TRAVEL+LIFESTYLE MAY 2009
>> www.philippineairlines.com
The Faces of Japan 2 M A B U H AY
January 2008
Extreme Bohol • The Passing of Light • Dakak Revisited • The Elephants of Borneo
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 MANNA Z. MARQUEZ MIGUEL M. YSIP ARIEL E. DALISAY
Vol. 31 No. 5 May 2009
Publisher Editor-in-Chief Art Director Copy Editor Editorial Coordinator Editorial Assistants Researcher Graphic Artist 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 KHRISTINE DIZON Lorie M. Fernandez Efren C. Carag
Account Managers Production Officer Accounting Officer Project Coordinator Business Services Consultant Legal Counsel Manila, Phils.
Photo by Erwin Lim
Website: www.philippineairlines.com Wapsite: wap.com.ph/pal/ 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@ eastgatepublishing.com, jventura@eastgatepublishing.com. Mabuhay is authorized in the Philippines under PCFM Cr No. 388. Color separated and printed in the Philippines by Velprint
Olango Island, Cebu (see page 20)
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May 2009
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e d i t o r ’ s
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Evolution
I
t’s nice when we find out that some destinations are continuously evolving. One of these is Bohol province. Known for its big-eyed tarsier (the inspiration for the movie E.T.), river cruises, glorious churches, fine beaches with luxe resorts, and the multi-award winning Loboc Children’s Choir, a town in Bohol called Danao now offers the longest zip line (half a kilometer) in the country. As our contributor, Jude Bacalso, gleefully narrates in our feature Extreme Bohol (page 28), the adrenaline-pumping ride that he took started from a 50 storeyheight down a gorge with views of the Wahig River. He pretends to be scared by the experience, but I don’t think so, judging with the obvious excitetment and pleasure he wrote his article. There are more exciting things that Jude enumerates that visitors can try and experience including buggy rides on Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills.
Simeon S. Ventura, Jr. Editor-in-chief For comments and suggestions, you can email me at jventura@eastgatepublishing.com 4 M A B U H AY
May 2009
Photo by John Lander
We have four features on Japan that we present in this issue as a mini special report that begins on page 46 presented by John Lander, an American who hails from Illinois but who now considers himself more Japanese, having lived in Japan for more than 20 years and counting. I still have to meet a traveler who has not been impressed with Japan after a visit there. Who wouldn’t be? Everywhere you go, it’s neat and orderly, and everything that you see is so clean, artistic, and every detail, no matter how small, is seemingly done with perfection. Before the term seeped into popular usage, the Japanese can be described as the living embodiment of “OC’s” or “obsessivecompulsive.” But I doubt whether they will view themselves as that; and perhaps, they would even smile if the term was used to describe them, for the Japanese are simply perfectionists. In Japan, perfection is the natural thing to achieve (that’s also why they have a superiority complex). There is nothing else. Look at their economy. Imagine, after the Second World War, their major cities and industries were devastated. Not only did they have to rebuild, but also had to pay enormous war destruction payments to countries like the Philippines. In 1965, their gross domestic product was only US$91 billion. After 42 years, in 2007, it stood at US$4.3 trillion or almost a five-fold increase. By the way, one of the good sources of our researcher, Manna Marquez, for all sorts of information is the CIA. Yes, you can reach the fact book produced by the spooks by logging on to their website: www.cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook. On a final note, our photo essay (page 32) has a very interesting subject: angels by Filipino photographer Emmanuel Santos whose 38-piece The Passing of Light was sold for a record-breaking $49,000 at a recent Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.
Sections
Photo by John Oates
04 10 12 56 74 84
Borneo’s Pygmy Elephants (see page 40)
Contents Vol. 31 No. 5 May 2009
22 THE VOYAGE OF THE BALANGAY
Hungry for new challenges, the Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team has turned to the sea. ISABEL L. TEMPLO reports about their latest quest.
28 EXTREME BOHOL
There’s more to Bohol than the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers. It has now turned extreme, as JUDE A. BACALSO experiences a thrilling slide 50-storeys up in the air.
32 IN FOCUS: ANGELS OF IMAGINATION
SUNSHINE DE LEON talks about Melbourne-based Filipino photographer Emmanuel Santos and his surreal photographs that made a record in the recent Christie’s Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction.
38 DAKAK REVISITED
Davao-based JOJIE ALCANTARA takes a break to visit the vast resort on the Northwestern tip of Mindanao.
40 ELEPHANTS YOU’LL NEVER FORGET
JOHN OATES explores the thick green world of Borneo’s Kinabatangan River and its jungles.
46 THE FACES OF JAPAN
Japan-based photojournalist JOHN LANDER reveals why the Land of the Rising Sun continues to mesmerize the world.
48 THE SPRINGS OF BEPPU
50 TAKAYAMA: THE HEARTLAND OF JAPAN
52 TOKYO: PAST PERFECT
54 GOING ZEN
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May 2009
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
Like a walking work of art, the geisha symbolizes how the Japanese turns everything into art. Even the word “geisha” means art. Photo by: Christo Geohegan
CONTRIBUTORS Vol. 31 No. 5 May 2009
✍ Freelance journalist ISABEL L. TEMPLO considers self-discovery one of the greatest adventures one can undertake. For her, this means going outside one’s comfort zone to explore different cultures and ways of life, and always digging deep to answer tough questions. On page 22, she writes about the Voyage of the Balangay, a unique maritime adventure that anchors Filipinos to a proud past as a reminder of who we are as a people.
✍ A disc jockey for Y101fm.com broadcasting from Cebu to the world, JUDE APARRI BACALSO is rarely at a loss for words—until he was strapped to a safety harness and sent flinging through the half-kilometer stretch between a gorge almost 200 feet below. He recounts this adrenaline-filled adventure on page 28. That quieting experience at Bohol’s Danao Adventure Park brought new meaning to the words “zip line.” The scream came only at the heart-stopping end.
✍ SUNSHINE DE LEON became a journalist a year ago because she loves asking questions, exploring new ideas, and had a habit of writing down every piece of information she gathered in a little notebook. Having previously worked in New York City and London in public relations, special events, non profit, and medical industries, she finds her most recent career the one medium where all her travel and work experiences come together to help her tell moving stories. On page 32, she writes about an exhibit where the insights of the photographer are as powerful as the messages in his images.
✍µ
Writer and photographer JOHN LANDER was born on the prairies of Illinois, United States, with a longing for oceans, the exotic, and geography that is anything but flat. He spent his college days in San Francisco and Paris, but it’s no coincidence that he has lived most of his life in Japan. Based in Kamakura, he has devoted himself to photography and the search for the perfect hot spring—which often puts him literally into hot water. On page 46, his adopted country takes the spotlight as he takes us from the hot springs of Beppu to Tokyo’s downtown neighborhoods.
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growing season in Thailand. Witness the King of Thailand and officials in ceremonial dresses parade around Sanam Luang Park with a sacred oxen. www.thailandgrandfestival.com
San Francisco
Singapore Shakespeare in the Park May 7 to 10 Enjoy a play under the stars this month as the Singapore Repertory Theatre performs Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” www.whatsonwhen.com
Carnaval San Francisco May 23 to 24
Bloom time Stop and smell the flowers, snatch a bun, enjoy the Bard’s romantic comedy under the stars—don’t just stand there, do something
Philippines
Hong Kong
Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan May Nationwide The Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) and Santacruzan are celebrated throughout the country in the month of May. Festivities include a procession of the town’s beautifully dressed young maidens around the town.
Bun Festival May 2 The Taoists construct 16-meter high bamboo towers of thousands of buns as an offering to the ancient Chinese spirits. www.whatsonwhen.com Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival May 28 Head over to the Shing Mun River to witness over 100 teams compete in this year’s annual Dragon Boat event. Teams of over 20 people paddle and drum their 10-meter long decorated boats. www.discoverhongkong.com
Bangkok Royal Ploughing Ceremony May 11 The Royal Ploughing Ceremony festival signifies the start of the rice-
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
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Every Memorial Day Weekend, the Mission district of San Francisco celebrates cultures from all over the world. Festivities include African drummers, Polynesian dancers, and giant puppets. www.carnavalsf.com Bay to Breakers Foot Race May 17 Known to be one of the world’s largest foot races, the Bay to Breakers foot race participants number to more than 70,000. Runners vary from the professional to the wacky with some participants dressed in crazy costumes. www.baytobreakers.com
Las Vegas World Series of Poker May to July The best poker players in the world battle it out in one of the most prestigious poker tournaments of the year. www.worldseriesofpoker.com
Travel log M AY 2 0 0 9
Sky High Stay on top in this snazzy, jazzy joint with floor to ceiling windows and fabulous skyline views. Sit back, swing with the live music, or sip some great cocktailsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all up to you. As they say, the skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit! New York Bar, Park Hyatt Tokyo, 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan; tel. +81 3 5322 1234; www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com Room rates start at US$400
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Italian News
The Deck, Marco Polo Davao, C.M. Recto Street, Davao City; tel. +6382 221 0888 loc. 7903; www.marcopolohotels.com or www.lazulispa.com
They say you shouldn’t order anything you can’t pronounce, but that should not be the case with Il Ponticello. For 10 years now, this restaurant has been serving authentically prepared traditional Italian cuisine, but now they’ve added some dishes with a modern twist. The Branzino Tartufato E Risotto Rosso (Php980/US$21) or simply put—truffled wild seabass with beetroot risotto—is a recommended dish. The freshness and tenderness of the fish perfectly complements the flavorful risotto. Best to hit this restaurant in the evening so you can enjoy listening to the live bands or the house DJs while savoring some good ol’ or new Italian dishes. By Nikka Sarthou
2/F Antel 2000 Building, 121 Valero Street corner Rufino, Salcedo Village, Makati City; tels. +632 887 7168 or +632 887 4998; Open Mondays to Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. onwards.
Lazuli Spa. When in Davao, drop by Lazuli Spa at the Marco Polo for an utterly invigorating spa experience. Try A Touch of Lazuli (90 minutes for Php1,400/US$30), a signature massage that includes Thai stretching, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi strokes, and Reiki, or have your skin polished with sweetsmelling organic rice and freshly grated ginger (Organic Rice and Ginger Rub;45 minutes for Php1,200/US$26). Know what? Just try as much treatments as you want.
Steak Out! On the prowl for delicious Angus steak? Then I’m Angus is the place for you. Comfortable yet elegant, guests will lick their lips in anticipation as the menu showcases a wide variety of dishes that are both well presented and perfectly cooked. The Seared Mahi Tuna Piri Piri (Php250/US$6) is top notch and the wasabi mayo complements well with its creamy and spicy flavor. The 21-ounce Tomahawk Steak (Php2,550/US$54) is the best in town, with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and savory taste, the quality is second to none. The Chilean Sea Bass (Php1,090/ US$23) is magnificent with its freshness and balanced mixture of ingredients while the Montana Lamb Chops (Php1,290/US$27) will leave a lasting impression. Just as impressive is the wine list, an extensive array of over one hundred old and new world wines. I’m Angus is a gastronomic gem waiting to be discovered.
