PORTFOLIO

2008-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

Expat Newspaper September 28-October 11 Issue

Guide to Driving in the Philippines

By Loraine Balita

Photos by Gerard Delos Santos and Nik Chaikhunpol

Are you one of those foreigners who are getting sick of taxi fares and taxi drivers who over charge you? Are you tired of dealing with your driver who cannot seem to get your directions right?

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, chained to your usual routine of hailing a cab to go to work or your early-morning throat exercise— trying to explain directions to your driver who apparently has a difficulty figuring out what you’re trying to say with that thick accent of yours, it could be time for you to take the wheel.

But before you jump in your car and start the engine, spare me a minute so I can introduce you to driving in my country. Drawn from almost 9 years of driving in some of the busiest and craziest roads and more than 20 years of watching the interesting albeit unwritten Philippine road rules, this comprehensive guide will take you out into the streets all while you’re glued to your seat.

Yes, you must have heard shocking stories about driving in the Philippines. From the antics of scary bus drivers to the unusual objects with wheels with whom you might have to share the road, I’m sure you have heard it all. I would have to admit that driving around here could get scary and the driving skills of Filipinos can frighten even the best F1 racers. But you should also know that there are a lot of expatriates here who, after awhile and a healthy dose of culture shock, finally got used to the streets and were able to adapt to the rules of the system.

One of them is 41-year-old Joe Serrao who has been living and driving in Zambales for 8 years. Originally from the US, Joe shares to Expat how driving here differs from driving in his home country. “Although the rules of the road in the Philippines are essentially the same as those in the States, there is still a marked difference between the two experiences,” he says. “I have also noticed that there seems to be much less "road rage" in the Philippines than in the states”.

He also noticed that here “Filipinos are used to sharing the road with tricycles, jeepneys and owner type jeeps that have a difference performance profile”. Joe, a former duty driver for the US Navy in Subic, advises expats to “slow down and remember the various types of vehicles that you are sharing the road with, from scooters to the dreaded buses”.

And just to give you an idea of the numerous vehicles and people expats like Joe would like to warn you about, I have now listed here the interesting characters you’ll meet while driving on our streets.

Watch Out for These

1. Huge vehicles getting too close for comfort

The ten-wheelers with their heavy containers and huge monstrous buses aren’t exactly the kinds of gentle giants you would want to get cozy with. I often think bus drivers are not fully aware of the size of their vehicles. The way they speed and squeeze their way through small spaces and occupy a lane and half makes me think they’re under the impression that they are driving Mini Coopers.

2. Pedestrians playing dodge car

It must really be a sport, and a fun one at that. Most drivers I talked to complain mostly about pedestrians who seemingly find it enjoyable to play ‘dodge oncoming traffic’. Just because you see an overpass doesn’t mean you can speed your way through. You will see pedestrians dodging cars, crossing the streets with the over pass right above them. Why they do that is mind boggling. But then again it could also be the weather, climbing these stairs up to the over pass in this hot humid weather could be such a drag and dodging cars for them is much more exciting.

3. Motorcycles playing bowling

You also would have to watch out for the hundreds of motorcycles traversing our streets. Their numbers have increased lately and some like playing bowling. Only that they’re the pins and I think you’re supposed to be the ball. You’d often see a swarm of motorcycles meeting you head on. I just am not sure if they really want to see how many of them you can knock over or that they think they have an invisible force field that’s supposed to repel oncoming traffic.

4. Pedicabs

Need I say more? The mere presence of these three-wheeled, plastic covered vehicles out on the streets is something to be worried about. Pedicab drivers pedal their way through traffic, squeeze their sidecars in the smallest available space between your car and that humongous bus, they can carry the bikes over islands and could appear out of nowhere. It’s amazing how some dare devils choose to ride these pedicabs everyday to go places even out on busy streets. I have experienced it once and do not have plans of trying it again soon. Although the experience could actually be fun for some, knowing that the only thing separating you from the roaring jeeps beside you is a thin plastic shade. Now isn’t that what you call adrenalin pumping? Who says you need to spend $80 to go bungee jumping. Try getting in on one of these and you’d get the same ‘oh-my-gosh-I- though- I- was- going- to- die’ kind of thrill.

5. Tour De Philippine

The world’s best known bicycle race has got nothing on this. Yes, we have that tour around here too. Watch out for cyclists who like tracing a route that passes through all available space in which they can fit their bikes. Like pedicabs, bicycles could appear out of nowhere and squeeze their way beside in front or behind you. While there are cyclists from legitimate groups in the Philippines who manage to stay IN the safe zone, there are, of course, a lot of people who jump on their bikes and manage to PEDAL their way through major thoroughfares completely oblivious to how much they’re putting their lives at risk.

6. Lane Blind Drivers

I wonder if they’re using a special kind of paint for lanes here that seem to be invisible to most drivers. You have to watch out for jeepney driver’s who switch lanes without using signals, and those who straddle lanes , opting to stay in the middle making it impossible for other cars to pass on either side. They must also be using magic paint on crosswalks because some drivers don’t seem to recognize its existence. Normally when you see those white markings on the pavement you have to let pedestrians cross because they have the right of way. Here however, you’ll see drivers speeding through these crossings not caring if there are pedestrians or not.

7. Amplified Morse Codes

You should also get yourself ready for a lot of beeping horns. Most Filipinos beep their car horns to signal that they’re coming, to make other people aware of their mood, to let the driver of the car in front of them know that they’re starting to get mad, and to actually argue with other drivers. It’s like an amplified sequence of Morse code only that you won’t be able to decipher exactly what everyone’s trying to say. You’ll get used to it eventually.

One good thing about all this though is that you wouldn’t get bored while waiting inside a parked car around here. I often make sure to park it in a spot that could afford me a nice view of the highway or a busy road. Watching jeepneys and buses go at it beats playing Tekken on my Play Station Portable. There’s always something worth watching.

I’m sure by now I’ve already painted a carnival like picture in your head, filled with bump cars of all sorts sans the rubber surrounding it, seemingly going nowhere and everywhere at the same time. While it might seem like driving in the Philippines is not for the faint of heart and foreigners who are not familiar with the rules and the Filipinos, there are actually expats like Leng Bugensperger who have learned to love driving in the Philippines.

Leng, originally from Singapore, enjoys driving here more than in any other country she has driven in. “I have driven in the U.S., Australia, Europe, Korea, Japan and Singapore….and I find driving in Manila the most enjoyable and interesting”. When she first started driving in Manila in 2004, she found the experience very daunting at first. But she, like all the others, got used to the system eventually. “I have discovered that there is actually a system to the driving etiquette here,” she shares. One good thing about driving in the Philippines for her is that in the Philippines if you run into any trouble “there will always be a kind and friendly Filipino who will be willing to take the time and trouble to help you”.

Like her, you too can get used to the system if you keep these sage advice and tips in mind

Survival Tips

1. Be very, very, very patient.

I cannot stress enough how patient you should be while driving around here. Most drivers are notorious for being aggressive. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there; only the strongest and most aggressive will survive or in this case, get to his/her destination on time. But there is absolutely no need to compete with them. It’s best to remain calm at all times. Even when a vehicle cuts in front of you, which happens a lot around here by the way, it’s best to keep a cool head. Always remember that patience will keep you out of trouble.

2. Practice UDD (Ultra-Defensive Driving)

My personal driving style of choice is ultra-defensive driving. Yes, I just made that phrase up but it has helped me survive the streets with just minor mishaps, like that time I drove too close to a man walking by the road I thought I caught his arm with my side mirror. Other than that I have been driving safely and have not been in any major accident in any shape or form. When driving defensively you might have to get used to driving slow. And it helps to be alert while driving too. Always assume that there’s some crazy man behind the wheel, in front, beside or behind you. It helps to be a bit paranoid around here.

3. Avoid Rush Hours

Rush hours in most cities during weekdays usually start at around 5:30 and last till around 8:30 in the morning. In the afternoon the much dreaded hours start at 5:00 pm and usually last till around 7:30 pm. I suggest avoiding these hours, but if you really must be out there during rush hours get yourself ready for major traffic. During rush hours here, cars literally inch their way through streets like a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter. You should always leave your house early if you plan to pass through some traffic-ridden roads.

4. Check your car’s fluids and AC

Check your car’s fluids before you leave and be sure to check your air-conditioning system regularly. The worst thing that could happen to you is to be stuck in jam packed EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue) during rush hours with a busted AC.

5. Beware of Nocturnal Violators

According to some drivers I interviewed, more traffic rules are violated at night. More drivers run red lights more go into one way streets meeting on-coming traffic head on and more pedestrians cross the streets in no pedestrian crossing areas. So you have to be alert and aware of the increased chances of driving beside nocturnal traffic violators.

Getting the License

Just like how it is for any other country, a driver’s license is needed to drive a vehicle in the Philippines. You can use your foreign driver’s license if you have only been staying here for less than ninety days. Most car rental companies will allow you to rent a car and drive it on your own even with a tourist visa but only for 90 days after your date of arrival.

After 90 days according to Ilonor Madrid, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Central License Section Chief, “you need to go through the LTO process”. This means having your foreign driver’s license converted to a Philippine Driver’s license. The LTO issues all drivers’ licenses in the Philippines.

