april-2012

MAGAZINE FOR CEBU PACIFIC
APRIL 2012
The ones to watch
Pinoy indie-movie
mavericks make waves
CINEMATIC
SHANGHAI
Life’s
a beach
Your guide to summer
bliss in Boracay
Weekend
summits
Quick getaways for
the whole family
Surf’s up
in the
Philippines!
page 69

PHOTOS ADI EFFENDY (BORACAY), LESTER LEDESMA (NORTH LUZON MARKET), MARK DIMALANTA (SIARGAO SURFER)
contents
3 Welcome
message
The CEO shares good news about the network.
11 Chikka
Get 14 pages packed with summer musthaves
and ingenious travel tips.
42 Q&A: Drew
Barrymore
The bubbly actress takes on the role of a
lifetime in the whale fl ick Big Miracle.
48
This side
of paradise
Some things, like sunset cocktail
hour, are still best done in Boracay.
A long-time island resident gives us
the rundown of what to see, where
to go, and what to do for that classic
island experience.
58 Weekend
specials
We give time-strapped families
three different itineraries that will
keep everyone (especially the kids)
entertained.
69 Paddling
Pagudpud
Just north of Laoag,
Pagudpud is fast gaining a reputation for
its four interesting surf spots.
76 Siargao , s
endless
summer
The island has the kind
of pounding waves every
surfer dreams of, as one
avid surfer reveals.
SMILE DOUBLE FEATURE SURFING IN THE PHILIPPINES
A Boracay sunset
is already worth
the trip!
{ 1 }
86 Starring
Shanghai
If some of the city’s
landmarks look familiar, it’s because you’ve
seen them before on fi lm. Tour the spots Tom
Cruise sprinted through while shooting.
97 The watch list
With such a talented group of actors,
directors, writers and artists, it’s no wonder
the Philippines is thriving in the international
fi lm scene.
108 North
bounty
Discover a foodie
trail along Mt. Pinatubo’s surrounding
provinces.
127 Trip journal
Your city guides to Cebu Pacifi c’s
destinations, with great advice from locals.
170 Route map
Check out Cebu Pacifi c’s growing network.
172 Airline news
The latest buzz from your favorite airline.
174-176 Onboard
delights
Sweet and savory bites, plus loads of infl ight
merchandise and duty-free items to buy.

PHOTO OF LANCE GOKONGWEI CAROLINE SCHMIDT AND NICOLAI SVANE/DANISHCONNECTION.COM GROOMING & STYLING MARIE CALICA
INK EDITORIAL
Editor Tara FT Sering
Art Director Adi Effendy
Sub-Editor Charmaine Baylon
Contributing Editors Maya O. Calica (Chikka
section) and Nikka Sarthou (Domestic Trip Journal)
Editorial Director (Singapore) Liz Weselby
Design Director (Asia) Peter Stephens
Associate Design Director (Singapore)
Terence Goh
Photo Editor Lester V. Ledesma
Production Manager Helen Uy Punzalan
Executive Creative Director Michael Keating
CEO Jeffrey O’Rourke
Managing Director Gerry Ricketts
Chief Operating Offi cer Hugh Godsal
Group Publisher Simon Leslie
ADVERTISING
Group Publisher Mohan Gopal
Brand Managers Bong Dy-Liacco, Andrew Lugtu,
Jil Sembrano-North and Kriztel Lorbes
Tel: +65 6324 2386
Email: smile@ink-global.com
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SMILE magazine is published on behalf of Cebu
Pacifi c Air by Ink Publishing Pte Ltd • 89 Neil
Road, #03-01, Singapore 088849 • tel: +65
6324 2386 • fax: +65 6491 5261 •
www.ink-global.com • www.cebusmile.com
MICA (P) 170/06/2011
All articles and
photographs published
herein are created by
the authors and photographers at their own
discretion and do not necessarily represent
the views of the airline. All material is strictly
copyrighted and all rights are reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced in whole
or in part without the prior written permission
of the copyright holder. All prices and data are
correct at the time of publication.
THIS MONTH ‚ S COVER
Photographer Francisco Guerrero. Art director Adi
Effendy. Photo editor Lester V. Ledesma. Hair and
makeup Jem Calungcaguin. Stylist Jof Sering.
Model Fang Shin. On Shin Bikini top from Topshop;
orange sarong, stylist's own.
welcome onboard
Summer blockbusters
Summer is probably my favorite time of year — most
of my fondest childhood memories are set against the backdrop of family
vacations. Now that I have kids of my own, I'm seeing even more value in
summer breaks and family vacations: these are the times my children will
remember with fondness when they're grown.
So for April, we've put together weekend vacation ideas for the
whole family to enjoy (page 58). Whatever your family fun style,
there's a destination that's right for you. Up for a road trip? Pack the van
and make the drive north of Manila and around Clark for a foodie trail
around Mt. Pinatubo (page 108). If, like most Filipinos, you equate
summer with sun, sand and sea, head over to one of the country's premier
beach destinations and let our feature on the classic Boracay Itlist
(page 48) be your guide. For even more fun in the water, check out our
double feature on two different surfi ng destinations (page 69),
each with its own unique vibe. Summer also brings movies to mind (brace
yourself for all the Hollywood blockbusters coming your way), so in honor
of cinema we're taking you on a tour of cinematic Shanghai (page
86). On the home front, meet the cast of characters who are giving local
independent cinema an
exciting boost (page 97).
Happy summer, everyone!
Lance Gokongwei
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
{ 3 }

Our crew
this issue
Freida Dario
WRITER
For this issue I fell in love with
Boracay all over again while
putting together a classic
Boracay itinerary.
I’ve written for numerous
lifestyle publications.
Travel must-have The right
attitude. As the saying goes, it’s
the journey, not the destination,
that matters most.
Richard
Baimbridge
WRITER
For this issue I found the most
cinematic places in Shanghai.
I’ve written features for Wired,
Conde Nast Traveler, Elle.
Star turn I walked the exact
distance between the two
skyscrapers that Tom Cruise
jumped across in Mission:
Impossible III.
smile contributors online updates
Meet the talented bunch that helped us
put together this big book of summer
Ludovico Tortuya
WRITER/SURFER
For this issue I reminisced on
my fi rst time in Siargao Island.
As a surfer, I have tried the
waves in many different parts
of the Philippines.
I smile every time I think back
to when I was sitting on the
tower at 5.40am, drinking
coffee, eating warm bread, and
watching the waves.
Join our networks!
MISSED
AN ISSUE?
{ 8 }
Mohammed
Sam Shoushi
WRITER
For this issue I went on a foodie
tour around Mt. Pinatubo.
I’ve written features for Leisure
+ Adventure Travel.
While traveling... I found that
nearby Mt. Arayat is equally
stunning. Sometimes all it
takes to discover something is
to look the other way around!
We really
take it to the
edge for these
cover shoots
Francisco Guerrero
PHOTOGRAPHER
For this issue I had so much fun
shooting the cover.
I’ve worked on Conde Nast
Traveller UK, Travel+Leisure
USA, Destinasian, Afar.
For the love of the job
According to one of the
boatmen, a seasnake grazed
my leg while we were shooting
the paraw. Gulp.
» BROWSE OUR BACK ISSUES ONLINE AT
» www.cebusmile.com
Being friends has
its benefi ts. Like our
page and get the
latest updates on
Cebu Pacifi c and Smile at www.
facebook.com/smilecebupacifi c
Aww,
that’s tweet!
Follow us on twitter
@SmileCebu
Pacific

Smile! Behind the scenes
at our April cover shoot —
Shin, our model, hams it
up with a tour group; Adi
(left) and Lester sneak in
some zzz’s; Paco snaps
it up
chikka
The latest buzz on lifestyle, travel and celebrity news
More fun in the sun
As if to prove it deserves to be on any “Best Beach in the World” list,
Boracay in March was the best I , d seen it in years: the sky was blue, the
white sand sugar-fine, and the water so clear you could see schools of
tiny fish even when standing ankle-deep on the shore. It , s hard to call it
work when it , s done in a place like this, but that , s exactly what the Smile
team did: we swept the island for the classic must-do , s that have made
it a favorite beach destination, discovered new charm
to old haunts, and sparked connections that let us
Would love to
hear from you!
Write me at
cebusmile@
ink-global.com!
see things in a different light. So where will you
be this summer?
Why not make a
new experience in a
familiar place as well?
Look at what we , re giving away! If your snapshot gets picked for
next issue , s Chikka Click, we , ll send you a pair of Rudy Project Jazz
eyewear. Send your entries to mysnapshot@cebusmile.com now!
{ 11 }
The cover crew enjoying cocktail hour at
Discovery Shores’ Indigo restaurant — me,
Paco, Pete, Lester, Adi, Jem, Shin and Liz

VICTOR URSABIA
MANILA
The 43rd CCP Summer
Dance Workshop
April 10–May 20
Want to pirouette a la Sleeping
Beauty or groove to LMFAO’s Party
Rock Anthem? Then polish your
skills at CCP’s intensive six-week
dance program. Classes include
Baby Ballet, Classical Ballet for all
levels, Modern and Contemporary
Dance, Dance Improvisation and
Choreography, and Hip Hop. Dance
teachers and choreographers can
also sign up and attend lectures
on Dance History, Injury and
Prevention. Tel: +63 (2) 833 3244,
www.balletphilippines.org
BEIJING
Modern Sky Festival
April to May
Fans of indie music should head to
Beijing for the Modern Sky Music
Festival, where they can experience
the growing Chinese independent
music scene — and meet the
throngs of fans who are expected
to converge at Haidian Park just
to see international acts and local
bands perform. Haidian Park, 2 Xin
Jian Gong Men Lu, Haidian District;
festival.modernsky.com
HONG KONG
The 36th Hong Kong
International Film Festival
Until April 5
One of the region’s most exciting
fi lm fests, the Hong Kong
International Film Festival is
screening over 330 movies from
over 50 countries in 12 major
venues across the territory. Festivalgoers
can also attend seminars by
leading fi lmmakers, visit exhibitions,
and hobnob with industry people at
the parties. www.hkiff.org.hk
Don’t
miss...
BANGKOK
Songkran Festival
April 13–15
Nowhere else in the world is it legitimate — even a show of good luck — to pour water
on someone other than in Bangkok this month. The Songkran Festival literally makes a
splash in the Thai capital as part of the Thai New Year festivities. Aside from sprinkling water
on Buddhist statues and other religious rituals, the three-day event is balanced with the
customs of spring cleaning, showing respect for elders, and lots of wet fun. So get ready for
the buckets of water out on the streets — think of it as a symbol of spiritual cleansing!
The best
of the fests
Eye-popping images, a rocking concert series, and an enduring
love for blooms will fi re up your imagination this month
{ 14 }
SINGAPORE
Romeo and Juliet
April 12–28
Fall in love again with Shakespeare’s enduring
tale of young passions and feuding families.
Directed by Ivan Heng — the Wild Rice artistic
director known for his inventive interpretations
of the classics — the Singapore production
features a talented cast led by Hansel Tan and
Julie Wee, and theatre veterans Lim Kay Siu,
Neo Swee Lin and Brendon Fernandez. Drama
Centre Theatre, www.wildrice.com.sg
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA

© 2012 THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. / ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK
Wear something you wouldn’t
mind getting wet in!
SINGAPORE
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal
Until August 12
To commemorate famous painter,
printmaker and fi lmmaker Andy Warhol’s
death anniversary, the largest collection
of his iconic works are on display at the
ArtScience Museum in Marina Bay Sands.
The exhibit’s title is derived from one of his
famous quotes: “In the future, everybody
will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Get
to know the artist through 260 paintings,
drawings, sculptures, fi lms and videos from
the 1940s to ‘80s. www.marinabaysands.
com/ArtScienceMuseum
chikka calendar
MANILA
LMFAO: Sorry for Party
Rocking Tour
April 11
Catch Redfoo and his nephew SkyBlu —
the Grammy-nominated, electro hip hop
duo responsible for the irresistible dance
hits Party Rock Anthem, Sexy and I Know
It, and Sorry for Party Rocking from their
sophomore album — as they light up the
Araneta Coliseum for one night only.
www.ticketnet.com.ph
{ 15 }
A few of
Andy Warhol’s
bright ideas
LMFAO invades
the party scene
Cirque Mother
Africa’s fl exible art
MANILA
Cirque Mother Africa
April 19–22
For the fi rst time in Manila, Cirque Mother
Africa will dazzle lovers of African music
and dance at the Newport Performing
Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.
Having performed sold-out shows
in Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia,
Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and
Spain, the production includes dancers,
percussionists, singers, acrobats and
contortionists who’ll energetically take to
the stage in celebration of African tradition
and culture. The innovative show also
features the cumulative talents of artists
from nine African countries. Tel: +63 (2)
891 9999; www.ticketworld.com.ph, www.
circus-mother-africa.de/en/
OSAKA
Cherry Blossom Festival
April 6–14
It’s hanami season all throughout Japan —
that magical time of the year when sakura
(cherry blossoms) are in full bloom. So join
the locals during this spring ritual at any
shrine or park in Osaka, where they get to
enjoy traditional dances, light lanterns,
and consume some food and drink. Don’t
forget to pack a blanket, a picnic basket
and your camera!

chikka click
my
snapshot
Smile reader Jermyn L. Wong shares an
amazing sight while on a dive in Cebu
As an underwater photo enthusiast, I took
the
chance of shooting the abundant marine
life in Cebu. This picture in Pescador
Island, Moalboal, which I shot at 60 feet
deep, features millions of sardines s that at
surprisingly came up in the dive site. te.
{ 16 }
Snap and win!
Send us your snapshot
with your story at
mysnapshot@cebusmile.
com and get a chance to
win a prize! See our
Chikka Opener
for details.

Ready
to wed?
Here are six tie-the-knot trends
for the year, according to the
wedding experts
WHO BETTER than the professional
wedding planners at Eaton Smart,
Hong Kong (eatonhotels.com)
to predict what makes for hot
nuptials? They handle nearly
500 weddings annually,
catering to the needs of
some 89,000 guests!
Say “I do” to a
green menu
“Many guests are now requesting
for sustainable, eco-friendly menus,”
explains Carman Suen, Eaton Smart’s Director
of Catering and Business Development. But it
can be particularly challenging when clients
insist on dishes like shark’s fi n — so what the
team does is educate them on sustainability.
Seasonal vegetables harvested locally, meats
and fi sh from eco-friendly suppliers work!
Lose the lace, sister
Nowadays, brides are opting for simpler
gown designs. “We’ve seen a move away
from lacy, fussy and frilly dresses. The trend
today is sleek and simple, a look that is clean
and uncluttered.”
chikka buzz
Bespoke banquets
There’s no need to stick to set menus.
“As customers broaden their knowledge of
new foods, many now want a mix of Western
and traditional Chinese dishes,” Suen explains.
“We are fl exible with our F&B offerings to
customize individual menus.”
Weekend weddings
“We have seen an increasing number of
couples opting for weekend weddings,” notes
Suen. This shows that couples want their
guests to enjoy and stick around till the wee
hours. “Couples want their guests to relax and
not have to worry about work the next day.”
Get spoiled at The Club
FEEL LIKE being pampered? Head to The Langham Xintiandi in Shanghai, which has opened
its new The Langham Club. Located on Level 27 and open 24 hours, the exclusive lounge is
designed after the traditional private clubs of the Victorian era, and is complimentary for guests
booked in their Club and Suite guestrooms. Perks include breakfast, all-day refreshments, and
fi ne wine or a premium brand beverage at night while taking in the enticing views of Taiping
Lake and Xintiandi. A team of chefs are also on hand to whip up dishes just for Club guests. For
those who need to get work done, there’s free internet access and a boardroom free of charge
for up to two hours. And if that’s not enough, the Club lounge colleagues and butlers will assist
guests with packing or unpacking luggage, tour information, and even a personal wake-up
drink if they so desire. Tel: +86 (21) 2330 2299, xintiandi.langhamhotels.com
{ 18 }
Stage the holiday wedding
of your dreams with help
from the professionals,
like Carman Suen of Eaton
Smart HK (inset)
Sweeten the deal
Traditional pre-dinner snacks and canapés
have been trumped by sweet treats. Think
pyramids of pretty, luscious cupcakes or a
corner fi lled with candies and sweets. “These
add a sense of fun to the occasion, and are
always a talking point with older guests.”
Dance, dance revolution
We’ve seen the clips on YouTube of a
newlywed couple burning the dancefl oor with
cool choreography. Suen says more are hiring
choreographers to direct their bridal waltz/
tango/rumba/salsa. “We’re also seeing bridal
parties creating dance routines for guests.”
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA

The Lobby at The
Peninsula Manila
Cooler than
thou! Beat
CEBU CITY
The Tinderbox
Banilad St., Cebu City; tel: +63 (32) 234
1681 to 85, thetinderbox.com.ph
WHAT IT IS A café, deli, cigar lounge and
wine cellar that provides instant relief
from the heat, thanks to wall-to-wall wine
chillers, mood lighting, and a dark-colored
palette for the interiors. Sink into a wellcushioned
sofa here at the end of the day.
INDULGE IN A chilled bottle of white wine
or a rosé from the restaurant’s extensive
wine list. The staff is well-versed in the
selection and can recommend according
to your taste. Have a little adventure and
linger in the wine room, where you can
also have your meal.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Cebu across the
network. www.cebupacifi cair.com
chikka eat & drink
the heat with these refreshing picks
found in Cebu Pacifi c’s local hubs
The Tinderbox
wine cellar
DAVAO CITY
Blugré Coffee
Matina Town Square, MacArthur Highway,
Davao City; tel: +63 (82) 297 7431
WHAT IT IS This homegrown chain of
coffee shops has several branches all over
the city (and beyond), all of them popular
chillout spots for laptop-toting students
and professionals.
INDULGE IN While they’re best known
for their piping hot brews — especially
the durian latte — Blugré also serves cold
concoctions. A warm weather favorite: the
Larcepuccino Coffee, an ice-blended coffee
drink topped with whipped cream and
crushed Oreos, poured in a cup you can
take with you.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Davao across the
network. www.cebupacifi cair.com
{ 20 }
Sips at Blugré Coffee
Halo-halo:
the perfect
summer treat
MAKATI CITY
The Lobby
The Peninsula Manila, Makati Ave. cor.
Ayala Ave., Makati City; tel: +63 (02) 887
2888, www.peninsula.com
WHAT IT IS A hangout in the lobby of The
Peninsula hotel, also widely acknowledged
as social central for Manila’s power set.
INDULGE IN The hotel’s Halo-halo Harana,
once voted by Time magazine as the “best
legal high.” It’s a supersized version of a
classic Pinoy dessert or mid-afternoon
cooling treat, which much more in the mix:
leche fl an (egg yolk custard), garbanzo
(chickpeas), sweetened kidney beans,
colored gelatin, red, green and white
kaong (sugar palm), nata de coco (coconut
gel), ube (purple yam) preserve, sago in
syrup, langka (jackfruit), and macapuno
(creamy coconut). Topped with a scoop of
ube (purple yam) ice cream and sprinkled
with toasted pinipig (toasted rice crisps), it
is served in a splendidly oversized balloon
glass. A swirl of evaporated milk seals
the deal.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Manila across the
network. www.cebupacifi cair.com
PHOTO CAROLINE SCHMIDT AND NICOLAI SVANE/DANISHCONNECTION.COM, BOBMATA (BLUGRÉ COFFEE)

The
light stuff
These ultra-portable gadgets ride perfectly in
your knapsack — backache not an option!
chikka gadgets
LENOVO IDEAPAD TABLET A1
It may be as light as a can of soda, but the Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A1 will certainly add more
than just fi zz to your next trip! First off, the 11.95mm tablet lets you enjoy your favorite videos
and movies in vibrant clarity on a 1024 x 600 resolution LED screen; then its integrated 0.3
megapixel front and back cameras allow you to capture memories in still or moving images.
Missing loved ones back home? Video chat with family and friends via VoIP applications such
as Skype. The IdeaPad Tablet A1 also keeps you from losing your way by connecting you to
a satellite if there’s no Wi-Fi, thanks to its unique offl ine GPS navigation technology. In black,
white, pink or blue, it comes pre-loaded with apps too. S$299 (PHP10,180), www.lenovo.com
WEIGHS
1.4kg
HP MINI 210
With its compact design and trendy
colors (charcoal, crimson red and ocean
drive), it’s easy to judge this notebook
by its cover. But there’s more to the new
HP Mini 210: it’s a lightweight in terms
of size (being less than an inch thin) and
a defi nite heavyweight when it comes
to performance. Its Beats Audio function
provides high-quality entertainment and
productivity, and up to 9 hours of battery
life. S$499 (PHP16,990), www.hp.com
WEIGHS
129g
SONY CYBERSHOT TX200V
Equipped with GPS and Compass functions, the Sony Cybershot TX200V is perfect for your
next adventure in the great outdoors: it supports GPS log recording to display shooting location
and lens direction, and tracks your trips on a map. What’s more, the enhanced Auto Focus
enables you to bring subjects into sharp focus at speeds of 0.25 seconds even in dimly lit
environments, and 0.13 seconds under bright lights; and the new Picture Effect modes of
Watercolor and Illustration let you create instant “in-camera” artistic images. With its high
resistance to water, dust and low temperatures, the TX200V is your best bet in any type of
environment. Price unavailable, www.sony.net
WEIGHS
SUPER
LIGHT
BELKIN EASEFIT/
PROFIT DELUXE
ARMBANDS
Designed for serious athletes, these
cool armbands keep your iPhone close
while you trek, run or break new ground.
Available in black and yellow. S$25–$49
(PHP851–PHP1,668), www.belkin.com
{ 22 }
WEIGHS
400g
WEIGHS
ALMOST
NOTHING
THE SANDISK CRUZER
FIT THUMB DRIVE
If you’re an avid shooter, you’re bound
to run out of memory card space soon.
Plug the tiny SanDisk Cruzer Fit into your
computer — about the size of a dime, it
will help you back up your travel photos
while you’re on the road. This way you can
transfer your photos to free up space for
even more photos. Available in 4GB (S$12/
PHP409) to 16GB (S$36/PHP1,226).
www.sandisk.com
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA

Island style
Hit the beach in casual and comfortable
pieces that work double time
1
Pack double-duty pieces
Take a citrus-colored romper from a beachside lunch date
to an early evening cocktail hour — just add a pretty scarf
and dangling earrings. Yellow romper, PHP1,995, from Billabong,
Powerplant Mall, Makati City. www.billabong.com/asia
2
Mind your colors
Pack at least three sets you can use on rotation; and if you
bring pieces of a similar palette, you can mix and match as
you please. Waikiki fl oral bikini by Billabong, PHP2,795, from Aloha
Boardsports, Alabang Town Center. www.alohaboardsports.com
3
Prioritize key items
Shades are a must as they keep
your eyes protected, while
itsy-bitsy board shorts work great
for other island activities like
biking or kiteboarding.
Aviators by Pepe Jeans,
PHP2,190, from Sarabia
Optical, Ayala Center.
Yellow boardshorts by RCVA
PHP1,495, from Aloha Boardsports.
4
Bag it up
Bring a roomy and smartlooking
tote to carry all your
beach essentials. Napotolic Sling by Vesti,
PHP899, from www.vesti.ph
5
Don’t forget
the footwear
Yes, you’ll need a pair of trusty
fl ip-fl ops. But take it up a notch and
bring along strappy sandals for a
dressier look.
chikka look book
{ 24 }
Smile April 2012 cover girl Shin
keeps it cool in Boracay
See our cover
feature on Boracay
on page 48 for more
summer-inspired
fashion.
TEXT JOF SERING PHOTOS LOUIE AGUINALDO (STILLS), FRANCISCO GUERRERO (MODEL)

chikka roundup
Spark plugs
Liven up your morning soundtrack with the latest
offerings from these pop artists
MDNA by Madonna
Four years after she released the dance collection Hard Candy, Madonna unleashes MDNA, her
12th studio album. Recorded in New York and Los Angeles, it reunites the Material Girl with former
collaborator William Orbit (Ray of Light), who co-wrote and co-produced several cuts. The winning
lineup includes Masterpiece, her Golden-Globe winning movie score for W.E., and Give Me All
Your Luvin’ featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A, which was part of her phenomenal 12-minute Super
Bowl half-time performance that elicited 10,245 tweets per second.
TWELVE: FIFTY ONE
by Krissy and Ericka
YouTube sensations Krissy and Ericka’s
sophomore album contains 10 tracks, with
cool covers such as Adele’s Rolling In The
Deep, Justine Bieber’s That Should Be Me,
Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) and
Taylor Swift’s Back To December. The sisters
also throw in some originals: Rewind (featuring
co-YouTube sensation AJ Rafael); In Your Arms,
the banner single; and Anything (written by and
featuring international artist Marie Digby).
The CD also features a bonus track and mustlisten:
the siblings’ version of Eric Clapton’s
Change The World.
{ 26 }
HOT OFF
THE PRESS
The
Family
Fang
by Kevin
Wilson
Got mommy or
daddy issues? You
might be able to relate to characters
Annie and Buster Fang, who have
no choice but to confront their
ambitious parents — as well as
their confusing childhoods — after
the bad economy and a few fl awed
personal decisions reluctantly lead
them back to the family home.
PHP588, at Fully Booked.
Abraham
Lincoln:
Vampire
Hunter
by Seth
Grahame-
Smith
From the author of Pride and
Prejudice and Zombies comes a
retelling of the history of the United
States’ 16th president. Grahame-
Smith is the fi rst person to have
chanced upon the secret journal
of Abraham Lincoln, a gripping
tale that reveals a vampire killed
Lincoln’s mother — and how it
became his mission to avenge her
death. PHP336, at Fully Booked.
Sacred
Tattoos of
Thailand
by Joe
Cummings
and Dan
White
Cummings and White have selected
over 180 photos to go with their
engaging text to introduce readers
to the fascinating, centuries-old
tradition of sak yan tattoos from
Thailand — believed to provide the
wearer with special powers and
protection. S$45/PHP1,523, from
Singapore bookstores.
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA

Clockwise: A local amid the
ancient ruins; a giant head of
Bayon; you can hire a guide
to get around; traveler Simon
with wife Peikie
FOR SINGAPORE-BASED actor, travel
photographer and design fi rm owner Simon
Wong, his fi rst brush with Cambodia was in
2006. He and his wife Peikie had heard about
Angkor Wat, and had contemplated cycling
between the site and other ancient walled
cities. “That was when we realized there were
several ‘lost’ jungle cities to explore,” says
Wong. “We also wanted to make a little more
effort to see sunsets on hilltops, and sunrises
from vantage points inside Angkor itself.”
Since then, he has returned once (without his
wife, who passed away in 2008). “Angkor was
certainly special. Even though it’s now highly
visited, it’s still undeniably awesome.”
Hire a good guide with
a vehicle...
... the better to head deeper into the jungle.
“To the northeast of Angkor is Kbal Spean, a
chikka buzz
Angkor , s way
Photographer Simon Wong takes us through the ins and outs
of Siem Reap and its legendary landmark, Angkor Wat
spectacularly carved riverbed. It’s accessible
via a short hill trek along the Kulen Hills. The
riverbed consists of a series of carved lingams
— divine symbols of worship — and other
mythological motifs of Hindu infl uence.”
Get hip in Siem Reap
“The town itself has grown quite a bit over the
past fi ve years. It’s now looking a tad trendier
with art galleries, restored French houses,
and plenty of cafés replacing clapped-out old
buildings. But both worlds have their charms.
Check out the McDermott Gallery 2 in The
Passage near the Old Market.”
Float this way
“It may be out of the way, but take a boat ride
to Tonle Sap lake. I was one of the few people
sitting on a boat watching the sunset. Few
tourists will stay out that late. The tour boats
{ 28 }
usually ferry small groups up the river past the
boat people’s beautifully decorated fl oating
villages, before sailing out to South-East Asia’s
largest freshwater lake.”
Thrill to the ruins
“The most iconic places would be any of the
old ruins. Angkor is defi nitely one of them, as
is the Bayon with its famous giant heads. And
of course there is the temple at Ta Phrom,
overgrown with giant tree roots and made
famous by the fi lm Tomb Raider. See them in a
different light by going at dusk, or admire them
from a different angle. There’s a hot air balloon
about a mile down the road from Angkor;
there’s a great view from up there, especially
if you catch the mist surrounding the complex
early in the morning.”
Load up on local fare
“Food is generally tasty, and if you’re in Siem
Reap it’s not expensive even in the happening
areas by the old shophouses in town. If you
are traveling along the roadside, try amok, the
local coconut chicken and vegetable dish. It’s
very tasty!”
Learn about landmines
“In Cambodia, there’s little escape from
the effects of war. There are still four to six
million landmines, to this day causing death,
dismemberment and blindness. You will see
landline victims around you; most are farmers
and children. Do your part to learn about
and support the clearing of mines and UXO
(unexploded ordinance). Visit the Landmine
Museum at Bantey Srei.”
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Cambodia beginning this
month. www.cebupacifi cair.com

promotional feature
Travel with
security
SUMMER’S HERE, and as we head
out to much-deserved holiday trips,
let’s go with the peace of mind that
comes from knowing this — that
the homes we are leaving behind
for a while are properly secured
and protected against fi res, most of
which occur during this hot and dry
season.
In its 51th year, Country
Bankers Insurance Corporation
(CBIC) continues to serve the
country through its various non-life
products, such as its Fire Insurance
on buildings and its contents:
this covers residential houses,
condominiums, offi ces, stock-intrade,
warehouse, machineries
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may visit Country Bankers Centre,
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log on to www.countrybankers.net
chikka buzz
Good Friday
festivals
Holy Week in the Philippines may be a time to refl ect,
but it’s also a time to check out its many religious
customs. These are worth the trip
MORIONES FESTIVAL
Staged in the island province of
Marinduque, this event is probably one of
the country’s most popular. Moriones tells
the story of Longinus, the Roman soldier
who pierced the side of Jesus during his
crucifi xion. He was blind in one eye, but
the spatter of Jesus’ blood made him see,
even witness the Messiah’s ascension into
heaven. When he shared his good news,
the Roman soldiers set out to capture him.
And so participants come garbed in colorful
masks and costumes of Roman centurions,
acting out the story that culminates in the
beheading of Longinus.
TURUMBA
It is believed that fi shermen in Laguna de
Bay caught an image of the Virgin Mary
in their nets during the 18th century. Now
celebrated in the province of Pakil, Laguna
— where Turumba originated — the yearly
affair venerates the Virgin Mary with a
procession through the streets, as devotees
sing and dance to the centuries-old Virgin
Mary image.
{ 30 }
THE CUTUD
CRUCIFIXIONS
Held annually in San Fernando,
Pampanga every Good Friday, this has
Catholic devotees wanting to cleanse
and do penance for their sins by selffl
agellation. Men march the streets towards
the Metropolitan Cathedral, whipping
themselves with wooden bristles attached
to a stick. The crucifi xion is also reenacted,
with men dressed as Roman soldiers and
a man actually getting nailed on a cross.
Defi nitely not for the faint-hearted.
ANG PAGTALTAL
SA GUIMARAS
This Lenten presentation is shown on the
hillside of Jordan, Guimaras. It takes after
the famed Passion Play of Oberammergau,
West Germany, and is performed by the
locals who bring to life Christ’s passion and
death as inspired by the Seven Last Words.
Participating devotees eventually make a
pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain, a chapel
that overlooks the Guimaras Strait and
Iloilo City.
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA PHOTO LESTER LEDESMA (MORIONES)

chikka buzz
Happy Earth
Day to you!
Show your appreciation for Mother Nature this day
and beyond with these eco-friendly shopping tips
ON APRIL 22, more than one billion people
around the globe will participate in Earth Day
2012. Want to join in the celebration? Start by
going green while shopping.
Buy local
Forego trips to international retail chains and
support the community instead: buy souvenirs,
clothing and items made by the locals. Think
batik fabrics made in Indonesia, or woven hats
from Baler, Aurora Province. This way, you
help sustain their industry, create more jobs,
and contribute to making their part of the world
fl ourish organically.
Check the packaging
Exercise good judgment before buying: Does
the merchandise come in a plastic blister
pack you’ll merely throw away later, or in a
lovely jute drawstring bag you can reuse to
stash personal items? The more you opt for
products that come in reusable and recyclable
packaging, the more you help reduce waste
materials that go into landfi lls.
Breakfast of champions
For the most important meal of the day, load up on
Virginia Corned Beef and be on your way!
GREAT TRAVEL ADVICE: Never leave home
on an empty stomach. With the versatile
Virginia Corned Beef, you wouldn’t have
to even when you’re pressed for time. A
Jazz up your morning
pandesal with tasty Virginia
Corned Beef
promotional feature
little creativity goes a long way — so for a
delicious, easy-to-make breakfast on-the-go,
pair it up with that classic morning staple:
freshly baked, warm pandesal. Here’s how:
{ 32 }
Say yes to
reusable bags
Pack a roomy
fabric shopping bag
Make sure it’s durable enough to tote
your purchases so you can do away with
those paper and plastic bags that most
establishments provide.
Pick fair trade
As the items have been made fairly, no one
has been abused in terms of labor or pricing.
By supporting the product and manufacturers,
you help sustain their means of livelihood too.
Virginia Corned Beef
Pandesal
ALL YOU NEED 150g Virginia Corned Beef,
1 small onion, 2 tbsps cooking oil, and
large pieces of pandesal from your favorite
neighborhood bakery, or regular slightly
salted white sliced bread.
WHIP IT UP Slice onion into thin slivers. In
a heated pan, sauté the onion and Virginia
Corned Beef until crisp. Set aside. Slice the
pandesal in half, add in leaves of iceberg
or romaine lettuce (so the juice from the
corned beef doesn’t make the bread turn
soggy), then pack in as much Virginia
Corned Beef as you like. Top with thin slices
of tomato and cucumber for that crunchy
texture. Feel free to add a twist of lemon.
BEST AS a fi lling and fuss-free
breakfast — perfect for early
morning road trips — or
as lunch of comfort food
when you’re too busy to
step out of the offi ce.
WATCH
THIS SPACE
FOR MORE
CREATIVE
RECIPES!
Virginia Corned Beef
is made of high quality
beef and is available at
all leading supermarkets
and groceries.
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA

PICAR
Development’s
Stratford
Residences in
Makati promises
to be an iconic
city landmark
Engineering
at its best
IT ALL STARTS with a
vision. When PICAR
Development’s
Amable Aguiluz
(left) decided to
build a high-rise
tower, he didn’t hold
back. The 70-storey
Stratford Residences, an engineering
feat designed by architect Jose
Pedro C. Recio and built using
Holcim Concrete, is centrally located
in the Makati business district
and offers breathtaking views of
the metropolis. It’s expected to be
completed in 2015.
promotional feature
Solutions
in action
When PICAR Development decided to embark
on an ambitious project, the 70-storey Stratford
Residences, they knew exactly who to turn to —
Holcim Concrete
WHEN TALKING about
great construction
projects in the
Philippines, two names
easily come to mind,
especially for those
in the know: Stratford
Residences and
Holcim. The Stratford
Residences project
is a game changer,
as the ambitious
construction by real
estate newcomer PICAR
Development, Inc. is
both introduction and
induction to the roster
of major developers in
the Philippines.
As it changes the
Makati skyline with its
record-breaking 70 storeys, it redefi nes luxury
living by giving new meaning to the phrase
“life at the top” as well. Just ask Chairman
Amable Aguiluz V, the man behind PICAR
Development who is also the visionary behind
the AMA educational system, the country’s
pioneer in computer education.
“I opened my AMA school in 1980, and
the total student body numbered 13 students.
I told them one day we are going to be
the biggest IT school in the country,” says
Aguiluz, recalling the humble beginnings
of his greatest success. He delivered on his
word, growing the AMA school system from
those 13 students to 150,000 annually,
{ 34 }
making it the largest Information and
Computer Technology campus in Asia and
soon the Middle East.
The Stratford Residences, the fl agship
project of the AMA Group of Companies
subsidiary, PICAR Development, promises
to be another Makati landmark. And yet
Chairman Aguiluz has more plans for PICAR
Development. “These days, customers
want to acquire properties they see rising
from the ground, not projects seen only in
brochures. We will adapt to the changing
market and remain service-focused on
providing customer value.”
But great feats can only be accomplished
by a great team. To build the The Stratford
Residences, PICAR Development has
partnered with contractor KONGEN, and is
using only the best cement and concrete
products from Holcim Philippines, Inc.
Through Holcim’s value engineering, PICAR
Development is able to decrease its use
of steel in favor of high-strength concrete.
Holcim concrete experts came up with
a specially designed concrete mix using
Holcim 4x cement. This high-strength,
high workability cement is ideal for fast
construction cycles and optimized concrete
mix designs necessary for a 12,000 psi
structure like The Stratford Residences.
To know more about Holcim and how they
can help your business, contact Holcim today.
Trunkline: +63 (2) 459 3333; Customer
CARE Center: +63 (2) 459 3222; PLDT Toll
free: 1800 100 HOLCIM (465246); Digitel Toll
free: 1800 38 HOLCIM (465246).

PHOTO KOREA TOURISM (MAIN) Heart
chikka buzz
and Seoul
Why Al Jazeera’s Manila-based correspondent, Marga Ortigas, thinks
Seoul is one of Asia’s most fascinating cities
AS A broadcast journalist, I spend more
time traveling than I do at home. Out of all
the places I frequent for work, one of my
favorites is Seoul — and here’s what I love
about it the most:
The madness of Myeongdong, a part of
the city that never sleeps. It’s like a cross
between New York City’s Times Square
and London’s Soho, and yet it is uniquely
Korean. The buzzing lights, endless cafés
and restaurants, the crazy street life and
shops all seem to try to outdo each other.
All the post-work exploring. The Al Jazeera
team also visited Myeongdong after work
on many evenings for a bite to eat and
to take in the city streets. I was with my
colleagues Ben and Brendan then.
The street food! Myeongdong is popular
for the sheer variety and fl avor of its
street food. You can fi nd different kinds
of Korean dishes here…everything from
skewered grilled meats to fantastic sweets
handcrafted right before your eyes.
Fun etiquette. Most menus are in Korean,
but even if I point to random items on the
menu, I have yet to stumble upon a bad
dish. I was handed scissors with a bowl of
noodles once, and quickly learned from the
server that I was using the scissors wrong!
Insadong. It’s a quaint and charming little
cluster of art galleries and teahouses,
where the traditional art of making tea
is alive and well. A shopkeeper will ask
what it is you are looking to “experience”
— revitalization, calm, stress relief — and
she puts together a special brew to suit
your needs. (She made me an amazing
cinnamon-spiced tea!)
{ 37 }
The revitalized Cheonggyecheon
area shows Seoul’s vibrant side
Marga
goes Seoul
searching
Cheonggyecheon. It is a great example
of breathing new life into the old. Many
say this urban renewal success story is
what helped Lee Myung-bak get elected
President in the 2007 polls. He was the
mayor of Seoul between 2002 and 2006,
and was the driving force behind reviving
an old stream that cut across the city from
west to east (once covered by concrete and
elevated highways after World War II). He
helped turn the entire area into an 8.4km
natural recreational center.

Fanny
discovers the
natural remedy
to hair loss
Made of ingredients as pure as only nature can provide — moringa
oleifera, panax ginseng, biotin, and the essential oils of rosemary,
lavender, peppermint, lemon grass, and virgin coconut —
Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion helps improve blood circulation to the scalp
and increase nutrition to hair follicles, such that the scalp is detoxifi ed,
dandruff is eliminated, and hair growth is stimulated while excessive hair
fall, remedied.
Tried and tested by beauty icon and hair care expert Fanny Serrano
himself, Novuhair is undoubtedly today’s most effective answer to hair loss.
Having experienced a terrible bout of hair loss during which he had to go
as far as getting a wig made to cover a portion of his scalp, Fanny perfectly
understands the kind of anxiety victims of excessive hair loss go through.
Like them, he’s resorted to trying one self-proclaimed solution after
another: From ingestible supplements to herbal, topical creams and
shampoos, as well as “special” medicines purchased abroad. His search,
which coursed through months, led him to discover Novuhair Topical Scalp
Lotion.
Fanny not only found the perfect, effective solution to hair loss, he’d
also found the most convenient, accessible one.
Such was the perfect discovery in a time of quick and easy getaways
and ever-accessible remedies to beauty concerns.
“After a long search... finally,
a product I CAN TRUST.”
FANNY SERRANO
Salon Expert
NATURE’S ANSWER TO HAIR LOSS
Novuhair is available at all Mercury Drug, Watson’s, Rose
Pharmacy, South Star, Manson, NCCC (Davao and Palawan)
and Cory Quirino World of Wellness Stores nationwide, and
online on www.regaloservice.com. Call +632 413-6570 or +63
922-883-0575 and visit www.novuhair.com for more details.

When the locals want some
time to refl ect, they head to
Jogyesa temple
The Jogyesa temple. Nestled within the
city’s modern skyline is the center of Zen
Buddhism in Korea — an oasis of calm
amid the frenzy of city life. People stop
here for a few minutes during a busy
workday to offer a prayer or give thanks.
Its convenient location right smack in the
middle of the city helps!
The Seoul Museum of Art. Absolutely
one of my most favorite spots in Seoul! It
is located within the Deoksugung Palace
near a theater that holds traditional
performances. The heavy stone structure
makes it look dark and weighed down by
history, but once you’re inside, the interior
seems to sparkle from the natural light
coming through the glass walls.
The Demilitarized Zone that divides North
and South Korea. Just an hour’s drive
from Seoul is this unique tourist attraction.
Pay a fee and you’ll be allowed to enter a
secure border into one of the world’s most
secretive, closed nations — communist
North Korea. Nearby is the bridge that
separated families and loved ones from
each other when the nation split into two.
This is where Korea’s heart bleeds.
chikka buzz
It’s a football-mad country. This Korean
restaurateur (below) even claims to be the
biggest football fan in all of Korea! He’s
fl own all over the world to watch several
World Cup fi nals matches. Here he wears
the South Korean fl ag on the day he turned
his traditional restaurant (a drive just
outside of Seoul) into football central as
the country waited to hear the winner of
the bid to host the 2022 World Cup. (Korea
lost to Qatar.) Mr. Restaurateur served hot
grog and barbecue to keep everyone warm.
Namdaemun Gate. Also known as the
Great South Gate, this 600-year-old
structure is considered South Korea’s most
cherished landmark. It used to be the main
gate through the city walls back in the
1300s; when the walls were demolished,
the gate was left standing. An arsonist set
fi re to it in 2008, severely damaging the
national treasure and stunning the country.
Firefi ghters had to be extra cautious in
putting out the fl ames so as not to harm
the ancient structure further. (The arsonist
was sentenced to 10 years in prison.)
Restoration should be complete soon.
{ 39 }
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IF YOU want to climb up the career
ladder, you need one crucial step:
a diploma or degree that fully
utilizes your skills — and eventually
earns you that well-paid job. So
look beyond the Philippines and
consider continuing your studies
in the UK, a country long known
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ILLUSTRATION KIT KAT MAINGAT
The fun in
‘More fun...
The Department of Tourism’s latest
campaign appears to be the perfect
marketing strategy to bring everyone’s
ideas together. Tim Tayag tells us why
,
WHY DID the new tourism campaign go totally
viral the minute it hit cyberspace? I don’t recall
us Pinoys taking to something so quickly
and so intensely, but now I know why — the
whole campaign, and the thinking behind it,
appealed to our sensibilities on three different
levels. Here’s my stab at why “More fun in the
Philippines” caught on fi re:
1
WE LOVE TO HAVE PUN
Pinoys are “pun-ny” (there really is
“more pun in the Philippines”). The
campaign easily lent itself to wordplay, which
Filipinos have mastered. Looking for some
laughs? Just check out the long lists of
memes online.
2
WE MUST GIVE OUR TWO
CENTAVOS’ WORTH
Watch me do it right here! We Pinoys
are very much socially involved — you can tell
by the way everyone has an opinion on the
traffi c situation, politics (especially when it plays
out on national broadcast like a comedy show
or telenovela), and even the dating habits of
popular people. You can also tell that we love to
get together (remember how many times we did
that en masse in EDSA?), or huddle up at the
neighborhood corner store to hang out. It’s no
surprise then that we took to the online social
networks like fi sh to water — we were doing
chikka laugh trip
Everyone
wants in on
the pun!
Horsing around — more fun in the
Philippines. The new D.O.T. campaign
showcases Pinoy humor
Twitter and Facebook before they were around.
Twitter is just texting; Facebook is just tsismis.
So when the campaign came out, each Pinoy
and his or her grandmother made up their own
version and shared it in social media.
{ 41 }
3WE LOVE PRIDE CHICKEN
Pun intended. No matter we say, we’re
all secretly proud of the stuff we have
at home. One of the things we pride ourselves
in is our ability to laugh at ourselves and fi nd
the humor in everything (I’ve actually made a
career out of it). The bonus of this campaign?
We get to put our jokes on posters.

Drew and
the big blue
The 37-year-old actress gets to merge her acting chops with
her love for wildlife in Big Miracle, a big-hearted fl ick inspired
by a true story. By Nena Wearing/Celebritext
FOR DREW BARRYMORE — who’s already
done a variety of roles — playing a Greenpeace
activist campaigning to save three gray whales
trapped in a circle of ice off the coast of Alaska
could very well be a fi rst. In the fi lm Big Miracle
(which also stars John Krasinski, Kristen Bell
and Ted Danson), Drew reveals how she got into
character the positive way.
It , s an animatronic whale
in the movie, but have you
observed whales up close
yourself?
I did spend a bit of time with some whales while
researching for this movie, but I did not get to
swim with any. I would have ridden one if they
had given me the chance — but at least I got to
do the scuba-diving. I’ve swum with dolphins; I
took a little picture of this dolphin I swam with
and it’s on my computer. He looks like this [does
a cute face]. He has the sweetest eyes you’ve
ever seen. I think if you have any empathy, how
can you not [feel that], you know?
What , s being close to a
whale like?
They’re beautiful. I love whales. I have
tremendous respect for them and I wish people
would just leave them alone. They’re just the
most extraordinary creatures. I read a book
called Leviathan; obviously I’m no authority
on whales, but it was a great book for me to
read. But yeah, I just wish people would leave
them alone.
You also had to deal with
the weather. How did you
survive in Alaska?
Canada Goose products. It’s the best. If you see
anyone with a Canada Goose jacket on, you
know they’re kind of OK inside.
How cold did it get?
Really cold. And it gets progressively cold;
like it’s very different in September than it is in
November or December. But the weirder thing
than the cold is the dark. It just gets really dark
very early so you’re in predominant darkness.
That was very challenging.
Speaking of “challenging,”
your character, based on
activist Cindy Lowry, is like an
outcast. Can you relate to her?
I like her because she’s someone who sort of
doesn’t sleep and fi ghts for the greater good.
But her passion is a little bit messy; she gets in
the faces of people who are in high government
positions, or tells them that you have to do this
in order to make it work, which isn’t a popular
opinion. So I like people who are willing to be so
tireless in their efforts but are also a bit messy
about it. Someone who’s like totally buttoned
up all the time is just not interesting; I don’t
think they seem very human. And director Ken
Kwapis was like, “You know, when you fi ght for
things passionately, you’re messy and she’s
messy. So let’s use that.” And I was like, “OK!
That’s perfect.” So I like it. I like passion. I think
that’s a good thing.
Her story must have moved
you too. What was the last big
story that galvanized you, or
stopped you in your tracks?
I try to follow a little bit of everything. I love the
NBC Nightly News and listen to 60 Minutes.
I love this magazine called The Week; it’s so
great, it’s like global scrapbooking in a succinct
magazine — which I know isn’t answering your
question specifi cally. I am so sorry, but I can’t
think of one at this moment. I’ll get back to you!
In the movie, Kristen Bell
plays newscaster Jill Jerard,
who is focused on her
career and looks. Being out
in the cold or outdoors, did
{ 42 }
Big Miracle is based
on the book “Freeing the
Whales”; a nice read for
your next trip!
you also worry about your
appearance? Do you find
yourself fighting for your
opinions, and then worrying
about how you dress?
I don’t really care. I care about the way I look
in the way that I want to have self-esteem and
to feel good. It’s so dangerous to placate the
phantom audience. You just want to feel really
good about yourself and not be so worried
and not fall prey to those silly pressures.
That’s just ridiculous.
Is that your secret to being
successful?
I hope so. I guess so. I’m really happy. I think
happiness is so important — being healthy and
living a positive life and not feeling crazy inside,
and getting good sleep — just all the things
that you learn as you grow up. I never let it get
to me.
But you still look really
good. What do you do to
stay healthy?
Thank you. I luckily love my vegetables. I love
greens; I eat a lot of greens. I think you just kind
of know. You just have this barometer of like,
“Oh, that’s too much of this or too little of that.”
So I just try to be cognizant of what would be
healthy. It’s the same thing that everyone else
is working on. I don’t have any radical secrets
or anything. I wish I did. I wash my face all the
time and I moisturize and I eat my veggies!
What makes you smile?
I love laughing, any time you can be silly.
There’s nothing better than having a gigantic
laugh, especially when you can’t stop and
it’s uncontrollable and you just have one of
those magical moments where you’re like,
“This is a moment. I know it’s going to end but
everybody’s laughing so hard at the same thing
right now.” Those are my favorites.

