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‘We Are Not

Tourists

on a Holiday’ Things OFWs Wish Filipinos At Home Will Understand

Life abroad without our families could be extremely lonely. It could be taxing. It could even be depressing.

However, we must constantly put on a brave face for our families and friends who worry about us.

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1. We don’t own the proverbial goose that lays the golden eggs.

The money that we managed to acquire—and to save, if we’re lucky—is earned through sheer hard work, perseverance and sound budget management. We work double or even triple jobs and grab every chance we have to do overtime work. We don’t squander time and money; every minute and every centavo count for us. We may be receiving higher salaries compared to yours but the cost of living abroad is normally higher, too. We may be earning in dollars (or other highyielding currency), but we are also spending in dollars.

2. We don’t always hit the jackpot.

Only a handful of us get lucky with our employment agency, our employer, our contract, our working condition, and our host country. Most Middle East territories, for instance, have the infamous reputation among OFWs of maltreating and abusing us, but we still keep on coming back to them because of the attractive employment package, the wide array of job opportunities, and the relatively lower cost of living that they offer. The risk of being sexually violated, ill-treated, wrongfully imprisoned or, worse, ending up in a wooden box is something that, sadly, we have to take with the job.

3. We are not tourists on a holiday.

Remember that we go to another country to earn money, and not for a

We may be earning in dollars (or other high-yielding currency), but we are also spending in dollars.

W

HEN I come home for my annual vacation, I am often welcomed by my family with open arms (and open palms), relatives and friends asking for pasalubong, neighbors waiting for a treat, and even street bums demanding for pang-toma. I also get swarmed with messages from people borrowing money, asking for donations, or offering all kinds of products.

Most returning OFWs face the same dilemmas and, just like them, I wish that the Filipinos I come home to will get to realize certain things.

We work double or even triple jobs and grab every chance we have to do overtime work.

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vacation. The pictures we post on Facebook are meticulously chosen to show our families that we also know how to find time to take a break from the grueling hours of work. Those are intended to allay their worries about us. What we do not show are our cramped quarters, the chills and our chattering teeth due to intense cold or our skin rashes due to extreme heat, asthma attacks during a sandstorm, or the discriminatory remarks regularly thrown our way.

4. We are not magicians.

The balikbayan box that we send you does not get filled with a simple wave of a wand. It takes weeks, even months, of countless trips to various retail stores that sell your desired items at a discount. Those signature shoes, bags, fragrances, makeup products, and electronic gadgets that you’ve been incessantly bugging me about? They are all in that balikbayan box that I painstakingly paid for with my sweat,

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The balikbayan box that we send you does not get filled with a simple wave of a wand, it’s painstakingly paid for with my sweat, blood and tears. blood and tears.

5. We are not zombies.

Like all humans, we, too, have emotions. We get hurt when you

can’t even be bothered to call us; we worry when we learned that you’re now in the habit of staying out with your friends until the wee hours; we feel guilty when we can’t be there to celebrate all your milestones with you; we get angry when we were told that you’ve been bullied in school; and we grieve when we were informed that you get pregnant a few months before your high

school graduation. Sometimes, I miss you so much that I want to leave everything here and just jump to the next flight home.

6. We are not robots.

We, too, get exhausted after a long day of backbreaking work.

We, too, get sick from prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Our bodies succumb, too, after being neglected for years. But knowing that you, our families back home, are depending on us, we must overcome those frailties.

7. We are actors.

Life abroad without our families could be extremely lonely.

It could be taxing. It could even be depressing. However, we must constantly put on a brave face for our families and friends who worry about us.

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8. We are pleasers.

We encounter struggles and setbacks on a daily basis, but we need to put those on the back burner because we are busy thinking of ways to make you happy and your lives there comfortable.

9. We forget all about our woes and troubles when we receive good news from you, when we hear you say I love you, or when you let us know that we are being appreciated.

We also expect that our government will do everything to protect us and our rights while we are in a foreign land, especially since there are around 1012 million of us spread around the world cumulatively serving as a key contributor to our country’s economy.

10. We look forward to staying home with you for good.

So, hopefully, you’ll finish your studies soon. We also hope to build our dream house and to put up a small business. All these dreams will come true if you continue to manage our finances well.

Being an OFW is all about sacrifice. Our life here away from you is already tough and difficult as it is. It becomes miserable, however, when we are unnecessarily encumbered by expectations that are excessive, unrealistic and unreasonable – something that is preventable if you only have an idea of what we have to go through to provide you with the kind of life that you now enjoy. n

We look forward to staying home for good, build our dream house and put up a small business.

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By MaNNy gonzalez

ERE is an offthe-wall idea for changing ourselves and our society, and just maybe improving our economic performance in the long run: start building civic pride by selecting, proclaiming, and promoting our national dishes.

Food is not the ultimate or only solution for building civic pride or forging a national identity, but you could pick worse places to start.

The Japanese are not in doubt that their national dishes are raw fish and ramen. As a result, all over the world, people know exactly what to expect in a Japanese restaurant, and consider Japanese food chic and fun. Watch the movie Tampopo to understand how ramen both reflects and shapes the Japanese quest for perfection in little things.

Mexico has the taco and its variants, which have colonized large parts of the United states and the world. italy has pasta and pizza, which contribute more to its national cultural identity than Leonardo, Vival-

Lechon could never be our national dish. It is also Spanish, Polynesian, and German; another problem is that hardly any Filipino is capable of doing it right.

Why Don’t We Have Official National Dishes?

We have no clearly agreed-upon national dish. This is a deficiency that detracts from our sense of national cultural identity and therefore national unity and purpose.

When Filipinos entertain foreign friends, we either underwhelm them with ineptly prepared adobo or show lack of pride in our culture by serving almost anything, but not something distinctly Filipino. di, the sistine Chapel, AC Milan, and Ferrari combined. Thailand has Tom Yum Kung, which consists mainly of adding mouthnumbing quantities of capsaicin to common tinola soup.

A good Halo-halo Sundae is a national dish with the potential to conquer the world. It can be made anywhere, with little effort, by anybody, and it is uniquely and indisputably Filipino.

The nominees for national dish are…

We have no clearly agreedupon national dish. This is a deficiency that detracts from our sense of national cultural identity and therefore national unity and purpose. When Filipinos entertain foreign friends, we either underwhelm them with ineptly prepared adobo or show lack of pride in our culture by serving almost anything, but not something distinctly Filipino. some will say that we already have a national dish: lechon.

One problem with lechon is that it is also spanish, Polynesian, and German, to name a few; another problem is that hardly any Filipino is capable of doing it right.

Only Cebuanos come close, but they foolishly omit the liver sauce.

Moreover, making a whole roast lechon is simply beyond the capability of an average household, especially those abroad, which constitute the majority of our country’s connection points with other nationalities.

A good Halo halo sundae is soft, sticky, and gooey: it has crunch and a touch of mystery. it can be made anywhere, with little effort, by anybody. it is capable of endless variation. Yet it is uniquely and indisputably Filipino. in the author’s opinion, it’s a national dish with the potential to conquer the world. some maintain that our national dish is adobo. if so, it is a lousy one. One problem with adobo is that no two Filipinos cook it the same way. Also, despite it being easy to make, al-

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most no one bothers to do it right. Neither lechon nor adobo will ever make the grade as a national dish. A proper Filipino national dish would need to conform to a number of fairly stringent parameters: 1. It should be recognizably different from what most other people around the world cook, and not a mere variation or simplistic fusion. Maki filled with adobo is out. Ceviche with pinakurat and tropical fruits is out. Chicharon is (to my enormous regret) out. Every Latin country has it, and the Colombians make a better one than we do.