According to Noreen Donato, also from the LTO License Section, a foreigner with a valid driver’s license can have it converted to a Philippine driver’s license without taking the written or practical exam. Check the validity of your license because if you’re holding an expired foreign driver’s license you would have to gear up to take those tests

If you do not have a foreign driver’s license you would need to apply for a Philippine driver’s license. You can check the list of LTO offices in the LTO website (www.lto.gov.ph) to see if there’s a branch near you. Also found in their site is the list of requirements and procedures for foreign driver’s license conversion and application of Philippine driver’s license for foreigners. You can also call the LTO Central Licensing Section if you need help.

It’s best to familiarize yourself first with the road rules and to check with the local government of your province or city for regulations in your area. You can also look for Philippine road rules and regulations handbooks available in bookstores. Just make sure that it’s approved by the LTO and the Department of Transportation and Communication. And last but not least –it’s essential you buy a road map!

2008-11-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

A Taste of Kapangpangan Country Life (unedited)

Edited Version published on Expat Newspaper Nov 9- 22 Issue

Text and Photos by Loraine Balita

Thanks to my uncontrollable curiosity and short attention span I didn’t even find out who Abe was until I left the place and read the short write up. Throughout the tour and yes, while we were all supposedly listening to the guide, I was roaming around popping my head in and out of rooms, opening doors, getting lost and finding my way back behind the group. It’s hard to concentrate on the tour when you’re surrounded by interesting antiques and trinkets contained in an equally amusing farm.

Abe’s Farm located in Magalang Pampanga offers a window to the Kapangpangan country life to city dwellers and an engrossing experience to city slickers who, like me, are easily amused. It’s like a day in the national museum only here you get to experience Kapangpangan cuisine, get a massage and dip in the pool, take a hike or sleep in one of the artifacts.

Right after passing through the wooden sign that welcomed us we were given a prelude to the whole country life experience with a wood plough sans the Carabao pulling it accenting the manicured lawn. After entering the main guest house I was taken aback by the huge carabao skull hanging right above the main entrance “So that’s what happened to the carabao”, I thought to myself. Like a girl from the province feeling out of place in Makati city, I felt like an urbanite out of place in the country. Our cameras and cell phones and even we, in our jeans, looked odd amidst the rustic background.

Wooden posts and bamboo railings line the veranda that is wrapped around the entire house. Antique chairs and huge wooden tables are scattered all throughout, the rustic design extends up to the rooms and even up to the bathroom. A winding staircase made of wood leads up to the second floor with four beds divided only by curtains. Not exactly the type for honeymooners but could be perfect for a family of four or a group of friends who would like to chat untill they fall asleep. After going farther up the staircase I was led to the attic which offers visitors a real taste of country life. And when I say real I mean bamboo lining the floor and wall and no air conditioning system just windows that invite fresh air in and afford a view of the garden the lawn and the greenery outside. Another staircase leads down to the basement which is off limits to guests and is reserved for the owner’s family. After going around the main guest house we were taken out to explore the rest of this four hectare property.

It was not the pool that caught my attention but the small huts surrounding it. I was told that these are called Ulog, traditional Ifugao huts brought here from the Mt. Province. And if you think seeing these huts up close is already thrilling trying sleeping in it. Guests can rent these huts that can accommodate up to two people. A sign which states the obvious reminds guests not to smoke inside the Ifugao huts. There are three Ulogs in Abe’s farm that can be rented by guests. All with authentic artifacts attached on the sides, proof of the ways of living of the Filipinos up north. Stuck onto the sides of these huts are wooden spears with pointed metal blades, Ifugao head ornaments wrapped in feathers and weaved cloth and my favorite item—Ifugao Samsonite. These water-proof backpacks are made of woven rattan covered with extracted plant fibers that look like fur. Some call it sangi others call it pasiking but in most Ifugao regions it is commonly called bango.

Just when I thought I could finally listen to the guide a monkey stole my attention. Yes, a monkey named Dagul is kept here. The small primate seemed gentle enough so I came closer. Dagul on the other hand seemed eager to pose for my camera. Just as I was about to head back to join the group and listen we were called back to the main house to have a taste of Kapangpangan cuisine Abe’s Farm have prepared for us.

The sumptuous dishes were all good. Although the Paco Fern Salad was a bit too fresh for me, the smell and texture reminded me of the Ferns we brought to school for our Biology class. It could need some getting used to for people with a fast food trained palate, but it could be perfect for vegans and those looking for a healthy way to experience Kapangpangan cuisine.

After finishing the gastronomic treats we were off to another section of the farm. Abe’s Farm has teemed up with Nature Spa. The latter has huts located within the vicinity where you can get your massage. What makes Nature Spa in Abe’s Farm different here is the signature Kapangpangan Spa Treatments. Tumayla for example is a relaxing Kapangpangan massage reminiscent of a mother’s caress done to the melody of a Kapangpangan lullaby. Hilot on the other hand involves techniques practiced by grandmothers to cure common ailments like colds, sprains, and fever. These signature treatments are created by incorporating local massage methods done by Kapangpangans with other techniques. Guests can also stay in one of Nature Spa’s huts and avail of packages that include accommodation, meals and spa treatments.

A section of the farm can also be rented for events and occasions. If you need a place to detoxify and recharge your employees for the next team building sessions or you have always dreamt of a nature themed wedding, then Abe’s Farm could be a good option.

After getting a sample of Nature Spa’s Sese ng Ima, a traditional Kapangpangan head massage, which almost lulled me to sleep we headed back to the main house and spent the afternoon chatting over merienda. Because I was too sleepy after the massage, too full after munching on the sinfully good merienda treats and was too preoccupied with the trinkets and interesting pieces scattered all throughout the farm it was only after we left that I realized how ungrateful a guest I was. I forgot to ask who the man behind Abe’s Farm really is. It was only after I read a write up that I found out that the late artist and writer Emilio “Abe” Aguilar Cruz is the man behind this place. His artworks adorn the walls and trinkets which amazed me all through out my visit there are some of the memorabilia he collected from his travels here and abroad. And his son, the late restaurateur Lary J. Cruz of LJC Group of Restaurants, is the one who started this events village.

2008-07-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Beyond Chocolates and Cuckoo Clocks (Unedited Version)Edited version published on What's On Expat May-2006 Issue

Text by : Loraine Balita Photos by: Arlene Rossi

I will forever remember this country as the place which almost gave a me a heart attack.

I have never said ‘Wow’ and ‘Oh my gosh!’ as many times as when I was in Switzerland. Tourists are confronted with amazing natural beauty at every turn.

Up until my last days there, I was waiting for someone to shout ‘Cut!’, for the lights to go out and for people to start dismantling the set starting with the snow capped mountains, the perfectly mowed green grass carpet, and flower beds followed by the crystal clear lakes (swans and ducks included!).I kept asking myself if it was just a movie and everything was just put there on display, because it all were too beautiful to be true and too perfect to be real.

Being in Switzerland is being in the middle of everywhere. Landlocked in the heart of Europe, it is only a few minutes away from Germany in the North, Austria in the East, Italy in the South and France in the South West.

It has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh, which explains the long translations of ingredients and instructions at the back of chocolate bars and Swiss watch manuals.

Aside from army knives, cuckoo clocks and their uncanny ability to organize everything, they also boast of their excellent and reliable transport system. With trains, trams, boats and buses arriving on time. Hence you’d often see a marathon of women in four inch heels, desperately dashing towards the station, because trains and buses almost always leave on time. Not even Helen of Troy, who’s face launched a thousand ships could make a train here wait.

The Swiss Youth pass sold at major train stations enabled me to go around and discover what treasures this quaint little country has to offer, starting with its most popular resort.

St. Moritz : Top Of The World

The posh St. Moritz true to its reputation is a leisure tourist’s haven located on the Southern side of the Alps. Being in the middle of the Engandine region, skiers have access to local ski areas where snow is guaranteed. Other activities offered here include snowboarding, Sailing, Windsurfing, tennis, horseback riding, golf and even paragliding.

Not being a fan of any of these I went on to do what I consider is my favorite sport, the only exhausting and time consuming activity most girls can do—window shopping.

The town has some if not all of the most popular and expensive shops in the world. No wonder everybody walking down the street wore bumble bee-eye-sized sunglasses. Not only were these used to shield the eyes from sunrays reflected by the snow, it also serves its purpose of shielding the eyes from the blinding sparkle of rocks, gems and jewels, laid out on display inside glass windows in shops along the streets.

The stores lining the foot of the mountain made the place look absolutely surreal giving it an overall dreamy atmosphere. People from all over the globe, who’s got a little more to shell out, flock this place to relax and unwind.

From the laid back atmosphere of this ski resort, I moved on to see the more upbeat, busy, coffee frenzied town up North.

Zurich : World’s Banking Capital

With coffee shops at almost every corner, university students with bulging backpacks, trudging the city with their laptops, and men in business suits glued to their cell phones, swinging leather briefcases, you’ll know what this city is all about.

This is no place to spatter sun tan lotion and frolic under the sun. With its fast paced atmosphere, this city clearly epitomizes the Swiss’ passion for neatness, precision, punctuality, and hard work.

But despite the impression of Zurich being a city so prim and busy, I have discovered quiet the opposite.

