TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE March MARCH 2009
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CHINA:
THE GLOBAL SUPERSTAR 1 M A B U H AY
January 2008
Getting Lost in the Calamianes Islands • Rugged Surigao • Misty Cordillera
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES’ INFLIGHT TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL Charles C. Chante Simeon S. Ventura Jr. KARA MIRANDA FRANCINE M. MARQUEZ IRA H. INQUIMBOY PAULINE F. CAJIUAT KIM G. VENTURA ARIEL E. DALISAY
Vol. 31 No. 3 March 2009
Publisher Editor-in-Chief Art Director Copy Editor Editorial Coordinator Editorial Assistants Creative Consultant
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Lucio Tan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Henry So Uy Deputy Chief Executive Officer and EVP-Commercial Group Jaime J. Bautista President and Chief Operating Officer
EASTGATE PUBLISHING CORPORATION Charles C. Chante Chairman of the Board Luis B. Quisumbing Vice-Chairman Simeon S. Ventura Jr. President sammy l. chan Vice-President, Operations jeimIE quijano Louie Gamboa Thunder Ilustre Len Hogan Nerie Silvestre-Correa SHENA BELLA R. DACASIN Lorie M. Fernandez Efren C. Carag
Account Managers Production Officer Accounting Officer Project Coordinator Business Services Consultant Legal Counsel Manila, Phils.
Photo by Jojie Alcantara
Website: www.philippineairlines.com Wapsite: wap.com.ph/pal/
Kaliguan Festival held every June in Cagwit, Surigao del Sur (see page 34)
Mabuhay Magazine is published monthly for Philippine Airlines by Eastgate Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2009 by Philippine Airlines. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by Philippine Airlines or Eastgate Publishing Corporation. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising and editorial material. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Address all correspondence to: Mabuhay Magazine, Eastgate Publishing Corp., Rm. 704 Prestige Tower Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. Road., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. 1605 Tel: (632) 635-7348, 635-9067, 633-4004 to 09, Fax (632) 635-9221. E - mail: <info@ eastgateph.com, jventura@eastgateph.com. Mabuhay is authorized in the Philippines under PCFM Cr No. 388. Color separated and printed in Hong Kong by Daiichi System Graphics Co., Ltd. For inquiries on advertising, please e-mail adsales@eastgateph.com or call (trunkline) +632 633 4004 loc. 14 or 15 and (direct line) +632 635 7882.
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March 2009
JAPAN ADVERTISING COMMUNICATION, INC. Akiyoshi Kojima Three Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Tel: (813) 3261 4591 Fax: (813) 3261 6126 E-mail: kojima@media-jac.co.jp
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FRANCE N.M. HELLIN Monique Hellin 6 Bis Rue de la Belle Feuille, F-92100 Boulogne, Paris, France Tel: (331) 460 52577 Fax:(331) 460 33321
AUSTRALIA Free Sports Press Peter Anderson 37 Richard Avenue Earlwood, NSW 2206 Australia Tel: (612) 9789 5003 Fax: (612) 9789 5004 E-mail: panderson3@optusnet.com.au
SWITZERLAND IMM INFLIGHT MEDIA MARKETING Marcel Wernli Gellertstrasse 18 CH-4052 Basel Switzerland Tel: (+41) 061-319 9090 Fax: (+41) 061-319 9095 Website: www.inflight-media.ch E-mail: inflight-media@swissonline.ch UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LEE & STEEL INC. Michael Lee P. O. Box 2007 Darien, CT 06820, USA Tel: (203) 445 8900 Fax: (203) 445 1885 E-mail: medialee@aol.com
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Destiny Media Aleem Aziz Destiny Media/ Media One P.O. Box 72247 Suite #602, Bu Haleeba Plaza Al Muraqqabat St., Deira Dubai, UAE Tel: (9714) 297 6978 Fax: (9714) 297 6988 E-mail: mediaone@emirates.net.ae UNITED KINGDOM MAJOR MEDIA David Hammond Hamilton House 1 Wythes Close Bromley Kent BR1 2BA Tel: + 44 020 8467 8884 Fax: + 44 020 8467 5558 E-mail: majormedi@btopenworld.com
e d i t o r ’ s
n o t e
Never Be Jaded
A
Photo by Justin Ventura
lthough my work is pressureladen due to editorial deadlines and in constantly trying to evolve this magazine to make it more appealing to readers, I am lucky to have opportunities to experience varied places and situations. For instance in this issue, we have a photo essay, “Hidden Shanghai” (page 44) taken by my son, Justin, who is now on his second term taking Mandarin language studies at Fudan University, thanks to a scholarship provided by Dr. Norberto Quisumbing, the top pioneering but low-profile industrialist of Cebu. My wife Maribel, who hasn’t seen Shanghai, and I, accompanied Justin when he enrolled last year for his first term. Shanghai’s progress is so overwhelming. From the top floor of the Eton hotel’s executive lounge, all you see 360 degrees around you are just rows and rows of tall buildings like concrete and glass lego toy blocks. Down on the street level, I can see how rich and prosperous Shanghai is, judging from showrooms of Rolls Royce, Porsche, and Ferrari cheek to cheek with expensive shops the likes of Rolex, Prada, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta. I brought them to have a light dinner (the least expensive), at Shanghai’s most glamorous building –the famous
Shooting at Xintiandi, Shanghai
My new friends and I in Buslon Island, Surigao
Simeon S. Ventura, Jr. Editor-in-chief For comments and suggestions, you can email me at jventura@eastgateph.com 4 M A B U H AY
March 2009
Photo by Jake Verzosa
Three On The Bund – just to experience what the place is all about. My next trip was a local one to Butuan and Surigao del Sur in Northern Mindanao when I accompanied the Havaianas essay contest winner, Joanna Fuertes together with her husband and their baby, to retrace the places she wrote about in her winning essay. Everything that I saw on this tour was, of course, the opposite of Shanghai. Some of the roads that we traveled were really rough and bumpy. The places where we stayed were simple but clean. But the sights that we saw are unspoiled from Lake Mainit to Buslon Island where we were treated with a picnic of one of the tastiest and freshest seafood I have ever had provided by the hospitality of the local fishermen. While on this island, I mingled and drank a few liquor shots with the fishermen and I played and swam with their children on the beach. My conversation with these children became the subject of my own essay, “The Dreams of Island Children” (page 34). If I did not bother to find time to play with these children, I would not have been able to take a pulse reading of the lofty dreams and ambitions of economically impoverished children. When we travel, we must always keep an open mind and be flexible. We never know what enriching experience awaits us at the end of a long, bumpy, and dusty road.
Sections
Photo by Eric Cabahug
04 10 12 58 68 84
Coron, Palawan (see page 30)
Contents Vol. 31 No. 3 March 2009
24 CORDILLERA IN THE MIST
The cool fog, pine trees and the culture found in the northern mountain region provide a creative respite for environment writer YASMIN ARQUIZA.
30 GETTING LOST IN THE CALAMIANES ISLANDS
Summer’s here and the seas are calling. YASMIN ARQUIZA leaves the highlands and heeds the lure to sail around some of the 680 rugged islands in Northern Palawan.
34 THE DREAMS OF ISLAND CHILDREN
At the northeastern tip of Mindanao in the Philippines, JUN VENTURA discovers the rugged attractions of Surigao del Sur and listens to the lofty ambitions of the local children.
38 GLOBAL SUPERSTAR
Editor’s Note What’s Up Travel Log The Lighter Side PAL Pages Last Frame
We, at Philippine Airlines, are happy to have you on board. Please sit back and relax, and allow us to make your flight enjoyable. For your own safety and convenience, please observe the regulations listed at the back pages. “Mabuhay” is a Filipino verb in the form of a command: “live!” It is also a wish: “may you live!” Whoever says it wishes you the great gift of a long and full life. It is both a blessing and a lusty cheer. “Mabuhay” (ma-boo-high) is such a large word that it lends itself to a wide number of secondary uses: welcome, congratulations, thanks, godspeed, hello, good luck, cheers, posit, sante, viva, kambei, aloha, and many other expressions of goodwill. All these are a part of life; but it is the gift of life that makes them possible. “Mabuhay,” in other words, is an invocation and a celebration of life itself.
ON THE COVER
This is the glittering skyline that you’ll see at Shanghai’s highest point, the 100th floor of the Shanghai World Finance Center. Photo by Ben Lee, http://flickr.com/photos/benlee123/
This month, the spotlight is on China—a cradle of civilization, and now the world’s fastest growing superpower.
40 HEAVEN IN HANGZHOU With a sublime lake and scenery that spell romance, you’ll imagine that the only thing missing here is Cupid. RICHARD SHAW travels to one of China’s oldest cities, and sees why it captured Marco Polo’s heart. 44 HIDDEN SHANGHAI
Shanghai-based Filipino photographer JUSTIN VENTURA reveals aspects of China’s most cosmopolitan city that are unseen by most tourists.
50 CHINA’S GLITTERING PEARL
DANIEL ALLEN takes us to Xiamen—one of China’s most livable cities—that’s painted with a rich colonial history. While a hop to nearby islet Gulangyu shows a range of sightseeing options.
54 BEIJING’S HUTONG COOL
RICHARD SHAW witnesses how remnants of the ancient capital’s past are saved from being wiped out and are being turned into one-of-a-kind bars, cafés, and boutiques. Erratum: On page 14 of the February 2009 issue the featured shoes from Pazzy Manila were photographed by Marc Jentes.
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CONTRIBUTORS: Vol. 31 No. 3 March 2009
✍ As an environmental journalist, YASMIN ARQUIZA is happiest when she’s out trekking in the great outdoors or snorkeling in the Philippines’ colorful coral reefs. On page 24, she enjoyed basking in the rolling fog of the Cordillera mountains while visiting old haunts and rediscovering the cultural treasures of the Igorot people. She also indulged her passion for nature trips on page 30 when she went cruising along the serene islands of the Calamianes, which is Palawan’s rugged northern coastline.
✍µ
After making Beijing his home for the last few years, Australian photographer and writer RICHARD SHAW loves nothing more than to head out on his bike to explore the city’s wonderful old hutongs (passageways that connect courtyard residences). In this issue, Richard heads back to the Chinese capital, after exploring just why Hangzhou is dubbed “Heaven on Earth” on page 40, to reveal the cool new array of restaurants, cafés, bars, and funky boutiques buried deep in Beijing’s hutongs on page 54.
✍ Writer and photographer DANIEL ALLEN made his way from London to Beijing back in 2004, and now enjoys a more bohemian lifestyle reporting on travel destinations across China and greater Asia. On page 44, he visits Xiamen, one of his favorite Chinese cities. He says, “a fantastic fusion of Eastern and European cultures, some great seafood, and a pleasant climate all-year round—what more could you ask for? Hardly surprising that it’s one of the most desirable places to live in China!”
✍ DR. WILLIE T. ONG is a cardiologist and columnist for The Philippine Star. He earned his pre-medical and medical degrees from the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University respectively. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Filipino Physician Award by the Department of Health and JC Senate Philippines for his advocacy in encouraging Filipino doctors to stay in the Philippines and serve their country. On page 28, Dr. Ong urges us to drink more water, nature’s healthiest beverage.
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What’s Up MARCH 2009
Melbourne Flickerfest International Short Film Festival March 26 to 27 Australia’s premier short film festival arrives in Melbourne this month. Short films from other countries will also be screened. www.flickerfest.com.au Melbourne Moomba Waterfest March 6 to 9 Dubbed as a “mardi gras for the family,” the festival includes parades, musical performances, and wakeboarding and water skiing competitions. www.melbourne.vic.gov.au; Photo by genotypewriter
Go ahead!
Must-see events for the time of your life
Philippines
TOKYO
Araw ng Dabaw March 16 Davao City Come and join in the festivities as one of the country’s major cities celebrates its birthday. Activities include trade fairs, cultural presentations and a beauty pageant. www.arawngdabaw.com
Tokyo Fashion Week March 23 to 29 Witness Tokyo show off their style in the Spring/Summer Fashion Week. Designs from top Tokyo designers as well as up and coming talents will be featured throughout the event. www.jfw.jp
Hong Kong Hong Kong International Film Festival March 22 to April 13 Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong International Film Festival shows over 200 films from both local and international productions. www.hkiff.org.hk
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival March 23 The world-famous cherry blossom blooms this season and the most popular viewing of this special event happens this month in Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Aoyama Cemetery. www.japan-guide.com
Hi, how are we doing? I’d be happy to hear your comments, suggestions and concerns on how we can continuously improve our service. Send me a note at jjb@pal.com.ph Jaime J. Bautista President and Chief Operating Officer Philippine Airlines 10 M A B U H A Y M a r c h 2 0 0 9
LOS ANGELES Dana Point Festival of the Whales March 7 to 8, 14 to 15 Gray Whales from the Bering Sea migrate to Baja California and Mexico and can be sighted just off Los Angeles city harbors. www.dpfestivalofwhales.com Pasadena Marathon March 22
Join thousands of participants from professional athletes, bikers, walkers and entertainers in the annual Pasadena Marathon. www.pasadenamarathon.org
Travel log march 2009
Seeing Red Climb the sleek wooden staircase of this decadently plush, red and gold swathed hotel with intricate oriental touches and central Beijing views. China World Hotel Beijing, No. 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue,
Beijing; tel. (86 10) 6505 2266; www.shangri-la.com
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VUDU. CEBU’S BEST PARTY PLACE is casting a stronger magical spell with its newly renovated look: the main area has a chic industrial feel spiced up with a quirky chandelier while up on its second level, the VIP floor, the whole area (above photo) seems to be playfully wrapped like a ball of yarn with floor to ceiling curved wooden strips. Drop by and mix it up–the crowd is fun, down to earth, and no one parties like the local Cebuanos. Kudos to the owners—John Paul Chiongbian and Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu; tel. +6332 234 0836; e-mail: VUDU.Cebu@gmail.com
Sugar Rush
Swish Spot
Ristretto Café: Offers refreshing iced coffee concoctions like Strawberry Fields, Rocky Road and Passion, and Mocha. Musttries: Pair the Jaffa —a rich and delicious blend of mocha, cookies, and orange—with their moist and creamy Banoffee Pie. Vera Mall, UPLB
Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing: Already a landmark in the western part of the city. X-Factor: A new gorgeous 142-room Valley Wing. Best Room: 245 square meter Valley Wing Presidential Suite. Must-tr y: Chi, The Spa treatments, all inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies. Price: US$130 and up. 29 Zizhuyuan Road,
Campus, Los Baños, Laguna. By Jocelle Evangelista/Photo by Dakila Angeles
Beijing; tel. (86 10) 6841 2211; www.shangri-la.com
Let the sun shine year ‘round inside your homes with this fascinating metal sun burst décor. Asian Arts Center, Novelty Village, Tiendesitas, Ortigas Ave. corner E. Rodriguez Ave. (C-5); mobile +63917 321 9507. Photo by Pai Cajiuat 14 M A B U H A Y
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The eyecatching Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa
(From L-R) Dr. Olivia Castillo (Chair of APRSCP), Manny Osmeña (Chairman of Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa), Crown Prince WillemAlexander of the Netherlands (Chairman of the UN General Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation), Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu, and former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos.
Filipino Eco-Warriors Bikini Bottom! • Scrunched orange tubetini Php2,500 (US$53) • Candy splats beige bikini Php1,850 (US$40) • Golden shells black bikini Php1,200 (US$25.50) • Tribal tie-dye bikini with T’boli bells and brass rings Php1,850 (US$40) Twinkle Ferraren’s Island Wear e-mail: twinkle.ferraren@gmail.com; website: www.t-w-i-n-k-l-e.com Photos by Noel Salazar
Dr. Lucio Tan and Mr. Manny Osmeña (of the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa) have been awarded by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Dr. Olivia Castillo (of the Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production), for being active guardians of water. The dinner event was hosted by the Province of Cebu, represented by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, at the Provincial Capital. Dr. Tan has been cited for his ground breaking work in promoting water conservation, and received the Eco Award for Water Sustainability. His group of companies has been rehabilitating and constructing small water dams in Northern Luzon, helping conserve fresh water and enhancing agricultural productivity. Mr. Manny Osmeña, on the other hand, was given the Eco Award for Water Innovations for his efforts in achieving zero water–footprint and a zero wastewater discharge project. This undertaking serves as a role model in addressing the shortage of precious water. His adaptation strategies for climate change involved desalination, processing and recycling of black and grey water, rain-water harvesting, and water impounding among many others. M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 15
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2009 Eco-Products International Fair
(EPIF) in Manila
If you’re concerned and want to help promote sustainable development through the use of eco-products, then drop by the fifth largest international environmental fair in Asia, to be held at the SMX Convention Center from March 19 to 22. Here’s your chance to join global, regional, and local experts share their experiences, views, and proposals. As Chairperson of the EPIF 2009 Advisory Committee, former First Lady Amelita Ramos (seated in the middle) stated, that “the Philippines stands eighth in the world in terms of number of greenhouse gas reduction projects, and, our waste-to-energy generation projects are attracting global attention.” This event is organized by GlobalLink. For inquiries: Tel. +632 750 8588; website: www.epif09.org; e-mail:
epif09@globallinkmp.com
Gone Hawaiian Get a taste of sweet pineapple sauce-filled dishes at Jennifer’s Bar and Restaurant. A must-try is Jennifer’s Grilled Hawaiian Liempo (Php135/US$3)—the meat is tender, the vegetables are fresh, and the sauce has just the right sweetness.
