view magazine may 2015

CONTENTS45 -BEHIND THE WHEELIf you’re into fun, long drives, then the road to Bicol is a must-try

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MARCH 2015CONTENTS

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04 March 2015 | VIEW Magazine

EATSPICE AND EVERYTHING NICESavor the true taste of Bicolandia through its quirky dishes

EATA PALAZZO OF YUMMY TREATSDine Italian style at the newest Vikings at SM Jazz Mall

TRAVELRISING FROM THE RUBBLECagsawa Ruins is a living testament of Bicolano’s sunny disposition

TRAVEL15 THINGS TO DO IN CAMARINES NORTEWell-kept secrets and must-try activities abound in Bicol’s northern frontier

TRAVELSECRET PARADISELive out your escapist fantasy in the isolated island of Caramoan

The allure of Mayon Volcano

Joseph CortesEditor-in-chief

EDITOR’S NOTE MARCH 2015

Ihave a confession to make.

I’ve only been to Bicol twice in my whole life: one trip was to Sorsogon on a presidential visit, while the other was to

Naga City, also a presidential trip. I have no memory of those trips except that I discov-ered in Naga City what a delicious confec-tion mazapan de pili was, and that Mayon Volcano welcomed us gladly on that day we arrived at the airport in Legazpi City.

You see there is this belief in Bicol that Mt. Mayon is quite choosy when it comes having her countenance seen. If you get to Legazpi and Mayon’s peak is covered with clouds, the locals take it to mean that the volcano doesn’t like you; it ’s a simple as that. I’ve heard of stories of people being in Le-gazpi for days on end and not being lucky enough to get a glimpse of the volcano’s perfect cone. On that day at the airport, I guess she liked me enough to lift the veil that often covers her face for me to see her full countenance.

(And the photo of me on this page is a

pure fabrication. I don’t have a decent photo of myself with Mayon in the background. Those trips were made decades before someone even thought of the term “selfie”.)

This issue of VIEW Magazine is all about Bicol. Preparing this issue was a rev-elation, because the stories were an eye-opener to someone like me who hasn’t re-ally explored the region. All I know of Bicol consist of Mayon Volcano and mazapan de pili. Culinary matters, such as the difference between laing and pangat, a little detail I had to verify in a Facebook food community I belong to, and Bicol Express I could easily discern for myself here in Metro Manila be-cause they have second nature to our palates. However, details about Bicol’s beaches and the adventure trails that could be enjoyed regionwide where simply Greek to me.

I guess I will have to pack my bags one of these days and make that long delayed trip to Bicol, hopefully by plane, because I was told a trip by bus would take 14 hours. It ’s a pity that Bicol Express railway system isn’t

in operation. That would have been a pleas-ant way to travel to the southern end of Lu-zon province.

Also in this issue, we have fine contribu-tion on the forests and the tea plantations of Alisan county in Taiwan. It ’s a sight I’ve seen a couple of times on cable television, and one that could prove rewarding if I ever make it there. Our regular contribu-tor Stephanie Tumampos shares with us her story and photos of her visit there.

In case you haven’t noticed, everybody’s busy planning where they will be spending their summer vacation. This month, we’ve asked our readers where they plan to go, and their replies have proven insightful. I hope they will be able to help you plan your own holiday in the coming months.


March 2015 | VIEW Magazine

CONTRIBUTORS MARCH 2015

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Volume 7 Issue 3All Rights Reserved 20142/F Dominga Building2113 Chino Roces Ave.(Pasong Tamo st.)corner Dela Rosa st., Makati CityTel. 817-5876 local 106 and [email protected] viewtravelmagazine viewtravelmagazine

Aaron Morissey Tolosa([email protected])Account Manager

Sherry Ann Devera([email protected])Account Manager

Grace Valentine Conde([email protected])Circulation Manager

Cristina B. LicupCirculation Assistant

Denise VillahermosaAccounting Assistant

viewtravelmagazine

Dominga Rufi na S. Cabangon ChuaPublisher

Joseph CortesEditor-In-Chief

Camille Angelica NocedaLayout Artist

Jonalyn F. FortunoEditorial Assistant

Marvin Nisperos EstigoyVP for Advertising and Sales

Jayfree C. Salazar([email protected])Business Development Manager

The Team

Pebble Beach in Minabalac, Camarines Sur is considered by many as Bicol’s answer to Batanes’ Valugan BeachPhoto by Mike Ventura

ABOUT THE COVER

BERNARD SUPETRANis a tourist mapmaker, travel photojournalist and tourism consultant who hails from the Bicol region. In this issue, he gets his feet wet, quite literally, surfing and kayaking in two of his favorite playgrounds--Camarines Norte and Catanduanes

Writing for magazines and websites is EXCEL V. DYQUIANGCO’s bread and butter. Sometimes when he is not too engrossed in crafting his stories, you can find him traveling, surfing the net and reading a book.

Although a civil engineer, LIEZEL GACOS ESPIA is a traveler and photographer at heart. She always finds time to experience new cultures and be in a various destinations when the wanderlust kicks in.

At the young age of 17, JOHN CYRIL YEE has already made his works appear in several national publications.He is currently a sophomore student, taking up journalism degree at Bicol University. Writing and Photography are two of his greatest passions.

MIKE VENTURA is an outdoor enthusiast who developed his interest in photography in early 2009. Living true to the maxim “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time” he encapsulates the beauty of nature and lasting memories through his lenses.

RAYMOND BROGAROLAS RECATO is a License Civil Engineer and an amateur hobbyist photographer, President of the 2nd longest club in the Philippines which is Mayon Photography Club Inc. (MPCI). Loves to travel and shoot people and places.

First dreamed to become an astronaut, a former television journalist (still pursuing on that career), occasional traveler, and current bummer. SOCELLE FUENTES lives by the moment and loves the adventure out of it. For her, traveling and mountain hiking is like eating halo-halo; different textures, same feeling--it’s refreshing.

HENRYLITO TACIOis a celebrated journalist based in the southern part of the Philippines. He also writes for the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest, People and the Planet and Gaia Discovery

STEPHANIE TUMAMPOS is an applied physicist, currently finishing her master’s degree in environmental engineering. Photography, food, travel and astronomy outreach are her hobbies. She is currently a contributor for Business Mirror.

A Mass Communication graduate, MA. GLAIZA LEE is a traveler by day and a writer by night. Through her works, she wants people to experience every adventure that life can offer, see places and taste sumptous dishes along the way.

Born in Sorsogon, OLIVER SAMSONhas been writing for Business Mirror as correspondent in the past three years. He has also written for several publications in the past years.


READER’S FEEDBACK MARCH 2015

WHERE WILL YOU SPEND YOUR

SUMMER VACATION?Looking for the perfect summertime getaway? Here’s a list that might inspire you

to start planning for your next great escape.

CZAR EBESATE

I would consider Ilocos as a one-stop

destination for me because of its nu-

merous attractions and unique vistas.

JOYANNE MAHINAY

“There’s no place like home! It’s always been my yearly top-of-the-list summer getaway to visit my home-town Bukidnon. Im looking forward to experience the adventure of the new Da-hilayan Adventure Park that offers extreme outdoor ac-tivities like the longest dual zip line in Asia.”

MAAN TERMULO

“Summer is among my favorite times of the year. There are so many places that I would love to visit. I wish to spend a summer vacation in El Nido, Ca-laguas, Ilocos, and Batanes. I would also love to go back to Baler and ride its killer waves once more.”

MIGUEL DELA ROSA

“I want to go to Coron, Pala-wan. I want a relaxing environ-

ment that gives me a breathe of fresh air and the happiness

of personal time by the beach.”

DON SALITA

“I’d include Batanes, Camiguin, and Siquijor on my travel bucket list given that they boast dreamy landscapes. My first stop would be Batanes because I’ve always wanted to play my cello inside a lighthouse.”

JAMILLE JABRICA

“This summer, I’m planning to go in an island paradise with white beaches and clear blue water—Coron. It’s located in the island of Busuanga, Palawan.”

MARCH 2015 READER’S FEEDBACK

13March 2015 | VIEW Magazine

ASTRUD SCHUCK

My dream vacay place in the Philippines is none other than the famous and luxurious Aman-pulo in Palawan. To experience its heavenly beaches and well-ness treatments is a dream worth pursuing. This remarkable resort is also a favorite destination of Hollywood celebrities and royalty.

WYONA VICTORIANO

“I will be spending my summer in the northernmost part of

Bicol Region: Calaguas group of islands! It’s perfect

for those who prefer a laid-back experience. It boasts a

powdery white sand beach and turquoise water. You will

surely adore the serenity of the place.”

For next month’s issue: Tell us what you will wear at the beach? Send your replies,along with your photo, to [email protected] or post it on our facebook page @viewtravelandlifestyle.

JAGER FAUST ELGALLANT

“I want to go to Coron, Palawan this summer and frolic on its white-sand beaches. Among the ac-tivities that I have in mind include stargazing and island hopping.”

RIZ YANA

“I definitely want to spend my summer vacation in El Nido, Palawan. With its crystal clear- waters, pris-tine and fine beaches, lush flora and fauna, what more could you ask for?”

HELENA LIMJAP

“It will be Coron, Palawan. I was supposed to go there last year but I missed the chance. My friends said I missed to see a paradise. This year, I want to go there with my daughter as she has always wanted to dive into Coron’s crystal clear waters.”

MIGUEL UY

“Anywhere that’s relaxing, with less crowd and not much activity aside from spa, swimming and eating, would be fine. I’m thinking about Coron.”

CALENDAR MARCH 2015


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH SOURCE HTTP://WWW.WOWPHILIPPINES.CA

Araw ng Island Gar-den City of Samal (IGACOS)







Puerto Princesa Foundation Day

Bangkero Festival (Pagsanjan, Laguna)



Bangkero Festival (Pagsanjan, Laguna) Bangkero Festival

(Pagsanjan, Laguna)

Arya! Abra Festival

Arya! Abra Festival Arya! Abra Festival Arya! Abra Festival

Arya! Abra Festival

Strawberry Festival (La Trinidad, Benguet)

















MARCH 18 - APRIL 9: Strawberry Festival (La Trinidad, Benguet)

Pintados de Pasi Festival (Pasi City, Iloilo) Pintados de Pasi

Festival (Pasi City, Iloilo)

Pintados de Pasi Festival (Pasi City, Iloilo)






Banana Festival (Baco Mindoro Oriental)

Banana Festival (Baco Mindoro Oriental) Tabak Festival (Tabaco

City, Albay)

Tabak Festival (Tabaco City, Albay)



Pagsanjan Bangkero Festival (Laguna)





Holy Week

Alimango Festival (Lala, Lanao del Norte)

Manok ni San Pedro (San Pedro, Laguna)

S M T W TH F S

EAT MARCH 2015


There is a sense of joy at every Vikings restaurant. You feel it in the hubbub of expectation as a crowd slowly gathers before its

doors almost an hour before opening time, whether it is for lunch or dinner. Indeed, when we dropped by at the Vikings branch at SM Jazz Mall in Makati City, the queue to get into the restaurant was gradually get-ting longer as the clock slowly ticked to 5:30 p.m.

You listen in on the chatter, and you hear people planning how best to enjoy the buf-fet of delicious food they have come to ex-pect with every visit. Will they first make a beeline for the sushi and sashimi at the Japanese station, or indulge in a little serv-ing of Thai salad or insalata caprese be-fore commencing their delectation of U.S. Angus beef belly or spicy bellychon at the grill section? Will it be a scoop or two of ice cream, soft-serve yogurt, freshly made crepe, red velvet cake, cheesecake, halo-halo or chocolate fondue for dessert?

Often you hear them talk in serious tones of where they want to be seated: surely, it should always be somewhere strategic, so you need not walk too far when going back to your table after filling your plate with yummy treats.

But no matter: for sure, wherever you find yourself seated at the restaurant, the food is always bound to satisfy.

There is a sense of discovery at every Vi-kings restaurant. Vikings assistant market-ing head Raquel Bartolome says that while all Vikings restaurant basically serve the same items, each restaurant is designed to

be different from each other. The SM Jazz Mall branch is decked out as an Italian palazzo. The gleaming white marble tables and richly upholstered chairs speak of an old-world luxury that you can only associ-ate with Italy.

The restaurant has been cleverly sec-tioned into areas with Italian place names. Areas are named after popular tourist desti-nations: Rome, Milan, Venice, Murano and more. If you are in a big group, there are even private dining areas that could be re-served for groups as big as 30 diners. So, there is no reason for you not to find your way when returning to your table. You only have to read the signs and you’ll get find your way back easily. And yes, the colorful Murano glass chandelier that hangs over the first cooking station and that greets you when you peer through the door is simply breathtaking.

Murano’s signature blown glass is ar-ranged in a pattern to suggest billowing clouds in a variety of bright colors. It isn’t surprising that guests stop for a few min-utes before the chandelier for a selfie even as they are making their choice at the buffet.

