january-2011
january-2011
january-2011
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MAGAZINE FOR CEBU PACIFIC<br />
JANUARY <strong>2011</strong><br />
Write here<br />
right now<br />
Three Hong Kong novelists<br />
on the city that inspires them<br />
Turning<br />
Japanese<br />
A slice of Tokyo in Saigon<br />
PURE<br />
PALAWAN<br />
Kickstart your year<br />
with an island detox<br />
on page 40<br />
the ultimate<br />
bucket list<br />
12 MUST-DO ADVENTURES FOR <strong>2011</strong><br />
From learning to fly to<br />
climbing Mount Apo
contents<br />
Here’s where everything’s at in January. Start your year right!<br />
7 Welcome<br />
Message<br />
Salutations from Cebu Pacifi c<br />
CEO Lance Gokongwei.<br />
9 Chikka<br />
An array of fun, useful<br />
and buzz-worthy mini articles.<br />
10 Calendar<br />
Kick off your year with this line-up up<br />
of events around the network.<br />
17<br />
Slick Traveler<br />
Travel show writer and producer<br />
Troy Bernardo on vacations for the soul.<br />
18 Cool<br />
reviews<br />
New music for your mp3 player plus<br />
interesting books to read on the plane.<br />
22<br />
Baler<br />
Bites<br />
You don’t have<br />
to be a surfer to<br />
indulge in hearty<br />
Pinoy comfort<br />
food in this surfer’s<br />
paradise in Aurora province.<br />
Ba-cool-od<br />
Drink, dine and shop in Bacolod,<br />
the City of Smiles<br />
24<br />
27 Idol chatter with<br />
Lee DeWyze<br />
As the world girds up for American Idol<br />
Season 10 this month, Smile catches up with<br />
the dreamy eyed reigning Idol on his newest<br />
album and his greatest gift of all.<br />
{ 1 }<br />
32<br />
Your Bucket<br />
List Year<br />
Dare to go out on a limb in <strong>2011</strong>!<br />
These 12 thrilling vacation ideas will<br />
make you feel truly alive.<br />
40 A Clean<br />
Slate<br />
Out with the bad! Enjoy a gentle<br />
detox in idyllic Puerto Princesa.<br />
50 A Novel City<br />
Three authors talk about how<br />
Hong Kong infl uences their writing.<br />
58Meander<br />
through<br />
this delightful little Japanese enclave<br />
in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.<br />
75 Trip Journal<br />
Your guide to enjoying cities across the<br />
network with advice from locals.<br />
106 Route Map<br />
Where will you fl y to next? Check out Cebu<br />
Pacifi c’s growing network!<br />
Little<br />
Tokyo in<br />
Saigon<br />
108 Airline News<br />
Now’s the time to take trips to China and Coron<br />
(Busuanga). Plus, sign up for CEB SMS-es!<br />
111-112 Onboard<br />
Delights<br />
From savory bites and pastries to snacks,<br />
check out our yummy offerings! Then take<br />
your pick from sunglasses to watches, bags<br />
to toys — great items for gifts!
“Why MX3<br />
works<br />
for me!”<br />
“I grew up<br />
drinking mom’s<br />
traditional blend<br />
of boiled pulp<br />
of the Garcinia<br />
mangostana. If<br />
she were alive<br />
today she would<br />
be happy to know<br />
about MX3.<br />
I used to have severe<br />
allergic rhinitis and<br />
I have a stressful<br />
job, both of which<br />
are alleviated by<br />
drinking MX3 tea<br />
three times a day.”<br />
“At 57, I feel great.”<br />
ATTY ASTER E CRUZABRA,<br />
MX3 consumer, pastor,<br />
Register of Deeds Reginal Director<br />
Filipino dance troupe member.<br />
Bellydance expert.<br />
Badminton player.<br />
Church Lecturer.<br />
Wife and mother.<br />
AVAILABLE AT ALL ROSE PHARMACY,<br />
WATSONS & MERCURY DRUGSTORE<br />
For interested outlets & distributors: DMI Medical Supply Co Inc,<br />
#3 Victor San Bldg, JP Laurel Cor Cabagiou, Ave Bajada, Davao, Philippines.<br />
PHONE +63-82-222-5565 / +63-918-9023-600. EMAIL dmi.supply@gmail.com WEB www.mx3.ph
PHOTO MONICA BARRETTO. GROOMING MARIE CALICA. STYLING LEONA LAVIÑA-PANUTAT<br />
INK EDITORIAL<br />
Editor Maya O Calica<br />
Art Director Adi Effendy<br />
Sub-Editor Noelle Q de Jesus<br />
Contributing Editors Charmaine Baylon and<br />
Monica Barretto<br />
Editorial Director (Singapore)<br />
Liz Weselby<br />
Design Director (Asia) Peter Stephens<br />
Associate Design Director (Singapore)<br />
Terence Goh<br />
Photo Editor Lester V Ledesma<br />
Production Manager Jo Low<br />
Executive Creative Director Michael Keating<br />
CEO Jeffrey O’Rourke<br />
Managing Director Gerry Ricketts<br />
Chief Operating Offi cer Hugh Godsal<br />
Group Publisher Simon Leslie<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
Group Publisher Mohan Gopal<br />
Associate Publisher Frances Barsana<br />
Brand Managers Bong Dy-Liacco, Andrew Lugtu<br />
and Jil Sembrano-North<br />
Tel +65 6324 2386<br />
Email smile@ink-global.com<br />
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SMILE magazine is published on behalf of Cebu<br />
Pacifi c Air by Ink Publishing Pte Ltd • 89 Neil<br />
Road #03-01, Singapore 088849 • tel +65<br />
6324 2386 • fax +65 6491 5261 •<br />
www.ink-global.com • www.cebusmile.com<br />
MICA (P) 198/07/2010<br />
All articles and<br />
photographs published<br />
herein are created by<br />
the authors and photographers at their own<br />
discretion and do not necessarily represent<br />
the views of the airline. All material is strictly<br />
copyrighted and all rights are reserved. No part<br />
of this publication may be reproduced in whole<br />
or in part without the prior written permission<br />
of the copyright holder. All prices and data are<br />
correct at the time of publication.<br />
MAGAZINE FOR CEBU PACIFIC<br />
JANUARY <strong>2011</strong><br />
Write here<br />
right now<br />
Three Hong Kong novelists<br />
on the city that inspires them<br />
Turning<br />
Japanese<br />
A slice of Tokyo in Saigon<br />
PURE<br />
PALAWAN<br />
Kickstart your year<br />
with an island detox<br />
on page 40<br />
the ultimate<br />
bucket list<br />
12 MUST-DO ADVENTURES FOR <strong>2011</strong><br />
From learning to fly to<br />
climbing Mount Apo<br />
THIS MONTH’S COVER<br />
Photography Francisco Guerrero. Photo editor<br />
Lester V Ledesma. Art director Adi Effendy. Hair and<br />
Makeup Marie Calica. Stylist Leona Laviña-Panutat.<br />
Model Janet E/Reco Models. On Janet: Jacket,<br />
stylist’s own. Scarf by Esprit. Pants by Bayo. Top by<br />
Forever 21. Special thanks to Hotel St Ellis (www.<br />
hotelstellis-legaspi.com), Albay Tourism Board, the<br />
Department of National Resources in Legazpi City,<br />
and JB Anonuevo for setting up the campsite.<br />
welcome onboard<br />
Start your engines!<br />
Apart from cool morning breezes and comfortably dry weather,<br />
January carries with it the positive energy of new beginnings. At this time,<br />
we are faced with the thrill of the open road, the vast possibilities of the blank<br />
page, and the crisp feel of a brand new slate. The new year brings renewed<br />
hope in goals, dreams and wishes, and 365 days of trips to plan. We at Smile<br />
understand that starting <strong>2011</strong> is an essential ritual that every one should take<br />
part in, if they want to make their lives count.<br />
Turn to Your Bucket List Year (page 32) for a list of amazing challenges<br />
you can take all around the Cebu Pacifi c network. Whether you bungee-jump<br />
off the Macau Tower or cliff-dive in Boracay, enjoy it for all it’s worth. If last year<br />
brought you down, rid yourself of toxic baggage and cleanse yourself in unique<br />
ways. A Clean Slate (page 37) is how one woman did just that in Puerto<br />
Princesa, emerging ready to tackle anything. For others, this may be the year to<br />
write a novel or collection of short stories or poetry. Learn how travel and your<br />
own urban landscape can infl uence your output, as three published novelists tell<br />
us in A Novel City (page 50).<br />
Where are you going to this<br />
year, and what wonders await<br />
you? Plan now. Remember that<br />
Lance Gokongwei<br />
it’s all good with Cebu Pacifi c, so<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
long as you Smile.<br />
{ 7 }
chikka<br />
The latest buzz and gossip on lifestyle, travel and celebrity news<br />
page 11<br />
Fly to Taipei to catch Varekai, a stage<br />
production of magical proportions!<br />
Here we go...<br />
January is that time of the year when anything is possible,<br />
so take this time to map out your plan of action for<br />
<strong>2011</strong>. Make Smile your guide to taking your dream<br />
from the drawing board to reality. Whether you’re<br />
a soul searcher like slick traveler Troy<br />
What’s on<br />
your mind?<br />
Write me at<br />
cebusmile@<br />
ink-global.com!<br />
Bernardo (page 17) or just love to party<br />
like the Ilonggos (page 22), there’s<br />
something for every type<br />
of wanderer in this issue.<br />
Happy new year!<br />
{ 9 }<br />
Readers<br />
rave!<br />
OUR Smile IS COMPLIMENTARY • DECEMBER 2010<br />
M A G A Z I N E F O R C E B U P A C I F I C<br />
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0<br />
‘twas the flight<br />
before Christmas<br />
Celebrate with Cebu Pacific’s<br />
dancing cabin crew<br />
Cover December 2010 OK.indd 1<br />
09LKH Smile<br />
Ser 4<br />
BEST FOOT<br />
FORWARD<br />
Inspiring true stories<br />
on page 55<br />
Seoul<br />
searching<br />
Visit the land of Super<br />
Junior and Big Bang with<br />
K-Pop’s number one fan<br />
Home<br />
& away<br />
The homesick<br />
Pinoy’s guide to<br />
holiday cheer<br />
Smile readers wrote in to say they<br />
loved the December 2010 cover,<br />
shot in Resorts World Manila’s<br />
Maxims Tower, the Philippines’<br />
first six-star luxury casino hotel<br />
(www.rwmanila.com). Thank you!<br />
Meet the Smile team<br />
for this issue’s cover.<br />
Back row (left to right):<br />
JB the mountaineer, models<br />
Daniela and Janet, stylist Leona,<br />
photographer Paco, Haryati and<br />
art director Adi. Front row: Photo<br />
editor Lester, makeup artist<br />
Marie and yours truly.<br />
Check out behind-the-scenes fun in our Facebook fan page (Smile Cebu Pacific Airlines)
CEBU<br />
Cebu Marathon<br />
January 9<br />
Last year’s turnout was an impressive 4,000. But <strong>2011</strong> promises to be even bigger, as<br />
the organizers expect more runners from Manila, the US and Europe. The 5K, 21K and<br />
42K races will begin and end in Asiatown IT Park, and the top prizes to be won range<br />
from PHP5,000 to PHP60,000. Supporters and fans may also take part in race day<br />
activities, which include games and raffl es. www.cebumarathon.com<br />
©TALL STORIES<br />
HONG KONG<br />
The Gruffalo and<br />
The Gruffalo’s Child<br />
From January 14<br />
“Mouse can scare hungry animals away<br />
with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but<br />
what happens when he comes face to face<br />
with the very creature he imagines?” Based<br />
on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and<br />
Axel Scheffl er, these two family musicals<br />
by Tall Stories UK — which will run at the<br />
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts,<br />
delivering great fun for parents and kids<br />
aged three and up. The show also comes<br />
to Singapore in February at the DBS Arts<br />
Centre. www.hkticketing.com, www.sistic.<br />
com.sg, www.tallstories.org.uk<br />
{ 10 }<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
The M1 Singapore Fringe<br />
Festival <strong>2011</strong><br />
January 5–16<br />
This festival just keeps getting better.<br />
Now on its seventh year, organizer<br />
The Necessary Stage is once again<br />
bringing together artists of various<br />
genres from countries such as Japan,<br />
China, Singapore, India and Korea.<br />
The theme? Art and education. Three<br />
works will make their Asian debuts<br />
during the event, while 10 will make<br />
their world premieres. Worth checking<br />
out are Another Me: Transformations<br />
from Pain to Power, a stirring photo<br />
exhibit about survivors of abuse;<br />
School of Hard Knocks, which looks<br />
at old playgrounds; Perceptio, an<br />
audiovisual concert with computergenerated<br />
cinematics that focuses on<br />
environmental issues; and Aromascape<br />
of Singapore, a workshop that aims to<br />
elicit feelings through your powerful<br />
sense of smell. www.sistic.com.sg,<br />
www.singaporefringe.com<br />
Get down<br />
in January<br />
Drown in loads of chocolate, toys and<br />
games, extraordinary personalities and<br />
brilliantly staged shows this month<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
Akon Live in Singapore<br />
January 8<br />
The Senegalese-American producer and<br />
singer-songwriter gives Singapore fans a<br />
special treat, with tracks from his soonto-be<br />
released fourth album, Stadium as<br />
well as his other hits. The show will have<br />
more than a touch of glamor to boot, as<br />
the artist and his crew will be riding sleek<br />
cars by Maserati. But then fans will also<br />
get to see his philanthropic side — part of<br />
the proceeds will go to charity. Singapore<br />
Indoor Stadium. www.sistic.com.sg
ACHINTO BHADRA<br />
chikka calendar<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
The Guru of Chai<br />
January 19–29<br />
Described as “a mix of Flight of the<br />
Concords and Slumdog Millionaire,” The<br />
Guru of Chai could be Singapore Repertory<br />
Theatre and Indian Ink Theatre Company’s<br />
most entertaining collaboration yet. Jacob<br />
Rajan narrates es<br />
and acts in this his<br />
Indian folk tale, le,<br />
which delves<br />
into the lives of a<br />
spiritual leader, er,<br />
a tea-seller, an<br />
abandoned girl, irl,<br />
a policeman and<br />
a poet. DBS Arts Arts<br />
Centre — Home me<br />
of SRT. www.<br />
sistic.com.sg,<br />
www.srt.com.sg .ssg s<br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
Malaysia 4th Chocolate Fair <strong>2011</strong><br />
January 7–9<br />
Eat, see, drink, smell and immerse<br />
yourself in all things chocolate! There will<br />
be chocolate cakes and bites, ice cream,<br />
hampers — even beauty products! Learn<br />
everything there is to know about chocolate<br />
and just what it can do for you. You will<br />
also meet local and international chocolate<br />
makers, confectioners and ingredient<br />
suppliers, and attend free chocolate-making<br />
demonstrations and workshops by popular<br />
patisserie chef Jean Marc Bernelin. If you’ve<br />
been craving for chocolate, you can’t miss<br />
this. Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala<br />
Lumpur. www.chocolatefair.com.my<br />
{ 11 }<br />
HONG KONG<br />
Hong Kong Tennis Classic <strong>2011</strong><br />
January 5–8<br />
One of the more unique tennis<br />
tournaments, the Hong Kong Tennis<br />
Classic <strong>2011</strong> pits four teams from four<br />
different regions against each other. One<br />
team has current players like Caroline<br />
Wozniacki of Denmark, Aravane Rezai<br />
of France, and Stefan Edberg of Sweden<br />
for Europe, and Venus Williams, Melanie<br />
Oudin and John McEnroe for the United<br />
States. Tremendously exciting for tennis<br />
fans. Victoria Park Tennis Stadium.<br />
www.hongkongtennisclassic.com<br />
TAIPEI<br />
Varekai<br />
January 20–March 6<br />
A man in an enchanted forest on a<br />
volcano’s summit meets otherworldly<br />
beings in Varekai, one of Cirque de<br />
Soleil’s most successful shows. Lot next<br />
to the Nangang Exhibition Hall. www.<br />
cirquedusoleil.tw, www.artsticket.com.tw<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
Richard O’Brien’s<br />
Rocky Horror Show<br />
January 5–16<br />
Interact and sing along with the zany cast<br />
of Rocky, Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter, Riff Raff and<br />
Magenta in “the world’s most famous rock<br />
‘n’ roll musical,” at the Esplanade Theatre.<br />
www.sistic.com.sg<br />
MANILA<br />
TATLO: A Choral Celebration<br />
January 8<br />
Listen to three renowned choirs: Singapore’s<br />
SYC Ensemble Singers, Japan’s Gaia<br />
Philharmonic Choir and the Philippines’ own<br />
Ateneo Chamber Singers. Attend workshops<br />
by the three conductors on January 7.<br />
Tickets from all Ticketworld outlets or the<br />
Ateneo Chamber Singers, tel: +63 (918)<br />
943 1817. www.threefestival.com<br />
OSAKA<br />
Sting: Symphonicity<br />
January 13<br />
Watch superstar Sting perform live at<br />
the Chuo Gymnasium. Shows also take<br />
place in Nagoya (January 14) and Tokyo<br />
(January 17 and 18). www.sting.com<br />
don’t<br />
miss!
