1st Issue Of October 2009

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

- Views Inside News Feature

VOLUME II NO. 7

CEBU FLOWERPECKER IS SPECIES CHAMPION IN UK BIRD FAIR

Lifestyle and Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Special Feature

Global Connect

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The country‟s Cebu Flowerpecker recently received the Bird Life Species Champion award in the recently held British Birdwatching Fair 2009 in Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom (UK).Known as the „Woodstock of Birders,‟ the British Birdwatching Fair is an exclusive event where all sectors in birdwatching and wildlife conservation from all over the world gather.Presented by BirdLife International, the award was given to the Department of Tourism (DOT) which was also named as the Species Champion for the said endemic bird.“This award seals our country‟s status as a premier birdwatching site in the global birders‟ community. More importantly, it will draw further support for biodiversity awareness and wildlife preservation from our local sectors,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.The Cebu Flowerpecker has been rediscovered by renowned birder and zoologist Dr. Rob Timmins who saw it in 1992, 100 years after its last sighting. The bird was found in the village of Tabunan, and small numbers can also be seen in NugAs and Mount Lantoy, also in Cebu. Presently, an estimated 100 birds of this specie may be living in the area.British birdwatchers have also confirmed new sightings of the elusive bird. Matt Merritt, Features Editor of the noted BirdWatching Magazine, wrote about his party‟s glimpses of the rare specie in their visit to Cebu recently. He described it as stocky, 12cm-long, with a distinctively red back, grey-white underparts, blue-black wings and a black head with short stout bill.Capturing the bird in a photo has long been every birder‟s dream, as no photo of it yet exists due to its size and elusive nature, some of UK‟s birders said.Touted by the British wildlife enthusiasts as the bird that‟s „back from the dead,‟ the Cebu Flowerpecker was also cited as the flagship specie at the UK Birdfair. The event theme for this year was „Lost and Found,‟

highlighting winged species which were known to be extinct but have been recently rediscovered.Apart from the Cebu Flowerpecker, Merritt named other prized winged species that his group saw in their treks to other birding sites of the country which are Pampanga and Palawan.Some which he mentioned include, the Philippine Duck, Cinammon Bittern, Night Herons, Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Hanging Parrot, Bar-bellied Cuckoo Shrike, Philippine Falconet, Sooty Woodpecker, Yellow-vented Bulbuls, Brahminy Kite, Great Sand Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Tarictic Hornbill and Black Shama.“With one-third of our birds endemic, birdwatching is a viable tourism product for serious birders who make up a sizeable part of our high-spending segment,” added Durano.The country‟s participation in the recent Birdfair has likewise shored up gains for the country, said Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Planning and Promotions.“UK‟s biggest bird tour operators have included us in their packages and some wellknown birders are expected to arrive in the country in several

batches,” Jarque said.Rockjumper Birding Tours, Ornitholidays, Birdseekers, Nature Trek, and Birdquest are just some of the major tour operators which have added the Philippines in their program and brochures as one of the world‟s premier birdwatching sites.The country was well-represented in the Birdfair, with noted speakers Dennis Salvador, Nicky Icarangal, Jr., and Lisa Marie Pagnutalan giving a forum on subjects which include, Status and Conservation of the Great Philippine Eagle, Birdwatching in the Philippines, and Conserving Core Habitats in Cebu, respectively.Stanie Soriano, Corporate Relations Manager of Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, further shared that the country also won second place for the Best Stand Awards, having the most popular booth in the venue. “We gave out a comprehensive Birdwatching kit with books, CDs, and flyers on the tourism product. Our local Banda Kawayan also created a very festive atmosphere in the booth, delighting guests with our local music,” shared Soriano. by: Philippines Department of Tourism

2 NEWS FEATURE

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

Christian Bautista

sings Jose Mari Chan By Oliver L. Oliveros

Produced by Platinum Producer Ito Rapadas, the 19-track concept album contains Christian's rendition of songs popularized by OPM luminary and Double Diamond Artist Jose Mari Chan. The album also includes Christian's collaboration with OPM's biggest names Regine Velasquez,Lani Misalucha, Sarah Geronimo, and Jose Mari Chan.The carrier single "Tell Me Your Name" is currently one of the most requested songs on FM stations in the