Jennifer’s Kababayan Hotel, J. Estevez Street, Albay District, Legazpi City; tel. +6352 480 1086 Photo by Dakila Angeles
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One of the leading modernists of his generation, National Artist Arturo Luz presents Monumental, an exhibit featuring several abstract sculptures that are variations of Luz’s past themes—the celebration of circus performers of the 1960’s, the taut anito (nature spirits) figures in the early 1970’s, and the origami-inspired constructs of the late 1970’s. Monumental will run until March 29, 2009 at the Ayala Museum and until June 2009 at the Greenbelt Park.
Ayala Museum, corner of Makati Ave. and De la Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City; tels. +632 757 7117 to 21 loc. 28; www. ayalamuseum.org
History MARCH 2009 FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
March 17 Observed as Saint Patrick’s Day, an annual celebration honoring the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland.
March on!
Named after Mars, the Roman god of war, this month glimpses back at valiant times
Philippine History
March 5, 1986 President Corazon Aquino offers amnesty to all insurgents provided they lay down their arms and support reconciliation. March 21, 1993 Mt. Mayon, in Albay, Bicol explodes seven times, hurling superheated ash columns, darkening the skies, and spewing ash on villages near it. March 26, 1977 President Ferdinand E. Marcos issues a proclamation declaring autonomy in 13 provinces in Southern Philippines. He describes it as a major step towards bringing peace in the region. 18 M A B U H A Y
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March 1, 1961 President John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps, an organization sending young American volunteers to developing countries to assist with health care, education and other basic human needs. March 5, 1933 Amid a worsening economic depression, newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims a four-day “Bank Holiday” to stop panic withdrawals by the public and the possible collapse of the American banking system. March 12, 1888 The Great Blizzard of ‘88 strikes the northeastern U.S. The storm lasts 36 hours with snowfall totaling over 40 inches in New York City, where over 400 persons die from the surprise storm.
March 9 Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci (14511512) was born in Florence, Italy. He explored South America and the Amazon River, believing he had discovered a new continent. In 1507, a German mapmaker first referred to the lands discovered in the New World as America. March 12 The founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938) was born in Salonika, Greece. Following World War I, he led the Turkish revolution and became Turkey‘s first president. March 31 Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was born in Rohrau, Austria. Considered the father of the symphony and the string quartet, his works included 107 symphonies, 50 divertimenti, 84 string quartets, 58 piano sonatas, and 13 masses. Based in Vienna, Mozart was his friend and Beethoven was a pupil.
Teddy bear photo by Robert A. Fornal; Peace sign photo by Allison Strine
March 3, 1978 Filipino troops occupy the island of Panata in the Spratly archipelago disputed by Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
WORLD HISTORY
March 3 Railroad car builder George Pullman (1831-1897) was born in Brocton, New York. He improved railroad sleeping accommodations, developing the folding upper berth and lower berth designs. His company went on to become the biggest railroad car building organization in the world.
Eastgate/Mabuhay Magazine Wins Again* We at Eastgate Publishing Corporation as the publisher of Mabuhay Magazine since 1988, are happy to share our recent honors when two of our previously published photos won two of the region’s most prestigious travel photography awards. One was Erwin Lim’s “Bird Islet, Tubbataha Reef” which appeared in our April 2008 issue, and the other one is Rosscapili’s “Entrance to Kayangan Lake” which appeared in our September 2007 issue. Eastgate is very proud for having a roster of talented and dedicated photographers who tirelessly give their best to produce the most stunning images for you our readers.
• 2008 Best ASEAN Tourism Photo • ASEANTA (ASEAN Tourism Association) Tubbataha Reef is a rather famous site because of its unique underwater life, but rarely are there photos that show its beauty on land. Erwin Lim took this photo while on a four-day live-aboard dive safari. The weather was perfect and the scene was so picturesque that he almost didn’t feel his skin burning under the sun while he was crawling towards the birds.
• PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2008 • Travel Journalism – Travel Photograph Instead of simply taking a photo of Kayangan Lake in Coron, Rosscapili creates a welcoming feel by shooting it from behind the entrance of a shell curtain. Everything—even the boat—was in place as if God had arranged this site for him. Last year, he went back to pay tribute and to shoot it again, but sad to say, it’s no longer there. The entrance was destroyed—all the more making him appreciate this snapshot that preserved the beauty of the past.
* Some of Eastgate’s previous international awards: 2002 Best ASEAN Travel Article: “Trance-forming Dance” by Joan Bulauitan (June 2001); 2002 Best ASEAN Tourism Photo: “Ati-Atihan Festival” by Lester Ledesma (January 2001); Best ASEAN Travel Article: Batangas with a Volcano for a Heart” by Marian Pastor-Roces (September 1993); Best ASEAN Tourism Photo: Bukidnon’s Wild West Rodeo” by Kevin Hamdorf (March 1993)
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Underwater Conquest In this hockey rink, players score as they sink and swim for that elusive puck. ISABEL L. TEMPLO immerses herself into this odd and ‘breathtaking’ sport and discovers why it’s making such a splash
Learn more about PUHC and the Underwater Hockey School by visiting the PUHC website at http://puhc.com.ph.
T
here were no cheering fans when the Philippines hosted the 2nd Asian Underwater Hockey Championships last year. After all, underwater hockey is not your usual spectator sport. But the Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation (PUHC), certainly gave the country something to cheer for after winning three of the four golds—in the men’s, women’s, and regular mixed divisions. In 2007, the Philippine team took the golds at the Asian championships held in Singapore, emerging as overall champion. It was a quiet victory, considering that underwater hockey is still largely unknown in the country. PUHC President Dennis Valdes, who started playing in 1979, recalls that the sport was a pastime among members of the UP Divers. A spin-off group formed their own club, which was eventually incorporated in 1989 as PUHC, the first such organization in Asia. The group is now recognized by the Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatique (World Underwater Federation) and the Philippine Olympic Committee. PUHC teams have traveled abroad to compete in various international tournaments. If you’re familiar with ice hockey, underwater hockey is just that—hockey played underwater. Replace face guards with masks and snorkels, jerseys with swimsuits, and ice skates with fins. Take out the goalies, but keep the jostling and the penalties. Played at the bottom of a swimming pool 25 meters long and six- to eight-feet deep, underwater hockey involves two teams of six players each. A team scores points by maneuvering a puck using an S-shaped playing stick across the pool and into the other team’s goal. A game can take up to 30 minutes with a threeminute break midway. It sounds simple enough. But if you consider that for about 10 seconds, the players have to stick close to the pool floor to pass the puck, surface for quick breaths, and then quickly go back down—you’ll realize how challenging the sport can be. Communicating through bubbly and muffled grunts with teammates doesn’t make it any easier. PUHC Vice President Chari Ongyanco who has played with the Australian team, lists breath control, speed, and the ability to move underwater as the skills to be mastered to play the game well. But she adds, “Anyone can play.” 22 M A B U H A Y
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What makes a winning team? Joel Beloy, vice captain of PUHC’s regular mixed team—which won the gold by one point in a tough game with Japan—offers these tips: • Train hard. Work on improving your game, both on your own and as a team. Don’t be lazy. You’ll pay for your laziness at crunch time. • Know your opponent. Knowing what the other team can and cannot do prepares you beforehand. • Focus on the game. In a sport as dynamic as underwater hockey, it is important to be aware of what’s going on during the game. Analyze what works and why. • Support your teammates. With no means of communication underwater, getting a sense of each other’s moves and knowing what s/he will do is crucial. Training and playing as a team will develop this. • Never give up. Beloy recalls telling his team in the last few seconds of the final game with Japan, “As long as you can still breathe, go!” Until the final buzzer has sounded, keep going. • Learn from past mistakes. Post-game analysis is important. Never be complacent. You can be sure your opponent won’t be.
Cordillera in the Mist YASMIN ARQUIZA returns to the fog-cloaked mountains of the north and finds old magic amid the changes. Illustrations by RYAN KABIGTING
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March 2009
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ne weekend, a friend and I packed our bags for a trip to the northern mountains. Our plan was simple: from Manila, we would tackle the Cordillera loop, entering via Baguio en route to the Mountain Province and exiting through Banaue town in Ifugao. Traffic on the main route to Baguio was surprisingly light on a Friday afternoon. As the bus swerved its way along Marcos Highway, thick fog began rolling in, a familiar sight that brought a smile to my lips despite the creeping dampness. Visibility was poor, and the vehicles on the opposite lane emerged from the fog like ghosts from the past. In a stroke of serendipity, I found the best hotel to indulge my mood for the classic mountain ambience. Villa Cordillera may not be posh, but since it is affiliated with the Baguio Country Club, it retains a genteel feel that appeals to visitors seeking refuge from the madness of Session Road. From my window, I could see in the distance that rolling fog drifted down and covered the greens in a fluffy white shroud. The following morning, we boarded the bus to Sagada for the first leg of our expedition. As we passed by La Trinidad, it was disheartening to observe that urban blight seems to have marred its reputation as a strawberry country. From the road, you could see laundry flapping in the wind, and a jumble of stores everywhere. But past this scenery and into the open spaces, pine trees make a comeback, with plenty of young trees shooting up from the damp earth. In Buguias, the region’s salad bowl, the vegetable patches stretched across a vast expanse, including a pretty row of cabbage just beside the road. The six-hour drive passes through Atok—at 7,400 feet, it is the highest point in the Philippine highway system. Thankfully, much of Halsema Road is concrete now. Still, there were heart-thumping moments in rough sections where the bus lurched to one side and crawled slowly amid huge boulders. It’s the kind of bus ride where the driver stops for a passenger who wants to buy chicken from a poultry farm along the way. If you want a decent meal, bring your own food as there’s hardly any to be had in the pit stops. Finicky ones will be glad to know that most toilets along the route have become tolerable. There’s running water, but don’t expect to get toilet paper for your two-peso “donation” to use a public facility. When we reached Sagada, we were just in time to watch the afternoon fog spreading a blanket over the surrounding mountains. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town proper, St. Joseph’s Guesthouse proved to be the ideal location for gazing dreamily at the hills beyond the town. It’s just a few steps away from a small diner called Alapo’s, named after the Sagada term for grandparents, where we had most of our meals. Sagada’s bakeries are known for their breads, so it’s a good idea to stock up if you’re heading for its caves or going on a long trek. Judging from the freshly baked cinnamon bread we had at the bakery next to Alapo’s, the reputation seems well deserved. We also heard there’s good lemon bread M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 25
to be had just beyond Yoghurt House, another sign of the long history of European and American influences in the village. I had not been back to Sagada in 15 years, and had been warned that the place had changed so much from its Shangri-la image in the past. Indeed, it was sad to see the tourist buses crowding the roads in the village center. Souvenir shops selling cheap T-shirts and imitations of traditional Sagada woven bags were everywhere. But travelers who have fond memories of Sagada will be glad to know that the St. Mary’s compound remains the center of community life, and it is still a nice place for a walking meditation under the towering pine trees. On this trip, perhaps my best discovery was the Saturday buffet whipped up by Chef Aklay at the Log Cabin. “It’s the best meal I’ve had in the past few months,” enthused a British traveler who had listed down the names of the countries
he had visited in ball pen ink on his backpack. After soaking up Sagada’s ambience, we took the hour-long ride by jeep to Bontoc, the capital of Mountain Province, which most tourists skip because its location in the valley makes it warm compared to the cool climate in other destinations. Two places worth visiting there are the Bontoc museum, which has a remarkable collection of Cordillera artifacts and architecture, and the trade center at the capitol. The provincial tourism office provides information on specific interests like handloom weaving, wine tasting, and trekking. Among the intriguing items on their tourist map are the 26 M A B U H A Y
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“singing jars” in Bauko town, and the “enchanted eels” near a peak called Mt. Clitoris (no typo error there). Another ancient jeep transported us from Bontoc to Banaue in two and half hours. A stunning landscape of closed canopy forests and rice terraces made up for the bumpy ride. Be prepared for unexpected stops, in our case, a child who needed to pee on the roadside. If you’ve got a bad back, be kind to your vertebrae and don’t take a tricycle to Hapao, one of the Ifugao rice terraces inscribed as a World Heritage Site. The bone-jarring ride is a one-way ticket to the orthopedic ward, and we would have appreciated a word of caution from the tourist office. The scenery from the view deck, or even if you go down to the terraces, is not worth the one and a half hour trip. The view along the way makes up for it, with mist-covered mountains and curvy terraces, but this is best experienced in a fourwheel drive vehicle.
We stayed at the Sanafe Lodge, one of the many family-run inns in Banaue. Sipping brewed coffee on the terrace, I had wondered in previous visits what it would be like to walk across the rickety hanging bridge below. This time, I finally mustered enough courage to get on the rusty metal bridge with circular holes on the flooring, even with two playful kids rocking it vigorously. In the evening, rain and fog kept us company during the overnight bus trip that would take us to Manila in nine hours. The pitter-patter of the raindrops and misty calm lulled me to sleep, physically tired but spiritually refreshed after the mountain sojourn.
Go • Manila to Baguio (Victory Liner) – Php450 (US$9.65) • Baguio to Sagada (Lizardo) – Php220 (US$5); The last trip leaves at 2:30 p.m., but schedules vary so it’s better to call ahead: tel. +6374 304 5994 or +6374 309 2096 • Sagada to Bontoc (jeep) – Php35 (US$.75) • Bontoc to Banawe (jeep) – Php150 (US$3) • Banawe to Manila (Florida) – Php450 pesos (US$9.65); better to reserve early as it gets full very fast
Eat • Open 24 hours, Pizza Volante makes its own dough and is known for the tastiest pizza in town. A margherita pizza for two is good value at Php188 (US$4). – 82 Session Road; tel. +6374 445 0777 or +6374 619 0466 • If you’re in Sagada on a Saturday evening, don’t miss the dinner buffet at Log Cabin. For Php290 (US$6), we had soup, salads, deer ham, chicken with herbs, beans, baked potato slices and divine desserts. – Located at the poblacion; tel. +63920 520 0463 (look for Dave) • Most meals in Banaue come with red rice. The restaurant at the familyrun Uyami’s whips up savory native chicken and de-boned bangus dishes. – Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel tel. +6374 3864087 or +6374 3864088; Uyami’s Greenview Lodge tel. +6374 386 4021
Stay • Villa Cordillera 6 Outlook Drive, Baguio City; tel. +6374 442 6036 • Sanafe Lodge & Restaurant Tel. +6374 386 4085; www.sanafelodge.com
f o l k t a l e s
The Origin of the Mountains
Illustrations by Aurora Morealis
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he first son of Wigan, called Kabigat, descended from the sky region called Hudog to the Earthworld to hunt with dogs. As the earth was then entirely level, his dogs ran freely from one side to another, pursuing the quarry, and this they did without Kabigat hearing their barking. Realizing this, he remarked: “I see that the earth is completely flat because there does not resound the echo of the barking of the dogs.” After becoming pensive for a little while, he decided to return to the heights of the Skyworld. Later on he came down again with a very large cloth, and went to close the exit to the sea of the waters of the rivers, and so it remained closed. He returned again to Hudog, and made it known to Bongabong that he had closed the outlet of the waters. Bongabong answered him: “Go thou to the house of the Cloud, and of the Fog, and bring them to me.” For this purpose, he had given permission beforehand to Cloud and Fog, intimating to them that they should go to the house of Baiyuhibi, and so they did. Baiyuhibi brought together his sons Tumiok, Dumalalu, Lum-udul, Mumbatanaol, and Inaplihan, and he bade them to rain without ceasing for three days. Then Bongabong called to Manguialat, and so they ceased.
