Balikbayan Magazine June & July 2013

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BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE

JUNE & JULY 2013

ISSUE NO. 30

JUNE & JULY 2013

14 WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Journey across 4 different islands to discover the natural beauty of the Philippines. From surfing in Baler (16), to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol (18), to seeing first hand what all the fuss is about in Palawan with Puerto Princesa (20) and Coron (22).

Then end your adventure with some rest and relaxation by glaring straight into the powerful energy of Taal Volcano in Tagaytay (24).

26 DRIVI NG ADVEN T URES Get a first hand look as to why Land Rover and Range Rover are simply the best vehicles to navigate across the different terrain of the Philippines.

30 A BET T ER P LACE TO STAY

Momar Visaya, the Editor at Large of the Asian Journal Newspapers, visits Baguio and Cabanatuan and gets a first hand experience as to why Microtel by Wyndham is simply the best accomodation for your quick trips.

40 DASOLAND T H E ULT IMAT E FAMI LY ADVEN T URE

We travel to Dasol, Pangasinan and discover a fascinating theme park that is filled with exotic animals from flamingos to ostriches and even a camel!

Read about Dasoland, a place to bring your family and enjoy nature at it’s finest.

64 T IME T RAVELI NG AT SAN AGUST I N CH URCH AND MUSEUM

Explore our rich history by visiting this cherished landmark of the Country. $

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ISSUE NO. 30

JUNE & JULY 2013

28 T H E P H I LI P P I NES FI RST VI NE YARD VI LLAGE Take a look at one of the newest and exciting developments in Tagaytay, Twin Lakes, by the Global Estate Resorts, Inc., the sister company of one of the country’s largest developers, Megaworld.

32 RI DI NG ON T H E TOURISM BO OM

Read about how the Lancaster Hotel is influencing the future of the Philippines through patriotic investment.

35 RONALD M. LIM: A BUI LDER OF DREAMS

Balikbayan Magazine’s Steno Padilla sits down with the father of the condotel concept to learn about his vision for the Philippines and how he will further help the growth of the Philippines.

38 A WOMAN OF MANY PASSIONS

Read about Evangeline Garcia, “the Most Enterprising Entrepreneur” in 2007 and why she is no ordinary woman.

44 MEET I NG AN ICON: MENARD O JIMENEZ

Understand why Menardo Jimenez, the former President and CEO of the GMA Network continues to have such a profound effect and influence on people who have yet to even meet him.

52 CH EF SH ELD ON SIMEON

T H ERE’S NO STOP P ING JESSICA SANCH EZ

Read about the Filipino Chef who highlighted his Filipino roots and cooked various Filipino dishes on the hit reality show on Bravo TV’s Top Chef.

BY RUBEN V. NEPALES

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KEEPING A JOURNAL / THE PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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"Every Filipino who leaves home almost always has that desire to go back."

I wrote these words in our Maiden Issue of Balikbayan in March of 2009.

As I look back at these years of publishing Balikbayan, I have come to appreciate that those words are indeed true. I have encountered numerous stories from our readers who say, "Thank you for Balikbayan Magazine." Oftentimes these stories from our readers are about the rediscovery of the places we feature–from destinations such as Marinduque to Bicol to Davao to the unknown parts of well-known islands such as that of Boracay and Palawan.

What we do at Balikbayan goes well beyond than simply publicizing and empowering the Philippines' beautiful islands, glorious beaches, and serene mountains.

We hope to ensure that overseas Filipinos will forever feel connected to the Philippines despite being away for years on end. We have read countless stories of Balikbayans who haven’t returned home in ten, fifteen, even more than twenty years. We hope to encourage people to not just come back and visit, but to share stories with their kids about their roots.

''

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JUNE & JULY 2013

We must connect the Philippines with today’s youth so that one day, they too will call the Philippines their home.

The Philippines is rapidly progressing into becoming a powerful, developed nation. Just recently, Goldman Sachs and HSBC (Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation), published a report that states that the Philippines, in the year 2050, will be the 16th largest economy in the World, slightly behind Canada. Our country will jump 27 places ahead from our current economic ranking of 43. This growth and emergence is evident with the development of high-rise commercial and residential buildings, new shopping centers and arenas, and the construction of international hotel brands and resorts.

Yet, as we continue to research and analyze what the country will be like in the near future, we cannot ignore nor forget about the contribution Balikbayans have made to the Philippines. After all, what happens to our country when the baby boom generation is retired–what happens when the $23.8 Billion we remit to the country is gone?

We hope that you continue to share in our mission to be true to our roots, light the way to our brighter future, and ensure that future well beyond our own lifetime.

–ROGER L. ORIEL, Publisher and CEO

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EDITOR’S LETTER / the day’s toil

1936 / AFTER THE DAY'S TOIL / VICENTE ALVAREZ DIZON

ONE OF OUR COUNTRY’S GREATEST HEROES, DR. JOSE RIZAL, once said, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan” or “He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.”

When I left my home in New York three years ago, I came to the Philippines with a purpose, a vision, and a dream. I arrived with open eyes and with the hopes of understanding and learning about the country of my roots. I have traveled to it’s distant islands, walked it’s sandy paths, and crossed it’s busy streets. I have seen both sides of Filipino life, the lavish and the destitute. Along the way, I have come across brilliant thinkers, movers, and shakers. But the people I remember the most are the street kids from Binondo to Boracay.

There is still so much I have yet to learn and understand about what it means to be Filipino. I don’t know the day’s toil. I don’t know what it feels like to leave home three hours early and ride a tricycle, jeepney, MRT, LRT or shuttle (oftentimes more than one and sometimes all five for some) just to get to my shift on time. I don't know what it's like to not have potable water, nor do I know how it feels to sleep without at least an electric fan. And I certainly do not know what it really means to say, Ganyan talaga ang buhay or what I'm starving really feels like.

I often wonder what it is about Filipinos that, no matter how difficult life may be, something allows us to still be polite, tell a joke, laugh and furl a smile.

Where does this incredible spirit, fortitude, and perseverance come from that allows everyday Filipinos to overcome intense odds to not simply make a bright future for ourselves, but an even brighter future for our children, family, and country?

As Balikbayan Magazine’s new Editor-In-Chief, I hope to not simply understand these things, but discover it, live it, and share what it means to be Filipino.

In this issue, you will read about the passionate stories of business leaders who are shaping the country. You will take to heart the story of Spain's advocacy to help the country's impoverished youth. Be inspired by the vision of Ronald Lim, who not only hopes to build an iconic–global Filipino hotel chain, but plans to create schools nationwide as well. You will discover the brilliance and vision of the former President and CEO of the GMA Network, Menardo Jimenez, who at 81, is a man that is as influential and driven as ever.

You will read about Jessica Sanchez and Chef Sheldon Simeon, two upstart Filipino-Americans who proudly display their Filipino heritage through their art.

And lastly, you will understand why Balikbayans truly enjoy Resorts World Manila.

And as always, you will find our travel picks–five amazing weekend adventures that will surely be another unforgettable trip in the Philippines.

Over the years we have said that Love of Country is Back in Style. In proceeding issues, we’re going to show you that it never left.

–RAPHAEL JOHN C. ORIEL, Editor-In-Chief

EMAIL THE EDITOR AT RJ.ORIEL@ASIANJOURNALINC.COM 12

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5 WEEKEND GETAWAYS

4 DIFFERENT ISLANDS 84 DIFFERENT TOWNS

5,241 NEW PHOTOGRAPHS 7,107 REASONS

ANOTHER TRIP OF A LIFETIME IN THE PHILIPPINES 16 / BALER 18/ BOHOL 20 / PUERTO PRINCESA 22 / CORON 24 / TAGAYTAY '$

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WEEKEND GETAWAY I FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

BY BILLY DE LA CRUZ

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IN A METROPOLITAN SETTING, YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE LIKELY TO get fed up with the concrete-bound, pressure-filled and fast-paced city lifestyle. When a hectic week takes a toll on you, dash off and embark on a two-day break to tackle the next week right.

One of the best weekend escapes from the city grind is Baler -- roughly 140 miles or five to six hours of bus ride northeast of Manila. This unassuming town in Aurora province has slowly evolved into a thriving destination for adventure, romantic and week-long vacations, and even an instant weekend getaway. But for its most recent visitors, it is a surfing haven. Any time is the best time to experience Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tropical luster and balmy weather. Whisk yourself away on a Friday night and let your Baler weekend commence.  Your journey begins via a bus terminal in Cubao. From there you have two options, a direct trip to Baler or a two-stop (Manila-Cabanatuan, Cabanatuan-Baler). With travel schedules from 12mn to 4am, you will be at your destination by Saturday morning.

Head on to your choice of lodging, as Baler offers a variety of accommodations -- from hotels to self-catering properties and apartments, to private houses and villas that are mostly situated within the beach areas. After settling in you are now ready for a day tour. Get around town in a hired van or tricycle and discover Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prized possessions and its outskirts. While there are plenty of

BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE

JUNE & JULY 2013

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEMMA FABRO & VALORY LIM

must-see travel stops in Baler, Balikbayan Magazine rounded up five stops to complement your perfect weekend getaway: RĚ&#x201C;5 ) . 5#(Ě&#x201C;5." 5'/(# #* &#.35) Ě&#x201C;5 (5 /#-65." 5Ditumabo Falls comes in close second to surfing, as the main reasons to visit Baler.

A half hour away from Baler, this 140 ft. high hidden paradise makes traversing bumpy roads, coursing rivers and steep trails all worth it. Marvel at the sight of this natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonder and swim through pristine waters while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at it.

RĚ&#x201C;5 (5gmik65 5.-/( '#5-.,/ %5." 5)& 5 & ,5.)1(5 ( 51#* 5 1 35 hundred of lives. Ermita Hill stood witness to this tragedy and became refuge to the seven people who survived. This story is now reflected through the life-size â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tromba Marinaâ&#x20AC;? memorial statue at the foot of the hill. Further back in time in 15th century, the Ermita Hill became a sanctuary for townspeople to elude raiding moros. Its ancient escape tunnel says it all.

RĚ&#x201C;5 . ,5, "#(!5." 5" & 1 35*)#(.5) 53)/,5 35.)/,65! .5, 35.)5 hop on to Digisit Beach. Stroll along the kilometer-long shoreline and take snapshots of its exquisite rock formations and coral barricades. Its surrounding waters offer sites for a more adventurous diver and if the waves from the Pacific Ocean are calm, snorkeling.

RĚ&#x201C; 5 ( 5 ) 5 ." 5 "#!"&#!".-5 #(5 "#&#**#( 5 "#-.),35 #-5 ." 5 * (#-"5 colonization in 16th century. Museo de Baler has this story to tell.

This repository of historical artifacts and memorabilia, serves as a one-stop shop of everything you need to know about this town. Also inside the two-story museum are paintings, mosaics, photographs that link to all that is Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural heritage.

After your day tour, treat yourself at a local food joint. From the town proper, many carinderias and stalls are lined up waiting to serve you with Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affordable version of a Pinoy home cooked meal. Rest after lunch and be ready to cross surfing off your bucket list. First time surfers are advised to head on to Sabang Beach, where the waves are calmer. Seasoned surfers prefer Cobra Reef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barreling waves in Cemento Beach. For only P350, inclusive of a board, rush guard and an instructor, beginners can experience Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous waves. Learning the sport is tricky, but as most instructors would say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Balance is the key.â&#x20AC;? Take the plunge and crash with the waves, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all part of the experience, even the wipe outs. Can you say â&#x20AC;&#x153;cowabunga?â&#x20AC;?

Spend the rest of your Saturday evening basking in Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laid-back ambiance. On Sunday morning, feel free to surf again or explore Balerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other tourist destinations. Bus trips to Manila are in the afternoon. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back in the city by Sunday night refreshed and relaxed, after a weekend of surf and sunâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ready for that dreaded Monday.

Even if you bid Baler adieu after two short days, chances are you will come back soon enough. But the best thing about your Baler trip is that when colleagues ask you â&#x20AC;&#x153;What did you do this weekend?â&#x20AC;? You get to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went surfing.â&#x20AC;?

Travel through time and be in front of something that has survived for 600 years, the Balete Tree or Millenium Tree of Baler.

Said to be the biggest of its kind in Asia, this humongous and longstanding tree takes 60 people hand in hand to encompass its trunk.

After exploring its inner chambers and admiring its sheer magnitude, watch as local kids try to climb to the top (approx. 200 ft. tall) in 10 seconds.

H.

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WEEKEND GETAWAY II FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

BY STENO A. PADILLA

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IF THERE’S ONE PROVINCE IN THE PHILIPPINES that appears to be tailor-made for tourism, it’s got to be Bohol.

This island province in Central Visayas is home to hills that look like huge Hershey’s Kisses in the summer, small primates that can fit in the palm of your hand, and restaurants that gently float down a river.

The rural appeal of Bohol makes it an ideal place for people who seem to forget the simplicity of life. But despite its countryside feel, you’ll never think that you’re in the twilight zone as it still has the commodities and conveniences of a developed town or city.

Of course, you can never leave Bohol without going to Carmen to see the famous Chocolate Hills, a geographical miracle consisting of

more than 1,268 grass-covered limestone domes that turn to brown during the dry season and resembles, well, a chocolate, hence, its name.

If you want a different—and more appealing, as locals say—view of these hills, go to Sagbayan Peak.

Equally famous in Bohol is a unique mammal called tarsier or maomag in the local language. This tiny primate—not monkey—has eyes bigger than its brain, an elongated tail, and brown fur. You can see these three- to six-inches tall creatures at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella. Be guided that tarsiers are very sensitive and have a suicidal tendency when stressed.

The fact that tarsiers survive in Bohol means that the province is 'J

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROXANNE C. ORIEL

clean and calm. And if you want pure serenity, head straight to Loboc River to have your buffet lunch of delicious Filipino food while on a cruise. If you’re lucky, you will also be serenaded by the local community choir while eating and enjoying the view of the lush forest lining the coasts of the river.

