Bbmag August - September 2014

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JUNE & JULY 2014

THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

weddings 76 kasalang pinoy Love may be universal, but weddings are as diverse as each couple getting married And Filipinos have their share of fascinating, if not eccentric, wedding customs.

82 Chapels of Love Where to wed? We asked editorial intern Lloyd Zapanta to scout the metro and look for the bestloved churches to discover why these chapels of love prevail to be witnesses to the grand gesture of love.

86 Dangwa: A Symphony of Colors Discover the beauty of flowers and the art of haggling in one of the busiest flower markets in the country.

90 Cayetano Legacy Collection A jewelry line that showcases the rich, natural materials of the Philippines, while supporting and training women-owned businesses in and around Manila.

96 Badge and Marica After 10 years of dating, Badge Ruiz and Marica Silva tied the knot at St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati on July 11, 2014. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Peninsula Manila, where guests danced and drank the night away.

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Photograph by Ian Santillian

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features 20 Cebu: Queen City of the South A report on how this megalopolis is attracting locals and foreigners alike.

34 Adto na ta sa Cebu The oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is the center of commerce in the Visayas. This Queen City of the South is a place of rich history and impending urbanization.

Lloyd Zapanta takes you on a step by step journey from the past to the modernity taking over this megalopolis.

37 Tugot Kan-A The first thing you need to know about Cebu is that it has a lot of local delicacies to devour—and that Cebuanos love to eat...and often.

From the authentic to the bizarre, Cebuanos sure know how to have a meal.

42 A chocolate affair to remember As the locales in Cebu City continue to be yuppified, locals and tourists are on a scouring to find that perfect place to share conversations over a warm (or cold) cup of the rich tablea drink with a diversified array of food menu. Cebu doesn’t just serve malagkit (sticky rice) but more.

46 Cebu goes K-pop Got K-style? Satisfy your K-pop fancy with these unique, and quirky cafés that are sure to make nobody, nobody, but you feel like you’re in Seoul

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The 30 Candidates of Mutya Ng Pilipinas at Sheridan Beach Resort, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

62 The Philippines in London

50 Pasalubong, bay!

Can you imagine leaving Cebu without souvenirs? Never go home without these Cebu products. These items that are worth the excess baggage are also quality products that stand for the “Queen City of the South”

54 Cebu: A Great Place to Live, Work, have Fun and do Business Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007 and 8th best AsianPacific island destination in 2005.

In a decade, it has transformed into a global hub for furniture making, tourism, business processing services, and heavy industry

58 Wrecking Walls Afghanistan, much like Pangasinan which, too, is impounded by negative credos, is wrecking walls of pessimism and old stereotypes to rise up to a new, better beginning.

It is the biggest festival of its kind outside the Philippines. The annual celebration of all things Filipino attracted over seventy thousand visitors from all over the United Kingdom during the two-day event, 19-20 July.

64 an inspiring story of a hybrid rural boy Roberto “Tito” de Venecia. An advocate of agriculture & fisheries, rancher, professor, livelihood innovator, entrepreneur & business consultant, event and pageant promoter, tourism crusader and a globe-trotter...

68 Music and Friendship The John Van de Steen Male Choir in keeping the music alive for decades

70 Balikbayan Mutya Candidates Embrace Filipino Roots evolution from a beauty pageantry into a widely regarded beauty tourism capital have marked the birth of the modern day Filipina – strong, honest, upfront and has a defined purpose.

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BB digital A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR TO REMEMBER BEHIND THE SCENES View an exclusive photos and video footage of TCC’s very own chocolatier Raquel Choa as she prepares a rich, almost sinful hot chocolate.

NEWS VIGAN'S JOURNEY TO THE NEW 7 WONDER CITIES Vigan City beats more than a thousand nominees worldwide after it has qualified on the first shortlist of the world’s new seven wonder cities.

With its cultural heritage, Vigan will always be a living bizarre throwback of Spanish colonialism and culture in the Philippines.

CEBU IN 60 SECONDS

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Watch a glimpse of this seductive city in a minute.

Watch a slideshow of everything scrumptious in Cebu that we’ve featured.

The UNESCO or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization already listed Vigan as the only Philippine town considered as a heritage site.

Tourism is an active sector in the city, drawing people from different parts in the Philippines and the world with its Spanish vintage architecture, brick roads, rickshaws and anything from España.

Recently, the Puerto Princesa Underground River became an official wonder in the world’s 7 new wonders of nature, catapulted in polls by the supportive Filipinos and foreign tourists around the world.

Now they are counting again on Filipinos. Support Vigan all the way up to the top 7 by voting on the website of New 7 Wonder Cities.

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publisher’s note So who’s winning?

Roger and Raphael Oriel engrossed in a mental (and also physical) exercise in the breathtaking Sheridan Resort, Palawan.

Onwards and Upwards SIMPLY PUT, I LOVE TO TRAVEL. Meeting new people, learning about different cultures, tasting new foods, and even the fatigue felt from the long days of exploring new cities, cathedrals, and museums—I really appreciate it all.

Traveling has become my favorite hobby (along with chess).

This past July, I went to London, Paris, and Frankfurt for the largest FilipinoEuropean community event (and to also celebrate my 59th birthday). Unsurprisingly, I met someone Filipino in each city. Perhaps it’s quantum physics—this sort of uncanny energy that I start to feel when another Filipino is near. I distantly hear Tagalog in the wind—suddenly we pass each other, make eye contact, give the unspoken nod signaling, “Yes, I am Filipino,” smile and we all say, “Kamusta po.” Right then and

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there, a conversation strikes up, which seems to always inevitably start with, “Taga saan probinsya ka?” Running into our kababayans no longer surprises me and I have come to anticipate it wherever I go.

There are now more than 10 million Filipinos outside of the Philippines. I am not alone in my love for travel—all of us have this desire. Just last year, domestic travel within the Philippines was over 40 million. Conversely, each passing day, I am seeing more and more foreign tourists coming to explore and discover the beauty of the Philippines. Despite recent natural disasters, international tourism is consistently outperforming itself each month from the records set in 2013. Since January, there have been almost 3 million international arrivals—well above last year, which was slightly above 2 million.

Our love for travel is further demonstrated as we push our limits and take our passion beyond our stratosphere.

Twenty-three year-old, Chino Roque, the first Filipino Astronaut, will fly into outer space in 2015. Hoping to unify the

Philippines, Roque asks for Pinoys all over the world to join him in raising the Philippine flag when he embarks on this epic journey. Roque was selected as 1 of the 22 winners of the Axe Apollo Space Academy (AASA), a highly competitive, international contest.

Like Roque and millions of other Filipinos who push and propel forward in pursuit of their goals and dreams, we too at the Asian Journal will embark on a new journey. In the hopes of further fulfilling our mission to promote the Philippines and uplift and empower the lives of Filipinos everywhere, we will be launching the International Edition of the Asian Journal newspaper—our 7th newspaper title early next year. With the persistent growth, development, and progression of the Philippines, we are continuously inspired to showcase, track, and tell its story. Tara na— onwards and upwards we go.

Roger Lagmay Oriel Publisher and CEO Asian Journal Publications, Inc.

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EDITOR’S letter

Keeping Track of Time

Palawan: A curious group of locals leafing through the pages of Balikbayan magazine.

Traveling is the best way to widen one’s perspective. As the eye opens to see new possibilities and unimaginable places, the world gets bigger... life starts to feel more alive.

Ever since I unofficially moved to the Philippines, I have kept a running diary about my everyday experiences in my phone.

By the numbers—Philippines (as of July 31, 2014 since July 31, 2011) Destinations: (With a few of my minor notes of each place.)

Puerto Princesa: 3 (Underground River: 2). It’s one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

Boracay: 9 (At one point it was 4 weekends in a row). Amazing nightlife, great live music—overall, the vibe and energy is great—read a book on the beach during the day then at night, listen to live music, also on the beach.

Tagaytay: Stopped counting (it’s at least 20). Taal Volcano has this tranquil aura that I have yet to f ind elsewhere. You can revive your senses and get recentered instantly. This is truly the best place to quickly get away from the bustling city of Manila.

Batangas: 5. I love the drive from Manila—it’s quite scenic. The land is breathtakingly fertile here.

Baguio: 8. The pine trees and the mountains—feels and smells like Christmas morning.

Bohol: 2. Simply, one of my all-time favorite places in the world.

Ilocos Norte: 1. Very important place in Philippine history.

Bataan: 2. Another province with loads of history.

Must be why this is the home of Las Casas Resort—the heritage resort where historical homes from different places throughout the Philippines is collected here making for a culture experience—on a beach). A nuclear power plant was built here, but it was never used—interesting.

Davao: 3. One of the cleanest, if not thee cleanest city in the Philippines.

Cebu: 5. Creative, energetic, and collaborative people—you name it, Cebu has it all. (Must go to Oslob and go swimming with whale sharks.)

Pangasinan: Stopped counting (it’s at least 20). This is the home province of my Dad. Bicol: 1. ATV (allterrain vehicle) up Mayon Volcano!

Marinduque: 1. I went here to explore Bellarocca, the Santorini of Asia.

Puerto Galera: 1. Came here for the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival—can’t wait for next year.

General Santos City: 1. Went to the f ish port—the tuna f ish is bigger than me.

Vigan: 1. Philippines Bucket-List, check.

Pagudpud: 1. They have windmills here!

And countless other towns…

772 Days I have lived in the Philippines 274 Times someone has asked me if I speak Tagalog 208 Times I replied, Konti lang 142 Times someone asked where I was born 108 Times I’ve been asked if I am single, married, or have a girlfriend 108 Times I said, “No, I have a girlfriend” Times the person still responded with, 99 “I want to introduce you to my niece or daughter” 424 People I have met

Exotic Foods: Durian: 3 Mangosteen: 2 Ice Cream with Bread: 1 Carabao Milk: 2 Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee): 3

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1: Pig’s Blood 2: Crocodile Meat 4: Sharks Fin 0: Balut 3: Street Vendor Food 1: Suspicious Meat

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I get a lot of emails and Facebook messages from friends and family about my experience here in the Philippines.

Many of them have tons of questions and are mostly four-part: 1) “When is the best time to go to the Philippines?”

2) “Where should I go?”

3) “How long should I stay?”

4) “Should we buy a property?”

Based on my personal experience, this is what I’ve learned: 1 “When is the best time to go?”

Anytime. But it really depends on where you are going and what you are planning to do. The Philippines is incredibly lush year round. Trees are always green and the fruit is always delectable. There are really only two seasons—it’s either ‘hot and sunny’ or ‘hot and rainy’.

The hot weather is not like a persistent heat wave felt in Los Angeles nor is it humid like the summer days in New York. If the sun is out in San Francisco or New York, people say, “Wow, what a beautiful day.” Here in the Philippines, you can expect that every day (the rainy season excluded). Personally, I love the rainy season— beachfront resorts are not as busy, providing more solitude and general exclusivity.

2. “Where should I go?”

If it’s your f irst time, I suggest three destinations.

Start with Tagaytay since it’s only a little over an hour drive from Manila. You can see beautiful landscapes and exquisite views of the Taal Volcano. From there, go to Boracay—enjoy white sandy beaches and a great party scene and nightlife. Let loose and live a little (try parasailing). And third, go to Bohol. The Chocolate Hills is one of the most beautiful places and natural wonders on Earth. If you have been to the Philippines before and you’re simply looking for an escape and getaway—go to Palawan, where it is so peaceful and quiet that you can hear yourself think. But no matter what, go see the Old Manila—the true Manila, while it’s still here.

3. “How long should I stay?”

Stay as long as you can. Getting a massage on the beach never gets old. Nice, friendly, and helpful people—that never gets old. Fruit shakes and smoothies or fresh coconut—enjoy it every day. Flying to anywhere in the Philippines is never more than just a little over an

hour away, if that. A flight to Puerto Princesa from Manila is only 50 minutes. Every time I have guests from abroad and when it is time for them to go home—they don’t want to go. Which leads me into the next question.

4. “Should you buy a property?”

If you can afford it, then why not? The Philippines is investment grade. Modern buildings, new cities, and infrastructure are being constructed throughout the country. If you had the opportunity to buy a property in developing Singapore before it became ultra-expensiveSingapore, wouldn’t that be a wise long-term investment? If you retire here, your money will last longer here than anywhere else in the World.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about my time here in the Philippines, about all of the people I have met, the restaurants I’ve dined at, and particularly all of the unique places I’ve been to. There are so many more people to meet, countless ideas to discuss, and thousands of more places to see—when I stay 3 or 4 months straight, it never seems enough. Sometimes on Facebook I see my Filipino friends and family vacationing in Europe or parts of Asia like Cambodia, Vietnam, or Thailand.

I don’t understand why they choose to vacation in these places instead of exploring the Philippines. Clearly, my work here is far from over. With exciting new projects such as the Asian Journal International Edition and the new website for Balikbayan Magazine it would appear my work is just beginning.

Every Thanksgiving, I return home to New York to be with my family. Every Christmas and New Year, we take a family vacation to a new place we have yet to discover. But I always propose, “Let’s go to the Philippines.”

My mom (an avid traveler for whom practically the only unchartered territory is Antartica) always says, “I want to explore the entire Philippines for 1 whole year.”

Mom, you’re going to need more than a year.

Raphael John C. Oriel Editor-in-Chief Balikbayan Magazine

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contributors

NEWS

Rose Anne Bacayo

Haidee MartinProvido

Francesa Lim

“Rose is a Graduate of Mass Communication at Far Eastern University, a full-time Publisher and vocalist of the band GYHT (Goodbye Yesterday Hello Today). ”

“Haidee is a self-confessed art junkie. A graduate of Communication Arts in Miriam College, she penetrated the mainstream of the TV industry as a consultant-writer-producer.

Carving a niche as a beauty pageant advocate and journalist, she nurtures her passion for fashion, decorating, photography, and traveling.”

“Cheska finds creative inspiration and relevance through experience and shares them through writing.”

Writer

Writer

My dream wedding is...

I’m a big fan of themedweddings.I have had a huge fascination for Harry Potter since I was a kid and I always imagine myself as one of the characters. I would love to have tulips as my bridal bouquet because it symbolizes perfect love. I want to feel the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” and I think roses and assorted mums are excellent for that magical wedding design.

Follow her on Twitter @rosanlennon

The most memorable quote from this interview was...

“Blessing overflow to people who are channels of blessing to others. Sincere concern for family and others from within will make life more meaningful, and will pass the test of time. As we grow older, good looks simply travel from face to heart, appeal turns to charm, past hurt to wisdom, and great moments to life long memories...we should always cherish the beauty of life and everything around us.”

Writer

The basic solution for peace is...

The world needs compassion and hope for life and faith in humanity.

Follow her on Twitter @iamCheskaLim

ABOUT THE COVER 0(),)00). %3

SWEET ESCAPE PALAWAN IS AN IDYLLIC LOCATION FOR ROMANCE AND THE SWEETEST ESCAPE. CELEBRATE LOVE WITH THE GRANDEST OF GESTURES. SHOT IN THE BREATHTAKING TABLEAU OF BUCOLIC LANDSCAPE AND ALLURING BEACH OF SHERIDAN RESORT.

VOLUME V NO.III www.balikbayanmag.com www.facebook.com/balikbayanmagazine

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P2.36 BILLION Amount spent by the Department of Public Works and Highways to complete the construction of 440.14 kilometers of farm-to-market roads across the country. With the completed projects, DPWH now has accomplished 85% of the needed road projects for the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project - Phase 3, which is expected to be completed within the year.

P1.73 BILLION Amount the Department of Budget and Management released to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement water supply projects nationwide.

According to Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio B. Abad, the Tourism Water Supply Infrastructure program—a convergence project between the DPWH and the Department of Tourism —was also designed to spur tourism and economic activity in identified priority development sites.

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PUBLISHED BY ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC.

PUBLISHER & CEO

ROGER L. ORIEL PRESIDENT & CO-PUBLISHER

CORA M. ORIEL

ROGER L. ORIEL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PUBLISHER & CEO

RAPHAEL JOHN ORIEL

CORA M. ORIEL

VICE PRESIDENT FOR SALES SHARON ANN BATHAN-SAN PEDRO

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AND SPECIAL EVENTS VINCE F. SAMSON VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVERTISING NOEL O. GODINEZ FEATURES EDITORS CHRISTINA M. ORIEL MARY MAY PORTEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHIT AFUANG ENRIQUE SORIANO PROSY DELA CRUZ EDITORIAL CONSULTANT ROD CORNEJO ART LAYOUT ARTIST TONI ROSE M. PADUA GRAPHIC ARTIST JAMES CHRISTER C. FRANCISCO

VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RAPHAEL JOHN C. ORIEL CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT BELLE M. SISON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING IVY MANALANG VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER (las vegas) ROBERT MACABAGDAL VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER (NORTHERN CALIFORNIA) JOSEPH PERALTA Executive editor usa (new york & new jersey) MOMAR VISAYA editor-in-chief northern california | orange county | the inland empire MALOU LIWANAG-BLEDSOE

PHOTO CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER NOEL TY

editor-in-chief (philippines) BILLY DE LA CRUZ

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JAMES CHRISTER C. FRANCISCO

Desk Editor ROCELLE TANGI

DIGITAL DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST CHRISTINA M. ORIEL

PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDY TECSON DING CARREON

MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPERS DESIDERATA M. PASION KENNO M. SAMULDE

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The construction of MALL OF THE WORLD. The biggest mall in the Visayas, is an iconic symbol of Cebu’s fast unbanization and booming economy

Call of the South

Much has happened to Cebu since the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. What you need to know now is that it is a megalopolis waiting to happen. We’ve crisscrossed the busy streets of this city to share why everybody is talking about this Queen of the South.