The Myths: Philippine Folk Literature by Damiana L. Eugenio Published by The University of the Philippines Press, 2001, Paperback, 513 pages. University of the Philippines Press, E. de los Santos St. University of the Philippines campus; +632 928 2558; www. press.up.edu.ph; email: up.press@gmail.com
Then Wigan said to his son Kabigat: “Go thou and remove the stopper that thou has placed on the waters,” and so he did. And in this manner, when the waters that had covered the earth began to recede, there rose up mountains and valleys, formed by the rushing of the waters. Then Bongabong called Numba’an that he might dry the earth, and so he did.
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Water 101 DR. WILLIE T. ONG raises a glass for nature’s cure-all drink: water. Cheers!
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magine having a dry and flushed skin, parched mouth, sunken eyes, and dizziness all at the same time. That’s just how we’ll react to dehydration because our bodies are made up of mostly water. The brain contains 74% water, blood is 83% water, lean muscle has 75% and bone has 22% water. Experts agree that water is one of the most powerful forms of treatment. So how come most people don’t drink enough water? Perhaps it pays to know more about its health (and beauty!) potentials so you could change your next glass of soda for a cool, refreshing glass of water.
WATER WONDERS • Watermelons are 93% water. • Water leaves the stomach five minutes after consumption. • Humans can live for weeks without food, but we can survive only three to four days without water.
Why?
How?
1. Water helps treat respiratory infections by loosening sticky phlegm. Drinking lots of water is just as beneficial as some mucolytics.
1. Drink eight to 12 glasses a day. Dr. Tanchanco says that we should monitor our urine color and keep it on the light side. However, drink only a maximum of 16 glasses a day, and not more. Too much water can dilute the blood, causing low sodium levels in the blood.
2. Water keeps you alert and energetic. If you’re dehydrated, your blood is literally thicker. This makes it harder for the blood to circulate. As a result, the brain becomes less active and you may feel confused and fatigued. 3. Water reduces heartburn. Taking two to three gulps of water every 20 minutes or so can help flush the stomach acid away. 4. Water prevents dehydration during diarrhea. As a first-aid, mix a glass of water with two teaspoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and drink as much as you can. This is similar to the dextrose solution in the hospital.
2. Drink water when you wake up. Drinking water in the morning helps flush out the toxins that have accumulated all night.
If you’ve had kidney stones, go for distilled water rather than mineral water. Kidney stones are made up of calcium, which is found in mineral water.
5. Water keeps your skin soft and radiant. A dehydrated person has deep-set eyes and wrinkled skin; a fully hydrated person exhibits a beautiful skin tone. 6. Water prevents constipation and its complications. Too little water can harden the stools and lead to hemorrhoids and diverticulosis, a disease of the large bowel.
3. Drink little by little throughout the day. This will lessen the stress on the heart (especially if you have heart disease) and give your body more time to absorb it. 4. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re probably already two glasses below your normal water requirement. Elderly people are also less sensitive to the body’s need for water.
5. Drink water instead of soft drinks, alcohol or coffee. Some experts believe that they can be potentially dehydrating. Drinking alcohol is worse because it actually dehydrates you by making you urinate a lot. 6. Drink more when it’s hot. People living in hot climates like the Philippines need to drink more water. They are more prone to develop kidney stones compared to those living in cooler regions.
7. Water treats urinary tract infection. “Drinking lots of water will help flush out harmful bacteria from your bladder,” says Medical City kidney specialist Dr. Roberto Tanchanco.
7. Drink more as you exercise. Go for an extra 500 ml of water for a 30-minute to 1-hour exercise.
8. Water helps reduce fever. It can help lower your body temperature when you urinate the heat out of your body.
8. Drink more if you’re pregnant. Women who are expecting or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated.
More health questions? E-mail them to drwillieong@gmail.com, and he’ll gladly answer them. Dr. Willie T. Ong specializes in internal medicine and cardiology and has a master’s degree in public health. 28 M A B U H A Y
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Getting Lost in the Calamianes Islands
If you’ve got sea legs and love to feel the wind on your face, simply hop on board a cruise ship plying the truly pristine islands of northern Palawan. YASMIN ARQUIZA did just that. Images by FERDZ DECENA
S
ailing into the quiet bay of Coron on the first day of 2009, I found myself counting life’s blessings as I gazed at the limestone islands and white sandy beaches, the northeasterly breezes blowing all my worries away. On the deck, budding photographers clicked away at the passing scenery while other holiday makers sunned themselves in lounging chairs. We were on the maiden voyage of 7107 Islands Cruise, a medium-sized luxury vessel that promises to ease travel between the party island of Boracay in the Visayas and the more laid-back chain of islands in the Calamianes, which includes Coron. Tourists can fly to either destination and cross over aboard the ship, with the option of making the vessel their floating hotel during their holidays. The choice is especially appealing in Coron, where posh lodging and restaurants are hard to come by. At the Coron port, guests made their selection from local tour packages. One group chose a relaxing dip at the Maquinit Hot Springs, perfect for soothing cramped muscles after several hours of sunbathing on the ship’s deck. The more athletic ones who were not afraid of chilly waters went for an adventurous swim at the Twin Lagoons, which could be reached by going through a rocky entrance to emerge in an enclosed beach. With my traveling companion Ibarra, I opted to finally make the arduous (for me, at least) climb to Mount Tapyas, actually just a grassy hill overlooking the town proper of Coron. There were supposed to be 700 steps on the concrete stairway, and it did feel like we had trudged up hundreds of steps by the time we reached the top. The balmy breeze from the sea calmed the spirit, even as we had to share space with a cheerful family enjoying a picnic on the semi-circular view deck. The wide open area made it a popular hangout for locals, and we passed couples or groups of young people sitting on the covered rest stations as we made our way down. 30 M A B U H A Y
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The following day, the ship lifted anchor and sailed to Malcapuya Island, near the island of Culion. It was fascinating to watch the ship’s pontoon ferrying the guests to the fine white sands of the island, where a lavish picnic lunch complete with roast suckling pig awaited us. The floating platform seemed to hover uncertainly on the choppy waters but the group made it safely out to the island and back to the ship, all wearing requisite life vests. Ibarra and I played it safe and took the more conventional speed boat to the island. Comprising 680 of the Philippine archipelago’s more than 7,000 islands, the Calamianes chain presents a rare opportunity for travelers to explore several natural attractions in one destination. There are lush mangrove forests traversed by quiet rivers that flow out to the sea, where colorful birds can be seen during late afternoon boat rides. Scuba divers love to descend in the crystal-clear waters of the lakes that lie hidden in the massive rocky outcrops of Coron Island. Around most of the islands, stunning coral reefs provide a colorful playground for a wide variety of fish and other undersea creatures. Near Calauit Island, lucky divers and snorkelers may spot the elusive dugong or sea cow, which feeds on sea grass, or the endangered marine turtle.
“Love Boat soon will be making another run The Love Boat promises something for everyone Set a course for adventure, Your mind on a new romance.” - The Loveboat, Paul Williams “What better way is there to see all these than through a cruise ship?” cruise ship owner Steve Tajanlangit reasons out. With a well-appointed ship that once cruised the Mediterranean and Andaman seas, the newest kid on
Most islands in Palawan have more similarities with Vietnam and China than the rest of the Philippines because they were all part of one land mass millions of years ago. M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 31
Barracuda Lake
the tourism block presents a refreshing style of island hopping once its operations are fine-tuned to meet the demands of discriminating guests. Even with well-heeled travelers on board, no one was inclined to buy expensive birds’ nests as souvenirs from Coron. Instead, many of the Manila-based guests chose to bring home loads of dried fish, displayed in abundance on the stalls just outside the gate of the port. Ibarra and I settled for gray “Dive Coron” t-shirts that had drawings of Japanese shipwrecks at the back, one more reason to make a return trip to Coron when summer comes around.
Insight: The Tagbanuas
A swiftlet’s nest
The islands in the Calamianes are home to the Tagbanua people, an indigenous community that makes a living during the dry season by climbing the steep cliffs to collect birds’ nests, an important ingredient in Chinese cuisine and medicine. Unlike the forestdwelling Tagbanua in the Palawan mainland, the Tagbanua in the Calamianes are seafarers who depend on fishing as their main livelihood. Recognizing their culture, the government has granted Coron island and its surrounding seas to the community as their ancestral domain. Although gentle and friendly, the Tagbanuas are assertive of their territorial rights and still practice their indigenous justice system, which may be applied to outsiders who violate their laws. They comprise about onefourth of the population in the municipality of Coron, and are also found in Bulalacao Island as well as Buenavista.
Go
For more information on 7107 Islands Cruise, call tel. +632 887 7107 or visit www.7107islandscruise.net. Rates start at Php2,750 (US$58) per head per night based on a quadruple sharing, breakfast included. Cruises scheduled on March 1926 and April 9-16, 2009. Departure from Boracay is every Saturday at 7 p.m.
PALExpress flies between Manila and Busuanga three times a week, and between Manila and Caticlan 10 times daily. PALakbayan tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com.
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迷失在Calamianes 群岛 如果您钟爱游泳、热爱大自然又喜好吹海风, 那就登上游船展开探索巴拉望北部的魔 幻群岛之旅吧！YASMIN ARQUIZA 即是如此。 我们乘坐7107 Islands 轮船出游，它是个中型的豪华游船，载送游客游览长滩岛和 Calamianes 群岛。游客们可以选择飞到上述任何一个目的地，然后再乘船到其它的岛 屿。他们更可以把游船当成水上酒店。这种鲜有的选择在难以寻找旅店和餐馆踪迹的 Coron 尤其吸引人。 在Coron 港口，一些游客选择轻松写意地在Maquinit温泉浸泡；一些则到Twin Lagoons 游泳，舒展筋骨；而我却选择了和我的旅伴Ibarra一起攀登Tapyas山。隔日， 该游船驶往Malcapuya岛，看着游船的浮舟把游客载送到那披着细白沙滩的岛屿，真让 人雀跃！沙滩上早已备好丰盛的午餐，等待我们享用，而且还是以野餐方式进行呢！ 菲律宾的7107个岛里，Calamianes 群岛占据了其中的680个。它们为游客们提供了一 个难得的机会，即可在一个目的地探索好几种自然景观，这包括了观赏几片红树林穿 插过涌向大海的河流。另外，还有隐藏 于Coron岛的清澈湖泊，这是潜水员们热爱下 潜的好地方。令人惊艳的珊瑚礁环绕着大多数岛屿的四周围，为海底生物提供了个丰 富多彩的乐园。靠近Calauit岛处，幸运的潜水员更有机会当场观看难以捉摸的濒临绝 种海龟。 “有什么方法比乘搭游船近距离欣赏这些来得更好呢？” 船主Steve Tajanlangit 说 道。这设备齐全的船舶曾经横渡地中海和安达曼海域，一旦其操作法能满足客人的要 求，它将会为旅游业带来令人耳目一新的岛屿环游。
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Mabuhay editor-in-chief Jun Ventura with his new friends from Buslon
The Dreams of Island Children
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Cagwait, Surigao del Sur “Waikiki of the South”
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Top photo by Jake Verzosa; Bottom photo by Jojie Alcantara
agreed to be a judge for Havaianas’ “Flipping for the Beach” essay writing contest because it was a good concept. There are many photo contests nowadays but there are few events that encourage creative writing. Part of the bargain of being a judge was to accompany an essay winner; in this case, Joanna Fuertes, who chose as her prize, to retrace her awardwinning essay about a vacation in her husband’s hometown in Surigao del Sur. We made a short trip to Lake Mainit in Surigao del Sur that is easily accessible to visit from the main highway. One of the tour’s organizers, Anton Diaz, the creator of the blog “OurAwesomePlanet,” correctly included this stop to allow our group to view this placid lake in its un-spoiled condition. Devoid of any commercial development, it was indeed, a treat to allow your eyes and thoughts to wonder in such a tranquil setting. The following day, we traveled to check out some pristine spots of Surigao del Sur. One of them is Cagwait whose quarter-moon shaped beach is even billed as the “Waikiki of the South.” It is not easy getting to these parts. The first hour on the road was along the smooth highway. The next two hours when we went deep inland, was quite rough as we traveled mostly on uneven dirt roads.
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The following is an excerpt from the winning essay of Joanna E. Fuertes, one of the seven winners of the Havaianas “Flipping for the Beach” Essay Writing Contest last March 2008. She wrote about Buslon Island in Barangay Britanya, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.
“Exhilarating… Unexplored… Exotic… Refreshing… Truly a Work of God. This is how I describe the best beach in the Philippines compared to the beaches I have been to in Batangas, Ilocos, Puerto Galera and even Palawan. The first time I saw this beach, I got tongue-tied and goose bumps because of its wonderful scenery, and crystal-clear blue green water. The sand is at its very finest; it was like walking on polvoron. During low tide, you can feel the sea weeds and see the very rich marine life even without snorkels or goggles. You can cross a snake-like sand bar and walk towards another island. It was really exhilarating looking at the huge expanse of water and the surrounding islands, the vast mangroves and the very calm water. In fact, when we stayed there I found myself looking at this wonderful sight with calm spirit that led me to snooze for a few minutes. Truly a great work of God.”
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< Top to bottom: the beauty queens of Buslon; fresh seafood for lunch; winner Joanna Fuertes with her husband Ricky and daughter Jeri
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We finally reached the hometown of the husband of essay winner Joanna whose relatives, with typical provincial hospitality, treated us with a sumptuous picnic in Buslon Island. With waters rich with marine life and unpolluted, our lunch consisted of freshly grilled seafood including giant crabs and delicious shells that can only be found in these islands. We were also served with cola drinks and bottled beer and I know that these can be expensive for our hosts to provide but these they did so, even with a big dent on their pockets, just to provide the best for visitors. After my lunch, I swam and befriended the children of the fishermen. These island kids with their shining sunburned skin and happy grins range in age from six to 10 years old. Talk about the influence of show business even in these isolated islands, these young girls have catchy glamorous names like “Beverly” and “Champagne.” They taught me how to catch jellyfish without being stung (by holding on to its head) and the boys proudly showed me their miniature spear guns. I asked about their favorite school subjects and most of them answered Mathematics and English. I then asked what they wish to be in the future and they said they wanted to be doctors and architects. I asked why and they said that they wish to come back to their villages and help others. When we landed back to the main island, I narrated to one of the village women leaders that it was so nice to hear their children having lofty ambitions. She replied that yes, it is nice, but she rhetorically asked: “Will they have the means to go and finish college?” I felt the bright ray that I felt from the buoyant optimism of the innocent ambitions of poor children was suddenly cast in a dark cloud of sobering reality. I only hope that when they reach college age, they would have the means to pursue their childhood dreams. Where these means would come, I do not know, realizing that the odds are against them. But I would also like to believe that everything is possible in this world.
Go • San Agustin is accessible via Bachelor Express buses from Surigao City. Travel time is five hours. For transportation assistance, call the Department of Tourism regional office at +6385 815 6040 or +6385 341 8413.
PALExpress flies between Manila and Surigao 11 times a week. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www. philippineairlines.com.
China: The Global Superstar
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Photo by Justin Ventura
Who would think that 16 years ago, this glittering skyline of Pudong, which means “East of Huangpu River,” was just a vast cornfield? Now, it’s where China ’s tallest buildings stand. At the leftmost side is the Pearl TV Tower, rising with roughly 150 floors. For 50RMB (US$7), you can visit the observation decks and the revolving restaurant. But perhaps the best way to view Shanghai is by riding the colorfully-lit boat such as this one in which you can see Pudong on one side and The Bund on the other.
