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Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

ISSN 2094-7941

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Dahilayan Adventure Park:

The Next Exciting Destination

By Gesel P. Mangilit • Photos by Donald Tapan

The launch point for the 320-meter zip line

Cagayan de Oro. When he realized that they have a market, he thought of putting up a zip line in his Bukidnon property, which at that time is becoming popular in Cagayan de Oro, along with other extreme adventure sports such as cliff diving and bungee jumping.

“We wanted to offer guests a total adventure package, and the ZipZone is the perfect complement to whitewater rafting.

Adventure by water, land and air,” Paras To page 2

What’s Inside All roads lead to the Dahilayan Adventure Park

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ukidnon is fast making a name for itself as the next adventure destination in the Philippines with the opening of the Dahilayan Adventure Park, a twenty-hectare property in the town of Manolo Fortich.

The park’s main attraction is the recordbreaking 840-meter dual zip line, the longest in Asia, where two riders can experience the thrill of soaring like an eagle over a vast expanse of forest cover.

It is located about 40 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City. One traverses a dirt road, passing hectares of pineapple plantations, until one reaches the foot of Mount Kitanglad. The park is located near the

protected forests of Bukidnon, where some ethnic groups live. Until its opening in 2010, the Kaamulan Festival and the mountain trails of Kitanglad are the main tourist attractions of Bukidnon. This summer, adventure enthusiasts will be flocking to the park, coming from Cagayan de Oro, where whitewater rafting is very popular, and as far as Davao, which is five hours away by bus.

Elpidio M. Paras, an engineer and owner of the park, bought the property ten years ago out of the prodding of his brother, who was in the construction business, supplying gravel and sand in a neighboring town.

“He saw this place, surveyed the area and convinced me and our other siblings to

buy it. It was nothing more than a cogonal area, logged down by the locals in the late 1960s,” Paras relates.

Intending to build a rest house where the family, who lives in Cagayan de Oro, can vacation and enjoy cool mountain air during the summer, they planted 20,000 pine trees on the bare land. Now, they stand majestic and proud, supplying the mountain resort with fresh pine scent and lending an ambiance to rival Baguio.

Paras, who owns Parasat Cable, Inc., the largest cable television company in northern Mindanao, is himself an avid adventurer. His family runs Great White Water Tours, a whitewater rafting business in

Discovering Samal Island Page 9 Celebrating Our Heritage Page 14 Youth Camp in Negros Oriental Page 20 Creole Cuisine in Cagayan de Oro Page 23

Directions Dahilan Adventure Park... From page 1

Careen past 3.1 kilometers of dirt roads with these ATV s for rent

shares.

Bukidnon, being a landlocked province, has many hills and valleys, making it a perfect place to build a zip line, and Paras is the first to build it there. However, he didn’t want to build just a zip line, it has to be something that would set Dahilayan apart, hence the dual speed zip line. He has other plans for the ZipZone, one that he hopes would later earn for the park the distinction of being the ultimate destination for extreme adventure sports.

“We not only aim to have the Asia’s longest dual zip line, we also want bragging rights to the longest single zip line,” he enthuses.

The record is currently held by Davao’s Talomo district at one kilometer. Paras intends to build a 1.2 kilometer zip line at Dahilayan and possibly another one at two kilometers in another property not far from the park.

When they opened the park in 2009, it was then a place for outdoor activities and company team buildings, and the zip line was one of the main activities. They started out with 320 meters and 150 meters.

Now both have become training grounds for guests to get into the action and gather enough guts to eventually tackle the adrenaline-pumping 840 meters. Once you finish all three, you can consider yourself a bonafide extreme adventurer and get a certificate and photo to boot.

The zip line is guaranteed safe and fun for every age. The youngest rider is at two years old and the oldest at eighty. The 320 meters and 150 meters require the rider to sit down. A single harness is attached to the

roller, designed by Paras himself, and by force of gravity alone a rider is propelled into the air at speeds of 60 to 100 kilometers per hour. The equipment is designed and fabricated locally, while the harnesses are imported. For the 840 meters, guests are transported by vehicle to a launch tower 4,500 meters above sea level. Eight harnesses secure the rider. The breaking point for each of the harness is at 900 pounds. The prescribed limit set by the park for its riders is at 250 pounds.

With the success of the ZipZone, Paras expects an increase of visitors especially during the summer. Along with the adjacent Forest Park, which offers tree top adventure, the Zorb, the all terrain vehicles (ATV) and buggies for rent, the Dahilayan Adventure Park has cornered the market for extreme sports. Everything you can think of in terms of adrenaline-pumping action is all here. The Tower of Power ropes course is a twelve stage-high and low-wire obstacle course complete with a multi-sided rock wall and rappeling tower. Soon to open is Dahilayan’s version of The Luge, a big tourist draw in Sentosa Park in Singapore. Construction is also ongoing for what would become a giant swing over a manmade lake.

Overnight billeting is offered to guests at the Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, a modest mountain resort with a 180-degree view deck and nine rooms that can accommodate 50 guests.

park, which offers a myriad of fun activities for the whole family. The park provides excellent opportunities for hiking, camping and bird watching as it sits close to a protected forest area.

The Dahilayan Forest Park, owned and operated by Celso and Janina Legarda, has an American Western-inspired cafe and picnic grounds, where kids can do rough-andtumble activities such as the ropes course and tree top adventure. Farm animal statues are scattered around the area, making it fun and educational as well. A twenty-foot Bungee Bounce, a big trampoline, sits at the far end of the property.

The Zorb, one of many attractions of the park, is quite an experience. Riders are strapped inside a huge inflatable ball that rolls downhill. The orb moves slowly then gathers speed as it rolls midway downhill.

Not for the faint of heart, it is however safe for kids and adults alike. For nature lovers, a short hike up the mountain trails can be a fun way to explore the forest. One may also find oneself behind the wheel of an ATV, careening through 3.1 kilometers of graveland-dirt road. Winding down for a relaxing afternoon, one can walk around the park and survey the surroundings to find an herb garden called Botanica, where one can dine

Getting There

From Cagayan De Oro airport, take the Davao-Bukidnon highway. Turn right on the Alae Junction and proceed for 25 kilometers to the barangay of Dahilayan, past Camp Phillips and the Del Monte pineapple fields via Mampayag.

Contact Information

Other Attractions at the Dahilayan Adventure Park

Aside from being an extreme adventure facility, Dahilayan is also an ecotourism

on organic salads and pasta, or the Cowboy Grill, where one can savor mouthwatering T-bone and Porterhouse steaks. Go horseback riding afterwards.

Bukidnon, having a good number of farms like Del Monte, is an ideal place to plant high-value crops such broccoli, strawberries, cauliflower, lettuce and ornamental flowers, all with a potential for export.

There is, in fact, a small greenhouse along the road where one can purchase fresh vegetables to take home.

Further uphill, the Dahilayan Garden and Resorts, a five-minute ride from the park, has a lake where one can go fishing, boating, swimming or riding the Aqua Balls. The owner, Victor Paras, is the first among the Paras siblings to build in the area. His modest vacation home is now among the many being rented out to guests who want to experience a quiet mountain vacation, a contemplative retreat from the city, in relative isolation from the hubbub at the Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park.

This property sits on a plateau and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Dahilayan complex. It has landscaped courtyards joined by winding pathways made of stones, trellised gardens and an outdoor pavilion with a huge tent that can easily accommodate 150 guests, making it a perfect venue for those who want a truly romantic garden wedding. U

Ravi Victorio at the ropes course

The Dahilayan Adventure Park offers a day tour adventure package for ten people, which includes whitewater rafting in the morning (Great White Water Tours) and zip-lining in the afternoon (inclusive of meals and snacks).

Overnight accommodations on site at the Pinegrove Mountain Lodge or Forest Park may be arranged, and they offer family and barkada packages. Summer camp and company team buildings are also welcome. The park is open from Mondays to Sundays and holidays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For inquiries and bookings, call (+63 88) 857-2663 or (+63 88)8562102; call or text mobile (+63 922) 880-1319; or log on to www.dahilayanadventurepark.com.

Culture and Adventure to Headline Tourism in Mindanao

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ulture and adventure will remain vital pegs for tourism in Mindanao and will figure prominently in the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) thrust to increase tourist traffic to the area.

“We hope with our participation in the East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA, we will be able to promote Mindanao not only for tourism, but also for tourism investment,” said DoT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation Ma. Victoria V. Jasmin, who was recently in Bukidnon for the province’s annual Kaamulan Festival.

She revealed that the DoT is seeking direct flights to Davao from its BIMP-EAGA neighbors Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and is eyeing Zamboanga for greater sea ac-

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cess from the said countries.

Particularly in Bukidnon, known for its vast pineapple plantations, the department hopes to build agri-tourism and ecotourism as supplementary tourism products.

“There is a very beautiful festival here, but we have to promote tourism year-round so its benefits will not be seasonal,” said the Undersecretary.

The province may also benefit from spill-over tourism from the MICE destinations of Cagayan de Oro and Davao and may be developed accordingly, she said.

The province’s yearly Kaamulan Festival celebrates the rich culture of seven ethnic groups indigenous to the area: the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.

Lively street theater presentations delight the crowd at the Kaamulan Festival, an authentic celebration of indigenous culture in Bukidnon.

It was first adopted by northern Mindanao as its regional festival in 1977, and this year featured a street theater and float procession as highlights.

Undersecretary Jasmin reiterated that except for a few isolated areas, peace and order in Mindanao is intact and ready for tourism. U

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Directions

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have always considered myself an earthbound spirit, and flying by wire at the height of 100 meters is certainly not on my to-do list. But the moment you enter the ZipZone at the Dahilayan Adventure Park, you feel the adrenaline rush as soon as you see riders zipping past the hills, shouting (or screaming) at the top of their lungs. I admired the postcard perfect scenery and breathed in the pure mountain air. Then it became perfectly clear: afraid as I was of heights, I could not leave this place without having tried the 840-meter zip line.

It was raining the day we arrived, not the perfect weather for zip-lining because of the biting cold. But it is safe, said Ravi Victorio, our host for the day. Married to Rina Jane Paras, Ravi helps run the family business that his father-in-law Elpidio began in 2008. All the Paras children are involved in the business.

Ravi, himself an adventurer who regularly scales the heights of Mount Kitanglad, the highest peak in Bukidnon, is also the poster boy for the park’s many advertisements. A graduate of engineering at the Dela Salle University, Ravi worked with his father-in-law in designing the ZipZone and was the first to test the lines for safety.

Knowledgeable and articulate, he explained how the zip line works and reassured us, that yes, the zip line is safe. Even his fiveyear-old daughter Pia has experienced the 320-meter zipline.

It was late afternoon when the rains subsided. It was still drizzling when we took our positions at the 320-meter high launch point. Strapped to the harness, I panicked.

With fear drumming in my ears, I could barely hear the crew giving out safety instructions.

“Just hold on to the strap in front of you, and as you approach the end point hold both feet up and slightly straighten out your body,” the crew member said.

I was told to take two steps down. I gingerly followed. I felt a slight shove at my back, and in a moment of hesitation I tried to dig my heels in the steps made slippery by the rain in a futile attempt to stall my descent into thin air. My knees gave way. I held on for dear life. I was off.

It turned out the toughest part was lifting your feet off the platform. The five seconds were pure fun and awe as I felt myself spin once, twice, in slow motion. As soon as my feet touched ground, I whooped in de-

By Gesel P. Mangilit • Photos by Donald Tapan

A couple in flight: Ravi and Rina Paras

Taking Flight at the Dahilayan ZipZone light. I had done it! The 150-meter zip going down was a blur as I was so caught up in the moment.

A short trek up to the jeep that would take us to the launch point of the 840-meter zip line followed. Ravi was there to meet me and my “flying partner” Gingko Untal, our indefatigable publisher, herself no stranger to extreme adventure sports, having once tried the eighty-foot high bungee jump at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The launch tower is at 4,500 feet above sea level and is reached by a rope bridge.

The riders wear a velcro-and-canvass body bag that is strapped to shoulders and waist and secured by four pairs of harness, each with a breaking point of 900 pounds. The harnesses are then securely clipped into two rollers that are, in turn, fastened to the cable.

The maximum weight limit for the zip line is at 250 pounds. In flight, the drag chute attached to the rider opens up to slow down the speed. Those on the heavy side are given

Fly like Superman at the 840 meter zipline

To page 8

Gingko Untal, Ruziell Sto. Tomas and I proudly show off our certificates

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

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Directions

European businessmen invited to invest in resurgent Philippine industry at WTM

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Set-up of the Philippine pavilion at the World Travel Mart held in London

he Philippines is on its way to becoming a major player in the global tourism industry, with new development projects and business incentives awaiting foreign investors in the travel and leisure sector. An exotic, tropical island nation in Southeast Asia, blessed with a skilled, English-speaking population and an abundance of natural beauty, colorful history and

an abiding sense of hospitality, the country is a land of opportunity ripe for tourism investment.

This was the central message of Philippine tourism’s Secretary Alberto Lim in his presentation at the first ever Philippine Tourism Investment Forum held in London.

The forum, with the theme “Philippine Tourism: Outlook and Investment

Philippines to host PATA Travel Mart 2012 The Philippines, through the Department of Tourism (DoT) and Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (PTPB), has won the bid to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart in September 2012. This was announced during the general membership meeting and induction of PATA Philippine chapter officers on December 17, 2010, which was attended by PATA chief executive officer Greg Duffell and Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim. One thousand-five hundred participants from the Asia-Pacific region are expected to participate in the event.

The mart, one of PATA’s two signature events, is Asia-Pacific’s premier business contracting and networking event for the travel and tourism industry. Annually, it attracts high profile buyers and sellers/ exhibitors across the world.

Founded in 1951, PATA is the recognized authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism. It provides leadership to the

collective efforts of national government members, state and local tourism bodies, and travel industry companies to enhance the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism, from and within the region. It boasts a membership of over 2,500 members composed of government, state and city tourism bodies, airlines and cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and travel agents.

