INSIDE: BIRD WATCHING IN ILOCOS NORTE
N°.73 | VOLUME 15 WINTER 2022 EDITION JANUARY 2022 ISSUE ON THE COVER
Celebrating the beauty and talent of the Philippines
Photo by Christian Paul Del Rosario on Pexels THE ASIAN JOURNAL’S QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON THE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND PROGRESSION OF THE PHILIPPINES.
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The Philippines is not only known for its breathtaking views and rich biodiversity, but also for the many talents and accomplishments of its people. Although many of us have not been able to go home or travel around as freely in almost two years due to COVID-19, our current digital world allows us to experience The Philippines in brand new ways. With a click of a button, you can unwind after a long day watching ASMR videos showcasing the magnificence of our islands and beaches. With one simple YouTube search, you can time travel back to the 70s and 80s with classic hits such as ‘Hahabol-habol’ by The New Minstrels Remix. Along with many, I am eager to see the beauty and talent of the Philippines in-person once again. Until then, I encourage you to take time today to read about and listen to all our home country has to offer. Warmly, Roger L. Oriel CEO & Publisher Asian Journal Media Group
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DOT Launches “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project BY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM PHILIPPINES
The Municipality of Barlig in Mountain Province offers a captivating view of the world-famous rice terraces. Photo by @celluloidmanila, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) invites everyone to go on an ambient sound trip and experience a destination through the distinct sounds that can be heard when all is quiet. In launching the “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project, the DOT aims to bring people to certain destinations through ASMR videos that explore the natural sounds of a place, allowing one to tune into nature and be Balikbayan Magazine | Page 5
fully present in the moment. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (QJEP) defines Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) as a “special perceptual phenomenon in which some people can experience a tingling, static-like sensation in response to some certain auditory or visual stimulations”. It brings a pleasant feeling that one experiences in response to certain sounds, visuals, feelings, or descriptions. The sensation leads to
contentment and relaxation. “This project of the DOT is anchored on the concept that, when people travel, they go ‘sightseeing’, but it is with their ears that they hear and sense things all around them. Through these videos, people get to share with the travel experience,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat. The initial four ASMR videos that will be launched
feature the Mountain Province in the Cordilleras, particularly the remote town of Barlig located at the foothills of Mt. Amuyao and the journey to the summit of the mountain. With Mountain Province currently under Alert Level 4, and the rest of the country under the observation of different alert level restrictions, these videos will allow viewers to experience the grandeur of Mountain Province no matter where they are, through their video devices. The first video for the Mountain Province series,
featuring a walk in the serene town of Barlig and its amazing terraces, has already been launched on DOT’s YouTube channel and can be accessed through this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjJeD2qsshyH_uDuKLjassvLUulHCwKmS.
position of the microphone. This immersive experience teleports the viewer/listener to the environment. One can leave this on in the background as unobtrusive, calming noises throughout the day.
For best experience, use open back headphones, but any headphones, earphones, or earThis is the first of sever- buds will also work. al ASMR video series. The succeeding video series will All ASMR videos can be acexplore Ilocos Norte, then cessed through the DOT ofdestinations in Visayas and ficial YouTube channel. SubMindanao. scribe to get updates when new videos are uploaded. Recorded using Ambisonics, the audio is captured in a 360-degree sphere from the
Located at Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Saud Beach was hailed as one of the Travel + Leisure’s list of 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
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PH cities, hotels bag ASEAN tourism awards BY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM PHILIPPINES
ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat (upper right) shared that the recognition of Philippine hotels and cities by the 2022 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards is a reflection of the commitment of the industry to maintain the highest standards of tourism despite the pandemic.
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The recognition of Philippine hotels and cities by the 2022 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards is a reflection of the commitment of the industry to maintain the highest standards of tourism despite the pandemic, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said today Tuesday ( Jan. 18).
Nobu Hotel, Nuwa Hotel, Hyatt Regency and Conrad Manila were also recognized as among the best in the ASEAN Green Hotel Award for 2022.
This recognition of our local cities, and hotels and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition) venues not only serves as a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to uphold the best tourism standards, it also mirrors the strong Bayanihan spirit we have exhibited to overcome this crisis,” Puyat said. “The current health crisis is a bane of the industry. Nevertheless, local tourism offices and our stakeholders aren’t backing down from this. By collaborating to help find solutions, they have proven that they can adapt despite the current limitations on their operations,” she added.
