Travel Publication Folio

south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine

june - july 2010

Escape to the Country

Simple living in Hacienda San Benito

Last Frontiers A guide to 10 natural wonders

Eco Resorts 3 ethical choices

Me and my Eco-life:

Chin-chin Gutierrez

www.FlySeair.com

the

Green Issue P LU S : P a l a w a n t o o p e n U S $ 1 b i l l i o n u n d e r w a t e r r e s o r t

to Boracay

Photo by Jay Alonzo

The small guide for the big trip

Our InFlight guide to boracay has a 78-page resort listings, featuring some of the hottest resorts and hippest hang-outs, plus a valuable insider’s guide to where to eat, where to go, and what to do on the island. Packed with intelligent information, it’s not small where it matters.

B u y a c o p y n o w ! C a l l + 6 3 2 / 8 4 9 0 2 9 5 t o 9 6 o r o r d e r o n l i n e a t w w w . F l y S e a i r. c o m

i n f l igh t // j u n e - j u ly

2010

46

INPLACES 43 InsandOuts

El Nido: Limestone cliffs and clear waters

46 Escape to the country

Simple green living at Hacienda San Benito

60 Last frontiers

A guide to 10 natural wonders

88 InFocus

Paul Banday’s Negros Oriental

Photo by Jeffrey Sonora; Fashion styling by Waldo Villados; Hair and makeup by Monica De Leon; Modeling by Larissa Ide for Mercator Model and Artist Management; Diving suit byDress Aquamundo;

by Salsatrends swimsuit available

by Pink at Belter The Ramp

by Lizle Crossings, Hilario; Location: and floralShangri-La’s bangle by Balikbayan Boracay Resort Handicrafts & Spa’s beach

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 3

i n f l igh t // j u n e - j u ly INFRONT 09 Editor’s Note

16

2010 40

10 InFormed

What not to miss in June and July

13 Inthenews

Palawan to open US $1B underwater resort PLUS: Hotel Picasso now open; Al Gore comes to Manila for talks on global warming; Sony Ericsson launches green phone

16 InTalk

Random interviews reveal interesting ethical buys from wind turbines, eco motor oils to organic shampoos

25 InTune

Aquaculture expert Jurgenne Primavera on her fight to stop killing mangrove forests and promote sustainable fishing

19

30 InPerson

Me and My Eco Life: Chin-chin Gutierrez

INvogue 19 Intheshops

Revive that hair and body with the latest natural products, from organic carrot cleanser to berry moisturizers

23 Inmybag

Yoga instructor Corey Wills on eco gadgets and essentials

60

INGOODTIMES 33 InRoom

A guide to an ethical holiday at Shangri-La Mactan, The Farm and El Nido resorts

40 InDulge

Le Bistro Vert: Eating green. At last, an organic food restaurant that serves delicious meals and does not cost the earth

PLUS: seair News / People / Guide

Concept by SEAIR InFlight Photo by Jeffrey Sonora Art direction by Jocas A. See Styling by Waldo J. Villados Hair and makeup by Monica De Leon Modeling by Larissa Ide for Mercator Model and Artist Management Model’s attire: Tiboli twisted top and Bagobo Vestie by Eairth; drawstring pants by The Ramp Wear available at The Ramp Crossings; white armor sandals by Pill available at The Ramp Crossings

33

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 5

E d i t or i a l

Publishing Director and Executive Editor

Nikos Gitsis Editor

Giselle Javison managing Editor

Monica G. De Leon REPORTER

MARGARITA F. FRANCISCO ar t & d e s i g n

Art Director

Jocas A. See Editorial Production Inquiries

editors@flyseair.com C o n t r i b u t i n g p h o t o g rap h e rs

Mike Alcid, Ferdz Decena, Wacky Gochoco, Carlos Legaspi, Oggie Ramos, Jeffrey Sonora, Daniel Soriano, Gutsy Tuason C o n t r i b u t i n g wr i t e rs

Vicki Aldaba, Chip Childers, Freida Dario, Ferdz Decena Kristine Fonacier, Jan Lao, Andrea Pasion, Oggie Ramos, Ces Rodriguez a d v e r t i s i n g S a l e s  mar k e t i n g

Group Sales and Marketing Director

Delza Apostol Advertising OFFICER

Joy Gutierrez administration and finance officer

ARTHUR VALENCIA Advertising Traffic assistant

WALDO J. VILLADOS Advertising Inquiries

inflightads@flyseair.com e d i t or i a l boar d

Publisher

South East Asian Airlines Seair Chairman

Iren Dornier Seair Director

Nikos Gitsis InFlight Editor

Giselle Javison InFlight Group Sales and Marketing Director

Delza Apostol Seair Legal Counsel

Atty. Bernard Bandonell Atty. Celina Cua p h i l i pp i n e C op y r i g h t ©

2010

South East Asian Airlines, Inc. SEAIR InFlight Magazine: Units 304 & 306, La’O Center, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City 1000 Philippines Tel.: +632 840 2802 (Editorial) • +632 840 2803 (Advertising) Fax: +632 840 2805 URL: www.FlySeair.com

6 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Everyone needs a place to get away from it all, a place to relax and de-stress. At Regency Lagoon we take this philosophy to heart. That’s why we are the first resort in the Philippines exclusive to adults. Here you can truly unwind and be at ease. With nothing to hamper your relaxation, Regency Lagoon redefines the meaning of tranquility

8 SEAIR InFlight I april 2010

Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Tel. (6336) 288-2828 to 32 • Fax (6336) 288-1010 Manila Office: Tel. (632) 3537777 • Fax (632) 3537249 www.regencylagoon.com.ph • resort@regencylagoon.com.ph

editor’s note

pe opl e . pl ace s . a dv e n t u r e s .

T

his is our first green issue, although for a few years now SEAIR InFlight has been featuring environmental issues and news in our special InTune section (see pages 25 to 28).

Going green is not a trend, but rather a conviction. Evidences of climate change are slowly nudging us into action. Some of the leading international chain resorts in the country as well as the local spa and health farm resorts are going the whole length towards reducing waste and conserving resources. Simple acts like changing light bulbs into energy saving ones and helping with regular coastal clean-ups to big acts like investing in solar panels, desalination plants to use sea water, and responsible solid and liquid waste management all matter greatly.

It follows that resorts who earn a living off the attraction of their beaches or earn from coastal areas should protect their waters, but this is sadly not always the case. Environmental laws on resorts being set well back from the shoreline and laws on the proper treatment of waste before being released out to sea are sometimes violated.

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), which recently released an environmental toolkit on going green, says “going green makes financial sense” and that you don’t always need a huge investment to help protect the planet. Check www.wwf.org. ph.

The good news though is that environmental awareness in the country has expanded exponentially. People went from thinking you’re nuts for refusing plastic bags at shops to thinking, today, that you’re an eco hero.

Organic food, canvas shopping bags, and recycling are no longer posh affairs, but rather an everyday concern. Our cover story on pages 46 to 57 showcases this new green residence called Hacienda San Benito which focuses on the glories of simple living — fresh air, tending to your organic farm, and enjoying the country life.

And come to think of it, if you do tend to your own veggies in your garden or farm, then you don’t need as much packaged foodstuff and reduce all that plastic choking up our seas and earth.

Chin-chin Gutierrez in InPerson on pages 30 to 31 gives us more ideas on living the eco-life.

Are the days of consumption in wanton abandon over? Reading Chin-chin’s views, it seems so, but there are endless things to do and we all know it.

giselle javison Editor editors@flyseair.com

InFlight cover model Larissa at the porch of Hacienda San Benito’s model unit; below, celebrity eco warrior Chinchin Gutierrez in InPerson

Me And My eco life:

CHIN-CHIN GutIerrez In t erv Ie w by Mon Ic a De L e on

What is your general view about the environment?

I have a group called “Alaga Lahat”, which cares for the environment in a holistic way. I try to patronize products that are life affirming. So no animal testing; no plants and ingredients that were grown with chemicals and pesticides. What is good for us should also be good to the earth.

Award winning actress chin-chin Gutierrez was one of Time Magazine’s “Asian Heroes” in 2003, and was given The outstanding Women in nation’s Sevice (ToWnS) Award in 2004 for her environmental advocacy. Gutierrez has appeared in over 20 feature films, and has produced the album “Uyayi: A collection of Philippine lullabies”, regarded by the catholic Mass Media as Best Secular Album in 2004. Visit www. chinchingutierrez. com.ph

InFlight cover model photo by Jeffrey Sonora; Model’s attire: Lips dip Bukid cut dress

by Eairth

What resort/hotel would you say follows eco and ethical practices?

I don’t endorse resorts but there are indicators you can spot. See if they have an ecological solid waste management. You can ask if they practice waste segregation. Who collects the segregated materials and where do they go? Check if they use eco friendly soaps that are locally made.

Where do you go for rejuvenation?

I like Tagaytay. Any place with nature like Mt.Banahaw, the Quezon areas. I try to live the way people in a place I go to live.

If you try to simplify your life, if you blend with people, listen to their stories, cook with them, wash dishes with them, in the most ordinary way, you’ll feel them opening their hearts to you.

Your favorite restaurant?

I like Amici and their greens. I’m a vegetarian. I go to organic markets like the one in Makati. There’s a large market every Sunday near the Greenbelt 5 Center. The

pho t o by DoMInIque ja Mes

Philippine Rural Reconstructive Meat (PRRM) would sometimes set aside certain types of rice for me. They sell beautiful red, brown and black rice, which I mix altogether, a third portion each. It’s pure mountain rice that’s very healthy.

Can you name a few real deal eco places? ilog Maria in Tagaytay (www.ilogmaria.com).

It’s home to a family who has decided to grow and culture honeybees, which are very fragile. They have a store and a honeybee museum, and are already exporting their goods. There are a variety of products you can make out of honey and beehives — not just honey and cider — like soaps, shampoos, propolis, lip balm, lotion, hair oil, facial oil, tooth powder. They also sell leather balm, leather soap, wood polish, all made from beeswax, and beeswax candle.

There’s Sonya’s Garden (www. sonyasgarden.com), a bed and breakfast place. [Sonya’s Garden is famous for its salads using freshly picked greens from the garden and edible flowers of the season.]

The cell farm in Silang, Cavite, developed by the Columbus fathers, holds retreats and seminars, and includes tours around the eco farms. cabiokid (www.cabiokid.org) follows permaculture concept. [Cabiokid applies organic methods of farming, has lots of local crops and plants including endemic flora, and provides a harmonious setting for animals and humans alike.]

Shumei natural Agricultural farm (www. shumei-na.org/world/philipines.html) in Iba, Zambales uses pure methods in growing food from planting seeds to tending to the plants, following nature’s own course.

The Sustainable Agricultural center of cearsolin in Cagayan de Oro, developed by Xavier University, is a good place to learn the different methods of developing sustainable agriculture.

Tell us about your eco home.

We practice waste management. We collect rainwater, which we use to water the plants.

I refrain from using the shower. To conserve water, I use a small bucket of water instead.

All our body and laundry soap are ecological and are bought from local stores to support local livelihood. Victoria soap is now available at Rustans. We use grey water to clean the car or the sink.

What do you always take with you when traveling?

A handbag that has a journal, a bible, a big bag so I can take home small things and carry small gifts for my hosts.

What’s your advice to the traveling public?

Think about the whole planet as your whole body. Don’t leave behind materials that may pollute a place. Take an extra canvas bag that you can fold up so you can refrain from using plastic bags. Maybe buy something from a local vendor.

jUne-jULY 2010 I SeAIR InFlight 31

may 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 9

What not to miss in

June & July r e por t b y M ar g i e F. Fra n c i sco

June

20-26 th

227 Batanes Day Celebration

June

4

Join the festivities as Batanes celebrates its 227th foundation anniversary featuring the annual “Batanes Payuhwan Festival”, an agro-industrial trade fair showcasing native products – agriculture crops, furniture, wine, vinegar and poultry. Other festivities include a thanksgiving mass, a cultural parade, and a “salo-salo ng bayan”, which will see every local Ivatan sharing his meal with a guest, like a grand potluck feast.

For more information, visit www.batanes.gov.ph

June

25-30

Laugh Out Loud Catch veteran comedian Jon Santos as he performs character spoofs of Erap, Noynoy Aquino, Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao, and other celebrities and political figures. This one-night-only show will be held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza, Makati. International Filipino comedian Tim Tayag guests.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at +632/ 891 9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Legally Blonde The Musical

Photo by Oggie Ramos

Based on the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blond The Musical” is a story about sorority star Elle Woods who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone smart and serious, Elle sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Television and recording artist Nikki Gil takes on the lead role of Elle Woods. Directed by Chari Arespacochaga.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld

July

10 Today’s Stars of the Russian Ballet

July

9

EQUUS Repertory Philippines (REP) presents Peter Shaffer’s drama “EQUUS”, a story about Dr. Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist who attempts to treat Alan Strang, a teenage boy who has blinded six horses in a violent fit of passion. Dysart believes that Strang has a case of pathological religious and sexual fascination with horses, which leads the psychiatrist and his patient to a complex and disturbingly dramatic confrontation. REP’s production of EQUUS runs until July 25 at OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Directed

by Audie Gemora.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld

10 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

For one night only, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Ballet Manila will perform together with the best classical ballet companies in the world, which include Bolshoi Ballet, Marinsky Ballet and Ukranian National Ballet. Principal dancers of the ballet companies are to perform Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and Sleeping Beauty, among others.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld

July

29 Master Class Philippine Opera Company is staging the Tony awardwinning play Master Class, a story of the beautiful opera star Maria Callas, who had a passionate affair with Greek Shipping tycoon. Starring Cherie Gil in the title role of Maria Callas.

Tickets are available in Ticketworld

12 SEAIR InFlight I april 2010

t rav e l

H O TEL S A ND R E S O R T S

ar t s A ND f as h i o n

new

A n d mor e !

