1st Issue Of December 2009

1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

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Views Inside News Feature

Lifestyle and Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Special Feature

Global Connect

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VOLUME II NO. 8

Palawan Subterranean River gets youth vote Puerto Princesa‘s Palawan Subterranean River National Park is the second most voted contender in the New7Wonders of Nature (N7WN) poll online for voters aged 18 years old and under. According to the N7WN organizers, among the 28 Official Finalist Candidates, the Subterranean River got 16.5 percent of total youth votes worldwide (www.vote7.com/n7w/latest -ranking). The Yushan Mountain of China got the top slot with 34.1 percent (Source © www.new7wonders.com).

Secretary of Tourism. Citing the voting analysis online, Durano said that the country‘s bet placed only 22nd among those 18 years old and above. Ranked according to gender, the world‘s longest traversable underground river placed 7th among women and 22nd among men.

―Apart from voting, may this campaign remind us to preserve and protect our nature‘s wealth, which put us in the global tourism limelight,‖ said Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Last July, the country‘s Planning and Promotions. renowned destination has been included in the elite The final proclamation of list of Top 28 candidates, the 7 Wonders of Nature under the category of will be held in 2011 Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF ―While the site is popular TOURISM among the youth, we still need to further push the Contact: Office of Tourism Subterranean River to the Information, Tel. Nos. 525other segments if we want 1805 / 536-0496 Telefax: to make it to the Top 7 in 525-6538, e-mail: 2011,‖ said Ace Durano, [email protected]

2 NEWS FEATURE

1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE He said that the country‘s major tourist destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City, among others, remain safe and open for foreign and local visitors. He enjoined members of the travel and tourism industry in avoiding confusion in the country by providing accurate and up-to-date advisories to both the Filipino public and international guests. ―The incident in Maguindanao is an isolated case and should not hamper the tourism promotion activities of the government,‖ Durano said. He noted that travel services to and from the Philippines are continuous and that services for local and international guests are available. For information on the exotic, 7,107island Philippine archipelago, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or contact the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles at 213-4874525, San Francisco at 415-956-4060; New York at 212-575-7915 or Chicago at 312-782-2475. Philippine Department of Tourism

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (December, 2009) — The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) has assured that the Philippines remains on a business as usual mode, despite the killing of some 46 individuals in the Southern province of Maguindanao. Despite the alarm caused by the incident, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano assured stakeholders of the tourism industry that the Philippines remains an ideal destination for tourism activities, business meetings and conferences.

following the directive of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo putting the Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City under a state of emergency, aimed at speeding up the investigation and arrest of the individuals involved in the incident. The directive also places authorities including the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on full alert to prevent any untoward incidences in said areas.

Durano stressed that the incident is isolated and confined to the three areas, and does not The tourism chief made the assurance involve tourism spots frequented by travellers.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country. Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements. The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, contact the Philippine Department of Tourism in Chicago at 312-782-2475 or visit www.experiencephilippines.ph

STAFF BOX RODEL T. RABARA Managing Director/Editor MA. FRANCIA C. ROSERO Associate Editor GEORGE STANLEY T. SERRANO Creative and Research Officer

CIRCULATION PAUL RICHARD G. MARTIN PR and Advertising Officer JOHN FRANK C. EVANGELISTA Layout Assistant OLIVER L. OLIVEROS ULYSSES O. MANUEL RAQUEL T. RABARA Writers/Contributors

BOYET G. GUEVARRA EMMANUEL S. ARIOLA Photographers JOHN REY B. GARCIA JERICO T. MANDAING ROMA T. FEROLINO Advertising Representatives

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

1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE 3

at the CCP on 12/3 to 12/13 by Oliver Oliveros, BroadwayWorld.com

BALLET PHILIPPINES (BP) stages the perennial Christmas favorite THE NUTCRACKER at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo on the following dates: December 3 (Thurs.) & 6 (Sun.) at 10 am & 3 pm; December 4 (Fri.) & 5 (Sat.) at 3 pm & 8 pm; December 12 (Sat.) at 10 am, 3 pm & 8 pm, and December 13 (Sun.) at 3pm. THE NUTCRACKER features Peter Tchaikovsky's most enduring and popular music for the ballet. The ballet follows the story of a little girl's magical Christmas journey. On a cold night just before Christmas, a young lady named Marie receives a Nutcracker doll from her godfather, the mysterious Conde de Montana, a toymaker and inventor who shares his surprises at their grand Christmas party. Marie sets off on her amazing journey of self-discovery: from the battle between the wicked Mouse King's army against the Nutcracker doll's soldiers; to her travel through the dancing snow flakes leading to the Kingdom of the Sweets; and to her enchanting encounter with the Nutcracker Prince.

