BORACAY SUN | August 2015 Issue

AUGUST 2015 | VOL. V NO. 8 | BORACAY’S MONTHLY NEWS ON RECYCLED PAPER

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COMPLETE LIST What’s in this issue...

03

IN THE NEWS

06 ENVIRONMENT 08 EXPAT FILES 10 CULTURE 12

7107 ISLANDS

16 PEOPLE

THE EVERYDAY HERO

17 LIFESTYLE 20 INDULGE 23 HEALTH

Beth Jalea

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day in the life of a lifeguard. The beaches of Boracay Island are made safe due to the presence of lifeguards in strategic locations. In the White Beach, lifeguards patrol three strategic areas: the Tourist Center Beach, the D’Mall Beach, and the Willy’s Rock Beach. These areas are reported to have an average of 100 to 1000 swimmers daily.

IN THE NEWS

Lifeguards are among the firsts to respond in life or death situations in the sea or at the beach. They are tasked not only to rescue but primarily to educate swimmers and taking steps to prevent drowning or other related injuries before they occur. They work hard to ensure the absence or reduction of drowning incidents, and other medical emergencies among aquatic patrons. In many cases, lifeguards can recognize signs of an emergency before it occur. Prevention of any harm is an effective

7107 Islands

PEOPLE

skill vitally important to this kind of profession.

Being a lifeguard is physically challenging and requires training and certifications. One must be an excellent swimmer, has undergone lifeguarding training and certifications. Having people skills would not hurt either. For those who are interested, the Philippine Red Cross conducts training programs for volunteers who can later on become employees.

LIFESTYLE

INDULGE

>>> PAGE 21

Acts of Kindness

Samar Caves

Boracay Heroes

Kuala Lumpur

>>> PAGE 03

>>> PAGE 14

>>> PAGE 16

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Kasbah

For the Non-fictional Heroes

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What makes a hero? Is he someone with the ability to fly? Or is he someone who dons a cape?

All throughout history, we have named several people who we consider as heroes. They were the ones who fought for our freedom, influenced our views, and probably changed our lives. They are the heroes that our country is honoring this month, the great people who sacrificed their lives for our country and shaped our nation.

And then there are those who we call our everyday heroes. They walk with us every day in their “normal disguise”, our neighbors and friends who save lives by profession; individuals and organizations championing a certain cause. We have featured some of them in our People section.

Everyone might have a different definition of a hero, but let us all remember that fantastical stories aside, any one of us can be one.

Boracay Sun is one with you in celebrating National Heroes day and we would like to honor all those who embodies the traits. Saludo kami sa inyo!

COVER

THE BORACAY SUN FAMILY

By Dr. Lhen Brutton

WWW.BORACAYSUN.COM Managing Editor MICHAEL JEROME MADRIAGA Senior Editors BLANCHE BASCO & BETH JALEA Junior Editor SAMANTHA GO Art Director ALVA ALVAREZ Photographers JULIUS OLARTE & JOANNA PAULA POSADAS Ma. Teresa Fajilan

“A Strong person is not afraid to cry. A strong person is one who is quiet then cries for a moment then breathes life into the heart and knows what to do next. A strong person never gives up because humanity’s true success and goal is their ultimate strength to know life is great.” ~ MTFB “Work for a CAUSE, not for APPLAUSE. Live life to EXPRESS, not to IMPRESS. Don’t STRIVE to make your PRESENCE NOTICED, just make your ABSENCE FELT”

Columnists JOEL JAMES CUBILLAS, KLAUS DORING, HOLLY GOLIGHTLY, SHIVA NAND, RICA VELASCO, CALVIN YOUNG Contributors JUN AGUIRRE, MARINA BENIPAYO, KAREN BERMEJO, STELLA MARIE CARREON, LOWELL CAUILAN, SARAH CONNOR, DOUGLAS FABILANE, RICHARD CEPEDA GO, SACHI GO, PATRICIA HERNANDEZ, PIA MIRAFLORES, MELISSA RILI, THINKERBELL Contributing Photographers DR. LHEN BRUTTON, GLADYS ESTANDIAN Publisher THE BORACAY WALLSTREET INC.

~ Unknown “When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realise that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy.”

President & CEO MA. TERESA FAJILAN Sales and Marketing Manager MICHELLE ELIZON Operations Manager JOANN BARRIOS

~ DALAI LAMA Boracay Sun Office

“Being honest might not get you a lot of friends, but it will always get you the right ones.”

Monaco Crossing Tulubhan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608 editorial@boracaywallstreet.com

For Advertising / Inquiries Telephone: (+63 36) 288 2582 Mobile: (+63 998) 558 2541 Email: ads.boracaysun@boracaywallstreet.com

~ JOHN LENNON

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Copyright © April 2014 Boracay Sun. All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines.

Except as permitted by law, no part of the Boracay Sun may be used, reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Boracay Sun. The publisher accepts no liability for the content correctness of any advertisement and reserves the right for editorial freedom of the press under the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article III (Bill of Rights) Section 4.

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BORACAY SUN

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IN THE NEWS

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AUGUST 2015

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Acts of kindness surface in Boracay fire aftermath Karen Bermejo

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hen tragedy strikes, humanity abounds.

In the afternoon of June 17, a raging inferno struck the three-hectare Talipapa Bukid public market of Boracay Island and its neighboring five-hectare residential areas of scattered boarding houses.

Fire Inspector Stephen Jardeleza, Chief of the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP)Boracay, said more than P20 million worth of properties were burned in the 16hour conflagration. The fire broke out at around 2:50 PM on that windy Wednesday afternoon; it was declared under control at 4:50 PM but was only put out at 7:10 in the morning of the following day.

For 51-year old Fire Officer 3 Franklin Arubang, the fire in Talipapa Bukid was the biggest he experienced in Boracay since he was first assigned here 13 years ago. He was among the 10 members of the fire department who risked their lives and fought the fire that devoured businesses and houses, and left many with almost nothing.

in their Boracay house which she and her family use once a year when they go on vacation.

In his 22 years in the profession, Arubang has never hesitated to risk his life to save others. “We are always willing to risk our lives to protect the people, and even their properties,” the firefighter shared.

“We opened the house because it’s our only way to help,” she said. “This is our only way to express our sympathy,” she added. She allowed her guests to stay until they had found a new shelter.

Apart from the BFP, members of the Boracay Fire Rescue Ambulance Volunteer (BFRAV) and Shangri-Ia Fire Brigade instantly responded to put off the fire and help victims rescue whatever belongings they could. Others were able to save some of their possessions. But most were not lucky enough.

Hope remains

One of them was the family of Myro Cawaling. The 42-year old plumber working in one resort here said he was at work when the fire started. He immediately went home when he heard the news. But it was already too late for him. The fire gutted everything they had acquired and invested in their seven-year stay in the neighborhood – their house along with the newly-renovated boarding houses which provided extra source of income for his family. He was only able to save the clothes he was wearing that day. But despite the tragedy, he breathed a sigh of relief that no one from his family was hurt.

Perhaps, because most of them aren’t new to the scenario. In 2005, a fire also destroyed the old public market near boat station 3 of the White Beach. The public market was later transferred to the site of Talipapa Bukid.

Nevertheless, as quick as the spread of fire, assistance poured for Myro and the other affected families and individuals - most of them tenants who endure the congestion in the place because of their meager income. Myro’s family took temporary shelter in one of the resorts owned by his employer who immediately offered help.

More than a month after the fire, life has started again at Talipapa Bukid businesses have resumed, stalls are rising, and the happy vendors are back. Proof that the Filipino resilience will never turn to ash.

The ashes and the ruins of fire however did not dampen the hopeful spirit of the people of Boracay. They remain optimistic and stood together amidst the disaster.

One who experienced both tragedies was Edward dela Cruz, President of the Boracay Talipapa Business Owner Credit Cooperative. Edward shared that he was not able to save any of his merchandise and more than 100 kg of meat that was delivered just shortly before the June 17 fire.

Quick to respond to the needs of the fire was the Boracay Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross. The Red Cross, aside from providing medical assistance, distributed relief goods gathered from different individuals and groups. The Red Cross also provided hot meals for the families who took refuge in the evacuation centers.

The youth members of the Red Cross did not also let their age hinder them from helping. For Louejane Dehito, 13; and Princess Fillo, 12; the chance to help was a privilege. Along with the other members of the Red Cross Youth-Boracay, Louejane and Princess joined the donation drive for the fire victims. The two grade seven students were also among those who conducted the psychosocial support activities to help young victims cope with the crisis they were facing. Games and other funfilled activities served as psychological first aid for the young at the Manoc-manoc Covered Gym, and even for the parents.

Boracay natives who are based abroad also made efforts to help and opened their doors to fire victims.

Marissa Licerio-Gabriel who is based in Switzerland with her family, offered her house for the co-workers of her sister. Gabriel said only her parents were staying

Students of Boracay National High School help pack relief goods for fire victims

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IN THE NEWS

Café Vinchi opens in Boracay

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AUGUST 2015

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Aklan Investment Forum to boost tourism Jun Ariolo Aguirre

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oracay Island – Yet another boost in the tourism of the resort island is expected after the Investment Forum hosted by the Provincial Government of Aklan last July 17 at Marzon Hotel in Kalibo.

The forum which was spearheaded by the offices of Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and Congressman Teodorico Haresco in collaboration with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) aimed to promote growth through a more competitive business environment in the province.

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estled on the island’s central station, Café Vinchi opens in Boracay with an invitation to fare on a fun fusion of Philippine and American gastronomy.

The name Vinchi is a clever combination from the first syllables of the names of Vincent and Chieko Reyes, owners and operators of the café who are both balikbayans from California. Vincent is originally from New Washington, Aklan and moved to the US years ago. His better half, Chieko is half Filipino and half Japanese, born in Okinawa, Japan.

The husband and wife tandem have been frequent visitors of Boracay over the last ten years. They love the uncommon beauty and unique pleasures of the island.

Along with two other members of their family, Christina and Jarod, they have decided to establish a business here and call Boracay home.

With its concept of simplicity, Café Vinchi runs as a quick-serve restaurant. It dishes out a menu of Filipino and American quality food, such as their California style Sisig Fries and Apple Pie Lumpia a la Mode, at reasonable prices, with great service in a pleasant and clean establishment. Located across the lagoon from D’Mall, on the ground floor of Jeffrey S Hotel, Café Vinchi is a new foodie haven not to be missed.

Rotary Weekend Reunion DOUGLAS FABILANE

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n what was to be a Rotarization of new members turned into something even better - a reunion of two Clubs separated by a hundred kilometer distance from one another, and a generation gap. The Rotary Club of Boracay and the mother club, the Rotary Club of Kalibo forged a momentous event.

On July 11-12, 2015, 12 Rotarians, mostly past presidents from Rotary Club of Kalibo, headed by Assistant Governor for Zone 4, Rotary District 3850, AG Raphy Tayco, visited Boracay for the New Members Orientation Seminar. The two-day seminar held at the Seawind Resort was to familiarize both the new members and old members on the basics of Rotary.

AG Raphy discussed about the history of the Rotary, what is it all about and what Rotary has done to change the world. Past President Vady Marin shared his expertise in Rotary protocols and the organization’s guiding principle, the Four Way Test. Past Presidents Bing Santa Maria, Nolly Sodusta and Rotarian Alexey Apolonio discussed the Five Avenues of Services of Rotary on the second day.

Twelve Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Boracay attended the Orientation Seminar.

The two-day session ended with sumptuous dinner and lunch, and highlighted with light conversations, laughter and photo shoots. Members of the Rotary Club of Boracay were thankful of the knowledge and fruitful experience gained from the ever supporting Rotarians of the mother club, Rotary Club of Kalibo.