Architect’s perspective of the underwater room

Buy

Palawan to open revolutionary underwater resort The US $1 billion (about P50 billion) Last Frontier resort, the country’s first giant underwater resort, will open in Calamianes Islands, Palawan, in 2013.

The resort will use submarine technology in developing and launching underwater observation platforms and 100 underwater rooms, some with panoramic underwater views.

The revolutionary project is expected to bring in $1 billion in investments spread over a 10-year period, and create direct and indirect jobs, both locally in Palawan.

Singapore-based financier Paul Monazca leads the development of the resort, reputed to be the largest of its kind in

the world, using submarine technology.

The project’s first phase consists of building semi-submersible satellite units called “Sea Spiders” that will serve as observation platforms, each accommodating 30 guests. The second phase, spread over the remaining seven islands of Calamianes, involves building 100 underwater rooms in partnership with an upscale boutique hotel brand. Large suite rooms will have a 270-degree panoramic underwater view, with each of the suites connected by underwater corridors. Some 85 more rooms will be built on another cluster of seven islands.

— M a r g i e F. F r a n c i s c o

may 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 13

r e por t b y M ar g i e F . Fra n c i sco

Picasso’s Malaga room

Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2010

book

Now

Luxury at newly-opened Picasso The 136-room Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village opened recently, offering the luxury of space and personal service.

Picasso’s studios, one-bedroom units and lofts, are from 45sqm, 88sqm, and 93sqm, all with balconies, floor to ceiling glass windows, LCD televisions, room service, housekeeping, and personalised concierge service.

Amenities include a Qi Wellness Spa, Studio 119 salon for men and women, a two-floor gym, function room that can seat up to 50 people, a WiFi lounge that’s open 24 hours, and the Brasserie Boheme, which doubles up as a bar at night.

The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences is located at 119 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. For more information, visit www.picassomakati.com or call +632/ 828 4774.

Al Gore comes to Manila

climate

Talks

Former US Vice President Al Gore will be presenting an Asian version of “An Inconvenient Truth”, a multimedia presentation on the threat of climate change and solutions to global warming, at a Leadership Conference at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on June 8.

Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 and was a runner up for TIME Magazine’s 2007 Person of the Year. Last year, he won a Grammy award for Best Spoken Word Album for his book, “An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It”.

His latest book, “Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis”, presents measures to solve the climate crisis.

For tickets to the Leadership Conference Series 3 presents Al Gore: The Leader as Environment Steward, call TicketNet at +632/ 911 5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph. Tickets are also available at all SM branches.

14 SEAIR InFlight I may 2010

Young Filipino engineering students will take a stab at building the most efficient car to travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2010 on July 8-10.

Representing the country are mechanical engineering students from Mapua Institute of Technology, Don Bosco Technical College and the University of Santo Tomas. They are among the 107 educational institutions from all over Asia to take part in the Shell Eco-Marathon 2010.

All three Philippine teams are entering the Prototype category, requiring the building of a futuristic, streamlined vehicle focused on maximizing fuel efficiency through innovative design elements.

The Shell Eco-marathon Asia grand prize of US $1,500 (about P75,000) will be awarded to the team with a vehicle clocking the farthest distance using the least amount of energy.

For more information, visit: www.shell.com/eco-marathon

Sony Ericsson launches GreenHeart phone Sony Ericsson’s GreenHeart phone, the Sony Ericsson Aspen, will be available in stores July this year.

This phone with a conscience comes with an e-manual, cutting paper use by over 90%, uses recycled plastic housing, waterborne paint, a low power consumption charger, and a GreenHeart headset made in parts of 100% recycled plastic. If this is not enough, it has WalkMate to show you your eco contribution with each step you take, an EcoMate to help you with your green choices, and an Eco Calculator to keep track of your carbon emissions.

And yes, the phone does all the usual stuff, from easy multi-tasking combining the touch experience and a QWERTY keypad to allowing you to view and edit office files easily with a one touch operation, or access the internet in one click. It also features a 2.4in touchscreen, WiFi, a 3.5mm audio jack, Google Maps and various social networking tools built in.

Shop eco at QUIRKS If you love your eco gadgets, go to QUIRKS novelty store. Interesting ethical buys sourced from Asia, the UK and US include a clock that runs on water, an erasable memo postcard to write reminders, and a jar that stores sunshine for you to use at night.

QUIRKS Novelties and Curiosities is located at the 3/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.

What’s your best eco buy?

I n t e rv i e ws by Ja n Lao I l lus t rat ion by M ar k Dav i d A . se e

My Envirosax (because plastic is evil), and organic bug repellant, for me (available in mall kiosks that sell local organic stuff, EcoMarket, tel: +632/ 856 3974) and my dog (Fatdog’s Doggie Perfume in Citronella). I’d rather shop where they use biodegradable plastic bags (SM, Watson’s, Healthy Options, Bow & Wow).

Biodegradable plastic is the plastic for the polluted world.

- Shawn Yao

Editor and anchor, ABC 5

Renewables like solar modules, wind turbines, hydros should really be necessities today as all must do one’s share in the mitigation or remediation of the ill effects of global warming. We’ve been using solar modules (R. Hidalgo Hardware, tel: +632/ 707 2888) in Danjugan Island for the past 15 years, and soon, two to three small wind turbines will be added to serve our education and nature tourism facilities.

While most of these renewables are still imported, a ‘proudly-made-in Negros Occidental, Philippines’ 7kw micro hydro can be appreciated in Sitio Campuestohan, Talisay City, part of the North Negros Natural Park.

- Gerry Ledesma President, Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation

Hemp products

(Soumak, tel: +632/ 890 7785) from Hemp clothing

to Hemp balm and even Hemp protein shakes.

Not only are they highly nutritious as edibles, durable as cloth, and completely organic but they are sourced from a plant that deserves more recognition than it gets.

- Paulo Varela

Radio DJ, host, rock climber and Philippine Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Loss (PORMAL) advocate

As an eco-supporter, I use eco-friendly motor oils for my car such as eco-oil S-9 micro biotech motor oil and S-9 coconut oil (Eco Oil S-9, cell: +63918/ 717 8759).

These products save you money because you spend less on fuel and they are certified environmentally friendly and they work best in tropical countries such as ours.

- Lance Raymundo Actor, singer and host

The eco products that I totally love right now are Leyende shampoo and conditioner (Sesou, tel: +63915/ 514 7534). All the ingredients used are organic and smell really yummy!

- Joy R. Geronca

Enterpreneur and yoga instructor

Our company called EAIRTH (tel: +632/ 890 7785) designs and sells 101% sustainable clothing made from all natural fibers like cotton, silk and linen, dyed with pigments extracted from the jungles of the Philippines. I’m hot right now for this new dress called Bukid Cult Scarfed, which is a one pocket tee with a super elongated piece attached to the back. Can be worn as a dress or scarf wrapped around neck. Made of 100% tissue cotton and hand silk screened.

We dye this with ginger.

- Melissa Dizon Ramsay Designer

Good old coconut tree and all its by-products (SM Supermarket Makati, tel: +632/ 816 1042). To name

a few, coco lumber, buko juice, bunot, walis ting-ting, table tops, virgin coconut oil, etc. And it [the tree] provides shade, is in abundance and easy to grow.

- Bong Recio

Architect

16 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

i n t h e s h ops > i n m y ba g

Aloe vera biodegradeable liquid body cleanser in 200ml, P1,100, and ACAI berry damage-correcting moisturizer in 75ml, P2,350, all by Kiehl’s

Eco class Revive that hair and body with the latest natural products, from organic carrot cleanser to berry moisturizers S t y l i n g a n d pro d u c t r e s e arc h b y W a l d o J . V i l l a d os P h o t o g rap h y b y C ar l os L e g asp i S h oo t l oca t i o n : Dusit Tha ni M a nil a

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 19

inTheShops B e a u t y a l a mo d e

Ilog Maria products: Honey-glycerin facial soap (P150), honeymilk cleanser and moisturizer (P150), throat spray (P150), shampoo (P280), massage oil (P299), sting-less insect repellant (P140), feminine wash soap (P90), propolis ointment (P130) and lip balm (P130), available at EchoStore

Body Basics spa in a bottle (P125) and spa in can (P195), both by EchoStore; Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia and salt scrub, P1,750,

by The Body Shop

20 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Human Nature products: Citronella bug spray (P119.75), super-fruits & black rice facial scrub in 100ml (P159.75), organic mango butter nourishing conditioner peppermint scent in 200ml (P99.75), aloe vera kids shampoo watermelon scent in 200ml (P109.75), aloe vera moisturizing shampoo guava scent in 200ml (P109.75), aloe and guava facial wash in 100ml (P129.75), tomato toner in 100ml (P99.75), watermelon lip balm (P59.75) and organic peppermint and natural vitamin E hair mask in 200g (P219.75), available at SESOU Nature Source; Organic Carrot Line: Toner (P1,350), emulsion (P1,350), serum (P1,475), cleansing oil (P1,725), cleansing foam (P1,475), cream light (P1,475) and cream hydrating (P1,475); and Salmon Eye Brightening Line: Serum (P2,150), massage serum (P2,450), dark circle powder (P975) and concealer cream (P975), all by Skin Food

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 21

inTheShops B Te haeuutny uas u la a lmo s uds e pects

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Série Nature range: Douceur d’ Huiles shampoo in 250ml (SRP P740), Douceur d’ Huiles masque in 200ml (SRP P1,098), Pureté Naturelle shampoo in 250ml (SRP P740), Tendresse shampoo for kids (SRP P588) and Tendresse leave-on conditioning cream for kids (SRP P870), available at Piandré; Body Basics grapefruit line: Hand sanitizer (P95), shower gel (P150), hand & body lotion (P175), shampoo (P150) and conditioner (P150), available at EchoStore; Divide & multiply mascarra, P795, shimmer waves, P1,195, and All in one face base, P1,195, all by The Body Shop; All Organics organic bath soaps, P65 each, available at SESOU Nature Source; Woodenware by Balikbayan Handicrafts

22 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

inMyBag

C ore y Wills M y t r a vel li s t:

I n t e rv i e w b y M ar g i e F . Fra n c i sco

“To sum it up, I’m a disorganized packer. I think about my trips but up until the last minute, I just grab stuff and put them inside my bag” Corey Wills is one of Treehugger.com green male model environmentalists in 2009. Australian Wills is passionate about living a green and healthy lifestyle, a vegetarian and animal rights advocate, a professional free-surfer for Aloha Boardsports, swimmer, rock climber and Bliss Yoga Manila’s yoga instructor

1 SECTOR 9 skateboard (price starts at P8,495)

“It’s made entirely from bamboo and it can actually regenerate itself by up to 4ft each week”

2 3 4

Habitat hemp cap (P1,265) Volcom tote bag (P1,595) Quantum flask (P10,000)

P R O DU C T P h o t o b y car l os l e g asp i

5 Messy Bessy insect repellant 250mL (P300) 6 Volcom jeans (P4,850) “It’s organic – it’s 100% organic cotton and dries very quickly” 7 SECTOR 9 t-shirt (price starts at P1,300) “The t-shirt’s made from 100% organic cotton and it’s printed with

water-based inks”

8 Volcom socks (P395) 9 The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra (P695) “Because you always need a good book to read” 10 Sticky Bumps soy-based organic wax (P99) 11 Messy Bessy The Little Warrior (P60) “Isopropyl alcohol is carcinogenic and it encourages the growth of fluke

worms. This one, I can use as a hand sanitizer, disinfectant and room spray”

12 Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30 “It’s made using only natural and organic ingredients” 13 Messy Bessy Fruit & Veggie Wash (P220) “Waterless wash for fruit and veggies so you need not find a tap

when you pick a fruit in the wild”

“It energizes your drinking water. This can detoxify your body more effectively and improve your health overall” 01

02

03

04

06

05

07 13

08 12

10

11

09

For s t or e l oca t i o n a n d co n t ac t d e t a i l s , t u r n t o

o n pa g e 7 6 june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 23

24 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Lov i n g t h e p l a n e t

Fighting for mangroves

Jurgenne Primavera continues her campaign to protect mangrove forests and promote sustainable fishing, says Margie F. Francisco

Mangroves photo by 216Photo / iStockphoto

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 25

inTune F i g h t i n g f or ma n g rov e s

Jurgenne Primavera, one of Time magazine’s “heroes of the environment,” is a powerhouse behind the move to promote sustainable farming and preserve the country’s threatened mangrove forests.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a PhD in Marine Science, Primavera started her career in aquaculture at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center’s (SEAFDEC) aquaculture department in Iloilo.

It was where she started her early marine life research, focusing on the life cycle of shrimps. Her research showed that fish and prawn farms were taking over mangrove forests, the very habitat of fish and other marine life. This propelled her to develop new mangrovefriendly aquafarming methods.

“Mangroves provide coastal and shoreline protection, flood regulation, fish nurseries, wildlife habitat,” she said.

The conservation and preservation of mangroves, she said, meant improved fisheries’ catch and security for everyone, including urban dwellers.

As a result, she was able to establish a connection between the mangroves and the aquaculture. Primavera revealed that only 25% of an area is needed to be set aside as mangrove forests so that shrimp tempura would still be available.

In the future, Primavera recommends to “save some mangroves so that aquaculture flourishes sustainably. Since mangroves naturally filer water, their forests eradicate farm waste far more efficiently than expensive equipment can.”

In 2005, Primavera initiated the research on mangrove forests in Ibajay, Aklan, which led to the construction of Ibajay’s 800-meter footwalk in 2008.

26 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Clockwise from left: Jurgenne Primavera in a training course on mangrove preservation in Ibajay, Aklan; Primavera talking to volunteers in Guimaras and briefing members of mangrove aquasilviculture project in Ibajay

The footwalk serves as a pathway along the mangrove forest of Ibajay, now an eco-park.

Over the years, Primavera untiringly planted mangroves all over the country for coastal rehabilitation, advocated sustainable aquaculture, wrote books and spoke in seminars about mangrove forests. Along the way, she has also discovered unrecorded mangrove tree species in remote areas in the Philippines.