By Ernest Reynoso-Gala/Photo by Jorem Catilo 7431 Yakal Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City; tel. +632 892 6206; www.werdenberg.com
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Don’t go looking for Noah aboard this delightful little ark-shaped zoo! Instead, you can get up close and personal with some of the cuddly animals running and squawking around the place, well except for the caged lion or bear, they do bite.
l o g
Ark Avilon, Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City; tel. +632 706 2992; e-mail arkavilon@yahoo.com.ph Photo by Noel Salazar
Hotel Celeste’s eye candy. Thirty rooms and
suites with gorgeous hand-painted walls by artist Gina Bocar give this charming hotel that ‘haute couture’ vibe, and its eclectic European design will make you forget you’re just in the middle of Makati.
Fly Philippine Airlines and present your Philippine Airlines Child Boarding Pass at Fun Ranch Ortigas to claim your FREE Leaps ‘n Bounds unlimited play pass.
02 San Lorenzo Drive corner Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City; tel. +632 887 8080; e-mail reservation@ hotelceleste.ph; website www.hotelceleste.ph
Promo period is from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009.
See posters for details.
FUN RANCH is located at FRONTERA VERDE ORTIGAS AVENUE cor. C-5 (across Tiendesitas), PASIG CITY; For inquiries, please call 706 3029 or 396 5237; telefax 706 2887; www.funranch.com.ph; www.kidsrulehere.com Per DTI-NCR Permit No. A2-0778 Series of 2008
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FUNNY SIGNAGES Some things just get Lost in translation =)
It makes you wonder what suddenness could be. Taken in Beijing, China, by Nancy Tanjuatco
Does this include eating the cake too? Taken in Cebu, Philippines by Dawn Tagala
If you’ll lose your foot ing, you might as we ll do it carefully. Taken in China, by Iñaki Martinez es?” You mean “tre s o, Philippine a v a D in n e Tak tamante by Dana Bus 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 Php1,000. 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 Php500. *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@eastgatepublishing.com or jventura@eastgatepublishing.com 16 M A B U H A Y
February 2009
here Are we talking about morals or your valuables? vy Acueza Taken in Shanghai, by Jo
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May 5 Celebrated in Mexico as Cinco De Mayo (Fifth of May), a national holiday in remembrance of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in which Mexican troops under General Ignacio Zaragoza, outnumbered three to one, defeated the invading French forces of Napoleon III.
May 27, 1937 In San Francisco, 200,000 people celebrated the grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge by strolling across it.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
From ashes to life
Mt. Pinatubo and Mount St. Helens erupt, Wall Street stockbrokers unite, JFK’s birthday, and other historical trivia
May 29 John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) the 35th U.S. President was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the youngest man ever elected to the presidency and the first Roman Catholic. He was assassinated in Dallas, November 22, 1963, and was the fourth U.S. President to be killed by an assassin.
Philippine History May 13, 1985 Joaquin “Chino” Roces is awarded the golden Pen of Freedom by the International Federation of Newspaper Editors. May 26, 1991 Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales emits a large amount of smoke and steam that reached to 1,000 meters high. On April 13 it reaches a critical pre-eruptive state with the occurrence of 2 intensity one earthquakes within nine hours. By June 1991, it produced the second largest eruption of the 20th century. Tens of thousands of people from the surrounding areas evacuated, and thousands of houses, farms, and buildings were destroyed.
WORLD HISTORY May 9 Victory Day in Russia, a national holiday commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and honoring 20 million Soviets who died in the war. 18 M A B U H A Y M a y 2 0 0 9
May 23 The first American female attorney Arabella Mansfield (1846-1911) was born near Burlington, Iowa (as Belle Aurelia Babb). She was certified in 1869 as an attorney and admitted to the Iowa bar, but never practiced law. Instead she chose a career as a college educator and administrator. She was also instrumental in the founding of the Iowa Suffrage Society in 1870.
May 17, 1792 Two dozen merchants and brokers established the New York Stock Exchange. In good weather they operated under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street. In bad weather they moved inside a coffeehouse to conduct business. May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens volcano erupted in Washington State spewing steam and ash over 11 miles up into the sky. This was the first major eruption since 1857. May 24, 1844 Telegraph inventor Samuel F.B. Morse sent the first official telegraph message “What hath God wrought?” from Washington to Baltimore.
May 31 American poet Walt Whitman (18191892) was born in Long Island, New York. His poem “Leaves of Grass” is considered an American classic. His poetry celebrated modern life and took on subjects considered taboo at that time.
Winged Escape JUDE APARRI BACALSO discovers an island in Cebu that’s a haven to thousands of exotic birds
The best months to get glimpses of these exotic birds in Olango Island are from September to March. (Photos by Erwin Lim)
Trust a frequent flier to know the best pit stops in the world. Especially if it’s a bird. Thousands of migratory waterfowl cannot be wrong: Olango Island is definitely the new it destination. A mere five kilometers East of Mactan Island, Cebu, it lies at the center of the East AsianAustralasian flyway, an ancient flight path for birds fleeing from winter in their breeding places in the Northern hemisphere. Olango is the pit stop of choice for the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country thus far, species who call the 920-hectare Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) temporary home, attracted by the teeming life in its tidal flats. For travelers, however, the luxe way to go is via a new breed of
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hip bancas outfitted with modern trimmings: an iPod dock, bean bags, a well-stocked cooler, and even an on-board masseuse. At the end of a five-minute cruise from Mactan to the wharf in Sta. Rosa, Olango, a tricycle brings you to the sanctuary after a 15minute ride. At any one time, thousands of birds can be viewed from an observation deck, a short 10-minute hike from the OIWS building and campsite. Our field guide whips out an illustrated reference, and, focusing the telescope, points out our prize. The Far Eastern Curlew stands still in the distance, while a few meters away, oblivious to the noontime heat, a Bar-tailed godwit forages. Farther still, the rare Asian Dowitcher faces us squarely, ready for a photograph. The best months for birdwatching in Olango are from September to March, when winter up North drives the birds to seek warmer climates down South. Best time of day? “Check the peak high tide in any calendar and calculate from there,” he instructs. “Best viewing times are two hours before and four hours after (the coming and going of the tide).” Catching the before is ideal, leaving enough time for lunch at one of the many restaurants-on-stilts
ringing the island, where fresh catch is hauled in from an opening on the floor and cooked to your preference, or try the Php400-per-head seafood buffet. An hour after, you are berthed in front of Talima, feeding breadcrumbs to a school of fish and diving into the cool water from the banca, drying off only to plop right onto the deck chairs for an hour-long massage. Sunset is best enjoyed upon the wooden deck of Talima Beach Villas, sipping “mangorita” while overlooking the receding tide and facing Cebu’s cityscape. Behind it, the sun sinks, giving way to both starlight and glitter of the Queen City of the South’s jewels. Birdwatching Essentials • Binoculars • Field Guide • Notebook • Light clothing in earth colors (brown, khaki, and green) • Hat www.birdwatch.ph
A trips to Olango Island that fit any
Islands Banca Cruises customizes
budget and itinerary. Visit www.islandsbanca.com for more information.
The Voyage of
the Balangay What kind of adventure could be a worthy sequel to the first Philippine expedition to Mt. Everest? Only one of epic proportions, as ISABEL L. TEMPLO writes
A
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Members of the Mt. Everest expedition will make up the core of the balangay’s crew: Leo Oracion, Erwin Emata, Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino-Sardena, Dr. Ted Esguerra, Fred Jamili, and Dr. Voltaire Velasco. Other crew members are master sailors, environmentalists, and academics. The public will be able to join certain legs of the trip—from Manila to Calatagan or from Puerto Galera to San Jose, for instance. Those who want to monitor the trip can do so online, as members of the crew are expected to upload news and photos to a blog. The star of the adventure is the balangay itself, patterned after the design and craftsmanship of ancient times. Using wood supplied by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), skilled boat builders from the Badjao ethnic group in Tawi-Tawi are constructing an authentic balangay as their forefathers did—with the shell of the boat built first and the internal frame later, the reverse of modern-day construction. When completed, the balangay will measure 15 meters long by 4 1/2 meters wide and will accommodate up to 50 people. The model for the balangay is the “Butuan boat”—the name shared by nine boats unearthed in 1978 from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte in Mindanao. Carbon dated to as early as 320 AD and as recent as 1250 AD, they indicate that our ancestors had a maritime culture in place, and were able to build sturdy boats and travel to other lands.
Map by Ryan Kabigting
sk Art Valdez of Kaya ng Pinoy (The Filipino Can), Inc. what spurred him to undertake “The Voyage of the Balangay,” and he’ll tell you what the Philippines was like when the Spaniards first found it, according to 16th-century Spanish historian Antonio de Morga in his book Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (History of the Philippine Islands): Trade flourished with merchants from China, Japan, Borneo, Malacca, Mexico, and Portugal. Gold, silver, and silk were being produced locally and exported. An indigenous system of writing was already in use. Valdez shares that ship building was also an industry, with some ships being “so long that they can carry 100 rowers on a side and 30 soldiers above to fight,” as Morga wrote. The Voyage of the Balangay is a link to the past and a step towards the realization of Valdez’ vision of a proud and thriving nation. The project will take Valdez and his crew through the migration routes of our ancestors—around the Philippines (in 2009), around Southeast Asia (in 2010), and then to Micronesia and Madagascar (in 2011)—in nothing more than a balangay, a wooden boat used in ancient times. Like the group’s initial project—the Mt. Everest expedition in 2006 and 2007—the Voyage of the Balangay can only be described as audacious. They will navigate the waters as the seafarers of old did, with neither motor nor GPS (global positioning system) and with only nature as their guide. By nightfall, they will stop at coastal communities to rest. It sounds like every adventurer’s dream. But it’s more than just an adventure. As the balangay sails around the Philippines, Valdez and his crew will interact with the coastal communities. They will meet with leaders and students to discuss environmental and community concerns. If they are equipped to help on the spot, they will.
It is this maritime and historical consciousness that Valdez wants to awaken among Filipinos through this undertaking. “If you look at our history, there’s so much to be proud of.” The balangay, then, is not just a boat, but a symbol of what we can do and a call to work together to reach a common destination. As in the days of our ancestors, travel or even migration may be inevitable, but it should not make us lose touch with who we are. The Voyage of the Balangay is a reminder of a history and identity we can all be proud of—an anchor to home.