The delightful cheers from various dolls, and the captivating charm of the Sugar Plum Fairy are visual spectacles that will leave the audience breathless. Choreography is by Noordin Jumalon after V. Vainonen and L. Ivanov. BP is CCP's resident dance company. Its audience represents a cross-section of Manila's populace, including local and international visitors. Touring internationally, the company presents indigenous Filipino creations as well as uniquely Filipino interpretations of internationally recognized masterworks. Each year, its outreach and educational programs introduce new generations of audience members not only to dance, but also to music and visual arts. BP's current artistic director is Paul Alexander Morales, a dancer, choreographer, theater director, and independent filmmaker. For tickets to THE NUTCRACKER, call (632) 5511003/ 832-6011 or Ticketworld (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

Message from the Mayor Peñaranda is one of the historical places in the Province in Nueva Ecija. It is the hometown of a well-known Padilla Family, in politics, show business, sports. Government officials and other sector. Gen. Urbano A. Lacuna, Col. Pablo A. Padilla trusted aide of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Professor Felipe Padilla de Leon, musician and National Artist was born in this Municipality. Every year, people of Peñaranda celebrate utmost merriment their various fiesta with the presentation of ―arakyo‖. Flores de Mayo, which usually scheduled on the last Sunday of May. This Municipality is also known as ―Land of Espasol‖, some of Peñaranda‘s enterprising residents concentrated on making a local delicacy-espasol, putong puti, sapin-sapin, and bibingkang-kanin. Dreamwater Resort and Hotel, one of the biggest leisure resorts in Central Luzon was located in our town. Come and Visit us. See for yourself what the Municipality of Peñaranda is all about. AMMENITIES: SLIDING POOL KIDDIE POOL W/ JACCUSSI VIDEOKE BAR BILLIARD HALL BASKETBALL/TE NNIS . VOLLEY BALL COURT

FISH POND AREA VEGETABLE AREA FLOWER GARDEN JERRY'S FIRING RANGE BODY GYM

HON. CRISANTO P. LEGASPI MUNICIPAL MAYOR Tel no: (02) 42524-03, (044) 48678-99, 0928-50292-13 0922-828-99-20

JERRY/ ALICIA ABESAMIS (PROPRIETORS)

TRAVEL AND TOURISM 5

1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

SPECIAL FEATURE FOCUS ON:

Historical data states that Gapan was founded in 1595 making it the oldest town in Nueva Ecija and one of the oldest in the Philippines. It was likewise a big pueblo embracing an area as far as Cabanatuan City in the North, which was its barrio with the name Cabanatuan before it separated in 1777; the Sierra Madre in the East; San Miguel, Bulacan in the South; and Candaba, Pampanga in the West. Gradually, as the Spanish power waned and economic progress got caught up in the area, the pueblo disintegrated into many pueblos until it remained to comprise only the towns of Penaranda, General Tinio, and San Leonardo (formerly called Manikling), all from the Nueva Ecija province. In fact, the Patron Saint Divina Pastora had its origin or residence in Barrio Callos, Penaranda. Records of the first Catholic mission to the Far East indicate that in 1595, Fathers Contreras,Tendilla, Caballo & Salazar cleared a forest which later became a pueblo, with a church& houses made of bricks & lime which to this day constitute the age-old landmarks of the city.

Gapan was originally called by the name ―Ibon‖. Legend has it that some Spaniards soldiers on a mission arrived at the place & saw the scared natives crawling through thick bushes. The soldiers stopped them to ask, in Spanish, for the name of the place. The natives unable to understand Spanish, thought the intruders were asking what they weredoing, and answeredin Tagalog: ―Gumagapang-gapang kami.‖ The Spanish mistook the answer as the name of the place & henceforth called the pueblo :‖Gapang‖. The last letter ―g‖ was eventually dropped & the town‘s name became ―GAPAN‖. The Church of Gapan, otherwise known as the Divina Pastora Church, is made of bricks, adobe and lime. The architecture is Byzantine and was constructed under the successive direction and supervision of Fathers Loredo, Conejo and Llaneza for a period of about sixteen years, that is 1856 to 1872. Like most of gigantic buildings done during the Spanish regime, the church was built through forced labor.