PHOTO GETTY IMAGES
chikka interview
{ 43 }

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{ 44 }
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promotional feature
Dream
destination
Create special memories only
at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu
THE PERFECT balance of luxury, function,
comfort and design — this is the impression
discerning guests get the moment they step
inside the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu. That’s
because the fi ve-star hotel immediately
pleases with its elegant interiors, top-of-theline
amenities, signature “Yes I Can” service,
and complimentary internet access — a must
for business and leisure travelers, or for those
seeking an excellent venue for their weddings
The Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu impresses
with its elegant interiors, top-of-the-line
amenities, and “Yes I can” service
and special occasions. A grand lobby with
granite gilded pillars, marble fl oors and onyx
walls welcome guests before they are whisked
up to one of the 400 spacious, tastefully
furnished rooms that overlook the city or
Mactan channel. Indeed, guests would be
hard-pressed to leave these relaxing spaces;
but not after they learn of the free-form
swimming pool (the largest in Cebu), the
Business Class Lounge exclusively for
Business Class room guests, and the chic
dining choices. Feria features delectable
international cuisines from the kitchen of
Italian Executive Chef Marco Amarone, as
well as international food festivals headlined
by guest chefs from Japan, Thailand, India,
Singapore and other countries. The Lobby
Bar strikes you with its high ceilings and glass
windows, while the Pool Bar tempts you with
its barbecue buffet, wine and cocktails.
Planning for your big day? Brides (or
any guest who wishes for an unforgettable
experience) can choose the hotel’s banquet
facilities. The Santa Maria Grand Ballroom and
{ 46 }
Expect cool touches like
modern artwork, high ceilings,
well-appointed rooms, and
international cuisines courtesy
of Chef Marco Amarone
the Niña Ballroom, which can seat 800 and
460 people respectively for banquets set-up,
are perfect for themed dinner parties,
weddings and other social events. Another
plus? The hotel’s location: it’s a short distance
away from the Mactan-Cebu International
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the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu today. Serging
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visit www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu
PHOTO CAROLINE SCHMIDT AND NICOLAI SVANE/DANISHCONNECTION.COM (CHEF MARCO)

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO GUERRERO. ART DIRECTOR ADI EFFENDY. PHOTO EDITOR LESTER V. LEDESMA.
HAIR AND MAKEUP JEM CALUNGCAGUIN. STYLIST JOF SERING. MODEL FANG SHIN. ON SHIN PLAID BIKINI BY RIPCURL.
{ 48 }

C OOL SUMMER
This side
of paradise
Boracay is known to be many things, yet still has a lot of
surprises up its sleeve. Let island resident Freida Dario
be your guide to a good time
A POWDERY, white sand beach,
crystalline waters, palm trees swaying
with the wind — it’s easy for an idyllic
destination such as Boracay to fall into
the territory of clichéd summer vacation.
But having lived here since 2004, I wake
up to this scene almost every single day.
And its charm hasn’t diminished; in fact,
as the years go by — and as more and
more people fl ock to the island, whether
as permanent residents or weekend
guests — so does Boracay’s personality
{ 49 }
become more complex, and all the
more intriguing.
When once, decades ago, it was
singularly described as a remote island
paradise for those seeking to commune
with nature away from the crowds,
Boracay has now become the kind of
place that can be tailor-fi t to whatever
kind of beach island experience you’re
looking for. And we can help make this
happen — by listing 12 Boracay musts
that should be on your to-do list.

Catch the sunrise
Get a front-row seat on Bulabog Beach,
the eastern side of the island, and
watch the sun come up with such a
stunning palette of colors you’d think it
was showing off. You can either sit on
the beach or hope that your timing is
perfect and there’s a sunrise ceremony
happening at Levantine Boracay (tel:
+63 999 507 4611, levantinboracay@
yahoo.com). The Romanian bar, which
derives its name from the French word
“levant” meaning “where the sun
rises,” is an ideal sunrise-viewing spot:
there are hammocks tied to palm trees,
low lounge chairs facing east, and
music in the background. Their sunrise
anthem, “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel,
leads a playlist of sun-inspired songs.
Go from brunch
to lunch
Island life is slow and easy, so it’s no
surprise that meals unfold over at least
a couple of hours. Dine Boracay-style
in chef Julia Lervik’s spot of sunshine
called Lemoni Café (tel: +63 36 288
6781/6782, lemonicafe@yahoo.com.
ph) at D’Mall Plaza by the Ferris wheel.
Awash in citrus colors, the restaurant
serves a comfort-food menu of
all-day breakfast and other healthy
dishes, from granola to salads with
fresh seafood.
In a less prominent spot is an
enduring old favorite, Real Coffee
and Tea Café (tel: +63 36 288 5340,
realcoffeeboracay@gmail.com). At
Boradise Compound, it’s squeezed
in a little alley between Free Willy
Dive Shop and the Havaianas shop
in Station 1. Coffees are hand-ground
and prepared stovetop; they also use
Philippine blends for the brews and
imported blends for the espressos
served the Italian way. A must-try:
the island-famous calamansi muffi n.
Sail aboard a paraw
To borrow from Zen wisdom, “be the
water.” A great way to explore Boracay
is from the ocean, and the most
environment-friendly way to explore
Park yourself
on a hammock and
watch the sun come up
Boracay’s coastline and nearby islands
is to sail on a paraw or native outrigger.
The fi rst time I ever experienced paraw
sailing was with Captain Joey Gelito
of Red Pirates Sailing Tours (tel: +63
921 782 1494, redpiratesboracay@
hotmail.com), who has been sailing
the waters of Boracay for 20 years.
Aside from knowing all of the island’s
best-kept secrets, he and his friendly
crew of pirates can cook a mean
beach barbecue feast, native-style.
Longtime Boracay residents and native
Boracaynons, Captain Joey and his
group are defi nitely the coolest bunch
ever to set sail, with amazing stories
and tales to match their interesting
characters. They even move to the
slogan, “Live slow, sail fast!”
The boat has a capacity of 10
passengers and is equipped with an
icebox onboard for beers and soft
{ 50 }
drinks, which come in handy for day
trips, island-hopping tours and sunset
cruises. Popular trips are to Puka Beach
and Crocodile Island.
Get a massage
There’s nothing like a soulful massage
to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul:
it lets you take a break from all the
stresses of life and feel fully aligned.
You can either book a massage with
your hotel’s concierge (if they don’t
have their own spa service, they
usually call the local co-op), or head
to Mandala Spa along the main road
in Manoc-Manoc towards the end of
Station 3 (tel: + 63 36 288 5858,
www.mandalaspa.com). We highly
recommend the Watsu or water
shiatsu, a treatment in a special heated
pool designed to take you to a state of
deep relaxation.

ON SHIN NAUTICAL STRIPED MINI-DRESS BY BILLABONG
C OOL SUMMER
{ 51 }
Clockwise from top: Relax on a paraw; wake to a hearty breakfast
at Lemoni Café; surround yourself with nature at Mandala Spa;
jam with Joey and guests at the Red Pirates Pub in Angol Point;
Mandala Spa treatments. Opposite page: Viewing deck at Levantin

Discover the B-side
In the opposite direction of White
Beach is Bulabog Beach, Boracay’s
kiteboarding zone; a short stroll can
take you there from D’Mall. This side
of the island offers a totally different
vibe — quieter, more laidback, and
with elements of the “old Boracay.”
Get a taste of the local life the way
it was at the Lazy Dog Bed and
Breakfast (tel: +63 36 288 4128, www.
lazydogboracay.com), which offers
simple yet cozy accommodations and
a calming, homey atmosphere. The
alfresco common dining area also
serves as social central, where owners
Djila Winebrenner and Ian Bautista
C OOL SUMMER
{ 52 }
Clockwise from left:
Skim the waters
of Bulabog Beach
with a kiteboard;
stretch those tanned
muscles at True
Yoga with teacher
Nicole Serrano; laze
around the alfresco
area of Lazy Dog
Bed and Breakfast
— and Whiskey, a golden retriever —
hang out with guests.
Fly a kite
Boracay’s Bulabog Beach has
also been dubbed one of the best
kiteboarding beaches in Asia —
because when the wind is high, the
kites really fl y. Over the years, the
number of thrill-seeking pilgrims has
steadily risen, and now the beach is
home to a large population of visiting
and long-staying kiteboarders. If you
want to try it, learn from international
windsurf champion Nenette Graf, a
native of Aklan who started the fi rst kite
school in Boracay with German Angel
Parzhuber and American kite instructor
Chris Awe as partners. Look for them in
Green Yard, Bulabog Beach.
Find your balance
Boracay’s reputation as a party place
isn’t unfounded — you’ll see the proof
in the nightspots that dot White Beach.
After a night of partying, set aside
a period of recovery — and time to
stretch out and return to healthy form
— at True Yoga (2nd Floor, True Food
Indian Restaurant along Station 2; tel:
+63 947 531 0042). The studio, set
up by a few local residents, offers yoga
sessions for fi rst-timers, beginners and
advanced practitioners at 9am any
day of the week (and you get a great
view of the sea in the morning on top
of that). Yoga mats are provided, so
all you need to bring is an open mind!
They also host international teachers
who conduct workshops and retreats on
the island. Classes are at PHP400 for
walk-ins; but you can also avail of the
Weekly Unlimited Pass for PHP1,500
or the 10-Class Pass for PHP2,000. PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA (TRUE YOGA), FRANCISCO GUERRERO (BULABOG), PAULA GUINTO (LAZY DOG BED AND BREAKFAST) ON SHIN BIKINI BY RIPCURL

LIVE
THE
LIFE
YOU
LOVE

{ 54 }
This page: Discovery Shores has prime
beach estate, with tasty nibbles to keep you
sated in between sunbathing or swimming.
Opposite: Their beach butlers come out tops
in service
Stay in, in style
With its minimalist, white-washed
exterior and clean, open and bright
spaces, Discovery Shores (www.
discovery-shores-boracay.com) was
the fi rst true luxury resort destination
on the island when it opened in 2006
(complete with a complimentary
welcome foot massage after check-in).
Since then, the hotel has kept true to
the standards it set — their beach butler
service, for instance, brings “leaving
your cares behind” to a new level: you
can jump out of your lounge chair and
run off into the water without worrying
about who’s watching over your phone
or shades, or how you might dry off
when you’ve had enough of the sea —
there will be someone waiting for you
with a towel. The hotel is at the quieter
end of White Beach, and has its own
private pool. So if you don’t like crowds,
it’s located strategically. These kinds of
swanky digs come at a price, of course,
but check out the non-peak rates, and
book a fl ight.
PHOTOS ADI EFFENDY, FRANCISCO GUERRERO (WITH MODEL) ON SHIN TUBE MAXI DRESS BY BILLABONG

C OOL SUMMER
This kind of star treatment
can raise the glam factor
of your vacation
{ 55 }

Shake things up
There’s nothing like a refreshing
tropical fruit shake to cool you down
in the middle of a hot beach day. The
island’s best servings are still at Jonah’s
Fruitshakes along the beach in Station
1 (tel: +63 36 288 3281). Practically
a local institution, it is popular for
its classic and highly habit-forming
shakes, my favorite of which is the
Banana Peanut Milkshake!
But for a more potent libation, head
over to frozen cocktail bar Loco Frio
(literally “Crazy Cool”) at Serendipity
Arcade for the Lime Margarita,
Mudslide, Mojito and Strawberry Kiwi.
It’s along the main road next to Budget
Mart at D’Mall and at Obama Grill,
Station 1 (tel: +63 36 288 1991).
Hit the market
For a more comfortable dining
experience, trek to the wet market
D’Talipapa (Roadside, Brgy. Maggayad).
While there you can shop for fresh
seafood at the wet market (delivered
from Roxas City and Mindoro twice
daily), and have it whipped into fi lling
meals at Sababi Exotic Food and
C OOL SUMMER
Restaurant (tel: +63 36 288 5291).
Cooking time usually takes 20 minutes.
Shop till you drop
D’Mall boasts over 200 business
establishments that offer all kinds of
souvenir items — proof that you’ve
been to an island paradise. For a more
local shopping experience, walk over
to Plazoleta in Station 2, a fl ea market
and treasure trove for communitybased
and earth-friendly products
that work to promote Boracay’s
cottage industries. It also showcases
handcrafted pieces made by local
artists, organic produce and homemade
delicacies. What’s more, you get
{ 56 }
Clockwise from top
left: Shop crazy at
D’Mall; Plazoleta
is the place to get
souvenirs; buy
fresh seafood and
have it cooked at
D’Talipapa
live tribal and acoustic music in the
background, together with our favorite
pastime, island gossip!
Watch the sunset
Some people call it the greatest light
show on earth — when a well-defi ned
orange ball of fi re dips into the placid
sea, drenching the whole landscape in
amber light. Pick a spot along White
Beach (preferably with a cooling drink
of choice beside you), sit back, relax,
and enjoy the view.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Manila and Cebu to
Caticlan, and from Manila, Cebu and Hong
Kong to Kalibo. www.cebupacifi cair.com
PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA, FRANCISCO GUERRERO (WITH MODEL)

Weekend
specials
Make this summer extra special for the whole
family and go on a standout three-day themed
trip to remember. By Maya O. Calica
EVERY FAMILY is wired to prefer a certain type of vacation.
You have the history buffs, who are crazy about all things
ancient; the adventurous, who only have fun in the great
outdoors; and those who thrive on city thrills. So which
among these family-friendly destinations is perfect for you?
1
Magical history tour
in Beijing
The city wins hands-down as the place to bring
your family for a literal walk back in time. Take it
from Dana Cosio-Mercado, who moved to Beijing
last June 2011 with husband Paolo and her sons
Gio, 14, and Pepi, 8. Since then, she’s made it a point to
explore the attractions on weekends.
Friday
SIGHTSEE Start with The Forbidden City, the home of
emperors and their households for nearly 500 years. Hit it
as soon as it opens at around 9am, and allot two to three
hours for your exploration. To keep younger kids interested,
Cosio-Mercado recommends playing “I Spy” or sharing
interesting trivia about the places you visit. “Did you know
that the Chinese consider nine to be a good number because
it symbolizes perfection? The main door to The Forbidden
City has 81 golden knobs (nine across, nine downward) and
the entire palace has 9,999 rooms,” she shares. Note that
the premises aren’t stroller-friendly because of all the steps,
so be prepared to carry your baby in your arms or on a sling.
Exit at the North Gate.
SHOP Go souvenir shopping at Qianmen or Nanluguoxiang,
modernized areas that have an intriguing history. Qianmen
used to be an ancient commercial street for over 500 years,
with Chinese architectural elements from the Qing Dynasty.
Nanluguoxiang, on the other hand, is a converted hutong (one
of many alleyways that originated in the 13th century) during
the Yuan Dynasty. It now has little shops and cafés.
Saturday
{ 58 }
RIDE
End the day with
a rickshaw tour around
the hutong areas. “Drivers
will take two people per
rickshaw, and will give a
very basic explanation of
the surroundings,” says
resident Dana Cosio-
Mercado.
CLIMB While any section of the Great Wall is impressive,
avoid Badaling — most tourists are herded here in big
buses. “Go to Mutianyu instead, fi rst built in the mid-sixth
century. It’s a little farther out but much more pleasant,” says
Cosio-Mercado. Take the cable car up and head to the right;
from there you will commence a 2.5km walk through 14 or
so towers. To make your descent, you can opt for the quick
(RICKSHAW)
cable car ride down.
IMAGES
EAT Reward yourself with a meal at the Schoolhouse at
GETTY
Mutianyu (www.theschoolhouseatmutianyu.com), once an
abandoned village primary school that’s now a luxury resort
with transformed village houses and local staff. PHOTOS

C ERTIFIED FAMILY FUN
{ 59 }
Be smart and wear comfortable
shoes for the Great Wall; (left)
hop on a rickshaw for a unique
view of the city streets

PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES, SIMON WONG (TOP)
Sunday
Be part of the
street art!
VISIT The Drum and Bell Towers, built in the late 1200s,
make for an entertaining visit for the whole family. “There
are drum performances several times a day that last for
15 minutes. Set aside some time to make it up the steep
staircase and catch your breath before the drummers begin,”
advises Cosio-Mercado. The Bird’s Nest and The Water Cube
are two of the most popular Beijing Olympic venues — great
for a photo opportunity but with not much to do indoors.
Olympic Park makes for a nice leisurely walk, but Chaoyang
Park offers more by way of carnival-style attractions.
STROLL Beijing’s parks and lakes are picturesque and
conducive for long walks. Shichahai, dating back to the
1100s, is where the locals go to relax under the shade of
the willow trees. The lake will have boats available in the
summer months for touring (think Burnham Park lake but
bigger). You can escape the searing sun by ducking into one
of the small museums in the area: Prince Gong’s Mansion,
Prince Chun’s Mansion, the residence of Song Qing Ling, or
of Mei Lan Fang. BeiHai Park, built during the Liao Dynasty
(916-1125), has an area of under 1km², more than half of
which is taken up by a lake. Have your photo snapped at the
White Dagoba, which was constructed in the 1600s, then
check out four other scenic areas in the park.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Beijing from Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com
C ERTIFIED FAMILY FUN
SHOP
798 is an
art district housed in
decommissioned military
factory buildings that date back
to the early 1950s. There are lots of
souvenir craft shops and interesting
boutiques to please grown-ups looking
for very cool fi nds. Lunch options
range from street carts peddling
Beijing “pancakes” to midrange
cafés and high-end
restaurants.
{ 61 }
Clockwise: You won’t run
out of crazy photo-ops
at the 798 art district;
life-sized art to gawk at;
the Drum and Bell Towers
feature drum performances

PHOTOS INMAGINE (TOP), SCUBAZOO (BOTTOM)
2
Adventure time
in Kota Kinabalu
Whether you’re hoping to spike adrenaline
levels on land or sea, here’s a trip that will
appeal to broods seeking fun with a little
heart-pumping action. “Kota Kinabalu is
a veritable wonderland for families,” says Auther James
Kimon, general manager of local travel outfi t, Trek Finder
Tours Sdn Bhd (trekfi ndertours.net). He shares an actionpacked
itinerary for the entire clan here.
Friday
EXPLORE Get the family ready for a fun day of trekking
around Kinabalu National Park (www.climbmtkinabalu.com/
park.html). Enjoy the fresh air at this lush environment, which
is Malaysia’s fi rst UNESCO World Heritage site. A highlight
is Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia at
4,095.2m tall. You can actually climb the majestic mountain
with bigger kids — a feat that will require at least two days
and one night, and prior months of training in climbing. For
this weekend trip, however, a stroll around the National
Park will do more than fi ll your time, what with the myriad
animals, birds and fl owers that abound here.
SOAK After an active day in Kinabalu National Park, relieve
sore muscles with a family dip in the Poring Hot Springs, a
man-made attraction located within a jungle. Its steaming
sulphurous waters are channeled into tubs and pools.
Saturday
GET WET Leave the city by boat to get to Manukan Island
for a day of water thrills. The boomerang-shaped site, one of
fi ve isles that make up Tunkul Abdul Rahman Park, is blessed
with stunning stretches of beach as well as excellent trails.
“Enjoy aquatic sports, or swim and snorkel in the crystal
clear shallow waters,” says Kimon. Teens and children will
enjoy the banana boat ride and jet ski, while others can opt
to probe the depths of the sea by diving — the waters are
rich with corals and marine life.
RAFT If your family prefers something
even more exciting, Kimon recommends
a day of Kiulu River Whitewater Rafting
(Class I/II). “This requires driving to the
countryside, but it is worth it since older
kids above 10 years old — as well as
adults who don’t swim — can enjoy
river rafting on 10 to 12km-high rapids,”
he says. What better way to bond with the
brood than by doing something you can see
only on action fi lms?
C ERTIFIED FAMILY FUN
Get the family pumped up
with a hike around Kinabalu
National Park or (below)
dive in for a reef walk
among the colorful fi sh
SEA WALK
At Sapi Island, which
is close to Manukan Island,
children as young as eight can sea
walk with Trek Finder Tours — a nifty
alternative to diving as you don’t need
to carry oxygen or a fl otation device.
During the 30-minute underwater
experience, you tread on the sea
fl oor and feed fi sh wearing an
Underwater Helmet
Diving System.
{ 63 }

Sunday
EXPERIENCE Spend a half-day at Mari-Mari Cultural Village
in Kionsom, Inanam, some 25 minutes from the city. “Here
you will fi nd the native homes of Sabah’s ethnic groups built
by the tribe’s descendants,” says Kimon. Enjoy a lunch of
local delicacies such as hinava (raw fi sh salad), bambangan
(pickles), bosou (preserved fi sh with pickle) and tuhau (pickle).
RIDE How about a leisurely bike ride through the Sabah
countryside? Kimon recommends the town of Tuaran, which
is a 40-minute drive up north. It will take you through country
roads, villages, a temple, and Tamu, the Sunday market.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Kota Kinabalu from Manila. www.
cebupacifi cair.com
C ERTIFIED FAMILY FUN
{ 64 }
From top: Discover the local life
at Tamu, a Sunday market in
Tuaran, Sabah; the Sultan Omar
Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Brunei
is an architectural wonder
3
“Into the wild” weekend in
Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei may be the last place one thinks
off when the word “wild” comes to mind.
But with its opulent trappings, luxe hotels,
mosques plated with real gold and lush
forests, the sultanate has a wealth of attractions that’s bound
to elicit an “OMG” from kids and adults alike.
Friday
SIGHTSEE Visit the Royal Regalia Museum (Jln Sultan Town
Center) and be dazzled by Brunei royalty’s fi nest jewels.
The museum has recreated the sultan’s coronation parade,
including an ornate gilded cart that His Majesty rode in
through the capital. Next stop: the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin
Mosque, which sits on a man-made lagoon on the banks of
the Brunei River. One of the world’s most beautiful mosques,
it is crowned by a gold-plated dome.
PLAY Take a break at Tasek Lama Recreational Park; this
water reservoir sits on a property that features a real waterfall
right in the city center. Enjoy a hill climb then walk the
refl exology track — a pebble-lined path designed to stimulate
certain points in the feet. For dinner, head to CheezBox (The
Mall, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, www.cheezboxcafe.
com), a widely popular family restaurant that serves salmon,
chicken, roast beef and more.
PHOTOS PEIN LEE (TOP), LESTER LEDESMA (BOTTOM)

Saturday
RIDE Gird up for a day in the untouched rainforests of Ulu
Temburong National Park. Board a water taxi from BSB,
which will take about an hour, to Bangar in the Temburong
district. A half-hour bus ride will then take you to Brunei’s
Outward Bound School in Batang Duri, where you board
temuai — longboats steered by men and women of Iban
heritage (a Borneo tribe once known for headhunting).
CLIMB “The Kuala Belalong Forest Reserve requires that
you take 2,000 steps to get to the summit, where you get a
panoramic view of the majestic mountains, the rushing river
and the surrounding forestland below,” says Ahmed Shaheeb
Bin Mohd Fathiuzzaman, a journalist who has covered travel
and other beats for the Borneo Bulletin.
DISCOVER Make time for the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve and
the Ulu Temburong National Park. “The Reserve is an
endless spread of thick virgin jungle, and inside lies
50,000 hectares of parkland that has seen very
little human impact,” says Fathiuzzaman.
“The National Park features steep, swampy
terrain and thick, impenetrable jungle
land.” But the trip is worth it as the park
is home to abundant species of birds,
butterfl ies and insects. Meanwhile, the
Peradayan Forest Recreation Park offers
an eco-tour of caves and strange rock
formation. “Spread over 1,070 hectares,
it is declared a conservation forest by the
Forestry Department,” he says.
C ERTIFIED FAMILY FUN
EXPLORE
“Batang Duri is an
Iban settlement cum park
with a longhouse (traditional
extended family house), where
shifting cultivation is still practiced,”
says Borneo Bulletin journalist Ahmed
Shaheeb Bin Mohd Fathiuzzaman. The
park is nestled within a thick forest with
playgrounds, wooden walkways, and a
clean river you can swim in. “Another
highlight is Taman Batang Duri,
a park with a mini zoo,”
he adds.
{ 66 }
Sunday
You might meet an Iban woman
on your way to Temburong
National Park; (below) be
prepared to cross wooden
passes in the park
CRUISE Depart early in the morning for the boat jetty in BSB.
Board a local wooden boat for a half-day tour searching for
the rare proboscis monkey, which has a distinct, pendulous
nose. Your adventure will take you down the Brunei River,
past city attractions like the centuries-old Kampung Ayer
(water village) and the Istana Nurul Iman — the 1,788-room
presidential palace of the Sultan of Brunei. As you pass the
royal residence, mangrove forests come into view; and if
you’re lucky, you’ll spot kingfi shers catching tiny fi sh and
mudskippers — amphibious fi sh that can survive in and out
of water — hopping along the banks of the Brunei River. The
proboscis monkeys are usually sighted close to the water’s
edge early in the morning or at dusk.
EAT a dinner of kebabs and fi sh and chips at Casbah London
Kebab in Times Square, or nasi lemak, laksa and other
reasonably priced meals at the very popular Mamih Kuilap
(www.bruclass.biz/web/mamih/), before heading to the
airport for your fl ight back home.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Bandar Seri Begawan from Manila.
www.cebupacifi cair.com
PHOTOS BRUNEI TOURISM

PHOTO MARK DIMALANTA
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
Paddling
Pagudpud
On a bay along the northernmost province of
Luzon is a quiet coastal town where wind and
reef conspire to give you a variety of ride-worthy
waves. Kage Gozun provides a picture of the surf
scene on the shores of Pagudpud.
{ 69 }

PAGUDPUD in Ilocos Norte might
not be the fi rst place that comes to
mind when one thinks of surfi ng in the
Philippines; the windmills in Bangui
have more often than not taken the
spotlight when it comes to “things to
do north of Laoag.” But the coastal
resort town, open to winds that come
in through both the South China Sea
and Pacifi c Ocean, actually make it
quite ideal for wave riders of various
skill levels.
No one is quite sure who fi rst surfed
the waves of this rugged, windswept
coastline. From personal memory, it
wasn’t until the last decade or so that
word began to spread around about its
possibly virgin breaks. And even then,
only the most intrepid of surfers would
bother with the journey up to camp
or fi nd small resorts in the hopes of
scoring waves.
Whether you are a beginner or a
world-class surfer, you will probably
want to base yourself near the area
known as The Blue Lagoon in Maira-
Ira Point. This is often where student
surfers are taken to get their fi rst taste
of the surf. If you have booties or reef
socks, bring them. The waves might
be gentler here, but the bottom is still
reef and it’s best to be protected. The
booties aren’t absolutely necessary but
they do help.
Only a 15-minute walk away from
The Blue Lagoon are four major surf
spots — Dos Hermanos, Private,
Vista and Heartbreak. All are in front
of Kapuluan Vista Resort, and have
gained popularity throughout the years
for their accessibility as well as their
consistency during the surf season.
(Fun fact: Heartbreak was so named
because it broke the hearts of those
who fi rst surfed it to have to leave it.)
Two more breaks, Level Up and Bantay
Abot, are just around the corner. It takes
a bit of a paddle to get to some of the
spots but, when all the right factors
align, it all becomes incredibly worth it.
{ 70 }
PHOTOS MARK DIMALANTA

PHOTOS MARK DIMALANTA, FRANCISCO GUERRERO (PADDLING GIRL)
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
Heartbreak was so named because it broke the hearts
of those who first surfed it to have to leave it.
Clockwise from top left: Watch as the locals conquer the waves; there’s always
something to do, even when the wind drops and the sea turns fl at — paddlesurfi ng;
the winds from the South China Sea and Pacifi c Ocean create the ideal ride; it’s a
short walk to the four major surf spots
{ 71 }

Clockwise from top
left: Choose the
right gear (and add
in some booties
too); the more
challenging swells
occur from July
to October; after a
satisfying surf, order
a hearty meal while
lounging outdoors at
the Kapuluan
Vista Resort
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
{ 73 }
Heading out to
board meetings
has never been
this fun!
The swell season
Surf season for the breaks mentioned
starts in June, and goes on until
November. Beginners have the best luck
trying during the off-season months
of October to April, when the swell is
generally smaller. For those world-class
waves with more teeth to them, try
July to October. The months between
November to March is too windy, but
some of the breaks that are in protected
coves can be worth the trip.
For the sake of convenience,
Kapuluan Vista Resort or KVR (tel: +63
920 928 5273, www.kapuluanvista.
com) is the usual point of reference for
the breaks, all of which are reef (which
means they break over a reef shelf or
coral).
Located right in front of KVR, Vista
usually breaks to the left and is good
for all surfers. Dos Hermanos is beside
Dos Hermanos Island, to the left
of KVR. Waves break left, and are
hollow as well as fast over live coral.
A certain amount of skill is required
to surf here. Next to Dos Hermanos
is Private, another wave that is best
for short boards. When the wave face
starts getting over 5ft, it becomes quite
hollow. Surfers who are intermediate
to advanced can handle this, but not
beginners. Heartbreak is one of the
rare breaks in the area that breaks both
left and right, although the left is much
longer. Capable of rising to 6ft, this
is one of the most popular breaks in
the area for surfers of intermediate to
advanced levels. Bantay Abot is around
the bend from KVR and breaks to the
right — friendly to surfers of all levels.
Level Up is also just around the bend
from KVR, and is easily the heaviest and
trickiest wave in the area. A steep lefthander
(which means it breaks to the
left), it is not a break for the uninitiated.
Pro surfers who have tried it, love it.
But if you haven’t had much experience
paddling into big sets, this is a break you
should stay away from.