Want your pic<br />
published?<br />
Send it to us<br />
with your story<br />
at mysnapshot@<br />
cebusmile.com<br />
chikka click<br />
my<br />
snapshot<br />
This month, James Cecil Yayen of<br />
Puerto Princesa City shares a photo<br />
snapped in beautiful Bohol<br />
During our family vacation to Bohol, I took a photo<br />
of another family riding a multicab, with the<br />
famous Chocolate Hills in the background.<br />
I was so amazed by the beauty of the place,<br />
and I think this image captures that.<br />
{ 12 }
Explore South-East Asia<br />
without fear! Tips from<br />
Matt Kepnes, founder of<br />
travel site, Nomadic Matt<br />
“I think getting off the beaten path is safer in this<br />
region than in others. While you need to watch<br />
yourself everywhere, tourist places in Asia tend to<br />
be where the scams, rip-offs and robberies mostly<br />
happen. Tiny villages or deserted islands are the<br />
least of your worries!” Follow Matt online at<br />
www.nomadicmatt.com<br />
hear<br />
say<br />
Soundbites<br />
you can use<br />
chikka buzz<br />
Value-for-money<br />
deals in Brunei<br />
Get fab discounts at the Radisson Hotel in<br />
Bandar Seri Begawan (it’s walking distance<br />
from the capital’s best attractions). It offers as<br />
much as 25% off when you book two to four<br />
weeks in advance. They promise the best<br />
online rate on their website, www.radisson.<br />
com/offers/. But if you find another site that<br />
quotes a lower price than their best rate,<br />
the Radisson people will honor the lower<br />
rate and give you an additional 25% off<br />
your bill. Now, that’s fantastic value!<br />
{ 14 }<br />
Traveling solo<br />
tips for women<br />
from travel author Beth Whitman of<br />
Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential<br />
Guide for Women Traveling Solo<br />
“The most important thing? Be confident.<br />
Taking a self-defense course will help.<br />
Would-be thieves are on the lookout for<br />
easy targets, and looking smart helps<br />
you avoid a bad situation. Next, carry a<br />
rubber doorstop. Most hotel room doors<br />
open inward and, sometimes, there<br />
are no deadbolts or chain locks. By<br />
wedging a rubber door stop beneath<br />
the door, you can guard yourself<br />
against intruders.” Follow Beth on<br />
wanderlustandlipstick.com<br />
Tell a tourist:<br />
Where’s the best place<br />
to go for drinks?<br />
“In Shanghai, it’s Xintiandi. There are bars and<br />
restaurants in restored old Shanghai-style apartments. I<br />
also enjoy the irony of it all: right within Xintiandi is the<br />
school building where the Chinese Communist Party<br />
held its fi rst congress. Mao Ze Dong could be rolling in<br />
his grave because of the bourgeois happenings!”<br />
Ed Medina, information systems analyst<br />
“Lan Kwai Fong at D’Aguilar Street in Central, Hong<br />
Kong is ideal for drinks and dining. It isn’t far from<br />
the Central Station of the Island Line of MTR.”<br />
Billy Tse, business consultant<br />
TEXT MABEL DAVID-PILAR
PHOTO CANDY REYES (CAMBODIA) TEXT MAYA O CALICA<br />
Troy Bernardo in<br />
Cambodia. Below: Camping<br />
in the deserts of Morocco.<br />
His most recent soul quest<br />
“I went whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro,<br />
which included an extreme route, starting off<br />
at a higher point in the mountain; and, a threehour<br />
trip down the rapids at night, under a full<br />
moon. In situations of risk, you can confront<br />
your own fears, face and release them, until<br />
they no longer bother you.”<br />
Vacations for the spirit<br />
“Swimming with whalesharks in Sorsogon is on<br />
top of the list, as well as surfi ng in Siargao and<br />
climbing Mount Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin. To<br />
chikka buzz<br />
slick traveler:<br />
Troy Bernardo<br />
Whether he’s heading off to Cambodia, Davao or Morocco, the<br />
writer/story editor/co-executive producer of the inspiring travel<br />
show, Two Stops Over goes in search of self and soulful pursuits<br />
relax, try the Camotes Islands in Cebu, the rivers<br />
of Makilala in North Cotabato, Mangenguey<br />
Island in Coron, or Bellarocca in Marinduque.”<br />
On future locales in Two Stops Over<br />
“We’ll focus on places with compelling stories,<br />
like the town of Peñaranda in Nueva Ecija,<br />
where life is still far from consumerism. Or<br />
areas where people succeed in recycling their<br />
garbage, protecting nature, or changing lives.”<br />
Interesting souvenirs from past travels<br />
“Mine is a necklace with a wild boar’s tooth as<br />
a pendant given by a Tagbanua shaman. It’s<br />
supposed to protect one from negative energy.”<br />
His life philosophy on a baggage tag<br />
“Making yourself available to life is the only<br />
way to live.”<br />
Catch Two Stops Over on 2nd Ave, Sundays at<br />
7.30pm. www.twostopsover.com<br />
{ 17 }<br />
Bite into the auspicious<br />
and absolutely delicious<br />
8 Treasures Cake.<br />
Get what<br />
you want<br />
MAKE “ASK AND you shall receive”<br />
your travel mantra in <strong>2011</strong>!<br />
YOU WANT More luck in life<br />
TRY Prosperity dishes in Singapore<br />
At Min Jiang (Goodwood Park Hotel),<br />
Min Jiang at One-North (5 Rochester<br />
Park) and the Deli at Goodwood Park<br />
Hotel, feast on Prosperity and Lunar<br />
New Year treats from January 24 to<br />
February 17. Try the Braised US Pork<br />
Belly and Sea Treasures and the<br />
8 Treasures Cake. Tel: +65 6730 1704<br />
(Min Jiang), +65 6774 0122 (Min<br />
Jiang at One-North) and +65 6730<br />
1786 (the Deli).<br />
YOU WANT Action and relaxation<br />
TRY A trip to Kota Kinabalu<br />
The rugged terrain offers active<br />
itineraries while Chi The Spa provides<br />
pampering in a plush setting.<br />
www.shangri-la.com/en/property/<br />
kotakinabalutanjungaruresort<br />
YOU WANT Health and wellness<br />
TRY Organique Acai Premium Blend<br />
Take the berry-cocoa fl avored<br />
immunity booster made with acai berry<br />
everywhere. The antioxidants, vitamins<br />
and omega fats will boost energy<br />
levels all year. www.organique.asia<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Singapore from Manila,<br />
Cebu and Clark, and to Kota Kinabalu from<br />
Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com
chikka buzz<br />
Return of the<br />
rock stars<br />
From Bon Jovi’s classic rock tunes to Jamiroquai’s<br />
newest album, the big boys are back!<br />
Jay Kay,<br />
Jamiroquai’s vocalist,<br />
is on top of his game<br />
in the new album!<br />
Rock Dust Light Star<br />
by Jamiroquai<br />
The new album<br />
under new label<br />
Mercury Records<br />
will please the<br />
band’s fans. “I do<br />
feel rejuvenated,<br />
music-wise<br />
and business-wise; now, ‘everything has<br />
clicked’,” says vocalist Jay Kay.<br />
PRESS REPEAT With its lush string<br />
arrangement and Jay Kay’s emotive vocals,<br />
the ballad Blue Skies is easily an album<br />
standout. But fans of the band’s dancefl oor<br />
hits — such as 1996’s Virtual Insanity and<br />
2005’s Canned Heat — will love the funky,<br />
disco beat of White Knuckle Ride. Defi ntely<br />
worth the wait.<br />
Greatest Hits – The Ultimate<br />
Collection<br />
by Bon Jovi<br />
This anthology<br />
features the New<br />
Jersey band’s<br />
essential hits<br />
spanning three<br />
decades and<br />
packaged in a<br />
two-CD special edition album and DVD.<br />
PRESS REPEAT Relish old favorites Livin’<br />
On A Prayer, Always, Blood on Blood, It’s<br />
My Life, and Bed of Roses then listen to four<br />
new songs — The More Things Change, No<br />
Apologies, This Is Love, This Is Life and the<br />
fi rst hit single, What Do You Got? — which<br />
were written specifi cally for inclusion in this<br />
compilation.<br />
{ 18 }<br />
books<br />
From Sometimes Love Beth<br />
by Beth Sometimes Let Beth<br />
Sometimes’<br />
project<br />
challenge your<br />
creativity this<br />
year. Every day<br />
for 365 days, the author wrote a postcard to<br />
someone — friends, family members, exboyfriends<br />
to name a few — and compiled<br />
them in this book. The artworks range from<br />
store-bought designs to her own wacky<br />
drawings, but each bearing her handwriting<br />
and quirky poetry in every card. Buy it online<br />
at www.affi rmpress.com.au<br />
Showbiz Lengua:<br />
Chika & Chismax about<br />
Chuvachuchu<br />
by Jose F Lacaba<br />
Why not learn a new<br />
language — the lingo<br />
of Philippine showbiz<br />
to be exact? Poet<br />
and journalist Jose F<br />
Lacaba teaches you<br />
the meaning of chika,<br />
chuvachuchu and<br />
other evolving terms<br />
in his witty collection of columns from Yes!<br />
magazine (Anvil Publishing). Available at<br />
National Bookstore for PHP295, or online at<br />
www.anvilpublishing.com<br />
How to...<br />
book a taxi in<br />
Singapore<br />
WHEN IN THE Lion City, make<br />
sure to download the Comfort<br />
DelGro Taxi Booking iPhone app.<br />
It beats calling or SMS-ing for a<br />
cab, especially during peak hours<br />
(from 5–8pm). Our iPhone app<br />
tester swears she’s always gotten<br />
a cab from one to three minutes of<br />
sending her request. So skip the taxi<br />
queue now — download it for free<br />
from the iTunes apps store.<br />
TEXT MAYA O CALICA
Brrring on<br />
the cold<br />
Your travel plans needn’t go down<br />
the drain when the temperatures<br />
drop. Here are useful tips to beat<br />
the winter blues while in transit.<br />
WINTER MAY LOOK beautiful for many of us<br />
who live in the tropics, what with the novelty of<br />
falling snow and the chance to wear those cute<br />
pair of boots… that is, until you feel the wind chill<br />
cut through your clothes. Don’t let the weather<br />
dampen your holiday; you can still survive it<br />
with these tips.<br />
Layer on the gear If you’re fl ying to Beijing or<br />
Seoul at this time of the year, pack thermals,<br />
undershirts, sweaters and a coat. But if you<br />
want to do away with multiple layers, check<br />
out Uniqlo’s HeatTech clothes. The Japanese<br />
brand has a line of leggings, T-shirts and<br />
undergarments in thin, lightweight fabrics<br />
specially designed to absorb moisture and<br />
generate heat. Uniqlo has branches in Japan,<br />
China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.<br />
Accessorize for the cold Gloves, check. Scarves,<br />
check. Knit caps, check. But if you’re still feeling<br />
the chill, grab some hand warmers. The nifty<br />
This maillot from<br />
Soak is sexy yet<br />
doesn’t expose<br />
too much skin.<br />
chikka buzz<br />
little packets emit heat in a variety of ways —<br />
mostly after it’s moved or exposed to the air —<br />
and can snugly fi t in your pocket or be fastened<br />
to your undershirt via an adhesive strip.<br />
Protect your gadgets Don’t let the cold damage<br />
your essential gadgets. Tuck your camera in<br />
a plastic zipper storage bag before sudden<br />
changes in temperature, ie after an hour of<br />
shooting the wintry outdoors and before entering<br />
a warm restaurant. This prevents condensation<br />
IN THE PHILIPPINES, a beach getaway<br />
knows no season. But in January, when the<br />
air is cooler, running around in a bikini can<br />
make one feel too exposed. We asked the<br />
people at Soak Swimwear, the brand that‘s<br />
been spotted in beaches and pool parties in<br />
Paris, Venice, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand,<br />
Ibiza, LA, New York and Shanghai, for tips on<br />
how to look glam without catching a cold.<br />
1 Pick a maillot A one-piece swimsuit can look<br />
sexy while offering midriff coverage that keeps<br />
one warm when out of the water. Select one in<br />
black for a slimming effect.<br />
2 Go for a cool wrap Don a short romper and<br />
look tres chic on the beach without feeling<br />
{ 20 }<br />
Why are they smiling?<br />
They’re all wearing<br />
thermals, that’s why!<br />
from accumulating. Batteries also discharge<br />
quicker in the cold so bring extras; keep lithium<br />
batteries warm and stash silica gel in your laptop<br />
bag and camera bag to absorb moisture.<br />
Eat, drink and stay toasty Load up on the<br />
local cuisine for both sustenance and warmth.<br />
In South Korea, have kimchi (spicy pickled<br />
cabbage dish) and soups and stews like maeuntang<br />
(spicy seafood). In Japan, order sake, the<br />
rice-based liquor that can be served heated.<br />
Need some swimsuit advice?<br />
cold and looking too covered up.<br />
3 Still prefer a bikini? Pick one in the season’s<br />
hot pinks and oranges, and then cover up with<br />
a sheer tunic or loose-fi tting mini-dress.<br />
www.soakswimwear.multiply.com<br />
Win gift checks!<br />
Send a creative photo of you<br />
in Soak Swimwear with your<br />
Cebu Pacifi c boarding pass to<br />
soakswimwear@gmail.com.<br />
Each winning photo gets a<br />
PHP500 P gift check. Promo<br />
runs r<br />
until May 31, <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
TEXT MABEL DAVID-PILAR (BRING ON THE COLD)
Dress down This multi-colored Fab tube<br />
dress is perfect for the city’s relaxed vibe!<br />
PHP599.75, Robinsons Department Store.<br />
Vintage style Take home this<br />
sugarcane crusher, PHP490,<br />
Negros Showroom.<br />
Pin ‘em up Azatri Masskara<br />
magnets and pins for souvenirs,<br />
PHP50 each, Negros Showroom.<br />
Take note Pandan and<br />
recycled paper pad with bamboo<br />
pen. PHP197, Negros Showroom.<br />
chikka style<br />
Ba-cool-od<br />
Head down to the laid-back city of Bacolod for a<br />
relaxing and fun weekend of eating, drinking<br />
and shopping! Styled by Mikka Padua<br />
The TT<br />
Ruins in Talisay is the perfect spot to watch<br />
the t sunset, with a cocktail in hand!<br />
Wall art Decorate your walls<br />
with the Azatri Masskara Mask,<br />
PHP599, Negros Showroom.<br />
Step out Ipanema Solar<br />
Premium slippers, PHP1,095, at<br />
major department stores.<br />
{ 22 }<br />
Wrist candy CrisVil leather<br />
and wood cuffs, PHP300–599,<br />
Negros Showroom.<br />
YOUR SHOPPING<br />
DIRECTORY<br />
NEGROS NEG SHOWROOM<br />
9th corner co Lacson Streets,<br />
Bacolod Bacolo City, Negros Occidental,<br />
www.anp-philippines.com<br />
ROBINSONS DEPT STORE<br />
Robinsons Galleria, EDSA corner<br />
Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City<br />
www.robinsonsdepartmentstore.<br />
com.ph<br />
IPANEMA PHILIPPINES<br />
www.ipanemaphils.com<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies regularly to<br />
Bacolod from Manila and Cebu.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
PHOTOS LOUIE AGUINALDO (STILLS) AND ERNEST CALVO (THE RUINS)
chikka eat and drink<br />
From fresh seaweed salad to sweet suman, the surf town of<br />
Aurora offers sumptuous Pinoy fare that locals and wave riders<br />
swear by. Text and photos by Lester V Ledesma<br />
BAHIA BAR AND GRILL<br />
Sabang Beach, Buton St, Sitio Labasin,<br />
Brgy Sabang, Baler, Aurora, tel: +63 (921)<br />
576 5655. Open daily from 8am till late<br />
during surfi ng season<br />
WHAT IT IS It’s the fi rst restaurant you’ll see<br />
off the main road at Sabang Beach. Bahia Bar<br />
and Grill’s seaside location lets you view the<br />
offshore surfi ng action while feasting on the<br />
Pako (seaweed)<br />
salad goes well<br />
with fried food!<br />
Baler bites<br />
restaurant’s own tasty renditions of<br />
classic Filipino dishes.<br />
CROWD PLEASERS Get the native pako<br />
(seaweed) salad for starters, then follow up<br />
with hearty servings of chicken tempura and<br />
the house specialty adobo de Bahia.<br />
TRIED AND TASTED “The pako is vinegary<br />
and goes well with fried food. Also order the<br />
mayonnaise-drenched sisig if it’s available!”<br />
Cal Tabora<br />
{ 24 }<br />
The super cheesy<br />
taco is a must-try.<br />
BAYS INN<br />
Sabang Beach, Buton St, Sitio Labasin,<br />
Brgy Sabang, Baler, Aurora, tel: +63 (907)<br />
700 5734. Open daily from 8am–12pm<br />
WHAT IT IS The attached restaurant of Bays<br />
Inn sports a seaside alfresco ambience and<br />
a view of the famous Baler Semento reef.<br />
CROWD PLEASERS The taco is delightfully<br />
cheesy and brims with sweet, spicy stuffi ng.<br />
Do try the chicken wings served breaded<br />
and fried, or in sweet and sour sauce.<br />
TRIED AND TASTED “The squid is crunchy<br />
and spicy. Not exactly breakfast food but I<br />
have it for breakfast!” Mike Saycon<br />
Snack on sticky and<br />
sweet suman!<br />
ROLLING STORES<br />
San Luis Street, beside Quezon Park<br />
Open 24 hours daily<br />
WHAT IT IS These no-frills eateries on<br />
wheels line Quezon Park — locals and<br />
surfers on a budget hang out there.<br />
CROWD PLEASERS Just PHP50 is all you<br />
need to enjoy rice meals topped with fried<br />
bangus, dinuguan and tinola. PHP2.50 gets<br />
you a sweet, sticky suman dessert.<br />
TRIED AND TASTED “It’s nice to eat there<br />
after an all-night drinking session. The food’s<br />
cheap and always fresh.” Ronald Rojo<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Manila from across the<br />
network. From there, Baler is a fi ve- to sixhour<br />
road trip. wwwcebupacifi cair.com
Idol talk<br />
with Lee<br />
DeWyze<br />
The American Idol Season 9 winner dishes<br />
on his fi rst record, Live It Up, and the gift<br />
he treasures most. By Charmaine Baylon<br />
WHAT MAKES THE 24-year-old guitarist and singer-songwriter stand<br />
out from past American Idol champs? He’s the only one to have<br />
co-written the fi rst single off his debut album. Then again, he’s had<br />
help from the producers of Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Fergie and Sheryl<br />
Crow — and what they’ve come up with for Live It Up is a soulful mix of<br />
pop, rock and folk music. He looks back on the experience.<br />
What made you decide to audition for American Idol?<br />
Getting to release an album on a major label is why I did the show.<br />
American Idol didn’t teach me who I was as an artist; I already knew<br />
who I was. The hard part was learning how to be on the show, avoiding<br />
the cameras fl ying around, and surviving the judging panel. But my<br />
attitude was to go out there, sing the songs, have fun, and whatever<br />
happened, happened. Every week I was still there, I felt grateful.<br />
Even if I hadn’t won, this is what I would be doing. I just want to<br />
make music that I love and that other people will love.<br />
And now that you’ve achieved the dream album, what do<br />
you want listeners to get out of Live It Up?<br />
I want people to relate to the songs, that’s why lyrics are<br />
important to me. I love stories in songs and always try to<br />
write from an honest place. It’s about capturing emotion<br />
so that when you listen, it takes you back to that place.<br />
My best memories are all connected to music and I want<br />
to create those moments for other people. The fi rst line of<br />
Beautiful Like You is, “Everybody wants to look into<br />
the mirror and feel a little better now.” Now, who hasn’t<br />
been there before?<br />
With the holidays over now, can you tell us the best gift<br />
you’ve ever received?<br />
The past year has been such a blessing — and the best<br />
gift I have to say I am very thankful for are my family and<br />
friends. Many people don’t have family or anyone around<br />
for the holidays, and it’s really important to embrace the<br />
people we have in our lives.<br />
chikka interview<br />
{ 26 }
PHOTO JOJIE ALCANTARA (EMBARCADERO)<br />
Fly to Legazpi City, and<br />
check out Embarcadero’s<br />
lifestyle mall by the sea<br />
chikka checklist<br />
Change is good<br />
Open yourself up to new things in <strong>2011</strong>! Charmaine Baylon<br />
has a few innovative ideas to share with you<br />
Suite new<br />
offerings<br />
When in Cebu and Manila,<br />
check into two fabulous new<br />
places. Hotel Elizabeth (Tel:<br />
+63 (2) 912 2691 (Manila)<br />
/ (32) 231 8000 (Cebu);<br />
reservations@hotelelizabeth.<br />
com.ph) — Baguio’s “Hotel<br />
of the Year” — has opened a<br />
boutique hotel in Cebu, with<br />
attractive rooms and suites,<br />
business amenities, a gym<br />
and a spa and interior designer<br />
Hotel Elizabeth, Baguio’s favorite<br />
hotel, is now in Cebu too!<br />
Tessa Prieto-Valdes’ handpainted murals as decor. In Manila, Traders Hotel has spruced up their<br />
Traders Club guestrooms, suites and the T Lounge with a spanking new look and fab perks like<br />
Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), private check-in, complimentary dining privileges, and a 180˚ view of<br />
Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard at the lounge. www.tradershotels.com<br />
Revise your energy habits with new gadgets<br />
Invest in the Efegy E2 Wireless Energy Monitor — it tells you how much energy you<br />
use at home in a day, week or month. A USB adaptor lets you access info on your computer<br />
easily, so you know which appliances are energy wasters. Love long showers? The Oxygenics<br />
Storm Showerhead employs aerated water pressure to give you a relaxing bath even with 70%<br />
less water. Tel: +63 (2) 808 2188, sourcing@jw-world.com, mgs.jw-world.com<br />
{ 29 }<br />
A new hangout in<br />
Legazpi City<br />
Sunwest’s new Embarcadero de Legazpi<br />
in Albay is a “lifestyle mall” with a mix of<br />
fast-food and classy restaurants; boutiques<br />
like Mango, Plains n Prints, Cinderella and<br />
ResToeRun; and a “Bazaar by the Sea”<br />
for bargain hunters. They also have water<br />
sports such as jetskiing and parasailing on<br />
the Albay Gulf, and a view of Mt Mayon,<br />
a lighthouse and the sea for diners. Too<br />
tired to walk? Hop on a segway, which<br />
is an electric vehicle with two wheels, or<br />
an e-tricycle. Tel: +63 (52) 480 2829,<br />
communications@sunwest.ph<br />
A change of address<br />
Hankering for a home to call your<br />
own? Vista Land & Landscapes has set-up<br />
subsidiaries to suit specifi c income segments<br />
that will appeal to balikbayans. The high-end<br />
Brittany Corporation sells properties from<br />
PHP8 million; Crown Asia, from PHP3.5<br />
million; Camella, from PHP700,000;<br />
Camella Communities is in provinces<br />
and regional growth centers, and Vista<br />
Residences offers condos with affordable<br />
bank and cash payment schemes. Marketing<br />
teams in North America, Italy, France,<br />
Japan, the UK and Middle East ensure to<br />
meet all their customers’ needs. Tel: +63 (2)<br />
584 1182/ (917) 857 6494 .
