone: (+63) 2 724-4897 Partas Transportation Co., Inc. 816 Aurora Blvd., Quezon City Phone: (+63) 2 725-1740, 725-1756 and 724-9820

RRCG Transport Km. 18, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Cainta, Rizal Phone: (+63) 2 656-7503 Saulog Transit 1377 Quirino Avenue, Paranaque City Phone: (+63) 2 825-2926 to 30, 826-1285 Tritran CMC Building, Andrews Avenue corner Aurora Blvd., Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 851-7971 Victory Liner 713 Rizal Ave. Ext., Caloocan City Phone: (+63) 2 361-1506 651 EDSA, Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 833-5019 to 20 Espana Cor. Galecia St. Sampaloc, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 741-1436 Edsa near Aurora Blvd., Cubao Phone: (+63) 2 727-4688 SHIPS and FERRIES WG & A (Superferry) 12th floor, Times Plaza Building, UN cor. Taft Aves., Ermita, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 528-7979, 528-7171 Web site: www.SuperFerry.com.ph Email: customerinteraction@ SuperFerry.com.ph Mt. Samat Ferry Express CCP Bay Terminal, CCP Complex, Pasay City Phone: (+63) 2 551-5290 to 91 Negros Navigation Pier II, North Harbor, Tondo, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 243-5231, 244-0408 Web site: www.negrosnavigation.ph Email: gcabalo@negrosnavigation.ph Sulpicio Lines Manila Terminal Office Pier 12, North Harbor Tondo, Manila Phone: (+63) 2 245-0616 to 30 Fax: (+63) 2 243-4570, 243-4571 Web site: www.sulpiciolines.com

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January - March dance for favors all night. KADAYAW FESTIVAL Jan. 7 | Pambujan, Northern Samar The festival is a thanksgiving for the blessings received. BANDI FESTIVAL and BAYLUHAY FESTIVAL Jan. 8-15 | San Joaquin, Iloilo The festivals feature the biggest bandi (a sweet delicacy) in Western Visayas and the reenactment of the Barter of Panay.

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL January | Nationwide There is a grand procession of well-dressed images of the Child Jesus. ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL Jan. 1-21 | Kalibo, Aklan Celebrated in honor of Sto. Niño, it is socalled because locals and tourists wipe soot on their faces, don ethnic costumes, parade around town as Negritos and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours. AGUMAN SANDUK Jan. 1 | Minalin, Pampanga While the rest of the country takes a break from the New Year revelry, boys and men of this sleepy fishing town wear their mothers’ lipstick and put on their wives’ dresses

nao.

BINANOG FESTIVAL Jan. 8 | Lambunao, Iloilo It is celebrated in honor of infant Jesus. Binanog means a “pool of dance” by the people in hinterland of Lambu-

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE Jan. 9 | Quiapo, Manila The populous district of Manila celebrates the feast day of the Black Nazarene, when a life-size image of a dark-skinned Jesus Christ carrying the cross is brought out for a procession. Devotees, from all over the metropolis and beyond, join in the procession, trying to touch the image, which is said to have miraculous powers. This is one of the most intense shows of devotion. SAN PABLO COCO FESTIVAL Jan. 10-15 | San Pablo City, Laguna

FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS Jan. 2 | Gasan, Marinduque This feast honors the three kings, and participants visit houses around the poblacion of Gasan. BAILES DE LUCES Jan. 5 | La Castellana, Negros Occicental A celebration of charter day, it is also a thanksgiving for all the blessings received in the year. It paves for a prosperous new year with lights, nocturnal festivities and street dancing. KURALDAL Jan. 6 | Sasmoan, Pampanga Pampangans from neighboring towns gather in front of the chapel of St. Lucy and

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The weeklong celebration is highlighted by a Mardi Gras during fiesta with costumes and floats made from coconut. SINULOG (KABANKALAN) FESTIVAL Jan. 10-16 | Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Revelers in colorful costumes and bodies painted in soot take to the streets to the frenzied beating of drums, celebrating the feast of Sto. Niño. SINULOG FESTIVAL Jan. 12-22 | Cebu This is Cebu’s biggest and most popular festival in honor of Sto. Niño MALATARLAK FESTIVAL Jan. 13-20 | Tarlac City, Tarlac The festival features various contingents of school children garbed in grass-inspired costumes, painted in soot, all dancing to the beat of local tunes and ethnic instruments made of bamboo. KINARADTO FESTIVAL Jan. 15 | Buenavista, Guimaras This festival has presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicting the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. It is celebrated in honor of the town’s patron Sto. Niño. PASUNGAY FESTIVAL Jan. 15 | San Joaquin, Iloilo This has its origin on a hillside in one of the inland barangays of the municipality when resting farmers witness for the first time the fight between the two raging bulls, set loose by their herdsmen. It caught the fancy of the barangay folks and soon it became a popular entertainment in most barangay fiestas. During the municipal fiesta, the best bulls from different barangays are pitted against each other. KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL Jan. 16 | Libertad, Butuan City This is Butuan’s version of the Sinulog of Cebu, which has an equally lively and spectacular street dancing. BINULIGAY FESTIVAL Jan. 20 | Jamindan, Capiz This is a cultural and fiesta celebration.

bountiful harvest throughout the year.