2. While distinctive, the dish must not be weird or offensivesounding, looking, or -smelling to large segments of humanity.

Dinuguan is out. Unusual animals and body parts, including grasshoppers, goat, tripe, brains, and, of course blood, are out. All varieties of dried fish are out. Nor should the dish offend a significant part of the Filipino population. So anything with pork is out, including lumpia prito, most pancit, and Spam. Our list of possibilities is shortening.

3. A good national dish should be within the competence of an averagely intelligent Filipino to make, using readily available ingredients (and not too many of them). Put another way, a national dish should be almost idiot-proof, like Tom Yum Kung. So mango soufflé is out. Pancit palabok is out. Most seafood requires careful timing and temperature control, so seafood is out.

4. A good national dish should not require more effort than the averagely lazy Filipino man or woman will, realistically, be willing to expend. Chicken relleno is out. Most desserts and pastries are out, even leche flan, since most Filipinos will not bother to get or jury-rig a baño Maria.

5. A good national dish cannot be particular to any region, or every other region would demand equal representation and there would never be an end to the debate. Therefore, sisig is out. Bicol Express would be out even if it were vegetarian. Pancit Malabon is out. La Paz batchoy is out.

6. And, of course, it should taste good, and appeal to an international audience.

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Kare-kare is beloved by all Filipinos, and meets all the criteria for a national dish. Though traditional oxtail is preferred my many, beef shank would do as well, and is more readily available around the world.

Once you have worked logically through all the constraints, here are the best remaining Filipino foods that in my humble opinion could qualify as our national dishes: Kare-kare is ridiculously easy to make (with my recipe, using peanut butter and beef shank, which unlike oxtail is available everywhere and not too variable in quality). It will not offend Muslim sensibilities — important, considering how many Filipinos are in the Middle East. It is quite different from most other beef stews around the world, and has no close relation among the better-known world cuisines. Filipinos love kare-kare, and so do most foreigners, provided you don’t make them eat bagoong (and maybe we can eventually coax the world into liking bagoong, too; for now, we can offer anchovy paste or patis).

Arroz caldo, done right, is light years ahead of all other rice-based or chicken-based soups anywhere else in the world. Never mind that the name is Spanish; people borrow food terms all the time. (Lechon is a Spanish word, too, by the way.

And Pospas is also Spanish, a contraction of pollo and sopas.)

Let’s make sure it is indeed done right (make the chicken broth first, using bones and backs, then cook the rice grains in that broth, along with macerated ginger to taste (remove before serving). A little more creativity in toppings wouldn’t hurt.

And to round out the national dish A-Team, Halo-Halo Sundae. Skip the shaved ice, which requires specialized equipment,

A good national dish cannot be particular to any region. So La Paz batchoy (in photo) sisig and Bicol Express are out. and go straight to the best ice cream you can find, one that is subtly flavored like mango, ube, or vanilla. Forgive the use of ice cream — most countries have borrowed not just names but food ingredients from others.

Simplify life by using a pre-made halo-halo mix bought from the supermarket; add some form of dry crunch – pinipig, cornflakes, even crushed potato chips. Almost everyone in the world loves ice cream, and almost everyone who tries it loves our colorful fruit preserves and gelatins. Best of all, anyone can make it with hardly any effort, yet there is no doubt at all that it is Filipino. As a national dish, Halo-Halo Sundae is a surefire winner.

There may be other suitable candidates. But the important thing is that we all, as a nation, agree on the dishes, then get behind them.

Kare-Kare is beloved by all Filipinos, and meets all the criteria for a national dish. Though traditional oxtail is preferred by many, beef shank would do as well, and is more readily avail-

able around the world.

Proclaiming our national dishes

Three critical things to keep in mind: One, we need a very limited debate for, say, two months, just for the idea to pick up steam and in case there are other good nominations out there. Then we should go straight to a Presidential Proclamation, like the one Fidel Ramos did for the Philippine Eagle in 1995. We have an official national bird, flower (sampaguita), tree (narra), gem (pearl), and martial art (arnis).

Second critical consideration: We must at all costs resist the temptation to enlarge the list of National Dishes, or we will dilute the message and render the whole initiative useless.

Third critical consideration: Good intentions and Presidential Proclamations are not enough.

Let’s also put some teeth in this proclamation, with these implementing rules and regulations: 1. Set official national standards on what each dish must contain, and the procedures that

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must be followed (just as France specifies how to make each of its over 200 recognized cheeses); 2. Cultural indoctrination: require all high schools to teach how to prepare all three dishes, as part of Social Studies; 3. Require applicants for OFW clearance to at least pass a multiple-choice test about our National Dishes (and probably some other areas, too); ditto for all employees of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Agriculture; (many countries, when you apply to become a citizen, require you to know their typical foods and even what holidays those foods are associated with; they understand the importance of cultural identity); 4. Encourage local and international media to publicize the National Dishes; 5. Sponsor cooking contests and street-food festivals, not only here but in all areas with large Filipino populations like California, Michigan, Texas, Dubai, Rome, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and so on; 6. Oblige all restaurants that bill themselves as Filipino (especially Jollibee, Goldilocks, and similar establishments) to offer at least one of the three items on their regular menu.

7. And, lobby with UNESCO to declare our national dishes an Intangible World Heritage. Our only entries so far are Tugging Rituals (who knows what this means, maybe something related to happy endings, and it’s shared with several other countries), and the Darangen Epic, a song that not one Filipino in 10,000 has ever heard of, and not one in 100,000 has ever heard. There are only a few foods on the UNESCO list as of now, such as French cuisine generally, and “traditional Mexican cuisine.” So, there’s room for us to elbow in.

Makisama at maki-isa tayo.

Dream the impossible dream later. Today, let’s do something eminently doable, and get behind this off-the-wall idea for changing our country and ourselves. (The Philippine Star) n (Manny Gonzalez is a resident shareholder of Plantation Bay Resort & Spa and has lived in the culinary capitals of Paris, Barcelona, New York and Hong Kong. He is also an experienced amateur cook.)

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Key transport links such as the NLEx-SLEx connector road are essential components of an integrated transport system for an expanding Mega Manila.

Planning

for Mega Manila The capital region grew from just the city of Manila in the early 20th century to Metro Manila by the 1970s, and now we see the rise of “Mega Manila” that includes much of Region III (Central Luzon) on the north and Region IV-A (Calabarzon) on the south.

By CiELitO f. haBito

NCE upoN a time (around 1920-1930, to be more specific), Manila could be described as a well-designed, mass-transit-based urban area. It had an extensive tranvia or streetcar network, similar to that in San Francisco in California, running on an estimated 85 kilometers of tracks. The tranvia met 40 percent of the total estimated demand for mobility in the city, even as there was a diversity of urban transport modes ranging from bicycles to horse-drawn Around 1920-1930, Manila had an extensive tranvia or streetcar network, calesas and the newly mass-produced model T running on 85 kilometers of tracks which met 40 percent of the total demand Fords from America. There was strategic integrat- for mobility in the city,

ed development, where the establishment of a suburban transport line was wellcoordinated with housing development and the provision of electric power supply. Traffic management was good, and Manila had all the features of a wellplanned urban area.