Quest Plus Conference Center Clark’s Magellan Ballroom and Baguio Country Club’s William Cameron Forbes Ballroom were also recognized among the top five of the MICE award.
Awardees for the ASEAN clean tourist cities for 2022 include the cities of Baguio, the country’s summer capital and Ilagan in Isabela.
Likewise, Conrad Manila’s Forbes Ballroom was included in the top five of ASEAN MICE Venue Award for meeting room category.
Rounding up the list of national awardees for ASEAN MICE Venue Awards for the meeting room category were Astoria Palawan’s Mangrove Conference and Convention Center and Widus (Clark Marriott Hotel) Marriott Grand Ballroom. The World Trade Center in Metro Manila and the Cordillera Convention hall in Baguio City were named as MICE Venue awardees under the exhibition venue category.
(Middle) H.E Ms. Maria Amelita C. Aquino, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Cambodia, (left) Attaché Ms. Reichelle V. Corpuz, received the 2022 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards for the country.
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THE NEW MINSTRELS REMIX: Releases A
New Single “Hahabol-Habol”
(Photo Credits: Eddie Boy Escudero)
When was the last time you heard enchanting songs like ‘DAHIL SA ISANG BULAKLAK,’ ‘BUHAT,’ the “pursuit of the boymeets-girl” music ‘HAHABOL-HABOL,’ and ‘SMILE’, or the inspirational song ‘IKAW, AKO, TAYO’Y MAG-KAKAPATID?’ And let us not forget the timeless sound of the Filipino Christmas song, ‘ANG AKING PAMASKO. For music lovers who grew up in the 70s and 80s, these tunes elicit nostalgic
moments like the classic sound of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with their familiar melodies and lyrics tugging at our heartstrings. Nowadays, most songs inspire stories created as scripts for screenplay or playwrights. Interestingly, this is the trend that the audience welcomes. For Filipinos, this concept is suitable, as it gives a clear message to a storyline. Any Pinoy would know how a simple tagline or meme inspires creative minds. These tunes would also feature Filipino par-
ties, whether based in the Philippines or overseas. But now, you don’t have to reminisce and replay the classic renditions simply. The New Minstrels Remix is releasing its first single, ‘HAHABOL-HABOL,’ through Universal Records Philippines this January 2022. The New Minstrels REMIX comprises group members across Five Generations. But how did this group come about? Balikbayan Magazine | Page 12
(Photo Credits: Eddie Boy Escudero)
TNM’s Early Years Tagged as Asia’s Best Show Band, The New Minstrels (TNM) popularized songs that captivated the audience—performing their music and harmony rendition of different genres from pop, jazz, folk to broadway. But The New Minstrels were known not just for their music but their showmanship. Even with their entry into the music world, they were already ahead of their times in innovation. The New Minstrels had their initial public appearance at a luncheon fashion show called “Sari-Sari” at the Hyatt Regency back in the early 70s. Traversing in between Balikbayan Magazine | Page 13
models doing their catwalk can be likened on a bigger scale to today’s Victoria’s Secret iconic shows where music celebrities meet fashion icons. The New Minstrels formally debuted at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines in August 1974.
ideal image, sound, and performance mix.