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s the sun rises from the East, the world’s eyes are now turned to its mighty dragon, China. Whether you speak of the global economy or tourism, or both, China has become the current superstar of our planet. With an ironic twist, the rest of the capitalist world is now looking towards this socialist giant of 1.3 billion people to save them with China’s infusion of US$700 billion to their economy. All countries are abetting that they will be part of the buy list of China’s foreign purchases and get a slice of this money pie to help their own battered economies reeling in this global recession. Where is this money coming from? Unlike the United States that has to go through their Congress to devise ways and means to raise funds that entail new debts, China has US$2 trillion in cash reserves and in fact, holds another US$1 trillion in American securities. Thus, their pump priming of their economy comes from cold cash from their own savings. All of China’s prosperity is the brainchild of one diminutive man, Deng Xiaoping. Short in height (barely 5 foot tall), he was a giant – the genius - responsible for liberalizing China. He allowed foreign investments and the individual Chinese to benefit from their own production unlike in the past, when everything was owned by the state. According to Newsweek magazine, when Deng’s radical economic reforms began in the 1980s, the average Chinese was only earning US$500 a year. After 20 years, it is now six times and the average is US$3,000. China now ranks third in economic standing in the world after Japan and the United States and National Geographic predicts that it is bound to overtake the U.S. as the world’s biggest economy in 10 years. While a good number of the world’s leading economies are expected to experience negative growth, China, thanks to its economic stimulus, would still grow by 7% (a reduction from the 12% annual growth from the past 15 years). With more than a 4,000 year old civilization and the dazzling praise it has garnered from the recently held Beijing Summer Olympics, China now ranks fifth in tourism with 54.70 million visitors in 2007. Fortunately, China has taken pause in its previous all-out modernization drive and is consciously making steps to preserve its rich heritage. In this special report, we feature how Beijing’s hutongs are now being spared from bulldozers and are reincarnated into cool cafés and boutiques. In Xiamen, Gulangyu Island, with its gardens and manicured parks, continue to be enhanced and be more alluring. We also show you why a visit to China wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the romantic lakes of Hangzhou - China’s “honeymoon capital.” Finally, we reveal Shanghai beyond its touristy sites with a photo essay “Hidden Shanghai.” – Jun Ventura M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 39
With such proverbial beauty, the West Lake is aptly compared to Xizi, the Chinese Cleopatra.
March 2009
Photo by Jean-Francois Peron
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RICHARD SHAW is mesmerized by the ancient tea culture and the stunning lake in the place that once captured Marco Polo’s heart
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here’s an old Chinese saying that goes: “There is heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below.” While Suzhou is famed for its exquisite ancient gardens, Hangzhou has long been regarded as one of China’s more beautiful cities. Indeed when Marco Polo passed through the capital of eastern China’s Zhejiang Province in the late 13th century, he was quick to declare it “the most charming city in the entire world.” Now this stunning beauty—one of China’s oldest cities—draws millions of domestic and international visitors each year. Hangzhou’s most famous attraction, and perhaps what really captured Marco Polo’s heart, is the stunning West Lake. There are some 36 lakes scattered throughout China with the name West Lake, but none have quite the same meaning as Hangzhou’s. Positioned, as its name implies, in the western part of the city, this vast expanse of water is bordered on three sides by rolling hills, while the city itself flanks the lake’s eastern shores. Long a favorite retreat of Hangzhou’s imperial rulers, the lake and its surrounds have all the elements of a traditional Chinese Garden—but on a much grander scale Divided into a number of sections and with four islands sitting in its midst, the West Lake delightfully combines the surrounding natural beauty with several traditional temples, gardens, and ageing stone bridges for one of the most beautiful spots in the Middle Kingdom. Spring is an especially wonderful time to visit, when the colorful blossoms show off the lake in its finest glory. It’s really no wonder that generations of Chinese since ancient times have continued to praise the West Lake for its intoxicating beauty. Su Shi, a famous poet who wrote during the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 A.D.), likened the allure of this wonderful lake to Xizi, a Chinese Cleopatra. One of the best ways to take in the scale of West Lake and its surrounds is to stand atop the hill on Solitary Island, situated between the Outer Lake and the North Inner Lake, and gaze across the vistas. Surrounding the
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lake are scattered a number of temples and historical sites that are integral to the West Lake’s appeal. To the northwest lies the famous Mausoleum of General Yue Fei. This monument stands in honor of this patriotic hero who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of his archrival Qin Hui, the then Song Dynasty prime minister. Heading westwards beyond the lake the Lingyin Temple, or Soul Retreat Temple, is widely regarded amongst China’s 10 famous Buddhist Temples and the most popular Buddhist pilgrimage spot in the south of this great country. Lingyin began life in 326 A.D. when the Indian monk Huili arrived here. He was so taken by the beauty of this area he thought it was a retreat of supernatural beings and thus he decided to build a temple.
Long a favorite retreat for Hangzhou’s imperial rulers, the lake and its surrounds have all the elements of a traditional Chinese Garden—but on a much grander scale. Reaching 34 meters, the temple’s main hall is incredibly high for a single story building. But one of its purposes is to house the huge 25-meter tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Carved from 24 pieces of camphor wood, the largest seated wooden Buddha in China is often surrounded by the tens of thousands of pilgrims who descend daily on the temple during peak periods. The West Lake is certainly Hangzhou’s most famous attraction, but the city is equally synonymous for two particular products: tea and silk. Tea drinking’s origins in China stretch well over 4,000 years and it continues to remain at the heart of Chinese culture. One of finest and most famous varieties of green tea is the Longjing, or
Our society today is indebted to Chinese genius for some of the greatest inventions such as the abacus, seismograph, decimal system, paper currency, and civil service examinations. M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 41
Hangzhou has been called the “Capital of Love” because many of its historical sites and scenic spots are included in love or marriage tales. –www. chinadaily.com.cn
Photo by Jean-Francois Peron
Dragon Well Being. For centuries the very best leaves of this fine brew have been grown by the shores of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the tradition continues today. Situated on the appropriately named Longjing Road, the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation and the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of Chinese tea. Equally some of the finest quality Chinese Silk are produced in Hangzhou and the city is now home to the excellent China National Silk Museum. The first national museum to be dedicated to silk culture, this is also the largest of its kind in the world. Hangzhou is also the site of some of ancient China’s greatest engineering feats. Though it took more than a thousand years to complete the Grand Canal system, running 1,600 kilometers, it is the longest man-made waterway in the world—surpassing the Suez and Panama canals. Still in use today, this vast network of snaking waterways enables boats to ferry goods and passengers from Hangzhou north to the Yellow River and even Beijing. Linking up with the Grand Canal system, Hangzhou’s Qiantang River, flowing through the eastern section of the city, has become famous in China for an amazing natural spectacle. Each year on the eighteenth day of the eighth lunar month, coinciding with China’s traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, millions of visitors come to see the river rise. Rapidly surging almost 10 meters in height, the sound generated is often likened to thunder or thousands of galloping horses.
Go • Hangzhou is approximately 200 kilometers away from Shanghai. Both cities are connected via an expressway, so travel time is around two to three hours by train or bus.
Stay • Comprising two separate buildings, the Hangzhou Shangri-La offers gorgeous views across the lake and the hotel’s lush gardens. – www.shangri-la.com
Dine • With spectacular views spreading across the Lake, Louwailou’s menu features a lineup of classic Hangzhou dishes like Beggar’s Chicken, Shrimp with Dragon Well Green Tea, and Sister Song’s Thick Fish Soup. – 30 Gushan Road, Solitary Island; tel. +86 571 879 6968 • Hangzhou’s largest restaurant is also famed for its sumptuous local cuisine. Zhi Wei Guan’s signature dishes include Fried Cod, Yinsi Rolls, Sanxian Shaomai, and Lotus Root served alongside sweet glutinous rice. –83 Renhe Road; tel. +86 571 8781 8702 • In the elegant surroundings of an antique mansion, Hangzhou’s finest Italian Restaurant is set by the southern shores of the West Lake. Studded with Italian favorites, Va Bene’s menu includes traditional desserts and coffee. –147 Nanshan Road, House 8, Xihutiandi; tel. +86 571 8702 6333
Click • www.visithangzhou.com • http://inhangzhou.com
PAL flies to Hangzhou via Shanghai. Direct flights will soon be launched by PAL. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com.
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shanghai by Justin G. Ventura 44 M A B U H A Y
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50 years ago, the only time a Chinese would go down underground shelters was to practice in case of an American nuclear attack during the Cold War period. Now Shanghai’s yuppies are drawn to a new concept club aptly called “Shelter,” where they go underground and chill-out to the latest dance music in a dungeon-like atmosphere. Shanghai, this mega city of 18.5 million hyperactive residents, has always been China’s most progressive. The most dazzling buildings are here and were even used for the dramatic stunts in the hit movie Mission Impossible III. It is China’s business and fashion capital with one of the world’s most active stock exchanges and where Louis Vuitton has one of its largest flagship stores. It is a city used to being a leader and trendsetter. The world’s first and only commercially operated magnetic levitation train or the maglev runs in Shanghai at a top speed of 430 kilometers per hour (imagine reaching Laoag, Ilocos Norte from Manila in just an hour). When you want to glimpse China’s-if not the world’smost futuristic city, Shanghai will give you an eyeful. Take an easy guess where the World Expo will be held in 2010-it’s Shanghai, of course.
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If you live in Shanghai, it is common to sight two Ferraris a week driven by young women.
The images on this page represent how quirky, flamboyant, rich, and decadent Shanghai can be. In a lounge bar called “Brown Sugar” (above photo) in Xintiandi, Shanghai’s upscale leisure strip, hangs a chandelier worth US$35,000 while the walls of its toilet are luxuriously clad in real leather (upper right photo). In another bar, Mao (right photo), one wall is amusingly decorated with many faucets. The people of Shanghai are known to be flashy. No such thing here as being “low profile”—when they have money, they flaunt it. For instance, to show affluence, most would not order drinks by the glass, but buy a whole bottle.
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You may either call it Westernized or China has joined the global village but at Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bars you will find Chinese youth (above) garbed and dancing to the hip-hop craze. There are about 140 bars in Shanghai where some offer, for 150 yuan (about US$20), a drink-all-you-can attraction. While Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are dancing on bar ledges, their parents and elders (below) are merrily gliding in ballroom dancing in front of large, nine-storey malls where bands provide free entertainment. Leisure activities like these would have been unheard of during the Mao era and would get the ordinary Chinese into a lot of trouble ranging from attending re-education classes to spending jail time.
Useful websites: www.smartshanghai.com, http://shanghai.urbananatomy.com/, www.citymoments.com M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 47
Formerly a dormant residential area, the Tai Kang Alley area (left photo) is now becoming an attraction known for bohemian haunts (bottom right photo) with hole-in-the-wall art studios, galleries, boutiques, cafĂŠs, and restaurants. Just walk a couple of blocks from Xintiandi and you will stumble upon a bustling street flea market where you can find a treasure full of Chinese knickknacks (photo below). If you are wondering how the ordinary resident gets by in controlling their expenses, in most busy streets, vendors offer an assortment of appetizing Chinese meals (bottom left photo) such as jian bing (crepe) made out of batter, egg, hoisin sauce, peanuts, and spring onions for only two yuan or RMB (US$0.25 or about Php15).
PAL flies between Manila and Shanghai daily. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. 48 M A B U H A Y
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china’s glittering pearl Vestiges of Dutch colonial rule and a rich Chinese history welcome DANIEL ALLEN as he steps into the coastal city of Xiamen
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s a dying sun transforms the harbor into a fiery-hued Monet landscape, careworn fishing boats ferry their day’s catch past ranks of ochre-walled villas. While the scenery is distinctly Mediterranean, this is Xiamen, due south of Shanghai in the Chinese province of Fujian. Clean and green, and with a rich colonial heritage, it’s easy to see why this coastal city has earned its reputation as China’s “glittering pearl.” With a geographically favorable position opposite Taiwan, Xiamen has long been an important conduit through which goods and people flowed into and out of China. Many Xiamenese have settled overseas, and today the city is an ancestral mecca for around 350,000 Chinese expats. The majority of Taiwanese residents trace their lineage back to southern Fujian, which explains why people in Xiamen and Taiwan have similar language, dress, customs and cuisine, and why so many Taiwanese businessmen have invested in the Xiamen economy. Xiamen’s greatest tourist attraction is also the most eye-catching product of its strategic location. Gulangyu (“Drum Wave Island”) is a picturesque, 1.78-square kilometer islet named for the curious drumming sound once caused by tides surging through its hollow rocks. After the mid19th century opium wars, Xiamen became a treaty port, and Gulangyu was developed as an offshore foreign enclave. Although Gulangyu’s colonial days have long been consigned to history books, the island still boasts an attractive array of slowly decaying Victorian-era buildings, which in the island’s heyday served as the offices of consulate-generals, as well as homes for its thriving business community. Today, Gulangyu’s network of serpentine paths takes tourists past elegant mansions, high-walled gardens and manicured parks, and offers breathtaking views over the sea and downtown Xiamen. Cars and bicycles remain forbidden, so the only wheeled devices are a couple of miniature fire engines, electric tourist carts, and hundreds of barrows.
Though Xiamen has a GDP of US$20 billion, it takes more pride in being known as China â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cleanest city, making it one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most livable cities together with Shenzhen and Beijing.
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Unsurprisingly, there are all manner of craft on hand to transport visitors to and from Gulangyu. Direct ferries regularly ply the narrow channel between Xiamen waterfront and the island (return ticket is around RMB 10 or US$1.50). There are also tour boats that circumnavigate the island, offering panoramic views of Xiamen’s skyscrapers and the Gulangyu coastline (tickets are around RMB 30 or US$4). Those looking for a thrill can hire a speedboat (RMB 30 or US$4 per person) for a short, adrenaline-fueled trip around Gulangyu. Meandering across Gulangyu, visitors are often surprised to hear
With over 350 pianos (one in every five homes), Gulangyu actually has more pianos per capita than any other Chinese city, and is also known by locals as “Piano Island” or “Music Island.”
the dulcet tones of classical music emanating from doorways and shuttered windows. The island’s inhabitants have long had a talent for music and a special fondness for the piano. Several famous musicians and China’s first female conductor, Zhou Shuan, were born on Gulangyu. With over 350 pianos (one in every five homes), Gulangyu actually has more pianos per capita than any other Chinese city, and is also known by locals as “Piano Island” or “Music Island.” The piano museum located inside the Shuzhuang Garden (tickets RMB 30 or US$4) boasts 30 priceless
keyboards, rarely played though lovingly polished. Music lovers may also care to check out Gulangyu’s music hall, organ museum, and renowned music academy. Another high point of a Gulangyu tour is Sunlight Rock (Riguang Yan). This granite outcrop offers spectacular views at dawn and dusk, when sunlight bathes the area and turns the sea golden. A combined ticket for RMB 95 or US$13 is available for entry into Shuzhuang Garden and Sunlight Rock. Back in the city, the waterfront opposite Gulangyu boasts a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways, quaint colonial architecture, wet markets, and verdant parks. Xiamen offers keen shoppers plenty of options—the main shopping streets are Zhongshan Lu and Datong Lu, with all the familiar Chinese stores and some international malls too. Art lovers should check out the Wushipu District, with hundreds of galleries and oil painting studios. Longtou Lu on Gulangyu also has a parade of shops offering reasonablypriced Fujian handicrafts, antiques, and local produce. Seafood lovers will certainly find Xiamen’s cuisine to their liking. There are also a growing number of international restaurants—the newly established Coyote Café serves some excellent fajitas and margaritas (around RMB 200 or US$30 for two, with drinks). The 50-year old Ze He Huang Restaurant on Zhongshan Lu is worth visiting for some excellent noodles with peanut soup (around RMB 20 or US$3). Also worth a half-day tour is Xiamen’s Nanputuo Temple (entrance at RMB 3 / US$0.5), the most famous Buddhist temple in the city. Nearby is the leafy campus of Xiamen University, with some beautiful colonial buildings, and the Hulishan Battery, renowned for housing the largest and the smallest cannons in the world. For visitors accustomed to Xiamen’s diverting juxtaposition of old and new, the latter is simply one more contrast in a surprisingly wellaged city.
The Xiamen local
閩南語 Xiamen is regarded as the hometown of overseas Chinese, and has more of a Southeast Asian feel than other Chinese cities. Most people in Xiamen speak “Min Nan,” also called Fukienese, although the younger generation can speak Mandarin and some English. The locals are considered more open than other mainland Chinese, and are generally kind, helpful, courteous and humorous. They also take great pride in their environment, which explains why Xiamen is such a clean and attractive city.
Go • A taxi ride downtown from the airport takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs around RMB 35 (US$5). Bus tickets cost RMB1–2 (US$0.3). Taxis are also common and easily caught in most areas of the city.
