Trip magazine 3rd issue by Russ Elloso

WHAT’S INSIDE

S A N J U A N R E S O R T S , M A R C U S A D O R O , T S 1 1 8 , S O N Y C Y B E R - S H O T D S C -T F 1

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE HIPPEST DESTINATIONS, GADGETS, & ACTIVITIES

UNION SURFING CAPITAL OF THE NORTH

THE SURFING

ISSUE A BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO EVERYTHING ABOUT SURFING

MYLENE D

SIX BUTT-KICKING ACTIVITIES TO SHAKE THOSE FATS AWAY

Z O

HOT MOMMA ON THE BEACH VOL 1 ISSUE 3

TRIPMAGAZINE.PH

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK JUNE-JULY 2013 www.tripmagazine.ph

₱120 1

Whitewash. More Fun in the

Philippines

TRIP MAGAZINE VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

Hi, Trippers! Oh, surfing! Who wouldn’t love surfing? Surfers that we met and talked to agree on one thing—surfing gives an unexplainable high, the kind of feeling that satisfies their adventurer soul. I guess it’s one of the breathtaking powers of nature. It’s the kind of danger that they are willing to bask themselves in to address their insatiable desire for that one moment of glory. For this issue, we experienced lots of firsts and ahhhh moments that whacked us and made us come alive. Another thing that made this issue special is the beautiful and amazing people that we met in the places that we’d been to. We won’t forget the smiles on their faces and the warm welcome they gave us. There’s no second when they made us feel that we were strangers. We owe and dedicate this issue to all of them. Special thanks go to Miccah, who became my personal Google when it comes to surfing and surfing spots. She said she’s no pro-surfer, but I know soon she’ll invade other magazines’ pages too with her amazing surf moves and tricks! Stay stoked on life! To you-know-who-you-are, thank you for running with me. There would be no other guy in the world who would do everything that you did for Trip! Thank you for staying up late every day just to make sure everything’s running okay. Thank you for sticking around. To everyone, I hope you like this one. This issue cost me several bruises and cuts, but it gained me new friends, new experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime! Before, I just hear the word stoked. Now, I know the feeling. It’s your turn now.

EDITORIAL TEAM

PSR Media Network Inc. Unit 206, Heart of the City Condominium, Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Eugenio Lopez Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City info@tripmagazine.ph tripmagazineph@gmail.com

Editor in Chief

JANE ODULIO Associate Editor

Creative Consultant

Creative Director

KARLO CUSI

JOHN GRANDE

JOHN FUNDANO

Contributors fb.me/tripmagazineph

Reproduction without written permission from PSR Media Network Inc. is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in this magazine

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MICCAH DOCTOLERO | CRISTTA IGLORIA | BERNADETTE AREVALO | AECHELLE DUMUK RUSS ELLOSO | MAXIE GERANTA Marketing Manager

Marketing and Promotions Consultant

ELAINE CABIGAO

GIRLIE CERVANTES

@tripmagazineph Managing Director

ELY DELA CRUZ

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Highlights SURFING

PEOPLE

COVER STORY

GADGETS

EVENTS

FOOD

HOW TO SURF

GET STOKED, PRONTO

SKWALA

TS118

FUN FITNESS ACTIVITIES

SURF-READY FASHION PIECES

Don’t let the waves intimidate you. Read these steps on how to ride waves. This guide is especially made for beginner surfers.

Ready and raring to surf but don’t know where to go? Mark a weekend on your planner for a trip to any of these surﬁng spots that we’ve listed for you.

These custom surfboards are proudly Pinoy-made.

Who says that toys are only for children? A group of professionals has created an online community for people who like spending their free time doing military-themed dioramas.

Tired of your usual gym routines? Try these fun ways to lose those excess pounds.

Look great while surﬁng, or when just hanging out on the beach, with these fashion pieces from Stoked Inc. and Rip Curl.

A TRAVEL WRITER’S BAG

MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR

VAN GOGH IS BIPOLAR

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME

TRIP! Q&A

TRIP! BARKADA

Take a peek inside the bag of a travel writer.

Check these movies for the second half of the year that you may already be familiar with.

This resto in QC makes you celebrate imperfections, embrace ﬂaws, and accept weaknesses. Food here is good, too!

Got a lot of time on your hands but not so much moolah? Try these fulﬁlling activities that won’t make you empty your wallet.

Readers talk about memorable vacation.

their

most

Get to know what our readers are like. You can be featured here, too!

TRAVEL

Surfing Terms Would you rather have a fish or a gun? Your feet are not silly if someone calls you goofy-footed. But you may want to avoid being tagged as a snake. Here are some words you may hear from surfers as you head to the beach to catch a wave.

Boards surfboard – a board especially used for surfing deck – the upper surface of a surfboard where surfers sit, lay, or stand nose – the front tip of a surfboard tail – the back end of a surfboard, opposite the nose fin – a fin-shaped thingy on the underside of a surfboard, near the tail rail – the side edge of a surfboard longboard – a long surfboard (8 ft. or longer), suitable for beginners shortboard – a surfboard shorter and narrower than a longboard funboard – a surfboard with a length in-between that of shortboard and a longboard fish – a surfboard shorter but wider and thicker than a shortboard gun – a long and narrow surfboard with pointy nose and tail leash – a cord attaching a surfboard to a surfer’s ankle, prevents the surfboard from being washed away from the surfer wax – substance applied on a surfboard deck to prevent slipping quiver – a collection of surfboards

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Surfers natural-footed (regular-footed) – a surfer who places his left leg forward while on a surfboard goofy-footed – a surfer who places his right leg forward while on a surfboard switchfoot – a surfer who can surf with either his left leg of right leg forward aggro – an aggressive, annoyed, or frustrated surfer kook – a (usually) newbie surfer who tries hard to impress others but ends up annoying them snake – a surfer who disregards etiquette by “dropping in” or stealing other surfers’ waves grom (grommet) – a young surfer barney – a novice surfer Water wave – don’t surf if you don’t know what this is set – a group of waves lineup – the area in the ocean where surfers wait for waves face – the front part of a wave, where a surfer rides crest (peak) - the highest portion of a wave lip – the tip of a crest that curls forward barrel (tube) – the hollow part of a wave, between the face and the lip whitewater – the white, frothy part of a breaking wave overhead – a wave height greater than the height of a surfer bomb – an unusually big wave glassy waves – smooth waves caused by little or lack of wind, a favorable surfing condition gnarly waves – big and heavy waves, difficult to ride flat – no waves

Actions take off – to start a ride duck dive – to dive under an oncoming wave while paddling out, usually done with a shortboard turtle roll – to roll to one side and then hold the surfboard overhead to get past breaking waves, usually done with a longboard cutback – to change direction on the wave aerial (air) – to leave the waves and become airborne for a while, done by expert surfers hang ten – to place all ten toes over the nose of a surfboard (longboard) walk the deck – to walk across the deck of a surfboard using the crossstep method frontside (forehand) – to surf while facing the wave, back facing the beach wipe out – to fall off a surfboard axed – to be heavily wiped out bail (bail out) – to jump off a surfboard to avoid a wipeout drop in (snake) – to steal a wave from another surfer by taking off in front of him, a surfing no-no Outfits rash guard - a spandex shirt that prevents rash boardshorts – lightweight, quickdrying shorts, long enough to prevent surfboard wax from ripping at leg hair wetsuit – a garment usually made of neoprene, keeps surfers warm These words mean nothing if you don’t live surfing, so go out there and get stoked, which means to be extremely ecstatic because of surfing. References: surfscience.com, surfing-waves.com, surfing.isport.com, abc-of-surfing.com www.tripmagazine.ph

LEISURE

know some friends who want to surf but do not try it because of preconceived fears. Yes, surfing may be difficult, but only at first, just like any other activity. No one is born a surfer. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? So if you’re one of those who are raring to catch a wave but do not know how to, check this step-by-step guide before heading to the nearest surfing destination. 5. Wait for a good wave. 1. Get your board and outfit Turn your board around by paddling ready. so that the waves are coming from First, you need to have a surfboard. behind you. Turn your head to check Longboards and funboards are for waves. Once you see one coming, suitable for beginners because of their start paddling. stability and buoyancy. The first board I used was a longboard customized for While waiting for the wave, make beginners. It has rubber mat covering sure that you observe proper body the deck for better foot grip. The mat positioning. You may sit up on your also reduces the impact force in case board, but for beginners, lying down the board hits any part of the body. is recommended. While lying down on the board, your body should be lined You also have to wear a proper up straight down the center. Your toes outfit. Boardshorts, rash guards, should be a few inches away from the and wetsuits are recommended. tip of the board’s tail. If your board Aside from being lightweight, these is tilting, your body positioning is also protect you from “peek-a-boo” probably wrong. Grab the rails of your moments. board for support. 2. Try it on the beach first. Practice how to position yourself on your surfboard while still on land. It will be different from when you’re out in the sea, but it will truly help. (More about the proper body positions on later steps.)

How to

Surf A Guide for Beginners Written by a Beginner Karlo Cusi Maxie Geranta

3. Find a good surfing spot. Do not go to an area with big waves for some obvious reasons. Instead, find a spot where the waves are friendly. If you’re not a good swimmer, stick to where the water is shallow. Also, make sure that there are no rocks or corals underwater that you may hit. You should also avoid hitting other people, so look for an area that is not crowded.

4. Go to that good surfing spot. Walk your board into the water until the water is waistdeep or chest-deep. Then, hop onto your board and paddle (facing the waves). It is important to keep your surfboard perpendicular to the oncoming waves to avoid being swept back to the shore. You can also duck dive or turtle roll, but those are not really for beginners. 6. Stand on your board. When you feel the wave lift your board, paddle hard and prepare to stand up. For beginners, standing up may be the most difficult part of surfing. You may probably fail on your first try. That is normal. Here’s how to stand up on your surfboard. You should practice these steps while still on the shore. 6.1. Lying properly on your surfboard (see step 5), put your hands flat on your board next to your shoulders, as if you’re going to do a push-up. 6.2. Quickly, push your body up using your arms and plant your feet sideways on the board.* Your one foot should be just above the midpoint of www.tripmagazine.ph

LEISURE 6.3. Keep your knees slightly bent, your arms out, your hands a bit higher than your waist, and your eyes looking forward. Looking at your feet may make you fall down.

Lo s t Shar k 6’3 Ph p 3 2,

7. Control your board. To accelerate, push the nose of your surfboard down by placing your weight on your front foot. To slow down, place your weight on your back foot, lifting up the nose of the board.

895

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the board. If you’re natural-footed, this would be your left foot. Right if you’re goofy-footed. Your other foot should be near the tail.

Mctavish Original 9’1 Php 47,495

*This is the part called popping up. If you’re having trouble with this, like I do, one trick is to bend your knee so that your leg position will look like that of a jumping frog. Then, use this leg to help you pop up.

You can “steer” your surfboard by applying pressure on the rear section of your board with your foot. For beginners, however, it is already a feat to go straight to the beach without turning. 8. Wipe out properly. You won’t stay on your board forever.

Jo G el o 6’ o Tud Ph 0 d K or ar p m 29 a ,9 95

If a wave wipes you out, fall on the water butt first and cover the back of your head with your hands. When you’re almost on the shore, you can simply jump off your board. I do not recommend that you surf on your own if you are a first-timer, for the waves are treacherous. Instead, look for a surfing instructor. I actually learned all of these from my instructor when I first tried surfing. Lucky for you, famous surfing spots in the country, like La Union and Baler, have surf schools right on the beach. Aside from lessons, they also provide surfboards and rash guards. Still, it pays to know the steps listed above prior to your surfing. That way, you won’t give your instructor a hard time, like I did at first. Now get out there and catch your first wave!

Webber Spoon 6’6 95 Php 2 8 ,2

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(With additional information from www.chiff.com, www. tactics.com, and www.extremehorizon.com)

7612 B Guijo St., San Antonio Village, 1232 Makati For more information, call Francis or Totot at +632-403-7021.

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TRAVEL

ou’re scared of the open sea. You’re worried there might be sharks in the lineup. You’re anxious that your skin will get dark, or you will look stupid while learning the sport. You can come up with all the excuses you can think of, but think about it. Surfing has always intrigued you. Maybe you have a friend of a friend who surfs and you think it is a cool sport. Maybe you’ve watched a surf movie and told yourself, “I will try surfing someday.” Maybe you’ve written it there on your bucket list, along with your dreams of bungee jumping, backpacking, or saving dolphins, but you just never got near to crossing it out. Here’s the thing. Going on a surf trip is easy. In this article, we’re featuring three surf spots most accessible from Manila, how to get there, where to stay, and some insider info to help you make the most out of your first surfing experience. Let us make that “I will try surfing someday” happen next weekend.

Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Get Stoked,

Pronto!

A free weekend and a rock-and-roll spirit are all you need to go on your first surf trip! Miccah Doctolero 14

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This not-so-sleepy town up north has been the home of a lot of Manila surfers in the past few years. With its accessibility and fairly consistent waves, San Juan, La Union is where weekend warriors choose to get their first taste of stoke here. When the North Swell hits (around October February) and waves get pretty rough for beginners, local surf instructors have the prerogative to take you to Bacnotan, another spot a few minutes away from San Juan where waves are friendlier. How to Get There Hop on a Partas bus going north (Vigan, Laoag, Candon, or Abra) and tell the conductor to drop you off at

Sebay in San Juan, La Union. Fare is P400+. Partas is famous among surfers because of its consistent schedule and its compartment that can fit longboards. Catch the 11 p.m. or the midnight bus, sleep, and wake up in San Juan five to six hours after. Now all you have to do is cross the street and you’re right smack in the surfing capital of the north. Where To Stay The Circle Hostel is a chain of budgetfriendly hostels that has quickly established a strong following since its opening in 2011 (the first one in Liwa, Zambales). With its no-frills accommodation, hippie atmosphere, and overall good vibes, it is no wonder why this place is a haven for surfers, backpackers, and artists alike. You can get a bunk bed at P400/night or you can rough it up and sleep in a hammock at P300/night. With the Circle Hostel’s “there are no strangers here” philosophy, you are sure to leave the place with more friends and beautiful stories. If you’re going with your family or with a group of friends and would want a little privacy, stay at Sebay Surf Resort or San Juan Surf Resort. Rates start at 1,600/room/night.

for something else to do when waves are not surfable, you can always play frisbee and volleyball on the beach. Better yet, make some new friends by inviting locals or fellow weekend warriors to play with you. If you get hungry, grab a bite at San Juan Surf Resort or Angel and Marie’s Place. If you find them a bit pricey though, look for Patubos or Aling Norma’s.

Liwa, San Felipe, Zambales Still on the west side is the spot closest to Manila, Zambales. Only a threehour drive away, Zland or Zamba, as we fondly call it, is perfect for those who can only squeeze in a day trip. Zambales has a lot of surf spots. Liwliwa (or Liwa) in San Felipe, Magic Left in San Antonio, and Crystal Beach in San Narciso are just some of them. Liwa is becoming a favorite playground among newbie surfers because of its long stretch of beach that breaks on sand.

Miscellaneous Get your surf lesson from Nano’s Surf Lessons and Board Rentals. Just look for his signage along the beach. For only P400, you can have an hour of surf lesson complete with the help of a local instructor. If you’re looking www.tripmagazine.ph

TRAVEL How to Get There To go to Liwa, hop on a bus bound for Iba, Zambales from any Victory Liner Terminal (Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan). Tell the conductor to drop you off at San Felipe. Bus fare is less than P300. From the town, take a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to Liwa. For those not planning to spend the night in Zambales, you can take the bus at dawn, surf and bum around all day, and catch the bus back to Manila before night time. Where to Stay Liwa is where the first Circle Hostel was built. Rates are a bit cheaper than its counterpart in La Union at P350/ night for a bunk bed and 250/night for a hammock. And, oh, have we told you that you can paint on the walls and beams of the hostel? Awesome, right? And, no, you don’t have to be a legit artist to do this. Just ask for paints from the hostel and feel free to release that inner Picasso in you. Miscellaneous Mommy Phoebe’s offers a wide selection of food at very affordable prices. Make sure to order the choco banana shake to go with your meal. When it comes to surf lessons and board rentals, you can get one from Bobot’s, the Circle Hostel, or Mommy Phoebe’s. Prepare P400 for an hour of board rental and instructor.

Sabang Beach Aurora, Baler Facing the Pacific and a five to sixhour drive away from Manila is a gem hidden in the Sierra Madre mountain range. With its luscious greenery and hundreds of kilometers of blue coast, Baler is said to be one of the last frontiers of Central Luzon. This surf town is not as popular or as frequented as La Union or Zambales because of its steep and rough roads. But rest assured that once you reach Baler, you will be rewarded with sights and experiences that will make the torturous drive seem inconsequential.

of surfing in the Philippines. Beginners can take their lessons in the long stretch of Sabang Beach. Summer is the best time to learn surfing here as waves are small and beginner-friendly. Hardcore surfers looking for a different kind of stoke go to Cemento, where a little offering of flesh and blood is not uncommon. How to Get There Book a seat in Genesis’ Joy Bus days before your trip. Joy Bus offers the most comfortable ride to and from Baler, with its comfort room, free snacks, free Wi-Fi, free use of blanket and pillow, and a stewardess on board. There are no stopovers, so travel time is cut down to around five hours. One way ticket is around P700. From the town proper, Sabang Beach is only five minutes away by tricycle. Where To Stay If you’re a budget traveler and are looking for just the basic accommodation, you can stay at BBC Inn, Kahea’s Lodge, or Little Surfer Girls Lodge (all beachfront). If you are in the mood for a little splurge, go to Aliya Surf Camp or Bahia de Baler.

Rentals along the beach. Balat also owns Happy Chi Ken, which serves spicy roasted chicken that you definitely shouldn’t miss. You practically know now everything you need to know to plan your first surf trip. The only thing left to do is you actually going to any of these spots to try it for yourself. We are so fortunate to live in an archipelago blessed with the best coasts for surfing, so just pack up and go. Do not let it stay as an item on your bucket list because it is not as far-fetched as you think it is. Try it out and see why surfers are the most stoked people on the planet.

DIRECTORY Transport & Accommodation La Union Partas Cubao – (02) 727.8278 | 816 Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City Partas Pasay – (02) 852.8194 | 518 EDSA, San Roque, Pasay City The Circle Hostel – www.facebook.com/ thecirclehostel | +63917.832.6253 Sebay Surf Resort – www.sebaysurfcentral. com| +63917.640.1118 San Juan Surf Resort – www.sanjuansurfresort. com.ph | +63917.880.3040 Angel and Marie’s Place – www.facebook. com/angelnmaries.place | +63920.836.2432

Miscellaneous For cheapskates, rolling stores are the way to go. Just tell the tricycle driver to take you there (P12/head) and you can eat home-cooked meals to your heart’s content for as low as P50 or less. Also, do not leave Sabang without eating freshly caught yellow fin tuna, paco salad, and Baler suman.

Zambales Victory Liner Cubao - (02) 727.4688/ (02) 410.8986/ (02) 727.4534 | 683 EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City Victory Liner Caloocan - (02) 361.4665 to 66 | 713 Rizal Avenue Ext., Caloocan City Victory Liner Pasay - (02) 833.5019 to 20 | 651 EDSA, Pasay City The Circle Hostel – www.facebook.com/

For your surf lessons, go to Jayson Dela Torre AKA “Balat.” Just look for Surfer Girls Lodge and Surfboard

thecirclehostel | +63917.861.1929 Baler Genesis Bus Terminal - www.genesistransport. com.ph | (02) 709.0803 | 704 EDSA Corner New York St., Cubao, Quezon City BBC Inn – +63939.939.0841 Kahea’s Lodge – www.facebook.com/kahea. lodge | +63920.868.9477 Little Surfer Girls Lodge – +63918.685.9449 Aliya

Surf

Camp

www.facebook.com/

aliyasurfcamp| +63929.758.6005 Bahia de Baler - www.bahiadebaler.com | +63908.982.7064

Aside from playing an important role in Philippine history (the Siege of Baler), Baler is also said to be the birthplace 16

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TRAVEL

We hitched a ride with some Manilabased surfers bound for La Union for the 8th Manila Surfers Cup: Surfskwela Project. Getting to La Union was quick. We got there after barely six hours of traveling. We were also glad that the weather was fine there, unlike back in Manila. We tried to make room reservations while we were still in Manila, but of course we couldn’t book anything because of limited time. It was good though that Miccah, a surfer who also writes for Trip Magazine, contacted her friend to help us find a place to stay. We ended up at the Circle Hostel in Urbiztondo, San Juan.

often I trip while walking on a perfectly cemented road. Also, there were professional surfers competing that day. Who would want to surf with them around, right? Good thing, however, that they were on the other end of the beach, far away from surfing schools for beginners. I set whatever fear I had aside and went to Nano’s Surf School, recommended by Miccah, for my first try at surfing. A surfing lesson, surfing board included, costs P400. While still on the sand, my surfing instructor Paul made surfing look so easy. He first explained the parts of a surfing board. Next, he taught me how to position my body on the surfboard. Then, he gave some safety tips. Everything was fine until we went out to the sea and did the actual thing.

Realizing my mistakes, I was able to surf successfully a number of times before the hour ended. “Yatta!” I said to myself. I should have paid attention to the lesson more while we were still on the shore. I thanked Paul for being so patient.

Not far from the Circle Hostel is Urbiztondo Beach. Just cross the road, walk a few meters, and you’re there. The sand, though not white, felt

Wiped Out in

La Union

The Experience of A First-Time Surfer Karlo Cusi

Jane Odulio

was gearing up for another travel assignment when our EIC told me that we should go to La Union instead to cover a surfing event. I really wasn’t keen on going because she confirmed it just a few hours before our trip, and thus I was unprepared. Also, it was raining so hard. However, realizing that I need spontaneity in my life, I went home, packed my things, returned to the office, and to La Union we went!

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good to step on. It’s so soft that my feet would sink two to three inches with every step. At the beach, you can play beach volleyball or Frisbee. You can swim in the ocean, too, of course. But the best thing to do while here is surf! After all, La Union is the surfing capital of Northern Philippines. Here, the waves never seem to stop. At first, I didn’t want to try surfing because I lack balance and coordination. You have no idea how

I realized what I was doing wrong: I wasn’t bending my knees low enough, and my body wasn’t turned to the side.

If I had two more lessons with an instructor and then practiced by myself for some hours, I would have been a pro before the day ended (only in my dreams of course), but I think an hour of surfing is good enough for a beginner.

We went to a spot where the waves were just right for a beginner like me. I was trying to recall the lesson I had just a few minutes ago, but everything was a blur, thanks to my nerves. As I expected, I found it hard to balance my body, causing me to fall of the board (or “wipe out” in surfing lingo) many times. It’s good that there were no rocks or corals underwater. It would have been painful had I hit them. The surfing lesson was only one-hour long, and the first 30 minutes of it was unfruitful. I kept getting wiped out. I was looking at Paul’s face for any sign of frustration over my being an inept student, but none was showing. He must be used to it, I thought. Then,

I’ll definitely go back to La Union some day for more surfing. For now, however, I’ll stick to the kind of surfing I know best – internet surfing! www.tripmagazine.ph

TRAVEL

Jane Odulio

San Juan

Resorts

John Grande

San Juan Surf Resort

an Juan Surf Resort is for those who have extra money to spend for accommodation. It’s one of the best resorts in San Juan and is known for San Juan Surf Resort’s Billabong Surf School. The school is headed by Luke Landrigan, a famous hunk model who has a great passion for surfing. He’s a silver medalist in the Asian beach games held in Bali, Indonesia in 2008. He’s also the 2010 Aloha Boardsports Pro Longboard Champion, 2010 Aurora Surfing Cup Champion, and 2011 La Union Longboard Competition Champion.

For more information, please visit w w w. s a n j u a n s u r f r e s o r t .c o m . ph, call +639178803040, or email s a n j u a n s u r f r e s o r t @ y a h o o.c o m. Accommodation starts at P930 (fan room) and P1,800 (air-conditioned room), both good for two persons. The Circle Hostel This is probably the coolest place to stay when you don’t have any companion in San Juan, La Union. The hostel’s slogan, “There are no strangers,” which is everywhere as soon as you enter, gives the place an extra boost of friendliness. Aside from being cool and friendly, the Circle Hostel is also affordable. For day trips, you only pay P150. That’s when you’re just after a short nap and a shower. If you want to stay for the night, you can upgrade to bed bunk (P400) or hammock (P250). Towels are available for only P50. They have a lounge area where you can charge your phone, listen to your playlist, or chat with other guests. What makes them the coolest? Their wall is a

San Juan Beach Resort is a haven not only for pro-surfers but also for those who want to learn surfing. The good thing is that they have a program for everyone—from beginner to intermediate surfers.