Cebu Queen of the South description page 20

My Cebu: Cebuano and Proud Get to know Cebu from the people who make this City what it is today. page 33

Adto na ta sa Cebu From Magellan’s Cross to the Tabo-An market. Later, party at Live Superclub.

Page 34

Tugot Kan-A Eat your way through Cebu and leave with a satisfied stomach. page 37

Cuppa For All Discover the go-to places and the best tableas. page 42

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Souvenir, bay Bring home a piece of Cebu page 50

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CEBU Queen of the South Keeping up with the city’s fast urbanization.

Getting lost in the busy markets.

Exploring the nooks and unexpected places in the city.

Devouring the gastronimical wonders. Raphael John Oriel reports why everybody’s looking at Cebu as the next megalopolis.

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A VIEW FROM THE TOP “Cebu City, the capital of the island, is an ancient city, the oldest in all of the Philippines— older than Vigan, and even older than Intramuros. It is the 2nd largest metropolis and 5th most populated city in the entire country. “

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SCOPE

BUSINESS

From left: Booming Urbanization A birds-eye-view of Cebu city taken from the Crown Regency Hotel.

BIGGER the BETTER Dubbed as what would be the biggest mall in the Visayas, the SM MALL OF THE WORLD will house a rooftop garden, ice skating rink, 6 cinemas, 16-lane bowling centers, 4 levels of shopping and dining, among many, come 2015.

It’s

Having forgotten to draw the curtains in the night A.M. before, the blazing sun beamed its way into my room and shined its way into my eyes—a bright awakening. I could hear jeepneys and trucks rumbling by, traffic beginning to set anew. For a second I believe I’m still in Manila. People are up and out early on a Saturday morning and it’s time to get to work.

Later on in my exploration of the center of the Visayas region I realize that this rumbling morning noise is the result of a remarkable spirit, a work ethic, and craft amongst the Cebuanos—innate qualities that have enabled their land to transform into what it is today. Small towns are evolving into official cities that are recognized by the government—an event happening across the island. This is the heart of the so-called “Ceboom”—the popular moniker Cebu has carried since the early 1990s, which perfectly describes the remarkable growth and emergence this developing metropolis is experiencing.

I feel an urgency to rise out of bed. I pickup my notebook and read my lingering thoughts from the day before, “Is Cebu the next Singapore?” “Can Cebu become the Shanghai of the Philippines?”

In 1521, a fleet of explorers from the likes of Ferdinand Magellan set sail for the conquest of a newfound land to expand the might of the Spanish empire. Their mission: To reveal whether the folklore was indeed true about a Heaven on Earth—a land comprised of thousands of exotic, different paradises consumed by lush, fertile green lands, white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and heavenly mangos.

The landing point: An island 2,000 km smaller than Singapore and a place protected by over 160 islands. They discovered Cebu.

5:48

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Cebu City, the capital of the island, is an ancient city, the oldest in all of the Philippines—older than Vigan, and even older than Intramuros. It is the 2nd largest metropolis and 5th most populated city in the entire country. As of 2013, Cebu City is now home to nearly 1 million people.

Cebu is unlike any other island in the country. It is the most developed island province as a result of being the heart of a thriving commerce, a strong trade industry, world-class education, and home to a fascinatingly talented populous. Cebu has the charm of the countryside province, but is not muddled by a lack of infrastructure and economic activity that many provinces suffer from. In truth, it is a burgeoning metropolis—a global hub of international tourism, business operations, factories, entrepreneurship, and even world-renowned furniture making and design as I came to discover.

I sit alone at the coffee shop of the hotel and wonder how I can best capture in words what is taking place here in Cebu. I could discuss the Ayala Center Mall that has a myriad of exquisite restaurants and designer shops. I could describe the IT Park, a place that employs thousands of people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—reminiscent of Silicon Valley in California. I might describe the exciting noise of the construction work on multiple, new high-rise commercial and residential buildings and world class hotels.

Or perhaps I can discuss the fact that the new SM Seaside City Mall is going to be even bigger and grander than the Mall of Asia—currently the 10th largest mall in the world which attracts a daily average of 200,000 visitors.

In a recent address by Governor Hilario Davide III, he states that: Our ultimate goal is improved living condi-

tions, especially for those in the countryside.

We will accomplish this through the active participation of all sectors, amidst a culture of transparency and accountability. The situation then–and now—calls for inclusive, more balanced growth. We must–as we are doing now–continue to reach out to the countryside.

Towards this end, we have been and shall continue to relentlessly address key concerns and issues of the different sectors and stakeholders.

We have provided P231 million in financial assistance to our barangays and towns to fund their various priority projects such as the installation or repair of water systems; the repair or rehabilitation of barangay halls, barangay health centers, day care centers; and concreting of roads. The funds were disbursed directly to the barangays and towns. This is part of our desire to empower our barangay and municipal officials.

Cebu is clearly a result of strong leadership and vision. It is a symbol of what the Philippines as a nation might have been and eventually could be. It is a vision and an ambition—a motivation for improved livelihood. Cebu has assets that thousands of islands have: beaches, natural resources—such as the Cebu mango, and the secret recipe of the world famous Cebu lechon. But perhaps its greatest asset is its graceful, proud, ambitious people—all of which have enabled the growth to be realized and maintain its momentum.

Anyone doubting the growth of the Philippine economy need not look any further than Cebu. At first glance it is easy to liken Cebu to the next Singapore or Shanghai.

However, as I began to understand the people, their culture and their land it became clear that this unique place has too much heart and soul to fit into an existing mold— it is creating one all its own.

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SCOPE

ECONOMY

CEBU: AT A GLANCE THE CEBU PORT Home to 80% of the country’s domestic shipping companies, Cebu is the strategic shipping port of the country—situated halfway between Luzon and Mindanao. This is the nation’s busiest trade center, second to the Port of Manila. As the primary port of entry of domestic and foreign trade into the Visayas region, the port handles all forms of cargo, from large containers to quite a substantial volume of domestic ferry passengers (over 15 million just recently). The Cebu Port Authority describes their vision to: “Become a world-class port that is financially sound, economically profitable and self-sustaining with the passion to deliver safe, efficient and effective port services, responsible environmental stewardship, exemplary public service, and promoting regional commerce through the port.”

Such as that of the major trading outpost Singapore, Cebu has proven to be a world player for servicing the global trade industry where millions upon millions of goods arrive and leave annually.

CEBU IT PARK The Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation (CPVDC) created the 24-hectare information technology economic zone and modern trading hub. Cebu IT Park brings together world-class talent and technology on a college like campus that was masterplanned to combine Asian architecture with the efficiency of Western functionality and infrastructure—all the while exemplifying the essence of Cebu. Today, IT Park has become world-renowned with

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a reputation for being one of the top Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destinations in the World for many large corporations such as IBM, Microsoft, and JP Morgan Chase. Now, well over 100 IT companies and related services make up 75% of Cebu’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry which employs over 23,000 jobs as of last year.

Cebu IT Park is active 24/7 with swarms of people enjoying breaks from work at the nearby restaurants, shops, and cafes. More than a business district, Cebu IT Park is known as a lifestyle hub and serves as a great venue to hold picnics and family gatherings during the day.

CEBU BUSINESS PARK Owned and developed by Cebu Holdings, Inc. (CHI), an affiliate of Ayala Land, Inc., Cebu Business Park integrates business, high-rise residential, shopping, and sports and recreational facilities. The 50-hectare master-planned development is completed by world-class utilities and is currently the base of some of the top local and international companies. Offering a comprehensive range of support services such as the Ayala Center mall, sports, recreation, and convention facilities to serve the fast growing and emerging population.

Within the park, major hotels, condominiums and restaurants are in walking distance. With 50 hectares of land, Cebu Business Park faces not only the demand of space for growth of businesses and commercial trade, but also the challenges of operating responsibly and optimizing the value of the land for sustainability.

The Cebu Business Park being part of the Cebu Park District leaps into the opportunity of being a trendsetter on master-planned communities.

AYALA CENTER CEBU The Ayala Center Cebu is the region’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Newly expanded to provide more rewarding experiences amidst a masterfullydesigned space, it offers only well-thought-of retail and leisure choices embodying the discriminating and distinctive taste of the Cebuanos. Located in the Cebu Business Park in Cebu City, it was the first Ayala Shopping Center built outside of Metro-Manila. Presently, on average, more than 90,000 people visit per day, with the figure jumping to over 140,000 on weekends. Over 200 outlets cater to the upper (ABC+) and tourist market’s spending power.

(REFER TO INFOGRAPHIC ON NEXT PAGE) The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is a strategic location for investment and retirement in Cebu. This airport serves as the international gateway into the center of southern region and is vital to the nation’s economic prosperity—just look how easy it is to explore the Philippines and the World.

Facilities of Cebu IT Park (CITP) Built to be sustainable Open spaces dedicated to greenery.

Fully landscaped green strips.

Houses its own sewage treatment facility, water reservoir deep wells, and adequate drainage system.

Strategic Location Time to travel is cut short via its access to north and south roads. CITP also connects to major road networks that allow access to the airport in 20 minutes and the sea port in 10 minutes.

A 15-minute drive from numerous residential subdivisions, academes and golf courses.

Telecommunications Underground telecommunications system with multi-server duct lines and fiber optic capability.

High-speed Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) backbone.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technologycapable telecommunications.

High-speed point-to-point international and domestic digital leased lines.

Broadband switching capability enabling high-speed, high-capacity and cost-efficient transmission of voice, data and video (bandwidth of 64 kbps to 8 mbps).

Power Supply Underground power cables, high voltage switch gears and transformers using 23 kv lines connected to 2 main power grids.

23 kv, 3-phase underground power supply.

Pad-mounted switch gears and a substation.

Road Network & Draining System Main Roads - 30 m road right of way.

Secondary Roads - 24 m road right of way.

For the convenience of commuters, its road network currently supports 12 jeepney routes and is also a jump-off point for 8 v-hire destinations. All these bring passengers to and from the public utility vehicle terminal located at the south surface of Ayala Center Cebu.

Sewage Centralized sewage treatment plant with maximum capacity of 1,000 cubic meters per day.

Wastewater treatment using activated sludge system.

Security Fully secured area perimeter.

Uniformed security guards 24x7.

Police support from the City (Mabolo station).

Information courtesy of www.cebuitpark.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“The ophthalmologists of Shinagawa ensures that each patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine eligibility for the procedure.”

“The elegantly designed clinic makes each guest feel relaxed and comfortable.”

SHINAGAWA IMAGINE A LIFE NOT DEPENDENT ON GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES

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or millions of Filipinos struggling with eye problems ranging from nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism to presbyopia, a promise of clear vision is definitely a welcome treat!

Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics, Japan’s leading Aesthetic Center (with more than 13,000 successful cases) and the world’s largest Lasik eye surgery is now in the Philippines ready to serve individuals with various eye problems.

Lasik is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomilieusis which Shinagawa is wellknown for. Considered by many as one of the best treatment options, Shinagawa has successfully done this procedure to countless patients since the time it started business operation in the Philippines.

Lasik eliminates the need for eyeglasses and corrective lenses. It gives a promise of bringing one’s vision to excellent state, yet is it right for you? The doctors of Shinagawa, all diplomates of the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology, are in the best position to say so. Eye screening is necessary before undergoing treatment because only an ophthalmologist can fully determine if you are a candidate for the Lasik procedure.

Known for its state-of the-art and cutting edge technology, Shinagawa also offers Aesthetics in a non-invasive procedure.

With 48 branches all over Japan, Aesthetics

“With the latest machine and equipment, each patient is guaranteed to get the best service.”

have been operating for 26 years and are fully-operational in the Philippines. What sets this clinic apart from the others is its excellent clinical care given to all patients.

Shinagawa has the full confidence that every treatment is performed in a comprehensive and professional manner giving each client a tailored recommendation before undertaking treatments.

Despite the fact that Aesthetic clinics are now dime a dozen, each one giving a promise of effective change, Shinagawa remains firm in its commitment to actively innovate in pursuit of excellence. Despite knowing that innovation is the key to competitive edge, Shinagawa would rather offer guaranteed, safe and effective procedures than fight head on with other clinics that launch new yet untested treatments in second-breaking speed.

Shinagawa is also the home of Celesty - a wide range of beauty products from Japan that are safe and effective for everyday use. At Shinagawa, all clients are given the privilege to try and apply Celesty products and many of them have testified how it gives a refreshing feel in an instant. Like all other services of Shinagawa, Celesty products are very well accepted by the local market due to the result it brings to every skin type.

Shinagawa also offers Orthodontic services such as dental braces, retainers, dentures, tooth extraction and many more.

“Celesty products from Japan are displayed at the clinic’s reception area.”

Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics is located at the Mezzanine Floor, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas Makati City.

We can be reached thru our hotline: 846-3197, 491-00-00 and mobile number 09175724684.

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MY CEBU: CEBUANO AND proud Dubbed as the next business hub in the country, we asked the city’s top shapers what makes Cebu the next big thing.

By Mary May Portez

Jay Aldeguer The Islands Group (page 50) Because for a megalopolis, Cebu is remarkably gifted with talented and hard-working individuals.

“Unlike most places in the Philippines, Cebu did not have arable land for agriculture or vast fishing grounds so [we], Cebuanos were forced to look for our source of income elsewhere and be resourceful in earning a living. I think this is how Cebuanos became highly entrepreneurial and resilient. Decades after, as Cebu continues to grow rapidly, we see this entrepreneurial spirit all around.”

Carlo Delantar Floreia | Nature’s Legacy | TOMS Shoes | Waves For Water (page 52)

Gregg & Agnes Huettel Allyson Tyler

Raquel Choa Ralfe Gourmet | The Chocolate Chamber (page 42)

Because a better world needs eco-friendly sustainable products...starting with Cebu.

“The world provides us with everything we need. For other generations to experience it, we need products that can benefit the world as well.”

Because Cebu handicraft is decidedly world-class.

“World-class artistic furnishings come to life when a designer’s creativity combines with Cebu’s indigenous materials and skilled craftsmen!”

Because tablea is more than just a delicacy—it’s a way of life. Chocolate is not just an indulgence in Cebu. Known to be pasionate eaters, Cebuanos have a deeper appreciation for food as exemplified by Raquel.

“Savor a rich chocolate tradition.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Adto na ta sa Cebu!

The oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is the center of commerce in the Visayas. This Queen City of the South is a place of rich history and impending urbanization. Lloyd Zapanta takes you on a step-by-step journey from the past to the modernity taking over this megalopolis.

CANYON WOODS WHERE LIFE IS PURE BLISS

1 MAGELLAN'S CROSS Starting with the most familiar, Magellan’s Cross still tops Cebu City’s historical religious attractions. It is a Christian cross Magellan ordered to be planted after his arrival in Cebu on March 31, 1521. History states that the original cross can be found inside the center of the nearby chapel. This was to protect the cross from being chipped away by visitors in belief of the cross having miraculous powers, or simply for souvenir purposes. The ceiling of its small housing, on the other hand, shows a painting of the arrival of the Spaniards in Cebu, bearing flags and the cross.

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MINOR BASILICA DEL STO. NINO DE CEBU The Basilica del Sto. Nino de Cebu is one of the most celebrated churches in the country. Its old stone architecture places it as one of the preserved still-standing churches in the country. Inside of it is a grand golden brass altar – an eye masterpiece.

In October 2013, the church was damaged by the earthquake, but despite the impairment, its masses are still being held to date.

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raditional and modern activities blend well in this mountain forest setting that sports a uniquely cold weather.

Standing higher from its lofty peak is the new Canyon Woods Residences, a condotel inside the resort with fully furnished units suitable for a long-awaited vacation with nature. Enjoy the view of the famous Taal Lake and Volcano while giving in to the beautiful lodging masterpiece crafted by National Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa and

by Filipino-American Interior Designer Rene Orosa.