Philippines. Its music video featuring Thai model-actress Paula Taylor has just debuted on MYX, the leading music channel in the country where Christian is also the Celebrity VJ for the month of October.The young singer‟s recording career was established early on with the release of Christian‟s phenomenal first single "The Way You Look At Me," culled from his Quadruple Platinum, self-titled debut album, which was later released in Indonesia (where it was certified Quadruple Platinum), and other Asian countries. He has also done original music videos, his own television special aired over RCTI, the country‟s largest television network, and various brand endorsements all over Indonesia - making Christian a certified Asian Pop Idol!Plans in releasing Christian‟s newest album in Asia is already in the pipeline. Right after its release in the Philippines, Indonesia‟s biggest record label PT Aquarius Records (which also distributed Jose Mari Chan's "Constant Change" in the '80s) will release Christian's album. For the Indonesian and Malaysian editions, Christian

has recorded a duet entitled “Ngiti” (translated in Bahasa) with Malaysian female recording star Noryn Aziz. Album release in other Asian countries will follow suit.The beautifully-packaged album comes with a 2010 Christian Bautista photo calendar. Limited edition "Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan" CD (with free minus one CD) is available EXCLUSIVELY in all Odyssey outlets."Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan" tracklisting includes “Tell Me Your Name,” “I Remember The Girl,” “Afraid For Love To Fade,” “I Have Fallen In Love (With The Same Woman Three Times),” “Please Be Careful With My Heart” with Sarah Geronimo, “My Girl My Woman My Friend” with Regine Velasquez, “Beautiful Girl,” “Can't We Start Over Again,” “Be Gentle,” “Stay My Love,” “Afterglow,” “A Love To Last A Lifetime,” “Here And Now” with Lani Misalucha,” “Constant Change,” “Deep In My Heart,” “Refrain,” “Can We Just Stop And Talk A While,” “So I'll Go,” and “A Heart's Journey” with Jose Mari Chan.

NCCA Presents Current: Daloy ng Dunong, 5th edition of Sungdu-an Series The National Commission for Culture and the Arts-Committee on Visual Arts (NCCACVA) through the Art Studies Foundation, Inc. and in cooperation with the National Art Gallery, National Museum of the Philippines presents Current: Daloy ng Dunong, an exhibition of some of the most promising artists from all over the country. The exhibit opened last September 30, 2009 and will run until November 15, 2009 at the North Wing, 4th floor of the Museum of the Filipino People. It features a dynamic mix of installation, mixed media (including soil as pigment from Bukidnon), painting, video, and sound art.

Daloy is fifth of a series of Sungdu-an exhibitions which started in 1996 as a product of the interaction among visual artists during the First Annual National Visual Arts Congress in 1995. Sungdu-an, is a Waray term which means confluence. The series springs from research and consultations with artists from the different regions but is presented as a curated exhibition. Since its launch in 1996, Sungdu-an has provided a platform for trailblazing works of young artists across the islands. Initiated by the NCCA-CVA for more than ten years now,

Sungdu-an has helped young artists to acquire distinction in the field of the visual arts. As a project, Sungdu-an sustains efforts to develop artists and curators on a long-term basis. Curating Daloy ng Dunong are Partrick D. Flores (Project Director), Dennis Ascalon (Curator for Visayas), Irma Lacorte (Curator for Luzon), Cris Rollo (Curator for Mindanao) and Claro Ramirez (Curator for the National Capital Region). For inquiries regarding Daloy, email [email protected] or text Mr. Mapee Singson at 09179633490.

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

CIRCULATION ULYSSES O. MANUEL DR. RAQUEL T. RABARA Public Relations Officers OLIVER L. OLIVEROS NIGEL TOLENTINO MA. SHEEN D. OANIA Writers/Contributors

BOYET GUEVARRA EMMANUEL ARIOLA Photographers JOHN REY B. GARCIA JOHN FRANK EVANGELISTA ROMA T. FEROLINO Advertising Representatives

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

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

3

A dream come true for Audie Gemora and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo By Oliver L. Oliveros