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Lola Nanny’s Surf Retreat If you’re looking for a decent place to stay and working on a minimum budget, Lola Nanny’s is the place to be! For only P500, you can have a

room good for two persons. They also serve food, which though a bit pricey is definitely worth each penny. The best thing is that it is situated right at the beachfront. If you want to take a walk, swim, or just stare at the beach, it’s always just a few steps away. At night, if you’re not the party person, you can just get a mat and go star gazing at the shore.

big canvas for guests who want to express themselves. There are paints and brushes available for use. They also serve free breakfast. During our stay, the pandesal, peanut butter, and banana combo was such a hit! 20

The only downside for Circle Hostel is it’s around 100 meters away from the beach shore. But what are few steps? All in all, we love Circle Hostel and we will definitely come back! For more information, email lu@thecirclehostel. com, call +639178326253, or visit www.launion.thecirclehostel.com.

San Juan is a quieter place compared to other beach hot spots in the country. Establishments close before midnight, so if you want that muchneeded serenity and soul searching at night or before the sun rises, this place is a haven for you! It’s perfect for lovers, and honeymooners too!

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PHONE: (02) 709-10-16 EMAIL: jeecconstruction@yahoo.com

FABRICATION OFFICE: Gov. Halili Road, Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan

LIFESTYLE with talent so that they would have a chance to get even better at surfing and compete internationally. What’s the secret of a good surfboard? A good surfboard is a piece of equipment that suits your needs. The shape and dimensions of a good surfboard should suit your skill level, the surf spot you wish to ride it on, or your body weight. To make a good surfboard, we have a good shaper that knows how to surf and knows how to choose the right kind of equipment and design based on the surfer’s ability and the kind of waves he prefers. It is vital to have all of these elements in place, including proper communication with the client.

Skwala

Any tips on buying a surfboard? Embrace true surf culture first and then get a custom-shaped surfboard especially for you with your name and the shaper’s signature glassed into it. Just like surfing, your equipment should be very personal to you. Nothing feels better than getting an awesome ride on a surfboard made by a shaper using his time, craftsmanship, and personal awareness of you as a surfer. For custom surfboards, please contact Skwala at +63917 582 7878.

Interview by Jane Odulio

f you are one of those who fell in love with surfing at first try and you want to continue surfing as a passion, it’s helpful to find the right surfboard. Though there are many surfboards for rent at the beach (which costs 150-200 pesos per hour), buying a surfboard is a good investment if you want to be a serious surfer. Surfboards don’t come cheap. Prices of surfboards range from P15,000 to P40,000 or even more. Good thing there’s Skwala, a company which offers affordable and quality custom surfboards. Proudly Pinoy, Skwala is the brainchild of Paolo Soler and Din Litangan. We

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had a chance to sit down with Paolo and ask about Skwala. Because we are also newbie surfers, we asked him how to pick the right surfboard, too. Why “Skwala”? Skwala in Filipino slang means “to do a power slide.” Originally used to describe “drifting” in cars, skwala is now an appropriate term for doing surfing maneuvers such as power slides, turns, carves, and off the lips. What are the challenges of producing surfboards here? We still need to import many of our materials, and they cost a lot since we don’t order in bulk. We are a specialty custom surfboard company that

makes quality surfboards completely based on our customers’ specific requirements. Do you receive any support from NGOs or government? We haven’t really tried to ask for help from any government agencies. We would totally appreciate the support. If money was not a problem, what would you do for Skwala? I would build a shaping yard with a team of shapers, glassers, sanders, and artist. Also, there would be a surf shop and lounge where clients could wait for their surfboards to be made. I’d also like to hold local surf competitions and sponsor surfers www.tripmagazine.ph

TRAVEL it, we were woken up by the waves. Crashing inside our tent. At 3 a.m. Wet, panicking, half-asleep, and halfawake, we collected our things and moved the tent farther from the shore. We rushed to the staff tent to see if there were any more bunk beds to sleep on. Unfortunately, there’s none, but, fortunately, a friend offered his van. With wet clothes and no slippers, we finally got our snooze time.

thoughts before we reached Calicoan Island. We’ve never seen so much coconut trees in our lives, not that we were complaining. Coconut trees = island life. We were beyond excited.

Under The Stars

The Coconut

ammock, check. Tent, check. Boardshorts, check. Excitement to surf in a break outside Luzon for the first time, triple check. The plan was to arrive in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on a Tuesday, surf until our arms curse us, and leave Monday the next week. At least that was the plan.

Trees Miccah Doctolero

A bathroom break, a tricycle ride, and four playlists after, we finally reached paradise. In front of us was the vast break of ABCD Beach in Calicoan Island, boasting of long-peeling lefts. It was beautiful, not in the cliché way that a beach should be beautiful. It’s raw and rustic. Only, there was a problem. And a very big one. The waves were easily two to four times overhead when we arrived. If there’s one thing my friends and I are not, it’s delusional. We can take a pounding from the ocean, but we certainly are not suicidal. We are not going in there, unless somebody really wanted to die. And so we resigned ourselves to one week of lifestyling. Great. We went to Guiuan prepared to rough it up. We were prepared to sleep in tents, with sand as our bed, the sky our roof, and the sea breeze as our only source of ventilation. We set up our tent a few feet away from the shore – distance which looked safe enough for us not to be woken up by the waves. As epic luck would have

Public jeepneys in Guiuan are as rare as smooth traffic in EDSA. To get to the other town to buy ourselves new slippers, we had to walk barefoot for a good hundred meters before a jeepney passed by. We knew nothing about the town except its name. We did not know where to eat or if there was even a place there to eat. But I just had to remember that an open mind and a yes-attitude while travelling have not even once failed me. We found this quaint little restaurant by the beach. I have no memories of the food, but the calmness and serenity that I felt while I was there was something I will always remember. Maybe it was the sea breeze. Maybe it was the knowledge that not a single soul there knows me. But in a strange place, with no slippers and no humane waves to go back to, I felt weirdly at ease, void of all worries. Hitching (for the first time in my life) on the way back to the surf camp was just the icing on the cake. Back to Calicoan Island, the waves were still unkind. At least for our level. Pro-surfers from all over the country – La Union, Baler, Siargao, etc. – were shredding hard, giving the viewers a visual spectacle of aerials, cutbacks, and barrels. The next days were a blur of activities which included watching the competition, shooting the competition, eating Andok’s chicken,

swimming until we could not take the current anymore, sitting by the beach, going to caves and secret coves, and meeting surfers from other spots. We also did a lot of nothing in between. Nothing is good, at least from time to time. You’ll often hear surfers say that all they really need is their surfboard and some good waves. But when you travel for long hours and realize that the surf conditions are not exactly how you wished they would be, you have to find ways to still stay stoked. You are there, so be there 100%. Don’t wish to be somewhere else because it defeats the whole purpose of travelling. Bask in the full glory of whatever experience you might get there, no matter how mundane or epic it might be. As what Henry David Thoreau said, “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.” I hope he was being metaphorical about the wave part. I’m sure he was being metaphorical about the wave part.

Contact 0932 401 4538

Glassy waves. A showcase of the country’s best surfers (8th Odyssey Waves National Surfing Competition). Sharing the line-up with friends. Getting stoked beyond our wits. Scenes like these replayed in my head during that three-hour ride from Tacloban to Guiuan. Cramped in an 18-seater van with an AC unit that seemed to be older than any of us, we could only think of so much happy 24

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www.tripmagazine.ph

LEISURE

CyberStoked Flat spell? No time to travel this weekend? Get your daily surf fix from these local blogs and online magazines.

Miccah Doctolero

hether you’re an intermediate surfer landlocked for the weekend, or a newbie wanting to learn more about the local scene, following blogs and online magazines is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself updated on the latest happenings in Philippine surfing. So put those social footprints to good use as we give you four surf blogs that you can follow for your daily dose of stoke.

LokalSoul

http://lokalsoul.com/ http://facebook.com/lokalsoulphilippinesurf http://twitter.com/lokalsoul

Simply put, Lokalsoul.com is THE blog for Philippine surfing. Everything you need to know about the local scene – from the most popular to the most discreet surf spots, from features on up-and-coming groms to surfing legends, from tips on DIY surf trips to the latest surf events, LokalSoul has got you covered. In 2010, TJ Cafuir put up the blog with only one goal in mind – to share the joy of surfing. Almost three years after, LokalSoul has indeed stayed true to its roots, spreading the stoke to its thousands of followers.

Blunt Magazine

http://facebook.com/bluntmagazineph http://instagram.com/bluntmagazineph

A personal favorite in the list. The boys from Blunt take you right where the action is through one breath-taking photograph after another. Raw, unassuming, and largely DIY, this online magazine makes surfing and skateboarding look otherworldly. Don’t expect a lot of words from Gab Sarmiento, Mark Cristino and Maui Hidalgo because their images do all the talking. Just last January, they launched the very first print issue of the magazine – a collection of some of their finest snaps in the recent years. But don’t take it from me. Go get your own copy at We Legendary Stores (Taft, Ronac, Kamuning), Skate of the Nation (QC) and J&S Surf Shop (Makati). To know about the other distributors, just send them a message over Facebook.

Coast Thru Life

http://coastthrulife.blogspot.com http://facebook.com/coastthrulife http://instagram.com/coastthrulife http://twitter.com/coastthrulife

A visit to this blog is like getting your daily dose of sunshine, even when you’re not at the beach. Founded by Buji Libarnes, Nikki Dela Paz, and Jericho Rosales, Coast Thru Life celebrates the golden age of surfing – classic cruising in logs and single fins, surf spot hopping in a kombi, and experiencing pure, unadulterated stoke. The team successfully mounted the first classic single fin longboard competition in the country dubbed as Single and Unattached last February 8-10 in San Juan, La Union, participated in by log-lovers from all over the world.

My Life On Board

http://mylifeonboard.net http://facebook.com/mylifeonboard.net http://twitter.com/mylifeonboard

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For everything boardsports-related – skateboarding, surfing, longboarding, skimboarding, wakeboarding – My Life On Board got it. What started as Michael Eijansantos’ personal blog in 2010 has grown into a website featuring the latest news to keep your finger on the pulse of the local boardsports scene. Today, Eijansantos continuously aims to encourage people to get into boardsports as well as promote the Philippines as one of the best boardsports destinations in Asia.

PEOPLE

Jane Odulio John Grande

“U.P. ka?”

That question came out of nowhere while I was in a queue for passport control and busy preparing my visa for immigration check at Dubai airport. It was a long trip for us, but I managed to smile back and say, “No. It’s my boyfriend’s.” This is in reference to the black jacket I was wearing that day. He further asked few things about my boyfriend—his campus, course, etc. It was Marcus Adoro, lead guitarist of the Eraserheads. A few minutes after that small conversation, we headed to the arrival area and, as expected, photographers were waiting for them. Shots here and there. Flashes all around us. I mean, them. Of course, they are the Eraserheads! Everyone’s going berserk over their much-awaited reunion concert here. And, yes, I was lucky to be part of the entourage! It’s a fruit of my year-long events organizing stint in Dubai. Some people still trusted me to help in promotions of the event. Wild Wadi We arrived earlier than expected. We went to the hotel, got settled, and most of us went out to see the city. It’s a free day. We didn’t have any itinerary. The organizer might have assumed that we were all tired and jetlagged. Well, seriously? We just slept, ate, and watched movies for eight hours! Most of us ate out and had simple dinner with friends. But someone got over the moon at Wild Wadi and spent the rest of his day there. The next day, he was bragging about his surfing experience! Wild Wadi

is an amusement waterpark that offers different rides and attractions. The Wipeout and Riptide Flowrides offer the ultimate surfing experience. Wipeout works by shooting out more than seven tonnes of water in a thin sheet across a moulded foam structure. It was developed by another surf fanatic, Thomas Lochtefeld, to produce a realistic wave effect. There are only four rides like this in the world. No wonder, when Marcus set foot in Dubai, he had to have a taste of Wild Wadi. Dune Surfing On our second day, it’s time for press conference and shoot for TV interviews. I felt proud when people of different nationalities wanted to get near or talk to our very own Eraserheads! Man, they are international superstars! Right after the press con, we headed to the hotel to change and went out again for another adventure—dune bashing. It was my first time, so screams inside the car were expected. When we finally reached the camp, there were different activities to enjoy: buffet, henna tattooing, picture taking with a camel, smoking shisha, and dune surfing. I told Marcus we should try dune surfing, but he reluctantly said no. I don’t know why. Maybe he was thinking what I was thinking. The sun already went down and the sand where we would glide down was not that appealing. Maybe it was not the right spot. Anyway, we still had fun especially when Marcus danced with a belly dancer! Parting Gift On our last day, Marcus and his wife were sweet enough to give a parting gift. They went to my room and gave

