FEBRUARY 2015
CONTENTS 45 -CAUGHT BETWEEN CEBU AND DUMAGUETE One would never run out of things to see and do when traveling from Cebu to Dumaguete
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2015
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ACCESSORIES
STRESS-FREE TRAVEL WITH DELSEY’S TRAVEL GEARS Experience different luggage innovations with Delsey’s collections
EAT NO FLASH IN THE PAN Seekers of authentic Japanese cuisine should look no further than in Akira
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CRYSTAL CLEAR Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur is must-see destination.
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL FORGOTTEN ISLAND Capul Island beckons wandering souls to retrace its forgotten splendor
UNFETTERED PEACE Nothing beats a good island getaway than the picturesque coasts of Batanes
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EDITOR’S NOTE
FEBRUARY 2015
From one island to the next Joseph Cortes Editor-in-chief
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he archipelagic nature of the Philippines presents travelers with endless opportunities for fabulous vistas wherever they go. As you go from island to island, there is an abundance of destinations to choose from. Beach bums will delight in the abundance of beaches as the country’s endless coastline offers the best sand to sink their feet in and the warm water to get their bodies wet. Those with a penchant for adventure can climb the numerous mountains or trek the hills that dot the countryside. Each island is distinct. While the influence of Spain and America have done much to mold Filipino culture, the meld of foreign and local ways have resulted in a unique culture that is Asian, yet still distinctly Western. In fact, some foreign scholars see our culture to be a global one that has, through hundred of years of experience, defined us among all other countries in the region. In this issue of VIEW Magazine, we go 06
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
on a journey, hopping from one island to another, to discover sights seen and unseen, to encounter experiences that many travelers have had in journeying around the Philippines. From up north to the islands of Batanes to the unexplored Kopiat Island in Davao Gulf, there is no lack for wonderful memories and photographs to document the destination. Batanes, although the remotest part of the northern Philippines, has had numerous fans for its rolling vistas travelers have called Marlboro Country. Its distance from the hubbub of city life, its placid surroundings and mild people have made it the Holy Grail for many travelers. Closer to Metro Manila, and much admired by picnickers is Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. Nowehere is the realization that the Philippines is a collection of many islands more obvious than in this national park.
The Visayas is known for its beaches. Kalanggaman Island is fast becoming another must-see destination for its long stretch of pristine white sand. For those with an interest in history, Capul Island has lots of it. Now forgotten, this island was once the last stop of galleons on their way to Acapulco. The islands of Cebu and Negros have their distinct charms that you can explore by taking a ferry to cross it. The many quiet towns along the way provide a charming way of learning about folk ways. On the other hand, Kopiat Island in Compostela Valley lies a boat ride from the rest of Mindanao. It is being promoted as an ideal site for nature lovers seeking a new place to see. With the summer holiday just a couple of months away, it is best to plan this early for your journey around the country. Any of these destinations will prove to be enchanting finds.
CONTRIBUTORS
FEBRUARY 2015
ABOUT THE COVER
BERNARD SUPETRAN
Bernard L Supetran is a tourist mapmaker, travel photojournalist and tourism consultant. A PADI certified scuba diver, he forays beneath Kalanggaman Island’s famed white sandbar and shares the wonders of the so-called Poseidon’s Playground--on the surface and below.
Editor of Flavors Magazine for 14 years, DOLLY DY-ZULUETA runs her own food, travel and lifestyle weblog called www. flavorsoflife.com.ph. She handles the Weekend Chef column in TV5’s www.interkasyon.com, and regularly writes for Asian Dragon Magazine and Business Mirror’s Wine & Dine section, and a few other publications and online portals.
GAEL HILOTIN is a freelance travel writer; her work has appeared in local and international publications. In 2012, she traveled around the Philippines for 7 months.
Coron Island is really a paradise on earth with its unspoilt lakes and lagoons Photo by Gael Hilotin
HENRYLITO TACIO is a celebrated journalist based in the southern part of the Philippines. He also writes for the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest, People and the Planet and Gaia Discovery
LILY C. FEN was teaching English and commercial modeling in Central Europe. With countless adventures in Europe and Asia, she’s bringing her love of writing and traveling together for View.
MARVIN ALCARAZ has wide expertise in still photography and editing. He currently works at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts where he covers major cultural and arts events in the country. He also specializes in studio and wedding photography. He also did the rounds in the metro by covering major current events and happenings as he used to work in one of the major publications in the country.
As chief photographer of Flavors Magazine for 14 years, RAFAEL R. ZULUETA has mastered the art of food photography. He takes photographs for www. flavorsoflife.com.ph, Asian Dragon Magazine, TV5’s www.interaksyon.com, SansRival and Business Mirror, among others.
The Team
Dominga Rufina S. Cabangon Chua Publisher Joseph Cortes Editor-In-Chief Camille Angelica Noceda Layout Artist
A Mass Communication graduate, MA. GLAIZA LEE is a traveler by day and a writer by night. Through her works, she wants people to experience every adventure that life can offer, see places and taste sumptous dishes along the way.
RENJIE TOLENTINO
is a freelance PR consultant and professional photographer.
STEPHANIE TUMAMPOS is an applied physicist, currently finishing her master’s degree in environmental engineering. Photography, food, travel and astronomy outreach are her hobbies. She is currently a contributor for Business Mirror.
Aaron Morissey Tolosa (am.tolosa@yahoo.com) Account Manager Sherry Ann Devera (deverasherry@gmail.com) Account Manager
Jonalyn F. Fortuno Editorial Assistant
Grace Valentine Conde (grace_conde07@yahoo.com) Circulation Manager
Marvin Nisperos Estigoy VP for Advertising and Sales
Cristina B. Licup Circulation Assistant
Jayfree C. Salazar (jayf_businessmirror@yahoo.com) Business Development Manager
Denise Villahermosa Accounting Assistant
Volume 7 Issue 2 All Rights Reserved 2014 2/F Dominga Building 2113 Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo st.) corner Dela Rosa st., Makati City Tel. 817-5876 local 106 and 101 viewtravelandlifestyle@gmail.com viewtravelmagazine viewtravelmagazine
CALENDAR
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR
FEBRUARY 15 8 1 22 S 82 1016 11 23 9 M 7 3 17 24 10 T 25 4 11 W 5 12 TH 13 6 F 14 28 7 S SOURCE HTTP://PUBLICHOLIDAYS.PH/, HTTP://VISITPH2015.COM/, HTTP://WWW.CEBU-PHILIPPINES-ONLINE.COM/FESTIVAL-CALENDAR-2014-15/
19TH PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA
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19TH PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA
EDSA PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY
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CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY
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VALENTINES DAY
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PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 2015
TRAVELOGUE
READER’S FEEDBACK
FEBRUARY 2015
WHAT IS THE
For the most romantic month of the year, scrap the old drill—flowers and chocolates—and go beyond the routine—like a candlelight dinner and champagne. Sure, it’s hard to break away from the usual Valentine’s Day celebration. But wouldn’t it be much better, and sweeter to whisk your signif icant other away for a romantic getaway? To give you a headstart, let’s take a peek at these travelers’ bucket list.
MOST ROMANTIC PLACE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
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TEXT JONALYN FULO FORTUNO
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CHRISTINE DURAN
“For me, the most romantic place to share with your special someone is at the Club Tara Resort, a villa resort located in Surigao del Norte. It is long considered as a romantic getaway especially for those who want to spend some time alone with their significant other.”
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MARIANNE MENCIAS
“I would consider La Vie Parisienne Winery Bar and Bakery Cafe in Cebu as one of the most romantic places in the country because it is the first I’ve seen with that kind of garden design and feel. You’re surrounded by pink trees and the choice of chairs was just perfect; they’re white at day but would light up in different colors at night. It’s the prettiest date place I’ve seen in the Philippines.”
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CARLO DIOMAMPO
“It’s hard not to fall in love with Fernbook Garden’s romantic vibe. Located in Las Pinas, this place has long been a favorite wedding venue as it has a beautiful garden that looks like it came out of a fairytale. For me, Fernbook Garden is the most romantic place for those who are in love or in search for one.”
PATRICK TOLENTINO
“Batanes is romantic. It’s a kind of place where you won’t have to think about anything else. Here, you can enjoy the moment with your “the one” while walking on shores or simply appreciating the scenic view of rolling hills.”
MARIEL CRUZ
“For me, the most romantic place in the Philippines is Baguio. With its cool weather, you would really want to hug or be hugged by your special someone/loved ones. Best place for a honeymoon, romantic walk and sightseeing.”
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MAQ AGAPITO
“UP Sunken Garden. Nothing beats a comfy, open place where you can have picnic while stargazing.”
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FEBRUARY 2015
MEANNE MELAD
“El Nido, Palawan! It’s beautiful. Pictures can’t justify the beauty of its white beaches and islands. Plus it’s less populated, since going there really takes a long bus ride from Puerto Prinsesa airport. If you want alone-time, a more intimate feel or just a romantic vibe, I recommend this place. It’s a place I won’t tire to go back to. You just feel refreshed after spoiling yourself to its beauty. ”
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READER’S FEEDBACK
RIC VALIENTE
“I’ll choose Pico De Loro as the most romantic place in the country. Besides being accessible, it offers a very beautiful sunset and sunrise. It also gives you the feeling of being on top of the world, and bringing your special someone makes the place all the more romantic.”
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JEAN CARLA MOLINA
“Romantic place? I’ll go for Batanes! You’d really fall in love with her beauty: the hills, the Ivatan houses, the sunset at Naidi Hills, the crashing waves, and, most of all, the people there. You would really feel God in their warm smiles, their generosity and hospitality.
PAUL CASANOVA
“Speaking from experience, I’ll pick Manila Bay as the most romantic place in the Philippines because of its amazing and breathtaking sunset views. How sweet God is for setting a place where you can spend some time with your loved one watching the beauty of His creation set in.”
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ELIZABETH CASTILLO “Boracay is definitely the place to go with its majestic view of sunset that adds magic to the moment. What could be more romantic than a couple holding hands while watching the sun goes down?”
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ALDRIN GARCES
“Baguio is the best place when it comes to romance. The cold climate, the food and the people are all package for a relaxing and romantic getaway with your special someone.”
For next month’s issue: Tell us where you plan to spend your summer holiday? Send your replies (along with your photo) to viewtravelandlifestyle@gmail.com or post it on our facebook page @viewtravelandlifestyle.
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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ACCESSORIES
FEBRUARY 2015
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STRESS-FREE TRAVEL WITH DELSEY’S TRAVEL GEARS Delsey offers luggage innovations that make packing and traveling much easier
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February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
stablished in 1946, Delsey Paris is a premium French luggage brand that manufactures travel gears that offer both function and style. From its humble beginnings in Paris, France, Delsey is now a multi-awarded leader in the luggage industry with presence in over 110 countries. Delsey is also at the forefront of innovation, having pioneered many technological developments on luggage. From developing the very first trolley system on a suitcase and the first fiberglass structure on luggage, Delsey continues to develop new innovations such as the Zip Securi Tech, a builtin overweight indicator and a wheel brake system. Chatelet, for one, embodies everything Delsey. Timeless quality and distinctive French touch are combined with modern design and the latest in luggage innovation to make traveling more comfortable than ever. Delsey also boasts its new Montmartre collection, which has an overweight indicator system that allows travelers to monitor if their luggage exceeds the basic weight limit. Innovative and groundbreaking, stylish and sophisticated, Delsey is a brand that adheres to the discerning tastes and standards of individuals who value quality and elegance. Going beyond just the surface, Delsey manifests state-of-the-art innovation and timeless style in each of its products.
FEBRUARY 2015
EAT
Akira’s offerings are sure to delight even the most discriminating diners
NO FLASH IN THE PAN TEXT JOSEPH CORTES PHOTOS RENJIE TOLENTINO
Akira at Alphaland Makati Place offers a teppan with authentic Matsusaka and Kobe beef steaks.