S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
During the smaller season,
beginners paddle out under
smaller settings and enjoy cruising
down the face of gentler waves
The north shore
These reef breaks deliver world-class
waves under the right conditions, and
have given many an experienced surfer
a run for their money. During the smaller
season, beginners paddle out under
smaller settings and enjoy cruising down
the face of gentler waves.
But be it a day charging down the
line of an 8ft right-hander that is hinting
at the possibility of a barrel, or an
afternoon of 2ft waves that calmly peel,
there is one thing that remains the same:
the crowd factor is at a bare minimum.
This is one of the major advantages
Pagudpud still has over some of the
other surf spots. On a day when there
might be 40 surfers crowding one point
break at an area somewhere further
down south, there may be only fi ve
of you in the line-up at Vista, taking
turns on the fun left-hander that fronts
Kapuluan Vista Resort. This is also
perhaps one of the northern surfi ng
town’s biggest draws, apart from offering
a wave for every kind of surfer: enough
room on the water.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Manila to Laoag.
www.cebupacifi cair.com
{ 75 }
Clockwise from top: Expect 2 to 8ft
waves on any given day; you won’t
fi nd large groups of surfers in
Pagudpud; Kapuluan Vista Resort
is an option if you’re looking for
accommodations

Siargao’s
endless
summer
Once the stuff of legend among intrepid
adventurers and hardcore surfers
around the world, the perfect swell
in Siargao Island is now the star of an
annual surfing competition. Lui Tortuya
recalls his first time on Cloud 9.
THE YEAR was 2000. My friends and I, and perhaps
thousands of other surfers in their own little corners around
the world, had just seen pictures in a surf magazine of
a secret surf spot somewhere in the Philippines, a thenunknown
little island in the far south of Luzon — on the
northeastern tip of Mindanao, to be precise. This inspired a
frenzied and dogged Internet search for more pictures of what
was quickly becoming a legendary wave, a perfect swell
rising into a perfect curl. There had been talk of it for several
years, but except for the rare magazine feature that came few
and far between, that perfect wave rose and crashed largely
in our imagination.
All that changed in 2003, when the Quiksilver
International Invitational at Cloud 9 took a little surfi ng
competition, along with the nascent Philippine surfi ng
industry, to the next level — bringing some of the world’s
best tube riders to compete for a US$10,000 prize. The
international event has transformed a once sleepy corner
of Surigao del Norte into party central during the peak
surf months of August and September, when the
wind blows across the Pacifi c and makes little
giddy children out of grown surfers.
It’s quite shocking that, these days, there are
hundreds of thousands of pictures documenting
this little island’s coming of age, taking its
place this year as the 8th best global surfi ng
destination according to lifestyle website CNNGo.
{ 76 }

S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
{ 77 }

Wild, wild waves
I arrived on the island for the fi rst time in 2003 — seven
days before the competition was to take place — pumped
with high expectations and the prospect of incredible surf. I
had already sampled some of the other popular surf spots in
the Philippines, so I was pretty sure I knew what to expect in
Siargao. Man, was I wrong.
Geographically, Siargao Island is located next to the
Philippine Deep and the Marianas Trench (the deepest in the
world), and is directly in the path of big Pacifi c Ocean swells.
This means the waves are able to travel hundreds of miles
undisturbed at full speed, building up power before suddenly
slamming into perfectly positioned reef coastlines. This raw
power puts Siargao Island in the same weight class as more
famous surf destinations like Hawaii or Bali. Some even call it
the “Disneyland of surfi ng,” as it offers a veritable playground
of numerous surf breaks in such a small area.
On the day that I arrived, the waves were relatively small
— perfect for people wanting to try surfi ng for the fi rst time.
I stood on the coral and white sand shoreline, looking out
at the ocean and thinking to myself, “This is it? This is what
I traveled thousands of miles across the Pacifi c for?” I was
disappointed that I had traveled such a distance for what
felt like the entire day, only to see what looked like ripples
in the ocean.
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
{ 78 }
From top: Part of
the surfi ng workout
is paddling out
to the catch a
wave; surfers take
a boat to get to
the other breaks
around the island;
coral formations,
some of them with
razor-sharp edges,
emerge at low tide.

With its powerful
waves, Cloud 9 has
captured every
surfer’s imagination
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
Before Cloud 9 became extremely popular, the number
of travelers to the island didn’t warrant direct fl ights. The
only options then were to charter a private fl ight or to land
in the province’s capital city, Surigao City. You then take an
arduous four-hour ferryboat to Siargao Island’s main port
town of Dapa, followed by a bumpy 30-minute jeepney ride
over rough roads to the main coastal town of Gen. Luna.
There’s a small market by the pier where you can buy fresh
fi sh and vegetables, and right next to it is the Boardwalk,
where karaoke stalls and cold beer outlets sprout up come
nighttime. From there you can already catch a glimpse of the
waves breaking in the distance.
Things have changed since then, with more tourists
making the journey; now you can pretty much fl y directly to
the island any time of the week. I spent that fi rst day kicking
around stones and checking out other places on the island
worth a visit, in between twiddling my toes.
The next day I was up before sunrise and headed out to
catch some early waves before the crowds started showing
up. We had heard the night before that there was a swell
heading our way — bringing with it some good surf — so I
was pretty excited to try out Cloud 9. As soon as I opened
the door of my little room, I knew that the conditions had
changed dramatically overnight. When the waves are big and
slamming repeatedly onto the shoreline with unimaginable
power, it powders the air with a salty mist that you can smell
with every breath.
{ 80 }
From top: The outpost is decked out in colorful fl ags
for the international surf competition; because the
size and power of the waves vary, Siargao has been
dubbed the “Disneyland of surfi ng”

The island has its
share of calm and
crystal-clear waters too
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
{ 82 }
Walking down a little grass path past Rudy the wood
carver’s house, I could hear the rumbling power of the wave,
still hidden by an outcrop of coast. The skyline gave way to
a lighter blue as I started to make my way around the corner,
and I could see a few local guys jogging out to the tower —
a wooden outpost at the end of a wooden port — excited
about the session.
When I fi nally reached the tower that day, what I saw
that fi rst morning changed my perspective of Philippine
surfi ng forever. The waves were perfectly shaped and
enormous, bigger and more powerful than anything I had
ever surfed. As I paddled out I realized quickly that my skills
were no match for these waves; so like a good boy scout, I
quickly switched gears and paddled a few hundred meters
north to a smaller wave, which is more to my comfort. I
promised myself that I would surf Cloud 9, and I’ve made
good on that promise since then.

The surf is Siargao’s main draw,
and many of the locals have
learned to surf alongside the pros
BEYOND THE
SURF IN SIARGAO
There are other things you , ll
need to know besides wind
direction and wave height for
the full Siargao experience:
STAY at Sagana Beach Resort
(tel: +63 919 809 5769, sagana@
cloud9surf.com), which has the
best view of Cloud 9. Let owner
Gerry Degan take you there.
EAT local fare of grilled
seafood — it , s so tasty and
fresh, you almost feel like
you , ve just bought it off the
fisherman , s boat!
MAKE a side trip to Sohoton
Cove, a secluded lagoon an
hour away by pumpboat from
Gen. Luna. It , s accessible
through a cave during the
low tide.
EXPLORE the outlying
islets such as Guyam (which
shifts shape), Dako (so called
only because it , s bigger than
Guyam), and Pansukian or
Naked Island (a giant sandbar).
S URFING NORTH TO SOUTH
{ 85 }
Surf’s up
The year is now 2012 and every surfer worth his or her salt has
a Siargao story to tell. Cloud 9 may be the area’s most famous
swell, but there are others worth trying, each with a nickname
and wave personality of its own — Jacking Horse, Tuason
Left, Rock Island, Stimpies and Pacifi co. The sheer variety of
the waves, ranging from the small, easy-to-maneuver ones to
the mighty and towering curls that form perfect barrels, makes
Siargao the country’s undisputed surf capital.
Although I’ve been back quite often, every time I begin
packing my bags and my equipment, placing everything
in order the night before the trip, it brings me back to when
the search began, sitting in front of my computer so long
ago — a little more foolish and smoother-skinned — hunting
down pictures of this legendary wave, hungry for information
or rumor, or both. I’ve realized that, for those just like me
who were lucky enough to have found it, the unforgettable
experiences and the yearly journey are still part of a search
that never really ends.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Cebu to Siargao. www.cebupacifi cair.com
PHOTOS MARK DIMALANTA (OPENING SPREAD), KATHY CHUA-GRIMME

Starring
Shanghai
Shanghai’s two faces — traditional
and modern — continually intrigue
both fi lmmakers and moviegoers;
(right) the city takes centerstage in
the last Transformers fi lm
{ 86 }
The camera loves Shanghai —
there , s a long list of film credits
to prove it. Richard Baimbridge
takes us on a tour of the city , s most
cinematic spots

DURING THE 1930S, which was widely
regarded as Shanghai’s golden age,
the Chinese city was dubbed the “The
Hollywood of the East.” Much of it had
to do with its robust homegrown fi lm
industry; the fact that one could see
premier Hollywood fi lms in opulent
movie houses shortly after their release
in America; and the city’s reputation as
exotic, glamorous and edgy — a world
inhabited by diplomats, mobsters and
dangerously beautiful women, like
Marlene Dietrich and Anna May Wong
MOVIE MAGIC IN CHINA
in the 1932 hit Shanghai Express.
The crowded streets of Shanghai,
packed with rickshaws, cars and neon
signs, juxtaposed with European-style
mansions and colonial buildings, made
it an arrestingly visual place on fi lm.
And yet it still remains one of the most
cinematically fascinating cities in the
world today — whether it’s become the
modern setting for the Transformers
to stomp through, or the sensuously
beautiful Old Shanghai in Ang Lee’s
Lust, Caution in 2007.
{ 87 }
On location at
Lujiazui, Pudong
The image of Tom Cruise coolly
standing on the ledge of the 53-storey
Bank of China Tower in Mission:
Impossible III may bring chills to those
afraid of heights — and those who
have a thing for stunning modern
skylines. Cruise makes the jump some
200 meters across to the adjacent
CPIC building (he actually did the stunt
himself on a bungee chord); then,
after grabbing the goods, descends
by parachute into the heart of Lujiazui
Ring Road, at the base of the famous
Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This is the
same spot that was trampled over
by alien robots in The Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen. Best viewing
spot: the pedestrian bridge that
connects The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
to Superbrand Mall. Also best viewed at
night, when the tower lights are on.

Suzhou Creek has
inspired both reel
and real life stories;
(below) Zhou Xun in
the fi lm Suzhou River
On location at
Suzhou Creek
Snaking deep through the bowels of
Shanghai, Suzhou Creek provided the
gritty backdrop to the seminal sixth
generation fi lm Suzhou River (2000)
directed by Lou Ye. A tragic fi lm-noir
love story that drew comparisons
to Wang Kar-Wai and even Alfred
Hitchcock, Suzhou River is even more
painful to watch today, considering
the off-screen romance between the
two main actors, Zhou Xun and Jia
Hongsheng, which ended in the suicide
of the latter — not unlike in the fi lm.
Suzhou Creek has undergone a major
facelift since Lou made his fi lm 12
years ago, with the development of the
Moganshan Road Arts District — so you
could say this once-sad place now has
a happy ending. Later this year, Jackie
M OVIE MAGIC IN CHINA
Chan will open his fi rst and only fi lm
museum beside Suzhou Creek, featuring
costumes and other memorabilia from
his long career. Best viewing spot: the
Garden Bridge (Waibaidu Qiao) at the
{ 89 }
The Garden
Bridge is a
Shanghai
landmark
northern end of The Bund, which is
featured in Suzhou River, Empire of
the Sun (1987), Lust, Caution, and The
Founding of a Republic (2009), starring
Tang Guoqiang and Jackie Chan.

The Bund is most
breathtaking at
night; (below) the
opening scene of
the Naomi Watts-
Edward Norton
movie The Painted
Veil features
The Bund
On location at
The Bund
Though most of the Edward Norton
fi lm The Painted Veil was shot in the
same extraterrestrial landscape of
Guangxi Province featured in Star
Wars Episode II: Revenge of the Sith,
the opening scene of Painted Veil is of
Shanghai’s most distinguishing feature
during its golden era — The Bund. Built
by colonial powers after the Opium
Wars of 1842, this row of graceful old
buildings alongside the busy Huangpu
River is featured in countless fi lms,
including Steven Spielberg’s Empire
of the Sun, the fi rst American movie
allowed to be shot in Shanghai since
1940. The Bund is a perfect spot for
daytime walking tours. Check out
Number 20 on the Bund — site of the
former Cathay Hotel (now the Fairmont
Peace Hotel) and The Palace Hotel
(now the Swatch Art Peace Hotel), the
most luxurious hotels of their day —
which was featured in John Cusack’s
Shanghai. But the most luxurious
hotel on The Bund today is the newly
built Peninsula, located at Number
32. The scene of Hugh Jackman
singing in Snow Flower and the Secret
Fan was shot in the hotel lobby, and
the fi nal scene with Giana and Li
Bingbing dressed in traditional clothing,
overlooking the Pudong skyline, was
shot from the hotel terrace.
M OVIE MAGIC IN CHINA
{ 90 }

The Yu Gardens
have the Chinese
architecture that
most tourists and
fi lmmakers go for
MORE FILM
BUFF TRIVIA
Did you know that…
...the 1930s Shanghai film star
Lan Ping (aka Jiang Qing)
became better known as
the infamous, real-life
Madame Mao?
...the Gong Li/John Cusack film
Shanghai was actually made
in Bangkok after they were
denied filming permits a week
before shooting was to begin?
...the scenes in M:I3 where
Tom Cruise is running to save
his wife were actually filmed
in the water town of Xitang,
90km from Shanghai? And that
the post-apocalyptic view of
Pudong that is supposedly the
South Shanghai Rail Station
Yard where Cruise meets his
nemesis in M:I3 is the exact
same footage (minus Cruise
and the long white limo) used
as the opening shot in The
Transformers: Revenge of the
Fallen? Look closely and you’ll
even see the same three fires
burning on the ground…
M OVIE MAGIC IN CHINA
On location at
Yu Gardens
Yu Gardens is what most people who
have never been to Shanghai imagine
the city to look like: narrow streets
with Chinese-style architecture and
lots of little stands on the street selling
trinkets. It’s even a bit seedy, you might
say. Not surprisingly, it’s one of the
city’s main tourist attractions since it’s
one of the few places in Shanghai that
has a true “Asian” feel. This perhaps
explains why Cruise and comrades are
magically transported across the river
to Puxi for the car chase that ensues
{ 93 }
after he descends from the skyscrapers
of Pudong — there’s better scenery and
more laundry hanging outside people’s
windows in this part of town.
Best time to visit: daytime, when
you can also shop for less-thanauthentic
watches, eat cheap noodles,
and pay a visit to the City God Temple
(Chenghuang Miao).

Stephen Chow
(above right)
makes full use of
the Shanghai Film
Studio in Kung Fu
Hustle; (below) feel
like you’re back
in time to 1930s
Shanghai
M OVIE MAGIC IN CHINA
{ 95 }
On location at
Shanghai Film Studio
Shanghai’s equivalent of Universal
Studios is worth a visit. In fact, the
vast majority of Old Shanghai scenes
you’ll see in movies (Kung Fu Hustle,
The Painted Veil, and of course Lust,
Caution) were at least partially shot
here, on a reconstructed set of 1930s
Nanjing Road that’s built to original
scale. And the good news is, it’s open
to visitors. This is where you’ll fi nd all
the things that don’t exist in Shanghai
anymore, like trolley cars, rickshaws
and people walking around in qipaos.
There’s even a daily kung fu show!
But if you want to see the real thing,
such as Shanghai’s old shikumen lane
houses and colonial mansions (minus
the Model-T Fords and men in tiny
round sunglasses with long ponytails),
check out the French Concession and
the area around Rui Jin Hotel (118 Rui
Jin Er Lu), as well as nearby Tian Zi
Fang. This is Old Shanghai, where you
can even spot buildings in some of the
outdoor scenes in Lust, Caution.
Shanghai Film Studio: Tourist Buses
depart Monday to Friday, 9:30am
from Shanghai Stadium (the Shanghai
Sightseeing Bus Center) and return at
2:15pm. Admission: RMB50 (PHP337);
children, RMB25 (PHP169).
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Manila to
Shanghai. www.cebupacifi cair.com

M EET THE MOVIE MAVERICKS
The watch list
Thanks to this stellar lineup of young, independent
and creative film artists, Philippine cinema
is again the one to beat in Asia.
By Ria Limjap. Illustrations by Meneer Marcelo
{ 97 }

M EET THE MOVIE MAVERICKS
{ 99 }
THESE ARE exciting times for Philippine cinema. It is
enjoying a surge of creative energy from a bunch of young
and talented writers, directors, producers and actors who are
forming the new face of Filipino fi lm, both in the Philippines
and overseas. So who fares the best and counts among
the brightest?
The breakout star
Eugene Domingo is probably the hardest working actress in
the country today, appearing in television and starring in a
couple of commercial and independent fi lms, most of them
box offi ce hits. She exploded on the scene playing twins in
Kimmy Dora, and has done everything from drama to broad
comedy. In Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the
Septic Tank), she even satirizes herself, proving to all that she
can be a viable leading lady in romantic roles and a scenestealer
in supporting ones. With her theatrical background,
Domingo is committed to her craft and tireless in her work —
the poster girl for authentic talent in an industry littered with
leggy starlets and mere posers.
The dynamic duo
Monster Jimenez and Mario Cornejo
are partners and collaborators whose
fi lms are consistently smart, funny
and thought-provoking. In 2005, they
co-wrote Big Time — a deliciously
dark comedy about petty criminals
and a heist gone wrong — which he
directed and she produced and edited.
In 2010, the roles were reversed in
Kano: An American and his Harem,
a documentary directed by Monster
and produced by Mario. Kano, the
harrowing story of a Vietnam vet who
set up a harem in the Philippines, has
traveled to international festivals and
won in 2011 best documentary from the
prestigious Gawad Urian Awards given
by the Filipino Film Critics Association.

The gender
bender
Raymond Lee champions everything
good and beautiful in Philippine fi lms.
One of the founding members of ufo
Pictures, Lee produced the landmark
independent movie Ang Pagdadalaga
ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming
of Maximo Oliveros) in 2005. He
also co-wrote and produced 2011’s
Zombadings, a hilarious comedy that
features zombies — a runaway success
that used non-traditional marketing
techniques for an unconventional
story. His talents span the mainstream
industry and independent scene, as
he writes ten-hanky dramas for major
studios and poignant stories about
ordinary people.
M EET THE MOVIE MAVERICKS
{ 100 }
The triple threat
Chris Martinez writes, directs and produces fi lms that elicit a
strong response from the audience, be it laughter or tears or
both. After a slew of screenplays for the big studios, he wrote
and directed 100 — an independent fl ick about a woman
dying of cancer — which won awards at home and abroad. His
latest screenplay, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in
the Septic Tank) — directed by long-time collaborator Marlon
Rivera — has been hailed by critics and made a killing at the
box offi ce. His trademark humor and tight storytelling are
always apparent in his work, which never lacks heart, truth
and accessibility.

THE FESTIVALS
When the Cinemalaya
Philippine Independent Film
Festival happens in July,
expect the Cultural Center of
the Philippines to buzz with
energy. Now on its eighth year,
Cinemalaya has become an
effective incubation program
for young Filipino filmmakers:
many of today , s most talented
ones did a year (or two)
here. This 10-day event
showcases shorts and features
in competition, and works
from veteran directors. www.
cinemalaya.org
The Cinema One Originals
Digital Film Festival is another
great platform for Filipino
filmmakers. Cinema One,
a cable channel devoted to
Filipino movies, gives out
seven grants to deserving
screenplays which are
developed into feature films.
Many original and intriguing
works have emerged from
Cinema One , s annual harvest.
Usually held at the Shangri-La
Cineplex in Metro Manila, it
now travels to other cities like
Cebu. www.cinemaone.com.ph
The Cinemanila International
Film Festival is the longest
running international film
festival in Manila. Usually
slated during the last quarter
of the year, it presents an
excellently curated selection
of contemporary cinema from
all over the world and from
acclaimed Filipino filmmakers.
www.cinemanila.org.ph
The International Silent Film
Festival Manila (in cooperation
with foreign embassies and
cultural institutions) happens
in August at the Shangri-La
Cineplex, where silent film
classics are set to a live musical
score by Filipino musicians
from different genres.
M EET THE MOVIE MAVERICKS
The wunderkid
Raya Martin is a young and prolifi c
fi lmmaker whose evocative voice and
unique vision mark him as one of the
most promising talents to emerge from
Philippine cinema. He went to Cannes
in 2008 (at age 23) for his fi lm Now
Showing, and went back in 2009 for
Independencia, the story of a mother
and son hiding in the Philippine jungle
at the turn of the century. That same
year he also had another fi lm at the
festival: Manila, which he co-directed
with Adolf Alix. Decidedly independent
in his approach and content, Martin’s
latest fi lm, Buenas Noches España,
combines explosions of colour, warped
sound, the art of painter Juan Luna,
and historical time travel.
{ 103 }
The mentor
Sherad Anthony Sanchez is an awardwinning
fi lmmaker from Davao who
began making short fi lms during his
college years — and he hasn’t stopped
since. His work is nuanced and complex,
with his 2008 fi lm Imburnal (Sewer)
refl ecting the idyllic and sometimes
violent world of his boyhood. He also
works as a consultant for the Cinema
One Originals festival, where he acts as
a creative advisor for several fi lms. His
vision, talent and generosity contribute
to the development of other young
fi lmmakers on the brink.

