1st Issue Of August 2009

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

- Views Inside News Feature

Lifestyle and Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Special Feature

Global Connect

VOLUME II NO. 5

The Medical Tourism Association Releases Podcast with Cynthia Carrion West Palm Beach, FL, August 22, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Medical Tourism Association Releases Podcast with Cynthia Carrion, Under Secretary for sports and wellness for the Philippines Department of Tourism, and a member of the Medical Tourism Association Advisory Board.

saved many lives.” Cynthia said about the benefits of traveling internationally for healthcare.

The Medical Tourism Association releases podcast with Cynthia Carrion, Under Secretary for sports and wellness for the Philippines Department of Tourism. Cynthia speaks out during the podcast with Cayla Lambier, with the Medical Tourism Magazine on the importance of Medical Tourism, and the recent developments. “The medical tourism industry in the Philippines is a sunrise industry” explains Cynthia of the growing in the medical tourism industry.

World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress is the one event per year where Employers, Self Funded Health Plans, Insurance Companies, and Medical Tourism Facilitators that are looking to outsource healthcare overseas have the opportunity to meet with top International Hospitals and Medical Tourism Companies in one place for the ultimate networking event.

“The Philippines is very competitive and cheap; healthcare travel empowers the patients with the option to travel to other places to receive treatment which has

Don‟t miss this important educational podcast and go to the Health Tourism Magazine and the Medical Tourism Magazine websites to listen.

"The best Medical Tourism Conference of the year." This is a comment they have heard over and over from delegates who participated in the first World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which took place in San Francisco California September

2008. The 2009 World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress promises to match that sentiment and at the same time, provide even more networking and advanced panel sessions for this international gathering. The conference will feature up to 2,000 attendees, up to 200 speakers, and over 125 exhibitors. For more information please go to the Medical Tourism Congress website. The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and education.

RP - Middle-East tourism relations strengthened

- Disclaimer

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently appointed Gulf Reps as the country‟s trade and media representatives and coordinators for the Middle East, with continuous efforts to tap this fastgrowing, high-spending market segment, among the emerging source markets for tourism expenditures and investments.

Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved . Materials in this newspaper are copyrighted and all rights are reserved to their respective owners. All content and other intellectual property may not be used in any way without consent and permission from us in writing, under any circumstances. Respect Intellectual Property Laws.

Secretary Ace Durano said, “This new development forges stronger tourism links between the Philippines and the Middle East, a niche market whose economic capacity translates to viable investments and spending in our country‟s establishments, products, and services.”

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“Providing unparalleled destination and product representation throughout the Middle East, utilizing strong relationships with

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1725C Dian St., Palanan Makati City, Philippines (+632) 381-2285 [email protected]

the local travel trade and media partners, Gulf Reps has earned the respect of the trade industry in Asia and in Europe,” Durano added. Gulf Reps is proud to note its achievements in making their company „second home‟ to the travel industry‟s best and most passionate travel leaders. Together, their team continues to bring years of knowledge and experience to the field.

“We are delighted with this appointment and will be working hard to show our commitment to this beautiful country. Our company considers this a privilege of strong tourism relations, which only results to an additional incentive showcasing the best of the Philippines‟ 7,107 islands,” said Leo Fewtrell, Gulf Reps‟

Managing Partner. Fewtrell further explained, “Since our launch, we have nurtured our linkages with the local and international travel trade. We also work with trusted media partners to ensure exponential growth for all of our regional clients.” Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. said, “The Department is confident that this partnership will indeed boost travel relations between the Philippines and the Middle East.” Jarque added, “We have seen that Gulf Reps is determinedly changing the way travel destinations and products are represented and ultimately… •continue to page 2