Sail – made of cotton (traditionally woven from buri or nipa); used to harness the wind
All Aboard! According to Rey Santiago and Owis Bolunia of the National Museum, the balangay could be used as a house, a cargo vessel, a passenger boat, or a fishing boat. More than being just versatile, however, the balangay is a technological wonder. Traditionally made without a blueprint, held together by only wooden pegs or dowels and vine cords, and using only wind and water as energy, it is a sign of maritime excellence.
Stay – holds and moves the sail; made from abaca (traditionally made from cabo negro).
Mast – made of bamboo or wood; can be removed or lowered when windy
Gunwale – made of four bamboo poles or slats; acts as a stabilizer. It is also used as an extension of the upper deck Hut – provides shade for the pilot
Deck – the floor of the balangay; can be rolled when not in use. The balangay usually has an upper deck and lower deck Thatch roof – provides shade and defines the living area of the balangay; can be removed to decrease wind drag
INFO:
Original balangays are displayed at the Balangay Shrine Museum, located five kilometers from Butuan town proper.
Oar – made of bamboo; used to maneuver the balangay in deep water
The North Star
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Roof deck – made of bamboo slats; removed when the roof is taken down
Quarter rudder – used to propel the balangay
Keel – the base or foundation of the balangay; the length of the keel determines the size of the balangay
Out of the trillions and trillions of stars in the sky, Polaris is perhaps the only star that can help you find your way when you’re lost. Located in line with the two rightmost stars of the big dipper, the Polaris always points to the North.
Modern~day adventures
• The Kon-Tiki expedition, headed by Thor Heyerdahl, successfully crossed the Pacific in 1947. He was able to prove that ancient South Americans could have crossed the Pacific Ocean to reach Polynesia aboard a wooden raft. • Tom McClean became the first person to row across the Atlantic solo in 1969, starting from Newfoundland and reaching Ireland after 71 days in a six-meter boat. • In 1986, Richard Branson made record time when he crossed the Atlantic in three days and eight hours aboard his 22-meter powerboat, the Virgin Atlantic Challenger II. A year later, Branson crossed the Atlantic again—this time, in a hot-air balloon, the Virgin Atlantic Flyer. The Flyer was the first hot-air balloon transatlantic crossing. • Anthony Steward accomplished the first open boat circumnavigation in 1991 aboard his fivemeter NCS Challenger.
The balangay is being constructed this month near the grounds of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Test sails will also be conducted during the latter part of this month. Find out more by emailing art_valdez@yahoo. com or by calling +63921 793 0502. F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 25
Fruitful encounters More than eye candies, these sweet, shiny, and luscious fruits do wonders to your health. DR. WILLIE T. ONG names the secrets packed in each one of them. Photos by Noel Salazar Raw tomatoes and those found in ketchup may reduce the risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and other cancers of the digestive tract. Tomatoes are extremely high in antioxidants, especially carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene.
Pineapples contain the unique enzyme bromelain, which may help in digestion and reducing inflammation in the body. Pineapples are excellent sources of manganese and vitamin B, which give the body energy.
Like other orangecolored fruits, papayas contain large amounts of beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin C. Hence, they are good for the skin and the immune system. Papayas also contain papain, an enzyme that helps in digestion.
Apples are an excellent source of pectin, which is a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and sugar levels. Pectin also binds with heavy metals like lead and mercury and helps the body eliminate these pollutants.
Citrus fruits have overflowing amounts of Vitamin C. Locally we have calamansi, suha, and dalandan. Vitamin C may help alleviate inflammatory conditions and also protects the heart and boosts the immune system.
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Bananas are the perfect fast food because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and folic acid. The high potassium content prevents cramps and gives ready energy with its easily digestible starch. Bananas are also the perfect antacid, coating the stomach and preventing stomach ulcers.
Grapes contain tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyaninsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;chemicals believed to give grapes their anticancer properties. Grapes are beneficial for those recuperating from an illness and for those who have anemia and fatigue.
May 2009
melons have long been used by traditional medicine as a cure for kidney and bladder problems. Melons are rich in potassium and vitamin C. They can also help relieve mild constipation. Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which means they are useful in preventing heart disease and stroke. Avocados can stimulate the production of collagen, which can help prevent wrinkles and smoothen oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin.
See that tiny horizontal line on the left? That could be you soaring 200 feet above the Wahig River. (Photo by Ryan
Macalandag)
Extreme Bohol
Ask a native what’s new in Tagbilaran, the capital of the tourism whirlwind that is the Province of Bohol, and he is likely to point you to a suicidal stunt 72 kilometers away, or ask that you take a circuitous and meandering route around its famous hills in a neighboring town on a buggy ride. It’s your call, this time around.
Tired of the hills and the river cruise? Follow JUDE APARRI BACALSO as he tries two of the The “Suislide” newest activities that kept his A good 72 kilometers from adrenaline levels high Tagbilaran, and an even better two-
hour drive from the city, Danao is the home of two of the country’s longest: Dagohoy’s revolt, which lasted 85 years, and the longest zip line in the Philippines to date (at almost half a kilometer). The latter is cleverly named the suislide, a calculated reference to the daredevil nature of the activity.
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The latest addition to the park’s many attractions, it was inaugurated December of 2008 and has been drawing a number of adventure enthusiasts by sheer word of mouth. Picture this: you are dangling from threadlike cables on a main 450meter long cable that spans a gorge. Below you, after a drop from a 50storey high building, are the rapids of Wahig River. After your guide shouts “Bomb’s away!” from your side and a confirmation comes from the one on the far end, there is no turning back—you are pushed to the edge of the cliff, sliding with a hissing suisssssss to the other side, at the mercy of gravity. If all goes well, it is over in under a minute, depending on your weight. The thrill of putting your life on the line like that, though, is a buzz that lasts much longer. A return trip can be arranged by the site’s trained personnel. You can go back seated (best for taking photos or a video of the entire experience) or lying facedown like a flying lemur to savor the sensation of flight. The zipline is safe even for children, accompanied by a guide, of course. One may also opt for the thrill of rappelling down the cliff surface below the viewing deck. The park also offers less dangerous endeavors like kayaking, river tubing, camping, and the unique root climb, where one holds on to gigantic exposed balete tree roots to climb a rock surface. By the time you are reading this, they will also have installed the first canyon swing in the country (the closest other would be in Nepal), where one is suspended over the same gorge as the suislide and is swung like a pendulum over a perilous height. The local government unit, which runs the park, also plans to put in a via ferrata (“the iron road”), rings of metal screwed into the rock surface, in an unpredictable pattern for a challenging climb. True to their history, Danao is leading their own quiet revolt in the travel industry with these maverick ideas, transforming an out-of-the-way inland town by iron willpower and volunteerism, harnessing people’s organizations to run and manage the adventure park into a must-see, must-experience destination.
Below you, a scenic view of a lush forest takes away your fear as you hang on to dear life while gliding on air for half a kilometer.
To get there, ride the buses bound for Danao at the Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran (Php75/US$1.55 per person, one way) and stop at the Municipal Hall of Danao. The habal-habal (motorcycles) will take you the sevenkilometer distance to the site (Php30/US$0.62 per person, one way). If pre-arranged with the park staff, they can send a vehicle to fetch you at the Municipal Hall. Tour vans or cars at the airport or seaport can also be arranged for travel (Php2,500/US$52 on the average for whole-day use for vans, less for cars).
| +6338 5073106 loc. 187 (Mayor Tom Gonzaga’s office); mobile
E.A.T. Danao (Extreme, Eco, Educational Adventure Tour) - Tel.
no. +63917 302 1701 or +63921 759 4403; www.eatdanao.multiply.com; zip-line rates start at Php350 (US$7)
The Buggy Ride Viewing from atop a deck not enough for you? Take matters into your own hands and rent an all-terrainvehicle to explore the Chocolate Hills! Continuously reinventing the travel experience, the guided tour breaks down the fun into as short as 30 minutes (at Php 400/ US$8.32 per person) to explore the Three Sisters’ Hill; to the whole shebang of four hours (Php 1,800/US$37 per person) that brings one through Three Sister’s Hill, Eight Sisters’ Hill, the mini rice terraces, and ends with a dip to wash the dust off at the Anislag Water spring. Kids can even have their own 50cc ATVs to drive alongside your 150cc unit.
"
Bohol ATV Rentals; Buenos Aires, Carmen; tel. +6338 416 0340; mobile no. +63929 470 2537; www.g1atv.com
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Insight
The Bol-anon in Pop Culture A popular local ditty playfully suggests: “Kon ikaw Inday mangitag pamanhonon, Siguro-a baya Inday ang Bol-anon (If you are looking for a fiancé, miss, make sure he’s a Boholano, miss.)!” But do they make good husbands? The song emphasizes the Boholano’s kindness and the willingness, above all, to love you forever. It also hints, however, of his philandering and predilection for flirtations…a stern warning within an invitation. And what of the ladies? Another pop song depicts her as an old-fashioned tease, playing hard to get is her game. In “Pasayawa Ko ‘Day (Miss, shall we dance?),” an inventive duet that transpires as a conversation between a suitor and the object of his affection, she shoots down his advances with witty barbs, while the choreography (it is always performed with a dance) brings the couple physically closer at the refrain. But the most unfair pop culture reference to the Bol-anon is a play on their unique take on the Visayan language (where the y is pronounced as a hard j and the k is a hollow h sound).“Ija-ija, aho-aho/what is yours is yours, what is mine is mine” has become a catchphrase to describe the Boholano. Anthropologists claim that it is a reference to the first Shri-Visayan settlers of Bohol who were noted for their stingy nature, the very same group that migrated to Northeastern Luzon where the reputation colors the Ilocano. Yet come May, without fail, says the urban legend, the Boholano is sure to flock homeward for the fiesta, where every single home is open— literally—to everyone.
Click
www.tagbilaran.gov.ph
PAL flies between Manila and Tagbilaran thrice a day. 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.