There is always a sense of happiness as every Vikings restaurant. When it comes to buffet restaurants, the Vikings brand has come to mean an abundance of glorious food. It is literally a feast for a Viking. No appetite is left unsatisfied at each visit. Ta-bles are always groaning with plates filled with delicious eats. And there’s no need to hurry. At any time during lunch or din-ner service, you are bound to find what you want, whether it is soy chicken or roast duck,

A PALAZZO OF YUMMY TREATS

TEXT JOSEPH CORTESPHOTOS CAMILLE ANGELICA NOCEDA

chicken yakitori, chap chae or your choice of dim sum. If it isn’t, you only need to ask, and in a few minutes will serve at your table whatever it is that your heart desires.

And though the SM Jazz Mall branch might have design that is Italian-inspired—and yes, the Italian station is a must-try with its selection of pasta dishes, pizzas and entrees—you will find virtually every cuisines you can think of here: Chinese, Japanese, Korea, Filipino, and continental. There is even a shabu-shabu station. You get to choose all the ingredients that you want, from seafood to meat slices and vegetables, and your own personal pot of soup stock will be set up at your table so you could enjoy yourself swishing your meal till its cooked the way you want it. And the cook-ing stations are arranged so that you need not reach out far to get what you want. The food is laid out around the cooking station, all within easy reach.

Filipinos celebrate each occasion with a feast. Whether it is a baptismal, a wedding, or a birthday party, there is bound to be a table laden with food. What Vikings has done has made this joyful occasion a daily happening. Even if there is no reason to cel-ebrate, you can always drop by at a Vikings restaurant, and you can indulge in the feast that you have been dreaming of.

Vikings at SM Jazz Mall is open daily for lunch and dinner service. It is located at Metropolitan Ave., corner Nicanor Garcia St. Makati City. For details and reserva-tions, visit http://vikings.ph and its Face-book page @Vikings Jazz Mall Makati or call 891-3888/891-4888.

On this page: Delight-ful treats at Vikings Jazz Mall; Vikings FB opera-tions managers Lilibeth Lilit and Wilson Tan and corporate executive chef Ross Pecillar (center)

TRAVELOGUE MARCH 2015


CAPTIVATING KALIBOLong considered by travelers a jump-off point to Boracay, Aklan’s capital town boasts a number of sights that are just as enchanting

TEXT ESTRELLA TORRESPHOTOS COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

M emorable trips are often made from spontaneous de-cisions.

Take for example a recent trip we took. Aklan Prov-ince in Western Visayas is popular for the island paradise

of Boracay. However, a tour of the capital municipality of Kalibo brought a lot of fond discoveries that very well changed our minds about frequenting the popular island’s crowded white sand beaches. We found ourselves exploring the town’s scenic destinations.

Jawili FallsOn the road to Caticlan from Kalibo, Jawili Falls in the town of

Tangalan will surely enchant passersby to take a quick dip in its cool refreshing water, even if you have no plans of swimming. Just give in to the sight of crystal clear waters.

Jawili Falls has become a favorite stopover both for foreign and local tourists who are bound for Boracay. Those who are brave dare to scale the towering falls with its seven cascades. The area now has basic amenities, such as shower rooms, cottages and a small restau-rant to cater to visitors. If you do decide to drop by, you do not need to hike up to get to the top of the falls, as the first basin is accessible from the main road. The entrance fee is only P10.

This trip to Kalibo was a fascinating discovery of the town’s well preserved natural treasures, as well as interesting cultural and his-torical heritage. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is promoting this destination to give tourists more exciting options when trave-ling through Aklan Province on their way to Boracay.

The distinct cool weather and laid-back culture come as a sur-prise, since the town is dubbed as the business capital of the Western Visayas region and an international gateway. Kalibo is located in the


northwest of Panay Island, and is practically located at the center of all coastal municipalities of Aklan Province.

Mangrove parkInterestingly, the resilience of Aklanons resulted in the creation of

the idyllic Bakhawan Eco-Park in Barangay New Buswang Town. The 220-hectare mangrove reforestation aims to protect and main-tain the rich ecosystem of Kalibo. It was built in the 1990s to address the frequent flooding in the town.

Take a relaxing walk around the eco-park, walking on manmade bamboo bridges to reach the picture perfect scenery of a tranquil river that serves as backdrop to a lush mangrove forest.

While on the bamboo footbridge, you will definitely stop in your tracks to marvel at what seems to be an art masterpiece, a small color-ful boat tied at the end of the footbridge, as if waiting for a traveler to further explore nature’s beauty. Be sure to reach the end of the path of the lush forest mangrove to get a fascinating view of the sea. The serenity that this place brings is more than enough reason to stay in this town.

The Bakhawan Eco-Park is a 20-minute ride from the town prop-er. You can reach it either by car or tricycle, which are readily avail-able in town. Entrance costs P100 for adults and P50 for students.

Lagatik River CruiseAnother discovery is the Lagatik River Cruise in New Washington

Town. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch of seafood and fresh tropical fruits for only P500 per person, which you get to enjoy while cruising this serene river that is blanketed by lush mangroves and hills. For those who love to sing, you can show off your vocal skills as the boat has a videoke machine on board. From Kalibo town proper, it only takes about 15 minutes to get to the yard terminal.

The town of New Washington is the birthplace of well-loved Ma-nila archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, who led the Filipino people in the 1986 peaceful EDSA Revolution that toppled the dictatorship of late President Ferdinand Marcos. In honor of Cardinal Sin, the proud town folks have established a shrine at the town center near his ancestral house.

Ati-Atihan FestivalOne of the best times to visit Kalibo is on the third week of Janu-

ary when you can revel with thousands of local and foreign tourists during the annual Ati-Atihan Festival, one of the country’s grand-est and oldest festivals and considered to be the Mardi Gras of the Philippines.

The Ati-Atihan is all about making yourself an Ati, or Aeta, or look like one the same way the participants color their faces and bod-ies with charcoal and don colorful costumes to perform in the street dance festivity.

An interesting part of a trip to Kalibo is the 19 Steps monument located at the town center. The monument is a tribute to the heroism



HOW TO GET THERE

Domestic airlines have regular flights to Kalibo. Travel time is about one and

a half hour.

of Aklanon revolutionaries who joined the Katipunan during the Spanish occupation. The monument contains the remains of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan and a likeness of their leader Francisco del Castillo.

The home of piñaAklanons are also known to have pio-

neered the 18th century tradition of weav-ing pineapple fiber (piña cloth), which is considered to be the country’s queen of all fabrics. Piña silk was a popular fabric for the Philippine elite during the Spanish era.

The intricate and elegant designs execut-ed on piña cloth are some of the best prod-ucts of Aklan. The piña fabric is usually used for making formal dresses, such as the barong and terno, dainty home accessories, and personal items like handkerchiefs and coin purses.

The popular piña weaving industry is the main source of livelihood for many Ak-lanons for decades now. To view piña-weav-ing activities in Kalibo, visit La Herminia Arts and Crafts and the Dela Cruz House of Piña.

A best-kept secret among many Aklanons is that they no longer go to Boracay for gatherings at the beach with friends and family since there are other scenic beach destinations around the province that are not as crowded and a lot cheaper to explore.

This secret remains to be discovered though, and tourists can take this as a chal-lenge when they visit Kalibo next time. This town is indeed an awesome destination and not a mere jump-off point to Boracay.

Previous page: This man-made bamboo bridge serves a ravish-

ing view of the tranquil river.On this page: Lagitik River is blanketed by lush mangroves

and hills; There is a fascinating view of the sea at the end of

this bamboo footbridge; River cruising in Lagitik River


Taiwan’s Alishan mountain range offers spectacular views of lush forests and

verdant tea plantations

MARCH 2015 TRAVELOGUE

TEXT AND PHOTOS STEPHANIE TUMAMPOS

GREEN GOLD



I t was 5 o’clock in the morning; I went out to the balcony of the backpacker’s inn where I was staying.

It was cold, but the innkeeper prom-ised me that the view from the balcony would be breathtaking. She did not disap-point.

There lay before me a sea of clouds cov-ering the mountain range, as the sun started to rise above it.

Overwhelmed by what I saw, I almost forgot to take a photo of the moment; as a photographer, it was an ironic feeling. I took some shots of the view, but at the back of my mind, I just wanted to stay there in that moment of wonder and amazement.

Then, a flashback of the journey I took the day before came to mind. The trip to the top of Mount Ali in the Alishan mountain range of Chiayi county in Taiwan assured me that I could bring home the memories of enchantment that I experienced.

FOREST-CLOAKEDBack in the age of exploration sometime

in the mid-16th century, Taiwan was un-known to the rest of the world. When the Portuguese were on their way to Japan, they found this unidentified island. It was small, but the land was covered with thick forest. They shouted, “Ilha Formosa!,” which liter-ally meant “beautiful island.”

Sixty percent of Taiwan is made up of forests and mountains, and one should not miss visiting the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area if you have at least two days to spare. Alishan is a 2- to 3-hour bus ride from Chiayi Main Train Station, which would cost each person NT$221 (P324) one way.

If you come from Taipei, take the earliest high-speed train to Chiayi and arrive early at the train station, since the last bus to the top of Mount Ali leaves at 2 p.m Though buses from Chiayi to Alishan start their ser-vice at 6 a.m. and are available at 1-hour intervals, it is better to arrive early to the site to avoid crowd of tourists who go there, especially on weekends.

The bus ride was long, the road going up was winding, but the bus seats were, at least, comfortable. I strongly suggest you take a motion-sickness pill as a preventive. Along the way as the bus goes up, I gradually saw lush green forests and mountains. Some-times, the ride became scary as the roads were on a cliffside, and every turn was a heart-thumping one.

After almost two hours, the windows were starting to mist, and it started to get cold. I had to put on a jacket and scarf to

This page (Top to bottom)

Alishan walkway; Tourists sampling

Alishan teaNext page: The

bustling street of Fenchihu in Chiayi County;

Overleaf: A spec-tacular view of a

tea plantation



keep me warm. The bus arrived at the main gate. There is a NT$150 (P220) entrance fee.

The site is approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, and the temperature was at 12 degrees Celsius. I had to bundle up to stay warm.

(Tip: Bring a thick jacket, scarf, and bon-net to help you stay warm, since the weather up the mountain is cold all year round.)

HOME OF THE SACRED GREEN GOLD

If black gold is oil, then green gold are trees.

There was a time in the history of Taiwan wherein logging was beginning to take a toll on the mountains of Alishan. It started dur-ing the time when the Japanese ruled over Taiwan, and they exported lumber made from Taiwanese red cypress trees back to Japan. The Japanese also had to clear ways around the mountain and dug the cliffsides to build rails and tunnels for the railway sys-tem that was used to transport the logs from

the mountains down to the city of Chiayi.But those days of logging are now long

gone. Today, the Taiwanese red cypress trees are still the country’s green gold, but in the form of tourism, and are now managed with good forest stewardship. Most trees that are over centuries old now stand tall and proud that they could live on more years than those felled in the past.

I was spirited away by the view before me. My gaze started slowly from the roots up to the mesmerizing view around and above me, an image of a puzzle of leaves and branches trying to connect, trying to reach to each other, while light and mist seeped through its cracks. While I stood there, I was con-vinced that I was walking side by side with the old yet strong giants of the forest. Tai-wanese red cypress trees with ages ranging from 800 to 3,000 years old were standing tall and proud; they have witnessed and ex-perienced more history than any human.

As I fathom the mystic scene in that for-est, I saw scattered relics of Alishan’s log-ging days, covered mostly with moss, but



“The trip to the top of Mount Ali in the Alishan mountain range assured me

that I could bring home the memories of enchantment that I experienced”

FEBRUARY 2015 TRAVELOGUE

HOW TO GET THERE

If you come from Taipei, take the earliest high-speed train to Chiayi and arrive early at the train station, since the last bus to the

top of Mount Ali leaves at 2 p.m.

forming marvellous structures by them-selves. One was famous among tourists, the heart-shaped Love Tree, where two fallen trees have connected and formed the shape of a heart.

Being in this forest, one of the lungs of the Earth, made me feel comfortable and relaxed despite the thick mist that was slowly shrouding the area. We had to rush out of it as we could barely see the pathway back to the tourist center. The day was turn-ing dark faster than I thought it would.

The last bus from the forest to the back-packer’s inn was leaving by 5 p.m. The Alis-han 53.1 Homestay where we were staying was located 1,000 meters from the top of the mountain.

(Tip: Remember to book rooms ahead of time as they easily get full, especially on weekends.)

A SEA OF CLOUDS What more can you expect while atop a

mountain than seeing clouds blanketing al-most all that your eyes can see so early in the morning? After that brief wonderful moment, I hiked a bit to see the oolong tea plantations located on the mountainside.