That was the historical backdrop to the “Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas” done jointly in 2014 by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the Japan International Co-

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Housing is too often forgotten in all the talk about infrastructure and the “Build, build, build” program of the government. There is a backlog of over 500,000 housing units, and need to resettle 560,000 households living in hazard areas beside waterways.

Within the 30-year period from 1980 to 2010, Metro Manila’s population doubled from 5.9 to 11.8 million, yet the attendant requirements of a growing metropolis, like transportation and housing, were not met. operation Agency (Jica). That was a time when the city had a population of 300,000. Now, nearly a century later, Metro Manila is home to more than 50 times as many people, and using “good traffic management” and “wellplanned urban area” to describe the metropolis would be a bad joke. There’s so much that needs to be changed, and so much to be undone if it is to move toward earning those descriptions again.

As tracked by the Neda-Jica study, a big part of the problem arose within the 30-year period from 1980 to 2010. In that period, the Metro Manila population doubled from 5.9 to 11.8 million. But the number of motor vehicles rose 4.3 times, from less than half a million to nearly 2 million. The number of buses nearly quadrupled, from 3,600 to 14,200 units. And yet, road length only increased 1.5 times, from 675 to 1,032 kilometers.

We all know the glaring result, and city dwellers suffer it daily.

Meanwhile, public rail transit

spanned 50 km in 2010, against 20 in 1980—an increase of 2.5 times, but still much less than the 85 kilometers (of tranvia) we had in the 1920s.

While the study was focused on transport infrastructure, it noted other challenges attendant to the growth of the metropolis. Housing, for one, is too often forgotten in all the talk about infrastructure and the “Build, build, build” program of the government. There was an estimated backlog of 500,000 housing units, and need to resettle 560,000 households living in hazard areas beside waterways (probably underestimates by now). And yet our public expenditure on housing as percent of gross domestic product or GDP pales in comparison to that of our neighbors, and even less than in poorer countries like Bangladesh.

The capital region grew from just the city of Manila in the early 20th century to Metro Manila by the 1970s, and now we

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grated, multimodal urban mass transit network. Will we see all this happen within our lifetimes?

Perhaps we could, if the government can make good on its promise of a “Golden Age of Infrastructure.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n

see the rise of “Mega Manila” that includes much of Region III (Central Luzon) on the north and Region IV-A (Calabarzon) on the south. The Neda-Jica study notes that “Metro Manila’s problems can no longer be solved within Metro Manila,” and that Regions III and IV-A must “maximize positive impacts of Metro Manila while contributing to mitigate Metro Manila’s problems.” This entails a departure from monocentric planning with the national capital at the core of development, to a “polycentric” one that sees the cities of Angeles (Clark), Olongapo (Subic), Malolos, San Fernando, Calamba, Lipa, Batangas, San Pablo and Lucena as growth poles as well.

What all this requires is closer integration of the three regions, and this starts with integrative physical planning. Key transport links are the NLEx-SLEx connector road, the North-South Commuter Railway from Malolos to Calamba, and the subway that

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will ultimately span San Jose del Monte in Bulacan to Dasmariñas in Cavite.

Urban expressways, smart traffic management systems and more also form part of the “Dream Plan” for Mega Manila that would lead to a truly inte-

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In Philippines, Where Divorce Is Illegal, Women Pay the Price

M

By LyNzy Billing

ANILA – WheN Amy PerezCastillo tried to separate from her husband, she had to tell the courts she was psychologically unwell. It wasn’t true, but it was the only way she could get a legal separation in the Philippines, where divorce is against the law.

In the Philippines, lack of divorce laws means hefty annulment fees, no division of assets and no child support for women whose marriages break down. But a new bill is trying to change that.

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her husband had walked out when their son was a baby. “Since the birth of my son, I have been the only financial contributor to his life,” Perez-Castillo says.

But it took 10 years of court proceedings before the successful TV and radio host, actress and now mother of three was granted an annulment.

“My first lawyer suggested I go through psychological evaluation, but I did not want to because of how it would affect my career, and more importantly, I needed to be classed as ‘normal’ to get custody of my son,” she says.

“Three years into the process, I was denied annulment by the Supreme Court. When I tried again for annulment, I had to admit to psychological incapacity.”

Apart from having to admit to something that wasn’t true, she says the process cost her dearly. “It’s hard to say how much I paid in the end, maybe more than half a million pesos [USD $10,000].”

The Philippines is the only place in the world, outside the Vatican City, where divorce is illegal. But a bill working its way through the house of Representatives could change that.

On February 21, The Act of Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage passed committee stage,

Helaria Legaspi says she can’t afford to formally split from her husband, who she discovered was having an affair.

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The 85-year-old Dading, who was in the tourism business deand will be debated in Concades before the present Tourism gress’s next plenary session.

Secretary was born, is not used The bill consolidates sevto this kind of treatment. Being eral divorce bills filed before, all Ilocano like her late husband seeking to allow the dissolution who was also an official of the of marriage and address the conelder Marcos era Bureau of Tourcerns of couples in failed marism Promotion, she should just riages. This version represents go straight to the President. a landmark: By getting through Dading’s Rajah Tours is one committee stage, it has proof the country’s foremost ingressed farther than any previous bound tour operators. These are attempt at legalizing divorce. the people the Tourism departIf passed, the bill would provide ment should support because official separation for couples with they sell the country and bring irreconcilable differences in cases of abuse or where the couple is in the tourists at their own exto separate from their husbands, especially if they have already de facto separated. Per- Some women are afraid pense.

They do the ground work children who are still in need of financial support and are dependent on him. haps most importantly for women, in bringing in the visitors that that can differences are not taken into acit provides guidelines for the divi- a lengthy processboost our drag economy.

In the case with unsuccount in an annulment proceedsion of assets, financial support for on for years, often of the Fil-Am visitors, Dading cessful results.

Today, options to ing, andthe physical the children of divorced parents, said she even advanced ho- violence is not ans canand onlypayment do so much.

To a largetoextent, of a aretelavailable, endsuccess marriages butpayments. considered a sufficient reason to of damages “the the reservation paign depends on how the hosts treat the visitors. they differ from divorce in our im- airport annulfrontliners a marriage. innocent spouse.”

Finally, portant ways.

Legal separation allows parties Or a refresher course ism Secretary. People like Dading should remember their actions In an annulment, the couple to live apart, but does not legally option anners Annulment and right con-onlyare a Tourism Secretary’s reason reflect on the Filipino’s image. prove that either can or both a marital union and therefore the 40 million married better thanFor a tourism for being.

If she ismust successful in They confirmend how corrupt of the them are psychologically in- hospitable does notwe permit couples currentlybringing living together ndon bus. in visitors, Tourism we are or how are remarriage. capacitated. Infidelity, physical A voided marriage is conthe Philippines, filing for an successful. tourisminentrepreneur Secretary looks to visitors. nor mental abuse, and irreconcilable sidered invalid from the beginannulment or legal separation is lemning. Reasons ringfor voiding a ome marriage can -Am include either ans party having an has incurable sexuthe ally transmitted and disease or casaces of mistaken ions. identity. nted Parties can vernfile for divorce in ough only one case: if ment they are among , to the estimated 5 even percent of the the population that and is Muslim and is the governed by the givCode of Muslim talk Personal Laws.

Ams, that in and visi-

ding did get rdon the Secwas heet a o inshe meet Tour-

Too poor to separate

Women are worst affected by the lack of divorce legislation.