me a book written by Marcus himself —Greems. It has one hundred set of poems and lyrics. According to him, some pieces are “utter nonsense” but some are “meaningful life vignettes.” What makes this book extra special is his note on the inside page: “See you in LU!” His wife later put her number down in case I decide to visit them in La Union. See You in LU! After weeks of delay, I finally decided to visit Marcus in San Juan, La Union. My boyfriend was the one who’s extra excited for this trip (he’s a hardcore E-heads fan!). We left Manila at 4 a.m. and arrived at San Juan at 11 a.m. It was extremely hot that day. Marcus said it’s one of the hottest days ever in San Juan. We ate first and met him in the afternoon when the sun was a bit friendlier. We walked to their place and we were welcomed by Marcus, together with his lovely wife and daughter Nana. I was a bit jealous of the kind of life they have there. Two weeks ago, we were all staying in a five-star hotel, had red carpet treatment, with paparazzi following us. Now, all I could see is a self-built tent with bamboo bed bunk that serves as a couch, with throw pillows and extra sheets. They are currently constructing a nipa hut elevation which they would turn into a resto inn business. “Finally, I can have something here that I can call my own,” Marcus said. “I’m planning to have a pizza house. Wala pa kasi dito nag-o-offer ng oven-baked thin crust pizza.” The Mighty Tent Don’t underestimate his tent because it has Wi-Fi connection, portable USB turntable with a huge collection of classic vinyl discs, two surfboards on the floor, and two guitars–one electric and one acoustic. Indeed, everything that Marcus needs is here. Asked what he would choose between music and surfing, he said he could not choose just one. “It’s like choosing between sex and shelter. They are both necessities.” We spent the afternoon listening to music, drinking some cold beer, and chatting about life, music, beach, and www.tripmagazine.ph

PEOPLE other creative stuff. Thank goodness we never got into a debate! My boyfriend and Marcus somehow have the same philosophical point of view, which they probably got from college. Surf’s Up! Now it’s time to go to the beach and get high with the waves! Marcus brought Nana with him. Marcus took a fish board while the little girl carried a small skimboard. We just crossed the street and the beach was right there. We were all excited because, finally, we saw raging waves. In the morning, there were no waves at all. The beach was rather calm because it’s not surfing season (there are two surfing seasons in San Juan: JulyOctober and November-March). But to our delight, there we were and the waves were calling us! Because we were newbies, Marcus shared tips and techniques with us. He said that when it was his first time, he just observed other surfers and studied the waves. He spent a day just sitting on a surfboard. Because surfing could be dangerous, he said we have to know our board and learn how to deal with the waves. He added that we shouldn’t worry about how

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we’d stand or balance on the board. It’s instinct. The most important thing is how we deal with the board and the waves. He told us to be familiar with the board. Otherwise, it could hurt us. The fins could cut our lungs in an instant if we’re not careful! (We don’t want to scare you, but safety is the number one rule when surfing!) Nana is a Surfastar Few minutes later and we saw Nana riding the waves. Oh man, she’s amazing! She’s a surfastar! I immediately went to the surfboard rental and got a board. I was freaking envious of this mini Marcus; I needed to ride those waves too! Next thing, we were all on the beach.

It’s comforting to know that even prosurfers like Marcus fall down too. Also, there were waves that they failed to catch. It’s helpful that there were lots of beginners that day with instructors assisting them. It made me feel that I’m normal. When all that’s etched in our mind was a picture of great surfers riding big waves, which made us believe in the words “can’t”, “hard”, and “not for me,” it’s amazing to have someone as humble as Marcus to tell you, “Normal ‘yan. Kasama ‘yan. Lahat dumaan diyan.”

www.tripmagazine.ph

FEATURE

Mylene

Dizon

here’s no denying that Mylene Dizon is one talented actress. Just two years after first entering showbiz, she was named the New Movie Actress of the Year at the 1998 Star Awards for her role in Calvento Files: The Movie. Also, her portrayal as a woman dying of cancer in the independent film 100 earned her best actress awards from four (yes, four) award-giving bodies. But of course she doesn’t need awards to prove that she’s a true thespian.

Photo by Jojit Lorenzo. Styling by Adore Dominguez.

FEATURE anything else I’d rather be doing for a living.

TM: What’s the craziest thing you did? MD: I had children. :)

FUN FACTS

TM: What are your favorite activities? MD: I definitely love to eat. I love to laugh. And I love to love. Not necessarily in that order. :)

TM: What’s the most adventurous thing you did? MD: I climbed Mt. Apo with my 7-yearold son. And we had a blast!

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TM: How do you keep yourself fit? MD: I’m pretty much into physical activities. I’ve tried all sorts of exercise programs. I work out whenever I can, and I surf whenever I can. There isn’t anything adventurous that I wouldn’t try – at least once. I guess that’s because I feel like I let my body down if I don’t do something physical.

TM: What are you most afraid of? MD: Would you believe, sharks and jellyfish?

Mylene Dizon played Melanie Suntay in the popular teen TV series Gimik during the late ‘90s. Melanie’s mother was played by Susan Africa, who is popular for being Susan David in the ‘90s drama series Mara Clara. Mylene would later play the role of Susan David in the 2010 remake of the drama series.

•

Lloydie fans, please don’t get jealous. During a recent radio interview with John Lloyd Cruz, the actor admitted that Mylene Dizon is his ultimate showbiz crush.

TM: Have you always been sporty? MD: Even as a kid, I was always active. I dabbled in practically all the sports we had in school. I was a tad bit tomboyish. My uniform was never clean after school. TM: When did you start surfing? MD: I tried surfing about nine years ago with a bunch of friends. I just tried it out for fun. I never got seriously into it that time. It was only June or July of last year when I got hooked.

Photo by Ian Zamora

When not in front of the camera, one thing Mylene likes to do best is surfing. That’s why she’s on the cover of Trip Magazine’s surfing issue! We asked her some questions, and she gamely answered all of them. Trip Magazine (TM): What’s your current state of mind? Mylene Dizon (MD): Bipolar. My body is in the city but my heart and mind are in the ocean (Apir!). TM: How can you describe yourself in three words? MD: Out of control. (Hahaha)

Photo by Angela Marie Meana 34

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TM: If you were not an actor today, what would you be? MD: Well, most likely, I’d still be involved in production since I took up Comm. Arts in DLSU. I guess you could say that production has always been and will always be one of my greatest passions. I can’t think of

TM: What’s the best thing about surfing? MD: Well, for one thing, everyone’s equal in the lineup. Once you’re all in the water, nothing else matters to anyone but catching that one perfect wave.

TM: Any tips for (scared) beginners? MD: Number one rule: don’t panic. The biggest floater is tied to your leg. Protect your head with your arms in wipe out. And of course, never underestimate the ocean. TM: Where is your dream travel destination? MD: It’s more fun in the Philippines! I wanna check out all the Philippine surf spots - best beaches, best people, best prices. TM: What’s the dumbest thing you did? MD: I tried to surf at the Sta. Monica Pier in California in freezing cold water, wore a borrowed wetsuit for diving in tropical waters, had a rented board, and was without a buddy. My leash snapped right on the crash point as I was paddling out. I didn’t even make it to the lineup! I barely made it back to the shore!

TM: What’s in your survival kit? MD: Definitely an anti-jellyfish sting lotion. I got attacked more than a few times and it wasn’t a lovely experience. Also: loads of sunblock, shades, antiwardrobe malfunction bikinis, and, of course, an extra leash. TM: What are three things on your bucket list? MD: Well, that would be eat at Jiro’s restaurant in Japan, learn to fly a plane, and grow old with the love of my life – in that order. :) TM: If you could only have one thing in this life, what would it be? MD: Impeccable timing. Serves any purpose. TM: What’s your message to Trip readers? MD: It’s not the years in your life but the life in your years that count. (Borrowed from Abe Lincoln)

TM: When was your best surf ever? MD: My first stoke was in the spot called Carille in San Fernando, La Union. I was with the legendary Lemon and Boshong along with other surfers who eventually became my housemates and best buds in surfing. TM: What’s your favorite destination in the Philippines? MD: Kung saan may alon. TM: Where are the best surfing spots? MD: Well, of course, the closest one is La Union. I’ve also been to Baler, Aurora and Borongan, Samar. I haven’t been to many surf spots, but those that I have been to all got me stoked!

Photo by Angela Marie Meana

Photo by Jojit Lorenzo www.tripmagazine.ph

TRAVEL Extreme Sports If you want to test your strength and endurance, you must try Vista Venice’s wall climbing and rappelling. They look easy, but when you’re actually there, you will realize that you need strong bones and muscles to be able to reach the top. Trip Magazine’s team tried this activity, and only two out of the four-man team reached the top. It helps when you receive encouragement (or pressure) from your friends while you’re up there. The guy who assisted us said, “Hindi pabilisan ‘to. Ang importante, makarating ka sa tuktok. Take your time.” Just like in life, your eyes must be on the goal. Wall climbing costs P350.

Jane Odulio

ocated in Morong, Bataan, Vista Venice is a haven for those who want relaxation, adventure, and some time away from the city. Just three hours away from Manila, Vista Venice is perfect for a weekend getaway. It boasts of nature-inspired structures, extreme sport obstacles, water sports, spa, and affordable rooms. Vista Venice is perfect for family outings, team building, honeymoon, and vacation.

30-45 minutes and sweats like there’s no tomorrow. The volcanic ash spa costs P350 without massage and P750 with an hour of massage.

a tickling effect. The spa treatment is believed to remove dry skin cells and relieve stress. Since it’s all natural, you can go for as long as you want.

VISTA

VENICE

Spa What we love about Vista Venice is their will to always offer something unique that their guests will surely love. Doctor Fish Foot Spa is a special treat for stressed and calloused feet. The fish feed on your skin and leave

The volcanic ash spa is another main attraction at Vista Venice. The treatment is believed to lessen body cholesterol, relax tired body, and excrete toxins from your system. The volcanic ash, which came from Mt. Pinatubo, is heated to produce a warm and sauna-like experience. One lies down wrapped in sulfuric ash for

John Grande

Next that we tried was the zip line. After having muscle pains caused by climbing (we were all first timers), zip line was the best treat for us! We just glided and screamed our lungs out! We felt like we’re flying. It’s the best feeling ever. You can experience zip line for just P350.

Watersports Who will not love kayaking and aqua biking? We were transported from Vista Venice to Westnuk Beach to experience these water sports. Westnuk Beach is located near the Nuclear Power Plant. Hidden away in the heart of Morong, Bataan, Westnuk Beach is one of the Philippines’ best kept secrets. If you want peace and serenity, this is the place to be. To complete your experience, you have to try water sports! The aqua bike rental fee is P800 for 30 minutes. Kayak is P250 per hour for single and P550 per hour for double. For more information, call Imay at 09433365426.

LEISURE

TS118

S118 is short for Toy Soldier 1:18 scale. It is an online community (TS118.blogspot. com) that actively participates in local exhibitions of mostly military-themed dioramas featuring vehicles, playsets, and figures dominantly in the 1:18 scale.

Exhibits of dioramas are held during toys and hobbies conventions like Tagcom, Collecticon, and Toycon, which the group prepares for yearly. Members cooperate by helping man the exhibit, becoming part of the ingress and egress team, or pledging items for the said events.