Hula-scope<br />
<strong>2011</strong><br />
Tim Tayag recommends<br />
alternative methods of<br />
fi nding out your fortune<br />
for the new year —<br />
manghuhula, not required.<br />
TEA LEAVES, crystal balls, numerology —<br />
all of these arts of prediction are laughable<br />
alongside the alternative methods that I have<br />
developed over the past er… few minutes after<br />
consulting my spirit guide: a Shih Tzu with a<br />
cataract and stinky ear problem. My techniques<br />
are just as inexact and imprecise, but are<br />
cheaper and more accessible.<br />
Reading tea leaves, or Tasseomancy,<br />
has been practiced for centuries by Chinese<br />
housewives and domestic helpers to amuse<br />
themselves. There lies the problem: What if<br />
you’re not Chinese? What if you don’t drink<br />
tea? What if you’re not a housewife or domestic<br />
helper? My replacement for this outdated<br />
fortune-telling tactic is Hairyomancy or reading<br />
strands of hair fl oating in your drink. Everyone<br />
drinks water and has experienced strands of<br />
their mustache or nose hair falling into the<br />
glass. When that happens, look at the strands<br />
and let your imagination guide you. What does<br />
it look like? Does it remind you of an elephant?<br />
That means something big is coming into your<br />
life — or that it’s time to trim your nose hair. Let<br />
your subconscious interpret the meaning. There<br />
is no right or wrong — there is just hair.<br />
Crystal balls are cliché and crack easily<br />
when you accidentally drop them into your<br />
purse without paying for them. A better<br />
alternative is the Magic 8 ball, available from<br />
any decent toy store. Ask a question that is<br />
answerable by a yes or no, and the 8 ball will<br />
give you the reply you seek, or maybe not<br />
depending on the way you shake it (the ball,<br />
that is, not your tush). I’ve seen medical doctors,<br />
CEOs, gamblers, and couples about to get<br />
hitched consult this supernatural sphere and<br />
get astounding results that are 50% accurate —<br />
chikka laugh trip<br />
hey, it’s even more fun than tossing a coin.<br />
Lastly, there is numerology, the ancient<br />
mathematic art of prophecy. But who has the<br />
time to learn this complicated system? We’ve<br />
all had our share of algebra, statistics, and<br />
calculus in school and most of us never even<br />
applied them in real life. Textology, a divining<br />
method I’m still getting a trademark and<br />
Crystal balls are cliché and crack easily<br />
when you accidentally drop them into<br />
your purse without paying for them<br />
{ 30 }<br />
copyright for, is much easier. It works like this:<br />
on your cell phone, type in a question about<br />
yourself in the second voice like “who are you?”<br />
Send your message to a random 11-digit phone<br />
number and wait for the universe to respond.<br />
You’ll be surprised by very profound replies<br />
like “who’s dis pls,” which means you have<br />
the answer deep within you. “Sending failed”<br />
means you have to strive harder in life to<br />
TANG<br />
prevent failure. Finally, “This is Gernot” means<br />
you might actually be a German who makes<br />
DAVID<br />
killer strudel.<br />
Note to the reader: These methods of prediction<br />
aren’t meant to rule your life and were made up<br />
by the author for entertainment purposes only. ILLUSTRATION
Your Bucket<br />
List Year<br />
There’s no better time than now to start living life to<br />
the fullest and doing what you’ve always wanted to do.<br />
Mabel David-Pilar has 12 exhilarating adventures to<br />
include in your <strong>2011</strong> to-do list. Carpe diem!<br />
{ 32 }<br />
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIEL’S POINT
This could be<br />
you cliff-diving<br />
off Ariel’s Point<br />
in Boracay!<br />
D ARING ADVENTURES<br />
{ 33 }<br />
January<br />
Bungee-jump off the Macau Tower<br />
Why not leap into the New Year, literally? You can do it from<br />
the world’s highest commercial bungee jump! In the former<br />
Portuguese colony, at the Macau Tower, you can experience<br />
freefalling at a speed of up to 200km per hour. It’s an adrenaline<br />
junkie’s dream that grade school teacher and travel blogger Claire<br />
Raborar (www.claireraborar.com) never thought she’d be able to<br />
pull off. “Bungee jumping has always been on my bucket list,<br />
despite my fear of heights.” So when at trip to Hong Kong and<br />
Macau materialized, she knew it was time.<br />
“The scariest part is the few seconds before the jump,” says<br />
Claire. “You’re standing on the edge of that platform, the bungee<br />
cord wrapped tightly around your feet.” But once she jumped,<br />
it really felt like she was fl ying. “Once I regained my bearings,<br />
I was actually at peace and in complete freedom. It was a very<br />
liberating experience and the best four to six seconds of my<br />
life!” The fee is HK$1,888 (about PHP10,000). Head to Level 61<br />
Observation Deck, Macau Tower, Convention and Entertainment<br />
Centre Largo da Torre de Macau.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Macau from Manila and Clark.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
February<br />
Cliff -dive off Ariel’s Point in Boracay<br />
Maybe you’d like to plunge into stunning blue waters instead? If<br />
so, why not add cliff-diving to your list? A short boat-ride away<br />
from the most popular beach destination in the Philippines,<br />
Ariel’s Point is where Boracay-bound thrill-seekers get more<br />
than just the usual sun, sand and surf.<br />
Contractor and marketing coordinator Karla Rey took that<br />
leap with a group of friends on a recent trip. Although she<br />
wasn’t the best swimmer (“You have to swim quite a distance<br />
to return to the steps leading back to the cliff,” she shares), she<br />
did it to encourage someone in her group who was afraid of<br />
heights to cliff-dive as well. “I’d recommend it to those who love<br />
the adrenaline rush, who want to conquer a fear of heights, or<br />
just for the experience. It’s fairly safe. You get to jump off a cliff,<br />
yet you come out of it alive.” Do expect a little bruising though<br />
if you don’t do your jump correctly, because of the impact from<br />
the water, she warns. The reasonable fee of PHP1,200 covers<br />
the cliff dive, boat transfers, snorkeling, buffet lunch and drinks.<br />
For details, log on to www.arielspoint.com<br />
Cebu Pacifi c has daily fl ights to Caticlan and Kalibo from Manila,<br />
and fl ies to Caticlan from Cebu. www.cebupacifi cair.com
March<br />
Learn to fly in Clark Free Port Zone<br />
Inspiration to do what you’ve always wanted to do can come<br />
from different things. The classic book, The Little Prince, had<br />
Nicole Ann Bautista dreaming of learning how to fl y. She took<br />
classes at Omni Aviation, a premier Aviation Training Center in<br />
South-East Asia, where she fi rst had to undergo two weeks of<br />
“ground schooling.” Before her fi rst take-off, she says, “I was<br />
delirious with excitement. It was unbelievable, I couldn’t stop<br />
smiling. I realized that fl ying was going to be a lifetime thing.”<br />
To get paid for doing something she loves, she became a<br />
full-fl edged pilot. She also helps other people fulfi ll their<br />
dreams of fl ight as a chief fl ight instructor for Omni Aviation.<br />
For her, even those without pilot dreams should try their hand<br />
at fl ying. “We are drawn to the idea of doing something we<br />
were not designed to do. Man was born without wings, so he<br />
goes and makes himself a pair. To be able to fl y a plane and<br />
not just sit in it, to feel its wings as an extension of your arms<br />
and its every movement a product of your doing — that’s<br />
something worth trying.” www.omniaviation.com<br />
Cebu Pacifi c has fl ights to Clark from Cebu, Bangkok, Hong<br />
Kong, Macau and Singapore. www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
April<br />
See the cherry blossoms in Japan<br />
For a laid-back yet majestically breathtaking adventure, make<br />
your way to Japan to see the sakura or cherry blossoms.<br />
Having a fondness of anything Japanese and a soft spot for<br />
pretty, pink blooms, I had this on my bucket list, and so I made<br />
the trip to the land of sumo and sushi last spring. Being in<br />
Japan during the brief sakura season also meant experiencing<br />
fi rsthand the Japanese tradition of hanami or cherry blossom<br />
viewing in many of the country’s beautiful parks. Join the<br />
throngs of Japanese who celebrate the blooming of their<br />
unoffi cial national fl ower with their picnic sheets spread out<br />
underneath the blooms, while they take the time to eat, drink<br />
and relish the beauty before them. How can you not join in?<br />
Head to Japan when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and<br />
you’re conveniently in place for the other beautiful attractions<br />
— the castles, temples and shrines — which are even more<br />
stunning in the evening, all lit up. It’s a shutterbug’s dream to<br />
capture the images that inspired some of Basho’s great poetry.<br />
Do try to see all the popular cherry blossom spots in the<br />
Kansai region, including Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya<br />
Park, and Expo 70 Commemorative Park in Osaka;<br />
Maruyama Park, Heian Shrine, and Arashiyama in Kyoto;<br />
Himeji Castle and Nara Park.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Osaka from Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
Sakura season happens<br />
but briefl y in Japan, so<br />
catch it this year in April!<br />
{ 34 }
PHOTOS LESTER LEDESMA (MOUNT APO) AND BOBBY TIMONERA (WHITEWATER RAFTING)<br />
Brave the cold climate of<br />
Mount Apo, the granddaddy<br />
of all the mountains in<br />
the archipelago<br />
Whitewater rafting can be<br />
dangerous, but that’s why it’s<br />
important to book expert guides.<br />
{ 35 }<br />
May<br />
Conquer Mount Apo<br />
Towering at almost 3,000m above sea level, with a vast<br />
peak of more than 72,000 hectares, and spanning the<br />
provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, Mount Apo<br />
is the granddaddy of all the mountains in the archipelago. For<br />
Gail Henson, an information technology professional and a<br />
mountaineer, climbing the highest peak in the country came as<br />
“a natural goal.” While the ascent he and his group took was<br />
diffi cult and the temperature drop in the evening once made<br />
his body shiver uncontrollably even under layers of heavy<br />
clothing, it was all worth it. “Getting out of the tent at 2am and<br />
seeing thousands of stars in the sky was an experience you<br />
can get from very few places in the country. This was priceless<br />
in my book,” says Gail, whose climbs, he says, have also<br />
given him a greater appreciation for Mother Nature. Scaling<br />
the mighty Mount Apo’s diverse landscapes, including its lush<br />
forests, rocky terrain, hot springs, muddy swamps, gushing<br />
rivers and serene lakes was an awesome feat, and one in a<br />
class of its own. Reach Mount Apo via Davao City. Register and<br />
secure a permit (PHP500) and guides (PHP500 each per day)<br />
at the Tourism Offi ce.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Davao from Manila and Cebu.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
June<br />
Go whitewater rafting on<br />
the Cagayan De Oro river<br />
If your dreams of outdoor adventure include riding foamywhite,<br />
wild rapids, a trip to Cagayan de Oro River should<br />
provide the requisite thrills. This was the dream of Sherry<br />
Magno, an account manager for a digital advertising agency.<br />
She had listed whitewater rafting on her own bucket list two<br />
years ago and fi nally took the chance to ride the rough rapids.<br />
The river boasts more than 20 rapids that range from the<br />
smooth to the turbulent — yes, river rafting can be risky. But<br />
for whitewater rafting newbie Sherry, it was exciting and<br />
surprisingly peaceful at times. “When you’re moving along still<br />
waters, it’s your chance to enjoy the scenery. Of course, riding<br />
the rapids is sheer fun.” Everybody on the raft shrieks when it’s<br />
thrust around by the wild currents. “It was scary at times, but I<br />
just needed to trust our guides. They’re experts, having taken<br />
the former president and local stars like Piolo Pascual and<br />
Marc Nelson!” You can raft all year, but the best time is from<br />
June to December when water levels are higher. Fees start at<br />
PHP700 for beginners. www.raftingadventurephilippines.com<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies daily to Cagayan de Oro from Manila and Cebu.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com
PHOTO LESTER LEDESMA<br />
July<br />
See the dolphins at Tañon Strait<br />
When you see a school of dolphins swimming right by your<br />
boat, breaching the bow wave for the fi rst time, it’s a surreal<br />
sight. And in Tañon Strait, between the islands of Negros<br />
and Cebu in the Visayas, it’s a vision that has always lured<br />
travelers. I have always wanted see these mischievous sea<br />
mammals up close and in their natural habitat. When I fi nally<br />
got a chance to go to Tañon Strait, the dolphins did not<br />
disappoint. They were surprisingly bigger than I had imagined,<br />
but just as playful. They glide near your boat, then quickly dive<br />
out of sight. Some occasionally leap and spin out of the water<br />
as though performing especially for you. Although you can’t<br />
jump in, swim with the dolphins or feed them, seeing them<br />
up close is nevertheless amazing. Kids are also sure to enjoy<br />
it. Best to plan a trip from March to October. Tañon Strait is off<br />
of Bais City, an hour away from Dumaguete. Rates for boat<br />
rentals in South Bais Bay can range from PHP2,500–5,000.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Dumaguete from Manila and Cebu.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
August<br />
Help the elephants at the<br />
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai<br />
Elephants are a common sight in Thailand. Like many other<br />
tourists visiting Thailand, Bessie Crum was drawn to the<br />
elephants. “I’ve always been intrigued by these large, very<br />
strong, intelligent animals.” She and her husband Kyle, both<br />
website developers and travel bloggers (www.onourownpath.<br />
com), have journeyed through the Americas and Asia. They<br />
soon found their way to Chiang Mai, north of Bangkok. “But<br />
after seeing these elephants in the cities, I soon became aware<br />
of their mistreatment.” That’s when she found the Elephant<br />
Nature Park, a conservation project on rolling mountains and<br />
vast fi elds where formerly abused elephants roam free and are<br />
well cared for. Here, with the help of expert guides, visitors can<br />
feed the elephants and help bathe them. Bessie got to feed<br />
the oldest elephant in the herd and feel a baby elephant kick<br />
from inside the belly of her pregnant mother. “It was magical.<br />
I was able to walk up to so many of them, to feed them and<br />
pet them, and I didn’t feel uneasy. And you get to give back<br />
and help them at the same time.” Rates start at THB2,500<br />
(PHP3,600+) for a day trip. www.elephantnaturepark.org<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Bangkok from Manila and Clark. Chiang Mai is<br />
accessible by plane or bus. www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
D ARING ADVENTURES<br />
The dolphins glide near your boat, then quickly dive out<br />
of sight. Some occasionally leap and spin<br />
out of the water as though performing just for you.<br />
{ 37 }<br />
September<br />
Surf the wild waves of Siargao<br />
Yearning to hang ten? Editorial assistant Dianne Villafuerte<br />
always wanted to learn to surf and she wanted to learn it<br />
in the “surfi ng capital of the Philippines,” Siargao. Off the<br />
northeastern part of Mindanao and facing the Pacifi c Ocean,<br />
Siargao Island has earned the title for good reason. It’s got<br />
hundreds of surf spots (including the world-renowned Cloud<br />
Nine surf break), and both eager beginners and full-fl edged<br />
surfers can ride the swells — or at least learn how.<br />
With an instructor, Dianne got her fi rst lessons in surfi ng at a<br />
spot called G1, which has “really nice, consistent baby waves,”<br />
she says. For her, just being able to lie on the surfboard in<br />
the middle of the ocean was already a dream come true. But<br />
once she could keep her balance standing on the board, she<br />
was stoked. “I felt empowered when I was fi nally able to do it<br />
consistently. It felt amazing. I’d love to do it again and again<br />
— never mind the cuts and bruises.” The best times to surf in<br />
Siargao are from July to November. In September, witness the<br />
annual surfi ng competition.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Siargao from Cebu, and to Surigao (a ferry ride<br />
away from Siargao) from Cebu and Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com
November<br />
Backpack through Indochina,<br />
Vietnam and Cambodia<br />
Whether you want to marvel at the glorious ancient wonders of<br />
mainland South-East Asia or to collect several passport stamps<br />
in one trip, you can do both while exploring some of the<br />
countries that used to make up the Indochina territory. Training<br />
manager Brenda Abarabar has always been fascinated with<br />
Vietnam and Cambodia — backpacking her way through<br />
these two countries, which she’s never been to, and Thailand<br />
appealed to her. She wanted to see Cambodia for the beautiful<br />
and vast temples of Angkor and to shop like a millionaire in the<br />
buzzing metropolis of Vietnam.<br />
“I loved the day we spent in the Angkor complex. Angkor<br />
Wat is stunning but I liked The Bayon better with the many<br />
smiling faces [of Avalokiteshvara]. The temple [Angkor Thom]<br />
made popular by the movie Tomb Raider was also impressive.”<br />
After visiting spectacular sights for the soul, it was time for<br />
retail therapy. “In Vietnam one of my fantasies came true. I<br />
became a ‘millionaire’ with the millions of Vietnam Dong I got<br />
after exchanging my dollars. Shopping in Vietnam is tops!”<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City<br />
from Manila and Clark (Bangkok only). www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
D ARING ADVENTURES<br />
Brace yourself for an epic<br />
experience when walking the<br />
Great Wall of China in Beijing.<br />
{ 38 }<br />
October<br />
Walk the Great Wall of China<br />
One of the most impressive wonders of the world, it’s ancient<br />
architecture that leaves everyone in awe. Shanghai-based<br />
speech pathologist Stephanie Afzelius knew that her China<br />
experience wouldn’t be complete without making a trip to<br />
Beijing to see it. “I can’t even begin to describe how it felt.<br />
Aside from the amazing view, you’ll get a feel of China’s<br />
history and culture. And the wall itself is so vast, it makes you<br />
wonder how long it took to build it and how many people were<br />
involved.” Because of its sheer size — almost 9,000km in<br />
length — there are different entry points to the wall. Stephanie<br />
and her friends went to the Mutianyu Great Wall, which gives<br />
you breathtaking scenery minus the crowds. Just be prepared<br />
for an “epic” experience. “It’s not easy, the steps are so small<br />
that it is so easy to trip and fall, and there are over a hundred<br />
steps to reach the next tower.” See it in the fall or summer.<br />
Tours range from RMB 150–300 (PHP987–1,974), including<br />
transportation, lunch and entrance fee.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Beijing from Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
December<br />
Run a marathon in Singapore<br />
Celebrate a great year’s end by crossing a fi nish line in a<br />
marathon, a milestone for many runners. Every December<br />
most of them head to Singapore for the popular Standard<br />
Chartered Marathon. Fabian Mangahas, a fi nancial consultant<br />
who seriously started running in 2004, wanted his maiden<br />
half-marathon to be a destination race. “I decided Singapore<br />
was attractive because they are very good at logistics and<br />
planning, not to mention great food, post-race.” But running<br />
this race requires months of training. “When I was done I<br />
felt relieved and quite tired! But I also felt good. It was an<br />
accomplishment and I felt proud that I went all the way to the<br />
Lion City for it.” www.marathonsingapore.com<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies daily to Singapore from Manila, Clark and<br />
Cebu. www.cebupacifi cair.com
Kick off <strong>2011</strong> with a<br />
peaceful and healthy<br />
new you on the island<br />
of Puerto Princesa<br />
{ 40 }
Clockwise from left: An afternoon<br />
yoga class with Monica Eleazar-<br />
Manzano is a kind of “moving<br />
meditation”; a delicious raw food<br />
lunch at Bahay Kalipay; and healing<br />
music during yoga practice.<br />
P URE PALAWAN<br />
PALAWAN IS full of gorgeous natural<br />
landscapes that will help you unwind<br />
from the stresses of modern living —<br />
the islands are abundant with stunning<br />
beaches, forests and mountains. And<br />
that’s why I have joined this weekend’s<br />
“Inner Dance Yoga Retreat” in Puerto<br />
Princesa. It’s not just to relax, but also<br />
to learn new skills to make everyday<br />
life healthier. It makes sense that it’s<br />
taking place in an environment that<br />
pulses with a vibrant energy.<br />
Ever since it opened in Puerto<br />
Princesa in 2009, Bahay Kalipay has<br />
been attracting guests from all over the<br />
Philippines and even around the world.<br />
The popularity of this new retreat center<br />
{ 41 }<br />
A clean<br />
slate<br />
There’s no better time than now to rid<br />
yourself of last year’s toxic excesses.<br />
Restore your health and balance on<br />
a relaxing retreat in Palawan.<br />
Text and photos by Katherine Jack<br />
has spread, largely by word of mouth.<br />
People come in search of health and<br />
relaxation but also to learn a new way<br />
of living. Their retreats and workshops<br />
focus on yoga, raw food and a new<br />
healing technique called “inner dance.”<br />
I arrive at Bahay Kalipay on a bright<br />
Saturday morning and take a walk<br />
around the grounds with owners, Pi<br />
Villaraza and Daniw Arazola. Though<br />
it is just a 20-minute ride from the<br />
airport in Puerto Princesa, their retreat<br />
center is well-hidden from main roads,<br />
isolated near the quiet mangrove-clad<br />
seashore of Honda Bay.
“We are creating a self-sustainable<br />
community of healers, artists, teachers,<br />
and earth-conscious people from<br />
around the world,” explains Pi as we<br />
wander around the garden amid the<br />
art installations. “Our vision is to live<br />
harmoniously while doing what we can<br />
to heal the planet and those living in it.”<br />
I meet the retreat organizer, Monica<br />
Eleazar-Manzano, a yoga teacher<br />
from Manila who relocated to Palawan<br />
last year. “I chose Palawan because<br />
the natural environment here is so<br />
conducive to awareness and relaxation.<br />
It is the perfect place for yoga,<br />
meditation and healthy living,” she<br />
tells me.<br />
The next guest to arrive is Jenny, a<br />
sculptor from Manila, who has come<br />
to detox from her caffeine-fuelled city<br />
lifestyle. This is her second retreat at<br />
Bahay Kalipay.<br />
“Before my fi rst visit, I was drinking<br />
nine cups of coffee a day,” she tells<br />
P URE PALAWAN<br />
“I chose Palawan because the natural environment here<br />
is so conducive to awareness and relaxation. It is the<br />
perfect place for yoga, meditation and healthy living”<br />
Clockwise from top left: Retreat organizer<br />
and yoga teacher Monica Eleazar-Manzano,<br />
music courtesy of fl utist/sound healer Djotay<br />
Soluta, and guests taking a slow, meditative<br />
walk through the Bahay Kalipay labyrinth.<br />
me. “Now I only have one cup in the<br />
morning and I am so much healthier.<br />
The detox and inner dance helped me<br />
to balance my life.”<br />
Soon enough, 10 other guests arrive<br />
from the airport and we begin the<br />
retreat with a walk through the Bahay<br />
Kalipay “labyrinth.” It is a quiet time<br />
to unwind from traveling with soothing<br />
bamboo fl ute music from Djotay Soluta,<br />
a musician and “sound healer.”<br />
We then gather on the second fl oor<br />
of Bahay Kalipay where there is a wide<br />
open-air space surrounded by garden<br />
foliage. Here we listen to our fi rst talk<br />
given by Pi on the subject of food.<br />
{ 43 }
UPCOMING<br />
RETREATS<br />
P URE PALAWAN<br />
Bahay Kalipay will be holding<br />
open retreats throughout <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
The next Yoga Inner Dance<br />
Retreat will be from April 22–24<br />
(Holy Week). To book, email<br />
inquire@bahaykalipay.com,<br />
www.bahaykalipay.com<br />
Flow: Surf, Yoga, Samba<br />
Combine three new skills in<br />
La Union, April 29–May 1,<br />
<strong>2011</strong> (Labor Day Weekend).<br />
For inquiries, email<br />
flowsurfyogasamba@gmail.com,<br />
flowsurfyogasamba.multiply.com<br />
{ 45 }<br />
“Raw food lies at the heart of our<br />
programs,” he explains. “We live on<br />
live, enzyme-fi lled, water-rich foods<br />
full of healing phytonutrients. Raw food<br />
is still full of its life force, enzymes.<br />
When you cook food, you kill the<br />
enzymes responsible for our body’s<br />
cleansing, digestion and metabolism.<br />
Some people are healed of diseases<br />
and emotional disorders after just a few<br />
days of living here. This is because their<br />
enzyme banks are refi lled, and their<br />
bodies and mental state revitalized. ”<br />
Raw food is becoming increasingly<br />
popular internationally, in the US, but<br />
it is relatively new to the Philippines.<br />
Most of us in the group have never<br />
eaten an exclusively “raw” meal.<br />
For lunch, Daniw has prepared<br />
spaghetti — with noodles made from<br />
cucumber — and a tomato sauce<br />
with green and black olives, a salad<br />
of lettuce and red cabbage, raw okra,<br />
broccoli and carrots with a variety of<br />
different dressings and sauces. Though<br />
light, the food is fi lling and delicious.<br />
Clockwise from left:<br />
Daniw Arazola makes<br />
a Tahini dressing with<br />
native Palawan honey;<br />
raw “pad Thai” with<br />
coconut noodles and<br />
fresh veggies; and<br />
raw marinara spaghetti<br />
with cucumber noodles<br />
and olives.
Be central<br />
N O W O P E N<br />
Be central<br />
In the centre of business. In the centre of convenience. In the centre of comfort.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P O US$73*<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
St Giles Hotel<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
KUALA LUMPUR: Boulevard Hotel <br />
KOTA KINABALU:PANGKOR:PENANG: <br />
MANILA: YANGON:<br />
ASSOCIATES
We wake before dawn<br />
and drive to the Bahay<br />
Kalipay mountain retreat<br />
for a sunrise meditation<br />
with Clayton.<br />
Next is an introduction to meditation<br />
and Ashtanga yoga with Clayton<br />
Horton, an experienced teacher from<br />
San Francisco who now conducts<br />
workshops around the world. Ashtanga<br />
is a unique type of Hatha (physical)<br />
yoga, which uses breath-synchronized<br />
movements to link yoga postures into<br />
sequences. This type of yoga produces<br />
intense internal heat, detoxifying<br />
P URE PALAWAN<br />
muscles and organs. Monica, who<br />
takes us through the basics of Ashtanga<br />
step by step, guides us through our<br />
practice.<br />
After a raw food preparation class in<br />
the evening, we have our fi rst “inner<br />
dance” session with Pi. “The dance<br />
is a healing process that takes place<br />
though accessing our deeper layers and<br />
releasing negativity trapped inside,” he<br />
{ 47 }<br />
Top: Mountaintop<br />
meditation at dawn<br />
with Clayton Horton.<br />
Left: The “inner<br />
dance” with<br />
Pi Villaraza.<br />
explains. “It is a state in which people<br />
are able to easily open up and commit<br />
to the healing process.”<br />
Pi guides us through our fi rst “inner<br />
dance” with music and movement.<br />
Afterwards we talk about our<br />
experiences, which varied individually.<br />
Some of us felt just a slight energy<br />
move through them whereas others<br />
were totally overwhelmed by the<br />
dynamic sensation. Emotions came<br />
pouring out as well as feelings<br />
of reassurance. “My inner dance<br />
experience has given me the strength<br />
to cope with my corporate life,” one<br />
participant told the group.<br />
The next morning we wake before<br />
dawn to drive to the Bahay Kalipay<br />
mountain retreat on the west coast of<br />
Palawan for sunrise meditation with<br />
Clayton. We are all so relaxed on the<br />
cool mountaintop, with green fi elds and<br />
forest stretching to the sea. “Meditating<br />
in a place as peaceful as this is an<br />
entirely different experience,” says<br />
Clayton.
After a breakfast of fresh buko<br />
(coconut) juice, fruit and pancakes<br />
(dehydrated rather than cooked), we<br />
hit the road again for a 10-minute drive<br />
through forested mountains down to<br />
the idyllic Nagtabon Beach.<br />
We all get a chance to swim and<br />
laze about on the beach for a while,<br />
before we begin our open-air yoga<br />
class with Monica, facing the beautiful<br />
blue waves. Later that afternoon, we<br />
pass by the hot springs on the outskirts<br />
of Puerto Princesa to soak our tired<br />
bodies.<br />
That fi rst evening, Djotay holds a<br />
sacred music healing session using<br />
“psycho-acoustic” sound to tap latent<br />
energies within the body. It is deeply<br />
relaxing and we all feel as though we<br />
are being “massaged” by the music.<br />
P URE PALAWAN<br />
On our last day, Daniw explains<br />
more on how to prepare raw food and<br />
we have our fi nal yoga class with<br />
Monica. Before the end of the retreat,<br />
we have another inner dance session<br />
with Pi where he teaches us to practice<br />
healing each other. Our goal is to be<br />
able to take what we have learned<br />
during the retreat and apply it to our<br />
normal, everyday lives — a practical<br />
way to combat stress and live healthily.<br />
That is, until the next retreat.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Puerto Princesa from<br />
Manila and Cebu, www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
{ 48 }<br />
Clockwise from top: Open-air yoga<br />
on Nagtabon Beach, a group shot of<br />
the retreat participants, and enjoying<br />
fresh coconut juice for breakfast.<br />
The goal is to take<br />
what we have<br />
learned during the<br />
retreat and apply it<br />
to our everyday lives.
Apartment blocks on<br />
Hollywood Road, Hong Kong<br />
{ 50 }
PHOTO MANDY TAY<br />
W RITE THIS WAY<br />
A novel city<br />
Noelle de Jesus talks to three<br />
international authors about Hong Kong,<br />
their favorite spots, and living and writing<br />
in this one-of-a-kind metropolis<br />
{ 51 }<br />
CHARLES DICKENS HAD London.<br />
James Joyce had Dublin. Henry<br />
James and Edith Wharton had New<br />
York. And for a time, both Hemingway<br />
and Gertrude Stein had the moveable<br />
feast that is Paris. For generations,<br />
writers have mined the riches of<br />
the great cities in which they lived,<br />
gathering grist and texture, taking in<br />
the light and shadows, the air and<br />
atmosphere, and in so doing, capturing<br />
on the page the concrete vistas and<br />
edifi ces that formed the landscape<br />
of their stories. In those days, writers<br />
wrote in garrets, often laboring in<br />
obscurity as well as relative poverty.<br />
Not so these days. Now, in nearly<br />
every city in the world, there are<br />
novelists. Practically everybody, his<br />
brother and his sister is “working on a<br />
novel” or working on “turning their blog<br />
into a novel” or joined the Nanowrimo<br />
(National Novel Writing Month), the 30day<br />
online novel writing project held<br />
annually in November.<br />
And while we all know by now that<br />
writers need not stick with the story of<br />
their lives, they may well stick to the<br />
city they live in, or the cities they’ve<br />
traveled to. Because as any traveler<br />
will tell you, a city makes a compelling<br />
character, offering within its corners and<br />
neighborhoods, endless stories, all of<br />
them fascinating.<br />
Smile visited with novelists Timothy<br />
Mo, Janice YK Lee and Matthew<br />
Harrison in Hong Kong, and learned<br />
how the city inspires them to write<br />
and live.