2 NEWS FEATURE

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

The Popular Natural Wonders of Cebu Philippines Butterfly Sanctuary One of the must-sees when in Cebu is the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery of the multi-awarded artist-lepidopterist J. N. Jumalon. This haven for nature and butterfly lovers is located near the Basak Elementary School, Barangay Basak - Pardo, Cebu City, is a butterfly sanctuary cum botanical garden. The sanctuary provides a natural habitat for at least 53 butterfly species and different kinds of moths. More than a hundred plant species that are mostly the life support of butterflies in their larval and adult stages are also being grown in the sanctuary. Aside from the butterfly sanctuary, the place also boasts of Lumalon‟s lepido-mosaic “paintings” which are not actually paintings but artworks made of discarded butterfly wings. The butterfly wings, which come from other butterfly collectors, were recycled using their natural colors in creating art, rather than use factory-processed pigments. Jumalon‟s butterfly collection, which is perhaps the oldest in the country, is also featured in the art gallery. The collection includes exotic butterflies from different countries. Also available for viewing are Jumalon‟s other collections which include coins, stamps, dolls, key chains, seashells, rocks and artifacts. The place is definitely ideal for students who want to research on butterfly and moth habitats, as well as local or foreign tourists who want to relax and enjoy a day with butterflies and interesting collections. Orchid Farms Thett Orchid Gallery in Moalboal has one of the biggest orchid displays in South East Asia. Growing over 200 kinds of

orchids, the orchid farm is even a major supplier of potted plants and orchids in Cebu. Here you can find tropical orchid varieties from Asia, South America and Hawaii, rare orchid varieties and even Vandas and Cattleyas that have big flowers. After a stroll in the farm, which has a tropical garden settings and visitors can relax in the gallery‟s swimming pool. Olango Wildlife Sanctuary One of the ways to experience nature in Cebu province is to visit the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern part of Olango Island. The island is located six miles off the East Coast of mainland Cebu. The wildlife sanctuary has atotal area of 920 hectares and consists mainly of sand flats and mudflats, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, sandy ridges and coconut groves. Olango became famous after the Philippine Wetland and Wildlife Conservation Foundation Inc. discovered the presence of 40,000 to 60,000 migratory birds in the area. The discovery had a great impact on bird studies in the East Asian Flyway, one of the most important shorebird and water bird migration pathways in the world. The PWCF says that there is a total of 77 species of migratory waders that use this Flyway and the Philippines host half of this number in Olango Island. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the peak of the migration months when most birds have arrived at the island. The peak of the Southward Migration is from September to November while the peak of the Northward Migration is between February and April. Getting There: To reach the island, one

can

take a jeepney ride from Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu City at the terminal at the North Reclamation Area. Upon arriving in Lapu-Lapu City, take a tricycle or multicab bound for Angasil then disembark at wharf beside Portofino Beach resort, take a pump boat to Sta. Rosa in Olango Island. One can reach the sanctuary found in Barangay San Vicente by foot or by tricycle from the Sta. Rosa Wharf. Diving Around Cebu Cebu is a haven for diving enthusiasts, whether beginners or experts divers. The island is surrounded with beautiful diving spots that will surely captivate local and foreign tourists. Among the popular dive sites in this island province are the dice sites in Mactan Island and in Malapascua Island such

BRUCE A. DURANO Associate Editor GEORGE STANLEY T. SERRANO Creative and Research Staff

Cebu, aside from being s diver‟s haven, is also very diver friendly. Almost all hotels in the island‟s coastline and all the beach resorts have complete diving facilities and have diving instructors. There are even dive operators that offer dive tours called dive safaris. These dive packages are inclusive of accommodations, round trip transfers, meals, boat, guides and other incidentals. •by etravelpilipinas.com

RP – Middle... from page 1 …marketed to the community and trade at large.”

range of options understandably expected.”

Adding to the statement, DOT Director Benito Bengzon, Jr. noted, “In a marketplace containing some of the world‟s best-traveled citizens, a higher standard of service and wider

Gulf Reps also handles destination representation, market intelligence research, strategic planning, joint trade marketing, and sales missions, among others.

STAFF BOX RODEL T. RABARA Managing Director/Editor

as the Monad Shoal, Tapilon Japanese Wreck and the Doña Marilyn Wreck. There are also the popular dive sites in the southern part of the province such as the House Reef, Pescador Island and Sunken Island in Moalboal and the Wall of death in Santander.