I have always known Taiwan to be famous for its oolong tea. If I had the pleasure to see a sea of clouds, it was the same for the tea plantations.

You would know that this tea is one of the best. High-altitude teas are among the most expensive, and their quality depends on the time of the year they were harvested. The water for these plants comes from the fresh mountain spring, which makes it more special.

Taiwan actually produces 20 percent of the world’s demand for tea. I tried two oo-long varieties: Qing Xiang and Chin Hsuan. Both looked the same in texture, yet their taste and fragrance have a difference.

(Tip: The price of Alishan oolong tea range from NT$300 to NT$600, depending on the quality and variant.)

The 102-YEAR-OLD RAILWAY SYSTEM

After tea time, I checked out and pro-ceded to the Fenchihu Railway Station. It is

approximately the middle station of the 102-year old railway system that goes from the top of Alishan down to the city of Chi-ayi.

This train experience is not to be missed. The train only has five small coaches; thus, seats are limited. A ticket costs NT$240 (P352) one-way, and the trip lasts two hours. The train will go through tunnels and wooden bridges that were built around the mountain, thus giving the train’s path a spiral effect.

(Tip: It is best to buy Fenchihu Railway tickets in advance at the Chiayi Train Sta-tion before heading to Alishan.)

Fechihu Lunchbox setBefore the train left, I went around the

station looking for the famous lunchbox set Fenchihu is known for. Since it was lunch-time and the train was set to depart two hours later, I had a chance to try this fa-mous meal; it sells for NT$100 (P150). The lunchbox consisted of enough food to put a smile on your belly. It had chicken, pork, egg, vegetables and, of course, steamed rice. The meal also came with bamboo soup.

As I bid goodbye to Alishan, I looked out the train window far away to the scenery and realized that going back to nature has never been this relaxing and reassuring. There is no doubt Taiwan is a beautiful place to visit. Aside from its vibrant culture, creative landmarks, busy night market for shopping and food tripping, its rich history and amazing geography make it distinct from any other place. Most tourists only opt to visit the northern part of the country, where the capital city of Taipei is located. But for sure, there is much to be missed if you skip a trip to Taiwan’s southern side. I wish clouds could whisper and trees could talk. They will be more convincing in invit-ing you to take this journey.


FROM OUR READERS MARCH 2015

THE HILLTOP FORTRESSThis cathedral is located on the hillside of Boac, Marinduque. Built in 1792, it is popularly known as the hilltop fortress.

Photo by Helton Barretto Balairos


MARCH 2015 FROM OUR READERS

GOT PHOTOS?Whether they are mere weekend vacations or life-changing journeys, traveling makes memories that are immortalized in our consciousness.

Still, photos make these memories easier to share.

Share your unforgettable travel moments with us. Submit your hi-resolution photos to [email protected] and share with our readers the best memories you’ve had while on the road.



BEHIND THEWHEELThe road to Sorsogon from Manila is 600-kilometers long and the trip lasts 14 hours

TEXT LIEZEL GACOS ESPIAPHOTOS RAYMOND BROGAROLAS RECATO

H itting the open road is both a re-warding and thrilling experi-ence.

You are treated to a kaleido-scope of sights, new finds, and, sometimes, awesome stops. These little discoveries are what make road trips worthwhile, giving you another reason to appreciate even the bumpiest of rides.

I’ve had my fair share of road-trip adven-tures for the past 10 years, but as a passen-ger and not as a driver. So, when I received an emergency call from home, asking me to leave first thing the following morning, I was left with no choice but to drive all the way to Sorsogon.

While I can drive short distances, a 600-kilometer one is an entirely different story. The thought of navigating the long and winding road to Bicol made me a bit anxious. To make sure that the trip would go smoothly, I had my car checked, did a little bit of research, and brought enough food. At 5 a.m. the following day, I started on the long journey with my siblings in tow, pass-ing the towns of Tiaong, Candelaria, Lu-cena and the boundary of the municipalities of Pagbilao and Atimonan in Quezon.

Quezon Province

The road became quite tricky when we reached Quezon Province. Blind curves and twists made driving a little difficult, but there were road signs and flagmen to help drivers navigate the road safely. Also, the wonderful roadside landscape is sure to temporarily chase your worries away.

When we passed by the Old Zigzag Road, more popularly known as Bitukang Manok, we were tempted to stop at the side of the road to get a good look at Quezon National Forest Park, which is known for its rich flora and fauna. They say that this park is one of the best places to visit when you



want to commune with nature. Although we wanted to linger a bit longer to enjoy the view, we didn’t have the luxury of time as we were in a hurry. Instead, we opened the car window and breathed in the fresh aroma of the forest as the verdant mountain gradually vanished from our sight.

As I navigated the sharp curved roads of Quezon, we were rewarded with a cool sea breeze and panoramic view of Atimonan. We were also able to get a glimpse of La-mon Bay’s blue waters because the national highway passes by its shoreline. The side of the national highway that faces the bay is lined with local restaurants where roadtrip-pers and travelers can help themselves to seafood and native cuisine.

The good thing about driving in the morning is that fresh sceneries greet you along the way: ruggedly beautiful moun-tains serving as a backdrop to green rice-fields, sunlight streaming through gigantic trees, an occasional cluster of houses dot-ting the roadside, and pit stops after a few kilometers.

Had it been a leisurely drive, I would have taken photos of the scenery that passed by my window. But the only time I pulled the car over was for a washroom stop. The plan was to continue driving until we reached the boundary arch that welcomed us to first province of Bicol—Camarines Sur. Only then could I breathe a sigh of relief because, here, I am familiar with the road’s every twist and turn, as well as the rights stops.

Camarines Sur

Although Pili is the provincial capital of Camarines Sur, Naga City is more popular. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Naga Metropolitan Cathe-dral, considered to be the largest Catholic church in the region. This one has a very impressive architecture: a ceiling adorned with realistic imagery that create an optical illusion, a roof supported by small columns, and huge interior columns and arches de-signed to counter earthquakes.

For a bit of action, you can drive directly to Camarines Watersport Complex (CWC), located within the Pili Provincial Capitol Complex. CWC is not your ordinary wake-boarding site; it ’s the first world-class wa-tersport complex in the Philippines, sprawl-ing over a six hectares of land. The place offers various types of accommodation fa-cilities within walking distance from the wakeboarding site.

After having a look-see, head back to the open road, and stop for lunch in one of the

nearby food chains located along Maharlika Highway. We opted for Bigg’s Diner as it offers a selection of local specialties. Try its chicken cordon bleu stuffed with laing, as well as its special Bicol pinangat.

Albay

If you think that Mayon Volcano is all there is in Albay, then you haven’t been to this part of Bicol. Two hours away from Camarines Sur, Albay abounds with natural attractions, magnificent landmarks, little-known provincial gems, and food offerings that are unique to Bicol.

While in Albay, visit Daraga Church, also known as the Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, which was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773. This is, arguably, the crowning glory of religious architecture in the province of Albay, as it is situated atop a hill above the bustling town. In 2007, this four-century-year-old church, made mostly of volcanic stones, was declared a nation-al historical Site. The National Museum marker declaring it a National Cultural Treasure can be found at its façade. The church is also the perfect spot for viewing the magnificent beauty of Mayon Volcano.

At night, it ’s best to head to Legazpi City where Embarcadero de Legazpi, a world-class waterfront lifestyle hub, is located. It lies adjacent to Katuntukan Hill, or Sleep-ing Lion Hill, and is one of the most pictur-esque seaside roads in the Philippines with its fresh sea breeze, colorful streetlights and spectacular view of Mayon Volcano. In ad-dition, it offers an array of lifestyle options, whether it ’s dining, shopping or clubbing.

Sorsogon

After about 14 hours of driving, we fi-nally reached our hometown of Sorsogon City. As we passed by the Provincial Capitol

Park, we were able to get a glimpse of the impressive 16-foot Christmas trees made of discarded baluko (pen shells) woven on a wire frame. The cool blue lights from the trees made the place look magical, and I couldn’t help but be awestruck by the Sor-sogueños’ creativity.

While not as popular as the neighboring towns of Albay and Naga, Sorsogon is set to draw the tourist crowd, thanks to its awe-inspiring offerings. This little town abounds with natural hot and cold springs, white beaches, rock formations, century-old churches and other natural landmarks. Per-haps, you’re familiar with Bulusan Volcano National Park. It is a nationally protected forest that surrounds Mt. Bulusan and Bu-lusan Lake, two of the most photographed spots in the region.

Roughly two hours south of Sorsogon lies a municipality named after the great city of Spain—Barcelona. Stories have it that during the Spanish occupation, homesick Spaniards found the place to be similar to their beloved hometown, naming it as such.

At the heart of the town is St Joseph Par-ish, an 18th century church built out of


HOW TO GET THERE

If you will drive coming from Manila, your trip will start at the South Luzon

Expressway (SLEX) and your exit will be at Sto Tomas, Batangas. Follow the exit route to Pan-Philippine Highway all the way to Quezon Province and Bicol. Del Gallego, Camarines Sur is the f irst town to greet you when you enter Bicolandia.

“With all these wonderful attractions, one can say that Bicol makes for fun drives. The trip may be tiring, but it more than makes

up for it with the wonderful sights and stops.”

coral stones and tiled with a mixture of limestone, egg whites and coconut wine called tuba. There is also a ruin in front of the church called La Presidencia which was once used as the office of the goberna-dorcillo.

A visit to Sorsogon would not be com-plete without a brief stop at Donsol. Get a close encounter with the butanding (whale shark) and experience the adventure of a lifetime as you swim with these gentle gi-ants. The best time to visit Donsol is in April, in time for the Butanding Festival, which also ushers the butanding season.

With all these wonderful attractions, one can say that Bicol makes for fun drives. The trip may be tiring, but it more than makes up for it with the wonderful sights and stops. And the fact that I was able to con-quer my fear of driving the long and wind-ing road to Bicolandia: that alone is the best experience.

Previous page: A jeepney ride around Albay gives you with a wonderful view of Mayon.On this page: The color-splashed street of Embarcadero; Façade of Our Lady of Penafrancia Shrine in Naga

EAT MARCH 2015


The true taste of Bicolandia lies in the quirky flavors of its cuisine

TEXT SOCELLE FUENTESPHOTOS EARL RECAMUNDA AND RAYMOND BROGAROLAS RECATO

SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

The 14-hour bus ride from Manila to Sorsogon always leaves my butt hurting, but that is a small price to pay for seeing my family

back home and having my fill of authen-tic Bicolano food.

During the four years that I have been living in Metro Manila, I have been search-ing high and low for the taste of authentic Bicolano food to no avail, considering the wealth of delicacies and Instagram-worthy food available. Sometimes, a probinsiyana like me yearns for the taste of dishes she grew up with. Unfortunately, restaurants or carinderias leave me disappointed in the end; my taste buds just won’t settle for any-thing less.

That ’s why I look forward to the time of the year— even twice, if I am lucky—when I go home and have a taste of my moth-er’s cooking, enjoying real Bicolano cook-ing that I seldom get to enjoy in the city. Perhaps, its food and delicacies are some of the reasons why, aside from Mayon Volcano, Bicol is a hot spot for tourists, both local and foreign.

Linanta na piliFriends would always ask for candied pili

nuts as pasalubong whenever I come home from Bicol. Then again, it has become rou-tine for someone coming back from the re-gion to buy pili nut candies to bring home as gifts.

But unknown to many, Bicolanos have another way of enjoying pili. The uniniti-ated would be surprised to know that we serve the pili pulp that surrounds the hard nut within as an appetizer. We call this dish linanta na pili, or just plain linanta.

Before a pili nut can become the sweet crunchy candy, we would have to boil the fruit to soften its black skin to be able peel it off. This is so we can get the pili nut in-side the shell.

Now here’s the thing: the pulp, now soft and kind of sticky after having been boiled, is also edible, and is quite delicious when consumed as an appetizer. It goes well with the salty and rough taste of fish bagoong, or sometimes with just a dip of soy sauce. Those who have a sweet tooth prefer to mix the pili pulp with rock sugar and eat it like a sweet.

Take note, though: removing the pili pulp can be a bit messy, that ’s why we eat it with our bare hands.

Kinunot

You know what they say about Bicolanos: they can’t live without spicy food and coco-nut milk.


EAT MARCH 2015

Overleaf: Camalig town offers the best-tasting pinangat in the whole of AlbayOn this page: Bicolanos’ love for spice knows no bound as this serving of sili ice cream can attest to; Pili fruits are also used as an appetizer.

My former job required me to travel ex-tensively around the Philippines. Whenever a colleague or an acquaintance would ask where I come from, and I tell them I hail from Bicol, they would usually say, “Oh, ki-nunot? Masarap ang kinunot dun, ah?” (Ki-nunot tastes great there.) A follow-up ques-tion would be: “Marunong ka ba magluto ng kinunot?” (Do you know how to cook kinu-not?) I would always say yes.