At par with the world’s best resorts, the Canyon Woods Residential Resort Club offers a wide range of amenities for its exclusive members and owners including a Health and Wellness Spa, a crazy mini golf, and its Pavilion Campsite, with nature’s trail and a man-made lake great for fishing and boating, all atop of a property higher than Tagaytay’s Sky Ranch.

Relax with nature and visit Canyon Woods Residential Resort Club for a trip to a place where life is a pure bliss.

This exclusive condotel residences is a project of G2 Global, Inc.

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For more information, go to canyonwoods.com or email property@g2globalinc.com

3 TABO-AN & CARBON MARKET Local specialty markets are now a must-go in every tourist destination. The Carbon Market has lots of items in its dry and wet section. The dry market sells inexpensive souvenirs and handicrafts, while the wet section tempts the buyers with fresh Cebu seafood perfect for the hungry traveler. Meanwhile, the Tabo-an Market entirely offers dried fish and goods.

Danggit, dilis, mangoes, peanut kisses and otaps are the main products of this local marketplace. Food is always a great gift for everyone, so check out these two markets for your authentic pasalubong.

4 COLON STREET The Philippine’s first and oldest street. It is also nicknamed the “shortest declared National Road.” Colon Street used to be Cebu’s sprawling downtown area, with multistory buildings and an active crowd of bargain shoppers. Its street division resembles New York’s Times Square, but is a present resemblance of a 1970s scene of high-rise brutaliststyle structures. It’s a marketplace during the daytime, and a food and street entertainment venue at night. This is the current form of revival of the old city center. Everyone is welcome here, but wear the right clothes and do not bring many valuables. You don’t want to look flashy in a very crowded area.

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TAOIST TEMPLE Sure, the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation; but it doesn’t stop Filipinos from appreciating the wonder of this local temple. The Taoist Temple is Cebu’s most popular overlooking spot, and is a piece of China brought here to the country. Though its magnificent structure is eye-catching, taking photos inside the temple is not allowed.

6 LAPU-LAPU SHRINE Celebrated as the first Filipino to take up arms against the Spaniards, Lapu-Lapu was the chieftain of Mactan during the early 1500s. Located at Punta Engaño, Mactan City, this shrine includes a bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu that towers 20 meters high.

Kadaugan sa Mactan (Battle of Mactan) is a colorful event showing the invasion of the Spanish colonizers and the battle between Magellan and Lapu-Lapu.

This is celebrated every April of the year.

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1. The iconic Lapu-Lapu shrine, a towering symbol of courage and freedom.

2. Majestic and headstrong, the minor basilica del Sto. Nino de Cebu remains one of the most celebrated churches in the country. 3. Get lost in the busy markets of Cebu. 4. The historical, and perhaps the most famous landmarks of Cebu, the Magellan’s Cross. 5. Party scene in LIV Superclub.

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SUTOKIL Sugba meaning “grilled food;” Tola for tinola; and Kilaw for kinilaw, a pickled seafood in vinegar and select spices: Sutokil is a local favorite and a must-try for visiting tourists. Located just outside the LapuLapu shrine, this gastronomical wonder is a perfect place to relish local cuisine and authentic southern taste.

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CEBUANOS DEFINITELY KNOW HOW TO PARTY. Opened May of this year, Live Superclub is a spectacle of crisp, upbeat music with colorful laser lights piercing on every corner. Aside from the massive two-story LED screen at the DJ booth, this club boasts an exciting meld of lights and sounds.

Party with the hippest crowd and dance to the latest beats.

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CANYON COVE HOTEL AND SPA IT AWAITS YOU

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he Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa takes the leisure inside its sea-bound parameters in Nasugbu, Batangas. Its charming white beach beside the West Philippine Sea and its huge pool give the family a choice of pure nature and modernity.

This prime getaway offers a whole arch of Nasugbu’s exceptional beauty from its tree-covered peaks to its calm beachfront together with a misty breeze Discover more of the resort through activities fit for the intrepid. While Pedal boats are ready for the calm explorers, jet skiing, scuba diving, banana boat and island hopping are available for the dauntless. After partaking in the recreations, a hearty meal can be savored at one of the resort’s restaurants.

This year, the Marina which offers a state of the art spa center is getting ready to join the European-style resort vibe.

Embracing more of nature, Canyon Cove operates partially by solar energy for a more efficient and eco-friendly environment.

With its Mediterranean-inspired condominium and hotel, enjoy the wide vista of the whole resort from its fully furnished units and rooms, with the villa’s assistants eager to serve at the convenience of the resort’s guests. Local employment is a priority at the resort, not only to support the Nasugbuenos, but also to introduce the visitors to the local beach culture of the largest town in the east part of the province.

Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa is a true epitome of a worldclass beach resort that awaits everyone.

This blissful retreat is a project of G2 Global, Inc.

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For more information, go to canyoncove.com.ph or email property@g2globalinc.com

Tugot Kan-A

Crispy. Nutty. And delightfully sumptuous.

Feast your eyes and satisfy your gastronomical hunger with this hearty Kare-kareng Lechon Kawali.

LET’S EAT It sounds equally tempting as the food—and we haven’t even started talking about LECHON...

Hungry, yet?

Turn the page for the must-try eats in Cebu—a place of palatable culinary fusion and everything lechon.

BB Online For more mouthwatering food shots, go to asianjournal.com/ lifestyle/lifestyle-travel

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The first thing you need to know about Cebu is that it has a lot of local delicacies to devour—and that Cebuanos love to eat... and often. From the authentic to the bizarre, Cebuanos sure know how to have a meal.

So forks up (sticks, too) and get ready for a gastronomical adventure— Cebu-style.

Pungko-punko scene: CEBUANOS are known to be passionate eaters. This sketch shows a typical day for the locals enjoying their best-loved hawker food like the boiled pig’s brain and the ubiquitous sticky rice cake, puso.

1. Ginabot (pig intestines) which are fried in vegetable oil to make them crispy; 2. Utok (pork brain), boiled seasoned with onions, shallots, chili.

3. Tambok (pork fat), a treat as intense as its consequence, this can be eaten with chili and vinegar, or with sticky rice.

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Pungko-punko is a local take on hawker food. Punko which literally translates to “to sit” is a term used by locals to refer to food carts and makeshift multicabs that sell the most “unconventional” chows like the: 4. Puso, also known as “hanging rice” is a a staple comfort food in Cebu. Ubiquitous in most markets and hawker areas, this sticky rice symbolizes Cebuanos’ love for rice.

5. Budbud in tsokolate syrup and 6. Halo-halo Golden Cowrie’s popular desserts are made up of sticky rice wrapped in leaves drizzled with chocolate syrup;

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and shaved ice topped with ube (yam), sweet beans, coconut gel, langka (jackfruit), banana, leche flan (caramel custard), and ice cream.

7. Crispy Pata. Slow-cooked pig trotters or knuckles and deep fried to crispy-perfection, this all time favorite dish is popular not just among Cebuanos but Filipinos in general.

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8. Kare-kareng Lechon Kawali.

Crispy. Nutty. And delightfully sumptuous. This dish offers a “crunchy” twist to the all-timefavorite pork kare-kare. Served with chopped, freshly cooked lechon kawali with bagoong (shrimp paste), kare-kare sauce, and vegetables on the side, this is meal is best enjoyed with steamy rice.

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PINOY PORK PORK RECIPES RECIPES PINOY Dubbed as the Lechon capital of the world, Cebu offers a lot of Lechon varieties to Dubbed as the Lechon capital of the world, Cebu offers of Lechon different foodtrippers.

Crispy, Spicy, Boneless — justa lot name it. Theyvarieties all have to it! different foodtrippers.

Crispy, Spicy, Boneless — just name it.

They all have it!

But while everyone’s enjoying the traditional pig roast, the Filipinos have other recipes Butusing whiledifferent everyone’s enjoying the traditional pig roast, Filipinos havethat other recipes pork cuts. Here is an infographic thatthe will show you those pork using different pork cuts.and Here is anare infographic thatthe willclassic showbacon. you that those pork bellies sides not only for bellies and sides are not only for the classic bacon.

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1.1.MASKARA (HEAD) TheMASKARA ‘ulo ng baboy’(HEAD) or pig’s head

2.2.Tenga (Ears) Tenga (Ears) Sisig is a favorite recipe of pig’s

3. 3.Batok (Nape) Batok (Nape)

4. Tagiliran at Lomo 4. Tagiliran at Lomo (Tenderloin) (Tenderloin)

5. Tadyang (Ribs) 5. Tadyang Enough with the (Ribs) BBQ-style

6. Liempo (Belly) Liempo (Belly) An6.overall bestseller, Grilled

7. Knuckles (Pata) 7. Knuckles (Pata) Crispy Pata is a popular dish

8. Pigi (Leg) 8. Pigi (Leg) Nilagang Baboy, one of the

Thebe ‘ulo ng baboy’ or pig’s head can simply fried into Crispy canng beBaboy. simplyWhen fried you into can’t Crispy Ulo Ulo ng When have thatBaboy.

Lechon, youyou can can’t have that can always haveLechon, its head,you at least. always have its head, at least.

Enough Pork Ribs.with Why the not BBQ-style cook it like Adobo sa Gata?

Pork Ribs.

Why not cook it like Adobo sa Gata?

Sisig is aparts favorite of pig’s ears with fromrecipe maskara ears with parts and liver.

It can befrom eatenmaskara as and liver.orIt food can be eaten as appetizers in drinking appetizers in drinking sessions, or asora food dish paired sessions, with rice. or as a dish paired with rice.

An overall Liempo is an bestseller, instant Grilled take-home for the whole Liempo isfood an instant family in the Philippines. take-home food for the whole family in the Philippines.

The best majority pork part for The best majority Dinakdakan, a creamy,pork purepart for Pork Asado or Pork Estofado or Dinakdakan, a creamy, pure Pork Asado or Choose Pork Estofado or Ilocano finger food. the famous Bistek.

Ilocano finger food. the famous Bistek. from these three dishesChoose that from three are all bestthese paired withdishes rice. that are all best paired with rice.

Crispy Pata is a popular consisting of deep fried pigdish trotter/knuckles consisting of marinated deep friedor pig dipped in a soy-vinegar trotter/knuckles marinated or mixture, with dipped in arestaurants soy-vinegar offering boneless as a specialty. mixture, with restaurants offering boneless as a specialty.

of the basicNilagang recipes inBaboy, everyone Filipino household, pours in every a tastyFilipino basic recipes souphousehold, from boiledpours pork in with a tasty goodness that lingers soup from boiled the pork with tastebuds of children to adults. goodness that lingers the tastebuds of children to adults.

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CANYON DE BORACAY YOUR NATURE ESCAPE

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oracay, deemed as one of the world’s most popular beach islands, is a place of pure relaxation and comfort. It is a tourist haven of seaside beauty, island living and party life – from day to night.

While some find their escapes from Manila, others hope to find an alternative aside from the Philippines’ most popular beach getaways.

Highly rated by TripAdvisor, Canyon de Boracay is a sneak away from other Boracay hotels and resorts. Its Asian-inspired theme offers a unique breeze of the pampering culture mastered by a fusion of different Asian countries. Its Nature Zen aura is the perfect ambiance for all to relax.

This boutique hotel has 31 rooms, all large enough to accommodate families. With rooms ranging from 50-60 square meters, it’s like having your own home. Private gardens, verandas, mini-bar and large doors and windows with a view of the carefully landscaped greenery are mainstays in every room. A swimming pool is also available for a refreshing dip. Or why not try an in-room massage for your tired body.

If the guests want to go on an island hopping experience, or snorkel in Boracay’s crystal waters, Canyon de Boracay offers packages for a number of activities. Fishing, sail boat and even a luxury yacht is also not a problem. For extreme sports and land fun, All Terrain Vehicle, Motorbikes, Bicycles and Bug Car rides are ready.

Best of all, Canyon de Boracay is just a stone’s throw away from the island’s fine white sand beaches. You don’t have to go elsewhere. Canyon de Boracay is your imagination turned reality – an Asianinspired boutique hotel near your tropical paradise.

This unexpected gem in Boracay islands is a project of G2 Global, Inc.

For reservations, please call +63 36 288-5875.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CANYON DE BORACAY PREMIERE FUNCTIONAL LUXURY

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hop, dine and experience ultimate convenience at your own home in Boracay. Pioneering the mixed-use development in the premier beach island in the Philippines, Canyon de Boracay Premiere sets the standards high when it comes to condotels.

Its 6,500-square meter property, located in station 1, has 264 spacious units of all types and sizes, from Junior Suites to Executive, to suit all of your residential needs. This can be your own, or your family’s own spot in the island. Surrounded by lush foliage, it is a total package of nature and modernity.

Talking about ease, Canyon de Boracay Premiere will present an air conditioned grand supermarket located at its lower ground floor: a first in Boracay. It will also have a restaurant, multi-level bars and a gym.

Another surprise from Canyon de Boracay is its own mall for your convenience. Imagine you’re planning to go shopping and all you need to do is go down to your own home’s mall. The upcoming shopper’s haven will be accessible in the upper ground floor.

With its proximity to the pristine beaches and accessibility from Boracay’s roads, going out to enjoy the paradise of waves and tropical vibe will never be a hassle; or cool down with its own pool encircled with Canyon de Boracay Premiere’s green setting at the third floor, the first of the 3-level residential floors.

To immerse also with the nature’s beauty, this condominium will also be partially powered with solar energy through its roof installed entirely with solar panels. Its efficiency saves the environment, as well as to provide assurance of green power to its tenants, guests and residents.

A guaranteed income generating investment, Canyon de Boracay Premiere awards investors to legally own a titled condominium. All of the comfort and convenience are now in Boracay’s much awaited establishment – a place of dream turned reality in the last quarter of 2019.

This grand island escape is a project of G2 Global, Inc.

For inquiries, visit their main office at 2nd and 3rd Floor, ACT Tower, 135 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227, or give them a call at (632) 892-9827. For more information, go to g2globalinc.com/canyon-de-boracay-premiere.

Canyon de Boracay Premiere is currently in its pre-selling stage, for queries, email property@g2globalinc.com AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

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a chocolate affair to remember As the locales in Cebu City continue to be yuppified, locals and tourists are on a scouring to find that perfect place to share conversations over a warm (or cold) cup of rich tablea drink with a diversified array of food menu. Mary May Portez discovers that Cebu doesn’t just serve malagkit (sticky rice) but more.

THE CHOCOLATE CHAMBER (TCC) President Quirino corner Magsaysay Streets, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City Chocolateur Raquel Choa is bringing back sinful—and often sensual—pleasure of a tablean affliction, an institution distinct to every Cebuano that is slowly frazzling away with the advent of anything readyto-drink, TCC is a rich panacea for that chocolate heritage. At first glance, this quaint, hole-in-the-wall café reminds you of an English tea shop what with its long display of tin cans. If not for the typical Illustrado (a social class of educated and well-off sorting during the Spanish colonization) hats, pashminas (shawls), and the buzzing murmur of local tongue, you would think that you have left the city. This café boasts a menu of delectable indulgence.

Be taken away to a time of tradition and good chocolate as you devour the TCC experience.

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WHAT TO GET Spicy chocolate. This complementary delight kicks all your prejudices on marrying spice with chocolate. A hot, bold take on tablea with an unexpected twist, you will never look at cayenne pepper the same way again. Alfajores, a crumbly vanilla cookies with caramel filling dipped in rich chocolate liquor: this comes in individual packaging and is perfect for a pasalubong. Hibiscus Chocolate. One of TCC’s bestsellers, this drink boasts the grand taste of dark cacao with a hint of hibiscus bloom.

Tip: smear the melted chocolate around the rim of your drinking cup to give it that full flavor.

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THE MOOD Quaint. Posh. And definitely obliging.

The cream and brown color palette is reminiscent of a traditional Hispanic interior. A lineup of tin cans complement the precious China pieces to complete the ritzy, yet friendly ambiance. This café is perfect for private parties or just plain rendezvous with friends.

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DON’T MISS The chocolate art pieces [Figure 2].

Pashminas are offered for a reason: the café maintains its rather nippy ambiance to prevent the delectable artworks from melting. These accents may seem like your typical nature-inspired displays but a closer look will leave you resisting the urge to scrape some of it for a good measure of tasting.

A private tour of the chocolate factory.

Currently on strict invitations-only, TCC opens its chocolate emporium to select guests to share how tablea is made and turned into heavenly perfection. Raquel compels you on a rich, passionate trance to appreciate the humble beginnings and limitless possibilities one can create out of tablea beans.

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NAKED TRUTH: Raw tablea pounded and mixed with TCC’s secret ingredients to bring out the rich, natural flavor of chocolate.

For chocolateurs like Raquel, the art of processing the cacao beans is colorful tradition and a way of life

1. The charming exterior of TCC is a nostalgic prelude to the tasteful experience that awaits you behind the rustic wooden doors. 2. A chocolate (literally) masterpiece: one of the many displays inside the cafĂŠ.