CIRCULATION ULYSSES O. MANUEL DR. RAQUEL T. RABARA Public Relations Officers OLIVER L. OLIVERO MARINELLA SHEEN D. OANIA MA. FRANCIA C. ROSERO Writers/Contributor

NIGEL TOLENTINO ROMA T. FEROLINO RONEL O. MERCADO MERCEDITA R. TEGIO JOHN REY B. GARCIA BERNARDINE T. BACANI JULIUS M. LAMMANGAN Advertising Representatives

REINALYN R. TORADO Toronto, Canada Bureau ALEXANDER O. MANUEL Chicago, USA Bureau ISRAEL SAVELLANO Honolulu, Hawaii Bureau

is

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

3

Sam Concepcion By Oliver Oliveros

Joins the cast Of N.O.A.H.

Multi-talented artist and youth role model Sam Concepcion joins the cast of Trumpets‟ major family musical N.O.A.H. [No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat] as the Narrator. He will share the role with theater newcomer Fred Lo beginning September 4, 2009 at the Meralco Theater. Sam is not a stranger to Trumpets. At the tender age of 9, he took on the demanding role of Edmund in THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. SamTrumpets‟ THE LION, ‟s performances were even then highly acclaimed and no one was surprised when he went on to win the grand prize on ABS CBN‟s “Little Big Star” (2006). Since then, he has graced kids and teen magazine covers (KZone, Candy), teen TV (Myx, Boystown, ) teen dance group Gigger Boys, various print and TV endorsements (Bench, Smart My Sandbox), the cast of Disney‟s “High School Musical On Stage,” the soundtrack of Dreamworks‟ hit animated movie “Kung Fu Panda,” among others. He was also awarded hottest “Candy Cutie” for three consecutive years (2006-2008), Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards‟ Pinoy Wannabe Awardee (2006), and more recently United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Young Achiever Awardee for Entertainment (2009). But despite all his successes in the “show biz” scene, Sam‟s heart has never left the theater. In 2004, he recorded the voice of Japeth for the puppet version of N.O.A.H., which featured the vocal talents of Gary Valenciano and Bituin Escalante. Sam deemed the experience “enjoyable” but “not the same as performing on stage.” It is no wonder then that he jumped at the chance to

I play the Narrator. Now he goes live onstage in the full-scale production of N.O.A.H. under the stage direction of theater stalwart Jaime del Mundo. In N.O.A.H., Trumpets retells the classic story of the Biblical patriarch and his famous ark with wit and humor, heart and compassion, hope and joy, and of course, fun! Sam will be alternating with Fred Lo, a standout in del Mundo‟s Playshop 2009 Advanced Musical Theater class. N.O.A.H. is his first professional theater gig. Though a

relative newbie, Fred‟s performances promise to be just as stellar as his more senior counterpart. So set sail with Sam in N.O.A.H. [No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat] opening at the Meralco Theater on September 4 and will run till September 27 with shows every weekend in between. For tickets and/or more information call TRUMPETS 6354478, 0917-8842105, 09322705639 or email [email protected]. Tickets also available at Ticketworld 8919999.

Tourists going to Pagdalagan Sur, Bauang, La Union will find the place elegance in a simple way being offered by Kubong Sawali. Situated at National Highway Pagdalagan Sur, Kubong Sawali offers a unique and superb menu plus relaxing ambiance for vacationers who are looking for something new when it come to food trips. Contact us at: Main: # 155 Military Cut Off, Baguio City Tel #: (074) 304-1578 Branch : National Hi-way’ Pagdalagan Sur, Bauang, La Union Te|#: (072) 705-0150

4 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

Currimao: by Nigel Tolentino

A Simple Beauty By The Sea Awaits.