In 2005, she received a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation in recognition of her work toward the conservation of mangroves through formal education and local governance.

Three years later, Primavera received the Time magazine “heroes of the environment” recognition.

Primavera’s fight to preserve our mangrove forests was not all plain

sailing. Two of her friends were murdered in their attempt to preserve the remaining forests in Panay, an incident that hit international news and outraged many people.

The tragic incident spurred her on to continue her conservation work, she said. Primavera is currently project manager of the four-year CommunityBased Mangrove Rehabilitation and Management Project (CMRP) of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which aims at re-establishing the legally mandated mangrove greenbelts along the coast and rehabilitating abandoned government-leased fishponds and degraded nipa palm stands to healthy mangrove forests.

For more on Primavera’s work and to help in mangrove conservation, contact the SEAFDEC/ AQD at +632/ 455 0981 or 927 5542.

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 27

inTune M a n d a l a T R EE t m e n t pro j e c t

Mandala TREEtment project sees 3,200 trees planted R e por t a n d p h o t os b y F e r d z D e c e n a

Mandala Spa and Villas, in partnership with Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC), gathered about a hundred volunteers from Boracay partner establishments like Lemon Café, Metrobank, Asya Premier, Discovery Shores, Boracay Yuppies and Starbucks, including island residents, tourists, Philippine coast guards and local government staff for a third tree planting activity at Nabaoy Watershed in Aklan Mainland last April 28.

Armed with picks, shovels and watering cans, volunteers hiked and crossed two rivers to reach Nabaoy Watershed where they planted 200 seedlings, making for a grand total of 3,200 trees planted since the project began. The seedlings planted were ilang-ilang, acacia auri, narra, dangkalan, and a tree locally known as go-go.

The tree planting is part of Mandala’s TREEtment Project. The aim is to protect and maintain the watershed, which serves as a Boracay Island’s Water Source.

For every spa treatment and a night booked at its spa, Mandala pledges to plant a tree on the guest’s behalf. Guests can even name their plants and Mandala Spa staff and local tanods caring for the tree planted in different governmentdesignated protected areas in Boracay Island and Aklan Mainland can send updates on its growth.

“Don’t wait for others to save the world. Even if you’re by yourself, just do it. Every little action makes a difference,” said Mandala Spa and Villa owner and director Dieter Schrottmann.

For inquiries, call +6336/ 288 5858.

Visit www.mandalaspa.com.

28 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Mandala Spa staff, guests and locals alike participated in Mandala Spa’s recent tree planting exercise at Nabaoy Watershed in Aklan Mainland, part of the spa’s Treetment Project

Award winning actress Chin-chin Gutierrez was one of Time Magazine’s “Asian Heroes” in 2003, and was given The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Sevice (TOWNS) Award in 2004 for her environmental advocacy. Gutierrez has appeared in over 20 feature films, and has produced the album “Uyayi: A Collection of Philippine Lullabies”, regarded by the Catholic Mass Media as Best Secular Album in 2004. Visit www. chinchingutierrez. com.ph

Me a n d m y e c o li f e :

CHIN-CHIN Gutierrez I n t e rv i e w b y M o n i ca D e L e o n

What is your general view about the environment?

I have a group called “Alaga Lahat”, which cares for the environment in a holistic way. I try to patronize products that are life affirming. So no animal testing; no plants and ingredients that were grown with chemicals and pesticides. What is good for us should also be good to the earth.

What resort/hotel would you say follows eco and ethical practices?

I don’t endorse resorts but there are indicators you can spot. See if they have an ecological solid waste management. You can ask if they practice waste segregation. Who collects the segregated materials and where do they go? Check if they use eco friendly soaps that are locally made.

Where do you go for rejuvenation?

I like Tagaytay. Any place with nature like Mt.Banahaw, the Quezon areas. I try to live the way people in a place I go to live.

If you try to simplify your life, if you blend with people, listen to their stories, cook with them, wash dishes with them, in the most ordinary way, you’ll feel them opening their hearts to you.

Your favorite restaurant?

I like Amici and their greens. I’m a vegetarian. I go to organic markets like the one in Makati. There’s a large market every Sunday near the Greenbelt 5 Center. The

p h o t o b y d om i n i q u e j am e s

Philippine Rural Reconstructive Meat (PRRM) would sometimes set aside certain types of rice for me. They sell beautiful red, brown and black rice, which I mix altogether, a third portion each. It’s pure mountain rice that’s very healthy.

Can you name a few real deal eco places?

Ilog Maria in Tagaytay (www.ilogmaria.com).

It’s home to a family who has decided to grow and culture honeybees, which are very fragile. They have a store and a honeybee museum, and are already exporting their goods. There are a variety of products you can make out of honey and beehives — not just honey and cider — like soaps, shampoos, propolis, lip balm, lotion, hair oil, facial oil, tooth powder. They also sell leather balm, leather soap, wood polish, all made from beeswax, and beeswax candle.

There’s Sonya’s Garden (www. sonyasgarden.com), a bed and breakfast place. [Sonya’s Garden is famous for its salads using freshly picked greens from the garden and edible flowers of the season.]

The Cell Farm in Silang, Cavite, developed by the Columbus fathers, holds retreats and seminars, and includes tours around the eco farms.

Cabiokid (www.cabiokid.org) follows permaculture concept. [Cabiokid applies organic methods of farming, has lots of local crops and plants including endemic flora, and provides a harmonious setting for animals and humans alike.]

Shumei Natural Agricultural Farm (www. shumei-na.org/world/philipines.html) in Iba, Zambales uses pure methods in growing food from planting seeds to tending to the plants, following nature’s own course.

The Sustainable Agricultural Center of Cearsolin in Cagayan de Oro, developed by Xavier University, is a good place to learn the different methods of developing sustainable agriculture.

Tell us about your eco home.

We practice waste management. We collect rainwater, which we use to water the plants.

I refrain from using the shower. To conserve water, I use a small bucket of water instead.

All our body and laundry soap are ecological and are bought from local stores to support local livelihood. Victoria soap is now available at Rustans. We use grey water to clean the car or the sink.

What do you always take with you when traveling?

A handbag that has a journal, a bible, a big bag so I can take home small things and carry small gifts for my hosts.

What’s your advice to the traveling public?

Think about the whole planet as your whole body. Don’t leave behind materials that may pollute a place. Take an extra canvas bag that you can fold up so you can refrain from using plastic bags. Maybe buy something from a local vendor.

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i n room > i n d u l g e

The Farm’s Big Lagoon

ethical

Badge

Eco resorts

Three resorts are leading the way in greening their environment R e por t b y M o n i ca D e L e o n

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Lagen Island Resort’s pool; inset, one of the turtles that hatched on Pangulasian Island on March 12, this year

1

E l Nido Resorts

Location: About 420km southwest of Manila, mid part of Palawan province.

El Nido Resorts’ Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort, ran by Ten Knots Development, are both about 30-45 minutes away by motorized boat from El Nido Airport and are part of El Nido’s protected area. Lagen sits on a cove fringed with primary forest and limestone cliffs, home to birds, mammals and diverse flora. A trail at the back of the resort – popular for birdwatching – crosses a forest and

34 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

leads to another hidden cove. Miniloc Island Resort is also set in a cove with a magnificent limestone cliff backdrop and faces a beach with clear waters, home to rich marine life.

Why go? Luxurious rooms in an unbeatable natural setting. The limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a relaxing atmosphere are main draws.

Don’t miss: The Big and Small Lagoons in the Bacuit Archipelago. The Big Lagoon has stunning limestone cliffs, forming a cathedral-like backdrop to paddlers and boatmen cutting through its gin-clear waters. The Small Lagoon is perfect for snorkelling. At low tide, you can marvel at the towering twin rocks that separate its small beach.

In between the rocks is a tiny hole you can enter at low tide. If these are not enough, El Nido is host to 45 islands and islets, most of it pristine and blessed with beautiful white sand beaches.

Green credentials: Staff are required to undergo preservationcentered seminars to understand the resorts’ responsible operations. El Nido leads in responsible waste management and has a material recovery facility that allows a second round of waste segregation. Organic wastes are composted then packed and used for the resorts’ gardens while recyclables are turned over to junk shops. There are two sewerage treatment plants and treated water is used to water plants and to flush toilets while biological solids are neutralized and reused as fertilizers.

To prevent anchors from destroying coral reefs, El Nido Resorts’ dive team set up mooring buoys in 21 sites around Bacuit Bay. Coastal cleanups are a

Eco r e sor t s inRoom

Lagen Island Resort’s water cottage room

regular affair. The resorts pledge active support for various conservation efforts of other organizations. The abundance of marine species, birds and reptiles, including dolphins, sea cows, turtles and manta rays in surrounding waters are evidence enough that all is well.

Green trophies: Part of Conde Nast’s Green List in 2006; was one of Travel + Leisure’s (South Asia, Australia and Southeast Asia editions) “15 Favorite Green Hotels”; and was awarded the Green Hotel Award twice by the Association of East Asian Nations (ASEAN), first in 2008, and second this year.

Rates: Start at P9,000 (about US $180) per room per night based on twin sharing and goes up on high and peak seasons.

How to get there: SEAIR (+632/

849 0100, www.FlySeair.com) flies thrice weekly from Manila to El Nido Airport where there are resort staff to meet guests and transport them to the resort.

Contact info: +632/ 894 5644; holiday@elnidoresorts.com; www. elnidoresorts.com.

2

The Farm (formerly The Farm at San Benito) Location: Barangay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, about 80km south of Manila, and close to Tagaytay and

Laguna. The farm is set in 48 hectares of verdant grounds that used to be a coconut and coffee plantation.

Why go? Delicious vegan cuisine, world class spa, an effective weight loss program, and the peace and quiet that pervades the place. If you feel like having a detox or just getting your body recharged then this is the place. Soon as you check in, you undergo a medical assessment including blood tests and checks to find out what health package will suit you best. Be ready to give up junk food, smoking, and alcohol during your stay.

Don’t miss: The 90-minute hampol massage, a healing treatment that uses warm compress using combined local herbs and the local hilot or massage technique. If you like golf, you can indulge in the sport at Mt. Malarayat, or go for a colon hydro therapy session with therapist Roma Laylo. And do find time to meet the resident white baby peacock.

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 35

inRoom Eco r e sor t s

Left, this spread: The Farm’s master villa bedroom; and Shangri-La Mactan’s giant clam. Inset, an organic vegetable garden at The Farm

Green credentials: The resort is 100% vegan, prohibits smoking, avoids use of plastic and engages in composting. It grows fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers organically, uses natural mosquito repellants such as citronella, and uses biodegradable cleaning and laundry products made right in the farm. It is slowly shifting to use of LED lights and encourages guests and staff alike to practice conservation measures.

Green trophies: Won the Asia Spa Awards for Spa Retreat of the Year award in 2007 and 2008, the Baccarat Asia Spa Awards Spa Retreat of the Year in 2008, and was CNN Traveller’s “6 Best Environmentally Friendly Hotels” in December 2009.

Rates: Start at P7,000++ per night for

36 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

single or double occupancy with daily breakfast for two and access to select daily activities like yoga. Wellness retreats start with three-day packages with rates starting from P22,500++ per person.

How to get there: From Manila, hire a car or a van for a two-hour land trip to Lipa City, Batangas. Exit the South Expressway via Calamba; turn right on the Star Tollway; then take the Lipa/ Tambo exit and go further on to Lipa City. There are several inside roads to take until you get to The Farm so best to download a location map. Shuttles departing from Manila can be arranged from the The Farm. For car or van hire, contact Carfield. Tel: +632/ 853 5331 Contact info: +632/ 884 8074-75; reservations@thefarm.com.ph; www. thefarm.com.ph.

3

S hangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort & Spa Location: Mactan Island, Cebu, located about 588km south of Manila.

The 547-room Shangri-La Mactan is 15 minutes from Cebu-Mactan International Airport. It is a sprawling 13-hectare property, fronting a 350m stretch of white sand beach.

Why go? Nice rooms, white sand beach, world class spa, and a variety of activities on offer. Cebu City, with its shops and restaurants, is only less than 30 minutes away.

inRoom Eco r e sor t s

Shangri-La Mactan’s deluxe seaside view room. Below, Shangri-La staff in one of their monthly beach clean-ups

Don’t miss: Pampering and massage treatments at Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La’s in-house spa.

Green credentials: The resort uses only energy-saving light bulbs, has installed water restrictors to conserve water, has sewage treatment facilities, uses biodegradable cleaning materials, and uses less harmful refrigerants in the kitchen’s refrigerators and chillers. The resort also invested in a desalination plant that allows brine water to go back to the sea, while converting salt-free water to a potable one. Employees segregate waste, separating recyclables, join regular coastal and dive cleanups and coral recovery programs, and engage in the “Bike to work” program.

The Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary, covering some five hectares starting from its beachfront, was established in February 2007. It’s home to some 100 species of fish, clams and corals. There have been reported sightings of migratory

38 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

species in the area since the sanctuary’s opening. In 2007, resort employees participated in transferring giant clams from Palawan to the sanctuary, sparing it from being sold illegally. The sanctuary is now home to 70 giant clams.

Green trophies: It has just received its second ASEAN Green Hotel Standard Award this year at the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Brunei, after it bagged its first award in the same category in 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rates: Start at P8,000 per room per night.

How to get there: SEAIR flies thrice weekly from Manila to Cebu via Caticlan. From Mactan Airport, cabs are widely available. Resort transport may also be arranged from Shangri-La. Contact info: +632/ 231 8276 or 79; mac@shangri-la.com; www.shangri-la. com.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Deluxe Seaview photo by Jocas A. See

indulge L e B i s t ro V e r t Le Bistro Vert’s interior

Sagada oranges appetizer

Tamarind roasted organic chicken

Le Bistro Vert: Eating green At last, an organic food restaurant that serves delicious meals and does not cost the earth, says Ferdz Decena p h o t os b y F e r d z D e c e n a

THE SETTING. Located in the heart of the Makati business district, just a few flights of stairs from Valero Street to Fraser Place Building at Streetside. Le Bistro Vert is a welcoming place, with its high ceiling, cool colors, and large windows lending a feeling of being inside a greenhouse. It has a loft for private dining and special occasions and tables outside for al fresco dining.

