the ancient art of batok palawan

Transcription

SPECIAL INVES TORS’ GUI DE ON F R A NCHI SI NG I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S
I s s u e 3 9 , Vo l u me V
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014
ART WALKS
Galleries. Restaurants.
MANILA CATHEDRAL
Restoring Historical
Emminence
MUTYA NG PILIPINAS
BEYOND THE BEAUTY…
More Than The Crown
G TÖNGI
Her Passion. Her Craft.
Her True Calling.
TACLOBAN
A Year After
PALAWAN
THE ANCIENT ART OF BATOK
The Luxe Life at Princesa
Garden Island Resort & Spa
An ongoing series about the
indigenous tribes in the Philippines
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014
BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM
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Summer Bliss taken at
Princesa Garden Resort
and Spa in Puerto
Princesa, Palawan
THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
TRAVEL
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The Ancient Art Of Batok
The Heart of Cordillera
The Luxe Life
An ongoing series about
indigenous groups in the
Philippines, Raphael Oriel
journeys through the ruggedmountainous terrain of
Kalinga in search of 96-year
old Fang-Od, the last tattoo
artist of the indigenous
Kalinga tribe.
Charisse Trinidad isn’t
one for road trips but her
adventure up toward the high
mountains of Banaue turned
out to be as unexpected as
it was memorable. From
the hanging coffins to the
cultural discovery of a
lifetime, she shares how this
wonderful journey made her,
well, a lot more intrepid.
Enter your own personal
slice of paradise at Princesa
Garden Island Resort
and Spa, the only 5-star
oceanfront resort in Puerto
Princesa boasting a meld
of barefoot luxury with the
majestic landscape of nature.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
NAILTROPICS
AN OASIS OF TOTAL NAIL, HAND, AND FOOT CARE
INTRODUCTION
Angeli Daza, the beauty behind
NailTropics, believes that nails should
be a part of everyone’s grooming: a
cause that urged her to put up a nail
salon business back in 2002 during
the time when nail salons were not an
established industry in the Philippines
— a sundry of salons were ubiquitous
but with only a few selection that
cater to specialized nail care.
Now on its 12th year, NailTropics
remains to be one of the pioneers in
the combined nail spa and waxing
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services offering that well-deserved
indulgence. What drives its continuing
growth? It’s Quality Service that is
being observed above anything else.
Composed of hardworking and welltrained staff, NailTropics continue to
showcase exceptional hospitality and
personalized care that are present
ever since the salon opened its
havens of relaxation.
AMBIANCE
Put your feet up! Relax in one of
the signature beach chairs, ready
to catch you after a tiring day.
NailTropics gives you a unique
pampering experience with its
diversified interiors: the Tropical
Garden theme features the serene
side of rainforest beauty, while the
Floral Oasis offers sweet moments
with flowery ensemble as part of each
customer’s personal time. And lastly,
the Seaside Sanctuary theme brings
you an escape of a beach getaway
and cerulean comfort right at your
fingertips.
NailTropics lines up of some the best
brands of nail polishes available and
is the only carrier of the Jessica brand
in the country. And with Jessica’s
GELeration gel polish that lasts for up
to 4 weeks, chipped and peeling nail
polishes are a thing of the past.
Visit NailTropics now and see for
yourself the quality Filipino grooming
we all deserve. It is truly an oasis of
total nail, hand and foot care for you
and your family.
SERVICES
Each of every service it offers is truly
freshening. It stands proud with its
organic spa mixtures and treatments.
Its original organic mixes are all
pounded on-the-spot. Customers will
always know that they are lathered
up with pure and fresh blends. Treat
your fingers with a cooling dip of
oats, honey, tomatoes, fruits and
rejuvenating oil mixes, or choose from
their selection of featured organic
packages.
Even gents now have services to avail
in this spa. From basic manicure,
pedicure and hand treatments and
exfoliation, their grooming offerings
for hands and feet will surely put men
to a more classy and fresh composure.
FRANCHISE
You might want to try NailTropics’
services first to experience value for
money as a customer and as a future
NailTropics business partner. Perfect
for Balikbayans and retirees who
want to put their money in the right
investment.
Daza envisions that this salon will
continue to grow with her empowered
women and partners in the industry.
She treasures a wishful thinking that
NailTropics will someday be the first
Filipino-run Professional Nail Spa
expanding locally and internationally.
For this to happen, she calls for
interested people who might want to
be part of the NailTropics family as
franchisees.
Branches:
Ayala Fairview Terraces
Century City Mall
Eastwood City Walk
Greenbelt 5
The Podium
Rustan’s Alabang Town Center
Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza
Serendra
Trinoma
SM City BF Parañaque
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To know more about NailTropics, visit, www.nailtropics.com,
or contact them
at (02) 403-4992.
20
Editor’s Pick: Luggage
Traveling is serious business.
BB editors recommend you
follow these tips to make your
trip both efficient and stylish.
SCOPE:
24
Marikina
From vintage stores, new and
refurbished bike shops, and numerous
cafés and quaint restaurants, it’s the
ultimate neighborhood for that food
trip.
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No Way But North
Are You Ready for a
#FASHIONTRANSFORMATION?
Rosemarie Lim talks about her brand
Krugarant Inc.
Survive Sagada with these
helpful tips on what to bring for
that trek up North—and how to
pack them.
28
Art WalkS
Love art? Visit these four nondescript
galleries that are burgeoning toward
the spotlight.
34
Statement Accessories: Created With
Passion
Elizabeth Payte’s timeless and ecoinspired pieces.
37
Beyond Beauty... More Than The Crown
Filipina with a social responsibility:
Mutya ng Pilipinas enhances the
Philippines as a foremost tourism
nirvana.
40
Manila Cathedral: Restoring
Historical Eminence
22
Jessica Kaye Salao discovers how
the Manila Cathedral, one of the
oldest churches in the country, much
like faith, is restoring its nonpareil
splendor—one brick at a time.
Pack Light. Pack Smart.
From what to bring to what not
to bring, travel SMART and in
Style with this illustrated
guide to packing
your carry-on
luggage—RIGHT.
12
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G Töngi
From HOLLYWOOD: G Töngi’s inspiring
journey in and out of the limelight—and
back again
BULLETIN:
58
Franchising in the Philippines
64
Innovation Is Key to Grow Family
Owned Franchise Businesses!
68
Leyte: A Year After
Addressing Poverty, Peace and
Economic Development in Typhoon
Yolanda Ravaged Areas
72
Tacloban’s Silver Lining
One man’s optimism on the city struck
by one of the gravest adversity this
country has ever faced
13
BB DIGITAL
FOLLOW US!
EXCLUSIVE
INSTAGRAM
BEST TRIP EVER. WATCH A STEP BY STEP (literally)
coverage of our SAGADA TRIP all the way up to
KALINGA in this EXCLUSIVE BTS VIDEO.
@rjoriel | Editor-in-Chief
“The passageway to the Kalinga
Indigenous Village. 16 hour drive
and 2 hour hike-journey to FangOd. #KalingaTattoo #Philippines
#BalikbayanMagazine”
GOT INKED BY
FANG-OD?
TWEET US A PHOTO
OF YOUR TATTOO.
Or #inkbyfangod on
Instagram.
INBOX:
LOVE TO TRAVEL?
Send your travel stories
to balikbayan.magazine@
gmail.com and we might
just publish them in our
next issue.
@cherriesnicole | Writer
“Breakfast is served.”
@missmportez | Managing Editor
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as
many as six #impossible things before # breakfast.” - #LewisCarroll”
14
Watch out for an exclusive
Balikbayan Magazine episode
on Kababayan Today: a daily talk
show on KSCI-TV LA 18 and with
syndication on Hawaii’s KIKU
station, with host G Tongi.
Follow us on Pinterest and check out our
favorite beach travel photos and packing
solutions at Pinterest.com/balikbayan
15
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
On February 13, 2003, Republic Act No.
9189 was passed into law. Implemented
by the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) with the assistance of the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),
this act provides citizens who are either
working or residing outside of the
Philippines to vote in National elections.
This is known as the Overseas Absentee
Voting Act—an extremely powerful and
influential act—especially with more
than 10 million Filipinos now living
outside of the country. Over 15 million
people voted for President Benigno
Aquino III in 2010.
Voter registration has seen tremendous
growth throughout the world. From
the Middle East, Europe, to the United
States, registration has significantly
increased since May. What does this
mean? It means you care—that even
though you left the Philippines, the
country remains in your heart. You
continue to read the news and follow the
nation’s current events.
At Asian Journal we have noticed this
too. We are receiving more and more
emails from readers—everything from
feedback, comments and suggestions,
to even personal life stories. One reader
from Moscow told us that she has
not returned home in almost 14 years
and because of Balikbayan Magazine,
she has a motivating desire to return.
Another reader from Sydney told us
16
that he’s moving his entire family to
the Philippines because the country is
better now and that he wants his kids to
grow up knowing their roots. We have
noticed more website visits overall and
an increasing percentage of traffic from
countries that are new as an audience
to us. Subscription inquiries now come
in from places like Canada, Italy, and
Qatar. A British manufacturing company
with factories in Cebu recently ordered
a reprint of the “Cebu Special Insight
Guide” from our last issue to provide to
their shareholders and customers in the
United Kingdom. It’s fair to say that because of the
developments and progress our country
has made in the past few years the 2016
Presidential Election could in fact be the
most critical in our nation’s history. And,
as we have done since 1991, you can
expect us to be tracking this growth in
our publications.
I strongly encourage you to not just
register, but to actually cast your ballot.
Hoping to enable strong participation
from balikbayans, the Commission on
Elections is pushing for a resolution
from Congress to allow you to vote
online. Currently, voting can only take
place in embassies and consulates, but
how can you vote if you have work or
must travel a long distance to do so? The
country is modernizing in many ways,
and widespread use of technology is just
one of them.
Hand-in-hand with growth is the
process of leaving behind old ways. I
would like to conclude by sharing my
fond memories of the iconic Mandarin
Oriental, which recently closed its doors
this past September. The Mandarin
Oriental first opened in 1976 and
will reopen in 2020 with a brand new,
state-of-the-art building owned and
developed by Ayala Land Hotels and
Resorts. I remember it being the home
of global professionals and travelers in
the 1970s. In my 20’s, I would walk past
the legendary hotel and imagine one day
being a guest in its rooms and hosting
business meetings in its restaurants,
which I eventually did.
Like the Mandarin Oriental,
sometimes we have to tear things down
and let go of fond memories in order
to begin anew. I hope you enjoy the
new size, paper quality, and design of
Balikbayan Magazine as we too look
forward to building better platforms.
We have a lot of exciting things for you
in the coming months such as Phase II
development of AsianJournal.com and a
completely new website for Balikbayan
Magazine. Until then, safe travels and
enjoy our 39th issue.
Roger L. Oriel
CEO and Publisher
Asian Journal Publications, Inc.
17
PUBLISHER & CEO
ROGER L. ORIEL
PRESIDENT & CO-PUBLISHER
CORA M. ORIEL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VICE PRESIDENT FOR SALES
RAPHAEL JOHN C. ORIEL
SHARON ANN BATHAN-SAN PEDRO
VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING
AND SPECIAL EVENTS, PHILIPPINES
VINCE F. SAMSON
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVERTISING
NOEL O. GODINEZ
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
ROD CORNEJO
MANAGING EDITOR
MARY MAY PORTEZ
FEATURES EDITOR
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS FOR SPECIAL REPORTS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPER
LAYOUT ARTIST
GRAPHIC ARTISTS
ENRIQUE SORIANO, GERRY PALABYAB
ROSE ANNE BACAYO, ROSELYN BELTRAN,
MARIE MONIQUE RECATO, KAYE SALAO,
HAIDEE MARTIN-PROVIDO
NOEL TY
GELOY CONCEPTION, ARNEL LAGAREJOS,
MARK SACRO, ALLEN ALIGAM, JACOB MAENTZ
KIMBERLY DELOS SANTOS,
KATRINA DELA CRUZ, JAZMINE LABORIANTE
MARIE MADELINE RAMBOYONG
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL
DESIDERATA M. PASION
PHOTOGRAPH: JACOB MAETZ
KATUTUBONG FILIPINO PROJECT
JAMES CHRISTER FRANCISCO, KENNO SAMULDE
GODWIN GASACAO, MARK XAVIER BAUTISTA
ACCOUNTANT
GEMMA C. FABRO
ADMIN AND FINANCE OFFICER
GERALOU SAGUN
EDITORIAL INTERNS
ON THE COVER
THE ART OF BATOK: A SYMBOL OF AN ENDURING
HISTORY AND LEGACY OF THE KALINGA TRIBE
TONI PADUA
VIDEO EDITOR
CIRCULATION MANAGER
VOLUME V NO. V
THE ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC
PHILIPPINES HEADQUARTERS
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EMAIL: [email protected]
ONLINE PRESENCE:
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RAPHAEL JOHN C. ORIEL
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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18
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19
editor’s pick | LUGGAGE
For the new wave of discerning travelers, traveling is serious business. It is an art that involves meticulous
planning and precise packing—let alone a de rigueur perspective. Deciding on your destination is as
consequential as singling out the luggages you’ll take for that long awaited, well-deserved holiday.
BB editors recommend you follow these tips to make your trip both efficient and stylish.
Pack your bags!
Astor Ansonia Zip
Top Leather Brief
in black by Tumi
TUMI Tegra-Lite®
Medium Trip
aPacking Case in
T-Graphite
Case
Whether for business or simply a
weekend getaway, a laptop bag is an
efficient way to save space from your
carry-on. A handy laptop case with a
padded compartment and functional
pockets can store your gadgets as
well as your valuables. Not only is
this a practical way to carry important
documents, a sleek, leather bag easily
complements your travel ensemble.
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Cabin
Your carry-on caches most of your
essentials. It needs to be distinctive,
lightweight, and easily movable—and
by movable we mean, something than
can glide through bumps, corners,
stairs, and trot as effortlessly as you do.
An easy grip and international security
proof TSA lock definitely makes all the
difference. For a final touch, choose a
scratch resistant textured finish.
Check-in
Undoubtedly the bag that endures it all, your
check-in should be built to withstand the
strongest impact. Choose something made from
materials like Tegris®—a substance used in
making lifesaving armors and NASCAR race
cars—nothing, not even rain and occasional
hostile porters, can compromise your valuables.
It should be lightweight with high levels of
durability, with protective bumpers, and working
interiors for a more organized packing.
Tumi : Greenbelt 5 | Cartlon : Tripologie
Carlton Alba
Spinner Trolley
53cm in purple
mirror
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SCOPE WHAT TO PACK
Pack Light. Pack Smart.
Traveling with NO check-in luggage? Don’t waste time
preparing a checklist. Everything you need is here, sorted and
packed by our travel experts. From what to bring to what not
to bring, travel SMART and in Style with this illustrated guide
to packing your carry-on luggage—RIGHT.
Wenger 16 Piece Carry on Toiletry Set
1
THE BAG
Deciding on your holiday
destination is akin to choosing
the right bag. For a short beach
vacation, use Carlton’s Alba
Spinner. This 4 wheel trolly
made from 100% polycarbonate
material is a chic and durable
travel companion.
4
CLOTHING
Consider the destination and the
duration of your holiday when packing
clothes. We suggest to have a ratio of
2-3 shirts, 1 pair of jeans, 1 shorts,
1 dress (preferably the multi-purpose
type you can restyle), 1 shawl/scarf,
and a pack of disposable underwear.
5
1
3
Swimsuits, rashguards, boardshorts,
and other swimwear should be packed
inside a plastic zip-top bag.
Tip: Cabin Luggage should
be 56cmx336cmx23cm in
dimension for Airbus flights, and
56cmx35cmx20cm for ATR flights. A
maximum of 7kg (15lbs) is allowed
for most domestic flights except
Caticlan which only permits 5kg.
5
4
2
FOOTWEAR
Pack shoes and slippers along the
wheel base. If you’re not wearing
your kicks to the airport, remember
to stow them in individual bags to
avoid spoiling your garments inside
the trunk. You may slip rolled socks
inside your shoes to save space.
6
2
3-1-1 RULE
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams,
and pastes should not exceed
100ml (3.4oz) in volume per
container. They must all be
placed in 1 clear, quart-sized,
plastic, zip-top bag. And only
1 bag is allowed per person.
6
LAPTOP BAG
3
SNACKS
Flights can be unpredictable.
Don’t forget to stock a few
packs of nibbles like rice
crackers, mixed nuts, dried
fruits, or granola bars.