The materials used came from Laryuhan in Barangay San Vicente and Barangay San Lorenzo near Pambuan. To bring the materials to the site of the church, laborers had to line themselves straight between the sources of materials and the site of the construction, and had to pass the bricks from one hand to another. Records also show that since 1740, Gapan had ―Cura Parrocos‖ beginning with Father

flag represent Nueva Ecija as one of the eight provinces which took up arms against Spain. Participants in this uprising came from Gapan, San Isidro, Cabiao and Penaranda, led by General Pantaleon Valmonte (mentioned as Belmonte in history). Gapan contributed thirteen heroes of martyrdom killed by the Spaniards. They were Epifanio Ramos, Quintin Tinio, Faustino De Los Reyes, Leocadia Liwag, Valentin Liwag, Severino Tiangco, Francisco Medalla. Hence, it is right Saturnino Magno and Ramon to assess that the said Catholic Tinawin. church is now over two centuries old. In due recognition of their patriotic sacrifices, the Gapan City The City‘s patron saint is the Divine government gave them due honor Shepherdess. The Feast of Three by erecting a monument at the Kings is on every sixth day of Barangay San Vicente Plaza called January and the Feast of the Divine ―Inang Bayan‖ where their names Shepherdess is on every first of were engraved, and by naming May. These were official city fiestas streets in the city proper after them. as declared by the Municipal Council then thru an ordinance. This Gapan became a component city on fact accounted for the Gapan August 25, 2001 with the ratification Municipality to become a place of by majority of voters of republic Act pilgrimage for devotees in Central No. 9022 entitled ―An Act Luzon. Converting the Municipality of Gapan in the Province of Nueva The miracles of the Divine Ecija into a Component City to be Shepherdess has attracted the known as the City of Gapan‖ attention of the church authorities sponsored by 4th District Rep. Julita that on April 26, 1964, she was Lorenzo-Villareal. It‘s first city mayor crowned Queen at the Church was Engr. Ernesto L. Natividad. Plaza, and thereby making Now, Gapan City is considered to be the Tsinelas Capital of the Gapan an official pilgrimage area North. In honor of the growing where her graces would flourish for tsinelas industry a festival which those who visit Gapan in the same earns P450million a year is held manner that the Virgin of Good every year to further boost the said Voyage would lavish for those who industry. TSINELAS FESTIVAL is a go on pilgrimage to Antipolo City. 2-week long celebration usually from the 2nd until the 3rd week of One of the eight rays in the Filipino August.

Near Divina Pastora Church, San Lorenzo, Gapan City telephone number: (044) 486-9694 Mobile number: (0917) 566-8639 E-mail: [email protected]

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1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

Windmills Of Bangui Ilocos Norte

The Bangui Wind Mills were built by the NorthWind Power Development Corporation to take its share in reducing the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) causing global warming and to accelerate the rural electrification of the goverment.

the full benefit of the winds, turbines are center of nacelle - that part holding the blades) is installed along the shore facing the sea 70 meters high (roughly equivalent to a 23 storey effectively removing wind breaks and achieving building), each blade is 41 meters long (just 9 a terrain roughness of class 0. meters shy of a Olympic sized pool) giving a rotor diameter of 82 meters and a wind swept area of The 'Wind Farm" as it is aptly called consist of 5,281 square meters. 15 wind turbines. The turbines are on-shore and In this area, wind mostly comes from the north- arranged in a single row spaced 326 meters Going there east, from the sea towards the land. To optimize apart. The turbines hub height (ground level to From Laoag, take the Laoag - Cagayan route. About 5 minutes after Burgos town proper, a directional marker on the left side of the road will lead you to Bangui bay, which is the host of the wind turbines. Brgy. Lanao, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines This will lead you to a gravel road with a downward For inquiries, call 0921-2234919 and look for Ms. Beverlina A. Gonzales, Manager slope going down to the beach. Right after the first turn, you will already be awed by the sight of the wind mills, follow the road and make a right turn upon entering the beach. Should you miss the first marker, go on and proceed to the Bangui Bay observation deck (this you will never miss, also on the left side of the road) where a picturesque view of the wind mills can be obtained. Thereafter, you can go on on the road and right before Baruyen bridge, another marker will be found leading to the wind turbines. Travel time from Laoag is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