薄荷岛（Bohol ）极限之旅 JUDE APARRI BACALSO在当地尝试的两种最新活动，让他感到异常刺激。 从市区到达纳欧（Danao）需要两个小时的车程，这里有两个菲国之最：最长的Dagohoy革命运动，历时 85年和菲律宾迄今最长的高空滑降。 后者巧妙地被命名为suislide ，有如其名是一项大胆又刺激的活动。试想象一下：您被悬挂 在一条横跨峡谷、450米长的细长绳索上；身于50层楼高的空中，底下则是湍急的Wahig河。当指导员在 旁高喊“放人下滑！”，在远处尽头待命的人员确认后，您就无后路可退了 – 您被推向悬崖边缘，任 由重力摆布嘶嘶地滑向另一边。 游客也可选择绕绳下降到观景台下的悬崖表面。该公园亦提供危险性较低的活动如：划 皮艇、河漂流、露营和罕见的爬缘根。当您阅读此文章的时候，他们也将会设置菲国首座“峡谷悬荡” （ canyon swing）。游客同样的悬挂在suislide峡谷上，于危险的高空中有如钟摆般摇荡 。经营该公 园的当地政府单位也计划推行铁道式攀登或称为“铁路”，把金属环旋进岩石的表层，不规律的式样让 游客体验富有挑战性的岩壁攀登。E.A.T. Danao （极限、生态、 冒险教育旅游）电话：+6338 5073106 分机号187 （Tom Gonzaga市长办事处）；手机号码：+63917 302 1701 或者+63921 759 4403；请浏览 www.eatdanao.multiply.com 。高空滑降的费用从350菲律宾比索起（7美元）。 从平台上望去很不过瘾？您现在可以自行租一辆全地形车，近距离探索巧克力山！为了不断带 给游客全新的旅游体验，导游把探索Three Sisters’ Hill的行程缩短至30分钟 （一人400菲律宾比索 /8.32美元）。游客也可选择4个小时的旅程（一人1,800菲律宾比索 / 37美元），穿越Three Sisters’ Hill、Eight Sisters’ Hill以及迷你小梯田，并在行程结束前于Anislag泡一泡泉水，洗掉身上的尘 土。小孩甚至还可以驾驶50cc的全地形车与您的150cc车型一起出发。薄荷全地形车出租（Bohol ATV Rentals），地址：Buenos Aires, Carmen，电话：+6338 416 0340，手机号码：+63929 470 2537，可 浏览www.g1atv.com以获取更多详情。
F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 31
Sunshine Lichauco de Leon tries to see the light in a fascinating show where these divine creatures are set amid modern times
hether or not you believe in angels, Emmanuel Santos’ latest work, The Passing Of Light—Book of Illuminations, will at least make you ponder their existence. The collection consists of photos of the 72 angels that represent the 72 different names of God, as mentioned in the Book of Exodus of the Old Testament. The photos, taken in 21 countries, each have a biblical overtone yet are set against a modern context of rural and urban backdrops. The angels are the people on the streets,
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each carrying a specific name and message, whom Santos, armed with a pair of angel wings he carried through three continents, approached to be in his photo. Santos chose his subjects based on intuition, with decisions that were “random and spontaneous but with sensitivity to the presence of an enigmatic energy.” Emphasizing the fact that the same angels exist in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the exhibit highlights the idea that with Abraham as a shared origin, these faiths often have
more in common than what is immediately obvious. Santos grew up in Baguio and says the Cordillera tribal traditions have been a constant reference for his work. Eventually migrating to Melbourne, he has spent much of the last 25 years photographing the diaspora of Hasidic Jewish communities around the world. These photo essays depict the rituals of daily life from birth to death, and allowed him to travel to the locations of the diaspora, many of which have biblical
1
TIP: Watch out for long shadows offering a dramatic mood in your theme of composition.
references. Telling the stories of angels was the natural progress from these journeys as well as from Santos’ study of mystical texts and sacred books. Since angels are believed to be messengers from the higher universe that somehow transcended on earth as light, Santos decided to name his project as The Passing of Light, instead of The Passing of Angels. It is in fact, the subdued light in these timeless images that draws your imagination in and makes you want to believe in things unseen.
1. Lauviah Rising Hong Kong, China Lauviah is the angel who gives revelations through dreams. He saves against spiritual torment and sadness. Negative composite
2. The Visitation of Jeremiel Milano, Italy Jeremiel means “Mercy of God.” He is the archangel of prophetic vision and helps newly-crossed over souls to review their lives. He is also known as the angel of emotional healing. Film negative composite
TIP: Be adventurous in composing your photographs (i.e. shooting from the hip or shooting without looking at the viewfinder). Shoot and frame your photos from different points of view to obtain a more unique perspective. 34 M A B U H A Y
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3
5
•Santos’ 38-piece The Passing of Light was sold for a record-breaking Php1.9 million (US$44,000) at the recent Christie’s Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art Auction in Hong Kong.
2
3. The Spell of Harshiel São Paulo, Brazil Harshiel is the angel of sorcerers. According to the Qur’an, Harshiel (also known as Harut) was one of the two angels who came down from heaven and taught certain secrets to humanity, interpreted variously as magic and sorcery. Islamic legend also tells the tale of Harut and how she joined the ranks of the fallen angels. Negative sandwich
TIP: Take photos in the early mornings and late afternoons for better color results.
4. The Dream of Lehalel Krakow, Poland 4
Lehalel is an angel of the zodiac who exercises dominion over love, art, science and fortune. We appeal to this being of light for good luck and good fortune. Analogue film negative composite
TIP: Mix flash and slow exposure on dimly illuminated subjects to create more surreal images.
5. The Conquest of Haamiah Riga, Latvia (former USSR) Haamiah, as the Angel of Integrity, helps us make ethical decisions and enlightens us to use our free will to express our true selves and the courage to hear and understand other people’s feelings Darkroom multiple negative composite M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 35
Hip wave
At the pulse of Boracay Island’s thriving party scene is this cool and chic retreat, discovers YASMIN D. ARQUIZA
G Treat promo for three days and The Tides is offering a Triple
two nights, which starts at Php13,000 (US$269) net per person, based on quadsharing, until June 15, 2009. Another option is the Temptation promo for three days and two nights, starting at Php 7,820 (US$162) net per person, based on quadsharing, which is valid Tuesdays to Thursdays until June 12, 2009. Loyal guests are eligible for a rewards program that includes free massage and room upgrades.
In Manila: Tel. +632 725 3411; Fax +632 726 6165 In Boracay: Tel. +6336 288 4517; Fax +6336 288 4518 www.tidesboracay.com
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For the stylish set, one of THE hip places to stay in Boracay is The Tides hotel, right in the heart of D’Mall. Boracay’s sultry weather must have inspired its all-white exterior. The concrete and glass structure appeals to party people who dominate the action on the beach, as well as the hotel’s chill-out rooftop. It seems to be a favorite among young people, and it’s common to hear American-accented English from Filipino balikbayans in the corridors. No wonder then, that the New York Times mentioned The Tides when it featured Boracay as one of the “44 Places to go in 2009,” describing it as part of a “new breed of South Beach-style hotels broadening the island’s appeal.” Opened in 2007, the boutique hotel has 60 guest rooms fitted with modern conveniences done in minimalist style, all clustered around a floorboard courtyard. Wordsmiths will be drawn to the tongue-in-cheek signs that crop up in unexpected places: “take flight” on the stairs going up, “just a few more steps” with a smiley while you’re catching your breath on the way to the rooftop, and “wash your cares away…” as you step into the rain shower to get rid of sticky salt water. My favorite was the word “sleep” morphing into “sheep” above my bed, which sent me to dreamland with a smile. Guests can sunbathe beside the rooftop swimming pool all day, the swaying of palm trees around the hotel providing the perfect tropical ambience. At dusk, indulge in a glass of margarita (half-price during cocktail hour) at the Solstice bar while watching the sunset. Renowned chef Fernando Aracama has introduced what he calls Progressive Filipino Cuisine to Boracay habitués in the new restaurant Ka-on, the Hiligaynon word for “eat.” Specialties have taken on a new twist—the Kapampangan sisig (crispy pork bits with chili and onions) is served as spring rolls, beef ribs are cooked in the style of the national dish adobo with mango relish, and tuyo (dried fish) comes in a pasta dish with black olives and salted duck eggs.
The colors of twilight dance on the horizons of Dakak. Around the resort, 11 nearby dive spots can be explored.
(Photos by Mario Babiera)
Dakak Revisited JOJIE ALCANTARA hies off to a beach destination that was once the sanctuary of the country’s national hero
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In the 90’s, this popular beach resort rose to prominence with a sleek, classy TV ad that showed alluring snippets of fine white sand, exclusive, and laidback tropical scenes with foreign tourists settled in a secluded haven. Adding to its old glory was the Miss Universe pageant in 1994 which brought the candidates to one of Mindanao’s earliest posh paradise. Dakak Park and Beach Resort may have quieted down through the years, but its natural beauty and geographical location continue to lure visitors from all over. Picture the serenity of an attractive cove that provides you with a 750-meter enclosed white beach strip that allows you a quiet swim devoid of currents or big waves to jolt you from your musing and reverie. Dakak is also known to many divers as home to a thriving marine life, reef dwellers and abundant healthy coral reefs underneath its clear turquoise waters. Apart from well-recommended dive sites, Dakak is endowed with a natural basin for flora and fauna, a private 15-hectare property of park and woodland good for trekking and exploration for the active guest. Dapitan City, home to our exiled national hero Jose Rizal, was placed on the map for the presence of this hideaway. Don’t expect the frenzied activities of Boracay, but this is the right destination with the family if you need a getaway. Apart from its cultural night shows, theme parties, and karaoke bar, facilities are provided for guests for land sports (bowling, billiards, golf, tennis) and aqua sports (waterski, jetski, kayaks, sailboards). Explore the nature trails around the estate on horseback, a dip in its spring water pools with manmade waterfalls, or a heavenly soak in its open Jacuzzi and whirlpool spa. You can opt to lazily watch a breathtaking sunset from your bamboo lounge chair on the shore to cap off another tranquil day. Exploring the resort is easy on foot but for those who find hiking as tiresome, rides are available to bring you from your villa to the restaurant or beach. Cottages attractively built on bamboo, nipa and window panes of capiz shells are situated far apart
to afford privacy and illusion of solitary living in the isle. An airconditioned deluxe bungalow costs US$80 while a beachfront cottage costs US$105. Don’t forget to take a day tour outside the resort to visit the picturesque Dapitan and Dipolog cities, which will surprisingly take you back a few years earlier, when life was simpler and cheaper. More importantly, sample exotic culinary dishes from fresh seafood delights to Filipino and international buffet cuisine prepared in style by the beach at dusk.
D
Go
Dipolog is around 30 minutes away from Taguilon, Dapitan City. Dakak’s peak seasons are from December to January, and the Holy Week. Currently, promo rates are available such as the Barkadahan Package (Php2,550/US$53 quadruple sharing for 2 days), the Honeymoon Package (three days, four nights at Php10,500/US$219 net per couple), or the Dakak ‘Ta Bay (“Let’s go to Dakak”) Package (Php3,000/US$62 per person twin/triple sharing). Visit its official site at http://dakakdapitan. com or email dakak28@yahoo.com
PAL flies between Manila and Dipolog once a day. 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.
Bask in the tropical ambience framing the resort’s swimming pool area. (Photo by Earl Joseph Saavedra) M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 39
Elephants youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The lower basin of the Kinabatangan, the longest river in northern Borneo, provides JOHN OATES with everything he is looking for in a wildlife spotting trip. Photo by LEE TECK SENG.