PHOTOS MANDY TAY<br />
The critically acclaimed author<br />
Timothy Mo<br />
Born in Hong Kong in 1950, Timothy<br />
Mo spent his childhood there until his<br />
family migrated to the UK in 1960, and<br />
their immigrant acclimatization is the<br />
inspiration for what is recognized as<br />
his masterpiece, Sour Sweet. Although<br />
he began his career as a journalist, his<br />
novels gained critical acclaim in the late<br />
70s and early 80s, alongside the likes<br />
of Salman Rushdie and Ian McEwan. In<br />
fact, the latter even wrote the screenplay<br />
of Mo’s novel-turned-feature fi lm, his<br />
recognized masterpiece, Sour Sweet.<br />
That Hong Kong plays a role in his work<br />
is obvious. “Silly question! What do<br />
you think? Sus Maria!” In the span of a<br />
decade, he was shortlisted three times for<br />
the Booker Prize. Interestingly, Mo also<br />
has a connection to the Philippines; his<br />
two latest novels, Brownout on Breadfruit<br />
Boulevard and Renegade or Halo2 are<br />
set partly there. The writer shows a dry<br />
wit, telling it like it is about the city of his<br />
birth.<br />
His aff air with the city<br />
“I spent all my childhood and much of<br />
my youth in Hong Kong, and most of my<br />
family still reside there. My relationship<br />
to the city is mixed. (In the same way)<br />
we admire apex predators like the great<br />
white shark and the tiger, Hong Kong has<br />
made me realize implacable philistinism<br />
and ruthless materialism are almost<br />
ennobling.”<br />
W RITE THIS WAY<br />
Clockwise from<br />
top left: Visions of<br />
old Hong Kong are<br />
evident in a Lantau<br />
Island doorway and<br />
a basement shop<br />
on Des Voeux<br />
Road Central;<br />
the author.<br />
The write stuff<br />
“(In Hong Kong) there is no intellectual<br />
middle ground, as there would be in<br />
London or New York. Out of seven<br />
million people, maybe well under a<br />
thousand have any interest in literature<br />
or scholarship. So it has made me<br />
uncompromisingly elitist. I don’t write<br />
for the reader, I don’t write for myself.<br />
I try to create the perfect text — and<br />
paradoxically I try to distill this purity from<br />
street language and pop culture. How<br />
has the city helped me develop? Like the<br />
grain of sand and the oyster.”<br />
Hong Kong hotspots<br />
“Michelangelo had the Sistine. I<br />
have Uncle Russ’s Coffee, which is<br />
air-conditioned, and I also go to a<br />
vegetarian tea-shop in Wanchai next<br />
to a mahjong school, which isn’t. The<br />
clacking of the tiles and the amazingly<br />
inventive swearing — usually to do with<br />
the sweared-at’s Lola — have become<br />
{ 53 }<br />
a soothing lullaby. I also sit on my<br />
cousin’s roof under the washing-lines in<br />
good weather. The maids don’t realize I<br />
understand Chabacano and Visayan so<br />
I’m up on all the tsismis (gossip) in the<br />
block. I still like the Outlying Islands. The<br />
ferries are reliable, easily accessible and<br />
cheap. Sai Kung in the New Territories<br />
has the best beaches. Of these islands<br />
Mui Wo on Lantau and Cheung Chau<br />
have decent seafood resaurants and<br />
some bicycling. See Hong Kong as it<br />
was. Get off the Kennedy Town tram<br />
anywhere — it only costs PHP10! For<br />
books, I like the basement shop in Des<br />
Voeux Road Central, next to Worldwide<br />
House. It’s a little oasis of tranquility and<br />
culture in the fi nance district.”<br />
Tip from the novelist<br />
“Enjoy your travel. I wish I’d done more<br />
when I was young. But enjoy it for its own<br />
sake. In your early days as a writer, think<br />
about technique and form.”
PHOTOS MANDY TAY AND GASPER TRINGALE (JANICE LEE PORTRAIT)<br />
The hit debut novelist<br />
Janice YK Lee<br />
Although she was born in Hong Kong,<br />
Janice YK Lee considers herself Korean<br />
even though she lived in Hong Kong till<br />
she was 15. After completing a degree<br />
in English and American literature, she<br />
moved to New York, landed a job at Elle<br />
and then moved on to the now-defunct<br />
Mirabella. Realizing that she wouldn’t<br />
have time to achieve her dream of<br />
writing a novel, she studied writing with<br />
Chang-rae Lee at the Hunter College<br />
MFA program, where she wrote short<br />
W RITE THIS WAY<br />
fi ction. Long story short, she ended up<br />
moving back to Hong Kong with her<br />
husband to raise her family, all the while<br />
working on what was to be her fi rst<br />
published novel, The Piano Teacher.<br />
Her aff air with the city<br />
“I was born and raised here so it is very<br />
special to me. Hong Kong welcomes<br />
citizens of all stripes. It is a cosmopolitan<br />
city where you can be at a dinner party<br />
with Americans, Indians, French, and<br />
everyone understands each other. It is<br />
the place of my birth, my upbringing, the<br />
place I live now as an adult. It is layered<br />
with all those things: my childhood, my<br />
family, the British and American schools<br />
I went to, memories of being a teenager<br />
here, and now, the place where I am<br />
raising my family. It is a vibrant city, full<br />
of striving people with dreams, and that<br />
is always energizing. People come to<br />
Hong Kong to make new lives.”<br />
The write stuff<br />
“I only have one book, The Piano<br />
Teacher, but it is set in WWII Hong Kong<br />
so the city was paramount to the story. I<br />
researched the history in Hong Kong, in<br />
libraries in New York and at Hong Kong<br />
University in Pokfulam, reading old<br />
{ 55 }<br />
Left to right: Sheung<br />
Wan’s Hollywood<br />
Road is home to<br />
antiquities shops,<br />
and the Star Ferry.<br />
Bottom: Novelist<br />
Janice YK Lee.<br />
“In my first novel,<br />
The Piano Teacher,<br />
I did use Hong Kong<br />
a lot,” says Lee.<br />
government manuals, newspapers on<br />
microfi che and memoirs of people who<br />
were living in Hong Kong at the time. I<br />
don’t know if I would say that the city of<br />
Hong Kong has helped me develop as a<br />
writer. I think reading does that. But it did<br />
provide good fodder for the fi ction. I don’t<br />
think it matters where you live, actually.<br />
I think you can be a novelist anywhere<br />
in the world.<br />
In this fi rst novel, The Piano Teacher,<br />
I did use Hong Kong a lot. I’m not sure<br />
if it is in my second book, but it looks to<br />
be that way. I am just at the beginning<br />
of it. The characters are people living in<br />
Hong Kong. I get a lot of work done in<br />
my offi ce at home. I do go to the library<br />
sometimes, but I always fi nd myself<br />
antsy and unable to get a lot done.”<br />
Hong Kong hotspots<br />
“I’m recently obsessed with 208<br />
Duecento Otto, a new Italian restaurant<br />
on Hollywood Road that serves great<br />
pizza and antipasti. Also, I go to Crystal<br />
Jade for spicy thin-sliced pork over fl our<br />
skin and Shanghai mian. I do like to<br />
take the Star Ferry and to walk around<br />
Sheung Wan’s Hollywood Road, which<br />
is home to many antiquities shops and a<br />
burgeoning bar and restaurant scene.”<br />
Tip from the novelist<br />
“I think the most important thing<br />
any writer can do is read. There is<br />
no substitute. It’s like exercise for<br />
writing. Only when you are widely and<br />
diversely read can you even think about<br />
attempting your own book.”
The bestselling writer<br />
Matthew Harrison<br />
A resident of Hong Kong these past 25<br />
years, Matthew Harrison is not only a<br />
best-selling author with books like the<br />
novel, Jessica’s Choice (2008) and the<br />
short story collection, Queen’s Road<br />
Central and the Other Stories (2006), he<br />
is also a commercial artist who works in<br />
ink and oil. Harrison is British, studied at<br />
Oxford University, and started out as a<br />
teacher of English in Germany. Then he<br />
and his fi ancée decided to move to Hong<br />
Kong, where he worked as a researcher<br />
and wrote a fi nance book, Asia-Pacifi c<br />
Securities Markets, fourth edition (2003,<br />
Sweet and Maxwell). In 2003, he<br />
started writing fi ction and getting short<br />
stories published. He and his wife and<br />
their two children live in Hong Kong.<br />
His aff air with the city<br />
“Hong Kong is my muse. There is<br />
so much going on here, so many<br />
stimulating things, the press of people,<br />
the stunning views, the ceaseless<br />
activity — there’s always something<br />
new to write about. Hong Kong is my<br />
home now, or my home-from-home. I<br />
try to support things that will be good<br />
for its future, like saving the harbor,<br />
W RITE THIS WAY<br />
the environment, social issues. It is the<br />
frontier between China and the rest of<br />
the world. There are lots of stories —<br />
and they haven’t been told, at least not<br />
in English.”<br />
The write stuff<br />
“In Hong Kong, most people have a go<br />
at a business venture. But for me it is<br />
writing. (The city) is good for exposure.<br />
You see a great range of life in a small<br />
space. You may be sitting in a coffee<br />
shop, but in the street, people are<br />
preparing food, repairing bikes, selling<br />
handbags. In restaurants and clubs<br />
you see business leaders, celebrities,<br />
politicians; you may even meet them.<br />
The world passes through Hong Kong.<br />
So it is a bit like Shakespeare’s London<br />
— the court, the port, the theater,<br />
{ 56 }<br />
Above: Matthew Harrison likes wandering<br />
through the area between the waterfront<br />
and Mid-Levels. Left: The author holding<br />
one of his books.<br />
everything within reach. It’s really a<br />
global village.”<br />
Hong Kong hotspots<br />
“Well, I’d like to be invisibly levitated<br />
along the street so I can observe and<br />
write at the same time. But at Starbucks<br />
above D’Aguilar Street, you can watch<br />
the people going up to Lan Kwai Fong<br />
while you tap away on your laptop. For<br />
Cantonese food I often go to Cuisine<br />
Royale in Wanchai’s Hopewell Centre,<br />
or Hou Choi on Connaught Road West.<br />
I like to wander between the waterfront<br />
and Mid-Levels, where it’s mostly<br />
older low-rise tenements, crooked<br />
alleyways, steep little streets, markets,<br />
metalworking shops and galleries.”<br />
Tip from the novelist<br />
“Take every chance you get to write.<br />
When you get to that novel, do the fi rst<br />
draft quickly, then take time to revise it,<br />
revise it and revise it. Travel; it broadens<br />
your understanding of people.”<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Hong Kong<br />
from Manila, Cebu and Clark.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
PHOTOS MANDY TAY
T URNING JAPANESE IN HCMC<br />
Little<br />
Tokyo in<br />
Saigon<br />
One girl from Okinawa had a dream.<br />
The result? Her own little café nestled<br />
among other Japanese hotspots right in<br />
the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.<br />
Text and photos by<br />
Nana Chen<br />
TWO YEARS AGO, Okinawan native Kazuyo Tomihira, a busy marketing executive in Japan, was sent to<br />
Ho Chi Minh City to set up an offi ce for a premium architecture paint company. But while she liked her job,<br />
she could not stop thinking about running her very own café. “When I turned 35, I told myself I’d better<br />
do what I want or regret it for the rest of my life.” She quit her job to start Kesera Café in the alley of<br />
Le Thanh Ton Street, which is recognized as the unoffi cial Little Tokyo of Ho Chi Minh City. These days,<br />
you’ll fi nd Kazuyo in her café or in her favorite spots in the area, where she visits with Mr Hirayama, the<br />
eel expert; Miki, the spa whiz; Tabo, the fl amboyant restaurateur; and Hoshi, the hotpot and ramen king.<br />
Like her, each of them has brought a piece of Japanese culture to their adopted home in Vietnam.<br />
{ 58 }
Clockwise<br />
from top left:<br />
Kazuyo enjoying her<br />
taco rice at Yamaneko;<br />
nail art at Dep Mai<br />
Esthetic & Spa; Yamaneko’s<br />
owner, Tabo Ichikawa<br />
playing his shamisen; and<br />
Mr Hirayama’s famous<br />
unagi (eel) on a bed<br />
of fl uffy white<br />
rice.<br />
{ 59 }
Yamaneko Okinawan<br />
Restaurant<br />
This restaurant is Kazuyo’s favorite<br />
place because they serve dishes from<br />
her hometown. “I go to Yamaneko to<br />
eat Okinawan food and drink Awamori,<br />
Okinawa’s traditional sake. Yamaneko<br />
is the most popular meeting spot.<br />
If you are new to Saigon, this is the<br />
must-go place to make new friends.<br />
The atmosphere is so good and Tabo,<br />
the owner, is always very friendly,”<br />
explains Kazuyo.<br />
The fl amboyant Tabo Ichikawa<br />
grew up in the remote Iriomote Island<br />
and this is perhaps why his restaurant<br />
resembles a beach bungalow. A<br />
member of the kitchen staff beats on a<br />
drum to announce the arrival of each<br />
new customer, and when the mood<br />
suits, Tabo takes down his shamisen,<br />
an ancient Japanese instrument that<br />
hangs on the wall, and plays traditional<br />
Japanese songs.<br />
“People come here not only for the<br />
food. It’s also for the mood,” says Tabo.<br />
But it’s hard to say which. His menu<br />
offers dishes that are truly unique like<br />
the taco rice, for instance. Served in a<br />
clay pot, the rice is left to brown to a<br />
crisp under seasoned ground beef and<br />
onion, shredded lettuce, tomato chunks<br />
and shredded cheddar cheese. Add to<br />
{ 60 }<br />
Kazuyo raises a glass with owner<br />
Tabo Ichikawa and friends.<br />
Below: One of the restaurant’s<br />
Okinawan specialties.<br />
13/1 Le Thanh Ton<br />
Street, District 1,<br />
this a drizzle of tel: +84 (8) 3823<br />
chili sauce and then<br />
8433<br />
you mix it all up. The<br />
result is a creamier beef<br />
taco that doesn’t fall apart!<br />
No matter what page you end up<br />
on the menu, you’re bound to taste<br />
the unmistakable fl avor of Tabo and<br />
Kazuyo’s home by the sea.
T URNING JAPANESE IN HCMC<br />
Dragon Noodle mixes Japanese restaurant<br />
interiors with Vietnamese art on the wall.<br />
Bottom left: Owner Hoshi Katsuya is<br />
constantly creating new ramen items.<br />
Dragon Noodle<br />
“Noodle culture is very important to<br />
Asians,” says Hoshi Katsuya, the<br />
owner of Dragon Hotpot and now the<br />
new Dragon Noodle. “I personally love<br />
noodles, so I decided to fi nd a way to<br />
explore the new taste”.<br />
Like many of his friends, Hoshi<br />
worked for a Japanese trading<br />
company when he fi rst came to<br />
Saigon. After starting his family with his<br />
Vietnamese wife, he sought a way to<br />
stay close to home.<br />
Hoshi serves<br />
16 different kinds of<br />
ramen (and counting)<br />
at Dragon Noodle<br />
{ 61 }<br />
29 Dong Du<br />
“I didn’t want Street, District 1,<br />
to travel all the tel/fax: +84 (8)<br />
time and leave 3521 0008<br />
my family,” says<br />
Hoshi. Thus came<br />
the highly successful<br />
Dragon Hotpot, which offers sets like<br />
The Sumo, a vegetable- and proteinbased<br />
selection that you cook at your<br />
own table.<br />
After enjoying the success of Dragon<br />
Hotpot, Hoshi decided to open Dragon<br />
Noodle just three months ago with a<br />
menu that offers 16 different kinds of<br />
ramen and counting.<br />
There’s no telling what new item<br />
he’ll be inspired to create, and he has<br />
no plans of leaving Ho Chi Minh City<br />
anytime soon.<br />
“This is my home. I remember that<br />
I’m Japanese, but this is my home now.<br />
We have a small Japanese community<br />
so we must stay honest. Anything I do<br />
or say will be found out the next day.<br />
We have to stay nice.”
T URNING JAPANESE IN HCMC<br />
Dragon Noodle mixes Japanese restaurant<br />
interiors with Vietnamese art on the wall.<br />
Bottom left: Owner Hoshi Katsuya is<br />
constantly creating new ramen items.<br />
Dragon Noodle<br />
“Noodle culture is very important to<br />
Asians,” says Hoshi Katsuya, the<br />
owner of Dragon Hotpot and now the<br />
new Dragon Noodle. “I personally love<br />
noodles, so I decided to fi nd a way to<br />
explore the new taste”.<br />
Like many of his friends, Hoshi<br />
worked for a Japanese trading<br />
company when he fi rst came to<br />
Saigon. After starting his family with his<br />
Vietnamese wife, he sought a way to<br />
stay close to home.<br />
Hoshi serves<br />
16 different kinds of<br />
ramen (and counting)<br />
at Dragon Noodle<br />
{ 61 }<br />
29 Dong Du<br />
“I didn’t want Street, District 1,<br />
to travel all the tel/fax: +84 (8)<br />
time and leave 3521 0008<br />
my family,” says<br />
Hoshi. Thus came<br />
the highly successful<br />
Dragon Hotpot, which offers sets like<br />
The Sumo, a vegetable- and proteinbased<br />
selection that you cook at your<br />
own table.<br />
After enjoying the success of Dragon<br />
Hotpot, Hoshi decided to open Dragon<br />
Noodle just three months ago with a<br />
menu that offers 16 different kinds of<br />
ramen and counting.<br />
There’s no telling what new item<br />
he’ll be inspired to create, and he has<br />
no plans of leaving Ho Chi Minh City<br />
anytime soon.<br />
“This is my home. I remember that<br />
I’m Japanese, but this is my home now.<br />
We have a small Japanese community<br />
so we must stay honest. Anything I do<br />
or say will be found out the next day.<br />
We have to stay nice.”
Miki Suyama (center) runs<br />
Dep Mai Aesthetic & Spa,<br />
where Kazuyo regularly goes<br />
for nail care.<br />
Dep Mai<br />
Aesthetic & Spa<br />
15b/56<br />
Le Thanh Ton<br />
Street, Ben Nghe<br />
Ward, District 1,<br />
tel: +84 (8) 3825<br />
1962<br />
Since 2001, Miki Suyama has<br />
been running Dep Mai Esthetic & Spa in<br />
Ho Chi Minh City. Kazuyo is a regular at<br />
her spa. “Miki Suyama is a very loving,<br />
caring person,” she says.<br />
Miki was doing similar work in Japan<br />
before she was invited to work in Saigon<br />
for one year. “But when it was time to go<br />
home, some investors helped me set up<br />
Dep Mai and I stayed,” she smiles.<br />
Today Miki considers Saigon her<br />
home. The pace is slow compared to her<br />
life in Japan where her days began at<br />
5.30am. “When I return to Japan, I get<br />
so tired. Vietnam is like a mother to me.<br />
The people take care of me. Sometimes,<br />
different cultural backgrounds create<br />
friction, but if I go to another country, it<br />
would be the same. I try hard to adapt to<br />
the culture here,” says Miki who speaks<br />
Vietnamese fl uently.<br />
Dep Mai is hidden deep in the alleys<br />
off Le Thanh Ton Street, far away from<br />
the notorious Saigon traffi c. This is<br />
where the Japanese community come<br />
for pampering. The spa has reasonable<br />
prices for facials, massages, nail care,<br />
and more.<br />
T URNING JAPANESE IN HCMC<br />
Kesera Café is<br />
Kazuyo’s dream<br />
realized, where she<br />
serves her special<br />
Kesera burger.<br />
Kesera<br />
The little café with a garden and Van<br />
Gogh yellow walls serves fusion<br />
Japanese food and addictive homemade<br />
desserts like banana cream pie and<br />
chocolate tart. Serious dessert lovers<br />
must book way in advance for the<br />
weekend dessert buffet.<br />
But more than a place to eat, Kesera<br />
has become the hub of the Japanese<br />
social scene in Saigon, perhaps since it’s<br />
open practically around the clock. The<br />
staff serves Japanese fusion breakfast,<br />
lunch, afternoon tea and cake, themed<br />
dinners, and late night drinks.<br />
{ 63 }<br />
26/1<br />
Le Thanh Ton<br />
Street, District 1,<br />
tel: +84 (8) 3827<br />
0443<br />
“I’ve become a middle<br />
person, the one people come<br />
to for help. It’s a small community.<br />
We have to take care of each other,”<br />
says Kazuyo who knows everyone<br />
in the Japanese community. “We<br />
actually close at 11pm, but one night we<br />
had a birthday party, and suddenly a<br />
customer brought out a harmonica. One<br />
of our friends saw it and started playing<br />
Japanese nursery rhymes. We all<br />
started singing!” The name Kesera draws<br />
from the Italian phrase, “Che sara sara”<br />
or “What will be, will be”. That’s the easy<br />
attitude Kazuyo takes nowadays.