The music maker
M EET THE MOVIE MAVERICKS
Jerrold Tarog began his career in fi lm as a composer, and to
this day still scores most of his fi lms (which he probably also
wrote, directed and edited). Tarog found himself acting in his
2007 fi lm Confessional, when his lead actor backed out at
the last minute. While cutting his teeth in the independent
scene, he has recently crossed over into the mainstream
with some success, directing two critically acclaimed
episodes in the iconic horror franchise Shake, Rattle and
Roll and a commercial horror fi lm called Aswang. Refusing
to get pinned down as a horror director, Tarog is constantly
developing diverse projects that challenge and engage his
many talents as a fi lmmaker.
{ 104 }
The heir apparent
Sid Lucero or Timmy Eigenmann in real life has acting in his blood.
His own screen name comes from his famous father’s character in the
iconic Mike de Leon fi lm Batch ‘81. Aside from the showbiz pedigree,
he also has the good looks, charisma, instincts and passion for his
work. Lucero is also a young actor who stands out because of his
range and potential: he can cross over from a mainstream television
series (like Amaya) to art house hits (like Independencia). He is
convincing as a lovestruck swain in the glossy biopic Rosario, and as
a repressed homosexual in Muli. All that youthful energy and innate
talent makes him one of the best actors of his generation.

DON’T MISS
THESE
We’ve listed 12 fresh
Filipino fi lms guaranteed
to move you
1
Zombadings 1: Patayin sa
Shokot si Remington
(directed by Jade Castro)
A boy grows up confused: is he in love
with the girl next door or with his hunky
best friend? With zombies, a serial killer
and a “real” gaydar, hilarity will most
defi nitely ensue.
2
Senior Year
(directed by Jerrold Tarog)
A funny and poignant fi lm about the
last year of high school using real
high-school students or non-actors.
It takes you back to your senior year
— complete with heartbreak, a cheer
dancing competition and the prom.
3
Six Degrees of Separation
from Lilia Cuntapay
(directed by Antoinette Jadaone)
Excellent mocumentary about Lilia
Cuntapay, background artist. Famous
for her roles in horror fi lms, Lilia dreams
about winning the best actress award
and actually wins it in real life.
4
Unoff icially Yours
(directed by Cathy
Garcia-Molina)
Cute little romantic comedy starring
John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin.
5
Kimmy Dora
(directed by Joyce Bernal)
Eugene Domingo’s breakout role as
identical twins Kimmy (the dragon lady)
and Dora (the fl ower child). Produced
by an independent outfi t, this comedy
was a hit and a sequel is in the works.
M EET THE MOVIE MAVERICKS
{ 106 }
6
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank
(directed by Marlon Rivera)
Satire at its fi nest. A sharp-eyed
fi rst-time director shows us the perils
of making a Third World poverty fi lm:
casting a diva, shooting in the slums,
and dreaming of victory at the Oscars.
7
Ang Pagdadalaga ni
Maximo Oliveros (directed
by Aureus Solito)
A delicate story about a gay kid coming
of age in a very macho family.
8
Paano Ko Sasabihin
(directed by Richard Legaspi)
A quiet romance about two people who
meet on the train. Mainstream stars
Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee are
perfectly cast in the lead roles.
9
The Red Shoes
(directed by Raul Jorolan)
This charming fi lm revolves around a
boy who steals a pair of shoes from
the closet of Imelda Marcos when
Malacañang Palace was raided by
the public.
10
Ang Damgo ni Eluteria
Kirchbaum
(directed by Remton Zuasola)
This is about a girl’s last hours on an
island before going off to Germany to
become a mail order bride. The fi lm is
done in a single shot with wonderful
acting by an ensemble cast.
11 Rakenrol
(directed by Quark Henares)
Quirky and heartfelt, this fi lm is about
love and music — or falling in love with
your bandmate. Features cameos from
stars of the independent Filipino music
scene, and a soundtrack that rocks.
12
The Arrival
(directed by Erik Mati)
A deeply personal fi lm from a
successful director about a man who
dreams of love and happiness — and
leaps into the unknown to fi nd it.

{ 108 }
PHOTO LESTER LEDESMA

A MOUNTAIN OF TREATS
Around the mighty Mt. Pinatubo thrives a
fertile region dubbed the rice capital of the
Philippines. Sam Shoushi tracks a foodie trail
of favorite eats from the grain and beyond
{ 109 }
And that’s a wrap!
Sticky rice in
banana leaves make
for filling snacks
North
bounty

PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA, SAM SOUSHI (INSET)
JUST A COUPLE of hours north of
Manila is a region where a god presides
right at its center — Mt. Pinatubo,
one of the largest volcanoes in the
Philippines and an omnipresent fi gure
in Central Luzon.
Proximity to the volcano has shaped
the area, most markedly in its cuisine;
after all, the volcanic soil has made
it one of the most fertile lands in the
country. Known as the Rice Bowl
of the Philippines, the provinces in
Central Luzon supply most of the rice
requirements of a population that thinks
of it as a staple in every meal. It’s little
surprise then that it’s home to many
rice-based treats.
But Mt. Pinatubo and the vast
expanse of rice fi elds around it also
provide a gorgeous view, making
the foodie trail across the provinces
surrounding the volcano a perfect
getaway that’s conveniently located
just outside of Manila.
A MOUNTAIN OF TREATS
Suman
BULACAN
Many provinces in the Philippines claim
to have the best suman in the country,
but Bulacan remains a top competitor
on the list. A quintessential Filipino
delicacy, suman is a rice cake wrapped
in banana leaves and steamed to a
sticky consistency.
There are many types of suman,
but the traditional one is made of
malagkit (sticky rice) mixed with
coconut milk. A Bulakeño specialty is
sumang kamoteng kahoy (made with
cassava instead of rice), accented with
toasted grated coconut. Suman can be
served both warm and cold, and eaten
anytime during the day.
{ 111 }
Try this! Most types of suman are
mildly sweet, so it is common to
have them with a side of latik, a
creamy caramel made from reduced
coconut milk.
Suman things to do,
so little time! There are lots of
ways to have sticky rice, and
having it with caramel on the
side is just one of them

Bamboo rice
ZAMBALES
The Aeta are one of the Philippines’
indigenous peoples that live in the
mountainous regions of Luzon,
including Zambales. Aeta culture
is rich, and like most indigenous
cultures, inspired by their surrounding
environment. This holds true with their
food. Bananas and root vegetables
such as cassava and yams are
common in Aeta cuisine, but one
dish to highlight here is bamboo rice.
Traditionally, the Aeta cook their rice by
steaming a bamboo tube fi lled with rice
and water. Once cooked, the bamboo
is split open, releasing the natural
aroma of its fi lling. The rice has a hint
of bamboo fl avor, which gives it a very
fresh and organic taste.
A MOUNTAIN OF TREATS
Now that’s multi-tasking Not only do
the Aeta use the versatile bamboo as
natural containers for cooking rice, they
also carve bamboo to fashion utensils,
cups and bowls.
{ 112 }
Rice to the occasion
— serving bamboo
rice for your next
dinner at home
takes care of the
presentation points
Tsokolate
PAMPANGA
The Philippines has a version of hot
chocolate that is richer: tsokolate.
Pampanga gives a twist to the
traditional tsokolate by adding ground
peanuts to the chocolate, which results
in an even thicker drink.
Do it their way Enjoy this drink with a
side of pinipig rice crispies — or better
yet, fried suman bits — and explore
a world of fl avors and textures that is
essentially what Kapampangan cuisine
is all about.
PHOTOS CHRISTIAN LUCAS SANGOYA (TSOKOLATE), ESTAN CABIGAS (BAMBOO RICE)

PHILIPPINE FOUNDATION
FOR BREAST CARE INC.
K sssssssssssssssss
suso
malungai
the pure power of mother nature
TM

PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA (BANGUS), CHRISTIAN LUCAS SANGOYA (BANGUS INSET, MININDAL)
Minindal
PAMPANGA
Kapampangan cuisine is so diverse and
refi ned that the province is constantly
voted as the food capital of the
Philippines. The region’s culinary arts
extend from the favorites (cured pork) to
the truly exotic (fried crickets, anyone?).
Standing testimony to this is the
Kapampangan snack, or minindal in the
local language. While a typical snack in
the Philippines involves having a small
treat between meals, the minindal is a
major culinary affair on its own.
An example of minindal is hot
pandesal bread served with a side
of kesong puti (salty white cheese),
longganisa (cured pork sausage) and
pistou (sautéed ground pork). Indeed,
Pampanga takes snacking to a whole
new level.
A MOUNTAIN OF TREATS
Bangus
PANGASINAN
Dubbed as the “National Fish of
the Philippines,” bangus (also
called milkfi sh, thanks to its
fi ne white meat) is Pangasinan’s
pride. Case in point: the annual
Bangus Festival, which takes
place off Lake Dagupan — the best
source for bangus in the province. The
bangus here has a distinctly large belly,
arguably the best part of the fi sh. Dine
Did you know that… the pandesal and
longganisa from Guagua, Pampanga
is different than the usual kind found
in the Philippines? Guagua pandesal
{ 115 }
Milkfi sh is best fried or grilled
at Lake Daguan and have your freshly
caught bangus grilled, fried or stewed.
A local dip made of toyu (soy sauce),
calamansi (Filipino lime), and bagoong
(shrimp paste) adds a burst of fl avors
to the fi sh.
Note to foodie Eating bangus can be
tough for some because it is bonier
than other fi sh. But it is so tasty that the
“hard work” really pays off. Otherwise,
you can take the easy option and order
the fi sh already deboned!
has a crumbly consistency that is
more similar to a biscuit, while Guagua
longganisa is more sour and less sweet
than the usual cured pork sausage.

A MOUNTAIN OF TREATS
{ 116 }
Get creative with kakanin and
serve it with toppings of your
choice — from coconut shavings
to fried sesame seeds
Kakanin
PANGASINAN
A fascinating thing about Filipino
desserts is that although they are
mostly rice-based, they come in a
wide variety of fl avors and forms.
Pangasinan has mastered this art with
its three popular delicacies.
Unda-unday These rice dumplings
resemble the better-known palitaw
but with a thicker texture. Also, the
concoction of sugar, coconut and
sesame that serves as coating for
palitaw dumplings is made into a light
syrup in the case of unda-unday. This
makes unda-unday a refreshing treat
for hot Filipino weather.
Masikoy This is similar to unda-unday
but with a darker sauce made of brown
sugar and grated black sesame, which
gives the rice dumplings a deep and
earthy fl avor. Masikoy is perfect with a
cup of coffee or tea.
Bibingkang malagkit These diamondshaped
rice cakes topped with brown
sugar caramel are a familiar treat in
the Philippines. But the bibingkang
malagkit in Pangasinan is so soft and
LEDESMA
tender it dissolves in your hand as soon
as you grab it!
LESTER
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies from Clark across the
network. www.cebupacifi cair.com PHOTOS

Clockwise: Boracay,
Hong Kong, Siem Reap
or Mt. Kinabalu —
the choice is yours
1
Beach Baby
For you, it’s all about
living in your bikini/board
shorts/sarong all day — how
else will you appreciate the
sand between your toes? So
get yourself to a beach, where
there’s blue water to surf on or
wade in, palm trees to strap
a hammock to, and a fi reball
sunset to toast a drink to.
Your best bets Boracay, Bohol
or Siargao
Don’t leave without Suntan oil
or sunblock, a camera, and
Jack Johnson on your MP3.
quick quiz
Pick a photo,
pack your bags
Figuring out where to go this month? Our visual pop quiz will
show you what your holiday personality is — or what you
might be in the mood for this summer
2
Hot Child in
the City
Your perfect vacation
would be a heady cocktail of
shopping sprees, dinners at
swanky restaurants, all-night
drinks and dancing at worldclass
clubs with international
DJs, watching Broadway plays,
and hitting the casino in a city
that refuses to sleep.
Your best bets Hong Kong,
Macau or Shanghai
Don’t leave without Luggage
space to fi t all your shopping,
and dressy clothes for night.
{ 118 }
3 Ain, t No
Mountain
High Enough
If you’re the type who thrives
on the natural high of reaching
greater heights, indulge your
inner highlander and conquer
mountains around the country
and across the region. Not only
will the holiday make you fi tter,
it’ll be good for your soul, too.
Your best bets Mt. Apo in Davao
or Mt. Kinabalu
Don’t leave without Hiking
shoes, an all-weather jacket,
and a camera.
4 Rough
Quick, don’t
overthink it
and Ready
Relaxing by a pool isn’t
your cup of tea…unless said
pool leads to an underground
cavern that leads to a secret
waterfall, that eventually takes
you to an ancient temple that
promises adventures untold.
Tomb raiders, unite!
Your best bet Siem Reap
Don’t leave without Gatorade
or any type of energy gel,
headlights, an adventurer’s hat,
and sunglasses that can decode
ancient treasure maps.
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA (BORACAY AND HONG KONG)

Bring the whole bunch.
At Azalea Residences Residences Baguio, Baguio, family holidays spell fun for everyone.
Cutting-edge comforts for the modern-day brood are never amiss in the Azalea
suites. Gather the whole bunch in the sitting room for animated stories and
get busy in the kitchen whipping up home-cooked feast for the family.
Who needs multiple separate rooms when one is good enough for everyone?
Family Fun discounted discounted packages packages available.
available.
A member mem em ber of of RCI
RCI

Hot ideas
You may not get the opportunity again,
so grab these exciting products and
services before they run out
For better health
and wealth
If you’re thinking of a business to invest
in, consider a pharmacy franchise. The
health and wellness sector is thriving right
now, and a pharmacy meets the needs
of a community as well as provides a
profi t. Farmacia Ni Dok is one drugstore
that gives value for money, and is a good
option for a franchise investment: there’s
no need to pay royalties for the fi rst three
years. They also boast a low franchise fee
of just PHP99,000; offer a wide product
range and a POS (Point of Sale) that allows
you to monitor your business online;
and has three franchise packages from
PHP398,000 to PHP1.37 million for you
to choose from. Unit 2203 Jollibee Plaza
Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Rd., Ortigas Center,
Pasig City; inquiry@farmacianidok.com,
www.farmacianidok.com
chikka checklist
Look younger
Did you know that 80 percent
of your skin is made up of a protein called
collagen? The body produces a healthy
amount of collagen when we’re young, but
gets depleted over time due to exposure
to pollutants and the sun. This manifests
as premature wrinkles, fi ne lines and sun
spots. To replenish your skin’s collagen,
try mixing one sachet of Ivi Premium
Collagen Powder Drink to your beverage
every day — it contains 5000mg of pure
collagen to help restore the skin’s elasticity
and fi rmness. Available at all leading
drugstores in the Philippines. Tel: +63 (2)
655 8888/0000, +63 (917) 880 0484,
ivi.com.ph
{ 121 }
Super sun protection
Get ready for your trip to the
beach with proper sun protection, enough
to shield you from dangerous UVA and
UVB rays that can cause sun damage
and dark, cracking and dry skin. The Belo
Authority’s clinically formulated sunblock
for the face, for one, helps block UV rays
from the skin’s surface. Belo Essentials
SunExpert Face Cover SPF40 has a
Cell Protect formula that helps prevent
premature skin aging,
and strengthens the
skin’s defense system
against age-accelerating
UV rays. Light and
non-sticky, it’s noncomedogenic
and
hypoallergenic. Belo
Essentials SunExpert
also provides sun
protection for the body
with SPF60. Available
in department stores and
drugstores nationwide.

Beat the heat
the green way
Cool off with the Kolin S-Series, a
brand new line of air conditioners
— it boasts the highest EER (Energy
Effi ciency Ratio) as rated by the
Department of Energy and the
Department of Trade and Industry.
What’s EER? An EER looks at how
a cooling system operates relative
to the outside temperature at a
specifi c level. The higher the cooling
capacity or EER, the lower the power
consumption. With the EER, Kolin’s
S-Series has a low impact on the
environment and saves you energy
as well.
Think value, economy, effi ciency
and service too: a 1.2HP (Horse
Power) unit has an impressive EER
of 11.7; the 1.6HP has an 11.9 EER;
the 2.1HP has an 11.6 EER; and the
2.6HP has an EER of 10.4.
Kolin’s S-Series also utilizes
recyclable materials for most of its
parts; even the packaging complies
with environmental standards. Plus
they have a dedicated team of
trained experts who are on call 24/7,
providing strong after-sales support.
www.kolinphil.com.ph
chikka checklist
Ride around Macau in style
Feel like you’re zipping around London in a genuine London cab: You can when you
stay at the Galaxy Macau this summer. The world-class resort property that’s been called “The
New Palace of Asia” has launched a fl eet of London taxicabs to welcome VIP guests. Known
for their exceptional comfort (they can even accommodate wheelchairs), these elegant vehicles
boast a regal history that dates back to the 1800s.
“There are very few holiday experiences
quite like walking out of the airport or
ferry terminal and having your own
luxury transportation waiting for you —
particularly something as striking as a
London cab in Macau,” says Michael
Mecca, President and COO of Galaxy
Entertainment Group. The fl eet is also
perfect for escorting guests to and from
private parties and event functions.
www.facebook/galaxymacau,
weibo.com/galaxymacau
Work for a company that cares
If you’re on the hunt for a promising career with a reliable company, look into Aegis
Limited. Part of the Essar Group, the leading outsourcing services provider has increased its
operations in the Philippines — expanding from current centers across Metro Manila, Cebu and
Baguio to Cebu with an impressive new building.
Aegis employs over 50,000 people across 50 locations globally. In the Philippines, the
company’s current headcount has surpassed the 12,000 mark, with the intention of adding
3,000 more jobs by the end of the year with this new facility — a green building that will
provide a work environment that uses natural light, has a rooftop garden with a water feature, a
multi-level FSC-certifi ed wood decking, a state-of-the-art fi tness center with dance studio, and a
recreation center/lounge for the enjoyment of Aegis employees.
Bong Borja, President of Aegis PeopleSupport, expressed his optimism on the continued
growth of Aegis in the Philippines. “The new tower intends to not only give Aegis employees a
comfortable and conducive working environment, it is also an edifi ce that they can take pride
in. They will be proud to work for a company that invests in their talents and provides them
the best working conditions possible.” www.aegisglobal.com, @aegisonline (Twitter), or www.
facebook.com/aegisglobal
{ 122 }
Become more
bankable
A higher education will take you places,
especially if it’s an MBA from a top-ranking
UK institution. As the cost is pretty steep,
try to qualify for a scholarship with Anglia
Ruskin University (ARU). The one-year
course costs GBP12,900 (PHP876,970),
but will be reduced by 50 percent if you are
granted one of seven partial scholarships
available to Filipino students for the June
and October 2012 intake. For more details,
contact Stephanie Limuaco, Admissions
Offi cer at Globe Education. Deadline for the
June 2012 intake is May 1. Tel: +63 (917)
832 8382, s.limuaco@geducation.co.uk,
www.geducation.co.uk
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA

promotional feature
Quality time
in Sorsogon
From sunrise to sundown, make your summer
escape action-packed in Sorsogon City
THIS SUMMER, head to where the whale
sharks — the gentle giants of the sea — roam.
Can it get any more fun in Sorsogon? We think
so. Read on for more fun summer ideas.
Early morning
Start your day with an early-morning walk
or run in the coolness of daybreak, and under
the watchful gaze of Mt. Bulusan. Then end
your morning fi tness routine at Rompeolas
(Spanish for “where the waves cavort”), a strip
of pier in Sorsogon Bay, in the company of
fellow early risers.
After breakfast, prepare for the ultimate in
summer water adventure. No summer escape
to Sorsogon would be complete without
heading to Donsol, hopping aboard a boat,
jumping into sea, and swimming with the
famous whale sharks or butandings.
Mid-day
Trek to the EDC Bacman Geothermal fi eld,
home to the world’s biggest bats and a large
population of exotic butterfl ies. Lace up your
trusty hiking boots and don’t forget to bring
along a large water bottle. Head towards the
majestic Botong Twin Falls, where along the
way you’ll see steam pipes that stretch over
several kilometers. The Energy Development
Corporation (EDC) is a private company, but
accommodations for visitors may be arranged
beforehand. Still up for more leg work? Enjoy
even more treks at the Cabarbuhan Eco-Park
or Mt. Pulog.
Late afternoon
Looking to cool down in the afternoon heat?
Pick your spot of beach at the Bacon District,
or head over to one of the many natural
{ 124 }
Clockwise from left: Tricycles are the quickest, most
effi cient way to get to all the must-see places in
the city; don’t forget to try Sorsogon’s version of the
suman; a traditional vessel in Sorsogon Bay
springs around the city. Or better yet, stroll
along downtown Sorsogon, where the newly
renovated, imposing Cathedral stands. A few
meters away are roadside stalls or carinderia,
each offering different native rice treats such
as lanson, biko and suman lejia — perfect with
kapeng barako (brewed locally grown coffee).
Early evening to late night
After an action-packed day, unwind at any
of the city’s many restaurants; each offers a
wide variety of seafood and vegetable dishes.
Carinderias at the Sorsogon City Public Market
offer Bicolano classics such as pinangat or
laing (taro leaves in coconut milk and chili),
while the others pride themselves on their
spicy versions of baloko (seafood belonging to
scallop family). Many also offer affordable and
quick eats.
PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA (BOAT AND SUMAN)

A better place to stay!
Summer G etaways
mrdo 010308
Go Island Hopping
Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Take an Exciting Trek
Mt. Pinatubo, Tarlac
Simply Bond
Burnham Park, Baguio City
Microtel is an international chain of hotels under Wyndham Hotel Group.
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Swing Around Town
Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Cavite
Shop By the Bay
Mall of Asia Shopping Complex
Make Waves
River Rafting at Davao River
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Want to visit
Siem Reap?
Turn to page 129
for useful advice
from a local!
trip journal
trip journal
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Be a Smile Where local to correspondent! find everything Email you us wanna at cebu.ed@ink-global.com
read - enjoy!
{ 127 }
The ancient ruins
of Angkor Wat in
Cambodia beckon

JAPAN
OSAKA
COUNTRY CODE +81 (6)
CURRENCY JPY100 = PHP52.40/US$1.23
TOUCHDOWN Take the Nankai Express Rapit
from Kansai International Airport to Osaka (38
minutes to Namba station) and the JR Haruka
limited express (33 minutes to Tenno-ji, 51 minutes
to Shin-Osaka). www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access
BY DAY It’s hanami season early this month, so fi nd
a park to view the cherry blossoms. Also visit the
Osaka Aquarium in the Tempozan Harbor Village at
the city’s bay area; it features aquatic life that thrives
in the Pacifi c Rim.
BY NIGHT Dotonbori is one of the city’s most
popular tourist destinations for shopping, food and
entertainment. Marvel at the many neon lights
and mechanized signs that illuminate the streets at
night, including the iconic Glico Running Man.
SLEEP Kaneyoshi Ryokan in Dotonbori has comfy
Japanese-style rooms. It’s very close to shopping
areas and 30 minutes from Universal Studios.
front@kaneyosi.jp, www.kaneyosi.jp/english.htm
Daisuke
Hiraishi
graduate
LOCAL SPEAK Try Makete, an
Osaka dialect. “Okini” is an informal way
of saying “thank you.”
BEST FESTIVAL The Kishiwada
Danjiri Festival in September has people
pushing shrines on wheels.
MUST-TRY Taste Osaka street food
such as okonomiyaki (pancake with the
fi lling of your choice) and takoyaki (grilled
or fried octopus).
TREVOR MOGG
NEW
ROUTE
trip journal
CAMBODIA
SIEM REAP
COUNTRY CODE +84
CURRENCY KHR100 = PHP1.05/US$.02
TOUCHDOWN From the Siem Reap-Angkor
International Airport, hire a tuk-tuk for about US$5
(PHP213); it will take you 20 minutes to reach the
town proper. But most hotels offer a free pickup
service, so make sure to book in advance.
BY DAY Angkor’s temples are an obvious choice, so
escape the crowds and walk or mountain bike along
the top of the Angkor Thom wall. It’s 12km around,
nicely green and quiet. You come upon gates every
3km so you can shorten the journey if you like.
BY NIGHT Mebon Restaurant is a truly Khmer
experience. It’s not fancy, and you’re likely to be the
only foreigner in this large beer hall/restaurant with
live singers, dancing, and exotic cuisine like monitor
lizard and deer. Off Route 6, Airport Rd.
SLEEP Quiet, stylish and well-run, Heritage Suites
is a Relais & Chateaux property close to town,
located next to a school/temple. Good value for
money. Near Wat Po Lanka, tel: +855 63 969 100
Scott Coates
owner, www.
smilingalbino.com
BEST BREAKFAST Freshly baked
croissants, sausages, Khmer coffee and free
Wi-Fi at Bougeviller (St. 7, Old Market Area).
BEST SOUVENIRS Visit 1961 (River
Rd, Upper West Side) — a small hotel,
gallery, café and quirky gift center in one.
BEST DINNER Head to the Angkor
Hospital for Children (Acha Mean Rd.,
angkorhospital.org) to learn about the
social struggles of Cambodia.
{ 129 }
LESTER LEDESMA