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ll never forget
Saving Dumbo. According to National Geographic, the endemic pygmy elephants are believed to be gifts of the sultan of Java to the sultan of Sulu. For strange reasons, the offspring of the elephants were returned to Java, where the species was wiped out after the arrival of the Europeans. It turned out that the elephantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vacation in the Philippines saved their kind!
M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 41
The pygmy elephant stands no more than six feet tall, is rounder, has a longer tail, and loves wading in the water unlike other elephant species. (Photo by John Oates)
A
ny large animal could have trampled the plants beside the wooden walkway, but the footprints were unmistakable. Pygmy elephants wandered through our camp overnight, and we missed them. This was to be our last morning at Bilit Adventure Camp (tel. +60 89-533031; www.sepilokjungleresort.com; two-night package starts at US$115), one of several lodges overlooking the Kinabatangan River and its tributaries. The area is considered one of the best places to see Borneo’s abundant wildlife, with the distinction of being one of only two locations in the world that supports 10 species of primates. The two-hour drive to the camp from Sandakan, itself a short flight or eight-hour bus ride from Kota Kinabalu, had taken us through mile after mile of uniform stretches of palm oil plantations. Things began to look more promising when we arrived at the village of Bilit, clambered down a rickety jetty to board a small boat, and got our first sight of the strip of jungle designated as a wildlife sanctuary. Tourism has flourished since the first lodge opened in 1991, and there are now at least a dozen places aimed at a range of budgets. Uncle Tan’s (tel. +60 89-53578; www. uncletan.com; two-night package US$87), for example, attracts backpackers with its affordable basic accommodation. We chose it for its home comforts, a series of well maintained wooden cabins offering either fans or air-conditioning. After a short briefing we set off on our first river cruise. Logging upriver has left the Kinabatangan a muddy brown, but other than watching out for monitor lizards and crocodiles, we were more interested in the jungle than the water. Within minutes we saw boats crowding around a spot on the opposite side of the river. “Pygmy elephants,” our guide Mus assured us, although we could see nothing. Endemic to Borneo, pygmy elephants have large ears and long tails; they are smaller than other Asian elephants, although the males can still reach 2.5 meters in height. With the World Wildlife Fund estimating that there are only around 1,000 in the wild, they are considered endangered due to human interference with their territory.
May 2009
Illustrations by Ryan Kabigting
42 M A B U H A Y
We waited unsuccessfully for a few minutes before we decided to head over. But with the other boats out of the way—in peak season clusters of up to 25 have been reported—we watched as the elephants slowly ate the vegetation that had been obscuring our view. Next day, a worried Mus explained that the starting point of our scheduled jungle trek, heading to an oxbow lake for lunch, was exactly where we had seen the elephants. He hacked his way through the humid jungle, overgrown even on this well-used path, and occasionally stopped to listen. “If they are close then we have to leave,” he told us. “They can become aggressive if they think we are threatening their young.” In the end, the elephants did not appear, and we scared the smaller wildlife away as we slipped our way along the muddy trail. There were plenty of insects around though—don’t forget the repellent! The optional night walk had a similar outcome, with too many people waving torches and talking loudly. We did see a few interesting things, including a whip scorpion, a large millipede, and a couple of sleeping birds. I also brought a new friend back with me: a leech, which thankfully had not quite managed to get through my rented leech socks.
The three boat cruises were the real point of the trip, and we pretty much made our way through a checklist of the key attractions. Mus seemed able to spot animals from unfeasibly long distances away, and provided interesting snippets of information. Long-tailed macaques, for example, apparently like to hang from trees and catch crabs with their tails. Then there were the proboscis monkeys, truly bizarre creatures with big noses and potbellies. They stayed much higher up in the trees than the macaques, not so much leaping from branch to branch as falling in a barely controlled manner. Birdwatchers were also well catered for, particularly on the misty early morning cruise, with more than 200 species recorded in the area. Binoculars would not have been a bad idea, but the zoom lens on my camera helped me to get a decent view.
The area is considered one of the best places to see Borneo’s abundant wildlife, with the distinction of being one of only two locations in the world that supports 10 species of primates. On the last cruise we got to tick off one of the most important boxes on our imaginary checklist. Although around 3,500 orangutans live in the area, it is not common to see them; the one we spotted quickly turned its back on us, but it was still a thrill to see it in the wild. So when we spotted those elephant footprints outside our cabin on the last morning, we had no right to be disappointed. But, of course, we were. Then, settling down to breakfast, we heard banging coming from around the camp’s water storage tanks. Three of the elephants had returned, and although the camp staff looked concerned, they did not try to drive them away. So we did what self-respecting tourists would do and grabbed our cameras.
Insight
Borneo: Nature’s Hothouse The third largest island in the world (with a land area of 744,108 sqm, it’s roughly twice the size of Germany), Borneo is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It is described by the World Wildlife Fund as “the only remaining place in Southeast Asia that still holds huge tracts of pristine forest.” The forests are the traditional home of more than 30 tribal groups collectively known as Dayaks. Many Dayaks live in individual dwellings, often resettled under government pressure, and where longhouses still exist they are usually built using concrete rather than natural materials. Today, tribal groups account for around a quarter of Borneo’s population. Other groups include the Chinese whose ancestors arrived in the 19th century, Malays from the Malaysian Peninsular, and large numbers of Indonesians who were encouraged to settle in Borneo in the 70’s and 80’s—the last of them causing significant resentment among indigenous groups. www.borneoadventure.com
KINGS OF THE SWINGERS Orangutans are the largest living forest-dwelling animals, with habitats in Borneo and Sumatra (Indonesia), and feed mostly on fruits. They are highly solitary creatures, with males and females usually coming together only to mate, which is one of the reasons why they are hard to find in the wild. Some males have distinctive flanged cheek pads and are fiercely territorial, while females and unflanged males do not establish territories. Studies suggest that, after humans, orangutans are the most intelligent animals on earth, able to use tools and solve quite complex problems. Bornean orangutans are an endangered species, with a rapid decline in population over the past few decades due to human activity— including logging, mining, hunting, and forest fires. The conversion of forest to palm oil plantations has been particularly harmful. Efforts have been made to highlight the plight of orangutans, including celebrity intervention such as Julia Roberts’ famous In The Wild documentary in 1999, but the threat of extinction remains very real.
b short drive from Sandakan, cares for orphaned animals and The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary (tel. +60 89 531180), a
has feeding times at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Keeping Kinabatangan The World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org.my) has called for more regulation and self-evaluation within the Kinabatangan tourist industry, expressing concern about: • Guides taking tourists too close to elephants • The use of noisy and polluting outboard motors • A reluctance to reprimand tourists who behave inappropriately • Overcrowding
PAL flies between Cebu and Kota Kinabalu twice weekly on Malaysia Airlines-operated flights under a codeshare agreement. 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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Catch POC’s productions this year: •Harana on May 28-30 at the RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City •Opera Lite on October 9, 16, 17, 23, and 24 at Teatrino, Greenhills www.philippineoperacompany.com
Appreciating Opera Coming soon onstage or to a TV screen near you: an all-girl Pinoy teen group with the bootylicious looks and hip-hop moves of Beyonce and the angelic vocals and operatic sound of Charlotte Church
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The group: Opera Belles. The mission: To bring classical music to the masses. “We are repackaging classical artists to make them more exciting,” notes opera singer Karla Gutierrez, Artistic and Managing Director of Philippine Opera Company (POC)—the only opera company in the country. The brainchild of the POC, Opera Belles aims to follow in the footsteps of international stars who have all succeeded in rousing the public’s interest in classical music. Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians tell a full dramatic narrative through music and singing. It originated in Italy in the 1500’s. Opera is a theatrical piece but instead of using spoken dialogue, it uses lyrics to tell the story. Opera Belles isn’t POC’s first effort. Since its inception 10
years ago, the company has been mounting opera productions to revive what many consider a dying art. Opera wasn’t always on life support. It flourished in the 1930’s as the entertainment of choice for Manila’s alta de sociedad. The second golden age for opera in the Philippines came later, courtesy of the arts program of Imelda Marcos. Ironically, this elitist profile has also led to opera’s decline. It did not help that many opera performers of old were not big on looks. In fact, the popular phrase “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings” was derived from German opera composer Richard Wagner’s classic work, “The Ring Cycle,” which is a very long piece that concludes with a finale number sung by a heavyset woman playing the role of a valkyrie. Opera is such a “love-itor-hate-it” proposition that when Philippine government support for the arts waned from the 1980’s through the turn of the century, the small minority of opera lovers just weren’t enough to carry it through. The “opera haters” majority was left with their pop music and novelty songs, performed mostly by youngsters with svelte figures busting out dance moves that the opera singers of old would not have been able to even begin to imagine. Today’s opera singers could. In an effort to be competitive and become viable options in the current pop music scene, the POC immerses its pool of 85 talents in a full program of acting, grooming, and styling workshops. The company also doesn’t scrimp on costumes and sets. “Filipinos are very visual,” Karla notes. “If they watch a bad production, they will never ever watch another one again.” And to make sure that they fully embrace opera, POC is careful to present only productions that are popular and easy to appreciate such as La Boheme and Hansel and Gretel. “It’s just a matter of exposing people. If you give them trash, they’ll have trash. If you give them something good, they will appreciate it. The most important thing is that their first experience is a good experience.” —Eric Cabahug
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F
rom sushi to Sony, Japan is a global giant— not bad for a country that’s just slightly smaller than California. During the post-war years, its gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.7%, from US$91 billion in 1965 to over US$1 trillion in 1980. Today, with a GDP of US$4.38 trillion in 2007, its economy is second only to the United States. The Land of the Rising Sun is also home to leaders in technology, art and automotives; the world’s top automaker, Toyota, sold almost 9 million cars worldwide last year. (In fact, due to its impressive sales record, Toyota overtook General Motors as the leading automaker) Yet, Japan remains as enigmatic as it is fascinating. For one, how do its 127 million residents remain harmonious and productive in a small and largely uninhabitable area? The answers may lie in the details. Even simple acts of serving tea or wearing a kimono are governed by strict rituals, and for these the Japanese are masters at turning ritual into art. Order and oneness don’t just pervade Japan: it is their way of life. Uchi-soto (literally, “in-group, out-group”) is seen as a crucial element to success. Working