One has often wondered what it is about Stephen Sondheim‟s “Sweeney Todd” that has always been the ultimate enigma for the theatre artist who is passionate about his craft. To begin with, the story about a “demon barber” is not exactly what one would want to tell little children for their bedtime story. After all, if you think about it, the theme is rather grizzly. But one had to admit that there is this nagging fascination for all that is horrible and frightening – provided you are not part of it. So when you sit in a darkened theatre and watch the events as they unravel, you take pleasure in some delicious, tingly sensation. Sondheim‟s music in “Sweeney Todd,” is not your usual predictable sequencing of melody. On the contrary, to someone not familiar with his work, it may seem jarring at first. It takes genius to create a harmonious fluidity in the dissonance, which Sondheim seems to enjoy doing. So when his music combines with a story that is darkly irresistible, you‟re bound to have exceptional entertainment. For its new production of “Sweeney Todd,” Repertory Philippines has brought together the talents of two of the most respected actors in Philippine theatre today: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo playing Mrs. Lovett, and Audie Gemora essaying the title role. Menchu has had 25 years of theatre behind her, and has starred in “West Side Story,” “Camelot,” “The King and I,” “Evita” – to name a few. And as for Audie, he has had so many theatre-related functions that one is simply in awe of

his accomplishments. But it is in his dedication as a prime actor that marks his career. So when one asks these two accomplished artists why they have agreed to come out in “Sweeney Todd,” the responses are quite remarkable. For all the varied productions and roles they have been through, they both agree on one thing as far as “Sweeney Todd” is concerned: It is a dream come true. For Audie, “Sweeney Todd” has always been THE classic masterpiece of Sondheim. He jokingly remarks that if Repertory Philippines did not choose to produce it, he would. With a wry smile, he says – for athletes, it‟s the Olympics; for actors, it‟s “Sweeney Todd.” He adds that the musical is an art piece that has to be performed with precision, because the ear has to be trained for this particular type of music. The challenge “Sweeney Todd” a major challenge for the serious actor is to bring the listener to that space where the dissonance is actually harmony – as so it is! Menchu was in the 1982 Repertory Philippines‟ production of “Sweeney Todd” as the young girl, Johanna. Today, she takes on the rather weird Mrs. Lovett. As an actor, Menchu finds She observes that it can be frustrating when you “come in from the cold” and get exposed to Sondheim‟s music. It is his dissonance that makes it all unfamiliar territory. She laughingly adds, when you think you‟re singing it right, that‟s when you‟re off. And when you think you‟re off, that‟s when it‟s right! It is an understatement to say that both Menchu and Audie are enjoying their respective roles;

Email address: [email protected] Telephone number: (63) (72) 607 -6604 Fax number: (63) (72) 607 -6621 it has been a long time coming. Repertory Philippines‟ “Sweeney Todd” also features Liesl Batucan (beggar woman), Robbie Guevara (Beadle), Robbie Zialcita (Pirelli), Franco Laurel (Anthony), Lena Mckenzie (Johanna), Marvin Ong (Tobias), Roger Chua (Judge Turpin), Juno Henares (Mrs. Lovett understudy), and chorus members: James Stacey, Meynard Penalosa, Jejie Esguerra, Red Concepcion, Raul Montesa, Rem Zamora, Oliver Usison, Collins Gutierrez, Jay Pangilinan, David Cruz, Gary Junsay, Cara Barredo, Jay Glorioso, Naths Everett, Joy Virata, Marisse Santos, Ring Antonio, Gloria Sicam, Teenee Chan and Ronna Guba.

Contact us at: Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (077) 676-0183, (0921) 484-7746, (0929)847-9236 , (0919) 640-5630 and (0920) 574-0136 [email protected]

Mail address: Coconut Grove Beach Resort Km 263 National Highway 2501 Bauang La Union Philippines Baby Barredo co-directs with Michael Williams. Other members of the artistic and production staff include Gino Gonzales for costume design, John Batalla for lighting design, and Mio Infante for set design. Gerard Salonga conducts the FILharmoniKA orchestra. “Sweeney Todd” play dates are from November 13 to December 13, 2009 with additional matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at Onstage, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center Makati City. For ticket inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 8870710, 8880887 or Ticketworld at 8919999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph

4 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

You will find many historical, religious attractions in Pandi and Pulilan . You can visit the following places of interest.

San Isidro Labrador Church Pulilan, Bulacan San Isidro Labrador Church is one of the most historical churches in the Province of Bulacan. The town of Pulilan was once named San Isidro, in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of the farmers. Pulilan Carabao Festival (Held during May 14-15) Pulilan, Bulacan