THE FOOD. French cuisine using Filipino organic ingredients. Chef Sau del Rosario assured us that the ingredients were sourced locally to help sustain the organic farms of local farmers. The colorful layers of sliced Sagada oranges, tomato and carabao cheese with malunggay and basil pesto (P175) were refreshing. The Le Bistro Vert Caesar salad (P195) Filipino style, laced with tinapa, salted egg and queso de bola, did not come out too salty

40 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

and was good. The chicken and pork adobo sushi, which uses Sagada rice (P155) was also good but could use a stronger adobo taste.

We tried the smoked fish putanesca (P210), which had a hint of sweetness that Filipinos love. Our main course of tamarind roasted organic chicken (295) was tender and its skin flavorful. Tamarinds were used in the marinade and the chicken was slow roasted.

The red rice palif that came with the chicken was thick and heavy while the vegetables in skewers were grilled to juicy perfection.

THE SERVICE. Relaxed yet attentive. Servers knew the menu well and were courteous.

WHO DINES THERE. Its lunch crowd are mostly businessmen and workers from nearby offices.

In the evening, casual and fine diners come for the house wine. Vegetarians and health buffs

yearning for tasty organic food occasionally find their way here.

THE PRICE. From P150-P300 (about US $3-$6) per dish. Reasonably priced for the quality of organic food and serving portion that’s good enough for two.

THE VERDICT. It’s a place to escape to for some quiet and revitalizing organic food. Every order here contributes to the livelihood of local farms and agriculture. Best of all, the organic food does not cost the earth.

Le Bistro Vert is at Streetside, Fraser Place, Streetside Fraser Place Tower, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Open Mondays to Fridays, 7am to 10pm, Saturdays, 7am to 3pm.

For more information, call +632/ 403 1841 or visit www.lebistro.ph; email lebistro.fsrs@gmail.com.

96 SeaiR inFlight

i oCtobeR - novembeR 2008

ins & ou ts

cov e rs t or y

insider’ s guide

i n f oc u s

Secret lagoon

Calaan

Stunning Vista Beach Resort

ins & outs

El Nido: Limestone cliffs and clear waters

R e por t a n d p h o t os b y F e r d z D e c e n a

Located at the north-western side of Palawan, El Nido, with its never-ending waters, stunning beaches and limestone cliffs, is a dream destination. Luxury and bottom-end resorts abound, but mid-range resorts are on the thin side. Ferdz Decena lists a few good ones.

Stay. Marina Garden Beach Resort at the center of El Nido town right along M. Quezon (formerly Calle Hama) is a midrange type resort with both native cottages with basic facilities for budget travelers

map i l l u s t ra t i o n b y ra n d y r . r e y

(P650) and concrete country villa rooms with air-conditioning and hot showers (starting at P2,000 a night). There’s a small café and restaurant. WiFi is available. I found their beachfront the best stretch of beach in El Nido Bay, ideal for lounging and swimming. www.marinagardenelnido.

multiply.com; marinagarden.elnido@gmail. com; +63917/ 624 7722 or +63908/ 884 3711.

For budget travelers, check out Cliffside Cottages (Rizal St.; +63919/ 785 6625) just

•

beside the towering limestone cliffs of El Nido (P350-P750). It’s a seven-minute walk

to the beach but its basic cottages are clean, decent and are best value for long stays in town.

• Lualhati Lodge (athan_lualhati@yahoo.

com; +63919/3196683), a few minutes’ walk from Cliffside Cottages, has a quiet and peaceful garden (rooms start at P500). They have Spartan rooms and kitchen is free for guests to use if they prefer to cook their own food. Breakfast is also available.

Hadefe Cottages fronting Caalan Beach further north of El Nido town has a tropical setting with spacious native cottages with

•

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 43

insAndOuts E l N i d o

fans and clean toilet and bath. It’s a 15 minute walk to and from town but the views along the way is scenic. www.hadefecottages.tk;

hadefetravel@ymail.com; +63920/ 952 3280.

El Nido Garden Beach Resort just before

•

Caalan Beach is quiet and cozy with its own pool and fitness room. Their homey rooms start at P4,000 (breakfast included).

Visit www.eldnidogardenresort.com.

• For a private, luxurious experience, El Nido Resorts has premiere resorts on Lagen and Miniloc islands. Stylish rooms and cottages are built on stilts. The resorts also offer activities like kayaking, windsurfing and diving (prices from P10,000-P14,500). Visit

www.elnidoresorts.com.

Note: Electricity in El Nido is available from 2pm to 6am of the following day.

7 Commandos Beach

Taraw Cliff

Dine. The Alternative Center on Serena St, Barangay Buena Suerte has an extensive menu of delicious vegan cuisines from soups to entree plus exotic teas. Meat dishes are also available.

There’s a bar and cozy lounges on the second floor. Free WiFi for diners. +63917/ 896 3408;

beckygordon@yahoo.com.

• For freshly-baked goodies, pizza and pasta, head over to Artcafe at the end of Serena Street. They are known for their pancakes, fresh muesli and homemade yoghurt. WiFi available.

Visit www.elnidoboutiqueandartcafe.com.

• It’s hard to resist the inviting smell of grilled

squid when passing by Squidos Restaurant on the corner of M. Quezon and Abdulla Streets. Its French owner lent a French touch to Filipino favorites. People also swear by how good their burgers are.

If one doesn’t mind the distance, the restaurant of Stunning Vista Beach Resort in Corong-corong serves good food. Try their lemon pepper tuna or Cajun maya-maya while enjoying the sunset. Definitely worth the trip.

•

Visit www.elnidostunningvistas.com.

An institution in itself, Balay Tubay on Real

•

Street serves Filipino and European cuisine, and comes with live performances from local musicians.

SEE. There are about 45 limestone islands making up Bacuit Bay, so it can be a daunting task to choose which ones to see first. El Nido tour operators has several island tours on offer.

Tour A starts from P500. Itinerary includes Miniloc Island, its lagoons and the scenic secret lagoon beach. There is a snorkeling stop on Shimizu Island and a sunset beach stop on 7 Commandos beach. A nice starter tour.

Cave-littered islands and elongated stretches of beaches make up Tour B. Included are the Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave, the winding stretch of beach of Snake Island, and a stopover at the white sand Pangulasian Island. Tour costs about P600. Tour C includes the farther islands of Matinloc and Taiputan (P700). The adventure of swimming through a crack to find a beach is worth it. The Matinloc Shrine has a grotto with a nice view of the channel between the islands and the scenic Hidden Beach behind picturesque towering

44 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

limestones which probably inspired Alex Garland to write the bestseller, “The Beach”.

Rate is P700.

•

El Nido Boutique and Art Café (www. elnidobotiqueandartcafe.com) is the more established tour operator in town with premium rates. Also check out new ones like Servant Tours along Rizal Street, Tuba Tours on M. Quezon Street and Islanen Tours, located corner of M. Quezon and Osmeña Streets.

If you would rather go on individual island hopping trips, it is easy enough to hire a boat and a guide. Whatever you do, stop by the Big and Small Lagoons in Miniloc Island.

DO. As a break away from the beach, tour operators offer a number of inland activities.

An hour’s hike after a 14 kilometer ride from El Nido Town proper is the Nagkalit-kalit Falls in the town of Pasadena. Five kilometers further is the undeveloped Makinit Hotspring purely for sightseeing. There’s the two-hour hike to Bulalakaw Falls in Villa Paz, 15 kilometers from El Nido town. Seven kilometers from El Nido town proper is Ille Cave with its archaeological artifacts dating back 10,000 years. The waterfalls are best visited during the rainy season via tricycle, fares from P600-P800.

Within El Nido town, one can climb the Taraw Cliff for a magnificent panoramic view of El Nido and Bacuit Bay.

•

For more info on El Nido contact El Nido Tourism Office at +63926/ 993 8803 or email info@elnidotourism.com or elnidotourism@yahoo.com.

Hacienda San Benito keeps farm horses. You can do horseback riding or have a more dramatic tour of the farm via a horse-drawn carriage for free. Just inform the front office in advance

Cover Story

Escape to the country

City girl Ces Rodriguez went on a "simple living" weekend in a green community and farm, and relearned the survival skills of quiet hacienda living op e n i n g P h o t o b y j e f f r e y so n ora i n s i d e P A GE S ' P h o t os b y O g g i e R amos

Fashion styling by Waldo J. Villados Hair and makeup by Monica De Leon Modeling by Larissa Ide for Mercator Model and Artist Management Model's top by Eairth; drawstring pants by The Ramp Wear; and sandals by Pill, both available at The Ramp Crossings

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 47

View of the stunning Mt. Malarayat, afforded by a nice al fresco seat from Cafe Terraza

Escap e t o t h e co u n t r y Cover Story

was to spend a weekend of "simple living" in Hacienda San Benito, a 22-hectare wellness farm and green residence in Lipa City, Batangas. The place is the brainchild of "think green" developer Ricky Ocampo, CEO of Milrose Development. He has put together a young team to build what they hoped would be a green utopia, 14.5 hectares of residences and five hectares of organic farm, 1,025 feet above sea level at the foothills of Mt. Malarayat. Several lots are for sale and when you buy your piece of the green dream, you also get a share in the organic farm. IIt's a place for harried city souls to escape to to breathe fresh air, enjoy the greenery, engage in weekend organic farming, feed the farm animals, ride horses, swim, and live the life of a haciendero or gentleman farmer.

This is not your austere simple living — the place

Map illustration by Marlon A. See

has a pool, a coffee shop and restaurant, massage huts, and soon, a spa, and a farm shop where you can buy organic produce, and indulge in all the organic cooking and eating that you want. And with a vast farmland at your doorstep, there are limitless ways to spend your days, even if it's just lying in the fields, looking up at the sky.

When it was time to pack, the first few things I absentmindedly tossed in my backpack were my laptop, cell phone, chargers, digicam, digital voice recorder, cassette recorder as back-up, two lighters and half-aream of flip tops. Clearly, the idea of farm or barrio living has not yet sunk in.

I arrived at the Hacienda in April, in the middle of the Philippines' cruelest summer, with temperatures hitting 32 degrees celsius. We were pretty high up so temperatures here were supposed to be cooler. The

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 49

Cover Story Escap e t o t h e co u n t r y

A green residence: This model unit has rainwater tanks for flushing toilets and watering plants and keeps cool with good ventilation.

Opposite page, the unit's dining room

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vast central swath that made up the first phase of the farm subdivision was covered with scorched greenery.

Our house for the stay was not the bahay kubo I expected, but a model unit built all by its lonesome on the empty field. But this was a property still in the development stage, so we were happy to bunk in the modern storybook house: the roof thatched in nipa, the structure finished in a happy salmon color. Best of all, wall-to-wall windows and front-and-back second floor balconies made for good ventilation, with fresh breeze coming in from the mountains and across the empty lots. This model house also has integrated rainwater harvesting tanks to help provide water for flushing toilets and irrigating the vegetable plots around the property.

Unlike other farm subdivisions, Hacienda San Benito follows the manner hacienderos ran their

plantations. Lot owners are not expected to raise their own chickens or grow produce in their backyards.

Instead, they get shares from San Benito Wellness, which operates the farm and markets the organic produce from its coffee trees, vegetable patches, apiary, tilapia pond and ostrich pens. San Benito’s coffee and honey are now sold in South Supermarket, SM and Puregold.

Milrose CEO Ocampo says farmhands in straw hats and uniforms will regularly work the farms and tend to the horses and goats, as well as take care of such crops as corn, eggplants, bokchoy, peanuts, tomatoes, cucumbers and soon, strawberries. In short, it’s Farmville come true.

Future plans include establishing a spa and more wellness facilities for the use of lot owners.

When we visited though, the hacienda was long on

Hacienda San Benito model house photo by Jocas A. See

Escap e t o t h e co u n t r y Cover Story

Clockwise from left this spread: Hacienda's vetiver farmhands and short on gentleman farmers. We saw two houses under construction near the far end of the first phase, next to the windmill and the Koi Hotel (holding areas for koi fish you can buy for San Benito Wellness to take care of). A few property owners have also pitched tents for overnight stays at the hacienda, we were told. The social center of Hacienda San Benito is the Terraza de Barako, an open-air reception area that also serves as lounge, coffee shop, restaurant and a reading area. We were served fingers of homemade suman or sticky rice sprinkled with muscovado sugar we ate in an ungainly fashion with thin whittled sticks.

The Terraza overlooked a slope of coffee seedlings to one side and tiers of cultivated vetiver grass on another. With roots snaking to a depth of up to three meters, vetiver resembles the sharp-edged wild talahib

Vetiver grass photo by Jocas A. See

or kans grass. The farm intends to use vetiver to pave the walkways in other areas San Benito will open eventually.

Later, we hopped into an electric golf cart to explore the tilapia pond, the Koi Hotel (under construction) and drive around the animal pens, but you could just as easily walk to the areas from the Terazza as they were just a few hundred meters away.

When we finally went back to our model unit, we discovered: no Internet (or WiFi), no TV (free or cable) and the Internet USB one of us brought along could connect only intermittently. So, we dragged a curvy rattan chair from the living room to the open porch where we lounged the night away. Except for a fluorescent tube shining from the workers' shed where the Capilla del Sagrado Corazon with its impressive thatched roof was being built, our surroundings were

grass that will be used in paving walkways of other areas of the farm, a more eco approach; Cafe Terraza's lovely earthenware bowls used for washing hands; suman or sticky rice sprinkled with muscovado sugar and warm cup of freshly brewed barako coffee served at Cafe Terraza upon request; and a horsedrawn carriage in front of Cafe Terraza, one that residents can hop on for a leisurely tour of the farm

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 53

Cover Story Escap e t o t h e co u n t r y

Clockwise from top left: InFlight writer Ces showing some of the farm's organically grown veggies she handpicked for her salad; and fruit and nuts grown on the farm. Opposite, a tilapia pond if you are inclined to fish for your dinner.