3. A jar of delightful cookies and other goodies, ideal for gifts and pasalubongs.

4. A tray of tablea filled ensaymadas.

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1. A tray of take-away goodies like the cacao beans and marshmallow brownies. 2. The warm facade of Tablea in their JY Square branch. 3. An all smiles Marie Garcia-Evans, inviting people to savour nostalgic delicacies like the hot cocoa and puto-maya. 4. A barista preparing the hot cocoa drink. 5. Puto-maya: a popular pick-me-up made of sticky rice and mangoes drizzled with thick hot chocolate. 6. A warm cup of authentic tablea drink.

JY Square | J Centre Mall | Ayala Center Cebu | SM City North Wing Omnipresent as the famous Cebu lechon, Tabléa is a melting pot of old Cebuano tradition with modern diversity. This café addresses the vagueness of nostalgia both of the young and old. Owner Marie Kanilaw Garcia-Evans, tells Balikbayan that her father had always wanted to put up a place where tablea can be enjoyed anytime as well as upholding the local custom of preparing this delicacy. Tabléa is a place to cast one’s mind back to the pre-war era when life was less abuzz and insistent.

THE MOOD

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Cozy and laid-back, Tabléa offers a space for families to enjoy a wonderful brunch together over hot chocolate and good food.

WHAT TO GET Order the Puto Maya with Tsokolate: a local take on a breakfast of champions, wake up

to the smell of rich tablea and the sweetness of fresh mangoes paired with a sticky rice cake. Tabléa also has a display of succulent take-aways so make sure to grab the Instant Champorado Mix and the Dark Chocolate Covered Cacao Beans.

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Their branch inside the Mactan Cebu International Aiport (MCIA) for that last minute shopping

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CEBU PARKLANE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL A HOTEL IN CEBU THAT STANDS FOR CEBU

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display of the Visayan cultural heritage itself, this hotel is the epitome of Cebuano hospitality. Cebu Parklane International Hotel is Cebu’s towering pride for 8 years showcasing interiors and art pieces that’s truly Cebuano: a pioneer among the many business hotels in the city.

Parklane is a convergence of 4-star amenities and services, with 241 rooms ready to be your comforting home. Businessmen, leisure travelers and even families can enjoy this jewel hidden in Cebu’s humble community.

To incorporate the local beauty and richness of the local living, Parklane gives us everything with a Cebuano signature: ambiance, food, artistry and finally, its hospitality, features that set it apart from other local hotels.

Local artists are given the chance to showcase their artistic prowess by displaying it on every floor of the hotel. With this, Parklane will always have Cebu’s love for history and culture through its art pieces and interiors.

Dubbed as having one of the best buffets in Cebu, dig in to the clash of local and international cuisine with the hotel’s Manuel’s Restaurant. Make sure not to miss the famous lechon. From breakfast to dinner, Manuel’s is ready to serve you through a sumptuous buffet or a filling a la acarte order.

Kan-anan Restaurant, for those with local taste buds, is a one-stop restaurant featuring authentic, local specialty dishes from the northern to the southern tip of Cebu. Adding to the delight is an open allyou-can-eat barbecue buffet every Fridays

and Saturdays to mark your food feast with a tempting, grilled savory.

If work’s always following you, Parklane extends spacious halls for corporate events, meetings, and conferences.

Wedding packages are also available for couples opting for that distinct Cebuano accommodation.

Splashes and waves refreshes the guests with an outdoor swimming pool. Witness the Visayan sunset while dipping in their cool waters high above the ground, the meld of urban infrastructure against rustic twilight as your backdrop.

Cebu Parklane International Hotel is still Cebu’s best – a place of class, finesse and convenience of local Cebuano culture pacing with International standards and quality.

For reservations and room availability, call +63 32 234-700 or email info@parklanehotel.com.

For more information, visit parklanehotel.com.

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CEBU GOES K-POP It comes as no surprise that the Korean wave has infiltrated even the city of Cebu. One would expect the rise of Korean-inspired coffee shops, but as the city gets diversified, Mary May Portez finds distinction plays a major constituent in starting a business. Got K-style?

Satisfy your K-pop fancy with these unique, and quirky cafés that are sure to make nobody, nobody, but you feel like you’re in Seoul.

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CAFE TIALA

Unit 2D, 2nd Floor, The Forum Building, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City You may never be royal, but you can certainly be a princess. When Ivy Son opened this café earlier this year, her main goal was really just that. Don’t be fooled with the girly pink interiors as this café indulges even the non-believers. Rooms are adorned with intricate alcoves to yield privacy. Mezzanines festooned with Alice in Wonderland-inspired tables bear a shabby chic touch that suit the Cath Kidston motif. Each cubicle houses an assortment of entertainment options for all ages like flatscreen TVs and Wii. Café Tiala is the quintessential spot for that first date and private parties.

see a diverse crowd: from couples enjoying romantic moments to a group of students doing school work, Café Tiala is a fun venue for a get-together and healthy food.

WHAT TO GET Tteokbokki. A popular hawker snack in Korea, this rice cake cooked with a secret mix of hot sauce is a great appetizer and comfort food over conversations with friends. The Sweet Potato and Mint Chocolate Chip smoothies are also guilt-free, refreshing drinks to brace the hot weather in the city. Try the Tiala Sandwich for a healthy and complete meal.

And for the sweet tooth, the café brags an assortment of desserts that are best partnered with their tea selection.

DON’T MISS The cute animal onesies and other costumes to complete that make-believe fantasy— perfect for that selfie moment.

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Tip: hashtag Café Tiala when you post your photos on any social media applications and they’ll display them inside the store—you may even get a special discount when your photos are chosen.

The Princess Pampering Treatment. Yes. Like a true princess, you are entitled to a complementary leg massage and hair service: for that intricate fishtail braid, ask one of the cheery servers to attend to your mane.

THE MOOD Princess-y. If you have been to Japan, this café will remind you of an animeinspired coffee shop. The servers are clad in frilly French maid uniforms, common on Japanese Lolita fashion style. Expect to 46

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1. If you hashtag Tiala on social media, the will print out your photo and post them on the walls.

2. The cosy mezzanine of Tiala. perfect for that private brunch. 3. A dish of Tteokbokki, a rice cake mixed with spicy sauce. 4. Healthy but hearty Tiala Sandwich.

1. A table of smoothies and desserts in Café Namoo. 2. Artistic presentation of Tiala’s cappuccino. 3. Healthy sweet potato smoothie from Café Tiala. 4. Café Namoo’s toast with crushed peanuts, drizzled with rich chocolate syrup.

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CAFE NAMOO

2nd Floor, Northgate Centre, Banilad, Cebu City | City Time Square, Mandaue City One of the pioneers of Korean cafés in Cebu, Café Namoo is as close as you can get to that offbeat—and sometimes odd— Korean flair. Owners Edan Baik and Veru Ham shares that this is café is unlike the ubiquitous Korean-inspired cafés in the city. Opened January of this year, Café Namoo offers a “comfortable setting” with the luxury of privacy and inspiring designs. A balloon room can be used to entertain the young and young at heart: perfect for a visiting family. One look and you will immediately fall in love with the expressive displays of personal notes posted by numerous guest: messages ranging from declaration of love, affirmation of hopes and dreams, birthday greetings, memos of apology, to just plain expression of ranting.

This café is crafted down to delight a crowd that’s always hungry for the next big thing.

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Two words: Sticky Notes. The café sits on a vast space harboring several cratelike rooms to guests that provide privacy and solitude. The wooden walls promise a sound-proof feature. Posters of K-pop idols are also displayed in several areas to complement the presiding theme.

WHAT TO GET Strawberry smoothie. Because any day, no matter how bad, always gets better after a smoothie. Craving for sweets? Try their Chocolate cake. A moist, rich chocolate cake topped with creamy whipped frosting.

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DON’T MISS Veru Ham’s magic hands as he transforms balloons into unimaginable shapes: a poodle, a butterfly, a bear, etc.

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SNAPSHOT

1. The post-it wall of Café Namoo for personal messages and greetings, or simply anything you want to express (in writing) 2. A glass of bold cappuccino . 3. A take on the local halohalo, this dessert is both sweet and refreshing.

4. Indulge in this rich and moist chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries.

This article has an exclusive online feature. For more photos and behind the scene video footage on Café Tiala, Café Namoo, Tablea, TCC, and Golden Cowrie, download our digital edition or go to asianjournal.com/ lifestyle/lifestyle-travel

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Pasalubong, bay!

Bring home a piece of Cebu.

Can you imagine leaving Cebu without souvenirs? Never go home without these Cebu products. These items that are worth the excess baggage are also quality products that stand for the “Queen City of the South” Words by Lloyd Zapanta

1. Island Souvenir’s merchandise display.

2. Choose your favorite from this colorful candy assortment. 3.

A ready to eat section inside Island Souvenir.

4. A foreigner selling homemade whitening soaps made from papaya. 4. DANGGIT. A must buy pasalubong when you visit Cebu.

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TRULY CEBU TEES & ETC. Islands Souvenirs, a popular souvenir shop chain, has its own roots in Cebu. Because of that, the shop now has a wide range of purely Cebu-themed wearable souvenir items like t-shirts, sandos and tops, surfing and beach outfits, hats, and more. Colors burst in different items that really represent the traditional Filipino tropical vibe. So if you’re unsure of where to buy souvenirs that will last long, Islands Souvenirs has it all.

Check out its local stores in the city.

FRUITY FEAST Cebu takes a portion of the Mango’s nationwide popularity in another form.

The province itself has its own Mango plantations, and producing export-quality Dried Mangoes as their long-time snack pride is now easy. Some airlines now even have it in their airplane cabins. Best of all, it is the easiest to find among Cebu souvenirs.

There are groceries and souvenir shops selling these natural sweets, and is also available in Manila. But if you want more for less, buy Dried Mangoes straight from the source, no other than Cebu.

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DELICIOUSLY FISHY Danggit is the fish trophy of Cebu. This dried fish delicacy is a staple in every breakfast plate. Its salty yet tasty flavor satisfies everyone’s craving for fish. Best paired with fried rice and egg, Danggit is present in every corner of Cebu City. But for packs of this goodness from the sea, Tabo-an Market is the place to go, with packages available in reasonable prices.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SMILE WORKS, DR. VIRNA OBILLOS A SMILE IS A LITTLE CURVE THAT STRAIGHTENS EVERYTHING OUT

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entistry has become a more indemand profession as teeth and smiles are essential in our daily lives – from school to career, from personality to physical image.

When this becomes a concern, it is best that we address this as soon as we can. And Dr. Virna Aurelio- Obillos takes this matter professionally, but with a personal touch.

You will be welcomed with a noticeable phrase at the front desk: “Smile works” which has become a signature of her clinic since 2004. Since then, Dr. Virna’s name has been associated with the phrase.

Dr. Virna, who is an affiliate of the Philippine Academy for Implant Dentistry and Philippine Dental Association, believes in

what quality dentistry should be. Together with her passion in improving the smiles of her clients, she really gives a top-caliber work in every patient.

Her clinic services range from dental implants, crowns, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, advanced orthodontics and teeth whitening.

Dr. Virna’s clientele ranges from local to foreign patients, even celebrities: all a attesting Smile Work’s excellent service.

What sets it from other clinics is Dr. Virna’s unmatched professional skillfulness with personal care on the side.

It’s best to have a dentist to trust on.

See for yourself and experience total dental care.

Call (632) 752-6765 or 0908-869-3046 to make an appointment.

To know more about Smile Works, you can visit her clinic at 1211 Makati Medical Plaza, Amorsolo cor. Dela Rosa St., Legazpi Village, Makati City.

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QUEEN’S FASHION FROM THE QUEEN CITY Pacing with the international fashion scene, these Philippine-made artisanal accessories are now on the ramps.

Floreia is a homegrown Cebuano fashion accessories brand that features earthfriendly, sustainable materials like recycled newspapers, fallen forest twigs, tree barks and the likes. With every piece of merged natural elements in a string, every wearer can now out stand others effortlessly, whatever the occasion is.

ECO DECO FURNITURE It’s always unusual to give furniture as souvenirs, but in Cebu, modernity mixes up with sustainability. Nature’s Legacy products are one-of-a-kind and are patented in different countries, too. Vases, flower pots, garden and indoor displays and even fence balls and spears are all made up of light crushed stones, recycled newspapers, dead shrubs, natural wooden pieces and other biodegradable components in clear or colored choices that will add up to every spot’s charm. They also accept custom orders but make sure to contact them weeks before you drop by to Cebu. These products takes time to finish, but rest assured you’re getting the best handmade work.

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3 1, 2, 3 Floreia’s charming display of fashionable accessories. 4. Napkin rings made from sustainable materials like old newspapers and tree husks. 5. A meld of contemporay and abstract: ecofriendly furnitures from Nature’s Legacy.

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SCOPE

Cebu: A Great Place to Live, Work, have Fun and do Business Words by Professor Enrique Soriano

The lure of Cebu is that aside from the vast economic opportunities that it offers is that it’s just the kind of place where even a twenty minute walk will lead you to a lifetime’s worth of travel experiences and lovely memories as you uncover an unfathomably diverse range of sights and encounters around every corner.

From a history of sugar baron patronage and feudalism, to government cartels that have caused famine, Cebu has transformed today into a haven of economic productivity and prosperity.

Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007 and 8th best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005.

In a decade, it has transformed into a global hub for furniture making, tourism, business processing services, and heavy industry.

Attractive tourist destinations, engaging business investment climate, infrastructure, educational system and workforce enable the province to support major industrial, commercial, and trading activities. Cebu’s extensive international port facilities offer accessibility to Asia and the rest of the world.

This has led more than a hundred local firms and multinational companies to establish their offices, factories, and BPO services on the island.

As I write this article, there are at least three ongoing trade exhibitions being held July 24-26 at Waterfront Hotel namely (1) TOPS Show Cebu, an exhibition for Business Solutions, Audio & Visual Communications, Digital & Large Format

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“It is better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times.” - Asian Proverb

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Printing, Office Machines & Technology, Corporate Gifts, Products & Accessories; (2) Woodmach Cebu, an exhibition for Wood, Woodworking, Furniture-Making Machinery & Technology, Furnishings, Accessories, Products and Services; and (3) Water Technology Cebu, showcasing products like various sorts of Plumbing, and Sanitation as well as water reuse in the Industrial Products, Environment & Waste Management industries.

This year’s Cebu Business Month is focused on preparing Cebu for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Integration opportunities, spurring further its business growth to compete globally.

According to Lito Maderazo, ASEAN Integration chair and past chamber president, “we’re now in the process of creating a road map particularly on the economic drivers of Cebu.”

A new transport system is likewise being proposed to complement the anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Cebu City.

In its executive session recently, the City Council has asked Jose Guardo of Maglev Vision Corporation, the inventor of the socalled Mixed-Use, Multi-Functional Elevated Maglev Monorail, to submit a formal proposal to the City Council. Guardo said the monorail is cheaper than the conventional train and will complement the BRT system once the latter is in place.

BUZZING CITY LIFE AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE Cebu combines the atmosphere of a buzzing city life with the relaxation of the beautiful countryside. There are plenty of lush forests for a breath of fresh air and clean parks with colorful, native flora where your children can roam freely and safely, while you explore all the many cultural and artistic offerings available.

Despite the increasingly fast pace of life, Cebu is still very Zen and very green in many corners.

Even the condominiums and housing projects being built especially around Cebu City redefine luxury living by weaving together generous verdant space in an intimate bond with nature. In the same vein, to help address housing needs in areas hit by last year’s twin calamities, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) is offering incentives to developers that will put up socialized housing projects in disasterstricken areas. In a recent gathering at the City Sports Club in Cebu Business Park, HLURB commissioner and chief executive officer Antonio M. Bernardo said that the incentivized compliance will not only help survivors of disasters but will also make it easier for developers to get a license to sell for their main subdivision projects.

CEBU'S SHARE OF WONDERS TO EXPLORE Cebu is an island with fantastic beaches and restaurants as well. For instance, there’s Malapascua, a peaceful, remote tropical island with an awesome beach, and a diver’s paradise destination. There are some fantastic dive sites near the island, the most famous being the Thresher Shark dive. The island is 3 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, with a population of about 4,000. The main beach (Bounty Beach) has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A walk or tour of the whole island can be done within half a day.

Be prepared to eat your way through Cebu.

Cebu is one of those cities you can visit with no other goal in mind but to eat. Surrender to the mouth-watering and crispy taste of Lechon Cebu. I think the spices and the lemongrass make the flavorful lechon aromatic aside from its rich succulent taste. The Cebuanos have a penchant for good food so it is no wonder that there are plenty of restaurants in Cebu. One particular Chinese Restaurant that never fails my food and service expectations is CHOI Cantonese Restaurant along Banilad Town Center. It is a must visit when in Cebu!