Continue pampering yourself by basking in the sun on white sand beaches found on Panglao Island, which is only 20 minutes away from Tagbilaran, Bohol’s capital city. The beauty of Bohol’s beaches rival those of others that can be found in Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu and Boracay. It also has a rich marine biodiversity as claimed by scuba divers.

You can see the magnificence of the sea for yourself by going to Balicasag Island to do some snorkeling or scuba diving. Do not touch the corals or anything that may pique your interest, and be careful of sea urchins. The waters here are so unpolluted that marine creatures grow to epic proportions.

Speaking of epic, one unforgettable activity in Bohol that you should make an effort to try is dolphin watching. Rent a boat to sail near Pamilacan Island very early in the morning to witness these intelligent and playful mammals. Your patience will be tried here as the dolphins may not show up right away. But when they do, you’ll be overwhelmed as they swim close to humans and move to the same direction where your boat is headed. And don’t be surprised if they perform some “tricks.”

Pay tribute to local history by visiting some of the most wellpreserved and oldest churches in the country. Ride a jeepney going to Baclayon Church, an edifice made of coral stones and declared a national historical treasure in 1995. Five minutes from here is the Blood Compite Site, also popularly known as Sandugo, sculpted

by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, a Boholano. It is a treaty of friendship between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

Continue traveling down memory lane by moving to other religious, historical architecture, such as the Cortes Church, Loon Church, Calape Church, Dauis Church, and Maribojoc Church. To cap it off, see the well-known watchtower in Punta Cruz, which was used by friars and guardia civil to defend the island from invading Moros from the south.

If you still want to explore more of Bohol, and if time permits, have some adrenaline rush by experiencing extreme activities at E.A.T. Danao Adventure Park. Taste a unique organic salad, made of real leaves and flowers, at Bohol Bee Farm. And while you’re here, get some honey or take photos with the honeybees.

Other alternative destinations that you may want to visit are Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao, Mag-aso Falls in Antequera, Bohol Forest or the Mahogany Man-made Forest in Bilar, Butterfly Sanctuary in Loboc, and Virgin Island. For souvenirs, head to Aproniana Gift Shop in Baclayon.

The list could go on and on and on, so stay a bit longer—or come back in the near future—if you wish for who knows, you might discover hidden gems that Bohol cradles.

5"151$).&("#$$' Hundreds of legends explain the formation of the Chocolate Hills: from fables of love stories to ancient tales of war amongst giants.

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WEEKEND GETAWAY III FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

BY STENO A. PADILLA

ARE WE STILL IN THE PHILIPPINES? As deprecating as it sounds, you’ll find yourself asking this question—vocally or just in your mind—once you step into Coron.

For people who grew up in the city, where everything is made of steel and stone, this island will definitely come as a surprise because of its rawness and unspoiled beauty.

Coron is part of the Calamian group, north of the pristine province of Palawan, which is located southwest of Metro Manila. It can be reached by air via Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, or Zest Air in just an hour, or by water through 2Go Travel, which stops on this island before heading to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital city.

From the airport you can hire a jeepney or a van to take you to the town proper.

There are many ways to enjoy Coron. After unpacking your things in your hotel or inn, you can start by scaling Mt. Tapyas, the famous mountain on the island with its 500 steps to the top. At the summit, you can get a full 360-degree view of the entire Coron and its surrounding islands. Wait for the sunset. The scene is spectacular.

After sweating yourself going up and down this beloved peak (I say this because the locals here have a song for Mt. Tapyas.), you can choose to relax at the Maquinit Hot Spring. ‘Maquinit’ is literally ‘hot’ in English, so its name is redundant. (But that’s OK. It’s like saying “pizza pie” when ‘pizza’ is actually ‘pie’ in Italian.) Now, make sure not to dive into the spring right away as it is really, really hot. Dip one body part at a time, starting with your foot, until you get used to it.

Do not rush.

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Accessible by a steep 10-minute climb, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kayangan are nestled into the mountain walls; underwater is like a moonscape.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELAINE LAFORTEZA

A day in Coron is not enough, so be sure that when you go here, you have at least three days of vacation.

On your second day on the island, go to the Gateway Port to hire a boat for the quintessential Coron Island Hopping tour. If you want, you can drop by the market to buy seafood and other food. Don’t worry if you have poor cooking skills as the boatmen usually offer their culinary expertise for a separate fee. Be friendly to them so you can haggle.

Boat operators normally charge P1,500 per boat for the tour, so if you’re five in the group, that’s only P300 per head. The rule here is: the more, the merrier... and the cheaper.

The first stop is Siete Pecados, a group of seven islets where many fish abound. Normally, your tour guide will give you pieces of bread so you can feed the marine animals in the water while you snorkel around. As exciting as it seems, this kind of human activity is highly discouraged as it disrupts the natural feeding habits of sea creatures.

Besides, you won’t like the feeling of being “attacked” by all sorts of fish.

Now prepare for your next destination as it is one that will blow your mind away. You’ll travel in crystal clear waters encircled by limestone karst towers on the way to Kayangan Lagoon and Lake.

This is a protected area by the Tagbanua people, the ones responsible as to why Coron remains immaculate.

Kayangan Lagoon is best viewed on a hill which you will climb on the way to the serene lake, and this is the most photographed site in Coron. It is hard to imagine how such a place has retained its natural beauty despite the huge traffic of tourists, and we should credit this to the dedication, love, and respect of the Tagbanua for their ancestral domain. These same values should be practiced by visitors as well.

After touring the Kayangan Lake, you can go to Barracuda Lake or the Twin Lagoon where you can swim and snorkel some more.

Feel the water here as the “mixed” temperature will surely puzzle you.

Then, be prepared to get a taste of history with the Skeleton Wreck, an eerie sight at the bottom of the sea.

Before heading back to the town proper, have your freshly cooked lunch at Banol or CYC Beach. You may tour the town to but some souvenirs or you can just rest to prepare for the next day. If you have extra cash, why not camp at the white sand beaches of Malcapuya and Banana Islands?

For those who have the luxury of time—and money—you can also enjoy sightseeing some safari animals on Calauit Island for approximately P2,000 per pax, or ferry yourself to neighboring Cuyo and Culion Islands. These are pretty far places so plan your trip ahead of time. El Nido, another paradise in Palawan, can also be reached by boat from Coron.

So many sights, so little time. If ever you don’t get to see all that Coron has to offer the first time you went here, you can always come back. And when you do, don’t ask whether or not you’re still in the Philippines. Just say how much you adore this beautiful country because “Coron!”

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WEEKEND GETAWAY IV FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

BY JANE FRANCIS. S. QUINABO

PALAWAN, SIMPLY PUT, IS PARADISE. THERE ARE many places explore and experience. From Coron to El Nido, Palawan is a great place to visit any time of the year.

But for now, let us revisit Puerto Princesa, the economic hub of the province and the home of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Here is a list of the things that you should do and experience when you go (or go back) to Puerto Princesa.

1.Visit the Underground River. The subterranean park is located approximately 50 kilometres from Puerto Princesa. The 24-kilometer long underground river can be reached after a short hike from Sabang and by riding a small boat. Major limestone formations of stalagmites

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!,&-.1(!-#%5&')(,%*&-4-1,%*(-#9&-( A must-see for first time visitors and tourists in Palawan. The longest navigable underground river and reputedly the most beautiful subterranean river in the world.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROXANNE C. ORIEL

and stalactites can be found inside the cave, and several huge chambers that include the Italian’s Chamber, which is 360-meter long and with an estimated 2.5 million-square meter volume. The flora and fauna that can be found in the area amount to almost thousands, including trees such as Dita, Ipil, Amugis, and Apitong, and bird species such as the white-breasted sea eagle, hill myna, blue-naped parrot, and Palawan hornbill among others.

2. Island-hopping. One can visit Honda Bay and enjoy islandhopping from there, then go to its most popular island, the Starfish Island. Commercial fishery is a popular industry in the bay and so is tourism. Nearby towns such as Port Barton and Roxas also has mustvisit islands, so in case one gets tired of the many tourists at Honda Bay, hop on a bus and proceed to the next town.

3. Enjoy a culinary adventure. Food is one thing one must not miss when visiting Puerto Princesa. The specialty of the province, the shipworm , locally known as tamilok is best eaten raw. For the gourmet serving, Kinabuchs is the place to be. Another place to eat in Puerto Princesa is KaLui - a restaurant that makes you feel like you’re in a Filipino home. Guests from KaLui must leave their shoes in small lockers by the entrance and walk barefoot to their table.

Everything that they serve from the menu is either fish or vegetable.

Other options include Chicken Inato, Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill and Restaurant, Badjao Sea Front Restaurant, Viet Ville Restaurant, and Bona’s Chao Long.

4. Be friendly with the prisoners. Iwahig Penal Colony is a prison, a low-security farm for prisoners who were exiled in Palawan from Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Famous for firefly-watching and for the experience of interacting with detainees without fearing for your life, a visit to the penitentiary is a must for any brave traveler.

5. City tour in a tricycle. Although a pretty laidback city compared to other economic hubs of other provinces in the Philippines, one can spend a whole day sightseeing. Indulge your sweet tooth by trying the pastries and cakes at Baker’s Hill, located, well, on a hill a few minutes outside the town proper. Enjoy a nice view of the Honda Bay at Mitra’s Farm, and visit the Butterfly Sanctuary. Visit the museums and the churches, the boardwalk for photo-ops, and the Irawan Adventure Park for that ultimate nature high, where you can try zipline, canopy walk, and a number of other thrilling activities.

One will not run out of things to do in Puerto Princesa, so make sure that once you visit, do not just try one thing—try everything.

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WEEKEND GETAWAY V SATURDAY TO MONDAY

BY STENO A. PADILLA

SUMMER OR NOT, METRO MANILA AND MANY OTHER low-lying parts of the country sizzle at around 30 degrees Celsius all year round. Although the sun is always a welcome sight for a lot of Filipinos, the heat is not.

So to relieve themselves of the searing temperature, people opt to go to Baguio City if they have the time and budget to do so. But for many of us who cannot afford to stay away for more than two days from the country’s capital, where many of us live and work, there is another destination that is as cool as Baguio but definitely not as far or costly.

Day trippers (or even nocturnal travelers) find Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite a welcome refuge from the sweltering heat and stressful hullaballoo of Metro Manila. A one-and-a-half-hour drive by land will already take you to this haven that provides not only the friendliest climate, but also an array of tourist attractions.

You can never claim you have been to Tagaytay if you have not seen the petite Taal Volcano, located in the neighboring province of Batangas. The view of the volcano from Tagaytay is touted as the best since the city itself is built on the rim of its larger crater. The small cone you see in the middle of the Taal Lake is actually a tad part of a bigger volcano.

Depending on your negotiation skills, you can hire a tricycle to take you down to the lake and get a “full package” that includes a boat and a horse. But if you do not want to get any closer to this active volcano, you can enjoy the view from afar or stay in the picnic area with your family, friends, or special someone.

If you ever get hungry—which you surely will—Tagaytay offers a variety of restaurants from casual to fine dining, but when you go here, be sure not to miss its famous bulalo or beef shank soup. A lot of eating places offer this dish, but frequent visitors agree that the best bulalo in this city can be found at Leslie’s.

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.))$(91$5)%1 Taal Volcano was originally a massive volcano, that towered 18,000 feet high. It has been called the smallest active volcano, because it seems small now, but many people don’t realize that it is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It is located on “volcano island” inside a lake.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROXANNE C. ORIEL

Food prices at Leslie’s are affordable, and the staff and crew are friendly and accommodating. In this restaurant, you also get treated like royalty as house musicians gladly serenade you while you dine.

Oh, and the view of the Taal Volcano is perfect.

Not too far from here is another attraction that has recently attracted the national media because of its record-breaking feat. The Puzzle Mansion houses the world’s largest collection of jigsaw puzzles of all kinds, sizes, and shapes, and this has been verified by no less than the Guinness World Record.

This bed and breakfast is owned by Gina Gil-Lacuna, the same person who single-handedly collected and formed the 1,028 jigsaw puzzles (and counting) on display at the mansion. For P100 you can get a tour of the place and see this massive collection.

If you still have the energy and time to embark on a different site here in this volcanic city, then head to its newest attraction called Sky Ranch. Inside the premises of this complex stands Sky Fun, probably the highest and coolest amusement park in the country. What you should try first (or last) before heading out to other sites is its Sky Eye. If you know the MoA Eye in Pasay City, then this one will not come as a surprise to you. Standing at 63 meters on a cliff overlooking the Taal Volcano, which is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, this giant Ferris wheel is sure to give the Singapore Flyer, the Star of Nanchang in China, and the London Eye a run for their money.

Here is an advice to Tagaytay travelers: Remember the different destinations within the city—since you are surely bound to go back here at some other time of the year—but most importantly, remember the experience.

A plethora of activities and tourist destinations await Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike in Tagaytay City. A day trip is just enough to enjoy what the place has to offer, but, really, who’s stopping you from staying overnight? After all, Metro Manila is just 90 minutes away.

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BY JANINE BALOIS / PHOTOGRAPHED BY IGOR MAMINTA

OVER 100 4X4 ENTHUSIASTS JOINED AN OFF-ROAD DRIVING event hosted by LRPhils Motors, Inc., the official distributor of Land Rover Vehicles in the Philippines, and the Land Rover Club of the Philippines last February 22 to 26, 2013. This 5-day event was an expedition to Mount Pinatubo in Pampanga and across the Sierra Madre Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean at Baler, Aurora. Local Land Rover enthusiasts were joined by foreign participants from Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

The sky was gloomy on the night before the first off-road activity – trail up to Mt. Pinatubo crater, but the participants woke up to a beautiful sunrise the next day. Come rain or shine the enthusiasts were determined to continue the expedition, confident with their vehicles’ capability and strength. Before the adventure, the Land Rovers had a fancy encounter with huge kaleidoscopic balloons in the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark, Pampanga.