When I am at home, I would always ob-serve my mother when she is cooking, espe-cially when it is kinunot. It ’s one of my fa-vorites, by the way.

Modesty aside, I can cook kinunot even with eyes closed. You just have to combine fresh malunggay leaves and fish or stingray (pagi) meat with coconut milk, then season them with salt and garlic. Of course, the dish would not be complete without a top-ping of siling labuyo (native chili pepper).

A true-blue Bicolano would know real ki-nunot because of the rich taste of coconut milk combined with the intoxicating aroma of siling labuyo. In some carinderias, I’ve no-ticed that they don’t separate the malung-gay leaves from the stalks. This makes me wonder if they actually eat the stalks rather than the leaves. More so, the taste of coco-nut milk is not quite as rich, which should never be the case. In Bicol, the rule is to never skimp on ingredients, especially if it ’s coconut milk.

PinangatOn the way to Bicol from Manila, you

will discover that Quezon province has a dish called pinangat, which is made with fish. Bicolanos also have their own pinan-gat, or pangat, which is a healthy and rich vegetable dish. It is commonly cooked with coconut milk and gabi (taro) leaves.

Again, coconut milk serves as the base of this dish. Pinangat is commercially available throughout the region, especially in Albay province, where they celebrate an annual Pinangat Festival.

Gabi leaves are often dried under the sun before cooking to remove the itchy effect the leaves might give you when eaten. In some parts of Bicol, they include the gabi root in the pinangat, perhaps, as a twist.

Pinangat is heavily flavored with coconut milk and spiced with some chopped chili.

As it has become popular over the years, you can now have pinangat as a pizza topping and even as a burger patty.

Sili ice cream

Albay is my second home for I stayed there during my years in college. That ’s why, it is always on my list of places to visit eve-ry time I go home. The last I was there, a homemade dessert roused the public’s in-terest, as well as the tourist crowd—sili ice cream.

I consider this ice cream to be “very Bi-col.”

While this one looks every bit like regu-lar ice cream, do not be deceived by its ap-pearance. For all its sweetness, sili ice cream has an aftertaste that will assault your taste

buds. It ’s hot like sili, and cold at the same time. And this unusual flavor combination explodes in your mouth when you least ex-pect it.

Sili ice cream can be had at the 1st Colo-nial Grill and Bicol Blends Café. It sells at P80 for three scoops. Other unique ice cream flavors sold at the cafe are malung-gay and tinutong (burnt rice). You can opt to order one of each flavor or three scoops of one flavor.

I often look for something new when it comes to food, be it in the different places that I have been to or the places that I want to visit in the future. But my Bicolana tongue would always take me back to where I could really enjoy and savor every meal—back home in Bicol.

MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

RISING FROM THE RUBBLENo longer a memorial of the gloomy past, Cagsawa ruins now boast fascinating sights and shops

TEXT JONALYN FULO FORTUNO PHOTOS JOHN CYRIL YEE


TRAVEL MARCH 2015

“That event may have been very traumatic but we, Bicolanos, have a

way of turning things around. Give us a crumbling church and we’ll turn it into an

impressive landmark.”


MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

It was a frightening morning. The sky was covered with a thick plume of dark ash, occasionally dotted with lightning and sparks.

Every now and then, a loud clap of thun-der would rattle the ground, as if to match the strong surge of lava coursing down the mountainside.

At the far end, the deep ringing sound of a bell could be heard, warning the inhabit-ants to flee their homes and seek shelter in the nearby Franciscan church of Cagsawa. Some 1,200 locals did take refuge, only to be buried alive a few hours later as huge streams of lava engulfed the church, which by then was already largely covered with ashfall and sand. The adjacent convent also suffered the same fate.

The year was 1814, and Mayon Volcano recorded its most lethal eruption yet. The once thriving town of Cagsawa was entirely wiped out, with only the vast barren ground the only reminder of that tragic day. What was left of the once picturesque Cagsawa Church was its bell tower, which, surpris-ingly, was able to withstand the ravages of nature that befell Bicol in the past.

That event might be seen as very trau-matic, but we, Bicolanos, have a way of turning things around. Give us a crumbling church and we’ll turn it into an impressive landmark. Such is the case of the Cagsawa Ruins, now one of the most recognizable tourist spots in the region.

Mesmerizing sight

Today, the site no longer evokes unspeak-able horror, thanks to the local govern-ment’s effort to develop it into a bustling park called Cagsawa Ruins Park. Locals say the ruins only covered half of the original structure. The rest was buried deep under lava.

At the park entrance, one can already see the huge volcanic boulders that rolled down from Mayon’s crater. Scattered walls and fragments of the old convent protrude from the grass-covered rubble, while tall lush trees and plants surround the vast ground. And in the midst of it all is a belfry, stand-ing resiliently like a valiant knight.

But what makes this belfry a sight to be-hold is its backdrop. It serves up the most ravishing view of the world’s most perfect cone. While shrouded by clouds most of the time, Mayon Volcano would occasionally peek out when the sky clears up. And when this happens, its unparalleled beauty is more pronounced, clearing every doubt as to why it ’s the most photographed part of Albay.

Previous page: An unob-structed view of the world’s most perfect coneOn this page (clockwise, from left): If you’re the ad-venturous sort, try Sili Shake Master’s chili-laced refresh-ments; Most stalls in Cag-sawa ruins sell colorful home decors made of abaca fiber; The Bicol Express shake is among the best-seller concoctions in Cagsawa Ruins Park; Get your fill of authentic Bicol Express in a carinderia called Zenkie’s.Next page: Cagsawa ruins remain resilient despite hav-ing been ravaged in the past.


TRAVEL MARCH 2015

37August 2014 | VIEW Magazine 41March 2015 | VIEW Magazine

MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

But this vista is not the only thing that keeps tourists coming back. Inside the park, you will find a gold mine of all things Bicol. Spicy foodstuffs, souvenir items, artworks, you name it, and the place readily sells it.

Eat and shop

The thing about exploring around Cag-sawa Ruins on a fine morning is that you’re not only treated to a scenic vista, but also to an array of souvenir stalls and eateries. Here you can find a multitude of handi-crafts made from indigenous materials, like abaca. These products make for cute gifts as they are not only affordable, but also come in different colors and designs. Bags, lan-terns, wallets, coin purses, and mats are just some of the items that tourists would usu-ally purchase.

Artworks such as paintings, sculptures and old photographs of Albay are also in abundance. Even more so are standard pasa-lubong items, namely key chains, trinkets and T-shirts. They dangle at almost every corner that it would be a crime not to buy one.

For the sweet stuff, there are several out-lets that sell candied pili nut and other local sweets. They are just too irresistible to taste that you might as well anticipate a throb-bing toothache and an empty wallet by the end of the day.

There are also stores selling refreshments and snacks. But there’s one stall that tour-ists, and even locals, particularly like: the Sili Shake Master. The name aptly describes its offerings, and, yes, it does not serve ordi-nary fruit shakes. These chili-laced refresh-ments come in different flavors including staples, such as buko, pineapple, mango, banana and chocolate. Each has a distinct kick and spice. The best-sellers, though, are Bicol Express and the signature sili shake.

Now, if your taste buds are not used to things spicy, then opt for milder flavors. But if you’re the adventurous sort, then the Bicol Express and sili shakes are just the concoc-tions to try. These supposed drinks for sum-mer take spiciness up to a whole new level and their sudden kick will leave your tongue numb for a few seconds.

The stall’s owner, Cesar Lingcaso, said

that tourists can only get to experience these quirky refreshments in Cagsawa Ru-ins Park as no other place in Albay has the same offering. He also said that he’s the first to introduce these chili-laced shakes back in 2012, which immediately became a huge hit to the tourist crowd. And through word of mouth, his stall eventually gained quite a following, and even established a reputation as one of the best in town.

Another outlet that lays claim to being a crowd favorite is Zekie’s Gotohan & Fast-food Restaurant. While it may appear to be a typical carinderia, its servings are some-thing that you won’t find elsewhere. Indeed, it ’s not every day that you get to see sinigang na baboy topped with buko on a menu, or pancit bato for that matter. For the uniniti-ated, pancit bato is a noodle dish that is not cooked with stones. It is so named for the simplest reason that it originated from a lit-tle town of Bato in Camarines Sur.

But despite the rather quirky names, these dishes are actually quite good. Plus, they have that extra yum factor that will entice you to a second helping. Just make sure to leave some room for Bicol Express, though, because a proper meal is not com-plete without this classic dish.

Served in a coconut shell, Zekie’s Bicol Express is one of the main reasons why this carinderia gets crowded at lunchtime. It may burn your tongue a little bit, but hey, it ’s all worth it. Pair it with steaming hot rice, and you’d surely eat your plate clean.

These wonderful finds all contributed into making Cagsawa Ruins one of the best spots in Bicol. No matter the time of the year, tourists would always find a reason to troop back to the site, and still get amazed every time.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Daraga, Legazpi, take a jeepney bound for Camalig or Polangui, then get off at Cagsawa junction. You can either walk or ride a tricycle going to

Cagsawa Ruins Park.

15 THINGS TO DO IN CAM NORTECamarines Norte, Bicolandia’s northern frontier, offers a variety of treasures travelers can explore

TEXT AND PHOTOS BERNARD L SUPETRAN

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37August 2014 | VIEW Magazine 43March 2015 | VIEW Magazine

MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

T he Department of Tourism’s Visit Philippines Year 2015 has un-veiled a series of Top 15s across our idyllic islands from north to

south.In keeping with this national trend—or

shall I say craze?—allow me to take you to the top 15 getaways in the charming prov-ince of Camarines Norte, Bicol’s northern frontier.

An unheralded tourism getaway until re-cently, Cam Norte shot to national promi-nence from out of nowhere because of its well-kept secrets, just like the gold nuggets hidden in its underground mines.

Camp out at Calaguas IslandsCam Norte’s not-so-secret iconic geta-

way and a mainstay in the bucket list of beach bums, Calaguas Islands hugged the limelight when it was named the top Tour-ism Gem in a recent online poll of Isla Li-pana & Co. Located two hours from the mainland, the core of the Calaguas mini-ar-chipelago is Tinaga Island, which is known for its mile-long powdery sand and crystal-line water. Its back-to-the-basics allure of roughing it out under the stars is its main come-on even for seasoned travelers. For a dash of comfort, there is Waling Waling Resort, which offers comfy lodgings a notch higher than the usual. If you’re tempted to say it will be the “next Boracay,” just hold your breath. Locals would rather like to hear you say it was like Boracay 30 years ago. The best time to visit is from February to September.

Island hopping at Siete Pecados Islands

If traveling to Calaguas seems too far, hopping around Siete Pecados Islands is your best bet; it is just 30 minutes away from Mercedes town proper. More agile beach lovers can paddle around the islands aboard a kayak. This island chain con-sists of Quinapaguian, Canton, Canimog, Apuao Grande, Apuao Pequeña, Caringo,

“Cam Norte was an unheralded tourism getaway until recently when it shot to

national prominence from out of nowhere because of its well-kept secrets…”

On this page: Caringo Island in Mercedes town; Our Lady of the Candles Church in ParacaleNext page: Kayaking around Siete Pecados Is-lands; Get a river hydro-massage at Mampurog River Resort

TRAVEL MARCH 2015


and Malasugui. While Apuao Grande is the most popular, because it used to be the site of a resort, other islands offer distinct ad-ventures. Canton boasts of caves believed by many to be enchanted, while Caringo is known for its marine sanctuary where corals were assessed to be largely untouched.

Surfing 101 at Bagasbas BeachThe wide beach of Bagasbas in Daet has

become a top destination for surfing green-horns because of its consistent waves throughout the year and its sandy bottom. It is acknowledged as the world’s 62nd spot in the surfing circuit and the first in the Philippines to be recognized internation-ally. Surfing lessons are offered at P500 per hour, which includes board rental. There are modest and mid-priced lodgings in the area, with Bagasbas Lighthouse Resort Hotel ar-guably the best and most recommended.

Go kiteboardingIf you want to take it to the next level, up

the ante and try kiteboarding, an extreme sport that combines surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and wakeboarding with fly-ing a kite. The town of Bagasbas has become a playground for international kiteboarders because of abundant winds from the Pacific Ocean and the annual tourneys to promote the province as a sports tourism destination. Ideal months for kitesurfing are from No-vember to March.

Waterfalls trekkingCam Norte’s mountainous terrain has

gifted it with enchanting cascades with tall drops. Nature lovers can enjoy adventure-filled hikes to several waterfalls in Cam Norte, including the 70-foot tall Colasi Waterfalls in Mercedes, Nacali Falls in San Lorenzo Ruiz, and San Felipe Twin Falls in Basud. In Labo, three waterfalls stand out: Malatap Falls and Binuang Falls are both just 100 meters away from the highway, while Maligaya Falls may be reached after an 8-kilometer trek. Mananap Falls in San Vicente is the most ideal because of its rela-tively short hike, refreshing sights and cool waters.