RAMISCAL'S ESTATE & MOUNTAIN RESORT

Every body is welcome at the wind farm (you will not see any fence) and wonder at the beauty of the wind mills. Visitors are reminded, though, to --- Take nothing but pictures (and/or videos), leave nothing but footprints and retain nothing but memories. Should you need more, than just wonder at the awesome view, students, professionals and the curious minds are welcome at the sub-station, during office hours, where somebody will always be ready to answer your questions. Waypoint narrative by: Dino_T 2007

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1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

A Sensory Overload SARIAYA in Quezon is a place like no other. The only Mount Banahaw town with a sea coast, it is 126 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila via the Maharlika Highway, and 12 kilometers northwest of Lucena City, the provincial capital. Made up of 43 barangays, 6 poblacion and 37 rural, it has a population of 115,000 (Year 2002 estimate), mostly dependent on agriculture, aggregates, commerce, industry and tourism for a living. Fertile soil, bountiful shoreline (Tayabas Bay), inclement weather, lush vegetation over a sloping north to south topography… Small wonder why more people live here than in any other town in the province, save for Lucena.

mouth.

A living repository deeply rooted in tradition, culture and history, the community is a product of more than 407 years of heritage, made more distinct by the necessity of having to change locations four times through those centuries, into what is now recognizable and undeniably ‗SARIAYAHIN‗… The 1748 Saint Francis of Assisi Church, the 18th century Santo Cristo de Burgos, the ―Museo ng Debosyon at Buhay―, the Devotional Park and the Residential Museum, Agawan Festival, Belen Festival, the Holy Wednesday street play ―Santo Kristo: Isang Senakulo―, colorful Banahaw folklore, scenic Mamala with its invigorating cool climate, gently sloping coastline that is Quezon‘s beach resort playground, graceful and opulent ancestral houses, characteristic lilting indigenouslyvocabularied Tagalog,, ―Puwersado sa Recado― cuisine, exquisite desserts, pastries, baked goodies and the Pasalubong stores.

―Pastillas― are hard cylindrical canned milk candies that come in various flavors like cheese, calamansi, langka, mocha, peanut and macapuno. A variation of this is the triangular ―Yema― that come in peanut and macapuno flavors. Soft cylindrical ― Pastillas ― on the other hand, come in root crop flavors as potato, camote and ube., which are rolled in white sugar granulkes prior to wrapping. Hard versions of these are used as ―window curtains― during the Agawan Festival! However, the true ―Yema― is milk-sugar-egg yolk balls dipped in caramelized white sugar that resemble dwarf sized derby hats. These milk-based sweets are favorite give-aways during wedding receptions in Sariaya, but they can likewise be bought from any of the many Pasalubong stores that dot the Sariaya – Candelaria stretch of the Maharlika Highway.

Pastries and Milk-Based Sweets Sariaya is synonymous with rich pastries and milk-based sweets in various shapes and flavors that are favorite Pasalubong items for locals and visitors alike. ―Kinakaw― is a sinful, sugar syrupcoated pastry that can be ―worn like a ring― on slender fingers… it‘s ― easily pulverized to-themouth ― characteristic courtesy of pork fat! ―Mazapan de Buco― is an equally sinful, milkbased sweet with coconut bits, that is baked to golden brown goodness prior to wrapping in colorful cellophane plastic.

Tikoy and Tamales ―Tikoy― is a heavy, rice-based specialty that is traditionally made in Sariayahin homes for Christmas, though it can be bought at the Pasalubong stores as well. It is made from grounded ―malagkit― or glutinous rice, combined with canned condensed milk, sugar, butter, cheese and egg yolks. The resulting mixture is then passed through asecond grinding process to have that very fine textured characteristic before being placed in buttered pans prior to a long steaming process. The end result is a deliciouslyrich brownish-yellow specialty that delightfully melts in the mouth. Since it hardens with storage, Tikoy can be fried in a low fire to regain its smooth chewy fine texture. (by SariayaTourism Office)