HUGYAW FESTIVAL Jan. 22 | New Lucena, Iloilo It features a street dancing competition.

KALILANGAN FESTIVAL Feb. 17-27 | General Santos City It celebrates the “friendly co-existence among the peoples of General Santos City.” Activities include agroindustrial trade fair, cultural presentation, culinary contest, pagana, kulintangan, ethnic musical instrument competition and Kidig-Kidig sa Dalan.

PANUBASON FESTIVAL Jan. 22- 25 | Valderrama, Antique A festival created to discover and develop special talents from aspirants in the field of music, dances and sports, it is also a thanksgiving festival featuring a Mardi Gras competition. LONGANIZA FESTIVAL Jan. 22 | Vigan City, It features the longaniza sausage. DINAGYANG FESTIVAL Jan. 26 28 | Iloilo City Street dancing is characterized by frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating, with people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night. SANA-AW FESTIVAL Jan. 27 | Jordan, Guimaras Primarily a celebration of the economic endeavor that made Jordan what it is today, Sana-aw also pays tribute to the skillful artisans and workers in an endearing characterization through dance drama. BALOT SA PUTI FESTIVAL Jan. 31 | Pateros It is one of the highlights of the Pateros town fiesta celebration. PABIRIK FESTIVAL Feb. 1- 2 | Paracale, Camarines Norte Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the gold mining industry in the province. BULANG-BULANG FESTIVAL Feb. 2-9 | San Enrique, Negros Occidental This festival gives recognition to the sport fowl industry which is one of the major sources of livelihood of the town. BulangBulang is a dance presentation, which depicts the life and character of the fighting cock. SALAKAYAN FESTIVAL Feb. 2-5 | Miag-ao, Iloilo An important historical occasion for the people of Miag-ao, this annual extravaganza attracts people with its week-long activity of food fair, agro-industrial and trade

fair, fluvial parade, higante contest, literary musical contest, evening socials and the hablon and patadyong fashion show. The event’s highlight is the street dance-drama depicting the victorious battle waged by the locals against Muslim marauders sometime in 1754. PAMULINAWEN FESTIVAL Feb. 2-10 | Laoag City, Ilocos Norte The word means “Ilocano maiden.” It is a festival showing Ilocano customs and virtues. TINAPAY FESTIVAL Feb. 7-13 | Cuenca, Batangas This is an annual activity conceived by the town as thanksgiving to their patron saint, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, for a bountiful life. GULING-GULING FESTIVAL Feb. 9 | Paoay, Ilocos Norte Townsfolk and their guests participate in singing and dancing in the street, dressed in their native costume, the antique and attractive abel Paoay kimona with matching tapis or pandiling, adorned with centuryold jewelry. TINAGBA FESTIVAL Feb. 11 | Iriga City, Camarines Sur A tradition of the first harvest offering coinciding with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, it is derived from the early rituals of the ancient Bicolanos offering their harvest to their own gods as a form of thanksgiving and to seek favor for a more

BABAYLAN FESTIVAL Feb. 19 | Bago City, Negros Occidental It was conceived to highlight a unique aspect of Filipino heritage, one that dates back to the pre-Spanish period. This festival aims to rediscover the region’s indigenous music, literature, dances, rituals and other artistic endeavors. BALSAHAN FESTIVAL Feb. 20 | Sibunag, Guimaras Balsahan is Sibunag’s way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag River which snakes its way through most of the town’s barangays. A major geographical feature of the town, the river holds many interesting myths and legends. ASINAN FESTIVAL Feb. 20 | San Lorenzo, Guimaras Marvel at how the ordinary salt has gravitated the people of San Lorenzo into an annual gathering with all the delicious trimmings of specialty products. HIMAG-ULAW FESTIVAL Feb. 22 | Tabaco City This is a celebration with praise and thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest in farming or good catch in fishing expressed through various activities like street dancing, beauty competition, games, food fairs, among others. SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL Feb. 23 | Zamboanga Sibugay This is highlighted by a colorful, ethnic street dancing with rituals depicting good harvest, wedding and healing. PANAGBENGA: BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVAL Feb. 25-26 | Baguio City This event showcases Baguio as a city of flowers with a floral street parade float parade.