Kayak surfing at Baybay BeachAside from the standard surfboard, you

can also ride the waves on board a kayak at Baybay Beach in the town of Mercedes. Moderate waves and shallow sandy waters have made it a kayak surfing capital of sorts, where newbies can test their paddling and maneuvering skills. It ’s a totally safe sport, even if you capsize or are swept by the waves.

Go on a Visita Iglesia

It doesn’t have to be Holy Week to ob-serve this tradition, if only to have an ap-preciation of Bicol’s 400-year old cultural and religious heritage. A must-visit is the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Church in the town of Paracale, which was founded by Franciscan missionaries in 1581 and became a full-pledged parish in 1611. Other histor-ic churches are St. John the Baptist in Daet, St. Peter the Apostle in Vinzons, and Capa-longa Church, home of the Black Nazarene.

Feast on fiestas and festivalsCam Norte has its own share of fiestas

celebrated with a distinct flair. The largest festival is the province-wide Bantayog Fes-tival held every April 15 to mark its founda-tion day. Another sought-after fest is Daet ’s Pinyasan Festival, which celebrates the sweet Queen pineapple variety, one of the province’s major products. You can choose from a long list of municipal festivities that celebrate religious traditions, vernacular mythology or agricultural produce all year round.

Travel back in timeA must-see in Daet is the First Rizal

Monument, a riverine park that is locally


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known as “Bantayog.” This white stone obelisk, which was unveiled on December 30, 1898, two years after Rizal’s martyr-dom, holds the distinction of being the first monument built in the honor of the na-tional hero. A few steps away is a memorial pedestal honoring the martyrs of the 1898 Daet Revolt against the Spanish colonizers. Across the park is Daet Heritage Center, the former municipal hall, which houses historical items and serves as the town’s so-cio-civic center. The Pabico Mansion along Vinzons Avenue is a 98-year old well-pre-served ancestral house, that boast original features, such as lattices, barandillas, mu-rals, frescos, capiz windows, and a vintage upright piano. Built in 1917, it is a mute witness to the glory days of a bygone era.

Visit museumsFor a glimpse of the rich history and cul-

ture of the province, swing by the Bulawan Museum at the Provincial Capitol Complex. It showcases Cam Norte’s noble hero-sons, archaeological finds, and a portrait of a gov-ernor by prized Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo, among others. It also chronicles the growth of the small-scale gold mining industry. Museo de Labo at the Labo Mu-nicipal Plaza showcases an extensive col-lection of artifacts and antiques. Charcoal flat irons, colonial house and farming im-plements, and old-fashioned cameras are on display.

Bite into the spice of lifeBicolano cuisine is said to be one of the

tastiest, with its distinctive use of sili (chili peppers) and gata (coconut milk). Laing, tinuktok (ground shrimp or crab wrapped in gabi leaves and cooked in gata), kinunot (manta ray cooked in coconut milk), and sinantol (ground santol meat with gata) are just a few of the must-try dishes. Among the popular restaurants in Daet are Cathe-rine’s Restaurant, Central Plaza Restaurant and Golden Palace for Chinese food, King Fisher Restaurant for seafood, Kay Sarap for Filipino dishes, and Kusina ni Angel for home-cooked fare. Chef Mama is known for Pinoy and fusion dishes, such as Bicolano-inspired pizzas and pasta.

Get a river hydro-massageRelaxing in natural rock pools in icy wa-

ter rushing down from the mountains is an all-time favorite pastime for Cam Norte’s locals. Tourists can experience this at the Mampurog River in San Lorenzo Ruiz and Sinagtala Resort in Labo, simulating the ef-fects of a hydro-massage or Jacuzzi to reju-

venate your tired muscles.

Beach-bumming (again)With an almost infinite coastline, Cam

Norte boasts fine beaches in virtually every nook and cranny. Head off to San Jose Beach (Talisay), Pulang Daga (Paracale), Cayucyucan (Mercedes) and Mangcama-gong (Basud), San Jose, which is adjacent to Bagasbas, also an alternative surfing spot. Sunsets in Pulang Daga are kaleidoscopic, making lazing at the beach more nostal-gic. Cayucyucan is the most child-friendly beach with its shallow waters, while Man-gcamagong has mountain ranges to serve as a dramatic backdrop.

Pay homage to the Black Nazarene

If the madding throng of devotees at Quiapo scares you, here’s the one for you. The Black Nazarene, patron saint of the town of Capalonga, is believed to be as miraculous as its counterpart in Manila if Filipino-Chinese businessmen are to be be-lieved. Every first Sunday of the month and on its feast day on May 13, local Chinoy en-trepreneurs flock to Capalonga Church to give thanks for their prosperous enterprises. The tourist attractions will make the long and winding trip to Capalonga worth your while: a 7-hectare mangrove forest, the bird sanctuary at Pulong Guijanlo Island, and Punta de Jesus, believed to be the place where the tree from which the Black Naza-rene was made with was sourced.

Shop till you dropSince pineapple and abaca are the prov-

ince’s major produce, items made from these fibers, such as bags, wallets and pineapple derivatives, are sold in the markets and pasalubong centers. Pilipinya pie, a fusion of pineapple and pili, is a must-try. A distinct delicacy is angko, a specialty of the town of Vinzons, which is a delectable sticky rice ball filled with peanuts and sugar. Other must-buys are Bicol’s signature pili nut cooked in caramel and dried seafood, such espada, danggit, abu, and squid.

HOW TO GET THERE

From the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in, Cubao, Quezon City, take a bus

bound for Daet, Camarines Norte. It takes about approximately 8 hours to

reach Camarines Norte

TRAVEL MARCH 2015


MARCH 2015 TRAVEL


EXTREME NAGA

The trading center of Camarines Sur is finally being

recognized as an extreme-adventure destination

TEXT EXCEL V. DYQUIANGCOPHOTOS MIKE VENTURA

TRAVEL MARCH 2015

O ver the years, Naga has come to be been known as the heart of trade and industry in the Bi-col region, as well as a prime

hub for cultural and religious homage.But with so many natural tourist attrac-

tions luring adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, this famed city now boasts a vi-brant atmosphere—and an improved iden-tity—dead set on breathing a second wind to its scenic spots and its people.

Naga X, short for Naga Excursions, aims to reconnect family and friends to the nur-turing and cultivating environment of Met-ro Naga and to the outskirts of the city—and to unknown destinations that are just as enthralling. The array of picturesque water-falls, calming beaches and gigantic rock for-mations showcases a paradise like no other.

Truly, Naga is a prime example of Bicol-ano pride and glory. Indeed, this is not your usual tourist destination.

An air of mysteryA trek to Engkanto Falls is one that is

full of mystery and enchantment, even if it is is located just a few minutes away from Naga City in the municipality of Libmanan. As its name suggests, the area is believed to be home to earthbound spirits. According to the locals, there have been some people who have attempted to climb the mountain but got lost and never returned. It is the area’s otherworldly charm that has made it a pop-ular destination for thrill seekers.

The trek up to the foot of this seven-cas-cade waterfall is a challenging one. You start by going up the so-called 700 Steps, a seem-ingly harmless flight of stairs that takes you closer to the waterfalls. During the rainy months, the climb up might be difficult be-cause the ground can get muddy and sticky. The path might not be a rocky one, but you do have to cross a couple of short bridges to reach the clearing. Just when you thought you have lost your way in the mountains, there is a small hut along the way where you can stop for a moment to catch your breath.

The sound of rushing water tells you that you are nearer the waterfalls. When you reach the first cascade of Engkanto Falls, the fatigue brought about by the climb up goes away when you see the sight of water rushing down the side of mountain. The view is spectacular. The sight of trees sur-rounding the waterfalls combined with the intense light casts an ethereal glow to the view before you.

What is interesting about Engkanto Falls is that it is not steep enough to make the climb a difficult one. There are no vines

dangling the path to the water or shrubs and trees to block your sightline. Your first step into the water might be scary, since the rush of water is strong, but there are huge boulders you can hold on to, while the bot-tom is firm enough to support you. Local guides the climb up to the waterfalls is what is known as “river trekking.”

You do have to be careful as some boul-ders are covered in moss, which could make walking in the water slippery. Just to be sure, walk where the water flows strongest because you can be sure that no moss has grown on it.

When you finally reach the fifth level of Engkanto Falls—a path to the sixth and seventh level have yet to be identified—nothing can compare to the relaxation brought about by soaking in the rushing water. This is ideal for those who want to refresh their tired muscles massaged after the climb to the falls.

Fun at the beachIf you want a more laid-back adventure,

head on to Bagolatao Beach in the munici-pality of Minabalac, which is just a few minutes ride away from Libmanan. Known popularly as Pebble Beach, many travelers consider this to be the Bicolano counter-part to Valugan Beach in Batanes; rather than sand, the beach is covered in pebbles of varying shapes and sizes. Those who col-lect rocks will surely delight in trawling the beach for a souvenir.

The name Bagolatao comes from the rock formation that is located not too far out into the sea. Stories say that when the tide rises, the waters cover much of this rock for-mation, exposing a small portion that looks like half a coconut husk.

The beach itself is a quiet affair, the water cool and inviting under the warm sun. At any time of the day, the view of Ragay Gulf is a splendid one.

There are huts for rent on the beach, their price varying depending on the time of the year. If you intend to stay the night, you can rent a cottage, which is big enough for 10 people.

There are other discoveries when you go out into open sea. About 10 minutes by mo-torboat is Bagaposo Rock Formation, which just out from the sea like a giant cone. If you are inclined, you can climb it by grasping at protruding ledges on the surface of the formation. From its top, you are treated to an enchanting view of the tranquil waters around you that seems to stretch for miles. The cool breeze and the ocean spray add a sense of peacefulness to the experience.

Mountain adventuresIf you are looking for something on terra

firma, a visit to Panicuason Hot Spring Re-sort and Nature Adventure Park in the Pan-icuason is just for you. There are four pools of varying temperatures, ranging from a cool 22 degrees Celsius to a warm 39 degrees Celsius. Those who want to stay the night can pitch a tent at the resort ’s campsite.

If you want an adrenaline rush, climb 356 steps to reach the zipline and Burma Bridge, a stretch of rope tied from one moun-tain ledge to another that the adventurous should try crossing. If you have the strength to make the climb, you will be rewarded by a mesmerizing view of mountains.

Monuments to history

A trip to Naga City will not be complete without a tour of the city’s famous struc-tures. Naga has numerous monuments that are testament to the courage, bravery, will and determination of the people.

A popular structure in the city’s central business district is Plaza Quince Martires, which honors the memory of the 15 Martyrs of Bicol. Barely five days after the execution of national hero Jose in Bagumbayan, 11

“With so many natural tourist attractions luring adventure seekers and outdoor

enthusiasts, this famed city now boasts a vibrant atmosphere...”

50 November 2014 | VIEW Magazine

TRAVEL MARCH 2015


martyrs from Bicol were killed at the same exact spot, while the other four either died in prison or while in exile in Africa.

The Centro Walk monument in the mid-dle of the busy business district is a chroni-cle of Philippines history, from pre-His-panic times to Spanish colonization, to the occupation by American and Japanese forces, until the recent history. Rather than walking through a stuffy museum, you get to immerse in history outdoors.

The churches in Naga are also considered to have a profound contribution to Philip-pine architecture and culture, as well as be-ing a great source of faith for the people.

The Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the biggest in the Bicol region, took 15 years to build. The Peñafrancia Shrine, meanwhile, was once the home of the Virgin of Peña-francia; its belfry continues to ring to this day.

On the other hand, the Virgin’s new home at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia was built in 1985 to accommo-date the numerous people who come on pil-grimages to see the image. Naga is proud of the fact that this is one of the few basilicas in the country, proof of the religiosity of the Bicolanos.

What to seeTREK TO ENGKANTO FALLSTake the Naga-Sipocot jeep in Naga City (P60), or, if you are a group of 10 or more, rent a van. Tell the driver to drop you off at Barangay Bikal Bridge.

ENJOY QUIET TIME AT BAGOLATAO BEACH, AND MARVEL AT THE BAGAPOSO ROCK FORMATIONFrom the NLCC Terminal, take a jeep bound for Bagolatao (P40). The jeepney passes by this spot.

TAKE A DIP AT PANICUASON HOT SPRING RESORTTake a jeepney bound for Barangay Panicuason in Naga City. The 30-min-ute trip goes uphill to the suburbs.

HOW TO GET THERENaga is just an 8- to 9-hour ride from Metro Manila by bus, and an hour away by plane. Bus lines that ply this route include DLTB, Isarog Bus Lines and Penafrancia Bus Lines. Rates start at P650 (ordinary bus) to P1,000 (sleeper bus).