It is the city where people would happily volunteer to take your picture, when they notice that you’ve been desperately trying to take a shot of your face with the background. It is where people would stop pedalling their bicycles to help you find your way back when they notice that you’ve been staring at the city map upside down. And it is the city where I met a friend who took some time off from school to show me around.

The best way to tour Zurich is on foot, which would give you ample time to marvel at the architectural treasures found within the city, starting with the Grossmunster church . Its twin towers now serve as the most recognizable landmark in modern Zurich. Devoid of its original embellishments and interior grandeur it still holds historical and architectural significance. It was founded by Charlemagne in the ninth century and it is where Ulrich Zwingli initiated reformation in Switzerland.

“You have clocks everywhere!” I exclaimed, as we went pass the fifth clock I’ve seen that day. The next one becoming the sixth, is Europe’s biggest clock face situated atop the St. Peter’s church tower.

Right across the Grossmunster is the Fraumunster church founded in 853. It is made popular by its magnificent stained glass windows by Marc Chagall designed in 1970.

My tour ended with a long walk along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping street. It is famous for very high –end shopping at designer boutiques. Hence it is one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets.

From the German speaking part of Switzerland up North, I went down the next day to the South West, a few mountains away from France, where French is spoken.

Montreux : Chateau De Chillon

After going around the famous Olympic museum in Lusanne, I grabbed a copy of the ship route map from the tourist office and hopped on board one of those little ships cruising around Lake Geneva. With absolutely no idea of where to go, I decided to just enjoy the breeze and calm ripples of the water as the ship cruised its way towards its destination.

“This has got to be fake!” I continuously told myself when the boat approached the next stop in Montreux. A medieval castle built on an islet, facing a spectacular view ushered me to get off.

Snow capped mountains lined the other side of the lake with its feet gently dipped in the waters. Sunrays peeked from the mountain sides, caressing the surface of the lake making the water sparkle. Add that to the already astonishing view of Chateaux De Chillon (Castle of Chillon) makes a seemingly fake, right out of the postcard, scene that would make anybody want to rub their eyes in disbelief.

This, I thought would make the greatest reason to stay single, I could now say that I fell in love with a castle in Montreux. And just like discovering substance behind a pretty face, I discovered the historical significance of this place.

The rock upon which the castle stands is said to have been occupied since the Bronze age. Nobody knows when the first medieval walls were built, but it was partly enlarged from the 11^th to the 13^th century.

Francois Bonivard was held prisoner by the Duke of Savoy in its chilly castle prison. The earlier was a lay official at St. Victor’s priory in Geneva and was shackled here for four years because he was in favour of the reformation.

Bonivard was immortalised in the poem “ Prisoner of Chillon” . It was written in the 19^th century by Lord Byron who carved his name on the third pillar in the castle prison. Other 19^th century poets and authors enchanted by this castle include Shelley, Victor Hugo, Hans Christian Andersen, Flaubert, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens.

The huge chambers and courtyards are filled with medieval finds and centuries old artefacts. Knight’s armours, swords, silver spoon, plates, treasure chests and paintings stood witness to the lifestyle of the Dukes and Counts who lived here.

“Now this explains why royal duchesses and princesses looked so slim” I joked as me and a group of tourists went up the endless staircase leading up to chambers and towers. Imagine climbing up these staircases everyday in those bulky long dresses, talk about exercise.

After days of going from North to South and East to West I decided to settle midway and discover the country’s capital.

Bern : Switzerland’s Capital- UNESCO World Heritage Site

Happily situated where German speaking Switzerland meets French, Bern is a melting pot of cultures and people. Going around the city, I discovered that here, there is also a mix of the old and the new.

Kids seemingly lost in time, in their low waist pants, I-pods and piercings are back dropped by 15^th century structures inside Bern’s old city.

The perfectly preserved limestone edifices, medieval arcades, and Rennaisance fountains convinced UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) to deem Bern a World Heritage Site, placing it among the ranks of Florence and the Taj Mahal. The nation’s capital is also home for the bundeshaus or the Swiss House of Parliament.

I must have spent half an hour staring at the St. Vincent Cathedral in awe. This gothic structure towers high above the rooftops in Bern. Narrow, winding stairs, which I thought was also never ending, lead me up the top of the tower where I had a perfect view of the entire city.

Wanting to satisfy the kid in me, I ran off to the Bern bear pits where European brown bears are kept. Here, for 3 Swiss francs (aprox. $2.5) you can feed these lazy, brown, fur balls whose only job is to be cute.

After running around in cities, I decided to get a glimpse of Switzerland’s Italian speaking part in the South East.

Lugano: Dolce Vita

Much of Lugano’s success as a centre of tourism can be attributed to its mild climate, moderated by the presence of lakes with a high proportion of sunny days. It borders Italy which is only a few minutes away by car. This lake-side city with its laid back atmosphere, intricately-adorned structures, and sunny climate, clearly has an Italian flavour.

Lugano offers an oasis of peace and beauty for people looking for a place to relax, away from the bustling cities and busy streets elsewhere. This is where people spend their hard earned cash for a ticket to indulgence.

Cafes, shops and restaurants line the lake side where outdoor tables and chairs invite tourists to soak up in the gentle heat of the sun. Unspoiled, lake side villages lay nestled at the foot of the mountain.

After hours of window shopping along Lugano’s arcades, I decided to take a long soothing walk by the lake side.

These were all too much for me. The colourful and sweet smelling flowers lining the walk, the soft green grass, the warm, calming wind brushing against my face, almost lulled me to sleep. And after only a few minutes of walking I finally gave in. I sat amidst the tranquil greens of the lake side park, soaking in the relaxing scent of the flowers. Resisting the urge to lie on my back, I told myself what this place would prompt everybody to say ; This is dolce vita (sweet life)!

After weeks of going around this blessed little country, my fun trip came to an end. Dragging myself lazily to the airport in Zurich, I took a last glimpse of the place. Just before boarding the plane, I smiled at one of the airport staffs, and whispered “You have absolutely no idea how lucky you are to be living in a place like this!”

***

2007-06-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hackwriters.com The International Writers Magazine- May 2007
http://www.hackwriters.com/Balita.htm

Beijing and My Pseudo Sign Language Skills
• Anna Loraine Balita
Who says you can’t survive in a country where you don’t speak, read and understand the language? I did, for one whole week! Being an Asian in Beijing was not like going to a slumber party at the neighbor’s.

Just as how it is for any other foreigner, the Chinese characters on street signs all looked like chopsticks glued together to me. I too entered through exits and had to learn the art of pseudo sign language, pin pointing (facial expressions included) my way through a McDonalds meal. It was here, in Beijing where I learned to order food without uttering a single word.

Much has been written and told about the dynasties, the imperial palaces, and the vast history of this culturally gifted city. But not even the longest running Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee Kung Fu movies will be enough to let one truly experience the richness of Beijing’s heritage. There is nothing like seeing the intricate details of historic structures that movie cameras fail to put on film. And nothing beats walking along the same bricks and fortresses that the emperors and empresses once walked on.

My cultural journey started in the country’s most famous landmark. A mammoth structure spanning thousands of meters.

What’s so Great About the Great Wall?

This must have been the reason why I shed so many pounds during my stay in Beijing. The long walk from the Badaling gate section of the Great Wall up to the roller coaster-looking cable cars along some steep brick-covered floors almost made me give up and just wait in the shuttle. I was so sure that I was the youngest in the tour group but I was always left behind catching my breath, running and calling on them to wait up.

Metal creaks echoed around the dark cave-like structure that our seemingly theme-park-inspired cable car passed through, as it slowly inched its way up the steep wall. The excitement came to a halt upon reaching the top. We were all taken aback, silenced by the mammoth structure lining the mountain ranges like stacks of giant dominoes made of age-old bricks and stones. “Everything that the sun touches and your eyes can gaze upon here” I finally uttered while extending my hand to the right, “is not mine.” I continued in an effort to break the ice.

The Badaling section, we were told, was the earliest section to be opened to tourists among all the parts of the Great Wall. 130 Million tourists including 370 foreign leaders and famous people have come to climb this ancient military defense project used to protect the Juyongguan Pass. The watch towers sitting proudly atop the mountains provided tourists their well deserved shade after a few meters or so of walking along the brick-lined walls. “This must be the worlds most pictured wall”, I told myself as I watched tourists snap and pose behind, beside and all around the brick structure.

Descending was much easier as gravity pulled what’s left of my weight and my backpack down the Great Wall. Going back to the shuttle we eagerly showed each other trinkets that we bough on our way back. What ever happened to the legendary emperors who ruled this land hundreds of years ago? That question brought me to my next destination.

Ming Tomb’s Quality Control

Just like the Egyptian Pharaohs, the Chinese emperors’ belief in the afterlife pushed them to build magnificent tombs that now house their corpses and treasures. During the reign of the Ming Dyanasty, 13 emperors built palatial buildings and complexes in the Northwestern Suburbs of Beijing. These complexes were later called Ming Tombs. It is the burial site of 13 out of 17 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

The day started with raised eyebrows from the wives in my tour group who gave their husbands pierced looks, after we were told that not only the empresses were buried here. A separate site was also reserved for the emperors’ concubines. The intricately ornamented structures house treasures such as gowns, costumes, weapons and coins displayed inside glass casings. These stand witness to how China’s legendary people lived on Earth.