Kazuyo enjoys<br />
a beer with her<br />
unagi at Cam’On.<br />
Kampai!<br />
Cam’ On Japanese<br />
Restaurant<br />
Whenever Kazuyo is feeling tired or<br />
needs a bit of energy, she goes to the<br />
eel expert Mr Hirayama. His restaurant<br />
is just around the corner from Kesera.<br />
Or sometimes, he comes to visit her.<br />
A fanatic for quality, Mr Hirayama<br />
brings in his eel from Hamamatsu in<br />
the Shizuoka prefecture, a town famous<br />
for its unagi.<br />
“Unagi is a traditional food in Japan.<br />
But the most important ingredient is<br />
the sauce. I bring my eel from Tokyo<br />
personally,” he says proudly in the<br />
perfectly mixed, accented English he<br />
learned from his travels and work in<br />
Dubai and Nicaragua.<br />
“Every morning, we deliver unagi<br />
donburi (eel on a bed of rice in a bowl)<br />
and eel liver soup to the Japanese<br />
offi ce workers who miss the taste from<br />
T URNING JAPANESE IN HCMC<br />
home. The eel sauce I use is from<br />
Ningyoucho. The recipe is 100 years<br />
old already,” says Mr Hirayama.<br />
Like Kazuyo, Mr Hirayama also<br />
held other jobs before opening Cam’<br />
On. “I have this restaurant for one<br />
reason only: It’s a great place to have a<br />
social portal. Of course I’d love to make<br />
money doing what I love, but without<br />
loving being with people, there’s no<br />
way a restaurant can be successful.”<br />
He laughs, “I never know who will walk<br />
in next.”<br />
Aside from eel, Mr Hirayama offers a<br />
{ 64 }<br />
Left: Mr Hirayama,<br />
the eel expert.<br />
Below: Unagi cooked<br />
to perfection at<br />
Cam’On.<br />
traditional Japanese menu<br />
as well as more exotic items<br />
like the hiresake or blowfi sh<br />
fi n sake.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Ho Chi Minh City<br />
from Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
30 Thai Van Lung<br />
Street, District 1,<br />
tel: +84 (8)<br />
3823 3955
{ 66 }
Kalibo’s Ati-atihan festival is<br />
easily the Philippines’ rowdiest,<br />
fl ashiest and most colorful<br />
fi esta this January.<br />
PARTY ISLANDS<br />
Festival<br />
Fever<br />
Why not kick off the new year with<br />
a handful of fabulous fiestas across<br />
the country and enjoy a month of<br />
non-stop partying, Pinoy style!<br />
Text and photographs by<br />
Lester V Ledesma<br />
THE FAKE PINE TREES are packed<br />
away, the carols have died down and<br />
all the gifts have been unwrapped. Yes,<br />
Christmas is over, but don’t stop the<br />
merry-making just yet. In case you’ve<br />
forgotten, the Philippines is a nation<br />
of fun-loving people with a constant<br />
yearning for good times. While others<br />
lament and wallow in post-holiday<br />
blues, Filipinos are already planning a<br />
new calendar of non-stop festivities.<br />
In fact, it all starts with a bang on the<br />
fi rst month of <strong>2011</strong>. January is host to<br />
truly spectacular events worth ample<br />
doses of good cheer. They range from<br />
the somewhat solemn to the downright<br />
insane; occasions that bear deep cultural<br />
signifi cance (not to mention plenty of<br />
simple joys) for those who celebrate<br />
them. There’s one of these happening<br />
everyday, somewhere in the country’s<br />
7,100 islands. Indeed, the party never<br />
stops — from the grassy plains up north<br />
to the islands down south, we show you<br />
fi ve exciting fi estas to look forward to in<br />
this very fi rst month of <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
{ 67 }
The Buling-buling in<br />
Pandacan honors<br />
the Child Christ,<br />
Santo Niño<br />
Bring on the “Buling”<br />
In the district of Pandacan, the year’s<br />
fi rst fi esta is called the Buling-buling.<br />
The Buling-buling honors the Child<br />
Christ — the beloved Santo Niño, a<br />
popular and pervasive image. On the<br />
15th, Pandacan residents take their<br />
Santo Niño statues onto the streets.<br />
Hundreds of men, women and children<br />
make their appearance dressed in<br />
colorful Spanish-era costumes. They<br />
groove to the jumpy notes of a marching<br />
band, stepping left and right, in faithful<br />
adherence to the moves of the classic<br />
Buling-buling dance. This gracefully<br />
waving parade starts at one end of town,<br />
makes its way past the bandarita-strewn<br />
main avenues and into the area just past<br />
the old church. The people recite a series<br />
of prayers which is then followed by a<br />
{ 68 }<br />
mass blessing of the Santo Niño images.<br />
This fi esta may last only a few hours,<br />
but what it lacks in duration, it makes<br />
up for in good-natured gaiety. This is a<br />
slice of the rural in a thoroughly urban<br />
district — and a pocket-sized fi esta that’s<br />
literally at your doorstep!<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Manila from across<br />
the network. www.cebupacifi cair.com
Saintly Dance<br />
While the Quiapo festivity is ongoing,<br />
another age-old tradition is in full swing<br />
up north. This one boasts a somewhat<br />
bouncier disposition. From January 6–10,<br />
the town of Sasmuan, in the province<br />
of Pampanga, celebrates the Kuraldal.<br />
Part prayer and part revelry, it is for Saint<br />
Lucy, who is said to have loved dancing.<br />
On the eve of the feast, pilgrims from all<br />
over arrive, and for the next fi ve days,<br />
the brass bands let loose on the streets,<br />
their music playing amid shouts of “Viva<br />
Apung Lucia!” from the dancing devotees.<br />
It’s a good bet you’ll be invited into a local<br />
home for Pampangueño fare like tamales,<br />
tibok-tibok and pancit palabok. On the last<br />
day, the holy image has a fi nal procession,<br />
the music is at its loudest, the crowd at its<br />
merriest, and the dancing at its best.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Clark from Cebu, Macau,<br />
Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
Dancing devotees congregate<br />
in Sasmuan, Pampanga for the<br />
Kuraldal.<br />
PARTY ISLANDS<br />
{ 69 }<br />
A devotee of the Black<br />
Nazarene wipes the image with<br />
a handkerchief for good luck.<br />
Downtown’s Biggest Feast<br />
In Manila, the fi rst big fi esta is the Feast of<br />
the Black Nazarene. On the ninth of this<br />
month, the streets in downtown Quiapo<br />
will be chock-full of smiling, barefoot<br />
folks making their way to the venerable<br />
old Quiapo Church, all the while bearing<br />
religious statues and blaring brass bands.<br />
There’s also a strange assortment of<br />
fortune tellers, anting-anting (talisman)<br />
hawkers, and vendors selling all sorts<br />
of knick-knacks and street food to add<br />
interest. Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno<br />
de Quiapo is the 400-year-old, wooden<br />
statue of the Suffering Christ. Witness the<br />
people’s devotion to it in the translacion<br />
— a mammoth procession .Touch the<br />
statue for good luck in the new year,<br />
and everyone takes this to heart. Watch<br />
the proceedings from above (the Plaza<br />
Miranda side of Quezon Bridge offers a<br />
good view). The chaotic yet unusually<br />
peaceful parade starts midday at the<br />
Luneta and ends around midnight at the<br />
Quiapo Church.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Manila from across<br />
the network. www.cebupacifi cair.com
Viva Santo Niño!<br />
Elsewhere in the Philippines, more<br />
parties await, and they are louder,<br />
rowdier and fl ashier in the Visayas,<br />
down south. The Santo Niño is again,<br />
the object of devotion; the fi estas are<br />
usually associated with a single image<br />
— that of the soot-blackened, lavishly<br />
costumed Ati-ati warrior. The Ati-atihan<br />
tradition is the classic symbol of this<br />
fi esta-crazy country. Aklan is where it all<br />
started, since the time the dark-skinned<br />
Ati tribespeople were converted to<br />
Christianity and Christian settlers were<br />
so elated, they dressed themselves like<br />
their newfound brothers. Celebrated all<br />
over Aklan, the biggest revelry is in the<br />
capital of Kalibo. On January 14, dozens<br />
of Ati-ati “tribes” take to the streets,<br />
alongside Aklanons bearing statues of<br />
the Child Christ. Through ear-splitting<br />
drumbeats, hear the cries of “Hala bira!<br />
Pwera pasma! Viva Santo Niño!” (“Go<br />
gettum! Nobody gets tired! Long live<br />
Santo Niño!”). The townspeople dance<br />
on till Monday’s dawn. But there’s more.<br />
The nearby towns of Ibajay and Altavas<br />
hold their own Ati-atihan. And in Iloilo<br />
City, four hours away, they have the Atistyled,<br />
Dinagyang celebration.<br />
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Kalibo from Manila.<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
Clockwise from<br />
top: Soot-covered<br />
faces and an image<br />
of the Santo Niño<br />
characterize the<br />
Ati-ati festivals down<br />
south; legions of Ati<br />
“tribes” parade the<br />
streets of downtown<br />
Kalibo; and putting<br />
on “make-up” for<br />
the occasion.<br />
PARTY ISLANDS<br />
{ 71 }
Bullfight Festival<br />
Four galloping hooves, 300 pounds<br />
of bone and beef plus a pair of horns<br />
hurtling towards you, eyes blazing,<br />
nostrils fl aring, totally hell-bent on a<br />
bone-crunching collision. Enjoy the thrill<br />
of the Pasungay!<br />
Held annually on the second Saturday<br />
of January, in the rural town of San<br />
Joaquin, Iloilo where farming dates<br />
back to the 1800s, the Pasungay offers<br />
a different take on the fi esta. There are<br />
no matadors here. This is one of the few<br />
places in the world where a bullfi ght is<br />
actually between bulls. Around 40 to 50<br />
of these creatures make their appearance<br />
during this event, competing for the grand<br />
prize in a morning derby. Later in the day,<br />
a series of paaway, or horsefi ghts are<br />
also held.<br />
The soltadas (matches) take place at<br />
the San Joaquin Sports Stadium which is<br />
PARTY ISLANDS<br />
follow the moos. Then watch the bulls in<br />
all their fuming, raging glory and place<br />
your bets. The really fun part is after the<br />
match when the bulls chase each other<br />
throughout the arena, plowing through<br />
everything (and everyone) in their way!<br />
SANCHEZ<br />
FELIMON<br />
Animal lovers need not despair, for Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Iloilo from Manila,<br />
easy to get to from the town plaza — just the Pasungay isn’t a reckless misuse of Cebu and Davao.www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
PHOTOS<br />
{ 72 }<br />
Bulls lock horns<br />
during the annual<br />
Pasungay in<br />
San Joaquin, Iloilo<br />
bovine brawn. It’s a timeless celebration<br />
of the San Joaquino way of life — one<br />
that reaffi rms the age-old partnership of<br />
man and beast, and one that will surely<br />
remain for many more years.<br />
Apart from<br />
bullfi ghts, horse<br />
matches are also<br />
featured in the<br />
paaway.
trip journal<br />
trip journal<br />
Your guide to enjoying every city on our network<br />
Go Seoul searching!<br />
Cebu Pacific now<br />
flies to Incheon<br />
twice daily!<br />
Be a Smile Where local to correspondent! find everything Email you us wanna at cebu.ed@ink-global.com<br />
read - enjoy!<br />
{ 75 }<br />
Want to visit<br />
Seoul? Turn to<br />
page 85 for<br />
useful advice<br />
from a local!
JAPAN<br />
OSAKA<br />
COUNTRY CODE +81 (6)<br />
CURRENCY JPY100 = PHP52.75/US$1.18)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Take the Nankai Express Rapit<br />
from Kansai International Airport to Osaka (38<br />
minutes to Namba station) and the JR Haruka<br />
limited express (33 minutes to Tenno-ji, 51 minutes<br />
to Shin-Osaka). www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access<br />
BY DAY Make sure to visit Osaka Castle and<br />
enjoy a fantastic view of the city from the top of<br />
it. After all that sightseeing, you can stroll the<br />
picturesque park and enjoy the nippy chill in the<br />
air. 1-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo-ku.<br />
BY NIGHT While known for traditional bars and<br />
restaurants that line the alley leading up to it,<br />
the small temple of Hozenji Yokocho exudes a<br />
dreamy, old-world atmosphere in the evening<br />
when it gets lit up with paper lanterns.<br />
SLEEP Mystays Inn Sakaisuji-honmachi has rooms<br />
with en suite toilet and bath. Small, cozy, on-abudget<br />
prices and sandwiched between Osaka’s two<br />
bustling downtowns. 1- 4-8, Awaji-machi, Chuo-ku<br />
Atsuko<br />
Fujii<br />
English conversation<br />
instructor/guide<br />
BEST BUYS Shop in Kita (around<br />
Osaka station), Minami (around<br />
Namba Station) and Tennoji.<br />
BEST DINNER Tenroku<br />
(Tenjinbashisujirokuchoume) for high<br />
quality sushi at reasonable prices.<br />
INSIDER TIP Visit the museum<br />
Osakakurasinokonjakukan near<br />
Tenjimbashisujirokuchoune station, and<br />
see how people lived in the Edo period.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
trip journal<br />
VIETNAM<br />
HO CHI MINH CITY<br />
COUNTRY CODE +84<br />
CURRENCY VND10,000 = PHP28.08/US$0.59<br />
TOUCHDOWN Tan Son Nhat International<br />
Airport is a 30-minute drive away from District 1.<br />
A taxi ride costs about VND80,000 (PHP225).<br />
You can also hire a motorbike driver for<br />
VND20,000 (PHP56).<br />
BY DAY Lunch at Quan An Ngon (160 Pasteur)<br />
then visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda (73 Mai Thi<br />
Luu), the most spectacular Chinese pagoda in<br />
Saigon, before taking a stroll in the shady Botanic<br />
Gardens (2 Nguyen Binh Khiem).<br />
BY NIGHT After dinner at one of Saigon’s fantastic<br />
restaurants, catch live music at bohemian enclaves<br />
Yoko (22 Nguyen Thi Dieu) or Acoustic (6E1 Ngo<br />
Thoi Nhiem). From there, enjoy a civilized nightcap<br />
at Qing (110 Pasteur).<br />
SLEEP Stay at The Majestic where the colonialthemed<br />
rooms, courtyard pool and stately<br />
ambience summon old Indochina. 1 Dong Khoi.<br />
www.majesticsaigon.com.vn<br />
BEST DINNER The classy local<br />
cuisine at Cuc Gach Quan (10 Dang Tat)<br />
is the best, and cheap too.<br />
INSIDER TIP Try the games room<br />
at Ala Mezon (10 Chu Manh Trinh) with<br />
sofas, guitars, X-box and Nintendo Wii.<br />
MUST TRY Ca phe sua da (iced<br />
coffee with condensed milk), hunting<br />
for oc (snails) and eating bun thit nuong<br />
(vermicelli with barbecued pork).<br />
{ 77 }<br />
Duncan<br />
Forgan<br />
freelance writer<br />
and editor<br />
“Itadakimasu” is what Japanese say<br />
before a meal.
trip journal<br />
CHINA<br />
HONG KONG<br />
COUNTRY CODE +852<br />
CURRENCY HK$1 = PHP5.67/US$0.13<br />
TOUCHDOWN The Airport Express takes 24<br />
minutes to Central and costs HK$100 (PHP591). If<br />
you take a taxi cab from the airport, it will cost you<br />
upwards of HK$300 (PHP1,772), depending on<br />
where you alight. www.hongkongairport.com<br />
BY DAY Walk the stretch of Hollywood Road,<br />
from the Central District Police Station to Man<br />
Mo Temple and Upper Lascar Row, to hunt down<br />
antiques, curios, and loads of possible souvenirs.<br />
Hone your haggling skills for good deals.<br />
BY NIGHT Make your way to the city’s most<br />
popular tourist attraction, the Peak, which offers<br />
an incredible 360˚ view of the city skyline at its<br />
Sky Terrace. It’s absolutely majestic. Open until<br />
11pm. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.<br />
SLEEP Hop Inn in Tsim Sha Tsui is a reasonablypriced<br />
little hostel that calls its nine rooms “living<br />
art spaces”, each designed by local artists. 2A<br />
Hanyee Building, 19-21 Hankow Road.<br />
Henk<br />
Stijweg<br />
managing<br />
director<br />
BVZ Asia<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT Check out<br />
Red Bar, IFC. It offers a nice view of<br />
Hong Kong.<br />
BEST BUYS Head to the Temple<br />
Street night market for a really great<br />
shopping experience.<br />
MUST DO Lace up your walking<br />
shoes and hike at Lamma Island.<br />
Then you can reward yourself with a<br />
great lunch afterwards.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
{ 78 }<br />
CHINA<br />
MACAU<br />
COUNTRY CODE +853<br />
CURRENCY MOP1 = PHP5.74/US$0.13<br />
TOUCHDOWN Upon arrival in Macau, just board<br />
the Bus AP1 from the airport to the Barrier Gate<br />
(China border). A taxi ride into the city only takes<br />
15 minutes and will cost you around MOP40–50<br />
(PHP240–299).<br />
BY DAY Walk through the historic center of<br />
Macau and learn about the romantic side of<br />
this World Heritage site. Or if you dare, why<br />
not bungee jump off the 233m-high Macau<br />
Skytower?<br />
BY NIGHT At the Venetian Macao Resort,<br />
catch the Cirque du Soleil production of ZAIA, a<br />
breathtaking show about a girl who journeys into<br />
space, which runs until March 31, <strong>2011</strong>. Book tickets<br />
online at www.venetianmacao.com/en/<br />
SLEEP If you’re not into casinos, the tranquil Westin<br />
Resort Hotel in Coloane is the perfect setting for<br />
families visiting Macau. www.starwoodhotels.com/<br />
westin/property/overview/contact<br />
Shell<br />
Lam<br />
English tutor<br />
LOCAL SPEAK Say “Hm gor<br />
ser lay ah” which means “Thank<br />
you very much.”<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS The snacks<br />
they sell on the street on the way to<br />
the St Paul ruins.<br />
BEST DINNER Fernandos in<br />
Coloane Island for Macanese style<br />
food, roasted pigeon and Portuguese<br />
green soup.<br />
Hong Kong Disneyland opened its<br />
doors on September 12, 2005.
trip journal<br />
CHINA<br />
BEIJING<br />
COUNTRY CODE +86<br />
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP 7.13/US$ 0.14<br />
TOUCHDOWN Arrive at the Beijing Capital<br />
International Airport (BCIA). After clearing customs<br />
and claiming baggage, catch the downtown<br />
airport shuttles or taxis from outside the arrival<br />
lobby. en.bcia.com.cn<br />
BY DAY Walk through the hutongs (old lanes).<br />
Rent a bike and tour the Summer Palace. Visit<br />
temples and stroll by the huge lake. Autumn,<br />
when red leaves are falling (October to November)<br />
is the perfect time to see the Great Wall of China.<br />
BY NIGHT Take the subway to Bird’s Nest (Beijing<br />
National Olympic Stadium) and Water Cube<br />
(Beijing 2008 National Swimming Centre) in the<br />
early evening. Both are best seen when the lights<br />
are lit. Hit Sanlitun Street for dinner and clubbing.<br />
SLEEP Check into Opposite House, probably<br />
one of Beijing’s best high-end, boutique hotels.<br />
Highly accessible, and in the middle of almost<br />
everything. www.theoppositehouse.com<br />
Karen Go<br />
group account<br />
director<br />
BEST BUYS Authentic Chinese jade<br />
pendant for PHP150 from Da Shi Lan<br />
Shopping Street. Cheap with price tags!<br />
BEST DINNER Vineyard Café,<br />
tucked in a hutong in the Andingmen<br />
area, is a cozy place.<br />
INSIDER TIP Ask for fapiaos<br />
(receipts) when dining out. Scratch<br />
off the silver, right top corner of it and<br />
you could get a cash rebate!<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
{ 80 }<br />
CHINA<br />
GUANGZHOU<br />
COUNTRY CODE +86<br />
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP 7.13/US$ 0.14<br />
TOUCHDOWN Board the Airport Express bus<br />
from the airport, about RMB10–30 (PHP71–213).<br />
Taxis from the airport cost about RMB120<br />
(PHP854) for the 28km-long ride to Haizhu<br />
Square in the city.<br />
BY DAY A one-hour cruise on the Pearl River may<br />
be the most romantic way to see the city. Take the<br />
ancient reproduction wood vessel called the South<br />
Sea God. Its classic and elegant set-up will satisfy<br />
your taste for culture and history.<br />
BY NIGHT Xing Hai Park, with its 7km 2 lotus<br />
pond, is on the west bank of Luhu Lake. Spend a<br />
day by the lake, then after dinner, take a moonlit<br />
stroll around the area and refresh yourself with<br />
traditional Chinese herbal tea.<br />
SLEEP Shangri-La Hotel offers views of the Pearl<br />
River. Make sure to book a signature massage at the<br />
award-winning CHI Spa to balance your qi. www.<br />
shangri-la.com/en/property/guangzhou/shangrila/<br />
Lauren<br />
Tang<br />
PR manager<br />
BEST FESTIVALS Guangzhou<br />
is China’s “Flower City”and it holds<br />
fl ower fairs in spring (February).<br />
BEST DESSERT Strawberry<br />
Forever in Tianhe district serves over<br />
30 kinds of strawberry desserts.<br />
BEST DINNER Shunde Cuisine<br />
serves fresh seafood delicacies. 1-3/<br />
F, Yihai Wan Tower, 299 Nanhua<br />
Zhong Lu, Haizhu District.<br />
Scenic Beihai Park in Xicheng was<br />
once part of the Forbidden City.
CHINA<br />
SHANGHAI<br />
COUNTRY CODE +86<br />
CURRENCY RMB1 = PHP6.50/US$0.14<br />
TOUCHDOWN If you’re taking a cab from the<br />
airport (or anywhere in Shanghai), do ask for<br />
the fapiao (receipt). This way, in case you forget<br />
something, you have a way of tracking it down.<br />
www.shanghaiairport.com<br />
BY DAY Behold the classic and mind-boggling<br />
structures around Shanghai: the futuristic Oriental<br />
Pearl Tower, the jaw-dropping skyscraper that<br />
is the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the<br />
beautiful Chinese architecture at Yu Garden.<br />
BY NIGHT Stroll down Nanjing Road and see<br />
how it transforms into a major tourist attraction<br />
once the sun sets. All the buildings along the<br />
thoroughfare get lit up for the night, and the effect<br />
is breathtaking.<br />
SLEEP The Peace Hotel facing the Bund has nine<br />
deluxe suites that follow different interior themes<br />
such as Chinese, British, French, Spanish and<br />
Indian. 20 Nanjing Road<br />
Stephanie<br />
Afzelius<br />
speech language<br />
pathologist<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Nanxiang<br />
Mantou Dian in Yu Garden for the xiao<br />
long bao (soup dumplings).<br />
BEST DINNER Try the lamb<br />
and mushroom skewers from street<br />
vendors. Simply to-die-for!<br />
MUST DO Catch the Shanghai<br />
Acrobatic Troupe — it’s complete with<br />
balancing acts, contortionists, platespinning<br />
and complicated juggling.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
trip journal<br />
TAIWAN<br />
TAIPEI<br />
COUNTRY CODE +886<br />
CURRENCY TW$1 = PHP1.44/US$0.031<br />
TOUCHDOWN Taxis to the city will cost you<br />
TW$1,100 (PHP1,586.73), but private bus<br />
companies run trips from both terminals, and<br />
will cost you a more manageable TW$110–140<br />
(PHP159–202). To get around, take the MRT.<br />
BY DAY Start your day at World Soybean Milk<br />
Magnate in Yungho, Taipei County. Order a clay<br />
oven roll wrapped around a fried bread stick, and<br />
a bowl of hot soybean milk — a typical Chinese-<br />
style breakfast of locals.<br />
BY NIGHT Sec 4, Zhongxiao E Road — the<br />
Eastern District of Taipei — is the best choice if<br />
you want to stay up all night. Shop for trendy<br />
fashions here as vendors are open long after<br />
department stores close at 10pm.<br />
SLEEP Check into boutique hotel Les Suites<br />
Da-An in downtown Taipei. It’s close enough to<br />
shopping, bowling, dancing and dining in the city.<br />
135 Da An Road Section 1.<br />
BEST SHOPPING With over 10<br />
night markets here, you can visit one<br />
every night. The biggest one is ShihLin.<br />
BEST SOUVENIR Pineapple<br />
cake, a sweet snack only found in<br />
Taiwan. Get some at the airport.<br />
BEST DINNER Try spicy hot pot<br />
at an eat-all-you-can restaurant. You<br />
can choose from over 50 ingredients<br />
to add into your soup!<br />
{ 81 }<br />
Ed Chen<br />
marketing<br />
director<br />
Check out Art Deco buildings in<br />
Shanghai’s French Concession.
trip journal<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
COUNTRY CODE +66 (2)<br />
CURRENCY THB1 = PHP1.42/US$0.03<br />
TOUCHDOWN There is a free airport shuttle to<br />
the Public Transportation Center in town. A taxi<br />
costs THB200 (PHP271). In the city, use the BTS<br />
Skytrains and avoid the jams. Tuk-tuks are okay,<br />
but they only go short distances.<br />
BY DAY Visit Jim Thompson House and view<br />
the silk magnate’s vast collection of antiques and<br />
Asian art. After the tour, relax at the café.<br />
6 Soi Kasemsan 2 Rama 1 Road (opposite The<br />
National Stadium), www.jimthompsonhouse.com<br />
BY NIGHT Don’t miss out on enjoying cocktails<br />
at Sirocco The Dome, at the State Tower. From<br />
the 63rd fl oor, the 360˚ views of Bangkok<br />
are amazing. Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok,<br />
tel: +66 (2) 624 9555<br />
SLEEP Emporium Suites has access to the BTS–<br />
Promphong station via The Emproium Mall, right<br />
next to the hotel. 622 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok<br />
www.emporiumsuites.com/reservation.php<br />
BEST BUYS Fruit like mango,<br />
guava and lanzones are amazingly<br />
cheap and yummy.<br />
BEST DINNER The no-frills<br />
Somboon Seafood is always packed<br />
so come early! Tel: +66 (2) 233 3104<br />
INSIDER TIP Most Thais don’t<br />
greet with a kiss or handshake but<br />
by The Wai. They put their hands<br />
together and bow to you.<br />
{ 82 }<br />
Mia M<br />
Jaranilla<br />
art consultant<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
COUNTRY CODE +65<br />
CURRENCY S$1 = PHP32.91/US$0.72<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a taxi<br />
downtown for about S$15 (PHP494), depending on<br />
the time of day. Peak hours carry a S$3 (PHP99)<br />
surcharge. Or take the MRT and you’ll be there in<br />
about 25 minutes for about S$2 (PHP66).<br />
BY DAY The Singapore Zoo is actually pretty<br />
awesome, and one of the best in the world. It’s a<br />
great way to have instant outdoor time. Try to go<br />
at around 2.30pm, as the animals are fed around<br />
3pm, and you’ll see a lot of activity.<br />
BY NIGHT The Marina Barrage is the best chillout<br />
spot after dinner. It has a superb view of the<br />
city at night and a lovely serene atmosphere. Take<br />
along some drinks and an extra shirt if you want<br />
to run through the fountains and water jets!<br />
SLEEP Furama City Centre is near Clarke Quay’s<br />
nightlife. In the Executive Suite, glass separates<br />
the bathroom from the bedroom. www.furama.<br />
com/citycentre/<br />
Ruby Tan<br />
editorial intern<br />
MUST DO Take a ferry ride out to<br />
Chek Jawa, a biodiverse wetland, at<br />
Pulau Ubin.<br />
BEST DINNER Tan Quee Lan<br />
St for steamboat meals. Eat all you<br />
can for less than S$20 (PHP620)!<br />
BEST BUYS Check out Mustafa<br />
24-hour Shopping Centre in Little<br />
India for discounts on seriously<br />
anything and everything.<br />
The Tiong Bahru Market is one of<br />
Singapore’s best hawker centers.