VIETNAM
HO CHI MINH CITY
COUNTRY CODE +84
CURRENCY VND10,000 = PHP20.23/US$0.47
TOUCHDOWN Tan Son Nhat International
Airport is a 30-minute drive away from District 1.
A taxi ride costs about VND80,000 (PHP162).
You can also hire a motorbike and driver for
VND20,000 (PHP40).
BY DAY Go on a tour of the city, visiting the War
museum, Reunifi cation Palace, Ben Thanh market
and the Cu Chi tunnel if time permits. Stop by
L’Usine café in Dong Khoi, then pop over to see the
Water Puppet Show at Rong Vang theater.
BY NIGHT Dine at one of many great hotpot
restaurants on Truong Dinh St. or around District
3. The acoustic club in Ngo Thoi Nhiem is popular
among the younger set. For dancing, head to
Apocalypse in Thi Sach or Lush in Ly Tu Trong.
SLEEP Mid-range hotels include Rex, Que Huong
and Liberty. There are budget hotels or guesthouses
in the backpack area (Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham) that
go for US$10–20 (PHP427–854) a night.
Man Quang
Ho
banker
BEST BREAKFAST Start your day
with a steaming hot bowl of Pho Hoa
noodles on Pasteur St.
INSIDER TIP Mai Linh and Vina Sun
are the best taxi services. Beware of cabs
passing themselves off as the real thing.
MUST-DO Find your spot on the curb
on Han Thuyen St., then sip Vietnamesestyle
coffee while admiring the Notre
Dame Cathedral.
trip journal
VIETNAM
HANOI
COUNTRY CODE +84
CURRENCY VND10,000 = PHP20.23/US$0.47
TOUCHDOWN The Noi Bai International Airport
is located 45km away from the city center.
Transportation services like public taxis, mini and
public buses are available at the arrivals level.
www.hanoiairportonline.com
BY DAY Include the water puppet show, Hoa Lo
Prison and the Temple of Literature in your itinerary.
Try Hanoi eats bun cha (grilled pork patties with
vermicelli rice noodles) at Ngo Tram St. and cha ca
(grilled fi sh pies) at 14 Cha Ca St.
BY NIGHT Movie fans, head over to the Hanoi
Cinematheque, an art-house cinema that shows
Hollywood classic fi lms as well as Vietnamese
avant garde movies. For drinks, order a pint of
Czech beed at Hoa Vien Brahaus.
SLEEP Check into Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi for a
good night’s sleep. 29 Trang Tien St., Hoan Kiem
District, Hanoi; tel: +84 (4) 6282 5555, www.
mgallery.com
BEST BREAKFAST Beef noodle
soup at Pho Suong along Trung Yen, and
Vietnamese coffee at Giang Café.
BEST DINNER Try an upscale
fusion meal of French and Vietnamese
cuisine at La Verticale.
BEST SOUVENIRS Embroidered
paintings, wartime propaganda posters,
lacquer paintings and more in Hanoi’s
Old Quarter.
{ 131 }
Nga Hoang
freelance writer
LESTER LEDESMA

trip journal
CHINA
HONG KONG
COUNTRY CODE +852
CURRENCY HK$1 = PHP5.50/US$0.13
TOUCHDOWN The Airport Express takes 24
minutes to Central and costs HK$100 (PHP550).
If you take a taxi from the airport, it will cost you
upwards of HK$300 (PHP1,650), depending on
where you alight. www.hongkongairport.com
BY DAY When you’re done with your shopping
in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, visit Hong
Kong’s outlying islands. Lamma or Cheung Chau
serve great seafood lunches and offer a break
from the urban jungle.
BY NIGHT Looking to fi nd a night spot that not
everyone knows about? 001 on Graham St. near
99 Sense is a chic, hidden speak-easy bar that
serves the best Earl Grey Martini and grilled cheese
sandwiches in Hong Kong.
SLEEP With interiors designed by Andre Fu, the
117-room Upper House in Admiralty boasts the
largest hotel bedrooms in Hong Kong, with 300ft 2
bathrooms. www.upperhouse.com/en/
Ces Yee
marketing
campaign manager
BEST BRUNCH Oola! Nothing
beats a casual brunch in such a cozy
environment.
BEST BUYS Instead of the main
malls, try the alley shops in Gough St.,
Staunton St. and Sheung Wan.
BEST DINNER Private kitchens
like Magnolia, TBLS or Comilonas serve
mouthwatering dishes better than those
you’ll fi nd at the usual restaurants.
{ 132 }
CHINA
MACAU
COUNTRY CODE +853
CURRENCY MOP1 = PHP5.23/US$0.12
TOUCHDOWN Upon arriving in Macau, board
the Bus AP1 from the airport to the Barrier Gate
(China border). A taxi ride into the city only takes
15 minutes and will cost you around MOP40–50
(PHP209–262).
BY DAY Relish the rich history of Macau’s World
Heritage Sites: the A-Ma Temple, which existed
even before Macau came to be; the Moorish
Barracks, which date back to 1874; and Lilau
Square, Macau’s main source of spring water.
BY NIGHT Dine on excellent Chinese and
Portuguese fare around the island, then order coffee
a la Portuguese, Italian and American style around
Travessa de S. Domingos and Rua Pedro José Lobo
in the city center.
SLEEP Macau has everything, from deluxe hotels
like the Four Seasons and Crown Towers to more
budget-friendly guesthouses. Check your options at
www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/info/guesthouse
Mark Parren
Taylor
photographer
BEST BREAKFAST Spicy
mackerel sandwich and the best coffee in
Macau at Café Honolulu.
BEST DINNER It’s a toss-up
between Wing Lei at Wynn’s or Tim’s
Kitchen at the Lisboa.
BEST SOUVENIRS Some
baccalhau (Portuguese-style dried salt
cod) from the wet markets, or little shops
near Rua de Cinco de Outubro.

trip journal
CHINA
BEIJING
COUNTRY CODE +86
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP6.76/US$ 0.16
TOUCHDOWN Arrive at the Beijing Capital
International Airport (BCIA). After clearing customs
and claiming baggage, catch the downtown
airport shuttles or taxis from outside the arrival
lobby. en.bcia.com.cn
BY DAY Visit the big ticket items: The Great Wall,
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, which
will take up at least two days of your trip. Beijing also
has many museums and parks such as Beihai Park,
which is an imperial garden.
BY NIGHT Beijing comes alive in the evening with
a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Havana Café in the Chaoyang district is a Brazilian-
Cuban place that serves delicious rum cocktails and
spins Latin tunes that get people on the dancefl oor.
SLEEP Grace Beijing (formerly Yi House Art Hotel
798) is a former crystal factory that’s been converted
into a boutique, 30-room establishment in the 798
art zone. www.gracebeijing.com
{ 134 }
Dana
Mercado
homemaker
BEST BREAKFAST Defi nitely
the blueberry muffi ns you can get from
Costa Coffee.
BEST SOUVENIRS Take home a
variety of individually wrapped Beijing
snacks for family and friends.
BEST BUYS Nanlugoxiang is the
place to go for unique souvenirs and
shopping. Just remember to haggle for
the best price.
CHINA
GUANGZHOU
COUNTRY CODE +86
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP6.76/US$ 0.16
TOUCHDOWN Board the Airport Express bus
from the airport, about RMB10–30 (PHP68–203).
Taxis from the airport cost about RMB120
(PHP812) for the 28km-long ride to Haizhu
Square in the city.
BY DAY Guangzhou isn’t all about the commerce.
A short land trip away from the city center will take
you to Lianhua Mountain in the suburb of Panyu.
Here you will fi nd a Buddhist sanctuary where local
residents fl ock to say their prayers.
BY NIGHT Cirque du Soleil meets the Ringling
Bros. Circus at the Chime Long International
Circus. This may not really be an immersion into
Chinese culture, but its amazing stunts make it
awe-inspiring nonetheless.
SLEEP Try the local Jianguo Hotel in Tianhe. It
provides clean and comfortable rooms of modern
design at lower prices relative to globally recognized
fi ve-star chains. www.jianguohotelgz.com
Michael
Gohu Yu
manager of a
multinational
company
BEST BRUNCH Southern China
for dim sum, and Deluxe Restaurant in
Tianhe for late morning yum cha.
BEST DINNER Try Bing Sheng
Cantonese restaurant. Be ready for long
queues, though, as it’s very popular!
INSIDER TIP Avoid paying
taxi fares with RMB50 or 100 bills.
Dishonest drivers swap them with fake
ones on unwary passengers.

trip journal
CHINA
XIAMEN
COUNTRY CODE +86
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP6.76/US$0.16
TOUCHDOWN Arrive at the Xiamen Gaoqi
International Airport. Taxis are located outside the
arrival terminal. Flat rate for cabs is about RMB8
(PHP54) for the fi rst 3km, and an additional RMB2
(PHP14) per extra km. There are also public buses.
BY DAY Visit scenic Gulangyu Island, a 10-minute
ferry ride from downtown Xiamen. The famous
1.77km 2 island (Gulangyu means “Drum Waves
Islet” as the breakers pound the rocks like drums) is
car-free and known for its beaches and architecture.
BY NIGHT For a casual dinner, head over to Me
and You 2 (Gulf Park, Hou Hai Ting No. 1) for good
pizza and ice-cold beer. Afterwards, you can hit
Soul Bar (1st Floor, 189 East Hubin Rd., Siming
District) for after-dinner drinks and dancing.
SLEEP For bigger budgets, try Marco Polo Xiamen
(8 Jianye Rd., Hubin Bei; www.marcopolohotels.
com). For smaller budgets, check out 7 Days Inn
(www.7daysinn.cn).
Bong H.
Antivola
creative services
manager, Regency
Bone China Ltd.
BEST BUYS Beef jerky from
Gulangyu Island and clothes at
Everyday On-line.
INSIDER TIP Get connected with
the Filipino Association in Xiamen to
see kababayans. www.faxiamen.com
MUST-TRY Tusundong (“shoots
frozen soil”) is a sea worm jelly made
by a kind of sea worm. It tastes sweet
and fresh.
{ 136 }
CHINA
SHANGHAI
COUNTRY CODE +86
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP6.76/US$0.16
TOUCHDOWN If you’re taking a cab from the
airport (or anywhere in Shanghai), do ask for
the fapiao (receipt). This way, in case you forget
something, you have a way of tracking it down.
www.shanghaiairport.com
BY DAY Visit the new Rockbund area and the
Rock Bund Art Museum. Shop for cool souvenirs
at Tianzifang. Take your pick of affordable day trips
from the Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Center (Gate
25 of the Shanghai Stadium/Shanghai Tiyuguan).
BY NIGHT For an evening out on the town, enjoy
drinks and supper at Mr. and Mrs. Bund at Bund
18 (www.mmbund.com), a cosmopolitan French
dinner place in Shanghai. Xinjishi on Tian Ping Rd.
is also a great place to enjoy local cuisine.
SLEEP Treat yourself to a fi rst-class hotel
experience at the Pudong Shangri-La. www.
shangri-la.com/en/property/shanghai/
pudongshangrila
Sean Yeo
promo producer
BEST BREAKFAST Order some
pan-fried buns from Xiao Yang Sheng
Jian Bao shop.
BEST BUYS Ceramics from Spin
on Julu Rd., and fashions from Qipu Lu
Clothing Market.
MUST-TRY Don’t leave the city
without a visit to Shanghai’s famous
snack street, Wujiang Rd. Taste and see
many local treats here!

TAIWAN
TAIPEI
COUNTRY CODE +886
CURRENCY TW$1 = PHP1.45/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN Taxis to the city will cost you
TW$1,100 (PHP1,591). Private bus companies
run trips from both terminals; you’ll pay a more
manageable TW$110–140 (PHP159–202). To get
around, take the MRT.
BY DAY Visit Taipei 101, Ximending and Freedom
Square — they’re all conveniently located and
accessible by MRT. Take a one-hour bus ride to
Yehliu; the peculiar rock formations make you feel
as if you’ve traveled to an eerie and faraway planet.
BY NIGHT Take the MRT to Jiantan (not Shilin)
station and follow the crowd to Shilin Night Market.
Try the jipai (fried chicken the size of your face) and
the Taiwanese sausage. For dessert, try mang guo
shue hua bing (fi nely shaved ice with mango).
SLEEP The Grand Hotel looks like a gigantic
imperial palace built thousands of years ago. Each
room features Western and Oriental decor. www.
grand-hotel.org/main/default.htm
Jojo Huang
Tang
high school teacher
BEST BREAKFAST Dan bing is a
must-try — one layer of omelette with
scallions cooked with a layer of pancake.
BEST DINNER Try jian jiao
(Taiwanese pot stickers); it’s delicious,
inexpensive and available all over the city.
INSIDER TIP If you’re into
electronics, Nova, next to Taipei Main
Station, has good deals on computers.
For cameras, go to Bo Ai Rd.
trip journal
THAILAND
BANGKOK
COUNTRY CODE +66 (2)
CURRENCY THB1 = PHP1.40/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN There is a free airport shuttle to
the Public Transportation Center in town. A taxi
costs THB200 (PHP278). In the city, use the
BTS Skytrains and avoid the jams. Tuk-tuks are
available but only for short distances.
BY DAY When in Bangkok, make sure to visit the
temples. There are several in the city, but the most
popular one is Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). Slip in
some retail therapy at malls like MBK, Emporium,
Siam Paragon and Terminal 21.
BY NIGHT Bangkok is famous for its rooftop bars.
Dress to the nines, then check out the city’s highest
bar to date — Lebua at the State Tower. Enjoy
magnifi cent night views of the Chao Praya River
and the city while sipping vino or a cocktail.
SLEEP Sommerset Sukhumvit Thonglor has
all the comfort and conveniences of a serviced
apartment. www.somerset.com/thailand/
bangkok/somerset_sukhumvit_thonglor.html
Mia
Marchadesch
Jaranilla
style contributor,
Expat Ladies
Bangkok
BEST BREAKFAST After You
Dessert Café (Cafe J-Ave., Thonglor) is
open daily from 7am to midnight.
BEST DINNER Street Food at
Sukhumvit Soi 38. It’s very famous so
you won’t miss it!
BEST SOUVENIRS Durian chips!
They’re not what you think they taste
like. Buy them at the local groceries
or MBK.
{ 139 }

trip journal
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
COUNTRY CODE +65
CURRENCY S$1 = PHP33.98/US$0.80
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a taxi
downtown for about S$15 (PHP510), depending on
the time of day. Peak hours carry a S$3 (PHP102)
surcharge. Or take the MRT and you’ll be there in
about 25 minutes for S$2 (PHP68).
BY DAY The National Library, the Central Public
Library, The National Museum of Singapore, and
Library@Esplanade are quiet places to learn about
the local culture, relax with a good book, or enjoy
a cup of tea.
BY NIGHT Go to Señor Taco at Chijmes (30
Victoria St., #01-19) for Mexican street food, a great
selection of drinks and Latin music. Hit Ku de Ta at
Marina Bay Sands on Thursday nights — there’s no
cover charge and way fewer people.
SLEEP Check into Fairmont Singapore. Their
Willow Stream Spa has a big gym, Jacuzzi and
great spa services. Dine on rustic Italian at Prego.
www.fairmont.com/Singapore
Mirza Malik
associate editor,
Men’s Health
BEST BRUNCH Sunday Vintage
Champagne brunch at Greenhouse, Ritz
Carlton Millenia.
BEST SOUVENIRS Shops outside
the Sultan Mosque in Arab St. offer
antique jewelry, batik and baskets.
BEST DINNER Carousel’s nightly
buffet at Royal Plaza at Scotts has an
enormous international spread. It’s Halal
too, which will appeal to Muslims.
{ 140 }
MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
COUNTRY CODE +60 (3)
CURRENCY RM1 = PHP14.15/US$0.33
TOUCHDOWN A bus will take you to downtown
Kuala Lumpur from the airport for about RM10
(PHP142). On the other hand, the train will get
you there in half the time. Metered taxis are fast
and affordable.
BY DAY Have a photo-op at the Petronas Twin
Towers, then visit the Aquaria KLCC — the sharks
will be a hit with the kids. Shop at Suria KLCC and
catch a concert by the Malaysian Philharmonic
Orchestra at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.
BY NIGHT Bijan is a good Malay fi ne dining
restaurant. No Black Tie has awesome jazz
performances, while Zouk on Jalan Ampang has
rooms with genres ranging from techno to ‘80s and
‘90s music. Barsonic is tops with the indie crowd.
SLEEP The Grand Millenium hotel on Jalan
Bukit Bintang is conveniently located and within
walking distance of all the major hotspots. www.
millenniumhotels.com
Sammy
Sahuri
producer,
LiTV Malaysia
BEST SOUVENIR Handcrafted
wood veneer by Arch Collection featuring
Malaysian heritage sites at Central Market.
INSIDER TIP Beware of motorbikers
when walking on the sidewalks.
Snatchers have been known to strike.
BEST DINNER Go to hip Jalan
Telawi in Bangsar for dinner at Sri
Nirwana Maju Banana Leaf Rice. Try their
signature deep fried bitter gourd.

MALAYSIA
KOTA KINABALU
COUNTRY CODE +60 (88)
CURRENCY RM1 = PHP14.15/US$0.33
TOUCHDOWN The Kota Kinabalu International
Airport is only 10 minutes away by taxi, which
usually costs about RM20 (PHP283). Be sure to
negotiate and agree on the fare before you step
into the cab.
BY DAY Take a 20-minute boat ride over to Tunku
Abdul Rahman Park or Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan
and Pulau Mamutik for a wide range of water
activities like snorkeling, swimming or diving. Or
you can try the banana boat and jet skiing.
BY NIGHT Tanjung Aru Beach is about 6km away
from the city. Catch the brilliant sunset or dine at
any of the 20 food stalls serving local food and
drinks. Enjoy chicken or beef satay with coconut
or sugarcane juice.
SLEEP A decent hostel to stay in is Step-In Lodge,
which features dormitories and private rooms. It’s
also 15 minutes away from the airport. Tel: +60 (88)
233 519, www.stepinlodge.com
Auther
James
Kimon
general manager
Trek Finder Tours
Sdn Bhd
BEST BUYS Head to 1Borneo, the
fi rst and the largest hypermall in East
Malaysia.
BEST DINNER Don’t leave Kota
Kinabalu without trying the seafood at Sri
Selera, located at Kampung Air.
BEST BREAKFAST Tuaran
noodles — they’re made of egg yolk and
fl our, which give the noodles a yummy
egg aroma when fried.
trip journal
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
COUNTRY CODE +673
CURRENCY BND1 = PHP33.54/US$0.79
TOUCHDOWN The international airport is
approximately 10 minutes (about 10km) away
from the center of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB).
There are taxis, car rentals and regular public bus
services that can take you to and from the airport.
BY DAY Visit Kampung Ayer, a water village with
30,000 residents living in modern houses on stilts.
Book a tour with house visits and taste traditional
kueh (cakes). Have a photo with the Masjid Sultan
Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque in the background.
BY NIGHT In Gerai Malam in Gadong, you’ll fi nd
stalls selling cheap snacks and full meals. Try the
nasi katok (fried chicken), but tell them if you can’t
take spices. Nearby is the Gadong shopping area
where you’ll fi nd popular cafés like Coffee Bean.
SLEEP Check into mid-range lodgings like
Radisson International (www.radisson.com/
bandar-seri-begawan-hotel-bn-bs8674/brnrdbd)
or Times Hotel (www.timeshotelbrunei.com).
Kamarul
Dzaman
Ajimain
multimedia coordinator,
Bank Islam Brunei
Darussalam
BEST SOUVENIRS Buy gifts for
friends back home from Kain Jong Sarat
at Arts and Handicraft Center.
INSIDER TIP Want to explore the
city? Get around BSB onboard the local
purple bus.
BEST DINNER Try the Bruneian
delicacy ambuyat, made from sago
and water, at Ambuyat at Aminah Aarif.
www.aminaharif.com.bn
{ 143 }

SOUTH KOREA
INCHEON (SEOUL)
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW100 = PHP3.79/US$0.09
TOUCHDOWN Look for taxis with stickers that
say “Foreign Language Service.” Cabs can be
shared except for those with black and yellow
tops. Thanks to a new bridge, the trip takes 15
minutes. Eight subway lines serve the main areas.
BY DAY Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung are
two palaces that showcase Korea’s culture and
history. For shopping, head to Insadong for Korean
goods like hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji
(traditional paper), teas, pottery and folk crafts.
BY NIGHT A must-see attraction during late
afternoons is Namsan Tower via cable car. A visit
to the Teddy Bear Museum will make you wistful
about your childhood. If the weather permits,
catch the light show display at 8pm.
SLEEP Green Residence in the heart of
Myeongdong shopping district is close to the
Myeongdong Cathedral. 17/F Tae Heung Bldg.,
Myeongdong; www.seoulgreen.com
Roocie
Lumaad
blogger,
ruff eecola.
blogspot.com
BEST BREAKFAST Paris
Baguette opens early with lots of
pastries and cheap milk and coffee.
BEST SOUVENIRS Postcards
with local stamps sent from Nami Island
or N Seoul Tower.
MUST-TRY An hour away from
Seoul is Nami Island. It’s known as
the location for Korean novela Winter
Sonata, but it has a lot to offer!
trip journal
SOUTH KOREA
BUSAN
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW100 = PHP3.79/US$0.09
TOUCHDOWN From the Busan Gimhae
International Airport, take the bus, the Busan
Subway Line or railroad line. Make sure to plan
your transfers carefully, so you don’t miss your
fl ights. gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng
BY DAY In the summer, head to Haeundae Beach,
which has been immortalized in many Korean
fi lms such as Haeundae, the 2009 tragedy. Visit
the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood
market, and enjoy fresh raw fi sh there.
BY NIGHT Seomyeon provides lots of fun options
for bars and restaurants. Stroll along the boardwalk
of Gwangali Beach — you’ll see the Diamond Bridge
lit up, with many cafés and restaurants that offer
great views of the water.
SLEEP Sunset Business Hotel in Haeundae Beach
is a three-star hotel with spacious rooms and
affordable rates. Each room has LCD/plasma TVs
and Wi-Fi, with options for beach views.
{ 144 }
Hyungdae
Cho
airline sales
dept. staff
BEST BREAKFAST Enjoy a
lovely brunch in Dalmaji hill, near
Haeundae Beach.
BEST DINNER In Jagalchi
market, the variety of amazing local
seafood will surprise you.
BEST NIGHT OUT Head to
the Kyungsung University area —
crazy youngster’s clubs are waiting
for you!
INDONESIA
JAKARTA
Gunther
Scherz
business executive
BEST BREAKFAST The Café at
Hotel Mulia serves international cuisine
in an oasis-like setting.
BEST SHOPPING Find
exceptional deals at Mangga Dua
Wholesale Shopping Complex.
BEST SOUVENIRS Source ethnic
items like batik fabric from Tanah
Abang, the largest textile market in
South-East Asia.
LESTER LEDESMA
COUNTRY CODE +62
CURRENCY IDR100,000 = PHP467.04/US$11
TOUCHDOWN Hire a Bluebird or Silverbird
taxi from the airport to the city, which costs
IDR180,000 (PHP841) plus toll. Alternatively, the
DAMRI bus goes to any city bus station for a very
manageable IDR15,000 (PHP70).
BY DAY Go shopping in Senayan City Mall
(senayancity.com/mall), a premiere entertainment,
retail and dining complex in Jakarta where you’ll
fi nd quality local goods as well as international
brands and shops.
BY NIGHT Jakarta has been described by many
as rivaling Manila’s nightlife. For a delectable
seafood dinner, go to Bandar Jakarta Seafood City
or to Segarra, a beach club that features al fresco
dining with a view of the water.
SLEEP Two of Jakarta’s best hotels are the
Shangri-La Hotel (JL Jend Sudirman Kav 1, www.
shangri-la.com) and Hotel Mulia (Jl. Asia Afrika
Senayan, www.hotelmulia.com).