Stay • Flora Inn 54 Guxin Road, Gulangyu Rates start at RMB 120 (US$17) Tel. +86592 206 7888; www.florainn.cn
Dine • Coyote Café Yuan Dang Road, 58-2 Gan Long Hua Yuan, Xiamen Lunch: 11:30a.m. - 4p.m. Dinner: 5:30p.m. - 10p.m. Tel. +86592 504 6623; www.coyotecafe.asia
Shop • Xiamen Huiji Oil Painting 602 Zhen Yuan Shan South Road, Heshan, Xiamen Tel. +86592 551 0230; www.xmhj-art.com
Click • www.amoymagic.com • www.whatsonxiamen.com/home.php • http://english.xm.gov.cn
PAL flies between Manila and Xiamen daily. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com.
Football, playing cards, toilet paper, parachutes, umbrellas…can you imagine how boring and inconvenient life would be without these? Thanks to the ingenuity and creativity of the Chinese, these inventions have made our lives easier! 52 M A B U H A Y
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beijing’s h uto n g cool The ancient capital is brimming with so much culture, but these labyrinthine alleys in RICHARD SHAW’s city are giving China a facelift where old meets hip.
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ne of Beijing’s greatest charms is hours spent wandering about the city’s ageing and character-oozing hutongs. With their origins scaling over 1,000 years, these sprawling narrow streets and alleys have long been the place where the pulse of everyday life has beat in this ancient capital. Lined with traditional courtyard residences, called siheyuan, many of the residences lining Beijing’s hutongs date to the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912). Nowhere else in China are these gorgeous old neighbourhoods integral to a city’s identity.
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Many of Beijing’s hutongs made way for commercial and residential developments under China’s modernization drive, but recent years have seen a reversal and many are now protected for their cultural significance. Today, Beijing’s hutongs have become very much in vogue as the fusion of old China with modern cool has become the height of fashion. Suddenly the hutongs are once again alive—brimming with restaurants and bars, funky boutiques, cool cafés, and galleries.
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Located in Huohai hutong, the witty No Name Restaurant (opposite page) serves up sour and hot Yunnan dishes in a comfortable setting. (This page top to bottom) Grifted, found in Nanluogu Xiang, sells quirky stationeries, shirts, and umbrellas. 16mm Bar, also in Nanluogu Xiang, offers coffee and has film showings. If Chinese art is your thing, head to Liulichang Street , where you’ll find calligraphy, paintings, and other knick knacks.
North from the Forbidden City, the Houhai area is one of the most popular places for exploring the hutong laneways and traditional courtyard homes of Old Beijing. Spreading from the shores of the majestic Shichahai Lake, this delightful area is brimming with countless rustic restaurants, cafes, and bars. With many venues incorporating outdoor settings, this wonderful area takes on a whole new dimension during the warmer months. Just near the Bell Tower, Café Sambal (43 Doufuchi Hutong (corner of Jiugulou Da Jie), Xicheng District; tel. +8610 6400 4875) is one of Beijing’s best Singaporean and Malaysian restaurants. Housed in a rustic traditional courtyard, combining both indoor and outdoor dining, this cozy former home is decorated with a classic mix of Chinese antique furniture and modern cool. In a small alleyway running just off the lakeshore, Hutong Pizza (9 Yindingqiao Hutong, Xicheng District; tel. +8610 6617 5916) is set in another restored courtyard home and serves an assorted range of delicious pizza in this thoroughly quaint setting. A little farther east from Houhai, the Nanluogu Xiang, a 700-year-old alley running 800 meters from north to south, has in recent years become an epicentre of Beijing cool. Once a flourishing commercial street during the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368), today, it’s lined with hip restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, all housed in traditional buildings. Intersected by several hutongs running east to west, indeed the popularity of Nanluogu Xiang and its fusion of both old and modern China have been instrumental in Beijing’s hutongs becoming increasingly in vogue. Opened in 1999 the Pass By Bar (108 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District; tel. +8610 8403 8004; meal for two at 100-200RMB/US$15-30) was one of the first establishments to open in Nanluogu Xiang to begin the trend. With its Tibetan-themed interior, this café and restaurant features a mixed Chinese and Western menu; the leafy outdoor courtyard is simply divine on a warm summer evening. Just a stone’s throw up the road, the Drum and Gong (104 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District; tel. +8610 8402 4729; meal for two at 100RMB/US$15) vies as one the most popular restaurants along this strip. With its rooftop terrace looking over the street and the surrounding ancient rooftops, this inexpensive eatery delightfully fuses the flavors of Sichuan with other Chinese cuisines. Favorites include the Kong Pao Chicken and the Shui Zhu Yu, a fish dish. In the southern section of Nanluogu Xiang, 12SQM (1 Fuxiang Hutong Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District; tel. +8610 6402 1554), literally 12 squaremeters in area, wins the award for Beijing’s smallest bar. It has an excellent range of drinks, including imported and local beers, but a must-try is the house cocktail—the Beijing Sky. Big things definitely come in small packages and the cozy atmosphere of this establishment has quickly proved a winner. Interspersed amongst the numerous bars, cafés and restaurants are a swathe of boutiques, craft, and fashion accessory shops. In Nanluogu Xiang’s northern section, Plastered (61 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District; mobile +86 1348 884 8855) has been the brainchild of a British expat turned long-time Beijing resident. The store is renowned for its array of quirky retro shirts, featuring iconic Beijing images from old subway tickets to taxi and noodle-shop signs. There’s no doubt that one of the things many Beijing visitors want to do is sample the city’s famous roast duck. In an old hutong southeast from Tiananmen Square, Liqun Roast Duck (11 Beixiangfeng, Zhengyi Lu, Chongwen District; tel.
The Chinese are also credited for the discovery of solar wind, and the invention of iron chain suspension bridges, explosives, chemistry, and the mechanical clock. M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 55
Squeeze in! The novelty of 12SQM—literally 12 square meters in area—is that it’s so tiny that you can easily warm up to the other customers while enjoying some cool drinks.
+8610 6705 5578) has become a Beijing institution. This family-run restaurant serves succulent whole ducks in this simple courtyard setting. Buried deep in a hutong neighbourhood, finding the Liqun can be a little tricky, but the locals know where visitors want to go, pointing them in the right direction. For a Beijing dining experience to be truly remembered there’s nothing quite like The Courtyard (95 Donghuamen Da Jie, Dongcheng District; tel. +8610 6526 8883; meal for two starts at 400RMB/US$59). Perched on the moat overlooking the Forbidden City, this fine dining restaurant boasts exquisite views across the Forbidden City’s eastern flank. Occupying a historic building that once belonged to the imperial court of the Qing Dynasty, the stylish interior blends past and present through traditional Asian with modern Western design. The restaurant’s menu delightfully fuses Continental cuisine with Asian flavours. From one side of the Forbidden City to the other and the What Bar (72 Beichang Jie Xicheng District; mobile +86 1334 112 2757) is surely one of the world’s more intimate and unique live music venues. Though not as small as 12SQM, the rustic old courtyard building housing this is still pretty tiny. Despite its size some of the city’s best acts often play here, and a front row seat may well see you literally nursing some of the band’s gear.
Insight
The Typical Beijinger
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andarin is a European word used to term the Chinese national language. The Chinese call it Putong Hua, which means “common language.” As China has a thousand dialects and Beijing has been the seat of power through much of the nation’s history it was chosen as the basis of a single national language in 1955. Mandarin derives from the national capital, but no one enunciates it quite like your typical Beijinger. While the addition of a rolling “r” sound at the end of many words is the ire of countless Chinese from elsewhere, Beijing’s language is also one of the most rich and colorful of China’s dialects. It is often said that to have a greater understanding of Beijing’s uniqueness, just close your eyes and listen to the locals speak. During the warmer months, countless people will be out playing cards and mahjong in the street, engaging in morning Tai Chi sessions, or performing dance routines in city parks each evening. Beijingers have long been renowned for their obsession for food and knowledge. Like many Chinese, they eat heartily when they can and read voraciously. The ambition of most families is to give their children a higher education or a good job. As China rapidly modernizes, young Beijingers are becoming increasingly savvy and sophisticated.
PAL flies between Manila and Beijing four times a week. Swingaround tour packages are available. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. 56 M A B U H A Y
March 2009
Lucky way About to take feng shui matters into your own hands? Let CRISTINA MUNNARIZ bring in every practitioner’s trusty friend: the compass
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t may be an ancient Chinese practice, but feng shui—the art of positioning objects to achieve harmony— continues to gain enthusiasts worldwide. Feng shui has three basic schools of thought: Black Hat School, Form School and Compass School, each distinctive in its approach and substance. Black Hat uses the front door as a reference point, while Form School uses the shape of the space concerned and its surroundings to find the best living condition. Feng shui novices simply follow the Compass School Feng Shui. Once you’ve mastered reading your compass and identified the directions of the space, implementing the cures and enhancers would be a breeze. It’s important for any feng shui practitioner to know the facing direction and sitting direction of the space or house concerned. The facing direction means the compass direction, which the front door directly faces. If you’re standing on your doorway facing out into the street, that is the facing direction. The direction behind you is the sitting direction. For example, if you’re standing from your door looking out and the compass in your hand says that you are facing North, then the sitting direction is South. Easy enough, eh? Once the facing direction has been identified, the other seven cardinal directions can easily be plotted on your floor plan. From the center of your floor plan, divide your space into an eight-piece pie. Label the facing and sitting directions and the rest of the directions. For starters, you might want to do small feng shui, which means you can
restrict this pie to your living room space in the meantime. If you want to plot the pie on your entire floor space, then that is big feng shui. Each direction represents an element. All you have to do is place a representation of that element in each direction of the space concerned. The five elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. According to their placement in the compass directions, they are in a productive cycle. Water feeds Wood, which creates Fire. Earth when fired up creates Metal. Bearing this in mind, it is important to complete the enhancers for each direction or the productive cycle will not happen. • The North represents the element of Water, the bringer of opportunities. You can place water features, such as fountains, aquariums, pictures or paintings of bodies and creatures of water. The element of Water is also represented by the color blue. • The Northeast and Southwest both represent Earth, the element of solidity and permanence. This element is necessary in a place full of movement. Ceramics and earthy colors help call this element in your space. • The element of Wood promotes development and creative energies. Plants, flowers, and the color green should be directions of East and Southeast. • Fire represents energy and passion and is the most powerful among elements. Lamps, candles, and the color red should be in the South part of the space. Be wary of putting too much Fire. Balance should be maintained among the elements. Place the objects one at a time, with a twoweek interval in between. Then notice the things happening around you. Too much fire can exhaust you. • In the West and Northwest are where you put the element of Metal—the transmitter and conductor of energy or, in the case of Feng Shui, chi. Philosophically, coins and bills are the symbol of prosperity in modern times. In these directions, metal objects are best placed. You can even use three ang pao coins tied together with a red ribbon.
The Master’s Tool: Luo Pan The compass— just like medicine, gunpowder, and paper—is one of the great Chinese inventions. Devised during the Han Dynasty (2nd century), the ancient compass was a ladleshaped pointer placed at the center of a bronze square plate. Geomancers used this to find out the best time and location for important events such as burials. Today, the compass is used in navigation, setting building orientations, mining, and astronomy. There is no need for a fancy compass to start doing feng shui. A trusty outdoor compass will do just fine. Before you do a compass reading, you must always remove any metal objects such as watches, jewelry, mobile phones on you to determine the direction. You must also put the compass well-balanced on your palm at waist level.
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People. visual arts. trends. Gadgets. worthy causes... and everything else
The Lighter Side
“QUE HORROR!” 2008 Acrylic on canvas, 60”x48”
Filipino Artist in the Big Apple Paulo Romualdez Vinluan was born in Queens, New York in 1980. He graduated cum laude with a fine arts degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman and has been exhibiting his works since 2000. He recently held his fourth solo at Finale Gallery last December 2008. He now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Upcoming solo shows: June 2009 at Blanc Art Space and August 2009 at Finale Art File. www.pauloromualdezvinluan.com 58 M A B U H A Y
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Read.
Punong Pinoy Series (Filipino Tree Series) Photo by Ryan Guevarra/Haribon
The Dalingdingan is endemic to Sibuyan and is found in seasonal evergreen forests on red sticky volcanic soil along ridges up to an altitude of 700 m. A medium-sized to fairly large species is 35 m tall with a 65 cm diameter trunk and narrow buttresses. The timber of Dalingdingan is used as Merawan for general house construction, posts and bridges. Thus, it is continually threatened by large-scale logging.
BARK: Smooth LEAVES: Long, pointed with a thin leathery surface. It blooms in April or May.
Soledad’s Sister
by Jose Dalisay Anvil Publishing Inc.
SM Goes GREEN
To help raise consciousness about the environment, world-renowned artist Manuel Baldemor accepted SM’s invitation to design the new SM Supermall Greenbags. The Greenbag is a reusable, multi-purpose bag that is available in four designs—land, air, sea, and energy—for Php35 (80 US cents) with every Php500 (US$11) receipt purchase. For every sale of the Greenbag,
Jose “Butch” Dalisay’s Soledad’s Sister is proof that the novel can still hold ground in local literature. Soledad meanders elegantly through the lives of several common Filipinos linked, in one way or another, to the arrival of an OFW’s corpse at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Dalisay’s thorough commentary on Filipinos and the lure of a better life at home or abroad makes for a great read. By Marguerite de Leon; Photo by
Noel Salazar
1 peso goes to a charitable institution advocating a better environment for all. Available nationwide until April 30, 2009. Oscar Wilde and the Candlelight Murders By Gyles Brandreth Php369 (US$8)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard By J.K. Rowling Php395 (US$8.40)
Php500 (US$11) Ark Avilon, Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City: tel. +632 706 2992
60 M A B U H A Y
Photo by Noel Salazar March 2009
Why I Travel and Other Essays by Fourteen Women Edited by Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo and Erlinda Enriquez Panlilio Php649 (US$14) All books available at Powerbooks outlets nationwide.
Cool finds
Travel Tip: Start a Magnet Collection Instead of buying souvenirs that take up too much luggage space, just start a magnet collection. You can find cool magnets from souvenir stores, street markets, or even in airport shops.
Shag’s colorful box contains 52 laminated cards with recipes for potent drinks Polynesian stylefrom the classic Mai Tai and Singapore Sling to the exotic Skinny Dipper and Tropical Storm. This deck is the perfect addition to your Tiki bar.
Php815 (US$17.20) Available at Powerbooks outlets nationwide.
Listen.
ONLY BY THE NIGHT Kings of Leon
LOW KEY Regine Velasquez Regine Velasquez turns down the volume and vocal histrionics for her latest album of covers, Low Key. It’s so low that sometimes the album barely rises above a whisper. It’s impeccably produced and sung but the orchestration and Regine’s hushed delivery become monotonous after a while. This 17-track collection sounds like one very long song. But you can enjoy the bonus disc of minus ones that comes free in every gorgeous package. For once, singing to a Regine song is a breeze. By Eric Cabahug
Photo by Noel Salazar
Tiki isn’t a placeit’s a state of mind.
Leo does good Mr. Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio is the new ambassador for Tag Heuer, a Swiss timepiece giant. And guess what? The royalties generated from the deal as well as a multi-million-dollar commitment from Leo are all going to support major environmental initiatives. Leo does good, indeed.
Share. If you come across innovative products, worthy causes, and new trends, do share them with us. E-mail them at info@eastgateph. com or jventura@ eastgateph.com.
M a r c h 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 61
FUN and MONEY
WINNERS! Talikud Island , Samal By Rojay Dagoy
re
apo Tanah Merah , Sing By Papuz Apolinario
Raffy Aquino Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
I went to Ulan Bataar, Mongolia for a short mission trip and ended up one day attending a Catholic mass held in a ger camp. A ger is the traditional dwelling of the nomads in Mongolia which is a tent-like structure made from a wooden frame and covered by wool felt. As I walked out in the small door, I bumped my head on the doorway opening, I blurted out ‘aray’ (Filipino word for ‘ouch’). Lo and behold, there gathered outside were overseas Filipino workers who turned their heads at me looking dazed. It was a pleasant surprise to see Filipinos working there!
Make others SMILE, and EARN!