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Wenger Jumbo Luggage Tag
Load your tablet, laptop,
book|documents, and other
gadgets inside this bag for easier
access. Travel in style with Tumi’s
Astor Ansonia Zip Top Leather Brief
bragging an androgynous design
and functionality, this is the perfect
bag to hold your valuables.
Wenger: Tripologie
Note: Laptop bag, lady’s handbag,
and camera bag not exceeding the
prescribed dimensionsare are not
included in the 7kg limit.
24: MARIKINA 28: ART WALKS 32: KRUGARANT, INC.: ARE YOU READY FOR A
#FASHIONTRANSFORMATION? 34: STATEMENT ACCESORIES: CREATED WITH PASSION (ELIZABETH
PAYTE, FASHION JEWELRY CREATION) 37: MUTYA NG PILIPINAS: BEYOND BEAUTY...MORE THAN THE
CROWN 40: MANILA CATHEDRAL: RESTORING HISTORICAL EMINENCE 48: G TONGI
23
SCOPE MICRO-NEIGHBORHOOD
2
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RM
MARIKINA RIVER
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A. MABINI
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MAR
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UT
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J. . RIZAL ST.
M.A. ROXAS ST.
J. . RIZAL ST.
GEN. F SANTOS
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3
FALCON
A ST
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S ST.
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1 Adela Dee and daughter Tatiana
D. Catangco have transformed
their love of vintage memorabilia
and good food into something
scrumptiously quirky. Go back in
time and experience MamaChit’s
retro-inspired diner.
Try: Their Family Burger: a massive
piece of grounded meat seasoned
with Adela’s secret mix of herbs and
spices, layered into perfection with
fresh greens, tomato, cucumber, and a
hefty slab of cheese.
278 J.P. Rizal St. San Roque, 1800
Marikina City
OZA ST.
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2 An ancestral-home-turnedrestaurant, Patio Vera is the place
you dream about having your
romantic date at. Festooned with
vibrant canopies gathered toward
an elegant chandelier, it’s surely a
candlelit dinner to remember. Spot:
The intricate, colorful, miniature shoe
they use to hold your bill.
70 Gen F. Santos, Marikina,
Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
A ST.
BRID
ST
RD
FO
OX
Marikina
NDOZ
J. . RIZ
IA
COLU
MB
STA
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RD
.
1
V. ME
SHOE AVE.
RIVERSIDE DR
HARVARD
MC
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NT
MARYMOU
NARRA AVE.
UZ
C. CR
AMSTERDAM
J.M. BASA ST.
3 Combining art, ambiance, and
great food, Rustic Mornings by
Isabelo offers the best breakfast
experience. This cozy restaurant offers
an al fresco dining with shabby chic
interiors reminiscent of a handsome
country home. Imagine the smell
of cinnamon, bacon, maple syrup,
and freshly brewed coffee with that
familiar milieu of warm hospitality.
Try: The fluffy-to-perfection
Pancakes and Crispy Waffle
Churros. Heavy eater? Feast on their
Gourmet Hotdog Sandwich.
#11 Isabelo Mendoza St. San Roque,
1800 Marikina City
1. Spend perfect mornings at Rustic
Mornings by Isabelo in Marikina. The
shabby-chic interior oozes with elegance
and aesthetics. Even the porcelain and
empty perfume bottles are inspiring. 2.
Adela and daughter Tatiana of MamaChit’s.
3. A romantic evening at Patio Vera: that
perfect candlelit date amidst nature and
basically anything chic.
25
Mango Tours.
Aside from the website, Mango Tours
also hosts a blog, integrated in the
new website for easier access, which
contains write-ups and tips for travel.
MOBILE APPS PRESENCE
Mango Tours users can also arrange
their trips with the Mango Tours app,
available for iPhone users in the App
Store. It also enables the users to
view their flight details, itinerary, and
their flight status. Soon, Mango Tours
will also launch their booking app on
Google Play Store so Android users
can enjoy the ease of booking a flight
with Mango Tours.
MANGO TOURS
WHERE IT ALL STARTS
V
acation is the only available
time people experience
relaxation and adventure; but
in order to plan a trip, one must
think about other things. But with
Mango Tours’ new website, planning
your ultimate getaway need no longer
be stressful.
The new Mango Tours mobile website
is adaptive to major mobile browsers.
It’s responsiveness to any gadget’s
screen resolution is one of its main
features. These developments put
the website at-par with today’s web
interfaces. MangoTours.com is now
much accessible not only in desktop
computers and laptops, but also in
tablets, smartphones and iPhones.
Anyone can now book a trip within
their palms!
Since 2007. Mango Tours has
been offering total packages
of travel needs, which includes
accommodation, tour packages,
airport and hotel transfers, and travel
insurance. These can now be done
with the website’s dynamic booking
engine. After filling out all the online
forms and reviewing the terms and
conditions, the itinerary will be
directly sent to the user’s email. Now,
any traveler can book a complete tour
package with Mango Tours in as fast
as five minutes.
NEW FEATURES
Mango Tours carries the best deals
from the old website interface. The
“Cheapest Fare Finder,” introduced
last year, is still accessible in the
new website – in a much improved
version. It shows the fare matrix
of flights within 7-day timeframe
from your date of choice, so users
don’t have to check deals in each
succeeding day.
MangoTours.com has also retained its
two widgets for the convenience of its
customers.
“My Travel Cart” allows users to
modify and organize all their travel
needs in one single registration, while
the “Feedback” widget enables
users to send out their comments,
suggestions and concerns directly to
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
2014
26
ForBALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM
more information and first-hand
experience,
visit www.MangoTours.com
DESTINATIONS
Every year, Mango Tours keeps on
adding more destination packages
for everyone to avail. Ranging from
domestic tour packages like Batanes,
Puerto Galera, Iloilo, and Cagayan
de Oro; to East Asian countries like
Korea and Taiwan. European tours
are also available in Mango Tours
alongside with South American and
even African packages.
USER EXPERIENCE
For those people who find booking
a vacation as a hassle, Mango Tours
offers the best and the easiest
custom-tailored website user
experience for all technologies
available. Its user-friendly website
features texts that are large enough
to read, buttons and boxes to touch
and a full website scrollable up and
down. No pinching needed for
zooming.
For Mango Tours, relaxation should
start right with booking that dream
vacation.
27
“The chief enemy of
creativity is good sense.”
Pablo Picasso
SCOPE WHY GO
Art WalkS
1
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2
1. A tradidional Filipino scene from Dominic Rubio and Michael
Cacnio’s exhibit, “Vendors.” 2. The cute and trendy Elly Riders by
Jomike Tejido. Elephant chairs that doubles as cabinets.
Rose Anne Bacayo
Roselyn Beltran
Art In The Park
Galerie Stephanie
Location:
Quezon City
The Scene:
Situated in the busy district
of Libis, Galerie Stephanie
offers a resplendent art
space that aims to flourish
contemporary artists in the
Philippines. The art center
was established on the year
2007, and became one of
the leading art galleries in
the country. Open from
Mondays through Sundays,
it provides a wide array
of artworks, exhibitions,
regular seminars and
workshops.
28
Spot:
Last July’s exhibit
“Mystical Realm” by
the contemporary artist,
Gilbert Semillano, a
renowned artist in the
Middle East and has
won several awards such
as: Grand Prize of 2007
ASEAN Art Competition
(Kuwait), Grand Prize of
2008 Toyota Art Edge
Competition, and won
the First Prize for 2008
Easter Telecoms Art
Competition. Semillano’s
works are inspired by the
Netherlandish painter
Heironymous Bosch and
Italian renaissance artist
Caravaggio. The exhibit
presents 20 artworks that
are greatly influenced
by Semillano’s own
whimsical imagination.
The subject in his works
give a distinct character
and an atmosphere of
vivid colors using highly
great techniques. Looking
at his artworks is like
peeping through a ViewMaster between reality and
dreamscapes.
Local pick:
An exhibit by Dominic
Rubio & Michael Cacnio,
entitled: “Vendors”
Location:
Makati City
The Scene:
A car park fashioned
into an art gallery: Art
in the Park is an annual
event organized by the
Philippine Art Events,
Inc. in collaboration
with Leandro V. Locsin
and partners, Kenneth
Cobonpue and Gigi
Bautista and Associates. It
is a venue for dialogue on
contemporary visual arts
via Christies Art Forum,
a lecture series which
focuses on art historical
movements and Southeast
1
Asian contemporary art.
Showcasing art pieces
priced no higher than
Php30’000, this event aims
to support the growing
local and international
interest in modern and
contemporary Philippine
art.
Spot:
Sculptural works by
Benedicto Cabrera; silkscreened scarves and
graphic wallpaper from Pio
Abad; an interactive sportsinspired work by Louie
Cordero; and a reception
piece by Jose John Santos
III.
Local pick:
Jomike Tejido’s adorable
Elly Riders that open up to
provide cabinet space.
Lloyd Zapanta
Pinto Art Museum
Location:
Antipolo City
The Scene:
Resting in a forest
subdivision near the Rizal
2
Capitol is the 1.2-hectare
gallery, initially a residence
owned by Dr. Joven
Cuanang, a neurologist
and professor from an
internationally recognized
hospital. After an epiphany
that he wanted to be
surrounded with beautiful
things, he started collecting
artistic pieces—the doors
of Pinto Art Gallery
opened to the public year
2000.
Fashioned in Mexican
Casa-style architecture,
this white, stuccoed
museum complex has wide
and open spaces that are
divided into 6 galleries and
4 lush gardens displaying
numerous paintings of
different styles, sculptures
and installation arts from
different local artists.
Stairs and fountains also
complete the landscape,
complementing natural
forest hill environment –
the nature Antipolo City is
known for.
Spot:
The Siraulo sa Pinto Café
and the museum house
dedicated for the love story
of Jose Rizal and Leonor
Rivera.
Local pick:
Popular among couples
as a venue for prenuptial
photo shoots, this gallery
combines handsome
architecture with a tasteful
ambiance.
Marie Monique Recato
Secret Fresh
Ronact Art Center
Location:
San Juan City
The Scene:
While many flock the
often seething Greenhills
Shopping Center, this
is a place where famous
personalities frequent.
Nondescript but with a
true blue underground
following, Secret Fresh is
a dais for collectors with
singular taste. Owner and
self-confessed toy collector
Bigboy Cheng opened
this gallery in 2007 as a
venue for limited edition
and hard to find designer
toys. And after years of
successful colaborations
of local and international
artists, fans can look
forward to an even more
exciting lineup...like one
they should look forward
to in the coming weeks.
Scarygirl zealots get ready
for Nathan Jurevicius
surreal world of psychedelic
colors and grabbing
characters.
Spot:
Live music from indie
bands that play on special
events and launching.
Local pick:
Items range from cute,
abstract, to down right
expensive. Pick out can
get H. Kenney’s YUMMY
doughnut keychains for a
reasonable bargain while
special items showcased
in class enclosures goes
around 50,000+.
1. A life-size wooden horse
marked as a crowd favorite in
the Pinto Art Museum. 2. The
Pinto Art Museum’s light and
spacious gallery.
29
Modern, durable, and affordable.
ABC builds updated and relevant
structures, always abreast with the
demands of the times. Its broad market
appeal attracts people from different
backgrounds, from start-up families to
career-driven individuals, even investors.
Integrity and honesty
ABC also stands firm in
its value of integrity and
honesty. Guided by this core
value, ABC and its associates
conduct business in good
faith always.
ALLEARAN HOMES | Mandaluyong
A five-door townhouse property with a modern, contemporary design. Each unit is ideal for a start up family with two
bedrooms, one den which may be converted into a study area or guest room and three T&B.
Modern conveniences available includes telephone, cable and internet connection outlets, electrical provisions for
generator sets and split type air conditioning units. Each unit also features a solar water heating system.
30
8891 Suites
The Ideal Place
Blending relaxation and
sophiscation
8891 Suites is a 6-storey
condominium hotel with a total
floor area of 1,635.78 SQM. It
has 16 units of different type.
The building is to offer new
flanged but reasonably priced
condominium units for the
increasing number of young
professionals, career-driven
people, and start-up families.
Aguisanda Builders
Corporation
Unit M-4 Mancor Corporate
Center, 32nd Street, Fort
Bonifacio, Taguig City, Manila
Philippines 1634
E: aguisanda_arlene@yahoo.
com
T: +632 511 1600
31
SCOPE STYLE
ARE YOU READY FOR A
#FASHIONTRANSFORMATION?
HI!%JK%?LM%NMOEMP?%?J:M%#)%543)54%
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WORDS: L>JSMM%:>O?JH<NOITJSI
#THROWBACKTRENDS
Fashion trends come and go, but
having an excellent sense of style
always stays. To begin with, you need
a self-assessment. What makes you
feel comfortable? Which style will
highlight your asset and will cover
the flaws? Which mode will further
define your personality? Which
color will make you shine? These will
greatly help you achieve the perfect
look in no time. So step ahead,
update your closet and give it a ‘lil
boost. Let’s take fashion to the next
level.
ASK THE EXPERT
Women today are fast becoming
more fashion conscious and tend
to increase the perception when it
comes to their wardrobe. Clothes
have advanced from being mere
necessities to luxurious assets. Thus,
there are various reliable companies
now that allow you to select the
type of clothing that you want.
These sprawling ‘style and fashion
haven’ could create and produce the
appropriate details and the overall
design that you desire.
For this issue, Balikbayan scouted
for the finest clothing lines around
the Metro to update us on the recent
fashion finds. A highly artistic
entrepreneur and compassionate
fashion stylist stood out...She is
32
Rosemarie “Baby” Lim, the fashion
genius and president of Krugarant,
Inc., a clothes store that specializes
in creating quality fashion. “I love
fashion. I love dressing-up. I like
[dressing people up,] too,” she states.
Her company allows you to specify
every little detail of the fashion
creation you are looking for, from the
kind of fabric materials, chic accents
to the cut. She will guide you with
her sophisticated prowess to come up
with the best design for you. “Making
each client look fabulous – that’s
my only rule.”She aspires to make
Filipinos look stylish and vivacious by
providing them with elegant dresses.
#SELFIESMART
Victorian, elegant and modern.
These best describe Krugarant’s
fashion creations. “My style is very
Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly with a
dash of Marilyn Monroe,” adds Lim.
During this interview, she instantly
transforms my low-key dressing
into a stylish glam ensemble. It was
simple yet very chic. Being a fashion
aficionado, I had a great time in this
shoot, picking dresses and shimmery
jewel - all lined up for the photo
shoot—but putting on her jewelry
design is ‘icing on the cake!’
“I usually paint, but now my canvass
are the people. I like people to look good.”
She beams while showing me more
of her latest creations. Krugarant’s
clothing line also gives a unique sense
of exclusivity because no one else
has exactly the same clothing. “Three
same pieces at the most,” confirms by
the lady owner. Her extensive designs
and reliable pattern makers are expert
in producing exceptional styles yet so
comfortable to wear.
“Making each client look fabulous
– that’s my only rule.”
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
The choice for mixing edgy stones in
a wardrobe became Lim’s signature
style. Like piña abaca dress overcoat,
kimonos and piña shawl all sparkled
with hand sewn pearls and vibrant
stones. Each clothes are handmade
with quality materials, from fresh
water pearls or semi precious stones
to the cloth. She also designs
costume, jewelry and accessories
that can complement the dresses
for all occasions. “My creation is not
limited to the dresses but has stretched
to men’s fashion wear as well.” With
the business doing well, she is now
planning on going international.
Comfort and style don’t always
go together...but with the ‘lil help
from the expert, you will be a sure
standout and feel great. Customized
clothing is one way to showcase your
individuality while making sure that
you will look your best. Be more
audacious when it comes to fashion.
Feel a lot more confidence and make
a difference. Whether it is simply
classic, feminine or edgy, the best
thing is to look good inside and out.
So, what is your #OOTD?
(Krugarant, Inc. is located at 21-B
Santolan Road, Quezon City,
Philippines. Office Tel.: 727-7173 /
586-9132)
33
SCOPE STYLE
Statement Accessories: Created with Passion
BALIKBAYAN%4B72)-45%#$4%6).)3$-)6&#"3%2,B49%3-4&#"A4%4B#-464'%&.5%#$4%43)<
".'7"-45%'$"664-%)*%Elizabeth Payte’s *&'$").%U4(42-8%3-4&#").'=%J#%"'%&2')%;.)(.%*)-%
2&5"4'%&334'')-"4'%0-&.5%)*%6)54-.%T"3#)-"&.%7"434'%("#$%&%3$&-6"./%*,'").%)*%3)2)-'9%
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0,'".4''%()6&.9%$4-%".'7"-"./%'#)-8%&.5%($&#%6&;4'%$4-%54'"/.%,."C,4=
INTERVIEW BY%L>JSMM%:>O?JH<NOITJSI
SURPRISE TREND
Q: Why did a civil engineer by
profession leave a flourishing career to
become an entrepreneur?