If you are a religious devotee, you can visit the historical Minor Basilica of the Holy Child commonly known as Basilica del Santo Niño, a minor basilica in Cebu City that was founded in the 16th century. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church established in the country, purportedly built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú, a statue depicting the Holy Child Jesus was found in 1565 by Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The image is the same statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon as a gift after Humabon’s baptism to Christianity on April 14, 1521.

The most popular and colorful festivity in Cebu is Sinulog, a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño. It is a fiesta for all Filipinos—coming from anywhere and everywhere.

Indeed, with all these developments and more, all systems go for fascinating, engrossing Cebu!

Professor Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor and Chair of the Marketing Cluster of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. He is a National Agora Awardee and book author of Kite Runner, a book on Family Business Governance and Succession. For comments, you may email the writer at sorianoasia@gmail.com.

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WORLD

Wrecking Walls The pursuit of peace has been a distant dream for most places confined by conflict. For Afghanistan, this is likely to be an impasse as the typecast accorded to them — but not for long. Francesca Lim reports how Afghanistan, much like Pangasinan — which, too, is impounded by negative credos — is wrecking walls of pessimism and old stereotypes to rise up to a new, better beginning.

of Pangasinan in the area of trade and commerce,” said Ferrer, who also works as a US customs house broker and freight porter.

This partnership has the potential to encourage economic growth and to create and support more jobs for both countries.

This gives individuals and communities in both the Philippines (Pangasinan initially) and Afghanistan the opportunity to establish themselves—compete and succeed on a global scale.

“Business, entrepreneurship, and partnership inside and outside of the country – it’s a way for which we aim to stabilize the communities one at a time.

One business can hire one person, and impact a whole community, so as you economically impact the community you have a much better region,” said Ho, whose father is a native of Dagupan City.

THE US DEPARTMENT of Defense’s (USDOD) Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) and Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA (PB-USA) were in the country to realize their shared vision in trade and commerce in developing communities and nations like Pangasinan and Afghanistan, conducting a presentation in Traders Hotel Manila, June 20, and a conference in Pangasinan, June 21-23.

“Our hearts saddens when people need help. And to be able to provide help to the people of Afghanistan is almost parallel in what the Pangasinan Brotherhood is doing in the Pangasinan province,” said Jan Lam Ho, comptroller of USDOD-TFBSO in Afghanistan.

Eddie Ferrer, president of PB-USA, wants to encourage livelihood within the region and express his strong belief that the time has come to generate economic activity in terms of world commerce – not only going to the United States but going to different countries from the grass root level.

“What we really want is to go to the very heart of the 48 towns of the province

AFGHANISTAN: Developing a Sense of Renewal Afghanistan has been conflicted for a long time, but Afghans are tired of poverty, fear, hunger and war. They have laid down their weapons to rationalize and find out how to live with one another and negotiate while bearing determination and optimism that positive outcomes can proffer.

“We want to help people, and how do we help people? By finding ways by which we can employ them to work, to produce and, therefore, create a more secure community, a more secure nation,” said Ho. She underscored the important role trade and commerce play in reestablishing the Afghan economy, helping them shed their old barter system to learn to trade and do modern banking transactions, and highlighted the organization’s mission to help develop their natural resources so that they could have their own economy.

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actually active in Afghanistan. There are so many different types of businesses and that country is full of a lot of natural resources.

It’s a very rich country, but it’s untapped.”

For instance, Afghanistan has long been in the marble trade, and the quality of their marbles is at par with Italian marbles in the market, only cheaper. USDOD-TFBSO’s role is to bring the benefits of education— teaching locals how to determine the type and class of marble so that no chunks of marble are wasted during harvest— improving both quality and output.

Ho emphasized that they are only starting, and the locals they train would then pass the knowledge to other locals therefore creating a ripple effect; this way trainings will encourage new capacities and renewed confidence and empowerment to work for the better.

Other high quality and highly desirable products introduced are saffron, granite, ice cream and medical support equipments.

Ho said that the Afghans know the value of hard work as much as Filipinos and hopes to stimulate trade and the development of markets for Philippine goods in Afghanistan as well.

PANGASINAN: Nurturing an Environment of Potentials With Afghanistan undergoing an economic transition, and the Philippines facing the challenge of stepping up to its promise of rising as the “Next Asian Miracle,” it only makes sense for businesses in both countries to partner and build stronger trade ties.

And where else is it better to start than the province that promises activities— Pangasinan.

“At the beginning, everybody would say ‘mahirap ‘yan’ (that’s difficult), we cannot do it, but in my experience and the way I saw it, the time has come to go [outside] Manila,

other than the transaction being negotiated in the city. Go to the province; go to the areas where things can be really activated,” said Ferrer.

Encourage job growth and creation of new businesses in the province; he stated that PB-USA has already started promoting private sector investments to help stabilize the region through providing employment, empowering individuals who are able and capable of producing something.

“We can manufacture goods; we can produce this, put technology there – that is where we should be geared up [to],” adds Ferrer.

The Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA aims to foster economic ventures that will employ the people in the community, investing in many small-scale entities that create few jobs instead of risking on one big company.

“Finally, in the province of Pangasinan, the different local manufacturers joined together and collectively said ‘We’re gonna do it!’” Ferrer said.

AFGHANISTAN AND THE PHILIPPINES: Persistent Amidst Difficulties Reaching beyond borders for economic opportunities to grow trade and investments, Afghanistan and the Philippines also share a common belief that inspires positive change to their respective sides of the world—there is hope.

This partnership is a hopeful opportunity to work together and be a part of the solution that challenges both countries’ economies, in conditioning people to be entitled, and consequently will be responsible to their successes.

When people begin valuing their lives, putting their weapons down in exchange for opening their hands to reach out—to work together—they begin to find allies,

inspire action, organize movements, change priorities, influence policies and raise funds and awareness. They will have renewed belief in their worth as individuals and a sense of hope and inclusion in and for the future.

This partnership also shows promising signs that the Afghan economy is recovering from the conflict that began years ago, demonstrating improved standards of living and working; and that the province of Pangasinan is finally stepping into the light to be noticed so that its potentials are recognized and its promises fulfilled.

Afghanistan may be one of the most war-torn, helpless places on earth, and the Philippines may still be facing calamities (political, natural and otherwise), but they both remain optimistic and headstrong.

And we can expect that opportunities will extend beyond this partnership, opening the field to other foreign investors for both countries, strengthening communities and having a positive impact on the people and the industry they serve.

And they say nothing happens in Pangasinan…

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE VISIT Diversity Business Exposition – Pangasinanmade products will be featured in the First Asian Developing Countries Exposition in Artesia, California on October 3 and 4. Various importers have expressed willingness to buy Philippine-made products, specifically from Pangasinan, because the potential is not only limited to native delicacies but also other local goods like toys, novelty items, and religious articles.

The event will be participated in by 12 other countries which requested to ship samples of their goods as early as August.

Sual International Seaport – Foreign investors eyes Sual Seaport as possible hub for trade of goods between USA, Pangasinan, and Afghanistan. It will open the floodgates of industrialization that will spur the growth of economic activities in the province, providing easier access for potential exports to reach the global market.

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The Philippines in London!

Words by Chit Afuang Photographs by Vince Samson THIS YEAR MARKS the 30th anniversary of the highly popular Philippines Barrio Fiesta sa London held at Apps Court, Hampton Court in Surrey.

It is the biggest festival of its kind outside the Philippines. The annual celebration of all things Filipino attracted over seventy thousand visitors from all over the United Kingdom during the two-day event, 19-20 July.

As in previous years, it brings the colours, sights and sounds of this beautiful and exciting country to the UK. On display were mouth watering array of exotic national cuisine, plus amusement rides and activities for children as well as music and famous singers and performers brought in

by ABS-CBN and the Philippine Centre.

The Philippine Embassy in London along with its attached agencies joined the celebration.

Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo delivered the opening remarks at the event highlighting the deepening relations between the UK and the Philippines as a result of the positive impact of Filipinos in Britain.

Ambassador Manalo stressed how the Filipinos in the UK have helped the Philippines through contributions in their respective communities and professions, as well as through their remittances back home and their strong people-to-people relations.

He further encouraged Filipinos to take part in the Overseas Absentee Voting.

The embassy staff extended assistance on consular queries, labour matters as well as the Social Security System (SSS) and Pag-ibig programs. The Department of Tourism (DOT) was likewise present giving out destination flyers of various destinations, other tourism information and guidance to those wishing to experience the country first hand. With the presence of Philippine Airlines’ direct flights from London to Manila, DOT said this will ease travel to the country, substantially increase the number of tourists to the Philippines making it a popular holiday destination.

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From left: Chit Afuang (DOT London), Consul General Senen Mangalile, Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Christina Oriel, Mrs. Pamela Manalo and Roger Oriel.

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An Inspiring Story of a Hybrid Rural Boy Words By Haidee Martin-Provido IN OUR SOCIETY, success is often measured by achievement, popularity, wealth and even power. But how do we really measure modest success? Here’s an exceptional and humble story of a young farmer who prefers a simple life in the countryside yet moderately succeeds in facing the challenges in the metropolis and overseas.

Roberto “Tito” de Venecia: An advocate of agriculture & fisheries, rancher, professor, livelihood innovator, entrepreneur & business consultant, event and pageant promoter, tourism crusader and a globe-trotter.

A recipient of several awards from the public and private sectors, educational institutions and non-government organizations... From a middle class and famous yet humble clan from the province of Pangasinan.

Meet the man, Roberto “Tito” De Venecia... sometimes known by some as ‘RDV’ PERSPECTIVE OF A FARMER Not a typical rich kid who yearns for more sophisticated lifestyle, RDV remembers growing up in the hinterlands and valleys of NuevaVizcaya and also in Pangasinan, so vividly simple and untouched by modernity. His hometown was a strategic rural location for him to be in line with nature.

Back then, instead of riding the car of his parents he preferred sliding on his bicycle for a more nature-adventure way to school, even when serving as altar boy, and during his Boy Scout days. His father then was the late CFI Judge Jose De Venecia, Sr. and mother Porfiria was active in civic life being chapter president of the Girls Scouts and the Catholic Womens Leaque in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. RDV preferred farming, harvesting crops, tending to his hybrid cattle rather than checking out the latest gizmos. Cruising the freshness of greeneries of the mountain side was his thing instead of sailing on the colours of urban zone.

Farm life could be difficult and demanding but he finds enjoyment and accomplishments in the surrounds of nature.

Life in the countryside – for him – is full of happy childhood memories. Those memories of

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his nature-bonding activities strengthened Resources [DENR] with an equivalent his eagerness to grow and cultivate his inner rank of Undersecretary from 1988 to 1991. love for “farming” to another chapter.

Part corporate experience, competence

and public relations, he was designated EAGER & EXPERT Chairman of RP-New Zealand Industrial ENVIRONMENTALIST Tree Plantation Project. This major As a young tree-hugger, he easily proved collaborative project involving RP and New himself in the environmental canvass. He Zealand definitely ensured a successful initiated backyard Rural Tree Farming development and advantage. & low key Livestock Dispersal Projects in Northern Luzon. He even learned to GLOBAL BUSINESSMAN managed Citrus Plantations and introduced Because of his inherent motivation the breeding of Purebred Brahman Cattle to achieve and continuously develop for upgrading of local stock. In his years opportunities, throughout the years, he, at the helm of agriculture, he engaged in along with his young son Marco, keeps fisheries and allied ventures. This eager going back to his roots — his hideaway preservationist drastically increased the in San Fabian, seated in a remote area by ecological awareness in the area that he the sea in Northwest Philippines. If time served. After effectively protecting and permits, you will see him farming or tending uplifting the ecology, he provided directions his livestock or even digging, toiling the soil, & was a member of the team that copruning the trees, harvesting and engaging managed one of the success stories in the sea sports. diversified implementation of the 14,000 Hectares Reforestation Project in southern Over the years, character and charisma Philippines. Really a green way to go! pushed RDV

to the world. He travelled to

the various locations to meet with Leading GOVERNMENT STINTS Communications and Space Companies As a key figure of many eco-friendly with the intention of forging cooperation execution, he had his share of government arrangements. service during the administration of Proud of have joined string of business then President Corazon Aquino. He was missions including Eastern Europe, appointed as President and Vice Chair ultimately became Chairman and Head of Natural Resources Development Corp. of the 1st Combined Business Delegation [NRDC] the corporate arm of the to the Russian Federation. He represented Department of Environment & Natural the Philippines-Russia Business Council

as its Chairman in April 2010. He was given a Citation and Medal of Merit

by Vice Chairman Mikhail Nikolaev of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Parliament, and President of the Eastern Dimension of Russia for initiating business initiatives and for promoting the advocacy of economic cooperation between Russia and the Philippines. As Vice Chairman for International Affairs of the PhilippinesCambodia Business Council, he coorganized the 1st Philippines Combined Business Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia. From 2010 to this time, he keeps himself involved in corporate endeavours in small to medium initiatives, including involvement in one of the top corporations in Asia, and also with an overseas group.

Because of his inherent motivation to achieve and continuously develop opportunities, throughout the years, he, along with his young son Marco, keeps going back to his roots — his hideaway in San Fabian, seated in a remote area by the sea in Northwest Philippines. If time permits, you will see him farming or tending his livestock or even digging, toiling the soil, pruning the trees, harvesting and engaging sea sports.

He does all of this with a very big smile on his face, for he is back home in his comfort zone, reviving his rural life, always feeling refreshed and revitalized within the premises of his own green world.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MANILA SYMPHONYORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF MUSIC

T

he Manila Symphony Orchestra has one goal among many. One that, do or die, aims to establish the Filipino in the world of classical music.

While the orchestra is not native to Asia, the support by Filipinos for one of the oldest orchestras in the region makes the MSO an experience that our nation has never done without.

Philippine classical music starts with the founding of the MSO in 1926. It goes back 88 years with Alexander Lippay from Austria. Lippay later founded an Academy of Music in Manila and would also serve as Dean of the UP Conservatory. After his passing in 1939 the MSO searched for an able musical director and found Dr. Herbert Zipper, who had just escaped the Nazi concentration camps in Dachau.

An influential name in American music education, Dr. Zipper would later found several community orchestra development projects across the United States, and his influence and inspiration would lead to the establishment of the Colburn Music

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School, now considered as the “Juilliard of the West Coast,” the top of its kind in the US west coast.

Dr. Zipper left a legacy of musical excellence that is still honored today. With the renown of the Filipino ear and passion for music, it is no hyperbole that the MSO today brings the greatest composers and their works back to life, note for note.

The steady march of time has seen the Manila Symphony Orchestra face many challenges and triumphs; disbanded in World War II and revived as invading boots left Manila, the orchestra’s instruments and precious scores survived thanks to the stouthearted Manila Symphony Society.

The fastidious recordkeeping by devoted friends of the MSO outlines the details of its darkest days and provides the counterpoint to the inextinguishable light of the Filipino spirit.

Earl Smith Jr., an American military sergeant, introduced himself in a letter to MSO Executive Director Jeffrey Solares

in 2013 at the age of 93. He performed with the MSO on clarinet and sent a package full of photos, news clippings, and program souvenirs for the May 9, 10 and 11 concerts in 1945. A true gem was the original, typewritten, opening address of Mrs. Dr. Benito Legarda, in which she honored the fallen American and Filipino troops, and stressed the impact of music in rebuilding, beginning with the MSO. The members of the orchestra were not spared by the war. According to news accounts of the day, eight MSO musicians died (including the orchestra’s concertmaster, Ernesto Vallejo, who was killed in Tanauan together with his entire family), 14 were missing, and several others were unaccounted for, still in the resistance in the boondocks.

The son of early patrons Mr. And Mrs. Legarda Dr. Benito Legarda Jr., also wrote about the ordeals of the orchestra with his book, “Occupation, the Later Years.”

The doctor recounted how, to protect the MSO’s legacy and valuable equipment,

his family stowed the same in one of the large vats of their family-owned distillery. He was there in 1945, when they played Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Eroica” and Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.”

The future of the MSO is one with its vision of showing our musicians’ caliber, that our orchestra can be at par with the world’s best.

In a recent milestone in musical history, the MSO performed five full-length ballets live with Ballet Manila for prima ballerina Lisa Macuja who remarked that “the orchestra has grown in leaps and bounds.” Most Philippine ballet companies only perform with pre-recorded music, since conducting an orchestra to the pace of the dancing onstage is at least twice the challenge. The MSO will perform “Swan Lake” in November with Ms Macuja’s Ballet Manila.

The MSO’s repertoire is expansive, and despite generous but tight sponsorships and subscriptions, the musicians are adept at picking up a new piece and performing in a week. In 2013, in celebration of the bicentennial of Giuseppe Verdi’s birth, the Italian Embassy in Manila brought in top opera stars from Italy and engaged the MSO at the last minute to accompany the singers. Juggling performances of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” with Ballet Manila, the orchestra pulled off a performance that impressed the audience as well as visiting Italians who engaged the MSO in subsequent concerts for 2014.