Representing 49.4 percent of the population but only 34 percent of the workforce, according to statistics provided by the Philippine Statistical Authority, they are rarely

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In an overwhelmingly Catholic country, the church wields enormous influence and is clear on its view that marriage is a contract and a sacrament. the breadwinners in a family.

The majority rely on their husbands financially, and most are reluctant to file for an annulment or legal separation because of the practical and financial implications – separated women often find they can’t support their families.

“Some women are afraid to separate from their husbands, especially if they have children who are still in need of financial support and are dependent on him,” says Clarissa Castro, an attorney specializing in family law cases.

“Worse, if they have no conjugal assets to partition, the woman will definitely be at a loss once the marriage is severed, because the obligation to give support also ends,” she says.

Helaria Legaspi, 58, married when she was just 15. Three years ago, she went to the local council to get an annulment after finding out that her husband was having an affair. But she soon discovered she would not be able to pay.

“It was just too expensive for me to even dream of. There was no way that I could afford it, so I never went back,” Legaspi says.

“I have heard of annulment scams: lawyers quoting $10,000 for an all-inclusive annulment package granted by the court. But the documents are forged and they leave women in financial ruin.

I thought I would be scammed, so I thought better to just leave it.

“We are poor, and the options available to us are anti-poor, we cannot afford them.”

If passed, the bill before Congress would provide state lawyers for those who can’t afford the costs associated with a divorce.

Opting out of marriage

In a typical year, civil courts will grant about 10,000 annulments, according to the Office of the Solicitor General.

The Philippine Statistical Authority said that 6,304 petitions were filed to end marriages in Manila in the first nine months of 2017, a 23 percent decrease on the year before, with women filing slightly more than half of the petitions.

But there has also been a 20 percent decrease in reported marriages, they say, with younger generations opting for cohabitation instead of an expensive celebration that they cannot afford, followed by a relationship arrangement that can’t be left if it breaks down.

In an overwhelmingly Catholic country, the church wields enormous influence and is clear on its view that marriage is a contract and a sacrament.

“Divorce is a deterrent to working on differences,” said a pastoral statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, reiterating its position against the divorce bill.

“Marriage is and ought to be a work in progress.”

But for many women, the divorce bill is long overdue, and the current options available to them are inadequate.

Three in five Filipinos are in favor of introducing divorce legislation.

“Filipino women require a quick and affordable process,” Perez-Castillo says. “The costs of an annulment must be addressed, and the government needs to do more to support single mothers.”

(News Deeply) n

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Judy Ann Santos, with husband Ryan Agoncillo

The Best Dressed Celebrities at the ABS-CBN Ball 2023

HE carpEt has officially been rolled out: after three long years, the aBS-cBN Ball is back—and it was bigger than ever!

Gracing the event were the network’s brightest stars who were dressed to the nines. among the head-turners who owned the spotlight were Kathryn Bernardo who was clad in a daring bejeweled Mark Bumgarner creation and Julia Barretto who went the chic yet minimalist route in Saint Laurent. this generation’s new leading ladies, Belle Mariano and andrea Brillantes, did not fall behind either, making their own fashion statements on the red carpet in custom Michael Leyva looks that resonate with their unique personalities.

hairstyle to match her streamlined silhouette, even eliciting a collective “ooh” as soon as she turned around to give the livestream viewers a sartorial surprise. clean and pristine in front, party at the back!

3. Maja Salvador

Kim Jones, with husband Jericho Rosales

Below, we curated the best dressed stars who stole the thunder at this year’s aBS-cBN Ball.

1. Judy Ann Santos

What a stunning way to open the red carpet! Serving timeless elegance, Judy ann Santos—escorted by her husband ryan agoncillo, who himself looked like a modern gent in Francis Libiran—kicked off the fashionable festivity with an ultrasleek rajo Laurel asymmetrical column gown that boasts of a power shoulder. Keeping things minimalist yet chic, the all-black look was punctuated with barelythere heels, proving that sometimes less can truly be more.

2. Jodi Sta. Maria

Jodi Sta. Maria was the first celebrity in white to walk on the red carpet, and did she look to-

We’re calling it: this might just be our favorite Maja Salvador red carpet moment at the aBS-cBN Ball. Making her official debut as a missus, locked arms with husband rambo Nuñez, preview’s august cover star made jaws drop with her black-and-white look featuring an ultra-plunging neckline. With her flawless back and décolletage in full display, it was a master class on how to do sexy the chic way.

4. Kim Jones

We can always count on Kim Jones to make an unconventional fashion statement and pull it off beautifully. pairing a structural mini dress from Saint Laurent with jersey pantaboots from Balenciaga, the style star finished off her otherwise all-black look with a long statement earring (yes, singular!). Escorted by her equally stylish husband, preview’s Best Dressed 2023 honoree Jericho rosales, they were no doubt one of the best-looking pairs on the red carpet this evening.

Maja Salvador, with husband Rambo Nunez tally immaculate! clad in a halter neck column gown designed by puey Quinones, the Unbreak My Heart star debuted a bold bob

5. Julia Barretto

Julia Barretto

always serving the sultriest minimalist looks, Julia Barretto was a vision in an ab-baring

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9. Kim Chiu

Kim Chiu was unapologetically a chic hubadera on the red carpet, and we loved every minute of it! Clad in a sexy corseted gown by Francis Libiran, the “chinita princess” went for a skin-baring mermaidcore look complete with long wavy tresses and some extra sprinkle of fantasy courtesy of her Diagold jewelry. A sultry vision!

10. Kathryn Bernardo

Belle Mariano

Andrea Brillantes

black gown, which she accessorized with a white gold choker necklace and a bejeweled silver minaudière to match.

Preview’s September muse—accompanied by her dashing Tom Ford-clad beau, Gerald Anderson—looked impeccable in a strapless maxi dress from Saint Laurent that embodies effortless Parisian sensibility. Tres chic!

Last but obviously not the least, Kathryn Bernardo knocked it out of the park in her most daring ABS-CBN Ball appearance yet. Wearing a masterfully designed Mark Bumgarner creation that highlighted her toned figure with its strategic cut-outs, the A Very Good Girl star definitely raised the bar, leaving everyone in awe with her unforgettably impactful look on the red carpet plus the perfectly disheveled bob to match.

(Preview Magazine; preview.ph) n

6. Belle Mariano

A best-dressed list is rarely complete without a fairytale moment, and Belle Mariano was every bit a royal princess in her champagne-hued Michael Leyva ballgown peppered with handsewn crystals. Teamed with exquisite Bulgari jewelry, her leading lady look was definitely a sight to behold on the red carpet.

7. Andrea Brillantes

Blythe is all grown up, and there’s no more solid proof than her Jessica Rabbit-inspired look at the ABS-CBN Ball 2023. Preview’s July cover girl donned a red hot number, also by Michael Leyva, that fit her like a glove.

Completing her fully embellished look with statement jewelry from LVNA By Drake Dustin and a matching cherry pout to boot, Andrea Brillantes lit the red carpet on fire.

Dimples Romana

8. Dimples Romana

Cinderella, but make it 2023.

Looking ethereal in a powder blue frock, Dimples Romana had our jaws on the floor when she gracefully walked inside swathed in a dainty dress with billowy sleeves and soft pleats dancing with her every movement on the red carpet. Seeing how she gathered her hair in a clean bun and accessorized the dreamy Vania Romoff creation with dangling earrings and a pearl-embellished purse, we have only one word: regal.