The trail going up to the crater did not fail the expectations of the adventurous Land Rover enthusiasts as the streams, scattered huge rocks, and lahar progressively challenged their off-road skills. The 4X4 convoy was a range of all-terrain Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles including the Evoque, a luxury SUV which has a breathtaking contemporary design with added practicality and extraordinary versatility.

Enthusiasts were back on the road early the next day with 45 warmed up vehicles, headed to Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija and Baler, Aurora. The Land Rovers made a safari-like scenario on their way to Pantabangan Dam, one of the largest man-made lakes in Southeast Asia. After taking photos of the scenic horizon, the group drove to Maria Aurora and met local off-roaders who, at that time, were doing river exhibitions. To carry on a good fellowship, “Red Dragon”, a Defender 90 owned by Marc Soong, Executive Director for LRPhils Motors, Inc., showed-off its invulnerability over off-road challenges by joining the local off-roaders in the river.

The group made it to Baler, Aurora just in time for the dinner hosted by Aurora Governor Bella Angara-Castillo. By primetime, the participants who were ready for camping started assembling their tents up at the Ermita Hill while the others searched for cottages near the beach.

The next day, the off-roaders had an entire morning to explore the historical streets of Baler and test the waves of Sabang beach. The Land Rover enthusiasts competed with the waves and got the surfers’ attention while they played in the water and drifted over the sand.

LRPhils Motors, Inc. aims to probe unexplored off-roading destinations in the Philippines through its “Off-Roading. More Fun in the Philippines.” campaign, which was launched in September 2012. The LRCP together with LRPhils Motors, Inc. are also planning subsequent four-wheel driving expeditions to promote remote off-road destinations in the Philippines.

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CLEAN, COMFORTABLE, SAFE AND SECURE ACCOMMODATIONS If you scour the internet for reviews of Microtel Baguio (or any Microtel in the Philippines for that matter), chances are these are the descriptions you will read.

And for a very good reason–it is the truth.

Microtel has a long history of great service as a no-frills hotel and its branches in the country all live by that credo. Add to that our very own Filipino hospitality and you get a winning combination. With 11 hotels in the Philippines and counting, Microtel is fast becoming the hotel of choice for picky travelers who also want value for their money.

Despite the changing climate and environment in the city, Baguio City is still the nation’s summer capital. We were told that more than two million people went to the city early this year to join what has become the city’s biggest annual tradition, the Panagbenga Flower Festival.

This year, the parade and the participants took over Session Road, the city’s most famous street, and danced the day away. Needless to say, hotels like Microtel were sold-out, weeks (even months) in advance, according to some executives.

“We’ve built a strong and credible reputation throughout our years here in Baguio and I am happy that because of this, we have repeat visitors and we get a lot of first-timers because of great reviews from those who have stayed with us,” Roy Martin, Microtel by Wyndham Area General Manager for North Luzon told the Asian Journal.

This year, he revealed, two Microtel by Wyndham opened in General Santos and Acropolis, Quezon City and soon in UP-Ayala Technohub and Santa Rosa, Laguna.

“No frills and limited service, accompanied by friendly and professional staff, the best chiropractic beds in the industry and at par with international standards, these are what we have to offer in every Microtel,” Mr. Martin added.

RELAXING WEEKEND For many people – this writer included – a quick weekend in Baguio is a must, specially after a highly toxic week. When I was still based in Manila, I would take

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the midnight trip of Victory Liner in Cubao (I used to live in UP Village) to go to Baguio. I would arrive there as the sun is rising and thus begin a relaxing couple of days. I’d take the same bus going back on Sunday evening, and I’d be more than refreshed the following day, ready to face the monstrous work load again.

This was why I said yes when my publisher told me if I wanted to visit Baguio while I was in Manila last month for a much-needed vacation. I said yes, of course. I wanted to see the Baguio of my youth, my relaxation place, my sanctuary, if you will.

We took the De Luxe First Class Victory Liner bus from the Pasay City station after a quick brunch at The Fort. The bus was well-appointed, with a restroom on board and free wi-fi to boot. We even had a bus attendant who gave us newspapers, magazines and tablets. Yes, tablets, the Android kind.

The seats were very comfortable, too because of the configuration – a row of oneseaters on the right side and two-seaters on the other. Since it was a non-stop trip, the attendant provided us with snacks and water. What was supposed to be a fivehour ride became more than six, no thanks to the traffic along EDSA as we exited Metro Manila and on Marcos Highway as we entered Pines City.

Microtel by Wyndham Baguio’s location is unbeatable, specially for those who take the public transportation going up. The hotel is right across and connected by a walkway to Victory Liner bus terminal. It is also walking distance to Burnham Park, the Baguio Cathedral and even SM Baguio, if in case you need to shop.

And if you need to go around, there is an abundance of taxi cabs.

“We’re very proud of our cab drivers here. They don’t select passengers and they give the passengers their change, even if it is just a peso or two,” Mr. Martin said.

I was able to prove it myself the following day when I had to meet up with a college friend who lives in the city now and it was such a welcome change considering that a lot (based on experience as well) of cab drivers in Manila are very choosy (they first ask where you’re going, apparently they don’t like it if the destination is too near or too far) and have the penchant to not give the right change (they round off the fare, quite unfairly sometimes and would nonchalantly utter ‘Wala akong barya’ (‘I have no change’).

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We were immediately welcomed to the hotel by Mr. Martin and his staff who told us to rest and freshen up before indulging in Te Quiero Tapas Bar & Restaurant’s Spanish dishes. Te Quiero offers Tapas Night every Fridays and Saturdays where one can get unlimited tapas while an acoustic band plays in the background.

The next couple of days were spent revisiting past destinations I used to frequent, my former stomping grounds. A quick sprint along Session Road on our way to the public market to check out the fresh produce from nearby La Trinidad was a mustdo in my list. So was visiting Camp John Hay for the memories, and Baguio Country Club for their raisin bread.

Mines View Park was still as busy as ever, albeit more colorful this time around.

A new discovery? The strawberry taho, a refreshing take on the traditional and quintessential Filipino merienda. A visit to this park is not complete without passing by the Good Shepherd Convent for the good old ube and strawberry jams and the alfajores, which I missed a lot. If horseback riding is your thing, look no further than Wright Park, and if you love plants and flowers, the Botanical Garden is there.

Then there are the newer (and more non-traditional) destinations that the city has to offer–the Bencab Museum at far-off Asin Road, the Tam-Awan Village in Pinsao and the wood carvers of Asin. Ask the friendly hotel staff and they can assist your trip to these places.

After spending days in Baguio, tourists can also spend a couple of days in Cabanatuan (where there’s also a Microtel by Wyndham) en route to Manila.

Most of this hotel’s visitors come in the city for work, meetings or even conventions. Others are there to stay because they do not want to bother their relatives. Still, a few adventurous people go there to know more about the city and the province of Nueva Ecija.

“We have a whole cross-section of visitors here,” Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan’s resident manager, Lita Budomo said. “We have a number of balikbayans who prefer to stay here instead of their relatives. Their relatives just come here and they dine in the restaurant.”

As a fast-growing city, Cabanatuan has been home to Microtel by Wyndham for

the past few years. From a golf course to malls to historic sites, travelers can do a lot of things in the province. As the country’s rice granary, Nueva Ecija is blessed with rich and abundant agricultural land.

Tourists can visit the General Luna statue and marker in the city proper, the Pangatian Shrine and the former Pangatian concentration camp. If eco-tourism is your thing, consider visiting Gabaldon town, about less than an hour from Cabanatuan. The town offers its Gabaldon Falls and Dupinga River, sandwiched between the majestic Sierra Madre mountain slopes. The hotel also serves as a convenient jump-off point to many other places in Northern Luzon like Isabela, Cagayan Valley and the surfing haven town of Baler in Aurora.

Like the other Microtel by Wyndham hotels, the friendly staffers in Cabanatuan greet guests with warm smiles. Microtel by Wyndham here has 50 furnished rooms, all equipped with chiropractor-approved mattresses, individually-controlled airconditioning units and an electronic keycard entry system.

Various corporations also hold seminars and conferences here, which has a function room that can accommodate up to 100 people. This branch is the seventh Microtel by Wyndham in the country.

“We currently have a “Stay and Learn” program where students are taught the basics of hotel management. High school and college students from Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan have spent days and nights in Microtel by Wyndham learning the nitty-gritty of hotel operations,” Ms. Budomo added.

And if you think that the summer weather is a killer, look no further at Microtel

by Wyndham Cabanatuan because they also have a pool where you can swim to your heart’s content. ““And being the hotel in the middle of nowhere, that makes us unique,”” Budomo said.

So whether it's revisiting the country's summer capital or exploring the rice granary of the Philippines and its historic and eco-tourism sites, consider making Microtel by Wyndham your home away from home and see the fabled Filipino hospitality in full display.

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WITH THE BOOMING ECONOMY AND GENERAL OPTIMISM reaching an all time high in the Philippines, condominium properties are being built and sold everywhere with the large investors market coming directly from Balikbayans. Sixty percent of what is now a nearly US$24 Billion foreign investment industry comes from North America.

Investing in a condominium property is neither easy nor simple. It requires research, analysis, due diligence, and vision. A multitude of criterion and considerations influence and dictate real estate investment decisions.

One of the prime principles of investing, particularly for real estate and actual purchasing is, “Only buy it when you can afford it.” Principles of investing such as “Location, location, location” and return of investment or (ROI) can be classified as 1 and 1A respectively. Other factors such as future outlook of the surrounding area; past, present, and future portfolio of the developer; amenities; size; and special appeal all play a significant role and often serve as the absolute deciding factors.

When you reach that “potential” buying point, that point where you say to yourself, “I might buy this” or “I can’t miss out on that,” you then examine the other factors of the property to differentiate it from “the rest.” Today, many condo properties appear to be solid, sound investments. So the questions to ponder are, how do you differentiate these intriguing investments from one another? Is there a game changer? A completely different kind of investment possibility?

The Atrium, by the Lancaster is just that.

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They’re not simply offering you just another condo, they’re offering a condotel.

A condotel, as described by Mr. Ronald Lim, President and CEO of Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., the developer of the Lancaster Hotel, and revered “Father of the Condotel” concept, “Is what it reads. You not only own a condo, but you have the experience of living in a fully operating hotel. You have your concierge, your restaurant, business center, gym, entertainment, your hotel lobby–front desk, security, room service…it’s all there for your convenience… and this will all be managed by the Lancaster Hotel brand.”

Lancaster hotel, which proudly describes itself at the 3 star level. “I make the hotel for real people, people who pay less in order to spend more on something else” says Mr. Lim. Now that the Philippines is on the take-off stage of the economy, investments are starting to pour in and business-minded people are scrambling to look for places to put their money into. If stocks and bonds give you a headache, then why not try another form of investment that does not only earn you profits, but let you enjoy it as well?

The dawn of condominium hotels in the Philippines has surged a renewed interest in real estate properties. And why not? It’s one of the safest and surest ways to get more than your money’s worth. Apart from owning a condominium unit, you can also lease the property to other guests, which, consequently, will generate income for you.

Ronald Lim developed one of the premier condotels in the country in

2003. The Lancaster Hotel is a hotel chain (Manila and Cebu) with extensive experience in hotel operations, food and beverage, business development, and business planning.

Lancaster is “powered with impeccable, passionate, and experienced individuals with the highest ideals of professionalism and personalized hospitality to exceed your expectations of a perfect accommodation satisfaction.”

It is an ideal investment for Filipinos residing in other countries since the hotel, once it has started its operation, can generate income for the buyers who bought a unit or two. The investment plan is also hassle-free as the professionally managed hotel takes care of everything, including leasing, paying of condominium dues, utilities, unit insurance, real estate taxes, and maintenance.

All the unit owner has to do is wait for his/her income.

In fact, it is “guaranteed income,” as expressed by President and CEO of Philippine Properties Center, Inc. (PPCI), Mike Gaviola. Mr. Gaviola, for more than a decade now, is one of the first people in the U.S. to boldly promote investing in the Philippines.

“When you come back to the Philippines, you would now have a place to stay. The other weeks and months you’re away, you’re profiting from it especially with the Department of Tourism’s target goal of reaching and attracting over 10 million tourists in the Philippines per year” expresses Mr. Gaviola.

Lim wants the Lancaster to become present in all parts of the Philippine archipelago, as well as in different parts of the world where there is a Filipino

community. He admits that taking his brand to a national, or even global, scale will take a lot of hard work and that he “cannot do this alone.”

“This is a Filipino brand,” Lim says. “We have to formulate a product that would continue the legacy of the Filipino worldwide... It’s an opportunity to do this so that the legacy moves on.”

What he suggests instead is for different stakeholders to believe in and join the project. “If a lot of people will partake in the pie, this could all happen at the same time.” After all, Lim claims that the Lancaster is “already programmed to be a Filipino hotel abroad.”

The thrust is to create hotels all over the Philippines and partner with Filipinos abroad “who are looking for an alternative business opportunity in their own hometown.” Lancaster’s intent is to “organize a group of investors and set up hotels within the investors’ preferred region of interest within or outside the Philippines.”

As an example, if a group of Ilocanos is willing to invest in a hotel in, say, Ilocos Norte, Lancaster will build one there, and the buyers of that particular development will become partners of the said project. The investment is in the form of a condominium unit that will be managed by Lancaster as a hotel room.

The income derived from hotel operations shall be distributed to the owners based on the total area of the unit they own on a per square meter basis.

In a nutshell, the investor not only buys an ordinary condominium unit, he or she also buys into a business and, at the same time, owns a tangible asset that he or she can use or later on give to his or her heir.

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Apart from the condotel, Lancaster will also build a school within or near the hotel that will specialize in Hospitality Services and Culinary Arts. By constructing this, students will have a training ground that is as close to the real thing and will give them an extensive learning environment. Also, the hotel can source its own manpower from the school.