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here are Japanese restaurants, and there’s Akira, a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant at Alphaland Makati Place. A franchise concept from the Sumo Sam group, Akira is making a name for itself for its stunning interiors and its to-die-for offerings. While most Japanese places hype its authenticity by decking its insides to look as if you were in a restaurant in Japan, Akira has the distinction of being the first restaurant conceptualized by famed Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue. It isn’t surprising that this place has few of the trappings of your
usual sushi bar or ramen joint. Its design is modern and minimal: the floor and walls are in finished concrete that lends sparseness to the look. However, timber is arranged throughout the dining area to simulate a pinewood forest. Silk leaves in an autumnal shade are strung on the “trees” to add warmth to the place. A row of Cobonpue’s signature Yoda chairs are lined by the sushi bar area, while his Kawayan Too chairs complement the Spartan table setting within. Indeed, there is a sense of completeness in the leanness of the décor, a readiness you would often associate with a warrior, the al-
ter ego that is envisioned to personify Akira. But all this detail fades away the moment the dishes are laid on the table for your enjoyment. Gilbert O. Go, president of Golden Potbelly Pig Corporation, says the look was intended to complement the quality of food the restaurant serves its discriminating diners for a complete dining experience. Akira serves a selection of rolls to delight foodies, including its signature unagi California roll and oyster fry roll. But it is its teppan that should attract gourmets to visit this place. Its teppanyaki set gives you an option to go for the ultimate in steaks with its offerings of Matsusaka and Kobe beef. Standard options such as Wagyu and US beef are available, too, if you don’t want to splurge on ordinary days. And if you are a Scotch fanatic, the restaurant offers the famous Yamazaki Japanese whisky as the perfect complement for your order of steak. Akira is at the ground floor of Alphaland Makati Place, Malugay Street, Ayala Avenue Extension, Makati City. It accepts reservations and bookings for functions, and also has ample parking. Call 808-6224 and 0927-2204103. It also offers free delivery service via citydelivery.ph February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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EAT
FEBRUARY 2015
KAPITOLYO’S
CAPITAL DELIGHTS TEXT DOLLY DY-ZULUETA PHOTOS RAFAEL R. ZULUETA
A food trip through Pasig City’s neighborhood of homegrown restaurants
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VERY foodie knows that if you’re looking for good food—and you mean really good food that you cannot find elsewhere in the metropolis—Kapitolyo in Pasig City is the place to go. It’s that slightly secluded area in what used to be a residential area called Barrio Kapitolyo, which is nevertheless easily accessible from Shaw Boulevard. It’s just a block or two away. In the 1990s, only a few home-based restaurants lined the Kapitolyo area, and one of them really stood out: Café Juanita. It started as a small Japanese restaurant called SoHo, which easily transformed into Café Juanita. A quaint restaurant owned by a former obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Efren ‘Boy’ Vazquez, who dressed up the place in all sorts of antique chandeliers, candelabras, tablecloths, parts of old houses and mementos brought from his travels abroad and around the country, Café Juanita served host-to-goodness Filipino food prepared
using recipes handed down by Dr. Vazquez’s mom, Juanita. Needless to say, the restaurant was also named after her. The restaurant received glowing reviews even from the most discriminating food critics, and the high echelons of society patronized it. That Doc Boy was a doctor who cooked so well and had an arsenal of awesome heirloom recipes to unleash contributed to the charm of Café Juanita.
CAFÉ JUANITA
A decade or two later, despite having moved from its original location at the very end of United Street, which connects to East Capitol Drive at the corner of West Capitol Drive, to its present location along West Capitol Drive, Café Juanita continues to pack in diners every day for lunch and dinner. On the extensive menu of Café Juanita are a wide selection of appetizers, salads, soups, main dishes and noodles, among others. It carries all the classic Pinoy favorites
that diners look for in a Filipino restaurant, including kare-kare, lechon, crispy pata, sugpo sa gata, laing, bam-i, pinangat and okoy. Just recently, Doc Boy developed a different version of crispy pata, which he calls crispy corned pork knuckle. It’s a whole pork knuckle, which he cures like corned beef for three to four days before cooking and serving it, so it has a different yumminess to it. The restaurant is quite known for its paella valenciana, which it is capable of preparing and serving in giant paelleras during special occasions. Café Juanita also serves a good variety of Asian dishes, ranging from Thai to Vietnamese, Singaporean, Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian, which are also very popular; but its fame really lies in its local Filipino flavors. Even its dessert selections are quite Filipino, including biko, palitaw, minatamis na saba, leche flan, halo-halo, and his specialty, cassava cake. Ask for the cassava cake to be heated, and you get an entirely different dessert high with it.
BREAKFAST AT JUANITA’S
Café Juanita is the it-place to be in Kapitolyo, but since it is only open for lunch and dinner, people are always looking for a good breakfast and merienda place to go to. So, just late last year, Doc Boy gave in to the numerous requests from regular patrons and 16
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
FEBRUARY 2015
opened Breakfast at Juanita’s, located just beside Café Juanita. “Café Juanita doesn’t serve breakfast, so we focused on breakfast—and merienda— for Breakfast at Juanita’s. We made our own beef tapa, longganisa and tinapa, and serve these with fried garlic rice,” explains Doc Boy. For a taste of all these delightful homecured Filipino breakfast staples, Breakfast at Juanita’s offers a Breakfast Sampler, which is a huge sampler platter that has tapa, longganisa, fried banana, tinapa, crispy phai phai, kapak and biya with fried garlic rice and a slow-poached egg on top, with sides of buro, atchara and diced tomatoes. The egg, by the way, is slow-poached for 10 to 12 hours for that extra creaminess. Also popular on the menu are roast chicken with garlic rice and roast liempo with garlic rice. The kitchen staff, through the direction of Doc Boy, has likewise developed a nice and crispy thin crust for its pizza, which Breakfast at Juanita’s now serves along with fluffy pancakes, lovely panizza, classic pasta dishes, open-faced sandwiches, soups, salads, other Filipino classics such as champorado, arroz caldo and, yes, even unli-arroz caldo. At the moment, the place serves all-day breakfast, although cross-orders from Café Juanita can be made; but soon it will offer
EAT
Clockwise from left: Breakfast at Juanita’s cozy interiors; Breakfast at Juanita’s vegetarian lasagna; Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant serves an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi and maki; Haru’s breaded New Zealand oysters
lunch and dinner menus as well. Breakfast at Juanita’s is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
HARU SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT
For diners looking for good Japanese food, Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant stands right beside Café Juanita along West Capitol Drive. It’s a unique Japanese concept restaurant that can be found only in Kapitolyo and serves an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi and maki. A big sushi bar in the main dining hall welcomes diners who step into the restaurant. Haru serves all the classic Japanese favorites that are staples in Japanese restaurants, including ebi tempura, chicken teriyaki and grilled salmon, as well as dishes that are whipped up based on what’s fresh February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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EAT
FEBRUARY 2015 Clockwise from left: Thai Dara offers authentic Thai food that is affordable; Lia’s Cakes in Season is known for its cakes created according to what’s in season; Lia’s puto bumbong cupcakes Bottom: Lia’s famous avocado cake
squid and lime dressing), catfish salad (catfish flakes with nuts and mango salad), pad thai (sweet crunchy noodles with shrimps, chicken, tofu, peanuts and dried shrimps), and bagoong rice (Thai bagoong fried rice with sweet pork and green mango), and more. Diners won’t run out of interesting Thai dishes to try, and everything is so good that they would want to come back for more. No wonder Thai Dara is always full.
LIA’S CAKES IN SEASON
and available in the market. Everything is done the authentic Japanese way.
THAI DARA BANGKOK STREET FOOD
Diners who are craving for authentic Thai food that is both delicious and affordable need not go far. There’s Thai Dara Bangkok Street Food along East Capitol Drive. It’s a small Thai specialty restaurant owned by two friends both named James—a Filipino, chef James Bon, and a Thai, chef James Worrasaran. This is the real deal, since it is a Thai chef manning the kitchen and standardizing the recipes. All the Thai dishes that diners crave for can be found on the relatively modest menu, such as tom yum goong (Thai hot and sour soup with shrimps, lemongrass, mushrooms and cilantro), Bangkok spring rolls (crispy rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables and served with sweet and sour dip), pomelo salad (fresh pomelo tossed with shrimps, 18
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
For dessert and coffee after a satisfying meal with family or friends, diners make it a habit to stop by Lia’s Cakes in Season, which is also along East Capitol Drive. And often, the order is a slice of Lia’s famous avocado cake. Yes, avocado! Quite different. Diners can really taste the avocado in one bite, although for an avocado lover like me, I’d want a little bit more avocado in my cake. Lia’s avocado cake comes in regularsized cakes, junior cakes and slices. Lia’s lives up to its name, cakes in season, as it never fails to come up with an interesting cake created according to what’s in season. Just last Christmas, it had puto bumbong cake and puto bumbong cupcakes, which are pretty interesting. It does keep a steady supply of all-time favorites, though, such as red velvet cake, ube cheesecake and strawberry chiffon cake, although its calamansi tea cake is also quite popular. Very soon, Kapitolyo will be even more vibrant with the entry of Chef Sandy Daza’s Wooden Spoon, another very popular Filipino dining concept that diners queue for at Power Plant Mallin Rockwell Center in Makati City and along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City. Hmmm…
FEBRUARY 2015
TRAVEL TRENDS
TRAVEL TOUR EXPO 2015 OFFERS GREAT TRAVEL DEALS
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ravelers are in for great deals as Philippine Travel Agencies Associations (PTAA) stages its biggest and grandest travel fair yet from February 13 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2015, the biggest and most awaited event in the tourism industry, will offer Filipino travelers unprecedented deals and treats, as 288 exhibitors are expected to join the event. Airlines, hotels, resorts, national tourism organizations, domestic tour operators, travel agencies and other stakeholders in
the tourism industry will converge under one roof to showcase their products, destinations, and services at amazing discounted rates. This year, the medical tourism sector will be joining TTE 2015, where destinations and medical procedures will be bundled into exciting travel packages. During the media launch last January 6, PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2015 chairman Marciano “Nit” Ragaza III said that travelers can expect as much as 90 percent discounts on rates, which are much lower than those offered in other similar events.
(From left) (Standing) Maria Bella M. Cantada, PTAA Trustee/TTE2015 Diplomatic Corps and Misc. Exhibitors Committee Chairperson; Paul L. So, PTAA Trustee; Merlita Teng, PTAA Trustee; Punch F. Jose, TTE2015 Oversight and Security Committee Chairperson; Cris A. Aquino, Publicity and Promotions Committee Chairman (Seated) Susan Del Mundo, Division Chief; Lulu V. Velasco, PTAA Treasurer/TTE2015 Sponsorship Committee Chairperson; Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” C. Enerio III, Chief Operating Officer; Marciano C. Ragaza III, TTE2015 Chairman; Maria Michelle R. Victora, PTAA President/TTE2015 Vice Chairperson
Last year, over 70,000 visitors came to grab the best travel deals at the expo, but the figure is likely to be exceeded this time given that TTE 2015 is dubbed as, by far, “the biggest in the expo’s 22 year-history.” TTE was conceptualized by the PTAA in 1994 to unite the travel industry and give Filipinos a hassle-free opportunity to experience their own country and the world. It has since evolved into a much awaited annual industry event, especially with the introduction of competitive airfares and new destinations in recent years. Ragaza also sees the event as a platform to further support the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) newest campaign, Visit the Philippines Year 2015 (VPY 2015). He said that through the event, people would be able to see what the country has to offer, thus drumming up more interest to visit destinations that they have yet to experience. The VPY 2015 campaign is an invitation to experience the enduring promise of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” Travelers will not run out of reasons to visit the Philippines this year, as 2015 proves to be an exciting year for the country, with VPY 2015 unveiling more historic treasures, natural wonders and unforgettable adventures. Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) CEO Domingo Ramon Enerio III said that, with all the happenings this 2015, foreign and local travelers would surely have an unforgettable experience traveling across the country. February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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TRAVELOGUE
FEBRUARY 2015
CRYSTAL CLEAR Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur was just a log pond until it was developed into a popular destination TEXT AND PHOTOS HENRYLITO D. TACIO
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ivers are usually named after the place where they are located or where the water originates. But in Barangay Cambatong in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, there’s a river whose name is very unique: Enchanted. Enchanted River is as mysterious as its name. Like the Wakulla Springs in Tallahassee, Florida, which I had the good fortune of visiting a couple of years ago, no one knows where its water comes from. Is it a spring? Does its water come from the sea, perhaps Hinatuan Bay, which is 600 meters away, faces the Pacific Ocean? If you stare closely at the river, it looks like you are looking at a photograph that has been photoshopped. It reminds you of the location in the movie “Blue Lagoon.” Its water is so crystal clear that you can see even the deepest part of it. If you are not good at swimming, try to swim in the area where the water looks blue or green. Once, you get into the area that is darker blue, it means you are already in the deepest place. 20
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
But what is baffling about Enchanted River is that the water looks shallow. However, no one really knows how deep this river is. There is a story that circulated about a foreigner who tried to dive into its darkest part. It is said that he found the riverbed to be “unfathomable.”
Enigma
Another enigma about the river is different varieties of fishes that swim in it that come in various colors. Again, no one knows where they come from and where they go. Are they fairies disguised as marine creatures? You can watch this spectacular school of fish gather around you during feeding time, which happens at around 12 noon. A caretaker from the Enchanted River Management Office rings the bell to request everyone to get out from the water so that fish feeding can be done. What happens next is somewhat magical. Fishes come out from nowhere as the Hinatuan Hymn begins to be played. As care-
taker and tourists throw into the water their leftovers of rice, shrimp, bread and other food scraps, the fishes try to outdo each other.