Secretary Lim said, “The decision of the PATA executive board to award the event to the Philippines is a strong indication of the regions’ business confidence in the country. This is an opportune time for us to showcase once again Manila especially with the massive developments happening along the Manila Bay area which include new hotels, a sports arena and entertainment complexes.”

The Philippines is one of the founding members of PATA that was formed in 1952 and the PATA Philippine Chapter was set up in 1973. U

DoT expects sizeable chunk of 15 million Indian outbound tourists The Department of Tourism (DoT) is expecting next year a bigger share of the fifteen million outbound tourists from India. The optimism is a result of the successful five-day sales mission to India with an overwhelming attendance of close to four hundred Indian tour operators/travel agencies combined in New Delhi and Mumbai.

DOT Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., who led the high-level delegation from the Philippine travel trade with Philippine Airlines, stressed that the sales mission has proven to be an excellent platform to develop business ties with Indian tour agents. “We are happy that the business to business meetings (B2B) were able to raise interest in the development of their own tour packages for the April–June Indian travel season,” he said.

With more than fifty percent increase on target arrivals for India, DOT would like to see the inclusion of the Philippines in the 2011 tour offerings by the outbound Indian

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tours wholesalers and travel agencies.

The Philippines is vying for the market’s interest for shopping and entertainment. Manila is considerably known to this market for its large high-end shopping malls, entertainment centers and gaming facilities.

In a related development, much excitement within Indian travel trade was made about the launch of Philippine Airlines (PAL) Manila-New Delhi direct links in March next year which will address the major connectivity concern. Existing indirect connections with long stopovers result in trips of between fourteen to thirty hours.

With the direct service, travel time will be shortened to just six-and-a half hours.

Another important issue discussed during the sales mission is the visa concern.

Philippine Embassy in New Delhi Minister and Consul General Maria Agnes Cervantes and Philippine Honorary Consul in Mumbai Retnasamy Swaminathan offered to support the Indian travel trade. U

Opportunities,” was held early November 2010. The private sector contingent included a number of leading industry players, particularly senior representatives in charge of business development and international business operations.

In his keynote address, Secretary Lim set forth the country’s many advantages that make it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. He particularly cited the nation’s competitiveness in tourism through a combination of enhanced promotions and an array of fiscal and business incentives.

The DoT Secretary concluded his presentation by calling on British and European businessmen to help the Philippines realize its new agenda for change by participating in the country’s resurgent tourism industry. They can do this, he said, by being a visitor on holiday to the Philippines, a medical tourist seeking the best and most affordable professional health care, a retiree benefiting from hospitality in a warm climate, or by being an investor seeking high returns in a very conducive business environment.

Other speakers at the forum included former UK ambassador to the Philippines Paul Dimond, who shared his personal insights and experiences doing business in the country, PTIC London commercial attaché and director Michael Alfred V. Ignacio, who presented a business and investment environment introduction on the Philippines, and HSBC director and head of London Infrastructure Team-Project Finance Trevor Sturmy, who described the Philippines’ banking environment. Katrina

Panlilio-Craig, managing director of London consultancy group Hotel in a Box, spoke on Philippine market trends.

Philippine charge d’affaires Reynaldo Catapang concluded the forum by calling attention to the UK government’s recent focus on strengthening relations with emerging economies in Asia such as the Philippines.

After the forum, guests took part in oneon-one business matching meetings between Philippine developers and potential UK investors. A high-level Philippine delegation comprising the largest and most prestigious hotel and resort companies and property developers in the country took part in the discussions on the advantages of investment in the Philippine urban mixed use and integrated destination resort developments.

These companies included Amanresorts, Ayala Hotels, Boulevard Holdings, Elizalde Land, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Fairmont Raffles Hotels, Shangri-La Group, and Travellers International Hotel Group. They were joined by representatives of international travel and investment leaders such as IMG, Royal Bank of Scotland, Club Med, Orient Express and Six Senses resorts.

The Philippine Department of Tourism, the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) London, the Philippine Embassy, and Hotel in a Box jointly organized the Philippine Tourism Investment Forum. It coincided with the 31st World Travel Market, the world’s largest tourism and travel fair held annually at London’s Excel Center. Secretary Lim led the Philippine participation in the WTM at the well-attended Philippine pavilion. U

Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim led a high-level Philippine delegation comprising several hotel and resort companies and developers in the World Travel Mart

LGUs support DoT’s accreditation scheme

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he Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sorsogon, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Digos in Davao del Sur and Sangguniang Bayan of Nueva Valencia in Guimaras are three of local government units (LGUs) which recently adopted and passed their respective resolutions supporting the Department of Tourism (DoT) in the enforcement of mandatory accreditation of primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation for other tourism establishments identified under the secondary categories. These three LGU resolutions were passed late last year in support of a comprehensive system for DoT accreditation of tourism establishments in line with the implementation of Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, and in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said, “The continuing support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as well as all LGUs for the enforcement of DoT’s accreditation for tourism enterprises is one way of developing tourism

in a responsible, ethical and sustainable way. We have to share responsibilities with the DILG and LGUs in the accreditation enforcement in every tourist destination.

With the upgrading of tourism products and services as well as our guarantee of the best vacation for tourists, the local people of the host communities will benefit economically, culturally, socially and environmentally from the multiplier effect of a strong and vibrant travel and tourism industry in these areas.”

“As one of the agencies having the lowest budget allocation from the national government, DoT does not have enough resources to enforce and monitor the implementation of the accreditation system.

With only a limited number of inspectors for these tourism enterprises, check and balance may not be carried out well. This may result to poor quality of service and nonadherence to local and international standards. No matter how good the accreditation guidelines and codes are, many concessions To page 8

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Directions

Quirino’s Aquero Festival draws Lourdes devotees

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opular feast-day celebrations in France honoring Our Lady of Lourdes migrated to the littleknown town of Aglipay in Quirino as the Aquero Festival kicked off its fifth year from February 11 to 13.

The festival remembers the apparitions believed to be the Blessed Virgin Mary that appeared to the peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. St. Bernadette, as she would later be known after being canonized, described the lady she had seen as aquero, literally “that thing,” hence the festival’s name.

Parish priest Rev. Father Quezon A. Juan of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Aglipay, a recognized Marian shrine of the Diocese of Bayombong, led the adoption of the Aquero Festival in 2007. More and more pilgrims have since joined in the festival’s Marian devotions, torchlight processions and healing masses.

This year’s edition began on Friday, February 11, with a healing mass. This was a festival highlight as the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes is also World Day of the Sick as declared by Pope John Paul II. A parishioners’ night showcased the talents of Aglipay locals through a cultural show.

The Our Lady of Lourdes School commemorated its foundation day on February 12. Eucharistic celebrations and a procession, featuring the coronation of the image of Our Lady, capped off the festival on Sunday.

Many of the devotees, including Rev. Juan, testify to “miracles” granted through the intercession of Our Lady. The yearly

An excited Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim waves to the crowd below as he takes his first balloon ride during the PIHABF at Clark, Pampanga.

Devotees at the Aquero Festival honor Our Lady of Lourdes through candle-lighting

T flock has also attracted the attention of local officials and the Municipal Tourism Council, who have pledged to support the site’s tourism potential.

Additional places of interest in Quirino include the Nagbukel and Aglipay caves, Governor Rapids along the Cagayan River, and several falls scattered throughout the province. For more information, visit www. dotregion2.com.ph. U

he skies above Clark Field in Angeles, Pampanga, transformed into a grand stage for aviation sports to mark the 16th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) on February 10 to 13, 2011.

“This celebration had been a welcome addition to the tourism map since its inception in 1995 and continues to impress with its unique array of attractions,” remarked Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim, who dropped in on the celebrations on February 12. He enjoyed a balloon ride before proceeding to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Nayong Pilipino in Clark for site visits.

This year’s instalment of the PIHABF doubled as a commemoration of a century of Philippine aviation, a history that dates back to the first airplane flight in the coun-

Clark soars as Hot Air Balloon fest turns 16 try in 1911.

More than 20 balloons, some brought in by foreign enthusiasts, took off from Clark Field for early-morning and late-afternoon flights. In between, a number of aerial exhibitions in aircraft formation and aerobatics, skydiving, paragliding and kite and model aircraft flying, among others, kept festival goers delighted.

Educational ramp tours also enabled interested visitors to see the participating planes up close and chat with pilots, jumpers and other aviation sports personnel.

On land, events were equally actionpacked as several demonstrations, including several in car drifting, fire fighting and rescue operations, were held. There was also much to see and do at the different exhibitors’ booths at the venue.

DoT Region III Director Ronaldo Tiotuico cited that the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is now a regular addition to the North Luzon tourism calendar, with an increasing number of visitors making the road trip from Metro Manila and nearby provinces each year.

“We at the Department of Tourism definitely look forward to future runs of this event as it continues to soar in popularity,” Lim said. U

Victorinox Travel Gear launches Seefeld with Coffee Art Travel, style and art merge in collaboration with Alamid Café Xpress

DoT-Austro Media MOU signing: (from left) DoT Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Austro Media’s Thilo Krueger, DoT Secretary Alberto A. Lim and Austro Media’s Alfred Reiterer.

DoT endorses guidebook

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he Department of Tourism (DoT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to endorse Explore PH, a comprehensive travel guidebook series on the Philippines published by Austrian company AustroMedia Corp.

“We commend Explore PH, especially so as a foreigner-initiated enterprise, for helping spread the good word on the Philippines as a tourist destination of choice,” said Secretary Alberto. A. Lim at the signing.

An all-inclusive travel guide, Explore PH contains both indispensable information (maps, an embassy consulate directory, emergency numbers) and interesting addons (travel tips, Filipino phrasebook) for local and foreign tourists, specifically foreign business travelers, expats and returning overseas Filipinos. The first issue, launched

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

in December 2010, began with a focus on Metro Manila, while an upcoming summer edition will serve as a tourist’s primer to Cebu.

The guidebook will include a listing of DoT-accredited establishments as well as updated information on Philippine tourist destinations and attractions to be provided by the Department. The MOU also supplements the guidebook’s distribution channels—which at present include airports and several coffee chains—with placement at DoT regional and overseas offices and foreign missions.

AustroMedia Corp., which publishes Explore PH locally, also plans on printing books about Dr. Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt in honor of friendly PhilippineAustria bilateral relations.

For supplementary features or more information, visit www.exploreph.com. U

Victorinox has always been associated with the legendary “Original Swiss Army Knife” for its famed quality craftsmanship and timeless style. Exclusively distributed here in the Philippines by the Primer Group of Companies, a premiere brand builder of lifestyle and outdoor gear from all over the world, Victorinox recently launched its latest travel gear collection called “Seefeld” through a unique Coffee Art Exhibit in partnership with Alamid Café Xpress. Described as a fuss-free collection that still offers extra functionality to its customers, Victorinox Travel Gear’s Seefeld Collection is another exciting line of travel bags to watch out for. Seefeld is an actual place in Switzerland known for its artistic atmosphere. The six—piece collection highlights the use of convertible bags reinventing versatility and style. Thoughtfully designed and crafted to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s travelers, the Seefeld Collection seamlessly blends form and function while utilizing every inch of its lightweight,

stylish design to provide customizable packing space for a variety of travel needs. It’s one bright idea after another that’s sure to contribute to a more pleasurable travel experience.

It has been indeed a collaboration that speaks of the innovation of the brand in terms of its design and empowerment of renowned artists.

Victorinox Travel Gear is available at the Victorinox store at The Podium; The Travel Club; R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor eXchange); Duty Free Philippines; Rustan’s Shangri-la Plaza, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center; SM Makati; SM Mall of Asia; SM Megamall; and The Landmark.

For more information, please contact: Stephanie Elumba (Brand Associate) +632 567.0611 local 409 stephanie.elumba@primergrp.com Eric Beja (Media Relations Officer) (02) 303.1234 loc. 517 eric.beja@primergrp.com

(From left to right) Mike Melchor, Artist, Darwin Baňez, AVP for Luggage Trading and Services, Jerry Sy, Board of Director, Primer Group of Companies, Ivo Sieber, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, Steph Elumba, Brand Associate for Victorinox Travel Gear, Jacky Quintos, COO, Primer Group of Companies

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Directions

Visitor arrivals grew by 18 percent in the first two months of 2011

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he total number of inbound visitors for January and February 2011 reached 668,625 for 17.88 percent growth compared to the arrivals for the same period in 2010. This feat may be attributed to the growing confidence of the international market on the Aquino administration.

In the first two months, Korea maintained its position as the biggest and top source market with 165,868 arrivals, with a share of 24.81 percent to the total visitor traffic, and growth rate of 35.22 percent vis-à-vis the previous year.

This market is followed by the USA with 17.05 percent share for 114,022 arrivals, Japan with 9.83 percent share for 65,755 arrivals, China with 5.77 percent share for 38,590 arrivals and Taiwan with 4.26 percent share for 28,461 arrivals. Combined arrivals from these top source markets constituted 61.72 percent of the

total inbound traffic.

India, Russia, Australia and Canada were the fastest growing markets during the period

with 74 percent, 36 percent, 22 percent and 21 percent increase in visitor arrivals compared to 2010.

European markets, on the other hand, accounted for 11.08 percent of the total visitor traffic for 74,073 with the United Kingdom posting 8.48 percent growth and Germany recording 4.67 percent increase in arrivals. The Scandinavian markets showed double digit growth while arrivals from France modestly increased by 4.67 percent.