MALAYSIA<br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
COUNTRY CODE +60 (3)<br />
CURRENCY RM1 = PHP13.57/US$0.295<br />
TOUCHDOWN A bus will take you to downtown<br />
Kuala Lumpur from the airport for about RM10<br />
(PHP136). On the other hand, the train will get<br />
you there in half the time. Metered taxis are fast<br />
and affordable.<br />
BY DAY Bukit Bintang is a shopper’s paradise.<br />
Start with the bargain buys at Sungei Wang and<br />
then splurge at Star Hill and Pavilion — sales here<br />
are almost all year-round. For outdoor thrills, stroll<br />
around KLCC Gardens and visit the Bird Park.<br />
BY NIGHT The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra<br />
at KLCC and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts<br />
Center feature interesting local productions. True<br />
gourmands will love Bangsar Shopping Center for a<br />
smorgasbord of excellent restaurants.<br />
SLEEP Hotel Maya is a centrally located boutique<br />
hotel that offers stylish accommodations and<br />
great room rates. Click on the site for the best<br />
deals. www.hotelmaya.com.my<br />
Karyn<br />
Patricia<br />
Flores<br />
writer<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Nasi<br />
lemak! For authentic fl avors, head to<br />
what locals call the “mamak” stalls.<br />
BEST BUYS Vincci or Nose are<br />
inexpensive yet stylish brands. Batik<br />
paintings are lovely and easy to pack.<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT Neo on<br />
Jalan Sultan Ismail and the rooftop<br />
at Lot 10 are photogenic bars with<br />
beautiful crowds. Bring your camera!<br />
trip journal<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
KOTA KINABALU<br />
COUNTRY CODE +60 (88)<br />
CURRENCY RM1 = PHP13.57/US$0.295<br />
TOUCHDOWN The Kota Kinabalu International<br />
Airport is only 10 minutes away by taxi, which<br />
usually costs about RM20 (PHP272). Be sure to<br />
negotiate and agree on the fare before you step<br />
into the cab.<br />
BY DAY Expand your knowledge about nature<br />
conservation and spend a day at the Kota<br />
Kinabalu Wetland Center (KKWC), a 24-hectare<br />
mangrove forest that is also a bird sanctuary.<br />
www.sabahwetlands.org/society/<br />
BY NIGHT Check out the Animal Nocturnal<br />
Watch at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria, or sound the<br />
party alarm and paint the town red in Kota<br />
Kinabalu at sizzling hotspots like Texas Restaurant<br />
or Upper Star Pepper Grill and Cocoon.<br />
SLEEP This luxury property, the Shangri-La’s Rasa<br />
Ria Resort, is nestled in a great nook of nature, with<br />
a plethora of outdoor activities. www.shangri-la.<br />
com/en/property/kotakinabalu/rriaresort<br />
Latricia<br />
Tsen Mei<br />
Hsia<br />
sales manager<br />
BEST BUYS Sabah tea which is<br />
cultivated in the pristine foothills of<br />
Mount Kinabalu.<br />
BEST DINNER Taste Malaysian<br />
cuisine and Sabah vegetables at<br />
Tepi Laut, Shangri-La Rasa Ria.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Selamat pagi“<br />
(“Good morning”), “selamat petang”<br />
(“good afternoon”) and “apa<br />
khabar” (“how are you”).<br />
{ 84 }<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Awu” (“yes”),<br />
“inda” (“no”), “berapa?” (“how<br />
much?”) and “mahal” (“expensive”).<br />
BEST DINNER Ambuyat is a<br />
traditional Bruneian starchy dish<br />
best taken with fi sh or beef.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM<br />
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN<br />
COUNTRY CODE +62 (21)<br />
CURRENCY BND1 = PHP33.54/US$0.72<br />
TOUCHDOWN The international airport is<br />
approximately 10 minutes (about 10km) from the<br />
center of BSB. There are taxis, car rentals and<br />
regular public bus services that can take you to<br />
and from the airport.<br />
BY DAY See BSB on foot. Start at the Royal<br />
Regalia Building and continue to Mile 1 Queen<br />
Elizabeth Clock, Dang Ayang Royal Mausoleum,<br />
Kampong Ayer (Water Village), Red Chinese<br />
Temple and Tamu Kianggeh (Floating Market).<br />
BY NIGHT Ask around to fi nd out where NRA<br />
Cafe (it stands for Never Run Away) is. This<br />
karaoke joint has loads of songs for you to choose<br />
from for a rollicking night. Though locals consider<br />
it “illegal,” that’s where they take overseas guests.<br />
SLEEP The Empire Hotel and Country Club is a<br />
six-star hotel and golf course where you can also<br />
grab a boat to go to Pulau Kuraman in Labuan.<br />
www.theempirehotel.com<br />
Maurina<br />
Abdul<br />
Hamid<br />
marcomm<br />
off icer<br />
BEST FESTIVAL July is when<br />
we hold a month-long celebration for<br />
our Sultan’s birthday. There are daily<br />
events at which you can meet him.
SOUTH KOREA<br />
INCHEON (SEOUL)<br />
COUNTRY CODE +822<br />
CURRENCY KRW1 = PHP0.034 / US$0.007<br />
TOUCHDOWN Look for taxis with stickers that<br />
say “Foreign Language Service.” Cabs can be<br />
shared except for those with black and yellow<br />
tops. Thanks to a new bridge, the trip takes 15<br />
minutes. Eight subway lines serve the main areas.<br />
BY DAY From the top of Mt Namsan, you get<br />
fresh air and a great view of the city. You should<br />
also make it a point to spend time exploring the<br />
historical Insadong street, aka antique street. It’s<br />
lovely for shopping for souvenirs.<br />
BY NIGHT Go to Hongdae club on a Friday night.<br />
This is a center for the youth in Seoul, located<br />
around the Hongik University. On the last Friday<br />
of every month, the bars host Club Night, and that<br />
turns into a wild youth festival.<br />
SLEEP Park Hyatt is one of the best hotels but it’s<br />
also one of the most expensive hotels. W Hotel<br />
Seoul is another option if you want a fancy room.<br />
Or you can try the Metro Hotel Myungdong.<br />
Seong<br />
Joon Cho<br />
photographer<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Shop for<br />
original Korean movies on DVD as well<br />
as K-Pop music CDs.<br />
MUST DO Go to Gwangjang<br />
Market food alley and try local street<br />
food with soju (Korean rice wine).<br />
INSIDER TIP Around universities<br />
(there are a number in Seoul), you can<br />
fi nd restaurants and bars in the area<br />
that are cheap and good.<br />
trip journal<br />
SOUTH KOREA<br />
BUSAN<br />
COUNTRY CODE +82<br />
CURRENCY KRW1 = PHP0.034 / US$0.007<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the Busan Kimhae<br />
International Airport, take the bus, the Busan<br />
Subway Line or railroad line. Make sure to plan<br />
your transfers carefully, so you don’t miss your<br />
fl ights. gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng<br />
BY DAY Beomeosa Temple is a great spot for<br />
taking in Korea’s Buddhist culture which dates<br />
back to the Silla Dynasty. You can also opt for an<br />
all-day Busan City Tour. You’ll cover all the major<br />
sights and get helpful information, too.<br />
BY NIGHT If you want to be spoilt for choice,<br />
explore the area surrounding Kyungsung<br />
University. This is the place to be in the evening as<br />
it has a ton of great bars and restaurants to choose<br />
from all in one area.<br />
SLEEP Theme Hotel in Haeundae has clean<br />
rooms with cool designs at reasonable rates. The<br />
big draw? You’ll have a great view of the sea.<br />
www.hoteltheme.com<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Korea is<br />
famous for celadon pottery. Pick it up<br />
at any of the outdoor markets.<br />
INSIDER TIP The city’s public<br />
transportation is great, but take a taxi<br />
everywhere — they are cheap!<br />
BEST DINNER Anga has great<br />
Korean BBQ in Haeundae. Millak<br />
Fish Center in Gwangan-li has a ton<br />
of great spots for raw fi sh.<br />
{ 85 }<br />
Bobby<br />
McGill<br />
editor in chief<br />
Busan Haps<br />
INDONESIA<br />
JAKARTA<br />
COUNTRY CODE +62<br />
CURRENCY IDR100,000 = PHP492/US$11<br />
TOUCHDOWN Hire a Bluebird or Silverbird<br />
taxi from the airport to the city, which costs<br />
IDR180,000 (PHP875), plus toll. Alternatively,<br />
the DAMRI bus goes to any city bus station for a<br />
very manageable IDR15,000 (PHP74).<br />
BY DAY For a slice of history in the Indonesian<br />
capital, visit the Monas or the National Monument<br />
located in the center of Merdeka Square. From<br />
there, you can easily check out the museums<br />
surrounding it.<br />
BY NIGHT Experience the lively Jakarta nightlife<br />
at the sleek bar-and-lounge Dragonfl y club (23<br />
Jl Gatot Subroto) and acclaimed Japanese<br />
restaurant-and-bar Blowfi sh (CityPlaza, Wisma<br />
Mulia, Jl Je).<br />
SLEEP For upscale and secure accommodations,<br />
Hotel Mulia has some of the more swanky suites<br />
in Jakarta. Jl Asia Afrika Senayan, tel: 574-7777,<br />
www.hotelmulia.com<br />
Ernest<br />
Custodio<br />
technical advisor<br />
BEST SOUVENIR Sambal,<br />
their homemade chili paste; and<br />
teak items if they fi t in your luggage.<br />
MUST TRY Rent an ojek<br />
(motorcycle) to negotiate Jakarta<br />
traffi c — but hang on for dear life.<br />
BEST DINNER Ayam Suharti for<br />
the ayam goreng (fried chicken) and<br />
Meradelima for Indonesian cuisine<br />
meets fi ne dining experience.
PHILIPPINES<br />
LAOAG<br />
AREA CODE (77)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a van, a jeepney<br />
or a tricycle from the Laoag airport to get to your<br />
destination in town. However, an eco-friendly<br />
means of getting around the city is the kalesa or<br />
horse-drawn carriage.<br />
BY DAY The Laoag sand dunes don’t just offer a<br />
breathtaking view — they are now a playground<br />
for thrill-seekers. Try sand-boarding and offroading<br />
which is offered by the LEAD movement.<br />
www.leadmovement.wordpress.com<br />
BY NIGHT Bistro 51 is a great place for a night out<br />
with friends. Start off with dinner and then stay on<br />
for drinks. Must-tries on the menu are the Bistro<br />
51 Special Salad, Burger Bites and Tricia’s Knock<br />
Out Punch.<br />
SLEEP Stay at Balay da Blas Pensionne House<br />
to experience authentic Ilocano hospitality. Quaint<br />
and quiet, it’s away from the noise but still close to<br />
the heart of the city. www.balaydablas.com<br />
Veronique<br />
Tan<br />
blogger/student<br />
BEST DINNER Fort Ilocandia’s<br />
Red 8 Asian Restaurant has the best<br />
Peking duck and dim sum.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK Try saying<br />
“Naimbag nga aldaw yu apo” to<br />
locals — it means “good day”.<br />
MUST TRY Sample Laoag’s<br />
sweet empanada on Primo<br />
Lazaro Street. Instead of the usual<br />
longganisa, a sweet meat is used.<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
CLARK<br />
AREA CODE (45)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN From Diosdado Macapagal<br />
International Airport (DMIA), you can take a taxi, a<br />
bus or a jeep to the city. Any of these will take you<br />
to the terminal or SM Clark. Within town, there are<br />
cabs and jeeps. You can also hire a car or van.<br />
BY DAY Unknown to many, the northern portion<br />
of Clark, which is surrounded by Aeta villages,<br />
is accessible to the public but it’s advisable to go<br />
with a tour guide. Pocket waterfalls supply cold<br />
water from the mountain. Have a dip!<br />
BY NIGHT Clark nightlife is dead apart from<br />
the casinos. But outside Clark, the bars that<br />
were once fi lled with American GI’s, remain,<br />
frequented by retirees. Check out authentic Indian,<br />
Mediterranean and American restaurants.<br />
SLEEP Hotel Vida, the newest hotel in Clark is a<br />
modern, tropical-inspired hotel with comfortable<br />
rooms. It’s suited for both family vacations and<br />
business engagements. www.hotelvidaclark.com<br />
MUST DO The Mt Pinatubo scenic<br />
tour from Omni Aviation or the Hot Air<br />
Balloon Festival in February.<br />
BEST BUYS Tibuk-tibuk dessert or<br />
the original Kapampangan sisig. Better<br />
yet, why not try both?<br />
INSIDER TIP Avoid the mall.<br />
The restaurants on Fields Avenue<br />
are the best — good enough for<br />
celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.<br />
{ 87 }<br />
Jose<br />
Antonio<br />
Narciso<br />
school<br />
administrator<br />
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
LEGAZPI<br />
AREA CODE (52)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles and vans are available<br />
to take you in and around Legazpi. From the<br />
airport, you can also easily hire a taxi to take you<br />
and your luggage into the city proper or directly to<br />
your hotel or inn.<br />
BY DAY Wake up your body with an early<br />
morning workout! Burn some calories and jog to<br />
Lignon Hill Nature Park for breathtaking views of<br />
the city and of Mayon Volcano. You can also try<br />
the zipline.<br />
BY NIGHT The Embarcadero de Legazpi is<br />
the city’s newest nightspot. A major waterfront<br />
development at the harbor area of Legazpi City<br />
adjacent to the alluring Kapuntukan Hill, it is<br />
perfect for dining out.<br />
SLEEP Hotel Venezia has a wide range of<br />
accommodations, and is very near the Legazpi<br />
City Airport. Capt F Aquende drive, Tel: +63 (52)<br />
481 0877 / 481 0888. www.hotelvenezia.com.ph<br />
Martina<br />
Carmela<br />
Busalla<br />
educator<br />
BEST DESSERT Try Albay<br />
Pilinut’s mazapan de pili. Great for<br />
those with a sweet tooth!<br />
MUST DO Explore the lava trail<br />
at the foot of Mayon volcano on an<br />
all terrain vehicle (ATV).<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Chili<br />
pepper keychains and wacky,<br />
trick shots taken by the locals at<br />
Cagsawa Ruins.
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
MANILA<br />
AREA CODE (02)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, the ride to<br />
commercial centers takes 30 minutes to an hour,<br />
depending on traffi c and which one you’re going<br />
to. Pay around PHP450 to hire registered airport<br />
taxis, but metered cabs are also available.<br />
BY DAY Take an educational and informative tour at<br />
the National Museum, shop to your heart’s content<br />
at the many huge malls in the city, or chow on street<br />
food and learn a thing or two about Philippine history<br />
in old Manila: Intramuros and Fort Santiago.<br />
BY NIGHT Escape the city’s heat by heading to the<br />
cool city of Tagaytay, around an hour away from<br />
Manila. Dine in one of the many restaurants, then<br />
enjoy a cup of coffee. Try these restos: Andanita Taj,<br />
Antonio’s and The Fire Lake Grill.<br />
SLEEP The CEO Suites is a boutique hotel near<br />
Makati. With only 27 rooms, it’s maintained<br />
like a fi ve-star hotel but with the ambience and<br />
atmosphere of a home. www.ceosuitesph.com<br />
Jonathan<br />
Paul Balboa<br />
business<br />
development<br />
manager<br />
BEST BREAKFAST The<br />
wagyu shawarma in Salcedo Park’s<br />
Saturday Market, open 6am–2pm.<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Cool<br />
artwork made by local artists which<br />
you can buy at Pablo Art Gallery.<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT Route 196<br />
on Katipunan Avenue is a rockin’<br />
live band spot where drinks are cold<br />
and cheap. The food is great!<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
{ 88 }<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
NAGA<br />
AREA CODE (54)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN Naga City Airport is about 12km<br />
from the city center, and is accessible by many<br />
forms of transportation, including bus, van,<br />
jeepney and tricycle. There’s also an eight-seat<br />
horse-driven kalesa for hire to tour the city.<br />
BY DAY Spend your day in CWC for an<br />
adrenalin-fi lled afternoon of wakeboarding. In the<br />
city, see the San Francisco Church, Our Lady of<br />
Penafrancia and the two town plazas: Plaza Rizal<br />
and Plaza Quince Martires.<br />
BY NIGHT Do a sunset relaxation session at the<br />
Panicuason hot springs and then go off and listen<br />
to local live bands at the Wharf Galley. Pop into<br />
Planet B and Residencia for jazz, original Filipino<br />
music, ballads, rock, and rhythm and blues.<br />
SLEEP Large groups looking to rent a house<br />
on a hill have an excellent option in the very<br />
picturesque and homey Little Pecuaria Farms.<br />
Tel: +63 (917) 890 4387<br />
Karen<br />
Cacho<br />
businesswoman<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Pili’s local<br />
market for nulok or tabak, a dried fi sh<br />
native to Bicol, with rice and tomatoes.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Mabalos”<br />
(“Thank you”), followed by a smile<br />
will take you a long way.<br />
BEST DINNER Biggs’ Extreme<br />
Burger, Korean spareribs and<br />
tenderloin tips. Don’t forget to try<br />
their homemade iced tea.<br />
Want a Las Vegas show experience<br />
in Manila? Head to Club Mwah.
NELSON PETILLA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
CATARMAN<br />
AREA CODE (55)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles are just a few steps<br />
away from the arrival hall of the airport. A<br />
15-minute ride takes you to Catarman proper for<br />
PHP10 per passenger. To rent a private tricycle, all<br />
you need to pay is PHP60.<br />
BY DAY Visit P-Neil’s Farm in Barangay<br />
Washington where you can go for a refreshing<br />
swim in a natural overfl owing pool. It’s the perfect<br />
place for family and friends to hang out and<br />
experience a wildlife adventure.<br />
BY NIGHT Enjoy the cool night breeze at Fishville<br />
located in the Municipality of Bobon. There, you<br />
can watch live bands perform while savoring<br />
mouth-watering local fare and kicking back with<br />
bottles of ice cold beer.<br />
SLEEP Bahay Pinoy Pension House and<br />
Restaurant in Barangay Dalakit is the most<br />
accessible and nearest lodgings to the airport.<br />
Tel: (55) 500 5739<br />
Merry<br />
Hope<br />
Arnesto<br />
5J load<br />
controller<br />
LOCAL SPEAK Utter the words<br />
“Mamatron kit” to invite someone to<br />
the town festival held in late August.<br />
BEST SOUVENIR Pasalubong<br />
Center in front of the airport arrival area<br />
is your best bet for native products.<br />
BEST DINNER Taste the<br />
number one sizzling barbecue in<br />
town at Uno BBQ Han — one stick<br />
of skewered meat is only PHP12!<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
NELSON PETILLA<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
CALBAYOG<br />
AREA CODE (55)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN You will fi nd tricycles at the<br />
designated parking area after coming out of the<br />
airport terminal building. These vehicles are<br />
also typically the sole means of transport in and<br />
around the city.<br />
BY DAY Spend the day basking in the sun at Villa<br />
Mondejares Resort located in Barangay Salhag<br />
or trek to the majestic Bangon-Bugtong Falls and<br />
Tarangban Falls. There is a lot of nature to be<br />
found very near the town.<br />
BY NIGHT For a night of music, check out the<br />
Royalist Bar or San Joaquin Bar and Restaurant.<br />
For good coffee and conversation, head to SO<br />
Cafe and Isla Coffee where freshly brewed coffee<br />
is served.<br />
SLEEP Book a room at Almira’s Garden Hotel, a<br />
quirky and colorful hotel that offers very affordable,<br />
clean and comfortable rooms. Gelera St, Brgy<br />
Central, tel: (55) 209 3240 / 533 9288<br />
BEST BREAKFAST The Kape<br />
Berde at the Rawis Fair Market for<br />
sandwiches and pasta.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Kahusay”<br />
(to a girl) and “kaupay” (to a thing)<br />
means “beautiful”.<br />
MUST DO Enjoy a delicious chili<br />
crab dinner at Kaonan sa Carayman<br />
and then go to I’s Plant for drinks<br />
and live music.<br />
{ 89 }<br />
Edwin<br />
Gomez<br />
lawyer<br />
Calbayog City celebrates its town<br />
fiesta on September 8.