Where to stayNaga Manor Hotel offers single and twin rooms. For more luxurious lodg-ings, check in at Avenue Hotel along Magsaysay Avenue.

Where to eatGo on a food trip at Woodstone (an inexpensive paella that’s good for five to six diners), Bob Marlin Restaurant and Grill (dinuguang baka), or Calle Barlin, a Filipino restaurant that good for meetings and for casual meet-ups (Bicol Express with lechon kawali and leche flan with mango bits). There are also a number of eateries along Magsaysay Avenue.

Where to BUY PASALUBONGVisit House of Pili in Canaman, Camarines Sur. Products include crispy pili nut with garlic, pili cake, pili-topped brownies, and hopia de pili, among others. They have four branches around Naga City.

Previous page: Monument of 15 martys of BicolFrom top: Pathway to Panicuason hot spring; Façade of the Penafrancia Shrine

MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

SECRET PARADISE

Despite its location, the Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur consists of islets that enjoy

placid waters and calm weather

TEXT AND PHOTOS MA. GLAIZA LEE


TRAVEL MARCH 2015

C amping on an isolated island started out with a crazy idea.

We just wanted to go some place where we could find peace

and solitude, away from the hustle and bus-tle of stressful city life. We thought about going on an adventure in the Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur.

Armed with our reliable camping gear, my companions and I endured the 10-hour bus ride to Naga City, the starting point of our journey. From Naga City Central Ter-minal, located near San Francisco Church, we headed to Sabang Port where there are small commercial boats ferrying passengers to Guijalo-Caramoan Port. It takes two hours to get from one port to another.

On that two-hour boat ride, there wasn’t much to do, except to gather at the deck and enjoy the scenic view of the unfathomable Pacific Ocean and stunning Mayon Volcano.

Located northeast of Camarines Sur, the hilly Caramoan Peninsula’s geologic fea-tures serve as its backbone and highlight. The primary attraction is the panoramic view afforded by its unique configuration amid the turquoise clear water. It has varied formations of limestone masses that under-went several natural processes to create a unique topography characterized by vertical cliffs, deep gorges, rocky and rough terrain, sink holes, beaches and caves.

History has it that Dutch traders gave Caramoan its first name, which was Guta de Leche. These traders frequented the area to trade with the locals and operated a goldmine in Lahuy Island even before the Spaniards arrived in the country. It was said that the name was probably derived from the milk drop stalagmites found among the rocks in Guta Port.

During the Spanish period, its name was changed to Carahan, after the sea turtles that lived along the shores of the peninsula. In 1619, the name Caramoan was officially adapted by Spanish friar Francisco de la Cruz y Oropesa who penetrated the thick forest of the peninsula and founded a small settlement in a place called Baluarte.

First campsiteThe moment we arrived at Guijalo Port,

we started looking for a boat that would take us around Caramoan. The boatman took us to Matukad Island, our first camp-ing destination.

The island is actually privately owned, according to our guide. We just asked the caretaker if we could camp there for the night and move on to another island the

On this page: Caramoan Island

served as location site of the hit real-

ity show “Survi-vor”; Dutch traders

named the island Guta Leche due to the milk drop

stalagmites found in the area.Next page:

Matukad Island is known for its

fractured and sharp limestone

formations.


MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

HOW TO GET THERE

Both the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in, Cubao, Quezon City and various bus ter-minals in Pasay City offer buses that ply the Manila-Naga route. Upon reaching Naga, head to the van terminal at SM City Naga. Take a passenger van bound

for Sabang Port; then take a boat that goes to Caramoan.

next day. After much prodding, we were al-lowed to pitch our tents and enjoy the is-land.

Matukad Island is known for its powdery pink-sand beach that is dotted with white puka shells and corals. The island is made up of fractured limestone characterized by pitted surfaces, sharply pointed rocks and dissolution cavities confined to the shel-tered southeast section.

The small crescent-shaped island has steep and sharp limestone walls. Our curi-osity led us to explore what was behind the vertical walls. We rock-climbed the lime-stone cliff, which wasn’t an easy task. The edges were rough and jagged that it could graze the skin and cause cuts and abrasion. A misstep would mean a really, really bad fall.

But we persevered in reaching the top and unraveling the island’s mystery. Behind those walls is a crystal clear water-filled sinkhole, an enigmatic lagoon where a school of fishes resides.

Local tales have it that there used to be two enormous milkfishes in the lagoon. But a camper harpooned one of the fishes and ate it. Soon after, his two children died. Since then, nobody attempted to catch the lonely bangus in the lagoon.

‘Survivor’ location siteThe island is located near Gota Beach,

which is the location of Gota Village, a quaint resort with several cabanas. The re-sort was originally built to house the pro-duction crew of “Koh-Lanta,” the French edition of the hit television reality show “Survivor.” Each cabana was constructed using freshly cut pinewood and resembles a Swiss log cabin.

The resort has a modest sandy shore, but it has strong and consistent waves, which is good for surfing. The shore faces the Pacific Ocean, with amazing rock formations sur-rounding its sides. There’s a stairway lead-ing to a flat terrain where one can see a 180-degree panoramic view of the islands.

Two coves away from Gota is Hunongan Cove, and across it is Cagbalingad Island, an even smaller cove. Both white-sand is-lands are partly hidden from view by adja-cent islands. Towering limestone cliffs that serve as natural barriers, protecting the is-lands from high winds and strong waves, surround them. The water here is relatively calm, with just passive riffles.

‘Paradise Island’Night came and went. Early morning, the

boatman arrived to fetch and take us to La-hos Island.

Dubbed as the Paradise Island, it is char-acterized by two almost identical limestone formations cut in the middle by a long and uninterrupted sandbar. During high tide, the sandbar would vanish. Locals call it a back-to-back beach.

We looked for a location that we thought was safe from the rising tide and the water. We didn’t want to wake up in the middle of the night to discover that the tide has reached our campsite.

Our tents served as our accommodations. There were no cocktails to entertain us at night, just the fish we asked the boatman to bring us, and what little provision we had. Nightlife consisted of us gathering around and talking about life and anything under the sun. Our music was the symphony of chirping of crickets and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, with the occa-sional songs from the birds joining in.

Before dusk fell that day, we climbed the island’s limestone formation to watch the sunset and enjoy the stunning view of the peninsula. At the top, we saw several is-lands, such as Pitogo Bay with a shore lined with piles of smooth-edged stones; Lahuy and Sabitang Laya islands, both known for

“With many places now advancing towards commercialism, it is hard to

find a peaceful place like Caramoan…”

their endless stretch of white-sand beach and large rock formations; Tinago Bay which, as its name indicates, is literally hid-den from the sea by the limestone formation that encloses the cove; and Paniman Beach with its several family-owned rest houses and home stays.

Looking at the horizon from the top of the limestone cliff of Lahos Island, Cara-moan taught us to take life as it comes. Peace and solitude are commodities that are hard to come by. With many places ad-vancing towards commercialism, it is hard to find a peaceful place like Caramoan, and we were glad we got to enjoy it, along with the lizards.


TRAVEL MARCH 2015

Catanduanes is fast becoming known as a sports tourism destination

TEXT AND PHOTOS BERNARD L SUPETRAN

GEM OF AN ISLAND


MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

There was a time when the come-ly island province of Catandu-anes sported the slogan “Land of the Howling Wind” due to the

frequent storms that pass its way.For Catandunganons who have been ex-

periencing perfect storms since time imme-morial, these are no Hollywood movie spec-tacles, and there is no fun in highlighting this age-old scourge.

But beyond the howling wind, Catandu-anes today is a tourism frontier, which beck-ons to the eternal wanderer in many travel-ers. Many true-blue adventurers consider it to be a diamond in the rough that will glit-ter once polished and become a girl’s (and wanderer’s) best friend.

Situated east of mainland Bicol penin-sula, this gem of an island on the Pacific

Ocean evokes an air of isolation, making it a best-kept secret for decades.

And while typhoons still pass through this corridor, folks claim that the more de-structive ones are now as rare as a blue moon.

But those who braved its fearsome repu-tation have found for themselves that Cat-anduanes is a proverbial “paradise regained,” which they would like to keep to themselves.

Big wavesIt was the Europeans who helped put this

rugged island in the world tourist map when they stumbled on the majestic waves in Pu-raran Beach in the town of Baras. Consid-ered to be the province’s main draw, it is so-called because of its long magnificent barrel, which is simply lives up to its name—ma-

jestic.The big waves notwithstanding, there are

times when the beach is a picture of total calm and serenity, where families can frolic in its fine beige-colored sand and clear wa-ter.

Those who want to get their feet wet and try surfing should go to Tilod, a few coves away from Puraran for their initiation with its tamer waves.

BeacheS galoreCatanduanes is dubbed the province with

sleepy shores and breathtaking capes that seem to come straight out of a movie set.

In the capital town of Virac, there are the beaches of Igang and Batag, a coral-strewn beach whose charm is enhanced by a rock archway.

Previous page: Puraran Beach in BarasFrom left: Exterior of Bato Church; Maribina Falls is most frequented because of its shallow multi-layered basins. Next page: Twin Rocks Beach Resort abounds with adventure facilities including a zipline

TRAVEL MARCH 2015


TEXT OLIVER SAMSONPHOTOS ROLITO LOMBOY AND OLIVER SAMSON

HOW TO GET THERE

Cebu Pacif ic Air flies regularly to Virac. An alternative but longer route is an

overnight bus trip to Tabaco City Port, followed by a three-hour boat ride to the

port at San Andres town.

Igang is home to Twin Rocks Beach Re-sort, which takes pride in its adventure fa-cilities—a zipline, outdoor wall, and hang-ing bridge, as well as amenities that are arguably the best by local standards. Situ-ated in a cove, the resort is so-called because of its two awesome rock formations. It is also ideal for kayaking because of its tran-quil and shallow waters. Guests can even walk up to the twin rocks at low tide to see them up close.

A short boat ride away from Bagamanoc town is Loran Beach in Panay Island, which has unspoiled white sands and environs, be-ing a former American outpost to guide ves-sels in the Pacific Ocean.

Palumbanes Island, situated off Caramo-ran town, is a potential dive site because of its diverse underwater life. Meantime, wa-tersports enthusiasts can make do with snorkeling in the absence of dive shops.

“Catanduanes is a tourism frontier, which beckons to the eternal wanderer in many

travelers”

Numerous waterfallsDue to its rugged terrain, Catanduanes

abounds in waterfalls, whose refreshing wa-ters seem to cast a spell on nature lovers. Maribina Falls in Bato Town is the most ac-cessible and most frequented because of its shallow multi-layered basins.

Up north in the town of Gigmoto, Na-hulugan Falls boasts a three-tiered drop and a natural pool where bathers can wade and go for a refreshing dip.

A religious peopleJust like the typical Bicolano, Catandun-

ganons display their religiosity in the mon-uments of faith they have erected through the centuries. Most notable of these is the postcard-pretty Spanish-era Bato Church, a bastion of faith and bulwark against de-structive typhoons in the wind-swept island.

Situated near the banks of the Bato River,

the Baroque church has a unique architec-ture, which sets it apart from other Catholic houses of worship.

Deep into the village of Batalay is the Diocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross, the fi-nal resting place of Augustinian Fr. Diego de Herrera who died there in the 1576. The priest, who journeyed with Spanish con-quistadors Legazpi and Urdaneta, is the first Catholic missionary to the province.

Another mystical spot is the Batong Paluway Chapel in San Andres, because of the thumbnail-sized river stone bearing the image of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to have grown over the years.

‘Red pepper’ caveLuyang Cave Park nearby has an eerie

past. Scores of natives where reportedly choked to death by Moro pirates in the 17th century by burning red pepper. The cave’s cavernous chambers have since shed its dark

past and is a favorite adventure destina-tion for intrepid souls who go inside it and emerge at a clearing a few hundred meters away.

Here’s a bonus: Unknown to many, the islands of Caramoan of “Survivor” fame can be reached in under an hour from Codon Port. But that ’s a different story altogether.

Beyond the howling wind, Catanduanes is a diamond in the rough, but glittering just the same. Wait till it gets polished so it can sparkle in its entire splendor.

MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon is blessed with pinkish sand, in contrast to the

beaches in the islets around it

TEXT OLIVER SAMSONPHOTOS ROLITO LOMBOY AND OLIVER SAMSON

A GREAT DAY AT SEA

Pinkish sand beach, amazingly cool turquoise water, a rich and animated fish sanctuary, excit-ing island-hopping, beautiful

rock formations: paradise.That perhaps will be your snappy de-

scription if asked about your experience off the east coast of Matnog, which is a town in Sorsogon Province that lies at the tip of Bicol Peninsula.