In the middle of the 18th century, Bantillan, a famous pirate roaming the Ilocos seas and his followers called Cumaos, a Spanish word meaning kidnappers carried away natives for slavery. To protect the people from these moro marauders, two watch towers were erected in the area wherein when guards detect these cumaos, they would warn the people by shouting corre corre meaning to run and cumao cumao. Thus the name currimao was born. Fast forward to today and we found ourselves taking a 12 hour trip to the tip of ilocos norte on our way to an adventure amidst it‟s pristine beaches made beautiful by it‟s simple and natural landscapes. We stopped by Currimao on our way to Pagudpod on the request of Currimao Mayor Rosario Go who along with the mayor‟s secretary Grace Asor and Currimao Tourism officer Delia Cabie served as our gracious hosts as they took as through the different sights and rock formations that dotted the Currimao landscape. According to Mayor Go, Currimao used to be a barangay of the Municipality of Paoay until the early 1900‟s when the Currimao labor union was organized by Pedro Dancel Garcia . Members of this union were engaged in stevedoring and Currimao being the only doorway to the sea in Ilocos Norte became the transit point for ships and traders plying the China seas. This led to prosperity for Currimao and soon a petition was drafted to make it a separate municipality which was Inaugurated in Jan 21 1921.

Welcome to Playa Tropical Resort Hotel! The quiet town of Currimao, Ilocos Norte has always been humble about its charming beach. Playa Tropical Resort Hotel is aesthetically inspired by the intricate designs from Bali and infused with our world-renowned hospitality. Your stay would be one of excellent service, tranquility and fond memories.

Guests stay in beautifully built Balinese inspired twostory Casa, with its own private pool, in the middle of perfect scenery of the precious beach and lovely tropical garden. Our infinity pool would take you to a refreshing Address: break as our splendid ocean view Spa take your mind a Brgy. Currimao, worldPias awaySur, from the routine. Spend the rest of the day in our game room or outdoor water activities to loosen Ilocos Norte up, bond and enjoy! Of course, you could always just relax with our seafood feast and cocktails by the Casitas, Mobile Numbers: 0918-6080938 as you feel the gentle breeze, approaching nightglow.

0908-2088289

The first thing that strikes you about Currimao is it‟s wide expanse of beaches and how clear and tranquil the waters are, rivalling even the most famous beach destination points in the country. Since Currimao is still a fishing town amidst it‟s growing popularity as a tourism hotspot you can still see fishermen who use what Ms. Cabie said are traditional 3 kilometer fishnets, you can actually hear them singing as they carefully lay out the nets. In preparation for their fishing efforts. Before heading out to see the attractions that make Currimao an alternative destination for tourists we had a late lunch at one of Currimao‟s most famous restaurants named Jade Carla Food Center. As we entered the place I was quite impressed by it‟s ambience and rustic appeal. The entire restaurant was made out of native materials and native huts surrounded by a fishpond, so you can actually see fishes swimming by without care underneath your feet while the see breeze cools you down. A part of the restaurant is also landscaped to look like a natural pond, with trees and water flowing into a smaller pond. . The food was quite good, while my editor in chief opted for the tasty sinigang na bangus specialty, I on the other hand feasted on prawns and tuna belly that really tickled my taste buds and left me very satisfied indeed. After Lunch we headed off to the watchtower, an impressive stone edifice on a stretch of white sand facing the sea where centuries ago residents watched out for pirates. Also nearly as impressive were the different rock formations that can be seen all over the place. As we headed out of Currimao I could not help but think that this is one of the places you‟d love to come back to, and not just as a stop over to Pagudpod but as an actual destination for tourists. Not just for those who are adventurous to try the different scuba diving sites but also for those who just want to escape the everyday routine of a job or the hustle and bustle and pollution of city living. As I relaxed in my seat I happened to glance out the window and saw the Gaang bay lighthouse with a setting sun as it‟s backdrop, looking majestic yet lonely where it stood, I‟m glad I came, I hope I can come back soon.