Hundreds of work animals, mostly carabaos, are led on a parade in the streets of the town every 14th and 15th of May to honor its patron saint. San Isidro Labrador. The carabaos decorated with garland and shaved for the occasion, genuflect or kneel in front of the church. Witness the colorful Carabao Festival and religious activities of the town. On the 14th of May, farmers all over the town pay tribute to their patron saint. San Isidro Labrador, in glorious thanksgiving for a year-long bountiful harvest. The celebration is manifested by hanging all sorts of fruits, candies, food crops and multi-colored kipings on bamboo poles. The affairs is highlighted by kneeling of carabaos in front of the church and the symbolic floats. Every year, a sea of frolicking humanity comes in droves to witness this showcasing inate talents of the carabaos. WELCOME TO VILLA CONCEPCION WET Pulilan Butterfly Haven and & WILD WAVES, INC Resort Experience life as its should be... San Francisco, Pulilan, comfortable, fresh, fun! Hear the Bulacan waves crash, experience the soothing breeze of the beach and relaxing A sure heaven for butterfly and ambience amidst the ruggedness nature lovers with a scenic view nature... of a garden and collection of different species of orchids and Resort facilities Includes: • 2 wave pools plus 5 pools butterflies. Located within the • cottages • air-conditioned rooms facilities is an antiques museum • air-conditioned dorm-type rooms as well as a resort center with • function halls • convenience store swimming pools. • Dine, Drink, Shop & Sing! Center • playground • videoke • bike lane • fishing & boating • basketball court Kakarong de Sili Shrine • billiards Pandi, Bulacan

Brgy. Masuso, Pandi, Bulacan 3014 PHILIPPINES/ (044) 661-8888 / (02) 299-6701 (0917) 892-6485/ www.villaconcepcion.site90.com/ www.vcwwwi.multiply.com

It is on this site where the bloodiest revolution in Bulacan took place where more than 3,000 Katipunero revolutionaries died. Likewise, it is on this site where the Republic of Real de Kakarong de Sili of 1896 was established.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

Evangeline Beach Resort: By Travel Expert, Rodel T. Rabara

The Family Choice At Evangeline Beach Resort, the choices are aplenty for guests in pursuit of the ideal place to stay while in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Their diverse guestrooms appeal to every kind of personality- be it the freespirited; the homebody; the workaholics ; the family-oriented individuals; the comtemplatives or the adventurers. Rooms with twin beds; den with a romantic redsheet bed with extra-privacy; a minimalist room; rooms with spacious veranda; a 3rd floor haven; or a full-house with enough room for everybody: kids, couples, housemates. The family cottage for rent is loaded with a kitchen that‟s furnished with appliances for a home away from home experience. Swing by, sleep in or just enjoy the vibe of being in a resort that‟s near the beach. Visitors can also laze and have a pep talk with friends in the picnic shed; try the videoke or go for nor a nine-ball billiard game with buddies. Evangeline Beach Resort also offers delectable food in their restaurant and their menu offers colorful dishes to satisfy every palate. They prepare local food dish, rice toppers, sandwiches, seafoods and desserts which can also be served to check-in guests right in their very room. Evangeline‟s clients are composed of locals and a good part of it are foreigners, Europeans, Koreans who inhabit their place especially during peak season. Room rates range from Php 800 to as high as Php 7,000. Guests can take advantage of lower rates during off - peak season (June- onwards). The resort can also provide a shuttle service to airport as the customer requires. This tourist hub also caters to special occasions and events such as weddings, birthday celebrations etc and can house up to 100 persons for such.

Evangeline Resort is in Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. For particulars on reservations, please call 0919-9679602 and 09162307980

Kabigan Falls

email: [email protected]

Ella

Cottages

RAMISCAL'S ESTATE & MOUNTAIN RESORT

Brgy. Lanao, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines For inquiries, call 0921-2234919 and look for Ms. Beverlina A. Gonzales, Manager

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6 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

PAOAY EXPERIENCE, A TREAT FOR ALL YOUR SENSES Paoay Church

Herencia’s Pinakbet Pizza

Paoay Lake A trip to Paoay is visual and tactile indulgence. It would entail a long drive from Manila to Ilocos, good thing Florida Bus makes that trip all worthwhile for its passengers. We left Manila Sunday and arrived in Ilocos Monday morning. Upon arrival we were greeted by the warm smiles of the Ilocanos and were met by Mr. James Galano, private secretary to Mayor Bonifacio Clemente Jr. The gentleman was very helpful and accommodating truly explaining each beautiful feature of Paoay to us. We were also met by Engr. Jose E. Cacayorin, the town‟s tourism consultant. This man is very passionate about tourism that he devoted a good amount of his life in showcasing Paoay as a unique travel experience and indeed it is a truly unique travel experience. We first visited the hotel in front of the municipal hall, Casa Dona Emilia and we were given a delicious snack to revived up our first photo shoot which the St. Augustine Church.