Kim Chiu

Kathryn Bernardo

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Lira’s IMMIgRatION ORNER

F

or most the acquisition of their British citizenship has been from years of waiting, considerable costs and enormous stress. the majority of British citizens who have acquired their citizenship from Naturalisation will not encounter problems for their actions in the past but for some their actions in the past may result in the loss of their citizenship. the Court of Appeal case of Syed Tahseen Ahmed v SSHD handed down on the 28th of september 2023 is such an example and further demonstrate the increasing readiness of authorities to pursue cases that fall under section 40 of the British Nationality Act 1981. “ (1) In this section a reference to a person’s “citizenship status” is a reference to his status as— (a) a British citizen, …

(2) The Secretary of State may by order deprive a person of a citizenship status if the Secretary of State is satisfied that deprivation is conducive to the public good.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order deprive a person of a citizenship status which results from his registration or naturalisation if the Secretary of State is satisfied that the registration or naturalisation was obtained by means of— (a) fraud, (b) false representation, or

Losing your British Citizenship Court of Appeal case 28 september 2023 (c) concealment of a material fact. …

(5) Before making an order under this section in respect of a person the Secretary of State must give the person written notice specifying— (a) that the Secretary of State has decided to make an order, (b) the reasons for the order, …” the Court of Appeal provided a detailed account of the facts of mr Ahmed’s case. the salient points, for this article, are: Mr Ahmed is a Pakistani national and was born on 6 January 1976. He married a Pakistani national, Ms Farhat Sbuhi (Ms Sbuhi), in Pakistan in 2001 and they had two children. Mr Ahmed came to the UK in March 2006 with leave to enter as a student. A third child was born to Mr Ahmed and Ms Sbuhi later in October 2006. In December 2006 Mr Ahmed met a Polish national, Ms Weronika Lebkowska (Ms Lebkowska) and started a relationship with her.

In October 2008, Mr Ahmed received a document from Pakistan entitled Divorce Deed (“the

divorce deed”). On 28 May 2009, Mr Ahmed made an application for a residence card as the extended family member of an EEA national, being Ms Lebkowska, based upon their durable relationship of two years’ cohabitation. In the application form Mr Ahmed described Ms Lebkowska as his partner. Mr Ahmed signed a declaration to the effect that the information that he had given was complete and true to the best of his knowledge.

On 16 September 2009 Mr Ahmed and Ms Lebkowska were married in an Islamic ceremony in September 2009.

On 27 July 2010 Mr Ahmed was granted residence in the UK based on his durable relationship with Ms Lebkowska as an unmarried partner.

In January 2011, Mr Ahmed travelled to Pakistan and stayed there for 34 days. At some stage during that visit Mr Ahmed had sexual relations with Ms Sbuhi.

As a result Ms Sbuhi had a fourth child with Mr Ahmed who was born on 24 September 2011. Ms Sbuhi and the four children continued to reside in Pakistan.

On 21 July 2015 Mr Ahmed made an application (“the EEA application”) for permanent residence in the UK on the basis that

he had resided in the UK in accordance with the EEA Regulations for five years with Ms Lebby Lira kowska. At Simon paragraph Cabatbat 11.23 of that application Mr Ahmed answered that he had been married before his current relationship. At paragraph 11.24 he was asked to provide details “of all other current or previous marriages …” Details were to include “date and place of any marriages and divorce, annulment or dissolution, how long the relationship lasted … and any other relevant details”. Mr Ahmed gave Ms Sbuhi’s name and said “Divorced 14.10.2008. Relationship lasted 7.5 years”. There was no mention of the birth of his fourth child with Ms Sbuhi or the circumstances which gave rise to that.

Mr Ahmed signed a declaration to the effect that the information that he had given was complete and true to the best of his knowledge.

The EEA application was refused in December 2015 on the basis that Ms Lebkowska was not registered with the Worker Registration Scheme (‘WRS’). Mr

Ahmed appealed to the FTT. In the meantime, in December 2016, Mr Ahmed moved out of accommodation which he shared with Ms Lebkowska and they separated.

Mr Ahmed’s appeal was heard on 21 February 2017. The FTT judge was informed about the separation from Ms Lebkowska but considered it to be immaterial because the five-year qualification period had been completed in 2015, and the reason given by the Secretary of State for refusing the EEA application was wrong. This was because Ms Lebkowska had been a qualified person in the UK for over seven years and had registered her employment under the WRS. The appeal was allowed.

The Secretary of State issued Mr Ahmed with a Permanent Residence Card on 12 July 2017.

On 25 August 2017, Mr Ahmed returned on a visit to Pakistan and is said to have reconciled with Ms Sbuhi. Mr Ahmed returned to the UK. Mr Ahmed made an application for British citizenship on 30 July 2018. Mr Ahmed submitted a Form AN and in doing so, he confirmed that he had read and understood Guide AN, which states “you must tell us if you have practised deception in your dealing with the Home Office or other government departments (for example, by providing false information or fraudulent documents). This will be taken into account in considering whether you meet the good character requirement.” It also states “you may be deprived of British citizenship if it is found to have been obtained by fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact.”

Mr Ahmed was informed by letter dated 20 August 2018 that +22

Article written by Ms Lira Simon Cabatbat. Lira has been in practice as an Immigration and Family solicitor for over 31 years and is the principal of Douglass Simon Solicitors. She is an accredited Resolution (First for Family) specialist and is a fluent Tagalog speaker. Douglass Simon (tel. 0203 375 0555 • email: cabatbat@douglass-simon.com) has been established for over two decades and has been a centre of excellence, especially in the areas of Immigration, Family and Probate. We have received commendations from judges and clients alike. Please refer to our website for more details.

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NOVEMBER 2023

By filane mikee cervantes

M

ANILA – The chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs on Thursday emphasized the need for the creation of a separate and dedicated social security and retirement system specifically for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

During the hearing, KABAYAN Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said the proposed social security and retirement system under House Bill 8574 would provide comprehensive social protection, thus ensuring the OFWs’ overall well-being.

“It would offer financial support in the event of job loss, disability, or death, providing a safety net for OFWs and their families during challenging times,” Salo said.

“Additionally, it would establish a retirement fund, enabling OFWs to secure social and financial protection in their old age, granting them the dignity and peace of mind they deserve,” he added.

During the same hearing, the panel also discussed the benefits and assistance that may be extended to return-

Creation of separate social security system for OFWs pushed ing OFWs affected by conflicts and disasters abroad.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) informed the panel about ongoing activities to ensure that the government addresses the immediate and long-term welfare and livelihood needs of OFWs. DMW Office-in-Charge Atty. Hans Leo Cacdac said OFW assistance mostly

comes from the PHP1.2-billion action fund allocated for legal, medical, and humanitarian support.

Cacdac said the distribution of the fund to qualified beneficiaries began in April 2023, assisting 5,325 individuals.

Beneficiaries included OFWs affected by the Turkey earthquake, disasters in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, as well as conflicts in Sudan, Lebanon,

and Israel.

Cacdac said returning OFWs are eligible for an outright monetary assistance of PHP30,000, while those affected by conflicts are eligible for a sum of PHP50,000.

OWWA Director Jocelyn Hapal, meanwhile, reported that her office provides counseling, skills training, financial and reintegration planning, as well as pre-departure briefing.

“On-site, OWWA con-

ducts counseling, and we have profiling of OFW returnees so that we have a better knowledge of their qualifications, of their credentials so that it can appropriately guide us on what reintegration needs can be provided,” she said.