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Concepcion Islands by Concepcion Tourism Office

16 Hidden Gems... The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in the whole province. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islands connected by azure waters and rich marine life. The islands of Concepcion are highland masses except Baliguian. They appear as half-drowned mountains jutting out from the sea and manifested by sedimentary rocks. The mountains and hill systems are so close to the sea that only very narrow strips of level land are available for farming. It is in these narrow strips of land bordering shores where the islanders build their clustered homes. Most of the island in Concepcion are bordered by scenic white sand beaches. Nearest to the mainland is Tago Island whose southern promontory is not more than 200 meters away from the mainland. Northeast of Tago Island is Pan de Azucar, the biggest and most popular among them because of the enchantingly tall and steep mountain, called Mt. Manaphag, standing like a sentinel in its lands. It is in Pan de Azucar Island where the annual Tampisaw Festival is held every third week of April. PMt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt. Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks in Panay and the steepest mountains in the Country. Northeast Pan de Azucar is Bag-o Isi Island, which has a shifting snake-like sandbar that points towards Pan de Azucar. During hightide, it seems that you can cross from island to island because of the newly formed sand bridge. The smallest (not considering the islets, some of which are submerged during high tide) is Bocot Island located northeast of Bag-o Isi. The northernmost frontier of Concepcion is Colebra or Bago-alas Island at 10.7 nautical miles from the Poblacion (mainland). Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Island seemingly forming bridges during high tide. Meanwhile, Southeast of Pan de Azucar is Sombrero Island, which appears like a natural citadel of high rise, rocky, protective outreach of Pan de Azucar. Further east from here are 2 uninhabited islands namely: Bag-o Sipol or Chico Island, measuring 4 hectares and Agho Island, a 8 hectare island with extensive white sand beach area, a sprawling coral garden, and a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset. Nearby is the Malangabang Island, the most poulated island in Concepcion and Igbon Island, known for the beautiful diving sites in its vicinity. In the waters between Igbon and Pan de Azucar is Botlog Island, which has the whimsical shape of an egg sliced in half, or an “eggnog”. Southwest of Igbon Island is a 2.8 hectare islet perfect for people who love the underwater world called Bag-o Abo Island. The islands of Bulubadiangan and Danao-Danao also located south of Igbon Island are frequently visited by tourist. Bulubadiangan, is known for its shifting white sandbar while Danao-danao is known for its interesting natural stone formations like tables and other figures. At the mainland‟s southeastern coast crossing the Apitong Pass is Tagubanhan Island, which shares the border with the adjacent town of Ajuy and is the most populous island. The farthest island, with a distance of 25 kilometers from the poblacion is Baliguian Island – the only coral atol in Concepcion. From a distance, the islands of Concepcion appear as gigantic natural protective outreach of the mainland with the tallest Mt. Manaphag (Pan de Azucar) commanding the view rising 573 feet above sea level making it the landmark of the municipality.

Transport and Accessibility to the Island of Concepcion: From the Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District, Iloilo City, ride a bus bound for Concepcion (2.5 to 3 hours). Embark at the Public Plaza of Concepcion and look for the tourism office found near the gym. There, you can make inquiries and arrangements for your tour around the islands. When planning to go to Concepcion, make sure to contact the toursim office of Concepcion first through the following contact details:

Concepcion Tourism Office Contact Person: Mario Lazarito, Tourism Officer Contact No.: (+63)(033)3920309 Contact No.: (+63)9183119523

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6 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

At the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Range is the 12-km winding bridge known as the Patapat Bridge, popularly known as the French Riviera of the North. At the upper part of the cliff, one can still see the etched foot bridge that was the only link between Ilocos and Cagayan Valley in the 1960's. While at the middle of the Patapat Bridge, one can take a look at the awe-inspiring panoramic view of the verdant mountains and the sea below. A glimpse of the old footbridge adds grandeur to the breathtaking view. While at the scenic Patapat Viaduct, one can get an enchanting view of Pasaleng Bay, its beauty unmarred by a shipwreck dating from the Japanese occupation. It is believed that the other half of the ship lies eight fathoms at the depths of scenic Pasaleng Bay, while the other half is at 20 fathoms at scenic Agua Grande. Here, treasure hunters and other adventure seekers, or even simple divers are treated to a wonderful diving experience.