The ASEAN market expanded by 13.70 percent for 49,634 arrivals with Malaysia and Singapore registering 20 percent and 16 per-

cent growth rates respectively. The ASEAN market accounted for 7.42 percent of the total visitor arrivals during the first two months of 2011. U

About 23 million Filipinos travel within the country

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he 2009 Household Survey on Domestic Visitors (HSDV) conducted by the National Statistics Office and Department of Tourism showed a total of 22.8 million Filipinos 15 years old and over who traveled for any purpose within the country during the period April 1 to September 30, 2009. This is about 36.9 percent of 61.7 million Filipinos aged 15 years old and over. On the average, each traveler made two trips and visited two places in the country during the reference period.

Of the 22.8 million domestic travelers during the past six months, 52.4 percent were females while 47.6 percent were males. Travel pattern among household members 15 years old and over tends to decrease with age. From

a proportion of 26.4 percent among 15 to 24 years old, the percent of travelers declined to 4.7 percent for older age group 65 years old and over.

The main purpose of trip for more than half (53.3 percent) of the total domestic travelers was to visit friends or relatives or to attend family gatherings. Those who traveled for pleasure or vacation totaled 7.8 million, comprising about 34.3 percent of the total domestic travelers.

Among travelers whose main purpose of trip is for pleasure or vacation, more than half spent for transport with an average expenditure of Php514. Around 3.8 million and 2.8 million domestic travelers whose main purpose of trip is for pleasure or vacation spent for food

and beverages, and shopping with an average expenditure of Php521 and Php1,372, respectively.

Domestic travelers either availed of package tour or traveled independently during their most recent trip. Of the total 7.8 million domestic travelers whose main purpose of trip is for pleasure or vacation, majority (7.7 million) were independent travelers while the rest (80 thousand) availed of a package tour. The average expenditure of independent travelers was Php1,818 while the average expenditure of those who availed of a package tour was Php17,981.

Less than half (45.8 percent) of the domestic travelers who traveled for pleasure or vacation stayed overnight in their places of destination in which most of them (40.8 percent) stayed for two to three nights in the places visited. On the average, eight nights were spent by a domestic traveler whose main purpose of trip is for pleasure or vacation in the place visited.

The National Capital Region (NCR) was

the most frequently visited place by domestic travelers whose main purpose of trip is for pleasure or vacation during the period April 1 to September 30, 2009, with a total of 3.1 million visits. The other frequently visited provinces were those near NCR. Except for Cebu and Lanao del Sur, the other top provinces were all in Luzon.

The long holiday weekends during Holy Week (April 9 to 12, 2009) was the most traveled period of domestic travelers whose main purpose of trip is for pleasure or vacation with around 782 thousand. Of this number, more than half (53.8 percent) of Holy Week travelers stayed overnight. Next to Holy Week as the most traveled holiday weekend of domestic travelers was Labor Day (May 1 to 3, 2009) with 459 thousand travelers. More than half (54.8 percent) of travelers during Labor Day were day visitors. Following Labor Day as the most traveled period was end of Ramadan (September 19 to 21, 2009) with 293 thousand travelers. Majority (69.9 percent) of travelers during end of Ramadan were day visitors. U

DoT pitches domestic travel at 18th Travel Tour Expo

D

epartment of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Albert A. Lim recently opened the 18th TravelTour Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City by unveiling plans for a more aggressive domestic tourism program, underscoring the importance of local travel in reaching industry targets-creating job opportunities, distributing wealth to the countryside and thus, advancing development, especially in the provinces.

“With the program, we hope to see more Filipinos going out and exploring our wonderful country in the near future, and drive development through tourism,” he said in his keynote speech to open the event.

Lim added that the number of Filipinos traveling within the country for different main motivations has been on the rise in recent years, pegging the market potential for local tourism at around 23 million.

Among the factors he cited as vital to the domestic travel boom are the availability of affordable flights and the rise of new tourist destinations.

The secretary called on everyone, especially the private sector, to support the new domestic tourism advocacy campaign titled “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” which is a follow-up to “Biyahe Tayo,” a domestic tourism campaign that the DoT spearheaded a few years back. Designed to evoke the desire to see one’s beautiful homeland, “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” encourages Filipinos

6

to explore and appreciate the country that everyone calls home.

“Pilipinas, Tara Na!”, along with partners from both the public and private sector, will include a mass media campaign on local TV with Smart and the revival of the “Biyahe Na” music video to be participated in by Filipino musicians who are willing to lend their time and talent in support of Philippine tourism.

The promotion of domestic tourism will occur alongside industry priorities to be set forth by the new National Tourism Development for 2011-2016, out this June.

“The plan will be a roadmap for product development and promotion, and will identify up-and-coming destinations and corresponding priority infrastructure projects,” Lim said.

The TravelTour Expo began in 1994 as an annual platform for Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) members to showcase their products and services and has since evolved into a major industry event. This year, exhibitors occupying some 460 booths vied for the attention of visitors in search of travel deals and packages.

While opportunities for both international and domestic travel will be on offer at the expo, the secretary pushed for the latter.

“We at the Department say your trips of a lifetime may just very well be a city or province, island or region away, right here in the beautiful Philippines,” he remarked. U

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Home THE PHILIPPINE TRAVELLER Volume 1, Number 4 May-June 2011 ISSN Number 2094-7941

EDITORIAL Roel Hoang Manipon Editor

Gesel P. Mangilit Managing Editor

Neil Mariano

Creative Director

Donald Tapan

Chief Photographer

Marian Patiag Staff Writer

Marko Fojas Ayo Gunting

Contributing Writers

Ruziell Sto. Tomas

Director of Sales and Marketing

Chiqui Talabis

Sales and Marketing Officer

ADMINISTRATIVE Celestino Untal Jr. Chairman

Maria Evelyn C. Untal

Publisher/Managing Director

Rhea Villareal

Head of Administration and Operations

Strategic Minds Marketing

Taking flight... From page 3

Editor’s Note It is summer and it always throbs with the prospect of travel. It is a heartening thing that more and more Filipinos are discovering the joys of traveling, spurring domestic tourism. If not to find greener pastures or brought by work, Filipinos are not known travelers. That’s why there is a dearth of travel writing by Filipinos. It is only now that Filipinos are experiencing travel by itself and discovering its profound pleasures.

Now, many travel blogs are popping up.

Filipinos are posting photographs of their latest forays in Facebook. The photos whet the appetite of others for travel. Many of the travels though are excursions or vacations.

Many go for the beach and the swimming.

They may go to a waterfall or an interesting site, take photographs and leave. Several seem bent on finding a venue for drinking.

While these are part of the experience, travel is not limited to that. In the core of travel is learning. It is about discovering a place and how it changes you. It is interacting with the place and its people and culture, experiencing something different from what you came from or grew up with. In the end, you understand more. The pleasure of these is unmatchable.

May is National Heritage Month. When you visit a place, get to know its history and heritage. It is part of all of us. You can start with churches. Many towns in the Philippines have old churches. Most likely, the church is the oldest structure in a town or city. Get to know if there is a dish unique to

area and have a taste. Visit a museum if there is one. Visit the market. It is a colourful venture. There are many things to discover.

Now that we have the means to travel, we must take it to another level. One must not only travel far. More importantly, one must travel with depth.

LGUs support DoT... From page 4

Roel Hoang Manipon

Advertising and Marketing

Gabriel and Mendoza Legal Counsel

Rosita Raymundo

Logged

Credit/Collection

CIRCULATION Aitchito J. Conejos

Circulation/Liaison Officer The Philippine Traveller is published bi-monthly by St. Uriel Publishing, Inc. with business address at Unit 7G, Vernida I Condominium, 120 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1200, with telephone numbers (+63 2) 4942866, (+63 2) 227-6074 and (+63 2) 491-5159; and e-mail thephilippinetraveller@yahoo.com The publication and its editors assume no responsibility for all manuscripts and photographs submitted. While every reasonable effort is made to verify information, facts and figures, the newspaper and its editors assume no responsibility for errors or misrepresentations that may appear in the publication.

Get a copy of The Philippine Traveller, the newest bi-monthly travel publication dedicated to serve the needs of today’s travelers.

Focused on its goals, The Philippine Traveller keeps pace with the demands of today’s global travel, giving the most comprehensive coverage packed with colorful and fascinating photos and interesting bits of information.

It’s free and handy, and definitely a valuable tool in every traveler’s next destination.

For inquiries and advertisements, call (+63 2) 494-2866 / (+63 2) 2276074 / (+63 2) 491-5159 or email thephilippinetraveller@yahoo.com

8

flappers to help create additional drag because the heavier the rider the faster it gets.

I tested the steel cable for tensile strength. Ravi smiled reassuringly. Enjoy the flight and don’t forget to smile, he said.

I held on to the steel railings and lifted my feet off the ground. I swallowed the huge lump of fear that had lodged in my throat as soon as I heard the latch of the gate being loosened. I was off to the ride of my life.

Arms outstretched and traveling at a speed of 60 to 100 kilometers per hour, my partner and I zipped past a canopy of trees.

I could barely make out the outline of the landing point because of the fog but it didn’t matter, so engrossed was I with the lush greenery below and the majestic hills that opened up before me. We broke through the late afternoon mist, like two eagles soaring high above the mountains. Rain pelted on my cheeks, and a big gust of wind blew past me. I felt weightless and free.

As soon as we moved past a marker and heard a whiplash that set the arresting gears in motion, I steeled my body for the landing, hands firmly to the sides and head bowed down. Once unstrapped, my flying partner and I made a celebratory jig and exchanged high fives. Cheeks flushed and still winded, we made our way to the kiosk and got our certificates. I had a huge, silly grin plastered on my face. U

Captain Mayra Florencio, Cebu Pacific Air pilot, went to Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay Freeport Zone in March as a birthday treat.

She comments: “Best experience ever, a wonderful treat for my birthday. The dolphins were intimidating at first because of their size but actually they were truly very adorable. Would love to do it again.”

Emy Manalo, graphics artist, says: “I had the time of my life when I went to Cebu in August last year with two friends. We went to Crowne Regency Hotel and mustered enough courage to try the Skyride. We were screaming all throughout the four minutes we were on it but it was the most exciting experience. The view was amazing!”

Jam Castro, mass communication student, went to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, for the second time with her dad early this summer. “I was so glad to finally visit Vigan again after six years. Since my hobby is photography I was really excited to take photos of the ancestral houses with thick brick walls, the nice furniture on the streets, most especially the wonderful cobblestone streets and the passing calesas (horse carriages). My dad and I fell in love with the place. We felt like we were transported to an earlier century.”

Ley Castillo, quality assurance coordinator at Sykes Asia, recalls their unplanned trip to Camiguin in 2009: “The main plan was to go white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro but we went to Camiguin instead. We went to the famous garden hot springs and white island sandbar. I, my wife and a couple of backpacking buddies enjoyed the white sands of Camiguin with one of the finest sandbars I’ve ever seen.”

Paola Catacutan, fresh college graduate, shares her post-graduation gift story: “By the time you would think that gods and godesses are no longer existing, you’ll be surprised of what this hotel-resort might offer you. It was like stepping into a palace, walking through the romantic blue sky with Renaissance Venicethemed walls and ceilings. The Venetian Macau was totally a wonderful place that anyone should not miss. My favorite part is the ambiance of the gondola ride they offer to every tourist in town.

Venetian Macau was such a wonderful and unforgettable tour for me this year. This gift after I graduated from college was such a blast!”

Got any travel photos and stories to share? Send them to thephilippinetraveller@yahoo.com.

and considerations may be resorted to in the enforcement of rules and regulations.

Local government support is crucial,” added Maria Victoria Jasmin, Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation.

The LGUs, private sector industries and other tourism stakeholders will be consulted by DoT in the formulation and promulgation of new rules and regulations governing the operation and activities of all tourism enterprises including, but not limited, to a national standard for licensing, accreditation and classification prescribing minimum levels of operating quality and efficiency for their operation in accordance with recognized international standards and impose reasonable penalties for violation of accreditation policies. DoT regularly conducts training and continuing education to enhance the LGUs’ capability, particularly for its tourism officers, in partnership with the travel trade to properly implement the regulatory provisions.

In line with this, DoT is requesting LGUs to require all establishments that may be classified as primary tourism enterprises with the presentation of its accreditation certificate upon submission of its application for renewal of its license/permit to operate. For those applying for new or original license, an endorsement from DoT is required with the application. U

Errata In the article “Wielding Wellness at the Mogambo Springs Spa,” which appeared in the April-March 2011 issue, page 12, it is stated that Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is “one of Conde Nast’s top ten island destinations in Asia.” The resort is recognized as one of the Top 25 Resorts in Asia for three years in a row. It also says that it has “four artificial lagoons.”

There are saltwater lagoons and four freshwater swimming pools. We apologize for the oversight.

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Destination

A Passport to

By Gesel P. Mangilit

Samal

Camp Holiday is strategically located as it has direct access to the barge of Samal island

A visit to Samal Island is not complete without dropping by the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, the only triple A resort in the island

I

f you want to escape Manila for the summer and embark on a journey of discovery, you need not go out of the country. The Philippines has more than enough places of interest to choose from.

Samal Island, which the local government likes to call the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), does not readily come to mind. The beauty of this island city does not easily present itself but those who brave the long journey from Manila—by plane, bus and ferryboat— will be well rewarded.

In Samal, you can swim in pristine beaches and contemplate with the coral gardens teeming with fish. Fifty-three out of 73 genera of corals usually found in the Philippines are in Samal. No wonder it is called the Coral Reef City of the South and a favorite dive spot.

If you seek more, its limestone caves and mountains present more challenges. The highest peak in Samal Island is Puting Bato, a limestone mountain standing at 1,346 feet, where you are afforded a panoramic view of Davao Gulf. Add to that are the numerous caves scattered in its nine islets. The local government and the Department of Tourism (DoT) are promoting all these and more when it formally launched the Visit Samal Island Tour.