Before 2007, the community was part of a website called Toysoldier. We migrated to another group since the group was becoming increasingly large and the original vision became very far from what most active members were already doing – involving the team in public exhibitions of their collections. By 2009, the transition was complete; http://ts118.50.forumer.com was born. Major Focus The group’s major focus is on a common love – G.I. Joe, a toy line that was very popular during the early ‘80s up until the late ‘90s. Its comeback in 2007, with much better articulated figures and accessories, spurred popularity amongst TS118 members and resulted in frequent postings. Their focus is not exclusively confined to G.I. Joe. There are other toy lines with the same 1:18 scale or 4-inch figures, such as BBI and Power Team Elite, which lean toward the more accurate and contemporary military theme. With diverse members, the subgenres within the 1:18 scale toy figures do not stop at military themes. There

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A GROUP FOR TOY SOLDIERS ENTHUSIASTS by Daniel Enriquez, TS118 Member Photos provided by Doulo Londonio

are those who prefer science fiction, futuristic themes, and even superhero concepts. Star Wars, for example, is a sub-category of the military theme. Also, with the popularity of Marvel figures brought by the movie The Avengers, the group embraced the 1:18 scale of superhero figures. Apart from these, other toy lines with the same scale or military motif, such as Transformers, are welcomed. Whom the Hobby is For The hobby is not for the rich but for the passionate and committed. One may be rich enough to gather all the collections in a few weeks, yet the value of his collection will be little if he gets tired of it and disposes of it the next month. He may have a measly number of figures in his collection, but actively sharing ideas with other collectors and participating in diorama meet-ups and events make him a perfect member. Wealth is relative to its perceived value. Thus, a collections is only as good as the collector’s love for them. The main cost for us is effort and time: effort in terms of creating

masterpieces of customized work, diorama photographs and helping out in the exhibits; time in terms of establishing camaraderie and trust, preparing props and materials, and accumulating collections. However, it is undeniable that the toys cost a significant portion of our disposable income. This is why most of the members are of the young working class, those who can afford to purchase figures that are mostly distributed in North America and manufactured in China. Some of us are married with kids and families, and thus toy collecting becomes a luxury apart from being a hobby. We

don’t encourage members to collect everything, just the specific ones that they really like that and that they can afford. Organizational Structure TS118 has no president. Instead, a core group actively administers all activities and yearly events. The system we practice is democratic. Project leaders are assigned to carry out specific activities for the year. Also, a team is assembled for special tasks such as marshalling, staffing, financing, and searching for volunteers. Members from the forum freely cooperate, increasing the camaraderie among the team.

The members of the online community number to nearly 500. But just like in any community, not all members are active; a majority lurk and just view posts, a fraction actually post, and only a small yet very active members, about 50, post and exchange messages. Members are ‘80s’ toy aficionados, mostly from the working class aged 20 to 35 years old on average. There is a small mix of young and old collectors. The core group itself is a noble mix of doctors, engineers, teachers and trainers, agents, photographers, designers, entrepreneurs, and www.tripmagazine.ph

LEISURE

TS118

Are you part of a group that does something worthwhile or interesting? Share with us what you do! Contazct us at info@tripmagazine.ph or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter.

students who have a common love for the toy hobby. point that most people think you are crazy. It’s another thing to reach out and share your vision with people to make them understand your passion.

How to Join TS118 Joining is easy: just register on forumer.com. However, just like in any toy forum or community, what is needed for further participation and involvement is trust, which is given not by the quantity but the quality of posts. We are all aware of how fly-by-night traders and sellers prey on unsuspecting members or how obnoxious trolls take pleasure by flaming threads. This is what we try to avoid in our community, so we rather remain tight and manageable. Facebook in some way lessens the risks, but we screen members first through forumer.com before we allow them to be part of the closed FB group. We want to partner with committed individuals who are trustworthy and can give glory to our exhibitions. Trip Meeting Place Members meet online most of the time! But nothing beats physical meet-ups. We occasionally hold meetings prior to events. We have afternoon chats at coffee shops or prepare dioramas in some senior member’s garage. These personal interactions are really special since we can finally see a face instead of just a codename or handle and exchange affirming handshakes. Internal and External Support The community is basically nonprofit, and its funds are generated from the active core team. Making it sustainable by incorporation is what the group is aiming for, that is through following a steady stream of events. Invitation is given by event organizers to help showcase public dioramas. Last year, Solar Entertainment sponsored the group’s booth exhibition for Toycon 2012, allowing a large, 30-year-old holy grail of G.I. Joe 40

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In essence, this is what TS118 is doing: more than just loving the hobby, we explore new things and share with the public what we can achieve. Instead of bragging, saying, “I got this and you don’t,” we stand apart by showing people why we appreciate toy collecting through our exhibitions and displays. For us, it’s more than a hobby; it’s a community.

QUICK FACTS

the coolest online travel community for Asia’s 9-to-5 professionals invites you to

The Group TS118 (short for Toy Soldier 1:18 scale)

toys, the USS Flagg, to be featured once again in public. The massive 7.5 feet aircraft carrier released in the mid-1980s was the dream item of both kids and collectors alike. Other vintage and modern G.I. Joe toys and merchandises were also displayed in glass cabinets. TS118’s Dream If the group had a million pesos for its disposal, part of it would go to a museum where members can display their 1:18 scale diorama collections. It could be some sort of a clubhouse, a physical setup where members can lounge and share everything and anything about 1:18 scale toys. Imagine a setup showing all the holy grails of the collection shared by the group, with invested glass cabinets for member appreciation or even visitor tours. A portion of the money could be allocated to spice up public exhibits and sustain the group through commercial sponsorships, apart from sponsorships from current retailers

and event organizations that comprise the local toy conventions. This would make the public aware that TS118 is founded upon the toy collector lifestyle and that it actively shares and promotes the hobby.

Sites Blog: TS118.blogspot.com Forum: http://ts118.50.forumer.com What they do Collect toy figures, mostly military-

The Best Thing About TS118 We love the hobby, build the hobby, live the hobby, and share the hobby. We avoid dramas and politics that go with it.

themed, in the 1:18 scale for diorama exhibitions. Expect a lot of G.I. Joes, but they also have Star Wars, Marvel, and Transformers toys Where to find them

It occurred to us that even if we stopped collecting and instead sold all our collections due to financial reasons or to other priorities, we would still have the community to come back to. So even if we don’t have 1:18 figures, we have the eyes and hands of artists to do toy photography, paint figures, customize, or just simply appreciate toys or lend a fellow toy collector a hand. There is simply no stopping or giving up as long we have the heart for it. Words for Trip! Readers It’s one thing to collect toys to the

TARA NA! a step-by-step workshop to make your travel dream become a reality within six months Date: June 22, 2013 (Saturday) Time: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Venue: To Be Announced*

Annual toy conventions like Tagcom, Collecticon, and Toycon How to be a member Start by joining their Forumer site (pas-

We want to show you that it is never too late and you are never too young or old to travel the world.

sion for the hobby is a prerequisite) Words from the Group “We love the hobby, build the hobby, live the hobby, and share the hobby. We

JOIN THE TRAVEL REVOLUTION! *Visit http://www.taraletsgo.asia/events for updates.

avoid dramas and toy politics that go with it.”

facebook.com/taraletsgoasia @taraletsgoasia

LIFESTYLE Courtesy of BAMF Mixed Martial Arts Center

Where to try Bikram yoga:

for there is only very minimal contact between players.

Bikram Yoga Manila Makati Branch: 15/F, 88 Corporate Center, 141 Valero St. cor. Sedeño St., Makati

Contact numbers: Makati – 889-0126/5768391; QC – 376-4632/494-8741 Email: info@bikramyogamanila.com Website: www.bikramyogamanila.com

Belly Dancing Originating from the Middle East as a form of social dance, belly dancing is slowly becoming more famous as an exercise. Despite the name, it actually makes use of almost every part of the body and not just the abdomen, making it ideal for total body conditioning according to Examiner. com.

for Those Tired of Usual Gym Routines Karlo Cusi

Vivian Zapanta Pilates Studio Address: Tiffany Place, # 156 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati Contact number: 886-7744/+639178440945

Pilates is a system designed to develop the body’s core, mobilize the spine, and build flexibility through strengthening and stretching exercises, according to the health website WebMD. Some Pilates exercises only require a mat, but others can only be performed with the right apparatus. WebMD cited improvements in range of motion, flexibility, circulation, posture, and abdominal strength 42

Trip Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 3

Email: studio@vivianzapanta.com Website: www.vivianzapanta.com

Bikram Yoga Bikram yoga differs from the usual yoga in that Bikram yoga is done in a heated room, usually between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius. Thus, it is also called “hot yoga.” In a Bikram yoga class, which runs for 90 minutes, 26 poses and two breathing exercises are performed in a specific order.

Courtesy of Bikram Yoga Manila - QC

Courtesy of Vivian Zapanta Pilates Studio

f you want to be fit and healthy, exercising, aside from proper diet, is an answer. You can always go to one of the gyms that had been sprouting around. However, if you’re not fond of doing the usual stuff - weight training and cardio – you can go to fitness centers that offer different types of exercise. Want one that will also help you achieve Zen? Something with a hint of performance art, perhaps? How about martial arts? Here are fun ways to lose those excess pounds and the places where you can try them. among those who do Pilates exercises According to a Mail Online report, Pilates regularly. It added that Pilates the heat induces sweating, which exercises also lessen back, neck and detoxifies the body. Hot yoga boosts joint pains. And if you want a firmer circulation and the body’s innate butt and a flatter tummy, doing Pilates healing capacity, thus improving will help you have them, according to health problems such as asthma, Pilates for Dummies. arthritis or diabetes. It also helps insomniac sleep better. Where to try Pilates:

Livestrong.com reported that belly dancing burns the same number of calories as walking, biking, or swimming does. It also helps tone arm, leg, back, and abdominal muscles. Improved cardiovascular system and increased stamina are also cited as benefits of belly dancing. Courtesy of Ms. Jill Ngo

FITNESS ACTIVITIES

According to the website of Capoeira Brasileira, about 500 calories are burned after one-hour of capoeira. Capoeira also improves endurance, agility, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, and concentration. The website also considers it a great ab workout. Where to try Capoeira Angola: Capoeira Angola Ecamar Philippines Address: 2/F, 4498 Singian St., Barangay

pole. It may be associated with “exotic dancers,” but pole dancing can now be classified as a wholesome activity, thanks to those who realized that it can be a good form of exercise.

Poblacion, Makati Contact number: 09175988207 Email: angola.manila@gmail.com Facebook:

Capoeira

Angola

Ecamar

Philippines Courtesy of Joey Too Fresh

Morato Ave., Quezon City

Courtesy of Pole Academy Philippines

QC Branch: 5/F CKB Centre, 203 Tomas

CNN reported that women who tried pole dancing supposedly lost 40 to 50 pounds in six to eight months, giving them hourglass curves. Aside from its weight loss benefit, pole dancing is also said to improve confidence by making pole dancers feel better about their body. In London, one doctor even prescribed pole dancing to a patient batting depression, according to a BBC report. Where to try pole dancing: Pole Academy Philippines Taguig: FVR Park, 26th St. cor. 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Alabang: Academy One Alabang, 2/F Don Gesu Building, Don Jesus Blvd., Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa Makati: FTX Fitness Exchange, Unit 202 Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village,

Mixed Martial Arts Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a blend of different fighting styles and skills, according to the website of UFC, the world’s largest MMA promotion company. It was developed after UFC fighters realized the need to train in various disciplines to become wellrounded and balanced fighters that could fight standing or on the floor.

Makati Contact numbers: Taguig - 3992211; Alabang 8265182; Makati - 8223311

Where to try belly dancing:

Blog: poleacademyphilippines.blogspot.com

Peak Performance Dance and Fitness QC: 2/F McGwen Bldg, 12 Don A. Roces Avenue, Quezon City Binondo: Unit 505, Pacific Center, 460 Quintin Paredes St., Binondo, Manila Contact numbers: QC - 413-3466; Binondo – 353-2257 Email: peakperformance@asiapad.com Website: peakperformance.asiapad.com

Pole Dancing In pole dancing, one performs dance and acrobatic moves with a vertical

Capoeira Angola Capoeira Angola, the original form of capoeira, is an Afro-Brazilian martial art with dance and acrobatic elements. What makes it different from other martial arts is the use of music. While capoeiristas are in a roda, a circle where they take turns sparring in pairs, musical instruments are played and participants sing to set the beat, encouraging timely movements. Also, it does not encourage violence,

Today, MMA is not only for TV. A number of gyms offer MMA as a fitness program. Aside from its fitness benefits, getting involved in MMA also boosts confidence and develops discipline, according to Mixed Martial Arts for Dummies. MMA is practical for self-defense, too. Where to try MMA B.A.M.F. Mixed Martial Arts Center Address: Sucat Rd. cor. Dona Irenea St., Ireneville Subd. Paranaque City Contact number: 384-0314 Website: www.bamfmma.com

www.tripmagazine.ph

You’re on your way to the beach with your surfing gears. You’re excited to catch some waves. But, wait! What about your outfit? It won’t hurt to be camera-ready while on your surfboard. Try these hip pieces to look great on your next surfing adventure. Photos by Maxie Geranta Models: Heart Karel Delfin & Dan Dexter Caling

Mirage Solid Revo Top (Rip Curl) P1,950 Top: Green Splash Tee (Stoked Inc.) Regular fit 100% cotton P799

Bottom: Grip Boardshorts (Stoked Inc.) 20-inch boardies 4-Way Stoked Stretch Fabric Lightweight H2O resistant P2,900

Top: White Fandango Tank (Rip Curl) P1,305

Bottom: Ombre Mini Shorts (Rip Curl) P2,650

Clear/Black Winki Oceansearch Women’s Watch (Rip Curl) Water resistant (100 meters) With pre-programmed tide charts for over 200 preset beach locations worldwide

All these and more are available at Stoked Inc. shops. Check them online at stokedinc.com.ph to find a branch near you.