Four years ago, some adventurers redis-covered what is popularly known today as Subic Beach in one of the islets of Matnog, about 20 minutes drive by engine-propelled outrigger boat from the town’s seaport, which also dispatches roll-on/roll-off ships (RORO) to the town of Allen in Samar during daytime.

The news went around. In 2013, tourists from across the country and the world be-

TRAVEL MARCH 2015


gan coming to experience for themselves the touch of the beach’s deep blue water, walk barefoot on the pinkish shore, behold the beauty of the islets, and snorkel to enjoy the picturesque sea bounty of the fish reserve.

Subic BeachThe entire trip commences at the wharf

next to Matnog seaport. Outrigger boats, all painted white, each manned by two locals and capable of carrying 12 passengers, push southeast to Subic Beach in Calintaan Is-land.

The boatmen ask guests if they prefer to be navigated directly to Subic Beach, or hop first to Tikling Island to the Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary. If they choose to be taken to the beach first, they can opt to go island-hopping afterwards. The routes of the ban-cas, at times, intersect with the path taken by marine vessels bound for Allen.

Afloat the wobbly dark blue and deep water of the Pacific Ocean, the pinkish coastline of Calintaan looks like a long white strip about 10 minutes before the boats touch the shore.

Going ashoreA line of colorful flags that wave along

the length of the beach is the spectacle that welcomes excited guests. Boats that have dropped anchor stay in wait to ferry them to their next destination.

The lulling strokes of the trade winds can put you to sleep. But your eyes wander; your thought is calm, yet fully awake.

You mutter in amazement at the beauty

of the place as it reveals itself bit by bit, yet generously, as the boats, which gracefully dance to the rhythm of the waves, approach the shore.

Finally, the outriggers touch the shore. You frantically leap to paradise, cut off from the rest of the world by the deep dark blue ocean. And you will surely love this isola-tion.

The sand is irresistible; so is the tur-quoise and cool water that turns crystal in color upon touching the shoreline. Black baby catfish, as tiny as grains, swim in droves towards visitors. Their sociability suggests the water has not been abused by the local fisherfolk.

Staying for the nightThe sun shines brightly above a clear blue

sky from the break of dawn until 3 in the afternoon, but the water remains cool. At high noon, you may shiver at being drenched in cold water for about 10 minutes; it ’s mys-terious. The locals can’t explain why. You

think it is home to fairies.You may also get tempted to compare the

brackish with fresh water, except it tastes salty. The beach is not yet crowded, and still pristine. You can move around without bumping into the other visitors.

Four years ago, guests had to bring in generator sets and fuel if they planned to stay for a night or more. There were no cot-tages to sleep in, too. Guests had to bring their own tents. Today, the beach has elec-tricity.

You can pass the night in one of the cot-tages on the island, said Gerlita Salvante, Matnog tourism staff. The rate for an air-conditioned cottage that is good for four persons is P1,400 per day; another that is good for 10 persons is priced at P3,500 per day; the tree house, which can accommodate four guests, is priced at P1,000 a day.

You will need, however, to bring your own food, as there are neither restaurants nor stores that sell food or beer.

Previous page: Subic Beach in Matnog takes

pride in its pinkish sand beach and amazingly cool

turquoise water.On this page: Once you

reach this islet, you get a feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world, but in

a good way.


MARCH 2015 TRAVEL

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila, there are a number of buses bound for the Visayas via Matnog in Cubao and the Araneta Center Bus Terminal. You can also go to Legazpi

City by plane, and from there, take a van to Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City,

take a jeep bound for Matnog.

“The rare sense of

being alone with loved

ones on this tiny, peaceful, and beautiful island is like

being at a spiritual

retreat”

Rock formationsAsk your boatmen to bring you back to

the mainland before the last jeep to Sor-sogon City leaves Matnog, if you have no plans of staying the night on Subic Beach. You can sleep at any of the hotels in the city.

From Subic Beach, you can easily hop on to Juag Lagoon, which is situated between the islets of Calintaan and Tikling. Here you can marvel at the rock formations as the boatmen navigate the deep cerulean water.

One rock formation looks like the mas-sive skull of a titan who has sunk neck-deep into the ocean deep. His immense eye sock-ets are caves upon which the sea splashes into. On top of his cranium grows a vegeta-tion of wild plants.

From here, the boats proceed to Juag La-goon Fish Sanctuary, where guests go snor-keling to see the rich marine life off Matnog seaboard.

Long sea grass thrives in this expanse of shallow water. A long tiny-eyed net at-tached to wooden poles encloses the area;

nipa huts were constructed above the water to serve as a port for snorkelers.

Before boarding your boat back to main-land Matnog, the tourism office will remind you to not apply sunblock if you will do snorkeling. Liniments are toxic to marine animals, and the local government is stead-fast in its campaign to protect the fish re-serve.

Last destinationFrom here, the boats push north to

Tikling Island, the last destination. The spectacle of boats rocked by waves as they race on the ocean towards the islet is a fasci-nating one. They fall and rise to the rhythm of the waves.

Tikling Island is perfect as a setting for a pre-nuptial shoot. It is scenic and deserted than Calintaan. Foreign visitors write their name in the sand and take photos of it.

The ROROs navigating Allen pass by about a kilometer from its shore. Bulusan Volcano stands as a massive and mighty

tower to the west.The islet ’s white sand is speckled with

tiny red and black particles. The sand on Subic Beach, in contrast, is spattered with tiny red particles.

The rare sense of being alone with loved ones on this tiny, peaceful, and beautiful is-land is like being at a spiritual retreat. You return to the mainland somehow renewed and eager to share the story that you can be proud of with the rest of the world.


HOTELS AND RESORTS MARCH 2015

MACTAN SHANG NAMED ONE OF TOP ASIA RESORTS

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu was named Asia’s 4th “Top Resort for Families” and the Philip-pines’ “Top Family Resort” in the lat-

est TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice poll.TripAdvisor is the world’s largest and most

reliable travel site, offering trusted and authentic advice and recommendations from real travel-ers. The annual poll honors the best in the hos-pitality industry and awards establishments as reviewed by TripAdvisor travelers over the last 12 months.

With the idyllic combination of Cebu’s golden sunshine, award-winning indoor and outdoor facilities, including a pristine white-sand private beach cove and the distinct Shan-gri-La hospitality, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu has proven to be the perfect desti-nation for any family holiday.

The resort celebrates the win with the

launch of the Family Fun Package that allows families to create remarkable holiday moments. Along with room accommodation and daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children aged 12 years and below, the package includes roundtrip airport shuttle bus transfers, dinner buffet with unlimited standard drinks for two adults and two children, unlimited access to the Adventure Zone for a maximum of two chil-dren, and 15 percent savings at food and bever-age outlets and on treatments at CHI, The Spa and laundry and pressing services.

Daily complimentary adult activities are also offered for guests to enjoy the resort’s vari-ous facilities. The list of exciting daily activities includes yoga sessions, a snorkeling tour at the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary, circuit training at the Health Club and beach volleyball, among others.

THE PAVILION OF GRAND TRADITIONS

One of the Manila Hotel’s many im-pressive features is the Fiesta Pa-vilion, its grand ballroom.

It evokes memories that stretch as far back as numerous generations, from fabu-lous debuts to memorable weddings and nostal-gia-filled anniversaries.

Famous as the venue of choice for elegant society balls, the Fiesta Pavilion has also played host to numerous state functions and historic

occasions that have drawn a large number of delegates from around the world.

Over the years, the Manila Hotel has intri-cately transformed the Fiesta Pavilion into a luxurious hall, with added flexibility and func-tionality in response to the demand for smarter spaces as the capital city prepares to host global events. The step reaffirms the hotel’s reputation as the venue of choice for meetings, conventions, and intimate affairs. The newly renovated event

space is equipped with state-of-the-art ceiling and lighting fixtures that showcase seamless in-terplay between light and sound.

Magnificent and breathtaking, the Fiesta Pavilion can host anywhere from 150 of your closest friends to 1,300 conference participants. It remains to be the ballroom of choice when immense space and quiet elegance are the pri-mary considerations.

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PEOPLE & EVENTS MARCH 2015

Citystate Bank relocates to EDSA Monumento

P2,100 (12 issues, postage fee of P90 per month)P1,050 (6 issues, postage fee of P90 per month)

Publicly listed Citystate Savings Bank has moved its Caloo-can branch to a new location that is more visible and accessible to a wider range of clients.

The new location of Citystate Savings Bank is at 316 Build-ing, 316 EDSA Monumento, Caloocan City. EDSA Monumento, also known as the Andres Bonifacio Monument Roundabout, is surrounded by businesses and is adjacent to roads going to Quezon City, Valenzuela and North Luzon Expressway, making it easily accessible to a large volume of clients.

The relocation complements the growing demand of the community for convenient banking, focused consumer lending and capital needs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), said lawyer Rey D. Delfin, bank president and chief operating officer.

DWIZ receives Most Supportive Radio Station award

DWIZ882 AM received the Gawad Ulat Award from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as Most Supportive Radio Station during the Pagkilala sa Natatang-ing Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PaNata Ko sa Bayan) Awards, which highlighted the agency’s recent celebration of its 64th anniversary.

DWIZ program director Ely Aligora (center) receives the award from Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman in ceremonies held at the DSWD Central Office at Batasan Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City. With them are (from left) Rodolfo Santos, Camilo Gudmalin, both DSWD assistant secretaries, and Myla Monzod, information of-ficer, Social Marketing Services.

The PaNata Awards confers recognition on non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), people’s organizations (POs), and media persons and organizations, as well as volunteer individuals and groups who help DSWD carry out its mandate of improving the lives of the disadvantaged sector of society.

PEOPLE & EVENTS MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 PEOPLE & EVENTS

SumoSam unveils new offerings

Leading Japanese chain SumoSam unveiled its new menu offerings that explore the fun side of Japanese cuisine.

SumoSam showcases its best-selling tempura in new tendon offerings: crisp and golden tempura laid on a bed of fluffy rice with the Classic Tendon, Reg-ular Tendon, and Ebi Kakiage Tendon. Also available is the delicate flavor of soft-shell crab in the Soft Shell Tendon. SumoSam’s tempura is also the featured ingredient in its Sumo Roll.

Lovers of unagi (grilled freshwater eel) will enjoy SumoSam’s Daikon Una-gi Maki. The rich flavor of unagi and its unique texture—crisp on the outside, but tender on the inside—take center stage in the new Unagi Set.

SumoSam takes fun to a whole new level with the ebiza chizu aburi, edamame gyoza, buta kakuni, yakitori sampler and the tuna tacos. More so, new desserts are also available, such as Japanese pancake dorayaki, yakinori, and matcha crepe, as well as the tempura banana split.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/SumoSamPH.

RWM, Viva set stage for Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical

Premier lifestyle destination Resorts World Manila (RWM), Full House Theater Company, in cooperation with Viva Com-munications, Inc (Viva), brings to life a story that has transcended Philippine entertain-ment. The blockbuster collaboration is set to produce a theater adaptation of the classic drama “Bituing Walang Ningning”

The story tells of a singer’s rise up the competitive ranks of show business following her plight through love and the hardships she endured on her way up the steep ladder to success.

A story originally told via the serial-ized comic strip by fictionist Nerissa Cabral, “Bituing Walang Ningning” was made into a

blockbuster movie in 1985 starring Sharon cuneta, Cherie Gil and Christopher De Leon and was then re-made into a hit television series back in 2006 with Sarah Geronimo, An-gelika dela Cruz, and Ryan Agoncillo playing the lead roles.

The upcoming musical will mark the first time a contemporary drama has crossed over mainstream Filipino media. From print, cinema, television, and now on stage, “Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical” promises to shine anew under the bright lights of RWM’s award winning Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) with veteran director Freddie Santos at the helm.

Aquabest to supply select SM malls

Aquabest, the country’s premier water franchise, has landed agreements to supply water to tenants of select SM malls.

To date, the company will be supply-ing the water requirements of mall tenants in 24 SM malls, including SM North Edsa and SM Fairview. It is also set to supply other SM malls in Luzon and Cagayan de Oro in the coming months.

To meet its supply commitments, the company is opening strategically located production facilities in Metro Manila, some of which are housed in SMDC property developments. Some of the new company-owned facilities are located in SM Sea and SM Blue Residences. Part of the supply requirements would also be allocated to its franchisees.

The company is making a push towards institutional corporate accounts as it seeks to expand its market share. Apart from SM malls, the company also has existing supply contracts with Globe Telecom, Ali Makati Hotel Property Inc. (Fairmont), PMFTC (Fortune), L’Oreal, Radio Mindanao Network, Shell Depot, and Ajinomoto.

Traffic buster at The Strand Cafe

Instead of getting stressed with the heavy traffic during rush hours, why don’t you unwind at The Strand Café and avail of its Beer Bucket promo? Priced at P250 per bucket, this is available from 5 to 9 p.m. Pair your bucket with unlimited pica pica at P299 net per person.