Otherwise, farm staff can do the fishing and cooking for you

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pitch black. When I looked up and saw a mass of winking stars, the purpose of the trip hit home.

Instead of communicating by chat or email or phone or social media or on a fast clip across a conference table or in a drunken haze in a noisy bar, we had a proper conversation, supine on a futon or sprawled on the cool tiles of the front porch.

When talks petered out, we cracked open the books we brought along, quietly leafed through magazines or or nodded off. With no connection to update blogs, we fished out notebooks and rediscovered the pleasures of writing a journal in longhand.

Early the next day, we visited the organic vegetable farm, inexplicably blocked from view by a wraparound tarp. Underneath the nettings, we found romaine lettuce ready to be harvested and Lilliputian strawberries being nursed in pots. Beneath open

skies, yellowish cucumbers hid behind leaves and a farmhand pulled out a low shrub where peanuts clung to earth-encrusted roots. I cracked open one and was surprised by a sweetness and crunch that reminded me of singkamas or jicamas.

You could request the staff to serve you a salad fresh off the vegetable patch and dress it with the farm’s bottled cider honey. You could also fish for your own tilapia dinner or have a farmhand do it for you. And then eat lunch with your hands. Guests can also enjoy the farm’s barako coffee percolated (with sugar) in an electric urn and sample the clear honey that slow-dripped off a frame of honeycomb from the farm apiary.

Across the Terraza, three bamboo massage huts stood on a gentle slope. You can book for a massage with one of the local masseuses. It's a pleasant way to

Woman holding a basket of produce photo by Jocas A. See

Escap e t o t h e co u n t r y Cover Story

spend the time, getting pampered and enjoying the cool breeze wafting through the hut. You can see Mt. Malarayat from the huts.

To cool off or just get some gentle exercise, take a dip in the three-tiered “organic” pool beside the Terraza, so-called because the water is untreated by chlorine. At 7am on the day we tried out the pool, the water was still tepid, not completely cooled down by the night.

There are other things you can do on the farm: feed the more docile female ostriches (seven kilos of kangkong or swamp cabbage consumed per bird per day), sample their eggs (P750 for an unfertilized egg scrambles enough for eight people), hop on a calesa for a clop around the hacienda or ride the horses that freely roam the grounds. These can be arranged upon request. Trained farm workers are there to assist anytime.

But in a place like Hacienda San Benito, do isn’t the operative word. It’s don’t. Don’t bother with shoes at the Terraza; don’t wear your wristwatch; don’t check your cell phone messages; don’t Tweet; don’t think about the unread emails when you regain your Internet connection; don’t rush; don’t plan; don’t worry. And don’t smoke because it’s forbidden.

Our metabolism slowed; so did time. Far from being bored, we viewed the stay as a true retreat. Crickets at night, roosters crowing in the morning, the neigh of a nearby horse and a welcome disconnection from lives perpetually wired and 24/7.

From left, ostrich feeding; the organic pool, guaranteed 100% free from chemicals.

essentials

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Various all

Hacienda San Benito offers lots from 206sqm-1,024sqm at P5,210 per square meter. For inquiries, tours and payment terms, contact Milrose Realty Development Corporation, 7th flr., Tower 2 Insular Life, Filinvest Corporate Center, Alabang. Tel. +632/ 776 4262 local 112.

For day-long and overnight stays, bring a swimsuit, towels, books and magazines to read, a notebook and a pen, playing cards, a board game or your knitting.

To get there from Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway heading south; take the BatangasLucena-Legaspi exit to Santo Tomas Batangas.

Take Star Tollway and take Tambo exit then follow directions to Lipa City. From Lipa, signages are aplenty that will guide you to getting to Hacienda San Benito. To book a car or a van, call +632/ 853 5331.

natural honey by-products; pure honey gathered from the apiary right within the farm's premises; honey straight from a honey comb; and freshly harvested organic tomatoes and lettuce for a crisp, refreshing salad

San Benito Wellness' jars of honey and ostrich feeding photos by Jocas A. See

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Last Frontiers insider’s guide

It's a tricky business naming places of natural beauty lightly touched by civilization.

We challenged a group of nature photographers, led by Allen Hipolito Mayor to list their favorites I n t e rv i e w b y M o n i ca D e L e o n

M A P ILLU S T R A TI O N b y m A R L O N A . S EE

About Our insider Allen Hipolito Mayor is a naturalist and founder of a nature and travel photographers organization, Klub Natur, and a member of the RPN Flora and Fauna Research Expeditions, documenting flora and fauna in 16 regions of the Philippines.

To contact Allen, call mobile +63921/ 711 1519; tel. +632/ 701 4521. Visit www.allenhipolitomayor.com, www.klubnatur.org and www.philippinefloraandfauna.org

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Treasure map and nautical equipment photo by Mark Wragg / iStockphoto

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B A T A NE S P R O V IN C E

Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (Biplas) p h o t o b y v i c t or i . s i so n

Overview: The northernmost island province of Batanes, famous for its unique rocky formations and rolling terrains, has grown in popularity as a place to escape from it all.

The warmth of its people and the simple country living it offers are main draws.

Says MAYOR: “While most people explore Batanes' coastlines, we explored its forests — trees enwrapped the trail, the sound of birds and crickets, and beautiful flora and endemic fauna greeted us. When we hit grassland, we saw a flock of cattle freely roaming around. I pondered about how long it would take for commercial tourism to affect the Ivatan culture and this island's pastoral setting."

Eco features: Batanes is made up of three main islands: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat.

In 1994, BIPLAS was declared a protected landscape and seascape. A survey conducted by UP Los Banos revealed that there were at least five reptiles, 10 birds and two mammals endemic to the area, plus several threatened and near-threatened species like Platalea minor, Egretta eulophotes and Treron formosae, among others, living in the area. Also found here are endemic palm Phoenis hanceana var. Philippinesis and various species of grass like Imperata cylindrica and Themeda. The commanding landmark Mt. Iraya in itself “is a dense thicket composed of the giant reed species. Communal forests are found in pockets and ravines.”

Supporting organization: The DENR is primarily responsible for managing BIPLAS through the Conservation of Priority Protected Areas Project (CPPAP), and three BIPLAS non-government organizations, namely the Batanes Development Foundation, Inc. (BDFI) (tel: +6378/ 535 4851, +63921/ 435 4818), the Itbayat Integrated Area Development Program (IADP), and the Ivatan Heritage Foundation. Funding assistance comes from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) World Bank. The People’s Organizations (POs) also participate in conservation efforts.

How to get there: SEAIR flies daily from Manila to Basco. To book a flight, visit www.

FlySeair.com or call +632/ 849 0100.

Where to stay: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge (tel: +63927/ 290 2404, url: www.fundacionpacita.ph) is one of the best resorts in Batanes that offers quality accommodation with breathtaking views. A package that includes tours and transfers can be arranged. Call SEAIR LEP at +632/ 843 7308 for resort packages.

Old paper photo by Skip O'Donnell / iStockphoto

l as t f ro n t i e rs

insider’s guide

Valugan Bay at sundown

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B as e y , S amar

Sohoton National Park p h o t o b y v i c t or i . s i so n

Overview: Sometimes called the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, due to its stunning rock formation that forms a natural bridge across a gorge. Equally stunning are the park's limestone gorges and caves, and lowland limestone rainforest.

Says MAYOR: “What is so significant about Sohoton is its gigantic natural bridge covered with a dense forest. It was a truly poetic and an idyllic place to be."

“The way to the park was also a sight to behold. The town of Basey is an hour's drive from Tacloban, Leyte. The boat ride from Basey’s town proper took us along a beautiful river flanked by jungles. We saw several quaint and modest houses, mangroves and nipa palms, and the river became narrower as we went along.

Enormous grey rocks covered with green vegetation rose up the blue waters. Soon, we reached the cave entrance. A kerosene lamp was lit to guide us inside the cavern. The play of light and shadows against the stalactites and stalagmites, moving water frozen in time, was magical."

Eco features: Established as a park in 1935, The Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park has a medley of cathedral-like caves, sky-lit caverns, tunnels, weathered rocks and towering limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caves and subterranean rivers. The three main areas in the park — Panhulugan I and II, the Sohoton and Bugosan — are home to cathedral-like caves, which served as resting grounds for the departed indigenous people in the area. The park is also home to endangered species like the Philippine eagle, Philippine cockatoo, tarsier, flying lemur, and 12 plant species, some of which are orchids and ferns.

The area has the largest remaining intact tracts of tropical lowland rainforests in the country, which harbors some 2,400 species of flowers including 400 that are endemic to the Philippines, and another 400 endemic to Samar. Other natural splendors are the Cadac-an River, the largest in the area, and species like foxes, bats, hornbills, pheasants, kingfishers, and some reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Supporting organization: Basey Tourism Office (tel: +6355/ 276 1471).

How to get there: From Tacloban City, take a two-hour drive to Basey and an hour boat ride to the national park. Or take a Basey bound jeepney from the old wet market. In Basey Town, walk to the pier where the tourism office is located.

Where to stay: Samar Leyte Beach Resort (tel: +63906/ 257 8999, url: www.slbresort. com) in Basey has decent homey air-conditioned rooms and full resort amenities, with rates starting at P1,700 (about US $34) for a standard room.

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The nocturnal Philippine frogmouth bird, Batrachostomus septimus.

Opposite page, from top: Palaui residents: A Cepaea hortensis snail displaying its effortless grace; and a critter from the Scutelleridae (shield or shield-backed bug) family

l as t f ro n t i e rs insider’s guide

Sa n V icen te , C agaya n

Palaui Island Marine Reserve p h o t os b y A LLEN HI P O LIT O M A Y O R

Overview: Palaui is a volcanic island situated within one of the most treacherous bodies of waters in the country, with a shoreline running some 20.6km, and has a diverse ecosystem of coralline beaches, tall forest trees, sea grass meadows, mangroves, cliffs, tidal pools, springs, waterfalls, geological formations and endemic flora and fauna, with a protected area spanning about 7,400 hectares, with forests covering some 80% of the area. The whole island is a watershed and several falls direct fresh water to the ocean especially at rainy season. Declared a marine reserve under the category protected landscape and seascape in 1994, this well preserved frontier is also reputed to be home to species yet to be identified.

Says MAYOR: “In Palaui, we found ourselves lost in the labyrinth of tall trees and thick foliage. Some trees looked fairly old; others bowed down to the ground. After sometime, we were crossing a vast dry field. Our pace was leisurely, but we were sweating under the scorching sun. We felt a desperate need for caffeine and cold soft drinks, but we ended up sucking on coffee candy. As we sat at the trail edge, a Cepaea hortensis snail displayed her effortless grace. After a while, another Scutelleridae critter appeared. We also snapped pictures of several lichens and fungi right off the trail."

“Eventually, we reached the beach. The coves were lined with age-old pandanus, talisay, and agoho trees. Sea grass flourished in sizeable pools, evidenced by the large accumulation of detritus along the shores.”

Eco features: According to Mayor, “an inventory by Conservation International revealed at least two unidentified floral specimens and threatened and near-threatened species of wildlife in Palaui that include the dwarf king fisher, Terpsiphone cinnamomea, serpent eagle, and the tarictic hornbill. Some divers who conducted an underwater survey claimed to have seen species of marine sea slugs and snails that they have never seen anywhere else.”

Supporting organization: The Palaui Environmental Protector’s Association (PEPA) comprised of island residents monitors tourism related activities and other activities that can threaten the island. Klub Natur organizes guided eco tours for five to 10 persons.

How to get there: Take a Florida bus (tel: +632/ 743 3809, url: www.gvfloridatransport. com) from Earnshaw in Manila to Sta. Ana Cagayan terminal; then take a quadcycle (a local motorized commuter vehicle) to San Vicente Port where there are boats that can take passengers to any part of Palaui Island. When there, note that electricity is not available on the island plus cell phone signal is only on the island’s eastern side.

Where to stay: Manong Dyoni Gagote allows immersion in his home in Punta Verde, the only village in the eastern side of the island.

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 65

insider’s guide l as t f ro n t i e rs

"From the summit, we saw the seabed of clouds right below us, including perhaps the best sunrise and sunset in the world"

66 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

C or d i l l e ra M o u n t a i n R a n g e

Mount Pulog National Park p h o t o b y ar n o l d ma n z a n a l

Overview: The lure of Pulog (pronounced "Pulag") is its rugged terrain with an altitude ranging from 1,200 meters up to 2,000 meters at Pulog's peak. The area is home to Luzon's wildlife species and presents some of the best mountain hiking trails.

Says MAYOR: “The path to Mount Pulog was breathtaking. The Ambangeg hiking trail gave us plenty of quiet time to observe the luxuriant vegetation and grasslands, a setting fit for the Lord of the Rings. From the summit, we saw the seabed of clouds right below us, including perhaps the best sunrise and sunset in the world.”

Eco features: This mammoth mountain is the second tallest mountain in the whole country at an elevation of 2,922masl. Mt Pulog was declared a national park in 1987. Its mossy forest is home to wild plants such as dwarf bamboos, Benguet pines, rare flora such as pitcher plants, species of birds, the threatened Philippine brown deer, Northern Luzon giant cloud rat and the Luzon pygmy fruit bat.

The mountain summit is blanketed with 37 species of grass with few mosses, scale mosses, lichens and bamboo plants; the lower elevations are made of mossy forests abundant with ferns; and below is a pine forest growing on barren rocky slopes, and features falls, rivers and small lakes. The park's Lake Babadak is an important water source for settlers in the area.

Supporting organization: Mt. Pulog is a National Integrated Protected Area Program (NIPAP) site, a special project of the DENR assisted by a grant from the European Union (EU). Klub Natur offers “off-the-beaten-track” eco adventure travel for seven to 10 persons.