PHILIPPINES
MANILA
AREA CODE (02)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN The ride to commercial centers
from the airport takes 30 minutes to an hour,
depending on the traffi c and where you’re headed.
Pay around PHP450 to hire registered airport
taxis, but metered cabs are also available.
BY DAY Go museum-hopping in Makati City
at Yuchengco Museum and Ayala Museum,
which book-end Ayala Ave. In Manila, there’s the
Metropolitan Museum, National Museum and Casa
Manila in Intramuros.
BY NIGHT Check out the shows at the Cultural
Center of the Philippines or the RCBC Theater in
Makati. Walk along Ayala Triangle Park and High
Street in Fort Bonifacio Global City. End the night
at Salon de Ning bar at Manila Peninsula.
SLEEP Enjoy the quiet elegance of Manila
Peninsula. It’s right in the heart of Makati and
within comfortable distance of all the sites.
www.peninsula.com/Manila
Jeannie E.
Javelosa
advocate for Culture
and the Sustainable
Lifestyle
MUST-TRY The Salcedo Market
on Saturdays, or the Mom’s Organic
Market on Sundays, in Legaspi Village.
BEST DINNER The Corner Tree
Vegetarian restaurant in Bel-Air Makati
comes highly recommended.
BEST BUYS Everything at
ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle in
Serendra for fair trade products by
various community groups.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
LAOAG
AREA CODE (77)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a van, jeepney
or tricycle from the Laoag airport to get to your
destination in town. However, an eco-friendly
means of getting around the city is the kalesa or
horse-drawn carriage.
BY DAY Take a tour of Laoag City either by
foot or kalesa. Spend another day touring the
Malacanang of the North, Paoay Church and
Batac Museum. On your third day, explore the
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and Bangui Windmills.
BY NIGHT Great bars and restaurants are located
in and around Laoag City. Bistro51 in Nangalisan
is known for its kilawin tuna with red egg and
below zero drinks. You can also visit Saramsam
Café for its free videoke and poque-poque pizza.
SLEEP Isabel Suites is located at the heart of
Laoag City and is just a stone’s throw away from
the Provincial Capitol. Single rooms start at
PHP850 a night. www.isabelsuites.net
BEST BUYS Salt from the town
of Pasuquin, which is also famous for
its biscocho.
BEST SOUVENIRS Thick
handwoven Abel blankets from
Museo Ilocano.
MUST-TRY Feeling adventurous?
See if you can prepare for and explore
the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation by
foot with friends.
{ 146 }
Nicole C.
Rudio
computer shop
owner
PHILIPPINES
TUGUEGARAO
AREA CODE (78)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN To get to town, take two tricycles:
one from the airport to the main road, and then
another to the town proper. It should cost you no
more than just PHP10 per ride. And the rides are
fairly short.
BY DAY Go on an adventure of a lifetime at the
seven-chambered Callao Caves; then get your
heart racing with activities such as kayaking,
spelunking and whitewater rafting on the rough
river of Pinacanauan in Penablanca, Cagayan.
BY NIGHT Head to Traffi c Jam along Taft St.; the
live country music will get you up on your feet.
Kofun and Dingkoys are also good spots for a
night out with its live bands with local talents. Ask
the locals for other popular areas as well.
SLEEP Lorita Hotel along Rizal St. is affordable,
no frills and homey. They have Wi-Fi with rooms
that are clean and comfortable. hotel_lorita@
yahoo.com
Angely M.
Lubo
social marketing
off icer
BEST BREAKFAST Try the
carabeef tapa at Lorie’s Restaurant; it’s
very good.
BEST SNACK Pancit batil patung or
batil patong is a noodle dish unique to
Tuguegarao, Cagayan.
MUST-TRY If you’re not in a rush
and would like to see the area at your
leisure, get on a kalesa or tricycle for a
nice tour.
LESTER LEDESMA

PHILIPPINES
VIRAC
AREA CODE (86)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Jeepneys and buses ply the
main thoroughfares of Catanduanes. Tricycles are
also a popular means of transport. On the other
hand, most hotels in the area can arrange for your
pick-up from the airport.
BY DAY Set out to Baras where Puraran Beach
Resort is, and surf on its great waves. You can also
visit Twin Rock Beach Resort for other activities
like zip lining, wall climbing and kayaking. Ask the
staff for other things to keep you on the go.
BY NIGHT Unwind and have a light beer at
Seabreeze Resto with your friends. The place is
known for its relaxing and romantic ambience.
It’s actually even perfect for a night out with your
loved one.
SLEEP Kemji Resort in San Isidro Vill. has a
swimming pool and Wi-Fi access for those
who want to keep in touch. Even better, it is just
walking distance from the airport.
Priscilla
Milagrosa
former customer
service agent
BEST DINNER Try kaldereta —
one of the all-time favorite dishes of
Pinoys — from Sandy’s Blossoms.
BEST SOUVENIRS Pili nuts
and abaca-made products like bags
and slippers.
LOCAL SPEAK Always fi nish your
phrases with “tabi.” It shows everyone
that you’re a nice and considerate
person.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CATARMAN
AREA CODE (55)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles are just a few steps
away from the arrival hall of the airport. A
15-minute ride takes you to Catarman proper
for PHP10 per passenger. Pay PHP60 to rent a
private tricycle.
BY DAY The best way to experience Catarman is
to explore its respective barangays. Go around the
area and discover the many enchanting falls and
dams. Try kayaking at Macagtas Dam, surfi ng at
UEP White Beach, and hiking the mountains.
BY NIGHT Take a stroll along undisturbed
highways during full moon, and feel the mountain
breeze while you smell the natural aroma of rice
fi elds along the way. Enjoy your night with a
sizzling dinner at The Nest.
SLEEP Just 20 minutes away from the airport is
Bobon Beach Resort on Dancalan Beach. They
have an in-site dive school so you can try out
diving. bobonbeachresort.com
Rensis Noel
Ragasa
geographic
information system
specialist
BEST BREAKFAST Dried fi sh
with fried rice and tsokalate at the UEP
White Beach Resort during sunrise.
BEST SOUVENIRS Minoron, pili,
and other handwoven and crafted items
in front of the Catarman Airport.
LOCAL SPEAK Greet the locals
with “Maupay nga Aga” (“good
morning”) or “Maupay na Gab-I”
(“good evening”).
{ 148 }
NELSON PETILLA
PHILIPPINES
LEGAZPI
AREA CODE (52)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles and vans are available
to take you in and around Legazpi. From the
airport, you can easily hire a taxi to take you
to the city proper or directly to your hotel
or inn.
BY DAY Have an early morning jog at the
“Boulevard,” a long path beside the Pacifi c Ocean.
It offers a stunning view of Mt. Mayon and the
Sleeping Lion Hill. The toasted siopao from The
Siopao Center makes a great snack.
BY NIGHT Hang out by the Embarcadero de
Legazpi as the sun sets against the majestic Mt.
Mayon, and see the ships quietly docking at the
nearby port. Have dinner or a cup of coffee in one
of the restaurants.
SLEEP Hotel St. Ellis has elegantly furnished
rooms. It is located along Rizal St., which is within
walking distance to shopping malls and other
establishments. www.hotelstellis-legaspi.com
Aissa G.
Aurellano
government
lawyer
MUST-TRY Don’t fail to visit the
Cagsawa Ruins for a great view of Mt.
Mayon and the stone church.
INSIDER TIP Get what you need
much faster by calling everyone
“manoy” (“kuya”) or “manay” (“ate”).
LOCAL SPEAK To be polite and
to show respect, always end your
sentence with “tabi,” which means
“please”.
LESTER LEDESMA

PHILIPPINES
DUMAGUETE
AREA CODE (35)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are taxis to help you get
around the city, as well as jeepneys and pedicabs
(which are powered by a bicycle). Once in town,
you can also rent a motorbike — a really fun way
to get to where you need to go.
BY DAY Pack a picnic basket, a blanket, and rent
a motorbike to get to Forest Camp in Valencia. If
you prefer to be by the sand and sea, hop on a
ferry to nearby Apo Island for great diving, or book
a tour to see the dolphins on the coast of Bais.
BY NIGHT By nightfall, much of the city’s activity
is concentrated along Rizal Blvd., the smaller,
quainter version of Roxas Blvd. Enjoy an evening
stroll or pick a spot on the breakwater from which
to view the silhouette of Siquijor island.
SLEEP Stay in RM Guest House along the
North National Highway cor. East Rovira Rd.
in Bantayan (tel: +63 35 422 4000), or La
Residencia Hotel (tel: +63 35 225 7100).
Claude M.
Ramos II
marketing specialist
BEST BREAKFAST Sweet suman
budbud with tsokolate in the market or
Mamias (which has a great view)
BEST DINNER Tasty chicken at
Golden Roys, and most of the dishes at
Sta. Teresa Restaurant
INSIDER TIP Dumaguete is a
small, laid back university town, so be
sure to wear comfortable clothes and
shoes for going around
DID D YOU
KKNOW?
HERSLEY VEN CASERO
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
BACOLOD
AREA CODE (34)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$.02)
TOUCHDOWN One arrives in Negros through
the Bacolod-Silay airport in Silay City. That’s
about 15km northeast of Bacolod City, or about a
30-minute drive if there are no traffi c jams. There
are plenty of tricycles.
BY DAY Those who like history should visit the
Bacolod Plaza Complex or Bacolod Public Plaza.
The San Sebastian Cathedral and the Unknown
Soldiers Monument is found here amid the
gazebos and fountains.
BY NIGHT You may not fi nd the typical nightlife
you’re used to in Bacolod. So just opt for dinner;
all restaurants in the city are known for their
diverse menus, from native to exotic, from casual
to fi ne dining.
SLEEP L’ Fisher Hotel along Lacson St. is an ideal
location to stay. It is just 30 minutes away from
the airport and fi ve minutes away from downtown.
lfi sherhotel@yahoo.com, lfi sherhotelbacolod.com
BEST BREAKFAST Any
restaurant that serves danggit, tomato,
indigenous sinamak, and plain red rice.
MUST-TRY The evolution of the
Pasalubong Centers led by Merci is a
shopping experience in itself.
INSIDER TIP Present your travel
ticket at any Merci Branch for a 10
percent discount on Merci Pasalubong
Products. www.merci.com.ph
{ 151 }
Gil Alfredo
B. Severino
writer
Head to Bais from Dumaguete for
some dolphin and whale watching.
JAMES BETIA

PHILIPPINES
CAUAYAN
AREA CODE (78)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$.02)
TOUCHDOWN The airport in Cauayan opened
in 2008. Upon landing, ask the Cebu Pacifi c
staff for advice regarding transport to get to your
lodgings. Buses and jeepneys travel from the
airport to town.
BY DAY Visit Magat Dam in Ramon, and the
old Spanish churches in the towns of Alicia and
Tumaini. Also stop by Kusina Kawayan, which
serves the best sisig in town. Other interesting
places in Isabela are just a few hours away.
BY NIGHT You will never get bored in Cauayan,
as there are plenty of nightspots to go to. Head
to Queen Jennifer for the live bands, or sing your
heart out at Gerry’s Bar. After a night of partying,
unwind at Centro Café and enjoy their coffee.
SLEEP After a day of sightseeing, stay overnight
and relax at the Cauayan Grand Hotel, which is
one of the best places to stay in this side of town.
Don Jose Ave., District 1, tel: +63 (78) 652 2023
Rayeth
Manuel
Afuang
housewife
BEST BUYS Dinner rolls at Sanitary
Bakery, dendelot and inatata (rice
delicacies) in Ilagan.
MUST-TRY For a different kind of
picnic, have it at Magat Dam. Also
check out the view of the river.
INSIDER TIP You can’t leave
Cauayan without having tried Aling
Luring’s goto, which is best eaten
with okoy.
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CLARK
AREA CODE (45)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From Diosdado Macapagal
International Airport (DMIA), you can take a taxi,
bus or jeep to the city. Any of these will take you
to the terminal or SM Clark. Within town, there are
cabs and jeeps. You can also hire a car or van.
BY DAY Take a 4x4 and zip through the sand
cliffs of Sapang Bato. For a unique view of Mt.
Pinatubo, go in the morning or towards the
evening to catch the sunset. For a different kind of
adventure, check out the casinos in the hotels.
BY NIGHT The area is famous for its unique
food culture, so make sure to sample the many
different cuisines. There’s C’ Italian Restaurant if
you want both quality and ambience, and Claude
Tayag’s Bale Dutung.
SLEEP The Holiday Inn is a time and tested
choice. There are nice regular rooms and even
garden villas, which can fi t up to eight people.
www.holidayinn.com
BEST SNACK A good way to cool
yourself? Eat freshly made halo-halo
at Kabigting’s.
BEST DINNER If you want a nice
mix of cuisines, head to Zulu Restaurant
for its Thai and Mexican food.
INSIDER TIP Check out the food
tours around the Pampanga area, so
you can effi ciently combine sightseeing
with food tasting.
{ 152 }
Dominic
Medenilla
sales
LESTER LEDESMA
PHILIPPINES
NAGA
AREA CODE (54)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Naga City Airport is about 12km
away from the city center, and is accessible by
many means of transportation including bus, van,
jeepney and tricycle. You can also hire an eightseat
kalesa to tour the city.
BY DAY Take a dip in an ice-cold natural pool by
Malabsay Falls in Mt. Isarog, 20 minutes from the
city center, then go to a hot springs resort just 10
minutes away on the same mountain. There are
also old, historic churches worth visiting in Naga.
BY NIGHT Revelers can go restaurant and bar
hopping along Magsaysay Ave., where you will
fi nd Naga’s hip and happening places. Dozens
of restaurants, cafés and bars offer local fare like
Bicol Express and crispy pata.
SLEEP For travelers looking for top-notch
amenities, the Avenue Plaza Hotel along
Magsaysay Ave. has fi ve-star rooms, services and
tasty cuisine. www.theavenueplazahotel.com
Alec Francis
A. Santos
entrepreneur
INSIDER TIP Find the best pili
products at Naga City People’s Mall
(public market).
MUST-TRY Try the hot Bicolano
dishes with that special Bicolano level
of spiciness.
BEST BREAKFAST Abo
(Bicolano daing) local dried salted fi sh
and fried rice, served with chopped
tomato and salted eggs.

PHILIPPINES
ILOILO
AREA CODE (33)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are taxi services available
from PHP300 upwards. You can also hire
metered cabs right outside the airport. It’s a 30- to
45-minute ride to the city. Within the city, there
are tricycles and jeepneys.
BY DAY Iloilo is famous for its batchoy and kansi
(bone marrow soup). But you also have to try a
seafood meal at Breakthrough, where you can
buy lobsters for a song. When you’ve had your fi ll,
visit attractions like the Miagao Church.
BY NIGHT There are lots of places to choose
from. Need a drink? Get a tequila or margarita at
The Tijuana Bar, or a beer at Below Zero. Feel like
having fun? Dance the night away at The Flow, a
hip party place.
SLEEP Sarabia Manor offers complete comfort.
It is about 40 minutes from the airport and 15
minutes from the seaports. Rooms are a bit pricey,
but worth it. www.sarabiamanorhotel.com
Toots B.
Jimenez, Jr.
PR publicist
BEST DINNER Ponsyon
Restaurant by Breakthrough, capped off
with red wine at Henry’s Wines.
BEST BUYS Pasalubong by Merci,
and sweet mangoes from Guimaras
Island and Leon town.
INSIDER TIP Present your travel
ticket at any Merci Branch to get 10
percent off Merci Pasalubong Products.
www.merci.com.ph
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CATICLAN (BORACAY)
AREA CODE (36)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Take a short tricycle ride to the
Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, board a banca
that will transport you to Boracay Island. The
main mode of transport is the tricycle, and it is
cheap and plentiful.
BY DAY Ariel’s Point is, by far, a favorite excursion
in Boracay. They take you on a boat to a nearby
island, where you can dive from platforms and
cliffs at 10 to 30m. Tickets can be purchased at
Ariel’s House at the Boracay Beach Club.
BY NIGHT There’s so much to do when the sun
goes down. One cool spot is Nigi Nigi Too, where
you can dine on the beach; the food is great. The
hospitable owner also walks around offering shots
on the house.
SLEEP The Residencia Boracay on Station 1 has
the ideal serene beachfront location, and it’s only
a short walk to Willy’s Rock and to Stations 2 and
3. reservations@residenciaboracay.com
Dennise
Abad-Allred
events director
BEST DINNER Veer away from
international cuisines and enjoy the
local fare at Nigi Nigi Too.
BEST BUYS Trinkets and souvenir
items at D’Mall. You’ll see clothes, food,
hats, everything you need.
INSIDER TIP If you want to relax
and need a bit of peace and quiet, stay
in Station 1, where it’s less crowded and
more serene.
{ 154 }
PHILIPPINES
KALIBO
LESTER LEDESMA
AREA CODE (36)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN The best way to get to the city
center from the airport is by tricycle — it’s cheap
and the Kalibo version is larger than the ones in
Manila. It can accommodate six adults, including
the driver.
BY DAY For nature lovers, visit the Bakhawan Eco
Park and see the beautiful mangroves. Also check
out the scenic and beautiful Mabilo Beach, as well
as Miggy’s Secret Garden. For history buffs, head
to the Kalibo Museum for more of Aklan’s past.
BY NIGHT Hear mass at the Kalibo Cathedral on
Sunday evening. For those who want to relax,
Abregana Resto Bar has a live acoustic band and
you can have a bottle of cold beer. There are good
eats in Taft St., which open at around 7pm.
SLEEP Experience the nice ambience of the
Kalibo Queens Inn Hotel at Toting Reyes St.,
where you can get a good night’s sleep. Tel: +63
(36) 262 5788
Mc Heincyr
Yatar
Malonesio
graduating student
BEST SOUVENIRS Exotic items
and other native products at the Dela
Cruz House of Piña.
BEST DINNER Enjoy a delicious
dinner at the Café Latte Restaurant with
friends and family.
BEST FESTIVAL Witness the
world-famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival
during the third week of January. It’s
a must.

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
SAN JOSE
AREA CODE (43)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can take a tricycle from right
outside the airport to the town center for about
PHP50, inclusive of tip. To get around town, you
either walk or take tricycles, which are cheap and
easy to fi nd.
BY DAY Snorkel or dive in Puerto Galera. If
you’re not certifi ed, go for an intro dive in Galera;
the underwater life there is pretty spectacular.
It’ll help you make memories and cherish an
unforgettable experience.
BY NIGHT Check out the nightlife in Puerto
Galera. Relax and have a drink at The Point
Bar, which is at the corner of La Laguna Beach.
Because it is elevated, it gives you a great view
of the waters.
SLEEP Stay at the Coco Beach Resort. Rooms
start at about PHP1,286 per day and can get
higher during peak season. There is a surcharge
for single occupancy. www.cocobeach.com
{ 156 }
Clars
Guerrero
marketing
manager
BEST DINNER Have some tasty
meat; the ribs at Tamarind Grill in
Sabang are über delish.
INSIDER TIP The very rich marine
life of Puerto Galera is not to be missed.
Make time to explore it.
MUST-TRY Check out Tamaraw
Falls, ranked number one in the “38
things to do in Puerto Galera” by
Lonely Planet.
GEORGE CABIG
PHILIPPINES
CEBU
AREA CODE (32)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN It’s pretty easy to hire a taxi or
even a private car to take you to the city center
from the Mactan Airport. If you’re staying for more
than a few days, you can hire a car. There are
metered cabs by the terminal too.
BY DAY Take a heritage walk of downtown Cebu.
Start at Magellan’s Cross then pay homage to Sto.
Niño at the Basilica. Visit the Cebu Cathedral and
the Heritage of Cebu monument. Your last stop
will be the San Diego ancestral house.
BY NIGHT Head on over to Tops, a 30-minute
drive on top of a mountain, for the best view of
the city. On your way down, have a few drinks
at Bellini’s, where you can fi nd the best mojitos.
Then dance the night away at Alcohology.
WWW.DANISHCONNECTION.COM
SLEEP Look at the properties available on
Roomorama; it is a great alternative to cookiecutter
hotels. You can stay at a local’s home for
half the price you pay for a hotel. roomorama.com
Chichi
Bacolod
marketing
manager
BEST DINNER Casa Verde’s huge
slab of baby back ribs for less than
PHP200.
LOCAL SPEAK “Istoryahee!” Say
this when you’ve just heard a jawdropping
or crazy story.
MUST-TRY Gobble up some tasty
(and sometimes weird) grilled goodies
at Larsian, which is near the Fuente
Osmeña Circle.

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
PUERTO PRINCESA
AREA CODE (48)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Most hotels in Palawan can
arrange to have you picked up at the airport.
Tricycles to the city center cost about PHP35.
Vans are also available for hire and are not
too costly.
BY DAY At Irawan Eco Park, a breathtaking
canopy zip line carries you through the tall trees.
It is also slow enough for you to spot the colorful
birds and rich fl ora. Small kids can go on a
carabao ride; you can relax at Spa by the River.
BY NIGHT Try the new Puerto Princesa City Bay
Cruise. Start off on a quiet fi refl y tour at the mouth
of the Sicsican River, then end the evening with
a sumptuous seafood dinner at the middle of the
Puerto Princesa Bay facing the Baywalk.
SLEEP Microtel Puerto Princesa is almost always
fully booked; it offers comfy chiropractic beds and
a view of the sunrise by the sea. www.microtelpalawan.com
Luisita
Suarez
operations and
services marketing
consultant
BEST SOUVENIRS Beaded
purses and bags made from mother of
pearl, shells and stones.
BEST BUYS Kasuy bandi found at
Baker’s Hill and at the departure area of
the Puerto Princesa airport.
BEST BREAKFAST Lamayo,
which is small fi sh marinated in vinegar
and garlic, and fried quickly in very
hot oil.
{ 158 }
PHILIPPINES
BUSUANGA (CORON)
AREA CODE (48)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a shuttle
to the Coron town proper, which will cost about
PHP150 per person. The ride takes 45 minutes
to one hour; call for more information. Tel: +63
(928) 408 3105, (921) 265 2210
BY DAY Enjoy the native wildlife of Coron by
looking for squirrels or scaly anteaters known as
pangolins, best found at night. The Calamianes
stink badger and the porcupines are sights to see
as well.
BY NIGHT Wreck diving in the many WW2
Japanese wartime wrecks should not be missed.
Night diving, in particular, is an unbeatable
experience because of the colorful reefs and the
sea grass beds.
SLEEP Darayonan Lodge is one of the more
established places in Coron. Located along
the National Highway, it provides modest
accommodations. dipulao@gmail.com
Vicente
Emmanuel
Paterno
businessman
BEST BREAKFAST Sinangag na
kurot (wild tuber found in the forests)
with thick chocolate.
MUST-TRY Treks up Kiangan and
Barracuda lakes on Coron Island will
leave you breathless and impressed.
INSIDER TIP If you can fi nd a
guide, view the fi refl ies in the mangrove
swamps along the Labangan River
at night.
AL LINSANGAN

Manila Sales Office:
132-A Bayani St. corner Araneta Ave.,
Quezon City 1113, Philippines
Tel. No.: (+632) 410-2075 to 80
Fax No.: (+632) 732-1747
Email: rsvn@twoseasonsresorts.com
w w w . t w o s e a s o n s r e s o r t s . c o m

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
TACLOBAN
AREA CODE (53)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport to the downtown
area, a van for PHP300 is most convenient as it
will drop you off at your hotel. There are multi-cabs,
jeepneys and tricycles too. You can also hire a car
for longer stays.
BY DAY The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage
Museum features a collection of domestic
and foreign art. The Madonna of Japan, a
commemorative marker of peace between our
two countries, is also worth a visit.
BY NIGHT Club 6500 is the newest party
destination in Tacloban. It is composed of different
kinds of bars, restaurants and clubs with different
kinds of specialties. One can easily party the
night away.
SLEEP Leyte Park Resort Hotel is one of the best
hotels in Tacloban. Not only does it provide good
service, but it also gives a spectacular view of
Leyte Gulf. www.leyteparkhotel.com.ph
Janna Vienca
B. Canezal
business
development staff
BEST DINNER The fl oating
restaurant, San Pedro Bay, serves the
best seafood.
BEST BUYS Binagol, a local
delicacy, will leave you craving for
more. Buy some before you leave!
MUST-TRY A drive through San
Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge
in the country which connects the
provinces of Leyte and Samar.
{ 160 }
PHILIPPINES
ROXAS
AREA CODE (36)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can fi nd Capiz Cab taxis
waiting in the designated areas outside the arrival
area of the Roxas airport. Once you’re within the
city, the tricycle remains the main means of getting
around. Tel: +63 (919) 707 9224
BY DAY Roxas City is the seafood capital of the
Philippines, so you'll see a lot of seafood vendors
around the area. Try out as many as you can.
Go around the province of Capiz and explore its
beautiful caves, springs and waterfalls.
BY NIGHT Simply hang out by the beach and
have dinner in one of the seaside restaurants. If
you like to party, try the Soul Super Club in Roxas
City. This air-conditioned club has excellent DJs to
keep you dancing all night.
SLEEP Roxas City has a new community called
Pueblo de Panay, which houses the modern
Urban Manor Hotel. It offers nice accommodations
for reasonable prices. Tel: +63 (36) 621 7758
Diomar
Corros Rolle
sales & marketing
off icer
BEST BUYS Buy tasty dried
squid and bagoong from the Lipunan
market.
BEST FESTIVALS Sinadya sa
Halaran happens every December, so
make sure to plan ahead.
BEST DINNER Alma’s is one of the
restaurants by the Baybay beachfront
where you can enjoy grilled or sizzling
specialties.
WALTER VILLA