It is the kind of investment that not only thinks about the money but also tries to help the very people who are responsible to its success “I don’t do things for profit alone... Profit to me is measured on the amount of lives you have touched because of your doings,” Lim says.

The Lancaster’s condotel is the rare kind of investment property that you keep and never think of selling; the type of investment that will be handed down from generation to generation.

This is the type of game changer Balikbayans have been searching for, perhaps even waiting for. This is the kind of investment that will influence millions of lives and reshape the economic landscape of the Philippines.

“ONCE YOU ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF MAN, YOU’LL BE IN business,” says the president and CEO of one of the country’s premier condominium hotel developers to a group of executives and professionals in a boardroom inside a building that he himself built.

It is one of those rare moments when you get a chance to see through what’s going on in the mind of movers and shakers in a particular industry. And peeking into Ronald M. Lim’s inner psyche is tantamount to standing on top of a mountain, overlooking the sea of clouds and watching the sun slowly rising.

It’s simply awe-inspiring.

Here is a self-made businessman who is as black and white about growing his business, but is more motivated about teaching people “how to fish.”

“I don’t do things for profit alone... Profit to me is measured on the amount of lives you have touched because of your doings,” Lim says.

As the head honcho of Pacific Concord Properties, Inc. (PCPI), Lim makes decisions on a daily basis in his office at The Lancaster Hotel in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. And a huge chunk of his choices depends neither on how he will fatten his pocket nor how to be included in the list of richest persons in the Philippines, but on how he will be able to help more people.

So when he enters into a venture, be it business or otherwise, Lim gets stimulated to do certain things not by money. Rather, he is stimulated “by the needs of man.” And what man needs are the basic things like food, clothing, shelter, which he helps to address by bringing in his brand of leadership that gives opportunities to people.

This opportunity is manifested in The Lancaster Hotel, which he constructed in 2003, roughly two years after he established PCPI. The condominium hotel, or condotel, works on the current trend where the middle market travels out of necessity and not because of luxury, while the high-end market has become more

budget-conscious because of the global financial crisis.

Since The Lancaster can be classified as three-star, its guests get to experience the accommodations of a hotel without spending too much. What this also means for many Filipinos is job generation. The jobs that are created by Lim’s properties in turn put food on the table of his employees and give them the chance to achieve their dreams.

This is empowerment in the grassroots, a pivotal part in the process of developing a nation, which the national government is working so hard to achieve. Lim says that one of his dreams is to expand the middle class in the country, adding that a truly developed state is one where 80 percent of the population is composed of the middle class.

Although Lim now has the capacity to make his dream a reality more than ever, it wasn’t as smooth-sailing for him in the past. An engineering graduate from the De La Salle University, he flew to Canada as an immigrant to try to build a life there. He almost became a Canadian citizen, but then decided on the last minute to forego the opportunity.

Lim says everything in that North American country is already addressed, while his native land languishes in poverty. Hence, he returned to the Philippines and, of course, tried his best to address the needs of his countrymen through entrepreneurship.

Lim worked as a manager in a 40-unit service apartment, where he saw informal practices of owners asking their building administrators to rent out their units in their absence. He improved on this concept and proposed the idea to one property development company in Makati City, which materialized in the creation of the Citadel, believed to be the first condotel in the country.

The condotel concept clicked and the company that Lim worked in became a giant in that particular industry and was even recognized for revolutionizing real estate in the Philippines. But Lim was never recognized for his contributions as the “father of the condotel concept.”

He wanted to do more than just being an employee, creating concepts, and selling units. That’s why he decided to develop properties for himself. The big O (as in opportunity) came in 2000, when the real estate industry was taking a deep plunge due to the brunt of the Asian economic crisis. He pitched his condotel concept to a Japanese friend who was looking for investment opportunities in the Philippines. The Japanese investor agreed to take up his idea, and the rest, as they say, is history.

You really can’t put a good man down. Lim braved the crisis and stood victorious. Apart from the two Lancaster Hotels, one in Manila and the other in Cebu, he is now busy constructing the second tower of his condotel in Shaw Boulevard, which is expected to finish by mid-2014.

Dubbed as The Atrium, this new condotel is set to mark a new chapter in the real estate industry of the country. Lim describes it as the “first high-rise condotel in the Philippines that uses green technology.”

The eco-friendly structure boasts of walls made of bricks, which can keep the interiors cool during summer and warm during the colder months of the year.

Lim also made sure that it gets plenty of natural light. He did this by removing the firewall and replacing it with windows and glass. This way, sunlight can penetrate the building easily, thus minimizing the use of electricity for light bulbs. And because light and air can circulate generously inside the condotel, Lim had to do without the two air blowers he initially planned to set up in the structure, hence saving millions of pesos.

The green architecture that Lancaster is applying to its second tower along Shaw Boulevard is the same concept being used in Lim’s new project in Tagaytay called The Bricks, a 40-hectare mixed-use land. Multi-level villas, commercial hubs, and conference and event centers will soon rise in this eco development project. Much like The Atrium, the structures here will make use of bricks, glass, and steel to make them environment-friendly.

It is no wonder then that PCPI was given the national awards for the Best Condominium Hotel Property Developer by the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence. It’s been a long time coming, but Lim’s pioneering concept in the real estate industry is finally getting its due recognition.

But the road doesn’t stop here for Lim. His grander vision is to take his condotel globally. He dreams of The Lancaster as “the only Filipino chain hotel” that can be found all over the world, “where the Filipino will stay.

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TUCKED IN A HILLY CITY IN THE SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAIN ranges, this spa and resort is the perfect getaway for people who want to de-stress themselves from the hustle and bustle of urban living without going too far from the country’s capital.

Callospa and Resort in Antipolo City, a 45-minute drive from Metro Manila, is an escape and a haven in one. Its landscape boasts of several species of plants that can only be found in tropical countries like the Philippines. The lush surroundings make summer a little less scorching and rainy days much more romantic. Imagine raindrops falling on plants and on its man-made ponds.

The 1,900-square meter property of Evangeline Garcia became famous for its spa services, with prices ranging from P400 to P1,000. You can relax for an hour or so from its array of massages, such as stone, lymphatic drainage, mandara twins, herbal compress, ayurveda, signature massage and massage ventosa.

Other services include body and facial treatments for as low as P250. If a body scrub or a basic facial isn’t enough to pamper yourself, then why not try foot spa, manicure/pedicure, Xiamen, Malaysian Foot Reflex, and many, many more.

A swimming pool is also ready to complement your stay.

More than being a spa, Callospa is also slowly becoming a favoured destination for wedding. From photoshoots to the actual ceremony and reception,

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this venue has everything to make this important life event truly memorable.

Callospa’s 24-Hour Dream Wedding Destination package costs only P178,000. This includes an exclusive use of the resort from 9 a.m. to 7 a.m. the next day. Also, the bride’s family can stay overnight at Tatami Room, the groom’s family at Family Suite, and the couple at the Honeymooner’s Suite. The package includes a buffet for 150 persons.

Callospa is not just a wedding destination. Debuts and other celebrations can also be held here. Company outings or barkada bonding are definitely welcome in here. Other private events, such as team-building sessions, reunions, meetings, and children’s parties can also be accommodated on a “single-time” basis.

Aside from the pool, the spa, and the rooms, you can make your stay more enjoyable by singing with your buddies using Callospa’s videoke. Complete your experience by trying one of the following: steam room, hot or cold Jacuzzi, and sauna.

For packages, promos, rates and other information about Callospa, you can contact them through their numbers (02) 650.7889, (02) 401.4621, (0922) 800.7889, or (0917) 833.4351. You can also e-mail them at callospa@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.callosparesort.com and www.callospaweddings.com

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BY STENO A. PADILLA

“...The more you read, the more you know, and the more you know, the more that you want to make it happen... I am a voracious reader.”

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EVANGELINE GARCIA IS NO ORDINARY woman. An interior designer and architect by profession, she chose to become an entrepreneur right after graduating from the University of Santo Tomas.

The passion of Tita Gelly, as she is fondly called, for design and the arts did not stop though, as she found ways to apply the skills and theories she learned from her Alma Mater years later.

Fifteen years ago, Tita Gelly started a new business, which is now considered as one of the booming industries in the Philippines—a spa.

However, it wasn’t her original plan to enter into this kind of venture. For two years before building the spa, Tita Gelly had a farm. Her 1,900-square meter property in Antipolo City was a home to dozens and dozens of anthurium plants, which she personally picked and brought from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

4Apart from this flower, she was also into raising farm animals, particularly chickens – and not just any chicken found in many poultries in the countryside.

She bought exotic chickens from all over the world through her countless travels abroad. Tita Gelly raised Bengalas, French, Japanese and many other types of chicken. So decades before Farmville came out on Facebook, she was already “playing” it.

She decided to give up the farm when the stress brought about by her other businesses in the city became too much to take. Her money business ventures—which include a pawnshop, lending business and money changers among others—were only too much for a woman with four children.

“It’s a stressful job to be a money changer,” she said. In fact, she would wake up at 7 a.m. to start watching Bloomberg to check on the currency rates, which is constantly changing, and this she would do until the end of the day. She admitted to not having the leisure of watching entertainment shows. “I don’t even know any celebrity then.”

To somehow relive herself of these burdens, she used to pay someone to massage her every night.

Thinking that a massage business could be a lucrative trade, she decided to finally put up a spa of her own, which she called Callospa.

Tita Gelly designed the place herself and incorporated a “green architecture” to save on energy and be environment-friendly with its falling waters and timed misting. Callospa has this serene atmosphere amidst a tropical landscape that is perfect for a summer getaway or any private gathering.

Being a very active member of Antipolo Horticultural Society, her love for the flora and fauna, together with her expertise in architecture and interior design, is essentially captured by her spa and resort.

Tita Gelly isn’t your small-time entrepreneur.

Before putting up Callospa, she went to Singapore to study spa management and spent so much money for the training and accommodations. That’s how enthusiastic she is in anything that she does. And this dedication and diligence can also be seen in her personal life.

“I have so many interests and so many passions,” she said. “I read a lot. The more you read, the more you know, and the more you know, the more that you want to make it happen... I am a voracious reader.”

And because of her hard work and exceptional talent in making her businesses successful, she was recommended by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry, and subsequently awarded the “Most Enterprising Entrepreneur” in 2007 by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Now that’s no ordinary feat.

BY STENO A. PADILLA PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMES FRANCISCO

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THERE’S MORE TO PANGASINAN THAN MILKFISH, salt, and the hundred islands. A wholesome adventure for the entire family is waiting to be conquered in the rural comforts of Dasol town.

And it’s slowly making a name for itself in this southernmost province in Region 1.

Located in Barangay San Vicente, Dasoland stands proud as a new theme park in Dasol, Pangasinan. The family adventure park sit on a 68-hectare land and is now becoming a preferred destination for field trips, cultural and educational activities, and even conferences, events, or meetings.

The park and resort gives a quintessential rural feel, which is perfect for the city-weary. It was launched in March 2011 and remains an integral part of the Carolina Mango Farm, a 408-hectare plantation of 3,500 full grown mango trees.

Guests can start their adventure with the Zooland, where interaction with various mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures is encouraged to make learning more fun. But if you think only the big animals rule here, think again. Dasoland is also home to a beautiful Butterfly Garden, which is built to show the life cycle and the magnificence of these colorful winged creatures.

After the one-of-a-kind experience with animals, the next best thing to explore is the world of plants through the Orchard, with its sprawling mango trees, herbs, and shrubs; the Japanese Garden, where you can experience a patch of interesting plants that came from our neighboring country; the Cactus House, to see the species’ different colors, shapes, and sizes; the Bamboosetum, for a unique experience with this versatile and useful grass; and the Flower Park, for a splash of colors and scents from pretty flowers.

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Enjoy other fun activities by taking a dip in Dasoland’s swimming pool, hopping on the saddles for a horse-back ride, biking around the lush sceneries, playing mini golf with kids and kids-at-heart, or trying the traditional playground musts like swings, slides, monkey bars, and a skating rink.

Have a trip down memory lane inside the many museums found in Dasoland. See the original “Farmville” tools and implements at the Farmer’s Museum. Witness the ingenuity and the rich culture of our Cordillera brothers and sisters at the Ifugao Village and Museum. Get educated by exploring the different World War II memorabilia. And be fascinated with the owner’s collection of diverse items from all over the country and the world.

There is also a Santa Claus Village and many Nativity Scenes that make every day a Christmas Day. And for special occasions, meetings, or events, Dasoland offers its Villa, Pavilion, Adobe Hut, and Wedding Gazebo.

The adventure park was developed by Menardo Jimenez and his wife Carolina. Prior to its development, Dasoland was a “jungle of untended mango trees, overgrown with vines and wild grass.”

“When I inherited this land in 1959, I found four old mango trees...

Today there are 3,500,” says Jimenez. “Farming is my first love, and I personally dug the holes, planted and watered many of the first mango seedlings. Those trees are bearing fruit today.”

Each summer, he would bring his two sons to visit the farm to plant more trees. “It was a chance for them to experience the quiet life; a time when they got to play simple games with the children of the caretakers.

Nowadays, it is the grandchildren who look forward to vacations in the farm.”

Such was the history of the family adventure park.

Aside from putting Dasol in the map of the Philippines and making Dasoland the largest and most comprehensive theme park in Pangasinan, Jimenez wants to provide livelihood and opportunities for

the residents in his hometown. “Entrepreneurship is important and no one should shy away from working manually.”