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
CAUAYAN<br />
AREA CODE (78)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN The airport in Cauayan only<br />
opened two years ago in 2008. Ask the Cebu<br />
Pacifi c staff for advice regarding transport upon<br />
landing. Buses and jeepneys travel from the<br />
airport to town.<br />
BY DAY Go shopping at the local market where<br />
vegetables are fresh and cheap. Then, refresh<br />
yourself with a snack at Cleto’s bakeshop. This<br />
place is frequented by locals for its siopao and<br />
potato bread.<br />
BY NIGHT Hotel Andrea has a café and<br />
restaurant that is a must-visit attraction. It’s a cozy<br />
place where you can relax and enjoy a delightful<br />
dinner followed by freshly brewed coffee and<br />
delicious desserts.<br />
SLEEP Ask locals about the fairly new Hotel<br />
Andrea. Expect a courteous and effi cient staff,<br />
as well as very clean rooms that have Wi-Fi,<br />
300-threadcount sheets and a good morning kit.<br />
Maricar<br />
Ty<br />
businesswoman<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Wen ngarud”<br />
is an Ilocano expression that means<br />
“oo na” (“Okay, okay”).<br />
MUST DO Your trip would not<br />
be complete without a visit to the<br />
Magat Dam.<br />
BEST BUYS Buy the vegetables<br />
used for making the Ilocano<br />
favorites, namely pakbet, saba and<br />
malagkit na bigas.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
RONEL SARIO<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
BACOLOD<br />
AREA CODE (35)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN One arrives in Negros through<br />
the new Bacolod-Silay airport in Silay City. That’s<br />
about 15km northeast of Bacolod City. It’s about a<br />
30-minute drive for so long as there are no traffi c<br />
jams. In Bacolod, there are plenty of tricycles.<br />
BY DAY Your trip to Bacolod will not be complete<br />
without visiting Balay Negrense in Silay City, The<br />
Ruins in Talisay City and Mambukal Mountain<br />
Resort and Hot Springs in Murcia. Then again, you<br />
can also just go food-tripping in town.<br />
BY NIGHT Meet and mingle with locals at<br />
popular night spots Piazza Sorrento and MuShu<br />
Bar or enjoy after-dinner coffee and dessert at<br />
Kuppa, Felicia’s or Calea. Visit during Masskara,<br />
and enjoy a super fun night in the city.<br />
SLEEP Stay at the newly renovated L’Fisher Hotel<br />
Chalet, more affordable than the original L’Fisher<br />
Hotel. Comfortable and spacious rooms that fall<br />
within your budget. www.lfi sherhotelbacolod.com<br />
{ 90 }<br />
Treena<br />
Cueva-<br />
Tecson<br />
entrepreneur<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Namit gid”<br />
(“very delicious”). You’ll say this<br />
phrase many times during your trip.<br />
MUST DO Try authentic Bacolod<br />
Chicken Inasal at Manukan Country at<br />
the Reclamation Area.<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Try Virgie’s<br />
piaya, butterscotch and barquiron;<br />
Pendy’s half moon cake and mango<br />
tarts; and Roli’s napoleones.<br />
WALTER VILLA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
ILOILO<br />
AREA CODE (36)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN There are taxi services available<br />
ranging from PHP300 upwards. There are<br />
metered cabs right outside the airport. It’s a 30- to<br />
45-minute ride to the city. Within the city, there<br />
are tricycles and jeepneys.<br />
BY DAY Check out the old Spanish-style churches<br />
in Jaro and Molo, or go on an adventure and<br />
explore Tinagong Dagat, a lake situated in a<br />
plateau surrounded by the rolling green hills<br />
of Lambunao.<br />
BY NIGHT Enjoy a burger and a cozy ambience<br />
at Perri Tod’s in Jaro. Afterwards, stroll down the<br />
romantic Fort San Pedro, then cap the night with<br />
some java at Coffee Break. Tijuana Bar on reggae<br />
nights plays live music.<br />
SLEEP Spend a little more to book any of the<br />
ocean view rooms of Anhawan Resort in Oton.<br />
The view of the beach at sunrise is so worth it.<br />
www.anhawan.com<br />
Colleen<br />
June<br />
Navarra<br />
freelancer<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Sit down<br />
to an authentic Ilonggo breakfast at<br />
Ted’s Batchoy.<br />
MUST DO Endure 30 fl ights of<br />
stairs at Jaro Cathedral to visit the<br />
miraculous Our Lady of Candles.<br />
INSIDER TIP Always have loose<br />
change when taking the jeepney.<br />
Fares start at PHP7. To get off the<br />
jeepney, say “Lugar lang.”<br />
Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival takes place from January 21-23,<br />
highlighted by a fluvial procession along the Iloilo River.
JOHN LANDER<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
DUMAGUETE<br />
AREA CODE (35)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN There are taxis to help you get<br />
around the city, as well as jeepneys and pedicabs<br />
(which are powered by a bicycle). Once in town,<br />
you can also rent a motorbike which is a fun way<br />
to get where you need to.<br />
BY DAY A visit to Apo Island is a must for divers.<br />
Explore the beautiful reef and get a glimpse of the<br />
breathtaking marine life. Not into the beach? Visit<br />
the Silliman Museum and the Cathedral instead<br />
for a dose of history and culture.<br />
BY NIGHT Visit Hayahay, a popular bar that<br />
features bands that play reggae and rock ‘n’ roll<br />
music. If you’re into jazz, check out Honeycomb<br />
Inn’s bar. For a selection of good vodka, hang out<br />
at Likha in South Seas Resort.<br />
SLEEP Situated on the famous Rizal Boulevard,<br />
with a nice view of the bay, Honeycomb Tourist Inn<br />
offers affordable room rates that include breakfast.<br />
www.honeycombtouristinn.com<br />
Carlo<br />
Carballo<br />
entrepreneur<br />
BEST BREAKFAST All-youcan-eat<br />
buffet in Le Chalet, just along<br />
the Boulevard.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Daghang<br />
salamat” means “thank you” and<br />
“tagay” means “cheers.”<br />
MUST DO Go to the White Sand<br />
Bar found in Manjuyod, around 45<br />
minutes away from Dumaguete. There<br />
are huts you can rent for the day.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
CATICLAN (BORACAY)<br />
AREA CODE (32)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Take a short tricycle ride to the<br />
Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, board a banca<br />
which will transport you to Boracay Island. Here,<br />
the main mode of transport is the tricycle, and<br />
they are cheap and plentiful.<br />
BY DAY Have you tried helmet diving? It’s a fun<br />
way to see what lies beneath the water and to<br />
feed the fi sh. Go para-sailing at sunset when the<br />
island’s colors are most spectacular! Since this is<br />
Boracay, there’s always just lazing on the beach.<br />
BY NIGHT For an awesome and unforgettable<br />
experience, go night swimming under the moon<br />
and stars. Better yet, enjoy the moment with your<br />
special someone. If you want to burn off calories,<br />
walk the length of White Beach at night.<br />
SLEEP Book a room at Red Coconut Beach Hotel,<br />
and just park yourself at one of the tables in their<br />
alfresco restaurant. Tel: +63 (2) 852 7789 to 92,<br />
www.redcoconut.com.ph<br />
Armand<br />
Tajanlangit<br />
singer/songwriter<br />
BEST SNACK Fresh coconut at<br />
Angol’s point. This place captures the<br />
Boracay spirit of 20 years ago.<br />
MUST DO Make new friends with<br />
travelers who come from all over<br />
the world.<br />
INSIDER TIP Get inked by Ryan<br />
Saltiga. He has done tattoos for<br />
Manny Pacquiao, Arnel Pineda and<br />
Michael Madsen.<br />
{ 92 }<br />
MIKE MARASIGAN<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
KALIBO<br />
AREA CODE (36)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, the best way<br />
to get to the city center is by tricycle — it’s cheap<br />
and the Kalibo version is larger than the ones in<br />
Manila. It can accommodate six adults, including<br />
the driver.<br />
BY DAY Learn about the importance of nature<br />
preservation at the Bakhawan Eco-park and<br />
Research Center. Enjoy access to the mangroves<br />
or take a boat trip around the mangroves in a<br />
native canoe.<br />
BY NIGHT Chill out with friends and enjoy good<br />
food at Latte, Pads and Seafront, or watch live<br />
bands perform at Mezzanine. You can also venture<br />
to nearby Boracay Island and hit the bars on<br />
White Beach.<br />
SLEEP The family-owned RB lodge is a budgetfriendly<br />
place with clean rooms in a secure<br />
location. Fan and aircon rooms are available.<br />
Tel: (36) 262 4155, rblodgekalibo@gmail.com<br />
Gay<br />
Murallon<br />
events supervisor<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Handbags<br />
made from sinamay and piña cloth<br />
that are of export quality.<br />
BEST DINNER Oriental Flavors<br />
at Sampaguita Gardens for their<br />
Thai and Chinese dishes. Great food,<br />
large servings at affordable prices.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK Most people<br />
speak Tagalog, so it’s not a must to<br />
know Aklanon.<br />
You can ride a jeepney from Caticlan to Kalibo for less than<br />
PHP50. The journey takes about one and a half hours.
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
TUGUEGARAO<br />
AREA CODE (78)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN To get to town, you take two<br />
tricycles: one from the airport to the main road,<br />
and then another to the town proper. It should cost<br />
you no more than just PHP10 per ride. And the<br />
rides are fairly short ones.<br />
BY DAY Visit the town’s heritage sites: The<br />
Basilica of our Lady of Piat, the Iguig Calvary Hills,<br />
San Jacinto Ermita Church and Saints Peter and<br />
Paul Cathedral. Make three wishes upon entering<br />
the churches for the fi rst time.<br />
BY NIGHT Videoke-singing coupled with drinks<br />
and bar chow at Las Palmas Music Studio is a fun<br />
and relaxing way to spend the evening. If you visit<br />
in August, the Pav-vurulun Festival makes for a<br />
vibrant night life with dancing in the streets.<br />
SLEEP Spend a cozy night at the family-owned<br />
and -run Las Palmas de San Jose. The rustic<br />
hotel, with its affordable rooms, has great service<br />
and good food. www.laspalmasph.com<br />
Aileen<br />
Mariano-<br />
Guzman<br />
pediatrician<br />
LOCAL SPEAK Say “nakasta”<br />
when you want to say that<br />
something is “beautiful”.<br />
MUST DO At dusk, witness the<br />
circadian fl ight of bats at the Callao<br />
Caves while on a banca ride.<br />
BEST DINNER Fracasso’s<br />
delectable and mouth-watering<br />
pizza is a must-try dish when in<br />
Tuguegarao!<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
AL LINSANGAN<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
BUSUANGA (CORON)<br />
AREA CODE none<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a shuttle to<br />
the town proper (Coron) which will cost you about<br />
PHP150 per person. The ride takes 45 minutes<br />
to one hour long. Call tel: +63 (928) 408 3105 /<br />
(921) 265 2210 for more information.<br />
BY DAY A must-visit is the virgin beach of<br />
Malcapuya Island. Explore the quiet island,<br />
snorkel to your heart’s content or chill by the<br />
beach. This island paradise has day tours and<br />
overnight stays. malcapuyaisland@yahoo.com<br />
BY NIGHT Enjoy sunset drinks at La Sirenetta, a<br />
restaurant built above water. Don’t let the fl imsy<br />
wooden walkway to the restaurant stop you from<br />
enjoying the pizza and a breathtaking view of the<br />
ocean and the surrounding islands.<br />
SLEEP Set in a lush garden, Busuanga Island<br />
Paradise is the perfect place for nature lovers.<br />
Room rates include airport transfers and three<br />
meals. www.busuangaislandparadise.com<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Bistro<br />
Coron for good coffee and excellent<br />
bread. It opens at 9am.<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Indigenous<br />
crafts, bracelets and mats from the<br />
Saragpunta (before the BPI bank).<br />
INSIDER TIP Double check what<br />
your tour fees include. Bring a fi rst aid<br />
kit, and please don’t step on the corals<br />
or throw trash from the boat.<br />
{ 94 }<br />
Manuel<br />
Tanseco<br />
la O’, Jr<br />
entrepreneur<br />
GEORGE CABIG<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
SAN JOSE<br />
AREA CODE (43)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN You can take a tricycle from right<br />
outside the airport to the town center for about<br />
PHP50, inclusive of tip. To get around town, you<br />
either walk or take tricycles, which are cheap and<br />
easy to fi nd.<br />
BY DAY Go for a morning run with locals on the<br />
romantic black sands of Aroma Beach, the site of<br />
MacArthur’s second landing. After your run, hang<br />
out by the beach and enjoy the relaxing view and<br />
fresh air.<br />
BY NIGHT Check out local bars and restaurants<br />
such as the Pilot Lounge or Bibo’s Bar, or head<br />
to Aroma Beach. The cottages that line the shore<br />
offer videoke services. At the end of the day, you<br />
can always star-gaze on the beach.<br />
SLEEP Be at the heart of San Jose — stay at the<br />
Mindoro Plaza Hotel along Zamora Street. They<br />
have affordable rooms with air-conditioning.<br />
Tel: (43) 491 4661<br />
Erwin<br />
Fadri<br />
self-employed<br />
businessman<br />
MUST DO Go island-hopping! Visit<br />
the beautiful white sand beaches of<br />
Iling and Ambulong.<br />
BEST DINNER Don’t leave San<br />
Jose without sampling the fresh<br />
seafood. You can even take it home!<br />
BEST FESTIVAL Visit from April<br />
28–May 1 when the town fi esta, Indak<br />
Pandurucan is celebrated and a street<br />
dancing competition is held.<br />
Love diving? Head to Coron Bay, off the southwest coast of<br />
Busuanga Island, for wreck diving.
PHILIPPINES<br />
CEBU<br />
AREA CODE (32)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN At the Mactan Airport, it’s pretty<br />
easy to hire a taxi service or even a private car<br />
to take you to the city center. If you’re staying for<br />
more than a few days, you can hire a car for that<br />
time.There are metered cabs by the terminal too.<br />
BY DAY Take a day trip to Talima, the fi rst beach<br />
resort on nearby Olango Island. The resort offers<br />
scuba diving, all kinds of water sports, island<br />
hopping tours, an eco tour to the Olango bird<br />
sanctuary, and many other beach activities.<br />
BY NIGHT Start the night with drinks at Level 8,<br />
then move to Penthouse for dancing and more<br />
drinking. If you still have energy left over, drop by<br />
Juliana for more partying. Cebu has a range of<br />
nightspots catering to a variety of tastes.<br />
SLEEP Splurge and book a villa at the Imperial<br />
Palace, a newly opened fi ve-star hotel on Mactan<br />
Island that has fi rst-class amenities and a water<br />
park. www.imperialpalace-cebu.com<br />
Syed<br />
Salman<br />
senior operations<br />
manager<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS A guitar<br />
from either Alegre Guitars or Lilang`s<br />
Guitar. These instruments are<br />
considered collector’s items.<br />
STREET SMARTS Be cautious<br />
when you cross the streets. The city<br />
has strict fi nes for jaywalkers.<br />
BEST EATS Siomai sa Tisa, pork<br />
BBQ and CNT lechon. Cebu lechon is<br />
the lechon of lechons.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
WALTER VILLA<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
ROXAS<br />
AREA CODE (36)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN You can fi nd Capiz Cab taxis<br />
waiting in the designated areas outside the arrival<br />
area of the Roxas airport. Once you’re within<br />
the city, the tricycle remains the main means of<br />
getting around.<br />
BY DAY Indulge in water activities like snorkeling,<br />
sailing and windsurfi ng. Or simply relax by the<br />
beach of Olotayan Island, which is around 45<br />
minutes away from the main isle. Enjoy the<br />
pleasures of a rustic life.<br />
BY NIGHT As this is the seafood capital of the<br />
Philippines, you must try the fi sh, prawns and<br />
crabs at any of the restaurants along Baybay<br />
Beach. Have a scrumptious dinner of the country’s<br />
freshest and cheapest seafood.<br />
SLEEP The San Antonio Resort is a great familystyle<br />
resort on Baybay Beach. The 42-room<br />
resort offers basic amenities and services.<br />
www.thesanantonioresort.com<br />
Ned<br />
Quetulio<br />
operating room<br />
nurse<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Tag-pila”<br />
(“How much?”) and “Damo gid nga<br />
salamat” (“Thank you very much”).<br />
BEST BUYS Diwal (angel wings),<br />
a sweet and juicy exotic seafood,<br />
and Panulce’s Bicotinni.<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Dried or<br />
fresh seafood, and biscocho are<br />
among the all-time pasalubong<br />
favorites.<br />
{ 95 }<br />
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
TACLOBAN<br />
AREA CODE (53)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport to downtown<br />
area, a van (for PHP300) is most convenient as<br />
it will drop you off at your hotel. There are multicabs,<br />
jeepneys and tricycles, too. You can also<br />
hire a car for longer stays.<br />
BY DAY Rafael’s Farm and Restaurant, in<br />
Babatngon, is a quiet escape from the busy streets<br />
of Tacloban. Guests can enjoy homemade dishes,<br />
boating and admire the panoramic views of the<br />
landscape up on a tree house.<br />
BY NIGHT For drinks and partying head to<br />
the Tacloban Convention Center. Looking for<br />
something more laid-back? Kyle’s Restobar is the<br />
place for you. For more local color, check out<br />
El Marino Resto Bar.<br />
SLEEP Rosvenil Pensione House is a tastefully<br />
designed, well-maintained pension house in the<br />
heart of Tacloban. Rates are suitable for budget<br />
travelers. Burgos Street, tel: (53) 321 2676.<br />
Jose Manuel<br />
Siao and<br />
Ritzelle Go<br />
architect and<br />
entrepreneur<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Diorico’s<br />
Bakeshop for its sweet cinnamon<br />
bread and brewed coffee.<br />
BEST BUYS Sagmani is a sweet,<br />
pillowy treat made of cassava, peanut<br />
bits and coconut meat.<br />
BEST FESTIVAL The monthlong<br />
Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in<br />
June. The festival showcases Leyte’s<br />
colorful and unique cultural heritage.<br />
Pilita Corrales, a famous actress and singer known for her<br />
amazing backbends onstage, was born in Cebu City.
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
TAGBILARAN<br />
AREA CODE (38)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.20)<br />
TOUCHDOWN The airport is within the city, and<br />
there are plenty of tricycles, PHP6 for the ride. For<br />
trips to nearby towns, there are vans and taxis for<br />
hire. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Panglao<br />
Island as traffi c jams are rare.<br />
BY DAY Aside from seeing the famous Chocolate<br />
Hills and going dolphin watching, don’t miss out<br />
on the incredible Baclayon Church and Miraculous<br />
Dauis Church.You should also do lunch aboard the<br />
Loboc River cruise, and see the tarsiers.<br />
BY NIGHT Experience a romantic dinner along<br />
Alona Beach then head to Lazer Party Club at<br />
Bohol Tropics where you can party the night<br />
away, and be amazed by the disco’s state-of-theart<br />
lighting.<br />
SLEEP Stay at The Gabriella, a family-owned bed<br />
and breakfast, fi ve minutes away from the airport.<br />
They offer three types of rooms at reasonable<br />
rates. www.thegabriellabohol.com<br />
{ 96 }<br />
Marlo<br />
Flores<br />
accountant<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Seafood<br />
prepared by locals at Balicasag<br />
Island after you watch the dolphins.<br />
INSIDER TIP For a hassle-free<br />
day touring the city, hire a van for<br />
PHP2,000 for the entire day.<br />
BEST BUYS It’s cheaper to buy<br />
peanut kisses and choco-peanut<br />
cookies at the Island City Mall<br />
supermarket than from tourist shops.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
ERICK LIRIOS<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
VIRAC<br />
AREA CODE (86)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Jeepneys and buses ply the<br />
main thoroughfares of Catanduanes. Tricycles are<br />
also a popular means of transport. On the other<br />
hand, most hotels in the area can arrange for your<br />
pick-up from the airport.<br />
BY DAY Go on a historical wander around<br />
the former radar site of the Japanese Imperial<br />
Navy during WWII. You can also relax on the<br />
beach and meet locals or go trek up towards<br />
Nahulugan Falls.<br />
BY NIGHT Don’t be fooled by the island life;<br />
it is not as quiet as it seems! The town of Virac<br />
is irresistible and offers options for oceanfront<br />
entertainment as well as many videoke bars in<br />
the town center.<br />
SLEEP Catanduanes Midtown Inn’s rooms are<br />
spacious and clean, and have air-conditioning, hot<br />
and cold shower, and Wi-Fi. Tel: (52) 811 0527,<br />
catmidinn@yahoo.com<br />
Carolyn<br />
Co<br />
CEO<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Sandy’s<br />
Blossoms Restaurant serves a<br />
delicious tapsilog.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK “Mara na”<br />
means “Let’s go” and “kaon na”<br />
means “let’s eat”.<br />
BEST DINNER Seabreeze<br />
Restaurant for their variety of<br />
Filipino dishes and, of course, the<br />
relaxing ambience.<br />
Measuring just 12cm, the Philippine<br />
Tarsier is the world’s smallest primate.
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
PUERTO PRINCESA<br />
AREA CODE (38)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Most hotels in Palawan can<br />
arrange to have you picked up at the airport.<br />
Tricycles to the city center cost about PHP35.<br />
Vans are also available for hire and not too<br />
prohibitive in cost.<br />
BY DAY Detox with a yoga class in Bahay Kalipay<br />
then go sailing with Gener around Honda Bay.<br />
Gener’s on-the-spot cooking is a must to try!<br />
Contact Gener at tel: +63 (905) 264 6377.<br />
www.palawansailing.com<br />
BY NIGHT Do the fi refl y cruise in Iwahig River for<br />
an enchanted evening. You’ll be amazed at how<br />
thousands of fi refl ies light up the dark night sky.<br />
For a regular evening out, check out some of the<br />
local restaurants and bars.<br />
SLEEP Soul searchers should stay at Bahay<br />
Kalipay, www.bahaykalipay.com. For urbanites<br />
needing air-conditioning and TV, check into<br />
Microtel Inn & Suites. www.microtel-palawan.com<br />
Monica<br />
Eleazar-<br />
Manzano<br />
yoga teacher<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Bahay<br />
Kalipay’s live food breakfast of raw<br />
vegan food with live enzymes.<br />
BEST DINNER La Terrasse<br />
serves amazing cuisine in a great<br />
ambience. It’s right by the airport.<br />
BEST BUYS Buy wild Palawan<br />
honey and cashew nuts for relatives<br />
and friends from the old market<br />
in town.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
BOBBY TIMONERA<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
BUTUAN<br />
AREA CODE (85)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, you can hire a<br />
taxi or a van to take you to the city proper. Once in<br />
the city, you do as the Butuan residents do — hop<br />
on the ubiquitous tricycle which is the main way<br />
to get from place to place.<br />
BY DAY Trek up Mt Mayapay, which is the<br />
highest peak in Butuan. The majestic mountain<br />
plateau offers visitors a breathtaking view, and<br />
is also home to many archeological excavations<br />
and fi nds.<br />
BY NIGHT Enjoy dinner in a wonderful setting<br />
at Caliente Café where they also serve the<br />
best chocolate cake. Then head to the newlyrenovated<br />
Moff’s Restobar where you can party<br />
and listen to the mixes of the best DJs in Butuan.<br />
SLEEP For luxurious rooms, book a night at<br />
Dottie’s Place on JC Aquino Avenue. It is also a<br />
suitable venue for big events. On the other hand,<br />
Priscilla City Guest House is casual and cozy.<br />
Jessica Ann<br />
Mancao-<br />
Magno<br />
senior marketing<br />
consultant<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Priscilla’s<br />
offers a variety of homemade food<br />
that’s easy on the budget.<br />
BEST BUYS For affordable buys<br />
that are found in the heart of the<br />
city, visit Mancao Supermarket.<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Taste and<br />
then take home the region specialty,<br />
palagsing, a sticky rice cake<br />
wrapped in banana leaves.<br />
The Cuyunons are among the original<br />
inhabitants of Puerto Princesa.<br />
{ 97 }
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
CAGAYAN DE ORO<br />
AREA CODE (88)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN CEB runs a shuttle van to town.<br />
Or you can take a taxi for PHP300 or a cheaper<br />
jeepney service for PHP20. Taxis, jeepneys,<br />
motorcycles and multicabs ply the town proper so<br />
there’s no need to worry about getting stranded.<br />
BY DAY Explore CDO by foot! Discover holein-the-wall<br />
cafés and shops in the Divisoria<br />
area, conquer the heights of the Makahambus<br />
Adventure Park canopy walk, or get a rush from<br />
battling the rapids while whitewater rafting.<br />
BY NIGHT Head out in the evening to experience<br />
the local clubbing scene at Tilt. You can also shop<br />
for thrifty fi nds at Divisoria’s Night Café, or sing<br />
to your heart’s content at the city’s videoke go-to<br />
place, Whatever.<br />
SLEEP Malberry Suites (www.malberrysuites.<br />
com) and Dynasty Court Hotel (www.philcom.ph/<br />
dynasty/location.html) are ideal for travelers who<br />
want to enjoy comfort in the heart of the city.<br />
Czarinna<br />
Camille<br />
Cucueco<br />
corp comm<br />
assistant<br />
BEST SNACK Miss Bon Bon for<br />
their scrumptious gelato, Candy’s<br />
and Bigby’s for their sinful cakes.<br />
MUST DO Ride the motorela<br />
(local tricycle) and go on PHP6<br />
adventures around the city.<br />
BEST DINNER Dig into fresh<br />
seafood at Tabing Dagat, BBQ at<br />
Butcher’s Best and Calda’s yummy<br />
36-inch pizza.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
{ 98 }<br />
JOJIE ALCANTARA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
DAVAO<br />
AREA CODE (82)<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN Francisco Bangoy International<br />
Airport or the Davao International Airport is about<br />
15 minutes away from the city center. Davaoeño<br />
cabbies are known for their honesty, so a taxi from<br />
the airport to the hotel is par for the course.<br />
BY DAY Enjoy the sculptures of local artist<br />
Kublai Millan in People’s Park, visit the Philippine<br />
Eagle Center and be awed by the majestic bird,<br />
or discover new shops and restaurants at the<br />
Damosa Gateway.<br />
BY NIGHT Have a couple of cold beers at the<br />
laid-back bars along Torres Street before hitting<br />
the happening Urban Club. Davao has a 2am<br />
curfew, but that hasn’t stopped people from<br />
having a really good night life.<br />
SLEEP Slow down the busy city pace by<br />
staying at Toril Homestay Inn. The fi rst-class<br />
inn guarantees satisfaction and comfort to its<br />
customers. Tel: (82) 291 0297<br />
Kenneth<br />
Ciriaco<br />
outdoor enthusiast<br />
BEST BREAKFAST Try the<br />
lekasilog (lechon kawali, fried rice<br />
and egg) at Taps.<br />
BEST DINNER Lachi’s is great!<br />
Try their mouth-watering cakes, and<br />
arrive early as it gets full fast.<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT Jack’s<br />
Ridge — overlooking Davao’s<br />
downtown business district — has a<br />
café, restaurant, park and hotel rooms.<br />
Go on a whitewater rafting adventure<br />
along the Cagayan De Oro River.