Trailing behind the group I couldn’t help but notice the Chinese characters carved on the old bricks. “What are those Chinese characters for?” I curiously asked the guide. What he told us silenced the noisy crowd. These, we were told, are names and the locations of the people who made the bricks. This made it easier for the emperor to locate the makers who were called and punished, for every bricks that were poorly made. A form of quality control in the old times that proved effective considering how much these structures have withstood the tests of time. A maker would undoubtedly pour time and effort in every single brick if his life depended on it.

After shopping for silk cloths, plates and trinkets, the black and white stuffed toys displayed in stores reminded me of why I wanted to see Beijing so much in the first place.

Beijing Zoo: Happy Feet Has Got Nothing on Me

“Where can I see a panda?” I smilingly asked people around the hotel. I spent my last days in Beijing embarrassing myself, asking people where I can see those cute little black and white furry animals. I finally grab a hold of a map with the address of the nearest zoo and bugged the receptionist to write it down for me in Chinese characters.

I excitedly ran to the entrance, map in hand in search of my second most favourite animal. A clear glass separated tourists from the pandas. Stuffed toys lined the stores right beside the cage. I honestly couldn’t tell the difference because the panda’s looked like giant stuffed toys moving lazily around.

The Beijing zoo is home to 7,000 creatures of 600 different species including the giant panda, red-crowned crane and Pere David's deer-all unique to China. My Happy Feet hysteria then pulled me inside the part of the zoo where penguins are kept. Swimming around the waters, greeting and happily entertaining tourists behind the glass-covered aquarium, these famous little creatures were also a sight to see.

I spent grueling hours hailing a cab to get back to the hotel. My pseudo sign language skills finally got me a deal with a nice cab driver who smilingly drove me back. I was brought around the site where constructions for the 2008 Olympics are being made. One can just smell the excitement in the air as the locals anticipate the flocking of tourists from all parts of the globe.

Going around the busy streets of this city, covered from head to toe with only my eyes and frozen nose poking out the hood of my heavily stuffed jacket, I realized that Beijing at first glance is just like any Asian city catching up with the modern times. But not until I started observing details that it finally dawned to me. There’s more to Beijing than just the traffic jams, shopping frenzies, and sub-ways packed with chinky-eyed people. It is a city so willing to open up to the world and to modernity but is held humbly to the ground by its densely rich cultural heritage.

© A Balita May 10 2007 Anna Loraine Balita is a 23 year-old freelance writer taking up her masters in Applied Media Studies from De La Salle University in Manila.Online Portfolio: http://lorainebalita.blogspot.com/

2007-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hackwriters.com
The International Writers Magazine- May 2006
http://www.hackwriters.com/Geneva4.htm

What Lies Beyond A Bar Of Chocolate
• Loraine BalitaThis, I thought would give me the perfect reason to stay single...'

Staring at a picture of the Swiss Alps behind a chocolate bar, I wondered how the real thing would look like. I imagined a real life Willie Wonka factory, with forests, meadows, and prairies abound with chocolate. Just before drooling on my seat, and chewing on the cabin crew’s arm, she called my attention and asked me to fasten my seatbelt, for we were about to land in Switzerland.

After weeks of going around this country, I discovered what really lies behind a bar of Swiss chocolate. It wasn’t Wonka’s factory alright, but it was so much better than that.

Montreux : Chateau De Chillon

"Chillon! thy prison is a holy place,And thy sad floor an altar - for t'was trod,Until his very steps have left a traceWorn, as if thy cold pavement were a sod,By Bonnivard! May none those marks efface!For they appeal from tyrrany to God" ---Lord Byron

“This has got to be fake!”, I continuously told myself when the cruise ship approached Montreux. A medieval castle built on an islet facing a spectacular view ushered me to get off.Snow topped mountains lined the other side of the lake, with its feet gently dipped in the waters. Sunlight peeked at the sides of the mountain, caressing the surface of the lake, making the water sparkle. Add that to the already astonishing view of the Chateau de Chillon (Castle of Chillon), makes a seemingly fake scene that would make anybody rub their eyes in disbelief.

This, I thought would give me the perfect reason to stay single, I could well say that I fell in love with a castle in Montreux. And just like discovering substance behind a pretty face, I discovered the historical significance of this place.
This castle was immortalized by the famous poet Lord Byron in his poem “Prisoner of Chillon”. Going down the chilly castle prison with its high ceiling and rocky floor, I found the place as creepy as it was interesting. Carved on the third pillar is Lord Byron’s name, who was inspired to write about Francois Bonivard’s ordeal. Because the latter was in favor of the reformation, he was kept shackled here for four long years during the 16th century by the Duke of Savoy. If being tied down to a wooden post by a heavy metal chain is not enough torture, the chilly atmosphere, cold stone floor and trifle amount of sunlight pouring in through only the thin loopholes on the walls of the dungeon, would have driven the prisoners then, half insane.

Climbing a few steps up the stairs brought me to a totally different scene. Chambers filled with medieval treasures stood witness to the lifestyle of the dukes and counts who lived here. Treasure chests, knight’s armors, swords and paintings adorn the halls and courtyards. “Now this explains why royal duchesses and princesses looked so slim! No elevators!”, I joked as I and a group of other tourists went up the endless plights of stairs, leading to the chambers and towers. Imagine climbing up these staircases everyday in those bulky, heavily embroidered dresses. Talk about exercise.

Medieval Murten

From a medieval castle to a medieval little town in Switzerland, I just couldn’t get enough of the interesting lives of Princesses, Knights and Dukes. The town of Murten has kept its charm and appeal with perfectly preserved towers, walls, streets, arcades and walkways that would surround any tourist who would want to walk back in time. You can almost see knights in horses passing by who would come to any damsel’s rescue. Snap back to reality and you’d see them in motorcycles, BMW's and Audis screeching along the age old bricks used in the streets.

Wondering just how strong the brick fortresses are, I kicked the wall just beside the tower clock. After breaking a French pedicured toenail, I realized just how stupid I was expecting the structure to crumble right before my feet. If these have been here since the medieval times, it could have well withstood even the strongest typhoon, snow storm and earthquake since those times. Silly me, thinking I was Goliath who could kick this edifices right off of their feet.And then

I wondered what these structures are made of, and why can’t we, the ultra intelligent, cyber people of the modern times build structures as strong as these? With all the resources and technology right at our disposal, equipment we can command with our every whim, still we make buildings out of pancakes with only syrup holding it together. Come tsunamis, earthquakes and typhoons these modern buildings would crumble to pieces.

After a failed attempt to read the bus route and directions in French and German and getting lost in the process of going back to the train station, I finally sat on the cozy train. In front of me was a man reading a newspaper with a red adverstisment on the back about a car show in Geneva. I then remembered a ticket given to me by my brother as a gift. Desperately searching through my backpack, I finally reached the bottom and was able to grab a hold of the red ticket for the Car show. Pulling it out of my bag, stuff falling out, I held it up and told the conductor smilingly that I’m off to Geneva.

76th Annual Geneva Motor Show March 2006

Packed with car aficionados running around like kids in a candy store, I barely was able to squeeze inside the venue. Feeling like a midget amidst a crowd of tall people drooling over the cars on display, I decided to join in the frenzy.

From the big muscle cars to the cute minis, they had everything on display there. Who wouldn’t want to drive them all? If these were pocket sized, I would have brought one home.The Ferrari’s stood out, as always, as well as the Lamborghinis and the uniquely designed model cars. Two entire floors were half filled with cars and half with ecstatic people, whose eyes were almost popping out.

Needless to say, I ended that day with a blast, thankful that I sat in front of the guy with the newspaper.And so my days in Switzerland ended. I would never look at a Swiss chocolate bar the same way again. Because beyond the chocolate bars, army knives and cuckoo clocks, is a country filled with historical treasures, breathtaking views, exciting events, and people with the uncanny ability to organize everything and a passion for neatness, precision, punctuality, and hard work

© Anna Lorraine Balita - May 2006pinkraine18@yahoo.com

2005-11-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Oct 2 - Oct 8, 2005
Banner Story

A Foreigner's Survival Guide to the Metro
By Loraine Balita

So you're a foreigner, inching through the nerve-wracking traffic along one of Manila's choked and teeming streets. You feel like your legs are going to break off any minute now, because you've been stepping on the pedal for the past hour. Or you could be one of those with a driver, literally begging him to go faster, while frantically dialing numbers from the back seat, because you're already thirty minutes late for that important meeting with an equally important client.

And then a bright flash: an eye-catching ad printed on the side of a train speedily passes through you on the tracks above. You suddenly envy the passengers in that train, because unlike you, who will have to deal with the bustling streets for the next hour and a half, they are comfortably sitting inside the air-conditioned train-and will reach their destination in the next 30 minutes.

Could I, a foreigner, take advantage of the clearly visible benefits of the MRT? you ask yourself. Is it safe? Is it easy to use? Could it even be fun?Why not? But you'd have to familiarize yourself first with the system and the quirks of the actual ride.

MRT and LRT : What you need to know
All Manila's metro trains are overhead lines; no "subways" in a town where the water table is about three feet below the surface. The MRT and LRT 2 stations have elevators; some even have escalators with boundary areas for disabled people; the older LRT 1 does not.