Dasoland is a 30-minute drive from Alaminos City, the gateway to Hundred Islands National Park. The city is a five-hour trip by bus from Manila. For reservations and inquiries, call (02) 806.0868, 847.0523 to 25, or +63.917.869.9560; fax (02) 847.0522 or 478.0099; email operation.dasoland@gmail.com; or visit www.dasolandresort.com

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BY RAPHAEL JOHN C. ORIEL

ITS 9:43AM. I arrive early. I’m not sure if it was out of sheer excitement and anticipation or the Manila traffic that prompted me to arrive exceptionally early. Today has that special feeling; something is in the air, my clothes are tightly pressed, hair combed, necktie perfectly folded.

But that is what this day has called for. I’m 17 minutes away from meeting an iconic human being, let alone an iconic Filipino–a man that has long cemented his place in Philippine history and business lore. And I get to spend the next 30 minutes or so with him.

I tell the security guard, I have a 10:00am interview with Mr. Menardo Jimenez. I walk over to the elevator and begin rehearsing what I had practiced the night before, my interview questions…note cards folded strategically–conveniently inside my coat pocket. I say to myself, “Just have a conversation.”

Suddenly, I remind myself of the words of Edward R. Murrow, the father of American Journalism, "People say conversation is a lost art; how often I have wished it were.” And instantly, I cease to be nervous and grow calm, as I’m here to learn and to be inspired –by the former longtime President and CEO of the GMA Network, one of the country’s largest television networks.

I enter the office doors. The beauty of wood, dark and light brilliantly juxtaposed strikes you. This is the old, timeless charm of authentic Philippine taste, no doubt influenced by Mr. Jimenez. The receptionist coolly walks me over to the conference room. On our way there, we pass by beautiful old paintings of “the simple life,” images that provoke the anachronistic beauty of the province and countryside.

The receptionist takes me to the conference room, kindly asks me, “Coffee?” I quickly reply, “Yes…Coffee Bean?” After all, Mr. Jimenez holds an executive position with the Coffee Bean Corporation.

She smiles. I check my watch and it’s 9:49am. 11 minutes to go.

I then scan the room. Books and sculptures elegantly placed together on the wall shelf neatly lit to evoke a sense of calming decadence. It has this museum quality to it. Sculptures of horses abound. I then wonder what conversations have taken place in here. Talks of GMA-7/TV5? The blueprint for Dasoland? The growth of Coffee Bean? Talks of the magnificence of UCPB-Gen? I suddenly realize who Mr. Jimenez is. He is someone that affects you, influences you without you ever having even met him.

And in that instant, he walks in.

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Right away, we talk about actionable knowledge and the importance of print publications. "It shouldn't just be the news. It has to be information we can act on...it should teach me something." I nod in complete agreement, eagerly scribing notes like a 1st year undergrad student. I say to him, "Wow, an 81 year old man constantly trying to learn and consume new information." He smiles.

We move forward to his beliefs. He talks passionately about his devotion to God and the role religion has played on his family. "What can you do? Its all up to God. Don't ask Him for this or that, ask Him what He wants from you. And go from there."

We then go into his early life and upbringing. He says, "Paddle your own canoe." This is the same advice he offers to his four children, all successful in their own right.

Even from an early age, Mr. Jimenez displayed qualities of a keen, aspiring businessman. He did not grow up being spoon fed, despite having parents who were politicians in the small town of Dasol, Pangasinan. Even though he was the well known son of the town mayor, during fiestas, he shined shoes. Not once did he ever find this kind of work demeaning, but rather honorable. From shoe shining to selling newspapers to renting out comic books to other kids when he was

young shows the type of innate business mind and work ethic "Nards" (as his friends call him) had.

I quickly ask him what advice he would offer to young aspiring entrepreneurs. He pauses, conjoins a smile and says, "Ask yourself, what will be my economic life 10 years from now. And secondly, when I reach my retirement, where will I go?"

Undoubtedly, that mindset and vision to think well beyond the present has led Nards to make some very important decisions of which have helped him build what he now has today.

He goes on to say, "Consider your job as a hobby. But don't make it so serious for youâ&#x20AC;ŚThink of what you can do to be an entrepreneur.

Once in the game of business, pursue it," pounding his fist for emphasis.

It suddenly dawns on me that Mr. Jimenez is more than I thought he would be. He is the epitome of who great business leaders aspire to become. The epitome of who we hope our leaders of society to be: Hardworking to our wits end, innately ambitious, amicable with no premonition, creative, intelligent, idealistic, and steadfast.

He looks at me, as though he realizes that he truly made an impression on me. Several seconds of silence continue to pass, and he suddenly says, "Ok, anything else young man? Let's have lunch."

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE MARIE ALVARO

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ENTERTAINMENT

BY RUBEN V. NEPALES

“I’ve been dying to go to Boracay!” exclaimed the Filipino-Mexican-American sensation who’s on a roll, career-wise, but sounded like she’s ready for some fun in the popular beach destination. “I’d love to have some beach days there and see all the Philippines has to offer. So far, I've only experienced Manila.”

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HE JUST RELEASED HER FIRST SOLO ALBUM, A realization of her musical vision, nurtured by the time, effort and dedication she poured into its making. She has a recurring role as Frida Romero, a diva from a rival school, on “Glee.” She’s been logging guest performances in major events and shows, including a prime spot on the season finale of “Dancing With the Stars.”

Indeed, Jessica Sanchez has been very busy since her spectacular finish as a runner-up in last year’s “American Idol.” So she’s hoping that on her next trip to the Philippines (date being set as I write this), she’ll have some “beach days.”

“We will be there sometime this summer (she was referring to U.S. summer months),” said the powerhouse belter in an email interview. “I am looking forward to seeing all my Filipino fans again. They have been so supportive! I hope I have time to visit Bataan and Boracay – that would be amazing!” Bataan is where her mom Editha Bugay’s family is from.

“I’ve been dying to go to Boracay!” exclaimed the Filipino-MexicanAmerican sensation who’s on a roll, career-wise, but sounded like she’s ready for some fun in the popular beach destination. “I’d love to have some beach days there and see all the Philippines has to offer. So far, I've only experienced Manila.”

Jessica’s first two visits to the Philippines were hectic – for the “American Idol Live Tour” last year and her solo concert last February.

“Our last trip was great,” said the singer who is turning 18 on August 4.

“It was amazing to be back. The response I got from my first solo show was incredible. I was in kind of a shock. On that second trip, I enjoyed the experience a little more. Being able to perform a solo concert as well was a dream come true. I can’t thank my fans enough for their support.

I am always blown away by it! I don’t know if I will ever get used to it.”

Jessica will not soon forget that February 14 evening at the Smart

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Araneta Coliseum. “My first solo concert on Valentine’s Day was a huge highlight for sure!” she gushed. “But I honestly have so much fun every time I come to Manila with anything that we do. The entire experience is a highlight! The food isn’t bad either!” (Sinigang is her favorite Filipino dish.)

Last time I talked to Jessica in a phone interview, she was just about to shoot her scenes in “Glee.” “It was a different experience from what I am used to,” the fast-rising entertainer answered when I asked for an update now that she has performed in front of “Glee’s” cameras. “I had never acted before but after ‘Glee,’ I know it is something I would want to do again. I took acting classes prior to shooting and it definitely opened me up as a person. ‘Glee’ was a huge challenge and it was a lot of work. I had to sing, dance and act but I had so much fun. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

On how challenging it was to do those fully choreographed numbers, in fancy dresses and all, Jessica replied, “It was actually fun! I was so nervous at first but I worked with such talented choreographers that I felt prepared. It was a challenge but I’m so glad it turned out how it did. I’m really proud. I had only one day of rehearsal before shooting so the pressure was on!”

“Darren was so nice, and so supportive and was one of the first people to welcome me on set,” Jessica said of her fellow Fil-Am on the popular series, Darren Criss. “We talked about our Filipino background. We had a special bond because of that.”

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which entered Billboard 200 Albums chart at no. 26. “It was really exciting,” she said of the album which she worked on with gusto from July last year to January this year. “All the hard work and long hours in the studio were worth it. I’m glad to share my music with my fans! It’s a dream come true for me.”

Jessica was hard-pressed to single out a track that means the most to her but she conceded, “My first single ‘Tonight’ that features Ne-Yo is a personal favorite of mine. I really enjoyed working with him. He produced the song and is such a talented artist. But I love all the songs on the album for different reasons so it is very hard to single one out and choose.”

Jessica joined fellow “AI” finalists like Adam Lambert and Taylor Hicks at the show’s recent season 12 finale. “It was surreal,” Jessica described being back on the show where she and Phillip Phillips duked it out for the “Idol” crown last year.

“I can’t believe it has been a year since Phillip and I were on that stage. I knew what the girls were going through and I felt for them. It’s crazy being on that stage but so much fun. I was proud of both of them.”

She was referring to Candice Glover and Kree Harrison who battled for the title this year. “I have known her since last season,” Jessica said of Candice who won. Candice auditioned twice but didn’t make it through the live rounds until this year.

“We were good friends on Season 11. I am so proud of her and know she will do incredible things. She deserves everything coming to her.”

As for Kree, Jessica said, “I know she will be very successful as well. She is so talented and sweet. She is going places for sure.”

Also a special experience for Jessica was her return to her hometown, Chula Vista, California, to perform. She grew up there with her mom and father, Gilbert Sanchez, a MexicanAmerican who served several tours of duty with the U.S. Navy.

Jessica’s grandfather, Edward M. Bugay, also served in the Navy.

“I went by my old middle school (Eastlake),” she shared about her homecoming. “A lot of friends from school came out to the radio show. It was awesome to see them. It’s always great to go back there. I performed with Ne-Yo and Zedd on that show so it was extra special for me!”

Aside from Ne-Yo, Jessica looks up to Apl.de.ap, with whom she did a TV commercial for a telecom firm in the Philippines. She recently graced a fundraiser gala that honored several humanitarians, including Apl.de.ap for his foundation’s charitable work building schools and classrooms in rural areas in the Philippines. “He does a lot of charity work and gives back to our community which is so important and inspiring,” Jessica praised the Black Eyed Peas member who grew up in the Philippines. “He is also very humble, sweet and, of course, talented. I only hope I can do the same and give back just as he does!”

“It was such an honor to collaborate with him and learn from him,” Jessica added. “I hope we can work together more in the future! He is so down-to-earth and makes you feel so comfortable.”

Looking ahead, Jessica said, “I want to have a career like Beyonce! She is amazing!”

How does she see herself five years from now? “I want to be on a world tour, nominated for a Grammy and perhaps continue acting!” With her verve, focus and talent, Jessica will likely attain those goals.

Register for FREE for your own all access and personalized Asian Journal user account or sync your Facebook to share news stories seamlessly with your friends and family.

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With the onset of the digital–information age, we set forth with a goal to create the online home for Filipino Community news. We researched and analyzed the best way we can provide our readers and advertisers with a unique yet modern experience to enjoy AsianJournal.com.

We were driven to create a unique website that balances everything that we do, whether it be community or immigration news, entertainment, or profiles on Filipino excellence with our Galing Pinoy section. Because of the volume of content we publish (and have published since 1991) coupled with the barrage of information being delivered everyday through a multitude of platforms, we strove to provide each story with the best opportunity to be read, discussed, and shared.

FOR EVERY FILIPINO FOODIE, WATCHING THE CUISINE GET shown at length on national television in the United States is a monumental event. Never mind if it happens once in a blue moon.

This season on Bravo TV’s Top Chef, one chef highlighted his Filipino roots and cooked various Filipino dishes on the hit reality show.

Cheftestant Sheldon Simeon from Hawaii had host Padma Lakshmi, judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Emeril Lagasse with guest judge, famous New York restaurateur David Meyer gushing as they slurped the tangy, tasty sinigang of Chef Sheldon cooked and declaring it one of the two winners that week.

"It makes you sit up straight, in a good way," remarked Meyer. Lakshmi praised Sheldon's plating (in what few netizens consider as a backhanded compliment) and said, "This is traditionally not a pretty dish." But they all agreed, the sinigang was one of the best two dishes they had that evening.

This paved the way for the show's much-awaited Restaurant Wars episode, the one where the remaining chefs are divided into two teams to come up with a restaurant concept and open it within 48 hours.

This season in Seattle, they made a twist. They asked the cheftestants to cook one dish that would encapsulate the concept of the restaurant they want to open. The remaining eight competitors scurried away to plan and put their best dishes forward. Out of the eight, the judges would choose the two competing chefs based on their dishes, and the winning concepts would be transformed into working restaurants in just two days.

Hawaii-based chef Sheldon, a third-generation Filipino American knew what he wanted. He wanted to honor his heritage. He had a name ready, URBANo, in honor of his grandfather who moved to Hawaii from Ilocos Sur in the Philippines when he was barely 17 years old.

Sheldon took a risk and cooked sinigang, a dish that is not as famous as the quintessential adobo. "I took the flavors of sinigang and applied techniques I learned in culinary school and through years of being a chef. I made a thin broth,

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and kept my vegetables crisp and retain their vibrant colors. I had a playful eye on the plate, treating it as a canvas," he told Balikbayan in an interview.

His gamble paid off.

The following week, Filipino dishes were front and center of the episode.

Sheldon's team prepared five dishes in all - Kilawen, Balut, Miki noodles, Pork adobo and Halo-Halo. In two days, he was able to teach his two teammates to cook these dishes, a mean feat in itself.

Despite having fewer members than the other team and despite the terrible service the judges received, Sheldon's team was chosen as the winner. The judges showered him with compliments.

"The concept was good. You don't get too much new Filipino restaurant concepts like that. Maybe we are waiting for a chef like you to do that," Colicchio told him.

"So much intensity and flavor," Food and Wine editor Gail Simmons remarked.

Meyer on the pork adobo exclaimed, "I couldn't stop eating it, I just want to eat more." Emeril agreed. Colicchio on the other hand preferred the miki noodles and said, "I love the texture of the tapioca pasta, it is the best tasting dish I've had tonight."

And perhaps the best compliment of the evening: "You made your grandfather proud."

Up Close with Chef Sheldon In an exclusive interview with Balikbayan Magazine, Chef Sheldon shared his journey to Top Chef and his thoughts on where Filipino cuisine is in America and where it is (and should be) going.