Other features: dual-time display,

White Hoodlum Sunglasses (Electric) 100% UV protection 6 base mold injected Grilamid frame 6 base polycarbonate lens 3 barrel stainless steel optical hinge Colorway: Matte black/Grey fire chrome lens P3,100

moon phases, countdown timer, stopwatch, alarm, backlight

P7,950 Trip Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 3

www.tripmagazine.ph

A Peak I nside the

LIFESTYLE

r e t i r W l e v a r T Bag of a Jane Odulio

’m a homeless person. I don’t have my own place, and since my work requires a lot of travel, you will often see me running here and there with my carry-on bag. My friends always tease me because I seem to have everything inside my bag. I don’t have everything, but at least I have all that I need in one place. And yes, for a homeless person like me, it has to be my bag.

By homeless, I mean I don’t have my own permanent place. During weekdays, I stay with officemates in a rented condominium near our office. In the middle of the week, I have to visit our home along the airport. No one is staying there at the moment, so I have to go there once in a while just to check things. Weekends are mostly spent in the province, at my parents’ house. I used to maintain at least a set of toiletries on each house. But I realized it is more cost-efficient if I have everything I need with me. So wherever I am, whether it is for work, family, or leisure, I have everything in hand. Let me tell you too that I don’t have a car. So shoes, gears, and gadgets always go with the packing. It’s a bit tough, but, eventually, I got used to it. I’ve been doing this since college when I moved out of my parents’ house, so it has to be easy. Below are the things inside my bag. No, it’s not a luggage bag, but it carries all my essentials. 1. Netbook. I know. They say that you don’t bring your work when you travel. But for someone like me whose 46

Trip Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 3

work is to travel, that’s not going to happen. I used to bring a 13i n c h laptop with me until I got this netbook. Since then, has been easier.

I put the money I will spend for the day. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket, and it’s not that attractive to snatchers’ eyes. It’s also very helpful when it comes to budgeting. Once I take out my bigger wallet, I know I’m already overspending.

life

2. Mobile Phone. I used to have two phones (three when you include my roaming phone) that I bring everywhere with me. My personal and business contacts used to be separate, but I realized that I was just making my life complicated since my coworkers, clients, and suppliers are friends and family too. Now, I have everything in one phone. Even my personal and office emails are synced here. It’s also packed with social networking and travel apps that are very useful when I’m away. When I’m bored, there’s music, movies, or fave TV series. Seriously, thank God for smartphones! 3. Make-Up Kit. Now, this is a biggie. Well, not really. Lol. I happened to be a girl, so I need to have a compact and lip gloss in my bag. Sounds legit. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be bringing those because I’m a big fan of no-make-up revolution. Or I’m just plain lazy. Call it what you want but if someone’s in a middle of a trek, who needs retouching? 4. Wallet. I have two. One is where I keep my ID, cards, and receipts. Another one is a purse where

5. Moleskine. I also have two. I don’t know why! Haha. The big one is supposedly for journal entries and doodles, and the small one is for c o n t a c t s and other notes and reminders. I rarely use them though because I’m bad with pens and pencils. Instead, I use pens and pencils for other purposes. I use pens for tearing packages and making holes, and, if they are sharp enough, I use them to open canned goods. Of course, for the latter, I’m just kidding! But I hope you get the point that no pen lasts with me. They either break or stop writing because of maltreatment. 6. Smart Bro Pocket Wi-Fi. Though the connection is not that fast when I’m in farflung places, it’s a reliable companion when I’m travelling. And since it’s good for five gadgets, those near me can go online, too. 7. Plug Adapter. This is important, especially when I go out of the country and all my gadgets only fit two-hole plugs (I don’t understand watts and volts but I sure can count holes and determine if the socket is different). Chargers become useless in this scenario. If you don’t want to run out of battery, bring an adapter.

LIFESTYLE 8.All-in-One Kit. Now this is the really big thing that occupies much of my bag’s space. It contains toiletries, disposable undies, medicines, nail polish, epilator, and everything I should need in case I get to spend a night in a place where there’s no 24/7 convenient store or comforts of hotel’s towel and bath kit. It’s like a kikay kit, first-aid kit, and travel kit rolled into one. I know, these are all my necessities but when situation calls, I can travel bringing just myself and the clothes I’m wearing. It’s true. Travel changes you. Once you witness the way of life in the mountains, you will learn how to live a simple life. So don’t be afraid. Don’t over pack. Bring less and gain more friends by borrowing stuff! Lol. Just kidding. Keep calm and love packing.

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LEISURE

MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR (THAT YOU MAY ALREADY

The Smurfs 2 (July 31) After two years, Patrick Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris or Barney of How I Met Your Mother) returns to the big screen with his little blue friends in this sequel to The Smurfs. Sofia Vergara and Katy Perry (voicing Smurfette) will still be part of this CGI/live-action hybrid film.

BE FAMILIAR WITH)

Carrie (October 18)

Karlo Cusi

s far as films are concerned, 2013 is probably the year of sequels, prequels, remakes, reboots, and adaptations. We’ve already had Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby, and Star Trek Into Darkness, but more are coming this year. Here are movies yet to be released but we know are worth watching, judging by whatever they were based on or whatever came before them.

Man of Steel (June 14)

Monsters University (June 21) Everyone’s favorite friendly monsters will be back, and this time in 3D! Monsters University, a prequel to the 2001 Pixar animated film Monsters Inc., relates the life of Michael “Mike” Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan as college students, before they became professional “scarers.”

Henry Cavill dons the iconic blue and red costume, minus the red trunks, as Superman in this reboot of the film series based on the character made famous by DC Comics. Fans have been excited by the trailers, and they expect the movie to do more for them.

Despicable Me 2 (July 3) Will sisters Margo, Edith, and Agnes help or get in the way of their adoptive father Gru as he fights a certain villain? We don’t know. What we know though is that this film will be filled with cuteness, based on the teaser where the minions sing their banana and potato song. 48

The Wolverine (July 26) For the sixth time (including his cameo in X-Men: First Class), Aussie actor Hugh Jackman will play the invincible man/mutant with adamantium claws - Wolverine. His first X-men spin-off in 2009 was a box office hit despite some negative reviews. We hope this one would not simply bank on Jackman.

Malavita (September 20) We don’t know much about the French novel on which this is based, but the fact that Malavita is directed by Luc Besson, who gave us Nikita, Leon: The Professional, The Transporter, and Taken, means that it’s going to be action-packed. Plus, Robert de Niro will be in this film.

Chloe Grace Moretz plays the titular character in this adaptation of a Stephen King horror classic. The 1976 film adaptation of the novel, starring Sissy Spacek, was a massive hit during its time, and Spacek was even nominated for an Oscar. This film better deliver.

Thor: The Dark World (November 8)

(November 22) Hollywood’s “it” girl Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as the bow and arrow yielding Katniss Everdeen from District 12 in this sequel to The Hunger Games, based on the novel by Suzanne Collins. We expect this one to be as good as, if not better than, the first movie.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (December 13)

Oldboy (October 11) Emmy Award winner Spike Lee directs the remake of the 2003 South Korean film Oldboy. The original film, which was based on a Japanese manga, won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004. American remakes of Asian films are either hit or miss. We hope this one hits.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Asgard’s hammer-wielding god, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) pairs up again with astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) for an out-of-thisworld adventure. Thor’s father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and adoptive brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) will also be in this film.

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) continues his adventures in the second part of The Hobbit film series, based on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. Like its first part and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, this film is directed by Peter Jackson, so we know it will be great.

Other films that we are excited about are Kick-Ass 2 (August 16), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (September 27), Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (October 4), and Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom (November 29), an adaptation of the autobiography of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela. With all these films, 2013 is truly a great year for movie fans. Better save up for movie tickets and popcorn! Note: Posted dates are the films’ US release dates. The movies may be shown earlier or later in the Philippines.

Trip Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 3

GADGETS

SPECIFICATIONS

Review:

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1 Karlo Cusi

n 2008, my very first digital camera broke while I was in Bohol. I left it in the boat while I was snorkeling, and somehow seawater managed to enter the small boat, damaging the camera. After that, I always worry about my gadgets getting wet when traveling, especially to a place where the most popular activities have something to do with water or are near water. That’s why I got Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1.

TF1 is a compact digital camera built for the outdoors. It is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freeze proof, making it ideal for adventurous individuals who also have the knack for photography but do not like lugging a bulky camera. Aside from being “everything proof,” TF1 has decent features – 16-megapixel CCD image sensor, HD (720p) video recording, optical image stabilization (prevents blurry images), picture effects, and panorama mode (up to 360 degrees).

I wasn’t crazy enough to do a drop test to see if TF1 was indeed shockproof, or put it in the freezer to check its freeze proof claim, but I can attest to its being dustproof and waterproof.

Also, it looks pretty chic for a supposedly rugged camera.

An amateur photo enthusiast like me would find its auto intelligent mode and different scene modes useful. Aside from the usual modes present in most digital cameras (landscape, portrait, night scene), TF1 also has soft skin (makes skin look more beautiful), gourmet (for food photography), pet (for animals), and underwater. If you don’t want to use these modes, you can always adjust settings manually.

Everything looks good on paper, but how does it fare in real life? I found out myself when I brought it to a trip to Pangasinan.

As for the quality of images, be the judge. Here are some of my favorite photos taken with the TF1, using its different modes.

Trip Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 3

Type: Rugged compact digital camera Features: waterproof (down to 10 meters), shockproof (up to a 5-foot drop), freeze proof, dustproof (down to -10 degrees Celsius) Resolution: 16.1MP Imaging sensor: 1/2.3" Super HAD CCD Aperture: f 3.6-4.7 Shutter speeds: iAuto (2-1/2000), Program Auto (21/2000) ISO: Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/3200 White balance: auto, daylight, cloudy, fluorescent cool white, fluorescent daylight, incandescent, flash, underwater 1, 2 Zoom: 4x optical, 5x digital Scene modes: high sensitivity, soft snap, soft skin, landscape, night portrait, night scene, handheld twilight, gourmet, beach, snow, underwater, pet Picture Effects: toy camera, pop color, partial color, soft high-key Sweep Panorama: 360, Wide, Standard Video Mode: 720p, VGA, QVGA Video Format: AVI Other Features: Auto Intelligent mode, Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Red-eye Reduction, Optical Image Stabilization LCD: 2.7" Dimensions: 102.4 x 62.0 x 22.7 mm Weight: 152 g Battery: LITHIUM ION 3.6V, 630mAh Memory Card Type: Memory Stick Micro, Micro SD/SDHC Colors Available: Black, Blue, Red Price: P9,999

01: A school of angelfish (I suppose) swimming away (shot using underwater mode); 02: A tiny, red insect at Governor’s Island, Hundred Islands National Park (shot using macro mode); 03: Sunset at Patar Beach; 04: A colorful boat sailing (4x zoomed); 05: Bolinao Falls (Auto Intelligent mode); 06: Hundred Islands from the viewing deck of Governor’s Island (shot using panorama mode) [Note: Images were slightly retouched.] Summary What I like about it: • It sure is waterproof! • It’s easy to use, and it has an incamera guide in case I have trouble using it. • It’s one of the cheapest 16-megapixel waterproof cameras in the market today.

What I don’t like about it: • Optical zoom is only 4x. • Battery drains fast when panorama mode is used.

Overall: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1 takes nice photos, but that of course depends on your skills as a photographer. It may not be as powerful as a DSLR camera, but I definitely recommend it over a smartphone camera. If, however, you’re not really after something waterproof or shockproof, you may want to try other compact digital cameras that cost just half the price of this one.