EP: “My jewelry business all
happened by chance. Back then,
my sons liked giving their teachers
little gifts for Teacher’s Day and
Christmas. To save money, I made
the gifts myself, I would buy the
beads and other materials to make a
bracelet or a necklace.During a trip
to Tokyo, my brother who was based
34
there brought me to Le Droguerie,
a store that sold glass beads and
jewelry parts, and manuals for jewelry
making. I upgraded my designs and
my friends loved my new collection.
They urged me to join a bazaar. My
pieces were a huge success, it inspired
me to continue and expand my
jewelry business.”
CREATIVE PHILOSOPHY
Q: With the wide range of ladies
accessories on the market, what makes
your fashion jewelry creation different?
EP: “No two pieces are alike as a rule
in my design. I make it a point that
my pieces are distinctive so that they
are difficult to copy by other beaders.
All my pieces are painstakingly and
uniquely made.
RADIANT HEIRLOOM
Q: What makes Elizabeth Payte brand
special?
EP: “My pieces will last a lifetime.
Each one is like a piece of wearable
art. I use vintage brooches and
cameos in my other pieces to add
character to my creation. My pieces
have a class of their own.”
“Each one is like a piece of wearable
art.”
HEIRLOOM TLC
All these Victorian-inspired
accessories used hand crocheted wire
mesh embellished with the finest
stones and beads. The crochet pieces
are made of solid stainless steel wire
that will not stain. These crochet
pieces can be bent and be adjusted
to fit the neck of the client without
deforming the arrangement of the
stones, crystals and pearls. There is
also a 4-6 inches extender chain for
better adjustment for the neck. These
are all washable by just running water
just in case a powder or foundation
gets in contact with it. They advise
the user not to use soap when
cleaning it to maintain the vibrancy
of the stones and pearls.
“My pieces have a class of their own.”
CUSTOMMADE
Q: Are there any special techniques in
putting embellishments?
EP: “Stones, crystals, antique and
vintage pieces are selected carefully
before we make a manual handcrochet technique using wire mesh.
Everything is meticulously handmade.
Q: What is your best selling product?
EP: “We have different types of
fashion accessories like necklaces,
bangles, necklaces, earrings,
headbands and bags. Our popular
items are our Victorian necklaces with
different cameo designs, colors and
unique shapes that give elegant and
classic look.”
make sure that these accessories are
safe to wear and do not tarnish.They
also customize, accept redesigning
and reinventing old pieces to give
them a new character.
The company’s big step is to become
the leading supplier to stores carrying
high-end ladies’ items and be a world
renowned luxury ladies’ accessories
brand from the Philippines.
MORE FASHIONABLE, MORE EXPERIMENTAL
FILIPINO INGENUITY
The impeccable craftsmanship of
these precious stones mark a perfect
statement neckpieces to any special
occasions. It could also be a refreshing
approach even from the low-key
jeans-and-shirt combination.
ACCESSORIES make or break an
outfit, when in doubt, check out the
latest Elizabeth Payte designs. Their
current outlets are:
Boutique, Solaire Resort & Casino,
Paranaque City
Souvenirs, Shangri-la Hotel Makati
City
La Boutique, Sofitel Philippine Plaza,
Pasay City
Boutique, Diamond Hotel, Manila
SM Kultura, Mall of Asia, Pasay Cit
SM Kultura, Aura Mall, Taguig City
Abiste, Tokyo City ( Japan)
Kate Chan, New York City (USA)
The company could create about 130
different accessories with distinct and
intricate designs in a month. They
Zontra Club (Makati) Members’ Hair
& Make-up by: Muriel Jada Nubla
Q: Where do you get the materials for
your products?
EP: “Materials are carefully sourced
from around the world. I have
suppliers of semi-precious stones. For
my mesh necklaces, I get the stainless
steel thread-like wires in Germany.
I go to flea markets when I travel to
buy the vintage components like glass
beads from France, mother-of-pearl
and other cameos from India, and
glass leaves from Murano. During a
trip to Tokyo, I bought obi materials
and made them into bags as well.”
35
36
SCOPE EVENTS
the Philippines and the 160,000
Filipinos in Australia. Though we
are far away, we remain proud of our
Filipino heritage.As embodiment
of beauty inside out,both are truly
an inspiration for other women to
emulate. “Believe in yourself, be patient
and follow your dreams because it is
only you who can make your dreams a
reality,”concludes Fil-Aussie belle.
“Believe in yourself, be patient and
follow your dreams because it is only you
who can make your dreams a reality.”Kim Fyfe (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014
2nd Runner-up)
Beyond Beauty...
More Than The Crown
WORDS: L>JSMM%:>O?JH<NOITJSI
BEAUTY TOURISM has made
Mutya ng Pilipinas(“Jewel of the
Philippines”) a cut above the other
beauty pageants. Over the past
four decades, it has shown strong
commitment not only to promote
fashion and beauty pageantry, but
charters in worthy endeavours that
will further enhance the Philippines
as a foremost tourism nirvana and
will beckon ‘Filipina with a social
responsibility.’
OVERSEAS BEAUTIES
MP is the first ever beauty pageant
that has introduced the inclusion
of representatives from Overseas
Filipino Communities. This is not
only to raise the level of competition
in the national pageant but also to
recognize the diverse cultures and
Filipino roots of overseas-based
women.
Over the years, select Overseas
Filipino Communities have been
formidable partners of the pioneer
and most dominant pageant
organization in the Philippines and
in Asia. Delegates from Northern
and Southern California, Nevada,
Arizona, Maryland, Midwest,
the East Coast, Hawaii, Canada,
Australia, Germany, the United
Kingdom, Iceland, and Scandinavia
constantly participate as global beauty
front runners.
This year, two of the overseasbased delegates made it to the top 5:
Patrizia Bosco (Mutya ng Pilipinas
2014 Overseas Communities) and
Kim Fyfe (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2nd
runner-up).
Boscois the pride of the Filipino
community in Milan, Italy. Her
mother is a Cebuana while her father
is of Italian descent.“I’ve travelled a
lot...Spain, France, Germany, Holland,
Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Greece,
Mexico and U.S.A., but it is not yet
enough. I really want to promote [the
Philippines] in Italy and to different
parts of the world to show them how
wonderful this place is,” says Fil-Italian
model, stylist and fashion blogger.
Fyfe is a nursing and psychology
student in Australia. “I’d love to visit
my mum’s hometown Dumaguete,
the city of gentle people and of
course all the beautiful beaches of
the Philippines,”quips the 18 year
old part time model in Geelong,
Australia.“The Philippines is vibrant the people are happy, fun, positive and
warm.I want to be a bridge between
WORLD CLASS BEAUTY QUEENS
Since the 60s era, MP served as
the breeding ground of world class
beauty queens. It played a significant
role in empowering women since
then. Some of the previous winners
are now politicians, physicians,
lawyers, and movie and television
personalities. Countless names were
discovered as it triumphantly unlocks
the opportunities worldwide.
Proving that they are not just
another pretty faces, Eva Psychee
Patalinjug(Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014,
Asia Pacific International),Glennifer
Perido (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014,
Tourism International) and Cristine
Cheeny Racel (Mutya ng Pilipinas
37
38
1st runner-up)are future champions
of varied social causes. The pageant
provides these young ladies with a
chance to share their visions for the
country.
“This pageant will be my platform
in pushing for my advocacies in life
especially promoting tourism in our
country but also overseas,” remarks
by Patalinjug. As a youth leader,
(she is an outgoing Sangguniang
Kabataan Chairman) the 20-yearold Cebuanaconsistently supports
outreach programs.“It is a great
opportunity to expand my horizon.”
“This pageant will be my platform
in pushing for my advocacies in life
especially promoting tourism in our
country but also overseas.”- Eva
Patalinjug (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014
Asia Pacific International)
Patalinjug and Gerido are both
registered nurses. “I believe Mutya
ng Pilipinas is a great venue for my
advocacies in line with the pageant’s
purpose that is Beauty Tourism. I will
visit places myself and share to the world
thru social media for everyone to know
how beautiful our country is.” shares
Perido who was from Tabuk City,
Kalinga.
The 22-year-old charmer’s mother
is an Overseas Filipino Worker
but she is not considering to work
abroad as a nurse.“I want to give
pride to my province Kalinga and to
fulfill my dream to help others, serve as
an inspiration and be a beauty queen
leader.”
RP’s representative & 3rd placer to
Miss Tourism Queen International
Asia in Xitang, China, Cristine
Cheeny Racel adds, “Always remember
that life is so beautiful and will be more
if we will show the real beauty that we
have, gain self-confidence and gain more
positive and beautiful outcome.” Racel
is from Olongapo City and took up
Hotel & Restaurant Management
“My life ambition is to serve God and
do what He wants me to do. I trust
him completely, and I know I’m now
enjoying each step along the way and
living my life filled with love.”
“Always remember that life is so
beautiful and will be more if we will
show the real beauty that we have, gain
self-confidence and gain more positive
and beautiful outcome. -”Cheeny Racel
(Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 1st Runnerup)
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
The winners of the Mutya ng
Pilipinas Pageant are sent to
international pageant events, such as
Miss Tourism International, Miss
Tourism Queen of the Year and the
Miss Asia Pacific International.
MP has produced winners who
made the country proud after
winning a major international
beauty title. Angeli Dione Gomez took home the Miss Tourism
International 2013-14 crown, giving
the Philippines a back-to-back win
since Rizzini Alexis Gomez won
the same title a year before. Their
achievements marked the Philippines
as the country with the most number
of major international titles in this
pageant. MP is the franchisee of Miss
Tourism International pageant which
was conceived in Kuching, Sarawak,
Malaysia in 1994.
Another Mutya delegate who
captured the world is Mutya ng
Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International
2013 titlist Koreen Medina who
competed at Miss Intercontinental
pageant. She was hailed as “Miss
Asia & Oceania” during the
coronation night held in Germany,
which is participated by 59 countries.
TRIUMPHS OF A BEAUTY QUEEN
The world of pageantry may
look complicated.But there is
something about beauty pageants
that magnetize interest: amidst the
nerve-wracking experience and
pressure of standing on stage, the
judgment and expectation, there’s a
kind of charisma that compel women
to adhere. Perhaps the distinction of
Mutya ng Pilipinas that drives beauty
queen aspirants to join is the mere
quintessence of becoming a source of
inspiration,a good way of discovering
abilities, reaching self-actualization,
respect and self-worth for the
Filipino people.
Hair by Marc Balano, Richard Calo, and
Michael Manalad of Haute Head Salon
Makeup by Jim Ryan Ros for Maybeline
New York, Elvie Caralde and Cris Colina
of Haute Head Salon
Jacqueline Tan, Mutya ng Pilipinas
President
39
SCOPE ICONS
1
Manila Cathedral:
Restoring Historical Eminence
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'724.5)-\one brick at a time.
Located in Intramuros, Manila, the
Manila Metropolitan CathedralBasilica, informally known as the
Manila Cathedral, is a basilica
devoted to the Immaculate
Conception, the principal patroness
of the Philippines. After enduring
several damages since its construction
in 1581, the cathedral remained
standing for 433 years. Its sturdiness
mirrors the resilient Catholic faith of
the Filipino people. Under the keen
eyes of the historians and members
40
of the church alike, preservation and
reconstruction of the prestigious
structure was a long-awaited pursuit.
But for such towering a cathedral,
time and resources were just a few of
the anticipated difficulties the Manila
Cathedral encountered.
The current Rector of the Manila
Cathedral Msgr. Nestor Cerbo
dutifully attended to the restoration
of one of the country’s most
esteemed churches. When he was
appointed rector back in 2002, he
2
was designated with three tasks by
the late Cardinal Sin, himself: to tidy
up the Manila Cathedral and keep
it in good condition (Msgr. Cerbo
recalled that the church was not in
a good state when he assumed office
as Rector. There was a part in the
church where employees constructed
makeshift cubicles to serve as living
quarters looked like shanties inside
the cathedral); to receive bishops
and priests, especially those who
came to officiate weddings, in a more
accommodating and gracious manner
(Msgr. Cerbo also noticed that
there was no proper receiving area
for bishops and priests who came a
long way to officiate weddings, and
bishops were made to wait in the
Rector’s office on a long wooden
bench); and ultimately, to bring
Manila Cathedral back to its glorious
state for the 8th time.
Msgr. Cerbo has set his eyes into
retrofitting the Cathedral most of all,
because it is the usual procedure to
ascertain the structural integrity of
the building first before restoration.
Moreover, the structure of the
cathedral no longer abides with the
standards for safety, as issued by the
current mandate.
Concerned with this news, he
immediately sought the advice
of the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for
the restoration project, as advised by
his superiors. With the organization’s
expertise, it proposed two consultants
for the project with Angel Lazaro
& Associates International (ALAI)
who got the bid as it was the only
one registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and with the
Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Msgr. Cerbo noted that during
the planning stage of the restoration
project, there was a suggestion to
build the church from scratch in
a different and more convenient
location. The idea did not push
through because of the important
consideration of preserving the
historicity of the Manila Cathedral by
maintaining it in its original location.
He also emphasized that it is not a
renovation—the design should not be
changed; it is a restoration, therefore
preserving the cathedral in its original
design is imperative.
With this in mind, Msgr. Cerbo
was determined to have the originl
design retained, even having the
salvageable pieces from the original
construction conserved in the
structure. Firm with this goal, he told
the engineers and the architects to
“stick with the original design.”
“After the war, [the church] was
not totally wiped out. The façade was
preserved. The walls at the side, all the
walls around, are preserved,” Msgr.
Cerbo recalls. “So they just built on
what was left.”
But grand plans come with a great
price. Msgr. Cerbo knew that the
3
4
restoration would demand an amount
that the church does not readily have
available. Seeking ways to reach the
much-needed fund for the project,
he initiated the Manila Cathedral
Foundation. Inc.. Later on, like an
answer to the call for help, donations
from private sectors and individuals
poured in to support the cause.
“It’s good that I was able to approach
one person who was able to help in
getting people who can refer us to other
people who can donate fund,” shares
Msgr. Cerbo.
“[Ambassador De Villa] was the one
who got people to become trustees of the
foundation, and some of them [were]
referred by then Cardinal Rosales,
and others by the current Chairman
Cardinal Tagle.”
The Manila Cathedral that we see
now can be likened to its old design
as if it never endured any of the
detrimental elements that it did in
the past. Designed to be a mixture
of the old and new structure (years
1875 and 1958 respectively), it is
exactly how most of us remembered
it, only that traces of its original
design are now more vivid. The
façade of the whole edifice is already
enticing, especially with its touch
of copper dome exterior, which
the team managed to preserve
from its 1958 origin. It retained its
classic Romanesque architecture
while maintaining its ambiance of
simplicity without too much of the
decoration. Those few adornments
41
1. Sara Maria Gonzales on violin and conductor Arturo Molina for ‘Konzertfest.’ 2. Tasso Adamopoulos on viola from France for ‘Eroica.’
MANILA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
THE MSO—88 YEARS YOUNG
In 2012, the UNICEF reported that
39.4% of the 96.7 million Filipinos
were under the age of 18.
This year, a violin seller in the
Philippines confided to Manila
Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Executive
Director Jeffrey R. Solares that he
was selling violins at a rate of 60 per
week. We asked, “Who were buying
these violins? And where are these
violinists?”
According to the buzz about town, the
Department of Education is looking at
arts and culture to fill up some gaps in
the new Kinder-12 education plan.
If we look at the big picture, there is
a smouldering interest by Filipinos
in musical education that predicates
an explosion of classical proportions.
And as with everything else, the future
of classical music in the Philippines is
in our nation’s youth.
When I started with MSO, I was
completely surprised at the popularity
of classical music in social media.
Among the well-known orchestras
in the Philippines—MSO, Philippine
Philharmonic, and ABS-CBN
Philharmonic—ours not only had the
most fans, but they were as rabid
as fans of rock bands Urbandub,
WilaBaliw, or Parokya ni Edgar. Our
42
very enthusiastic fan base is from the
Philippines (84%), and aged 18-34
(65%)! Who lied and said that classical
music was for old people?
If you see for yourself online (www.
facebook.com/manilasymphony) you
will stagger at the enthusiasm; the
‘liking,’ commenting on, and shares is
what I would expect in, say, Vienna or
Bonn. The MSO is riding high on the
wave of technology, and the people
are returning the love.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise,
therefore, that the enrolment at the
brand new MSO Music Academy
on Taft Avenue is at 100%. We are
looking at the deafening facts with
plans of opening more branches in
Makati and Quezon City. Classical
music is in a renaissance in the
Philippines!