Mount Banahaw About ten kilometers north of Sariaya is this towering beautiful blue backdrop that shaped much of the town‘s history and inherent culture. It is an important watershed area, home to inherent flora and fauna, and a sanctuary for migratory birds. With an elevation of 7,103 feet, it is popular among local and foreign mountaineers who are out to challenge its forbidding cliffs. Devotees visit it during the Lenten season believing it to be sacred, while many come to soak in its cool mystic confines, among clear rivers, lush vegetation and quiet isolation. Its springs give birth to Sariaya‘s rivers, and one, once known as ‗Sadyaya‘ is said to be where Sariaya was named from. Be consumed by the wonderful variety of sights, sounds and tastes... “Tinapay Sariaya” If you hear somebody say that ―the Pinag-ong is worth dying for―, he or she is definitely a Sariayahin! Who else in this world can lay claim to having been nurtured by that sweet bread that resembles a turtle shell, crispy on the outside down to the two small ‗ nipples ‗ at both ends, yet tasty and chewy on the inside, most especially if freshly baked from the oven? No wonder that you hear ―Pinag-ong Sariaya― from bus-hopping vendors who coax passengers to buy their freshly baked wares with ―Mainit-init pa po!‖. And as you settle on your seat, bored to death by the silly plot of the slapstick comedy or substandard action flick on video, chances are your eyes will rest upon a can or two of ―Broas― or ―Apaz― bought from Sariaya‘s various specialty bakeries. Despite dubious claims by other localities that they are its real innovators, where else can you have the original Broas or ―Buruhas― as it is known in ―Sariayahin Tagalog―, the best of the socalled ―Ladyfingers― for ―Crema de Fruta― or simply a glass of ice cold Coke? Likewise, a steaming hot bowlful of native chicken ―Arroz Caldo― will not be that fulfilling without its perfect match, that oblong sugar-topped delicious crispness of ―Apaz― that they say melts in the

Discover Sariaya at its very best! Villa del Prado, one of the most beautiful resort based in Brgy. Bignay 1, Sariaya, Quezon. It has been operating for several years now, in terms of cleanliness and beauty, Villa del Prado is on top. It awaits you to relax and unwind, simply pampers you with a complete vacation and wholesome adventure. When it comes to accommodation, Villa del Prado offers you the best. The resort boasts of air-conditioned rooms, outdoor social venues and cottages.

RESORT ADDRESS: Bignay I, Sariaya, Quezon (042)5256311 / (0917) 5006129 RESERVATION OFFICE: Brgy. Laram, San Pedro, Laguna (02) 868-00-10 /25

8 GLOBAL CONNECT

1ST ISSUE OF DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE

Québec City Where the Past and Present Meet

With its vast countryside, small villages and large cities that offer all kinds of activities, Québec is a region that will please everyone. The lakes, rivers, mountains and falls sit right next to the historical cities and towns, which makes it a very diversified and inviting region.

about the restaurants and shops! Your taste buds will enjoy the gourmet menus created by renowned chefs. In the numerous boutiques, you will surely find all kinds of souvenirs to bring back from your wonderful stay in Québec.

Québec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico City. You will certainly be charmed by the ancestral style of its town centre. Its small cobblestone streets, where it is nice to go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, and its historical districts, such as the Quartier Petit Champlain and Place-Royale, will charm everybody. In summer as in winter, Québec City has many activities to offer: festivals, cultural events, exhibitions and concerts follow one another in a round of amusement. You will also find museums of all kinds around every corner and will thus have the opportunity to learn about the history of the region and that of its inhabitants. And what

In the suburbs of Québec City, you will find enchanting scenery as well as lovely towns and small villages. On the Côte-de-Beaupré, nature is in perfect harmony with culture to offer magnificent sites where spectacular falls and high mountains will delight all winter sports enthusiasts and please everyone. The suburbs also offer many activities. The beauty of the Jacques-Cartier Valley is comparable with that of the Montmorency Falls and the Cap Tourmente. Sainte-Annede-Beaupré is far from being outdone thanks to its important religious heritage. Moreover, numerous bed and breakfasts and inns can accommodate you during your stay in this

part of the region. Above all, do not forget to visit one of the main attractions of the region, the Île d‘Orléans, which has been attracting many visitors for years. This small green island conceals more than one secret that you will have the chance to discover. Its parks, its famous chocolate factory, its historic monuments, the Parc des Bisons, its orchards and its inns will charm you for sure. During a rainy day, or to simply spend time or money, you can visit the many shopping centres of the region. The two main ones are the Galeries de la Capitale with its MégaParc and fairground attractions, and Laurier Québec (formerly known as Place Laurier), which awaits you with its some 350 boutiques. Source: http://www.quebec-travelguide.com/