Cong. Haresco said that the forum endeavors to look for partners in financing the construction, operation, and maintenance of public infrastructures and development projects.

Among the identified major projects available for financing include roads, airports, ports, water supply, health facilities, agriculture, sanitary landfills, power generation, and irrigation facilities.

Peter Wallace, Chairman and President of the Wallace Business Forum, was the investment forum’s keynote speaker.

Also involved were the different funding institutions and private sector investors including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Aklan, Private Public Partnership Center, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Technical Education Skills Development Authority, Czech Republic, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Korea International Cooperation Agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency, , Australian Agency for International Development, United States Agency for International Development, United Nations Development Program, and the European Union.

The Aklan Provincial Tourism Office targets at least two million tourists to visit the province this 2015.

New home for fine wines and spirits, Forth & Tay relocates

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orth & Tay Boracay has moved to a bigger and better location at Lot #490 Station 2, Bolabog, Barangay Balabag.

The rains couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those gathered to celebrate the inauguration and blessing of the new store on July 8, 2015.

Forth & Tay carries a wide selection of imported wines and spirits from different countries.

James Du Vivier (Forth & Tay Chairman), Noel Sebastian (FTI Managing Director), Roque Tabelon (FTI Sales Director), Roberto Campos (Commercial Director, Bacardi Martini Phils.) and Kharl Ocampo (Forth & Tay Operations Manager) flew in from Manila to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and to welcome guests to the new location.

Lemoni Café served delicious cocktail food paired with great wines from selected countries.

Everyone was treated to taste specialty products such as the Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand), Arrogant Frog Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Languedoc, France), Two Oceans Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Stellenbosch, South Africa).

Visit Forth & Tay Boracay and check out their current stocks and new products. Store hours are from 9:00 a.m.

– 9:00 p.m. daily. Call (036) 288 2658; (0926) 6994548 & (0917) 5032141 for deliveries and inquiries. Forth & Tay Boracay Key Accounts Manager Rrhain Pandeling, ably supported by Joy Renacido & Regine Semic, will be pleased to assist you. Avail of their 10% discount until end of August 2015.

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BFI Corner

IN THE NEWS

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AUGUST 2015

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BFI inducts Board of Directors for CY 2015-2017 pia miraflores

The newly-elected BFI Board of Directors with Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, Mayor John P. Yap, Aklan Provincial Tourism Council Co-Chair Vicky RamosAntonino, and USEC Demetrio Ignacio, Jr. of DENR

B

oracay Foundation, Incorporated (BFI) inducted its Board of Directors for CY 2015-2017 on July 18, 2015 at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa.

Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores served as the Inducting Officer, while Undersecretary Demetrio L. Ignacio Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Field Operations served as the Keynote Speaker. Also present were Malay Municipal Mayor John P. Yap and the Members of the Sangguniang Bayan. Aklan Provincial Tourism Council Co-Chairman Victorina Ramos-Antonino also graced the affair.

Governor Joeben Miraflores receives the Plaque of Appreciation for being the Inducting Officer

In his welcome speech, President Re-elect Dionisio J. Salme said: “We all know that there are so many challenges that we are confronting right now. All eyes are on Boracay. The ball is in our hands – it’s high time that we unite, even stronger than before; we have to boost our efforts in ensuring that we all realize that the island is our home, our source of living, and we must do our share to conserve it. As a foundation, our collective efforts to protect Boracay will only magnify the results if we work towards a shared vision.”

President Salme has also committed for the BFI to continue to work together to preserve and restore this island, especially since ongoing competition is fierce and with the growing development in the island, problems rapidly arise. At the end of his speech, he stressed, “We do not celebrate a new beginning, but a stronger re-affirmation of the reason we are all here. The BFI is Boracay’s voice. Let’s make that voice stronger.”

Considered as the voice of Boracay’s stakeholders, the BFI is strongly advocating the conservation of the island’s environmental resources, through continuous projects focused on Coastal Resources Management. This is done in line with the marketing efforts of the BFI to ensure that members’ businesses are also sustained.

In his congratulatory message, Governor Miraflores invited all members to remember that tourism is the lifeblood of Boracay; and to ensure the continuity of the industry, stakeholders should strongly work on the preservation of the environment.

The governor also highlighted how the BFI has always been the partner of the province in preserving the environment ever since the BFI’s existence.

On the other hand, Chairman Dr. Henry O. Chusuey, in his acceptance speech, said, “More than ever, the foundation plays a very critical role in helping address the numerous immense challenges we face in Boracay Island through the use of our influence among the community. Therefore, as your chairman, I commit to

Chairman Dr. Henry O. Chusuey leads the Induction of the new BFI Members provide the leadership the Association requires in order to achieve its objectives and implement its strategies, and I commit to listen and respond to your needs as members and work very closely with the entire Board of Trustees.”

He also enjoined his fellow members and officers of the BFI Board of Directors to be leaders in the deepest sense, highlighting that such service should not wait for something in return, because genuine leadership is never about personal glorification but about responding to the obligation, to the members, and to the island.

In the end, Chairman Chusuey highlighted that in light of the current challenges Boracay is facing, the island needs real actions inspired by forward thinking of where the community wants to see the island in the future. The event was a double celebration as BFI also welcomed to the family its new members, namely: The District Boracay, Patio Pacific Boracay, Microtel by Wyndham Boracay, and Shingley Helmet Diving and Tours.

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ENVIRONMENT

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AUGUST 2015

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Organic mineral aids Boracay in waste management Karen Bermejo

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Filipino invention endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is now being used in addressing the garbage and waste water problem in Boracay, a move aimed at sustaining this resort island’s environment amid continuous development.

Vigormin or Organo-Mineral (OM), a white organic powder developed by Dr. Merlinda Palencia of Adamson University, was first used in Boracay during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference last May. The research behind the mineral was funded by DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

It was initially developed for disaster stricken areas in the country, and was first used in temporary shelters in Palo, Leyte for typhoon Yolanda survivors to address sanitation problems. During the pilot implementation, three dedicated septic tanks, referred to as Eco-Sep tanks, were installed in the temporary shelters with 522 residents. The tanks were maintained with periodic application of the Vigormin. The Vigormin and the Eco-Sep tank constitutes the Eco-Sep (eco-friendly septic) System technology of the DOST.

After the successful demonstration of the project in Leyte for eight months, DOST opted to use the technology in Boracay, as one of the country’s top tourism destination which has long been a subject of environmental issues amid the influx of tourists.

According to Dr. Rowena Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services, the technology is a low-cost solution to Boracay’s problem on waste water, drainage systems, and residual solid waste that fill the air with noxious odor.

The Vigormin only costs P120 per kilogram, making it much cheaper compared to other chemical alternatives.

A total of 12 tons of Vigormin was donated by the DOST for Boracay.

The pilot test conducted here in May was implemented through the cooperation of the DOST Regional Office 6, the Aklan Provincial Science and Technology Center and the Local Government Unit of Malay.

Vigormin was used for the treatment of septic and drainage water in several hotels which hosted APEC delegates, in Cagban and Caticlan jetty ports, in the water reservoir of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and in some households. It

Alexander Alcazaren, an “amoy buster” sprays the Vigormin solution using a backpack-mounted sprayer to a pile of garbage at the Material Recovery Facility in Balabag was also used in material recovery facilities (MRFs) in Barangays Balabag, Manoc-Manoc and Yapak.

After the application of the Vigormin, it was able to effectively reduce unpleasant odor from decaying organic waste in the MRFs, as well as in concrete septic tanks of various establishments where it was applied. It resulted to the improvement of the septic water quality in Boracay, according to Guevara.

The Vigormin has not only been very helpful during APEC, but was used even after the international conference here. Until now, it is still used to treat truckloads of waste delivered in the garbage dumps in the island daily, and even in jetty ports. For its significant impact, the LGU of Malay said it will continue to apply the technology in the island, according to Guevara.

Guevara said the Eco-Sep project in Boracay is an example of the commercialization of development-driven technology.

“Boracay has the business of tourism.

DOST has the technology of organomineral (Vigormin). We hope that by pushing for the utilization of developed technologies, we hope to translate them into revenues of income,” she said during the official launching of the Eco-Sep System last July 2 held at Eurotel Hotel.

Dr. Merlinda Palencia (right) explains how Vigormin or Organo-Mineral powder works.

Guevara also hoped that Boracay would set as an example of public-private partnership for technology-driven sustainability

of the environment and development.

Meanwhile, Palencia said treating drainage water with Vigormin could help in the preservation of Boracay’s natural environment. Palencia assured that the Vigormin, made of locally sourced organic minerals, could not bring any harm to the beach waters of the island. She said that aside from reducing foul odor, the Vigormin also helps in the reduction of coliform and other harmful bacteria in the treated septic and drainage water, which are usually dislodged at the beach.

On his part, Malay Mayor John Yap encouraged the support of the private sector for the DOST project. “We are convinced with the positive result of this product. Let’s help Boracay by using this product,” Yap said.

Aside from the Vigormin, the DOST is also pushing for the use of the EcoSep tank designed by manufacturing firm INCA Philippines. The Eco-Sep tank that costs about P66,000 can accommodate about 2.5 cubic liters and can help reduce odor and heavy metals in wastewater. It can be used in hotels, resorts and even private households.

After Boracay, the project will also be endorsed in other areas in Western Visayas, according to Engr. Rowen Gelonga, DOST 6- Director. Gelonga said the Eco-Sep project will be helpful especially for areas where septic and waste management is a problem.

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ENVIRONMENT

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AUGUST 2015

Understanding Philippine Weather Warnings Richard Cepeda Go

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t this time of the year, the rainy season of the Philippines is just beginning to gain momentum. The season begins late May, strengthens by August and begins to wane

by October. Now, do not worry because the sun does still show itself regularly. Just plan your activities keeping in mind that there will be periods of rain that can range from simple showers to full blown storms (which can be deadly for the unprepared).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues weather forecasts and warnings thru multi-media such as TV, radio, newspapers and the internet. In the last few years, they have invested in upgrading their equipment to the point that they are quite accurate.

You will hear laymen refer to any storm as a “bagyo” although purists say the word refers to typhoons or tropical cyclones. In a normal year, around 19 tropical cyclones (typhoons) or storms enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and of these 6 to 9 usually make landfall. This year appears more active as 5 bagyos are forecasted to enter the PAR this July.

PAGASA releases warnings as Public Storm Warning Signals. (The main concern here is the potential destructive power of the tropical cyclone winds.)

PSWS are raised when an area (in the Philippines

only) is soon to be hit. As a tropical cyclone gets stronger and/or gets closer to an area, the warning is upgraded to a higher one. If it weakens and/or gets farther, it is downgraded to a lower signal or the area will have no storm signal.

PAGASA uses a color coding system to alert for flooding due to rainfall.

Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS):

1. YELLOW rainfall advisory -the expected amount of rainfall is 7.5 mm to 15 mm within one hour and is likely to continue. Possible flooding in low-lying areas.

2. ORANGE rainfall advisory -rainfall is between 15 mm and 30 mm within one hour. Definite threat of flooding in the area.

3. RED rainfall advisory -downpours constitute an emergency. When observed rainfall is more than 30 mm within one hour or if rainfall has continued for the past three hours and is more than 65 mm. Serious flooding is seen. Be ready to evacuate to safety.

1. PSWS #1 – 30 km/h (19 mph) to 60 km/h (37 mph) winds expected within 36 hours. (If a tropical cyclone forms very close to the area, a shorter lead time is posted on the warning bulletin.)

2. PSWS #2 – (Tropical Storm) Winds of 61 km/h (38 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph) expected within the next 24 hours.