PHILIPPINES
TAGBILARAN
AREA CODE (38)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.20)
TOUCHDOWN The airport is within the city, and
there are plenty of tricycles at PHP6 a ride. For
trips to nearby towns, there are vans and taxis
for hire. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to
Panglao Island as traffi c jams are rare.
BY DAY For an adventure bundle on a budget, try
the Canopy Walk, Monkey Bridge and zip line for
PHP700 at D.A.T.E Park, Catigbian. See the entire
city by going on a four-hour Panglao tour. Be sure
to include a visit to the Hinagdanan Cave.
BY NIGHT There are a few charming night
activities to choose from. There’s the night cruise
at Loboc River with harana (serenade) and a
cultural presentation by the locals, and fi refl y
watching at Abatan River.
SLEEP Sun Avenue Inn and Café is conveniently
located near not one, but fi ve good restaurants. It
is also within walking distance of the Tagbilaran
City Tourist Port. www.sunavenuepen.com
Doris
Dinorog
Obena
tour guide
BEST SOUVENIRS The Raffi a bag
at the Buzz Café in Island City Mall will
delight your friends.
BEST BUYS Salted oysters in tetra
pack at The Fair Trade Shop in Upper
San Jose St.
BEST FESTIVALS The Sandugo
Festival in July is one of the highlights
of the year. Expect a beauty pageant
and a street dancing competition.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA
AREA CODE (62)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a jeepney
(PHP7) or tricycle (PHP20–25) to the pueblo (city)
as there are only a few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car
charges a minimum of PHP150, and may be the
best way to go.
BY DAY Go to off-the-beaten-track eco-tourism
sites like the majestic Merloquett Falls for an
exhilarating free hydro massage. Try mountain
climbing or biking at Muruk, where your efforts
will be rewarded with a majestic view of the city.
BY NIGHT Be at R.T. Boulevard BayWalk to
witness the dramatic sunset. Grab some eats at
Paseo del Mar or Plaza del Pilar, then head off for
a nightcap at Lobby Bar or Vamos Coffee Shop at
Garden Orchid Hotel.
SLEEP Get a restful sleep at Zamboanga’s fi nest,
the Garden Orchid Hotel along Gov. Camins Ave.
It’s got its own outdoor pool and spa for guests.
www.gardenorchidhotel.com
Dr. Anton
Mari H. Lim,
DVM
implementor,
Philippine Funds
for Little Kids
BEST SOUVENIRS Yellow
miniature vintas at the Garden Orchid
Hotel Boutique Shop.
MUST-TRY A vinta ride at Paseo
del Mar, and the yellow boat mangrove
experience at Layag Layag.
INSIDER TIP If the tricycle is
your means of transport, make sure to
negotiate for your fare before you take
the ride.
{ 161 }

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
GENERAL SANTOS
AREA CODE (83)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Hire a taxi at the airport for a fl at
rate of PHP300–350. If you don’t have much
luggage, a habal-habal (passenger motorbike) for
PHP100 will do. Tricycles will be your main means
of getting around the city.
BY DAY Ride a van and head to the hidden beach
of Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani. Enjoy its powdery
white sand and crystal clear waters, and just relax
by the shore. See for yourself why Gumasa has
been dubbed as the “Boracay of the South.”
BY NIGHT Satisfy your seafood cravings at Graba-Crab
Restaurant. Then, if you want to chill out,
go to Pahayahay Restobar where you can listen to
local bands. But if you love to party, you will have
fun in Q Bar at Sun City Suites.
SLEEP At Sarangani Highlands Garden and
Restaurant, you get to stay in a hilltop overlooking
Sarangani Bay. This place is perfect for families and
barkadas. Tel: +63 (922) 859 0043
{ 162 }
Christian
James A.
Nazareth
medical student
BEST BREAKFAST A local
cuisine, balbacua, in Aweng’s
restaurant.
BEST BUYS Buy tuna products
as well as chorizo, longganisa and
chicharon from RDEX or Citra Mina.
INSIDER TIP Befriend the tricycle
drivers and ask them to take you to
must-see places in Gensan. You'll enjoy
the trip.
LESTER LEDESMA
PHILIPPINES
DAVAO
AREA CODE (82)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN The Francisco Bangoy
International Airport, or the Davao International
Airport, is about 15 minutes away from the city
center. Davaoeño cabbies are known for their
honesty, so a taxi to your hotel is a good option.
BY DAY Davao City is an island-to-highlands
getaway. Enjoy a scenic view of cloud-covered,
green rolling hills from the vantage point of Seagull
Valley in Budda — Davao’s answer to Baguio and
Tagaytay. Close by is Eden Nature Park.
BY NIGHT Coffee lovers can get a great cup of
brew at Green Coffee on Torres St. Have dinner at
Jack’s Ridge, where you can enjoy a romantic view
of glistening downtown Davao. Then cap off your
day with the famous halo-halo of Aling Foping’s.
SLEEP Ponce Suites in Dona Vicenta Vill., Bajada,
is a cross between an art gallery and a hotel.
Unique sculptures, paintings, and other artwork
are displayed all throughout the hotel.
Jason John
A. Joyce
lawyer
BEST BREAKFAST TAPS — a true
Davao classic that dishes out all the
best Filipino breakfast treats.
BEST BUYS Get durian candies in
supermarkets or pomelo at the Madrazo
fruit stand.
INSIDER TIP The best spot for a
photo of majestic Mt. Apo is along
Diversion Rd. leading up to Dencio’s
Hilltop.
LESTER LEDESMA

PHILIPPINES
CAGAYAN DE ORO
AREA CODE (88)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can take a taxi for PHP300
or a cheaper jeepney service for PHP20. Taxis,
jeepneys, motorcycles and multi-cabs ply the
town proper, providing you with different means
of transport.
BY DAY Satisfy your taste for adventure with
spelunking or river trekking. Appreciate the
wilderness at the Crocodile and Ostrich Farm
in Opol, or discover the rich cultural heritage of
Northern Mindanao at the Gardens of Malasag.
BY NIGHT Dine and hang out at the Rosario
Arcade, where you'll fi nd the city’s vibrant crowd.
Sing your heart out at Watever Karaoke or burn the
dance fl oor at Tilt. Then end your night with a sip at
Coffeeworks, CDO’s homegrown coffee shop.
SLEEP Wake up to a fantastic view of the
picturesque and tranquil Macajalar Bay at Apple
Tree Resort & Hotel. It also has a swimming pool
and Jacuzzi. appletreeresortcdo.com
Jory Rivera
freelance
photographer
BEST SOUVENIRS Buy products
crafted by local artists at Dire Husi
Pasalubong Center.
INSIDER TIP Take the motorela,
CDO’s tricycle, when going around the
city proper. It’s cheaper.
BEST DINNER You'll enjoy
sumptuous seafood and other dishes
a whole lot better by the sea at
Panagatan Restaurant.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
BUTUAN
AREA CODE (85)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, you can hire a
taxi or van to take you to the city proper. Once in
the city, do as the Butuan residents do — hop on
the ubiquitous tricycle, still the main way to get
from place to place.
BY DAY To feel the history of Butuan, head to
the National Museum and the Balanghai Site
Museum. Balanghai is an ancient boat used by
early settlers to carry cargo for trade. After that,
drive to the Delta Discovery Park for the zip line.
BY NIGHT Share a few drinks with your friends
at Boy’s Beer & Wine room. They have a good
assortment of local and foreign drinks for you
to choose from. Wind down for the night at True
Brew or Margie’s for coffee and dessert.
SLEEP Stay at Pietro’s Square, located only 30
minutes away from Bancasi National Airport. You
will be pleased by its homey ambience. Tel: +63
(85) 341 3617
INSIDER TIP Get the best burgers at
Uncle Sam’s and the most scrumptious
cakes at Margie’s!
BEST SOUVENIRS Grab a
miniature Golden Tara or balanghai at
the Madyaw Kadyaw Souvenir Shoppe.
BEST BUYS Buy great homegrown
delicacies and support local
entrepreneurs at the Butuan OTOP
Pasalubong Center.
{ 163 }
Marie
Therese
Arquisola
Montero
graphic artist
BOBBY TIMONERA

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
SURIGAO
AREA CODE (86)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Upon arrival, you can hire
a jeepney or tricycle to get around the city.
Although there are no taxis, most hotels offer a
complimentary van pick-up from the airport as
well as for departure.
BY DAY If you’re adventurous, try spelunking at
Silop Cave, which is only 15 minutes away from the
city proper. Also visit the Day-asan fl oating village,
which is known as the best community-based ecotourism
destination.
BY NIGHT Go bar hopping; start at the Jannex
Resto Bar, then proceed to Power Play Resto Bar
and Dominic’s Bar — where the party never stops.
Also try Mario’s Grille and Restaurant, which hosts
live bands daily except Sunday.
SLEEP Stay at the Philippine Gateway Hotel in
Km. 3 Brgy. Luna. This hotel is one of the fi nest in
Surigao City, known for its elegance and style and
affordable rates. Tel: +63 (922) 441 8508
Benzene Jay
R. Saratorio
service assistant
LOCAL SPEAK Say "Marajao
na pagpanaw” to departing guests; it
means “Have a safe trip.”
INSIDER TIP The beach is only
30 minutes by land westward from
Surigao City.
MUST-TRY Go swimming,
windsurfi ng or simply wait languidly for
the sun to set in dramatic splendor at
Mabua Pebble Beach.
{ 164 }
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
PHILIPPINES
SIARGAO
AREA CODE (86)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Taxis are available both at the
airport and at Dapa Pier. You can also ride a habalhabal
or an extended-seat motorbike to get to your
lodgings. There are mini and jeepney buses on the
island itself.
BY DAY Enjoy the many natural wonders: visit the
breathtaking TakTak Falls, or go swimming and
diving in the Magpopongko Pools. If exploring virgin
caves is your thing, there is a seemingly unlimited
supply in Siargao.
BY NIGHT Just relax or stroll along the beach
after dinner. It makes for good bonding time
with family and friends amidst a relaxed and
quiet atmosphere. Night owls can check out the
nightlife in the Gen. Luna area.
SLEEP Jafe Surf and Sail Camp Resort is a good
choice. You can choose between air-conditioned
and non air-conditioned rooms. Tel: +63 (917) 321
5622, (939) 850 7701, www.jafesurfandsail.com
Jack
McCormack
resort owner
MUST-TRY If you have time, try
to collect your own bee honey while
trekking up the hills.
INSIDER TIP Rent a motorcycle for
around PHP500 a day or hire a van for
PHP3,000 a day.
BEST EVENTS Watch out for the
International Fishing Tournament in
May and the Surfi ng Tournament in
October.

www.idec-aircon.com
245 6870
www.indigohouse.yolasite.com

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
COTABATO
AREA CODE (64)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a taxi at the airport for
PHP100–200; but you can get around by tricycle
or jeepney in the city. Try hailing a cab, although
there are only a few taxis that make the rounds
about town.
BY DAY For a day tour, take a quick trip to the
People’s Palace, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, which is the
grandest mosque in the country. Come here for
the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival in December.
BY NIGHT Hang out at the Al Nor Commercial
Center and go on a foodie tour. It has coffee
shops, a pizza house and other restaurants
offering different cuisines. Have dinner at Reese
Restaurant, which cooks the best ribs in town.
SLEEP The Al Nor Hotel Convention and
Commercial Center along Sinsuat Ave. in Rosary
Heights offers a range of rooms starting from
PHP1,350. Tel: +63 (64) 552 0188
{ 166 }
Aelan B.
Arumpac
development
worker
BEST BUYS Brass wares, malong,
inaul and other handwoven materials at
Barter Trade Center.
LOCAL SPEAK Say “salaam,”
which means “peace,” and “shukran,”
which means “thank you.”
BEST BREAKFAST Try pastil,
rice rolls with shredded fl avorful chicken
wrapped in banana leaves, at Kitok’s
Litson Manok.
BOBBY TIMONERA
PHILIPPINES
OZAMIZ
LESTER LEDESMA
AREA CODE (88)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN The Ozamiz City Airport is in
Gango. You will need to take a taxi; the ride will
set you back PHP60. You can get around town
by sikad (bicycle with a sidecar) for PHP4–6 only
within the city.
BY DAY Stroll around Naomi’s Botanical Garden,
Osroz Park or Suman Center. Head to Hoyohoy
Park for a fun zip line adventure, or go for a dip at
Quality Beach Resort where there is a man-made
lagoon perfect for kayaking.
BY NIGHT Walk along the beach of Cotta Park
and light a candle at the statue of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Cotta. Go samba dancing at the
Celtic Lounge or have a drink at clubM. For a quiet
evening, have a massage at Quality Spa.
SLEEP The Royal Garden Hotel has fi ve-star
accommodations at friendly prices. Their newly
renovated modern rooms start at about PHP900
a night. www.royalgardenozamiz.com
Glyn
Pangilinan
account executive
BEST BREAKFAST Pastries and
Italian coffee at Café Ana in Quality
Shopping Center, Washington St.
BEST SOUVENIRS Homemade
baked spaghetti or carrot cake, also at
Café Ana.
INSIDER TIP Barbecue and puso
(steamed rice wrapped in pandan
leaves) is a main food attraction here.
Order them at Dwino’s.

“Puedeng Puedeng
Pasalubong
o Pabaon” Pab
Ava Av ilable in al alll mmajor
drugstores outlets natio
tionw nwide.
For in inqui qui quirie rie ries, s, ple please l call or
text Prosel Pha Pharma Inc. c. :
Makati: ppihag_m manila@ la@yah yahoo.com
Landline No: (02) ) 896-3275
Mobile No: 0920- -925351 3513
PROTECTION
AGAINST
H1N1,
Dengue,
Bird Flu,
etc.
Cebu: ppih ppihag_cebu
c bu@yahoo.co c m
Lan andl dline No: (0 (032) 253-5 3-5 3-5075
Mobile No: No 0932-873 73 733242
FORMUL UL U AT ATION SELVON ON O N C SELVON CEE
Ascorbic Acid 100 mg 1000 mg
Vitamin B1 2 mg PRO P VIDES S
Vitamin B2 2m 2 mg
Vitamin B6 2 mmg
Vitamin B12 12 1 mcg
Vitamin A 4000 I.U.
Vitamin D3 400 I.U.
Vit Vitami am n E 2 1.U.
Niacin cinamide 20 mg
If your yo child ch ild is taking plain
an and/o an and/o nd/o nd/or r single
lee i ngredient
100 mg Vit. C, , ple please consider
the addtional al EEight
E (8) Vitamins
and Minerals s o of Selvon C Syrup.
Please compare, p , call and
consult your doctor.
Also in sweet
tastin t g
ORANGE
FLAVOUR
Syrup 120 20 mL
18-24 HOURS
PRO PROTEC TEC T TIO TION
(Ba Based sed on Disso Dissolut
lution ion
Tes T t con o ducted by an
indepe ep nd nde nd
nt laboratory)
With h Prot P otect ective ive,
Controll lled and a Sus Su Sustai t ned
Releas eas ease CCoatings
No gastric irri rritation

PHILIPPINES
DIPOLOG
AREA CODE (65)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are tricycles as well as
single motorcycle services from the airport to
the city. The fare is negotiable, ranging from
PHP10–30. Once in the city, tricycles will be your
main means of transport.
BY DAY Climb the 3,003 steps to Linabo Peak for
a cardio workout and a bird’s-eye view of Dipolog
City, Sulu Sea and the neighboring towns. Go
island hopping in the summer; if you’re lucky you
might even see dolphins around the boat.
BY NIGHT Get a ringside view of the famous
sunset from Dipolog Blvd. as you enjoy the fresh
sea breeze. Enjoy a relaxing walk and try local
street food, such as balut and green mangoes
with bagoong.
SLEEP West End Court along Echavez St. is
ideally situated a few blocks from the boulevard
and the commercial area and restaurants. www.
thewestendcourt.com
Mario Dandi
Romano
president,
Caff einated
Photographers
BEST DINNER Buridon, osso buco,
and pizza Roma at UrChoice Bistro
Café.
BEST SOUVENIRS Go to the gift
shop at Cathy’s Bakeshop for a variety
of products.
BEST FESTIVALS The P’gsalabuk
Festival is a must-see. The term
“P’gsalabuk” means “gathering” for the
early tribal settlers.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
PAGADIAN
AREA CODE (62)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles are the main means of
transport around the city. What’s more, Pagadian’s
tricycles are unique: they’re inclined at a 25˚ to
40˚ angle, which allows them to negotiate the
exceptionally hilly terrain.
BY DAY The City Commercial Center Mall or C3
(owned by the city government) is a one-stop
shop of various stores and food chains. Take
a mountain ride to Mt. Palpalan and see a
spectacular 360° view of the city center.
BY NIGHT One must-see is the Las Vegasinspired
Dancing Fountain at 6pm in the City
Plaza. Visit the Night Market and sample the food
at various barbecue stands. Have a taste of local
Filipino cuisines at Pinoy Grill and Django’s Grill.
SLEEP Mardale Hotel is Pagadian’s newest hotel.
The rooms start at PHP800++ a night for the
most basic room. If you want a suite, you'll pay
PHP4,000 a night. mardalehotel.com/rooms.html
{ 168 }
Feliciano S.
Ababon III
architecture
student
BEST SOUVENIRS Take a picture
of yourself riding our famous inclined
tricycles.
LOCAL SPEAK Use "Mangadto
tag ubos,” which means “Let us go
downtown.”
MUST-TRY Again, it's riding our
roller coaster-like tricycles. It is oneof-a-kind
and quite famous in the
country!
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
PHILIPPINES
TAWI-TAWI
AREA CODE (68)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are no cabs in Tawi-Tawi.
Tricycles are everywhere, however, especially in
Bongao, the capital. Drivers charge PHP15–20
per 5km. To visit nearby islands, rent a lantsa
(small motorboat) for about PHP100.
BY DAY Explore the area and go island hopping to
see the unspoiled powdery white sand beaches.
You will also fi nd traditional houses on stilts just
by the shore. Visit Simunul Island, the birthplace
of Islam in the Philippines.
BY NIGHT Tour the whole island by renting a
motorcycle and going around the circumferential
road of Bongao. Head to the elevated Tawi-Tawi
Provincial Capitol and get a bird’s-eye view of
Bongao’s Commercial Center.
SLEEP The fi rst hotel in Bongao, Beach Side
Inn along Suwangkagang, Pasiagan, features a
serene beach setting. It is located just across the
Simandagit Beach. Tel: +63 (68) 268 1446
Basil Sali
university
instructor
BEST BREAKFAST Start your day
with a fl aming hot satti or junay iban
itlog at Bongao Coffee Shop.
BEST BUYS First-class dried fi sh,
dried squid, and Malaysian products are
reasonably priced.
BEST DINNER Tiula itum (tausug
black soup), khulma (local curried
stew), and grilled fi sh with agar-agar at
Jenno’s Place.
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP

Where to next?
Asia
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THAILAND
Bangkok
Kuala Lumpur
CHINA
VIETNAM
Hanoi
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MALAYSIA
Singapore
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CAMBODIA
Siem Reap
SINGAPORE
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VIETNAM
INDONESIA
Shanghai
Xiamen
Kota Kinabalu
Bandar Seri Begawan
{ 170 }
Incheon
Hong Kong
BRUNEI
KOREA
CLARK
Taipei
TAIWAN
Busan
MANILA
KALIBO
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JAPAN
Osaka
THE PHILIPPINES

Puerto Princesa
Busuanga
Tawi-Tawi
CLARK
MANILA
route map
Laoag
San Jose
Tuguegarao
Cauayan
Caticlan
Zamboanga
{ 171 }
Naga
KALIBO
Roxas
Iloilo
The Philippines
Bacolod
Legazpi
Dumaguete
Dipolog
Pagadian
Catarman
CEBU
Tagbilaran
Ozamiz
Cotabato
Virac
Tacloban
Surigao
Siargao
Cagayan de Oro
Butuan
DAVAO
General Santos

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A return trip
to Palawan?
Yes, please!
More flights
for summer
CEBU PACIFIC (CEB) is set to add more
domestic fl ights in time for the summer
peak season in the Philippines. This
coincides with the arrival of two brand-new
Airbus A320 aircraft from Toulouse, France
this March 2012.
The Cebu-Dipolog, Cebu-Legazpi and
Cebu-Pagadian routes will become daily
ones from February 8 to June 15, 2012;
while three weekly fl ights will be added to
the Cebu-Puerto Princesa route, making it
10 times weekly from March 17 to June 4,
2012. There will be four daily fl ights from
Manila to Legazpi and Puerto Princesa
from March 24 to April 25, 2012 as well.
March and April will also see fl ight
frequency increases for the Cebu-Bacolod,
Cebu-Caticlan, Cebu-Davao and Cebu-
Siargao routes. Passengers can choose
more fl ights from Manila to Cebu (99
weekly fl ights), to Bacolod (40 weekly
fl ights), and to Iloilo (49 weekly fl ights).
airline news
Fly higher, go
farther...the sky's
the limit!
Going the distance
Cebu Pacifi c unveils plans for budget long-haul fl ights
THE PHILIPPINES’ largest national fl ag
carrier, Cebu Pacifi c (CEB), will commence
long-haul fl ights in the third quarter of 2013.
The airline will lease up to eight Airbus A330-
300 aircraft to serve new markets beyond the
range of CEB’s current fl eet of Airbus A320
aircraft. The Airbus A330 has a range of up
to 11 hours, which means CEB could serve
markets such as Australia, the Middle East,
parts of Europe and the US. The aircraft is
one of the most commonly used wide-body
aircraft in operation today, given its highly
reliable operating statistics.
“The A330-300 will give us the lowest
cost per seat, allowing us to drive long-haul
fares 35 percent lower than those currently
offered by other airlines, and as much as 80
percent lower when CEB offers promo fares.
This aircraft type is very well suited to the kind
of network we want to build and the routes we
want to launch,” says Lance Gokongwei,
{ 172 }
CEB President and CEO.
“We are exploring serving cities where
large Filipino communities reside — Europe,
the Middle East, Oceania and the US. Data
indicates that more than half of Filipinos
deployed in these regions take multiple stops
and connecting fl ights, because no home
carrier can fl y them there non-stop,” he adds.
Gokongwei also cites Saudi Arabia as an
example, where only 165,000 passengers
fl ew direct non-stop fl ights from Manila
(according to Civil Aeronautics Board 2010
data), compared to 293,000 Filipinos
deployed to Saudi Arabia in the same year.
This means that nearly half of Filipinos who
fl ew to Saudi Arabia in 2010 had to take
multiple fl ights to get to their destination. With
CEB’s long-haul operations, the budget airline
will provide more affordable, direct fl ight
options to Filipinos overseas, a population
estimated to be 11 million worldwide.

CEB's Lance
Gokongwei accepts
the Low-Cost Carrier
of the Year award
CEB WON Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) of the Year,
and its President and CEO Lance Gokongwei was
named LCC CEO of the Year during the Budgie$
and Travel Awards 2012 last February 9, 2012.
The Budgie$ and Travel Awards 2012 was one
of the highlights of the 2012 Low-Cost Airlines
World Asia Pacifi c Conference held at the
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Representing
the Philippines, CEB bested other airlines such
as Air Asia, Jetstar, IndiGo, Spring Airlines and
SpiceJet for LCC and LCC CEO of the Year, two
Budgie$ Awards categories that were introduced
Let it Reap!
CEB LAUNCHES yet another fi rst — direct
fl ights to Siem Reap, Cambodia. This makes
it the only airline fl ying direct from Manila
to Siem Reap when it launches its fl ights
on April 19, 2012. It will be a thrice-weekly
service, utilizing one of Asia’s youngest
aircraft fl eets.
“Adventurous backpackers usually travel
by land from Ho Chi Minh or Bangkok to
Siem Reap, just so they can visit Angkor Wat,
airline news
Back to back
wins for
CEB
Cebu Pacifi c bags local and
international awards
just this year. CEB won Friendliest LCC of
the Year award in 2011.
The airline also nabbed the Digital
Filipino Web Awards recently, when it
was recognized as this year’s winner for
the airline category. The Digital Filipino
Web Awards showcases Filipino-owned
companies which have the best web
presence in terms of their 1) website, 2)
e-commerce engine, 3) online marketing
and 4) social networking sites (SNS)
engagement.
Make Siem Reap your next
CEB destination
part of the Angkor World Heritage site. Now,
Cebu Pacifi c can fl y them to Siem Reap on
its trademark lowest fares,” says CEB VP for
Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
According to the UNESCO World Heritage
Center, Angkor is one of the most important
archaeological sites in South-East Asia. The
Angkor Archaeological Park contains the
remains of the Khmer Empire from the 9th
to the 15th century, including Angkor Wat.
{ 173 }
CEB meets
ADB
CEBU PACIFIC is proud to be
the offi cial airline sponsor of the
45th Annual Meeting of the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) Board
of Governors, which will be hosted
by the Philippines from May 2 to 5,
2012. An event that brings together
the governors of ADB’s 67 member
countries, stakeholders and other
distinguished international delegates,
its goal is help eliminate poverty in
Asia and the Pacifi c through good
governance and the advancement of
sustainable programs.
Says ADB President Haruhiko
Kuroda, “Good governance is
essential for ensuring sustained
inclusive growth and creating an
environment for a competitive
private sector."
Aside from welcoming
CEOs, fi nance ministers, NGO
representatives, the academe and
media professionals from all over
the world, the country will also be
given a chance to show how much
it has achieved through its trade and
investment initiatives and publicprivate
partnerships, among others.
And thanks to the Departments
of Finance and Tourism, Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas, and sponsors
from the private sector, guests can
also visit a Philippine Corporate
Investment Pavilion at the SMX
Convention Center to learn more
about Philippine art and culture.
www.Manila2012.ph

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