Legends
Legends abound on how the river got its name. In an article by Romel M. Oribe, he wrote: “Legend has it that one firefly-lit night, fairies floated above the river while elves watched from cliffs and banks. With their wands, the fairies stirred the water, toyed with sapphire and jade, and made the tones fade and meld to achieve a shade of bluish green that now paints the riverbed.” But that’s just for starters. Oribe added: “Fishermen swear to seeing various fish but couldn’t catch any no matter how they tried—not by hand, spear, or net. Fishwives lay their fish traps at dusk only to find them hanging on a branch the day after. A father and son see two long-haired, alabasterskinned women bathing under a plump moon then vanishing in a swirl of fireflies. Boatmen gape at sunken boulders of twisted
FEBRUARY 2015
TRAVELOGUE
images that are there one day and gone the next.”
Natural spring
Despite these stories, the Enchanted River is now one of the top tourist attractions of Surigao del Sur. But what most people don’t know is that the river was once a log pond. Ernesto Dungque, a native of Barangay Cambatong, told Keith Bacongco of MindaNews, that the river was just an “ordinary natural spring where local villagers would occasionally gather and swim.”
Something majestic
Now, people flock to the place because of the river. However, before you can use it, there is a P30 entrance fee. Parking used to be difficult, but the Enchanted River Management Office cleared an area where guests can park their vehicles. Huts, tents, tables and chairs are available for picnics. A row of stalls right across the entrance offers a wide array of food and drinks. Visitors can also purchase a variety of fresh, sometimes live, seafood from these stalls. You can have them cooked any way you want. There is just service charge per kilo of seafood. For those who want to swim, life jackets are available for rent by the hour. A river cruise is also available for guests who want to enjoy the scenery from the river going out to the neighboring islands in Hinatuan Bay. Rates are often for groups of five passengers. Lifeguards are on duty and visible within the swimming area. And yes, no one is allowed to smoke inside the Enchanted River premises. Night swimming is prohibited. In fact, the Enchanted River premises close at 5 p.m. After visiting Enchanted River, a visitor penned in his blog: “Seeing something majestic almost always leaves people speechless, even breathless! That is exactly how you feel the instant you lay your sights on Enchanted River. The experience is utterly difficult to translate into words, when one of it ever suffices to describe its beauty and splendor.”
HOW TO GET THERE Most major airlines offer flights to Butuan City. Then, take a bus to Manganoy (Bislig) and get off at the Hinatuan terminal. From there, you can either take a habalhabal motorcycle to Enchanted River or hire a multi-cab if you are in a group. February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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TRAVELOGUE
FEBRUARY 2015
THE CRADLE OF DEMOCRACY TEXT DOLLY DY-ZULUETA PHOTOS RAFAEL R. ZULUETA
The Malolos City Government jumpstarts an annual festival that highlight its role in Philippine history
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TRAVELOGUE
FEBRUARY 2015
M
ALOLOS, Bulacan, played an important role in the shaping of Philippine history. It became the seat of the revolutionary government headed by General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898, when the failure of the truce of Biak na Bato between Filipino rebels and the Spaniards and the impending war between Filipinos and Americans forced Gen. Aguinaldo to transfer the revolutionary capital from Bacoor, Cavite, to Malolos, Bulacan, on September 10, 1898. Malolos, at that time, was already economically stable, had three major churches, was accessible by train, and served as the home of fellow revolutionists, so it was the perfect choice for the seat of government. Five days later, specifically on September 15, 1898, the Malolos Congress convened at Barasoain Church to put together the constitution that gave birth to the Republic of the Philippines on January 23, 1899. This was the turning point in the nation’s history, and Malolos became the proud site of the first democratic constitution—and republic—in Asia and Africa, with an inaugural parade witnessed by thousands of freedomloving Filipinos. Malolos, the cradle of democracy, has certainly come a long way from then. Now a progressive city and touted as the Renaissance City of the Philippines, it has been able to considerably preserve its glorious past and its rich cultural legacies. Thus, the City Government of Malolos, taking the initiative of Mayor Christian Natividad, honored the important role that the city played in Philippine history and ushered in the rebirth of the golden era of Malolos City through “Vamos a Malolos!” Not just a slogan the city government has adopted, “Vamos a Malolos!” is a tourism centerpiece program aimed at aggressively promoting the city during the significant period, September to January, in its history. “Vamos a Malolos!” featured three distinct highlights: Parangal sa Kongreso held in September 2014, Pistang Pasko sa Malolos held in December 2014, and Fiesta Repub24
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lica held just last month of January 2015.
PARANGAL SA KONGRESO
Parangal sa Kongreso commemorated the founding of the historic Malolos Congress and, so, from September to November 2014, various cultural and tourism activities that focused on history, heritage and tradition took place in Malolos. Through the Lakbay Kasaysayan historical tour, public and private elementary and secondary students of the city were taken on a fun-filled walking tour of the city to experience Malolos’ various sights, sounds and flavors, tour-guided by barangay volunteers of the city. It turned out to be very educational, as it made Filipino students come face to face with history and gave them a deeper insight into the historical events that unfolded in history. One of Parangal sa Kongreso’s other highlights was Kulasaysayan, an art competition promoting the city as a historic town, with participants submitting oil paintings that
worked around the theme “Rebolusyong Pilipino 1896 sa Malolos.” There was also the “Bayaning Malolenyo Series: 10 Maginoo ng Malolos,” a memorabilia exhibit that paid tribute to the heroes of Malolos, paying particular attention to the heroic deeds of the 10 Gentlemen of Malolos of the Propaganda Movement and the Philippine Revolution of 1896. Also an important component of Parangal sa Kongreso was Bayanihang Barangay (Part 1), which had all 51 barangays of Malolos showcasing the various arts, culture, cuisine and industry of the different communities within the city. This was done through Tatak Malolos: Barangay Arts, Culture and Trade Expo, a booth design contest and trade fair; Hataw sa Sining, the elimination rounds of a solo singing contest, Dulawit Glee Contest, Hip-hop Contest and Rakrakan; and the launch of Luntiang Malolos, an advocacy program that focused on sustainable development environmental
FEBRUARY 2015
TRAVELOGUE
Left: In 1898, Barasoain Church was used as venue when the Malolos Congress put together the constitution that gave birth to the Republic of the Philippines on January 23, 1899; Bottom: Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo shrine at Barasoain Church
“The cradle of democracy, the sanctuary of excellent artists, and a paradise of heritage and tradition: this is what Malolos, Bulacan, today. “
protection and cleanliness. Then, there was the “Pamanang Malolos: Lunsad Panandang-bato at Hapunan ng mga Kaanak ng Bayani,” the launch of Malolos historical landmarks followed by a buffet dinner with the homeowners of heritage houses in Malolos, which were mostly birthplaces of local heroes.
PISTANG PASKO SA MALOLOS
A celebration that the City Government of Malolos hopes to stage every December, Pistang Pasko sa Malolos celebrates the Christmas season through various events. These include the Parada ng mga Parol, a Christmas parade where every barangay puts together a unique giant Christmas lantern and displays this in a parade that will begin at the patio of the Barasoain Church and will end at the Malolos Sport & Convention Center. The Christmas lanterns use indigenous, natural, bio-degradable and recycled mate-
rials to creatively showcase the cultural heritage of their respective communities. From these lanterns, judges choose the Best Giant Christmas Lantern and the Most Creative Lantern. Other highlights of the Pistang Pasko sa Malolos celebration included Viva Malolos: 14th Cityhood Anniversary, an environmental advocacy program commemorating the 13th cityhood anniversary of Malolos; Pistang Sarsuwela ng Malolos, which hoped to revive and popularize the sarsuwela (zarzuela) theater form of the 1920s by engaging 10 different universities and secondary schools to perform a 30 to 45-minute musical theater piece; and Bayanihang Barangay (Part 2). The latter promoted the Christmas spirit via Hamon sa Kasaysayan, a local version of Amazing Race, which was participated in by different barangay clusters; Larong Pinoy, an event that promoted local Filipino games among the youth and children of Malolos; and Tatak Malolos sa Parokya ng Immaculada February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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FEBRUARY 2015 Clockwise from left: A Fernando Amorsolo painting on the ceiling of Dr. Luis Santos’ house; A trip to Malolos, Bulacan, should also include a taste of the city’s heritage cuisine such as empanada de kaliskis; Another must-try heritage cuisine, puto caramba
Concepcion or Pistang Bayan 2014, a booth design contest and trade fair that showcased products of the city.
FIESTA REPUBLICA
These activities led up to Fiesta Republica, which took place last January, a national celebration of Philippine history in the City of Malolos. It succeeded in achieving its goal of arousing the consciousness of the Filipino people on the significance of the founding of the First Philippine Republic, also known as the Malolos Republic, on January 23, 1899. While other significant events in Philippine history are always marked with grand celebrations, sadly, in the eyes of Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, the founding of the First Philippine Republic in Malolos does not get the attention that it deserves. So, the City Government of Malolos decided to take the lead in making it a national celebration. Held from January 17 to 23, Fiesta Republica witnessed the staging of various socio-historical and cultural activities that culminated in the celebration of Araw ng Republikang Filipino 1899. Besides the staging of the grand finals of usual fiestalike activities, including Barangay Singing Idol, Yugyugan sa Barangay dance contest, Rakrakan band contest, Dulawit: Glee Contest, and Brass Band Competition, “Vamos a Malolos’ Fiesta Republica featured an exciting series of major events. These included Cine Republica 2015, a short film festival that showed short films made by young filmmakers of the city at the cinemas of Robinsons Place Malolos; the second Malolos Bike Festival, which promoted 26
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sports tourism in the city; Kalutong Malolos, a culinary competition that promoted the local flavors of the city; Dulansangan, a national street dance-drama competition showcasing historical vignettes being staged in the streets; and Tiangge, Sining at Tsibog, a trade, arts and food fair at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center that put to the fore the products of the city.
THE ATTRACTIONS OF MALOLOS
If there’s anything that the City Government of Malolos wants to achieve with its “Vamos a Malolos!” campaign, it is to draw people to Malolos and establish the city as a historical tourist destination, home for the arts, and a gourmet haven. Barasoain Church, or Nuestra Señora de Monte Carmelo, built in 1885 and venue of the 1898 Malolos Congress, is perhaps the most famous icon associated with Malolos. But there is also the Basilica Minore dela Immaculada Concepcion, also known as Malolos Cathedral, which served as official residence of first Philippine president Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, as well as a cluster of old houses in the poblacion that served as government offices in the early days of the Republic. Some of the interesting heritage houses worth visiting in Malolos are the house of Alberta Uitangcoy Santos, one of the 20 women of Malolos whom Dr. Jose Rizal wrote to; the house of Dr. Luis Santos, the celebrated ophthalmologist son of Alberta Santos; and the house of Don Antonio Bautista, which was once visited by Dr. Jose Rizal when he founded La Liga Filipina. The Uitangcoy Santos house is now the
Museo ng Kababaihan ng Malolos. The house of Dr. Luis Santos, an Art Deco house built in 1933, has a painting of Fernando Amorsolo on the ceiling and a fountain sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino, who also made the Monumento in Caloocan City and the UP Oblation in Diliman. A trip to Malolos, Bulacan, should also include a taste of the city’s heritage cuisine, such as hamonadong Malolos, pochero, lechon de leche, callos, nilagang manok ni Emilio Aguinaldo, puto caramba, ensaimada de Malolos, empanada de kaliskis, pilipit, gurgurya and pastillas de leche. The cradle of democracy, the sanctuary of excellent artists, and a paradise of heritage and tradition: this is what Malolos, Bulacan, today.
HOW TO GET THERE Take the Baliwag Transit bus line then get off at Bulacan Provincial Capitol. Board on a jeepney bound for Malolos.
FEBRUARY 2015
TRAVELOGUE TEXT AND PHOTOS HENRYLITO D. TACIO
ANGELS OF THE NIGHT Monfort Bat Cave has been certified by Guinness World Records as having the largest colony in the world
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f you’re looking for an island, a garden and a city, then head straight to Samal, a tadpoleshaped slice of paradise off the east coast of Davao City. Located in the heart of Davao Gulf, the island has long been one of the Davao region’s premier tourist come-ons. Don’t expect something as grand as Davao City though when you come to Samal. It is classified as a second-class city and, as such, it does not have a lot of shops, bars, and restaurants. But if you are looking for a place that is serene, quiet and peaceful then Samal is it! Samal is well-known for its fine white-sand beaches. However, there’s a place in this city that travelers should visit, a place that has no equal. Once you are there, you seem to be transported in another world. This place is Monfort Bat Cave; its bat colonies were certified by Guinness World Records as the largest colony of fruit bats in the world, with a popula-
tion of almost two million. It is located at Barangay Tambo in Babak District. “I have never seen such an immense number of bats,” says Roy C. Alimoane, who recently visited the place. “The caves are overflowing with bats that are cramped very closely together, hanging upside down, coating the large walls of the caves. Some are continuously flying, while several others are seen clinging out in the open so close to the ground.” “Samal has about 70 caves, which used to be inhabited by these fruit bats,” says Norma Monfort, founder and president of the Monfort Bat Cave and Conservation Foundation. “Unfortunately, most of these caves are now empty due to irresponsible hunting and destruction of their habitats.” Had it not been to the intense conservation efforts of Monfort, together with the support of the residents and the local city government, and in collaboration with several key organizations, the colonies might have been totally destroyed.