The Strand Café also has a 5+1

promo. Get free pica-pica for every group of five guests. You can also enjoy your Friday night by listening to liveaAcoustic music.

The Strand Café is at the ground floor of One Pacific Place Serviced Residences. The hotel is managed by Quantum Hotels and Resorts.

Fordetails, call 304-7777 or visit www.onepacificplaceresidences.com or http://face-book.com/thestrandcafemakati.


PEOPLE & EVENTS MARCH 2015

PhilHealth holds run for a cause

The elderly, children and the sick were among the chosen beneficiaries of the recently concluded 2015 PhilHealth Run, dubbed “PhilHealth, Ready, TSeKaP, Go!”

The event, held last February 13-15, was in line with PhilHealth’s 20th an-niversary, which underscores the value of generosity and extending a helping hand to those in need.

The 2015 PhilHealth Run took place in the cities of Quezon, Baguio, Dagu-pan, Naga, Lipa, Lucena, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Davao, Koronadal and Tuguega-rao, and in Subic.

All participating PhilHealth regional offices identified beneficiary institutions that primarily cater to the vulnerable sec-tors of society.

The run was supported by People’s Television Network, Inc., Pfizer Philip-pines, Nine Media Corporation, Tup-perware Philippines, Oishi and Smart Communications, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Gaming Corporation, Air Juan, Maxima Machiner-ies Incorporated and Landbank.

Marriott Hotel Manila features exclusive Thann amenity line

To enhance the guests’ beauty and body care regimen, Marriott Hotel Manila partnered with Thann, a natural Thai skincare line formulated through artful natural therapy and modern dermatologi-cal science.

The partnership marks Marriott’s continued dedication to improving every touch-point that allows guests to “Travel Brilliantly” at their hotels. According to Thann managing director, Tony Suppat-tranont, “Thann aims to offer customers a lifestyle of total wellness, and in collabo-ration with partner Marriott Hotels, we will influence both business and leisure travelers around the globe.”

On the same note, Marriot Hotel’s

Brand Management vice president Mat-thew Carroll said: “Marriott Hotels is on a journey to reimagine the future of travel and Thann amenities will elevate the guest experience at our hotels.”

Marriott Hotel Manila will offer guests a joyful and uplifting sensory experi-ence through Thann’s Aromatic Wood Collection – a line that balances Nutmeg essential oil with the sweetness of Orange and Tangerine essential oils.

In addition to being featured in Marriott Hotels’ guestroom bathrooms, this collection will also be available for pur-chase on www.shopmarriott.com. For more information, call 988-9999.

Henann Group of Resorts hosts

appreciation dinnerThe largest resort group in Bora-

cay, Henann Group of Resorts, recently hosted an appreciation dinner for its top producers at the Peking Garden Restaurant in Makati City.

Guests were welcomed by Henann Group of Resorts vice presi-dent for Manila office operations Mary Jean Ong and assistant vice president for sales-Boracay area Isabel Garcia.

Also present were key figures from the government and travel indus-try, including Department of Tourism market development officer-in-charge Verna Buensuceso and Philippine Travel Agencies Association president JP Cabalza.

Hennan Group of Resorts is headed by chairman Dr Henry Chu-suey, executive vice president Alfonso Chusuey and vice president for market-ing Karl Chusuey.

Sunday Family Brunch at Crimson HotelSunday is Family Day! And there

is no better way to bond with the whole family than to enjoy the Sunday Family Brunch at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila.

Starting February 1 (Sunday), delight your Sundays with the wide array of international buffet selection at the Café 8. There is something for everyone! Moms can satisfy their sweet tooth with the wide array of desserts, while dads can size up their appetite with unlimited mimosas, beer, house wine and juices. Kids, on the other hand, can enjoy free access to the pool. They can also play fun games with en-tertainment at the kids’ area.

Enjoy the brunch buffets for only Php 1,600 net per person, with unlimited juices and Php 2,100 net per person with un-limited mimo-sas, local beer,

house wine and juices. Kids until 4 ½ feet can avail the 50% off while kids below 4 feet can dine free with their parents.

There’s no better way to spend qual-ity time in the weekend than enjoying a sumptuous meal and fun, relaxing times with family and friends. Make Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila your new destination for your weekend family bonding moments.

For inquiries and reservations, please call (02) 863-2222 or email [email protected].

MARCH 2015 PEOPLE & EVENTS


Landbank inks deal with CF Sharp Crew Mgt. Inc.The Land Bank of the Philippines

(Landbank) recently sealed a remit-tance agreement with CF Sharp Crew Management, Inc. to service the latter’s foreign currency inward remittances and payroll distribution for its deployed sea-men and their beneficiaries.

CF Sharp Crew Management is a pioneer in overseas maritime employ-ment and is one of the largest manning agencies in the Philippines. It has been a consistent top awardee of the Philippine

HCPI ties up with KidZania ManilaHonda Cars Philippines, Inc.

(HCPI) announces its partnership with KidZania Manila, a first- of-its-kind indoor hyper-real play city for kids which is set to open this 2015.

Honda, a key player in the automo-tive business, is known for creating vehi-cles that provide the pleasure of mobility to make people’s lives more enjoyable. According to Toshio Kuwahara, HCPI President and general manager, Honda’s facilities in KidZania will be similar to what the Honda business in the Philip-pines is all about.

“We want to introduce the dynamic world of Honda to the kids through this activity and of course for them to have better appreciation of the automotive industry as a whole,” said Kuwahara.

Honda will showcase activities in KidZania Manila that are designed for kids three to 14 years old to explore playing different roles in a comparable Honda busi-ness working environment from its manu-facturing to sales operations. With Honda’s fundamental beliefs of The Three Joys of Buying, Selling and Creating in mind, kids will be treated to an experience similar to being a sales consultant and manufacturing associate who will aim to ensure the high-est quality of service Honda has always lived up to.

Photo shows HCPI’s President and General Manager Toshio Kuwahara (mid-dle) does the Kai pose, a KidZania greeting similar to hello, with KidZania Manila’s Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas and Carlos Cardenas from KidZania Headquarters in Mexico.

Summer splash at Century Park HotelThis summer, take some days off

for fun and relaxation with Century Park Hotel’s special room package.

Choose from either a Classic Superior Room or Deluxe Room, and enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast for two guests at Café in the Park, as well hotel facilities, like the temperature-controlled pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center. Also included in the package are two Manila Ocean Park tickets for five attractions and discounted tickets to the Easter Sunday kiddie party. This promo is valid from April 16 to June 10.

This Easter, experience one-of-a-kind “Precious Moments” at Century Park Easterland. Rejoice in a fun-filled day with family and friends as the hotel observes Easter with a celebration.

Enjoy exciting activities, such as interactive games, a coloring contest, face painting, mascot dances, enchanting magic show, and the traditional egg hunt. Come to Easterland and get a chance to win raffle prizes and bring home bag of giveaways from participating sponsors. The fun starts at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Grand ballroom. For details, call 528-8888.

Overseas Employment Administration since 1984. As of October 2014, CF Sharp has deployed more than 12,500 seafarers. This number is expected to further increase in 2015 following positive nego-tiations with new principals.

On the other hand, Land-bank has an extensive branch and ATM network nationwide. It also has decades of experi-ence in providing remittance and payroll services to some of

the biggest shipping and manning agen-cies in the country, making it an ideal partner-bank for CF Sharp.

The New President Sharksfin Seafood RestaurantManila Grand Opera Hotel, 925 Rizal Avenue corner Doroteo Jose Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila(+632) 314 0090 to 99http://www.manilagrandopera.com/facilities/dining-entertainment/

Bawai’s Vietnamese KitchenHernandez Street, Purok 5, Bucal, Silang, Cavite(+63) 920 9722924http://www.bawais.com

Señor Alba Spanish and International RestaurantCherry Blossoms Hotel, 550 Jorge Bocobo Extension, Ermita, Manila(+632) 708 9901 to 06http://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph/dining_entertainment.php

Ristorante D’AmoreCitystate Tower Hotel, 1315 A. Mabini St.,Ermita, Manila(+632) 708 9600 to 09http://www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph

Hong Kong Noodle and Dimsum HouseGround Floor, Citystate Tower Hotel, 100 Carlos Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila City(+632) 736 7671 / (+632) 736 7675

Manila Grand Opera Hotel925 Rizal Avenue corner Doroteo Jose Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila(+632) 314 0090 to 99http://www.manilagrandopera.com

Citystate Tower Hotel1315 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila(+632) 708 9600 to 09http://www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph

Cherry Blossoms Hotel550 Jorge Bocobo Extension, Ermita, Manila(+632) 708 9901 to 06http://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph

One Tagaytay PlaceOne Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites, Barrio Sungay, Tagaytay City(+632) 584 4111 / (+63) 922 8348874http://www.onetagaytayplace.com

The Bellevue Hotels and ResortsNorth Bridgeway, Filinvest City Alabang, Muntinlupa Philippines 1781 / Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, BoholTel: (632) 771 8181 | Fax: (632) 771 8282 / (+6338) 422 2222http://www.thebellevue.com/manila/

Camayan Beach Resort/Ocean AdventureIlanin Road, Subic(+6347) 252 8000http://camayanbeachresort.com/

Boracay Regency Beach Resort and SpaBoracay Regency Corporate Center, 1212 A.Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila(+632) 523 1234http://www.boracayregency.com/ Pan Pacific Manila

M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila City 1004 Philippines(+632) 318 0788http://www.panpacific.com/en/manila/Over-view.html

Acacia Hotel5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City (+632) 720 2000 / (+632) 588 5888http://www.acaciahotelsmanila.com/

Toby’s ArenaGround floor, Shangri-La Plaza, Shaw Blvd., EDSAhttp://tobys.com/

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island CebuPunta Engaño Rd, Cebu City 6015(032) 492 7777www.moevenpick-hotels.com/cebu

CeladonUnit 145 R1 Level Lopez Drive Rockwell, Makati(+632) 898 1305https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celadon-Rock-well/463217330404838

One Pacific Place Serviced Residences161 H.V. Dela Costa Street Salcedo Village, Makati City , Metro Manila (+632) 304 777http://www.onepacificplaceresidences.com

Dusit Thani ManilaAyala Centre, Makati City(+632) 238 8888http://www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/dusit-thani-manila.html

RESTAURANTS

HOTELS & RESORTS

LIFESTYLE OTHERS

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Citystate Asturias HotelSouth National Highway, Tiniguiban Puerto Princesa, Palawan(+632) 708 9624 / (+6348) 433 9744http://www.asturiashotel.ph

Crowne Plaza Manila GalleriaOrtigas Ave cor. ADB Ave, Quezon City(+632) 6337222http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/quezon-city/mnlcp/hoteldetai

Lime and Basil9014 J. Rizal St., Brgy Sikat, 4123 Alfonso, Cavite(+63915) 6276393https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lime-and-Basil-Thai-Restaurant/195949750479572

Loreland Farm Resort / Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens SpaSitio Loreland, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City(+632) 696 0101-03http://www.loreland.com.ph/

BSA Suites103 Carlos Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City(632) 814 1463http://www.bsasuites-makati.com

The Malayan Plaza HotelOpal Rd. cor. ADB Ave. Ortigas Center(+632) 706 0055http://www.themalayanplazahotel.com

Astoria Plaza J. Escriva Drive (formerly Amber Avenue)Ortigas Business District, Pasig City(+63 2) 687-1111/ (+63 2) 910-0270 / (+63 2) [email protected]

Manila Ocean Park666, Behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila, Metro Manila 1000(02) 567 7777www.manilaoceanpark.com


BSA Tower108 Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City(+632) 886 3602 to 04, 887 0147http://www.bsatower-makati.com

Enchanted KingdomEK Makati Sales Office: G/F The Biltmore Condo, 102 Aguirre Street Legaspi Village, Makati CityLaguna Trunkline: (02)584-3535Makati Trunkline: (02)830-3535www.enchantedkingdom.ph Zoobic Safari

Group I Ilanin ForestSubic Bay Freeport Zone, PhilippinesTelefax: (+6347) 252-2272/ (+63) 929-7072222

Maxims Hotel Newport Blvd, Pasay(+632) 836 6333http://www.rwmanila.com/hotels/maxims-hotel

Richmonde Hotel21 San Miguel Ave, Pasig City(+632) 638 7777http://richmondehotels.com.ph/hotel/richmonde-hotel-ortigas

South Palms Resort PanglaoBrgy. Bolod, Panglao Island, Bohol(+6338) 502 8288http://www.southpalmsresort.com

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, ManilaEntrata Urban Complex, Filinvest City, 2609 Civic Dr, Muntinglupa 1781(+632) 863 2222http://www.crimsonhotel.com/

New World Makati HotelEsperanza St. Corner Makati Ave. Ayala Center Makati City (+632) 755 [email protected]

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