There are 67 resorts in Samal Island, and the local government is stepping up its efforts to put island on the tourism map through a series of events from March to May. The Visit Samal Island campaign kicked off with the formal unveiling of the Visit Samal Island logo at the Holiday Oceanview Hotel in March. Twenty-eight of the 67 resorts are extending valueadded promos for the three summer months through the Samal Passport, given free at the Davao International Airport, Davao City malls, information counters in Manila and Cebu airports and by tour operators. The launch also made known the festivals celebrated in Samal Island.

Apart from the 13th anniversary of Samal’s cityhood, which falls on March 7, the island has Caracoles (meaning “shells”), a flamboyant celebration of the island’s rich marine environment, which falls on the April 28 and 29. Then there are the Hugyaw Madayaw Festival and Bat Festival in August. The culmination of the Visit Samal Island tour on May 28 coincides with the Kabasan Festival, showcasing the different talents of the locals and the richness of their culture and native products.

For such a small island, Samal has a lot of potentials if you’re planning a summer vacation, so take advantage of the Samal Passport.

Samal Island actually is a year-round tourist destination since it is never visited by typhoons and tropical depressions.

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Recently, the local government of Samal, the DoT and the private sector initiated a media familiarization tour of the island and I was among those fortunate enough to experience what Samal Island has to offer.

Samal Island is in the heart of the Davao Gulf, 900 meters east of Davao City and 10 kilometers west of the province of Compostela Valley. It has over 118 kilometers of continuous coastline and a total land area of 30,130 square meters.

Inhabited by about 100,000 people, Samal is one of the thirteen newest cities of the country. It was born by merging three municipalities of the island: Babak, Samal and Kaputian. Agriculture and fishery are its main source of revenue. Through the years, tourism has become top priority as the city is endowed with whitesand beaches frequented by tourists, offering an opportunity for the residents to develop tourism as an economic alternative.

Camp Holiday

Camp Holiday was our home during our stay in Samal Island. In terms of comfort and location, it is the best choice in the area because aside from having direct access to the barge it offers reasonable rates. Spread out within its 1.2 hectares are 12 cottages, a 22-room hotel, a swimming pool, huts, a function room, a lobby with free WiFi access and a restaurant serving affordable dishes. Aside from being a place for the family to spend weekends, it is popular as venue for conventions and seminars. The function room is the biggest in the island with a capacity of 600 people for theater-type set up and 450 for a banquet-style set up. The hotel rooms are at Php1,500 a night while the cottages are at Php1,800. Day tours at Php80 include use of the pool and facilities. For overnight stay, you may pitch a tent on its small beach. While bringing in food is allowed, it is best to first peruse what the restaurant has to offer, which surprisingly enough. It serves delicious Filipino food and grilled dishes. Glen Germino, operations manager of Camp Holiday, says another three-storey hotel is being built in the area, which when finished will add 43 more rooms. A convenience store and a gas station around the corner from the complex can provide most of the necessities you might need during your stay.

concrete stairway going down to the base of the falls were constructed in 2009 to make it accessible to visitors. To get to the falls, you need to hike down 97 steps until you reach the first level. The arduous task is worth it when you finally reach this enchanting falls whose waters run clear through limestone rocks, branching out into inlets and inviting you to dive right in.

A series of pathways lead to the different areas of the falls and to the many cottages and open huts.

Dr. Mahelinde Colmenares, fondly called Doc Mahal, owns the Datungganan Resort (Samaleno for “meeting place”) and the five cottages within her side of the falls. Now retired, she runs the resort and spends her time entertaining guests. She says her family along with the other families who own lots around Hagimit Falls have been cultivating the area since the 1950s until it was turned into a hydrothermal plant from 1978 to 1979. When the city government turned the area into a tourist spot, the stairway leading to the falls was constructed for easier access. Security measures, such as guards on duty, were also placed for overnight guests. Since then more visitors have been drawn to the enchanting waterfalls with its limestone formations and a cave at the far end called the Beto Cave, where freshwater shrimps called uwang flourish.

Doc Mahal has many stories to tell about the Hagimit Falls such as the time when a wild monkey from the mountains found its way into the area in search of its lost baby, only to find it feasting on bananas planted in a remote area of the falls. There is also the mystery surrounding the death of a relative of the operators of

Hagimit Falls

Hagimit Falls used to be a hydrothermal plant in the 1970s and a primary water source of the Penaplata district. Now, it is a tourist attraction in Samal, owned by several families, the Batucans, Colmenareses, Neris/Dawas, Legaspis, Bostons, Pelayos and Cincos. With help from the city government, paved roads and a

For a rejuvenating back massage, stand underneath one of the falls’ rock formations

another resort, the Eagle’s Nest, whose lifeless body was found inside Beto Cave. A marker was placed in Hagimit Falls in his memory.

Stretching two kilometers, the falls’ beauty lies in its different rock formations. Thalassic pools at the far end of the falls, in secluded areas, invite you for a leisurely swim. For a rejuvenating back massage, stand underneath the rock formations and let the rushing water pound away aches and pains. A few enhancements were made with concrete shaped into rocks for kids to slide. In some areas, the water is deep; cautionary signs are placed. After swimming in the cool waters, feast on suman, ripe golden Samal mangoes and hot chocolate provided by the resort.

For a small entrance fee of Php40 for adults and Php20 for children two to seven years old, the Hagimit Falls is a welcome respite for day tourists who would like enjoy one of Samal’s natural wonders. But to really experience a new way of life, an overnight stay is recommended in one of Doc Mahal’s rustic cottages for Php700 a night, with only torches and the sounds of nature lulling you to sleep.

Hagimit Falls is located in Cawag, Penaplata. A number of resorts in Samal Island, including Davao Pearl Farm, offer tours to the falls. Roughing it out, however, would mean a 15-minute barge ride from the Davao pier, a 30 to 40 minute bus drive to Penaplata and a 20 minute motorcycle (habal-habal) ride to Hagimit Falls. For entrance information, contact 0920-5872430. For cottage information, contact Eagle’s Nest Cottages at 0923-3924288 or Dr. Mahelinda Colmenares of Mahal Cottages at 0910-9383837. Her e-mail address is luzmahalelemente@yahoo.com.

The Monfort Bat Colony

The Monfort Bat Cave is the largest colony of Geoffrey’s Roussette fruit bats (Rousetteus amplexicaudatus) in the world, earning for itself in 2010 a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. A total of 1.8 million bats live in the caves, estimated by the Bat Conservation International. According to the guides, so big and overpopulated is the colony that efforts are being made to relocate some of the bats. Bats, like humans, produce one offspring a year so it is remarkable how so many bats came to reside in the caves. Credit goes to the Monfort family, who for so many years has protected the bat colony.

According to a marker detailing the history of the caves, the Inigo-Monfort family has owned and safeguarded the caves that sheltered humans against World War II bombing raids in the 1900s. Left untouched, the caves became an ideal resting ground for the bats from nearby islands and from as far as China, which were dislocated from their natural habitat by human encroachment. In the 1990s, the family enclosed the property and posted a guard To page 10

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Destination A Passport to Samal... From page 9

Fruit bats roost in remarkably exposed locations, giving visitors an up-close look from outside one of the five cave openings

round the clock to discourage bat hunters and other uninvited guests, allowing no one except conservation scientists to enter the caves.

In 2003, regional tourism and local government officials asked Norma Monfort, the current owner of the property, to donate the cave, promising royalties but sharply limiting her control in its management. Fearing that the government could not guarantee permanent protection for the bat colony, she declined and started planning the Monfort Bat Conservation Park . In the meantime, Norma Monfort needed expert guidance in managing the caves wisely, seeing it for its tourist as well as education potential. She turned to the Bat Conservation International for help.

Despite their ecological significance, bats are often poached and their cave dwellings disturbed, threatening their survival. Bat droppings or guano, with its high ammonium nitrate content, is grade A fertilizer selling at USD150 a kilo. Highly flammable, it is used in the manufacture of gunpowder.

Aside from being natural insect controllers (a single bat can eat up to a thousand mosquitoes in just one hour), bats are the most important pollinators of durian, contributing to Mindanao ’s growing fruit industry. Protecting them would also mean saving the rainforests, as they are also major agents of forest genera-

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tion, pollinating flowers and dispersing large quantities of seeds.

The facility conducts eco-tours for tourists and students. Viewing of the “emergence” at dusk, when the bats come out of the caves to hunt for food, started in August 2010. Other efforts to bring awareness to bat conservation are also in place in Roxas Avenue in Davao City, where the Davao Run Club stages a benefit fun run each month.

The Monfort Bat Cave is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tours to the caves come with a brief introduction and a request to observe silence so as not to disturb the bats.

The Pearl Farm Beach Resort

A visit to Samal Island is not complete without dropping by the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, the only triple A resort in the island.

Once a breeding ground for white-lipped oysters, cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls, the original Pearl Farm, owned by Floirendos, a prominent family in Mindanao, was converted into a resort in 1992 and is now operated by Fuego Hotels. The resort sits on a 14-hectare hillside land bordered in the east by a two-hectare tropical forest. The Parola Bar is its identifying structure and from there a pathway leads to the Maranao Restaurant, which serves Filipino and international cuisines. The resort’s Ilang-Ilang Spa is just a few steps from

All 73 guestrooms—the suites and the cottages on stilts—feature the art and skill of Mindanao’s ethnic groups such as Maranao, Mandaya, Bagobo and Sama.

the main pool across the restaurant.

Pearl Farm’s claim to fame is its deluxe accommodations. All 73 guestrooms—the suites and the cottages on stilts—feature the art and skill of Mindanao’s ethnic groups such as Maranao, Mandaya, Bagobo and Sama.

Offering a westward view of the sea, the sunset, the surrounding islands and Mount Apo are 21 cottages called Samal Houses, patterned after the stilt houses built above the water of seafaring Samals of the Sulu archipelago.

Set back from the shore, above the hill, are 19 Hilltop Rooms with verandas overlooking the Davao Gulf or the lush forest. Also called balay, or “home” in the local language, all rooms are constructed in bamboo and wood.

Located near the aqua sports area and amidst the palm trees, around one of the two swimming pools at the resort’s south end, are 20 Mandaya Houses, duplex-type bungalows with their own pocket gardens and private balconies. At each house’s entrance is a jar, locally known as banga, with water and a dipper made of coconut shell so that guests can wash the sand off their feet, a customary gesture that symbolizes cleansing of the spirit.

A few hundred meters off the resort are the luxury island villas at Malipano Island, with its own three-hole golf course and a private beach, a separate resort in itself. The Floirendo patriarch Antonio, Sr., built these exclusive villas for his seven children. Thus, each villa has a personality of its own. Tastefully designed by Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa, each displays a skillful blend of the modern and the ethnic, utilizing native materials such as bamboo, coconut and yakal. Villa No. 5, owned by Maricris Floirendo, can accommodate a family of 12. Its master bedroom features intricately-whorled dagmay fabric in the headboard and throw pillows, which can also be bought at the resort’s boutique shop.

The seven Malipano waterfront villas feature roofs inspired by the salakot or traditional

Filipino hat. At Php7,000 a night per person, these villas guarantee complete privacy as each has its own veranda overlooking the sea and private stairs leading to the beach. Malipano also has beautifully-kept gardens and a gazebo, a perfect setting for a delightful tropical wedding.

A variety of recreational activities is available at the Pearl Farm such tennis, basketball and badminton. A recreation center located near the row of Mandaya Houses has three billiard tables, darts and a mini bar. Aqua sports such as snorkeling, pedal boards, fish feeding, beach volley, soccer and water polo, sea kayaks, Hobie cats and wave runners are also available.

For divers, two sunken World War II Japanese vessels lie 60 meters away from the resort and marine life teems around it. According to Vevien Febra, guest service supervisor, the resort is building a zip line in May to add to the many attractions of the resort.

The easiest way to Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a 40-minute boat ride from the wharf in Davao City. Be prepared however, when you tour the island, as the roads can be rough. Inquire at the front desk for guided bus tours to Hagimit Falls and Monfort Bat Caves (countryside tour) or to Davao City (city tour). Day tours are at Php1,550 per person inclusive of lunch and boat transfer. The Pearl Farm Beach Resort is at Kaputian with telephone numbers (+63 82) 221-9970 and 221-9979. Its Metro Manila sales office is at the 15th floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, with telephone numbers (+63 2) 750-1999 and 750-1894 and fax number 750-1893. U

Getting There

Several airlines fly from Manila to Davao City. In Davao City, there are ferry boats going to Samal Island at the Santa Ana Wharf (near Magsaysay Park) going to Kaputian and Talikud Island; and Sasa Wharf, going to Babak.

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Stopover Swire Realty Development Corporation:

Being the First and Only

Ramon Licup

By Gesel Mangilit

M

Makati and Greenhills, two of the most vibrant areas in Metro Manila, are the hotbeds of business and commercial activities. Makati in the south is home to the country’s big financial institutions and upscale shopping malls. Greenhills in the north occupies part of Ortigas Avenue, the second most important commercial and business district after Makati. It is in these areas where architect Ramon Licup, president of Swire Realty Development Corporation, saw an opportunity when he built his two hotels eight years ago—the Makati Palace and Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern.

Dubbed as the “little Shangri-La” in Makati, the Makati Palace Hotel offers five-star amenities, scaled down but no less the grand. The design of the hotel is Neoclassical, one of things that set it apart from all the other hotels in the area.

At the recently held client appreciation night at the Makati Palace Hotel, Elena Murillo Licup,

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

wife of architect Ramon Licup, shares that Makati Palace Hotel was among the first hotel to be constructed along Makati Avenue in 2003, when the area was still being developed.

“We have set a benchmark with Makati Palace Hotel and Greenhills Hotel Modern. The opportunity to become the first and only is always our goal,” she says.

The hotel has elegantly furnished threebedroom Palace Suites, executive suites and superior rooms equipped with a mini bar, cable television, Internet access and safety deposit box. Some rooms, particularly the Palace Suites, are equipped with kitchenettes. The Caesar’s Cafe, dressed in the same opulence as the rest of the hotel, offers international cuisine. The hotel also has a club/bar, business center, 50 to 100-person capacity function rooms for big events and conferences and a 24-hour spa. A swimming pool, with a 120-person capacity poolside function room, along with a fit-

ness center is located at the Sky Room.