3. PSWS #3 – (Typhoon) 121 km/h (75 mph) to 170 km/h (110 mph) winds expected within the next 18 hours.

4. PSWS #4 – (Typhoon) 171 km/h (106 mph) to 220 km/h (140 mph) winds expected within 12 hours.

5. PSWS #5 – (Super Typhoon) Winds stronger than 220 km/h (140 mph) are expected within 12 hours.

Flood alerts under the heavy rainfall warning system:

*All Local Government Units (LGUs) have identified evacuation areas to be used in case of flooding. These include barangay multi-purpose courts, selected barangay halls, and public schools.

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EXPAT FILES

OFWs: The Unsung Philippine Heroes Klaus Doring

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AUGUST 2015

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Talk the Talk Holly Golightly

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ravelling extensively around South East Asia for the past three years, I quickly learned that being able to speak a little of the local language got me a surprisingly long way. I found that ‘Hello’ in the native tongue elicits a flicker of a smile from even the surliest backpacker-weary tuk-tuk driver. ‘Thank you’ would be met with an even bigger smile and with the question, “Where are you from?”. I’d have a chat (in English) with the local who’d be keen to teach me another phrase or two before I continued on my way.

Not only is it respectful to try and communicate in the local language, but I found that being able to speak a little when bargaining and bartering meant I seemed less ‘fresh-off-the-boat’, therefore (hopefully!) reducing my chances of being ripped off. I didn’t want to be branded a ‘stupid farang’ by the Thais so I attempted to hone my Thai. It was hard. Vietnamese was just as tricky.

Coming to the Philippines was no different. Waiting at the airport in Borneo, I brushed off my trusty Lonely Planet guide and flipped to the Philippines’ section to check out the local lingo. Tagalog was the chosen tongue so I got learning.

I perfected my ‘Maraming salamat po’ (Thank you very much) and ‘Kamusta?’

(How are you?) and the like, and feeling proud of myself, was keen to learn more.

“Very important to learn is ‘Mahal’!” said a friendly Filipino I met bobbing around in a boat just off Boaracay’s Station 2. “It means ‘too expensive’!”

The photo shows me with German language students of mine, who, with God’s help, might be able to stay in Germany or Switzerland and Austria - more Philippine heroes.

D

uring my last stay in Cebu, I met an expatriate in a hotel lobby who was reading Rizal’s “Noli Mi Tangere”. The expat was really fascinated with Rizal.

Do you believe me? My favorite Philippine hero is, of course, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

But there are many more! I am talking about the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Sure, I have already written about this topic several times during the past years. But since we are celebrating the Philippine National Heroes’ Day on August 30, I decided to write about this topic again.

“But first you should ask them ‘Magkano’? Which means ‘How much?’” explained his wife. Super-useful stuff. “Magkano?” I questioned. “Good, good!” they encouraged, “Mahal!” I exclaimed frowning and they laughed, and warned, “But ‘mahal’ also means ‘my love’, so listen out for when a Filipino says, ‘Mahal kita’, it means ‘I love you’”. Ok, now I had to ensure that my bargaining didn’t get mixed up with my declarations of love or the poor vendors may get the wrong idea.

‘Hindi po’ (No, thank you) also comes in very handy when being offered items for sale, rather than being rude and ignoring the vendors or saying ‘No, thank you’ which some treat as interest, they smile at the response and carry on about their day. But people walking round saying ‘Uh-oh’ confused me. Were they permanently frightened by daily occurrences? “I wondered the same, too,” said my friend Chris. “‘Oo’ means ‘yes’!” It all became clear then.

The fact is, the beneficiaries of those Filipinos are deciding to open up savings accounts and investments in this country. The families of OFWs can feel and experience the importance of savings and investments in the Philippines.

Here is the other side of the coin: I learned that OFW households utilize their remittances primarily for food, education, medical expenses, debt payments, and savings.

Of course, we all know that much has been written about all the wonderful places worldwide. A lifetime is never enough to discover the world. But the migrant Filipinos are so occupied and so overloaded with work, that on their day off, many of them even don’t have the energy to go out any more.

Everybody is free to pick flowers, but surely everybody will not find that easy because the roses are on top of the thorns. Being abroad is even more complicated than that. It’s really not heaven on earth. And then, suddenly “your people abroad” receive unpleasant notes from home, as many say, “May problema, magpadala ka ng pera”.

The beloved ones overseas even try to save a little amount for airfare - just in case they need to come to their loved ones here.

But Philippine heroes aren’t just those abroad. We also have to acknowledge those Filipinos here who worked hard even for a very minimal wage - just to allow their families three warm meals daily.

Other useful and conversational words and phrases gradually worked their way into my small vocabulary, such as ‘talaga’ (really), ‘saan’ (where), ‘sarap!’ (delicious!), ‘Gusto ka ng rum coke!’ (I’d like a rum coke!) and ‘dito lang’ (just here). Even speaking a small amount of Tagalog elicits smiles and interest from the Filipinos.

Everyone’s keen to teach me little bits here and there, but my favourite phrase of all so far is, ‘Wala nang mas sasarap pa sa libre!’ – Nothing tastes better than free!’

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EXPAT FILES

Home is where the heart is: Thinkerbell’s return to Boracay Thinkerbell

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am Thinkerbell, and I’m so happy to be back in Boracay again. Two years ago a good friend of mine invited me to visit him in Angol, Station 3, and an intended stay of a few days turned into five weeks. I was totally captured by this magical island and had the funniest and craziest time of my life.

I returned back to my home country Finland and tried to return to my normal life but somehow life didn’t feel the same anymore. Finland is a beautiful country but I realized that I really missed the life I experienced here - the sun, the beach, and especially the smiles and amazing positive attitude of the Filipino people.

I tried traveling to other countries, having toured around Europe and Asia but all the time there was a longing in

my heart to come back to Boracay. So I packed my bags once again, gave away my apartment in Finland, and bought a one-way ticket to Manila and then to Boracay. That was the best decision of my life.

This amazing island is generally known for beautiful beaches and vivid party life, and I totally agree, but there is also another side of Boracay. During my first visit here I was overwhelmed by the friendliest, most welcoming, and open-hearted people I’ve ever met.

We jammed with local bands, traveled around the island, enjoyed wild parties and barbeques together, and spent time with so many incredible people. I was impressed by the talent of local artists and by the hard-working people, especially in the Angol area, who touched my heart and who made my visit to Boracay unforgettable.

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Many tourists see only that luxurious side of the island: five-star hotels, fancy bars and clubs, excessive seafood buffets, and designer stores in the mall.

I had the luck to stay in Angol, and it changed my life. We lived among local people sharing everyday life.

Many mornings I woke up with the sound of children playing outside our window or contractors chatting away on their lunch break. Our neighbor was a lovely lady who washed our laundry.

Often a fisherman, also living in the neighborhood, passed by our house and we could buy the freshest fish. We cooked our meals outdoors with open fire and picked bananas from a tree in our backyard. Kids and teenagers spent time playing basketball in the courtyard, and later in the evening when we walked back home there was often a group of older men playing cards and sharing rum who’d offer us a night cap.

The best thing we did was organizing an art school for local children in Angol.

We created a small community of guerrilla teachers - a group of travelers and locals who wanted to share their talent in arts. We gathered three times a week to draw, paint, sing, and play.

Everybody was so happy, the children, their parents, and the volunteers.

We got an opportunity to experience something unique and beautiful. When I came back and saw the kids again, my heart melted with joy. Those hugs and smiles are priceless. I wish more travelers will see this side of Boracay.

There is always a possibility to do something good for the community.

travel during this unusual season. Well, there is so much to do in Boracay, no matter the season! I’m looking forward to seeing more of the local’s everyday life. The beautiful nature is bountiful and I can’t wait to explore this island more. After a wild night of partying you can have a snack from street food cart, treat yourself to a relaxing massage from a local healer, or enjoy a yoga class on the beach. This season is also good for kiteboarding; my new favourite sport. I’ve only tried handling a little practice kite but that was enough to charm me with that feeling of the wind and beach life.

Now it’s summer in Finland and many of my friends are wondering why I

So, enjoy Boracay this season and keep smiling! See you on the beach!

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On teaching and being purpose bound Joel James Cubillas

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chool year 2015-2016 is about to commence.

And I, a high school teacher for four years, am elated.

Once again, I will be given an opportunity to meet a student like Renz Belen who had signatures as regular handwriting. He almost did not understand the differences among complex, compound and compoundcomplex sentences but through his perseverance and constant questioning, he mastered it nonetheless. He remains to be one of the best mannered people I have met and is now an engineering student. Only God knows how he passed his Engineering Drawing subject.

Nikko De La Vega, another former student of mine, had the whitest teeth a man could ever be blessed with (but his skin, reminiscent of dirty charcoal, might be the unfortunate catch) was the best in Math and also a winner in Language Arts competitions. He’s now well on his way on attaining a certification on Public Accounting.

There could also be another Lester Absulio- an artist at heart who had the weirdest (almost horse-like) snigger among the class. His up-to-dateness when it comes to Lebron James’ kicks was also remarkable.

Les is now a under a multi media arts program.

Jennifer Salazar, a petite lass who always had something wrong with her lungs, was among the jolliest. It’s only recently when I discovered that she had no real ailment: that all her excuses were mere products of her brilliant mind and lazy habits. We just laugh it out whenever we come across each other and

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I think she knows that as her teacher, I still appreciate her like anyone else.

Chances may also permit that I meet another Kyle Luna. He desired to be alone most of the time but when you get to know him, you’d appreciate his vast knowledge on films, video games and everything that could be framed by the TV. He’s about to finish his two year program on Information Technology.

Also among my students was Jeric Limcuando. He was the class clown as his contorted face alone could reciprocate any given dull moment. It’s delighting that he manages to make everything light and happy despite his coming from a broken family. He told me that he is about to enrol as a Criminology student and even promised that he will be among the trustworthy Police.

But teaching is more challenging, more hardcore when I will be given, once again, an opportunity to meet Public High School Students.

Students like Chavie Abello who walked more than 15 kilometers, under the tropical heat and along smoke belching jeepneys, but still managed to become a staffer of the student government body, eventually became my scholar. He is now an HRM student and a scholar of an established fast food chain.

I’d also want to meet another Jonah Lorilla. She is one those who can sing and cry at the same time.

Her rendition of Regine Velazques’ “Isang Lahi” is as fake and as entertaining as it could be. She is now enrolled as a Grade 9 student.

Or another Reniell Osorio who, despite of financial incapability and child labor , could be as happy as a penguin on endorphin.

And I’d love it if will be given the chance to meet again a class like 7-abaca or 7-lagundi--- classes that I have advised--- for they made me feel like I am a father or an older brother. They somehow validated my existence as they made me someone of substance, someone of influential nature.

Us teachers may be overworked and underpaid. But if you happen to watch Sabsy Ongkiko’s youtube vid on teachers’ return of investment, then you’d understand that the teacher’s vocation is of highest rewards.

See, it’s kind of the other way around. I mean, teachers may be the ones who supervise their students, but the students could also make their teachers’ lives more purpose bound.

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The Country Born of Love and Courage Samantha Go

niibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking lupang sinilangan, tahanan ng aking lahi.”

These words were written by our forefathers to instill a sense of pride within our people. These were written so we could literally declare our undying allegiance to the Philippines. Back in the day, the Patriotic Oath seemed almost like a war cry that fueled both the radicals and the traditionalists (as long as they were locals, one would imagine.)

These days, students across the country hazily recite Panatang Makabayan in the wee hours of each Monday morning for their respective flag ceremonies, their right hands in the air, perhaps resisting the urge to close their eyes for a brief nap. Every single week, the routine is the same; but arguably the most important Monday they have to pledge that is on the fourth and final week of August – on the National Heroes’ Day. But they don’t, because there is no flag ceremony when there aren’t any classes.

