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 

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS 

Tel: +65 6324 2386 

Email: smile@ink-global.com 

Smile Online Copy 

www.ink-live.com/emagazines/smile 

Smile Facebook 

Find us at: Smile Cebu Pacifi c Airlines 

Email us at: Smilefb@ink-global.com 

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 


{ 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 


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 

and equipment, offi ce equipment 

and other commercial or industrial 

business establishments. Known in 

the industry for its professionalism 

and drive to give quality service, 

CBIC has never failed to satisfy its 

clientele through the delivery of 

effi cient customer service. To know 

more about the company’s Fire 

Insurance and other products, you 

may visit Country Bankers Centre, 

648 T.M. Kalaw Ave., Ermita, Manila 

or call +63 (2) 523 0621 to 23 or 

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 


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. 


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 } 


Land your 

dream job 

Let AIMA Group and 

Park Royal College in 

London help you lead 

a better life 

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 

for its prestigious colleges and 

universities. AIMA Group with Park 

Royal College (PRC) — London’s 

leading independent sector college 

of further and higher education, 

and a Highly Trusted Tier 4 sponsor 

— offers top-up, postgraduate and 

Master’s degrees in Healthcare, 

Hospitality, Travel, Tourism, 

Business Management, Information 

Technology and Professional 

Studies in accountancy, commerce 

and fi nance — all very much in 

demand in Canada and the UK. 

Attend the free daily academic 

counseling at the Admissions Offi ce, 

27M Burgundy Corporate Tower, Gil 

Puyat Ave., Makati City, tel: +63 

(917) 878 6684, +63 (2) 856 4779. 

For more information, visit www. 

parkroyalcollege.org and www. 

aimagroup.co.uk

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 }


Gear up 

for summer 

Your essential list to packing light for the beach 

WHAT’S in your travel bag? Aside from the 

obvious three S’s — swimsuit, sunglasses and 

sunblock — here’s what to take along to ensure 

many days of fun under the sun. 

Water-resistant beach bag The better to keep 

your books and things dry. Select one with a 

compartment for your ASUS ZENBOOK — 

at 17mm, it’s the slimmest ASUS notebook 

by far. And weighing in at just 1.1kg, it’s your 

perfect beach-side companion — whether 

you’re Skype-ing with friends, updating your 

Facebook profi le pic or writing that dream novel 

while you get a tan. 

Summer soundtrack What’s a holiday without a 

playlist of your favorite beach tracks? With the 

ASUS ZENBOOK, sounds are clearer and more 

defi ned, thanks to its state-of-the-art audio 

Bang & Olufsen ICEpower and SonicMaster 

technology. 

Camera Make sure to take lots of photos of 

your summer holiday! Show them off to your 

new friends on your ASUS ZENBOOK while 

sipping cocktails at the end of the day. With 

display resolutions of up to HD+ 1600 x 900 

pixels, every image looks brilliant on the 

ASUS ZENBOOK. 

A link to the rest of the world Even if you’ve 

chosen to get away from it all, it’s good to let 

people know you’re alive and well. Don’t let 

its hot hues (Aluminum Silver and Hot Pink) 

fool you: Whether you need to rush a report 

for school, fi re off revisions on a project to 

{ 44 } 

your boss, or blog about your holiday, the 

ASUS ZENBOOK gets it done. A secondgeneration 

Intel® Core i5 CPU, 4GB of 

DDR3, and a SATA 6Gbps SSD work together 

to make the ASUS ZENBOOK impressively 

faster than other notebooks — even if you 

have it perform multiple tasks and programs 

simultaneously. 

What’s more, its Super Hybrid Engine II 

saves your system state for up to two weeks 

on standby, and can relaunch the system in 

just two seconds. 

The incredible Ultrabook Inspired by 

Intel. With a new Intel-inspired Ultrabook 

powered by the second-generation Intel® 

Core i5 processor, you’ll get a visible 

boost to responsiveness — and style. 

The ASUS ZENBOOK is at PHP53,995 (12-inch model) and PHP59,995 (13-inch), available in leading electronic retailers nationwide. 