OWWA also has various reintegration programs, assistance for specialized repatriation cases, special livelihood and educational assistance for surviving family members, and disability and death benefits, among others.

Salo earlier said he had received instructions from Speaker Martin Romualdez for his panel to continue working during the break to deliberate on pending bills that aim to benefit the welfare of OFWs. “This directive is made more relevant in light of the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

As our brave OFWs return to our homeland, often after enduring various challenges abroad, we believe it is our duty to provide them with comprehensive support and assistance,” Salo said.

Salo said the House committee will investigate possible legislation to protect OFWs and ensure their better reintegration into society in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration’s programs for them. (PNA) n

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Losing your British Citizenship Court of Appeal case 28...

From page 20 his application had been successful. On 29 August 2018 Mr Ahmed attended his ceremony and was issued with a certificate of naturalisation. He then applied for a British passport.

On 17 December 2018 Mr Ahmed applied for entry clearance for Ms Sbuhi and his four children to join him in the UK. This application was supported by a statutory declaration from Mr Ahmed. He stated that he wished to sponsor his wife and children to come to the UK. He gave details of his employment and means. He said “I confirm that my wife and I got married on 18th March 2001 at Village Pangpiran Qala Syedan Distt Kotli AJK Pakistan. I lived with my wife for 5 years and then I moved to the UK. I have continuously remained in regular contact with my family via WhatsApp and

telephone calls. I regularly visit my family.” He then gave details of visits in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, two visits in 2014, 2017 and 2018.

Mr Ahmed enclosed details of his marriage certificate, wedding photographs, family photographs and WhatsApp and telephone records. Mr Ahmed made no reference to his relationship with Ms Lebkowska, or to the divorce deed sent to him by Ms Sbuhi.

On 12 April 2019 the Secretary of State sent a letter telling Mr Ahmed that there was information confirming that he had obtained his status in the UK as a result of a bigamous marriage. On 1 May 2019 solicitors acting for Mr Ahmed responded. They stated that Mr Ahmed and Ms Sbuhi were first cousins and their respective families lived close to each other in Village Pang Piran, Pakistan.

They had not been in a subsisting

relationship from 2006 until 2017, even though they had had a child during that time.…He denied any false representation or fraud, and said he had always been open, honest and truthful with the Home Office.

On 29 November 2019 the Secretary of State made a decision to deprive Mr Ahmed of his citizenship pursuant to section 40 of the 1981 Act. The letter stated: “Your residence/grant of further leave to remain was granted solely on the fact that you were in a relationship with an EEA national, Weronika Aneta Lebkowska and you were divorced from your previous marriage. If it had been known that you were still married to Farhat Sabuhi and the Pakistani Divorce Deed document was false, you would not have been granted residency.”. The Secretary of JANUARY 2021

AD

State concluded that it would not be contrary to article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to deprive Mr Ahmed of his citizenship, nor would it render him stateless.

What happened?

It is noteworthy that the Home Office’s decision in 2019 to deprive Mr Ahmed of his British Citizenship comes 16 years after Mr Ahmed’s initial entry into the UK. This was precipitated by declarations made in his family’s application to join him in the UK. Four years after the Home Office’s decision the matter was considered by the Court of Appeal (hearing on 22 June 2023; decision handed down 28 September 2023) who dismissed Mr Ahmed’s appeal. This means that Mr Ahmed’s British citizenship was revoked.

He remains a citizen of Pakistan, but he has lost his British citizenship. He will not be able to rely on his previous permission to stay in the UK (permanent residence as an EEA extended family member) not least because he was also found to have failed to provide a true account of his past when he made that application. In the absence of any other avenue open to him he will be required to leave the UK. Some may say that this is a harsh consequence for someone who has been living in the UK for nearly two decades. Others will argue that his failure to make full and frank disclosure justifies the result.

Regardless, what is clear is that deprivation decisions are on the increase, and this will likely further increase with the introduction of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. n

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Discovering the Top 10 Most Challenging Philippines Destinations

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Canyoneering in Badian, Cebu

Truly, there are so many beautiful places that are yet to be known in the Philippines. These destinations may be difficult to visit, but they offer unparalleled natural beauty and cultural significance that make them well worth the effort.

ORED with the usual destinations? well, get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping with these scenic yet challenging destinations around the Philippines. Aside from the tropical sand beaches that boast crystal-clear waters, pristine sand beaches, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes, the country is also a host to the most challenging and thrilling destinations around the world. there are rugged mountains, unexplored caves, and diving destinations that offer unique experiences that will truly test the adventurer in you. Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? here, allow us to take you on a journey to the top 10 most challenging destinations in the Philippines.

Langun-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga, Samar

Langun-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga, Samar

want to see a different world underneath ours? A 3-day 2night trip to the country’s longest cave system might change the way you look at life. the impressive dimensions of this cave system—which spans over 2.9

kilometers—feature numerous chambers, underground rivers, astounding stalactite and stalagmite formations, and waterfalls. this fascinating destination also hosts a number of species, including bats, snakes, freshwater crabs, and many others.

Canyoneering in Badian, Cebu

the bewitching blue waters of the Kanlaob River traversing to Kawasan Falls are a popular extreme adventure that is not for the faint of heart. Canyoneering in Cebu requires hiking, bouldering, climbing, rappelling, jumping, and a lot of swimming through waters and canyons.

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Tubbataha Reef

Shipwreck Diving, Coron, Palawan

Shipwreck Diving, Coron, Palawan

As part of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines hosts several wonderful diving sites. Among the many fascinating destinations in the country, the shipwrecks in Coron, Palawan, stand out as particularly captivating.

These shipwrecks are a unique blend of history and nature, having become an integral part of the local marine ecosystem. Serving as artificial reefs, they have provided a home for diverse marine life. Whether for historical interest or for exploring the beauty of the underwater world, the shipwrecks in Coron offer a truly unforgettable experience.

Mt. Kanlaon, Negros Occidental

Tubbataha Reef

Though a dream for most divers and explorers, the UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of the most difficult places to visit in the Philippines because of its remote location and protected status. Located in the Sulu Sea, only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the area to minimize environmental impact. Also, the trip to this sanctuary requires 10 to 12 hours by boat—with no facilities or accommodations available.

Mt. Kanlaon, Negros Occidental

The highest landform in the Visayan archipelago is one of the dream mountains of many mountaineers and hikers in the Philippines. However, reaching its summit is quite difficult because of the volcano’s active status and the potential dangers it poses.

Mt. Kanlaon is closely monitored by

Mt. Baloy-daku, Antique the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for safety concerns. Also, the trail going to the summit requires a high level of fitness, as the trails are steep and rugged. Plus, the weather conditions on top can extremely change from one moment to the next.

Mt. Baloy-daku, Antique

Completing the Panay trilogy is Mt. Baloy-daku, alongside Mt. Madjaas and Mt. Nangtud.

Seasoned hikers have hopes of visiting this dream mountain; however, because of its unpredictable weather conditions, trail difficulty (which includes river trekking, steep ascents, and navigating through thick vegetation), and remote location, this dream +28 remains distant.

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Inspiration TS About Money With Family Constitution

London Edition London Edition Edition NOVEMBER 2023 Londo London Edition London JUnE 2022 NOVEMBER 2023 MAY 2022 London Edition MaY 2022 London Edition London Edition JUNE 2022

Are You Spending WWhy The Importance of a Is It Hard T o T alk How To Get Your T How Money Right?