Eighty-eight years for an orchestra
is nothing, historically speaking. The
age of the true modern orchestra was
in the 1500s. The claim of “oldest
continuing orchestra” is with the
Royal Danish Orchestra founded in
1448. The oldest surviving violin,
meanwhile, crafted for King Charles IX
of France, is 554 years old.
Look our musicians in the eye and
you will see youth, pride, and hunger.
You will also see the awareness that
they are the continuation of the
Philippines’ heritage.
The orchestra’s history is
the Philippines’ history. The
Commonwealth, World War II,
President Magsaysay, folk music and
dance, even martial law. Except for
a decade in the 90s, the MSO has a
place in every national event.
I’ve heard stories of the Legardas
(who, to this day, sit on the Board of
Trustees) hiding from the Imperial
Japanese the orchestra’s instruments
in their distillery vats. Stories of
musicians in the hills, some never to
come back. Stories of the great Oscar
Yatco as a young violinist playing
Beethoven’s victorious epic Eroica
two times a day for months on end
for the heroic troops who had retaken
Manila.
I’ve heard stories of defiance of the
Marcos dictatorship by beloved
conductor, the late Basilio Manalo,
who left the country rather than be
coerced into giving credibility to the
Iron Butterfly’s delusions of grandeur.
But the best stories are the ones of
friendship, of bonds made by music’s
power. Of Japanese, Korean, and
Chinese musicians and composers
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014 Words: Carlos Garchitorena, Marketing Manager of the Manila Symphony Orchestra
who made their mark on the MSO.
Of the brothers Thanos and Tasso
Adamopoulos from Belgium and
France who come back to guest
conduct and play every year. Of a
group called Cultures in Harmony
that comes yearly to exchange
musical ideas with indigenous
people, much like National Artist
and MSO conductor Col. Antonino
Buenaventura did in 1934.
These are stories of MSO’s growth.
The bios of our past soloists—
assistant and associate concertmaster
Sara Maria Gonzales and Christian
Tan respectively, and principal cello
Anjo Inacay—are testament to
the foundation of classical music
education in our country.
Just as in the past, the MSO
Foundation continues to move
forward with immersion and
scholarship programs like Music
for Young Minds, to find the next
Yatcos, Manalos, and Buenaventuras,
and imbue in them the heritage of
classical music in the Philippines.
In spite of limited government
assistance, the MSO keeps this
heritage alive—not to mention 60
musicians and staff on a regular
stipend—with the vigor of youth
shared by all our musicians,
supporters, subscribers, Board of
Trustees, and sponsors.
Funding comes from our Platinum
Sponsors Metrobank Foundation
and Natimars Foundation, our Gold
Sponsors Meralco and First Metro
Investment Corporation, and our
Silver Sponsors, CATS Motors Inc.,
Toyota Motors Philippines Corp.,
Francisco Ortigas Securities Inc.,
First Metro Asset Management Inc.,
Federal Land, First Metro Securities,
and Belle Corporation, while Asian
Journal Publishing Inc. promotes us
overseas.
It is enough to allow us to extend the
reach of classical music beyond the
plush halls of the Cultural Center of
the Philippines. Because you never
know when and where the sound of
Beethoven’s clarinet solos or Bruch’s
violin will awaken the next young
mind.
43
1. A symbol of faith that has lived on for
many years, the grand aisle of the Manila
Cathedral is every bride’s dream due to
its lofty cieling. 2. A mover behind the
restoration, Msgr Nestor Cerbo keeps
an optimistic faith about the project. 3.
A majestic view of the pipe organ: the
biggest pipe organ in Southeast Asia.
4. Coat of arms preserved at the Choir loft
where the pipe organ is located. 5. One of
the many challeges during the restoration
was to retain the original design of the
capitals and the lower portion of arches
of the twin pillars.
make great additions to the religious
feel of the rather minimalist
interior. Few such examples of these
embellishments are the intricately
designed arches that can be found
in some corners of the church, and
the vault ceiling. The cathedral
also houses the largest pipe organ
in Southeast Asia, which was also
included in the list of restoration.
Msgr. Cerbo also had some parts of
the structure that needed immediate
attention successfully repaired such
as the revamping of the receiving
room into a proper and more
comfortable lounge room where
he can accommodate guests of the
church, the repairing of the ceiling
and rooftop which caused the leaking
especially during the rainy days, and
the refurbishment of the broken
stained windows.
However, Msgr. Cerbo and his
team were also challenged with some
parts of the rehabilitation, especially
in their efforts to restore them in
their original state. The installation of
the I-beams, albeit one of the simpler
tasks in the retrofitting, cramped
their workspace. The meticulous
ways of manually restoring the
decorative capitals and arch moldings
in the finishing stage, as well as the
precious marble claddings of the twin
columns and main pillars posed a
difficulty in bringing them back to
their original condition. The delicate
condition of the bell tower caused
by the disintegrating concrete and
adobe claddings proved to be trying
in Msgr. Cerbo’s plans to have it
restored. However, the toughest
the team has encountered was the
44
5
amount of dedication left in the
team’s spirit who was in the brink of
giving up.
“The most crucial challenge is keeping
the Project Team at the height of
tension-filled working environment,
to work together and prep their
morale towards the common goal to
meet the target completion, when most
of the Project Team are about to give
up,” Msgr. Cerbo shares. “It takes a
great deal [of ]dedication, patience and
perseverance to get things done in [the]
face of uncertainties we faced during the
height of restoration activities.”
An addition was also made to
the church, adapting to the modern
times, and making it more touristfriendly. Touchscreen monitors were
installed that show interactive ways
to learn more about the Manila
Cathedral such as its history,
significance and value to the Catholic
community, administrative functions,
and many more engrossing facts that
might enlighten curious visitors. The restoration process is not quite
finished, but Msgr. Cerbo and his
team intend to have everything done
by the end of November 2014, in
time for the Papal visit in the country.
To this date, their funds for this
project has reached up to a spiralling
140 million Pesos, and still counting.
Much should still be done for such
limited time left. But the strong
faith of Msgr. Cerbo and his team
inspired them to keep going amidst
adversities, and their belief in the
divine intervention will give them a
clearer sight of everything they have
envisioned for the Manila Cathedral.
For a schedule of liturgical
services and other information
on the cathedral, you may visit
manilacathedral.ph. For queries
regarding offerings and donations,
call +63 (02) 5273093, 5271796,
5273889, 5283876 or email
[email protected].
45
5554%-*.+/.01+%2#30%0(430"
14thLacson Sts. Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Philippines 6100
Tel Nos.: (6334) 433.3731 (6334) 704.1999 | Fax No.: (6334) 433.0951
!"#$%&'(()&*#%+*,%-*.+/.01+%2#30%0(430"
46
47
48
EXCLUSIVE
ALL ABOUT G
By the time Giselle “G” Töngi was 21
years old, she was at the height of her
career with a filmography of 16 films
and numerous television shows, a
debut album, and a highly-coveted gig
as an MTV Asia VJ. Then, she walked
away from it all, only to start anew.
Years later, G is back on screen with
a daily talk show in Los Angeles. She
shares with Balikbayan Magazine how
she discovered her true calling.
By Christina M. Oriel
Photography: Mark Sacro
Photography assistant: Joe Gunawan
Hair: Reggie Pamatong
Makeup: Patrick Santa Ana
Styling by Hergie Estoque
and Tale for Esther
49
G Töngi is
ready for her CLOSEUP
ON A BLISTERING
AFTERNOON, G sits under the
shade, while undergoing a makeup
and hair transformation and
providing input on what her ‘looks’
for today should be.
Taking photos near the famed
Hollywood sign may seem cliché and
overdone, but for the former 90s It
Girl, this is her dream photoshoot, a
testament of how far she’s made it.
“It’s surreal,” G says, basking in the
moment. “I’m here shooting at the
Hollywood sign with an all-Filipino
crew.”
Now in her mid-30s and a mother
of two, G moved back to Los Angeles
at the end of July to assume the
position of host and producer of
“Kababayan Today,” a daily talk show
on KSCI-TV LA18 for the FilipinoAmerican community in Southern
California and with syndication on
Hawaii’s KIKU station.
To understand how and why G
returned to the United States after
declaring three years ago that she
would be in the Philippines for good,
one must first understand her career’s
progression — or reversal, of sorts
— from being “on top of the world,”
attempting to break into the US
film industry, enrolling in school and
tackling the most exciting project, yet.
Saying G is a natural on camera is
an understatement. During the shoot,
she strikes poses, without having to
be directed. Behind the scenes and
in person, she always has a glistening
smile and speaks expressively, but
not in a histrionic way. She is more
approachable and easygoing than
having the air of someone who has
been famous for two decades.
AT 12 YEARS OLD, a commercial
agent in Manila approached G as she
50
was walking inside the mall. After
profusely begging her mother, G
went in to do a video tape recording
(VTR).
“‘Hi! I’m Giselle.’ You turn to
the right [then] you look into the
camera,” she says, reenacting how
she first stepped in front of a camera,
professionally.
The casting agent noticed how
comfortable she was on screen,
which was in part due to practicing
in front of the mirror and growing
up watching television, particularly,
MTV.
But at 16 was when G received her
‘big break.’
Eric Quizon (actor, director, and
son of famed-comedian Dolphy)
approached G at a club called
Faces in Makati, and asked her if
she wanted to act in movies. She
was taken aback by the offer — she
considered herself to be a model, not
an actress.
“You have no idea what you’re in
store for,” G remembers Eric saying.
That week, Eric took her to Regal
Films and she was signed to a four
year, 16-film contract.
In those four years, G became a
90s It Girl, starring in notable roles
on ABS-CBN’s “Gimik” and “Sa
Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako” and in
films such as “Langit sa Piling Mo”
and “Istokwa,” to name a few. She
appeared on variety shows, like “Eezy
Dancing” and SOP, where she had
her own “G-Spot” segment.
She landed a spot as an MTV Asia
VJ — the aspiration of any teenage
girl growing up in the 80s and 90s —
and even released “Very G,” her debut
album under Sony Music.
However, the fame wasn’t satisfying
and G noticed something was
severely lacking.
“I didn’t understand what was
happening to my life. It became an
aquarium where everything I did
was scrutinized. I couldn’t be myself
because I was being molded to this
idea of what it meant to be a star,”
she recalls.
She was working long hours and
taping several projects at a time,
which led to her feeling burnt out
and a wake up call to reevaluate the
direction her career was heading in.
“[My mom] told me ‘you’ve got
three TV shows [and] a film contract.
You’re working with MTV Asia.’ I
was on top of the world at 21,” G
says. “But I knew…I wanted to do
something more relevant to society.
I didn’t know at the time what I was
looking for.”
In 2000, G, then 21 years old,
packed up her bags and move to New
York to study acting at Lee Strasberg
Theatre and Film Institute and dance
at Broadway Dance Center.
A year later, all of the money she
saved from her acting career was
gone. “I’ve never had a job other
than being an artista (actress)…I had
no idea how I was going to support
myself,” she remembers.
Keeping in mind her single
mother’s survival instinct, G took a
two-week crash course in bartending
and took a job in the East Village at a
Vietnamese restaurant called Village
Ma. She also would occasionally
return to Manila to work on
television and movie projects.
After roughing it out in New York,
G decided to move to Los Angeles
in 2003.
“I had this notion that I wanted
to be in the movies…I’ve done 35
feature-length films [back in the
Philippines]. I was confident that I
went to school [for acting] and had a
51
lot of experience,” she says.
G soon realized that acting
offers wouldn’t be as easy as being
physically present in the epicenter of
entertainment.
“I came out to Hollywood, literally,
and got my first apartment along
Sunset Boulevard…it was always
a dream of mine to say ‘I’m here
in Hollywood,’ but what I should
have said was ‘I want to get a job in
Hollywood,’” she jokes.
She supported herself by
bartending at both locations of Chan
Dara, a popular Thai restaurant.
“I remember some movie stars from
the Philippines would come [into the
restaurant] and I would go out of my
way to make them drinks and bring it
to [their] tables and instead of being
grateful, they would say ‘Ay, si G,
waitress na lang dito,’” G shares.
She admits these encounters were
‘painful’ for her, adding that “there
was this crab mentality that ‘she left
this career in the Philippines just so
she could serve me.’” It was really
her way of being hospitable to those
actors, whom she recognized.
Her experiences while bartending
were not all bad, however.
“…I would always have [male]
customers asking me ‘what are you?’ I
would never say because I would say,
‘if you can guess, your drink’s on me.’
No one would ever guess then all of
a sudden this [Caucasian] man sat
down and said ‘You’re Pinay.’”
The customer was Tim Walters,
also a bartender, who followed her
when she returned to the Philippines
and proposed after three months.
The couple got married in Boracay in
2005 and welcomed their first child, a
daughter named Sakura.
G was a stay-at-home mom for
two years, but missed a more fastpaced life. The family moved back to
the United States, where G enrolled
at Pierce College in Woodland Hills,
Calif. Having not been in school for
15 years nor finishing high school,
G made it her mission to receive an
education.
Tim worked two jobs so G could
52
focus on earning her degree and
raising the family—she was five
months pregnant with her second
child (a son who would be named
Kenobi) at the time.
“I was going to do the best I could
at it. The teacher would always be, ‘G
put your hand down,’ because I read
and wanted to share,” she says.
Her next step would be to apply as
a transfer student to the University of
California, Los Angeles (UCLA), as
a Communications major. Realizing
how competitive the admission
process was – the program only takes
about 200-300 transfer students a
year – G had to write ten extra pages
of an honors project in each of her
classes in order to graduate with
honors from Pierce.
“That’s really what honed me to
be the writer that I am now,” she
remarks. “Prior to that, I was very
insecure about my writing, but that
was the only way I was going to get
into UCLA.”
She wrote about the Filipino
community on an academic level in
her essays. For example, her essay
for an anthropology class was about
the black market of kidneys in the
Philippines and she examined posttraumatic stress disorder in Filipino
World War II veterans for her
psychology class.
G knew she couldn’t afford to
attend UCLA and had two young
children to raise, but with her
husband’s support and push, she
sat down and wrote her admissions
essay in which she wrote about her
situation and ambition to be a UCLA
student.
“Your family is here and I will
work…so you can pursue your
passions and dreams in life,” G recalls
Tim saying.
She would obsessively check the
status of the application and finally
received her admittance letter when
she was in the Philippines, where
she would find acting jobs during
the summer. Tim moved the family’s
belongings from the San Fernando
Valley to Westwood while G was
away, so by the time she returned, she
could
focus on studying.
She studied for three years – a
year longer because she wanted
to stay as long as possible – as a
communications major with a focus
on mass and new media and double
minored in film and theater. While
a student, her children were placed
in the UCLA Day Care, which she
notes was her “saving grace.”
After graduating with honors
in 2011, G uprooted her family to
the Philippines. There were no job
opportunities waiting for her, yet she
was confident that she could put her
degree to practice as a producer.
She conceptualized a 13-part travel
documentary called “The Balikbayan
Project,” wherein she teamed up
with the Department of Tourism
and brought the Basco family to
the country to experience different
destinations (i.e. Boracay, Palawan,
Davao) and connect with their roots.
The series was picked up by GMA
Pinoy TV.
“I wanted to film the Philippines
in the eyes of a second-generation
Filipino-American who has no idea
what it means to be Filipino. We
did it in 21 days,” she says about the
inspiration behind the show.
She asked close friend Michael
Carandang (producer of “America’s
Next Top Model” and “The Tyra
Banks Show”) to consult for the
show. But it was G who ran the show
behind the scenes, from writing the
scripts, sending sponsorship letters,
recording voiceovers, to transcribing
and editing the final footage.
It took seven months to edit and
package the final product, which
G regards as “the best learning
experience as a producer because I
really had to learn on my feet.”
“That’s really what led me to
where I am now. The Philippine
entertainment industry wasn’t really
open to the Fil-Am experience. I
grew up [both] in America and the
Philippines all my life so what I
understand is this experience.”
“I wanted other people like me to
know what it’s like to go back to the
Philippines, to eat the food and meet
the people—that was my passion but
I just didn’t always know it,” G adds.
After failed attempts to pitch a
similar series to Philippine-based
networks, G appeared in several
teleseryes (TV dramas): “Nandito Ako,”
“Aryana,” “Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw,” and
“Carmela.”
But G would get in trouble because
she would complain about the long
hours, especially while raising two
kids. There are no unions, residuals or
health insurance for actors there, she
discloses.
She was also cast as Marlene
Dietrich in a month-long production
of “Piaf.” She dyed her hair blonde
and read books on the actress in order
to get into character.