Also known as the Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira Beach is still another of the the many endowments richly bestowed upon Pagudpud is the pristine and crystal-like white sand at Maira-Ira Beach. Here, nature lovers can have a lavish and refreshing encounter with the cool waters.

Along the coast of Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, looms the fortress-like Timmangtang Rock. During summer and when the tide is low, one can leisurely hike from the shoreline to Timmangtang Rock and once there, relax and enjoy the feel of the cool sea breeze while feasting one's eyes on the calm, blue water and the distant horizon. More adventurous visitors can indulge in carefree mountain climbing, engage in banca sailing, and explore an awe-inspiring cave beneath the blue waters.

Also in the heart of Barangay Balaoi are two identical mountains called the Dos Hermanos Island. Old folks say that in olden times, there were two brothers who were close to each other they vowed to remain together until death. One day, they went fishing and were still at sea when they were caught by a typhoon and drowned. Because of their loyalty to each other, and to serve as an inspiration to others, they were transformed into the two mountains prominently seen in the place.

The newest and definitely the favorite destination in Pagudpud is Kabigan Falls, where cool fresh water falls 120 feet into a natural basin where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim. Protected throughout the day by tall trees abundantly growing in one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the Philippines, one can freely enjoy a whole day's treat with Mother Nature's best.

We are pleased to welcome you to our beautiful town of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte province, northwest tip of Luzon Island, Philippines. Contact us at: Brgy. Burayok Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (077) 676-0183, (0921) 484-7746, (0929)847-9236 and (0919) 640-5630 [email protected]

SPECIAL FEATURE

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

7

by Bacolod Concepcion Tourism Tourism Office Office

The City of Smiles... Bacolod City is one of the best destinations in the Philippines. Great food, peaceful and serene community, easy access to basic needs, hospitable people – Bacolod is all these and more. Known for being a relatively friendly city, it bears the nickname “City of Smiles.” Bacolod City is the capital and largest highly urbanized mid-size Philippine city of the province of Negros Occidental. Having a total of 499,497 inhabitants as of August 1, 2007, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas Region. Bacolod City serves as the entrance of the sugar-rich cities and towns of the Province. Bacolod City is 45 minutes by air from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and 30 minutes by air from Mactan-Cebu International Airport plus approximately 20 minutes of travel by land since the new airport is now located in Silay City. The Port of Bacolod is a major seaport and has daily ferry trips to Iloilo City. By boat, Bacolod City is 18 hours from the Port of Manila and 45 minutes from the Port of Iloilo. By land, Bacolod City is approximately 3 hours from Iloilo City via Dumangas route. Bacolod has an upbeat local economy and unlimited opportunities for trade and investments because the city is home to a high percentage of the country‟s top 20 corporations. Bacolod City is the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub of the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines. Among the notable BPO companies operating in the city are Convergys, Teleperformance and TeleTech. Bacolod City is known for its MassKara Festival held every third weekend of Octover. The festival is highlighted with the famous MassKara streetdance competition, where people from all walks of life triip to the streets to see colorful masked dancers gyrate to the infectious rhytm of Latin-inspired dance music, accompanied with a dazzling display of mastery, coordination, and stamina. Food is the main attraction of Bacolod City. There are a plethora of restaurants in Bacolod that serve delicious local dishes such as Bacolod Chicken Inasal (Grilled Chicken) or a wide range of international cuisines. Bacolod will charm you with the genuine warmth and hospitality of her people in harmony with their lilting melodious accent. The Bacolenos will delight you with food and cuisine that is as vigorous yet as subtle as the legendary Ilonggo gentility and taste for the good life. Source: Wikipedia, Bacolod City Tourism Office

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San Juan St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6100 For inquiries, call (+6334) 434-9801; (+6334) 709-0927; and (63928) 363-4150

Welcome to The Sylvia Manor! On March 28, 2006, The Sylvia Manor opened its doors to Bacolod City as the first and only boutique hotel in the city. Boasting 52 rooms and suites, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers alike. Guests have always enjoyed the warm smiles, attentive service and personal detail that is unique to Negrense hospitality.