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Similarly, it not an excuse for us to be surviving, thus resulting ing is crucial for entrepreessential to find ways to 4. Stay organized: Keep ahere schedule and sure you’re your tasks a simple guide would be tomake can receive positive and inventory may cost prioritizing you easily more you Practically, you don’t need errors are.

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How Much Capital Do You 6.

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Then be brave enough to help not only celebrities but everyone will understand and your town or city. to help from other peoas ask wellupon. as Set ordinary people. agree goals andif ple.

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But no the justPhilipWhen you have startraise that may not your bepines’ possible, esmatter what goalsFranare, out often comes with edChinkee your business, be Tan isdon’t ahaving top pecially these days.

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What you wealth save during the rainy days! dream but also inu making as er, and life coach n m e r o u matters is thatBartolome you have set Armando Starting a business, massive difference in your life.is whose goal is mind toside inform, edumicro entreyour heart in to create known as Philippines’ theit goal should not be just to takes athe lot of work and preneurs who are now themcate, motivate, and disturb. a brighter future and emFranchise Guru, a mentor thrive for a few months but dedication to attain your asselves big names in the indusHis vision is to help people power yourself with the right should be as your pirations in considered life. Start adopting to numerous micro entretry.

For questions and more skill set to support your busibecome financially-literate way of someday having itenas good habits that will help information, you may contact preneurs n ness all the way. and debt-free. a full-time job for you. n rich your daily life. n Armando

Healthy Habits Every Entrepreneur Must Develop

How not to quit when things become challenging:

E

PLANET 28 PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 2023

London EditionLondo

Discovering the Top 10 Most Challenging...

From page 25

White Peak, Davao de Oro

Another challenging destination in the Philippines is the 13thhighest mountain in the country, Mt. Pandadagsaan. As seen from afar, the mountain appears white in contrast to its forested surroundings. The trail is known to be steep and grassy, with parts requiring built-in ropes and scrambling through boulders to reach the summit. Home to local tribes, White Peak has remained close to hikers since 2012. However, this year, the trail-running community held a successful trail-running event in New Bataan, Davao de Oro, to slowly boost tourism in the area. As per agreement with the local government, organizing climbs to White Peak requires approval from the local government unit of Compostela Valley (now Davao de Oro) and the Tribal Executive Committee.

White Peak, Davao de Oro Batanes diversity, the Sulu archipelago is one of the many destinations in Mindanao that many travelers dream of visiting. However, because of its geographical location and the misconceptions painted in mainstream media, Sulu remains an off-the-beatenpath destination that has yet to be discovered by many bucket list seekers.

Mt. Ragang, Lanao del Sur

The holy grail of the Philippine mountains, Mt. Ragang (also known as Blue Mountain) is one of the many peaks of Piapayungan Mountain Rainge.

Dubbed the ‘Sleeping Lady’, this mountain, which lies in the Central Mindanao Arc, remains a formidable goal among many experienced hikers because, for security reasons, hikers are not permitted to enter the premise of the mountain, particularly for

Mt. Ragang, Lanao del Sur

Batanes

Sulu Archipelago hiking or trekking activities. Most recently, according to the update provided by the Intelligence Unit of the Philippine Army, there is an active presence of local terrorist groups in the area, preventing many hikers from scaling the seventh-highest mountain in the

country—the very same reason why only a few can complete the Philippines’ top ten.

Sulu Archipelago

A promising archipelago that boasts of its white sand beaches, beautiful terrains, and rich bio-

Located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, Batanes is known for its unique charm because of its stone houses, iconic rolling hills, and beautiful scenery that will provide you with the peace and calm that you have been longing to have.

Unfortunately, going to Batanes is a challenging feat because of

its geographical location, as it is too expensive to visit given the requirement of a plane and boat ride to reach this beautiful destination. Also, because of COVID, it took some time for Batanes to open its doors to tourists.

Truly, there are so many beautiful places that are yet to be known in the Philippines. These destinations may be difficult to visit, but they offer unparalleled natural beauty and cultural significance that make them well worth the effort. By taking necessary precautions, such as close coordination with the local government and seeking guidance from trusted travel agencies, visiting these beautiful spots will definitely create unforgettable memories of discovering hidden gems in the country. (TopTen.ph) n

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NOVEMBER 2023

PLANET 30 PHILIPPINES

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Manila on Foot: A

One-Day Itinerary

Amid the grit and chaos, Manila lives on: there have been efforts to revive some of its historic places, such as the Manila Metropolitan Theater. It hides gems, both old and new, all worthy of attention and will teach people a thing or two about the city’s history.

Take a photo with the famous Spoliarium – but not before taking it all in.

By juLEs mataBuena

ANILA, oNce hailed the Pearl of the orient, has changed drastically in the decades following the 2nd World War. It’s gotten such a bad reputation that many will balk at the idea of wandering its streets, unless doing so is a part of their daily grind. Remember when one author infamously described it as “the gates of hell?”

But amid the grit and chaos, Manila lives on: there have been efforts to revive some of its historic places, such as the Manila Metropolitan Theater. It hides gems, both old and new, all worthy of attention and will teach people a thing or two about the city’s history.

Manila has many things to offer that cater to every interest.

To get you started, here are our recommendations for a one-day itinerary.

Don’t forget to bring an umbrella and bottled water, and stay alert!

Get cultured at the National Art Gallery

Walk, ride a kalesa, or bike your way through the streets of Intramuros to fully soak in the history of the Walled City.

Kick off your Manila adventure at the National Art Gallery. Located along Padre Burgos Avenue in ermita, just between Luneta and Intramuros, the National Art Gallery is home to Juan Luna’s famed opus, Spoliarium, and other notable works by highly-acclaimed artists like Fernando Amorsolo, carlos Fran-

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PLANET 32 PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 2023

London EditionLondo

Order dim sum served in bamboo baskets, steaming bowls of noodles, and other authentic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s many restaurants. cisco, Guillermo Tolentino, and Napoleon Abueva. The art gallery plays host to special exhibits from time to time, too.

Alternatively, you can check out the Museum of the Filipino People and the National Planetarium, all part of the National Museum of the Philippines complex and within walking distance from the National Art Gallery!

Step back in time at Intramuros

Just across the National Art Gallery is Intramuros. Known as the seat of power during the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros is now home to several churches, schools, government offices, residential establishments, and ruins of old buildings, barracks, and bastions.

Walk, ride a kalesa, or bike your way through the streets of Intramuros to fully soak in the history of the Walled City. Must-visit land-

Browse through the stalls at HUB: Make Lab and you might just score something unique. marks include the San Agustin Church (General Luna St.), Manila Cathedral (Sto. Tomas St.), the Baluarte de San Diego (Sta. Lucia St.), the ruins of the Aduana (Intendencia) Building (Magallanes Drive cor. Muralla St.), and Fort Santiago (Sta. Clara St.).

Go on a food trip at Chinatown

While it is possible to walk from Intramuros to Chinatown, we recommend taking a jeepney – especially under the sweltering Manila heat. Take a jeep bound for Recto or Blumentritt (you can

catch one plying on the roads outside Intramuros), get off at Plaza Lacson, walk past Escolta and the Santa Cruz Church, and enter Chinatown through Ongpin St. Manila Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in the world, and it’s always worth a visit if you’re craving authentic Chinese dishes. Grab fresh lumpia rolls at New Po-Heng Lumpia House (Quintin Paredes St./Ongpin St.), dumplings at Dong Bei Dumplings (Yuchengco St.), fried siopao at Shanghai Fried Siopao (Ongpin St.), fried chicken at Sincerity Café (Yuchengo St.), and more dumplings and noodles at Wai Ying.