How to get there: Take a Partas (tel: +632/ 725 7303) or Victory Liner (tel: +632/ 727 4665, url: www.victoryliner.com) bus from Manila to Baguio. From Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio, hop on a bus or jeepney that plies the three-hour Kabayan-Ambangeg route.

Where to stay: In Kabayan Poblacion, rooms for rent are available at the Kabayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (tel: +6374/ 444 7428, +63919/ 553 9647). In Ambangeg, there’s a campsite near the Protected Area Office (tel: +63920/ 301 3932) where tents may be set up.

Clouds viewed from the summit of Mt. Pulog

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insider’s guide l as t f ro n t i e rs

Nor t h e r n S amar

Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape p h o t os b y V I C T O R I . S I S O N

Overview: Biri-Larosa has a surreal landscape of dense mangroves, sandstone and siltstone cliffs forming natural edgy formations that call to mind stairways, animal shapes, mushrooms, and nab amphitheater.

Says MAYOR: “The romance of Biri lies in its strange rock formations. The solitary vastness of the landscape and seascape was incredible. It has the balance of nature’s harshness and beauty. What is striking is the natural perfection of the angles of the rocks. One rock fell in lazy, perfect slants."

“The relentless sun that beat down on us and the northern wind that kept whipping hot air on our recent visit to Biri caused our skin to burn like wildfire, but we kept on clicking our shutters to capture textures and patterns of the boulders that Biri is famous for. There was something about the silence and the majesty of Biri rocks. They were the most beautiful thing we've seen so far, or perhaps the most beautiful we'd ever see."

Eco features: Biri Island is one of the 18 islands that make up the Balicuarto Islands, located off the northernmost tip of Samar. In April 2000, the Biri-Larosa Coastal Community (BLCC), comprised of Biri Island, Lavezares, Rosario and San Jose municipalities, was declared a protected landscape and seascape.

Supporting organization: Through its Coastal Environmental Program (CEP), DENR manages BLCC in collaboration with the Samar Center for Rural Education and Development (SACRED), a local non government organization, and the University of the Eastern Philippines. Klub Natur organizes guided eco tours for five to 10 persons.

How to get there: There are regular flights from Manila to Catarman. From Catarman, take a 45-minute ride via private or public utility jeepney to get to Lavezares. Then take a 45-minute motorized banca ride to Biri Island.

Where to stay: Bonbon Beach Resort (tel: +63939/ 501 1685, url: www. bonbonbeachresort.com) is a family-owned resort on Dancalan Beach that offers standard, deluxe ocean view and large family rooms with aircon and standard hotel amenities. It’s about 20 minutes away from Catarman Airport.

Biri's surreal rock formations. Opposite, Mt. Apo Natural Park's mossy forest where running water is potable

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Davao C i t y, Davao d e l S u r a n d Nor t h C o t aba t o

Mt. Apo Natural Park p h o t o b y ar n o l d ma n z a n a l

Overview: Mt. Apo is the Philippine's tallest mountain at 3,144 meters above sea level, considered the richest botanical mountain in the whole region, and is part of the Mt. Apo Natural Park, a declared protected area. The park has five distinct forest formations and four major lakes, including the famous Lake Agco (Blue Lake) and Lake Venado, a camping site and stopover for summitting mountaineers.

Says MAYOR: “We began our climb of Mt. Apo at Lake Agco. After intense trekking, we reached Mainit, the first of the three stations in the Kidapawan trail.

The hot spring was a great source of warmth and comfort to a weary body. As we forged on, our route was filled with flora and fauna of immense variety. There were mosses and lichens along the trail. We crawled through rocks. The experience of crossing Marbel river caused chills and shudders as we balanced our way on coconut logs."

“After a restless night, we continued our trek. We arrived at the idyllic Lake Venado where some of us took a bath until we journeyed through the mossy forests, passing by a waterfall. At the summit we found wild blackberries; below, we saw Mt. Apo's old volcanic crater."

Eco features: The mountain is host to hundreds of rare, endemic and threatened floral species like the Vanda sanderiana or waling-waling, the “Queen of Philippine Orchids.” Some endemics include Humalanthus populneus, the endangered Lithocarpus submonticolus, the Agathis philippinensis (Almaciga), Vatica manggachapoi (Narig) and Shorea palita (Lauan), and the Mindanao montane forest mouse; Philippine tree shrew, Philippine tree squirrel, Mindanao moonrat or gymnure for the fauna. The Philippine deer is considered as the most threatened mammal in the area.

Supporting organization: The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the Protected Area Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the DENR. The Kidapawan Tourism Office (tel: +6367 81831) has a standardized system of guide/porter fees.

How to get there: From Davao City, it is reached by bus via Digos and Kidapawan. Kidapawan is on the main highway between Davao City and Cotabato City, approximately three hours by bus from either location. Comfortable aircon buses are widely available. In Kidapawan, take a tricycle to the Kidapawan Tourism Council. Jeepney and buses ply the one-hour route between Kidapawan and Ilomavis.

Where to stay: Davao Marco Polo Hotels (tel: +6382/ 221 0888, url: www. marcopolohotels.com/en/hotels/philippines/davao/marco_polo_davao/index.html) is one of the many available hotels in Davao that offer creature comforts with its full hotel amenities and 245 rooms and suites. Room rates start at P4,800 for a standard room for two with breakfast. For a nature-y stay, book Eden Nature Park & Resort (tel: +6382/ 299 1020, url: www. edennaturepark.com.ph), a 95% manmade property set in 80 hectares with hundreds of pine trees that has rooms, cabins and campsites.

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insider’s guide l as t f ro n t i e rs

B ab u y a n Gro u p o f Is l a n d s

Camiguin Norte p h o t o b y A l l e n H i po l i t o M a y or

Overview: Camiguin Norte is a volcanic island with steep, forest-covered hills overlain with clay and rice fields. It is home to Mount Camiguin, a 712m dormant stratovolcano that has not erupted in over 100 years. If you like birds and animal life this is the place to be as it is the residence of 18 mammals, 13 reptiles, seven amphibians and 126 birds. One of its seacaves shelters hundreds of swiftlet species.

Says MAYOR: “With its coast, hills, prairie and a couple of mountains, Camiguin Norte is diverse and wonderful. The small sitio of Cabanbanan which we visited had the smell of summer, old farmhouse and salt air. Citrus trees like dalandan, suha, and caburao grew with abandon. Out in the open field you'd hear only the sound of animals."

“In Sitio Banwa, the seawater was a clear aquamarine. In Pamuktan, the lowland forest had a natural freshwater lake where bangus and tilapia are grown. Tangeb, a sea cave southwest of the province, shelters hundreds of balinsasayaw or glossy swiftlet species.

In Pinon Island, a cornucopia of lagaylay vines (foodplants for Idea leuconoe butterflies) had grown thickly everywhere, confirming claims that at a certain time of the year, a kaleidoscope of butterflies was seen fluttering at the shoreline.”

Eco features: Camiguin Norte is one of the islands comprising the Babuyan Group (Calayan, Babuyan Claro, Dalupiri), separated from the coast of Luzon by the Babuyan Channel. Some 18 globally threatened or near-threatened species together with 21 endemic species including the butterfly species Euploea phaenareta and Troides magellanus (magellanus birdwing) can also be found in the area.

Supporting organization: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines works for the protection of the area. Klub Natur offers eco tours.

How to get there: Florida Bus plies the Manila-Aparri route daily. Get off at the Florida Bus terminal then take a tricyle that will bring you to Veterans where boats going to Camiguin are docked. Trips are irregular though and are sometimes cancelled due to strong currents.

Where to stay: Homestays or immersions are permitted. Email Barangay Captain Crispiniano Tugade at crispinianotugade@yahoo.com.ph.

A rocky beach off Camiguin Norte

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C a l am i a n e s Gro u p o f Is l a n d s

Coron Island p h o t o b y a l b e r t k i rb y t ar d e o

Overview: The pristine waters, offering some of the best diving spots in the country, its islands and islets, many still uninhabited, white sand beaches, and rich marine life, are some of Coron Island's numerous attractions.

Says MAYOR: "For the first time in 1990, my group explored Coron Island from one barangay to the next. The island was able to preserve its pristine character through the years. My four separate trips to Coron's Kayangan Lake continued to fill me with wonder. One of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines with brackish water, Kayangan can be seen from a rocky cliff, about 300 steps from the ground. Another island attraction is the Barracuda Lake with limestone cliffs rising sharply above us and submerging into the crystal clear and blue lake where hot and cold waters meet under the surface."

Eco features: Comprising the Calamianes Group of Island off the northern part of Palawan, the entire Coron Island and its immediate offshore waters have been designated as ancestral domain. Coron has enviable seascapes, beautiful white sand beaches bordering islands and islets, stunning limestone cliffs, and a few coastal areas covered by mangrove forests. Coron has seven lakes, including Kayangan Lake, reputed as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia. “It is surrounded by more jungle clad-limestone karsts formations, and its water is so clear one can see the bottom from the surface. Some 75% of the forest overlying limestone rock is still intact,” according to Mayor. It’s a haven for terrestrial and marine flora and fauna alike, including the highly endangered, flightless Tabon scrubfowl, Palawan peacock pheasant, Palawan hornbill, Philippine cockatoo, mynahs, Palawan flowerpecker, yellow throated leafbird, white vented shama, blue paradiseflycatcher and Calamian deer, among others.

Supporting organization: The Tagbanua Foundation of Coron Island (TFCI).

How to get there: There are daily flights available from Manila to Busuanga. From Busuanga, hire a van or jeep to get you to Coron Town, the jump off point to various Calamianes islands. Boats and tricycles are widely available for hire. A cheaper yet longer means to get to Coron is via Superferry (tel: +632 893 3748, url: www.superferry.com.ph) and Negros Navigation (tel: +632/ 814 0353, url: www.negronavigation.ph).

Where to stay: Dive Link Resort (tel: +63918 926 1546, url: www.divelink.com.ph) offers basic clean accommodation. Most of the resorts here offer diving facilities as well since Coron is known as a dive destination. Other dive attractions are the 13 World War II sunken ships within the area and the dugongs or seacows that graze on Club Paradise’s marine sanctuary in the Municipality of Busuanga.

72 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Clockwise from left, this spread: Coron Island's limestone cliffs; Pinacanauan River; and kayakers along Pinacanauan

l as t f ro n t i e rs insider’s guide

P e Ñ ab l a n ca , C a g a y a n

Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascapes p h o t os b y z o y pa g a l i l a u a n

Eco features: Peñablanca, declared a protected landscape and seascape in 2003, is home to a handful of natural attractions including the sevenchambered Callao Caves, with massive limestone and rock formations, natural crevices that allow natural light to seep in, skylight, stalactites and stalagmites, and the famous fishing ground Cagayan River, endemic and threatened species like the Philippine eagle, Philippine pygmy fruit bat, crown flying fox, Isabela oriole, Gray’s monitor lizard, and the globally threatened frog species Rana tipanan. This area has some 178 species thriving, 19 of which are bird species endemic to the area.

Says MAYOR: "A unique attraction is the Minoran River that passes through a small rainforest, a bat cave, and a scenic gorge with limestone cliffs. At some point, rainfall-like waters coming from the thickly forested mountain drip from the edge of the gorge. At sunset, swarms of bats come out from the caves."

Supporting organization: The Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) (url: www.toyota.com.ph), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) (url: www. denr.gov.ph), the Local Government Unit of Peñablanca, and Conservation International (CI) Philippines (url: www. conservation.org/explore/asia-pacific/philippines/Pages/overview. aspx) are partners that support sustainable projects of foresting and agroforesting in the area. Klub Natur organizes guided eco tours for five to 10 persons.

How to get there: Take a 12-hour bus drive via Florida Bus (tel: +632/ 743 3809) from Manila to Tuguegarao City. From the city, take a 30-minute ride to Penablanca.

Where to stay: In Tuguegarao City, Hotel Candice (tel: +6378/ 844 2001-02, url: www.hotelcandice.com) offers clean, cozy and affordable rooms with rates starting from P950 for a deluxe twin bed.

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 73

P u e r t o P r i n c e sa , P a l awa n

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park pho t o by cecili a s. a ngeles

Overview: Also known at the St. Paul Subterranean River, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park (PPSRNP) is a Unesco World Heritage Site, remarkable for its underground river that runs for eight kilometers through a limestone cave before spilling into a lagoon separated from the sea by a beach.

Says MAYOR: “A six- to eight-seater boat took us to explore the cave where the sound of birds reverberated inside it. At high tide, sea water from a hundred meters away would pass through it. There were bats hanging off the cave's ceiling that rose about a hundred feet. Inside, we saw natural shapes of stones and rocks resembling a castle, saints, a woman’s body, among others.”

Eco features: The River is on the west coast of Palawan traversing the Saint Paul Mountain Range, and about 81km on the northern coast of Puerto Princesa. The whole area that's declared a national park is all of 3,901 hectares. Two thirds of the park is made up of tropical rainforest, with a third composed of thinly vegetated karsts limestone with abundant mangroves, mossy forests, sea grass beds and coral reefs. The forest is home to endangered and endemic species Palawan tree shrew, Palawan porcupine, Palawan stink badger, Palawan pheasant peacock and Philippine cockatoo, and interesting species like monitorlizards and marine turtles. The underground river is home to cove dwelling fauna.

Flowing under a limestone karst mountain landscape, the 8.2km Cabayugan underground river winds through St. Paul Subterranean, allowing a glimpse of cathedral like caverns and domes. The cave has huge chambers adorned with stalactite and stalagmite formations and is home to swiftlets and bats.

Supporting organization: The City Government of Puerto Princesa is managing the PPSRNP (tel: +6348/ 434 2509, email: info@puerto-undergroundriver.com) based on a program centered on environmental conservation and sustainable development.

How to get there: There are daily flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa City while sea travel is serviced by Superferry and Negros Navigation. From Puerto Princesa City, take a public utility jeepney or an airconditioned shuttle van that ply the one-and-a-half hour travel to Sabang.