At the risk of sounding cynical, one must admit that most kids nowadays simply look forward to National Heroes’ Day as a holiday, its true essence and purpose merely shoved aside or hastily scribbled into a required essay on Jose Rizal. This holiday is supposed to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of nationalistic freethinkers, but instead, the state of today’s patriotism would send those who cried at Pugad Lawin to weep in their graves.

For 91 years, we have been celebrating this great day, even before we actually achieved legitimate independence. Back in 1931, under the “unofficial” reign of America, our government declared that every last Sunday of August, we commemorate the sacrifices of those who lead the Philippines to revolution. It wasn’t until former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo changed things up in 2007 that we started celebrating on Monday (for economic purposes, allegedly).

Interestingly, to this day we have no official list of heroes. The actual law that put National Heroes’ Day into action does not declare any specific set of people. On top of that, the criteria for proclaiming an individual a national hero has long been debated and therefore is still not in effect. But of course, through the sheer proof of history, the people know who our heroes are. Not one Filipino goes through their education without being acquainted with their fair share of Silangs, Aguinaldos, and Bonifacios. A simple utter of “noli me tangere” is automatically associated with Jose Rizal instead of simply being a

Spanish phrase.

There are hundreds of other men and women who gave their lives for our freedom at different points in time.

Even in this lifetime, there are heroes out there who fight for true democracy. Heroism has extended past the great efforts of the Katipunan and into the fabric of our modern day. Even Malacañang itself states that heroism in our country is not limited to the greats who have graced the covers of Araling Panlipunan books and have been literally cemented in the various statues created in their liking. In Malacañang’s official website they say, “…this lack of specifics offers an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of not one, not a few, but all Filipino heroes who have braved death or persecution for home, for nation, for justice, for freedom.”

Among the most popular of heroes, though, whose face is commonly seen next to a bolo and a red flag, is Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo of the Katipuneros who lead the Cry of Pugad Lawin. It was his sheer lack of fear and unshakeable patriotism that helped pave the way for many more like him. These men and women did not let anything deter their dream of a free country.

The infamous katipunera Gabriela Silang, forever memorialized on horseback fiercely charging into battle with the flag in her hand, is one of the first women introduced to children in school. When we hear hero, often we immediately think of men. Unfortunately, this also shows that we have a lack of female representation in terms of heroism. There are plenty of heroic women out there, both in the past and in the present, but what we need more of is the identification of these women.

In a patriarchal society it’s easy to think along the lines of the norm. But just like what Gabriela did when she defied convention and stood with her fallen husband’s comrades in battle, we, too, must look outside of our comfort zones.

We are fortunate to be living in a country where the population is as passionate and as warm as the Filipino people. Every day more and more people do brave things. These heroes are everywhere. From the OFWs to the soldiers to the parents caring for their kids; we are literally surrounded by moments of heroism. It doesn’t have to be huge, blockbuster degree acts that merit the word ‘hero’. It can be any action that has a positive effect for somebody or something that could not stand on their own. No matter the occasion, we must remember to keep the real spirit of heroism in our hearts; after all it was this simple but strong spirit that helped build us up today.

Grannies star in living museum Jun Ariolo Aguirre

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Nahigugma Kita, Boracay: The Language of the Island Sachi Go

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rom the days of Lapu-Lapu to Jose Rizal, language has been an essential tool in our arsenal for liberation and independence.

Spread across the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, are various incarnations of our mother tongue. Each dialect has its own distinct history that tells the tale of how our modern nation came to be.

In the island of Boracay alone, numerous regional expressions and wordings fill the commotion in the air.

But what is truly considered the “Boracay Language” is Aklanon, spoken by over 390,000 natives. This is not to be confused with Ibajaynon or Akeanon, both from which it is derived from.

An interesting trait that separates Aklanon from other dialects is the use of the phoneme “ea” instead of “la”. Grammatically, it bears some distinct similarities with Tagalog in its common usage. Another link between the two is their borrowed words from certain Spanish speech, due to the historical 327-year colonization that inevitably laced Spain’s culture with ours for ages to come.

Although proficient in English and other variations of their vernacular, the islanders still keep their language alive and many even integrate it into their sentences when conversing in Tagalog with Pinoy tourists from across the nation. It is remarkable to see both the older and younger folks engaging in that lived-in banter that, even if one cannot understand the dialect, is seemingly relatable and full of the this-and-that’s and here-and-there’s that everyone knows.

Another significant dialect in Boracay is Inati, exclusively spoken by the island’s resident Ati community. Though not all members are still stable to speak it at the present time, it remains an important piece of Boracay history that gives us a thought-provoking glimpse into the little nuances and intricacies of our multi-faceted culture.

In celebration of Buwan ng Wika, let us embrace the richness of our own language and revel in the little bumps and twists in our speech and in the journey it took our ancestors to bring us the vast vocabulary that we have today.

Among the attractions that can be seen in the museum are traditional farming methods such as ploughing, harrowing, planting, threshing, pounding, and then cooking rice.

Panagsagan said that tourists can learn all about traditional crafts through the familyoriented fun games and interactive adventures.

She said that the living museum aids the local community by creating permanent jobs for the families of Motag which includes the elderly.

Most of whom, would normally wait at home for the money to be sent to them by their children.

The museum also brings a sense of pride to the local community by keeping traditions and local crafts alive, as well as, encouraging Boracay’s tourists to experience the beautiful Filipino culture and gain a deeper understanding of the Philippines.

alay, Aklan - Grandmothers and grandfathers make a living by being part of the tourism lure at the Motag Living Museum in Barangay Motag, Malay, Aklan.

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“The Council sees the need to provide employment to the poor residents of the community. Barangay chair Nenette Aguirre-Graf, a multi awarded international windsurfing champion is behind the said activity,” Panagsagan said.

Amy Panagsagan, a local tourist guide said that the interactive museum was organized in 2014 by the Barangay Council.

Several of the ‘actors and actresses’ in the museum are in their 70’s.

The museum has around 30 personnel roaming around a hectare of land in Barangay Motag. These personnel are divided into two groups to entertain the tourists.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with the shows playing at 10am and 2pm. Travel to Motag from Caticlan is around 12 minutes.

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Revisiting Iloilo Michael Madriaga

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and a crucifix in the middle. The altar of Miag-ao church is also very iconic as it is the same altar used during the 1700s.

UP Visayas Miag-ao Campus

few months ago, we featured the beautiful city of Iloilo, a destination that’s only about 5-6 hours away from Caticlan. When I first visited the city, I made a promise to myself that I would come back, as there are still a lot of destinations to explore.

On our way to the next destination, we passed by the UPV Miag-ao campus. As a graduate of the renowned State University, I have been collecting photos of different UP campuses around our country.

Last month, our office decided to visit Iloilo, armed with Boracay Sun newspapers to be distributed and also to discover places around the area. Even if it was raining hard during our stay, it never stopped us from visiting some of its famous attractions.

At the entrance of the campus, you will be welcomed by the Oblation, the famous sculpture depicting Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios. The nude sculpture with outstretched arms, open hands, lifted head, and closed eyes, symbolizes the selfless offering of oneself to his country.

be amazed by their manmade lakes that are perfect for activities like boating, waterball, and even swimming.

There is also a 600-meter zipline for those looking for some extreme adventure.

Miag-ao Church

Garinfarm Pilgrimage Resort

Sheridan Boutique Resort

Also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, Miag-ao Church is a piece of living history and a treasure to the province of Iloilo. Built in the 1700s, the church is one of the oldest in our country and has also been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A 3-in-1 destination, Garinfarm combines agri-tourism, adventure, and pilgrimage in one place. Located in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo, this is the perfect place for those who want to savor delectable dishes cooked from organic ingredients, and at the same time have a peaceful place for prayers.

The church is also one of the last four standing Baroque Spanish-era structures in the Philippines. Its facade is uniquely designed with a coconut tree symbolizing the tree of life and various icons depicting the local culture and tradition of Iloilo. Two bell towers stand at its side, which also stood as watchtowers during the Hispanic times.

Upon entering the farm, you will come across a tunnel where different vegetables are planted and see some fruits dangling from the vines. Along the way, different cages of farm animals are also on display.

Situated in Oton Iloilo, Sheridan takes pride in providing world-class amenities to its guests. Just an hour ride from the city center, you will experience Sheridan’s Balinese-inspired oasis with their cozy guestrooms and well-maintained gardens. What amazed me the most are their wide swimming pools and their fishpond where you could also do some fishing. It’s like an all-in-one resort that will surely make your Iloilo travel one of a kind.

Inside the church, a gold-plated retablo is on display with the images of St. Joseph, St. Thomas of Villanova,

EL Nido:

Your Gateway to Wild Adventure Melissa Rili

Upon reaching the restaurant that offers different Filipino dishes and desserts, you will see a towering cross that has a 480-step stairway. This is one of the most famous attractions for pilgrims who visit the farm. Overlooking the restaurant’s balcony, you will

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l Nido is a first class municipality located 420 km Southwest of Manila and 238 km northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. If it was not for a group of divers whose boat’s propeller got disabled in an inlet, the beauty of El Nido will not be known to the world. These divers were forced to spend the night in the inlet and when they woke up in the morning, they were astonished to find the surrounding area with towering dark limestone cliffs, lush green forests, and pristine blue-green waters.

In 2013 and 2014, CNN listed El Nido as top 14 among the best 100 beaches in the world. It is well known to divers because of its 100 species of corals and 813 species of fish. It is a sanctuary for whales, sea cows, rays, dolphins, and marine turtles like the hawksbill, olive ridley, leatherback, and green. It is also famous to archaeologists for its caves. The Ille Cave in New Ibajay, located at the eastern part of the town proper, was said to have fossils and burial sites dating back to the late Neolithic age.

If there’s something that I really loved about revisiting Iloilo, it is that it never fails to amaze me. And yes, there are really a lot that Iloilo has to offer and I’m quite sure that no matter how often I visit this place, it will always give me something new and exciting.

million years, the Karst landscape emerged. Karsts are erosional landforms like limestone pavements, caves and gorges. Most of the island landscape in El Nido is a limestone karst. It is said that the Big and Small lagoons are once caves on which roof had collapsed millions of years ago.

On the south of Miniloc, you can find Shimizu Island.

Stories were told that a Japanese diver died in the cave here so they named it after him. With its crystal waters, it is really a shimizu which means “clear or pure water” in Japanese. This is a good stop over for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.

There is beauty in all things hidden and this is what the Hidden and Secret beaches of c Island is all about. The Hidden Island is guarded by two towering limestone karsts. You need to swim and pass between these rocks to see the spectacular view. Inside is a small crystal clear bay of which at the end is a strip of white sand and lush greens. It resembles a miniforest waiting to be found.

The coastal town of El Nido was dubbed by CNN as the “gateway to wild adventure”. Your doorway is the crescent beach partially surrounded by the famous limestone cliffs; and in front of you, are 45 islands and islets, each having its own geological formation, a story to tell and treasures for you to behold. There is nothing more humbling than to be in the presence of nature still relatively raw and wild.

Photos by Gladys Estandian

The Big and Small Lagoons in Miniloc Island are good places to explore by kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, or simply swimming with your life vests.

You will marvel on the rock formation of this limestone island. Limestone is partially soluble in water and weak acid, like an acidic groundwater. It is acidic as it comes in contact with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the soil. As erosion repeats itself in a span of

Limestone karst surround the blue waters of the Big Lagoon CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 The Secret Beach can be the highlight of your tour but if the water is too high and the waves are wild, the tour can be cancelled for safety purposes as the boat may hit the cliffs. But on a low tide, you can go inside by swimming through a hole underwater of 20 to 30 feet. One would wonder if a beach exists behind those giant limestone boulders guarding the treasure of white sultry sands. Yes there is, and this is, as many say, inspired Alex Garland when he wrote “The Beach” which starred Leonardo DiCaprio.