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GADGETS spray paint template, and two sets of extra silicone ear plugs. The headset sports a flat cord construction, which makes it easier to store and and makes it not tangle easily. The earbuds have a black and chrome finish, with the chrome Skullcandy logo at the back. It may not be that striking aesthetically, but at least that allows people of any age to wear it without looking too hippie. As for the silicone earbuds, they can be used to tailor fit the headphone to your ear holes. We don’t find replacing the preset silicone buds necessary since they fit snugly in our ears. Just make sure that the earbuds are inserted in the correct angle to get the full benefit of its audio capabilities. The earbuds are very comfortable to wear and do not fall off easily when doing light to moderate activities like exercising in the gym, walking, and cycling. However, they fall off when you get too sweaty, which is a common problem with in-ear headphones.

and a microphone for making calls. By pressing the middle button once, you can play and pause the music player. Pressing twice skips forward a track, and thrice skips back. As for Android phones, the playback controls work but the volume controls do not. The supplied carry case is an excellent addition. The pouch has a hard front shell and a mesh-like back with a zipper lid. It also comes with a small holder on the outside so that you can hang it to a bag or use it as a key chain. The carry case helps protect the headset from tangles and protects the earbuds from accidental bumps and scratches. However, the cable is unnecessarily long at 1.3 m. As a Filipino with an average height, the extra length becomes more of a nuisance, especially when jogging or biking. The box specifies that it comes with a free app available at iTunes, but unfortunately we could not find it. Summary:

50/50 Earbuds Ely dela Cruz

or those looking for a replacement headphone for their Apple device, look no further. The Skullcandy 50/50 in-ear headphone is perfect for you. We bought one at Listen Up, Glorietta 4 at 50% off its regular price. At P1,800, it’s now cheaper than headphones from other major brands.

Inside the box are the headset, a nylon/mesh carry case, a Skullcandy Trip Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 3

What makes 50/50 stand out is its low-end response sound. In other words, it has one of the best bass sounds among headphones currently in the market. It’s perfect if you like rock, R&B, pop, or any other bassheavy tunes. One of the key features of 50/50 is its inline remote called Mic3. It is very responsive and integrates very well with iPhones. The inline remote consist of volume controls, playback controls,

The WOW: • Impressive sound quality • Powerful bass sound (at par with more expensive models) • Tangle-proof ﬂat cord construction • Comfortable ﬁt • Reliable noise canceling ability • Perfect inline remote control for iPhone • High-quality carry case The HMMM: • Falls off from the ear if you get too sweaty • Too long cable BOTTOMLINE: The 2012 Skullcandy 50/50 is still one of the best in-ear headphones available in the market today, despite being already a year old. The earbuds are lightweight, comfortable and stylish. The Mic3 inline control works wonderfully. With the price at 50% off in some stores, this is a great buy! To know more about the product, visit skullcandy.com. www.tripmagazine.ph

Calendar June PHILIPPINE EAGLE WEEK Davao City

RIZAL ARTIST FESTIVAL Angono, Rizal

1-6 1-30

PINYASAN (PINEAPPE) FESTIVAL Camarines Norte

15-23 PILI FESTIVAL Sorsogon, Sorsogon

20-29 PARADA NG LECHON Balayan, Batangas

RIZAL DAY Calamba, Laguna

19 DIWATA FESTIVAL San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

21 LUBID-LUBID FESTIVAL & COW PARADE Tiaong, Quezon

CAMOTES CASSAVA FESTIVAL Tudela, Camotes Island

INDEPENDECE DAY Nationwide

PISTA NG KALIKASAN Palawan

3rd SANGYAW FESTIVAL Tacloban City

8-14

19 MUDPACK FESTIVAL Murcia, Negros Occidental

21-22 PINTADOS FESTIVAL Tacloban City, Leyte

12 20 TAONG PUTIK FESTIVAL Aliaga, Nueva Ecija

July SINUGDAN FESTIVAL Maasin City, Southern Leyte

1 SANDUGO FESTIVAL Tagbiliran City, Bohol

1-31 SINARAPAN FESTIVAL San Buenaventura, Buhi, Camarines Sur

14-15 KINABAYO FESTIVAL Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte

24-25

TANGGOGOAN FESTIVAL Mati, Digos City

1 BANIG FESTIVAL Badian, Cebu

3 S’LANG FESTIVAL Malungon, Saranggani Province

15 KADAGATAN FESTIVAL Cortes, Surigao del Sur

GATAS NG KALABAW FESTIVAL Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

1-7

PAGODA SA WAWA Bocaue, Bulacan

7 KALIGA FESTIVAL Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

22 PAKAPYA-AGTIKE Socorro, Mindoro Oriental

BANANA FESTIVAL Tagum, Davao del Norte

1-10 LUBID FESTIVAL Malilipot, Albay

12-16 IBID FESTIVAL Caibiran, Biliran

23 ABAYAN FESTIVAL Butuan City

Source: www.tourism.gov.ph

FOOD

best food forward Jane Odulio

John Grande

est Food Forward, dubbed as the country’s most awaited food fair, was held last April 20-21 at the NBC Tent in Taguig. On its third year now, Best Food Forward is a benefit food fair where food entrepreneurs meet at one place to showcase their specialties. Cupcakes and other sweets seemed to have dominated the event. We didn’t have the chance to taste them all, but here are some of the booths who offered our favorites:

Rome’s Patisserie Oh, their melt-in-your-mouth decadence cupcake is heavenly! I must say that it is the richest chocolate cake ever! We so loved it that we couldn’t help but ask Rome his recipe secrets. Visit his shop at Cityland Manila Residences, Taft Avenue Manila or call 0906-4103969 for more details. Kalookies They were already packing when we came. Their products sold out! Owned by Khalil Kaimo, what makes Kalookies stand out are the ingredients – chocolate products everyone loves since childhood! Instead of the usual chocolate chips, their cookies are topped with Nutella, Reese’s, Hershey’s, Toblerone, M&M’s, Kit Kat, Ferrero, or Oreo. Visit www.kalookies. com for more info. Mio Gelati Tequila Rose as an ice cream flavor? Why not! Mio Gelati had this and other unique ice cream flavors inspired by fruits, desserts, and alcoholic drinks. A small cup of these dairy treats costs from P80 to P120. You can also have two flavors in a bigger cup. Since we

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needed to stay sober, we just had the pistachio-flavored one. Coco Royal When you’re flooded with all that sweets and goodies, you definitely need a refreshing treat! We were delighted to see Coco Royal’s booth and surprised to find a personal favorite—basil seed with honey juice drink. You don’t usually find something like this on local stores, but there’s good news! Coco Royal will be distributing nationwide soon! More Treats Those who didn’t have a sweet tooth weren’t left out. Carlos’ Kitchen had crunchy belly, strips of deep-fried, thinly-sliced pork belly, which are sinfully delicious. Aside from its famous fries, Eat My GF (that’s garlic fries) had this whopping, mouthwatering burger with bacon called “The Big Ohhh.” Meanwhile, Sinangag Trip had hungsilog, baconsilog, and the usual silogs for those looking for something local. Best Food Forward also had live cooking demonstrations for those who want to prepare their own food

and not just eat. Chef Nancy ReyesLumen (for Kewpie) and Chef Mikee Logarta (for Gastro Chef) both showed how to cook a mean adobo. They then had the audience taste their masterpiece. With the number of people going in and out of the venue, we can say that this two-day benefit food fair was a success. We look forward to another one next year, or maybe sooner.

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fix

smoothie T

he weather nowadays is unpredictable. It may rain in summer, or it may be so hot during monsoon season. When the scorching heat of the sun is unbearable, regardless of the season, a thirst-quenching smoothie can help you survive. However, you need not shell out P50 for glass of smoothie that has very little nutrients. Believe me, your P50 will go a long way if you instead buy fruits at a farmer’s market and create your own smoothie. What’s not to love about smoothies? A smoothie is amazingly fast and easy to prepare. Anyone can do it in less than 10 minutes! It’s cold, smooth, and refreshing. Also, its texture makes you full, cutting the craving for junk food. Another great thing about a smoothie is that you can drink it anytime of the day. You can have a glass of smoothie for breakfast, lunch, or as a refreshing dessert. Furthermore, it’s packed with phytochemicals, the active compounds found in plant foods. Phytochemicals are natural bioactive compounds that work with other plant nutrients and dietary fiber to help protect against disease and promote good health. Also, studies have indicated that an overall increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Aechelle Aiza Dumuk

FOOD

calamansi

muffin

So what do you need to prepare an awesome, decadent smoothie? Get that blender trapped in your china cabinet and ferret out your fridge for available fruits. Now if you can’t decide whether to have frozen or fresh fruits, mix them! Yes, fresh fruits abound, but frozen fruits thicken the smoothie. You can also add ice cream for flavor, but a more healthy option is low-fat yogurt. Or simply add ice, which works well.

In choosing liquid, low-fat milk is recommended for a creamier smoothie. Use fruit juice for added flavor. However, if both are not

Chef Rome Miranda

available, small amount of water and honey syrup will do. One last final tip: don’t fall into the trap of preparing the same smoothie every day. You can be a little adventurous by, for example, mixing mango and carrots. Put a little twist on the usual banana smoothie by adding kiwi, papaya, or strawberry. Believe me, they’re irresistible.

CALAMANSI MUFFIN RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup butter (room temp.) 1 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. calamansi zest (from approx. 3 pcs. calamansi) 4 eggs 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup calamansi juice STEPS: 1. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degree Celsius) 2. Grease muffin pans with butter

Now let me ask you one more time: What’s not to love about smoothies?

3. Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a bowl; set aside. 4. Combine the calamansi juice.

milk

and

5. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add in the calamansi zest and vanilla extract.

t’s always nice to soak up some sun, relax in powdery white sands, and swim in clear blue waters.

There are so many places you can go for a beach trip in the Philippines, but for me, Boracay tops the list. Aside from its white sands, clear waters, and great beach parties, Boracay is also the home of a very delicious muffin famous among locals and tourists Real Coffee and Tea Café’s calamansi muffin. Located at Station 1, Real Coffee and Tea Café is a simple yet famous coffee shop that everyone visiting the island

must check out. It has been a routine of mine to go there upon arriving on the island and again just before leaving to bring some muffins home for my family and friends. Their calamansi muffins are very fluffy and tasty, baked to a nice color with a mild combination of sweet and tangy flavor. Every time I bring home a box of these delicious muffins, it doesn’t take that long for everyone to finish it. I got inspired to make my own version of the calamansi muffins, and I’m sharing the recipe with you.

6. Add in the eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl from time to time. 7. Alternately mix in the liquid (calamansi juice and milk) with the dry ingredients. 8. Pour in prepared muffin pans and bake for 18-20 minutes. You can test for doneness by inserting a skewer and it comes out clean. YIELD: Makes a dozen muffins.

Chef Rome Miranda is a pastry chef and the owner of Rome’s Patisserie. He loves baking cakes and pastries, exploring new places, and experiencing different culture and food. Visit his shop at Cityland Manila Residences, Taft Avenue Manila or call 0906-4103969. 58

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In the Mood for

Van Gogh is Bipolar Cristta Igloria

id you know that the painter Vincent van Gogh was bipolar? Well, he was, just like other famous personalities - Mel Gibson, Jim Carrey, Kurt Cobain, Robert Downey, Jr., Edgar Allan Poe, Courtney Love, and even US presidents Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. We should add to the list Jetro Rafael, a clinically-diagnosed and proud bipolar who initially concocted a ‘Cuckoo diet’ of mood-altering food for himself, but eventually shared it with the rest of the world through his restaurant now called Van Gogh is Bipolar. Located at 154 Maginhawa, Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City, Van Gogh is Bipolar is a sure treat for your gastronomic adventure. Although it seems like a normal house from the outside, wait until you get inside and see the travel photographs and art pieces on the walls, smell the aroma of organic teas, hear the ring of the bell in the kitchen, and taste the mood-altering food that will surely turn any frown into a smile. This interesting, quaint place serves dishes with all natural ingredients that owner Jetro carefully created to induce happy and calming hormones to diners, bipolar or not.