For more information, visit ph.asus.com and facebook.com/asusphilippines


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 

Airport, malls, resorts and business centers. 

It’s also adjacent to SM City Cebu, one of the 

largest shopping malls in the world. So choose 

the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu today. Serging 

Osmeña Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City; 

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 


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? 


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 


{ 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. 


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) 


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 


{ 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.


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 }


{ 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. 


{ 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 


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 


{ 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). 


{ 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 


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 


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. 


{ 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… 



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 


{ 95 } 


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 }


{ 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. 


{ 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. 


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 


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. 


{ 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. 


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. 


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. 


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.


{ 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


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. 

All Microtels in the Philippines are managed by Microtel Development Corp., the hospitality arm of Phinma Group. 

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 

For more information, call Tel (63 2) 899 7171 Mobile (63 2) 917 888 1800 Email sales@microtel.ph | reservations@microtel.ph 

or log on to w w w . m i c r o t e l p h i l i p p i n e s . c o m

Want to visit 

Siem Reap? 

Turn to page 129 

for useful advice 

from a local! 

trip journal 

trip journal 

Your guide to enjoying every city on our network 

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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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) 


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 


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 


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 



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 



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 



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 



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 



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 



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 


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 


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 



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 


PHILIPPINES 

NAGA 



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 



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) 



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 




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 



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 



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 



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) 



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 



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 



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 



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 



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 



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. 


PHILIPPINES 

DAVAO 



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 



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 



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 



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 } 


PHILIPPINES 

SIARGAO 



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 



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 




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 



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 



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! 


PHILIPPINES 

TAWI-TAWI 



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 

map legend 

Cebu Pacifi c Hub 

City with airport 

Cebu Pacifi c international fl ight 

Cebu Pacifi c domestic fl ight 

Cebu Pacifi c new route 

route map 

THAILAND 

Bangkok 

Kuala Lumpur 

CHINA 

VIETNAM 

Hanoi 

Ho Chi Minh City 

MALAYSIA 

Singapore 

Beijing 

Guangzhou 

Macau 

CAMBODIA 

Siem Reap 

SINGAPORE 

Jakarta 

VIETNAM 

INDONESIA 

Shanghai 

Xiamen 

Kota Kinabalu 

Bandar Seri Begawan 

{ 170 } 

Incheon 

Hong Kong 

BRUNEI 

KOREA 

CLARK 

Taipei 

TAIWAN 

Busan 

MANILA 

KALIBO 

CEBU 

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

Join the 

C lub! 

Be part of Cebu Pacific , s online 

community of happy fliers by 

joining the CEB Club. Members 

get to manage their bookings and 

track their flights for the year, and 

receive early alerts on Seat Sales. 

JOIN THE CLUB TODAY 

AND REGISTER AT: 

http://book.cebupacificair.com/ 

Register.aspx 

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

Visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/YellowCabPizzaOfficial 

and join our mysize digital game!

ACQUA PRIVATE RESIDENCES 

Y ANN AAVV 

YAA YA YA 

The Residences AT 

AcquA LivingsTone 

inTeRioR design By 

MissonihoMe 

AV AAV A E. 

The firsT and only in The world 

JP RRIZZAALL 

CENTURY CENTURY 

CITY 

LU 

D LU U 

M AANDDA 

DA 

L YONGG BRRRID DGGEEEE 

CCCOOORRROOONAAADO OO STTT... 

JJP RRIIZZAL 

THE POOL AT THE SKYDECK 

ACQUA 

P A S I G R I V E R 

PPAANNTA TA TA T LEOON SSTT.. 

POWERPLANT 

MALL 

Developed by Century Limitless Corporation, an affiliate of Century Properties Group, Inc. 

Authorized to sell by HLURB: TLTS ENCRFO-12-02-007. 

BBRRRRIIDGGEEEE 

EESSTTRREELLLL 

LLLAAAA 

P A S I G R I V E R 

Contact: (632) 818-9041 • (63) 917-5555-274 (CPI) • www.acqua-livingstone.com 

JP RRIIZZA 

L 

EDSA

april-2012

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?