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Biking In and Around Boracay Joel James Cubillas

B From the open sea, one cannot see that there is a hallway leading to the Hidden Beach

A few minutes away is the Star Beach. This is a good spot for snorkeling where you can find an array of clams and corals and diverse types of marine life.

A few minutes farther is the Matinloc Shrine with a spectacular view of the whole Matinloc channel. An abandoned house stands beside the Matinloc Shrine. It is mysterious how this place was abandoned for years in spite of the beauty surrounding it. Our guide told us that the shrine was a realization of a vision by Guadalupe Yabes, a religious visionary. The place was specially chosen by Yabes because it is shaped like a heart. Whatever the owners’ reasons for abandoning this place, it surely adds up to the island’s charm.

There are many sights to see and places to discover in this part of the country. The summer months of April and May are the perfect time to visit, but if you find that your trip comes with an LPA (low pressure area), there is no need to worry about those dark clouds and occasional rains. A different kind of wet adventure awaits you with an excitement you don’t want to miss.

oracay’s fresh air, humid environment, and laid-back suburbs suggest that it is only fitting to travel around the island on a bike.

Not only would one emit less of a carbon footprint, but will be entertained by a better, more holistic perspective of the island, as well.

THERE’S MORE TO BORACAY THAN THE AWESOME BEACH

Truth be told, my bike ride only ranged about 16 kilometers (back and forth) but I have experienced things that the island’s famous long beach couldn’t provide.

Starting my ride from Yapak to Bulabog to Manoc Manoc, I saw the almost empty rural streets evolve into a busy tourism hub.

It also taught me that Yapak and Bulabog are home to locals. And since Boracay is an island far from any metropolis, it is observable that the two barangays, albeit outside the tourism district, have built a self- sustaining community. Sari-sari stores pepper the main road and sell items for maybe half the price as compared to those in Manoc- Manoc.

YAPAK

THINGS TO BRING

If I was a tourist, then I probably would have stayed only in Manoc Manoc and not have seen the virginal beauty that is Yapak. There, the horizon is endless and the beachfront is laden with only a few beach umbrellas and nothing more. It is also the place to be when you want to enjoy the tropics by yourself.

Thanks to the good ol’ bike that inspired me to veer away from the dense and busy (yet still beautiful) long beach scene.

The rolling course and humid environment may result to heat exhaustion. Other than being physically fit, here are the things that a Boracay biker must not forget: safety gear (especially since motorists here are a bit on the aggressive side), drinking water (lots of it), dri-cool apparel, cash, and a handy camera equipped with a high storage card (since all roads that you will go through are picturesque).

When on a bike, one is given the free will to leave the paved road and discover what the unbeaten path offers. When I was in Boracay last summer, Allan Alvarez, a dear friend and a resident of Yapak, lent me his mountain bike and told me that Boracay is not just about the beaches--- that the island’s culture is thriving too.

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CAVES OF SAMAR ISLAND

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eep underground, in the hollows of the mountains of Samar, where no light would go, is what Mr. Joni Bonifacio calls his home.

Joni is a refined, eccentric, eclectic, and fascinating man, and he really loves caves. “There’s something warped about a person’s interests to have a passion for caves. It’s in his genes.”

Joni says caves are a valuable, limited, and nonrenewable resource. “Once it’s destroyed, it’s gone.”

Caves are formed slowly over thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of years. You can find serenity in a cave, its peacefulness is enveloping. It’s that kind of peace that you can’t find on the surface, where there is life and activity all around. It’s a magical place - the age of one, the shape and the form is wondrous. It’s like beholding a cathedral, albeit made of nature.

For many years, Joni’s organization, Trexplore (http://trexplore.weebly.com/), has been leading caving trips; one of their favorite areas is in Samar Island. The tour that they run out of Catbalogan was actually featured in Lonely Planet.

Samar Island offers visitors a myriad of caves to explore. Located in the eastern part of the Philippines, the province has more caves than anywhere else, no wonder it is known as the Caving Capital of the Philippines. Some of the Caves in Samar are well developed with large passages and some are over ten miles long.

Caving is a great hobby for adventurers who aren’t afraid of tight spaces, heights, darkness, and bugs.

Joni once led a group of French and Italian cavers on a month-long expedition that included exploring the caves in Northern (Las Navas) and Western (Jiabong) Samar that led to the discovery of the Robin’s Cave in Las Navas that was documented to be the deepest cave in the country measuring six kilometers in length and 190m deep into the ground.

He also led another expedition in in Maslog Eastern Samar and San Jorge Samar where five caves were discovered: “Bagoy”, “Mercing”, “Jaime”, “Zoo” and “Baiang Caves”. And also visited the “Sulpan Pinipisakan Caves” in San Jorge Samar, and took some photos for documentation.

More than 100 caves have been explored and catalogued from those expeditions, and with more than a thousand more to explore and chart perhaps, hundreds more to discover, Samar Island boasts of more caves than any other country.

Rock formations will delight and excite the more adventurous visitor, too. There are organized expeditions in the area, and you can rest assured only the best equipment and most experienced guides are used. /http://trexplore.weebly.com/

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Falling Down the Rabbit Hole SARAH CONNOR

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oing on a Trexplore Adventure is like falling down the rabbit hole. A rush of adrenaline and sensation take you to worlds you could not have even imagined. Tree-surfing among the clouds on an island’s summit. Standing in a perfect black void surrounded by an orchestra of drips. Confusing bumbling fireflies with shooting stars. Crouching in a rocky enclave behind a veil of tumbling water. Seeing a spider’s eyes flash like jewels. Bathing in mounds of bubbles in an underground river. Relishing the squelch of knee-deep mud. Assuming your own royal chamber that glitters like gold.

And the characters you meet along the way are equally wonderful: a fearless explorer who understands the cavernous depths of the earth so well that he has almost become a cave creature himself; a playful apprentice who sings love songs, and laughs easily and loudly; a ponytailed man with a beautiful round belly who can tell an epic tale with his body alone.

But this isn’t a world of Alice’s imagination, this wonderland is a real place, and the characters are real people. Trexplore, a small company on Samar Island in the Philippines, takes ordinary people on extraordinary adventures. It was created in the year 2000 by cave master Joni Bonifacio, a young family man with an unusual hobby. Although Trexplore offers all types of adventures including trekking, canyoning, and mountain-biking, its main focus and Joni’s real passion, is caving.

Joni Bonifacio’s ‘romance with the rocks’, as he fondly calls it, began when he was a teenager. Joni’s interest was aroused by the discovery of Langun Gobingob cave in Samar, the biggest cave in the Philippines and at the time, the second biggest known cave in South-East Asia. He wondered why international spelunkers were exploring Samar’s caves, while Filipinos were afraid of the spirits and snakes the caves are said to hold.

His first caving expedition took place when he was only sixteen years old. He went with a group of friends and a local guide into Langun Gobingob for two nights and three days. From then on he was hooked. Sometimes he would memorize the map of a cave and explore it by himself, remaining in the cave overnight.

It takes a brave man to do what Joni has done. When entering a deep cave, the complete darkness and the maze of tunnels and chambers going in all directions instills the sense that caving is serious business. The average person experiences apprehension even when accompanied by an expert with equipment, as for most the chance of being lost in the dark underground is terrifying. To enter a cave alone, especially one with the magnitude of Langun Gobingob, certainly takes a resilient and curious mind. In the early days, Joni’s caving skills were completely self-taught, but after joining international expeditions he learned advanced caving techniques. Today with twenty years’ of caving experience, he annually joins international speleologists as they undertake expeditions to discover and map new caves in Samar.

To an adventure lover, Samar Island is a bountiful playground. The rugged landscape dares mountain bikers to accept its challenge. Waterfalls and rivers spill down mountains, tempting thrill-seekers with the more dangerous sport of canyoning.

The topography is also ideal for the formation of caves. Of the thousand or so caves that populate Samar’s terrain, fewer than ten per cent have actually been explored. Aside from being home to the biggest cave in the Philippines, Samar delivers an exquisite variety of underground environments. Subterranean rivers, lakes, waterfalls, earthen chandeliers and twinkling candlesticks, craggy stalactites and mammoth stalagmites, giant gill shaped sparkling crystals, gardens of coralshaped calcite, fields of mud, massive spaces and tiny tunnels, natural bath-tubs, and bubbling flowstones. You probably won’t come across any talking rabbits or pipe-toting caterpillars, but these environments are still inhabited by some seriously strange creatures, including the blind fish, crabs, bats, birds, eels, snakes, and spiders. Some are harmless, some will kill you, and some are yet to be identified.

Trexplore is the only company properly qualified to take tourists caving in Samar.

It is popular with both Filipino tourists who are looking for an adventure holiday, as well as international travelers who are passing though. It caters to beginners who may need someone to hold their hand as they face their fears, and can equally impress seasoned explorers with authentic expeditions. Every tour is different. There are no robotic tour guides repeating the same tired lines. These adventures are unpredictable. Which is part of what Joni loves about his job. His fresh sense of humor keeps the mood light and his clients’ nerves calm: ensuring an enjoyable experience. And if you want to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers and spelunkers, he may even take you on your own expedition into the wilderness.

Who knows, you could discover the next Langun- Gobingob cave.

These trips are not for the faint-hearted, and like all adventure sports they carry with them certain risk. Joni knows the terrain, he knows how to use his equipment, he knows how cave-fauna behaves, and he knows how to look after his clients.

But there are unavoidable dangers and help is usually a long way off. You rely on each other, potentially for survival. Being underground is a completely different experience to any other. If you haven’t done any serious caving, and we’re talking caves that are kilometers long, then there’s a whole part of this glorious planet that you’re missing out on. It’s a real-life fairy tale.

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PEOPLE

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AUGUST 2015

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Boracay Heroes:

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Dedication

island souls

Rica Velasco

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n this paradise island, heroes are among us. You may have bumped into them quite a few times (in their “normal disguise”, blending in the crowd) not knowing that you have already seen them in action wearing their “hero uniforms”, saving the day.

As we celebrate the heroes of our nation this month, we also reveal to you Boracay’s own defenders who had dedicated their lives in protecting ours.

PO5 Alvarez is the Substation Commander for the Philippine Coast Guard – Boracay Detachment.

This native of Roxas City has been in the service for 27 years. A graduate of Electrical Engineering, he was readily accepted by the Philippine Coast Guard once he was deemed physically fit and passed the entrance exams. He then had to undergo Philippine Navy and Military training. He served the Philippine Navy for 10 years before he was transferred to the Philippine Coast Guard serving areas in the Western Visayas region including Caticlan-Boracay where he has been assigned for the past seven years. In his current post as substation commander, PO5 Alvarez is in charge of the 22 coast guard personnel stationed in Boracay Island.

The Philippine Coast Guard is dedicated to safeguarding life and property at sea, protect marine environment and resources and enforce laws in Philippine waters.

A Philippine Coast Guard has a crucial task of conducting maritime security operations oftentimes involving search and rescue missions especially during sea accidents. According to Alvarez, the most common occurrences where their services are needed, is during Habagat when they need to conduct search and rescue operations. He feels very fulfilled and happy with his job, most especially when he and his team are able to help people first hand.

FO3 Aruban is the Chief Arson Investigator and Fire Safety Inspector of the Bureau and Fire and Protection (BFP) on Boracay Island, and is also from Roxas City. Firefighting runs in his blood, and this plus the fact that he grew up next to a fire station, sparked his interest. He became a fireman as soon as he graduated from college and underwent basic training for four months. He also underwent further schooling; specializing in fire arson inspection and investigation in order to be promoted. Aruban is a 21-year firefighting veteran.