Licup designed many of the residential and mixed-use condominiums in Metro Manila, and his wife Elena and children, among them daughter King Pearl, is involved in the many projects of Swire Realty. When they opened Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern three years ago, they designed the 36-storey condotel to be similar to a modern Parisian urban dwelling. Like its sister hotel in the south, the hotel offers the best—one to two-bedroom Presidential Suites and executive and deluxe rooms that have balconies with an unobstructed view of the Makati skyline, Manila Bay, Wack Wack and Aguinaldo golf courses, Antipolo hills and Marikina.

The condotelholds the distinction of being the only hotel in Greenhills and is now a solid landmark in the area. Cathy dela Pena, director of sales and marketing, says that their clientele are mostly balikbayans and foreigners who want to experience Filipino-style bargain shopping at the lively Greenhills shopping complex, which is

a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Amenities include a cafe, a garden poolside, a fitness center, function rooms and a billiards room. Presidential and executive suites are equipped with a living/ dining area and bar counter.

All rooms have Internet connectivity. With its strategic location, the hotel’s guests can stroll down the street in the company of their family and friends, catch up on the latest movies, shop for pasalubong and then feast on a great variety of cuisines or just restaurant hop.

When they are tired, they can simply walk back to the hotel with all their packages and indulge at the hotel spa.

With the success of the two hotels, Licup is setting his sights on another project that will set the standard for the hotel industry— in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa is just five to ten minutes from the airport and will offer five-star amenities—Poolside and Ocean villas, a spa village, a 10,000-square meter sandbar connected to a boardwalk with an island bar and cafe, a fishing village, billiards and mahjong rooms and a computer zone. The plush hotel, which will have a distinctly Neo-Asian theme, will be built adjacent to the shoreline and will have a 30,000-square meter white sand beach, making it the first beachfront hotel in Puerto Princesa.

Groundbreaking was in March and will launch in 2012. U

Contact Information The Greenhills Hotel Elan Modern holds the distinction of being the only hotel in Greenhills and is now a solid landmark in the area

Makati Palace Hotel is located at 5011 Burgos corner Caceres streets, Makati City, with telephone numbers (+63 2) 897-5050 and 8990344; mobile numbers (+63906) 5877300 and (+63921) 758-5167. Their website is www.makatipalacehotel.com.ph.Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern is located at 49 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, with telephone numbers (+63 2) 744-7979 to 82; mobile (+63917) 882-1689, (+63905) 428-9327 and (+63922) 893-7831. Their website is www. greenhillselanhotelmodern.com.

11

Stopover Frikadeler, one

R

s t h g i N c i t n a

om

Y

ou can hardly miss this Casablanca with its breeze tower peeking out from its perimeter walls, and Norwegian and Philippine flags proudly displayed side by side at its facade, hinting at its ownership and the kind of management and service one can expect.

Enter its double wooden doors, and the small-town atmosphere, which is similar to that of an Austrian village, makes you feel right at home. Envision yourself having a romantic candlelit dinner at its three-level breeze tower as you gaze out into a star-filled night. Add modern amenities and great food to that, and you have a memorable stay at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The former American naval base has a number of first-class and mid-range hotels and resorts catering to an international crowd but Casablanca Condominium Resort stands out as a first of its kind.

Norwegian businessman Gunnar Strand owns the 1,300-square meter resort, which became operational in October 2009. Half of the property sits on what was formerly known as Race Rock Sports Bar, which offers scuba diving lessons, and jet ski and sea piper plane rentals. When Strand bought the property in 2004 from a British, he also bought the adjoining lot and started construction of the breeze tower and the condo-type lodgings.

Strand, who owns Delta Scaffolding in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, was not planning to buy a hotel or property. “Mr. Gunnar was actually searching for accommodations for four to five people, mostly guests from his home country and some of his employees in Delta, when the property was offered to him,” relates hotel consultant and operations manager Kristian Bo Stylsvig Nielsen.

ers

of their bestsell

When asked why the hotel was named Casablanca, he says Strand is a big fan of Ingrid Bergmann, who played Norwegian waitress Ilsa Lund who falls in love with Rick Blane, an American soldier played by Humphrey Bogart in the iconic 1942 drama film Casablanca. The romance of Ilsa Lund and Rick Blane may also allude to the love story between 59-year-old Strand and his lovely Filipina wife Evelyn Tirante, who is the hotel manager of Casablanca Resort.

The romantic theme of the film is integrated into the hotel’s ambiance and is apparent the moment you step into the hotel’s doors. The three-level breeze tower, its most identifying feature, beckons you to stay for a while and imbibe the surroundings, most especially on a star-filled night. Flooded with illuminating light at dusk, you can easily envision yourself having a quiet candlelit dinner at the topmost level. Nielsen says the hotel management plans to glass-in the two upper levels and convert it into a fine-dining restaurant.

“A red carpet will lead guests from the entrance all the way to the breeze tower where a string quartet (or piano) plays romantic music all through the night. Isn’t it romantic?” he adds.

Oh, we agree. I can almost hear the strains of “As Time Goes By” or “It Had to be You” playing in the background. He smiles back. Nielsen himself has found love and a wonderful home in the Philippines. He lives at the Kalayaan housing project in Subic but he calls Dipolog City home, where his Filipina wife is based.

The quaint rows of condo-type apartments have character, which Nielsen says

at Casablanca Text and photos by Gesel Mangilit

resembles that of an Austrian village with its charming residential chalets and narrow streets, open cafes and sparkling fountains.

However, instead of an open cafe, situated at the poolside and at the front of the apartments are quaint, custom-made wicker chairs and tables from Angeles City that feature an anchor as base for al-fresco dining, lounging or surfing the net (free WiFi connection extends all the way to the rooms) on lazy days. Instead of a fountain, there is the breeze tower, offering views of the pool and beyond the bay, and the poolside bar to while the time away. Guests can just swim up to the bar, (Yes, it is a pool bar not poolside) and enjoy their cocktails while sitting in the pool or take it to the hot-water poolside Jacuzzi. On the second level is a courtyard overlooking the whole complex where you can take quiet walks in the afternoon.

If you prefer a tavern atmosphere, the restaurant, located a few steps away, is also an option. It has a full bar, lounge, two backto-back wall-mounted LCD televisions and a billiard table. A small VIP room can comfortably sit six. A collection of drawings of lighthouses adorns the dark wood interiors, its monotony broken by multi-colored terracotta stone reliefs. The drawings came from the previous owner, who handed them over to Strand with the request that these be incorporated into the design of the restaurant.

The restaurant serves international cuisine, whipped up by a Filipino chef and Nielsen who for 35 years served as steward and chef at Maersk Shipping Line. Culinary arts Angeles City. Nielsen traces his roots to Iceland, and his main contribution to the menu is the Scandinavian specialties such as the frikadeler, one of the bestsellers. A smattering of Thai dishes, Italian pastas and pizzas and American-style burgers and steaks give

guests plenty of options. Little wonder then that the next step for the management leans towards putting up a fine-dining restaurant since the food is first-rate.

A natural choice for families who want to relax and enjoy a weekend in Subic, the cozy hotel rooms are equipped with a kitchen with stove top electric ranges, a fridge and kitchen counter. The hotel personnel are very friendly and helpful, anticipating the guests’ every need. The place feels cozy enough for you to want to spend the rest of your days ensconced within its walls. But then a weekend in Subic would be incomplete without a visit to the many attractions this former American naval base has to offer. Among them are the Treetop Adventure and the Zoobic Safari, which the hotel can arrange with a 15 percent discount.

Although the resort is located on the waterfront side of Argonaut Avenue, no beach is directly accessible from the hotel property.

However, you can approach the reception and arrange for the hotel shuttle to take you to one of the many white-sand beaches in Subic, just ten minutes away from the hotel.

Casablanca is also within comfortable walking distance from the supermarket and restaurants in case you need a few necessities.

The resort is relatively small. They have only 29 rooms—five standard rooms (Php2,100), three family rooms (Php3,200) and 21 condominium units (Php4,700 to Php6,700, good for four to six persons). Accommodations come with breakfast for two.

Family rooms on the ground floor come with sliding glass doors to let the light in and heavy curtains in earth tones that can be drawn for privacy. Each has a living area with a sofa bed and LCD television, a kitchenette, dining area and safety deposit box. The deluxe units on the upper floors have a loft or attic room for added space and comfort. A family of four to six can easily fit into this type of room that also comes with a veranda overlooking the bay. Nielsen says they already sold one unit to one of their long-staying guests, which are mostly foreigners who feel comfortable and at home in a place run by Europeans.

Many improvements and a possible expansion will happen in the coming months for this wonderful vacation getaway, and we look forward to visiting the place in the future. For the meantime, Nielsen is quite satisfied that the hotel is so far getting good reviews.

“Expect us to come up with new ideas… as time goes by,” he says with a grin. U

Contact Information

The facade of the Casablanca along Argonaut Avenue

12

Envision yourself having a romantic candlelit dinner at the breeze tower as you gaze out into a star-filled night

Casablanca Hotel Condo Resort, Bar and Restaurant is located at Lot 14, Argonaut Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with telephone number (+63) 252-1996 and mobile number (+63) 908-1363611.

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Stopover

Up in the Mountain, Among the Pines F rom afar, the Pinegrove Mountain Lodge in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, paints a charming picture of a mountain chalet in Aspen, set against a backdrop of pine trees.

Entering the lodge, what strikes the visitor are the floor-to-ceiling panel windows that open up to a view of the Dahilayan Adventure Park. From that vantage point, you can observe all the activities in and around the park, most especially the 320-meter zip line that passes right in front of the hotel. One can dive right into the action or just linger for a while and enjoy the mountain air.

The modest open-plan hotel can accommodate 50 persons at any given time. It feels intimate and personal, with just nine rooms, accessible via a narrow stairway at the right side of the hotel, past the adjoined front desk and lounge/guest area. There are six deluxe rooms at the basement, simply furnished with a queen bed, ottoman chair and television. In the attic are three dormitory-type rooms with eight to ten single beds and a common bath and toilet. Despite the cool mountain weather, all rooms are air-conditioned as it can get warm during the summer. Nights can get chilly at 10 to 13 degrees Celsius, so it is best to bring thick jackets and warm clothing.

The 800-square meter communal dining hall is the center of activities. Meals are served on charming Bulua ceramics, handmade wares made in Cagayan de Oro.

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

By Gesel Mangilit • Photos by Donald Tapan

The Pinegrove Mountain paints a charming picture of a mountain chalet in Aspen, set against a backdrop of pine trees

The ceramics are uniquely fashioned into tableware and ornaments seen throughout the lodge. These, together with the marble flooring, stone walls and pinewood paneling, lend the hotel a rugged feel.

Here, you can lounge, dine and enjoy a majestic view of the Mount Kitanglad, which is sometimes shrouded in mist and sometimes clear and picturesque on a fine, sunny day. It gets cloudy in Bukidnon but typhoons rarely visit it so mountain climbing is a year-round affair. It is also for this very reason that Del Monte chose this place to plant their pineapples.

Those who want to scale the heights of Kitanglad are in luck as the nearest jumpoff point to Kitanglad National Park is Sumilao, less than an hour away from Manolo Fortich. Other than that, one can get enough adrenaline-pumping action at the park with its zip line, ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and buggies, wall climbing and ropes course,

tree top adventure, horseback riding and swimming, boating and Aqua Ball at the garden resort five minutes away from the park. At night, guests can choose to stay indoors playing board games while warming themselves at the electric fireplace, or outdoors, huddled around a bonfire and roasting marshmallows. The owners own the largest cable company in northern Mindanao, thus despite the isolation of this mountain hideaway (expect intermittent to non-existent mobile phone signals) creature comforts, such as a large flat-screen television with many cable channels, are made available to guests. A gaming room/recreation area is being constructed a few meters away from the lodge.

Pine trees of the Benguet and Caribbean variety fill the air with a fresh scent especially in the morning, when the air is crisp and pure. At night, the wind and the gentle rush of the river running from the great Ca-

tanico Falls lull one to a restful sleep.

If it’s quality time you want with family and friends, this is one vacation you definitely should have. U

Contact Information

Pinegrove Mountain Lodge may be reached through telephone numbers (+63 88) 857-2663 and (+63 88)856-2102 and mobile number (+63 922) 880-1319.

13

Itinerary Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid is Heritage Ambassador

The camarin of Santa Ana Church

The Miag-ao Church in Iloilo is a UNESCO World Heritage site

Integrally Interwoven: Celebrating Heritage

Paoay Church in Ilocos Sur is one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, highlighted in the celebration of the National Heritage Month

By Roel Hoang Manipon

I

t is part of us. It is who we are. It identifies us, enriches us. It is uniquely ours.

It is what we share to fellow human beings. It is our treasure as a race as well as humankind.

“Heritage tells us where we came from, and it helps point us in the direction which we want to go to. It has many lessons for us.

It also provides an important part of character as individuals and as a people,” says Regalado Trota Jose, scholar, archivist of the University of Santo Tomas Archives and head of Subcommission on Cultural Heritage (SCH) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Unfortunately, not many people know the importance of heritage or what it really means. Many aspects and structures of our heritage is in danger of vanishing. We will be spiritually impoverished if that happens.

To foment and strengthen our awareness on heritage, May has been declared as National Heritage Month by Proclamation No. 439 signed on August 11, 2003. This is also “in recognition of the need to create among the people a consciousness, respect, and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural history, and love of country.”

This is also, according to Jose, “to refresh our appreciation of our heritage. Also [this is] to feature new findings, points of view, practitioners, etc. about heritage. We are constantly bombarded by various influences, and knowing our heritage is one way of keeping us on our ‘Philippine’ feet.”