Where to stay: Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort is (tel: +6348/ 723 0889, url: www.daluyonresort.com) is in a beachfront location, fronting Sabang Beach, and is a walking distance away to the Underground River. It offers lovely villa type lodgings with the mountains as backdrop. Rates start at P4,424.

74 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

The St. Paul Subterranean River, adorned by a rocky cliff

l as t f ro n t i e rs insider’s guide

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 75

Hurry!

Limited copies only s t or e d i r e c t or y

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• Aloha Boardsports

(For Volcom and SECTOR 9 products, Habitat hemp cap, Sticky Bumps soy-based organic wax) Km 12 East Service Road, South Super Highway, Western Bicutan, Taguig City Tel.: +632/ 837 0118

• Balikbayan Handicrafts 1010 A.Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City Tel.: +632/ 893 0775

• Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Center, 1223 Maktai City Tel.: +632/ 867 3333

• Eairth

101 Bormaheco Condominium, Metropolitan Avenue corner Zapote Streets, Makati City Tel.: +632/ 890 7784

• EchoStore

Ground Level Serendra Piazza, McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Tel.: +632/ 901 3485 in the shops >in my bag

• Kiehl’s Ground Level, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel.: +632/ 728 9561

Eco class

Aloe vera biodegradeable liquid body cleanser in 200ml, P1,100, and ACAI berry damage-correcting moisturizer in 75ml, P2,350, all by Kiehl’s

revive that hair and body with the latest natural products, from organic carrot cleanser to berry moisturizers st y ling a nd produc t r ese a rch by Wa l d o J . V i l l a d o s pho t ogr a ph y by c a r l os lega spi sho o t l o c ation: dusit th a ni m a nil a

• Piandré Ground Level, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel.: +632/ 816 4002

• Quantum flask SOUTH E AST ASIAN AIRLINES ON - BOARd mAGA zINE

south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine

december - january 2009

FeelGood Holidays

february - march 2009

Kota Kinabalu

Sun, sea, & spa in Boracay

Mountains, fireflies & a headhunting past

Plus a G u i d e t o w e l l n e s s c e n t e r s

• SESOU Nature Source

inMyBag

PLUS

art spark A guide to the Philippine artworld

www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

Where to Go for live music A hot list from cool people

NEWS FLASH

island life Fruit bats, turtle hatchlings, and a luxury stay in Club Paradise

june-july 2010 I SeAIR InFlight 19

Ground Level, Market! Market!

Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Tel.: +632/ 856 3974

Give your kids a break Top 10 days-out for the moppets 4 days in boronGan Hiking, caving, and surfing in Eastern Samar’s capital town

Available at Fusion Excel, 15/F, Robinson’s Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City Tel.: +632/ 638 8290

SEAIR STARTS FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO KOTA KINABALU

seair noW flies direct to boronGan, samar

• Skin Food

shangri-La’s rasa ria Luxury amidst nature’s reserve

Ground Level, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City Tel.: +632/ 892 4818

restaurants for two A hot list for Valentines

december - january issue ‘09

february - march issue ‘09

june - july issue ‘09

• The Body Shop Ground Level, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City Tel.: + 632/ 812 5646

C ore y Wills M y t r a v e l l i s t:

i n t e rv i e w by M a r g i e F. F r a n c i s c o

“To sum it up, I’m a disorganized packer. I think about my trips but up until the last minute, I just grab stuff and put them inside my bag” Corey Wills is one of Treehugger.com green male model environmentalists in 2009. Australian Wills is passionate about living a green and healthy lifestyle, a vegetarian and animal rights advocate, a professional free-surfer for Aloha Boardsports, swimmer, rock climber and Bliss Yoga Manila’s yoga instructor

1 SECTOR 9 skateboard (price starts at P8,495)

south e ast asian airlines on - board maga zine

october - november 2009

“The t-shirt’s made from 100% organic cotton and it’s printed with water-based inks”

“Because you always need a good book to read”

10 Sticky Bumps soy-based organic wax (P99) 11 Messy Bessy The Little Warrior (P60) “Isopropyl alcohol is carcinogenic and it encourages the growth of fluke worms. This one, I can use as a hand sanitizer, disinfectant and room spray”

“It’s made entirely from bamboo and it can actually regenerate itself by up to 4ft each week”

“It’s made using only natural and organic ingredients”

13 Messy Bessy Fruit & Veggie Wash (P220) “Waterless wash for fruit and veggies so you need not find a tap when you pick a fruit in the wild”

“It energizes your drinking water. This can detoxify your body more effectively and improve your health overall” 01

02

03

04

06

05

the supernatural 10 eerie places from Aklan to Siquijor

07 13

visitinG an olD Dame A stay at the 100-year-old Baguio Country Club

08 12

baGuio Still cool after all these years

to dive for

10

11

09

real bite Enjoy genuine burritos and top tequila at Bolero

F o r sto r e lo cat i o n a n d c o n ta c t d eta i ls, t u r n to

on page 76 junE-juLy 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 23

to dive for

www.seair-inflight.com • www.flyseair.com

october - november 2009

august - september issue ‘09

“It’s organic – it’s 100% organic cotton and dries very quickly”

7 SECTOR 9 t-shirt (price starts at P1,300)

8 Volcom socks (P395) 9 The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra (P695)

12 Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30

2 Habitat hemp cap (P1,265) 3 Volcom tote bag (P1,595) 4 Quantum flask (P10,000)

• The Ramp Crossings Department Store 2/F, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel.: +632/ 819 1466 to 67

produc t pho t o by c a r l os lega spi

5 Messy Bessy insect repellant 250mL (P300) 6 Volcom jeans (P4,850)

ta k i n G

t h e

p lu n G e

i n

b o r ac ay

th e D o r n i e r m u s e u m o p e n s i n F r i e D r i c h s c h a F e n , G e r m a n y

october - november issue ‘09

december - january issue ‘10

to subscribe past issues from our archive, call:

+632/ 8402803 76 SEAIR InFlight

I december - january 2009

Above photo by Jeffrey Sonora Fashion styling by Waldo Villados Hair and makeup by Monica De Leon Modeling by Larissa Ide for Mercator Model and Artist Management Floral tank top and denim shorts by Pink Manila available at The Ramp Crossings; mother of pearl earrings and chamber nautilus cuff all by Balikbayan Handicrafts

seair

Vision To provide world-renowned domestic and international airline and aviationrelated services following the highest safety standards.

Mission To satisfy customer needs and surpass their expectations and requirements.

• To fulfill the requirements of shareholders, business partners, employees and suppliers, following ethical business practices • To foster an atmosphere of team building through commitment and dedication to employees’ welfare and to achieve the highest sense of company identity • To be a benchmark model in the application of Quality Management System in the aviation industry • Our philosophical outlook is to support environmental conservation and community empowerment through educational awareness and direct involvement Quality Policy To provide excellent, safe, and reliable air transport that exceeds customer requirements through continual improvement of the established Quality Management System.

Basic Facts and Figures South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is a pioneer in Philippine aviation. Since 1995, we have been flying passengers to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Consistency, quality and reliability characterize SEAIR’s operations.

• Awarded “Best Airline of the Year for two consecutive years (2002 and 2003) by the Philippines’’ Consumers Excellence Award • Serves a total of 15 destinations nationwide. We fly the most number of flights to Palawan and offer the fastest and most number of connections to Boracay • Employs over 200 people ready to provide excellent service to our passengers • Our fleet is made up of four Dornier 328s and six LET 410 UVP-E aircraft for use in scheduled and chartered flights.

78 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Competitive Advantage EXPERIENCE. SEAIR has been a pioneer in aviation, flying foreign and local tourists to the most remote tourist destinations in the Philippines since 1995.

MODERN FLEET. SEAIR operates one of the youngest fleet of aircraft in its segment in the industry.

FASTEST FLIGHTS. Our state-of-the-art aircraft allow us to offer you the fastest flights in selected routes, including Caticlan (Boracay) in 35 minutes.

HIGH LEVEL OF ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT. SEAIR is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) authorized third-party repair station. Its services include maintenance service for airframes, power plants, avionics and aircraft interiors.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS. We continue to innovate in customercentric products that will make traveling more fun and convenient.

Other Services Leisure Escape Packages (LEP) We offer one-stop shopping for your next vacation. Hassle-free and competitively priced, our fully packaged vacations include accommodation and air fare. Call us and book now at: Tel. +632 843.7308 E-mail: packages@flyseair.com Charters Our aircraft may be chartered for special corporate and group travel.

Our charter specialists will assist you in planning and arranging your special travel. For inquiries call us at: Tel. +632 849.0200 E-mail: charters@flyseair.com Cargo We ensure a safe, secure and reliable delivery of your freight and parcel. For inquiries call us at: Tel. +632 851.5555 E-mail: cargo@flyseair.com.

milestones 1995 Iren Dornier, Nikos Gitsis and Tomas Lopez founded South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) with two nineseater DO-28 airplanes flying from Manila to Caticlan, and Taytay and Busuanga in Palawan.

1996 SEAIR took delivery of its first LET410 aircraft, a 19seater Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, ideal for the small runways of Palawan and other destinations where bigger commercial aircraft could not land.

1996 to 2003 With the success of the first LET410 aircraft operation and the commitment of SEAIR to fly on a regular basis, SEAIR gradually increased its fleet from one LET410 to nine.

1999 SEAIR embarked on a nationwide expansion program. It opened regional hubs in Cebu and

Zamboanga and became the only airline to interconnect the premier destinations in Palawan with its ManilaBusuanga-El Nido-Puerto Princesa service.

2001 to Present SEAIR established a base in Zamboanga in Mindanao. It continues to operate flights to remote Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo.

2002 and 2003 SEAIR was awarded “Best Airline of the Year” consecutively by the Philippines largest ‘Consumers Excellence Award.’

2003 SEAIR’s Quality Management System was certified ISO 9001:2000 compliant by the TÜV Rheinland Group.

2004 SEAIR reached the 1 million passenger mark. SEAIR also acquired its first Dornier 328, launching the “Fastest Flights to Boracay” campaign.

2006 SEAIR acquired its fourth Dornier 328. Its fleet size

allowed it to operate up to 30 flights to Caticlan daily.

• SEAIR introduced its online reservations and e-ticketing system the first and only on-line system to offer e-tickets from Manila to Boracay and Busuanga. E-ticketing services later expanded to include Cebu, Clark, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa.

• By December 2006, SEAIR’S transactions through its online reservations system reached a record high in Philippine e-commerce.

2007 SEAIR celebrated its 12th year in aviation, the longest running airline, next to Philippine Airlines. SEAIR now offers up to 41,000 seats a month throughout its network and flies up to 20,000 passengers to Boracay a month.

2008 SEAIR launched its first regional flight to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia in November. SEAIR also started flights to Tablas in Romblon, Daet in Camarines Norte, Baler in Aurora, Batanes in northern Luzon and Borongan in Eastern Samar.

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 79

fleet

Dornier 328 The Dornier 328 is a German built, new generation aircraft with 32 passenger seats. It is one of the fastest and most advanced jetprop in the world. specifications Make: Dornier Powerplant: PW 119B Length: 21.28 m (69 ft 10 in) Wing Span: 20.98 m (68 ft 10 in) Height: 7.23 m (23 ft 9 in) Seating Capacity: 32 + 3 crew Number of planes: 4 Max Take-off Weight: 13,990 kgs (30,843 lbs) Speed: 325 knots

LET410 UVP-E The LET410 UVP-E provides first class comfort, while simultaneously servicing both paved and unpaved airstrips. In the 19-seater class, no plane is better suited for short-haul transport than this aircraft. specifications Make: LET a.s.

Powerplant: WALTER M601-E Length: 14.42 m (47 ft 4 in) Wing Span: 19.98 m (65 ft 5 in) Height: 5.83 m (19 ft 2 in) Seating Capacity: 19 + 2 crew Number of planes: 6 Max Take-off Weight: 6,600 kgs (14,520 lbs) Speed: 175 knots

Do-24 ATT No airport required! Let our unique amphibian aircraft bring you and your 15 closest friends to your choice of 7,107 islands in real style. For the latest update on this spectacular aircraft and its progress around the world, visit www.do-24.com.

80 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

FALCON 10 Make: Dornier specifications Make: FALCON 10 Powerplant: 2x Garett TFE 731-1-2-1c on engine, 14.65 kN (3,230lbf) thrust each Length: 13.86 m (45 ft 5.75 in) Wing Span: 13.08 m (42 ft 11 in) Height: 4.61m (15ft 1.5 in) Seating Capacity: 7 + 2 crew Max Take-off Weight: 18,740 kgs Speed: MACH + .85 Max Range: 1700 Nautical Miles Ceiling: 45,000 ft Inflight Entertainment: VCR Video; Flight Watch; Satellite Phone

Falcon 10 photos by Cyrene Leicht

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 81

r o ute map Basco, Batanes

reservations Laoag

makati Ticketing Office Tel. +632 849.0100 San Fernando La Union

Sales Office Tel. +6302 849.0201 to 18

+6302 849.0219

Philippine Sea

Baguio

Luzon

Metro Manila Domestic Terminal Tel. +6302 851.5555 Fax +6302 891.8711

Baler CLARK, ANGELES MANILA

SM Clark office Headquarters DMIA, Hangar 7224 Tel. +6343 499.0258 +6343 499.0259 Fax +6343 499.0329

Philippines

Marinduque MINDORO

Cebu Ticketing Office Tel. +6332 341.4879

Tablas, Romblon

Busuanga Boracay

Sales Office Tel. +6332 254.9337

+6332 255.0801

South China Sea

Daet

Caticlan

Borongan

PANAY

El Nido

Visayas

Iloilo

Taytay

Boracay Caticlan Airport Tel. +6336 288.7360

+6336 288.7272 Fax +6336 288.7163

SAMAR Masbate

CEBU

PALAWAN Puerto Princesa

Camiguin

Mindanao

Puerto Princesa 399 Rizal Avenue Extension Tel. +6348 434.5272

+6348 433.2540

Sulu Sea

Cotabato

Jolo

Malaysia SARAWAK

Borneo

82 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

SABAH

Davao

Zamboanga

Kota Kinabalu

BRUNEI

Cagayan de Oro

Pagadian

Balabac

Zamboanga Tel. +6362 991.2225 Mobile +63919 333.8520

Siargao

NEGROS

Tawi-Tawi

Celebes Sea

General Santos

pe o ple

CAPT. ANTHONY RIOS LET chief pilot

“Loving what I’m doing” Interview by Margie f. Francisco Photo by Carlos Legaspi

I started working for SEAIR in 2007 as first officer pilot of LET 410. Then I was promoted as captain for LET and now I am its chief pilot. Before SEAIR, I used to work as treasurer for our family’s business; then I was flight instructor and chief pilot for Omni Aviation in Clarkfield, Pampanga, where I am now taking up parallel flying studies. I have a degree in BS Aircraft Maintenance Technology at Airlink Aviation College.