The primary task of the BFP on the island is to suppress, extinguish, and investigate any incidents relating to fires. They are also tasked to conduct safety seminars and fire drills with resorts, establishments, and barangays, based on the Fire Code. It is especially pertinent to have a fire station on Boracay as the population is high and the structures are made of light materials in close proximity to each other.

As much as possible, the BFP conducts inspections of boarding houses and newly built houses to see if they are compliant with the Fire Code.

One of the most memorable experiences Aruban has had as firefighter was when the Old Talipapa burned down years ago. They were a five-member team then using a vintage fire truck, and they had to suppress the fire while controlling the crowd. They are thankful that they were able to put out the fire and that there were no casualties.

Stella Marie Carreon is part of the Ambulance Crew for the Philippine Red Cross BoracayMalay Chapter. Originally from Manila, Stella has just passed the Nursing Board Examination when she applied for this. She prefers working for the Red Cross as opposed to a hospital, as the former promotes voluntarism and is a humanitarian organization. She has only been with the organization for six months but was an active member of the Red Cross Youth during her college years.

Once accepted as Ambulance Crew, one needs to undergo standard training for 10 days. There are two nurses and one ambulance driver per shift. They get about 10 to 20 calls per week. The most common emergencies during the summer months would be heat stroke, while during the rainy season vehicular accidents are frequent. Cardiac arrests are also recurrent among tourists and residents. They are tasked to bring the patient to the nearest hospital or clinic for further assessment.

Stella is very fulfilled with her job especially when former patients recognize her outside of work and are very grateful for her help. Locals, tourists, and establishments readily call their hotline number in cases of emergency, and their team responds as swiftly as possible.

PO2 Gregorio is a Desk Officer at the Boracay Police Station. Hailing from Capiz with a degree in Criminology, his primary task is to record blotter reports of the complainant. He was encouraged to join the police force by his father, who is also a policeman. After passing a challenging acceptance process, he went through six months of theoretical training, another six months field training, and 45 days as a PNP scout.

Gregorio finds it a challenge and an opportunity to deal with different nationalities, cultures, and personalities. He said, working in the island, enables him to apply what he learned due to the diversity of the situations and circumstances that he encounters daily. Drunken brawls are common, along with lost or stolen property. Tourists are reminded upon arrival that they are not to leave their things on the beach unguarded. Gregorio sometimes even patrols the beach when he is off-duty and has already apprehended a few minors stealing some of the items left on the beach by the swimmers. He mentions that resort security guards are also a big help in catching petty thieves.

Gregorio is overwhelmed by the gratitude shown by the guests that they have helped. He jokingly states that if there was a “Thank You Logbook” at the station then it would probably be filled up by now.

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AUGUST 2015

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seek the world

Fly with Xtreme Fun Calvin Young http://www.seektheworld.com/

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TREME FUN Sports and Recreation has the coolest toys in the island! Know what they are? That’s right! The Flyboard, Hoverboard, and Flybike.

They are propelled by the power of the Jet Ski. The hose connects from the back of the Jet Ski to the equipment.

The further the accelerator is pressed on the Jet Ski, the more water that is sent out of the bottom of the board allowing for flight.

As soon as I learned about this, I immediately contacted them via email.

The owner, Chris Bech and manager, Julius Olarte, immediately replied and were very accommodating. I am really grateful for the help they have extended.

Getting Some Extreme Fun!

In the morning, Julius met me at the hotel where I stayed and brought me to the shore where I boarded a bangka (boat) and sailed for about 20-25 minutes to the launch pad (pontoon) with a Jet Ski parked next to it. The pontoon is situated in an area designated for water sports like flyboarding, hoverboarding, and flybiking. In general, water sports and activities have always been the best part of Boracay especially for tourists.

I met my instructor there. He was very clear, visual, and communicative. He was approachable as well and we chatted by writing to each other. It was definitely a warm conversation where I learned a bit about how he started working for Xtreme Fun. I felt like that broke the ice. He gave me a sense of comfort before I began my first water activity.

He would present me with a sheet of paper with visuals of a “step-by-step” of how-to-use instructions. Each instruction was very clear and I understood them from the first time I laid my eyes on it.

Flyboard As we began, he instructed me on how to control the Flyboard by bending your knees and ankles with your body centered. He didn’t just instruct me, he showed me by bending his knees and keeping my balance. He used gestures to point out what was important to keep in mind and what I shouldn’t do.

Then he did a demonstration. He hovered and swirled around like a pro and then he dove into the water and jumped out like a dolphin.

Finally, the excitement began as soon as I was strapped to the Flyboard. I sat up at the dock and jumped on my belly

and then I turned around to float on my back. The Flyboard gently propelled me to an open section of water. I turned around once again and floated on my belly, arms out with my GoPro mounted on a GoPole in one hand. Then I tried to rest as if I were standing in the water as the jetski would turn up their water pressure pretty soon.

At first, it was kind of hard because I had to figure out the current of the water as I had to fight against it. As soon as the board propelled out of the water, I was above water and I felt like I was on that hoverboard from Back to the Future.

I was still trying to get the hang of the Flyboard; testing out the board by bending my knees and raising and lowering your feet at different angles.

It took me some time, but it wasn’t long before I was raising at least a meter out of the water. That was when I realized that keeping your body in control from your core is the easiest part, but keeping firm control of your ankles and knees was the hardest part.

jumped into the water painlessly. Good thing the board didn’t hit me in the water either. Whew!

Of course, I didn’t give up. I got back on. From there, I just got it. I finally got the hang of it. I was bouncing on and off water as if I were wakeboarding.

Make sure you bend your knees a bit when you land the board from the air, so your knees wouldn’t hurt as much, as it would if you didn’t bend them.

It was like surfing and wakeboarding at the same time, except with a propeller of water. It was quite a fun experience.

This would be great for those people who are experts in surfing or wakeboarding.

They would probably pick up on this one faster than I did with a few more tricks.

Above all, I had fun and I definitely liked it, but it was exhausting and sore on my right leg because I put so much pressure on it, especially when you had done it more than few times.

to it and I started to fly around a bit.

Good enough, I did kind of go a little too high and then I tiled back—the rest was history.

The guide was cool about it and I hopped back on his Jet Ski then rode back to the shore.

I had fun on the FlyBike, but I personally think Flyboard is the easiest and most fun of all.

As mentioned earlier, the instructor was very clear and communicative. Not only that, he was especially friendly and fun to be around. I definitely enjoyed my time with him. He was very helpful and flexible. He would even help out with taking pictures or videos with my GoPro camera. He’d pretty much meet your needs as much as possible. That was what I appreciated the most.

Flybike

He would be an ideal instructor for Deaf people because he was very clear with his gestures and he wrote well, so that made everything very convenient for both of us.

Once you get the hang of the Flyboard, the rest should be easy. You’ll be hovering out of water before you know it. It took me at least seven falls before I finally had a steady hover.

The Flybike is like a bike without wheels, except for a 40-foot hose connected to the Jet Ski to redirect the water thrust out of the bottom of the seat and out of the front nozzles as propeller.

Overall, the thrill I had was incredible!

In fact, I couldn’t think of any better adrenaline rush. It was champs! I’d definitely recommend XTREME FUN to anyone who would visit Boracay.

The falls didn’t hurt for me. I would fall back into the water when the board lost water pressure from the Jet Ski at times. The Jet Ski can’t give out pressure for too long, so they will stop to allow it “rest” for a moment. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I felt like a dolphin or like I was the Iron Man. I can be both.

There were pedals for me to twist forward to elevate or backwards to reduce water pressure. I could twist it as far as I could and go as high as I like. I have to admit, balancing out the bike while hovering was rather easy and I could hover 2-3 meters above water until I had another wipe out. After a couple of wipeouts, I became adjusted

Hoverboard This one was a bit tougher. The Hoverboard had one propeller on the back end instead of two, facing down on the bottom of the board.

Since the propeller thrusts water from the back end, I would have to put my weight unto my back foot and lean my upper body toward the board while holding the front end. My board would be tilted up and then I would fly out of the water.

I did struggle in the beginning and had few falls from tilting the board backwards just a bit too much. In one attempt, I somehow flew out of water, but it just kept propelling upwards where it became too high; I didn’t want to go that high and get another bad fall.

I actually slipped out of the straps and

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Second Wind Bed, Bunk & Breakfast and XTREME FUN Sports & Recreation Phone Number: +63 910 230 0000 Email: info@x-tremesport.com http://www.xtremefunph.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ iflyboard.ph

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Petaling Street is located in Chinatown, and is just two blocks away from Katsuri Walk. This is the best place to buy your souvenirs as items here cost half of those at the mall or train stations.

KL City Gallery In order to have the coveted tourist photo with the famous “I LOVE KL”, one must go to the KL City Gallery, which is also just a few blocks from the Katsuri Walk. After taking photos, you may enter their Gallery and watch the lights and sound show showcasing the Malaysian Government’s future plans to further develop the city. There are miniature buildings that also serve as a 3D map of the whole KL. The entrance fee is 5.00 RM (65.00 PHP) and the ticket can be used as a voucher if you want to purchase from their souvenir shop or even at their café.

Little India and Chocolates

Experiencing KL on a Budget Michael Madriaga

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t is everyone’s dream to visit another country and have his or her own passport stamped. One of the cheapest and easiest destinations to visit is probably Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. Affordability is usually our main concern when traveling, and KL will surely surprise one with how inexpensive their products and services are. Also, the Malaysian Ringgit’s conversion to Philippine Peso is close at around 12.00 to 13.00 PHP to 1 MYR (RM).

Luckily, for us residing here on the island, there is already a direct flight from Kalibo International Airport to Kuala Lumpur, and if you book early for your trip, you could get a roundtrip airfare ticket for just 5,000 PHP (or even less!).

To get the best deals, book your hotel on a Friday as this is when most online booking sites give discounts to as much as 70%. I would also suggest that you look for a hotel that is just meters away from a train or bus station to lessen your taxi expenses.

KL’s train system was designed to efficiently provide access to different areas of the city. A transit ride would cost somewhere between RM1.00 to RM2.50 (that’s equivalent to Php12.00 to PHp30.00) depending on the distance travelled. You also need not worry about getting lost as long as you know how to get to the KL Sentral Station.

Sentral but in the same line). Coming from the hi-way, you will first see the towering and massive structure of the National Mosque. If there’s something that really amazed me about KL, it’s the architectures and the National Mosque is just a proof of those intricately designed landmarks found in this city

Another spot perfect for shopping is Little India. Here, you could buy scarves and saris for really low prices.

A scarf costs around 4.00 – 5.00 RM (50.00 – 65.00 PHP), and it’s the perfect pasalubong for our girl friends and relatives.

Chocolates are also one of the famous items that tourists buy in KL, and in Little India, a duty-free store called Haniffa sells such sweet goodness for affordable prices. Most of the items cost around 1.00 RM to 5.00 RM cheaper than the other chocolate shops. It is best to visit the store if you plan on buying in bulks.

KL Tower

The lunch buffet at Atmosphere 360 costs 92.45 RM or roughly about 1,200 PHP. If you find it a bit costly, then you may just visit their observation deck, which provides the same view for just 15.00 RM (195.00 PHP).

Petronas Towers and KLCC Kuala Lumpur City Centre or KLCC is the city’s most developed district with various skyscrapers and shopping malls to see. The most famous among these buildings is the Petronas Twin Towers.

Its post-modern style leaves its audience amazed by how this marvelous structure was made. There is also an observation deck (with fees) at the Petronas Towers, but due to the high volume of visitors during that day, we weren’t able to reserve a convenient schedule. I suggest you visit the twin towers a day before and reserve a schedule on the next day to ensure a slot.

Suria is one of the most famous luxury malls in the city and is located at the bottom of Petronas Towers. It has different shops and boutiques from designer brands to different specialty stores. A park located outside the mall also offers a magnificent view of the towers, and inside the mall, various restaurants offer different local delicacies.