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) runs along EDSA, Manila's main circumferential road, roughly north-south around a semicircle. It starts at the Taft Avenue station, at the EDSA intersection in Pasay City, and runs to Magallanes, Ayala, Buendia and Guadalupe stations in Makati and the Boni and Shaw stations in Mandaluyong. It then goes to the Ortigas station followed by Santolan-Annapolis in San Juan and the Cubao-Araneta, GMA-Kamuning, Quezon Ave. and finally the North Ave. stations in Quezon City, where the line terminates.

Tickets are sold at the booths in each station, which are open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Prices range from P10-P15, depending on the zone or location and how far you travel. A single journey ticket can be used within 75 minutes after the time of purchase; a "stored value" ticket worth P100, which might buy you six to eight rides, can be used at any time up to three months from purchase.

The Light Rail Transit consists of two different lines, the LRT 1 and LRT 2. The LRT 1is open 5:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and runs just about due north along Taft Avenue from Baclaran in Pasay City to Manila City Hall, along Arroceros Street, and across the Pasig River, entering the Santa Cruz district. From there it follows Rizal Avenue and Rizal Avenue Extension to the terminal at Monumento in Caloocan City.

The LRT 2, open 5:00 a.m.-8 p.m., running roughly east to west, traverses five of Metro Manila's cities: Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila.

LRT ticket prices are P12-P15 depending on the location or destination. Single journey tickets on either LRT line are usable anytime on the day of purchase; a stored value ticket, worth P100, or six to eight rides, is valid for six months.

LRT 1 meets LRT 2 at the Recto Station; LRT 1 meets the MRT at the Taft Avenue station in Pasay. Both connections have walkways which passengers can use to transfer from one line to another. The transfers are not free, however. The MRT, on the other hand, meets LRT 2 at the Cubao station , but at present no walkways connect them. The two lines, though, are only a five-minute walk apart, through the Gateway Mall.

People living in parts of Metro Manila not traversed by an existing line need not despair, as plans are already under way to extend some lines and add more stations and routes to existing ones. The planned MRT 7, already approved in principle, is expected to serve commuters to and from northern Metro Manila, including Novaliches, Fairview, Caloocan and past city lines to Tala in Bulacan.The proposed extension of the LRT 1 from Baclaran to Bacoor, and later further south to Imus and Dasmariñas, Cavite is also coming.
This is expected to benefit commuters living in the southern Metro Manila, and beyond, into the city's southern environs.

Okay. That takes care of the facts about the system.

But wait! Before you go jauntering off on a train riding spree, let me first take you on a trip through the station, just so you'll have an idea of what to expect. I wouldn't want you wandering around there totally clueless, entering through the exits, buying tickets from the guards, would I?

Let Me Take You There
I'm not telling you to wear your tennis shoes, but be sure, especially you ladies, that your heels are secure, as the long flights of stairs up to and down from the station could prove to be your first challenge, along with the hordes of commuters you're going to bump into (often literally) during rush hours. Think of it as your morning exercise, and if you haven't had your breakfast, you can grab a bite of the many foods sold in the numerous stores lining the stations. From the usual brands of fast food to cell phone reloading stalls, you can do a fair amount of shopping while waiting for your train at many MRT and LRT stations.

The queue for tickets, especially in the morning rush, will be your second challenge, as it will surely test your patience. Be sure you read the lists of stations and fares posted above the booths before you join a line, so as not to waste your time inching to the front, only to find out that it's the wrong booth! I feel a great need to pass along this advice, because it is based on vivid personal experience.You will use your ticket to access the tracks by inserting it the automatic gates, from which it will be shot back to you. Then you should hang onto it until you reach your destination-you will need it when you get there.

Mother's advice was good
Now-I have set down a few helpful tips you should remember while inside the train or within the premises of the station. Read through and try to remember as this would prove useful to you.• Mommy's good advice still applies here:

"Do not, I repeat, do not talk to strangers." Like any other public transport, the MRT/LRT or any of its stations are no places to meet people. So save those introductions and cheesy pick-up lines for your company's next acquaintance party. If you find yourself being bugged by a peculiar or too-solicitous stranger, every station has roaming safety officers whom you can approach. The good news, in those circumstances, is that they roam with bomb-sniffing dogs; if the canines are not enough to scare away that stranger I don't know what else will.

• Do not act the part. Don't make it obvious that you're a first-timer by wandering around and asking strangers about the destinations and the fares. Act as if you have been doing this for the longest time and you know exactly where you're going. I know it's hard to feel like one of the crowd when you're the only pale-skinned expat anywhere in sight, but it's best not to make it obvious that you're not familiar with the ride. Better ask people you know first before actually going to the station. Make sure you know your destination. Or if you really find yourself lost, look for the proper authorities to ask. There are guards in uniform and at least two Philippine National Police personnel assigned to every station, or you can always look for the station supervisor to get the info you need to get back on track.

• The fact that crimes on the metro lines are mainly isolated cases doesn't mean that crimes don't happen. Even with the strictest security measures, the chances of pickpockets or cell-phone thieves victimizing you all depends on how well you take care of your valuables. After the bomb inspection (yes, they have them here too), when you have passed the guards, while you're sitting-if you're lucky-or standing inside the train, whether you still have your stuff after the ride all depends on you. Make sure that all your valuables are secure. Knowing exactly where they are, keeping a hand on your wallet or the closing of your handbag, and not using your cellphone, all through out the ride, wouldn't hurt.

• Best of all would be if you had a Filipino friend or friends, whom you trust and who are familiar with the train system, to accompany you the first few times, until you get used to it all.Keep your eyes and ears open, as the particular station will be announced upon reaching each stop. The stations' names are also posted and easily visible from the train if you look around. The ticket, remember the ticket? I hope you remember where you placed it, because in order to exit the station, you have to insert it into the automatic gates again.

So, there it is, everything you need to know to get around Metro Manila by metro. Think of this as your user's manual and keep it with rest of your "survival kit" as you traverse the city. And remember that age-old cliché-and remember too that clichés got that way for a reason: "It's better to be safe than sorry.”

2005-11-04T03:57:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Oct. 9- Oct.15,2005
Banner Story

Federalism: Will it Solve RP's Problems?
By Loraine Balita

As the Philippine Government considers the "federal option"-shifting from a unitary form of government to a union of more or less independent states-as a possible answer to the country's continuing political and socio-cultural turmoil, ambassadors, governance experts, policy makers and advocates gathered on October 3, in a Makati hotel for a high-level international conference on Federalism and Multiculturalism to shed light on this much-talked-about issue.

Sponsored by the Swiss Embassy, the conference included House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lise Favre, Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland H.E. Rora Navarro-Tolentino, Prof. Thomas Fleiner of Switzerland's Institute on Federalism and Jose Abueva, Chairman of the Philippines' Consultative Commission on Charter Change.

The participants held press briefings in between the phases of the conference.Experts from different Federalist countries also flew in to give their insights and share their respective countries' experiences under their own federal governments, explaining how have managed to foster harmonious relationships among different, often conflicting cultural groups.

Dr. Abueva's Consultative Commission is to submit a final recommendation before December 15 on whether to change the country's current unitary presidential form of government to a parliamentary-federal system.

Senator Pimentel, for one, is submitting that the Philippines ought to have 10 federal states: four in Luzon-Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Bicol; Metro Manila, the possible fourth, might be vested with powers similar to those of Washington, D.C. in the United States, Canberra in Australia or Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
The Visayas, he added, ought to have three federal states: Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and Central Visayas. Mindanao too ought to have also three federal states: Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao and the BangsaMoro.He also stressed that federalism will solve the country's problems of the misuse and maldistribution of economic wealth, because it will end the overcentralized system of government we currently have.

Overcentralization, he believes, has caused the selective modernization of favored areas to the detriment of the rest of the nation, as well as social, economic and political problems such as poverty, familial dislocations and armed insurgencies.

"In my opinion the federal system will (1) propel the economic development of the country to greater heights; and (2) lead to the political stability of the nation."

The senator explained that federalism would bring about power sharing, because federal states will be given ample powers to develop their own social, economic, and political potentials. In a country as multicultural, multilingual, and multi-ethnic as the Philippines, federalism will prevent and solve conflicts by recognizing that individuals have their own worth and dignity as human beings, no matter how culturally different they might be from the dominant group. It will bring the government closer to the people and will allow unique and innovative methods of solving social, political and economic problems of each state.

Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Lise Favre said that a federal system could also lead to economic progress, as it will result in political stability, which is the best way to attract investments to the country.

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Rora Navarro-Tolentino, in an interview with What's On & Expat, said that the decision to change the government is a sovereign one that has to be made under the present constitution. "I think that the Congress, both the Senate and the House, must deem it necessary to make the fundamental shift, now. I think substantively when that decision has been made it will not be good enough if they just do it. I think what is important is that our people must have a basic acceptance of it. They must be well informed, first of all, to make an informed choice because in the end, when Congress does decide, the final decision still lies on the people."

And just how can the people have a grasp of this issue? The estimable ambassador stressed the role of the media in informing the people. "It is the media through which this will be propelled to the nation. This [conference] will only be effective if it reaches a greater sector of our country, and that is the role of the media," she added.