After the pioneer group’s success in the 1970s, different generations through to the 90s continued to perform to the timeless music of The New Minstrels with the same caliber. Critical to the outstanding performances TNM was the first pop of every TNM Generation group to perform at the were the artistic training and prestigious venue. They workshops initiated by Junn stunned the audience with Guevarra. To further hone extravagant costumes their exceptional craft over and riveting performanc- the years, they worked with es, belting pop favorites a whole range of prominent to old standards matched artists: National Artist Ryan with dazzling choreogra- Cayabyab, TV Director phy. The late Junn Gue- Johnny Manahan, Musical verra, the manager of the Director Emy Munji,Choresinging group, knew how ographers Douglas Nierras, to find The New Minstrels’ Tony Fabella, and Rex Mc-
Cleneghan; Vocal Coach/ Arranger Babes Conde, Vocal Coach Betsy Basilio, Writer Tats Manahan, and Music Arranger Jun Latonio and Rudy Lozano; Acclaimed Fashion Designers like Inno Sotto, Barge Ramos, Frederick Peralta, Goulee Gorospe, Lito Perez, Junjun Cambe, Danilo Franco, Gerry Katigbak, and of course, the late Ernest Santiago and Cliff Candelaria added elegance yet artistic taste to the world-class image of TNM. Traditionally, the music of TNM always has
a distinct sound, harmony, and a soothing melody that is precise even with their variety of performances as a showband. The group instantly captured the hearts of their audience through their concerts, radio, and TV appearances, regular stints in hotels and bars, both local and international. Soon after, the group started recording their first of many albums with Villar Records, The First Generation’s now-iconic version of the Kundiman love song,
‘BUHAT,’ became a hit in the 70s. When the group decided to disband, a smooth transition to the Second Generation resulted in a seamless TNM performance and accolades. Second Generation TNM won second place in The 3rd Metro Pop Music Festival with their song ‘IKAW, AKO, TAYO’Y MAG-KAKAPATID.’ Later introducing the Three Generations that carried on the TNM music tradition to the 90s.
(Photo Credits: Eddie Boy Escudero) Balikbayan Magazine | Page 14
(Photo Credits: Eddie Boy Escudero)
To this day, the music of TNM is still preserved in the souls of aficionado music lovers. As a celebration of the group’s iconic music traditions, a grand reunion concert was staged in 2006 in Manila. Different members from all 5 Generations were represented, including the Rhythm Section. The various TNM generations sang the much-loved popular songs, from, ‘BUHAT’ and ‘BALUT’ (Gen 1) to ‘IKAW, AKO, TAYO’Y MAG-KAKAPATID’ and ‘SMILE’ (Gen 2), ‘MAGBABALIK PA RIN AKO’ (GEN 3) to ‘GANDA NG MUNDO’ (Gen 5). While very much like a family reunion, the 2006 TNM UlBalikbayan Magazine | Page 15
timate Reunion Concert was a great success and was well received by old and new audiences alike. The birth of TNM REMIX Sixteen years to date, after the said concert, they all started to regroup in 2020, as the pandemic hit many of us. The late Bobby Domingo of the 2nd Generation championed the idea with his fellow members when they created a regular sing-meet online. Since other members reside in different parts of the globe, they thought it might be good to invite other members of the different TNM Generations to join. They did, and members from
generations in different locations happily agreed. And with that, the flagship ‘The New Minstrels REMIX’ was born. The New Minstrels REMIX features Five Generations of TNM singers with grand plans in place. Performing their iconic songs using the same melody but with a new sound and mixed twist. As we adapt to the new normal, the group still dares to accomplish things despite the hiccups. The group maintains a professional outlook on matters and concerns with a positive mindset. Much as a surprise, despite the current challenge we all
face, TNM REMIX members try to contribute and do what has to be delivered right in the comforts of their homes. They do regular online meetings, StoryCon, Weekend Jamming, and Music Recordings. The matter is that they are currently preparing an online concert. However, before releasing the show this 2022, the group has already successfully recorded songs, ready to launch a favorite old-time TNM music masterpiece. To get their first project off
the ground, The New Minstrels REMIX comprises former members Mon Vitan (Gen 1-2), Jess Garcia (Gen 1), and Joseph Olfindo (Gen 2). They now partnered as Co-Producers. Ems Bolanos (Gen 5) and Eileen Dolina Novak (Gen 1) join the Creative Production and Media Section team, respectively. Their first project is to release a new single that features a REMIX of members from different generations. It offers something unique in each
song, with new musical arrangements and interpretations. The first single to be released is their latest version of ‘HAHABOL-HABOL,’ a piece initially included in the first full Filipino album of TNM called “Buhat sa New Minstrels,” composed by Clod Delfino and Ruben Vega and was published by Villar Records in the 70s. The brilliant sound, arranged by a new breed artist, Edward Mitra, gives it the trendy