Amenities You'd Expect from a Large Hotel Our Café Felice serves sumptuous local and delicious international cuisine 24-hours a day. If you are looking for a place to hold a small banquet or board meeting, we would love to be your next host. Did you mention high-speed wireless internet access? We've got the entire property covered.

8 GLOBAL CONNECT

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009

Travel Destinations by Wade Rowland

Carcassonne, France

“We rounded a corner and there, on a rise beyond the river, was Carcassone - a vision for which no photograph could have prepared us. We pulled over to the curb and got out of the car to stand and stare." I got hooked on travel early in life. And for many years, beginning long before my first passport, it seemed to me that one of the transcendent travel experiences must be to walk the grey stone ramparts of Carcassonne, preferably at night and preferably in the autumn. This notion was firmly lodged in my brain when, as a diffident fourteen-year-old, I discovered the books of one of the most popular travel writers of any era, Richard Halliburton. In his heyday in the 'twenties and 'thirties, Halliburton was a household name in America and one of the most widely-read authors of his time. He had discovered early on that what his audience wanted from him was not culture, not politics and geography but adventure and, above all, the romance of travel. And that is what he gave them. He travelled on a shoestring to the most exotic corners of the globe and when adventure did not present itself, he created it. One example will give you the flavour: broke in Buenos Aires while writing

newspaper series that was to become New Worlds to Conquer he spurned an easy bail-out from his publisher and instead invested his last few dollars in a trained monkey and a broken down hurdy gurdy. Performing in the city's parks and streets earned him: a) a night in jail for by-law infractions; b) a memorable yarn for the newspapers and c) enough money for his passage all the way north to Rio. The unfortunate monkey died on the voyage - not to worry, he milked that story too. Halliburton blew in to Carcassonne late in 1921 on his first trip to Europe as a young Princeton graduate with literary ambitions, and he wrote about it in The Royal Road to Romance, the first of his five, wildly successful travel books. He was on his way by bicycle and knapsack from Paris to Andorra. The air at the foot of the Pyrenees was sharp and clear...

t he

http://www.coco.com.ph/

Km 263 National Highway, 2501 Bauang La Union, Philippines For inquiries, call (+6372) 607 -6604; (+6372) 607 -6621; [email protected]

Welcome to Coconut Grove Beach Resort! In a serene setting along the west coast of the Philippines, Coconut Grove Beach Resort blends perfectly with its superb beach side setting. Dine, lounge at the pool, play lawn bowls, or go SCUBA diving. The tropical sun, beautiful sunsets and the enchanting waters of the South China Sea, promise the ideal vacation; and at an outstanding value. Our resort offers 24 hour bar and restaurant service featuring western and Filipino cuisine. We specialize in local seafood favorites caught fresh from the waters of the South China Sea. Relax and enjoy our famous La Union sunsets from your view in the restaurant. Our band will then provide you with the right atmosphere for an entertaining stay.

Our resort can cater to small conferences for up to fifty participants. We offer a relaxing venue set in a picturesque location. Please contact us for your specific conference requirements.

"Late on that glittering November evening I left the modern ville basse on foot, crossed the seven-hundred-year-old bridge over the river that separates the fortress from the modern town, looked up the sharp escarpment, and behold, before my eyes, nine centuries disappeared. I became an anachronism, a twentieth-century American living in eleventh-century France. In one sweep the Middle Ages were revealed. A magical moonlit city of walls and towers and battlements, defiant and impregnable, rose before me... Not a person was to be seen, not a light showed, nor a dog barked as I climbed the path and walked beneath the massively fortified gate, through the double line of enormous walls, into a strange world. Incredibly ancient houses, dark and ghostly, reeled grotesquely along the crazy streets. My footsteps echoed. There was no other sound..."