He may not have won the title of Top Chef, but the experience and the exposure made him more famous outside of his home state. More people have been visiting the restaurants where he works as executive chef.

A big Top Chef fan, Sheldon has always wondered what it felt like to be on the show. Last year, he decided to find out. He went through the process and

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applied. Eventually, he got a call back and he went in for audition and a series of interviews. Weeks later, he got the call. He was in.

"It freaks me out when I see myself on television, for sure. It was an exciting experience," he said laughing.

A father of three girls - Chloe, 6; Peyton, 3 and Quinn, 17 months ("I don't have the recipe to make a boy," he quipped) - Sheldon said the toughest part of being in the show was being away from his wife Janice and their daughters.

He was able to speak with the kids occasionally, lessening the impact of missing them.

"When they fall down, you want to be there to pick them up, or when they come home from school, you want to be there too," he said. "They're my life.

Every single decision that I do is for them, for them to have a brighter future. I will continue to provide for them and let them have a better life."

The sacrifice of being away from the kids was made slightly less painful by the wins he amassed during the show, from winning with his sinigang dish and taking it all away during Restaurant Wars (where he also won a brand new car).

Asked about winning Restaurant Wars with his URBANo concept, Sheldon paused, and remarked, "It was awesome. It was time for me to honor my grandfather who was an amazing man, pay homage to my culture and put Filipino food out there on national television."

"I wanted to keep true to myself. Cooking is basically whatever had influenced me through my life. When they asked us to come up with a concept, I knew I'd come up with something very dear to my heart. Why not show my Filipino roots?" he added.

In essence, his efforts in the past have all led to this.

Born and raised in Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island, Sheldon grew up around a family that cooks a lot. His parents' house was a gathering spot and whenever they were together, his dad or his grandfather would be cooking.

He didn't think he'd develop a particular fondness for cooking.

"Throughout high school, I thought I was going to be an architect. I was into mechanical drawings, higher math classes. But in my senior year, I went to culinary school," he said. "I enjoyed culinary school a lot, turned it into a passion and I've been cooking ever since.”

Sheldon grew up in a traditionally big Filipino family in Hawaii. His mom has 11 brothers and sisters and his dad has nine siblings. "That's a lot of cousins, a lot of aunts and uncles, a lot of family parties," he added.

Currently, if there's one thing he wants to do, it would have to be 'go to the Philippines'. For the first time.

"I've never gone to the Philippines! I want to do that. That's a goal of mine.

I have tons of relatives there," he exclaimed.

Sheldon also slightly regrets the fact that he doesn't speak Filipino.

"Unfortunately, I don't speak the language. My way of connecting to my roots is through food, that's why I try to do it with all my heart," he explained.

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And he more than makes up for it.

Sheldon's knowledge of Filipino cuisine was passed on to him by his grandfather, then his father, and their numerous relatives.

"Filipino cuisine via my parents, aunts and uncles, grandfather. That's why I want to see where they come from," he added. "My Dad's side is from Ilocos Sur and mom's side is from Ilocos Norte. My dad was born in Hawaii. My grandparents came to Hawaii when they were 17, 18 years old and they were among the first immigrants to work as plantation workers in the state."

If you weren't a chef, what would you be doing now?

Sheldon repeated the question, processing it thoroughly and came up with an exasperated answer. "Shoot, I can't even answer that," he said, grappling for words. "This is what I do, I've always wanted to be a chef. I don't know."

LIFE AFTER TOP CHEF Throughout its ten seasons, Top Chef has featured some Filipino-American chefs.

There’s Season 9: Texas winner Paul Qui, Dale Talde (Season 8: All Stars and Season 3: Chicago), Leah Cohen and Eugene Villatora (Season 5: New York), and Josie Smith Malave and Chrissy Camba (Season 10: Seattle). There’s also Sally Camacho who was the runner-up of Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2.

Some of these alumni have found success after their stint in the show, and have opened their own restaurants, like Dale Talde, whose two restaurants in Brooklyn (Talde and Pork Slope) are both doing good and Leah Cohen’s Pig & Khao in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Last year's winner, Fil-Am Paul Qui is also planning to open his own place in Austin.

For Sheldon, the opportunity to be a part of the show's tenth season has given him new opportunities.

"The show has brought a lot of exposure so far and it is bringing some opportunities right now. I want to make the best decision for my family, I have three girls. Maybe I can open my own place in the future with my name on it," he said. "I want to continue with Star Noodle for a while because I see a lot of potential there and I want for them to have a great opportunity as well."

Asked about what it would take for URBANo to become a reality, Sheldon paused a bit and laughed, "An investor? If a great opportunity comes along and we get the right spot and the timing is correct for myself and my career, I can definitely see URBANo becoming a reality."

For now, Chef Sheldon is enjoying juggling his time with his wife and three daughters in Hawaii. Just recently, he announced on his Facebook Fan Page that he is beginning a new journey. He has officially resigned from Aloha Mixed Plate, Star Noodle, Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop, and Old Lahaina Luau. He plans to pursue his own dreams and as he states, “build upon what I’ve learned, experienced, and am moving forward with an even greater vision.”

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JOSE GERARDO NOBLE OWNER AND PRESIDENT OF WANG LAI FRANCHISEE OF HAP CHAN TEA HOUSE ONE ECOM.

I F YO U ’RE NOT I N A CH I NA TOWN OR I N CH I NA I TSELF, chances are you’ll never find a decent restaurant that offers authentic Chinese cuisines. For some that do offer the real thing, you’ll be surprised with the exorbitant price on its menu. That’s why it came as a nice revelation that something like Hap Chan exists in convenient places in and out of the metropolis.

It was a cloudy afternoon one day during the summer when I had my first encounter with Hap Chan. The tea house is comfortably nestled along Sunset Avenue in the SM Mall of Asia compound in Pasay City. I entered the quaint establishment and was immediately mesmerized by its red lanterns that served as the restaurant’s “chandelier.” Right then and there, it felt like I was transported to Hong Kong or Shanghai or Macau.

The service staff pointed my party and I to a table for four, and we were given a set of menus. As I casually browsed through the pages containing mouthwatering images of Chinese food, I couldn’t help but notice the prices of each item on the list of options. Most of the food they offer range from P80 to a little over P200, and some dishes are already good for sharing.

Our group ordered some of Hap Chan’s bestsellers. While waiting for my dimsum, I relaxed and enjoyed the ambiance with the house tea that I poured into my cup. Then came the pork siomai and chicken feet, and boy was I glad that the four-piece siomai was not a fraud. While most retail outlets pack it with tons of extenders, the one in Hap Chan is meaty and tasty. As for the chicken feet, it didn’t appear to be shocking, as it was plated very neatly, and it was soft, almost gelatinous.

The Polanchay Seafood Soup was served next, and it was so green. Its look completely deceived me as the taste betrayed its gooey appearance. The steamy, thick soup had a hint of saltiness that adequately matched the tender shrimp and egg noodles in it.

The main entree arrived finally, and my mouth drooled as the crispy fried chicken, chopseuy and Lechon Macau made their way to the table. I love meat, but the hodgepodge of vegetables in the chopseuy was so good since it was cooked just perfectly. I knew it was fresh because of the crunch with my every bite and the natural sweetness that floods my taste buds. Plus, it has the umami flavor.

It didn’t surprise me that the chicken was savory. Its best part is the skin, which isn’t thick and mushy. It has the right crispiness to it that makes it good with or without ketchup.

What surprised me a bit was the lechon. It wasn’t greasy and there was a

tinge of sweetness in its meat. When I finally bit it, it boomed inside my mouth.

The outer part was crunchy like chicharon, and slowly it turned soft with my continuous chewing. It was even better when I dipped it in vinegar as the oily feel was countered by the acid.

Of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without loading some carbs, and picking Yang Chow Fried Rice was the right choice. If you’re on a diet, the rice by itself will make you feel full already as it is mixed with all the goodness of egg, shrimp, and bacon bits (or was it ham?). It was the most neutral food from all that we ordered, and it surely delivered to our expectations.

To top it all off, we had chilled taho with sago for dessert. Mine was a little special as I chose the one with mango bits. This one came very neatly since the taho wasn’t soggy at all. It wasn’t too sweet as well, making it perfect for diabetics. And the sago made a lot of difference to this piece as it added a new dimension to the texture of the dessert, making it a tad exciting.

I had a little chat with the franchisee of Hap Chan along Sunset Avenue, and we both agreed that what separates this Chinese restaurant from all the others in the market is its affordability and authenticity.

“I chose to franchise Hap Chan because I really like it. The food is delicious,” said one of Hap Chan’s franchisees Jose Gerardo Noble.

He was also proud to say that the service offered by the restaurant is really good and swift. In fact, the staff was taught by the official training group of Hap Chan’s franchisors from its head office. Likewise, they cook and serve everything fresh. As proof of this, their dim sum products are not the typical frozen delights that are steamed after being thawed.

Noble added that "the franchise package includes extensive training and all the necessary equipment as well as the feng shui before the store opened with much success."

Well, I couldn’t agree more as business looks thriving in this SM MoA branch. I must also say that for its reasonable price, HapChan’s authentic Chinese cuisines are a sure hit. If I were to compare it to Chinese mysticism, its food is like Yin and Yang—a perfect balance of subtle and strong flavors.

www.newhapchan.com

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IN THE 1940S, A SPANISH CUISINE RESTAURANT OPENED ITS doors to its patrons, offering authentic Spanish food and a warm and vibrant ambience that feels like home even during those trying times. Now, almost 70 years later, Casa Marcos is again providing delicious dishes to its guests.

Established by former pelotari Marcos de Guisasola, Casa Marcos gained popularity because of its tasteful dishes. In the 1960s, a friendship between Marcos and then local government executive Ben del Rosario evolved into a business partnership, when, after moving back to Spain, the former decided to leave the restaurant to the former. But despite the great business and loyal customers, Casa Marcos closed its doors to the public in the year 2000.

One of the grandsons of Ben del Rosario decided to keep the menu, and promised himself that he will again open Casa Marcos.

This grandson, Jigger Galvez, opened The Bread Bag Pandesal Bar in 2008 at Ortigas Home Depot, together with his partner Kevin Khoe. The Bread Bag Pandesal Bar has also made a name for itself, and has gained patrons since its establishment. Not surprisingly, some of these patrons were also devoted customers of their grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Casa Marcos, and after a time, the duo together with Jiggerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family opened the restaurant again in 2011, this time, at the up and rising metropolis of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

Despite the difference in space (for the original Casa Marcos was in a sprawling house compared to the two-storey building it is in now) and a menu upgrade, the Spanish dishes remained true to its name (and flavor).

Among the famous dishes of Casa Marcos are Paella Valenciana, a hearty rice meal seasoned with Spanish chorizo, chicken, and seafood cooked over low fire and seasoned with Paprika; Sopa de Mariscos, a seafood bouillabaisse soup with a light tomato base; Steak a la Pobre, which is a tenderloin steak cooked in garlic and oil, Casa Marcos style; Almejas, which are baked clams that are topped with melted cheese and roasted garlic; and Baked Fish, which is either a Lapu-lapu or Pompano baked in oil and served with tomatoes and onions.

Other dishes include Fried Caldereta, the original best seller, with a choice of Beef or Venison stew fried to perfection and partnered best with the Marcos sauce; the Spanish Sisig, which is a combination of chopped liempo, chorizo, and pork ears fried in olive oil and garlic; Frog Legs, which are cooked Adobo-style; and Tapang Baboy Damo, which are fried strips of marinated wild boar with French fries and green beans sidings, and perfect with the original Casa Marcos sauce.

Aside from the Valenciana, Casa Marcos also has other Paella options such as Marinera, which has seafood; Negra, which uses black squid ink; and Saffron, which is a classic dish that has a lighter and distinctive taste.

It was a great thing that Jigger kept the menu. Casa Marcos, with its scrumptious dishes and its homey ambiance is one restaurant meant to flourish and prosper.

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ONE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ PROUDEST CULTURAL traditions are the festivals in different villages, towns, cities, and provinces in the country. We have Masskara in Bacolod, Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Dinagyang in Iloilo, and Kaamulan in Bukidnon among others.

We also have Pintados in Leyte, Panagbenga in Baguio City, Pahiyas in Quezon, and the Santacruzan in almost every part of the archipelago. Witnessing these beautiful explosions of vibrant music, colorful costumes, and grand cultural tribute to our ancestors is truly an outstanding experience that marks us as a nation.

On April 11-13, a total of 17 festivals from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao went to compete in the annual Aliwan Fiesta 2013 held at the CCP Complex.

The festivities kicked off with a regional products bazaar in Sotto Street at the CCP Complex, where participating regions brought in their respective goods and local products. A festival costume showcase was also held to mark the beginning of the search for Festival Queen (Reyna ng Aliwan). A street party and band concert that features the

country’s hottest music talents commenced afterwards.

The pre-pageant for the Reyna ng Aliwan was held at the Aliw Theater outdoor stage on the second day of the event. A total of 18 candidates strut their stuff and gave their best to win the much-coveted title of Reyna ng Aliwan 2013.

The last day of the festival did not disappoint. Despite the summer heat, people trooped to Quirino Grandstand, where the grand parade began at 4 p.m. Families, sweethearts, friends and co-workers, photography enthusiasts, bloggers, hobbyists, professionals, media, and people from all walks of life came to witness the performances.

The southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard was closed to traffic to make way for the grand parade. People peppered both sides of the road waiting for the performers to dance and chant.

Participants with dance troupes include Zamboanga’s Hermosa Festival, Zambales’ Mango Festival, Leyte’s Pasaka Festival, Antipolo City’s Ang Tipulo Festival, Maguindanao’s Maguyaya, Sagayan, and Padang Padang Festivals, Baseco’s (Manila) Dalaksagaw Festival,

Benguet’s Adivay Festival, Batangas’ Mahaguyog Festival, Quezon’s Boling-Boling Festival, Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival, Baguio City’s Panagbenga Festival, Muntinlupa City’s Dinagsa Festival, General Santos City’s Kalilangan Festival, North Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival, and Oriental Mindoro’s Pandang Gitab Festival.