(Photo Credits: Eddie Boy Escudero) Balikbayan Magazine | Page 16
(Photo Credits: Eddie Boy Escudero)
beat to today’s music. Yet, with the creative and exceptional mind of the Music and Vocal Director, Mr. Ernie Magtuto, a member of the TNM 5th Generation, the resonance of The New Minstrels Remix has been accomplished. The REMIX promise is to present the traditional TNM melody that sounds familiar but with a new ring remarkably defined to its fresh new song. The single ‘HAHABOL-HABOL’ is distributed by Universal Records Philippines. This January 2022, it will be available for download and streaming on different online music platforms, namely Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes Store, Deezer, Amazon, and the like. The music video is Balikbayan Magazine | Page 17
also in the process of its release on their official YouTube Channel the following week. Every Filipino Artist is proud and inspired to share the unique Pinoy sound. Reaching fellow Filipino kababayans here and abroad through OPM allows the Artists to give hope and joy in their hearts. Moreover, the project aims to present the new sound to the younger Generation and recognize the spirit of old music as integral to Filipino culture. On its release, HAHABOL-HABOL’ is one of the exciting things we can look forward to as we start the year. Now, we can listen once again to the new sound real soon and
enjoy the new music of The New Minstrels REMIX. Featured TNM REMIX Artist in the single ‘HAHABOL-HABOL’ are: Alynna Velasquez (Gen 5), Rhiza Tolentino (Gen 5), Grace Pimentel (Gen 2), Jinky Somera (Gen 5), Bobit Pablo (Gen 5), Joseph Olfindo (Gen 2), Rene Puno (Gen 1), Kash Gatuslao (Gen 5). Vocal Arranger: Ernie Magtuto Music Arranger: Edward Mitra The New Minstrels Social Media Accounts: Instagram: thenewmintrels_remix Facebook Page: The New Minstrels REMIX 5 Email : thenewminstrels2021@ gmail.com
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Birdwatching in Ilocos Norte BY TEDDY PELAEZ
Local birdwatchers and photographers visit Paoay Lake for the yearly Asian bird census in this undated photo. a birdwatching tour circuit was launched on Friday (Dec. 17, 2021) at the Paoay Lake Natural Park in Nanguyudan village, Paoay town, considered as one of the migratory bird sites in the country. (Teddy Pelaez)
LAOAG CITY – The province of Ilocos Norte, which is working on the development of new tourism attractions under the new normal, has birdwatching or “avitourism” for its latest offering. Meant to boost local employment and livelihood in communities, a birdwatching tour circuit was launched on Friday at the Paoay Lake Natural Park in Nanguyudan village, Paoay town, considered as Balikbayan Magazine | Page 19
one of the migratory bird sites in the country. Evangeline Dadat, officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism in Ilocos (Region 1), said during the launching on Friday that “this newly develop roadmap promises a safer eco-tourism in the province that will surely entice both local and foreign visitors.” As Ilocos tourism is now being slowly introduced to the “new normal” mar-
ket, she hopes that these birdwatching or birding activities will also serve as an eye-opener in the conservation of natural heritage. “Today, birders from different countries enjoy the birding activities which jive with the cultural aspects of the province. The blended natural ecology of Ilocos Norte offers different species with their varying habitat from vast sand dunes to tropical rainforests,” she added.
In previous years, a team of birdwatchers started monitoring the presence of migratory birds escaping the cold front of temperate regions into Paoay Lake. Based on the yearly Asian Waterbird Census, Paoay Lake has been providing shelter to some bird species namely Little Grebe, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Philippine Duck, Tufted Duck, White-browed Crake, Common Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, and the Great Cor-
morant.
According to the DepartBacked by the Depart- ment of Environment ment of Tourism, the De- and Natural Resources partment of Environment (DENR), the Philippines and Natural Resources, has 117 Important Bird Arthrough the Protected Ar- eas (IBAs) covering 32,302 eas and Wildlife Bureau, square kilometers that act has been working closely as a refuge for as many as with organizations of bird- 115 globally threatened watchers and other wildlife species of water birds. enthusiasts to protect migratory bird sites. In the Philippines, the peak months for birds miMigratory bird sites are of- grating to the South are ten threatened by human usually from September activities, such as overex- to November, while those ploitation and conversion traveling North often ocof ecosystems for develop- cur between February and ment purposes. April, the DENR said.
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