Casa Doña Emilia

Paoay is a 4th class municipality in Ilocos Norte most famous for its church, Paoay Church or the St. Augustine Church. The magnificent structure has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now undergoing restoration to preserve its grandeur. Aside from its architectural significance, Paoay Church, its bell tower to be exact, has a very important role in history as well. It became an observation post for our Katipuneros during the revolutionary years and later as an observation post during the Japanese times. It has served as a fortress for our countrymen and is still a fortress of culture, history, and heritage for the Ilocanos. Paoay Church is considered an earthquake Baroque structure. Intricately integrated in its design are corals, bricks, Oriental and Baroque inspired ornaments. Paoay Church is just one of the places to visit in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. What is a trip to Paoay without tasting its delicious delicacies? Across Paoay Church is Herencia Café with a Paris inspired mural, but reflecting on the graphics one can get a feel of the true Paoay spirit. Herencia Café serves Pinakbet Pizza. Yes, the pizza for every vegetable lover. They wouldn‟t share the secret to this tasty treasure but who cares once you indulge on this treat you can‟t think of anything else. They also have dinuguan pizza, although dinuguan is not a native of Ilocos, the dinuguan pizza is. Who would have thought this staple, ulam, could become a tasty snack treat. Trust Ilocanos to weave their magic in the kitchen and tourists will be under the spell of their tasty concoctions.

Loomweavers

Culili Point

Malacañang of the North is also a noteworthy place. This was built to house the former President Ferdinand Marcos, who is a son of Ilocos. This place is now a museum and a reminder of the once lavish lifestyle of the former President. The place is fronted by Paoay Lake and could be a great spot for jet skiing and water sports. It also has a golf course for anyone who wants to indulge in this kind of sport. The wooden structure is now beginning to show the duress of time but it is being restored through fees collected from visitors to constantly remind us of the significance Paoay has placed in our nation‟s history and culture. Another Paoay magic, is the Nagbacalan loomweavers. This handiwork is made by the natives. They incorporated the colors of the island to their work. They were inspired by the lazy days of Paoay it has become a signature of their creations. The Nagbacalan loomweavers is fronting Paoay Lake and it has become a museo for them. Countless foreign designers have worked with the Nagbacalan loomweavers because of their well crafted handiworks. And if this is not enough visual treat, you can also check out Culili Point, from a vantage view it‟s almost like an Indian man over looking China Sea. During summer, the place looks like a desert, without a grass in sight, you‟d thought you were somewhere in the Middle East. This exciting sight has just been recently discover proving Paoay has a lot of surprises to offer its visitors.

Sand Dunes

It was a long day at Paoay but still our gracious host Mr. James Galano, drove us to the bus station for our next itinerary Pagudpud, showing us the real Ilocano value of taking care of its visitors. Paoay Ilocos Norte, a truly unique travel experience, a tasty treat for all your senses.

SPECIAL FEATURE

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

ILOCOS

The delectable Vigan bibingka

– Cradle of Delicacies

The infamous Pinakbet

The simple Dinengdeng

The tasty Vigan/Laoag Longganisa

The Ilocos Region has a vast history like that of the Marcoses and a wide array of scenic spots like the Castillan Houses of Vigan, the white beaches of Pagudpud, the malacanang of the north in Paoay, the Light House of Burgos and much more to mentioned. Of course, this northern place isn‟t only famous by these places; it is also a great haven for what else – FOOD with truly authentic scents and spices that would crave for ! The Ilocanos boast for a wide variety of delicacies ranging from vegetables dishes to sweets. Here is the list of the mouthwatering dishes which will surely make your tummy ask for more: The infamous Pinakbet - a mixture of several vegetables such as squash, okra, eggplant, bitter gourd (ampalaya) and string beans (sitaw) cooked with bagoong (fermented fish paste). The way this dish is prepared varies in different parts of this region. Ilocanos who live closer to the sea top the pinakbet based in soup with grilled fish, leaving the vegetables cooked until tender and seasoned with bagoong while others cook this