The contingents performed at the Quirino Grandstand, twice in Roxas Boulevard, and finally in front of the judges in Sotto Street. In the end, the Dinagyang group from Iloilo City took home the grand prize of P1 million for the street dance competition. Meanwhile, Jamie Herell from the Sinulog Festival was declared Festival Queen (Reyna ng Aliwan), and the best festival float was given to Bahandian from Alang-Alang, Leyte.

Special Awards include Pride of Place for Best in Folkloric Performance, which was won by the Adivay Festival of Benguet, and Best in Music and Best in Costume awards, both taken home by the Dinagyang delegation from Iloilo City.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Aliwan Fiesta 2013!

BY JANE FRANCIS S. QUINABO / PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMES CHRISTER FRANCISCO JUNE & JULY 2013

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HISTORY / ARTS / CULTURE

BY STENO A. PADILLA / PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE MARIE ALVARO

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED FEELING A certain kind of emotion that makes you long for something or someone that you love in the past even though you know for sure that this thing or person will never ever return? The English language can only describe this as nostalgia ormelancholy, but these words hardly encapsulate the whole spectrum of this feeling.

The closest word that can describe this raw emotion is in Portugese: saudade.

Maybe it’s saudade when you want to bring the glory of the past into the present. Maybe it’s saudade when you want the good old days to happen once more. Maybe it’s saudade when you see a portrait, a vestment, or an artifact and your imagination brings a lot of vivid images from times of yore.

But why linger in the past when you can relive it, not with your memory or your imagination, but by actually experiencing it all over again? Not too many people realize this plain and simple solution. It has always been there, waiting for people to come and visit, only they rarely do, and so it appears that this treasure trove is hiding in plain sight.

One such thing is the San Agustin Church and Museum, located at the heart of Intramuros, “the noble and ever loyal city of Manila.” Although this church is a favorite venue for weddings, there is actually more to it than sacraments and holy ceremonies. For one, it is the final resting place of many of our land’s ancient inhabitants.

People such as the ancestors of Zobel and Ayala have been laid here, and no less than Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who founded Manila, was buried here in a special chapel built for him beside the main altar. And who would have thought that the remains of the creator of the Philippines’ most famous painting Spoliarium was also put here?

Juan Luna’s ashes have been kept at the Sala de Profundis or Crypt, a room especially dedicated to

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the memory of the dead. Other patriots like Pedro Paterno and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera also lie inside the Crypt, along with many Augustinians and victims of the Japanese occupation.

But enough of the dead, since this ancient structure is still bursting with life and color. Proofs of this are the awe-inspiring trompe l’oeil paintings on the dome and ceiling of the San Agustin Church, which can be mistaken for bas-reliefs. These “3D” masterpieces are the works of two Italian painters, Alberoni and Dibella, in 1875.The oldest stone church in the country is also famous for its baroque architecture, which was interpreted and crafted scrupulously by early Filipino and Chinese masons. In fact, conveying typical “Augustinianism” is its floreated baroque door in front of the church. It shows a flaming heart pierced by an arrow, which is the symbol of the order. Each side of the door has the sculpted image of St. Augustine of Hippo and of his mother, St. Monica.

You also cannot miss the elaborately carved and gilded pulpit at the right-hand side of the church’s front interior. This piece of art is also baroqueinspired as revealed by its pineapple design at the bottom, a popular motif then. Not too far from here is the iron grill door, which leads to the lower cloister along Sala Recibidor.

To get a full view of the interior of San Agustin Church, and for you to get closer to the magnificent paintings on the ceiling, go to the second floor of the structure using the main staircase, which is made of 44 pieces of Chinese granite used originally as ballasts for Spanish galleons. On the way up, be sure not to miss the paintings on the wall and the overwhelming dome that is rebuilt using bricks.

Stay for a while at the choir marvel at the gigantic pipe organ, large parchment scrolls, and lectern, an exquisite piece of sculpture with fine carvings of griffons, sphinxes, and angels that was brought over from Macao in 1731. You may also want to relax a bit

by sitting in one of the 68 carved molave stalls with narra inlays made in 1606.

Move forward into the past by visiting the other parts of the museum, which was once used as a monastery. You may start at the Sala Refectory where you can find a part of the Pagrel collection of Filipino-Spanish art treasures: wooden santos, bas-reliefs, retablos, tabernacles, church vestments, camphor chests, candlesticks, liturgical chairs, and processional guidons.

Explore religious arts by walking down the four cloisters on the first floor of the museum, which exhibits oil painting of saints and celebrities particular to the Augustinian order and done by Filipino painters Rafael Enriquez and Fuster.

Once you’re done reliving the past inside the San Agustin Church and Museum, it’s time to go outside and enjoy nature through the meticulous effort of Father Manuel Blanco in his Botanical Garden during the early 19th century. Blanco, considered as the “Prince of Botany,” experimented on more than a thousand local plants in the country and grew them in the monastery’s “backyard.” Now you can enjoy his life’s works through his garden.

Smell the indigenous herbs and flowers. Try naming any of the floras that you’ll encounter in this place. Rest under the shade of a fire tree and watch its orange flowers rain on you. Let the soft breeze brush upon your face. It’s a museum after all, and time always stands still in here.

If after doing everything makes you feel “saudade” still, then stay a little bit longer. Sit in one of the pews, listen to the rustling of dried leaves, or just stare blankly at any painting that might stimulate your interest. Who knows what hidden knowledge or enlightenment those nooks and crannies of San Agustin might bring to you? The place is so rich that every piece of artifact, every room, and every image has a good story to tell. And, really, who doesn’t like a good story?

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FOR AN ARCHIPELAGIC NATION INTERCONNECTED by many different water forms like the Philippines, it is but natural to take advantage of its rich marine resources through the use of techniques and technologies developed through time.

One training facility stands in Pangasinan to share means and ways of fishing to poor people in the countryside in order to improve the quality of their lives and of the community where they belong.

The Asian Fisheries Academy (AFA) of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) is committed to “provide significant contribution in helping small and marginal fisherfolks and other stakeholders become technology-competent and, themselves, entrepreneur.”

AFA is a 24-hectare site located at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) center in Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City. It was through former Speaker of the House Jose de Venecia, Jr., that the 45-million peso facility was constructed to “support the aquaculture industry in the country.” He put P30 million from his Countrywide Development Fund to the project.

It was formally inaugurated in February 2008.

Its initial operation was made possible through the contribution of Japan 2KR Grant Assistance through the Fisheries Grassoots Outreach Project, conceptualized to “bridge the gap between research and extension.”

AFA is one of the biggest facilities of BFAR and is equipped with modern audio-visual equipment and furnishings. One of its

missions is to “spearhead dissemination of new and improved fishery technologies that include aquaculture, post-harvest and fishing methods to fisherfolks and other stakeholders especially in the grassroots level in the Philippines.”

The training facility also aims to “uplift the moral, social, and economic condition of marginal fisherfolks in the Philippines; provide capacity building opportunities to improve competency of local and international fishery extension workers; and establish data bank on aquaculture and facilitate networking activities with other fishery institutions worldwide.”

AFA’s goals also include the following: “to produce standard reading extension materials for the most economically viable fishery technologies; formulate technology development and extension road map [to uplift] poor fisheries stakeholders in the Philippines; and develop a pool of aquaculture experts and provide career development program to ensure the sustainability of AFA.” In 2009, a memorandum of agreement for the Harvest of Hope Project was signed between the National Fisheries Research and

Development Institute and the Global Peace Festival Foundation.

Through this deed, 240 people from Mindanao were given an opportunity to learn fisheries skills, technology, and peace education from August to December of that year.

De Venecia said that AFA is part of his efforts in “propelling the aquaculture industry” in the Philippines. Prior to this, he has funded the establishment of Bangus Hatchery, Live Fish market, and the development of penaeus vannamei white shrimp ponds as an alternative to the unfortunate collapse of the tiger prawn industry and tilapia culture.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMES CHRISTER FRANCISCO. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. WESTLY R. ROSARIO.

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VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/ASIAN-FISHERIES-ACADEMY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

PHILANTHROPY

BY JANE FRANCIS QUINABO / PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMES CHRISTER FRANCISCO

THERE ARE CHILDREN WHO ARE BORN IN THE MIDST of poverty in places like Baseco, Payatas, Tumana, those who live along the pier, and those who live under the bridges of the metropolis. As they grow up, they tend to leave the future to chance and not plan anything for themselves or for their families. They feel as if they have no choice, and that they are meant to be where they are.

Escuela Taller Intramuros opened their eyes, for they were not only given a chance to grab hold of their future and make something of themselves; they were also offered the opportunity to preserve, build, and help their respective communities with the skills that they acquire from the 18-month long training provided by the school.

According to their own description, “Escuela Taller or school workshop began in 1985 under Spain’s Ministerio de Trabajo y Sociales to address the rising unemployment in the country. Believing that the preservation of the country’s cultural patrimony is linked to social and economic development, the school workshop trained young people in occupational skills related to the recovery and restoration of cultural heritage. Graduates of the program eventually participated in successful projects that restored the old glory of Spain’s neglected buildings and structures.”

Because of the success of this program, Escuela Taller started having branches in other countries in South America. When they decided to have one in Asia, the Philippines was the top choice because of its historical and cultural connection with Spain. For more than 300 years, we were colonized by the Spaniards, and the presence of Spanish buildings and other dwellings can be found scattered all over the country.

Escuela Taller offers carpentry, masonry, electrical skills, woodworks, metal works, plumbing, painting, and finishing classes among others. Unlike TESDA and other schools that offer skills-based training programs, the students who are picked to study in the school come from the poorest sector of the society.

Students who are considered underprivileged but have the dedication and skills are chosen to be a part of the school. At first, it was the core staff of Escuela who goes to depressed areas to conduct screening and find students for the school. But after two successful batches, local governments from all over the country send applicants for the upcoming batches.

The first year was difficult for everyone in Escuela Taller. Student affairs

officer Gie Santos said, “You’re an all-around person here. You’re a teacher and a student affairs officer, but you also work as adviser, guidance counselor, parent, big brother, and many others.”

Most of the students, especially the females, have domestic issues and are victims of abuse, poor hygiene, and other household problems, so there is a strong need for guidance and counseling.

The first few weeks of training saw the students immersing themselves in the classroom, getting to know each other and just letting them choose which craft they would master. Escuela prides itself of having a very competitive and world-class faculty, for not only are they competent in their chosen fields, they are also very patient with the students.

After their training, students undergo a National Certification from TESDA, which is as good as a civil service exam. One great thing about Escuela is that, some of the instructors are also TESDA assessors, so the students are properly equipped with what they need to know, and are properly guided in their everyday tasks.

For such a great project, the next question would be, when will Escuela Taller open its doors to other provinces in the Philippines?

Architect Michael “Mico” Manalo, executive director of Escuela Taller Intramuros, shared about the future plans for the school. They are in the middle of creating a foundation, and then they will expand to other locations.

Provinces such as Bohol, Batanes, and Ilocos Sur have already shown interest in putting up Escuela Taller in their locality.

Of course, the skills that will be taught will be based on the community’s “cultural assets” and what it has to offer to the job market. For example, Bangued in Abra is known for weaving, so an Escuela Taller for weaving can be established in the area. In Meycauayan, Bulacan, a trade school for jewelry making and leather products can be built.

There are also in talks with other schools, like University of Santo Tomas and Mapua Institute of Technology, for a tie-up with teachers in their respective faculties who might be willing to teach in the Escuela, which is indeed a great way to promote collaborative learning within the Philippines.

Each student has a story to tell, and it may not be a pretty one. But the advocates of learning from Escuela Taller Intramuros who believe in the capabilities of these children are paving the way for their future—one where they can shape and use to lift themselves out of poverty.

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BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE ON LOCATION IN JAPAN

MR. IRETON IN HIS OFFICE IN TOKYO, JAPAN

Balikbayan Magazine: How is the movie industry doing in Japan right now?

Bill Ireton: Very well. The business is up about 15 percent this year and it’s about a 50-50 balance between U.S. movies and what we call local content, the Japanese movies. Both sides of the business are doing very well. Last year was about 60 percent local and 40 percent Hollywood.

BBMag: What was the major hit last year in Japan?

BI: Avengers was a big hit. For Warner Brothers it was a Japanese movie called Rurouni Kenshin. Actually, it was quite a big hit in the Philippines, too. And also for us with the American product, Dark Shadows, a Johnny Depp movie, [was a hit as well].

BBMag: Are there similarities and differences between Hollywood and Japanese movies?

BI: I think the people look at American movies from a big spectacle—the special effects, the action. As for Japanese movies, they look for more familiar themes, closer to home type—family, romance, comedy. American romantic movies work, too. Romantic comedies probably work more for Japanese movies. Comedy is a taste that is hard to translate across borders. People have their own indigenous comedy. But there are comedies that cross over, for instance, Ted. That was a big hit in Japan.

BBMag: How prevalent is piracy in Japan?

BI: Piracy here is very limited. People are very law-abiding here. There is very little physical piracy, you know, the DVD discs. Of course, there’s some piracy on the Internet that’s traceable to activities in Japan. But quite recently the Japanese government passed a law in which it’s now a crime to download. Previously there’s only a crime to upload, but now it’s a crime to download, too. And they have made some publicized arrests to set an example.

But to begin with, on estimate, we only lose about 2 percent of our revenues to piracy compared to some other countries where the problem is more prevalent.

It’s a cultural thing. People are pretty much law-abiding here. The main point is that they are very quality conscious. They want the best quality; they’d rather pay the extra and get the real deal.

BBMag: Which one is your all-time favorite movie?