Nearly 100 years old, the Manila Symphony Orchestra has the bright, shining talent that foreshadows its continuance beyond its centennial year. The Philippines has an inherently young demographic, prodigies and hard-working, homegrown talent abounds and grows under the care of the newly established MSO Academy which now has 85 students.

Thanks to this world-class instruction, our young musicians are primed for the next level of competition to be the world’s best, where many of the orchestra’s senior musicians have ventured and prospered. MSO principal conductor Arturo Molina trained and excelled in Moscow and Kiev, concertmaster Gina Medina trained in Hongkong and the US, principal flutist Kiko Candelaria trained in Germany, and principal cellist Anjo Inacay trained in Boston. All have returned to the MSO as acclaimed and experienced musicians. Others, such as first violinists Sara Maria Gonzales and Christian Tan had several stints with the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) and had toured various Asian cities performing side by side Asia’s crème de la crème.

Incidentally, Inacay, Gonzales, and Tan are the featured soloists in the upcoming “Konzertfest” on August 19 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

(Tickets available for reservation by emailing info@ manilasymphony.com and calling +632 5235712.)

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“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:19

MUSIC AND FRIENDSHIP The John Van de Steen Male Choir keeps the music alive for decades Words by: Lloyd Zapanta

VICTOR HUGO ONCE said “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” And he was right.

It is music which always becomes everybody’s refuge when words cannot describe enough. Time, for example, is one of the simplest words we all know but is one of the most difficult to explain. And then, music comes to the rescue.

Thousands of songs were made during the classical periods. These are all successful in describing the melodic past. Today, music is still as timeless as the old centuries, and so is the passion of the John Van de Steen Male Choir in producing quality chorale music from their childhood up to the present.

HISTORY This male choir dates back from a late-50s formation when the late Rufino Cardinal Santos and Fr. John Van de Steen of Belgium organized a group that will initially serve as a choir for the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral’s consecration, but later on became a mainstay as the church’s own ensemble.

This was an early bunch of Manila’s Catholic school boys or “tiples” together with adult lay singers and seminarians from the San Carlos Seminary in Makati. Since then, the kids were eventually introduced to more church music with classical polyphony as their forte.

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Choir was given the chance to tour around the country to showcase their talent and share messages thru concerts and performances in Manila and in other provinces.

The group also had collaborations with different musical people, and has already performed in the Cultural Center of the Philippines as early as 1969. One of their remarkable performances was their rendition of the Mass of Papa Marcelli, in six voices a capella under the baton of Msgr. Domenico Bartolocci from Italy. The choir was also a pioneer as the first all-boys choir to perform at CCP, performing for “Dularawan: Salakot na Ginto,” a ballet-drama opera.

The great presence of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines has made the late Pope Paul VI to visit the country in 1970, giving the Manila Cathedral Choir an opportunity to perform in the pope’s masses from Quezon Memorial Circle, Luneta Park, and finally to the choir’s home church, the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.

After performing from different masses by the Pope, two cardinals expressed their amazement in the choir and even described it as a “very good choir.” Those were Cardinal Cassarolli and Cardinal Benelli who flew with the Pope to Manila from Vatican, the center of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Blessed by the feedbacks of their listeners, the choir continued to sing for everyone; until one day, the choir began to hibernate as the once young boys are slowly turning to become men. Thus, the choir, as a whole, was never heard in the following years.

In 1986, the choir members once again reunited for a performance in the CCP with their own Fr. John conducting, but after the performance, the members separated again because of their different interests and duties.

They may not be together, but all of them continued to sing for their respective places.

Some members continued to sing for the Manila Cathedral Choir, while others sing for the Christ the King Church at Green Meadows in Quezon City. The Makati boys, on the other hand, became part of the Ave Maria All Male Choir, performing for Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.

During the 1980’s, the Ave Maria Male Choir joined the US-based FilipinoAmerican choir Saringhimig Singers in their journey to Europe and joined international choir competitions with competitors from the homelands of classical choir music. These singers eventually marked the excellence of Filipino ensembles in various contests in Italy, Spain and United Kingdom.

Aside from music, these men progressed in their own fields and have also built their own families. Schedules became busy, and every reunion became almost impossible. But little did these men know that the future will put them back again together under one new name.

REUNION AND CREATION OF JOHN VAN DE STEEN MALE CHOIR St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa became the iconic location for the members’ second reunification in 2008.

The men from Manila were invited to sing the Traditional Latin masses in the church.

Thereafter, the Makati men, from the former Ave Maria Male Choir, and the Policarpio cousins joined the Manila choir almost every Sunday at the Shrine of St. Therese in Pasay and later on agreed to merge and call themselves the John Van de Steen choir, in honor of their founder Fr. John Van de Steen.

With most of its members now in their adulthood, their dedication and love for music becomes evident. Most of them are still in their jobs, services and endeavors, but

they still find time in performing in various places and occasions.

From high-profile positions to simple occupations and different responsibilities and priorities, the John Van de Steen Choir sets them all aside as they give more importance to their passion. With their close bond, they all sing under their founder’s name and relive not only the mutual attachment they have formed, but also the music that gives grace to their audiences.

MEMBERS The John Van de Steen Choir, since its creation in 2008, has recruited other interested and able choir members with the same love for the music of their type. The choir was also joined with other members from different places. Now, the group doesn’t only have members hailing from Manila and Makati, but also from Mandaluyong.

Atty. Oscar Palabyab, the group’s handler, and also a founding member, has been active in music since he joined the Paco Catholic School Boys Glee Club and later, the Manila Cathedral Choir. He became one of the witnesses of the decades-old formation and love of his fellow Manila Cathedral choir mates in music. He finished a Political Science degree in University of the Philippines, and has already finished studying Law. He is now a Senior Legal Adviser in the Office of the Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.

It seems that his current profession is very different from the field he entered since his childhood, which is singing. But Oca shares this similarity with other of his colleagues.

Gonocruz, member since 2011, a police officer in PNP Mandaluyong; Rogelio Nevado, founding member, fresh eggs dealer; and Voltaire Villaranda, a founding member, Administrative Aide in the City Government of Makati and Proprietor, VRV Safety Gear, VRV Essence.

The Basses, on the other hand, include: Edwin Alabastro, member since 2012, an Operations Assitant/Investigator of People’s Security Inc.; Carlo Florendo, member since 2010, Managing Director of Alpha Opensource Corp.; Nilo Lopez Jr., member since 2010, Incumbent Kagawad of Brgy.

Fernando Torres, a founding member, and Manager of Horse Feed Retailing Business, Felver Merchandising.

Along with this roster of members, Engr.

Conrado Diez, a founding member and the choir’s Musical Director and Conductor became active after his role as the Principal Engineer in NAPOCOR. Their enthusiasm for melodies may lead them to success, but with the help of their accompanist and pianist Ledda Rosenberger and Nicanor Infante, their voice coach and now their member this 2014 who are both music majors from UST, the choir is in the right path in showing the world the greatness of what they’re singing. Ms. Rosenberger is now a consultant for DepEd’s K+12 Curriculum while Mr. Infante is currently the Voice Director of Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc. It’s very surprising to see that despite all of these men’s works and interests, they still devote time to perform for the people in search of vocal tunes that always tell a story. This bond is also a result of long-time friendship that is more unbreakable in singing with each other’s companion.

The John Van de Steen Choir is now establishing their own name, with their recent enthralling of listeners from Hong Kong and Macau. This was followed by more invitations across the country.

The group is now also active in recording, with their very first recording session in No. 8 Masambahin Teachers Village Studio last July 19.

Despite their own and their friends’ efforts in contributing for the whole choir expenses, the choir still needs financial support to augment their funds to be able to tour and join competitions more, to fund their performance attires, or their rehearsals and recordings.

For those who are interested, the John Van de Steen Choir will be pleased to meet you personally and be part of their growing community of friends.

Friendship and passion: when these two things blend together, they form a perfect group of countless people who can last long for a lifetime. To the John Van de Steen choir, age or time is nothing as long as there are co-members who are helping to raise this choir to recognition, and to help the group share the bizarre of any genre they can sing.

John Van de Steen Male Choir is now in its take-off in glorifying God’s teachings and gifts thru music.

“JOHN VAN DE STEEN MALE CHOIR IS NOW IN ITS TAKE-OFF IN GLORIFYING GOD’S TEACHINGS AND GIFTS THRU MUSIC”

Starting with the Tenors: Enrico Arpilleda, a founding member and is the Vice President for Manufacturing of Columbian Group of Companies; George Balagtas, the Chairman of the choir and a founding member, Principal of the GMB Crisis Management Consultancy; Jesus Cordovilla, member since 2013, an Administrative Officer in PNP Mandaluyong; Ernesto Lopez, a founding member, and a retired Chief Warehouseman in Marinduque Mining & Industrial Corporation; Alejandro Teves III, a founding member, aSelf-employed Computer Science associate; Vener Tudla, a founding member, an Internet Café Operator; Edgardo Autea, a founding member and a Jeepney Operator; Nestor Consul, member since 2012, Business Unit Head of Vista Residences; Edwin

Olympia, Makati, Tomas Manansala, a founding member, entrepreneur of general merchandise, Ferdinand Mata, a founding member, Staff, Auditing Team of Florida Transit; Bienvenido Policarpio, a founding member, President of Executive Training Institute of the Philippines; Joselito Policarpio, a founding member, Executive Director of Diwa Learning Center and President, Digilearn Multimedia Corp.; Virgilio Tudla, Jr., member since 2013, self-employed; Wilfredo Autea, a founding member, a retired man from United Laboratories (Unilab); Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia (Ret.), member since 2010, a retired Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Precioso Palma, a founding member, and a Freelance Advertising Talent; Dr. Benjamin Policarpio, M.D., a founding member and President of the choir, a lecturer in University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital; Engr. Greg Sadorra, member since 2013, Former Field Engineer of Toshiba Mitsubishi Automation International Corp., in Virginia; and

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Balikbayan Mutya Candidates Embrace Filipino Roots Words By Haidee Martin-Provido

MUTYA NG PILIPINAS’ evolution from a beauty pageantry into a widely regarded beauty tourism capital has marked the birth of the modern day Filipina – strong, honest, upfront and has a defined purpose. Personally or professionally, each one has a compelling vision and a great dedication.

A look back at the 46 years as a dominant beauty pageantry and a look forward at where the modern Filipinas stand today.

A one-on-one interview with the beauties from the overseas communities – to recognize not only for their exquisite allure, but moreso for their intelligence, confidence and determination. These balikbayan beauty queen dreamers look beyond the competition, they candidly shared why they love the Philippines and always longing to come back home — we digged into their Pinoy roots and yielded their insights...

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significance of being truly proud Filipinas.

Creative Initiative “What inspires me most about being Filipino is our history regards to national heroes.” stresses by Christina De Vries (Mutya Toronto). This vibrant runway model and art teacher believes that the best way to determine one’s future is to look at their past. “When I look at Dr. Jose Rizal, I see a multi-talented individual who successfully advocated for the Filipino people.” She hopes to give back to the country through the revenue of her art by funding projects which will help the people and environment through eco-tourism. “It feels right to make the beautiful Philippines the creative source behind my art and designs.” As Miss Philippines of the World 2011 titlist, she attends community events in celebration of Filipino festivities in Toronto. “I will always proudly live and celebrate the Filipina way.” This eager artist

did not have the opportunity to go to the Philippines. “I believe everything happens for a reason, and I am thanking God even now for this opportunity of a lifetime,” she shares. “I want to identify with the Filipino people and become immersed in the language and way of life in the Philippines.

My motivation for participating in Mutya ng Pilipinas comes from the recognition that pageants for Filipinos are not just a source of entertainment, but a tradition which celebrates the rich history of its people.”

Charity Charmers Dorina Doerr (Mutya Tagbilaran) was born and grew up in Germany. “I decided to leave home and volunteer in the Philippines.”

She discovered her Boholano side and eager to make a small change in the world day by day by actively supporting more charity projects in Cebu City. “I have always believed that we have to give more

of ourselves to those who have less. Joining this contest is a great opportunity to learn more about my roots and to be able to be able to become an inspiration to people especially my fellow Boholano,” she quips.

Melbourne’s bet, Pauline Edralin was only 10 years old when she left the Philippines.

The Edralins went to England and stayed there for four years before finally settling in Australia. She says,“the values that we hold, being respectable, caring and compassionate with one another and being confident in our skin,” are the qualities that inspires her to be a Filipino. As a Cost Engineer, she hopes to use her skills to build an orphanage in the Philippines to help underprivileged children. “I want to help, serve and reach out to the Filipino community as well as help promote the beauty of our country while learning more about my culture,” she adds. She would like to experience the allure of Palawan, Boracay, Bohol and Cebu. “Filipinos are one of the

happiest people I know which makes it more enjoyable.”

Culture Nurture “Believe in yourself, be patient and follow your dreams because it is only you who can make your dreams a reality.” says Fil-Australian stunner, Kim Fyfe (Mutya Australia). The Fyfes reside in Geelong, Australia but she imbibed Filipino cultures like Mano po (hand gesture used as a sign of respect to elders) and ‘way of the cross’. “We have a rich culture and ancestry, with strong family support and values,” asserts the 18-year old nursing and psychology student. “I’d love to visit my mum’s hometown Dumaguete, the city of gentle people and of course all the beautiful beaches of the Philippines,” she affirms. “The Philippines is vibrant - the people are happy, fun, positive and warm.” added by this fit model and belly dancing aficionado. “I want to be a bridge between

the Philippines and the 160,000 Filipinos in Australia. Though we are far away, we remain proud of our Filipino heritage.”

Determined Damsels Hailing from Germany, Deborah Humpfner (Mutya Germany) continues to find new and inventive ways to reach out. “I’m committed to social engagement with open mind,” She is currently a Mass Communications student at Wurzburg University in Germany. I would like to work in the field of Public Relations while trying to help people in need,” she relates.

When asked about her homecoming to the Philippines, “It is treasure beyond measurable and a great chance to learn about myself,” she confirms. As Miss Phil-Euro Supermodel 2012 3rd placer, she learned many languages : German, English, French, Spanish and Chinese. Now that she’s “back home”, learning Tagalog would be on her list.

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Jackie Tan and the 30 candidates of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014

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Tradition Throwback “We all gather together (my family) to celebrate new year’s eve together,” reminisces Britt Rekkedal (Mutya Scandinavia). “We wear our lucky color, dots and put money in our pockets and try to solve any conflict or problem prior to new year,” she continues. Britt won Mutya ng Pilipinas Scandinavia and the Nordics 2013 – Best in Swimsuit & Best in Long Gown and Mutya ng Nordic 2014.

She admits having a multi-cultural family, “Filipino people has realized that family is the most important thing in life. My mother’s family lives in Cebu and always welcome me and my family with open arms everytime I go there. Argao is where my grandfather grew up and where the rest of my family lives. Family is what makes a place feel like home to me.” She is a model and chef from Volda, Norway but she wants to pursue a TV hosting career in the Philippines. “I want to learn more about my heritage and background. I am ready to go there and to see, learn and experience first hand.” remarks by this stunner. I want to show the Filipino people how proud I am to be half Filipino and half Norwegian.

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Family Equity Fil-Italian charmer, Patrizia Bosco (Mutya Milan), speaks English, Italian, Spanish, German, French and a little of Japanese.

“I’ve travelled a lot (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Austra, Switzerland, Russia, Greece, USA and Mexico) and it’s not yet enough.” shares by this adventurous belle. This model, stylist and fashion blogger was born in Italy but her heart always yearns to go back home in Iloilo City where her mother’s family and relatives reside.

“I really want to promote this country in Italy and show them how wonderful this place is, but first of all to make my family and my mother proud of me.” Miss PhilItaly 1st runner up was chosen as “Darling of The Press” during the pageant’s press presentation.

Bea Andrada (Mutya Canada) won Toronto’s Prettiest Filipina and Best in Smile 2013. “There’s definitely nothing like the Filipino food. Some are rare to find in Canada so when I see or taste them I immediately brag about it to my foreign friends,” she admits. “Dad was a bee farmer and from Davao,” shares by this Bioresearch Technology degree holder. He taught

her Fil-Am daughter the sign of respect to elders by saying “po” and “opo”. Given the chance, she would like to visit Davao to meet the rest of her clan. “I would like to support and raise awareness to the preservation of the Philippines’ beautiful resources especially those affected by typhoon and pollution. To motivate and inspire those around me, that no matter how long or hard it is their goals can be achieved,” she muses.

Optimistic Realist Mary Ryelle Espiritu, 19 (Mutya Arizona) won Miss Arizona Teen USA 2013 - 4th placer. “Every year me and my family attend and be part of Santa Cruzan. Our religion is a huge part of my life and I believe practicing this festival can showcase our appreaciation to our Almighty God.” proudly shares by this scholar. “Being a full blood Filipino living in the United States, I want to share my culture and traditions with everyone. We are known to be beautiful inside and out.” A self-confessed adventurer, she tried ziplining through the rainforest of Costa Rica and strived the sea sport adventure on Hawaii beach.