The steamy Ilocano Empanada

The crunchy Bagnet

The mouth-watering Dinuguan Pizza in Herencia’s Café dish with sautéed pork in garlic, onion, tomatoes and shrimp paste along with assorted vegetables. The simple Dinengdeng – a mixture of horseradish (malunggay) and/or its fruit boiled in water, seasoned with bagoong and topped with grilled fish. This will surely make your rice meal a complete square. The tasty Vigan/Laoag Longganisa – a native sausage stuffed with garlic making it a very sumptuous ulam (viand) perfect for everyday breakfast. This longganisa is totally different than that of the one prepared in the mid-Luzon region. The garlic has a very crucial role in taking away the lansa (stench) of the meat making it more enjoyable to smell while it is being cooked over the pan. The steamy Ilocano Empanada – a meat pie that will surely make your taste buds go wild with. This is a very ideal merienda (snack) that satisfies a not-so-hungry belly. This meat pie has two varieties: the Laoag empanada with mongo beans, Laoag longganisa and egg as

fillings; and the Vigan empanada with cabbage, Vigan longganisa and egg as its fillings. Either of the two, your mouth and tummy will surely be satisfied. The crunchy Bagnet – pork belly that is deep fried with bagoong until skin turns crispy. This is ideal for a complete lunch together with Dinengdeng for that soft and crispy texture that your mouth would love to experience over and over again. The delectable Vigan bibingka – the rice cake that tastes like no other! The scrumptious mixture of giniling na bigas (grinded/powdered rice), milk and butter beats all those rice cakes of the country. The mouth-watering Chicharon and Dinuguan Pizza, the Poque-Poque with kbl, the Inabraw in Herencia’s Café located infront of St. Augustine Church in Paoay. Herencia‟s Café also known as the Birthplace of Pinakbet Pizza The region of Ilocos is really a sanctuary for relaxation – it is not just a good place to visit but a great location for a perfect meal.

BURAYOC POINT, PAGUDPUD ILOCOS NORTE

BURAYOC POINT, PAGUDPUD ILOCOS NORTE PLEASE CONTACT:

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8 GLOBAL CONNECT

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE

Discover the wonders

of Portugal World Travel Guide

Castle of Penela Deciding where to go on holiday can be tough, but with Portugal's idyllic scenery, stunning beaches, historic buildings and bustling cities, it really is the perfect location. In Portugal you can find the ideal holiday to suit all tastes and styles; so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. Portugal is certainly no secret holiday destination, as far as the UK is concerned. Britons have enjoyed the mild weather and pristine beaches for decades. But there is so much more to Portugal than sun and surf. The Porto climate makes almost any time of year a good time to visit, with mild winters and hot summers and light rainfall from November till March. Lisbon is, of course a popular destination for many holidaymakers, but the wealth of Porto attractions extend far beyond the capital's boundaries. In the south-central region of the country lies the lush and diverse province of Alentejo. Known as the bread basket of Portugal, this region is home to a variety of vistas and pastimes.

Centro City Break nite hills border Spain in the northeast. The west is home to miles of pristine beachfront lined by warm ocean waters. The north also serves as grazing country for farmers whilst lined by warm ocean waters. The north also serves as grazing country for farmers whilst the central region is home to a charming landscape covered in vineyards, olive groves, cork oaks and sunflower patches. It's also the home to the Lusitano breed of horses and some of Portugal's best examples of roman, moorish, medieval and baroque architecture. Castle towns and hilltop villages are scattered around a landscape that offers the visitor horse-riding adventures, wine tours, historical tours, nature lovers, surfers, hikers and bikers. And Alentejo accommodation offers some of Portugal's most elegant and historic options, from boutique hotels to historic Pousadas.

But if you're after something a little more urban, why not try Centro city breaks city breaks? The Centro province is where you'll find the snow-capped Serra da Estrela mountains, but it's The south of the province is home to rolling plains, whilst dramatic graalso the province of the city of Coimbra, the city of the fascinating medieval university and the ancient Jewish quarter. In fact, if It's wise to remember that although Englis you're planning a romantic city break, look no further than Coimbra and its quaint cobbled streets and breathtaking medieval architecture. Or, still in Centro province, there's the seaside city of Aveiro, a perfect family holiday spot with beaches and canals. h is relatively widely spoken here, it's always helpful for any tourist to brush up on a few useful Portuguese phrases such as Quanto é ele? (How For Bookings and Reservations , please contact Ms. Luisa Faylogna much is it?) and Por favor ajude-me (Please help me). It'll certainly help you along with the famously friendly locals.

Burayoc Point, pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Tel. 09103693204, 09282385762 Email [email protected]

To discover great deals and the perfect ways to spend your much-needed holiday, log onto www.discoverportugal.org.uk today and you could be enjoying your Portuguese holiday in not time.