BI: There’s a lot. But what comes into mind right now is our movie Rurouni Kenshin, which we distributed last year. That’s a big samurai movie. For American movies, there’s a lot of them. Well, I really like Good Fellows, Martin Scorsese...

That’s about 15-20 years ago.

BBMag: How did you get into the movie industry?

FILIPINOS THE WORLD OVER ARE KNOWN FOR BEING artistic as shown in their throng of singers, dancers, painters, and many other artists. In addition to this, Philippine-made “indie” films are making the rounds of international film festivals, winning major awards and giving honor to the country.

The increasing number of moviegoers in our cinemas also proves that the local film industry still has a long, long way to go. Although piracy and foreign-made films hamper the growth and commercial success of locally made movies, many young directors and producers continue to create films. It is encouraging to note that the local and even international audience still appreciate these local creations.

To get a better picture of how the movie industry is faring in other countries and to see if it mirrors our own condition, Balikbayan Magazine sat with the president and representative director of Warner Entertainment Japan, Inc., William “Bill” Ireton. The 2004 CineAsia “Distributor of the Year” awardee gave us an enlightening picture on the situation of the film industry in his own country.

BI: I’ve been with Warner Brothers for about 25 years now. Prior to that, I was a journalist. I wrote about the business of movies. And after that, I came to do those stuff I’ve been writing about. That’s sort of my career trajectory.

BBMag: How does being bicultural/bilingual (Ireton’s father is American and his mother is Japanese.) helped you succeed in your career?

BI: Definitely, understanding the culture is quite important. Our primary purpose here is to distribute the American movies to the Japanese public. So to understand the cultural sensitivities and also the taste of the Japanese people, which are changing like in any culture, [is vital]. [It’s important for me] to understand what’s going on and to be able translate our marketing and distribution to cater to those [ Japanese audience].

BBMag: What is your goal for yourself and for the company?

BI: The way that consumers are enjoying entertainment is changing. They used to be quite a simple business model that everybody came for the movies, then after that, after a few weeks, [we have] what we call a first run movie house, a second run... Today second run and third runs don’t exist. Video came, and the business model was also simple. You put it in a cinema and a few months later you brought it out on DVD. But now it’s a lot more [complicated]. New technologies have upended the business processes. But also more to the point of how people wanna watch movies.

Personally, I love to go to the cinema with my wife, and we enjoy the show with other people. Some people, because of lack of time, they want to multitask. They’d rather see it on their iPad. So if we provide the proper channels for everybody to enjoy entertainment the way they wanna see it, then I think we’re doing our job.

That’s the challenge going forward because people would wanna watch a movie—some people on their smartphones and some people over the cinema.

People watching on their smartphones may not necessarily wanna wait... It’s really the balance that’s important. At the same time, the movie theaters are the primary experience. When we make a movie—the director, the producer, the stars—they are making movie for the big screen. And I think that should be the primary venue. And then after that, it’s fine to watch it on devices.

The business model is changing and, of course, making movies is becoming more expensive. Marketing movies is very expensive. There’s so much information out there that people have information overload. So how to cut through that and say “Hey, my movie is the best movie this weekend.”—that’s challenging when we only have like a 15-second or a 30-second TV spot or TV commercial.

INTERVIEW BY VINCE SAMSON / PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELLEN BERNARDO

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“TAKE UP ONE IDEA. MAKE THAT ONE idea your life—think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” – Swami Vivekananda The idea is simple: Any man or woman, child or adult, should have a happy and healthy life.

It may sound too good to be true—and maybe it is—but who or what’s stopping you from trying?

After all, there’s no harm in striving to live a life that is perfect for you. One that is stress-free, bodily aware, and fun.

There’s a perfectly safe way to embody this idea, and it has been here since time immemorial: yoga.

The Philippines is lucky to have convenient venues for this ancient “system of Indian philosophy primarily concerned with self-realization and enlightenment,” with highly competent and welltrained yoga instructors.

Think of it as a sanctuary in the city—a place where you can explore yourself amidst the turmoil of city living. Think of Urban Ashram Manila (UAM), one of the premier centers for the study of yoga in the country. It has large studios, world-class facilities, and Yoga Alliance-registered teachers. Best of all, it’s accessible and has ample parking.

Urban Ashram aims to “promote yoga for everybody through safe, fun and progressive practices.” It was started by six individuals who are passionate about yoga: full-time mom JP Cox, entrepreneur and professor Lasse Holopainen, his wife and businesswoman Maricar Holopainen, doctor Martin Philippe Ngo, and photographer and makeup artist Ivy Evangelista.

Flexibility Not Required Wait, what if I’m not flexible? Well, you don’t have

to worry as flexibility is not a requirement to practice yoga. In fact, the Ashram provides sessions called FNR or Flexibility Not Required that teaches basic positions and breathing exercises.

“Studying yoga builds up flexibility and strength,” says Trisha Sarmenta, UAM marketing and communications officer.

Trisha, who also teaches FNR and Vinyasa Flow, adds that there are more benefits one can get from yoga than flexibility and strength. “It cultivates body awareness and calms down the mind. [Yoga also promotes a] positive change from the inside out.”

What’s more, it can also detoxify your body through twists, make you slimmer (if coupled with proper diet), help you become longer and leaner, build up your posture, and make you aware of your breathing, which is very essential for relaxation and concentration.

But, don’t you think I’m too old for that? Definitely not. Anyone can start yoga at any point in his or her life, although it’s always better to start early. Trisha says that there are people in their senior years who want to try yoga and do really well despite their age.

Of course, proper training plays a huge part to make this happen.

YOUNG YOGI Nica Hechanova, assistant program director of Kids’ Yoga Philippines, explains on the side that if adults can do it, the young ones can, too. UAM has a session for children aged three to nine every Saturday for 40 to 60 minutes.

Yoga for kids, which was developed only a year ago, “infuses play and storytelling” into every session. This idea of “yoga in a fun way” helps children to learn the different positions and breathing exercises without getting too burdened.

Kids who do yoga, according to Nica, “improve their concentration and focus, get stronger, and become more aware of their body.” Apart from these, other benefits include “increasing self-confidence, nourishing creativity, expanding awareness of others, and encouraging compassion, generosity, and respect.”

There is also a growing sentiment in UAM to get yoga into the entire “life-cycle” of any human being.

That’s why they have introduced both a pre-natal and post-natal yoga. Trisha says that the former can help the mother to reduce pain in delivery, while the latter serves as a therapy to improve healing after getting birth.

They are also studying the prospect of adding a “Mom and Baby Yoga” in the coming years. But Trisha says that a rigorous training will still have to be undergone by future instructors before UAM can formally offer the course.

Other yoga classes offered are FNR Athletics, Vinyasa Flow, Vinyasa Hour, Hatha, Pranayama, Restorative, Fertility Yoga, and Kundalini: Kriya, among others. The center is open daily from Monday to Sunday.

UAM is part of US-based Yoga Works. It currently has two branches, the Brixton branch in Pasig City and the High Street branch in Taguig City.

For more information about yoga and the Ashram, you may e-mail them through info@urbanashrammanila.com or visit their website www.urbanashrammanila.com

BY STENO A. PADILLA / PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE MARIE ALVARO &!

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BY JANE FRANCIS S. QUINABO

FOR YEARS, THE TERM AESTHETIC MEDICINE HAS CONJURED IMAGES OF vanity and has always been considered a luxury. Many people perceived it as something celebrities do—a skin-deep treatment that maintains their beautiful skin and face, or perfectly sculpts the body.

But, unlike other aesthetic clinics that offer both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Revage gave aesthetic medicine a whole new meaning.

Coined from the term “reverse aging,” Dr. Iris Shelly T. Pastor explained that Revage does aesthetics and much more. Also, it offers a comprehensive anti-aging detox program. The co-founder of Revage toured the Balikbayan Magazine team to their clinic in Bonifacio Global City, and gave their take on this very popular branch of medicine.

MORE THAN AESTHETICS Revage offers a detox program to help patients improve the way they look and also how they feel their bodies. Treatments are not typically skin-deep, and the doctor-patient relationship does not end once you pay and walk out the door. The clinic offers programs for maintenance and counselling sessions to further improve the patients’ lifestyles.

Her most unique service is the Slimlipo ( by Palomar Medical Technologies, Boston USA ) which is a form of laser liposuction. It uses 2 laser wavelengths specifically for fat melting and skin tightening. Some clinics offer traditional liposuction procedures and skin tightening programs separately but the Slimlipo combines both treatments in a single procedure resulting in a more evenly contoured and firmer body.

Revage uses the Starlux 500 Laser platform (also by Palomar Medical Technologies) which is considered to be the "mother of all lasers." The non-ablative skin resurfacing procedure addresses different skin problems that has very minimal to no downtime at all.

Hydrocolon therapy is another treatment that is very popular among her patients. This upcoming trend in medicine guarantees the removal of fecal matters and nonspecific toxins from the colon and intestinal tract. Food that are rich in preservatives and carbonated drinks that contain too much sugar stay in the stomach for much too long, and this can cause obesity among other diseases. Of all digestive organs, the colon suffers the most. Keeping it clean reduces acne, bloating, and constipation.

NO FALSE ADVERTISEMENTS Dr. Pastor does not do false advertising. The most common mistake that any advertiser makes is to overpromise and “underdeliver.”

“It’s not just marketing your package but also fitting your package to your patient’s lifestyle,” she said.

Dr. Pastor shared that, surprisingly, there are patients who come to her clinic prepared: they have an idea as to how they want to look, thinking that the doctors are “gods who can do anything they wish.” Treatments like all other processes are a two way street. Clients should not simply rely on machines but must use them as a tool to help them achieve their goal of looking good and feeling good about themselves.

Revage is more than willing to keep their end of the deal, making sure that the patients get their money’s worth. And after each session, expect Revage to help maintain the new you.

For more information about Revage, you can visit them at the 3rd floor of Seibu Tower, 24th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

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COMING BACK, GIVING BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES

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IT’S AN ALL TOO FAMILIAR STORY THAT keeps being written even today. A hardworking Filipino, driven by dreams of a better life, sets his sights on foreign shores and their promise of greener pastures. Because he is hardworking, highly qualified and motivated, he is able to pursue his dream. The years turn into a decade, or two, and he eventually settles with his family in a foreign land, joining a community of kababayans who had taken the same path. The Philippines, once home, becomes a place to visit on few-and-far-between vacations.

Whether it’s in the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Dubai or another country—the scenery may change but the basic story is the same: once the Filipino dream takes flight, it’s usually, ultimately, one-way.

There are a few, however, who choose to write a different story. One of them is Kingson Sian, the President of Resorts World Manila.

After completing his Business Economics degree from the University of the Philippines in 1982, Sian was eager to put his education to good use and further hone his knowledge of business and finance.

With the sad state of the Philippine economy around that time, however, there were few opportunities to be found. He decided instead to pursue further studies in the United States.

He obtained his master’s degree in Business Administration for Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago, and went on to work with Citicorp Real Estate, Inc., in the United States from 1988 to 1990. He then became the vice president of First Pacific Bank (later renamed Bank of East Asia) in Hong Kong in the early 1990s.

Sian was away from the Philippines for a decade, but he chose to return.

“At the end of the day I chose to come home to the Philippines. This is where I was born, and that’s one way for me to give back to the country,” he says.

He rose to the position of Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Megaworld Corporation in 1995. Prior to this, he also served as senior vice

“ The most important thing for me is to f ind your passion, and, equally important, you have to f ind your purpose in life,” he says. president of Megaworld Land, Inc., a subsidiary of the former. He eventually became, and still serves as, the President of the Andrew Tan-led Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with business interests in real estate, food and beverage, quick service restaurants, and tourism and gaming.

The Philippines today is vastly different from the one he left in the 80s, and he speaks passionately about its prospects. He has often spoken of how we are now witnessing the start of “the Philippine decade,” a period of dynamic growth resulting from the confluence of many different factors.

“The Philippines was one of the leading economies in the world in terms of growth last year.

We believe that this will be sustainable going forward in the future. There’s a renewed interest in investing in the Philippines, and that will be very good for the foreseeable future,” he says.

There is another thing he is passionate about: developing the Philippines as a tourist destination.

Sian holds executive positions in several other companies, but he is perhaps most visible as the president of Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., the firm that developed and now operates Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

Just across the road from Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Resorts World Manila pioneered the integrated resort development

BY STENO A. PADILLA

in the country. It currently houses three hotels, a shopping mall, cinemas, various restaurants, a family amusement center, a 1,500-seat grand theater, as well as the largest casino in the Philippines. Since it opened in 2009, it has become a popular destination for both local and foreign guests looking for variety in their leisure and entertainment choices.

Resorts World Manila is now on its third phase of development, which will significantly increase its total number of hotel rooms with the entry of global brands, Hilton and Sheraton, as well as new brands, Belmont and Savoy. Developments also include additional hotel rooms of two existing brands, Marriot Hotel Manila and Maxims Hotel, plus a 4,000-seat Marriott Grand Ballroom.

“Being in the tourism sector, what we do is to create a platform for us to showcase the best of what the Philippines can offer in terms of food, performing arts, theater, service, and all the other things we want to present both to local and foreign tourists,” he declares.

Apart from helping uplift the tourism sector, he is also keen on Resorts World Manila’s advocacy to promote Filipino products.

“We support a lot of small and medium-scale industries. For example we source our furniture locally as much as we can. Filipinos are renowned for exporting furniture, and we would like to be able to support and showcase that to the rest of the world,” he reveals.

With all of his achievements and his contributions to the country’s economy, coupled with his extensive experience, Sian has become not simply businesssavvy, but a strong, bold leader.

“The most important thing for me is to find your passion, and, equally important, you have to find your purpose in life,” he says. For the next generation of business leaders, he advises, “pursue your dreams, explore the world, and, of course, think of your home country.”

Take it from someone who did exactly that—and did really well.