The aspiring medical doctor also toured Mexico, Nevada, California and many more effervescent places. Her nippy response when asked on what she thinks that she will enjoy most in the pageant, “experience new places, beautiful scenery, extraordinary marine life but most importantly the hospitality given here in the Philippines can make anyone feel at home.”

These exploratory lookers believe that with the right amount of inspiration and motivation anything is possible. The inclusion of representatives from overseas Filipino communities was introduced since 2001. This is not only to distinguish the Filipino roots of overseas-based delegates, but also to jump-up the level of face-off in the national pageant. It also boost the Philippines’ Beauty Tourism advocacy globally.

Over the years, MP I adheres to utmost transparency to preserve the ideal standards in pageantry systems. As such, it has renewed its cooperation with ‘Reyes Tacandong & Company’ (RT & Co) to be the official Auditors and Informatics as the official Tabulators of MP 2014. The titles for the National Pageant Event are: Mutya ng Pilipinas – Asia Pacific International,

Mutya ng Pilipinas – Tourism International and Mutya ng Pilipinas – Overseas Communities. Major titlists are sent as Philippines’ representative to international beauty pageant events, Miss Tourism International and Miss Tourism Queen of the Year.

Over the years, it continued to be associated with the exquisite beauty of the Filipina, their intelligence, and confidence to continuously boost the tourism for the country. The organization is motivated by its ideals to support Tourism, Social Responsibility, Fashion, and Beauty pageantry — a fusion which differentiates itself from other pageants. According to MPI President Jaqueline Tan, “It is our mission to look for Filipina beauty to be the ambassadress for Philippine tourism.

And our goal is to make a difference and really help our country in any way possible.”

Since then and until now, select countries in Asia, the Pacific, Australia, various states of America, Caribbean, Scandinavia and European countries were invited to vie for one of the most coveted beauty titles.

The various cooperations entered into

by MPI are intended to strengthen its relationship with its partners & cooperators overseas, its sponsors, & its obligations to the public. Notable cooperation has been entered into with long term partnersponsors such as Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Biocera Anti-oxidant Alakaline Water, Focus Lamps, Sheridan Marketing Inc., First Standard Finance Corporation, Focus - Ilaw ng Bayan, Paciflex Wires and Cables, Rain or Shine Elastomeric Waterproofing Paint, H2O Hotel, San Miguel Corporation, Malungai Life Oil, Raychem Enterprises, Zen Institute, Viva Communications, Inc. and Province of Nueva Ecija (host for this year’s Long Gown Competition).

Mutya ng Pilipinas’ 46th edition marked a totally special part to all these overseas delegates. Not only their families, friends and “kababayan” from the overseas Filipino communities will be proud of them… they will go back home knowing that the blood running through their veins may well be Type F: for Filipina.

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Kasalang Pinoy Love may be universal, but weddings are as diverse as each couple getting married. Like thet intricate Mehendi ceremony in India where the bride’s feet and hands are decorated with elaborate patterns and the breaking of glass underfoot to end a Jewish wedding, Filipinos have their share of fascinating, if not eccentric, wedding customs. Mary May Portez briefs you on what to expect from a Filipino wedding and shares how it is amusingly more fun how they do it.

Photograph by Ian Santillian

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SCOPE

FEATURE

Illustrations by Kenno Samulde and Luigi Cruz

Marriage, according to Modern Oxford dictionary, is “a union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.”

Intuitively, matrimony poses a rather subjective sense of the matter—often in strict or outlandish fashion—but it generally induce a concordant purpose which is to formally marry two individuals.

Regardless of the how it is done nor the words spoken, the underlying intention remains to be that of shared affection.

Much like love, marriage—or at least the ceremony akin to it—in the Philippines goes back to pre-colonization years. Before the introduction of Christianity in the country, the people have been celebrating this union in a rich, cultural fête reflective of their local credence.

According to history, prior to the Spanish colonization in the early 15th century, a wedding in the Philippines usually lasted for three days. Both the bride and groom are brought to the babaylan’s (a tribal priest/priestess) home on the first day, during which the babaylan performs the first blessing: the couple’s hands are joined together over a container of bigas (uncooked rice). Marking the denouement is the act of blood compact—not for the squeamish—where the babaylan pricks both the couple’s chest to draw a small amount of blood that will be mixed with water. The couple announces their love three times before drinking the water with their blood and eating the rice taken from the same container on which their hands were adjoined on the first day.

it

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It was only in the 18th century when Filipinos, majority of them, started to embrace the Catholic faith and exercise most of the customary practices concordant of the norms and ideologies of the time. The common “white wedding” was the traditional praxis in the subject of matrimony where the bride would wear white and the rest of the entourage would dress up in a formal garb reflective of the couple’s preference or stature. And although the conventional “white wedding,” popularized by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom in her wedding to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg of Gotha on the 10th of February 1840, implies the use of a white wedding gown with European textile and a lace veil—in this case, Honiton lace—the Filipinos have adapted to this custom and made uniquely their own by using indigenous materials like piña (fiber produced from pineapple leaves) to make the veils, barong (groom’s clothing), etc., all equally representing their rich culture and skilled craftsmanship.

Despite foreign influences, weddings in the Philippines can be distinctly Pinoy; and no matter where in the world it is held, it’s not that difficult to tell because you will know you’re in a Filipino wedding when: THERE ARE MORE THAN TEN PEOPLE IN YOUR ENTOURAGE Especially when all these people are present PRINCIPAL SPONSORS Commonly known as Ninongs or Ninangs, these people serve as witnesses to the marriage and act as symbols of wisdom and support for the bride and groom. These are often friends or relatives (aunts or uncles) whom the couple respect and admire. The principal sponsors are the official witnesses of the state whose signatures are necessary in the marriage contract part from those of the bride and groom’s.

SECONDARY SPONSORS They play an important role in the wedding ceremony. These people are often close friends or relatives of the bride and groom and function as the following:

COIN SPONSORS Originated in Spain and Rome, arras (Spanish term for earnest money) or arrhae, refer to the wedding coins given by the coin sponsors to the bride and groom.

Traditionally, these thirteen (13) coins symbolize prosperity and the groom’s ability to provide for his new family. Modern interpretation would express that while these represent the twelve (12) apostles and Christ, these coins are also signs of the couple’s commitment to mutually contribute to the relationship, their children, and the community.

VEIL SPONSORS Regarded as the “cloud” denoting the presence of the Lord over the matrimony, the veil represents purity and oneness. This

sheer piece of fabric signifies the couple’s commitment to protect each other and the groom’s strength and responsibility to safeguard his soon-to-be wife. Veil sponsors are usually close friends of the bride and groom.

CANDLE SPONSORS Although some couples choose to have their parents light the wedding candles, candle sponsors are usually the married friends of the bride and groom. This lighting of candles plays homage to the similar practice done in christening and as a way to signify the light of Christ and His presence and guidance to the couple’s married life together. The couple can decide, later on, if they will opt to have a unity candle which they will light using the two wedding candles to signify the joining of their families.

CHORD SPONSORS The yugal or chord draped over the shoulders of the couple getting married is usually made from silk but other wedding cords could also be a string of flowers, link of coins, or a chain designed to look like a double rosary. Customarily, the chord is looped to form a figure eight (8) to symbolize infinity and everlasting fidelity.

FLOWER GIRLS Perhaps one of the wedding highlights, the flowers girls are often relatives of the bride and groom that serve as “little assistants” of the bride. According to history, the reference of “flower girls” dates back to ancient Rome during which marriages are celebrated by a parade of offerings. The flower girls (young virgins) at that time would carry sheaves of wheat and herbs as a symbol for prosperity and fertility. During the Medieval Era, wheat was replaced with garlic to ward off evil spirits.

It was only in the early 18th century, Victorian Era, when the concept of flower girls carrying actual blooms was observed.

These “flower girls” would carry baskets filled with herbs and fresh blossoms.

MATRON OF HONOR (IF MARRIED) MAID OF HONOR | BRIDESMAIDS The matron of honor or the maid of honor is expected to help the bride with

the wedding preparations and is ideally expected to organize the bachelorette party. She could also serve as one of the witnesses of the ceremony. Often the sister of the bride or the closest friend, she is the official attendant of the bride. Her role entails helping with other wedding-related tasks like bridal shower, coordinating with suppliers, deciding on invitations and motifs, coordinating with the suppliers, and many other miscellaneous todo’s. During the actual wedding ceremony, the maid of honor acts as the bride’s right hand who will be communicating with the wedding planners on behalf of the bride.

BEST MAN | GROOMSMEN He is the counterpart of both matron of honor and the maid of honor. He could be the brother or the best friend of the groom.

The best man has the vital responsibility of safeguarding the wedding rings before the ceremony. He can also act as legal witness to the marriage.

RING BEARER This little page boy has the responsibility of carrying the wedding rings during the ceremony: a custom that is believed to have originated from the ancient Romans and Egyptians during a time when pillows and cushions were considered luxury. As a common practice of the affluent, the ring bearers would showcase these pillows carrying wedding offerings like pieces of gold, silver, or jewelry.

COIN BEARER Usually a young boy presenting the wedding coins or arrhae to the groom. This practice, which is believed to have been an influence of the Spaniards, symbolizes the groom’s pledge and commitment to provide for his wife.

BIBLE BEARER Could be a relative or a friend of the bride and groom, although modern day weddings often have bible bearers as young boys not older than ten years of age. The bible bearer’s main responsibility is to present the bible aloft while marching with the entourage during the ceremony.

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PUT A RING ON IT. Where?

Vena Amoris Latin for Vein of Love If you’re an Austen fan—or a reader of any English classic novels—you probably wear your engagement ring on your middle finger, or would prefer to wear it there if you’re not engaged... yet. Many have argued about its authenticity and scientific relevance, but it is believed that this Vena Amoris is the vein on the third finger of your left hand that runs directly to your heart.

BELIEVE IT Old custom suggest that giving arinola (chamberpot) as a wedding gift would bring good luck—both to the newly weds and the giver.

OLD WIVE’S TALE. Or is it?

Sukob: Double weddings bring bad luck.

Final touches: The bride is not allowed to fit the final wedding dress before the wedding.

Sneak peak: The groom must never see the bride on her wedding gown before the wedding as this will bring bad luck.

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THE MONETARY DANCE BECOMES A SHOWCASE OF AESTHETIC AND WEALTH Observed in several parts of the world particularly in Poland, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia—to name a few—is a distinct Spanish influence.

Although the actual practice may differ from country to culture, the monetary dance serves as a creative, if not entertaining, way to offer monetary gifts to the newlyweds.

In the Philippines where creativity often is at par with one’s individuality, monetary dances are reflective of a family’s stature.

ONE (OR MORE) OF THE RELATIVES IS PART OF THE ENTERTAINMENT In a Filipino wedding, there’s bound to be a talented relative. A violinist, pianist, drummer, or an angelic singer—heck, even a self-confessed artist—there’s always that prodigy in the family (both sides) and a wedding is the best stage to showcase such talent.

NOTHING GOES TO WASTE You may never admit it, but you did thought of taking some of those desserts to go. Filipinos are known to be resourceful and—excuse the word—frugal.

They simply cannot fathom throwing away good food and expensive flower isplays.

THERE'S LECHON Having lechon on any occasion is

unmistakably Pinoy. A Filipino wedding without lechon is not a celebration. Period.

No mater how distinct weddings are around the world they serve as paragon of love and hope. Questions of “will you marry me” have been asked many times in different languages by men (or women) of varying stature from all over the globe with an optimistic statistic that many have said YES. A downright gamble waging your ego, reputation, emotional investments, hopes, and entire being for an answer that determines your future.

Because above all else, it remains to be the most basic, if not consequential, love. And we all deserve it.

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Chapels of love The bells are ringing. But where to wed? We asked editorial intern Lloyd Zapanta to scout the metro and look for the best churches that prevail as witnesses to the grand gesture of love.

WHEN SPAIN COLONIZED the Philippines, a large count of churches made from large bricks, egg whites and large stones were constructed. Every church featured a bell tower, wide aisles and pontifical images of worship in the altar and sides, with a generous application of paintings and carved details of wood and marble.

These attributes made standards among Philippine churches, and some newly established churches were patterned also with colonial church architecture. While others want their romantic wedding mass in the beachside, on a rock mountain cliff, or underwater, most Filipino couples still want their matrimony to happen inside a church of their dreams.

Thousands of churches have different history tracks and hardships to tell what attracted love pairs. And when the topic of marriage comes, there are really lot of things to do and effort to exert. On all of these things, one question still remains: “Where to wed?”

Metro Manila alone is a place of hundreds of beautiful preserved churches, but here are three churches that are all historical and lovable enough for the couple to have their wedding vows.

1 THE BAROQUE WONDER: GUADALUPE CHURCH The Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, or more commonly known as the Guadalupe Church, is a Baroque-style parish inside the grid of roads in Makati City, the financial center of the Philippines.

The groundbreaking of this beautiful vintage church dates back from 1601 and was completed in 1930. Using quarried mountain stones and limestones, the church became a long-lasting architectural wonder in the area. The church also went through several pre-war and post-war happenings and its sturdy formation can still present the same as it was after centuries.

Upon entering the church’s gates, you will notice an imbalance form in the façade. That was the site of the old seminary attached to the church when it was fully complete. The church also has stairs on all sides which adds to its own charm, other than its overlooking of the always fabled Pasig River.

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1. A Baroque-styled parish, Guadalupe Church dates back to the 1600s but was completed in the late 1930s.

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Once you get inside, visitors may notice its small size. Looks from the outside can be deceiving, but what attracts couples here aside from its rich exteriors is actually its small enclave. The church has a small aisle and the numbers of people it can accommodate are lesser than other churches. Yet, its size gives a more private and intimate wedding, attended only by the family and very close friends.

The church’s tinted windows become vibrant when the sunlight strikes on it. It is complemented with arches of carved intricate designs in original stone materials.

The lamppost on the outside and the ceiling’s thin light chandeliers helps the church look like it’s the 1900s, as well as its metal bar doors in the church’s entries.

The altar on the other hand is made up of marble flooring and a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the center, while Jesus Christ’s statue is nearby. Its ample lights give a more calm instead of a bright, flashy lighting inside As mentioned earlier, the location of the church is in Makati, near the central business district. Worry not about the skyscrapers as the church has no other buildings nearby to intrude the scenery. The church is actually at a higher level than the

uptown.

So in case you want the wedding to be simple and classic, the Guadalupe Church is somehow the best place for you two to start a new chapter together, happily ever after.

2 THE WITNESS OF ALL TIMES: SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH One of the famous churches in Manila, the San Agustin Church stands proud inside the historical walled-city of Intramuros in Manila.

This church is probably the oldest church in the Philippines to date as it was completed in 1607. Studies have said that this was the third structure of the church, since its earlier forms like bamboo and wood were easily damaged and destroyed by different fire incidents. Since the third form was built using adobe stone, the church became as sturdy as ever.

Like other churches, the current build withstood earthquakes. The church survived, but not its left bell tower which was removed, resulting into the present façade.

The face of the church features a set of pillars, creative black bars, a triangular top and a classic carved door which is overall historically-alike of some provincial churches. But what’s inside will captivate

The newly renovated Manila Cathedral.

Notice the hint of modernity in its interiors. And the overall ambiance is more illuminating than the old greyscheme palette.

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2. The recently renovated Manila Cathedral is one of the most celebrated icons of the city of Manila. This church is a popular wedding venue: reservations are suggested to be made a year in advance.

3.San Agustin chuch has the perfect front court for weddings.

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every wedding dreamer’s imagination.

Once you enter the church, a lavish interior of golden designs, warm lights and trompe-l’oeil ceiling or optical-illusion fresco paintings of fooling sculptures and depth in the ceiling and walls. This magnificent work of art gives the feel of having your wedding in Vatican or in Rome.

And the most important part, the large altar displays itself magnificently in the end of its wide, long aisle – gives the bride exactly the walk she always see in movies.

As one of the premier churches of the Philippines, it became the site of different happenings and artifacts in Philippine history and those can be found at the church’s museum. Having your wedding in a church full of stories includes you and your love’s moment in the storybook.

The premier moment of a couple’s togetherness is best to happen in an old premier church, too. Truly, San Agustin Church offers moments that will truly last for a lifetime. It’s not questionable anymore why the San Agustin Church was given the title “The Wedding Capital of the Philippines.

3 THE GOLDEN GRAND: MANILA CATHEDRAL A landmark in the historical Walled City of Intramuros, this cathedral has its own glow as a golden reincarnation of an old church repeatedly established in centuries.

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church became a gem in Manila. That fact really surprises anyone since the cathedral really looks like an old, vintage church as old as other long-existent structures.