“Angels of the night” is how Monfort calls the nocturnal creatures. “They are angels because the service they do for humanity and the environment is invaluable,” she explains. “They have always been the major agents of reforestation.” About two kilometers away from the bat sanctuary is Haguimit Falls. It has small waterfalls with natural swimming pools and huge rock formations. It’s a haven for picnickers, swimmers and nature trippers yearning for the simple, inexpensive pleasures in life. The area is wellcovered by a canopy of full-grown trees shielding it from the scorching heat of the sun. Guests often proceed here from the Montfort Bat Cave.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you are coming from Manila or Cebu, take a plane to Davao City. From there, get on a jeepney bound for Magsaysay Park. You can f ind buses going to Samal. Get off at Babak Public Market, then take a habal-habal to Monfort.
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TRAVELOGUE
IN GOD’S OWN COUNTRY TEXT AND PHOTOS GAEL HILOTIN
Cruising down the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala brings you close to traditional Indian village life
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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“T
his is not just an ordinary river. It’s a seemingly endless river!” I muttered as our houseboat sailed along the scenic backwaters of Alappuzha, a bucolic district in Kerala, India, also known by its colonial name Allepey. Hemmed in by immense rice fields and a vast network of palm-fringed lakes, lagoons, canals and freshwater rivers, Alappuzha served as a vital trading post since the era of the Greeks and Romans, earning for it the moniker “Venice of the East.” In olden days, kettuvallams (houseboats) were the original cargo vessels for transporting staple crops, such as rice, coconut and spices. Today, these boats still flank Alappuzha’s rivers and lagoons; but, instead of transporting goods, they now carry tourists. These traditional houseboats underwent a slight facelift during the boom of backwater tourism sometime in the ’90s. They are now beautifully furnished with air-conditioned bedrooms, hot and cold shower, a dining area and an al fresco lounge. Additionally, onboard cooks prepare and serve meals for guests, which is a lovely way to sample traditional Kerala cuisine.
Rolling down the river
Together with my friends Edgar and Ivan, we were blessed to have experienced an overnight cruise on the Pamba River via Lakes and Lagoons, one of the topnotch houseboat tour operators in Alappuzha. We spent hours relaxing on the upholstered lounge of our kettuvallam as it cruised at a languid pace. We passed by palmfringed pastoral communities, and we were awestruck at the sight of traditional village life. Occasionally, we would encounter villagers paddling their boats, fishermen catching fishes, and farmers attending to a paddling of ducks. The river was also a great spot for birdwatching. “Look up! An Indian darter with snakelike neck spread its wings to dry in the sun.” My friend Edgar was so keyed up with the sight of Indian darters, birds that have dense bones and wettable feathers that allow them to stay submerged while chasing and spearing fish. They lose body heat while under water, and must perch and spread their wings to dry their bodies. It’s awe-inspiring to see them toss fish in the air before swallowing it headfirst. Meanwhile, egrets ran around in frenzied pursuit of prey, their wings held aloft flaunting their delicate nuptial plumes. We sighted herons with short necks and big heads 30
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roosting in trees. A large wading white ibis darted across the vast riverside paddy fields while foraging for prey.
Bucolic bliss
For the uninitiated, Alappuzha is dubbed the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” particularly the region of Kuttanad. It is one of the few places in the world where farming is conducted below sea level. Kayal cultivation (backwater paddy cultivation) was the brainchild of Mathai Luca Pallithanam and Ouseph Luka Pallithanam, who hailed from Kainady village. Dikes and channels were constructed, mostly around Vembanad Lake, for agricultural uses. Aside from farming, coir manufacture of coir, which was introduced by the Arabs, is also an important industry in Alappuzha. Before our overnight houseboat tour with Lakes and Lagoons, we visited the posh lakeside hotel WelcomHotel Raviz KadavuResort and Ayurveda Spa, where we were shown the traditional production of coir products. The backwater is suitable for the harvest of green husks, which is the main reason why the industry thrives in Alappuzha.
“We watched in joy as towering coconut trees gleamed in the late sun. It’s one of those times when days pass by lazily.”
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TRAVELOGUE
The delights of Ayurveda
If there is one thing that you should experience while in Alappuzha, aside from a cruise on a kettuvallam, it would be getting an Ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life (“ayur” = life, while “veda” = science), is an ancient medical science that was developed in India thousands of years ago. Believed to have been passed on to humans from the Gods themselves, Ayurveda developed and evolved into what it is today from several ancient treatises, most notably the Atharva Veda. The ancient Vedic literature written by sages laid out instructions on how to maintain health, as well as fighting illness through therapies, massages, herbal medicine, diet and exercise, as explained to as at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, the first Ayurveda resort in the world. Prior to our overnight cruise, we stayed at Coconut Lagoon, a luxury resort where we had our first Ayurvedic massage. As I took a shower, two masseuses prepared the warm dosha oil and other herbs. Then, they started tapping, squeezing and kneading my entire body using their hands, forearms, feet and elbows. I was told this style of massage
helps rejuvenates the body, eliminate toxins, and strengthen the tone of my muscles. It was definitely one of the best massages I have ever had. Back in Pamba River, as the last light of the day cast a cheerful spell on the emerald green water, our boat moored into a tributary. We watched in joy as towering coconut trees gleamed in the late sun. It’s one of those times when days pass by lazily. It felt as if all my worries were momentarily forgotten. I used to wonder why Kerala was called God’s own country, but cruising around its vast network of backwaters in a traditional houseboat somehow helped me to understand why.
Clockwise, from left: Kettuvallams (houseboats) are not just known for their fully-furnished rooms but also for offering traditional Kerala cuisine; A soothing view along Pamba River; Kettuvallams’ on-board cooks prepare and serve meals for guests
HOW TO GET THERE PAL offers a direct flight from Manila to New Delhi. Board on a train called Sabari Express to reach Alappuzha. February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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FROM OUR READERS
FEBRUARY 2015
GOT PHOTOS?
Whether they are mere weekend vacations or life-changing journeys, traveling makes memories that are immortalized in our consciousness. Still, photos make these memories easier to share. Share your unforgettable travel moments with us. Submit your hi-resolution photos to viewtravelandlifestyle@gmail.com and share with our readers the best memories you’ve had while on the road.
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FEBRUARY 2015
FROM OUR READERS
TOUCH DOWN
Hundreds of migratory birds flock to Bani, Pangasinan to seek shelter during the cold months of December to February in temperate countries. The presence of these birds have attracted not only local but foreign birdwatchers and nature lovers. Photo by Jeremias Telva February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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HEAVEN ON
EARTH TEXT AND PHOTOS GAEL HILOTIN
Coron Island’s lakes and lagoons serve up awe-inspiring vistas
K
arst limestone hills rise like sentries above a beautiful blend of shamrock green and cobalt water. From afar, I can see a man, his face wrinkled and skin burnt by the sun, crossing effortlessly by climbing an outcrop that separates the wooden walkway. Within a blink of an eye, he reached the other side and continued walking. Later on, I learned that he is a Tagbanua, the indigenous people of Coron Island who are descendants of some of the oldest people in the Philippines. I was in Coron Island, part of the Calamian Group of Islands in Palawan. All the lakes throughout the island are part of the ancestral domain owned by the Tagbanaus of Coron. In 1998, the Tagbanuas were awarded Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) No. 134, covering over 22,000 hectares of land and sea. This gave them the authority to manage and preserve the area’s marine and land resources, and the right to regulate the entry of migrant set34
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tlers and organizations into this area. Such power is vital for the Tagbanua community to protect their land from exploitation and destruction caused by outsiders. The Tagbanua community is expected to benefit from funds arising from tourism opportunities in the area. “There are 13 lakes in Coron, but only two have been opened to the public: Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake,” explained Ronald Abelian, a Tagbanua supervisor manning Barracuda Lake. “We haven’t even seen most of them, as prayers and rituals are required before entering those lakes, since they are sacred places where spirits reside.” I climbed the wooden step attached to a limestone outcrop. I was not prepared to be surprised, but when I peeked through the other side of the karst, a sun-drenched cobalt lake surrounded by towering junglefringed limestone massifs warmly welcomed me. I was astounded. “An earthly paradise!” was all I could exclaim. Barracuda Lake, though still lurking in the shadow of the larger neighboring Kayangan Lake, is undeniably as enchanting. My guide said it is frequented by foreign divers; on the other hand, Kayangan beckons tourists who only want to swim and frolic in its crystal clear water.
I must have been so mesmerized by the scene that I failed to notice that a young couple was already enjoying the serenity of Barracuda Lake. Their timid guide was just sitting on a nearby bench watching them with a mindful eye. “When I was a newbie tour guide, I was like him too, pretty shy,” said my guide, Richard, a short skinny man often mistaken for a kid. With the rise to fame of the lakes and coves of Coron Island, the erstwhile fishing town has transformed into a tourist destination, studded with resorts and hotels that have never stopped expanding. Former fishermen have undergone training to become tour guides, cooks and boatmen.
Kayangan Lake
They say you haven’t seen Coron, if you haven’t been to Kayangan Lake, the most photographed part of this ravishing island of Palawan. That’s probably why when Gamat Travel and Tours took care of my island hopping tour in Coron, they made sure I get to visit Kayangan Lake. The Tagbanua people guarding Kayangan Lake welcomed us warmly when our boat docked. A massive map is displayed before the stairs to show and inform tourists of Coron Island’s lush topography. An entrance fee of P200 per person, which goes to the Tagbanua community, is required. A quick uphill trek led me to the spot with the iconic view of Kayangan Bay, the one you usually see in promotional tourism advertisements of Coron. Getting the I-was-here photo from this viewing deck
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“If this is already paradise on earth, what could the other hidden lagoons look like?”
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TRAVEL
Previous page: Karst limestone hills add to the ravishing beauty of Coron’s lakes. On this page: Kayangan Lake’s deep clear water is said to be one of the cleanest in Southeast Asia. Bottom: Kayangan beckons tourists to frolic and leap into its deep clear water.
is perhaps on every tourist’s bucket list. Of course, I didn’t resist having an obligatory souvenir photo taken here as well. Finally, another quick trek downhill rewarded me with the shamrock-colored Kayangan Lake surrounded by limestone hills. “Kayangan in the local language of the Tagbanua people means entrance. It is the gateway to the other lakes here in Coron Island,” explained my guide Roger, an immigrant who hails from Mindoro province. Two Tagbanua men on board a bamboo raft came in view and paddled through the lake’s entrance, as if reinforcing the words of my guide. Kayangan Lake’s sheer beauty is jawdropping. Tourists usually frolic here for hours and leap into its deep clear water. Its water is considered to be one of the cleanest in Southeast Asia. I snorkeled here and saw vast limestone karst submerged within the water that leads to a cave. Not much can be seen under water, save for a few small fishes that have been accustomed to the presence of humans.
Twin Lagoon
To complete my lakes and lagoons experience in Coron Island, Leidy Ocampo, owner of Gamat Travel and Tours, insisted I
see Twin Lagoon. “As you might have surmised, they are composed of converging two lagoons. Our boat will enter the outer lagoon where we need to dock; then you can either swim through a cave-like entrance to get to the inner lagoon or climb up a ladder on a karst,” Ocampo instructed. “The water here is a mixture of cold and warm, because this is where the lagoon and the sea meet.” Like most atolls scattered around Coron Island, Twin Lagoon is hemmed in by karst outcrops. I dived into the water, and my guide followed. Slowly but surely, I swam through the cave-like hole, and, once again, I found myself submerged in bliss. Here, the cobalt and emerald green water conspire majestically to be situated in one place. As I floated for a few minutes in the placid lagoon, it made me wonder, “If this is already paradise on earth, what could the other hidden lagoons look like?” I really hope that despite the influx of tourists to these gorgeous lakes and lagoons of Coron Island, their beauty will remain and not be shattered by commercial pressure. After all, we are just all visitors here and must try to preserve these fragile pieces of paradise if we don’t want this to be taken away from us.
HOW TO GET THERE Major airlines such as Cebu Pacif ic, PAL and SkyJet Air offer daily flights to Busuanga Airport. Upon arrival, vans outside the airport offer transfers to Coron town proper.
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UNFETTERED Y PEACE TEXT AND PHOTOS LILY C. FEN
A city girl gets lost in the quiet realm that is unique to Batanes
ou are staring at the roughly hewn grassy slopes of Racuha-Payaman, otherwise dubbed as Marlboro Country. The breeze is in your hair, the sun is blazing on your by-now browned skin, and you are staring at the carabao sunning himself a few meters away from you, by a view that you will not see anywhere else in the Philippines. This might be one of the most unforgettable moments I have of visiting the islands of Batanes, although I have a list of favorite images in my mind that I will share with you.