As chief pilot, I’m responsible for the safe and efficient operations of the company’s aircraft. I administer all matters concerning our pilots, the training, examinations, and assess operations and operating limitations of the aircraft and the crew. I monitor and oversee the flight crews’ performance in implementing the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) rules and regulations. I wake up before sunrise for my flight, and long after sunset, I taxi my aircraft back to the hangar. Pilots’ schedules are evenly distributed but I'm always on call in case there's a need for a reserve pilot.

Flying people to their destination is what I enjoy most.

There’s no “worst” day in my job as I love what I’m doing. It can be tiring but

there's no pressure when you love your job, when you love being of service, and when you believe in your company’s mission and vision. When stress gets in the way, I go to a spa for a massage.

I spend my days off with my family, having a weekend lunch or dinner at my parents’ house. Sometimes we would go to the mall or I’d go out with friends for social drinking. I’m fortunate to see resort destinations like Boracay, Palawan and Bohol. I take vacations in destinations where SEAIR regularly flies to, where I am able to recharge and enjoy. My favorite destination is Boracay because of its white sand beach and for being a Philippine pride.

I’ll always be a kid at heart.

My most memorable trip would be my first flight as captain, flying with a lady co-pilot. We both experienced “baptism of fire” as it was likewise her first time to be paired with a newly released full captain.

Five years from now, I see myself as one of SEAIR's trusted pilots. If there’s one thing I learned from SEAIR, it’s to always deliver quality service to the flying public.

june-july 2010 I SEAIR InFlight 83

news news

SEAIR now provides service to Baguio via San Fernando SEAIR is now offering complimentary land transfers from Baguio to San Fernando, La Union, to link up passengers taking the airline's La Union to Manila flights.

The transfers on board a van for a one-hour travel are also available from La Union to Baguio. SEAIR operates flights from San Fernando to Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The drop off and pick up point in Baguio is the Caltex Station near Burnham Park and beside Hotel Veniz.

The shuttle leaves Baguio for San Fernando three and a half hours before the SEAIR San Fernando to Manila flight.

The transfer service is in cooperation with Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union. There is a brief stopover at Thunderbird Resorts for passengers to rest and freshen up.

Sunset at Poro Beach, Thunderbird Resorts, San Fernando, La Union. Photo by Bryan Rapadas

For inquiries on the complimentary transfers to and from Baguio, call Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point at +6372/ 888 7777 or 888 7878. To book a flight to La Union/Baguio call SEAIR at +632/ 849 0100 or visit www.FlySeair.com

SEAIR partners with The World of Outbound in offering educational tours SEAIR, the Philippines’ Premiere Leisure Airline, has linked up with The World of Outbound, formerly Lakbay Kalikasan®, Asia’s premiere Outbound Education® experience provider, to offer fun and enriching trips for students this school season.

The World of Outbound now includes SEAIR destinations such as Batanes, Boracay, El Nido, Tablas (Romblon), Marinduque, and San Fernando (La Union) in its travel choices. Aside from roundtrip SEAIR airfare and full board land arrangements, exciting adventures are accompanied by discussions and activities on key subject areas such as the physical and natural sciences, history, cottage industries, architecture, indigenous culture and so much more.

To book SEAIR educational tours, call Lakbay Kalikasan® – The World of Outbound at +632/ 932 7818 to 19 and +63917/ 500 4796. For more information on Outbound Education®, visit www.OutboundEducation.com. For more information on SEAIR, visit www.FlySeair.com

SEAIR extends lean season promos SEAIR is extending its lean season promos. Boracay tickets can still be bought for as low as P1,235++ one way and Batanes tickets for as low as P2,835++ one way with June 16-October 15, 2010 travel period.

The special fares are subject to seat availability, so book early.

Rates to Batanes for its summer season falling from June to August will be cut to as low as P2,835++ one way. SEAIR will operate daily flights to Batanes during the island's summer period.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632/ 849 0100 or book online at www.FlySeair.com. For packages, call SEAIR Leisure Escape Packages at +632/ 843 7308. Join SEAIR Facebook Fan Page for updates on promos

Independence Day discounts for online bookers SEAIR tickets bought online from June 12-20, 2010 for travel from July 1, 2010- October 15, 2010 are eligible for a discount of P2,010 per roundtrip in any route. Just type “ilovethephilippines2010” in the promo code field when booking online at www.FlySeair.com. The promo is valid for limited seats.

84 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Travel directory BORACAY BLUEWAVES BEACH HOUSE Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 6544 C (+63917) 629 0189; (+63917) 819 1897; (+63922) 539 6036 www.bluwavesboracay.com BORACAY BEACH RESORT Boat Station 1 & D’Mall T (6336) 288 3208; 288 3130 F (6336) 288 5565 E nenettewindsurf@hotmail.com www.windsurfingboracay.com BORACAY REGENCY Boat Station 2, Balabag T (6336) 288-6111 to 17

Unit 5-B 5th F, W.DEEPZ Bldg., 1033 M.H del Pilar St., Ermita, Manila T (632) 523 8707 / 08 E rsvn@boracayregency.com www.boracayregency.com ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT Balabag Beach C (+63922) 850 1161

G/F, Torre de Salcedo Bldg., 184 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 489 8907; 812 4221 E namiresorts@yahoo.com.ph www.namiboracay.com PEARL OF THE PACIFIC RESORT & SPA Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 3220

R&G Tirol Bldg., 831 EDSA cor. E. Lopez Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 926 0162; 924 4483 E info@pearlofthepacific.com www.pearlofthepacific.ph PINJALO RESORT Boracay Island T (6336) 288 3206 F (6336) 288 3478 E info@pinjalo.com; info@calypso-asia.com www.pinjalo.com SANDCASTLES THE APARTMENTS Boracay Island T (6336) 288 3207 / 3449 C (+63917) 819 3049 E info@boracaysandcastles.com www.boracaysandcastles.com www.tribaladventures.com

35 Scout Lozano St. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 376 4535 E escondidoboracay@yahoo.com www.escondidoboracay.net

SEA WIND RESORT Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288-3091 F (6336) 288-3425

LA CARMELA DE BORACAY Boat Station 2, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 5423 / 5921 / 4376

RM. 305 R&G Tirol Bldg., 831 EDSA cor.

E. Lopez Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 416 4010; 920 7490 E seawind@prime.net.ph www.seawindresort.net

Teka cor. Kamagong Sts., San Antonio Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 895 8048 to 49 E info@lacarmeladeboracay.com www.lacarmeladeboracay.com LA RESERVE RESORT & RESTAURANT Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 3020 F (6336) 288 3017 E info@lareserveboracay.com www.lareserveboracay.com LE SOLEIL DE BORACAY Boat Station 2, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 6209 to 12

G/F, PJL Corporate Center, 1782 N. Garcia cor. Candelaria Sts., Makati City T (632) 895 1777 loc. 1712, 1714, 1715 E lesoleil@pjlhullier.ph www.lesoleil.com.ph MANDALA SPA & villas Boracay Island T (6336) 288 5858 F (6336) 288 3531 www.mandalaspa.com

SPR REAL ESTATE, INC. T (6336) 288 3631 (Sales) T (6336) 288 5798 (Rental) F (6336) 288 5797 www.sprboracay.com SURFSIDE BORACAY RESORT & SPA Angol Beach T (6336) 288 5006 / 5049

17/F, Metropolitan Bldg., Mabini St., Malate, Manila, Philippines T (632) 338 6899 / 8659 E mail@boracaysurfside.com www.boracaysurfside.com TWO SEASONS BORACAY Boat Station 1 T (6336) 288 4384 to 85

Nena Bldg., 132-A. Bayani St., cor. Araneta Ave., Quezon City, Philippines T (632) 415 4652; 413 5903 E rsvn@twoseasonsboracay.com www.twoseasonsboracay.com

MICROTEL INN & SUITES Diniwid Beach T (6336) 288 4311

WALING-WALING BEACH HOTEL BORACAY Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 5555

106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City, Philippines T (632) 671 7171 E sales@microtelphilippines.com www.microtelphilippines.com

395, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines T (632) 896 9456 to 58 F (632) 896 9451 E sales@waling.com www.waling.com

NAMI PRIVATE VILLAS Diniwid Beach T (6336) 288 6753 to 55

ZUZUNI BORACAY Resort & Restaurant Boat Station 1, Balabag Beach T (6336) 288 4477 E info@zuzuni.net www.zuzuni.net

RESTAURANT AND DELI ARIA D’Mall, Boracay Island T (6336) 288 5573 FISH BAR D’Mall, Boracay Island T (6336) 288 4026 HEIDILAND DELI D’Mall, Phase IV T (6336) 288 5939 OLE SPANISH TAPAS Y RESTAURANTE D’Mall, Boracay Island T (6336) 288 5573

PALAWAN CLUB PARADISE Regent Bldg., Malunggay Road, FTI Complex, Taguig City, Philippines T (632) 838 4956 to 60 F (632) 838 4465 / 4762 www.clubparadisepalawan.com EL NIDO MANILOC / LAGEN Minilioc Island & Lagen Island

Ten Knots Development Corporation 2/F Builders centre, 170 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 894 5644 www.elnidoresorts.com EL RIO Y MAR Island Resort Regent Bldg., Malunggay Road, FTI Complex, Taguig City, Philippines T (632) 838 4964 www.elrioymar.com EL NIDO COVE 73 Real Street, El Nido T (632) 838 4956 to 60 F (632) 838 4465 / 4762 C (+63918) 908 1204 www.clubparadisepalawan.com LEGEND HOTEL PALAWAN Malvar St., Puerto Princesa T (6348) 433 9076 F (6348) 434 4276

60, Pioneer cor., Madison Sts., Mandaluyong City, Philippines T (632) 633 1501 www.experiencepalawan.com.ph

CAMIGUIN JOHNNY’S DIVE ‘N’ FUN Yumbing, Mambajao T (6388) 387 9588 www.johnnysdive.com SECRET COVE DIVE RESORT Mambajao T (6388) 387 9084 E info@secretcovecamiguin.net www.secretcovecamiguin.net

CEBU ALEGRE Calumboyan, Sogod Pathfinder Holdings Philippines, Inc. T (6332) 231 1198; 254 9880 (Cebu) T (632) 634 7505 to 08 (Manila) www.alegrebeachresort.com BADIAN ISLAND RESORT & SPA Cebu Capital Commercial Complex-A, N. Escario St. T (6332) 253 6452; 475 1103 F (6332) 253 3385; 475 1101 www.badianhotel.com

MARIBAGO BLUWATER BEACH RESORT Maribago, Mactan Island T (6332) 232 5411 to 14 F (6332) 492 0128 to 29

1120 Cityland-Herrera Towers, 98 Herrera cor. Valero Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 817 5751 F (632) 845 0680 MICROTEL INN & SUITES Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island T (6382) 233 2333

106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City, Philippines T (632) 671 7171 www.microtelphilippines.com PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA Marigondon, Mactan Island

Suite 906, National Life Insurance Bldg., Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines T (632) 844 5024 to 25 F (632) 844 5030 www.plantationbay.com SHANGRI-LA MACTAN Punta Engaño Road, P.O. Box 86, Lapu-Lapu City T (6332) 231 0288 F (6332) 231 1688

2/F, Makati Ave., Shopping Arcade, Shangri-la, Makati City, Philippines T (632) 818 0952 F (632) 893 8503 www.shangri-la.com WATERFRONT MACTAN 1 Salinas Drive, Lahug T (6332) 232 6888 F (6332) 232 6880

27/F, Wynsum Corporate Plaza, 22 Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines T (632) 687 0888 F (632) 687 5970 www.waterfronthotels.net

DAVAO MICROTEL INN & SUITES Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City

106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City T (632) 671 7171 www.microtelphilippines.com PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT Kaputian Island, Garden City of Samal T (6382) 221 9970 to 78 F (6382) 221 9979

1504 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City T (632) 750 1896 / 98 F (632) 750 1894 THE MARCO POLO DAVAO CM Recro St., Davao City T (6382) 221 0888 F (6382) 225 0111

3/F, Adamson center, 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City T (632) 893 0888 / 5719 F (632) 840 5111 www.marcopolohotels.com/davao

paul’s Negros Oriental After taking a 30 minute boat ride from Dauin to Apo Island in Negros Oriental, landscape and seascape photographer Paul Banday reached this rocky beach and saw this tall rock nature carved out of the sea locals call the “ivory tower”.

He took this photo of the rock at midday, just when waves were getting stronger.

Cebu-based Banday started work in general photography in 2007 but shifted his focus to landscapes, travelling across the country for inspiration. He finds light, composition and emotion as important elements in his photos.

-- Margie F. Francisco For more of Banday’s work, visit www.paulbanday.multiply.com and www.flickr.com/photos/ digitalpassport

Camera: Nikon D300 Lens: Sigma 10-20mm Aperture: F/22 Shutter speed: 1/25sec ISO Speed: 100

88 SEAIR InFlight I june-july 2010

Va c a t i o n s a r e A l w a y s i n S e a s o n !

Marinduque

Batanes

El Nido

Boracay For holidays made convenient, call:

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