for the greater good, including adhering to prescribed duties and social ranks, is to maintain wa (harmony) and to remain part of the pack, something preferable to being a lone wolf. Social conformity isn’t a weakness but a source of pride. Yet this can lead to detachment and resignation when honne (truth) is sacrificed for tatamae (façade). There are shadows of a graying (onefifth of the population was 65 and older in 2007) and increasingly alienated population—but they aren’t enough to dim Japan’s bright outlook. The country received over 8.3 million tourists in 2008, and it’s no wonder why: from dazzling metropolises to natural sanctuaries, Japan and its courteous citizens have a place for everyone. This special feature will take you into four of Japan’s most beguiling destinations: experience a different kind of “hell” (though one just as hot) in Beppu; return to the charming, elegant ways of old in Gifu; discover Tokyo’s retro side as you explore its lively, artistic downtown neighborhoods; and, finally, feel the soothing spirituality of Zen Buddhism in a Kyoto temple. – Manna Marquez
Photo by Myleen Hollero M a y 2(www.myleenhollero.com) 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 47
SPECIAL REPORT
the springs of beppu
the faces OF japan
In Japan where bathing is sacred, don’t be surprised to find unique ways to cleanse your body. JOHN LANDER soaks up the atmosphere in Beppu and discovers why it’s a fascinating hotspot for wellness The spurt of a geyser suddenly erupts in the backstreets of Beppu, while vaporous clouds hover over the neighboring hills. Though Japan, an archipelago of volcanic islands, seethes with thermal waters, nowhere else in the country has such a vast array of hot springs, footbaths, landscaped outdoor pools, and gurgling mud baths. Several of the more unique springs—not for bathing but just for admiring—have sprung up in the hills of Beppu, known affectionately by the locals as “hells.” In the Jigoku Hell Tour you can visit milky white springs, blue ponds and even blood-red pools. These have been developed into a sort of Disneyland of thermal activity—some more thrilling and picturesque than others. Though there are seven of these hells in all, the main draws are Blood Pond Hell, Sea Hell, and White Hell and the evocatively named Monks Head, named for the round bubbles formed in this gurgling hell of mud. But Beppu’s thermal waters are not just a mere visual attraction, there are springs that are for bathing, some for drinking and others designed only for soaking your feet. Virtually, all Beppu hotels have some sort of a hot spring bath in-house. Even your shower will come with naturally-heated mineral water. When most Japanese think of a holiday weekend or a vacation in their own country, it is almost always in connection with an onsen or hot spring resort. Besides the scenic hells, visiting various kinds of baths around town and sampling their waters is what a trip to Beppu is all about. Beppu is a kind of mecca for this, mainly because of the mind-boggling selection of baths available nowhere else in Japan. Once you have soaked your way back to good health and are cleaner than a whistle, how about sloshing around in some mineral-rich mud and get dirty all over again? The squishy, slippery feeling of mud all over your body may take you back to when you were 12 years old but it’s still all in good fun. Here you have the excuse of it being therapeutic, great for your skin and nobody will be scolding you. If you prefer grit, one of the kind ladies on Beppu’s volcanically heated sand beach will be glad to shovel on a few heaps of hot sand. Immerse yourself in the sheer novelty of roasting in a sand pit, and enjoy its healing embrace. Afterwards, of course, you will once again have the pleasure of 48 M A B U H A Y
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showering and soaking in yet more hot mineral water. The Japanese have always been rich in water, thanks to the country’s bounty of springs. Certain waters, notably Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto (mizu means water) have been attributed to the gods and reek of holiness. And so the Japanese take their water and bathing seriously, literally to a religious level. Yet the mood is always relaxed, friendly and casual—a rarity in Japan and a great chance to mingle with the locals on their own turf. At least one thing will be certain as you move on from Beppu: you will undoubtedly be cleaner, if not purified, than you probably have ever been in your life.
Dip Tips • The most important thing to follow in a Japanese bath is that before you take a bath, well, you take a shower or at least a rinse. Even better, take a full shower but be certain that not the tiniest bubble of soap is still on your body before getting into the communal pools. • In entering the bath, it is best to ease yourself in slowly to adjust to the water temperature. • When you are ready to leave, it is considered good form to dry off in the bath area, rather than in the changing room.
> Go Take the “Sonic” train from Fukuoka Kokura to Beppu in just 80 minutes for ¥3,790 (US$38). En route, the train will offer glimpses of the magnificent coastline of Kyushu leading towards Beppu.
l Stay Though Beppu has hundreds of hot spring baths scattered around town, why not head for the grandfather of them all at Takegawara Onsen? Housed in an 1879 building, this is Beppu’s most famous bathhouse and listed as a national treasure. Takegawara offers hot spring baths in an atmospheric, historical building for only ¥100 (US$1) per dip. Onsen Hoyo Land offers the only mud baths in Beppu as well as the rest of Japan for ¥1,000 (US$10) for a wallow. Fancy a sand bath on the beach? Head on down to Shoningahama Beach where friendly Japanese women will shovel on the hot sand till you cry for mercy at ¥1,000 (US$10) per burial.
Click www.city.beppu.oita.jp/13cityguide PAL flies between Manila and Fukuoka five times a week. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www. philippineairlines.com. 1. Yukata-clad Japanese ladies at the Kurokawa onsen 2. The “blood red pond hell” features hot water that can reach 90°C. 3. Amusingly named the “Monks Head,” the Oniishibuzo Hell Jigoku is named after the mud bubbles that resemble shaved heads. 4. And finally, a hot spring that you can soak in; maple leaves provide a fine touch to the relaxing atmosphere in this rotemburo. (Photos by John Lander)
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SPECIAL REPORT
the faces OF japan
Swaddled in a fluffy futon at your inn, you awake to the soft sound of slippers in the morning quiet as the maid gently knocks on your sliding door and enters with a breakfast tray. Stillness is one of the defining features of Takayama, deep in the heartland of Japan. To travel here is to book a passage to an older, gentler Japan. Known for its antiquity and refined wooden buildings, many of which were made by the same artisans who built Kyoto. Takayama offers a low-key version of Japanese history and architecture without the mobs. Surrounded by the Japan Alps, Gifu Prefecture has always been secluded from the rest of Japan particularly in winter when in days of old, the place was completely snowed in and neglected. But there lies its charm. While the rest of Japan modernized at breakneck speed, Takayama kept its old fangled ways and continued to live in low-rise wooden buildings. And here these modest monuments still stand, as they have for centuries alongside ancient temples, shrines and traditional craft workshops in this living museum of a city. Briefly, the pace of Takayama picks up each morning for the morning markets, held along the Miyagawa River where locals from surrounding farms bring in their local produce and set up shop offering a glimpse of life in 50 M A B U H A Y
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Gassho zukuri, or thatched houses, are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and they stand in a particular direction so that they can receive enough sunlightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;warm enough for winter, cool enough for summer. Guardian deities (inset) welcome people to the Kokubunji Temple. (Photos by John Lander)
takayama: the heartland of japan The unique architecture and unhurried life in Gifu has placed a spell on JOHN LANDER as he walks past old thatched houses and intriguing old sake distilleries
Japan before bullet trains, steel-and-glass skyscrapers and neon signs. Sanmachi is the heart of the old city with its tiny streets and alleys built for rickshaws and pedestrians. The area is made up of vintage buildings housing private homes, art galleries, and sake distilleries where you may go in for some tasting. (Look for the giant green globes of cedar twigs, shaped into a ball above doorways—the old symbol for sake in Japan).
Praying Hands
The Northern Gifu village of Shirakawago was even more isolated than Takayama, and its unique style of architecture, called gassho zukuri or “praying hands” refers to the steep 60-degree pitch of the thatched roofs. These unique roofs were designed as such to keep the roofs from collapsing due to the heavy snow; the steep pitch causes most of the snow to slide off. The gables of these unique houses were also traditionally used for silkworm production, with the human inhabitants living downstairs. The unique architecture of the village is so well-preserved that Shirakawago has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
> Go Frequent train service runs from Nagoya to Takayama, taking two hours and 45 minutes and costs ¥3,260 (US$33) on the “Wide View Hida.” The “view” refers to the countryside you’ll be passing through on the way, cutting a swath through rice paddies in the bucolic heart of Japan. Due to the mountainous terrain, there is no railway service to Shirakawago, but regular buses leave from Takayama Station, taking 50 minutes for ¥2,400 (US$24).
l Stay In Shirakawago, an overnight stay at a gasho zokuri or thatched home, is a must. Try the Shimizu Inn, which has an Englishspeaking staff (tel. +81 57696 1914; www.shimizuinn.com; rates start at ¥8,500/US$86 a night). Here, you get to stay in a 200-year-old house with amazing mountain views and get to sleep on a futon mattress.
Click
www.hida.jp/english
Hoba miso and Hida beef are two of Gifu’s local specialities. Hoba miso consists of leaks, mushrooms, and miso on a Hoba leaf, which is then grilled. Hida beef is thick with fat and has a rich taste.
PAL flies between Manila and Nagoya daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 51
Cherry blossomsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blooming period depends on the weather; milder weather means the blossoms open earlier. In Tokyo, cherry blossoms typically bloom around the end of March. They are signs of fortune, love, and affection. (Photo by John Lander)
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SPECIAL REPORT
the faces OF japan
TOKYO: PAST PERFECT Get a glimpse of the modern city’s other side as JOHN LANDER takes us around its charming downtown neighborhoods The aroma of grilling rice crackers drifts in the breeze. A tiny wooden noodle shop announces that it’s ready with lunch by displaying a colorful noren curtain over the door. Many visitors do not realize that beyond Tokyo’s shiny architecture there are neighborhoods unchanged from a century ago. Yanaka is one of these neighborhoods, lovingly referred to by the Japanese as shitamachi or downtown. Like most shitamachi neighborhoods, Yanaka is a low-rise, almost rural place that makes Tokyo lovable and livable, taking us back to another era.
Yanaka One of the delights of travel is coming across a place that is not on tourist itineraries. These discoveries may be a café that sums up the spirit of a city or even a shopkeeper’s smile that reveals the heart of a country. One of the few parts of Tokyo that has preserved its mysterious alleyways, winding pedestrian paths, and wooden architecture, Yanaka has become a favorite haunt for traditionalists who feel nostalgic for old Japan. But don’t let the calm or the greenery-lined streets fool you, the area is alive with artisans and workshops, clinging to Tokyo’s charm without the big city high-rise fuss.
Asakusa The heart of Shitamachi is Sensoji Temple. You enter the temple grounds through Hozomon Gate with its giant red lantern. Hawkers ply you with wind chimes, souvenirs and doll-shaped cakes filled with bean paste, a local specialty. All this commerce, colorful as it may be, can seem incongruous to sacred temple grounds, but it is all part of the scene. The raucous chanting “oohh-sho, oohh-sho” accompanies the carrying of portable shrines through the streets and alleys, glimpses of gold and brilliant colors brighten the scene. This is the Sanja Matsuri. The excitement builds as more than 100 mikoshi or portable shrines from neighboring communities are carried through the streets of Asakusa. This festival— the most rollicking and largest festival in Tokyo—has been an annual May ritual for more than 400 years.
Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond
When spring is in the air, there’s nothing like
a sake-fueled spree of cherry blossom viewing to mark the occasion. Ground zero for this event in early April is Ueno Park, home to more than a thousand cherry trees. Families, clubs, and office groups plot out their space with beer coolers and portable karaoke machines. The merriment lasts until the last petal falls to the ground. But the blooming of the sakura is short-lived, lasting less than a week and represents the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness. This is a theme dear to the hearts of the Japanese and is often found in their literature. Though its origins may be poetic, these hanami or flower viewing parties are anything but sedate. For a more quiet enjoyment of Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond can be a welcome treat. Ducks, cormorants and even seagulls make their homes around the pond—an oasis of calm right in the center of Tokyo. Insight
Tokyoites Edoko, or natives of Tokyo, are made up of folks who were born in Tokyo, not just those who happen to live there. Confident that they were born where all the action is, there is a lot of pride in being a native of Japan’s greatest city. Tokyo is not only the seat of power, education, and fashion. It is where the newest electronic gadgets make their world debut; fashions are created and worn before anywhere else. The Tokyo accent and dialect of Japanese dominate the airwaves, underscoring its dominance in Japan. Tokyo society tends to be fashionable, closely knit and fast-moving. Its people are blessed with a sharp and salty sense of humor that tends to make other Japanese cringe. Ginza is deeply intertwined with the Westernization of Japan. In 1872 a fire leveled the Ginza area, and it was rebuilt as the showpiece of modern Japan. Bricks were used, instead of wood, and willows were planted instead of traditional pine or cherry trees. This made Ginza popular among the Japanese for its foreign flavor and became popular as a high-end retail area—a distinction that it still holds today. Ginza was leveled to the ground during the Great Earthquake of 1923 but it was soon rebuilt and Ginza was humming with life again. During the 1940’s, Ginza again re-emerged as the finest shopping area in Tokyo. Though Japan’s economy is struggling these days, Ginza remains a consumer’s paradise filled with bright lights, imported goods, and fashionable shoppers.
Click
www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp
Although Tokyo is only 2,187 square kilometers big, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported that it was home to 10% of Japan’s population (12.79 million people) in 2007. That’s 5,847 people per square kilometer! PAL flies between Manila and Tokyo once a day. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 53
Zen design is all about simplicity. Areas should be free-flowing, uncomplicated, and understated while still being practical and comfortable. Some of its key elements are natural lighting, neutral tones, and organic materials. (Photo by Masayuki Hashimoto)
SPECIAL REPORT
the faces OF japan
going
z e n
JOHN LANDER blissfully goes with the flow of Zen Buddhism in the hushed heart of Kyoto
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It is 6 a.m. and the temple gongs are being rung, the first sounds you have heard in the past eight hours. Lines of monks silently rustle past, venturing out into Kyoto’s city streets to collect alms for the day. Even though Miyoshinji Temple lies in the heart of Kyoto, it occupies its own domain made up of several sub-temples each with its own order, group of monks, and protocol. These large
temple compounds, common in Kyoto, are whole neighborhoods made up of temples rather than shops and parking lots. Unlike many of the more renowned temple complexes in Kyoto that have become tourist attractions, Miyoshinji Temple carries on as a Zen Buddhist temple and monastery, housing monks and visitors as it has for hundreds of years. Though UNESCO World Heritage gardens and temples are a short bicycle ride away, Miyoshinji eschews tour bus mobs, sticking to its Zen-like simplicity and tranquility. Known for its history of hospitality, casual visitors are more than welcome to stroll around the temple grounds. The temple paths are even used by neighbors and commuters as shortcuts to the station. In keeping with the generosity of the temple’s philosophy of openness, two of the sub-temples welcome both Japanese and foreign visitors as guests. Taizoin offers regular “Zen Experience” sessions. Rev. Daiko Matsuyama guides you through a meditation session, jokingly showing the cane used to smack novice monks who fall asleep during long meditation sessions. Monk Matsuyama merely wields the cane, showing how it was used back during his training. If you should happen to nod off during your meditation session, he will gently correct your posture as a way of waking you up. After meditating, it’s time for some calligraphy, in a sense another form of meditation but without the strict silence. This is followed by
Zen Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Its principles and elements are applied even in gardening, tea ceremonies, and military strategies.
a short tour of Taizoin’s Zen garden and the grand finale: vegetarian temple cuisine. Guests who want the full-on Zen Buddhist temple experience can stay overnight at a neighboring subtemple. Shunkoin Temple has a long history of hosting visitors. Monk Kawakami maintains this tradition and is accustomed to visitors from many lands and faiths who come to meditate, go sightseeing in Kyoto (he’ll even lend you a bicycle to get around) and learn about Zen Buddhism, Japanese culture, and Kyoto’s long history. Others just come for the most affordable accommodations in town, but Mr. Kawakami welcomes all and you’ll feel right at home if you don’t mind sleeping on the floor in futon. At a temple stay you won’t be able to order a cheeseburger at 2 a.m. from room service but, after all, you didn’t come to Kyoto to munch on fast food. What you will get here is the chance to mingle with Japanese in a friendly atmosphere, learn about Japan and Zen Buddhism and interact with other travelers—a real plus for singles who may feel isolated in even a small boutique hotel.
Zen Buddhism The main difference between Zen Buddhism and other forms of Buddhism is that the meditation is the most important practice. Most other types of Buddhism focus on the study of sutras, or scriptures. Through meditation you will be able to detach yourself and reach a state of transcendence (going beyond the material world) and with practice, recognize the fundamental nonpermanence of being—as a newborn infant sees the world. Imported from China, Zen is a form of Buddhism that is also a philosophy and a way of life. The essence of Zen is simplicity or in other words, simple everyday life lived with awareness.
> Go From Kansai International Airport, take the “Haruka” Limited Express train for Kyoto Station, where you change to the JR Sagano Line and get off at Hanazono Station in Kyoto. Shunkoin and Taizoin are within Miyshinji Temple, a 10-minute walk from Hanazono Station.
l Stay For the “Zen Experience” at Taizoin go to www.taizoin.com or to reserve rooms at Shunkoin, go to www.shunkoin.com starting at ¥4,000 (US$40) a night. Not only is this the best deal in accommodations in Kyoto, but the priceless experience of touching the real Japan is something no other hotel or even traditional inn can offer. PAL flies between Manila and Osaka daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office (+632 855 8888 and +632 855 7777) or log on to www.philippineairlines.com. M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 55
P e o p l e . v i s ua l a r t s . t r e n d s . G a d g e t s . w o r t hy c au s e s . . . a n d e v e r y t h i n g e l s e
The Lighter Side “Walking on Sunshine” outdoor chairs with floaters from rubber slippers from Milo Naval’s Survivalism collection
Sitting Pretty Designer Milo Naval studied Architecture at the University of Sto. Tomas and took up Interior Design at the Philippine School of Interior Design. After more than 15 years of experience, he set up Evolve Designs, a company engaged in designing contemporary and modern furniture and accessories. His line of furniture has been exported to Europe, USA, Australia, South America, Asia and the Middle East. His works have also been showcased in various international shows abroad—in Valencia, Spain, Maison & Objet in Paris, ICFF in New York, I Salone in Milan, and at the IMM in Cologne, Germany. He recently won the Bagong Sibol (Most Promising) Award for All Bottled Up (Recycled Product)—Manila Now 2009. His novel furniture collections are displayed in his first retail shop and showroom O.M.O. (On My Own) at the ground floor of LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia St., (formerly Reposo St.), Bel Air II, Makati City; tel. +632 403 1208
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Read. The structure is made from Japanese cypress trees; its exterior has a partial cover of moss and is reinforced with a thin layer of steel, which adopts a reddish color after rusting. Talk about going green!
Persepolis
By Marjane Satrapi Bubbletecture H by Shuhei Endo
Shuhei Endo’s Bubbletecture in Sayo-cho, Hyogo, Japan is an homage to land. Inspired by the earth’s slopes, it functions as an open-air environmental education center and as an example in blending in with natural surroundings.
May Happenings. Sing your summer nights away with 9 Works Theatrical’s presentation of “Songs for a New World,” the smash hit Off-Broadway musical and brainchild of Tony Award-winning American Musical Theater lyricist and composer Jason Robert Brown. Talented theater actors like Felix Rivera, Caisa Borromeo, Anna Santamaria, Harold Cruz, Carla Guevara – Laforteza, and Pinky Marquez will light up the stage on May 1-2 and 8-10 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For tickets and inquiries, call 9 Works Theatrical at +632 557 5860; website www.9workstheatrical.com
This delightful Travel Café Philippines tea cup is handmade, lead-free, and oven/micro-wave/ dishwasher safe.
Cool finds
Tea cups may be purchased individually (Php295/US$6.20) or in sets (with saucer and stirrer at Php550/US$11.50) at the Travel Café Philippines in Greenbelt 5 and in the SMX Convention and Exhibition Center. For orders, call the TCP office at +632 729 2233 or e-mail travelcafephilippines@gmail.com. 58 M A B U H A Y
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Follow the precocious Marjane as she grows up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution in this evocative and utterly charming autobiographical graphic novel. Lives are lost, and liberties are restricted, but the storytelling from a child’s point-of-view makes for a tale that’s alternatingly humorous and heartbreaking, and always heartfelt.
Leaf and Shadow: Stories about Some Friendly Creatures By Cyan Abad-Jugo Php260/ US$5.50 Garment of Honor, Garment of Identity By Ma. Corazon Alejo-Hila, Mitzi Marie AguilarReyes, Anita Feleo. E-mail garmentofhonor@ gmail.com for orders.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen By Paul Torday Php349/ US$7.30 All books available at Powerbooks outlets nationwide.
gle Zur o o ic h G
Haring Ibon Photo by Al Manaloto/Haribon
Running late for that 2 p.m. meeting? Take the slide or whiz down the fireman’s pole. On your way, grab some free snacks. Once you’re there, discuss the agenda in an igloo-inspired pod. Google is a pioneer in fun of fice spaces, and its building in Zurich, Switzerland is no dif ferent. With an of fice like this, every workday feels like a weekend. Did you know? Google Zurich’s employees are called “Zooglers.” And one of the more unusual rooms in the office is a large aquarium, where Zooglers can relax by lying in a bathtub of red foam and watching the fish... No wonder Google receives at least 3,000 job applications every day!
Listen.