Touchdown
Batanes is comprised of 10 islands that together form the northernmost part of the Philippines. Only three of these are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. The plane takes us to Basco, Batan. Population: about 12,000. There is a bustling city center there, and it is easy to navigate by following a newly paved national road, where all the inns and restaurants are located. The first two important sights are right before you: Naidi Hills with its lighthouse overlooking the entire town, with the occasional cow grazing on the greenery. It’s a beauty to stare at as sunset arrives. The other is Basco Port, just off the main road. You can grab a trike, or, if you’re into hiking as much as we are, go on foot and follow the road up to Tukon Hill, where a former American weather station will present to you unimpeded 360-degree views of the island. Expect a 45 to 90 minute-long hike from the town center, depending on your pace. Bring plenty of water, an umbrella, and sunblock. Once there, you will see Mt. Iraya to the north, standing at 1,009 meters above sea level. You will also catch a glimpse of your next destination: the picture-perfect Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge. You will see Abad’s rich collection of works featuring Asian images at the Fundacion, and you can grab a cup of coffee while enjoying a view of the cliffs and the boulder bay. If you’re into a luxurious type of stay, you may even consider booking a room February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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here. The structure is lovingly built of stone blocks that rest over a cliff, with the sun shining behind it. From here, you can make your way back to town by passing the Japanese tunnels. Follow the road going down, and you will see a few locals at one of the tunnel openings. It is definitely worth visiting, especially for those who love their history.
An Ivatan dinner
You would have worked up an appetite by then. Grab an Ivatan-style dinner at either Octagon or ShaneDel’s, both located along the national road. Batanes is so remote and remains dependent on the traffic of goods from the mainland, so be sure to order in advance. Highly-recommended on the menu are: turmeric rice; luñis—before there was electricity, the locals stored chunks of pork in jars kept under the sun, cooking in its own fat. Think adobo with an old-fashioned, rustic twist; local greens doused in vinegar topped with slivers of onion and tomato to accompany your crowning seaside dish; and grilled fish fillet. You are in foodie heaven and have earned your calories for the night after that hike.
“Here was a part of the Philippines that you never thought existed: rolling hills, rock formations that shape the ragged beaches, the song of the surf pounding on the shores...”
Biking around Batan Island
Just wait ‘til the two-and-a-half hours you will spend bicycling there and back from the national road to Chadpidan Bay. Bike rentals are at the town center. Make sure the breaks work, and watch out for steep slopes. Just follow the road. Once at the bay, it’s an easy ride over a flat road, stretching about a kilometer, with large gray boulders to one side. There is something about seeing the harsh coastlines of Batan that soothes the senses of a city girl. The Racuaydi Spring of Youth is located on the eastern part of Batan. You walk down a stony, uneven path for about 20 minutes, and what awaits you is a little wonder that both nature and the government have put together. Nature created a natural cool spring there, just overlooking the sea. What the government did was pave the way, and create a little enclosed bath that you can wade in, deep enough for you to submerge yourself in its cool waters. Finally, Honesty Coffee Shop at Ivana Port was a unique experience. I thought it was just a creative name. But the concept of the shop will leave a city-dweller awestruck. It is an unmanned store, replete with all sorts of goods for the starving traveler or boatman, from instant noodles, sachets of instant coffee, to monay and soda. The idea 40
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On this page: A sample of Ivatan architecture; Cross the blue waters across Sabtang and Batan in these colorful boats.
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is that you will be honest enough to write down on the logbook what you bought, and pay the amount the shop has marked for each item by dropping it in a locked cash box. It’s brilliant! It was begun by a lady who wished she could serve cups of hot coffee for those who traversed the waters from Sabtang to Batan at dawn.
Top: The rugged coastline of Batan is like a speck of paradise for city dwellers. Left: Seekers of a quiet hideaway would surely get more than what they bargain for when in Batanes.
Nearby Sabtang
From Ivana Port, it’s a 30-minute ferry ride to Sabtang. You can already see it from where we are—it is only somewhere around 7 kilometers away from the port. Sabtang: population, 1,900. Most tourists simply stay the day, go around the island, and head back to Batan by 1 p.m. We decide to do the intrepid thing and stay two nights. By the third day as we leave, everyone knows our name. Highlights of Sabtang: Taking a boat out from Nakanmuan Beach to smaller Ivuhos, and swimming over the coral reefs between the two islands; and bicycling from Centro to see the towns of Savidug and Chavayan as we followed the coastal road going south. Altogether, we must have bicycled 16 kilometers on Sabtang. Make sure your breaks are working: that steep incline down to Chavayan is not for the faint-hearted. You will see here a wide array of Ivatan architecture intact.
Cow and Goat islands
I mentioned the coral reefs off Nakanmuan Beach as a top experience: our boatman is a 22-year-old college student who’s just had his birthday, and is spending the
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day taking us out to the other island. Ivuhos, lying west of us, is also nicknamed Cow Island. All the live cattle are left there to breed. The tinier Dequey Island further west is dubbed Goat Island for a similar reason—and dequey in Ivatan means “small.” Maps of the islands had coral reefs marked in the waters just between Ivuhos and Sabtang, and though the fishermen aren’t used to the idea, we jump into crystal clear sea waters that go about 10 meters deep. There are, indeed, corals, and schools of a variety of tropical fish. You are in paradise if you love the water, and we do. We found ourselves constantly offered kindness and genuine generosity from the locals. It was an otherworldly experience for a Manileña to have within the Philippines. The unfettered peace of these northern folk
remains a standout part of my visit. Here was a part of the Philippines that you never thought existed: rolling hills, rock formations that shape the ragged beaches, the song of the surf pounding on the shores this far north of Metro Manila. Batanes was all smiles, kindness, clean air, an intact local Ivatan culture, and Philippine nature at its finest.
HOW TO GET THERE PAL, Cebu Pacif ic Air, and Skyjet fly directly from Manila to Basco more than once a week. Most hotels offer pickup service; it is best to arrange for this prior your arrival.
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FORGOTTEN ISLAND TEXT AND PHOTOS MA. GLAIZA LEE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS MARVIN ALCARAZ
The island of Capul in Northern Samar was once a thriving town during the era of the galleon trade
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f all roads lead to Rome—or perhaps Boracay when in the Philippines—it seems no tourist trail leads to Capul Island. Unless you are from this place, you have probably never heard about the rice grainshaped island 48 kilometers off the coast of Catarman, the capital of Samar. Once a thriving island, Capul served as the capital of the province from 1848 to 1952 and became the center of commerce in the northern Samar during the time when the Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade was still flourishing. But when the galleon trade began to wane, fewer ships navigated its water and anchored in its port. The traders stopped doing business in the area and started to look for other lucrative markets. What was once a thriving sea haven became a lethargic port. As economic activities halted, the seat of the government was transferred to Catarman, a nearby town. In just a matter of years, Capul Island had lost its crown. As time passed, the island faded into a memory. The once blossoming island had been forgotten. Through the years, a few wander into its very heart, but one could no longer hear that they would return to the island. Truthfully, Capul Island is not a top destination. It is not even in anyone’s bucket list. But a visit to the island would enrich your wandering soul. A journey through the 42
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island is like taking a walk back in time, peeking into Filipino heritage, and experiencing the beauty of nature, all rolled into one.
Last stop to Acapulco
To reach the island, one needs to take a boat ride from the mainland’s port located in the town of Allen. The fifth-class island municipality is bounded by San Antonio Island and Allen on the east, Naranjo Island and Naranjo Pass on the west, Samar Sea on the south, and San Bernardino Strait on the north. Because of its geographic location and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Capul played a significant role in the galleon trade in the late 16th century, becoming the last stop of ships from Manila before heading to Mexico. That time, Spanish, Mexican and Peruvians traders would head out and take the risk of the high seas just to trade. There was a high demand for local products and raw materials, such as abaca, beeswax and other agricultural produce. The name Capul was derived from Acapulco. But according to local history, the island was originally called Abak, named after King Abak of Java in Indonesia, who landed and settled on the island after he was deposed. The lighthouse of the small island served as a guide to trading ships that were passing through San Bernardino Strait, which is
considered to be one of the most treacherous waters in the Philippines, because of the very strong opposing currents from the Pacific Ocean. Ships would take refuge in the island’s harbor while waiting for the currents to flow outward to the sea to be able to start their voyage to Acapulco.
A solitary beacon
Located at Titoog Point in Barangay San Luis, Capul Lighthouse marks the western entrance of San Bernardino Strait when ships arrived from Ticao Pass. The 49-feethigh truncated conical tower has a range of 18 miles, with a focal height of 142 feet. The white tower is characterized by its red markings, with a dwelling at the base. Its construction began in 1893. It was built to complement the lighthouses of Isla de San Bernardino and Isla de Viri. Its main function was to send beacons and warnings to the ships entering the narrow treacherous waters between Matnog Port and Capul Island. Three years after, on November 1896, its construction was suspended because of the Philippine Revolution. But a month later, its beacon beckoned in the dark night, even though the station was still partially incomplete. The US Army Corps of Engineers completed the entire structure during the American colonial era. The lighthouse’s pavilion was slightly modified in orientation and specifications
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A visit to Capul Island would enrich your wandering soul
On this page: Although the island has become an inactive port, it still has things to offer to those willing to rediscover it. Next page: Capul Island is often called little Batanes because of its verdant rolling hills and endless views of the calm sea
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named Fr. Mariano Valero designed the third church with a cross-shaped stonewall fortress, similar to that of Intramuros in Manila, to fortify it against pirate attacks and serve as a refuge for the townspeople. Beside the church is the 11-meter high stone belfry. Several meters away lies the stone watchtower, which was erected on top of a huge rock overlooking the sea. The people assigned a guard to the watchtower who would warn the people about oncoming danger using a budyong, a big conch shell. When pirates attacked, the people would rush inside church for safety. While the women, children and elderly would wait until the attack ended, the men would prepare to fight and defend the island from pirates. They would head to the bastions on the right and left corners of the fortress where the cannons were located. The church has a secret. Surrounding it were small hidden windows, which men could open to shoot their firearms from within. Two of these hidden windows are still intact and can be found at the rear of the church, while another three windows can be seen five feet above the base of the deteriorating belfry.
Other landmarks
from the original plan, so that the structure would conform to the narrow and deep topography of the area where it was built. The pavilion has a touch of Victorian Renaissance Revival architectural style. In 2008, the Capul Lighthouse was declared a provincial historical landmark. A stone’s throw away from the building are three circular Japanese artillery installations. During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army mounted the cannons in the area to target American forces passing through the strait. While the lighthouse now seems a little bit shabby and in need of repair, its surrounding is simply heaven. Just think of verdant rolling hills, complemented by white waves crashing on the cliffs, and an endless view of the calm sea. Those who have been here couldn’t help but compare its serene atmosphere with the payaman, more commonly known as Marlboro Country, of Batanes. When the weather is clear, one can see Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon, Naranjos Island in Masbate, and even the majestic Mayon Volcano in Albay from the lighthouse’s gar44
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den terrace. If one walks further down the slope, one can watch the swift rush of currents in San Bernardino Strait battering the rocky shore.
The fortress church
Just like in the rest of this predominantly Catholic country, the center of the small island is the centuries-old church. Withstanding the passage of time, the church was built during the Spanish colonial period. But what sets the church apart is the fortress around it; strong stone walls protect it. Dubbed Fuerza de Capul, Capul Church is a good example of a Spanish colonial fortress church. Little has been touched in the old structure. The Spanish missionaries, who reached the island and evangelized the people in 1596, built the first church made from hardwood and nipa. But Moro pirates who were lurking in the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean raided the church and razed it in 1615. Another church was built, but the pirates attacked again and destroyed the second church. In 1781, a Spanish priest and architect
Aside from its historical landmarks, the island is blessed with natural wonders and replete with ecological wealth. One can head to Big Foot, a natural pool shaped like a giant footstep, or visit Timon-timon Rock, a rudder-shaped rock formation located in the southern point of the island. For adventurous souls, head to Beto Cave in Sawang and be mesmerized by beautiful rock formations. Also, don’t forget to experience the island’s sandy white beaches. There are modest beach cottages, which are built to blend with the island’s natural surroundings. There are also homestay program that can accommodate tourists. A charming rural tourist destination, Capul Island has things to offer if only people can reacquaint themselves with this once forgotten island.
HOW TO GET THERE Take a flight from Manila to Calbayog City which is the capital city of Samar. From Calbayog, catch a bus bound for Allen. To reach the island, one needs to take a boat ride from the mainland ’s port located in the town of Allen.
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CAUGHT BETWEEN CEBU AND DUMAGUETE TEXT AND PHOTOS BERNARD L SUPETRAN
Traveling through the different towns of Cebu Province offers a picturesque way to reach Dumaguete City
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M
y apologies to Christopher Cross for borrowing the refrain to his famous ’80s smash hit, “Arthur’s Theme.” I can’t help but hum this song as I do the visually-soothing road trip from Cebu City to the bucolic city of Dumaguete, provincial capital of nearby Negros Oriental. With air-conditioned buses plying the route round the clock, commuting the fourhour road trip is much more heady than the shorter fast-craft cruise. The journey begins at the Ceres South Bus Terminal, right at the doorstep of Cebu City’s busy downtown.