What is Federalism?
Unlike the presidential unitary form of government, federalism is a mode of political organization that unites independent states in a central political framework distinct from that of the states, while still allowing each state to maintain its own political integrity. While the distribution of power between states and the federal authority will vary from system to system, all federal systems preserve the ability of state governments to decide matters of local importance without interference from the federal superstructure.
States are not merely regional representatives of the federal government, but are granted independent powers and responsibilities. With their own legislative branch, executive branch and judicial branch, states are empowered to pass, enforce, and interpret laws, provided they do not violate the (federal) constitution. This arrangement not only allows state governments to respond directly to the interests of their local populations, but also serves to check the powers of the federal government.

Experience is Still The Best Teacher
Such countries as Belgium, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, Micronesia, Spain, the U. S. and Switzerland have been under a federal form of government for years.The latter, whose embassy sponsored the conference, has possibly the oldest existing multicultural federation in the world, dating to 1291. Their federal government became a motherland for minorities as it introduced the right to be different. The principle of shared rule was strengthened as their government guaranteed that the different communities had a role in the constitution-making process, as well as in the entire decision-making process of the confederation. Federalism in Switzerland created good conditions for economic development, and the country's progress is strongly influenced by the competition and cooperation between the cantons (states).

No Walk in the Park
"There is no one magic formula for federalism," Ambassador Tolentino reiterated. What has worked for other countries may not necessarily apply here, but it is worth listening to the "experience sharing" from experts so that Filipinos can choose the best features for a federal system design suited to this country's needs. The process of shifting from the present form of government to a federal one is not a walk in the park; if it does push through, moreover, it will not be a panacea for the country's problems either.

Though Federalism seems to promise a viable political solution to the destabilizing and divisive features of multiculturalism, critics argue that the system can fortify political dynasties and perpetuate feudalism in the provinces, strengthening even further the tight hold of entrenched political leaders on their respective turfs, and in the end actually hindering development in some parts of the country.

Other negative consequences include the duplication of government functions and inefficient overlapping of or contradictory policies in different regions or states; increasing inequality between the states, which could lead to unhealthy competition and rivalry; and over government with more than enough local governments to serve some areas with small populations.Further examination and studies will bring about more advantages as well as disadvantages of this recommended fundamental shift to Federalism.

So, will it be the answer to our problems? It is devoutly to be hoped. Instead of doing the usual "wait and see", this time it would be best for Filipinos to "research, analyze, discuss and decide" before moving on to the wait and see part.

2005-11-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Sept 18- Sept 24,2005
Dining

What's Cooking at Prince Albert Rotisserie
By Loraine Balita

Members of the media recently had a taste of what Intercontinental Manila Executive Chef, Richard Andrieux has cooked up for the month of September, a mixture of flavors and textures from countries in the Mediterranean; France, Italy, Spain and Greece.

So that you can try them all out, Prince Albert Rotisserie offers a promotion unlike any other: as it allows one to have an "eat all you can" lunch from the à la carte menu. Yes, you read correctly; for P1,200 .One can order as much as he likes. Keeping your glass empty could also be difficult, as waiters will make haste to refill it if you add P600 to have bottomless wine matching the meal. The classy appeal of the place itself provides the perfect ambiance for a Mediterranean dining experience.

The menu offers a sumptuous meal for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. With meals ranging from the Caeasar Salad prepared right at your table to their renowned U.S. Rib Eye au Jus with Yorkshire Pudding, Baked Potato and Vegetables, the menu is sure to satisfy any craving. Sea food lovers aren't left out either, as the menu offers an array of meals including Fresh Mussels simmered in a rich White Wine Broth, Pan- Fried Scallops and Prawns with Sun-Dried Tomatoes,and Crispy Greens, and Citrus Dressing, and Smoked Salmon tart on Crunchy Green Pickled Cucumber and Minted Drops all in the list. And what would a Mediterranean cuisine be without the pasta?! Just part of the list includes Saffron Fettuccini with Asparagus Tips and Sautéed Mushroom and Vegetable Lasagna with rich tomato sauce glazed with mozzarella.

While we were savoring the flavor of France, Spain, Italy and Greece, P.R. Director, Jen Peña announced yet again another "must look- forward-to" happening at the Prince Albert Rotisserie as : the General Manager himself will take a turn in the kitchen. "For me it's a hobby, I find it relaxing," says Intercontinental Manila General Manager,GM Christian Pirodon, who will be the hotel's featured chef de cuisine in mid- November.

"There will be a lot of marinade, cream, butter, herbs and reduction of stock," divulged the soon-to-be-featured chef, who will be bringing flavors from his restaurant in his home in town of Lyon, France. The French GM, who's been working for the InterContinental Group for 14 years, is planning to offer "Cuisine Lyonnaise". Whether that will be another sure fire hit amongst diners still remains to be tasted. Till then all we can say is Bon appétite!

It Takes Two to Xango
By Loraine Balita

Coined from two words-xanthones, a powerful antioxidant, and mangosteen, the uniquely flavored tropical fruit-Xango is a juice drink and health supplement in one. Xango's producers, mainly two Americans, Joe Morton and Aaron Garrity, promise two things: health and wealth.

The mangosteen (Garcina Mangostana), often called "the Queen of All Fruits," has been enticing locals and foreigners alike for years with its unique look and flavor. Its dark purple exterior-the pericarp or rind-encloses the juicy pulp, which is sweet with a sour tinge. The fruit is tree-ripened just twice a year in the Southeast Asian regions, where it has been valued not only for flavor but also for its medicinal value. The dark purple rind is dried and ground to be used in warding off infections. Ancient healers created an extract of the fruit to reduce fever. Some even made a poultice out of it to treat parasitic skin infections.Now in the Philippines, Xango fruit purée utilizes the whole fruit, yes, pericarp included, to produce this dietary supplement.
The mangosteen pericarp is a very concentrated source of xanthones, a family of phytonutrients that possess antioxidant properties. Research shows that it may help achieve microbiological balance, boost immune system health, promote joint flexibility and deliver positive mental support.

This unique drink is contained in an equally unique glass bottle that shows its rich color and sets off its oriental logo. No other health supplement looks or tastes like it.Along with its healthful properties, Xango promises wealth, as the product is privately owned and powered by a global network of independent distributors.

This Utah (U.S.)-based company employs a direct sales model to distribute its products, giving distributors the chance to grow financially through commissions. Xango is the fastest nutritional products network marketing company in history to reach annual sales of $1 billion and is poised to lead the market as the worldwide leader in mangosteen-based dietary supplements.

2005-11-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Oct 16-Oct 22,2005
Dining

Taste of Spain
By Loraine Balita

You don't need to travel miles to have a taste of Spain. Just a couple of kilometers from the highways in the South, is the Palms Country Club. This three-hectare business and pleasure hub, located within the Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang, is the "most modern and dynamic club in the Philippines," according to its Swiss general manager, Urs Wütrich. This members-only club has 1,600 members, 10-15 % of which are foreigners. It houses Café Asiana, which recently featured authentic Spanish cuisine.

"We try to be very authentic, we have a lot of Spanish ingredients, which are very important to get authentic food, because if you don't have the authentic ingredients, it will come out with a different taste," said Café Asiana Executive Chef Hans Neukom, who is married to a Filipina and has been in the Philippines for three years. Most of the ingredients, like the cheeses and the chorizos, are imported from Spain, "the original ones" he added. The most popular are the tapas (canapés or snacks), particularly the Spanish spring rolls filled with original Spanish chorizo and the stuffed mussel and chicken croquettes.

To attest to the statement of the chef, I had to try these myself. Reasons for their popularity became evident, as the rich flavor tickled my palate.There are more than enough selections to choose from. From salads to cold meats, to the famous Paella, the menu crafted by Chef Hans offered at least one feast for every sort of taste bud. Different variations of the ever-famous Paella, with seafood or with meat, were featured. The seafood zarzuela with the crab, shrimp and shellfish served in a rich red sauce went well with the sangria, also available in the café.

A table was set for those with the sweet tooth, offering an array of Spanish desserts including Moorish almond meringue, Catalan cream caramel, Pianono de yema (custard-filled rolled cake) and the Churros con chocolate, which I'd have to say, got me forgetting about my diet. The latter, a lighter version of the pretzel served in a plate of chocolate syrup sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, was a sweet grand finale to the complete Spanish dining experience.

2005-11-04T03:30:00.001-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Sept 4 - Sept 10, 2005
Lifestyle

Quezon Province's portal to the past
By Loraine Balita

What started out in 1995 as a hobby for Emilio Pillar, a vice president of Philippine National Bank, has earned him a large collection of precious antiques from all over the Southern Tagalog region. "The doctor advised me to develop a diversion when I had a mild hypertension," he explained. Pillar Plants and Novelties, with shops in Lucena City and in San Pablo, now houses some truly unique antique finds, only for real enthusiasts with a taste for genuine antiques.

"We don't reproduce" the antiques found in their shops, Pillar assured a visitor. They are original because "we buy from original owners." From sturdy home furniture to small artifacts, the owners assure buyers genuine pieces at a reasonable price. Since the couple has their own full time jobs-both with PNB-the antiques are not overpriced.Years of collecting fine antiquities have given them a glimpse of the past, as each piece they found had its own story to tell. One notable piece, for instance, look like ordinary wood walkways; they turned out to be Quezon's old railroad ties from the province's train track. When the tracks were replaced with concrete, Pillar and his wife were able to buy the wooden ties.