Travel is always full of funny and amusing surprises. Mabuhay is opening a new forum where readers can share their humorous anecdotes, experiences, photos, and get paid. Funny Signages – Take and send us photos of amusing signages, menus, etc., such as the ones above and indicate where you took them. If your image is published, we will send you Php 1,000. Travel Tales – Write in not more than 100 words anything funny or unusual – a joke or an experience. If your entry is published, we will send you Php 500. *All materials must be original and Eastgate Publishing Corporation does not guarantee its publication and is not responsible for returning materials that have been sent. Please email materials to info@eastgateph.com or jventura@eastgateph.com
Tips for
Passport
Application: Apply for your passport at DFA
Apply for your passporta ahead of your scheduled trip Prepare all necessary requirements in advance Avoid photo rejection: follow specificiations for passport pictures Gather proof of identity (Driver’s License, SSS ID Card, Voter’s ID, etc.) Use authentic supporting documents Provide complete and accurate information Do not deal with fixers Consult the Consular Information Center for any inquiries
For more information, call the Consular Information Center: 62 M A B U H A Y
February 2009
556-0000
Dial (02) if calling from outside Metro Manila
April 2009
M A B U H A Y 67
47688-Mabuhay Feb 09 P68
5/29/09
11:49 AM
Page 86
>> PAL PAGE >> ASIA’S FIRST AIRLINE
Philippine Airlines – Asia’s first airline – is the flag carrier of the Republic of the Philippines and the pioneer domestic airline of the country, with a 67-year history that is steeped in tradition and modernity. PAL first took to the skies on March 15, 1941 with a small twin-engine Beech Model 18 airplane, flying 212 kilometers from Manila to Baguio City, with a full load of five passengers. Upon the outbreak of World War II in December 1941, its airplanes were commandeered by the military and destroyed in combat. Post-war operations resumed February 14, 1946 with five ex-military Douglas DC-3s. In July 1946, PAL chartered DC-4s to carry American servicemen home to Oakland, California, making PAL the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific. In May 1947, PAL also became the first Asian carrier to fly to Europe by opening regular service to Madrid. This was followed by rapid expansion of services to Asia and the Middle East in the next two decades. By the 1970s, PAL international route network covered two-thirds of the world. PAL keeps in step with advancements in aircraft technology, acquiring the latest type suited to market demands and local aviation conditions. From the DC-3s that served as the workhorse in the 1940s and 1950s, Vicker Viscount turboprops and Fokker F-27s were added to the fleet in the 1960s. After the BAC111 jets were introduced in the 1970s, the McDonnel Douglas DC-10, PAL’s first wide-body aircraft, went into service on the transpacific route in 1974. The Boeing 747-200Bs jumbo jet replaced the DC-10s in 1979 on long-haul routes, while the Airbus A300B4s replaced the DC-8s on regional services. Today, the fleet consists of Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A340-300s, A330-300s, A320s, A319s and Bombardier Q300 & Q400 turbo-propeller aircraft. They carry an average of 12,000 passengers and 180 tons of cargo daily on domestic routes, and 10,000 passengers and 170 tons of cargo daily on international sectors. In May 2008, the PAL Express – the low-fares brand of Philippine Airlines – was launched out of Manila and Cebu, using a fleet of three Bombardier Q300 and six Q400 that fly to 22 inter-island routes. PAL’s six-decade tradition of warm Filipino hospitality has always been coupled with a strong commitment to continuous improvement of services and operations. Despite the many challenges, PAL remains focused on its vision of becoming a world-class Filipino airline.
68 M A B U H A Y
February 2009
Customer: Mabuhay Date: 13 Jan 2009
Job No: 47688 Operator: Raquel Proof: 1st Screen: 175L
47688-Mabuhay Feb 09 P70.qxd
5/29/09
11:49 AM
Page 70126
>> OUR FLEET Since its first flight on 15 March 1941, Philippine Airlines has flown almost 30 types of aircraft to fulfill various roles in its mission of providing the Philippines with an efficient and reliable air transportation as the flag carrier. Now with a fleet of 47 aircraft, PAL operates one of the youngest and best-maintained fleet in the region.
B747-400 No. of Aircraft: 5 Mabuhay Class: 50 passengers Fiesta Class: 383 passengers
A340-300 No. of Aircraft: 4 Mabuhay Class: 44 passengers Fiesta Class: 220 passengers
A330-300 No. of Aircraft: 8 Mabuhay Class: 42 passengers zFiesta Class: 260 passengers
A320-200
Q400
No. of Aircraft: 18 Mabuhay Class: 12 passengers Fiesta Class: 144 passengers
No. of Aircraft: 5 76 passengers
A319-100
Q300
No. of Aircraft: 4 Mabuhay Class: 8 passengers Fiesta Class: 126 passengers
No. of Aircraft: 3 50 passengers
70 MABUHAY February 2009
Job No: 47688 Customer: Mabuhay Operator: Raquel Date: 8 Jan 2009 Screen: 175L Proof: 1st
Job No: 47688
>> WELCOME ABOARD HAND LUGGAGE / You may carry without charge, one hand luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin. The hand luggage must not exceed a total linear dimension of 115 cm or 45 in, and should weigh not more than 7 kg or 15 lbs. If hand luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, hand luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable). In addition to the free hand luggage allowance, you are allowed to carry the following items onboard: a laptop with case; a small handbag; a coat, wrap or blanket; a walking stick or a pair of crutches; a small camera or a pair of binoculars; a reasonable amount of reading material; and infant’s food and carrying basket. SECURITY ITEMS / The following items are prohibited from being loaded in the hand luggage or inside the aircraft cabin on all Philippine Airlines flights: liquids and gels; sharp items and blunt instruments; explosives, munitions and fireworks; weapons (including replicas), accessories and martial arts devices; large and heavy tools; and other dangerous items contained in, but not limited to, Section I.D. 8 of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Model Security Program. All passengers travelling from/to the United States (including Guam) will be prohibited from carrying any type of lighter in their carry-on luggage and into security checkpoints. Please contact any Philippine Airlines Reservations or Ticket Office for the complete list of prohibited items. Prohibited items discovered during the security search will be immediately referred to law enforcement officers or appropriate authorities at the airport for disposition. Security Removed Items (SRI) shall be loaded in the aircraft cargo / baggage compartment subject to security clearance procedures by airport authorities. When traveling in the U.S.A., please give enough lead time for the stricter screening of both checked and hand luggage at all commercial airports. All bags will be subject to search; bags that set off alarms or otherwise raise security concerns will have to be opened for inspection. TAKE-OFF/LANDING / During take-off and landing, please ensure that your seat back is in the upright position and your tray table folded or secured properly. Hand luggage should be stowed in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. SEAT BELTS / It is Philippine Airlines’ safety requirement that passengers must fasten their seatbelts for the entire duration of the flight even when the seat belt sign is off. While you are sleeping, please fasten your seat belt over your blanket for the easy inspection by the cabin crew. This is to assure you of your uninterrupted rest during the flight even during moments of turbulence. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT / In the interest of flight safety, any transportable electronic equipment are not to be operated during take-off, climb out, descent, final approach and landing, except for personal electronic life support systems. Electronic devices which intentionally transmit radio signals should never be used for the whole duration of the flight. These include, but are not limited to: radio transceivers, CB radios, cellular phones, and electronic remote control transmitters. Transportable electronic equipment which are non-transmitters and without any accessories that would transmit/receive radio signals, such as laptop computers without Wi-Fi and wireless peripheral devices, video cameras / players, tape recorders / players, CD/ DVD/MP3 players, calculators, electronic entertainment devices and electronic shavers may be used after the safe use of these has been announced. Some flight conditions may require the discontinuance of the use of electronic devices and will be announced by the crew. Personal electronic life support systems such as hearing aids, electronic nerve stimulators, respirators may be used throughout the flight. NO SMOKING / In compliance with the Administrative Order 121 of the Air Transportation Office, smoking is strictly prohibited on all PAL flights, including when the aircraft is on the ground prior to take-off and/or after landing. EMERGENCY OXYGEN SUPPLY AND LIFE VESTS / In the event of a sudden drop in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop automatically in front of you. An inflatable life vest is located beneath your seat or in/under your armrest. Please watch the live or film demonstration of safety procedures, which will be given or screened prior to take-off. ALCHOHOL BEVERAGE / All drinks served onboard are complimentary; alcoholic drinks are served only to passengers aged 18 years or over. Government regulation prohibits passengers from opening and drinking
Welcome to Philippine Airlines! Here are a few reminders to ensure your safety and comfort on board. Have a pleasant trip!
alcoholic beverage other than what is served inflight. For the safety and comfort of all concerned, the cabin crew may decline to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be intoxicated. Alcoholic drinks are not available on domestic flights and Vancouver - Las Vegas -Vancouver flights. FIESTA BOUTIQUE / A selection of duty-free liquor, cigarettes, perfumes and other highquality gift items can be purchased during the flight from our Fiesta Boutique. We accept major currencies. From time to time, our Festa Boutique offers special giveaways and discounts. Please refer to our Fiesta Boutique brochures or inquire from our cabin crew. INFLIGHT BUSINESS CENTER / Individual onboard telephones are available on our Mabuhay Class in all A340s and selected B747-400s. These are found at the back of the Passenger Control Units (PCUs). Wall-mounted onboard telephones are available for Fiesta Class passengers. Our Inflight Business Center on all A340 aircraft is equipped with inflight phones and fax machine. Charge to passengers for both onboard telephone and fax transmission to anywhere in the world is US$8.80 per minute (or any fraction thereof, for phone) and per page (for fax) of airtime used. Stationery sets are available upon request. For assistance, please don’t hesitate to call the attention of our cabin crew. inflight amenities / On long-haul flights, passengers receive an overnight kit that contains grooming items and other travel essentials to make their flight as comfortable as possible. Mabuhay Class passengers are treated to additional amenities in their kit, such as branded toiletry products and handy travel accessories. Our cabin lavatories are also stocked with other toiletry products to help passengers freshen up for their arrival at their destination. For a more comfortable rest especially during long-haul flights, pillows and blankets are available upon request or can be found on your seat. You can generally recline your seat except those that remain fixed for safety or other physical reasons. We also suggest you tune in to the Tranquil Traveler channel of our Flights of Fancy inflight radio program to keep you relaxed during the flight. Fun and treats are in store for PAL Junior Jetsetter passengers ages 2-11 when they hop in for flight. They will be treated to special kiddie meals on all our international flights. For long-haul flights between Manila and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Melbourne, and Sydney, kids could play with Tom and Jerry, as the wacky cat-and-mouse tandem continue their endless chase onboard our flights, through the Junior Jetsetter activity kits, exclusively made for PAL. The Junior Jetsetter Activity Kits contain activity books, coloring materials, puzzles, stickers, writing materials and other collectibles, which provide children with hours of fun, while educating them on the different travel destinations. Two different activity sets, packed in easy-to-carry tote bags, are available for flights originating from Manila and for flights bound for Manila. BEFORE YOU LEAVE / Please check that you have all your belongings with you before you disembark. If you do find that you have forgotten something, check with our ground staff or write to Philippine Airlines, P.O. Box 1955, Manila, Philippines, Zip Code 1059. YOUR FEEDBACK WILL BE APPRECIATED / We encourage any comments or suggestions on how we can further improve our products and services. Please call our Customer Relations Office at telephone numbers 556-2588, 556-2152, 556-2589 or 556-2590, fax number 556-2157 or email
wecare@pal.com.ph.
J u l y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 63
TOUCHDOWN MANILA
Get acquainted with the Philippines even before you arrive. These tips will guarantee a carefree and informed stay. PHILIPPINES AT A GLANCE / Stretching 1,839 kms. north-to-south off the southeast coast of Asia, the Republic of the Philippines has a total land area of 300,000 sq. kms. Its 7,107 islands comprise one of the largest island groups in the world. About 77 million Filipinos make up the population, 55% of whom occupy the largest island of Luzon. Filipinos comprise 111 cultural and linguistic groups of Malayo-Polynesian origin, with varying degrees of Chinese, Spanish and American influences. Majority are Roman Catholics, though a significant number are Protestants and Moslems. The Philippines is the world’s third largest English-speaking country after the United States and the United Kingdom. Filipino is the national language; English is used for commercial and legal transactions. Literacy rate is a high 94%. CLIMATE / The Philippines is a tropical country with an average temperature of 32oC (89.6oF). March to June are hot and dry (36oC); rains and typhoons abound from July to October; November to February are pleasantly cool (around 23oC) and dry. In mountainous regions, temperatures dip to about 15oC. Light casual clothing is recommended for daily wear and Barong Tagalog or coat-and-tie for business and formal functions. CURRENCY / The monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas supervises authorized foreign exchange dealers (at airports, hotels, major commercial establishments and all bank branches), and posts official exchange rates for most international currencies. TRANSPORTATION / Philippine Airlines flies between Manila and 19 cities and towns throughout the country. In Metro Manila, taxis, buses, jeepneys and a two-line Mass Transit System (LRT and Metrorail) provide public transport. In certain areas like Binondo (Manila’s Chinatown) and the old walled city of Intramuros, horse-drawn carriages or calesas ply short routes. International and local car rental companies provide chauffeured or self-driven limousine service. Large groups may hire medium-sized passenger vans or tourist coaches. SHOPPING / The Philippines is fast becoming a shopping haven, yielding great bargains if you know what to look for and where.
>>
The secret to a satisfying shopping expedition is to go where the locals go, whether it be to world-class malls, bargain-rich flea markets or “tiangges”, ubiquitous sidewalk stalls, or tiny “holes-in-the-walls.” Handicraft stores can be found all over the country, selling export-quality products like native baskets and hand-woven fabrics, exquisite shellcraft and fine jewelry, or oneof-a-kind home accessories. Antique shops are a rich source of Philippine antiquities such as carved wooden furniture, old religious images, unique tribal artifacts, or vintage collectible pieces. The country’s upscale malls carry international brands with prices comparable to those in Hong Kong or Singapore. Don’t forget to check out the kiosks scattered throughout these sprawling spaces. They sell interesting items you may want to bring back home – from household bric-a-brac to curio items, native delicacies, or even the must-buy souvenir T-shirt. NIGHTLIFE / Metropolitan Manila is considered a pleasure-seeker’s paradise, with an array of nighttime activities, from the soothing to the sinful. No wonder it has been consistently voted as Asia’s number one destination for entertainment and relaxation by expatriates. You can listen to whatever music you fancy from the country’s popular bands and singers, take advantage of “happy hour” drink promos at bars and pubs, dance up a storm at clubs and street parties, or cap an exhilarating night with a calming cappuccino at the corner café. Hotspots not to be missed are bohemian Malate in Manila, cosmopolitan Fort in Taguig, upscale Ayala and Rockwell Centers in Makati, and the trendy Libis and Timog D istricts in Quezon City. FOOD / Filipino food may puzzle the first-time eater. Philippine history is largely responsible for this complex cuisine: on a matrix of native dishes akin to those in the rest of Southeast Asia, Chinese traders input their culinary culture, Spanish colonizers added touches of Castillan and Mexican cooking, and U.S. colonization brought in convenience and fast-food meals. Eating in the Philippines can therefore be an outstanding experience at all budget levels. In recent years, a profusion of restaurants has emerged, many catering to continental European or exotic Asian tastes. There are some good Japanese restaurants, too, plus a smattering of Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and other cuisines.