Pit Stop No. 1: Carcar City
An hour south of the Queen City of the South lies Carcar, the heritage town of Cebu, which is like a southern counterpart to Vigan with its numerous well-preserved Castillan houses. Get down and explore its most-photographed historic landmarks— the City Museum, which used to be the colonial-era Dispensary; the Moorish-looking St. Catherine Church; and ancestral homes in the classical bahay na bato architecture, each with an interesting story to tell. A noteworthy house is the circa 1870s Balay na Tisa, regarded as a “living museum,” as it continues to be inhabited by the owner’s descendants, accounting for its splendid state of preservation. So-called due to its dominant brick roof, the house is a virtual repository of Carcar’s glory days with its compendium of antiques and archaeological finds. A crossroad town punctuated by the postcard-pretty Art Deco rotunda, you can proceed with your journey via the east coast or detour to the west coast via the mountain road of Barili town. But before hopping on the next bus, grab Carcar’s signature crunchy chicharon, which you can nibble on during your trip.
Pit Stop No. 2A: Argao
Another hour or so takes you to Argao, another antiquarian municipality that boasts its regal cabecera, which transports you back in time. The centerpiece of the town square is the St. Michael Archangel February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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Church, which takes pride in its Spanish pipe organ, one of the few of its kind in the country. Across it is the Presidencia (municipal hall), patterned after the stone house design and overlooks the well-manicured plaza. Argao’s sleepy shores are dotted with ruins of a baluarte, which formed a network of fortresses and watch towers across the entire stretch of Cebu province. Adding spice to the town is its fine gray sand beaches and a view of Bohol in the horizon, which is just three hours away by boat. Be sure to sample the town’s sought-after torta, which is similar to the quotidian mamon of your neighborhood bakery. A middle-aged amiable woman named Jessie is owner of the must-visit torta outlet, and can give you a free taste and a demonstration of how it is cooked using her trusty implements.
Pit Stop No. 2B: Moalboal
If you decide drive by Cebu’s west coast, this resort town is a must for beach bums and scuba diving aficionados, just like this writer. Its name might be rather hard to pronounce, but the trouble is really worth it, as Moalboal has among the most enviable shores in the province. White Beach and Panagsama Beach are the town’s one-two punch, which are consummate hideaways for sun worshippers. But beneath the sandy surface, this town boasts some of the world’s most amazing dive sites. With 19 validated dive sites, some extending to its neighboring towns, its claim to fame is Pescador Island where one can get a unique kind of “rush hour” under water. Tens of thousands of sardines run back and forth in this aquatic playground, mesmerizing even the most seasoned divers and underwater photographers. Other dive spots showcase other equallyjaw dropping coral tables, nudibranches, and a host of marine life species, which includes the ubiquitous colorful anemone fish, more popularly known as Nemo. Yield to the lure of the beach and spend the night here to get a taste of its nightlife and mingle with foreigners who traveled half a world away to bask in its underwater paradise.
Pit Stop No.3A: Oslob
When it’s time to lay your head, this rustic town is a logical choice with its wide array of resort hotels to choose from. But before hitting the sack, take a lazy stroll 46
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“With air-conditioned buses plying the route round the clock, commuting the four-hour road trip is much more heady than the shorter fastcraft cruise.”
Previous page: Kayaking at Lake Balinsasayao in Sibulan; One of Carcar City’s most-photographed historic landmarks,the City Museum
around Oslob Heritage Park in the poblacion and marvel at the ruins of its coral stone Cuartel (barracks) and Baluarte, Immaculate Conception Church and Museo Oslob. Made popular by the influx of whale sharks, the town has become the country’s capital for swimming or interacting with the world’s biggest fishes, which are known locally as tiki-tiki or butanding. These gentle giants frolic in the waters of Bgy. Tan-awan just about 100 meters from the shore from 6 to 11 a.m. From the purpose-built Municipal Briefing Center, guests pay P500 for perhaps the most exciting half-hour of their life as they meet these gentle giants up close and personal. At any given time during their feeding time, you can feast your eyes on at least three whale sharks literally just a spitting distance from your paddle boat. Guests are issued life jackets and snorkels, so they can float around or see the playful humongous fishes below. After this adrenaline-pumping encounter, you can take a dip into the icy waters of Tumalog Falls just a few kilometers away, or
head off to Sumilon Island located across the mainland. The latter is a high-end destination operated by Bluewater Resort located in the midst of a marine sanctuary nurtured over the decades by Silliman University. The resort offers day-tour packages with lunch, round-trip boat transfers and use of recreational facilities. The area is also ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Pit Stop No.3B: Badian, Malabuyoc and Ginatilan
On the west coast, Badian lives up to its moniker as a badass outdoor haven in the south. Its iconic attraction is Kawasan Falls, which is known for its tantalizing cascades and blue-green natural pool and has been named as among the loveliest in the Visayas. Daredevils can try their hands at canyoneering at Matutinao River, one of Cebu’s emerging adrenaline getaways. Tucked within the canyons and tropical forests, it may sound intimidating at the beginning, but this adventure is safe and exhilarating with well-trained guides assisting guests. Hie off to Badian Island Resort and Spa,
which touts itself for its luxurious holistic green lifestyle with its health-friendly activities such as yoga, a wellness spa, organic food, diving and watersports. The neighboring town of Malabuyoc offers a different waterworld with the newlyopened Mainit Hot Springs where you can pamper your body after diving¸ canyoneering or kayaking. Above it are a series of cool cascades and natural basins, which can simulate a soothing hydromassage. Further south is Ginatilan, an up-andcoming pilgrimage spot being the birthplace of San Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint. The rich fishing town also takes pride in its mountain waterfalls and a couple of ancestral houses erected by its gentry from a bygone era.
Pit Stop No. 4A: Santander
After your Oslob caper, take a brief bus ride to this Spanish-sounding municipality, which is the southernmost point of Cebu Province for your fast craft ride to Sibulan Port in Negros Oriental. The port at Bgy. Liloan, the nearest point to its neighboring province, is an enticing February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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sight with its clear waters on both sides of the jetty as if beckoning you to wade in once more.
Pit Stop No. 4B: Samboan
Cebu’s southern edge on the west coast, Samboan is the traditional jump-off point to Negros with its roll-on, roll-off pier in Bgy. Bato that connects to Tampi Wharf in Amlan. Just like other coastal municipalities, Samboan has its share of pockets of heritage in the old houses, church, watchtower, museum and plaza.
Pit Stop No. 5: Sibulan
Swing by the mountain-top picture-pretty twin lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao, which form the core of an 8,016-hectare protected area and natural park. The 70-hectare Balinsasayao is the bigger and more frequented lake for the kayaking and boating activities offered.
Last Stop: Dumaguete
Dubbed the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete is an acknowledged university hub because of its ambiance and bucolic way of life conducive to learning. Life revolves largely around the American-era Silliman University where the core of the city was built around. A stroll around its century-old structures transport one to the glory days when this laid-back town was chosen by American Protestant missionaries as the hub of learning in the Visayas and Mindanao. But while signs of modern living are slowly creeping in, Dumaguete has managed to retain its eclectic character, which has endeared it to scores of academicians, travelers and even urbanites who have made it their retirement place. By dusk, its bayside Rizal Boulevard is transformed into a nocturnal colony with its rows of cozy cafes, bistros, al fresco restaurants, bars and the more pedestrian barbecue stalls. As the urban center, Dumaguete is the logical starting point for another expedition around Negros Oriental and its Occidental half. With the wealth of experience the CebuDumaguete road trip offers, I can’t help but paraphrase the refrain to “Arthur’s Theme” “If you get caught between Cebu and Dumaguete, the best that you can do is fall in love.” And fall in love, I did.
Left: Mainit Springs of Malabuyoc Bottom: Lake Balinsasayao in Sibulan is an enticing sight with its clear waters surrounded by lush forests
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NATURE RESERVE TEXT AND PHOTOS HENRYLITO D. TACIO
Compostela Valley’s Kopiat Island is a still unknown island located in Davao Gulf
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have been to Kopiat Island three times already, but I never knew that my friend Louie Bryan M. Lapat, who works with the City Information Office of Tagum City in Davao del Norte, was ahead of me until I read his blog. “I have a penchant for little known, or better yet, unexplored territories,” Lapat writes. “And so out of nowhere on a very hot Sunday, me and my officemates ven-
tured into a three-hour island-hopping in one of Compostela Valley’s tourism gems: Kopiat Island.” He further writes: “This island is one of the many attractions that solidify Davao Region’s claims of adventures from islands to highlands. From the Pindasan Boat Landing Port… the sight of white sand excites every tourist waiting for an adventure. As one approaches the island, blue-greenish
water awaits.” Now, you know why the island is considered a secret. But then, that’s going ahead of this story. “Kopiat Island will put Compostela Valley on the tourism map,” Lucky Siegfred Balleque, the provincial project manager of the Department of Trade and Industry, told reporters a couple of years back, after informing them that the DTI was negotiatFebruary 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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ing with Lapanday Food Corporations and other owners for the development of the island into a world-class resort. The 87-hectare island is off the coast of Barangay Pindasan in Mabini town. Sea travel around the island takes about 20 minutes by motorized boat, while inland tour of the island takes about 45 minutes. A portion of the island encircles a seven-hectare lagoon. Actually, Kopiat Island is part of the protected area known as Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape. It was declared as such during the time of President Joseph Estrada and for some good reasons. There are about 110 genera of Scleractinian or stony corals identified worldwide. Of the 72 known genera of stony corals identified in the country, about 46 of them can be found in the waters of Mabini. This was one of the initial findings of a 50
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study on Mabini’s coral reef ecosystem and reef fish community conducted by the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “We have more Scleratinian corals compared to those found in the Island Garden City of Samal and in Davao Oriental,” said Christine T. Dompor, the provincial tourism officer, who was companion during my recent tour to the island. “There is also one type of coral, which researchers could not identify, since it is not found in their list of classification.” Just 200 meters away from the island’s shoreline, snorkelers can get close to the various species of colorful corals, both hard and soft. However, you can already get a glimpse of the beautiful corals just by looking down into the water from the boat. Truth is, the waters of Kopiat Island are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
And for those who just want to spend quiet, idle time, the powdery white sand beach around it is perfect for sun worshippers. The Davao regional office of the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau considers the coastal area of the island a wildlife habitat. The reason: it is a known breeding ground of marine turtles, a protected and regulated species. Of the eight species of marine turtles known to man, five of them can be found in the Philippines: green sea, hawksbill, loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and leatherback turtles. All five are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as endangered, and all can be found in Davao Gulf. Two species— the hawksbill and the leatherback turtle— lay their eggs on the coast of Kopiat Island. Although we were unlucky not to see ma-
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From left: The waters of Kopiat Island are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving; The lack of stores and cottages makes Kopiat Island exciting for those seeking a retreat from city life.
“The waters of Kopiat Island are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, while its powdery white sand beach is perfect for sun worshippers”
rine turtles during our visit, Dompor reported that sometime in 2011, they were able to rescue 21 hawksbill turtle hatchlings. That incident encouraged her to strongly push for the declaration of Kopiat Island as a turtle sanctuary. According to Dompor, she has made initial negotiations with Lapanday Food Corp., which operates a portion of Kopiat Island, for a collaborative project geared towards protecting the sea turtles. “We are practically concerned about conserving the breeding and hatching sites of the endangered hawksbill and leatherback turtles,” she said. The whole island is fully planted to coconut trees. There are also some wild fruit trees inside the heart of the island. Since it is still undeveloped, there are no stores where you can buy soft drinks or foods. But that what makes the island a perfect place
for adventure. Not far from Kopiat Island is the appropriately named Lunod Island: more than half of its 17 hectares is occupied by a submerged mangrove forest teeming with beautiful sea creatures. Its rich coral gardens are spawning grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other marine life.