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HIL-O-HIL-O FESTIVAL Feb. 26-28 | Maayon, Capiz This is a cultural and fiesta celebration.

La Trinindad is known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines. The festival features a trade fair on strawberry products and cut flowers, among others.

ITIK-ITIK FESTIVAL Feb. 27 | Pasig City, Metro Manila This is held in the barangay of Kalawaan. Men, women and children take part in the activities and merrymaking, in honor of the barangay’s patroness, St. Martha. It is also a showcase of Filipino culture and tradition. MANIAMBUS FESTIVAL Feb. 27 | Negros Occidental Maniambus is a Visayan word meaning “to strike with a club” because its coastal waters were then teeming with fish that catching could be done simply by clubbing. KAAMULAN FESTIVAL Mar. 1-8 | Malaybalay City, Bukidnon This is a spectacular yearly gathering of the seven ethnic groups featuring their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts, rituals, and costumes. RODEO MASBATEÑO Mar. 1-31 | Masbate City Local cowboys compete in Western-style rodeo events like bull riding and steer wrestling. There are also local games like the carabao race. PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVAL Mar. 1-31 | Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao This festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisher folks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety. BANGKERO FESTIVAL Mar. 6-10 | Pagsanjan, Laguna This festival gives tribute to the boatmen who ferry tourists to the Pagsanjan Falls, which made the town, the tourist capital of Laguna. BANTAYAN FESTIVAL Mar. 9-15 | Guimbal, Iloilo The gimba (drum) and the bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival features dance drama, drum, float and street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw and boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many others. STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Mar. 14-20 | La Trinidad, Benguet

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PINTADOS DE PASSI FESTIVAL Mar. 16-22 | Passi City, Iloilo A festival depicts the history of Passi through pintados as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name. It also coincides with their foundation day, commemorating the conversion of Passi into a component city. SOLI-SOLI FESTIVAL March 18 | San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu The festival is named after the soli-soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao. The freestyle street dancing competition uses the soli-soli plant as its dominants material. BANANA FESTIVAL Mar. 18-19 | Baco, Mindoro Oriental A celebration of the abundance of banana, the festival features a banana cook fest and a banana-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. This coincides with the town fiesta in honor of St. Joseph. SULYOG FESTIVAL Mar. 19 | Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph, it is celebrated through dances, floats and cultural shows. TABAK FESTIVAL Mar. 19-22 | Tabaco City, Albay Held in conjunction with the celebration of the city’s foundation anniversary, the festival derived its name from tabak, meaning bolo, from which the name of the city was taken from. Its highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the city. SINIGAYAN FESTIVAL Mar. 19 | Sagay City An annual celebration and thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, the festival showcases the best of Sagay. The name of the city and festival is derived from sigay or cowrie which abounds in the city. MORIONES FESTIVAL Holy Week | Marinduque This festival features the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers and centurions and culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus. It is celebrated

EXPERIENCE Travel and Living Volume 6 Number 4, December 2010

in the towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan. TURUMBA Mar. 21-26 | Pakil, Laguna This is a large religious activity consisting of seven fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting before the Holy Week, every nine days thereafter and ending in the month of June and being celebrated with dancing procession. PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS Holy Week | Jordan, Guimaras It features a passion play on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors and culminates in a trek to Balaan Bukid. CUTUD LENTEN RITES Holy Week | San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga It features a re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death with penitents undergoing real nailing. ALIMANGO FESTIVAL Mar. 22 | Lala, Lanao del Norte The festival celebrates the town’s founding and features displays of crabs. It also features native costumes, dances and contests promoting local culture and tradition. KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL Mar. 23 | Minglanilla, Cebu The festival highlights Minglanilla’s history, products and arts. HUDAS-HUDAS After Holy Week | San Jose, Antique Initiated by the Aglipayan Church since the 1970s, the event features people gathering in the town plaza to hang Judas and burned the effigy done on Black Saturday. In this spectacle, the people are reminded of Judas’s treachery and enjoined in “executing” him. HALADAYA FESTIVAL Easter Sunday | Daan Bantayan, Cebu This is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a street dancing on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means “Halad kang Datu Daya,” the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan Bantayan. GAWAGAWAY-YAN FESTIVAL Mar. 30- Apr. 13 | Cauayan City, Isabela This celebrates the cityhood of Cauayan with cultural shows, trade shows, parades and street dancing.