A fellow journalist encountered during a visit to their Lucena City shop, located in the couple's four-hectare property, was surprised to find his grandfather's safe with the owner's name barely decipherable. Dating back to as far as the late 1800s, this safe from the Spanish era was acquired by the Pillars when they bought the journalist's ancestral home in Quezon. Province.

The most popular pieces among buyers are the dining tables and pedestals. The capiz windows, usually used as backdrops and accentual pieces for modern homes, are also popular.The shops also house some of the couple's plant collection, which they have sourced out. The plants they have are incorporated with the antiques in their landscaping projects. Their landscape with its rustic style uses farm implements and plants that could withstand any kind of weather.

Most of the couple's clients are from Manila, Quezon and Batangas.

Crowne for the Brides
by Loraine Balita

Mannequins strutted along the catwalk in the finest wedding apparel from the country's most sought-after fashion designers, in a bridal gala held at the Crowne Plaza Manila's Grand Ballroom on Aug. 25.

This is the "first collaboration of the Crowne Plaza Manila and the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines" said FDCP president Randy Ortiz.

The event was held at the "Metro's Grandest Ballroom" which can accommodate 1,500 guests ug.The creations incorporated some unusual materials, from Indian silks to local capiz shells.

"The association [FDCP] decide to make it unusual, give it a little spice," said designer Gerry Katigbak, in phone interview with Expat. His creation, for instance, was made from Indian "sari" fabric in deep purple. " It's actually heavily embroidered." He added.

In what used to be an extreme deviation from the usual, the use of peach and beige, was overshadowed by the incorporation of such other colors as deep purple, brown and gold. In the past, designers stuck to the all white and off-white, and this hid the embroidery. With the incorporation of the colors the intricate details stood out.

The show was a bold move for FDCP, showing a "not so afraid to defy tradition" look, as shoulders, arms and even legs were left bare, a refreshing edge to the age-old look of the bride and groom. Each creation aroused interest from the audience.

Not only gowns were featured, but wedding apparel for men as well. The look and feel of the grooms' clothing is " very relaxed, because men like to move around during weddings," explained designer Anthony Nocom. "The materials are lightweight and comfortable, and there's no need to wear a tie," he added.

Among the designers who participated were, P. Arañador, A. Bacudio, J. Buendia, P. Diaz, J. Enriquez, L. Espinosa, R. Esteban, A. Gayatin, C. Gaupo, G. Katigbak, R. Laurel, R. Lizaso, R. Lolin, D. Lustico, R. Noveda, B. Novenario, T. Ocampo, R. Ortiz, B.Palanca-Go, N. Palmos, F. Peralta, J. Samson, M. Vergel de Dios, L. Tan Gan, H. Tantonco-Weber - all from the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines. -L.Balita

2005-11-04T03:30:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Oct2-Oct 8,2005
Feature

Changing the Future in 12 Hours
By Loraine Balita

What if you could shape the future with just 12 hours of your free time? Sound impossible?For the volunteers of the Caltex Mentor Program: Drive to Literacy, 12 hours can "graduate" from something like a weekend out-of-town trip to an actual bid to help solve the country's illiteracy problem.
The program encourages ordinary people, Caltex employees and others from various schools and organizations, to volunteer 12 hours of their free time, 3 hours per Saturday for four consecutive weeks, to tutor young children from disadvantaged backgrounds in grades 1-3. "Anybody and everybody can join," says Caltex Communications Officer Cherry Ramos, as long as you are willing to spend some of your personal time helping a child learn how to read and comprehend.

On August 20, the program, now in its third year, with 82 mentors in all, went back to its roots in Pandacan, Manila, where it was first launched in November 2002.

"I'm a firm believer that you are put in this life, not just to look after yourself, but to try and help other people around you," explained Caltex Senior Specialist Mitch Martin, who tutored students Rosa Amor Formanes and Ken Aubrey dela Torre from J. Zamora Elementary School -evidence that not only locals but expatriates saw the program as an opportunity to make a difference. This native of New Zealand even brought in his wife, (Rebecca) and kids (Sam and Emma), to volunteer as mentors.

"It's really hard, because I don't speak Tagalog!" said Martin. "If a child doesn't understand or comprehend, I've gotta learn Tagalog words, the who, what, when, and why, to try and get a point across," he added. Language difference and even his kiwi accent did not prove to be much of a hindrance, and his efforts at learning basic Tagalog words paid off, as Ken dela Torre became one of the most improved.

Anybody can read, but comprehending is different. "Kids can read a lot," he said, but "to get a child to read and understand gives them opportunity." Martin believes the goal of helping the students have "the comprehension" is achievable. But it all depends, not just on the mentors, but on the teachers and parents as well. In the Caltex Mentor Program, the first session includes parents, who are taught how to teach their kids.

The Problem
What problems are programs like the Caltex Mentor Program addressing? In the National Statistics Office labor force survey, unemployment in April rose 8.3 percent to 2.91 million, using the International Labor Organization concept of joblessness. Why are nearly 3 million Filipinos jobless? Why do only 4 out of 10 university graduates actually find a job within a year of their graduation?

The Philippines is churning out graduates who are not properly educated or trained. The Philippines is turning out functional illiterates.
Simple literacy is the ability to read and write; functional literacy denotes a deeper understanding of what has been merely read (Hence Mr. Martin's emphasis on "the comprehension" in his tutoring). It also includes knowledge about simple arithmetic calculations, such as calculating comparative prices in the market, and other minimal skills needed to carry out functions in life and interact with others in society. Various factors have been preventing us from producing functional literates, as opposed to simple literates: overcrowded classrooms, poor facilities, overworked teachers (with a teacher-student ratio of 1:48) and pre-modern learning materials, to name a few, are frequently cited. The Department of Education, which is able to devote only P7,700 ($138) per pupil per year in its annual budget, has asked that the education budget be increased, but with the government roiled by political crises, an increase that could make a difference appears unlikely.

The Solution
The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.-Bertrand Russell

While many in this country are content to watch this crisis unfold without getting involved in a solution, Caltex and other private sector groups have decided that illiteracy, simple and functional, is a problem that they can cooperate to do something about: relieving some of the enormous burden on teachers in the Philippine educational system and helping them teach their students to read and comprehend.

"They're [the teachers] the unsung heroes," says Caltex Senior Specialist Martin. "The first school I went to, there were 50 kids in a class. Back in New Zealand the maximum class size (number of students) is 30. Imagine one teacher to teach 50 children, that's incredible!" While others resort to fault finding amid problems such as illiteracy, Martin further explains how anybody can help. "You can do something," he urges. "Sometimes you think the problem is too big, but really you need to focus on what you can do." A true labor of love, it could be called, and Martin couldn't agree more. Since his experience with volunteer tutoring, he considers teaching not a job but a calling.

As for Sam (17) and Emma (14) Martin, still students themselves, mentoring was fun but it also made them realize what their teachers go through. "I had no idea how hard it was," Emma explained. "I give them [teachers] much more respect now."

The educational system has already "lost" too many of today's young people to lives of lesser challenge and fulfillment. Now, with companies like Caltex helping to prepare their way, the youth of today have a better chance to ascend to greater achievement and new leadership roles.

2005-11-04T03:28:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Oct 16-Oct.22,2005 issue
Dining

For a Taste of Authentic Italian Cuisine
By Loraine Balita

With the mushrooming of Italian restaurants and fast food outlets here and there, Café Caruso co-owner Dario Gardini couldn't help but be disturbed. So many restaurants, not all purveying the purest or best quality cusina Italiana, might cast a poor reflection even on those concerns whose standards were impeccable.

H. E. Ruben Fidele, the new Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, however, assured this trattoria (restaurant) owner that the Italian embassy would establish a sign or a mark to be placed outside only truly authentic Italian restaurants, so people can recognize the real restaurants offering authentic Italian food.

Needless to say, your quest for authentic Italian cuisine ends here. Entering Café Caruso, will be a step into another world. The restaurant not only offers authentic Italian food for the taste buds but the complete Italian dining experience for your other senses as well, with wine bottles and photos of superb Italian tenor Enrico Caruso adorning the walls.

The newly renovated restaurant occupies an impeccable Mediterranean setting; its slightly dim ambience gives the diners an interlude of what is to expect. Owners Dario Gardini and Franco Martellotti, who both have been living in the Philippines for more than ten years, eagerly welcomed guests as they were invited to prove this restaurant's reputation.

The taste as well as the generous servings will give nearby establishments a run for their money. After a sumptuous seafood feast-seafood pizza and pasta-I was caught in the middle of a battle between my tummy and my tongue: my stomach wanted to give up after all the gastronomic plenty, but my taste buds kept asking for more. "Masarap?" Gardini asked in fluent Tagalog, I couldn't agree more, as I vowed to come back here to try more of what this place has to offer.

The restaurant is located along Reposo street in Makati city, and promises authentic Italian cuisine right up to the last bite.