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
GENERAL SANTOS<br />
AREA CODE +673<br />
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02<br />
TOUCHDOWN Hire a taxi at the airport for a<br />
fl at rate (PHP300–350). If you don’t have much<br />
luggage, a habal-habal motorbike for PHP100 will<br />
suffi ce. In the city, it’s tricycles that will be your<br />
main means of getting around.<br />
BY DAY Beat the heat with the crystal clear<br />
cool fl owing waters of the four-decade old Olaer<br />
Swimming Resort. This weekend destination has<br />
pools suitable for both adults and children, and is<br />
a fun place to visit.<br />
BY NIGHT Check JMix Bar, a favorite night spot<br />
owned by boxing legend and Gen San local<br />
Manny Pacquiao. Or check out the stretch of<br />
restaurants along Robinsons Place that come<br />
alive during weekends.<br />
SLEEP Check into one of Sydney Hotel’s spacious<br />
rooms with big bathrooms. There’s Wi-Fi in the<br />
restaurant, and a courteous staff. sydneyhotelgsc@<br />
yahoo.com.ph, tel: (83) 552 5479 to 81<br />
Charinisa<br />
Clarisa<br />
purchaser<br />
BEST BUYS Visit SM — that’s<br />
Sa Maranao or Sa Market — to<br />
buy clothing and everything else.<br />
MUST DO Visit the Queen Tuna<br />
Park, the oldest and most visited<br />
beach within the city.<br />
BEST DINNER Try the Seafood<br />
Fiesta and Inihaw Fiesta at Marasa<br />
Grill, a perfect place to enjoy delicious<br />
food with family and friends.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
ZAMBOANGA<br />
AREA CODE (62)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a jeepney<br />
(PHP7) or tricycle (PHP20–25) to the pueblo (city)<br />
as there are only a few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car<br />
charges a minimum of PHP150, and may be the<br />
best way to go.<br />
BY DAY Drive around to view the interesting<br />
contrast of the city’s commercial structures against<br />
a backdrop of old Spanish architecture. See the<br />
Fort Pilar Shrine, Plaza Pershing, Yakan Village<br />
and the Pasonanca Park.<br />
BY NIGHT Dine at the best seafood restaurants in<br />
town. Eat the freshest and juiciest crabs, shrimps<br />
and lobsters at Alavar Seafood Restaurant, La<br />
Vista Del Mar and Tropics Fine Dining Restaurant.<br />
Enjoy chicharon bulaklak and beer at Café Saco.<br />
SLEEP Lantaka Hotel is on the harbor, near a<br />
church and a mosque, so guests experience the<br />
city’s dynamic and diverse culture. Valderoza<br />
Street, tel: (62) 991 1626<br />
Ann<br />
Enriquez<br />
marketing<br />
professional<br />
MUST DO Zamboanga is famous<br />
for Alavar Crab Sauce. Try it on<br />
shrimp or crab dishes.<br />
BEST BUYS Shop at the Barter<br />
Trade Center where you can get cheap<br />
souvenirs. Don’t forget to haggle!<br />
INSIDER TIP Don’t be surprised<br />
to fi nd offi ces and service centers<br />
closed at noon. Siesta (midday nap)<br />
is a popular practice in the city.<br />
From GenSan, take a sidetrip to<br />
Lake Sebu, which is a part of the<br />
T’boli tribe’s ancestral grounds.<br />
{ 99 }
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
SURIGAO<br />
AREA CODE (86)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Upon your arrival, you can hire<br />
a jeepney or a tricycle to get around the city.<br />
Although there are no taxis, most hotels offer a<br />
complimentary van pick-up from the airport as<br />
well as for departure.<br />
BY DAY Dive in the waters of Surigao. Apart<br />
from being able to experience the wonderful and<br />
colorful underwater world, you’ll get to meet<br />
friendly local divers who are just as passionate<br />
about the sport.<br />
BY NIGHT Chill and unwind at J-Spot Café<br />
along Ceniza Road or have a relaxing massage at<br />
Victoria Spa located near the grandstand. Either<br />
of these activities will guarantee you a good<br />
night’s sleep.<br />
SLEEP These two hotels have been tried and<br />
tested: Tavern Hotel (www.hoteltavern.com) on<br />
Borromeo St and Almont Hotel and Beach<br />
Resort in Lipata.<br />
Jeanne<br />
Pauline<br />
Dumlao<br />
diver/dog sitter<br />
BEST DINNER Local style<br />
chicken BBQ at the port area. Order<br />
at your preferred stall.<br />
MUST DO Drive through a coastal<br />
village, choose a spot, park and<br />
plunge into the sparkling waters.<br />
INSIDER TIP Go to Bucas<br />
Grande where there is a habitat of<br />
sting-less jellyfi sh, and islets and<br />
coves to be explored.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
SIARGAO<br />
AREA CODE (86)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Taxis are available both at the<br />
airport and at Dapa Pier. You can also ride a<br />
habal-habal or an extended seat motorbike to get<br />
to your lodgings. On the island itself, there are<br />
mini and jeepney buses.<br />
BY DAY Apart from the obvious (ie surfi ng), take<br />
a boat and go island-hopping, drive up to the<br />
natural rock pools of Magpupungko, or check out<br />
the newly discovered caves of Del Carmen. Nonsurfers<br />
can enjoy the pleasures of sand and sea.<br />
BY NIGHT Grab a beer at Kawayan Resort or<br />
Bones during happy hour, and then head to Nine<br />
Bar, On the Road, or 101 Bar for a night of openended<br />
fun with locals. Who knows? You may<br />
make some new friends!<br />
SLEEP Sagana (www.cloud9surf.com) and<br />
Kalinaw Resorts (www.kalinawresort.com) have<br />
great rooms for those willing to spend. Siargao Inn<br />
(www.siargao-inn.com) is a good option.<br />
BEST LUNCH Buy freshly caught<br />
seafood from the market and have<br />
your own backyard BBQ.<br />
BEST DINNER The best pizza<br />
on the island is in Kalinaw Resort.<br />
Call ahead to reserve a table.<br />
MUST DO Drive around the<br />
island on a rented motorbike and<br />
fi nd a nice beach that you can have<br />
all to yourself.<br />
{ 101 }<br />
Mika<br />
Santos<br />
online travel<br />
editor<br />
The Siargao Cup is a surfing event<br />
held every September.
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
COTABATO<br />
AREA CODE (64)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a taxi at the airport<br />
for PHP100–200. When in the city, you can get<br />
around by tricycle, jeepney or even hail a cab<br />
as there are a few taxis that make the rounds of<br />
the town.<br />
BY DAY Take a tour inside the majestic People’s<br />
Palace Compound, have fun at the Lourdes Grotto,<br />
a mini zoo and park that’s only a 10-minute drive<br />
from the city proper, or shop and dine at MC<br />
Square, beside the New People’s Palace.<br />
BY NIGHT Sing your heart out, drink, play<br />
billiards and chill at the Bull Winkle Bar, just along<br />
the National Highway. Or dance to the latest beats<br />
during Café Florencio’s “Disco Nights”, which<br />
happens every Sunday.<br />
SLEEP El Manuel is a budget-friendly hotel with<br />
rates that include breakfast for two, Wi-Fi and access<br />
to the swimming pool. Its proximity to a mall is also<br />
a plus. Quezon Ave, Cotabato City.<br />
Haliman<br />
Kimanao<br />
Satol<br />
OIC, public info<br />
off ice<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Cotabato<br />
City is known for fresh shrimps and<br />
crabs at very reasonable prices.<br />
BEST BUYS Take home these<br />
Muslim delicacies: dudol, tinagtag<br />
and bulua.<br />
BEST FESTIVAL Watch street<br />
dancing and the historic Ginakit<br />
fl uvial parade during the culmination<br />
day of the Shariff Kabunsuan.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
{ 102 }<br />
LESTER LEDESMA<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
OZAMIZ<br />
AREA CODE (88)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN The Ozamiz City Airport is in<br />
Gango. You will need to take a taxi and the ride<br />
will set you back PHP60. Within the city, it’s<br />
only PHP6 to go anywhere. Get around town by<br />
trisikad (bicycle with a sidecar).<br />
BY DAY Opt to do a relaxing activity, stroll along<br />
the beach in Cotta and pay homage to the image<br />
of The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. The<br />
image is believed to be miraculously growing, and<br />
has been the object of pilgrimages.<br />
BY NIGHT Check out the newly opened Moon<br />
Café, the best Mexican-inspired restaurant<br />
in town. It’s got good food, great ambience,<br />
affordable prices and excellent service. It’s a good<br />
place to make new acquaintances.<br />
SLEEP Royal Garden Hotel has newly renovated<br />
rooms with affordable rates. Pay PHP795 a night<br />
for a single with breakfast and Wi-Fi access.<br />
Tel: (88) 521 2888<br />
Maria Fe<br />
Tampipi<br />
customer relations<br />
off icer<br />
BEST BREAKFAST The Kings<br />
Breakfast at La Veranda, located<br />
inside the Royal Garden Hotel.<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS The Suman<br />
Center in Clarin sells plain suman<br />
and suman laced with chocolate.<br />
INSIDER TIP Always wear a<br />
smile! Ozamiznons are friendly<br />
people and they will be more than<br />
glad to show you around town.<br />
When in Ozamiz, a visit to Dolphin<br />
Island is a must.
Find your home in the Philippines!<br />
To advertise with www.myproperty.ph call +63 (2) 4518888 local 1127 or email sales@myproperty.ph
The Regional Center<br />
in Western Mindanao<br />
City Commercial Center<br />
(City-owned 5 Storey Mall)<br />
City Public Market<br />
City Hall<br />
<br />
<br />
For inquiries, visit or call:<br />
CITY TOURISM OFFICE<br />
City Hall Compound, Pagadian City<br />
Tel. No. (6362) 2142-472<br />
trip journal<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
DIPOLOG<br />
AREA CODE (65)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN There are tricycles as well as<br />
single motorcycle services from the airport to<br />
the city. The fare is negotiable, ranging from<br />
PHP10–30. Once in the city, it’s tricycles that will<br />
be your main means of transport.<br />
BY DAY Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many<br />
attraction parks in Dipolog. Try rappelling at<br />
Sungkilaw Falls then take a dip in the cool fl owing<br />
water in the Sungkilaw swimming area. Make sure<br />
to pack a bathing suit or trunks.<br />
BY NIGHT Stroll around the Dipolog Boulevard,<br />
the perfect place to delight in a breathtaking<br />
sunset. Also visit the Boulevard night market<br />
where you can munch on BBQ and local<br />
delicacies. The street food is delightful.<br />
SLEEP Top Plaza Hotel (Tel: (65) 212 5888) on<br />
Quezon Avenue corner Echavez, and Antonio’s<br />
Pension House (Tel: (65) 908 2159) on General<br />
Luna corner Martinez, are the best places to stay.<br />
Rhey Davie<br />
Magdayao<br />
freelance<br />
photographer<br />
MUST DO Trek the 3,003 steps<br />
to Linabo Peak to see Dipolog and its<br />
neighboring cities from the top.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK If you want to<br />
fi nd out where the party is, ask<br />
“Asa lingaw karon?”<br />
BEST SOUVENIRS Purchase<br />
some intricately hand-crafted<br />
wood souvenirs made by the<br />
Subano Tribe.<br />
DID D YOU<br />
KKNOW?<br />
{ 104 }<br />
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
PAGADIAN<br />
AREA CODE (02)<br />
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)<br />
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles are the main means of<br />
transport around the city. What’s more, Pagadian’s<br />
tricycles are unique: they’re inclined at a 25˚ to<br />
40˚ angle which allows them to negotiate the<br />
exceptionally hilly terrain.<br />
BY DAY Go on a city tour the Pagadian way. Hop<br />
on a tricycle and go around while experiencing<br />
the thrill of rollercoaster-like excitement as the<br />
tricycle traverses the hilly terrain of the city. In a<br />
way, it’s a little like San Francisco.<br />
BY NIGHT Django’s Grill & Bar, Family KTV Bar,<br />
H20 and Ma Spiotti Bar are some of the places<br />
you can check out. For a quiet night out, head<br />
to Rotunda Hills where you can view the city’s<br />
night lights.<br />
SLEEP Book a room at Hotel Alindahaw, a<br />
four-storey hotel by a lake. Rooms with airconditioning,<br />
cable TV and hot and cold shower,<br />
begin at PHP950. www.hotelalindahaw.com<br />
Rayvenido<br />
Cesar<br />
Lingating<br />
businessman<br />
BEST BUYS Pagadian takes<br />
pride in the quality of its dried fi sh,<br />
sweet delicacies and handicrafts.<br />
LOCAL SPEAK The major<br />
dialect is Visayan, but you’ll get by<br />
if you know English and Tagalog.<br />
BEST DINNER Greenhouse<br />
fi shing station for a seafood food<br />
trip and Sunburst Restaurant inside<br />
Hotel Camila for fi ne dining.<br />
Dipolog is known for its wild orchids<br />
and thriving bottled sardine industry.
Need a hotel?<br />
Cheapest Rates<br />
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Asia<br />
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{ 106 }<br />
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{ 107 }<br />
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Dumaguete<br />
Dipolog<br />
Pagadian<br />
Catarman<br />
Calbayog<br />
CEBU<br />
Tagbilaran<br />
Ozamiz<br />
Cotabato<br />
Virac<br />
Tacloban<br />
Surigao<br />
Siargao<br />
Cagayan De Oro<br />
Butuan<br />
DAVAO<br />
General Santos
Go snorkeling<br />
in Palawan!<br />
Coron calling<br />
ENJOY A SEASIDE adventure<br />
holiday with Cebu Pacifi c’s exciting<br />
package tours to Coron, Busuanga.<br />
There are half and whole day tours<br />
available for as low as PHP934 per<br />
person. Book your vacation today at<br />
www.cebupacifi cair.com<br />
New duty-free<br />
merchandise<br />
GOOD NEWS! Now, in addition to all<br />
the other Cebu Pacifi c duty-free items<br />
on sale, you can also purchase liquor<br />
and tobacco. Just another way your<br />
favorite airline is delivering quality<br />
service. Look no further for pasalubong<br />
on this trip!<br />
Keep in<br />
touch!<br />
THE CEBU PACIFIC<br />
Mobile Travel SIM is<br />
now sold onboard!<br />
Buy it now and stay<br />
in touch with family<br />
and friends as soon as<br />
you touch down in Manila.<br />
These cards are available<br />
for purchase on all international fl ights. Just<br />
ask your fl ight attendant for details on CEB’s<br />
Sun SIM’s extra offerings.<br />
airline news<br />
Never ever forget a flight!<br />
ONCE AGAIN, Cebu Pacifi c (CEB) offers another<br />
helpful ancillary service online: SMS fl ight<br />
reminders. As a CEB traveler, you can opt to<br />
get reminders in the timing of your choosing on<br />
your mobile phone. Sign up for a text reminder<br />
one day (1Day), three days (3Days) or fi ve days<br />
(5Days) before your fl ight. Log on to the website,<br />
and go to Add-ons in Skysales. Each SMS<br />
reminder will cost you PHP5. Read on...<br />
1 I made a reservation and my fl ight is<br />
tomorrow. Will SMS reminder be available?<br />
No, SMS reminder will not be available.<br />
2 I made a reservation today and my fl ight is in<br />
two days. Do I get an SMS reminder?<br />
Yes, 1Day before option will be available in<br />
the Add-ons page. Options 3Days before and<br />
5Days before will not be available.<br />
3 I made a reservation today and my fl ight is in<br />
six days. What’s the booking process?<br />
All SMS options (1Day, 3Days and 5Days<br />
before) will be available during the booking<br />
process. Just choose one or all!<br />
4 How exactly do I get an SMS reminder?<br />
Pull up your reservation using the Manage<br />
Booking section in the website. Click on the<br />
“Purchase Add-ons” tab. SMS reminder is at<br />
the bottom.<br />
5 My friend and I are on one booking<br />
reference. Will we both get SMS reminders?<br />
{ 108 }<br />
Get SMS<br />
reminders about<br />
your Cebu Pacific<br />
flight!<br />
No. SMS fee is charged only once. If booking<br />
reference is divided, the SMS will be sent to<br />
the guest booked on the original booking.<br />
6 There is a scheduled change on my fl ight.<br />
Will I receive an SMS reminder for this?<br />
Yes, SMS reminder will be sent and it will<br />
contain your new fl ight schedule.<br />
7 I rebooked/rerouted my fl ight. Will I still get<br />
an SMS reminder on my new fl ight?<br />
Yes, if you made the changes prior to the<br />
original schedule of sending the SMS<br />
reminder. The SMS will contain the new fl ight<br />
schedule. If you made the changes after SMS<br />
reminder was sent, you will need to buy this<br />
ancillary service again.<br />
8 Will I get a separate SMS reminder for my<br />
return fl ight?<br />
No. The timing of the SMS reminder will<br />
be based on your outbound fl ight and will<br />
already contain your entire itinerary.<br />
9 I live in Canada (country code is +1). Will<br />
SMS reminder be available during booking?<br />
SMS reminder will not be offered. It is only<br />
offered to Philippine mobile numbers.<br />
(CORON)<br />
10 I chose 1Day before option but am rebooking<br />
my fl ight for a future date. Will I get an SMS?<br />
Yes. Since you haven’t received the SMS<br />
LINSANGAN<br />
Reminder for your previous fl ight, you’ll<br />
AL<br />
get the updated itinerary a day before your<br />
departure. PHOTO
Dedicated to<br />
Mother Earth<br />
WHEN YOU CONSIDER all the contributions<br />
Cebu Pacifi c (CEB) has made in the name of<br />
preserving the environment, it’s no surprise<br />
that the number one airline has run off with the<br />
2010 WWF Environmental Leadership Award<br />
as well as the prestigious 2010 WWF Partner of<br />
the Year award. Given to corporations dedicated<br />
to help make the world a greener place,<br />
the judges recognize outstanding corporate<br />
IF YOU’VE ALWAYS wanted to see<br />
the amazing Great Wall of China<br />
in Beijing, walk along the Bund in<br />
vibrant Shanghai, or shop in Seoul<br />
and Osaka, now is a great time to do<br />
it. And with Cebu Pacifi c’s China Fun<br />
Tour packages, you can experience<br />
the wealth of history and cultures<br />
these great cities have to offer. Log<br />
on to the CEB websie for information<br />
on their other tour packages.<br />
airline news<br />
Cebu Pacifi c’s partnership<br />
with WWF is a boon to<br />
the animal kingdom.<br />
initiatives promoting nature sustainability and<br />
conservation. CEB was identifi ed as having<br />
made a signifi cant impact on the lives of<br />
Filipinos, via its climate program. Among the<br />
other partners were Coca Cola, Smart, BPI and<br />
HSBC. In his acceptance speech, President<br />
and CEO Lance Y Gokongwei said, “As our<br />
operations grow, our commitment to the<br />
environment remains steadfast.”<br />
It’s time to visit China, Korea and Japan<br />
ROUTE LAND ARRANGEMENT INCLUSIONS<br />
RATE (PER PERSON)<br />
{ 109 }<br />
Make it easy<br />
on yourself!<br />
Check-in Online<br />
CHECKING IN FOR your Cebu<br />
Pacifi c (CEB) fl ight has never been<br />
this convenient with the new web<br />
check-in facility. Now passengers can<br />
check-in for their fl ight via the internet.<br />
You can even select your seat and<br />
print out your boarding pass. Just log<br />
on to www.cebupacifi cair.com and<br />
click on the Manage Booking icon.<br />
Pick your seat (unless you already<br />
picked it out when you bought your<br />
ticket). Seats on the exit rows are<br />
PHP200, and seats on all other rows<br />
are PHP100. To print your boarding<br />
pass, just answer a few security<br />
questions. On the day of your trip,<br />
line up at the web check-in counter to<br />
get your documents verifi ed (only for<br />
international fl ights) and drop off your<br />
check-in luggage. If you’re traveling<br />
within the Philippines and have no<br />
check-in luggage, you may head<br />
straight to the pre-departure area.<br />
This service is available 48 hours to<br />
four hours before your fl ight to those<br />
who booked via the CEB reservation<br />
hotlines tel: +63 (2) 7020 888 or<br />
(32) 230 8888, www.cebupacifi cair.<br />
com or organic CEB ticketing offi ces.<br />
One caveat: Guests needing special<br />
assistance — ie groups of 10 or more,<br />
expectant mothers, unaccompanied<br />
minors, and guests with infants —<br />
may not avail of this service.<br />
Guangzhou PHP2,123 Three days, two nights stay at Lilac International (3-star)<br />
Shanghai PHP2,408 Three days, two nights stay at Kaibo Express Jia Hao<br />
with breakfast (4-star)<br />
Shanghai PHP2,482 Three days, two nights stay at Hutong Inn (3-star)<br />
Incheon PHP4,297 Three days, two nights stay at Kyung Nam (3-star)<br />
Osaka PHP6,890 Three days, two nights stay at Hotel Shin Osaka (3-star)
FOR DOCTORS FOR PATIENTS
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