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Islamic Arts Museum

KL Tower Katsuri Walk

KL Bird Park Before leaving the museum, ask the front desk staff or even the guard for directions going to KL Bird Park, which is located just a few meters away.

For an entrance fee of RM 60.00 (about PHP750.00), you get to see and at some point, interact with thousands of bird species, some of which are caged while some are freely walking and flying around the aviary park. Souvenir shops and snacks stores are also scattered around the area for your convenience.

Petaling Street

Bird Park Petronas

Katsuri Walk and Petaling Street For those who really want to cut down the expenses for transportation, you may also ride the free KL City buses but be ready to squeeze yourself with a lot of people inside. Nevertheless, these free rides will bring you to their famous attractions in just minutes.

National Mosque and Museum of Islamic Arts These two landmarks stand almost side-by side near the Kuala Lumpur Train Station (this is different from KL

Shopping is a must-do in KL, and for those looking for great deals, make sure to visit the Katsuri Walk and the Petaling Street. Katsuri Walk is just beside the Central Market where most of the local artworks and handicrafts can be bought. There are also restaurants in the Central Market if you want to try some Malaysian dishes like the Nasi Lemak and Laksa. If you’re looking for the authentic street style sate, Katsuri Walk offers different sate meats and other street foods as well.

KL Tower

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city is the KL Tower, locally known as the Menara Kuala Lumpur. The tower serves as headquarters for various television and radio networks. KL Tower may be visited to experience a 360-degree view of the city. There is also a revolving restaurant, the Atmosphere 360, which serves different local and international cuisine while providing a bird’s eye view of Kuala Lumpur.

One of the most iconic structures in the Just a few steps from the mosque is the Museum of Islamic Arts. If you’re a student (including post-grad students) even from other countries, just show your school ID and you’d only pay half the price of the entrance fee (regular at RM14.00). Inside, different memorabilia, artifacts, and scriptures are on display, showing the colorful history of the Islamic culture. Each of the different galleries shows how religion influenced almost every piece and craft of the people in Malaysia.

AUGUST 2015

National Mosque

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LIFESTYLE

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he inevitable rainy season has officially started and storms are hitting landfall one after the other. As a certified beach bum, you find yourself missing the beach as the cold and humid weather replaces the warmth and sunny vibe of summer. Not to worry though, you can always bring that beach feel in your very own home. Here are a few simple and hip beach-themed ideas that you can make on your own for a beach experience right in your very home.

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AUGUST 2015

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Beach House Away from the Sea Patricia Hernandez

Furniture

Decor

Wall Art

Compass Side Table: Visit your second-hand furniture store to find a side table that you can repurpose.

Paint the table top with navy blue or black for the background. Sketch out the compass with a pencil; this will let you have room for mistakes as the dark background will make it less obvious. You can even use a stencil if you are not confident with working freehand. After that, color your compass in with white paint. This gives a very nautical and beach vibe to any room.

Driftwood Candle Holder: This is a simple DIY that can be used during special dinners or even as dÊcor in your home. You can find driftwood in all kinds of shapes and sizes in almost any beach. The first step is to dry it out for about a week and brush it off with an old tooth brush. Then use a one and a half inch drill bit and drill into the wood where you want your candles placed about a half of an inch deep. Be sure to use the votives with a metal surround (that is how most votives come), so the wax doesn’t get all over the wood, or if you want to be extra safe you can use the battery operated ones that can be found in department stores.

Oversized Art Pieces: Have your favorite sceneries at the beach printed in poster size and frame them or have them mounted on wood to be hung on your wall.

For a more raw feel, you do not even need to frame them. These will create a summery and beach mood in the room, even if it is already the rainy season.

Source: beachwoodplace.blogspot.com

Source: thepoorsophisticate.blogspot.de

Painted Wooden Plank: Get a good size of wood, or combine small pieces to create the size for wall art you prefer. Simply paint over it with horizontal streaks to create an illusion of seascape. You can even try creating an ombre effect to reflect the change of color from the sky to the dark color of the sea. This is a very uncomplicated art piece that will subtly remind you of the beach.

Source: aimee-weaver.blogspot.com

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AUGUST 2015

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How Do Chefs Prepare their Kids’ Baon Chef Lowell Cauilan

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or this month’s featured recipes, I asked my colleagues about a daily task that seems to be harder than it looks; making baon for our kids. The start of classes also marks the start of the daily grind for parents in thinking about what to prepare for their kid’s meals.

Before our kids go to school, we usually prepare what they want to eat and when they get home, we check if they finished their “baon”. It is sometimes frustrating to find out that our kids end up bringing home their lunchboxes half-eaten and, at times, untouched.

Preparing baon may be challenging but if we will add a lot of love and creativity, our kids will surely enjoy their baon. It may be a handful to find simple, easy to prepare, nutritious, and affordable baon ideas that our kids will appreciate but for this month, we will share recipes that will surely delight your kids!

The following are simple and creative recipes we teach in PACE - certified easy and interesting to make!

Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients:

Procedure:

6 pcs Puff pastry, cut into triangles 12pcs Coxktail hotdogs ¼cup Confectionaires’ sugar

Vegetable oil (as needed)

1. Lay a piece of puff pastry on your board. Place a hotdog on broad side of pastry then roll towards the narrow end, press end to secure.

2. Bring the oil to temperature and deep fry pigs in a blanket until golden brown and puffy.

3. Strain and drain excess oil. Dust pigs in a blanket with sugar.

4. Meanwhile, heat cheese and milk in a sauce pan, and stir until cheese is completely melted.

5. Set hotdogs on a plate with cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Cheese Sauce: Cheese, grated Milk

Kiddie Empanada

Ingredients:

Procedure:

Dough:

For the dough:

All purpose flour 1 cup ¼ cup Butter, cold and diced Cold water 3 tbsps

1. In a bowl, mix flour with butter, add in water and knead lightly, form dough into a ball, rest and chill for at least 5 minutes.

2. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, and roll into balls, let rest.

Filling: Diced ham ¼ cup ¼ cup Diced chicken, cooked Boiled egg, diced 1pc ¼cup Cheese, diced

Vegetable oil (as needed)

For the filling: 1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly.

2. Take one dough ball on a work table. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough into 1/8” thick circles.

3. Put about a tablespoonful of the filling, fold dough down in half.

Secure edges by crimping with a spoon, deep fry empanadas in oil until golden brown.

4. Serve warm.

To learn about more dishes that can be prepared at home, PACE offers thematic Lifestyle Courses for culinary enthusiasts. For the individuals planning to start their culinary journey, we offer Culinary Arts Diploma Course. CAD Course takes place 4 days a week or once a week for the working professionals. For more details, please call 654.4862 or visit our website, www.pacemanila.com.

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food review

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AUGUST 2015

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Rock the Kasbah!

Holly Golightly

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trolling along White Beach Station 1, you’d be forgiven for thinking that beachside eating establishments are reduced to just in-hotel options. But, suddenly, between two huge hotels, a few colourful sofas, and inviting beanbags nestled in the sand catch your eye. As you look closer, you see they’re placed around low, Bedouin style tables, with ornate shisha pipes rising from their gilded centers. You see people relaxing with cocktails and food being served under a billowing canopy. Soft, exotic music wafts over the sand, combining with heaven-sent aromas of cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood and something mind-blowing and mouth-watering -Welcome to Kasbah!

The only establishment in Boracay serving Moroccan food, this restaurant really is full of beach-fused Eastern promise. The deep aubergine and gold hues on the walls and drapes give an air of opulence, which contrasts beautifully with the blues of the ocean and the white of the sand.

Kasbah’s smiling and efficient staff welcomes you – choose the cozy low sofas and beanbags or opt for a table in their warm, open-fronted restaurant. A menu bursting full of Moroccan specialities and Moorish delights is offered and the toughest time you’ll have is choosing your sumptuous feasts. The food is authentic and fresh, and the manager has taken time to perfect each dish, ensuring they meet the high standards required by the discerning gastronome.

Kemias (cold mezze) are great for sharing while you decide on your main. Dip homemade pittas into creamy baba ganoush, harissa-spiced hummus, and delicious peppery mechouia salsa, or choose their

larger mezze platter: tasty Moroccan cigars with minty tabbouleh, falafel, and marinated aubergine amongst other nectarous nibbles.

Soups are available with a hint of spice, or you can choose a warm mezze, but be warned, you’ll be torn between their delicious grilled Merguiez sausage with haloumi cheese, the grilled citrusy chicken wings, the brouiats oozing with to-die-for mint and feta cheese stuffing.

Kasbah’s choice of mains is extensive, catering for all.

Halal meat-lovers rejoice! Tender, juicy lamb and beef steaks are imported from New Zealand and Australia, but the winner is the lamb tagine. Slow-cooked, fall-off-thebone tender and bursting with mouth-watering flavour, there is the alluring taste of apricot, earthiness of the vegetables and of course those signature exotic spices.

The salads are tantalizing, too with a surprising amount of choices. However, give your tastebuds a new sensation and sample their Moroccan Fusion Chicken Caesar Salad – it takes salads to a whole new level!

East also meets west with Kasbah’s pizzas, fused with Far Eastern tang and for those not wanting to brave the stormy Habagat nights, you may have your pizzas delivered straight to your door. On-the-go wraps are available, too, along with a kids’ menu which doesn’t carry a Moroccan theme, playing it safe with spaghetti, chicken, and fish fingers.

Last but not the least, the crowning glory of your Moroccan adventure at Kasbah is their desserts featuring scrumptious homemade ice cream, white chocolate cheesecake, panna cotta, and an unusual yet luscious lemongrass crème brulee. This Kasbah really does rock your tastebuds!

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INDULGE

Going Loco at Red Coco Michael Madriaga

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AUGUST 2015

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 Batu Caves Batu Caves is a bit far from the city but may be visited directly by a train, which stops at KL Sentral.

Getting lost is not a problem as there is a train station dedicated to Batu Caves.

Upon arriving at the station, you will notice different towering golden structures that would make you feel welcomed. At the cave grounds there are different stalls offering Indian sweets. Monkeys walk freely around the area and you could also feed them with biscuits. The most famous and tallest among the golden statues is the one situated right at the bottom of the entrance of Batu Caves, the statue of the Hindu deity Murugan.

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uring the rainy days, most of us search for our comfort food to warm us up or to give a little bit of sunshine on gloomy days. While most might prefer the warmth of soup, I prefer having a hearty and delicious meal to energize me.

For coffee lovers who want to have that perfect heartwarming companion, Red Coco Café is your haven in Boracay. With their wide selection of caffeine products and non-caffeinated beverages, you will surely enjoy the habagat breeze on the beachfront. Red Coco Café is also perfect for those who want to have light meals and desserts via their variety of sandwiches and pastries.

Red Coconut Restaurant has been one of my favorite spots when I’m craving for mouthwatering meals.

What’s unique about this restaurant is that it has a wide array of choices ranging from Asian to Filipino to Western.

One of their most talked about dishes is the Sunkist Prawns, which combines two of my favorites, prawns and bacon! The two main ingredients complement each other well and the flavorful sauce adds a delightful finish to the dish. This is a must-try for those looking for something new to fill their stomach, as the serving size is really generous.

For pizza lovers, make sure to try their Meat Lovers

Pizza. It has the beloved combination of meat toppings we’ve come to know plus a special sauce that makes it even better.

Red Coconut is also a hub for barbecue lovers.

Another must try is the Seafood Kebab. As mentioned earlier, their menu offers a wide variety of cuisines and it is no surprise that they have Middle Eastern delicacies. This is included in their menu to cater to the increasing number of Arabs visiting the resort. Their kebabs carry the right amount of flavor that anyone will surely enjoy. The skewers have different fish and seafood plus vegetables, making it a complete meal.