“Because I was able to walk away
from the fame when I was younger,
when the opportunity [to be the host
of “Kababayan Today”] came along,
I didn’t think I was right for it,” she
admits.
Her close friend Belinda Panelo
(Fil-Am actress and also a former
MTV VJ) sent her the listing that
KSCI-TV LA18 was looking
for a new host and producer for
“Kababayan Today.” Writer and one
of G’s mentors, Prosy Delacruz also
reached out to her about the position.
She sent a cover letter and samples
of her video work to the station.
Shortly after, she was invited to
Skype with the executives of the
station, who told her that if given the
position, she would have to relocate
to Los Angeles and travel to Hawaii
and the Philippines about four times
a year.
“This was a Wednesday when
they interviewed me. On Monday,
they would interview the [other
candidates]. I remember I put a
reminder on my phone that day
would be the auditions in LA. If I
got this, I should be hearing from
them in 48 hours. Sure enough my
phone rang and they sent me an offer
letter. By Friday, I accepted the offer
letter and on Sunday I left Manila
to be here in the office by Monday
morning,” she recounts.
Indeed, it has been a surreal, fastpaced sequence of events for G.
She came to Los Angeles alone
with two suitcases and worked to
finish the show’s programming for
the rest of August, then returned
to the Philippines to get her two
children and take a family vacation
in Boracay. As of this writing, Tim
is still in the Philippines packing up
their belongings — the family had
almost 80 balikbayan boxes when
they first moved in 2011.
“I live and thrive in this kind of
environment and it is because of
my training from ‘The Balikbayan
Project.’ You just hit the ground
running. I aired my first episode [of
‘Kababayan Today’ on the week of
August 4],” she says.
In taking over a show that has been
around for eight years and has built
its own reputation in the FilipinoAmerican community, G is brimming
with ideas to imprint her own mark.
She envisions the show as a platform
for “edutainment,” in which people
are entertained, yet are educated
on substantive issues and valuable
lessons.
Two of her primary goals are to
help bridge the gap between the first
and second-generations of Filipinos
and to define what it means to be
Filipino. “Our [Filipino] culture is
so rich. It’s a special experience to be
Filipino,” she proudly proclaims.
Already, she has given her own
twist to the show by introducing
Mentor Mondays, a segment that
invites young Fil-Ams to interview
their role models on air. Eric Quizon
and actor Dante Basco (of “Hook”
fame and one of the cast members of
“The Balikbayan Project) appeared in
the early episodes.
Throughout September, Filipinos
in academia shared their stories and
weighed in on the value of pursuing
higher education and studying one’s
culture and identity.
She scored an interview with Jose
Antonio Vargas, undocumented
immigration activist and journalist,
which will be aired in the coming
weeks.
G discloses that she has received
a range of feedback, some critical,
but she takes those comments with
a grain of salt, and if anything, as
motivators to improve. Admittedly,
she is still adjusting to the role
and community she inherited and
realizing how powerful the medium
is.
Not only is it a 30 minute period
to celebrate the Filipino culture,
while simultaneously dissecting the
issues that affect the community
and not being afraid to discuss them
publicly. The show airs on a ‘must
carry’ station in the Los Angeles
designated market area — essentially
the entire Southern California from
Ventura to San Diego counties — so
the viewership and reach outperforms
that of Filipino TV competitors that
are only available through premium
cable subscriptions.
“I know I’m ambitious but I have
an amazing team with me and a
community that wants to be part
of this change…we’ll combine the
best parts of being both Filipino and
American: hard-working, diligent,
loyal,” she says.
She is currently exploring
opportunities to bring secondgeneration Fil-Ams who have never
been to the Philippines so they can
understand where their parents and
relatives came from.
If G didn’t receive the offer to host
“Kababayan Today,” she would be
pursuing a master’s degree back in
the Philippines. She retracted her
application for a women’s studies
program upon accepting her new role.
“This is my calling. It’s not going to
be something I do because it’s a job.
It’s a passion—I live it, I breathe it,”
she declares.
(A version of this feature first appeared
in Los Angeles Asian Journal’s MDWK
Magazine)
53
“
I came out to Hollywood, literally, and got my
first apartment along Sunset Boulevard…it
was always a dream of mine to say ‘I’m here in
Hollywood,’ but what I should have said was ‘I
want to get a job in Hollywood,’” she jokes.
54
55
DENTAL WORLD MANILA
YOUR COMPLETE DENTAL CARE SHOP
T
he Philippines has 7,107
islands –7,107 reasons
to smile. But when these
smiles fade away, one must
seek an expert to bring it back
immediately.
In Dental World Manila, patients
experience total dental care
from its competent and trained
dentists, nurse assistants
and aides, skilled laboratory
technicians and its group
of dependable staff. These
professionals continue to improve
their expertise by engaging with
dentists from the rest of the world
through workshops and seminars
exclusively for practitioners of
their field.
With its own culture of reliable
dental practice since 1996, Dr.
Malony L. Santos’ group of dental
clinics guarantees every customer
another reason to smile, making it
one of the top-rated dental clinic
in Makati, Pasay, and Quezon City.
Filipino families, politicians,
celebrities and even foreigners
experience 100% Filipino-style
56
dental care. Hospitality mixes
with professionalism in Dental
World. With its holistic approach,
it attracts “dental tourists” from
various places who want to seek
solution for their smile concerns.
Dental World Manila promotes
dental tourism through the
Department of Health, the
Philippine Dental Association,
and the Department of Tourism
with affordable and budgetfriendly dental services that costs
up to 75% less compared to other
first-world countries that offer the
same quality procedures.
Dental World Manila continues to
improve everyone’s confidence
and composure through a
secured smile, by integrating
skilled dentists and staff, modern
technology in equipment,
quality work and warm Filipino
hospitality. Truly, Dental World
Manila sets the standard of
the growing world of dental
and medical tourism in the
Philippines.
SERVICES
Dental World Manila offers a wide range of dental
services like Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants,
Prosthodontics (Dentures), Oral Surgery, Periodontics,
Root Canal Therapy, Orthodontics, TMJ Dysfunction
Therapy, Restorative Treatment, Pediatric Dentistry,
Oral Prophylaxis, Dental X-ray services, and diagnostics.
These are all performed with their high-tech
equipments and facilities to assure a top-caliber work.
With these available services, Dental World Manila
becomes a one-stop dental clinic for everyone.
Through its website, patients can also make an
appointment online at their own convenience, in any
time of the day.
The website also has a blog, featuring top trends,
technology, and endless solution possibilities of
dentistry.
BRANCHES
St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City
Glorietta 3, Makati
Mall of Asia, Pasay
OCTOBER
/ NOVEMBER
2014
57
For
more
information,
visitBALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM
dentalworld.com.ph
bulletin REPORT
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59
bulletin REPORT
Franchising
in the Philippines
In 1981, on the crowded, bustling
streets of Morayta, Manila, the
first McDonald’s was erected and
with that, a billion-peso industry
was rooted. 33 years later, there are
now more than 1,000 brands in the
Philippines with countless chains—
and the number continues to grow.
The Philippines is the number
one market—the leading franchising
nation in the entire Association
of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), well ahead of Indonesia
and Singapore. All major franchise
industries from food, health and
wellness, service sector, to retail will
continue to spread throughout the
entire country. With a population
now surpassing 100 million, there
are infinite possibilities for new
franchisees and entrepreneurs to
expand existing business models or to
create new ones.
Derived from the French word
franc, meaning free, the word
franchising means freedom. More
precisely, franchising is
defined as a long-term
business relationship
in which
60
the franchise owner provides a
licensed privilege to the franchisee
to conduct business, offering full
assistance in organization, training,
merchandising, advertising and
marketing, and management in
exchange of monetary royalties.
Franchising reinvented and
transformed business cultures,
practices, and strategies. Today, the
franchise industry in the Philippines
alone generates billions of pesos in
revenue each year largely to four key
advantages. The Philippines has:
Strategic location in the ASEAN
market to serve over 600 million total
customers;
An English speaking workforce
who is service oriented and
well-educated;
A consistently growing
population;
A culture where people
love to gather together to
eat, shop, and relax.
Go to any big or small city or
town in the Philippines today and
on any given street, you will surely
find a franchised business whether it
is a hair salon, pharmacy, convenient
store, restaurant, or possibly all
different industries. Sales by
franchised businesses now account
for 5% of total GDP—$6.6 Billion,
which in turn, has created millions
of jobs.
Is franchising for you?
The infographics on the next
several pages will provide you with
valuable insight into the franchising
industry.
61
bulletin REPORT
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63
bulletin OUTLIER
“
“
Starbucks Is No Longer
in the Coffee Business
Howard Schultz, Founder
Starbucks Corporation
Innovation Is Key to Grow
Family Owned Franchise
Businesses!
WORDS: NOIE=%MHOJ]^M%KIOJ>HI
A powerful statement challenging
the status quo and sending a
strong message to the competitive
world of franchising! To succeed,
franchise businesses must transition
to experiential innovation to drive
and sustain its growth years. Sadly,
succeeding phases of the business
cycle often lead to complacency
rather than innovation.
Not paying sufficient attention to
“innovation” within the business, the
industry and market may be one of
the contributing factors why so many
businesses fail to transition towards
the high growth stage.
Innovation and strategy focuses on
several disciplines. Most successful
businesses innovate on product,
people, process and experience.
For small and medium franchise
businesses, it is critical that their
capabilities must be geared towards
any or all of these disciplines.
In this age of fast access where
28,000 new products are introduced
every year and new inventions
happen almost every day, franchisors
should have a high propensity to
continuously innovate. So how
then can a business be geared for
innovation?
64
BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP AND THE WORLD WILL BEAT A PATH TO YOUR DOOR!
Really. Does that happen? Certainly!
In the Philippines, we have great
local family inspired brands like
Jollibee, Julie’s Bakeshop, Goldilocks,
Max’s Restaurant and Phoenix
Petroleum to name a few. These
homegrown brands have thrived
using innovation as their competitive
advantage.
Back in 1961 a few doctors
doing research at the University of
Florida developed the formula for
what would soon become known as
Gatorade. Applying their research
to create a drink that more quickly
replenished an athlete’s energy (salt
and sugar) was a great “product”
innovation.
But perhaps an even greater
innovation was the creation of a
Gatorade Family Trust to ensure
ongoing distributions from drink
sales regardless of who owned the
brand. Today just two shares of
Gatorade yields over $500,000 per
year according to Darren Ravel,
author of “First in Thirst – How
Gatorade Turned the Science of Sweat
into a Cultural Phenomenon.” It is
not one family that is part of the
trust. It is three extended families
that comprise this “family of affinity.”
The Gatorade story shows how
one product innovation can endure
for multiple generations, and how
one ownership innovation – a group
trust – can also endure for multiple
generations.
Some family businesses have
helped shape the world we live
in today. It was a family business
bicycle shop, owned and operated
by the Wright brothers, from which
emerged the creative ingenuity for
man’s first successful flight. It was
the Tuthill family who developed
the first bread slicer around the time
of the depression which spawned
another innovation aphorism: ‘The
best thing since sliced bread.’
Family-led inventions build
stronger family businesses that
endure for multiple generations. In
fact, when innovative ideas build a
better business we witness the world
of customers, employees and vendors
beating a path to their door.
On the other hand, while successful
businesses are willing and able to try
new things, they must also recognize
their core competencies and stick
to them. So, we uncover another
business paradox – trying new things
vs. sticking to your knitting. How do
we resolve this paradox?
As with all paradoxes, the answer
is “both and,” not “either or.” The
solution is to choose new business
areas that leverage prior knowledge
and skills. Don’t branch out beyond
your comfort zone. Focus first on
what you do best (People, Product,
Process and Experiential Innovation),
then innovate around that core.
The key to successfully executing
this strategy is to clearly understand
what your competencies are, the
ones that clearly differentiate you
from your competitors, and how
you might use them to take you to
new places. The ultimate challenge
is in achieving balance between the
“traditions” of the business with
“innovative” ideas and business
65
66
practices that will enhance the
growth, profit and sustainability
of the organization.
Systematic Innovation has
proven to be one of the most
effective driving forces for the
continued success of companies.
The “acid test” is whether
innovation gives clearly superior
results even in times of crisis.
The experience of Prefabricats
Planas, a second-generation
family business, supplier of the
construction industry in Spain in
2010, should help to overcome
major prejudices that exist about
this issue.
Innovation is uncertain — the
best way to reduce uncertainty
is to organize and systematize. However, companies with a
robust innovation seem to ignore
the crisis, while many others
lament.
Innovation points to the top. It
is a problem of transformational
leadership and should, therefore,
not admit delegation. Frances
Planas who led the Innovation
council at the Prefabricats Planas
said: “This change towards an
innovative culture cannot be left
to a laboratory technician or a
technical head.” Delegating to a
middle manager would have been
dereliction of responsibility.
Don Schwerzler, founder of
the Family Business Institute,
tells this story about innovation...
“For years, the mantra for many
family businesses was simple:
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Schwerzler continues, “The first
time I heard someone challenge
that philosophy was the then
Chairman of Coca-Cola, Roberto
Goizueta.”
Twenty-five years ago Goizueta
opined that his core business
philosophy was “If it ain’t broke,
break it!” Schwerzler concluded,
“That should be the mantra for
business innovation – “if it ain’t
broke, break it!”
The continued success of the
company depends on a deliberate
will to embrace innovation. Those
who argue that innovation is not
possible should stay out of the
way of those trying to make it
happen.
For businesses in the start-up
and growth phase, I have listed
the following steps in crafting an
innovation strategy:
a. Prototype Innovation
Initiatives similar to the “Lego”
Way.
b. Be Careful how you measure
success. Allow small ideas the
time to grow into big strong ones
c. It is not easy. But it is possible,
project by project.
d. One size does not fit all.
You need to build a culture of
innovation that fits your business.
e. Employees and Managers must
buy in and be co-creators of these
innovation Initiatives.
f. Culture eats strategy for
business.
g. Experience is your great
and compelling story to your
customers.
h. Execute. Execute. Execute.
I will end this piece with a
powerful quote… “Its no good
just being better, you’ve got to be
different!”
Professor Soriano is an ASEAN
Family Business Advisor and
Chair of the Marketing Cluster
of the Ateneo Graduate School
of Business. He is a National
Agora Awardee and book
author of Kite Runner, a book
on Family Business Governance
and Succession. For comments,
you may email the writer at
[email protected].
67
bulletin REPORT
Leyte: A Year After
>55-4''"./%N)A4-#89%N4&34%&.5%M3).)6"3%
S4A42)764.#%".%?87$)).%_)2&.5&%
O&A&/45%>-4&'
WORDS: `MO:>H%N=%N>R>a_>a9%:a>9%PMKM
On the eve of the commemoration
of the first year anniversary of one
of the most powerful typhoons ever
recorded in modern times that made
a historic and devastating landfall
on Guiuan, Eastern Samar and
Tacloban City, Leyte, the people of
the affected areas in the provinces of
Eastern Samar and Leyte continue
to be dependent on relief and aid
coming from the Department Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD)
of the Philippine government and
from some over a hundred or more
Non Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) from all over the world.
This was typhoon Haiyan (a.k.a.
Yolanda in the Philippines) that
hit the Philippines on November 8,
2013 with sustained winds of more
68
than 285 kilometers per hour near
the center and gusts topping 315
kilometers per hour.
The Philippine National Disaster
Risk Reduction Management
Council (NDRRMC) and the
DSWD boldly announced sometime
in January 2014 that the relief
operations phase must end by June of
2014. The rehabilitation and recovery
phase must immediately commence
by July 2014.
SLOW PROGRESS OF REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY
Nine months after typhoon
Yolanda hit, rehabilitation is still
not happening in a scale that would
meet public expectation. As of this
writing a number of NGOs led by
the USAID’s Growth With Equity
for Mindanao group (GEM) have
launched their rehabilitation plan
which involved mainly the building
of new structures and repairing
of houses and government offices
around the heavily devastated
Tacloban City, Palo, Tanauan, Dulag,
Ormoc City and parts of Guiuan,
Eastern Samar. The landscape along
the route of Typhoon Yolanda in
north-eastern, north-western Leyte
and Eastern Samar has not changed
much. From the air as viewed from
a plane that approaches the Daniel
Romualdez airport in San Jose, the
white canopies of tents and the
characteristic curved roofs of the
Tzu Chi donated structures dot
and dominate the scenery and the
landscape below. On the ground,
the route from the DMZ airport to
the Tacloban City Hall and to the
government center in Candahug,
Palo are still lined by damaged
public (mostly schools and national
government agency buildings) and
private buildings.