>> AIRLINE PARTNERS In order to serve you better, Philippine Airlines has linked up with its Airline Partners to offer you more destinations worldwide through its Codeshare Agreements. This allows PAL and its Airline Partners to jointly sell a flight sector, even if only one airline operates on this route. In Manila, Codeshare Flights operated by PAL and Air Philippines arrive/depart at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2, while Codeshare Flights operated by PAL’s other Airline Partners arrive/depart at the NAIA 1. For details on Codeshare Flights, please refer to the PAL Flight Facts and Flight Schedule on pages 81-82. When traveling on any of PAL’s Codeshare Flights, Mabuhay Miles members enjoy certain privileges. For specific Mabuhay Miles privileges per Airline Partner, please contact the Mabuhay Miles Service Center at (632) 817 8000. Mabuhay Miles members can redeem travel awards on PAL operated sectors only. The privileges listed in the table shown are applicable provided ticket sales and reservations are under PAL’s seat allocation (ticket should reflect “PR” in carrier designator box).
c
LOUNGE FOR MABUHAY MILES ELITE & PREMIER ELITE MEMBERS
H
TRANSFER SERVICE BETWEEN NAIA TERMAINAL 1 AND 2 vv
c c j
b
MABUHAY MILES MILEAGE ACCRUAL
j
MABUHAY MILES ELITE & PREMIER ELITE EXCESS BAGGAGE BENIFITS
MABUHAY MILES MILLION MILER & PREMIER ELITE ONLY MILLION MILERS ARE ALLOWED TO BRING ONE (1) TRAV ELING COMPANION TO THE LOUNGE CALL THE MABUHAY MILES SEVICE CENTER FOR EXACT FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE NOTE: PRESENTATION OF MILLION MILER’S MEMBER SHIP CARD IS REQUIRED TO AVAIL OF ETIHAD PRIVILEGES
64 M A B U H A Y
July 2009
SECTOR
P R I V I L EG ES
CEBU-HONGKONG vv
b
c
MANILA - ABU DHABI vv
c
b
c
H
MANILA - BAHRAIN vv
c
b
c
H
MANILA - BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN vv
c
b
c
H
MANILA - DOHA vv
c
b
c
H
MANILA - DUBAI vv
b
c
H
MANILA - KUALA LUMPUR vv
b
c
H
CEBU - KOTA KINABALU vv
b
c
CEBU - KUALA LUMPUR vv
b
c
A I R L I N E PARTN E R S
>> SERVICE GUIDE SPECIAL MEALS / Special meals may be requested on all Philippine Airlines international flights to cater to the various dietary requirements of passengers, for reasons of age, health or religion. These include: baby meal, child’s meal, western vegetarian meal, low-fat meal, diabetic meal, fruit meal, gluten restricted meal, moslem meal, asian vegetarian meal, seafood meal, hindu vegetarian meal, kosher meal and low-sodium meal. Please call PAL Reservations at least 24 hours before date of departure to ensure availability. PAL passengers can now compare fares across a seven-day period. Our online booking features a fully automated facility called “Calendar Pricing” that displays the lowest fare available over a seven-day range-three days before and three days after the planned travel date thus allowing travelers to decide quickly when it is most convenient and cheapest to fly. Experience the difference. Book online!For more information, please visit us at www.philippineairlines.com. PAL Mobile connects you to us while you are on the go! Our mobile site, www.philippineairlines. mobi gives you the more flexibility and convenience. With your web-enabled mobile phone, Blackberry or PDA, you can check the latest arrival and departure times, check flight schedules, track your Mabuhay Miles mileage, and know more about our latest news and promos. You can also access important advisories, travel essentials, contact information and a lot more! For more information on how to access the PAL Mobile site, check our FAQ at http://www.philippineairlines.com/faq/pal_mobile. Normal browsing charges apply. Please contact your mobile carrier for details.
Philippine Airlines is pleased to offer you the following services to make your travel experience not only convenient but delightful as well.
NEED TO RECONFIRM / Reconfirmation is not required for all Philippine Airlines flights. However we recommend that when making your reservations, you advise us of your telephone numbers at every stopover along your itinerary. This will allow us to call and advise you of any changes to your flight. AIRPORT CHECK-IN / For your convenience, Philippine Airlines offers the “Early Bird” advance check-in service in select airports, to help you avoid the rush during peak check-in hours. Checkin counters generally close 45 minutes before flight departure. If you check in after the counter closure cut-off time, you may not be accepted for the flight even if you are holding a confirmed booking. Always have your travel documents on hand. As with other airlines, Philippine Airlines may refuse carriage to passengers who lack the necessary travel papers. EXPRESS CHECK-IN COUNTERS / Senior Citizens traveling with up to two (2) traveling companions and passengers with NO CHECK-IN BAGGAGE on PAL flights departing from Manila or Mactan may avail of the express check-in service at designated counters. For more information on restrictions and check-in procedure, log on to www.philippineairlines.com.
AIRPORT LOUNGES / Philippine Airlines has Mabuhay Lounges in Manila (Domestic and International), Cebu (Domestic and International), Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mabuhay Class passengers, as well as Mabuhay Miles Elite and Premier Elite members, can unwind, dine and freshen up in these lounges before boarding their flight. In other International Stations, PAL has contracted the services of airport lounge operators to offer the same amenities to said passengers. AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE IN MANILA / For passengers connecting from a Philippine Airlines flight at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2, to a code share flight operated by any of its Airline Partners at NAIA Terminal 1 (and vice versa), a complimentary transfer service is available. A shuttle service is also provided to passengers from NAIA Centennial Terminal 2 to NAIA Terminal 3 (and vice versa) for PAL Express flights and code share flight on Air Philippines. This service is subject to certain conditions and qualifications. For more information, please inquire with any of our Transfer service staff at the arrival area.
Philippine Airlines introduces the RHUSH (Rapid Handling of Urgent Shipments) airport-to-airport service, the fastest way to ship cargo domestically or overseas. Enjoy the following advantages with RHUSH: highest priority in cargo, guaranteed space, fast and quick acceptance and release time, and money-back guarantee (conditions apply). But what makes RHUSH the hands-down choice is its guarantee that your cargo is released on the day you expect it. For particulars, please call PAL Cargo Sales and Reservations in Manila at (632) 831 3061 / 853 3062 / 853 3059 / 851 3063 / 879 5879 / 834 0362, or any PAL Office in your area.
>> FLIGHT TRANSFERS IN MANILA STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR FLIGHT TRANSFERS
Philippine Airlines offers worry-free transit procedures for passengers coming from an international flight with an immediate connection to a PAL domestic flight. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Centennial Terminal 2 in Manila, all you have to do is clear with Immigration, claim your baggage from the carousel, and proceed to the Special Customs Examination Counter for baggage clearance. You must then return your baggage to the carousel to ensure its loading on your domestic flight. If you’re a passenger onboard a PAL flight from the U.S.A., Canada or Narita and are connecting to Cebu or Davao, you can proceed directly to the PAL Domestic Terminal at NAIA 2 after clearing Immigration. You no longer need to have your baggage cleared in Manila, as the appointed Customs personnel in Cebu or Davao will take care of your baggage clearance. If you still don’t have your boarding pass for your domestic flight, you may proceed to the PAL Transfer Desk at the Arrival Area for assistance. You can then take the escalator or elevator located at the Arrival Lobby to go to the PAL Domestic Terminal. Airport Terminal Fees: Php550 for international departure and Php200 for local departure (paid in Philippine pesos only). Note that a Php200 Security Fee will also be collected by Manila International Airport Authority for international departures. Departing passengers for international destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist information counters (Tel. Nos. 524-1703; 832-2964) for the departure fees which may change without notice.
PAL Passengers from USA, Canada or Narita with connecting flight to Cebu, Davao or Laoag (for check through passengers only): 1. Disembark from plane and go through Immigration check. 2. Proceed to PAL Domestic Terminal (via escalator or elevator at Arrival Lobby). 3. Pay terminal fee of Php200.00 at the Domestic Terminal. 4. Proceed to the assigned gate for your connecting flight. Passengers from any of PAL’s International Flights bound for any PAL domestic station: 1. Disembark from plane and proceed to the 6. Return baggage to the PAL staff at the Transfer Desk to check in for your baggage area for reloading. connecting flight. 7. Proceed to PAL Domestic Terminal (via 2. Go through Immigration check. escalator or elevator at the Arrival Lobby). 3. Proceed to Baggage Claim Area. 8. Pay terminal fee of Php200.00 at the 4. Proceed to the Special Customs Domestic Terminal. Examination Counter for clearance. 9. Proceed to the assigned gate for your connecting flight.
J u l y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 65
Below are useful facts and figures about our flights and schedules.
DISTANCES AND FLIGHT TIME
FLIGHT FACTS
>>
>>
Distances and flight times may vary due to weather conditions, flight path changes and the type of aircraft utilized. FLIGHT TIME refers to the time from when the aircraft engines start up before take-off, until the aircraft comes to a halt after landing. MM MILES refers to flight miles earned when travelling on Fiesta (Economy) Class, as adopted from the IATA standards.
INTERNATIONAL
DOMESTIC
ROUTES AND SECTORS
ROUTES AND SECTORS MM MILES FLIGHT TIME RESERVATIONS
Manila - Abu Dhabi - Bahrain
4,352 4,580
- Bandar Seri Begawan - Bangkok
781
2:05
00971 2 6351700 00973-17225650 extension 212 (603) 2141-3899
1,368
3:15
(662) 633-5713/14
MM MILES FLIGHT TIME RESERVATIONS
Manila - Bacolod
298
- Basuanga
1:10
(034) 4341595/1596
1:05
(0919) 5112797
- Butuan
489
1:30
(085) 341-5156/5257 226-4777 LOC. 6328
- Cagayan De Oro
486
1:30
(088) 857-2294
1:15
(055) 209-2885 (055) 533-8885 (055) 209-9228
- Busan
1,515
3:45
(8251) 466-0333
- Calbayog
- Beijing
1,797
4:25
- Doha
4,528
8:15
(8610) 6510 2991 2992 / 2993 (974) 455-8760
- Catarman
1:15
- Dubai
4,294
8:45
(055) 251-8996 (055) 500-9886
- Fukuoka
1,445
3:30
- Caticlan
1:10
- Guam
1,596
3:40
- Ho Chi Minh
1,002
2:30
712
2:00
(036) 288-7536 (036) 288-7538 (036) 288-7539 (032) 234-2586 (032) 234-2713 (064) 431-0136
5,296
10:15
- Hongkong - Honolulu - Jakarta (via Singapore) Manila - Singapore
1,732*
(671) 632-1615/ 17/ 19 (848) 827-2105/ 06/ 8272 (852) 2301-9300 1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653 ** (6221) 300-15758
1:35 3:40
- Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu) Manila - Kota Kinabalu
(603) 2141 0767
1:55
Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur - Las Vegas (via Vancouver) Manila - Vancouver
6:15
(9714) 203-3788/ 316-6632 (8192) 415-3288
3:35
Singapore - Jakarta
2:25 7,393*
16:15 12:05
Vancouver - Las Vegas
1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653 **
2:40 7,290 723
1:55
1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653 ** (853) 8898-2552
- Melbourne
3,927
8:00
(613) 9600-2898
- Osaka
1,651
3:55
(816) 6444-2541
- Nagoya
1,741
4:00
(8152) 588-7131
- San Francisco
6,978
12:00
- Seoul
1,624
4:00
1-800-435-97251800-635-8653 ** 0082-1544-1717
- Shanghai
1,152
3:10
(8621) 6279-8765
- Singapore
1,476
3:35
(65) 6336-1611
- Sydney (via Melbourne) Manila - Melbourne
3,883*
10:50
(612) 9279-2020 / 2228
- Los Angeles - Macau
12:30
731
2:00
- Tokyo
1,879
4:15
(813) 5157-4161
- Vancouver
6,560
12:05
714
2:10
1,060
2:40
1-800-435-9725 1-800-635-8653** (86592) 239-4729 / 30 / 65 (852) 2301-9300
617
1:45
(603) 2141-0767
- Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu) Cebu - Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur
1,634*
5:00
- Seoul - Tokyo
1,884 2,024
- Hongkong - Kota Kinabalu
66 M A B U H A Y
July 2009
349
1:15
- Cotabato
552
1:30
- Davao
597
1:45
(082) 222-0366; 226-4604
- Dipolog
438
1:30
(065) 212-2355/2356
- Dumagete
390
1:15
(035) 422-8577
- General Santos
647
1:45
(083) 552-5282/ 553-8856
- Iloilo
280
1:05
(033) 333-0040/ 41
- Kalibo
250
0:55
(036) 262-3260; 262-3263
- Laoag
257
0:55
(077) 670-8533/8451
- Legaspi
250
0:55
(052) 481-0780
1:20
- Puerto Princesa
364
1:15
(053) 255-4261 (053) 561-9758 (048) 433-4565/ 2561
- Roxas
311
0:55
(036) 621-0244
- San Jose
0:55
- Surigao
1:40
- Ormoc
- Tacloban
352
1:10
(043) 491-1604 (043) 491-1923 (086) 231-9680 (086) 826 8589 (053) 321-2212
- Tagbilaran
387
1:10
(038) 411-2939/ 411-3552
- Tuguegarao
1:00
(078) 844-9238
- Virac
1:10
(052) 811-2880 (052) 811-2881 (062) 993-0330/2955
- Zamboanga Cebu - Ozamiz
530
1:30 1:00
(088) 521-5565 (088) 521-0462
1:30
- Taipei
- Xiamen
- Cebu
8:00
Melbourne - Sydney
Cebu
9:00 9:58
(8862) 2506-7383
1:45 2:25 4:25 4:40
0082-1544-1717 (813) 3593-2421
* refers to direct mileage ** exclusive Reservations numbers for Business Class passengers, Mabuhay Miles Elite & Premiere Elite Members
PAL Reservations Office Telephone Numbers in Manila * (63-2) 855-8888 * (63-2) 855-7888 (exclusive Reservations numbers for Business Class passengers, Mabuhay Miles Elite & Premiere Elite Members) * (63-2) 855-1000 (dedicated e-ticketing number) For more information visit http://www.philippineairlines.com
>> FLIGHT SCHEDULE
For flight bookings and/or flight availabilities, please contact a PAL office nearest you.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS MON
TUE
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WED
THU
LUZON Manila - Busuanga 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Busuanga - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Laoag Q Q Q Q Laoag - Manila Q Q Manila - Legaspi 2Q 2Q Q Q Legaspi - Manila 2Q 2Q Q Manila - Puerto Princesa 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Puerto Princesa - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Tuguegarao Q Q Q Q Tuguegarao - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Virac Q Q Q Q Virac - Manila VISAYAS Manila - Bacolod 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Bacolod - Manila 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Calbayog Q Q Q Q Calbayog - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Catarman Q Q Q Q Catarman - Manila Manila - Caticlan 11Q 11Q 11Q 11Q Caticlan - Manila 11Q 11Q 11Q 11Q Manila - Cebu 8Q 9Q 8Q 8Q Cebu - Manila 8Q 8Q 8Q 8Q Manila - Dumaguete 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Dumaguete - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Manila - Iloilo 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Iloilo - Manila 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Manila - Kalibo 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Kalibo - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Manila - Ormoc Q Q Ormoc - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Roxas Q Q Q Q Roxas - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - San Jose Q Q Q Q San Jose - Manila Manila - Tacloban 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Tacloban - Manila 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Manila - Tagbilaran 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Tagbilaran - Manila 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Cebu - Bacolod 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Bacolod - Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Cebu - Butuan Q Q Butuan - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Cagayan de Oro 2Q 2Q Q Q Cagayan de Oro - Cebu 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Cebu - Caticlan Q Q Q Q Caticlan - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Dipolog Q Q Dipolog - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Gen. Santos Q Q Gen. Santos - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Ozamis Q Q Ozamis - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Puerto Princesa Q Q Puerto Princesa - Cebu Q Q Q Q Cebu - Tacloban Q Q Q Q Tacloban - Cebu Q Q Q Q Cebu - Zamboanga Q Q Q Q Zamboanga - Cebu MINDANAO Manila - Butuan 1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q Butuan - Manila 1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q Manila - Cagayan de Oro 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Cagayan de Oro - Manila 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Cotabato Q Q Q Q Cotabato - Manila Manila - Davao 7Q 7Q 7Q 7Q Davao - Manila 7Q 7Q 7Q 7Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Dipolog Q Q Q Q Dipolog - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Gen. Santos Q Q Q Q Gen. Santos - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Surigao Q Q Q Q Surigao - Manila Manila - Zamboanga 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Zamboanga - Manila 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Zamboanga - Davao Q Q Q Q Davao - Zamboanga LUZON LEGEND Q codeshare and operated by Air Philippines Q Q Q Q Manila - Naga Q Q Q Q Naga - Manila Manila - Puerto Princesa 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Puerto Princesa - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - San Jose Q Q Q Q San Jose - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Tuguegarao Q Q Q Q Tuguegarao - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Virac Q Q Q Q Virac - Manila VISAYAS Q Q Q Q Manila - Bacolod Q Q Q Q Bacolod - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Calbayog Q Q Q Q Calbayog - Manila Manila - Dumaguete 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Dumaguete - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Manila - Iloilo 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Iloilo - Manila 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Cebu - Bacolod Q Q Q Q Bacolod - Cebu Q Q Q Q Cebu - Iloilo Q Q Q Q Iloilo - Cebu Q Q Cebu - Tacloban Q Q Tacloban - Cebu MINDANAO Manila - Cagayan 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Cagayan - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Manila - Davao 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Davao - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Cebu - Davao 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Davao - Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Bacolod - Gen. Santos via Cebu 2Q 2Q Gen. Santos - Bacolod via Cebu 2Q 2Q Davao - Bacolod via Cebu 2Q* 2Q* 2Q* 2Q* Bacolod - Davao via Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Davao - Iloilo via Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Iloilo - Davao via Cebu 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Cebu - Gen. Santos Q Q Gen. Santos - Cebu Iloilo - Gen. Santos via Cebu 2Q* 2Q* Gen. Santos - Iloilo via Cebu 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Ozamis Q Q Q Q Ozamis - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Surigao Q Q Q Q Surigao - Manila Q Q Q Q Manila - Zamboanga Q Q Q Q Zamboanga - Manila
FRI
SAT
SUN
2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q 11Q 11Q 8Q 9Q 2Q 2Q 5Q 5Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 4Q 4Q 3Q 3Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q 11Q 11Q 8Q 8Q 2Q 2Q 5Q 5Q 2Q 2Q
4Q 4Q Q Q Q Q 11Q 11Q 9Q 9Q 2Q 2Q 5Q 5Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 4Q 4Q 3Q 3Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q 4Q 4Q 3Q 3Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
1Q 1Q 5Q 5Q Q Q 7Q 7Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 3Q 3Q
1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Q Q Q Q 7Q 7Q 7Q 7Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 3Q 3Q 3Q 3Q Q Q * Next day connection Q Q Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q 2Q 2Q 3Q 3Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q* 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Q 2Q* 2Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q
2Q* 2Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q* 2Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Flight schedules printed in these pages are correct and current at time of printing.