HOW TO GET THERE It’s easy to get to Kopiat Island. From Davao City, ride a bus at the Ecoland Overland Transport Terminal. Choose a bus that is going to Mati City. Tell the conductor that you are dropping off in the town of Mabini. From there, ride a motorcycle going to the Pindasan Port. Don’t worry about pump boats, there are so many for that go to the island. February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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POSEIDON’S PLAYGROUND TEXT AND PHOTOS BERNARD L SUPETRAN
The kilometer-long sandbar known as Kalanggaman Island is fast becoming one of the must-visit beaches in the Visayas 52
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ncient Greek mythology tells of the legendary god Poseidon (Neptune in his Roman counterpart) who ruled the amazing underwater world. Characterized by his trident as his royal staff, he commanded all living and non-living things in the seven seas, which comprises some two-thirds of planet Earth. This stuff of legends has found its place, or so it seems, in a once-obscure island named Kalanggaman off the beaten path in Palompon Town in Leyte. An uninhabited patch of sand and vegetation, this island has shot to global prominence in recent years when it was formally introduced to the traveling public by the Department of Tourism-Region 8. So-called because of its bird-shaped sandbar at low tide, it is among the mostsought-after getaways in the Visayas because of its pristine white sandbar and crystalline waters. At daytime, the powdery beach, close to a
kilometer long, glistens under the bright sun, even if you are an hour away from it from the mainland. At dusk, the setting sun explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors that evoke the inner poet in you. The best place to witness this breathtaking view is at the edge of the 200-meter sandbar, the island’s claim to fame and one of the longest of its kind in the country. It was recently named by leading sky travel advisory website Skyscanner as the best of nine “amazing sandbars” in the Philippines. Minus the madding crowd and the unbridled commercial development of popular tourist beaches, it takes you to island living in its purest form. Sans modern amenities and the frills of tropical getaways, Kalanggaman more than compensates with the serenity and communion with nature it offers. Overnight guests can pitch a tent, cozy up in a nipa cottage, or sleep under the stars in the warm embrace of a sleeping bag. But beneath the surface is where the is-
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land’s piece de resistance perhaps lies—the coral walls on its eastern and western sides are among the unheralded but equally amazing dive sites in the Visayas. The wall begins at a depth of 60 feet and plunges to beyond 100 feet where scuba divers are greeted with an assortment of coral life, nudibranches, and unique species of fish. Exploring the marine life is an optional recreational activity visitors can do while in the island. This enigmatic isle has inspired local wordsmiths and divers to christen it “Poseidon’s Playground,” a waterworld paradise both above and below. It is then small wonder that this tiny island has already attracted two European luxury cruise ships in recent years, and is looking forward to hosting other international expeditions. In addition to this now famous isle, Palompon also takes pride in Tres Marias, a triumvirate of three mangrove forests and sanctuary of fruit bats, which protected the February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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Kalanggaman Island is among the most sought-after getaways in the Visayas because of its pristine white sandbar and crystalline waters
“Sans modern amenities and the frills of tropical getaways, Kalanggaman more than compensates with the serenity and communion with nature it offers.”
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residents from storm surges brought about by super typhoon Yolanda. The town is also packaging itself as an adventure tourism hub with its recent TriRace Triathlon, composed of bay swimming, stand-up paddle competition and off-road biking, trail running, as well as 15-kilometer kayak marathon starting from Kalanggaman Island. Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate said that the expanded sports tournament seeks to promote environmental protection through eco-water sports and help in the appreciation of the town’s marine resources and maritime heritage. Organized by the Palompon Municipal Eco-Tourism Council, the Tri-Race aims to make the town a haven for close-to-nature sports and generate livelihood activities for the locals. The event is an adjunct of the annual Lawig Festival and St. Francis Xavier patronal feast, which celebrates the area’s religious and cultural legacy as showcased in a colorful street dance parade. Mayor Oñate added that Palompon was also feted with the Most Tourism-Friendly Local Government Unit Award by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philip-
pines (ATOP) in 2014. The town’s de facto living museum is Casa Marilao, also known as Casa Esperanza, arguably the oldest but well maintained house in the town proper. This turn-of-the-century structure figured prominently during the American regime as a social center for screenings of the latest Hollywood movies. Here’s a bonus: Just two hours away by boat is the famed island of Malapascua in northern Cebu, home of the thresher shark. This puts Kalanggaman in the island-hopping and diving circuit in central Philippines. These attributes and more indeed make Kalanggaman the playground of the gods— and yours, too.
HOW TO GET THERE Fly to Tacloban City, and from the DZR Airport, take a jeep going to the City Terminal in Bgy. Abucay. Take a van going to Palompon. Travel time is about two hours. For more information, visit LGU Palompon on Facebook.
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HIGH TIDE OR LOW TIDE? TEXT AND PHOTOS STEPHANIE TUMAMPOS
Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands offer a variety of unique experiences for those with just a short time in their hands.
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t’s quite hard to choose an island to visit when you’re in the Philippines. I have to admit that even as a Filipino, there’s a lot to choose from. But if I were to visit a hundred islands at once, I’d drive up north to the city of Alaminos in Pangasinan and go island hopping at Hundred Islands. Hundred Islands is located in Lingayen Gulf and is made up of 123 islands when it’s high tide, and 124 when low. I can say that this national park most probably resembles the Philippines in a smaller scale. It’s like a mini-Philippines, and every island you visit excites you in different ways. The geology of Hundred Islands can stun a lot of people. These mushroom-like islands are made up of corals believed to have surfaced when the sea levels lowered. A more fascinating fact is that the Hundred Islands are about two million years old. Located a four- to five-hour trip north from Metro Manila, this national park never gets old. It has never stopped tourists from being amazed on how the geology of this island has made it perfect for travelling, relaxing and most especially, eating. Tell me, have you ever tried eating breakfast at one island and move to the next for lunch, then, after going to another island for snorkeling and another for spelunking proceed to another one just to see the sunset? Only three islands here are well-developed: Quezon Island, Governor’s Island and Children’s Island. However, tourists can still visit and explore other islands whenever possible.
Governor’s Island
On this trip, my friends and I wanted to see the sunrise over the islands. We asked the locals if we could hire a boat that could leave as early as 4 a.m. Luckily, one boatman agreed with the permission of the tourism information center at Lucap Wharf. Lucap Wharf is where a lot of tourists would line up to register and hire boats. There is an environmental fee, and motorboat rates are fixed depending on whether you would do a daytour or stay for the night in any of the islands. It was still dark when we left Lucap Wharf, and it was pleasantly cold cruising Lingayen Gulf while we headed on to our first island stop, Governor’s Island. Governor’s Island has the highest point among the islands. It has a viewing deck, and you can see a lot of islands from atop at once. It is absolutely perfect to see the dark sky turn to pale purple with a hint of orange as you look over the islands. As the sun rises, the orange part of the sky turns yellow as 56
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“This national park is like a mini-Philippines, and every island you visit excites you in different ways.” the minutes pass, and there before us was a stunning view of the islands. After sunrise, we then went down to visit PBB House, which was named after the popular reality show program. You can rent this small guesthouse at the tourism office at Lucap Wharf and stay there overnight. The next island on the trip was Marcos Island. While going to this island, we passed by Paniqui Island where, from the name of the island itself, it is inhabited by small and big bats. It even has herons on top sitting of the small trees that grow on this small island. There are other islands that are named after their inhabitants, such as Monkey Island, which as its name suggests, has mon58
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
keys living there. But, don’t let the names fool you, though. There are two islands that are named Crocodile Island and Turtle Island, and none of these animals live there. The islands merely resemble the shape of these animals when seen from afar. Interestingly enough, when we arrived at the Marcos Island, it has a cave named Imelda, an underwater cave that has a connected to the sea outside. One can actually jump in and dive into the sea.
Quezon Island
If you are looking for recreational activities, one island offers it: Quezon Island.
Kayaking and snorkeling are must-do when visiting this island. Most tourists opt to stay here for lunch, since there are tables available for rent, and you can grill freshly caught seafood at a designated grill area. If you’re a camper, I strongly suggest you stay on this island, as there are people who live here; in case of emergency, they can help you. You can also relax on the white sand beach before heading on to another snorkeling area where you can dive and see up close giant clams. The giant clams excited me as I have always wanted to see them up close in the wild, and not in any sea farm where they are being cultured. The waters where the giant
FEBRUARY 2015
TRAVEL
Overleaf: Governor’s Island is the place to be if you want to see a gorgeous sunrise Opposite page: Kayaking and snorkeling should be in order when in Quezon Island On this page: Imelda Cave has a natural swimming pool perfect for dipping and diving; Hundred Islands are made up of 123 islands when it’s high tide and 124 when low.
clams are located are in between Quezon and Lopez islands. Aside from the giant clams, the area also has what is called a coral staircase, an arrangement of flat corals one on top of each other reaching the shore of the islands and resembling a staircase. Just a reminder, though: prepare long-sleeved rashguards when snorkeling. We encountered small jellyfishes while underwater. Their sting might cause some itchiness and rashes.
Children’s Island
The next island we were to visit was Children’s Island, but the boatman suggested we first head off to Cathedral Island. As we were about to reach it, I did not expect it to be so grand. I guess you’ve figured out that it resembles a church; when you’re there, your voice echoes if you start talking loud enough the way sound bounces
inside a church. The island even has a circular hole on top where light enters, the same way light filters in through the windows in churches. You really must visit it. It was truly an experience! Children’s Island is for children and children at heart. It has shallow waters suitable enough for children to swim in without parents worrying over them. Surely kids would enjoy running and practice swimming in this area, while their parents or guardians take a break in one of the huts on the shore.
Cuenco Island
Since Children’s Island is meant to be for children, we decided to head on to Cuenco Island, which was our last destination. The island has a tunnel that takes you to its other side where you can rest before taking the long ride home. Back at the Lucap Wharf, people who
sell souvenirs will greet you. Key chains, Tshirts and figurines are a top hit among tourists looking for pasalubong for their loved ones back home. It was a long, but exciting experience to see and explore these islands. One could just imagine how many more islands you have to go and exploring throughout the country. Well, if you visit the Hundred Islands, you can now take away 123 islands from the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. But wait. Just one question: high tide or low tide?
HOW TO GET THERE Victory Liner buses ply the Manila-Alaminos route. From there, ride on a tricycle going to Lucas Wharf. February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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HOTELS AND RESORTS
FEBRUARY 2015
SURPRISES FROM HOTEL JEN MANILA
H
otel Jen Manila, formerly Traders Hotel Manila, presents leJendary room offers and indulJent surprises for all Jen’s friends to welcome 2015. Experience “That Jen Feeling” with the Jen Local Launch room offer, inclusive of hotel credits per stay, which can be used for laundry or dry clean, massage, airport transfers or IDD calls. This offer is available until February 28. Take advantage of the Stay Longer Save
N
IndulJent surprises await guests at Hotel Jen Manila’s all-day dining restaurant, Latitude with its new buffet menus specially prepared by Jen’s executive sous chef Dirk Fielder and his creative culinary team. Latitude offers lunch and dinner buffet. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 795 -8888 or e-mail reservations.hjm@hoteljen.com or food&beverage.hjm@hoteljen. com.
CELEBRATE AT NEW WORLD MANILA BAY HOTEL
ew World Manila Bay Hotel, which opened on January 1, offers guests its City Bay View Room at a special price. Book a two-night stay and you will receive complimentary Residence Club access and privileges. This offer is available until March 31. 60
More room promo, which includes dining credit daily (cumulative), free one bag of laundry daily (wash and fold only), local calls, WiFi and broadband Internet access and exclusive Club Lounge access and benefits for guests staying in a Club Room. This offer is available until December 31. Jen also offers an interesting Discount By Decade room promo in a Club Room where guests can get a third night discount on the prevailing best available rate based on age. Available until December 31.
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
Start each morning with Continental breakfast, and complimentary refreshments to re-energize you throughout the day. Kick off a spectacular night in the city with early evening cocktails and snacks. Enjoy wireless Internet access throughout your stay and use of the Boardroom for one-hour per day. To complete the package, avail of a 25 percent
discount at all hotel restaurants, 15 discount discount on massage services at the spa, a special treat each evening at turndown, and a one-way airport transfer to ensure you arrive or depart in style. To reserve, book online, call the hotel at 252-6888 or e-mail reservations reservations.manilabay@newworldhotels.com.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2015
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Brown Madonna to print Japanese manga comics Officials of JLine Corporation, a Japanese publishing and marketing company that produces the Doraemon comic books, paid a visit recently to Brown Madonna Press Inc. (BMPI) at its location in Sun Valley, ParaĂąaque City. The JLine Corporation officials discussed with Brown Madonna executives the expanding comics market in the Philippines, future prospects of new Japanese manga titles translated into Pilipino to be introduced next year and reprints of out-of-stock Doraemon volumes, also in 2015. Photo shows officers of the Japan-based publishing company and of Brown Madonna Press: (front row) Naoto Homma, Takakazu Jingai, Masashi Morimoto, Shin Nishizuka, (back row) Keni Otaguro, Kozaburo Yamagishi, Conchita D. Ramirez, Dennis Parado, Lito S. Ylagan, and Katsuyuki Machida.
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Eternal Gardens holds Christmas lantern-making contest Arts and crafts enthusiasts from selected barangays in Batangas City gathered last December 8, 2014 for the first ever Christmas lantern-making contest organized and sponsored by Eternal Gardens Concepcion. The top prize of P10,000 was awarded to Barangay Concepcion for coming up with the best Christmas lantern design. Barangay 24 came in second place and was awarded P6,000, while the third prize of P4,000 was bagged by Barangay Kumintang Ilaya. Meanwhile, those who did not make it to the top three were given P1,000 each as consolation prize. The winning lanterns (inset) are shown hanging along the façade of Eternal Gardens Concepcion, with the first placer at the center.