Check out one-of-a-kind items by Pinoy independent merchants and artists at HUB: Make Lab

Escolta, once the country’s center of business and com-

merce, is a stone’s throw away from Chinatown. To get there from Chinatown, one of the routes you can take is to walk through Ongpin until you reach the entrance gate that’s across the Santa Cruz Church, cross the street and walk until you reach Escolta Street. It’s right before the Roman R. Santos Building (with a BPI branch on the ground floor), but look out for the street sign so you know where to turn.

Located on the ground floor of the First United Building, HUB: Make Lab is home to hip and young merchants who sell vintage items, quirky finds, homemade food items, clothing by independent designers, and many more.

Don’t forget to cap off your Manila adventure with a cup of local coffee at The Den or with a cold bottle of beer at Fred’s Revólucion! (Rappler.com) n

PLANET 33 PHILIPPINES

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NOVEMBER 2023

5 Heritage Structures That Have Been Restored and Given New Life of the Nielson Field eventually became what we now know as Ayala and Paseo de Roxas save for the passenger terminal and control tower.

In the years after, the historical two-story structure also became a police detachment, Ayala Corporation’s offices, a clubrestaurant, and the home of the Filipinas Heritage Library. Today, the Nielson Tower is the location of chef Colin Mackay’s aviationthemed restaurant Blackbird.

By paOLO chua

ANY OF Manila’s heritage structures have sadly been demolished to give way to modern use. In September 2014 alone, two historic landmarks—the Art Deco Michel Apartments and the Admiral Hotel—both met the wrecking ball.

While the future of Manila’s few heritage sites may look grim, it’s worth taking a look at how the renovation and restoration of these structures can also be beneficial in this day and age.

Nielson Tower

In the 1930s, the L. R. Nielson & Company made a government proposal to build an airport. Enrique Zóbel de Ayala, who got wind of the plans, put forth his parcel of land called Hacienda San Pedro de Macati and in July

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Nielson Tower

1937, the Nielson Airport was inaugurated. The airport was the first in Luzon, and the biggest and best-equipped in Asia during its time. After years of operation, the airport relocated to Villamor Air Base and most

Manila Army and Navy Club

Manila Army and Navy Club

William E. Parsons’ Army and Navy Club was the center of Manila’s social life when it opened in 1911. During the Second World War, it was occupied

by Japanese forces who used the building as a bomb shelter.

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Pasay’s “Chinese Compound” Though it survived the war, the heritage building’s state began to decline shortly after. By the ‘90s and late 2000s, the building was declared a National Historic Landmark with hopes of a renovation.

Nearly a decade later, the hotel reopened as the Rizal Park Hotel. The 110-room, five-star hotel and casino is operated by Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation.

Pasay’s “Chinese Compound”

The Henry Hotel Manila now occupies what used to be a Filipino-Chinese family’s residential compound. The one-hectare property was built in 1948, with originally 21 individual houses.

Today, it stands as a hotel with the original “Liberation Style” exterior and gardens landscaped by National Artist Ildefonso Santos.

The compound is also home to fashion designer Jojie Lloren, Albert Avellana and his art gallery Avellana, and Eric Paras and his furniture gallery A-11.

In 2014, the Luneta Hotel reopened after over seven years of restoration.

Casa Tesoro

Originally built as a vacation house in the then-wealthy enclave of Ermita, Casa Tesoro has served as a soldier’s headquarters, post office, spa, nightclub, and various offices. It currently houses 1335MABINI, a contemporary art gallery that features “concepts of autonomy in globalization, correlating local and international artists to articulate synergies from this association of individuals.” (TownandCountry.ph)

Luneta Hotel

First opened in 1918, the Salvador Farre-designed Luneta Hotel was where Manila’s top society figures and several foreign dignitaries would cumulate.

The hotel was known for its rich breakfasts and luncheons, and has been referred to as pleasant and romantic by Dwight Eisenhower.

After the war, the hotel switched ownership several times until it was derelict. Plans were made to renovate the dilapidated hotel which only came to fruition in the mid-2000s.

Casa Tesoro

Luneta Hotel

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El Nido Apulit Island Resort

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OTHING sAYs beach vacation quite like an overwater bungalow. The magic of sleeping atop the ocean while the sound of waves reaches your bed is just unmatched. Not to mention, the convenience of jumping straight into the water from the balcony. Plus, the front-row view of the sunrise and sunset every single day. Need we say more?

Though Bora Bora, Maldives, and Fiji are best known for these cottages on stilts, you really don’t have to travel far and wide as there are a number of resorts in the Philippines that let you stay in overwater bungalows. From Davao’s pristine beaches to the crystal clear waters of Palawan, here are the best overwater bungalows in the Philippines.

The 10 Best Overwater Bungalows in the Philippines El Nido Apulit Island Resort

It’s clear El Nido Resorts take their overwater bungalows seriously. After all, three of the group’s island resorts have water villas. Apulit Island is known as the eco-adventurer’s dream destination. You can wipe yourself out with a bunch of crazy activities during the day, and rest and relax for the rest of the night in

Pearl Farm Beach Resort El Nido Lagen Island Resort

your own overwater bungalow.

El Nido Lagen Island Resort

If you’re less of an adventurer and prefer seeing what nature has to offer, Lagen Island is probably the best choice for you. The island resort offers birdwatching and mangrove exploration as activities. Other enriching encounters from the cove await you in Lagen.

El Nido Miniloc Island Resort

Huma Island Resort & Spa

Where does that leave Miniloc? Well, the island is touted as the best resort for families out of the three. While parents can rest and relax as they want, the rest of the family can enjoy all that

the island has to offer, from activities and excursions.

Huma Island Resort & Spa

Huma Island is an island resort in Busuanga, Palawan.

The hideaway describes itself as Maldivian-inspired which means the resort is the closest you can get to the Maldives without actually leaving the country.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Davao’s Pearl Farm Resort has it all: sparkling waters, recreational activities, and perched cabanas. The resort’s two-story samal suites fuse together Muslim-inspired design along with details from Mindanao’s ethnic groups.

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Cauayan Island Resort

Tugawe Cove Resort Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

For something a bit closer, there’s the Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort in Batangas. The resort’s overwater bungalows—or floating cottages as they call them—has a master’s bedroom, guest room, loft and living area.

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

Cauayan Island Resort

Located in Palawan, Cauayan Island Resort is a beachfront private resort that offers plenty of facilities, recreational activities, and picturesque views. And its water villas don’t disappoint.

Each villa gives you a view of the sea, with plenty of doors and windows so you can maximize it all.

Aside from the fact that it’s not in Palawan, the resort’s overwater bungalows offer a view of a lake instead.

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

Nestled in the heart of Cebu, Philippines, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise.

You’ll be able to relax on your private deck, take a dip in the waters beneath your bungalow, and indulge in the ultimate escape. (Esquire Philippines) n

Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort

Set in the Calamianes group of islands in Northern Palawan, Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort is a luxurious resort that promises excellent service and superior facilities. The resort has 99 rooms (with 64 being villas), and you can choose from six types of accommodations. Our pick? The Sirakan villa which is known for its glass-bottom floors.

Tugawe Cove Resort

Tugawe Cove Resort is a secluded getaway located in the Bicol Region. The resort offers a change of scenery in many ways.

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

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