For several years, the Filipino Herit-

age Foundation, Inc. (FHFI), steered by Ana Maria Harper, Armita Rufino and Araceli Salas, has been leading the National Heritage Month celebration with the Filipino Heritage Festival, funded by the NCCA and private sponsors, and having a rich line-up of events. However, last year the FHFI was beset by internal conflict, and the NCCA took the reins of the celebration, primarily the opening and closing ceremonies. The FHFI though still has numerous projects to contribute to the celebration.

Though this year’s line-up is slimmer, it doesn’t make the occasion less important.

It needs our support and patronage. This year’s theme, “Taoid: Weaving our Stories, Threading our Paths,” is said to give us a glimpse of the legacies of the past and how it remains to shape the present and the future. Also, it is a recognition and celebration of the different aspects of our national cultural heritage—our traditional art forms and practices, important cultural structures both movable and immovable and other objects of national importance whether tangible and intangible.

“There is considerably less funding this year, but we are happy with the volunteerism of from many sectors,” Jose says, particularly mentioning the participation of multi-awarded singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid as Heritage Ambassador.

Joining the bandwagon of tapping celebrities to promote events and products, the NCCA asked Alcasid to be its Heritage Ambassador. He lends his stellar power and

Weaving is the theme of this year’s National Heritage Month celebration

talent to the celebration of National Heritage Month.

A Grand Opening

Like in the past years, a grand opening was prepared for the National Heritage Month celebration. On May 1, a slew of activities are lined up for the whole day at the Rizal Park in Manila including a sagalahan/ Santacruzan; an exhibit on the National Cultural Treasures, UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country and vintage scenarios by the Ortigas Foundation; an exhibit from the Intramuros Administration; a food festival of authentic Filipino cuisines and delicacies; and workshops on traditional kiping making, Ifugao weaving, and pastillas wrapper making. In the evening the main opening program is mounted, highlighted by Alcasid performing contemporary Filipino love ballads: “Kapantay ay Langit,” “Bato sa Buhangin” composed by National Artist Ernani Cuenco, and “Kailangan Kita.”

He is joined by other artists as the Haggiye Dance Group from Ifugao, Uwang Ahadas and ensemble, Liesl Batucan, Banda Kawayan of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Barangay Folk Dance at the main staircase of the National Museum.

The Rest of the Month

What can people expect on this year’s National Heritage Month celebration? Jose answers: “Performances in some of our heritage sites such as Coke Bolipata’s in the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Calasiao, Pangasinan; and special closing ceremonies in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, with heritage clinic, declaration of a new National Cultural Treasure (carved ceiling of Dipolog Cathedral) and performances in the Rizal shrine to segue to Rizal’s birth sesquicentennial in June.”

These are just two of the events in the substantial calendar.

14

Highlights of the National Heritage Month celebration includes a Misa Cantada; the Second Tam-Awan International Arts Festival, a youth camp and many more.

The Misa Cantada is a solemn High Mass with songs in Latin or Spanish. May 3 marks the first day of the novenario in honor of Our Lady of the Abandoned, patroness of Santa Ana, Manila. The parish and the NCCA holds an asalto called “Saludo a la Virgen de los Desamparados,” with a Misa Cantada, leading to the feast day of Our Lady on May 12.

The Santa Ana Church, one of the first missions outside of Intramuros founded by the Franciscan Order in 1578, has been recognized as an archaeological site and an important heritage landmark.

Held at 6:30 P.M., the Misa Cantada is officiated by Rev. Fr. Andrew Litigio, OFM, with the Santo Domingo Chorale, to be conducted by choirmaster Eugene de los Santos, performing the liturgical songs.

From May 13 to 15, the Tam-Awan Village in Baguio City holds the Second TamAwan International Arts Festival (TIAF), led by the National Committee on Art Galleries of the NCCA and the Chanum Foundation, Inc. The second TIAF revolves around the theme “Weaving Through the Arts,” following this year’s National Heritage Month theme.

Weaving is integral to the culture of the Cordillera Region. The six provinces of the region have their own distinct fabrics and weaving techniques, which will be represented and celebrated in the TIAF. Moreover, TIAF aims to encourage the youth to be part of the art and open their senses to the seven fields of expression; enhance creativity through the lecture workshops; educate not only the youth but the community as well on the history and impact of the arts in To page 15

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Itinerary Integrally Interwoven... From page 14 Coke Bolipata and the Pundaquit Virtuosi have a concert at a Pangasinan church

Baguio City; foster an exchange of culture, information and knowledge; encourage present artists to share their knowledge and propagate new artists for the next generations; and foster understanding, appreciation and camaraderie among national, local, and international artists.

Over one thousand participants are expected to witness and take part in the many activities, which include art workshops, an exhibition, lectures on heritage, workshops and demonstrations in the seven fields of arts, performances, concerts, poetry readings, film showings and conservation.

With the common goal of preservation of the Philippine culture, the Tam-Awan International Arts Festival also aims to provide a venue for the awareness, appreciation and practice of different art fields as well as to instil a deeper sense of value in history and impact of arts in Baguio City and other parts of the country.

On the other hand, the Society of Ecclesiastical Archivists of the Philippines

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

(SEAP) and the NCCA holds Angat Kabataan! Preservation of the Philippine Churches Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and National Cultural Treasures in Iloilo from May 17 to 21.

Initiated by NCCA’s National Committee on Archives, this three-day youth camp and tour, which was first held on May 2010 in Legazpi City, Albay, aims to know the history of the 33 churches declared National Cultural Treasures and contributions to the Philippine cultural heritage; to understand the importance of the country’s cultural heritage and learn the mechanisms of preserving and protecting it for the future generations; to develop and strengthen the youth’s leadership values and capabilities for the betterment of the country; to appreciate the beauty of the environment and exercise stewardship; and to establish friendship among participating youth during the camp.

On May 19, violinist Coke Bolipata and his Pundaquit Virtuosi perform at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Calasiao,

Tam-awan Village in Baguio City joins the National Heritage Month celebration with an arts festival

Pangasinan, at 6 p.m.

The closing of the National Heritage Month celebration is in Dapitan Citys, Zamboanga del Norte, marked by “heritage clinics” led by the SCH. This ushers in the main celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal, Dapitan being the place where he was exiled.

The FHFI has a substantial line-up of events for the National Heritage Month with the help of sponsors such as Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Security Bank, AB Leisure Global and the Office of the President. Exhibits on fiestas, the Art Deco movement, Philippine architecture, heritage churches, Spanish and American colonial bridges, retablo, Cordillera, native mats and old lighthouses are mounted in SM malls nationwide. The crowning jewel of their line-up is the Heritage Pilgrimage to Churches declared as National Cultural Treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which starts in Cebu on May 16, proceeds to Negros Oriental on

May 18, Siquijor on May 19 and ends in Bohol on May 20. The seven heritage churches declared as National Cultural Treasures to be visited are the Patronicio de Sta. Maria in Boljoon, Cebu; San Agustin de Hippo in Bacong, Negros Oriental; San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor; San Pedro Apostol in Loboc; Church of the Holy Cross in Maribojoc; Our Lady of Light Parish in Loon; and Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion de la Virgen Maria in Baclayon. The FHFI events draw to a close with a musical on the life of Jose Rizal to be directed by Floy Quintos and to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June 12.

After the celebration, Jose hopes there will be “closer links among our heritage custodians and the different publics” and “warmer response to the importance of heritage and the necessity of protecting it.” U For a full calendar of the National Heritage Month celebration, one may visit the NCCA Web site at www.ncca.gov.ph.

15

Itinerary

A

t the National Museum, history is getting an extreme makeover.

“We are devoting this year to updating our facilities, modernizing our galleries and enhancing the appeal of the museum to the general public,” said newly-appointed museum director Jeremy Barns.

At the core of this ongoing overhaul is a refashioning of the various exhibits into a total of 24 galleries on two floors—one each for art and archaeology.

Additions to the National Art Gallery, notably works by the pioneering Thirteen Moderns of the 20th century, are being eyed for a more compelling art history narrative on the second floor. The gallery, which chronicles Philippine fine art from Spanish colonial to contemporary times, already boasts of among the best and immerse creations led by the great Filipino artist Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s Assassination of Governor Bustamante, down to the works by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Manasala, Arturo Luz, Benedicto Cabrera and others.

A floor up, treasures of Philippine archaeology and anthropology, currently on display at the Museum of the Filipino People—in the adjacent building right across the Department of Tourism building at Rizal Park’s Teodoro Valencia Circle—will narrate a history that dates back as far as 60,000 years ago.

“Too often, we just assume that nothing really much happened before Magellan, but people who come to the museum are really surprised at the richness and diversity of society before Spanish contact,” Barns stressed.

In the middle of it all, the expansive, twotiered senate session hall at the heart of the main building—designed in 1918 by American architect Daniel Burnham and which originally housed the Philippine Congress during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon–is being restored to its early 20th-century grandeur as a function venue. Add to the list of changes are other infrastructure upgrades, including museum shops and building retrofits for disaster resiliency; re-curating of collections; and skills training for guides, all in the name of heritage preservation and appreciation.

And finally, to get tourists through the door, the National Museum Web site is set for a revamp to offer virtual tours and comprehensive gallery documentation. The institution’s often-overlooked research function may even be featured in future behind-the-scenes tours.

“The Department of Tourism is working closely with the National Museum, Museo Pambata, National Parks Development Com-

National Museum Starts Upgrades

mittee, Ocean Park and Intramuros Administration to market Rizal Park and its environs as one destination with a lot of attractions to offer,” Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim shared.

“Museums can diversify our tourist draw to appeal to the history and culture-minded, and a revitalized National Museum may very well lead the way. We enjoin locals and visitors to proceed to these museums after their relaxing tour of Rizal Park for an enlightening glimpse of Philippine history and culture.

Let us advise you though that a one-day tour of these museums is not enough to really appreciate their wide-ranging and priceless collections, which actually belongs to the Filipino nation,” Lim enthused.

For the National Heritage Month this May, the National Museum honors the ancient balangay wooden boats with an outdoor display, featuring one of only three such watercrafts excavated in the Philippines, specifically in Butuan, Agusan del Norte. It also has a year-long calendar of events including workshops, lectures, book launchings, mobile

and traveling museum projects, exhibits, assemblies, among others.

The National Museum was initially established in Manila on October 29, 1901, by virtue of Act No. 284 passed by the Philippine Commission. On February 12, 1998, Republic Act 8492 finally established the National Museum as an independent institution with a permanent and exclusive site known as the National Museum Complex.

Its official Web site states that the “National Museum has a three-dimensional goal covering diverse fields of knowledge through various educational, scientific and cultural activities. Its mission and vision is in protecting, preserving and disseminating the legacy of the Filipino people. The National Museum is envisioned as the premier institution and repository of our heritage, and as an exciting, informative, and enjoyable place to visit–a place that inspires people to learn from our traditions so as to help shape a better future” for our nation and for the world.

At present, the National Museum is com-

posed of 12 disciplines in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, arts, geology, museum education, cultural properties, planetarium, zoology, botany, restoration and engineering, chemistry and conservation, and archaeological sites. It has 19 branches and sites located in Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Kabayan, Benguet; Kiangan, Ifugao; Magsingal, Ilocos Sur; Bolinao, Pangasinan; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Butuan, Agusan del Norte; Cotabato; Agoo, La Union; Cagsawa, Albay; Fort San Pedro, Cebu; Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City; Boac, Marinduque; Jolo, Sulu; Malasag, Cagayan de Oro City; and Escalante, Negros Occidental.

Entrance to the National Arts Gallery at the old Congress Building is free while renovations are being done. A tour of the Museum for the Filipino People is P100 per person, but free for all walk-ins on any Sunday. Both museums are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday, except Mondays. For more information on the National Museum’s exciting developments and projects, visit www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph. U

Charlie Co lines up ‘Dummies’ for a solo show at Galleria Duemila Bacolod-based artist Charlie Co presents his latest paintings at Galleria Duemila in a one-man rebuttal to modern-day malevolence and malaise.

Starring in Co’s eleven large canvases are life-sized wooden mannequins in various quotidian scenarios. Faceless and seemingly soulless, they enact misdemeanors that are all too human and thus embarrassingly familiar: debauchery, conspiracy, apathy and fraud.

Current events, be they national scandals or global conflict, inform all of these pieces, all executed in the last four months.

“I have always associated the subject matter of most of my works with everyday scenarios. I cannot help but put these situations on canvas, not in literal level

16

but more as a satire,” Co says.

For example, Done Deal and Checkmates were inspired by recent senate investigations into alleged illegal behavior by public officials while Blind Pinocchios Leading Blind Pinocchios recall images of Middle East streets enveloped in protest.

All of these performances play out under Co’s deceptively light baton: carnival-like in arrangement but rendered with a gloomy palette, generating a mood that is tense, at times apocalyptic.

As art critic Gina Fairley notes in the exhibition catalogue, this show is “classic Co imagery melding fantasy with the big topics. They are the marks of a mature and considered artist, and Co’s constant push for a currency in his art making is what has sustained his practice over the

past three decades and, indeed, signals this new body of work as a superb next chapter.”

Far beyond a record of present-day events, these works capture the prevailing zeitgeist not only within Filipino experience but also over at further shores.

For what these paintings disguise underneath the light strokes and Crayola wash is a palpable fury—an artist’s bellow arising from a spring of discontent.

Charlie Co’s “Dummies” runs from May 7 to June 5, 2011 at Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring Street, Pasay City, Philippines. For more information, contact Thess Ponce of Galleria Duemila through telephone number (+63 2) 831-9990, telefax number (+63 2) 833-9815 or e-mail gduemila@gmail.com or visit our Web

site at www.galleriaduemila.com.