The church rests in a large spot near the Intramuros gate to the Port Area, Fort Santiago and blocks of old-style vintage buildings with Horse-drawn Kalesas roaming around. In front of the church is the Plaza de Roma, the center of Intramuros. Splashing in front of the basilica is the plaza’s King Charles IV fountain, while trees, bushes and brick pavements make up the garden as a whole.

Flashing under the sunny light in the capital, the church’s façade is composed of large, thick walls and supports, detailed and

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design carved multiple arches, statues of saints, and a tower with big rose windows; all topped with a majestic, vintage-blue dome. The bell tower is also highly present in the cathedral’s signature image.

After steps in the entrance of the church, a wide view of countless marble blocks and displays surround the whole interior. The church has also a high altar, ceiling vaults and a long and wide enough aisle. It can also accommodate many witnesses in a couple’s wedding. The light chandeliers are also displaying elegance near the church’s stained glass windows.

While there is the central part of the church for big masses and occasions, the church has also numerous small sections for other small gatherings. It also has a left and right wing for other people.

There are many couples who really wish to wed here, but there are also some who do not really want to bring their upcoming rites in the cathedral in the fear of a jinx.

There were rumors that couples who were wed in the cathedral eventually separate and are most likely to have a short span of relationship. But that became the reason why others still chose to tie the knot here as these couples became living romantic legends that not even a jinx can break.

Its simplicity is more than simple, and for those who want a memorable wedding at the heart of the still standing cultural town, Manila Cathedral is the best place to ring the wedding bells.

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“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” - Luther Burbank

Dangwa: A Symphony of Colors The Philippines is rich in a variety of flower species that originate from different parts of the country; most of them grow in cold and high places such as Benguet.

If you have anthophilia (love of flowers), or simply in search for flower kingdom, it is not necessary to go to far places just to find it. Rose Anne Bacayo visits the flower haven of the city to find out what it is that makes Dangwa perennially in bloom.

THE BIRTH OF DANGWA Dangwa Flower Market began in the year 1976. Fresh flowers were delivered through buses coming from the highlands of Benguet. According to one flower vendor, there were only 5 to 8 stalls in Dos Castillas during its early years. Gradually, the market grew over to 100 stalls offering not only flowers but plants, floral supplies and other related products. Because of its wide array of unique and affordable flowers, Dangwa became the “Flower Center of Metro Manila.”

These amazing diversity of flowers did not only originate from Benguet but also to from Laguna, Batangas, Davao, and Cotabato. Dangwa also imports flowers from countries such as China, Thailand, South Korea, Ecuador and The Netherlands.

The market’s high seasons are during special occasions or holidays like Valentine’s Day, Holy week, Mother’s Day , All Saints Day, and Christmas.

WHERE IS THIS FLOWER PARADISE? Dangwa is located at Don Castillas Street, Sampaloc, Manila. Its length extends from Dimasalang Street to Laong Laan. Though Don Castillas is the center of the celebrated floral market, you can explore the stretch of this streets to give you a wide selection.

I myself took the liberty of visiting Dangwa for the first time.The enthralling riot of colors and aromatic flowers welcome me as I look around the place. It seems to pull me to different stores and buy all the flowers I can see. I asked one of the vendors for a single stem of local rose, which was sold Php50 on regular days—way cheaper than those sold in other flower shops inside the mall. There’s a sundry of different blooms like the Malaysian mums, orchids, chrysanthemum, snap dragon, gladula, star gazer, etc..

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WHO GOES TO DANGWA? Brides-to-be and couples aren’t the only avid customers of this 24-hour flower market. I also saw people who bought bulks of flowers, who when I asked, are entrepreneurs and have their own flower businesses. There were also foreigners in the area who were equally as fascinated as I was to witness the popular market and its buzzing traffic.

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DANGWA FLORISTS Flower arrangement is also exuberant in Dangwa. The dedication and artistry of the florists are embodied on elegant floral bouquets and centerpieces. Florists are said to be one of the female-dominated occupations, but men are slowly getting into the craft. Here and there, you can see male florists equally imaginative and accommodating as their female counterparts.

I asked some of the artisans on how and when did they acquire their training and most of them admitted that aside from natural creativity, experience is a major component of the skill.

“You do it everyday, you get to master the craft. Every customer comes in wanting specific designs and you get different inspirations and ideas through each,” says one florist.

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It is apparent in the eyes of the each vendor, the contentment and pride over what they do. The art as well as industry of flowers is not only a livelihood but also a way of life for the people in Dangwa.

Indeed, as long as there is a need for floral expressions, Dangwa will live on.

Flowers have different shapes, sizes and characters. It has specific meanings and symbols. Some flowers symbolize contentment, faithfulness, regret, hope, and most all, love. It may wither but perhaps Dangwa will not, yet. It will bloom in perpetuity, showcasing the flowers that constantly grow in our native land.

Dangwa, or what others call “Bulaklakan ng Maynila” (Flower Market of Manila), is the most popular fresh flower market located in Sampaloc, Manila. The name “Dangwa” is derived from the neighboring bus station’s name “Dangwa Tranco Terminal” owned by Benguet Rep. Samuel Dangwa.

A floral centerpiece can range from Php250 and above depending on intricacy and quantity.

They say that the best time to go to Dangwa is at night or early in the morning.

During these times, you can get to choose from a more extensive selection of fresh flowers. However, these newly delivered blooms are more expensive because they still have long stems. But as the day goes by, stems are trimmed to prevent flowers to fade.

The Filipino practice of tawad or haggling is omnipresent in different flower stalls in Dangwa.

Though bargaining is allowed, regular price is still absolutely cheaper than those available at the malls. An effective tip? Start haggling from half the given price. Compromise is easier to achieve as the vendors will know that you’re not willing to pay for the set price.

Dangwa is at its busiest during Valentine’s Day and All Saint’s Day. Prices usually shoot up and the crowd is less manageable.

Dangwa is at its busiest during Valentine’s Day and All Saint’s Day. Prices usually shoot up and the crowd is less manageable.

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DANGWA WILL FOREVER BLOOM For over 30 years, the flower industry in Dangwa continues to develop in spite of emerging competitors from all over the country. It has became one of the most popular landmarks in Manila and is surely an integral part of our culture. The word “Dangwa” is interrelated to “flower.”

The uniqueness and affordability of blooms in this market, plus the hard work and dedication of vendors are the contributing factors why Dangwa remains standing— generation after generation.

1. The best time to go to Dangwa is between 5 - 9 A.M. before the streets gets packed with people sometime before lunch and until the end of the day. 2. A colorful display of fresh blooms lined up in the street. TIP: always haggle.

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Badge + Marica It all began with an introduction by a mutual friend 11 years ago. A few months after that first meeting, Badge and Marica started dating and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

After 10 years of dating, Badge Ruiz and Marica Silva tied the knot at St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati on July 11, 2014.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Peninsula Manila, where guests danced and drank the night away.

Photographs by Ian Santillian

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THE ENGAGEMENT “I was sure that Marica was the girl I was going to marry – the only reason it took so long [was] that I had to make sure that everything was in place before we settled down...It was all about the right timing,” says Badge.

Badge decided that the couple’s trip to Europe in July 2013 would allow for an opportune moment to pop the question. While in Paris, he planned to propose at Versailles, but his three attempts were unsuccessful.

Later that night, the couple visited the Eiffel Tower, and as the tower’s lights sparkled, Badge knelt down with the ring and Marica said yes, before he could even utter the big question.

PLANNING Badge and Marica, both known for being organized and paying keen attention to detail, wanted a year to plan their wedding day. They specifically focused on securing the “Big 4” first – the church, reception, photographer and videographer.

St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori and the Peninsula Manila are two venues that bear special significance for Marica, as the church is where her late grandparents lay and the hotel is where her parents and relatives celebrated their wedding receptions and other formal events.

The couple booked photographer Ian Santillan and famed wedding videographer Bob Nicolas to document the big day. On the day itself, both Santillan and Nicolas were quick to produce a photomontage and videos of the church ceremony, which entertained guests during the dinner reception.

THE THEME The couple chose a peacock theme, after being inspired with the vibrant colors found on the bird’s feather. In different cultures, the bird represents love, compassion and patience, thus making it a fitting symbol of their relationship.

A modern, yet minimalist take on the peacock was present on the formal and save-the-date invitations, cake design, the bride’s gown, and throughout the ballroom décor at the reception.

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THE DRESS Francis Libiran designed the wedding gown – a partnership that felt like the stars had aligned, according to Marica, as Francis had recently designed pieces with a peacock element.

Francis moved away from intricate beading typically found on most wedding dresses and instead used a ”rubbered embroidery” technique for the top. The final product, an off the shoulder, off-white creation mimicked the subtle shapes and lines found within a peacock’s feathers.

Marica paired her gown with purple heels, which added a striking pop of color to her outfit.

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WORTH THE WAIT On that sunny Friday afternoon in July, family and close friends gathered at the church venue to witness the couple enter this new chapter in their lives.

The primary and secondary sponsors and bridal party all represented the wedding theme with light green or purple dresses and peacock feather boutonnieres.

Marica made her entrance in a dramatic, yet elegant manner as the wooden doors of the church swung open and the sunshine gently hit her, creating a natural spotlight. Forgoing the traditional bridal march, she made her way down the aisle as “Eyes” by Rogue Wave played, a song she first heard about a decade ago and had already imagined walking down the aisle to.

When Mr. & Mrs. Ruiz were formally introduced, they exited the church as guests showered them with snow spray.

In between the ceremony and reception, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour at the mezzanine of the Peninsula Manila, as Intermezzo, a string quartet played classical renditions of indie rock and alternative songs in the background.

The quartet also provided the entertainment during the dinner.

At the beginning of the reception’s program, the members

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The cake — dark chocolate and Belgian chocolate mousse with chocolate truffle — was made by Badge’s cousin, Shirley SantosYanga, a pastry chef who owns Pastry Passion in Quezon City.

of the wedding party held up large balloons that illuminated while the couple walked down. Noting that music is a big component of their lives, the couple showed off their moves with a choreographed dance number instead of doing a slow first-dance.

For dinner, guests savored a threecourse meal with pomelo, shrimp and crab salad, wild mushroom bisque, and Pinot-braised US beef.

After heartfelt speeches from the maid of honor, best men and the couple’s parents, the couple thanked guests for joining them on their special day and encouraged the celebration to last into the wee hours of the night.

Both the bride and groom remained calm and composed on the day itself, owing it to their advanced preparation and support group who helped make everything stress-free.

“Give yourself a deadline to do last-minute planning. For us, it was two days before. We told ourselves we would let things go and leave it to God a day before, so we could relax,” the couple shares.

“You once said always late, worth the wait. And though, I never really acknowledged it, now is the time I must admit that it’s true. I realized that I have been waiting for you because you really are worth the wait,” the bride expressed during her vows.

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DOMINGA PEARL

The sis te Brigino rs behind C a ye and Ga il Caye tano Legacy tano C Collecti lassik on: Ka re

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cayetano legacy collection Jewelry that will make a statement on your wedding day

ANNA WHITE

Words by Christina M. Oriel

In 2011, three Filipino-American sisters formed Cayetano Legacy Collection (CLC), a jewelry line that showcases the rich, natural materials of the Philippines, while supporting and training womenowned businesses in and around Manila.

Three years later, the sisters – Karen Cayetano Leano, Gail Cayetano Classick and Christine Cayetano Brigino – credit their successes and business growth to the synergy with one another, as they each bring their professional expertise to the company.

Karen, the eldest of the three, has extensive experience working in the fashion industry for brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger. As Chief Creative Officer, she designs all of CLC’s pieces each season, then works closely with the vendors and artisans in the Philippines in order to source the right materials.

Gail, the CEO, comes from a marketing background and handles the sales and promotions of the brand through traditional and social media. Christine, a nurse by trade, has experience in the fashion industry as well and helps monitor trends and logistics.

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owned businesses that would gather the materials and execute the designs. “[W ]e train them on modern design and business techniques. The idea is to give them ‘hand ups, not just hand outs’ so that they’re able to take these skill sets, even past working with us, and use it to build their business,” Gail says.

With these training programs, CLC invests in not only fostering partnerships but also in the futures of the women, who are equipped with tools and skills to grow their own businesses.

Currently, CLC works with six businesses in the Manila area and partners with Gifts and Graces, a fair trade foundation that helps employ other vendors in communities like Bulacan and Bicol.

The line’s pieces use distinctive materials like mother of pearl, turquoise, onyx, amethyst and jade, yet are designed with such versatility that they can be dressed up for any occasion, such as a wedding.

Though a bride’s dress is meant to be the main fashion attraction on her big day, here are two of CLC’s necklaces that can add some vitality to the bride and her bridal party:

For the Bride DOMINGA PEARL The line’s most popular necklace for weddings features hand wired freshwater pearls that drape like a waterfall. It’s an eye-catching statement piece that pairs well with a dress that is strapless, has an illusion neckline or streamlined silhouette.

For the Bridesmaids ANNA WHITE This necklace, made with mother of pearl oval shells and accented with gold Japanese beads, suits dresses that are strapless or have sweetheart necklines. The black ribbon closure allows the piece to be adjusted in length to complement any body type.

CLC can be found in over 75 boutiques and major brick and mortar stores in the United States, such as Bloomingdale’s and Henri Bendel. The jewelry is also sold on its own website at www.cayetanolegacy. com and other web-based third party retailers like Zappos, Bluefly and Opensky.

(Photos courtesy of Cayetano Legacy Collection)

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BAYANI CHALLENGE 2014: WALANGIWANAN (HEROES' CHALLENGE: LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND)

F

rom April 9 to June 12, 2014, over ONE MILLION VOLUNTEERS answered the challenge to become heroes for Filipinos in the disaster-hit provinces of the Visayas and Zamboanga. For 63 days across 12 provinces (Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Samar, Zamboanga) an estimated 1,751,518 volunteers built houses and fishing boats, refurbished schools, cared for the environment, fed thousands of kids and danced the now-famous Bayani Challenge Unity Dance.

The journey from Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) to ArawngKalayaan (Philippine Independence Day) was nothing short of amazing as we saw GawadKalinga (GK), private partners (Globe, Human Nature, LBC, Canon, Microsoft, Davies and Asian Journal), national agencies (AFP, MMDA, PIA, PPA, PilipinasNatin), local government

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units of all participating provinces, and our present and future Kapitbahayan (GKresidents) make time, come together and show what it means to leave no one behind.

Never before had we witnessed such a massive display of volunteerism in the country – thank you for helping us make this year’s Bayani Challenge a success!

Every typhoon has a silver lining “The greater tragedy we are fighting are not the typhoons, the greater tragedy we are fighting is the lack of caring.”

–Kuya Bodoy When Super Typhoon Yolanda made its landfall in the Philippines last November 8, hundreds of thousands of families experienced so much grief and loss, it was impossible for the rest of the world to turn a blind eye and not care. In the midst of this disaster,

something deep was awakened – a desire to reach out and do something for complete strangers in need. Apathy was cracked, and the result was outpouring generosity as various nations found common ground in this desire to help.

This inspired GawadKalinga, together with its partners in government and in the private sector, to organize a response with the scale a disaster like Yolanda beckoned. We decided to break all of last year’s records of 80,000 volunteers across 33 provinces, and the goal of ONE MILLION VOLUNTEERS was then set.

Creating an impact where needed most – at the grassroots “Ang pag-asa ay nasatabi mo.”

– Kuya Mark What Bayani Challenge did extraordinarily well was raise resources and create hope that was immediately and concretely felt by the survivors and the poor in general. From peso and/or dollar amounts, these resources were converted into the first houses and boats turned over and in the ~2,000 houses undergoing construction. Hope came in human form, as warm hands and bodies picked up shovels, cleaned the coastlines and carried children. Empathy was realized in the presence of the volunteers on-ground, the same locations where Yolanda made debris out of homes. We made sure that the Bayani Challenge was the

biggest thing in the towns where it happened, because anyway, we needed hope to be at its biggest there.

Everyone takes part for the poor, including the poor “We’d like to introduce volunteerism as the currency for development. Because in volunteerism, the poorest can contribute.”

– Kuya Luis And the best part is that the credit goes to everyone, including the survivors who were the primary inspiration of this event. The real cost to volunteerism is time, and this is something every single one of us has to give – if only we chose to.

This year’s Bayani Challenge was 63 days – roughly 12 times the length of the regular Bayani Challenge – and this only means that greater sacrifices were made.

With God’s grace, greater results were also achieved.

Are you ready for next year’s challenge??? Let us engage 20,000 BARANGAYS to feed the hungry, provide land for the landless, build homes, care for the environment, fix schools and unleash the potential of the poor to be our partners in driving true inclusive growth. Be a part of building: “BARANGAY WALANG IWANAN!” in 2015!

Visit www.gk1world.com to find out how. WalangIwanan!