SCALE OF TYPHOON YOLANDA’S AFTERMATH
To put matters in proper perspective,
the devastation was just too massive
and the repair and rehabilitation
requirements are just too
daunting. All in all the Philippine
National Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Council (NDRRMC)
placed total loss of life to only less
than ten thousand people. Actual loss
of life if one will include the more
than twenty thousand (20,000) still
missing could be three times the
number reported by NDRRMC.
About 161,400 hectares of farm
and coconut lands were flattened or
destroyed according to the Philippine
Department of Agriculture (DA) and
the Philippine Coconut Authority
(PCA). PCA further reported that
13.1 million coconut trees from
Eastern Visayas will have to be totally
replaced through replanting, and
about 20 million more trees were
also partially damaged. The earliest
these trees could bear fruit is about
three and a half to four years after
replanting. All in all, PCA puts the
damage wrought by super typhoon
Yolanda to about PHP 17.8 billion.
This is equivalent to more than 15%
of the estimated PHP 116.4 billion
combined Gross Domestic Product
of Eastern Samar and Leyte in 2011.
TACLOBAN CITY REVENUES FELL AS AID FROM THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IS AWAITED
The City of Tacloban was the
first “Highly Urbanized City” in
Eastern Visayas and as such became
financially and administratively
independent province of Leyte since
2008. By all accounts, Mayor Alfred
Romualdez proudly announced that
the city was on the verge of taking
off economically with its millionth
arrival at the airport recorded by end
of 2011 and all major car dealers
opening branches in the city. There
were sixteen flights in and out of
the Daniel Romuladez airport and
there were planned expansion of
many businesses already operating in
the city. But most of the businesses
called for tax relief as a result of
damages from typhoon Yolanda and
also from the losses from the largescale looting. Luckily, there were the
international NGOs who took up the
cudgel to deliver other public services
in addition to relief and rehabilitation
services. Otherwise, the city had
no capacity to provide regular city
services like garbage collection, etc.
The national government
earmarked nearly PHP 2 billion for
the rehabilitation of Tacloban City
(mostly infrastructures, housing and
buildings) which was finally approved
and scheduled for release at about
this time. Palo, Tanauan and other
municipalities also received more
than a billion for housing and repair
of buildings and infrastructures.
THE CHALLENGE OF REHABILITATION: HOUSING AND RESTORATION OF PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY
The two main challenges of
rehabilitation are: first, how to house
the displaced population and second,
how to replace the “lost productive
capacity” during the immediate
and interim three and a half to four
year period when coconut trees and
farms need to rebuild and become
productive again. Of the total
population of Eastern Visayas of
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bulletin REPORT
of 4,101,322 as of 2010 our estimate
is that up to 1.5 million people or
about 300,000 families have been
directly affected by the typhoon in
the provinces of Leyte and Eastern
Samar alone.
One of the steps taken by President
Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino to jump
start the rehabilitation and recovery
at the Typhoon Yolanda devastated
areas was the creation of the office
of the Presidential Assistant on
Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR)
and appointed former Senator
Panfilo Lacson to head the office
on December 10, 2013. PARR
was tasked to oversee, coordinate
and manage all the reconstruction
and rehabilitation efforts of all the
international and local NGOs who
are involved in the rehabilitation of
all super typhoon Haiyan ravaged
areas. By August 1, 2014, (or about
nine months later) Sen. Panfilo
70
Lacson submitted to the Philippine
president the PHP 170.9 billion
master rehabilitation plan for the
Yolanda damaged areas. The report
is 8,000 pages thick that came in 8
volumes.
THE PARR MASTER RECOVERY PLAN
The PARR Master Plan
consists mainly of hard projects
(infrastructure and fixed asset
development), that includes housing.
The government’s initiative for
housing directs PAGIBIG to fund
and finance developers to revive,
continue and initiate new mass
housing projects. For example, the
National Housing Authority and
PAGIBIG are supporting Marag-ing
Real Estate Development Company
and Peerless Development Company
(both local developers) for this
purpose. USAID’s Growth with
Equity in Mindanao (GEM) came
to Tacloban City with a cadre of 60
or more of engineers and architects
to build 600 to a thousand houses.
The Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC)
contribution is supposed to be the
construction of 1,000 houses (if they
could find a suitable resettlement
area) for the displaced families who
used to live along the shoreline of
Leyte while a number of private
NGOs pledged to repair and build
school houses, churches, donate
motorized bancas (boats), small
stores and other hard and tangible
items. One big catch that prevents
the progress or construction of the
PRC houses is that President Aquino
allegedly specified that these new
houses should be able to withstand
240 KPH winds (or a typhoon that
approximates typhoon Haiyan). No
contractor could obviously meet
this impractical (if not financially
unviable) specification.
Is Tacloban Ready for Another Yolanda?
Oliver Cam, Point Person for Trade, Industry and
ICT of Eastern Visayas and Leyte Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (EVCCI/LCCI), states that
although the city is prepared in terms of DRRM
and evacuation planning, the city does not yet have
enough equipment (vehicles, disaster resilient
Evacuation Centers, communications facilities)
and operating budget (due to the great loss of
local revenues from local businesses which have
not yet fully resumed operations and still awaiting
the actual disbursement of requested funds from
the national government). Even the Bureau of
Fire Protection (BFP) does not yet have enough
operational firetrucks. Only 3 out of 6 firetrucks
are operational to-date. The Tacloban Airport is
also still not fully operational and only half of its
2.1 kilometer runway is usable by small turboprop aircraft until end of the year.
HARD AND SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE YOLANDA RAVAGED AREAS The Yolanda ravaged areas could be used as pilot areas of work to
build and sustain skills development and training projects to increase
employability of the local labor force that has been displaced. These
training entities could even be developed to become financially selfsustaining enterprises that can be replicated in other under-served
areas or regions of the Philippines.
A complete rehabilitation plan must include education and training
for hard and soft skills needed by the new communities being built
in the rehabilitation program in addition to hard infrastructures and
other hard projects. Education and training should be a collective
effort by all and require the pooling of resources of private academic
and training organizations, the Local Governments Units (LGU),
DOLE, OPAPP, CHED and even the DEPED.
ADDRESSING POVERTY INCIDENCE IN EASTERN VISAYAS AND PREPARING FOR 2015
The incidence of poverty in Eastern Visayas per Philippine Statistical
Yearbook of 2012 ranges from a low of 20.7% (Biliran) to a high
of 59.4% (Eastern Samar). Region VIII’s average poverty incidence
of 37.2% in 2012 is just behind Region 12 (37.5%) and ARMM
(46.9%) or third highest in the whole Philippines.
Any recovery plan must therefore also address the functional literacy
gap by delivering Basic English language proficiency and numeration
skills among others, to increase their employability. Other capacity
building activities to fit the skills of the local labor force to the
skills being demanded by employers could be delivered as well. The
TESDA skill certification courses come to mind.
Finally, the rehabilitation and recovery plan must meet the
challenges posed by the implementation of free-trade in services
expected by 2015. The biggest contributor to economic growth
in most ASEAN member countries is from the Service Sector.
This means that we have to develop our technical, vocational and
professional skills of our local labor force along with providing them
the tools and facilities to work with. The rehabilitation and recovery
plan for the typhoon Yolanda ravaged areas are no exceptions. Hard
projects, (buildings and infrastructures) are not enough.
Livelihood rehabilitation is the greatest challenge,
majority of all the local government and line
agencies are still awaiting the actual disbursement
of funds for their respective approved rehab/
recovery programs.
Approval vs Disbursement of funds: As many in
government know, the disbursement process may
take several months to years after approval.
MSME/business owners can apply for a soft loan
up to P2 million with no collateral requirement at
6% interest per annum at the DTI Provincial office
along Real St in between the Tacloban Astrodome
and Coca-Cola plant. Up to P5 million loan can be
availed with minimal collateral requirement.
To-date, around P1.18 Billion from the original
funding request for the soft loan program of P7
Billion in funding has been provided/released by
the SBC.
Tacloban already has created and is implementing
a revised Disaster Risk Reduction and emergency
evacuation plan through its City Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO). Around
70+ Evacuation Centers (EC) out of more than
92+ EC’s identified throughout Tacloban City have
been/are undergoing repairs. The city is setting
up an Evacuation Center System composed of
at least 6 major EC’s in strategic geographic
locations throughout the city combined with
smaller EC’s in the form of evacuation towers and
disaster resilient school/multipurpose buildings
from various donors like USAID, UNDP, JICA, etc.
UNDP donated one of the major EC’s which will be
constructed at the vacant area beside the Tacloban
city Hall.
At present, there are ongoing revisions to the
previous Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) so
that proper re-classification, re-zoning combined
with a new building code for structures that are in
the permanent danger zones can be promoted and
enforced
source: Eastern Visayas and Leyte Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (EVCCI/LCCI)
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bulletin PROFILE
Tacloban’s Silver Lining: One man’s
optimism on one of the gravest
adversity this country has ever faced
WORDS: RRI_S%b>N>H?>
Rebuilding is never an easy task, especially in an
area ravaged by sudden storm surge and typhoon like
Tacloban City in Eastern Visayas. After the storm
displaced thousands of Tacloban residents all over the
country, majority of the locals were left helpless and
clueless on how to start life anew. This is the time that
government officials are called for division of tasks, and
departments to jumpstart the rehabilitation process.
Working for the government is not just a job, but a
responsibility. Every government process is very crucial
for the development of communities in the country.
In order to engage with the community, one must
understand the need of the people—and experience is
the best way to relate and understand.
German Policarpio Palabyab, fondly known by
his friends as Gerry, currently manages the Tacloban
72
Regional Office of Professional Regulation Commission.
Gerry is a graduate of the University of the PhilippinesDiliman, with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and
Master’s degree in Business Administration.
In 1975, a year after he got his master’s degree in UP, he
started to enter the academe as an Instructor and Lecturer
in Economics for one year in UP Manila, which was only
an extension back then; and at the same time, worked as
a Management Consultant for the National Economic &
Development Authority in Pasig from 1974 to 1983.
While working for NEDA, he became involved in the
setting up and the original incorporation of the APO
Production Unit Inc., together with his other colleagues
in NEDA and the National Statistics Office, in order
to establish a modern, fully-integrated printing and
publishing outfit that will facilitate the production and
publication of the NEDA economic and statistical reports
and Asian Productivity Organization’s own publications
in the 1980s. Up to now, APO Production Unit Inc. is a
government owned and controlled corporation under the
oversight of Sec. Herminio Coloma of the Presidential
Communications Operations Office (PCOO).
In 1989, he took a leave of absence and migrated to
California, USA and pursued different careers in the
private sector. He became a vice-president for operations
of a Southern California manufacturer of sachets,
pillows and comforters until 1990. Then he moved
to San Francisco California and managed a printing
brokerage company until 1992. He became the publisher
and editor-in-chief of Manila Bulletin USA which was
launched in 1994. Constantly improving himself, he was
invited to join a select group of potential teachers for the
public schools in the Bay Area. This was the Partnership
Program between the University Of California East Bay
(UCEB) and the West Contra Costa Unified School
District (WCCUSD). Mr. Gerry Palabyab the publisher
and journalist became Gerry, the professional teacher
after he acquired his Professional Teacher Certificate
and teaching credential for K-12 with multi-lingual and
multi-cultural emphasis under the USC and WCCUSD
Partnership Program.
Fourteen (14) years in the US has honed Palabyab’s vast
management experiences. He returned to the Philippines
in 2001 to continue serving the government and to apply
what he learned – this time, through the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC) in Region VIII (Eastern
Visayas). In Tacloban City, together with his wife Lina, he
helped set up and organize in 2002 the Leyte School of
Professionals (LSP), a non-stock, non-profit foundation
specializing in Public Administration up to the time
it earned its license from the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) IN 2004.
Gerry actively writes articles and research papers
based on his current interests. His “Complete Printing
Operations and Publishing Manual” first published in
1986 is still being used at APO Production Unit, Inc. His
recent work was the “Readings and Preparation Guide
for Professional Teachers,” published in Quezon City in
February 2012.
73
bulletin PROFILE
Gerry has been with the PRC
as regional director for Eastern
Visayas since May 2001. His
stint in PRC Eastern Visayas
was briefly interrupted in 2007,
when he was re-assigned to PRC
Central office to chair PRC’s ICT
Steering Committee, or the policy
making body responsible for the
improvement of PRC’s information
technology and communication
systems. The move was prompted
by the need to make the Walk In
Examination System (WES) work
in time for the visit and inspection
of the WES by the manning and
shipping organizations in Manila
in 2008. The manning and shipping
companies donated computers and
servers for the WES in Intramuros,
PRC Cebu, Iloilo and Davao upon
request by Associated Marine
Officers and Seamen’s Union of the
Philippines (AMOSUP). Gerry was
asked to troubleshoot and save the
Philippines from embarrassment
by making sure that the WES
works again. WES is a component
of the Licensure Examination and
Registration Information System
(LERIS), PRCs flagship ICT project
work. He initiated some revisions
and enhancements that made the
WES more user friendly and up and
running.
Tacloban City, Leyte lies along
the typhoon belt and is prone to
flooding and even earthquakes.
The work of disaster risk reduction
management councils and other
volunteer organizations for relief
after typhoons and emergencies are
therefore important. Not known
to many, other people and offices
volunteered on their own in the
current rehabilitation, including the
Tacloban City office of PRC headed
by Gerry Palabyab.
TACLOBAN RISES AGAIN
Gerry and his wife Lina recently
submitted a concept paper proposing
plans on how Eastern Visayas could
recover from the Typhoon Yolanda
devastation and achieve a sustainable
economic recovery.
Gerry calls this plan his “Literacy
and Skills Development Plan to
74
Alleviate Poverty, promote Peace and
economic development in typhoon
Yolanda stricken areas.”
Tacloban City before Yolanda is
one of the highly urbanized cities in
the Philippines, which means that
the city is an important regional hub
for commerce, education, culture
and government. It was awarded
the zeal of good governance from
the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) and also
received recognition as one of the
country’s most competitive cities.
But after Yolanda hit, Tacloban City
was literally knocked down but not
out. CNN’s Anderson Cooper who
was among the first international
journalists to cover the Yolanda
aftermath who noted the resiliency
and capacity of the people of Eastern
Visayas to rise up to the challenge
of rehabilitation. Gerry argues in
his paper that equally important in
the rehabilitation of Eastern Visayas
is education, literacy, and skills
development to capacitate the people
to work and become productive again.
Mere rehabilitation of infrastructures
is not enough. Soft skills go hand in
hand with repair of infrastructures
to attain economic self-sufficiency.
The teacher in Mr. Palabyab is
manifesting itself in this advocacy of
his.
Hoping for the involvement of
NGOs, private companies and the
national government as well, Gerry
and Lina are aiming to revive the
almost-rubbled Leyte School of
Professionals (LSP), the only private
foundation in Tacloban City offering
a baccalaureate course in Public
Administration. LSP’s history could
be traced to the partnership of Fiscal
Administration Foundation Inc.
(FAFI), with the Philippine School
of Business Administration (PSBA).
Initially offering only a master’s
degree in public administration, the
FAFI became the alma mater of some
notable government officials to date
like Secretary Butch Abad and his
wife, numerous regional directors and
other third-level government officials
in Leyte and Samar. LSP needs
massive rehabilitation and funding
because its facilities were wiped out
by the storm.
Beyond public administration,
Gerry and Lina’s plan for LSP
is to offer tech-voc courses that
are demanded by the industry as
reported by the Bureau of Labor
and Employment by the DOLE.
Language training is a major part of
the training curriculum.
Gerry and Lina’s plan goes
beyond the expansion of the LSP
in the Eastern Visayas. The business
model calls for partnership with the
beneficiary communities that could
be replicated in other economically
depressed and underserved areas.
These are the Cordillera Region,
the Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao, and parts of the Bicol
peninsula. Their plan will use an
online academy to deliver the
courses to different digital labs at
the target regions. Their plan is
actually in line with the PRC’s call
for competitiveness of Philippine
professionals in time for the ASEAN
economic integration in 2015.
The reality in the Yolanda stricken
areas of Eastern Visayas is that
billions of pesos have been pledged
and raised but it won’t be easy for
the region to benefit from these due
to serious implementation problems.
The office of the Presidential Adviser
for Rehabilitation and Recovery
(PARR) has documented and listed
what the victims need and what the
NGOs and other donors are willing
to give.