Woolf’s Tears, a thickened soup infused with tasty turkey broth and flavored with basil leaves, banana chips and toasted garlic. For the main course, you can have President Clinton’s Meal, which is grilled Australian lamb, or President Lincoln’s Meal, which is organic turkey

Living up to the name of the place, all of these meals are artfully crafted in an organized chaos that comes in a burst of color from the fresh fruits and vegetables. Nested on cabbage leaves, the dishes are prepared with a mound of glutinous black rice from the Mountain Province, with banana chips, peanuts, mangoes, corn, basil leaves, lettuce, and edible flowers. For dessert, indulge in Mel Gibson’s Darkest Sin, which is dark chocolate, almond and walnut mixed with vodka and wild Palawan honey. The meal also comes with a drink called Courtney Love’s Potion, which is a non-alcoholic cold concoction of melon, mint, and lemongrass, with real fresh bits and pulp of cucumber and grapes, sweetened by wild Palawan honey and served with a strawberry on top. You can also prepare your own tea, choosing from different flavors according to your mood, whether you’re feeling happy, sad, or calm. To add to the fun, you can choose your own dainty tea cup, measure the organic tea leaves and mint, and drizzle your tea with Palawan honey extract. The price range of the food in Van Gogh is Bipolar is from P200 to P700. Although a little bit pricey, the entire dining experience is worth it. Aside from eating, it is like you entered a whole new world because of the visual

Courtesy of Van Gogh is Bipolar

with fresh fruit extracts and organic herbs. If you are in a no-meat diet, you can order President Roosevelt’s Meal, which is salmon belly served with black rice and veggies.

Courtesy of Van Gogh is Bipolar

FOOD

treat of teapots, hats, clocks, trinkets, and other knick-knacks inside Jetro’s abode. Dining in this restaurant also makes you humble because there are no waiters or cleaners. To order your food, you have to go to the counter, ring the bell, write down what you want to eat, wait for it to get cooked, come back for it at the counter when it’s done, and return the dishes when you finish. Everything is self-service. Most important, going to Van Gogh is Bipolar makes you celebrate imperfections, embrace flaws, and accept weaknesses, as written on the wall in the porch. So if you’re in the mood for some eccentricity, whether you’re up or down for an extraordinary dining experience, visit this happy place and be enthralled with Van Gogh and the rest of the cuckoo crowd.

ads Mandaluyong Branch: No.80 Calbayog Street Corner Malinao Mandaluyong City 532.04.82/ 534.46.33 Eastwood Branch: Ground Floor, City Walk 1, Cyberpark, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan Quezon City (Beside Dulcinea) 0922.832.80.71 Boracay Branch: Galileo Enoteca Balabag, Boracay Malay Aklan Station 2 Beach front (Near Dmall) 0923.569.65.20

Van Gogh is Bipolar offers a threecourse set meals, which are named after famous bipolar personalities. First, you are served with Virginia 60

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LIFESTYLE

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME without breaking the bank Bernadette Arevalo

Your free time, be it because of holidays, days off, or “sick” leave, are best spent on travel, vacation, relaxation, all-day play, and everything nice. But what if payday is still far away and you’re almost broke? No need to sulk, folks! Instead of checking Facebook all day, looking at pictures of your friends having fun somewhere else, try these fun activities you can do without spending so much.

can also visit Fort Santiago, National Museum, and Manila Zoo. You have to pay entrance fees, but they’re reasonable. In QC, you can check La Mesa Ecopark, a piece of paradise in the middle of the concrete jungle. 07. Learn a new language. Learn a foreign language you have been wanting to speak. You can download audio tutorials online for free. Google is your friend. You can also buy instructional books from used bookstores.

Trip! recommends Ligo na U, Lapit na Me and its sequel It’s Not That Complicated, both by Eros Atalia. The following are also great reads: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly; Kafka on the

Shore by Haruki Murakami; and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

01. Read an entertaining book. Rummage through your book shelf. You probably have picked up an interesting book from the bookstore some time ago and have completely forgotten about it. Settle down, curl up, and let yourself be transported into the story. 02. Go backyard camping. Ca mping in your backyard is an ideal activity w i t h family and friends! You can grill barbecue during the day and have a small bonfire for roasting some marshmallows and hotdogs at night. 03. Have a movie marathon. Invite some friends and have them bring one of their favorite DVDs and simple snacks (whatever they have on hand). You can also cook together w h i l e 62

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discussing the fashion statement of the characters you are watching, from that of Holly Golightly of Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Laida Magtalas of A Very Special Love. 04. Start a new hobby. If you have a passion for arts and crafts or music, the best time to pursue it is during your free time. May it be with threads or paints or guitar strings, it is a worthwhile activity you can squander your time on. 05. Have a garage sale. Your closet now must be some kind of an active volcano ready to erupt any minute with your enormous collection of clothes that you haven’t worn for ages. Or knick-knacks and abubots are eating up space in your room. Invite your siblings and friends to set aside sentimentality for a while and gather all their superfluous stuff and organize a garage sale. A fun, business strategy, eh? You have to promote it in advance though. 06. Visit a museum or a park. This allows you to learn and at the same time have fun. If you’re around Manila, you can go to Rizal Park. You

08. Have a do-it-yourself makeover. While other people hang out at the beach to get a perfect tan to create a new look, you can just cut your own hair. Have a makeover and get that Anne-Hathaway-in-Les-Miserables look that you have always wanted. 09. Spend time with your family. Bond with your family and catch up with your loved ones. Check on your younger bro to see whether he is still dating the girl with too much make-up on that you abhor and talk him into dating a better one. 10. Volunteer. There are countless volunteer projects out there that need nothing more than your time. It’s an opportunity to make a positive contribution to society. Visit Gawad Kalinga or Bantay Bata 163’s website to see what you can do to get involved. Exciting activities not need be costly. I hope you enjoy your free time with these economical alternatives.

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WANTED: CONTRIBUTORS Trip Magazine is looking for contributors for the following sections: food, music, arts, health, fashion, entertainment, technology, and popular culture. Articles must be original and must not be previously published. We prefer articles that are timely, wellresearched, and excellently written. Articles will be edited for length, grammar, content, style, and tone. We also welcome photograph contributions. Send your articles, photos, or pitches to info@ tripmagazine.ph. Include your name and a short bio with your submission. Note that we work two months in advance of our release dates.

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Q&A

Question: Where did you spend your most memorable vacation and what made it memorable? I spent my most memorable vacation in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. I presented a research paper hosted by a university in Zam Norte. The place and the people there made my vacation worthwhile. I visited Rizal Shrine, which deepened my love for the country. The things I learned from the tour greatly helped me in teaching the life and works of Rizal. I also visited Dakak Beach. Its natural attraction completed my experience. - Vaberlie Mandane

I cannot forget my stay at Pearl Farm Davao. I felt at peace being in the island and away from the city. The ambience was per fect. The beach and our room were also great. I fell asleep while having a massage in my room. Also, I wasn’t afraid of getting robbed because I felt so secured in the place. - Jennylyn Alcantara-Rey

The first time that I visited the white powder y sand beache s of Boracay, I got really drunk and fell asleep on the beach. My friend was worried sick until I sho wed up at her door the next mo rning. - Kevin Toralde

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My 2010 trip to the isla nd of Malapascua, a fishing village and a tourist destination at the nor thern tip of Cebu, was memorable. While walking on the bea utiful, white-sand shore, we spo tted a fisherman selling his mo rning catch to other locals. My friend and I decided to buy som e fish and crabs for our bre akfast for a low price of P200. The fisherman’s wife cooked the fish and the crabs for us for a less than P200. Looking at the surroundings while waitin g for our food to be cooked, I rea lized that though the locals are living on meager earnings, they rem ain happy. I’m not sure if the y’re contented, but they do sur e look happy, especially the you ng, innocent ones running and playing around. Because of that vacatio n, I realized that I should be tha nkful for the things that I am ble ssed with. It was such an eye-op ening experience. - Ron Decina

My most memorable vacation within the Philippines was in Coron, Palawan. I experienced a lot of firsts: knowing what a coral garden is, seeing a shipwreck, and watching bioluminescent plank ton glow in the dark waters. I left Palawan having very high standards as to how a vacation should be like. - Sherlock Ochoa

Boracay is my favorite vacation spot. I’ve been there several times already, but I keep coming back because I really love the place. It’s so peaceful! I enjoy the water activities there, too. - Lea Ann Garcia Bicomong

My stay at Antipolo, where we had our prenup photo shoot, was so much fun. I wa s so ner vous before getting there, but when we started the shoot, I became so rela xed. The weather was per fect, the place was per fect, and the shoot was (almost) per fect. Of cou rse, being there with the person I love made it memorable. - Marie Joy Leabres-McKenzie

My Cebu trip, an invitation that I got from my best friend and her family, is definitely wor th remembering. Though I had to endure an 18-hour trip via ferr y, it was nothing compared to the sights and gastronomical delights that I enjoyed during my almost-a-month stay. Aside from visiting Cebu’s famous tourist destinations, I also conquered the then untouched Bantayan and Malapascua Island, explored the Ogtong Cave, trekked to the cascading Kawasan Falls, and dipped in the waters of Alegria. Since the vacation covered the Holy Week, I also got a chance to experience Cebuanos’ religiosity. To top it off, the whole trip was free of charge. What more could I ask for? - Leelai Dorado

We want to know what’s on your mind. Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for our Trip! questions. The best answers will be published in the magazine. We’ll wait for your replies!

My most memorable vacation was spent at Nawawalang Paraiso Resort and Hotel in Tayabas, Quezon. We were a group of graduate students and budding professionals who loved following our feet. We got lost in Tayabas and found this resort to spend the night. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough money to pay the hotel accommodation, so we just slept on a long picnic table, all eight of us. - Mel Tormes Quinones

When I was a kid, I would always look for ward to sum mer because my family would spe nd it in Tacloban, my mo ther’s hometown. My late grandm other would always prepare the best food for his Bicolano apos. My uncles, on the other hand, would be busy lining up diff erent activities for the family. One thing though that made those visits to Tacloban memorable was lechon, which we usually ate with gaway (gabi). The best! Alan Emmanuel Latorre

Iligan City, 2010. I was a mystery passenger for a shipping company. I saw Maria Christina Falls, ate exotic dishes, and freely roamed the streets where there’s a tommy-gun-carrying policeman in every corner. The city was surprisingly safe, lively, and wor th exploring. - Jaemie Taniog www.tripmagazine.ph

BARKADA

ressie

Name: Jasmine Plaza

gladys

Name: Ressie San Gabriel Palis

Birthdate: July 22, 1995

Birthdate: May 19, 1992

Occupation: Student leader, part-time host and

Occupation: student, model, singer

model

Name: Gladys Cunanan Juatchon

What’s your current state of mind? Happy but a

What’s your current state of mind? I have good

Birthdate: December 16, 1991

bit stressed

thoughts running in my mind to lift myself up.

Occupation: Model

Describe yourself in three words: simple, sweet,

Describe yourself in three words: simple but

If you were not a model today, what would you be?

friendly

extraordinary

actress/chef

Favorite destination in the Philippines: Baguio

Favorite destination in the Philippines: Nasugbu,

What’s your current state of mind? happy and

Latest trip: Baguio

Batangas (very memorable)

inspired

Dream trip: El Nido, Palawan and Paris, France

Latest trip: Vigan (very classic and magnificent)

Describe yourself in three words: inspired,

Favorite activities: reading books and

Dream trip: Palawan (I heard that the place is

mysterious, simple

magazines

heavenly.)

Favorite destination in the Philippines: Bonifacio

What’s on your playlist? Girl on Fire by Alicia

Favorite activities: reading, practicing my

Global City

Keys, Without You by Charlie Wilson, I Choose

speaking skills, taking photographs, getting

Latest trip: Baguio

You by Mario, Somewhere Down the Road by

into rational conversations, visiting places

Dream trip: Barcelona, Spain

Nina

What’s on your playlist? songs with lyrics that

Favorite activities: traveling

What’s in your survival kit? fire starter, fully

can be heard and felt through the depth of

What’s on your playlist? Complicated, Will You

charged cell phone, first aid kit, energy bars

their rhythm.

Ever Learn, 21 Guns

and a container with foods and drinks

What’s in your survival kit? first aid, food, water

What’s in your survival kit? Cell phone, water

If you found yourself in a deserted island, what

(of course), and clothes

food, fire starter, flashlight, and knife

one thing would you wish that you brought?

If you found yourself in a deserted island, what

Doraemon’s pocket

one thing would you wish that you brought?

one thing would you wish that you brought? my

Cheap thrills: window shopping with friends

fresh water

survival kit/a boat!

Guilty pleasure: chocolates!

Cheap thrills: going outside having not enough

Cheap thrills: Window shopping with friends

budget to eat street food, meet people, and

Guilty pleasures: gadgets

We love our readers so much that we want to dedicate space especially for them. If you and your friends want to be featured in the magazine, contact us at info@ tripmagazine.ph or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter.

jasmine

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find myself Guilty pleasure: wasting my money on things that don’t really make sense but I really enjoy

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reggae.

ito ang

ko. 68

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