Galleria Duemila is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. U

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Itinerary

Shop Green at Boracay Urban Nature

T

he recent opening of the Boracay Urban Nature boutique at White Beach, Boracay, leads the way to a greener path in the promotion of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of carrying shopping finds with its iconic Big Boracay Bag. The biodegradable native bags are an ethical, carbonneutral alternative to plastic carrier bags, and are ruggedly engineered and stylishly designed. Known for its combination of fusing ethnic chic styles with superior quality weaves, all lovingly crafted by the folks of the cottage industry of Malay, Aklan. The bags are adorned with the iconic Boracay logo and promote sustainable tourism, encouraging shoppers to think responsibly

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

about where they shop and support local businesses and producers wherever possible.

Angel Aquino, celebrity host and coowner of Urban Nature, said, “We are a very environmentally conscious organization and are delighted to be offering shoppers a real, value-for-money alternative to plastic carrier bags. In supporting the local cottage industry of Malay, Aklan, we are able to source the bags locally and sell the bags at a low price which is a win-win for both shoppers and the environment.”

Unlike most of the other bag designers, Urban Nature has not only created a gorgeous design, but they also believe that the customer, should have the opportunity to

create their own style! Urban Nature is one of the few ethnic handbag designers that offers the bespoke service, one that allows the buyer to pick their green slogan and customize their bag with the message tag of their choice, creating the iconic Boracay summer handbag of their dreams.

The Big Boracay Bag is but one of Urban Nature’s product line. The shop specializes in organic products from livelihood projects and aims to showcase local produce. The shop has the Zen range of beauty products, which are all 100 percent organic and are produced by a livelihood project in Manila, and handicrafts from livelihood projects all over the Philippines.

Helen Atanacio, secretary of Boracay

Angel Aquino (in emerald

dress) with guests at the

store opening

Foundation Inc., said, “Not only are the bags very environmentally friendly but they make a unique present as hamper bags especially when filled with lots of the wonderful pasalubongs from Boracay.”

The bags and many other wonderful products are available at the Urban Nature Boutique, located beside Nigi Nigi, White Beach, Boracay Island. U For more information about other Urban Nature on the Web at www.urbannature.multiply.com or email at urbannatureboracay@ yahoo.com.

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Stopover bedroom suites suites, 48 deluxe suites, 22 twoThe Antel Spa Suite’s 64 studio a comfortable and luxurious stay reS ensu s suite ly fami room and 10 three-bed

Antel Spa Suites:

A Makati Urbanite’s Tranquil Escape

By Gesel P. Mangilit • Photos by Donald Tapan

Dream with the sky as you lay back in the sky infinity pool on the 31st floor and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Makati skyline at dusk

T

here are not that many places in the metropolis where you can totally de-stress and find yourself totally “away from it all.” Makati, being a business and shopping hub, is an unlikely place for such activity. It is therefore surprising to find a hotel right in the heart of this bustling city that provides all the creature comforts, a luxurious and comfortable stay, and a soothing Zen ambiance conducive for some serious relaxation.

These were my thoughts during an overnight stay at the Antel Spa Suites one busy weekend. The spanking new hotel right across A.Venue Hall, recently accredited by the Best Western chain of hotels, is a haven for those seeking respite from the daily grind of urban living.

Standing beside the busier and wellknown A.Venue Suites, its sister hotel, the Antel Spa Suites is a stark contrast with its

spacious, minimalist interior. Pocket gardens of bamboo and horsetail set against the cream, textured walls catch the eyes, inviting to survey the length of the warmlylit interiors punctuated by an asymmetrical chandelier that seemingly undulates as light bounces off its mirror edges, casting prisms of light on the black-and-cream marbled floors and column walls.

The emphasis of course is on relaxation, which can be noticed everywhere—from the tinkling of the mini fountains down to the very attentive and unobtrusive staff which would now and then ask if I needed any assistance with my belongings or with parking. Glassed in from all the noise and din of the outside, I sat on one of the lounge chairs and imbibed the peaceful vibe.

A wonderful feature of the hotel, apart from the well-appointed rooms, is its inhouse spa, occupying the entire fourth floor.

Start the day with a hearty meal at the Azzurro Bistro and Bar, which serves a sumptuous Mediterranean spread day and night, served by a famous culinary expert Philip John Golding

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While the hotel caters to business travelers, being five minutes away from Makati ’s financial district, it also caters to women who want a brief respite and to indulge in a relaxing weekend of spa treatments. The Toccare Spa, an oasis for the tired and weary, is intimate, not so commercialized like many spas around, ensuring guests utmost privacy. Toccare is an Italian word for “touch” or “to touch”. Here, you can unwind with the help of their signature massages, body wraps, hot stone treatments, body scrubs and facials, all done within themed treatment rooms with names derived from precious minerals such as jade, rose quartz, citrine, black onyx and amethyst.

After a day of exploring the city, there is nothing more gratifying than wallowing in complete privacy and giving your body some deluxe attention, all carried out by the friendly staff in an atmosphere of Zen-like calm.

After the speedy check-in, I was ushered into what would be my home for the entire weekend, a spacious one-bedroom suite with a kitchenette and dining area, a well-stocked mini ref and mini bar, flatscreen television, private safety deposit box and what most of us cannot live without even for a half a day, uninterrupted WiFi access. Designed with modern Asian touches, the room looked inviting and cozy. All 144 rooms of the hotel are cocoons of comfort with neutrals colors dominating—light wood, crisp white and sandy tones—all in keeping with the hotel’s Zen ambiance. The more affordable, value-for-money studiotype rooms also have the luxuries of the one-bedroom suites while the two-bedroom family suites have the added features of convertible sofa beds and island kitchen countertops, which are great for cookouts and entertaining. Each room in the chic two-bedroom suite has its own bathroom and flat-screen television, perfect for a family on vacation.

Part of the appeal of staying at the Antel Spa Suites is that guests also have access to A.Venue Suites’ amenities such as the spa and lap and kiddie pool. However, if you need some peace and quiet, there is no better place to relax than right at hotel’s sky infinity pool on the 31st floor, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Makati skyline.

It is the sort of place where you can spend your vacation without leaving its confines. Although the hotel’s location offers excellent dining and entertainment options as it sits right smack in Makati ’s throbbing night strip along A.Venue, you don’t even need to venture out at all. The Azzuro, a full service restaurant-bar serving Mediterranean and Western fare at the next-door A.Venue Suites, serves delightful meals within its tastefully designed space.

“Guests have the option of having breakfast here especially when Antel Spa Suites converts its Breakfast Lounge into a pub, which will open sometime in June,” says hotel manager Yvonne Villacorte.

The Serenity Tower, being built right next to the Antel Spa Suites, is a condotel that will feature a grand ballroom, an infinity pool and resort-style pool, a power gym and themed restaurants located within its premises. Set to open in March 2012, the hotel’s pool will be directly accessible from the sixth floor of the Antel Spa Suites through a walkway bridge.

Later that evening, I ventured out for a little stroll down A.Venue, all lit and throbbing with nightlife, with young urbanites capping the week with a few drinks at the bar. The A.Venue Hall is hosting an event for a well-known credit card company, and traffic was typical on a weekend night— moderate to heavy. I met some friends who were out enjoying dinner at one of the restaurants and after an hour made my way back to the safety and tranquility of my onebedroom suite.

In a world of endless deadlines and stressful living, it’s really the simple things—such as the promise of a deep and restful sleep, tucked beneath the sheets of a warm, cozy bed—that count the most. U

Contact Information

Antel Spa Suites is a 15-minute cab ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Hotel transfers are available upon request through reservation/booking office. The hotel, located at 7829 Makati Avenue, Makati City, may be reached through telephone number (+63 2) 403-0808 and fax (+632) 403-7572. For reservations, call (+63 2) 403-7576 or email at enquiry@antelsuites.com.

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Drive

Energy to the Youth:

EDC Lets Students Experience the Summer of Their Lives Text and photos by Roel Hoang Manipon

The Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field in Valencia

The accommodation of the campers

P

eals of laughter and shouts bounced off the trees, echoing through the ravines and valleys of the upland sitio of Ticala in Caidiocan, Valencia, 21 kilometers west of Negros Oriental’s capital Dumaguete City. They did not disturb the moths, amazing in its variety, that thrive in the still forested and bucolic area in southeastern Negros Island, where Cuernos de Negros mountains dominate the horizon.

Clad in bright orange, 14- and 15-yearold students were cheerily competing in an Amazing Race-type race. Grouped into six teams with amusing names—Amazing Jaguars, Orange Stallions, Nightingales, etc.— 48 teenagers had to make twelve pit stops

where they had to tackle challenges, putting to test the survival training, such as orienteering and basic map reading, basic mountaineering, basic rope techniques and rappelling, they were taught the previous days.

Almost everyone’s favorite was the Slide for Life, a zip line. The V bridge, made entirely of ropes with a single big one to walk on, made many quiver.

Campers getting an orientation before the Amazing Race

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A few meters from the campsite, there is a view deck, which affords a panoramic view of the Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field (SNGPF) which constantly releases billows of steam like clouds that float among the jagged and verdant mountains then dissipate into the air. Somewhere, streams are gurgling through forests and villages. One stream has a high iron content that made the rocks and pebbles red in a barangay called Pulangbato.

The race was the culminating activity before graduation at the Energy Camp or ECamp of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the Philippines’ leading geothermal energy company.

Melanie Vineles, 15, and Jeffrey Naceg, 14, of Balugo National High School had heard many good things about E-Camp and said they were happy being part of this year’s summer youth camp. Children of farmers in Valencia, they counted discipline and being independent as the important things they learned, and the Slide for Life zip line and wall climbing as their memorable activities.

From the other side of the island, Lara Felisa Concepcion, 14, from Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School in Bago

City, Negros Occidental, was equally delighted to be part of the camp. Being the associate editor of Filipino of their school paper Pagbubukang-liwayway, she said she did not get homesick because she had been away before—for a school publication conference—but the first thing she said she will do upon getting home is to hug her parents, a utility man and a canteen worker at the school she is attending.

From the same province, Nadia T. Repoyla of Minoyan National High School in Murcia, echoed the sentiments of the batch in a testament she delivered at the graduation rite: “I and my fellow campers had truly experienced the enjoyment that we haven’t felt before. We enjoyed all the activities we’ve done. And all of these made a very big impact in ourselves. It developed our socialization [skills] as teenagers. [The camp] aided us on how to improve our skills with the many different activities such as dancing and the sports activities. I had also experienced being tired, and sometimes [there were] ‘lifeless’ moments due to lack of communication with my family and friends, but still the enjoyment and excitement were there.”

Every year, the EDC hold summer camps in its five geothermal project sites in Leyte, Negros, Albay-Sorsogon and North Cotabato for the scholars it is supporting in these communities and some of the employees’ children, all incoming fourth-year high school students. Before there were two separate camps for the Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field (NNGPF) in Negros Occidental and the SNGPF in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Of recent, there is only one camp for both sites.

This year, the E-Camp, which happened from April 12 to 18, has 48 scholars—24 scholars and eight children of EDC employees of SNGPF and sixteen NNGPF. To page 21

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Drive Energy to the Youth... From page 20 Teamwork is essential to winning

Rappelling is one of the challenges of the race

The SNGPF participants came from Pulangbato National High School, Balugo National High School, Valencia National High School and San Pedro Academy Recoletos, all in Valencia, while the NNGPF participants were from Lopez Jaena National High School in Minoyan, Murcia; and Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School in Bago City.

The E-Camp is part of the corporate social responsibility programs of EDC, which has projects in three main areas—environment, education and livelihood—mostly for the benefit of the communities around its sites.

EDC’s projects in education include scholarships, a technical-vocation school in Leyte and the E-Camp, a brainchild and pet project of former EDC president and chief executive officer Paul A. Aquino.

“We envision a program where teenagers can learn as they all have fun. Campers are asked to do simple daily tasks such as fixing their own bed, preparing breakfast, even washing their own clothes and dishes—skills that they will find useful in life.

All these we hope that they will pass on to others when they go back to their families and communities,” he explained.

The seven days of the camp are packed full of activities and lectures. There are out-

door activities such as hiking, rappelling, dancing, basic martial arts and survival training. They are taught personal hygiene, fine dining and table etiquette and personality development. They are also taught the importance and benefits of geothermal energy as well as enabled to do their share in conserving the environment through treeplanting activities and making compost pits. They also get the chance to learn livelihood skills such as making beaded accessories with the help of SNGPF’s Community Partnerships team.

They also learn to get along with different people. The group from the two provinces, each with its own languages— Hiligaynon in Occidental and Cebuano in Oriental—are made to intermingle and interact through the many activities. The participants had difficulty understanding each other and used Filipino to communicate, but they got along fine, forging friendships along the way.

Aquino said that the E-Camp was born because of the threat of the leftist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA), which is present in most of the EDC sites. The camp is aimed to lure kids away from being recruited or indoctrinated by the NPA. Aquino related that the E-Camp started

The Slide for Life

in 2004 in Valencia with children of employees to find out how to do a summer camp.

The following year, it was conducted in other sites and with children from the communities.

“In the first three summer camps, I was very hands-on. I wanted to make sure there were no idle moments. There cannot be an idle moment. Masisira ang summer camp ‘pag may idle moment,” Aquino said. “Maraming lecture time just to make sure there were no idle moments. Then there were sports and physical activities.”

He further said: “The camps have metamorphosed into other things and have become one of our signature corporate social responsibility programs now…It has become a community thing for us already.”

He has gone to most of the camps and said that most of them were very successful. He remembered: “The most successful camp we have was the one in Bicol after typhoon Reming, participated in by students from the whole of Albay and Sorsogon. We gathered all the potential valedictorians and salutatorians. They spoke English well and were all cooperative.”

Reming devastated the Bicol Region in November 2006. The following year EDC decided to open the Bacon-Manito E-Camp to students in the whole of Albay and Sorsogon.

On the other hand, “the least successful are those with parents who forced their kids to attend the camp…Not all kids are into camps. One kid like that can destroy a camp,” Aquino said.