The good news is that there
are many hardworking men and
leaders who truly are committed to
making things work in the typhoon
ravaged areas in Visayas. From the
rubble and ruins of their homes,
farms and offices will surely rise a
new Tacloban City, like a phoenix
rising with the dawn. Gerry and
Lina remind everyone that the most
important and most valuable of all
the resources needed to rise from the
ruins and destruction is the human
resource. This is where Gerry and
Lina Palabyab would like to focus
on. Buildings, machines and other
infrastructures are nothing unless
there is a human person in it who will
make it work.
75
76
SCOPE HIKING ESSENTIALS
Health Benefits
“Two roads diverged in a
wood, and I — I took the
one less traveled by, and
that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost
No Way But North
Destination: Sadaga | Kalinga
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&-4%8),%(&"#"./%*)-Q%
Hiking is known to
improve balance and
cardio-respiratory
fitness (heart, lungs,
blood vessels).
ILLUSTRATION: RRI_S%b>N>H?>
Navigation: Remember to wear
a watch and bring a MAP &
Compass.
Merrell: Ground level, New Wing, Market! Market!, Taguig City | Source: American Hiking Society
Sun protection: Sport a
breathable hat with good
coverage. Apply sunscreen and
wear comfortable sunglasses.
Food: Pack sufficient food for
your trip: ready-to-eat and in
easy to open containers.
Take with you a water bottle.
Light: Use waterproof
flashlights | headlamps
and matchbox.
“Research shows
that hiking has a
positive impact
on combating the
symptoms of stress
and anxiety,” says
Greg A. Miller, PhD,
President of the
American Hiking
Society.
Clothing: Wear a waterproof
jacket to bear occasional
rain—choose one in bright color
for easier recognition when
traveling with a group.
First Aid: Make sure that your
first-aid kit suits the trip length
and group size.
Tools: Stow a knife and
multitools for food preparation,
gear repair and first aid.
Trekking builds
strength in your
quadriceps,
hamstrings, and the
muscles in your hips
and legs.
Walking releases
adrenaline—which if
not released from the
body, accumulates
and causes muscle
tensions and feelings
of anxiety.
Long walks
increases oxygen
supply to every cell
in your body. It eases
muscle tension and
wakes up stiff joints.
It also makes you feel
less lethargic.
It makes you happy!
Walking releases feelgood endorphins into
the bloodstream.
Shelter: Bring an easy to
assemble tent and snug
sleeping bag.
Facts
You burn 200-250
calories per hour if
you’re walking at a
rate of 2.5 miles an
hour (that’s about the
pace you’d walk from
one place to another).
You burn 500 calories
per hour if you’re
walking at a rate of
4.5 miles per hour.
Hike in comfortable shoes
like Merrell’s All Out Blaze.
Lightweight and fits right in the
shape of your foot, this shoe
absorbs impact with its UniFly™
technology. Sporting Vibram®
outsole, it is perfect for uneven,
slippery terrain.
On average, you
burn 100 calories for
every mile you walk.
77
T KALINGA
78
THE
ANCIENT
ART OF
BATOK
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PHOTOGRAPHS: d>PIa%:>MH?b
79
T KALINGA
Getting to Buscalan, Kalinga
Plan your dates carefully. It can
be a rather dangerous road driving
through the mountains, so make
sure to keep track of weather reports
if you plan to go during the rainy
season.
Contact a local tour guide. The
village does not speak Tagalog or
English. They have their own local
dialect, but they also speak Ilocano.
Make sure to be prepared. Francis
Pa-In is the world famous Kalinga
tour guide. He is a delightful eccentric
who will give you a comprehensive
guide into the lives and customs of
the Kalinga. (Mobile #0915-769-0843)
Part I—Of Folklore and Truth
Chancing heavy rains, traversing
rugged-mountainous terrain—in
search of 96-year old Fang-Od, the
last tattoo artist of the indigenous
Kalinga Tribe.
___
And there she was.
Crouched on her knees in a huddled
position—tapping, hammering away
on the foreigner’s chest—right above
the heart. Placed on a chair beside
her was a small coconut bowl filled
with thick, black ink—organically
made from soot:a black powder that
is formed from burning wood. In the
corner of her house, laid two pots
over several piles of wood—the fire
burned continuously to make all the
ink that she would need for the scores
of unannounced travelers who came
to be honored with a tattoo from her.
Forget about your phone, there is no
signal for miles and hours on end—you
are now in the village of an ancient
civilization.
She wiped away the blood and
ink that spewed off the foreigner’s
body with her ink and blood stained
cloth. Her tools: two hammer like
sticks—one with a short handle
made of bamboo and a sharp pomelo
thorn called siit as the head: the
80
other, a thick wooden stick used as
her knocking tool. She reaches for
a tiny bottle of oil and begins to
appease, satiate the punctured skin.
In just 30 minutes, she completed the
foreigner’s badge of honor. She quickly
stood, glanced at the on-lookers
attentively watching her every move.
She smiled, pointed to the chair in
front of her and said in her native
dialect, “Who is next?”
At 96, Fang-Od is as spirited
and energetic as a young child.
Her piercing grey eyes invoke the
keenness and grace of a soaring
eagle. Her kingdom—the habitually
mist riddled village that rests high
atop and deep into the Cordillera
Mountains of Northern Luzon,
Philippines. Her lineage spans
decades of skilled mambabatoks
(tattoo artists), including her father,
Ogg-ay, the teacher of whom she
attained her talents from at a very
young age. And yet, to this day and
at the ripe age of 96, if she does not
have any visitors, she tends to her
family’s rice fields. They own this land.
Arising every morning at the cusp of
dawn, she battles hundreds of stairs,
surpassing powerful waterfalls—all
the while surrounded by lush, green
flora and fauna. After the treacherous
climb down, she moves upstream,
walking several kilometers through
muddy paths and an hour or so later,
Have a base point. Manila to
Baguio is about 5 hours. Baguio to
Buscalan, Kalinga is 5 hours. Sagada
to Buscalan is 5 hours. Do not drive at
night, it is not advisable whatsoever.
Arrive early. The hike through
and up the mountain is exhausting.
According to my walk meter app on
my phone, it is 17,463 foot steps to
the village, which is about a 2 hour
hike.
Packing Guide
Hiking boots - Choose the best,
go with Merrell Hiking Shoes. Most
comfortable, supportive shoes that
the entire Balikbayan Magazine team
used. It was the perfect shoes hiking
up the mountain especially in the
rain—it will literally save your ankles,
and your life.
First Aid Kit – If you plan on getting
a tattoo, bring petroleum gel to begin
the healing process.
Bottles of water – It can be a
treacherous hike up the mountain
and no matter how cold it is, you will
sweat. Bring 1 bottle of water for
the hike up the mountain. If you’re
staying overnight, keep water by
your side. And have another bottle of
water for the hike back to your car.
(Approximately 4 bottles of water
each person.)
Extra pair of clothes (for at least 2
days). Make sure to wear comfortable
clothes for the hike up and down the
mountain.
Mosquito repellent – Not that
problematic, but best to be sure
just in case, unless you don’t mind
mosquitoes buzzing around your ear.
she finally arrives. Working all day
just before sunset, she carries on her
back a hefty basket of rice to bring
for the village dinner. And away she
goes, back on the trail home, carefully
walking step-by-step back up to the
top of the mountain—a life routine
she has done for more than 80 years.
Welcome to the tranquil poetry of the
Philippine countryside.
In her twenties, Fang-Od lost her
one true love to a logging accident.
As she tells the story, a crack in
her voice became noticeable. For
over 80 plus years, she dedicated
her love of batok (tattoo) to fill the
empty void in her heart—she never
remarried or had kids. She laughs
and smiles, pauses for up to a minute
and exclaims, “Oh, I had so many
suitors after me before.” Because she
does not speak Tagalog, I ask her in
Ilocano (of which she can understand
and speak only minimally), “How
many people have you tattooed?”
She laughs in deep wonder, trying to
recall the past 80 years. She replies in
her native tongue, “Many, so many, I
cannot even count. I would even be
commissioned by other villages to do
their warriors. People from all over
the world have come here, Europeans,
Americans, all over.”
Choose, sketch, hammer, and cleanse—
Fang-Od’s 4-step process of getting
the Kalinga Tattoo. In the tattooing
area, which is located at the mouth
of the village, you are provided with
3 books showcasing the designs of
this ancient art. Pictures of all the
Kalinga men and women dating back
decades are on full display as well
as the handful of villagers adorned
with their own symbols on their
arms, chest, and back. You can either
choose your design or ask Fang-Od
to decide for you. Each tap from
her tools, blood will begin to spew
around the wounds and quickly flow
down forming a stream of red and
black. The canvas will wince in pain
taking in almost 80 to 100 beats
per minute in this truly once in a
lifetime experience of an ancient
spiritual and religious practice. If
you don’t take the pain courageously,
it is believed that this is a sign of a
looming bad omen—that death and
destruction is imminent for both you
and the village. The cost of receiving
a tattoo is dependent on the size,
ranging from a low cost of Php 1,000
to upwards of Php 10,000—my
request—a full left sleeve, would take
at least 2 days.
One of the village chieftains who
welcomed us to stay in his home,
told me that in 2007, the village
was opened to travelers and a few
years later, in came the concrete
maze through the mountain paved
by the government to solve what
otherwise would be a remarkably
unsafe passage. Before this, the village
was largely left in the confines of
its own solitude. For the most part,
the Philippine government has
tried to preserve indigenous villages
throughout the country. As such,
on October 29, 1997, the Indigenous
Peoples Rights Act was passed into
law in order to “Recognize, protect,
and promote the rights of indigenous
cultural communities, creating a
national commission of indigenous
people, establishing implementing
mechanisms, appropriating funds
therefore, and for other purposes.”
It wasn’t until 2010 when acclaimed
tattoo anthropologist, Dr. Lars
Krutak of the National Geographic,
featured the art of batok in a
documentary when intrigue over
the indigenous culture, customs, and
livelihood of the Kalinga peoples
really became internationally known.
For centuries, the ancient art of
batok was practiced throughout
the Philippines, all the way from
the northern most provinces to the
remote depths of Mindanao. With
the introduction of Christianity and
the arrival of Spanish conquistadors,
the practices of tattooing rapidly
faded away. In 1521, when Spaniards
arrived in the Visayan Islands, they
described the natives as “pintados,”
meaning “the painted ones” as a result
of the vast array of people covered in
tattoos—with the exception of their
hands and feet.
Portable charger (for your cameras)
Vitamins / Medicines – Keep your
immune system strong and don’t
forget your medicines. The nearest
signal is (supposedly) a 30 minute
walk from the village.
Gifts for the village – A small token
of gratitude will go a long way.
Snacks – We didn’t bring any
snacks so we bought a small size
pig and 2 chickens for dinner for Php
2,500.
Toiletries - Bring mouthwash. You’ll
feel so much in the morning.
Alcohol sanitizer – Bring a big bottle
and wash your hands with this.
Jacket – It can get quite cold up in
the mountains. And just because it
is sunny initially, you never know, it
could rain.
Flashlight - It is nearly pitch black
at night.
Eating utensils - The village
normally eats with their hands.
Sleeping bag – We were hosted by
one of the village chieftains. The beds
were wooden cots, so if you can’t
sleep and something hard, I highly
recommend this.
Journal – The serene mountain
views will inspire you to write. Make
sure to capture this once in a lifetime
experience.
Don’t forget your camera! This is a
once in a lifetime experience in a
place where not a lot of people have
been to. Be sure to document your
experience.
Backpack – You need something to
carry all these supplies.
Candy – Many children in the village
kept asking if we had candy.
Pasalubong Guide
Tattoo from Whang-Od - If you were
unsure about getting a tattoo before,
this is surely the definitive time to
get one.
I suggest buying the native coffee.
Best coffee I’ve ever had—organic,
naturally sweet bold tasting coffee.
Leave everything you brought with
the village.
81
T KALINGA
Prior to World War II, the
mountain tribes of the Cordillera
region exercised headhunting and
resolved conflicts with rival tribes
using bow and arrows, spears, and
makeshift knives in battle. For
Kalinga men, tattoos were earned,
only awarded to the bravest—to
signify their victories over sworn
enemies. The men were not honored
with crown jewels, but rather
with elaborately designed tattoos,
which in turn, became their body
armor. Up to the 1940s, during the
Japanese occupation, warriors still
received complete body tattoos for
successfully defeating their enemy
and thus, solidifying their stature
in the community. They bravely
fought the Japanese guns with their
primitive weapons. These are the
Kalinga—one of the select few that
never succumbed to foreign rule.
Even under Spanish and American
occupation, the Kalinga were granted
autonomy—even joining forces with
the American military to fight the
Japanese attempting to penetrate the
north.
The fiercest warriors believed
their tattoos gave them spiritual
and magical abilities, which in turn,
provided a powerful psychological
edge and mental strength in combat.
For women, tattoos were desired
to make themselves appear more
attractive and enhance their beauty in
the quest of finding a lover. With no
actual form of currency, often times
pigs, chickens, carabao, elaborate
heirloom jewelry, or clothing were
used as collateral for receiving the
sought after body art. The Kalinga
people believe that when you die,
you do not take your clothing or
jewelry to heaven with you, just your
tattoos—so that in the afterlife, your
family would see your beauty and
importance on earth. To this day,
tattoos are still believed to ward off
illnesses, bad spirits, and to signify
your social status within the village
community—tattoos are highly
regarded and considered the greatest
symbol of honor.
LASTING LEGACY
Fang-Od’s niece, Grace, a young
woman is learning to become the
next mambabatok. However, she
has yet to fully display complete
devotion to protect this ancient
art. Her intrigue of modernization
is conflicting with the required
dedication, focus, and practice needed
to assume the iconic place of her
aunt. The struggle for preserving their
ancestral roots continues to clash
with 21st century notions. Presently,
the village itself is home to 1,000
people—however, more and more are
migrating to nearby towns.
Barangay: Sixteenth-Century
Phiippine Culture and Society
By William Henry Scott
Available on Amazon.com
Kalinga Tattoo: Ancient & Modern
Expressions of the Tribal
By Lars Krutak
Spiritual Skin: Magical Tattoos
and Scarification
By Lars Krutak
Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred
Teachings from the Philippine
Ancestral Traditions
By Virgil Mayor Apostol
82
Photograph: Geloy Concepcion
Filipino Tattoos Ancient to Modern
By Lane Wilcken
83
T CORDILLERA
The Heart of Cordillera
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PHOTOGRAPHS: >OHMR%R>`>OMdIK
R
oad trips aren’t
my thing but for
these 3 mountain
getaways, driving
more than 10 hours is worth seeing
the beautiful view. If you’re into
trekking, this adventure will be a
wonderful experience to partake in.
Everything about this trip will leave
you feeling rejuvenated and whole.
Finding myself was so much easier
when it came to the views, people,
and everything in between.
Our first stop was Banaue. In
Banaue there is a population of
22,365 people. Banaue is a beautiful
mountain known for their rice
terraces. If you were to translate
it into Tagalog it would be called
Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banaue.
The rice terraces have been on this
earth for about 2,000 years.
84
The Filipinos consider these
terraces as the “Eighth Wonder of the
World”. With Ifugao being Banaue’s
ancestors, the rice terraces were
manually carved into the mountains.
Till this day, the locals still plant rice
on terraces. One thing you should
know is that the ifugaos do not find
farming enjoyable. They say that if
the steps were connected end to end,
it would encircle half of the world.
Can you imagine just seeing the
rice terraces cross itself on your own
neighborhood?
The harvest season is the best
time to take a visit because of the
feasts. The people of Banaue bring
out a tango or tungul which is called
(A Day of Rest). It holds a strict
restriction for agricultural work. They
also participate in the bayah (rice
beer) as well as eating rice cakes and
betel nuts. There are four rice terraces
that resemble each other. They are the
Mayoyao, Happao Rice Terraces, and
Kiangan Rice Terraces.
From Manila to Banaue the drive is
approximately 8-9 hours but it is very
doable. On the road going to Banaue
there will be plenty of breathtaking
views you can capture. You will notice
that you are 2 hours away from your
destination once you’ve hit the zigzag
road. There will also be terraces that
you will be passing by before you hit
Banaue. Stopping over would be a
good idea for a great shot on your
camera.
Once you have arrived at Banaue
you should go straight to the tourist
center located at the heart of their
town proper. There you will meet
Rio Humiwat. He is the supervising
tourism operations officer. Don’t be
shy to come up and ask him about
questions and information within
their province. The people in Banaue
come forth with open arms. They are
all tourist-friendly and they make
sure that you won’t leave feeling
unwelcomed.
Deep within the cordillera range
you will find a place just only a couple
of hours away. Within two to three
hours you will find yourself in a small
town called Sagada. It may be a small
town but it is filled with mystifying
adventures. Sagada is about 80 miles
(140 kilometers) from Baguio. It is
also adjoint to Bontoc which is the
province’s capital. Sagada holds about
19 barangays and they are all equally
subdivided.