Another reason why people visit the resort is because of their fun activities and selections of drinks at the Cocobar. For those looking for the ideal place to watch the sunset and warm their bodies with booze, the bar is where it’s at. One of my favorites is their Bailey’s Milk Shake, just like the familiar chocolate milk shake but with a twist of liquor – an excellent choice for adults who miss their childhood.

Red Coconut is an all-in-one dining experience. From having an elegant hotel, to its wide selection of dishes at Red Coconut Restaurant, Coco Café, and Cocobar, this is the place to be for tourists visiting Boracay.

Visit Red Coconut at the beachfront of Station 2 or checkout their website for more info http://www. redcoconut.com.ph/

Before you enter the caves, you have to climb 272 concrete steps. Make sure to buy your water at the stores on the ground as climbing the caves is really tiring. Inside the cave, a big dome awaits with different Hindu temples. It is also better to keep quiet while touring the cave so as not to disturb those who are praying.

There is no entrance fee in the cave, but you may wish to donate, there are donation boxes found at the entrance. #Sepanx My 3-day tour ended so fast and I really didn’t want to leave. Kuala Lumpur opened my eyes to how modernization could still work hand-in-hand with culture and traditions without compromising environmental sustainability. This in fact is what I have been looking for, a combination of the Metro, but not too suffocating, with a touch of that laid-back island feel.

Before leaving the city, I made a promise to myself that I shall return. And guess what, I’ve already booked another ticket this year – not a one-way ticket though, not this time.

Watch out for the part two of my adventure in Kuala Lumpur as I am looking forward to experiencing more of its neighboring districts and destinations and a side trip to Singapore!

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BORACAY SUN

HEALTH

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AUGUST 2015

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Looking Great In the Rain Marina A.S. Benipayo

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ainy days are here again! Get those colorful jackets from hibernation and whip out your favorite cotton wool scarves. It’s also the perfect time to use those pair of boots you got from last month’s sale. There’s nothing like colorful rain gear in bright, bold colors like red, orange and navy blue to take the rainy day gloom off anyone’s face.

But dressing up for the weather doesn’t only mean clothes and accessories. Your skin should also be ready to face the effects of temperature change.

moisture you lose each day.

• Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer will make sure your pores won’t clog and cause future breakouts • Look for alpha hydroxyl acids in the ingredient list of your lotion or moisturizer which will help thoroughly clean your face by removing deepseated dirt and grime • Continue to use sunscreen because certain UV rays are still present in our atmosphere even if the sun is not out Makeup

As cold weather sets in, humidity levels go up. When this happens, the air becomes damp and heavy, causing our skin to become oily and prone to pimples. And since prevention is much better than having to cure, here are some suggestions which can help avoid the onset of skin problems during the cold and rainy season.

Cleansing Keeping your skin healthy and glowing can be a challenge during this time of year. Dirt and pollution can affect the natural balance of oils and moisture that your face and body goes through. Use a mild foam wash to cleanse your face and follow up with an alcohol-free toner. The alcohol content in astringents can strip your skin of its natural oils, thus making it produce more oil than usual and open our pores more.

When this happens, dirt and dust can easily stick to your skin, causing blackheads and pimples to happen.

• Use a primer after moisturizing and before applying makeup to make it last longer. Humidity tends to make your makeup melt and seem to disappear faster • Use liquid or cream foundation during the rainy weather. It will last longer than powder foundations • Apply waterproof mascara. Regular mascara doesn’t hold well under humidity.

• Use long-last and matte colored lipsticks so you don’t have to worry about frequent touch-ups Rainy Day Hairstyle If your hairstyle includes having to go through curling irons, hot rollers or straighteners; sadly, the rainy weather won’t be too kind in maintaining them.

Humidity can make your hairstyle limp, lifeless and dull-looking. Opt to wear your hair through these easy-to-do styles:

• Tie your hair into a side upper pony and cover the band with a colorful piece of ribbon or small handkerchief • If you really want to protect your hair from the harsh elements of pollution and dust, cover it with a cute scarf. Wear it like a bandanna or fold it into a wide band and wear it with the knot either loosely or tucked into the band

• Separate your hair into two sections- upper and bottom. Make a topknot with the upper section then with the bottom section, make a braid and wrap it around the base of the knot

Remember that being stylish doesn’t end with the rainy weather. If you’re a modern girl, then you should be able to adjust to any kind of weather and still look neat and fabulous. So stay dry and keep smiling!

Moisturizing Oily skin does not equate to hydrated skin. Natural oils produced in our face and body simply seals in moisture, so you still have to moisturize to replace the

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BORACAY SUN

HEALTH

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AUGUST 2015

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Reclining Hero Pose (Supta Virasana): EARTH YOGA

Step-by-Step Instructions Shiva Nand

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eel the power of a hero as you master the Reclining Hero Pose (Supta Virasana).

Kneel on the floor (use a folded blanket or bolster to wedge between your calves and thighs if necessary), with your thighs perpendicular to the floor, and touch your inner knees together.

Slide your feet apart, slightly wider than your hips, with the tops of the feet flat on the floor. Angle your big toes slightly in toward each other and press the top of each foot evenly on the floor.

Exhale and sit back halfway, with your torso leaning slightly forward. Wedge your thumbs into the backs of your knees and draw the skin and flesh of the calf muscles toward the heels. Then sit down between your feet.

If your buttocks don’t comfortably rest on the floor, raise them on a block or thick book placed between your feet. Make sure both sitting bones are evenly supported. Allow a thumb’s-width space between the inner heels and the outer hips.

Turn your thighs inward and press the heads of the thigh bones into the floor with the bases of your palms. Then lay your hands in your lap, one on the other, palms up, or on your thighs, palms down.

Firm up your shoulder blades against the back ribs and lift the top of your sternum like a proud warrior.

Widen the collarbones and release the shoulder blades away from the ears. Lengthen the tailbone into the

Reducing Hazards: Safety is a Must Stella Marie C. Carreon, RN

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an lines are fading, long hours of sleep are ending and there is limited time for playing.

Summer is almost over and it`s time to say hello to the new phase of the year wherein some kids feel a little nervous or a little scared on the first day of school. Some are excited to see their friends whom they haven`t seen in a long time. Luckily, the “new” worries only stick around for a little while.

As the new school year approaches, the risk of accidents is at its peak especially when considering the environment of the students. Parents, caregivers, and educators cannot monitor each student during every second of the day, so it is essential that they identify and remove potential hazards before untoward circumstances occur.

But how can we identify potential hazards in a fully furnished classroom?

What do we look out for in the different areas of a filled facility?

Entrances and Exits In the Philippines, doors are usually kept open during class hours except if fully air conditioned. Therefore, doors should remain unlocked to provide easy access to and from the building. Hallways should be well-lighted and remain uncluttered in case of an emergency exit.

floor to anchor the back torso.

At first, stay in this pose from 30 seconds to a minute. Gradually extend your stay up to five minutes.

To come out of the pose, press your hands against the floor and lift your buttocks up, slightly higher than the heels. Cross your ankles underneath your buttocks, sit back over the feet and onto the floor, then stretch your legs out in front of you. It may feel good to bounce your knees up and down a few times on the floor.

Benefits of Reclining Hero Pose The Reclining Hero Pose (Supta Virasana) has the following benefits to offer if it is done consistently over a good period of time: • Stretches the thighs, deep hip flexors, abdomen, ankles and knees.

• Provides strength to the arches.

• Relieves stress and pain from tired legs.

• Enhances the digestion process.

• Relieve symptoms and side effects of menstrual pain.

For beginners to yoga, the Supta Virasana is a great yoga pose which is beneficial in improving the working of various body parts like the thighs, groins, ankles, knees, arches, abdomen, and shoulders. If you find that your thighs are time and again sliding apart, you may tie a strap around them so they don’t separate beyond the desired gap.

For advanced students or yogis, the Supta Virasana

Check and educate students where the emergency exits are. Regular inspections are also necessary to see if these are safe to use or if they will add further harm when an emergency occurs.

Windows Most students love to look out of windows especially during their break time, but they could get cuts from broken glass panes. Window coverings can also present safety hazards. Be sure to remove or securely tie any cords which could cause strangulation for children who stay around windows, though loitering by high open windows should also be discouraged.

Floors It is very important to keep the floors and floor coverings dry, clean and free of debris or tripping hazards. Use carpet tape or rubber backings to prevent rugs from curling or slipping. Carefully check for pins, staples, or other items which can hide in the rugs or floor coverings.

Check floor tiles and baseboards for loose materials, protruding nails, or splinters. For nursery and kindergarten classrooms, inspect corners and under furniture for paperclips, toy parts, and other small items. Little kids tend to put anything into their mouths which can lead to choking and sometimes poisoning.

is quite therapeutic to various diseases like arthritis, asthma, diarrhea, flat feet, and headache. You may deepen the pose by breathing deeply and staying in the final position longer than the suggested duration.

that also covers the electrical cord end.

Check for electrical outlets that can cause short circuits which lead to fire.

Pictures and wall decorations should be lightweight and securely fastened to the walls. Posters and artwork should be laminated or framed in lightweight plastic frames, rather than heavier wood and glass frames. Be sure that posters and other flammable coverings are well away from heat sources or electrical outlets.

Bulletin boards should be securely fastened to walls with screws or other hardware installed into the wall studs.

To decorate bulletin boards, you can cover them with colored paper and staple around the edges, then completely cover the line of staples with wide, clear packaging tape. This will prevent staples from being pulled out. Then, attach several wide strips of clear selfadhesive plastic or clear packaging tape to the board.

Ceilings Many people don’t think twice about the ceiling. If your room has removable ceiling tiles, check if they are securely in place. Roof leaks can damage tiles and they can crumble and fall when you least expect it. Light fixtures should be properly wired, securely fastened to the ceiling, and inspected regularly.

Walls

Furniture

Inspection of walls should include checking the electrical outlets, wall coverings, bulletin boards, and pictures or decorations. First, all electrical outlets should be securely covered when not in use. Outlets that will not be used can be covered with solid closed electrical plates, available at hardware stores. If an outlet is used regularly, you can install a hinged or screw-in outlet guard

Check all furniture for loose or protruding screws, nails, hinges, latches, or broken hardware. Furniture should have rounded edges and corners; you can use a sander or router to modify older furniture. Sand surfaces that are rough or splintered, repair cracks, and be sure surfaces are covered with non-lead based paint or varnish. Check doors, legs, joints, and other parts for stability.

Shelves, chests with drawers, and storage cabinets should be securely bolted to walls so they will not fall, even if a child tries to climb it. Self-standing furniture, such as bookshelves used as room dividers, should be short and have wide bases to help prevent toppling.

Drawers should have “stoppers” so they cannot be pulled out too far and fall on a child.

Poison Prevention There are many items that can lead to poisoning. Make sure all art supplies say “non-toxic.” Chemical and cleaning agents should be stored out of reach and in a locked cabinet, preferably in a room away from the children and away from food supplies. Medications also must be out of reach and in a locked area.

Bathrooms As much as possible, bathroom floors should be dry and free from cleaning materials that make the surfaces very slippery so as to avoid injury.

Aside from inspecting and removing potential hazards that can cause accidents, parents, caregivers, educators, and students can learn how to give First Aid, Basic Life Support, CPR and many more with the help of the Philippine Red Cross Boracay-Malay Chapter.

Having knowledge and skills in first aid is one of the keys in maintaining safety.

We can use these abilities anywhere at any time, when an emergency occurs.

For more details you can call 2882068 or visit our office at Ambulong, ManocManoc, Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

Be trained and save lives. Learning is a never ending process. And learning how to save a life is a great process to be involved in.

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