UNITED STATES Manila - Guam Guam - Manila Manila - Honolulu Honolulu - Manila Manila - Los Angeles Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Manila
MON TUE WED THU Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
FRI Q
SAT SUN
2Q 2Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q
Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
5Q 5Q Q Q
5Q 5Q Q Q
4Q 4Q
4Q 4Q
Q 2Q Q Q
Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q 2Q 2Q
Q Q 2Q 2Q Q Q
Q with technical stop in Guam
Manila - San Francisco San Francisco - Manila Q with technical stop in Guam
Q Q Q Manila - Las Vegas via Vancouver Q Q Q Las Vegas - Manila via Vancouver CANADA Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Vancouver Q Q Q Q Q Vancouver - Manila Q Q Q Vancouver - Las Vegas Q Q Q Las Vegas - Vancouver AUSTRALIA Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Sydney via Melbourne Q Sydney - Manila via Melbourne 2Q 2Q Q Q Melbourne - Sydney Q Q Q Sydney - Melbourne Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Melbourne via Sydney Q Melbourne - Manila via Sydney 2Q 2Q CHINA Q Q Q Q Manila - Beijing Q Q Q Q Beijing - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Shanghai Q Q Q Q Q Shanghai - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Xiamen Q Q Q Q Q Xiamen - Manila TAIWAN Q Q Q Manila - Taipei 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Taipei - Manila 2Q 2Q HONGKONG code share and operated by Cathay Pacific (Cebu-Hongkong vv) Q Manila - Hongkong 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Hongkong - Manila 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q 5Q Q Q Q Q Q Cebu - Hongkong Q Q Q Q Q Hongkong - Cebu SINGAPORE Manila - Singapore 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q Singapore - Manila 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q 4Q INDONESIA Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Jakarta via Singapore Q Jakarta - Manila via Singapore 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Singapore - Jakarta Q Q Q Jakarta - Singapore JAPAN Q Q Q Manila - Fukuoka Q Q Q Fukuoka - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Osaka Q Q Q Q Q Osaka - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Nagoya Q Q Q Q Q Nagoya - Manila Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Tokyo Q Q Q Q Q Tokyo - Manila Q Q Q Q Cebu - Tokyo Q Q Q Q Tokyo - Cebu KOREA Q Q Manila - Pusan Q Q Pusan - Manila Manila - Seoul 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Seoul - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Q Cebu - Seoul Q Seoul - Cebu MACAU Q Q Q Manila - Macau Q Q Q Macau - Manila THAILAND Manila - Bangkok 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Bangkok - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q VIETNAM Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Ho Chi Minh Q Q Q Q Q Ho Chi Minh - Manila MALAYSIA code share and operated by Malaysia Airlines Q Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Kuala Lumpur Q Q Q Q Q Kuala Lumpur - Manila Q Cebu - Kota Kinabalu Q Kota Kinabalu - Cebu Q Cebu - Kuala Lumpur Q Kuala Lumpur - Cebu BAHRAIN code share and operated by Gulf Air Q Q Q Q Manila - Bahrain 2Q 2Q Q Q Q Bahrain - Manila 2Q 2Q BRUNEI code share and operated by Royal Brunei Q Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Bandar Seri Begawan Q Q Q Q Q Bandar Seri Begawan - Manila QATAR code share and operated by Qatar Airways Q Manila - Doha 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q Doha - Manila 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q 2Q UNITED ARAB EMIRATES code share and operated by Etihad Airways Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Manila - Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi - Manila
Q Q 2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q Q Q Q Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
code share and operated by Emirates
Manila - Dubai Dubai - Manila
2Q Q
Q 2Q
2Q 2Q
Q Q
2Q 2Q
J u l y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 67
Bacolod / Butuan / Cagayan De Oro / Cebu / Cotabato / Davao / Dipolog / Dumaguete / General Santos City / Iloilo / Kalibo / Laoag / Legaspi / Manila / Puerto Princesa / Roxas City / Tacloban / Tagbilaran / Zamboanga
DOMESTIC ROUTES
>>
CAUAYAN
SAN FERNANDO
CLARK
METRO MANILA
NAGA
SOUTH
SAN JOSE BUSUANGA
CATARMAN CALBAYOG CITY
CHINA SEA
ORMOC CITY
SURIGAO CITY
J u l y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 69
>> INTERNATIONAL ROUTES
70 M A B U H A Y
July 2009
a.
Bangkok / Beijing / Fukuoka / Guam / Ho Chi Minh / Honolulu / Hong Kong / Jakarta / Las Vegas / Los Angeles / Macau / Manila / Melbourne / Nagoya / Osaka / Pusan / San Francisco / Seoul / Shanghai / Singapore / Sydney / Taipei / Tokyo / Vancouver / Xiamen
eu Al
A le u tia
la n n Is
an ti
R
ds
J u l y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 71
>> FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM
Take that first step to a more rewarding travel experience
IT ALL ADDS UP WITH MABUHAY MILES
TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH PHILIPPINE AIRLINES AND ENJOY A HOST OF PRIVILEGES THAT ADD UP TO MILES OF DIFFERENCE. OPEN TO ANYONE AGED 2 AND ABOVE, THE MABUHAY MILES FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO DELIVER TO YOU THE BEST REWARDS AND PRIVILEGES. AND AS YOU MOVE UP TO HIGHER ELITE LEVELS, MORE TRAVEL PRIVILEGES AWAIT YOU. PROGRAM ENROLMENT Applying for Mabuhay Miles membership is now more convenient than ever. Simply log on to www. mabuhaymiles.com or visit any PAL office. Enrollment forms come with a pre-numbered temporary membership card that you can immediately use to accrue Miles EARNING MILES Mabuhay Miles is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the market. With Mabuhay Miles, you can earn Flight Miles based on the actual flown miles on Philippine Airlines and on its code-share partners on paid tickets in any class of service. Earn 150% of actual flown miles in Mabuhay Class on all Philippine Airlines flights to and from North America. In all other flights, you can earn 100% and 125% of actual flown miles in Fiesta Class and Mabuhay Class respectively. EARNING MILES Mabuhay Miles is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the market. With Mabuhay Miles, you can earn Flight Miles based on the actual flown miles on Philippine Airlines and on its code-share partners on paid tickets in any class of service. Earn 150% of actual flown miles in Mabuhay Class on all Philippine Airlines flights to and from North America. In all other flights, you can earn 100% and 125% of actual flown miles in Fiesta Class and Mabuhay Class respectively. MABUHAY MILES PROGRAM PARTNERS Earning miles has never been easier! Philippine Airlines lines up a growing host of program partners where Mabuhay Miles members can earn additional miles to get that free ticket fast! Members earn miles with the following program partners… HOTELS AND RESORTS (worldwide and regional locations) Golden Tulip Worldwide Marco Polo Hotels Management Limited Pan Pacific Group Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts The Shilla Hotels & Resorts Tokyu Hotels Traders Hotels HOTELS & RESORTS (California, USA) Best Western Hotel San Mateo Crowne Plaza Foster City Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield HOTELS & RESORTS (Philippine locations) Boracay Regency Beach Resort Boracay Tropics Century Park Hotel Friday’s Boracayv Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort Microtel Inns & Suites Pearl Farm Beach Resort Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Taal Vista Hotel The Panoly Resort Hotel CREDIT & CHARGE CARD Allied Bank HSBC OTHER BANKS’ REWARDS PROGRAM American Express Diners Club Metrobank Security Bank Union Bank Standard Chartered Bank Citibank (for Philippine-issued and Guam-issued cards) Banco de Oro EastWest Bank BANK REMITTANCE SERVICES Philippine National Bank CAR RENTALS Avis Hertz CRUISE LINE Star Cruises TRAVEL INSURANCE Travelplans/PhilAm Insurance Co., Inc. TELECOMMUNICATIONS Mabuhay Phone Service REAL ESTATE Eton Properties, Phil., Inc.
72 M A B U H A Y
July 2009
tennis and badminton equipment. To apply, just proceed to any Philippine Airlines Ticket Office, fill out the enrollment form, and pay the corresponding application fee.
LIFESTYLE Cultural Center of the Philippines Time-Life International (Phil) Inc (Fortune and Time Magazines) Asian Therapeutics Inc (OSIM) Victorinox World Traveller AND GET DISCOUNTS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS... Enchanted Kingdom Burger King Xtreme Magic Sing Belo Medical Group EARNING MILES Mabuhay Miles is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the market. With Mabuhay Miles, you can earn Flight Miles based on the actual flown miles on Philippine Airlines and on its code-share partners on paid tickets in any class of service. Earn 150% of actual flown miles in Mabuhay Class on all Philippine Airlines flights to and from North America. In all other flights, you can earn 100% and 125% of actual flown miles in Fiesta Class and Mabuhay Class respectively. AWARD REDEMPTION For as low as 3000 Miles you can now redeem free flights on Philippine Airlines. You also have more chances of securing an award seat even during peak months with the Flexiflyer award option. With interactive and real time award ticket issuance at PAL ticket offices, Mabuhay Miles makes it highly convenient for you to redeem your travel awards! MEMBER SERVICE The Mabuhay Miles website at www.mabuhaymiles.com gives you one-stop access to useful services from Mabuhay Miles. With a pleasant design and userfriendly features, the website allows you to check your account balance, view your latest activity statement, update your personal profile, refer to the award charts, download important forms, and request for retroactive crediting of Miles. So log on today and experience the online advantage. Annual SportsPlus Subscription Level fee
Entitlement
Coverage
SportsPlus Philippines
US$30
20 kgs
PAL Philippine domestic flights
SportsPlus Asia
US$30
20 kgs
PAL flights within the Philippines/ Asia, and to/ from Guam
20 kgs
PAL flights within the Philippines/ Asia, and to/ from Australia/ Guam
1 piece not exceeding 20 kgs.
PAL flights to United States/ Canada
SportsPlus Global
US$120
TRAVEL LIGHT WITH SPORTSPLUS SportsPlus is a unique subscription -based program feature available only to Mabuhay Miles Members. As a Mabuhay Miles SportsPlus member, you are given extra free luggage allowance on Philippine Airlines flights for your golf, bowling, scuba diving, sportfishing, cycling.
EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL BENIFITS As Elite or Premier Elite Members, you also enjoy the following privileges: priority reservation waitlist, exclusive member reservations numbers, priority checkin, additional free luggage allowance, priority luggage handling, priority airport standby, access to Mabuhay Lounges and participating VIP Lounges, Sports Plus equivalent privileges, additional discounts and amenities from Program Partners, and many more. LIFETIME STATUS FOR MILLION MILES Mabuhay Miles Million Milers enjoy the benefits of Premier Elite Membership for life. This is our token of appreciation to those who have flown one million cumulative Flight Miles on Philippine Airlines.
Annual Qualification Criteria
Elite Level
Mabuhay Miles Elite
• 25,000 Flight Miles flown on Philippine Airlines or • 30 one-way segments in any class of service, or • 15 one-way segments in Mabuhay Class
Mabuhay Miles Premier Elite
• 45,000 Flight Miles flown on Philippine Airlines or • 50 one-way segments in any class of service, or • 25 one-way segments in Mabuhay Class
ENJOY THE DIFFERENCE WITH ELITE & PREMIER ELITE LEVELS A world of exclusive benefits await you as you earn Miles and attain elite levels of membership in Mabuhay Miles. As a Mabuhay Miles Elite or Premier Elite Member, you gain the recognition you deserve as a frequent traveler. There are more ways to qualify and you have the whole calendar year between January 1 and December 31 - to attain your privileged status. CONTACT US
Mabuhay Miles Service Center Postal Address Mabuhay Miles Service Center 2/F Power Realty Building 1012 A. Arnaiz St. (formerly Pasay Road) Makati City
E-mail Address mabuhaymiles@pal.com.ph
Telephone 8am-8pm, Mondays thru Fridays * Also accepts calls from 12pm-1pm Manila - (632) 817-8000 Cebu - (032) 340-8000 9am - 5pm, Mondays thru Fridays, Pacific Time USA / Canada - 1-800-747-1959 Service Lounge Hours Mondays - Fridays 8:30am - 5pm Saturday - 8:30am - 12NN
Facsimile (Manila) (632) 556-2800; 893-6884
47688-Mabuhay Feb 09 P83
5/29/09
11:54 AM
Page 99
<< ONBOARD SERVICES
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES Complimentary beverage service is offered on all international flights. On long-haul flights, distilled water is passed around every-hour-on-the-hour in between meals to promote passenger wellbeing. Non-Alcoholic Beverages Cola / Diet Cola / Uncola / Diet Uncola / Dalandan (Lime) Soda / Orange Juice / Apple Juice / Ginger Ale / Absolute Distilled Water / Tonic Water / Soda Water / Lemon Iced Tea / Figaro Coffee* / Lipton Tea Alcoholic Beverages** Red Wine / White Wine Gin / Vodka / Whiskey / Brandy Selection of Beer * Figaro Coffee may not be available on some flights ** Alcoholic Beverages are not available on Vancouver-Las Vegas-Vancouver flights, and flights between Manila and Hong Kong, Xiamen, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh
INFLIGHT SNACKS
On flights between Manila and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and Honolulu*, Philippine Airlines invites you to enjoy our complimentary snack selection. These include Asian noodle soup, meat-filled buns, and pastries. Please request from your Cabin Crew your preferred snack anytime during your flight.
* Asian noodle soup are not available on Manila-Honolulu-Manila flights
READING MATERIALS We carry a number of Filipino and foreign language newspapers to keep yourself abreast with the latest news and current events. Our inflight magazine, Mabuhay, is available for all classes of service on all international flights. Our Mabuhay Class service on international flights carries an array of News, Business, Fashion, Travel and Sports Magazines, including some Foreign Language Magazines on selected flights. Please request from your Cabin Crew the selection on board your flight.
F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 83
l a s t
f r a m e
Playful Spinners
August 2007 Bais City, Negros Oriental At 5 a.m. on August 21, JENA GONATO and her friends sleepily boarded the van at their hotel in Dumaguete City. By sunrise, they were already at the Capi単ahan Wharf in Bais City, where they got on a boat and headed out to Ta単on Strait. All traces of sleep were washed away by the morning breeze as the boat left Bais Bay. An hour out into the protected marine sanctuary, the group clapped and whistled like little kids as hundreds of dolphins, mostly long snouted spinners, frolicked all around them. What she saw was a painting-like image of lithe dolphins gliding just below the surface.Not forgetting to document the experience, Jena used her Canon EOS 400D to take a photo of these playful cetaceans swimming gracefully alongside their boat.
Give us your best shot Mabuhay Magazine is accepting hi-resolution (at least 300 dpi) digital images of people, places and things from around the world. You may send your photos to 704 Prestige Tower, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines 1605 or e-mail them to info@eastgateph.com. 84 M A B U H A Y
March 2009