Legend has it that Sagada used
to be an Ili or village by Biag. It
was founded by man from Bika in
eastern Abra. As you enter Sagada
you will find yourself passing by log
cabins and pine trees. You will mostly
see Sagada weaving houses on your
right. Sagada weaving produces great
quality woven material. They are also
all manually made.
The population in Sagada is
approximately more than 11,000.
During the morning until early
evening you can see most of the
locals walking around. Most of them
prepare the market for the village
so that others can buy important
necessities to feed and care for
their family. They offer you fresh
vegetables, meat, and other main
ingredients you normally find in a
regular market. If you’re thinking of
staying for a while, the market will be
very useful if you choose the option
to cook your own food.
There are 3 paths once you’ve hit
the market. There’s one going down
the village on your right. If you walk
straight ahead it will lead you to the
mayor’s town hall. Walk one floor
up and to your right, you will see the
mayor’s office. Lastly, the path on the
right will lead you to The Pumpkin
Place in addition to passing by a
couple of cozy inns.
In the town hall, tour guides will
2
assist you and give you everything
you will need in order for you to
have an easier stay in Sagada. Just a
suggestion, ask for April Castro and
Mark Galas. There will be other local
tour guides, but these two did an
outstanding job in making sure that
the team of Balikbayan magazine
took in good quality information
and adventures within their stay
in Sagada. The Mayor of Sagada
goes by the name of Eduardo T.
Latawan, Jr. He has served his term
from 2007-present. Respectable
and heartwarming, Mayor Eduardo
Latawan will make sure that you
won’t feel that far away from home.
Finding a comfortable and cozy
inn won’t be difficult. This hotel is
recommended for any occasion or
purpose you might have in Sagada.
Their log cabin themed rooms give
you a great view of the mountains
every morning. The best times to look
out your window are during sunrise
and sunset hours—the fog just makes
it even better.
Sagada also offers you a wide
variety of hiking and trekking routes.
Leaving Sagada would be incomplete
if you weren’t able to visit the
astonishing hanging coffins. From
the town hall, tour guides will assist
you on a 30 to 45 minute hiking path
heading towards the hanging coffins
of Sagada. As you take on the trail
there will be a couple of historical
landmarks to stop by and take photos
of. This includes the first church
built in Sagada called The Church
of St. Mary the Virgin. It was built
in 1904 and suffered damages from
The World War II, yet the people of
Sagada were able to reconstruct the
building back to its original structure.
The beautiful fog will surround
you as you walk deeper into the
mountains. During this rainy season
the mountains tend to get slippery
and muddy, so wearing hiking boots/
shoes will you keep you safe from any
dangerous incidents. At the end of
the trail you will happen to stumble
upon the ever so famous hanging
coffins of Sagada. These coffins
have been placed there for centuries
and they have been practicing this
for about more than 2,000 years.
The people of Sagada believed that
placing coffins on the side of a cliff
would bring the deceased closer to
heaven. Another reason why the
hanging coffins were placed there
was not just because of their spiritual
beliefs, but also because Igorots knew
that the bodies would decompose
quickly when buried on the ground.
It has an eerie effect to it once you
take your first look, but once you
know the exact story and the reasons
why those coffins were hung it will
really change your views towards the
85
T CORDILLERA
1. Dubbed as the
“8th Wonder of the
World,” the Banaue
Rice Terraces
is a majestic
landscape—an
icon of the North.
2. Curiously eerie,
these hanging
coffins are strange
as they are
captivating. 3. A cold
dip inside the cave
in Sagada.
TRIVIA
coffins. It really is beautiful the way
that the people of Sagada strongly
keep this practice until this day.
Delicious and mouth watering
food is also a specialty that Sagada
holds. There are many selections of
cute, small restaurants that you can
choose from. They may seem that
they offer a very small selection of
meals but to be honest with you, their
courses are to die for. The team was
able to experience only one night
to find a great place to eat dinner as
well as breakfast the next morning.
The best place to grab dinner would
be The Yoghurt House. Their dishes
are hearty meals and healthy choices
that will make sure you won’t leave
with an empty stomach. Most of the
drinks and desserts are yogurt based.
The theme of their restaurant gives
off an aura of warmth and comfort.
They even have a cute little fire place
on the first floor. If that doesn’t warm
your heart and belly, then I don’t
know what will.
Sagada brought fascination,
adventure, and great affordable
meals. The comfort that Sagada had
given me went straight to my heart.
Security, warmth, and laughter are
the top three reasons why tourists
love to come around even more than
once. You will see several foreigners
walking on the streets to explore
86
more about what Sagada can offer them. Without
the beautiful people and the fascinating places
in Sagada that make it worth the stay, then it
wouldn’t have been as well talked about until this
day.
There are thousands of mountains around
the world but nothing has ever changed my life
unlike these two mountains have. Mountains are
quiet, strong, and they stand tall. Just like the
mountains, the people of both provinces have been
molded just like the place they live in. Finding
the heart of Cordillera was similar to finding and
understanding the meaning of life. My view on
appreciating beautiful mountain scenery has never
been life changing. It has altered my perspective
toward life in many ways possible. Like a wise
man named John Muir once said, “going to the
mountains is going home.”
3
Sagada has a
tribe called “Applai
Sagada is an Ilocano
dialect
The Banaue
Rice Terraces was
chosen as one of
the two green globe
destinations of the
Philippines by the
World Travel and
Tour council
The Banaue
Rice Terraces is
considered as a
national cultural
treasure
TIPS
Make sure to buy
yourself a pair of
good hiking shoes
like Merrell’s All Out
Blaze Waterproof
Be prepared to
walk under the sun
for a long period
of time, bring bug
repellent, hat or
caps, and sunscreen
Don’t forget water
and a first aid kit,
it is very important
that you stay
hydrated throughout
your trekking
adventures
Don’t worry about
the locals, each and
every one of them
are very friendly and
approachable
Make sure to
prepare sweaters to
keep you warm the
mountain province
will get very chilly
during the evening
and early morning
87
T PRINCESA GARDEN
88
THE
LUXE
LIFE
While there are a number of reasons to visit Palawan,
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa,
a green paradise of beauty and bliss, is surely the place to be.
89
T PRINCESA GARDEN
Picture the
breathtaking sunset:
the burning gradience
of red and yellow
reflected on a horizon
of cerulean waters—
placid waves breaking
onto the golden shore
of glistening sand as
the sun lowers over
the outlook. And then
picture that perfect
spot just where the
opposing tides meet:
that swathe of bright
sand melding with
turquoise. It’s inviting.
The tall glass of
cold, fresh smoothie
is dewy with moist
under the summer sky.
Everything is perfect.
90
P
rincesa Garden Island Resort
and Spa, nestled in the
village of Bancao-Bancao in
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, is five minutes
away from Puerto Princesa International
Airport and an hour flight away from
Manila. It is the first and only 5-star
oceanfront resort in Puerto Princesa,
Palawan that boasts an Asian-themed
architecture infused with native touches.
From the rustic handcrafted walls made
from corals to the use of solar panels
that support the water heaters, Princesa
Garden Island Resort and Spa is keen on
minimizing its carbon footprint. Combing
practical luxury with environmental
responsibility, it has its own wastewater
treatment plant and desalination system
to water the vast foliage; it also made use
of the different materials found naturally
in the area during its construction.
Canuigaran Street, Brgy. Bancao -Bancao,
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
For more information please visit
www.princesagardenisland.com or call Manila
Sales Office: (02) 7447979 or 09178739574 |
09189675132. Princesa Garden Island Resort and
Spa: (048) 7231379 to 76 or 09277649915.
1
2
3
1. The warm and
“refreshing” welcome at
Princesa Garden Island
Resort and Spa. 2. The cozy
interior of the resort with
a twist of local artistry and
craftsmanship. 3. Colorful.
A very artistic shuttle to
the resort. 4. One of the
highlights of this resort is
the cultural show.
4
Complete with an in-house
foreign exchange service, WiFi
access and safety deposit box
for business professionals, you
can expect nothing but full,
personalized services. With
a fully equipped gym, rental
bikes, seaside volleyball,
life-size chess, mini-golf
and an entertainment center
equipped with billiards, darts
and table soccer, everything
you need is inside the resort.
Princesa Garden Island Resort
and Spa has the most extensive
banqueting and conference
facilities on the island, which
can accommodate up to 600
people and even has its own
chapel: an elegant venue which
can house 100 guests, perfect
for wedding functions.
While there are a number of
water sports activities available,
take advantage of the resorts
complimentary kayaks or
boat shuttle service going to
the sandbar located a few
meters away from the resorts
shoreline. A visit in Princesa
Garden Island Resort and
Spa would not be complete
without taking a dip in the
resorts majestic chlorine-free
swimming pool, kiddie pool,
toddler pool and 3 state of the
art slides. The horse-drawn
kalesa ride takes you exploring
the local village while being
serenaded with Filipino
folksongs. And a cultural show
(on occasion) enlivens the local
appreciation on our culture
through dance and music.
The loft type Daycare center
separates children 4-11 years of
age (complete with board games
and soft play equipment) to our
young adolescent guests who
can enjoy playing computer and
video games. In addition, daily
activities await young artists to
explore their creativity at the
art center. *some charges apply
91
T PRINCESA GARDEN
SIGNATURE COLLECTION
Princesa Classic | 35-41 m2
The Princesa Classic is a treat for nature-lovers,
providing a magnificent view of the surrounding foliage
and blossoms, as well as breathtaking views of the resort
from its spacious balcony. Each lanai also features its own
daybed.
The bathrooms are equipped with their own 8-inch
rainfall shower with complete amenities.
Princesa Classic Elite | 41 m2
Upgaded version of the Princesa Classic.
Princesa Harbor Suite | 62 m2
Princesa Harbor Suite’s main distinction from the rest of
the signature collection is its outdoor Jacuzzi and spacious
lanai.
Princesa Premiere Suite | 62 m2
The Princesa Premiere Suite is a studio suite with its own
Jacuzzi, 12-inch rain shower and 46-inch LCD television.
Princesa Garden Suite | 61 m2
Located on the ground floor, this suite has its own
Jacuzzi. Unwind in your room with its 46-inch LED TV,
and enjoy the luxurious swimming pools.
One Bedroom Princesa Suite | 100 m2
The spacious suite lends an intimate ambiance with a seafacing bedroom, giving you the best views of the ocean. It
boasts a powder room, and a dining and living area.
92
POOL COLLECTION
One Bedroom Elite Ocean
Front Suite | 91 m2
Offering stunning views of
the ocean and the resort’s
prosperous gardens, this
grand, spacious suite faces
the endless expanse of the
ocean and opens out into
its own private veranda.
Relax in the comfort of
your bed, unwind in your
outdoor beachside Jacuzzi,
and step directly into the
infinity pool.
Elite Pool Access |
35-41 m2
You can enjoy more
bathroom facilities
with the Elite
Pool Access room,
such as the room’s
soaking tub in this
upgraded version
of the Pool Access
room.
Pool Access |
35 m2
Enjoy direct
and private
pool access to
the luxurious
swimming pools.
93
T PRINCESA GARDEN
LUXURY COLLECTION
Pool Villa | 47 m2
This is the perfect choice for honeymooners. Each of the
villas has a lanai that grants guests access to the private
pool.
Double Pool Villa | 49 m2
Double pool villas are furnished with their own ceiling
fan, spacious closet, ipod dock, 46-inch LCD television,
12-inch rainshower bath and private garden or ocean view.
Water Villa | 143 m2
Enjoy the 180-degree view of the deep blue waters of the
lagoon from the room’s three-side floor to ceiling glass
windows. Relax on a hammock in the balcony, or indulge
in the outdoor jetpool.
Guests residing at the ocean villas also have exclusive
access to the standalone lounge, the club lounge, which
serves light snacks and drinks 24/7.
Princesa Luxury Suite |
173 m2
Princesa’s crowning glory; a 2-bedroom suite that
gives guests the option to widen their lap of luxury by
connecting it to the adjoining room. This luxury suite has
all the comforts of home.
DRINKS AND DINING
Sala Lobby Lounge
Enjoy intimate nights at
Sala Lobby Lounge and be
serenaded by the soothing
piano music. With its cozy
ambience, it’s simple to relax
and enjoy a nice cocktail or
hand-rolled cigar. It is truly
the perfect place to end your
evening.
Open from 10:00 am to
11:00 pm
Club Lounge
Exclusive VIP lounge club
for all floating villa guests.
Light snacks and drinks are
made available here for free
at any time of the day.
Open 24 hours.
Float
Piñacoladas are the order of
the day at Float. Guests can
enjoy house creation drinks.
The Restaurant flaunts its
location at the sandbar for
guests to enjoy the view
and soak up the sun.
Open from 10:00 am to
94
5:00 pm
Rice
Enjoy breakfast, lunch,
and dinner in the open
theater kitchen of this allday dining café. It offers
you a selection from both
Filipino and international
cuisine, available a la carte
or from our interactive
buffet stations (on occasion).
Or you can also enjoy the
scheduled cultural shows
happening at the outdoor
wooden deck while feasting
on mouth-watering fare.
Satisfy your palate with our
variety of dishes, skillfully
prepared by the resort’s
chefs.
Open from 6:00 am 10:00 pm
Tomato and Basil
Enjoy wood-fire baked
pizzas and other
sumptuous Italian dishes
with a dash of wine while
overlooking the resort’s
magnificent infinity pool
at Tomato and Basil
Cuisina Italiana. This
open-air restaurant lets
the multitude of fragrant
aromas waft through the
air, intermingled with the
scent of the tangy ocean.
Open from10:00 am –
10:00 pm
Golden Elephant
Sitting atop the crystalline
blue waters of the
Southwest China Sea, the
Golden Elephant is an
absolute must-try dining
place. It serves a fusion
of different Asian flavors,
favoring seafood fare.
Guests have an array of
live fish and other seafood
to select from and have
prepared for them by
our excellent chefs. Their
dishes are then created
with artful mastery, infused
with fragrant and exotic
herbs both imported
from Thailand and grown
in our very own private
greenhouse, promising
only the perfect dining
experience.
End your day with a
relaxing massage from
Princesa Garden’s Hilot
Spa. Rustic with barefoot
luxury, this bliss haven is
divided into 8 rooms, each
with its own individual
shower and a couples room
equipped with a Jacuzzi.
Specializing in authentic
Filipino massages using
natural oils and organic
scrubs, you are guaranteed
with a truly rejuvenating
and relaxing experience.
The spa also has a coldplunge Jacuzzi and sauna
that hotel guests can enjoy.
Opening date: December
2014
95
96
97
EDITORS NOTE
BANAUE
SAGADA
BAGUIO
MANILA
KALINGA
Observation
The journey to the Buscalan, Kalinga
indigenous village is quite the
adventure. If you’re willing to leave
Manila, drive sixteen hours, hike for
three and chance narrow roads and
pouring rain, you can experience a
culture that has insulated itself from
the modern world for hundreds of
years.
The Kalinga people (and many
other indigenous people throughout
our 7,107 islands) are the spiritual
protectors of our country. They are
“Filipino” in its truest form—a
product of their surroundings,
governed by their own decree and
living by their instincts. They are
jovial, energetic, curious, extremely
proud and more interested in telling
you about their way of life than
hearing about yours—which, in itself,
is quite refreshing.
While we were there we met the
96-year old tattoo artist legend of
the mountain tribe: Fang-Od. FangOd is a cheerful and lively woman.
When I asked about her secret to
being so healthy she lifted her hands
98
and gestured around her, “I have
everything I need. My family is here.
I have food and an important job as
a tattoo artist. I am here, but I’ve met
people from all over the world…”
I often hear discussions around
what the “Filipino identity” truly
is. The ambiguity is understandable
given the many foreign influences
that have pervaded our history.
Perhaps, that explains the appeal of
visiting the indigenous villages of the
Philippines—they are the closest ties
we have to our roots.
We went to the Kalinga village
to observe their culture and try to
understand their way of life. At first
glance the differences between us
seemed vast, but I started to see our
profound similarities. The values of
family, hard work, integrity, faith and
perseverance are core to the Filipino
identity, whether you work in the city
or tattoo in the mountains.
As I sat watching the Kalinga’s
interactions, hearing their dialect,
breathing the fresh air and feeling
an increasing sense of harmony with
the land and tradition, I began to
understand what it means to be truly
Filipino—and I have never been
more proud.
Raphael John Oriel
Editor-in-Chief
Balikbayan Magazine

the ancient art of batok palawan

Transcription

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