The E-Camp is managed by the company’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), composed of volunteers from different departments of the company. This year, an ERT member, Julius Teves, who works at the SNGPF’s human resources office, is the camp commander for Valencia. Though involved in other aspects of camp operations in previous years, it was his first time to be camp commander.

With the help of the local Barangay

Emergency Response Team (BERT), the volunteers from the ERT set up some of the facilities of the camp and ready it for the campers. Before the camp, the present site was once a parking lot. Now, there is a bungalow with 48 beds and toilets for the campers. The ERT team also mans the facilities to be used by the campers.

Since the work for the camp is voluntary, Teves said that it is getting harder for them to get volunteers because their schedule won’t allow them to leave work for a week. They don’t receive extra pay. He was not able to go home in the duration of the camp because he felt responsible to the kids.

“I act as their mother and father at the same time,” he added. “Kasi wala silang choice eh. Ako lang nandito. They are not allowed to contact their parents. Their valuables and cell phones are confiscated before the camp.”

Despite the sacrifices, seeing the impact of the camp on the students was worth it.

“I think ang pinaka-goal ng camp is to be independent,” Teves said. “They are taught to wash their own clothes, to wake up early, to be independent, disciplined, and also they have fun with fellows. What’s nice about it is that during the first two days nagkakailangan ‘yan. Medyo kasi nahihiya…Eventually, especially when we are near closing, they feel close to each other.”

At graduation, many would be crying.

“The success of the camp is gauged by the amount of tears shed during graduation,” Aquino said, who have attended many camp graduations. Like a ninong, he would banter with the campers, play games and award money to those who correctly answered his quizzes. He would inquire about the students’ crushes.

Aquino has just retired on August 2010 and is now an advisor to the company. This year’s graduation was his last. He wants to enjoy his grandchildren, he said.

He is already doing that. In a sense, the happy campers have become his grandchildren. U

El Nido Resorts Bags 2011 PATA Gold Award for Environment El Nido Resorts’ Be G.R.E.E.N. (Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido) campaign is the winner of the prestigious PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2011 for Environmental Education Programme. Be G.R.E.E.N. is a five-course environmental practices training seminar that educates all staff of El Nido Resorts in biodiversity conservation, environmental legislation, ecological solid waste management, water conservation and energy conservation. Since Be G.R.E.E.N. was launched in 2007, more than 800 full-time and part-time staff has successfully complet-

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

ed the training modules to make sure they understand their role in upholding the company’s environmental principles.

Nature Interpretation trainings are also provided annually to the resorts’ marine sports guides. Through this, the guides are able to share their knowledge of El Nido’s unique biodiversity to guests. This increased awareness leads to better appreciation, stewardship, and conservation of the environment.

Ten Knots Development Corporation, owner and operator of El Nido Resorts, up-

holds responsible tourism through long-term sustainable practices. Other projects include marine turtle conservation, coastal and underwater clean-ups, installation and maintenance of mooring buoys. El Nido Resorts also offer nature-based guest activities and sustainable menus and provides employment opportunities for the local community.

El Nido Resorts’ luxury eco-resorts are located on Lagen Island and Miniloc Island in El Nido, Palawan and on Apulit Island in Taytay, Palawan. A fourth property, the luxurious Pangulasian Island Resort, also in El Nido, will

open end of this year.

The 2011 PATA Grand and Gold Awards Presentation was held at the PATA Travel Mart in Beijing, China, on April 11, 2011. Year after year, PATA highlights exceptional endeavors that deliver the best tourism practices in the region. This year, PATA received 223 entries from 102 organizations and individuals worldwide.

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Drive Elpie and Rose Paras

Elpie Paras at the newly opened Pinegrove Mountain Lodge

The Flights of

Elpidio Paras

By Gesel P .Mangilit

F

lying has figured significantly in the life of engineer Elpidio M. Paras. The enterprising businessman, pilot and president of Parasat Cable TV, Inc. met his wife at the airport while traveling from Manila, where he studied mechanical engineering at the Dela Salle University, to his hometown of Cagayan de Oro. In the 1980s, they put up a restaurant that had an authentic World War II bomber plane on its façade. It is his love of flight that he got involved in a flying accident that almost cost him his life.

An American friend brought with him a flying kit and Paras, an adventurer and aspiring pilot with 20 hours of flight time to his name, was the test pilot.

“We’ve been testing it for a week when the accident happened. I guess I became cocky and overconfident. I sustained serious injuries—eleven broken bones in various parts of my body—and I was in traction for two-and-a-half months,” he relates.

He had a thriving electronics repair company at that time and was also running a fastfood restaurant and video rental shop.

His company installed some of the first digital lighting and amplified sound systems in discos in the region while his restaurant, the Sesame Sandwhich, offered widescreen television coverage of sports events and music videos.

“We already had four branches in Cagayan but when Jollibee came in the competition was tough so we had to sell the business. We were also encountering labor disputes at that time,” he shares.

Undeterred, Paras would later open Tia Nanang’s, named after his mother, which was the first to introduce the concept of Filipino buffet in Cagayan de Oro. They also opened an American diner called P. Joe’s, the one with the bomber plane.

It was around this time that Paras had started to tinker with the satellite dish that his American friend also brought. When satellite television first hit the market in the early late 1980s, home dishes were expensive metal units that took up a huge chunk of yard space. Paras, who lives by the adage “modify, create, innovate,” managed to de-

22

sign a better version using locally-sourced yet sturdy materials. His firm, then called Paras Electro Systems, was the first to build and install satellite dish antennas in homes, restaurants and hotels in the Visayas and Mindanao. By the early 1990s, he began building antennas for the cable television industry.

“We were the first in the region to bring in news in real time,” says Paras, who worked closely with Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., also a mechanical engineer graduate, and known as “the father of cable television” in the country.

Today, Parasat Cable, Inc. is known as the largest cable TV company in northern Mindanao, providing over 70 channels of programming, broadband Internet service and voiceover IP telephony to its customers.

When Paras is not busy with business and community projects, he would hie off to his Bukidnon property to relax and unwind. “His paradise,” as he is wont to say, is the Dahilayan Adventure Park, which has the longest dual speed zip line in Asia at 840 meters, which he himself designed.

Apparently, his accident did not kill his love for flying; it fueled instead a desire to share the exhilarating experience of flight to everyone, young and old, in the safest way possible.

“When we bought the property in Bukidnon in 2000 it was nothing more than a cogonal area. My brother was the one who convinced us to buy,” he says.

Intending to build a vacation home where the family can enjoy cool mountain air in the summer, Paras planted the bare land with 20,000 pine trees.

Cagayan de Oro was beginning to become known as the whitewater rafting capital in the country, and Paras had just opened Great White Water Tours.

“We thought, what else is there for our guests to do after shooting the rapids in the morning? We looked to the Bukidnon property and realized that with the hilly terrain, it is the perfect place to build a zip line,” says Paras.

The zip line is an emerging adventure sport in Cagayan de Oro, and bringing it to

Bukidnon is a perfect business opportunity.

Next came accommodations for the park’s guests. Paras built the Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, now undergoing finishing touches, which can comfortably house 50 persons. Together with the adjacent Forest Park, which has three rooms and is currently building nine more, the Dahilayan Adventure Park is ready for the peak season of April to May. All his children are involved in his many businesses. The running joke among his friends is that he is running out of children to manage the family business. Elpie, as he is best known, and beautiful wife Rose Violeta, who took up pharmacy at the Centro Escolar University in Manila, has seven children from their 34 years of marriage.

Four of their children are involved in the Paras enterprise. The eldest, Roxanne, runs the Great White Water Tours. Rina, married to Ravi Michael Victorio (a DLSU engineering graduate who helps run the ZipZone), is his chief operating officer at Parasat Cable.

She also owns the Ban Sabai Spa in downtown Cagayan de Oro. Alex runs the Arriba Telecontact, Inc., a telemarketing service company. Roselle owns Coffeeworks, which has a branch in CdO and SM North Edsa Manila, and soon-to-open branches in

Boracay and Iligan. The other three are Rebecca, a doctor; Angelica, currently taking up BS Advertising at the De La Salle University; and Adrian, 15, who is a high school student at the Cagayan de Oro Xavier University.

Three-time president of the Philippine Cable Television Association Inc. (PCTA), an umbrella organization of cable television operators in the Philippines, Paras also served as Rotary Club president and is very much involved in community projects in his hometown. When Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog and twelve towns in Misamis Oriental were hit by floods in 2009, he deployed his rafts from the Great White Water Tours to rescue survivors. A history buff, Paras is involved in helping the city government promote Cagayan de Oro as a cultural hub.

He is chairperson of the MacArthur Memorial Committee and was the one who designed the biggest replica of General Douglas McArthur’s “scrambled egg cap” at the Macabalan Port. The marker commemorates the famous general’s landing in Cagayan de Oro in March 13, 1942, after his escape from Corrregidor.

One of the city’s flagship project, dubbed the “Golden Mile,” a one-kilometer riverside walking development along the Cagayan de Oro River, is yet another project Paras finds himself involved in. It includes construction of a walkbridge which will span across the Cagayan de Oro River, and a three-storey building for the city library, city museum and a 360-degree view deck.

Paras has proposed the inclusion of a riverside cruise using amphibious tour buses, similar to that of Singapore’s duck tours, to attract more tourists.

Paras’s dream is to one day see his city prosper and become more than just a destination for adventure sports.

“As they say, build and they will come.

We are literally taking off,” he says. U

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Stopover Chefs Drew and Nikki Mills at the Liceo de Cagayan University culinary dep artment

Creole Cuisine at the Heart of

The facade of Bourbon St. Bistro features an authentic World War II bomber plane

Cagayan de Oro

M

any of today’s travelers count dining out as among their favorite things to do when they visit a place. On touchdown, the first order of the day would be to eagerly seek out dining places. Some regions are identified with a particular type of cuisine, but every now and then you find a few wonderful surprises along the way. For instance, one would never expect to find a good Creole restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. Apparently, there is one, right at the heart of downtown CdO. Bourbon St. Bistro, located in a strip of restaurants near the Limketkai Center, is one of the booming city’s best-kept secret.

It is named after the famous street in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is home to many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Proprietors Drew and Nicole Mills, who both studied classic culinary arts at the French Culinary Institute in New York City,

have been coming to CdO for vacations until one day they decided to stay for good.

Armed with eight years of experience working at some of the finest restaurants in the Big Apple and Beverly Hills, the husbandand-wife team opened the bistro a year ago.

Since then the place has made a name for itself as the go-to place for those who want to experience authentic Creole cuisine at a price that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

Creole cuisine is a melting pot cuisine that blends French, Spanish, Caribbean, Mediterranean , South American and African influences. Drew, who hails from Louisiana, could not have found a better place to wield his culinary skills and recreate the flavors of his youth than in CdO where there is an abundance of inexpensive ingredients and fresh seafood, the very foundation of New Orleans-style cooking.

“We take pride in using only the freshest produce in and around Cagayan de Oro,

Clockwise from left: Pan-seared chicken, Poached tilapia atchafalaya, ceviche agua chilli and Bourbon glazed pork belly

Volume 1 Number 4, 2011

Bourbon St. Bistro’s version of bagnet

and with the farm just ten minutes away we are assured of quality ingredients. I also love that we are doing our share in supporting the farming communities here,” says Drew.

On a typical day, the Mills run the bistro like a mom and pop store, with Drew and Nicole taking turns manning the counters and taking orders themselves. The bistro, with its laidback and intimate atmosphere, may be a small restaurant serving what the couple claims as simple meals. But on sampling their dishes, one finds there is definitely nothing simple in the way these wonderful chefs painstakingly prepare them.

Everything is made from scratch, in the true tradition of a well-trained chef with an eye to detail and presentation.

The ceviche agua chili, a tantalizing blend of freshly caught malasugi (swordfish) filleted, quartered and swimming in a tangy/ sweet blend of lemon chili, shaved red onions, tomato and cucumber, bursts inside the mouth in a surprising array of textures and flavors. It is kinilaw na malasugi with a New Orleans twist. For a hearty fare, one can follow this up a main entrée of either panseared chicken, stuffed chicken legs sautéed in vegetables and chicken jus and served on a bed of hot potato puree; or Bourbon glazed pork belly, pork belly dripping with a rich sauce of sweet onion jam and served with a braised greens on the side. For the vegetarian or health-conscious, a good choice would be the olive oil poached tilapia atchafalaya, a delectable dish of tilapia fillet in sherry shallot vinaigrette and served with tomato arugula salad and herbed potato on the side.

To cap the meal, try the bistro’s fluffy pillows of sugar-sprinkled pastries dripping with homemade caramel sauce. A new item on their growing list of dessert fares is the Chocolate Cup of Love, a concoction of moist

Cajun tacos, a house favourite

chocolate cake, banana foam and vanilla ice cream served in small tequila shot glass and topped with a sliver of dark chocolate. For bar chow, try the Cajun tacos, a house favorite.

Barely a year into their operation, the Mills have yet to take a vacation, so busy with bistro’s growing clientele made up of locals and recently more and more out-oftowners. Nicole, a Cagay-anon, is not surprised with the turnout of guests who want to sample the bistro’s unique fare.

“With the many cooking shows we see on television, people are beginning to experiment. For instance, some who would call themselves a foodie but not necessarily an expert find themselves drawn to our kind of cuisine,” shares Drew.

It’s not surprising that the Cagay-anons’ dining preference have evolved from the usual Filipino buffet or fastfood to something more sophisticated. Nicole, however, modestly brushes this aside, saying their menu is simple French Quarter fare, food which Drew grew up with.

“Different perhaps, but really just homestyle cooking. We simply want to make good food and share it with people,” she says. U

Contact Information

Bourbon St. Bistro is located at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro, with telephone number (+63 88) 8565555. For inquiries, e-mail bourbonstbistro@ gmail.com.

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