FEBRUARY 2015
Smart, Aquabest ink communications deal
International feast at Vikings Jazz Mall Vikings, the largest chain of luxury buffets in the country, has launched its newest branch that is set to satisfy the appetite of the premier financial and business center in Metro Manila. Located at SM Jazz Mall in Makati, this smorgasbord offers a variety of international favorites that will surely delight families, friends, and workmates. Treat your taste buds with dishes from an international luxury buffet. Choices at cold station includes tuna ceviche, beer battered onion rings, and Insalata Caprese to name a few. Let Vikings treat you to various Filipino and Asian dishes, such as rellenong bangus with escabeche sauce, sinigang na salmon belly, pancit habhab, vegetable biryani, and Malaysian laksa. Revel in meat choices from the grill and carving station. Enjoy its beef medallion, homemade sausages, Vikings lechon roll, and Asian spice tuna belly, along with side dishes such as mashed potato and grilled vegetables. You will surely enjoy every bite of roasted pumpkin soup with basil crouton, deconstructed chicken cordon bleu with basil oil, and pan-seared fish fillet in spicy caper pomodoro. Feast on Italian favorites such as baked Bolognese lasagna, all-meat Black Mamba pizza, and vongole spaghettini pasta. In addition, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean stations offer dishes such as sashimi, teppanyaki, green onion kimchi, japchae, dim sum and shabu-shabu. Savor another feast of worldclass international cuisine at Vikings jazz Mall, fresh from the ever growing Vikings Group.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Smart and Aquabest have signed an agreement for Smart to provide communications solutions to Aquabest franchisees. Signing the agreement are Paul Tan, Aquabest AVP-Operations; Carson Tan, Aquabest President/CEO; Ian Glen Asuzano, Senior Manager, Corporate Sales Acquisition; and Arwin Malimban, Account Manager for SMART Retail Sales-NCR.
Summer in December Citystate Properties and Management Corporation (CPMC) played host to its annual brokers Christmas party and recognition day at Sandari Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas last December 12, 2014. The morning festivities took place at the Club Ananda main hall at Sandari Batulao. CPMC gave recognition to their top brokers: Ma. Lualhati M. Rojales of A&M Luckyland Realty (Top 1), Eufronia B. Barcelon of EBB Realty (Top 2), Norlaine C. Talde of Cristal Realty (Top 3); sales managers: Renato I. Barcelon of EBBarcelon Realty (Top 1), Amelita B. Lejano of A&M Luckyland Realty (Top 2), Herminigildo E. Valinton of Cristal Realty (Top 3); and agents: Alfred B. Barcelon of EBBarcelon Realty (Top 1), Quirino D. Lejano Jr. of A&M Luckyland Realty (Top 2), and Imelda C. Serrano of Cristal Realty (Top 3) for the year 2014. Guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch buffet prepared by De Tale Grill and Restaurant. Aquabest, the leading retailer of purified water, also took part by sponsoring the water requirements. The afternoon activities continued at the famous Club Ananda waterpark, where guests enjoyed various activities that lived up to the theme “Summer in December.�
PEOPLE & EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2015
South Palms Resort Panglao at Visit Bohol 2015 South Palms Resort Panglao participated in the first Visit Bohol 2015, a travel fair promoting Bohol Island as a major tourism destination in the country. The event was held at Glorietta Activity Center from January 9 to 11, 2015. Photo shows (seated, from left) South Palm’s Fe S. Ginete, sales and marketing manager; Hope Uy managing director; Lolita Lyn Uy, food & beverage operations manager; Marietta Sarabia-Gasatan, real estate officer/finance coordinator; (standing, from left) Sheila S. Soriano, front office manager; Happy Lagrosas, sales associate; Kenneth Lloyd I. Poquita, sales associate; and Arman Silva Gabriel, food & beverage service manager
The best place to work
Diamond Hotel offers themed dinner buffets Corniche restaurant of Diamond Hotel Philippines expands its themed buffet nights by featuring American and Middle Eastern gourmet treasures. The gastronomic journey begins on Tuesday night with Arabian Delights, with offerings, such as tabouleh, garithes yiouvetsi (baked prawns with feta and ruccola), Arabic lamb stew with smoked onions, beef kofta braised with vegetable curry and baklava. Thursdays are Steak and Pasta Night. Diners can sample the best of cut steaks, such as US striploin, US rib eye, US hanger, beef tenderloin, and roasted US prime rib. Friday brings the ultimate gastro74
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
nomic satisfaction from a selection of intercontinental dishes cooked in different, delicious ways. The Great Weekend Dinner Buffet brings your dining experience to a whole new level. Saturday shifts the spotlight to an All-American Foodfest where a bounty of well-seasoned hamburgers, Maryland crab cakes, smoked baby back ribs with Jack Daniels and Coke sauce, chipotle smoked hot wings, and even freshly baked apple pie await food aficionados. Relish generous servings of an assortment of appetizing dishes from 6 to 10:30 p.m. For restaurant reservations, call 5283000 ext. 1121.
How many Philippine hotels send 20 or more staff, from all levels, for training in the United States, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, and elsewhere? Well, here’s one. Since 2002, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has annually invested at least USD $100,000 on special staff development by sending promising staff for executive education at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in Ithaca, upstate New York. Typically, over 10 staff members a year are sent, from all departments of the hotel. Employees are allowed to choose which courses to take. Among the courses that are available at Cornell: Marketing Management and Strategic Leadership, Restaurant Revenue Management, Cost Benefit Analysis for Human Resources and Strategic Pricing for Hotels, among others. Aside from formal training courses, Plantation Bay also funds exposure trips so staff can learn more about the hospitality industry in other countries, and absorb five-star standards from real properties. This is one hotel that truly believes in investing in its people, and the results show! For inquiries, call (63-32)505-9800, email sales@plantationbay.com or visit their website at plantationbay.com
FEBRUARY 2015
PEOPLE & EVENTS
TCT turnover at Sandari Batulao Citystate Properties and Management Corporation (CPMC) turned over three Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) at Nalé, Sandari Batulao. Perseverando and Flaviana Castillo were awarded their respective TCT’s last January 3, 2015 along with Irene Rose Ortega and Loo Soon Wai for the lots they purchased at Nalé, Sandari Batulao. The turnover took place at Crust Brick Oven Pizza and Sandari Batulao sales & marketing office, respectively.
Duty Free Philippines wins 2014 Frontier Award Duty Free Philippines (DFP), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), bagged the Duty Free Frontier Award given last 28 October 2014 at the Annual Duty and Tax Free Global Summit held in Cannes, France. DFP was awarded a Frontier trophy for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, the most prestigious among the awards given to “honor those outstanding travel retail professionals or groups whose achievements transcend individual businesses to bring enduring benefits to the industry as a whole.” This was the first time that the award was given to a corporation. In the past 27 years, DFP has already been cited for its consistent innovation in the travel retail industry for programs such as Pasalubong Shopping with the Family, Travelite Program, and the well-loved Pasalubong Packs.
A world of feasts at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel Known for its trendy and vibrant locale and signature warm and indulgent service, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel is fast becoming the venue of choice for business conferences and social celebrations. In its quest to bring even more enjoyment to its patrons, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel recently presented its newest banquet menu offerings to its loyal corporate client. Aptly titled “World of Feasts”, these delectable menus provide themed cuisines to easily match any motif or food preference.
To better show off these latest menu options created by Executive Chef Patrick Obia and his team, different buffet islands were set-up to represent the Regional Filipino Menu during the launch: the Asian Oriental Menu, the International Western Menu, the Euro Mediterranean Menu, plus an extensive dessert and candy buffet. Accompanying the feast were overflowing Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Moscato California Wines courtesy of exclusive distributors
Emperador Distillers, which guests got to indulge in all throughout the night. So for any event, get a world of feasts at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel as it will surely make meetings and celebrations as special as can be. For inquiries and bookings, call the Banquet Sales Office at 570-7777 extension 8506 to 8507 or send an email to erhbanquets@richmondehotel.com.ph.
February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
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OUR PARTNERS
RESTAURANTS Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen Hernandez Street, Purok 5, Bucal, Silang, Cavite (+63) 920 9722924 http://www.bawais.com Celadon Unit 145 R1 Level Lopez Drive Rockwell, Makati (+632) 898 1305 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celadon-Rockwell/463217330404838 Hong Kong Noodle and Dimsum House Ground Floor, Citystate Tower Hotel, 100 Carlos Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila City (+632) 736 7671 / (+632) 736 7675
Lime and Basil 9014 J. Rizal St., Brgy Sikat, 4123 Alfonso, Cavite (+63915) 6276393 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lime-andBasil-Thai-Restaurant/195949750479572 Ristorante D’Amore Citystate Tower Hotel, 1315 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila (+632) 708 9600 to 09 http://www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph
Señor Alba Spanish and International Restaurant Cherry Blossoms Hotel, 550 Jorge Bocobo Extension, Ermita, Manila (+632) 708 9901 to 06 http://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph/ dining_entertainment.php The New President Sharksfin Seafood Restaurant Manila Grand Opera Hotel, 925 Rizal Avenue corner Doroteo Jose Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila (+632) 314 0090 to 99 http://www.manilagrandopera.com/facilities/diningentertainment/
HOTELS & RESORTS Acacia Hotel 5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City (+632) 720 2000 / (+632) 588 5888 http://www.acaciahotelsmanila.com/ Astoria Plaza J. Escriva Drive (formerly Amber Avenue) Ortigas Business District, Pasig City (+63 2) 687-1111/ (+63 2) 910-0270 / (+63 2) 910-0370 sales@astoriaplaza.com Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa Boracay Regency Corporate Center, 1212 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila (+632) 523 1234 http://www.boracayregency.com/ BSA Suites 103 Carlos Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City (632) 814 1463 http://www.bsasuites-makati.com BSA Tower 108 Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City (+632) 886 3602 to 04, 887 0147 http://www.bsatower-makati.com Camayan Beach Resort/Ocean Adventure Ilanin Road, Subic (+6347) 252 8000 http://camayanbeachresort.com/
Citystate Asturias Hotel South National Highway, Tiniguiban Puerto Princesa, Palawan (+632) 708 9624 / (+6348) 433 9744 http://www.asturiashotel.ph
New World Makati Hotel Esperanza St. Corner Makati Ave. Ayala Center Makati City (+632) 755 9195 reservations.manila@newworldhotels.com www.newworldhotels.com
Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila Entrata Urban Complex, Filinvest City, 2609 Civic Dr, Muntinglupa 1781 (+632) 863 2222 http://www.crimsonhotel.com/
One Pacific Place Serviced Residences 161 H.V. Dela Costa Street Salcedo Village, Makati City , Metro Manila (+632) 304 777 http://www.onepacificplaceresidences.com
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Ortigas Ave cor. ADB Ave, Quezon City (+632) 6337222 http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/ hotels/us/en/quezon-city/mnlcp/hoteldetai
One Tagaytay Place One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites, Barrio Sungay, Tagaytay City (+632) 584 4111 / (+63) 922 8348874 http://www.onetagaytayplace.com
Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Centre, Makati City (+632) 238 8888 http://www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/ dusit-thani-manila.html
Pan Pacific Manila M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila City 1004 Philippines (+632) 318 0788 http://www.panpacific.com/en/manila/Overview.html
Loreland Farm Resort / Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa Sitio Loreland, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City (+632) 696 0101-03 http://www.loreland.com.ph/ Maxims Hotel Newport Blvd, Pasay (+632) 836 6333 http://www.rwmanila.com/hotels/maxims-hotel
Cherry Blossoms Hotel 550 Jorge Bocobo Extension, Ermita, Manila (+632) 708 9901 to 06 http://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph
Manila Grand Opera Hotel 925 Rizal Avenue corner Doroteo Jose Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila (+632) 314 0090 to 99 http://www.manilagrandopera.com
Citystate Tower Hotel 1315 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila (+632) 708 9600 to 09 http://www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu Punta Engaño Rd, Cebu City 6015 (032) 492 7777 www.moevenpick-hotels.com/cebu
LIFESTYLE
OTHERS
Toby’s Arena Ground floor, Shangri-La Plaza, Shaw Blvd., EDSA http://tobys.com/
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February 2015 | VIEW Magazine
Enchanted Kingdom EK Makati Sales Office: G/F The Biltmore Condo, 102 Aguirre Street Legaspi Village, Makati City Laguna Trunkline: (02)584-3535 Makati Trunkline: (02)830-3535 www.enchantedkingdom.ph
Richmonde Hotel 21 San Miguel Ave, Pasig City (+632) 638 7777 http://richmondehotels.com.ph/hotel/richmondehotel-ortigas South Palms Resort Panglao Brgy. Bolod, Panglao Island, Bohol (+6338) 502 8288 http://www.southpalmsresort.com The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts North Bridgeway, Filinvest City Alabang, Muntinlupa Philippines 1781 / Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol Tel: (632) 771 8181 | Fax: (632) 771 8282 / (+6338) 422 2222 http://www.thebellevue.com/manila/ The Malayan Plaza Hotel Opal Rd. cor. ADB Ave. Ortigas Center (+632) 706 0055 http://www.themalayanplazahotel.com
Manila Ocean Park 666, Behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila, Metro Manila 1000 (02) 567 7777 www.manilaoceanpark.com Zoobic Safari Group I Ilanin Forest Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines Telefax: (+6347) 252-2272/ (+63) 929-7072222