DIVINIDYLLE By Vanessa Paradis
SHINJIN ILABAS MO NA ANG HELICOPTER By Pedicab It’s very easy to declare that Pinoy poprock band Pedicab has succumbed to the sophomore slump. But after a few spins it becomes clear that the five Pediboys have evolved into more confident and sophisticated musicians. This highly enjoyable record hovers as one of the best local releases of the past year. By Eric Cabahug Released by MCA Music
Haring Ibon (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is the national bird of the Philippines and can only be found in Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao Islands. It is the world’s largest eagle with a wingspan that can exceed eight feet. Haring Ibon is also considered to be the world’s noblest flier, but to survive, a pair of Philippine Eagles needs a range of 60 to 100 square kilometers of forest intact. It lays an egg every two years and is monogamous, making it the world’s rarest eagle. Hunting and forest destruction caused by logging, mining, and land conversion led to the endangerment of the Haring Ibon. To save the Philippine national bird, we encourage people to report illegal wildlife trade and to help keep them in the wild by not hunting, killing or trading them. To restore degraded habitats, planting native trees is strongly encouraged. www.haribon.org.ph
Share. If you come across innovative products, worthy causes, and new trends, do share them with us. E-mail them at info@ eastgatepublishing. com or jventura@ eastgatepublishing. com. M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 59
ECHOstore is sharing space with Kape Isla, Home of Philippine Coffee. It is located at Serendra Piazza, Mc Kinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Tel 9013485. www. echostore.ph
MABUHAY MILES GOES GREEN
MABUHAY MILES recently went into a partnership with ECHOstore, the first sustainable lifestyle specialty store at the Serendra in Bonifacio Global City.
(L-R) ECHOstore Jeannie Javelosa, PAL’s Ria Domingo & Barbara Aragon, ECHOstore Reena Francisco & Chit Juan 62 M A B U H A Y
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ECHOstore offers products from marginalized communities, women groups and producers of organic, natural and environmentfriendly products. Some of the communities are Payatas Women who make products for R2R, Rags to Riches whose bags are designed by Rajo Laurel; Virlanie Foundation and Messy Bessy organic cleaners; Association of Negros Producers; Gawad Kalinga communities and a lot more community products introduced by Philippine Business for Social Progress(PBSP), Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) and Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation Inc . The brainchild of three women, Chit Juan, Reena Francisco and
Jeannie Javelosa---ECHOstore has become the retail showcase of beautiful products which are proudly Philippine-made , when in the past, livelihood programs produced crafts and food which were only sold at seasonal bazaars and provincial trade fairs. “Now, people know where to go to get fair trade products and organic and natural products from food to cosmetics,” says Jeannie Javelosa, ECHO’s Communications directors who is also a visual artist and curator of the Yuchengco Museum. “We wanted to share our experience in design, packaging and merchandising with a lot of communities whose products never make it past their town fiesta’s trade fairs due to lack of exposure,” seconds Reena Francisco, ECHOstore’s Operations director. The integrator among the three women for networks with social development organizations is Chit Juan, a social entrepreneur, who has had advocacies ranging from saving the Philippine coffee industry to saving the environment. “We have come full circle. We used to just dream of saving the world. Now, we are in touch with the grassroot communities through our organizational networks and we are able to sell directly to the very consumer,” Chit proudly relates. Mabuhay Miles members who purchase at least P500 worth of ECHOstore merchandise can get a treat of freshly-brewed Philippine Coffee from their café which they run for the Philippine Coffee Board’s KAPE ISLA. Further, Mabuhay Miles members not only get to buy Pinoy products but ensure a gift of hope for the various communities that depend on ECHOstore. In fact ECHO is an acronym for Environment, Community and Hope Organization. They also wish for the idea to echo to as many people possible. Come and visit ECHOstore and show them your Mabuhay Miles card. You will be feeling enriched as soon as you see what products our marginalized communities can produce, which not only help them economically but also provide a social and environmental benefit to all.
The Heart of a Taipan
MENCHU AQUINO SARMIENTO shares how Dr. Lucio Tan’s little acts of kindness has gone a long way in giving Filipino kids the wings to fly with
I
t has been a bumpy ride for the airline industry these past several years. Nonetheless, under the leadership of taipan Dr. Lucio C. Tan, the nation’s flag carrier continues to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children in need of special protection. PAL Medical Travel Grants enable child charity patients to get to where they will have the urgently needed free medical care that will prolong or even save their lives. PAL Medical Travel Grantees are mostly heart patients. A few Philippine hospitals have free heart surgery programs covering simple congenital problems, but there is a waiting list of over a thousand indigent children begging to be treated immediately. Moreover, charity patients in the Philippines have to pay for all the supplies and tests. Only the bed and the professional medical services are free. A patient from a rural area, for instance, has to be able to support his long stay in Metro Manila where most medical specialty centers are found. Significantly, the PAL Medical Travel Grant does not use donated miles from its customers. The Grants come from PAL, straight from the heart of the airline’s service culture. Through PAL’s corporate foundation, charity patients are also linked with possible medical resources abroad and are guided through the application process. PAL Medical Travel Grantees receive benefits from being treated abroad that they would never have expected if they were operated on in a Philippine charity ward. Take Suzzane A., who suffered from burns during her infancy. She had reconstructive John B. (above) and surgery Suzanne A. (below) are through the all smiles after their Rotary Gift of successful operations. 64 M A B U H A Y
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Life International. In Brevard, NC, she met a Baptist congregation and a Knights of Columbus chapter who have since started a college fund for her. Stories with happy, new beginnings like John’s and Suzzane’s are only possible because Dr. Lucio C. Tan has seen fit to consider the human lifeline over the bottom line. He is the wind beneath the wings of all the little earth angels that Philippine Airlines continues to help.
WHERE PAL GOES, PROGRESS FOLLOWS The Philippine Airlines (PAL) Foundation was incorporated in 1992 in response to the unprecedented devastation wrought by the Mt. Pinatubo Eruption. PAL Medical Doctors joined the Tan Yan Kee Foundation’s Hope Caravan on mercy missions to Central Luzon and later, to Mt. Parker, Cotabato. PAL Foundation’s focus on health continues by placing PAL’s airlift capacity at the service of charity patients through Medical Travel Grants—a CSR (corporate social responsibility) practice that is aligned with our core business. Even in its day-to-day operations, PAL has been a leader in CSR as one of the first corporations to hire the differently abled. Mobility impaired avionics technicians and aircraft engineers have ensured the airworthiness of our planes. The hearing-impaired in our catering department’s Production Division help put together the delicious meals you enjoy in-flight. Headsets are sanitized by the visually impaired. PAL surplus blankets provide warmth to flood victims, Habitat for Humanity communities, child and elderly care agencies all over the Philippines. As one of our old advertising slogans put it: some of our best customers don’t even fly PAL. This is CSR through and through and inside-out. As flag carrier, PAL has always supported the Filipino on his life’s journeys all the way.
PAL Domestic Flight Attendant Pamela Bianca Manalo at the PAL executive offices during a courtesy call on PAL President Jaime J. Bautista
High-flying beauty queen radiates simplicity & piety By Kristine Rosales & Jonathan Gesmundo
Pamela Bianca Manalo in her official PAL cabin attendant uniform
Philippine Airlines Domestic Flight Attendant PAMELA BIANCA R. MANALO recalls a comment from a passenger during one of her flights: “What are you doing here? You should be in a beauty contest.” The statuesque, 5’10” Mass Communications graduate from Assumption College took the passenger quip as a compliment while doing her chores 25,000 feet in the air. For 22-year-old Bianca, getting accepted and finishing third from the top of her class as a PAL flight attendant was one prayer answered, although she still nurtured a childhood dream of becoming a beauty queen like her eldest sister, Katherine Manalo-Hernandez, who reigned as Bb. Pilipinas-World in 2002. Bianca said, “I owe to my sister my response to that crucial question during the pageant. I remember her telling me how men should treat women just after she broke up with her ex-boyfriend.” (At the pageant’s Q&A segment, judge Richard Gomez asked: “In the future, if ever you get to have a son, what would you teach him about women?” Bianca answered: “In the future, if I would have a son, what I would tell him about women is that he should respect them like he respects his mother, because every woman can be a mother and if you show that respect to every woman, then you know how to respect yourself as well.”) The third of four all-girl siblings, Bianca eagerly followed her dream even if it meant going against the wishes of her mother, Mrs. Norma Manalo, who at the start did not approve her joining this
year’s Bb. Pilipinas search. “I dreaded the thought of re-living the pressure of the pageant when my eldest, Katherine, was chosen Bb. PilipinasWorld seven years ago,” said Norma. “So, I got angry when Bianca said over the phone that she joined the pageant.” Anger turned into pleasant surprise when Norma learned her daughter did not abandon her job as a PAL flight attendant and that she had been picked as one of the final 24 candidates. Bianca said, “After graduating from Assumption in 2007, I really aimed to be a flight attendant which is what my mother wanted for me. Before I got accepted into PAL in April 2008, I had a brief stint as TV newscaster.” The four-month training at the PAL Learning Center proved very useful for Bianca when she decided to join the contest, and had filed the necessary leave of absence. “Many lessons I learned during our cabin crew training—like how to exude grace under pressure, how to be confident, how to develop good interpersonal relationships, and how to maximize my talents—were very useful at the pageant,” said Bianca. When Bianca leaves for the Bahamas in August to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant, she will be bringing her rosary, although she will certainly have to leave behind Tiara, her four-year-old pet miniature poodle. Besides being crowned Bb. PilipinasUniverse, Bianca was also named Miss Philippine Airlines, Best in Swimsuit, Ms. Natasha, and Ms. Manila Bulletin People’s Choice. M a y 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 65
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>> 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.
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Customer: Mabuhay Date: 13 Jan 2009
Job No: 47688 Operator: Raquel Screen: 175L Proof: 1st
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>> 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 May 2009
Job No: 47688 Customer: Mabuhay Operator: Raquel Date: 8 Jan 2009 Screen: 175L Proof: 1st
>> 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.
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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).
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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
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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.
M a 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 - Bandar Seri Begawan - Bangkok
4,352 4,580 781
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
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
7,290
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 May 2 0 0 9
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
M a 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
A p r i l 2 0 0 9 M A B U H A Y 69
>> INTERNATIONAL ROUTES
70 M A B U H A Y
A pril 2 0 0 9
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
A p r i l 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
May 2 0 0 9
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
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<< 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.
May 2009 M A
BUHAY
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L A S T
F R A M E
Solitude
February 2008 Siargao Island, Philippines In his travels, AARON R. VICENCIO has made a collection of photographs of solitude and silhouettes. He considers this image—taken with his Canon 40D and telephoto lens—a personal favorite because of its simplicity. The focal point is a seaweed farmer taking a breather in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. Aaron says: “Once in a while we look for a break from the mundane and the monotonous. It is a photograph that tells us to re-create and rediscover ourselves in moments of serenity.”
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@eastgatepublishing.com. 84 M A B U H A Y
May 2009