2005-11-04T03:27:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Newspaper Oct. 2 - Oct. 8, 2005
Feature

Home Away from Home
By Loraine Balita

Tucked within the bustling financial hub that is Makati are the Somerset Serviced Residences, which promise a culture of comfort and convenience. With rooms ranging from studios to three bedroom units, it offers amenities and facilities for locals and expatriates alike.

Managed by Ascott International, it has been welcoming guests from 40 cities across 17 countries including London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Barcelona in Europe; Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing in Asia; Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland in Australia and New Zealand; and Dubai in the Gulf region."Our security, so far, is excellent," assured Ascott Area General Manager, Arthur Gindap. The company is continuing to strengthen its three serviced residence brand names, The Ascott, Somerset, and Citadines. In Manila it has three properties, all located within Makati: the Somerset Millennium (Legaspi Village), Somerset Olympia (Makati Avenue) and Somerset Salcedo (Salcedo Village).

Services are tailored to the needs of long-staying guests. The Somerset host services offer consultation prior to moving in; personalized guest services; unpacking/packing services; security and safety briefings; monthly residents' activities, such as sports, events, learning programs and country explorations; quarterly Residents' Social Events; a personalized fitness program; grocery delivery; mailing of letters and postcards; transportation and arrangements; and assistance in local tours.The place offers a quiet and relaxing retreat as it tries to give the guests the feeling and ambiance of a private residence.
Suitable for long vacations, business trips and project assignments, it gives the familiarity and comforts of being in your own home.

2005-11-04T03:26:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Sept 18-Sept. 24, 2005
Business news

Good News for Philippine Exporters
By Loraine Balita

The European Commission (EC) will implement a new and simplified European Union Generalized System of Preferences (EU GSP) from January 2006 to December 2008. A provisional form of the GSP has been in place since July 2001 and will expire December 31, 2005.

This is good news for Philippine exporters, especially those who ship handicrafts, and food products specially tuna from Mindanao to EU member countriesThe EU's GSP is a system of tariff preferences granted unilaterally by the EU for products originating from developing countries like the Philippines. Trade has proved to be one of the most important factors in ensuring the growth of a developing country. Increasing trade will enhance its export earnings and promote industrialization and sustainable development.

Tariff preferences allow developing countries to export products that are not submitted to normal customs duties.The primary purpose of the program, which the industrialized countries initiated, is to promote economic growth in developing countries and countries in transition by stimulating their efforts.
It intends to give preferential tariff treatment to beneficiary countries until their exporters are able to compete on world markets with normal tariffs.
Beneficiary countries are not required to extend reciprocal tariff reductions but must meet certain conditions. The eligibility of countries is confirmed through an assessment of their effective implementation of core human and labor rights, good governance and environmental conventions.

Generalized System of Preferences
In 1968, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development recommended the creation of a "Generalized System of Tariff Preferences" (GSP) that would give an advantage to developing countries.

The EU, implementing such a scheme in 1971, was the first to do so. It granted products from 178 GSP beneficiaries either duty free access or a tariff reduction. The EU GSP is the most widely used and most generous of all developed country GSP systems. Under the EU GSP the share of developing countries in total EU imports grew from 33% to 40% between 1999 and 2003.

In particular, the Philippines ranked 16th in 2003 as a GSP user based on EU preferential imports. Total Philippine exports to the EU were about P852 billion, of which P82 billion were GSP-eligible and P40 billion actually exported under the GSP, giving a utilization rate of 47%.

The European Union currently has 25 members: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

What's New
The new GSP is simpler; the current five schemes are now reduced to three:

1. A " General Scheme" for the 178 GSP beneficiary countries, meaning a reduction of 3.5 percentage points overt the normal customs duty for sensitive products, reduction of duties to zero for non-sensitive products, most favored nation status minus 20% for textiles/clothing;

2. An "Everything but Arms" scheme for least-developed countries, meaning duty-free and quota-free access for all products except weapons; and

3. A new "GSP Plus" incentive for vulnerable countries that meet clear, transparent and nondiscriminatory EU criteria related to sustainable development and good governance, which would result in duty-free access for around 7, 200 products.T

he GSP's general product coverage has been expanded from about 6,900 tariff lines to 7,200 in order to incorporate some 300 additional products, mostly from the agriculture and fishery sectors, including canned tuna.

The simpler, fairer graduation process involves a new graduation scheme to be applied every three years. The GSP will be withdrawn for certain product groups for one or several countries only when these products are competitive on the Community market and no longer need protection. Graduation will be based on simple criteria: when a group of products ("section" of the custom code) from a particular country exceed 15% of total EU imports of the same products under GSP over the last three consecutive years.

For textiles, the threshold would be 12.5%. Graduation is not a penalty but a sign that the GSP has successfully performed its function of encouraging exports.The Philippines will continue and is yet to take full advantage of the scheme.

2005-11-04T03:15:00.000-08:00

What’s On & Expat Sept 25 - October 1,2005
Feature

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awarding Ceremonies
By Loraine Balita

The Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation and Manila Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), Inc., presented this year's "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta" award on August 26 at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

"I cannot be old, there's so much to be done" said 88-year-old Lucina Cuevas Alday, this year's awardee. A teacher, social worker, city councilor and government official, she has devoted 65 years of her life to being of service to disadvantaged citizens and those most vulnerable to exploitation. "To be happy you have to share happiness with others," she added.

The AY Foundation's Chairman, Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, and RCBC Corporate Vice-Chairman Cesar Virata joined the guest of honor, Former Senate President Jovito Salonga, and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, who delivered the inspirational message.Ms. Alday's award amounted to P1 million, which was in turn distributed to different foundations and charitable institutions during the awarding ceremonies. The beneficiaries received P100,000 each.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award

Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.-Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Inspired by Mother Teresa's selfless efforts to help the very poor, the Manila Jaycees launched the Mother Teresa Award during its 1983 General Membership Meeting.

In 1983, they invited the AY Foundation, Inc. and Ambassador Yuchengco to become its project partner. The AY Foundation donated P50,000 to the cash award that year; the late Fr. Anthony Hoffste, O.P., was its first recipient.For 22 years now, the AY Foundation and Manila Jaycees have been giving the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award to distinguished citizens who have emulated Mother Teresa's humanitarian work in their own way.

The award recognizes those who have spent their lives giving a part of themselves to others, pioneers who helped shape Philippine society. Through this annual event, both organizations hope to inspire more people to propagate Mother Teresa's spirit of giving to uplift the lives of the "poorest of the poor.

"A Model for the Community
Mommy Lucing, as the children she helps call her, started as a public school teacher in 1937.
Since then she worked with other socio-civic-minded individuals who pushed for the establishment of health centers, clinics and public recreational facilities in Manila. She was the first to establish a public library in Pandacan, Manila.

As the 6th woman councilor of Manila in 1961, Councilor Alday was responsible for the ordinance that led to the creation of the Department of Social Welfare and the introduction of the School Social-Work Program.

A former teacher herself, she realized the importance of helping school children; thus, through her initiative the Further Education Program for out-of-school youth and Rehabilitation Program for delinquent youths were formulated.

As Director of the Bureau of Women and Minors of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, she gave importance to women workers. Her ideals and projects became a model for the international community: in 1976 a resolution for the protection of girls in "dangerous occupations" was passed at a meeting of ASEAN women in Kuala Lumpur. Her representation in international conferences and seminars has helped elevate the status of women here and abroad.

As the President of the Philippine Elderly Persons, she organized the Grandparents Organization of the Philippines. She launched various programs for the elderly, providing meaningful activities to help them realize their importance.This award, according to Mommy Lucing, is the second she has received this month: the other was an orphan from Davao with a nine-month-old baby, whom she recently took in

2005-11-04T03:13:00.000-08:00

What’s on & Expat August 28 - September 3,2005
Lifestyle

An emerging beauty destination
By Loraine Balita

The country's tourism personalities and beauty connoisseurs gathered on August 17 for an evening of amazing finds at Rustan's Essenses: An Amazing Beauty Destination held at the 2nd level of Gateway Mall in Quezon City.

Featured were Essenses' best sellers from its cosmetics and toiletries division.Tourists seeking the best brands need not look far. Rustan's Essenses offer the world's mega brands with prices comparatively lower to those in other countries. The Estee Lauder group, La Prairie, Sisley, Chanel, Dior, Awake, L'Occitane, Phyto, Dermalogica, Murad, La Mer, Laura Mercier and Nars convened to put together an array of products from hair care to nail care.

Special packages were designed for the clients through a combination of the brand's scientific process and Essenses' pampering style.The progam is a strong support to the Department of Tourism's efforts to make Manila a beauty and wellness destination.

As of June, tourist arrivals reached 217,250, a 16.8% increase from last year's 186,044. As DOT tries to develop more tourist spots, the program formalized Essenses' efforts to be a destination of choice for balikbayans and tourists alike.

Gracing the evening's affair with their presence were former Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta; Philippine Convention and Visitor's Corporation Deputy Director Rosvi Gaetos; Westin Philippine Plaza Director of Sales and Marketing Rose Libongco, Air Philippines Senior Vice President Patty Chiong and Travel Time host Susan Calo Medina with Secretary of Tourism Ace Durano as the guest of honor.For more information on the "Essenses: The Ultimate Beauty Destination" program, please contact Bermin Tiu of Rustan's Cosmetics & Toiletries Division at 844-0872.