Sunday, December 12, 2010

On to Baguio and up North

Tour Flair went on an exploratory road trip up north to visit the sites and savor the culinary delights of the region.

Leaving Manila in the earlymorning, we took the North Expressway which was a breeze – no traffic and great highways – and reached Luisita, Tarlac, in an hour and a half. The home town of the late president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, the family has a beautiful ancestral home and “hacienda”, part of which was converted into a high-end subdivision – Las Haciendas de Luisita – which boasts of tree-lined avenues and an exclusive golf club. We opted to have a pancake breakfast in the “Village Square” and we were delighted to see a little colorful goat cart taking children for a ride. So unique!

UNIQUE GOAT CART

Then it was off to Baguio – a 3 hour stretch of leisurely driving through the countryside towns and rice fields and up the mountains. The zig zag roads and the breathtaking views are really a site to behold. Baguio was so much a part of my childhood. Dubbed the summer capital of the Philippines because of it’s beautifully cool mountain weather and pine forests, it was the most popular vacation destination for the Manila folk in the 1950s up to the early 1990s. Many Manilans, to escape the summer heat, would take the children and family up as soon as school was out to spend the rest of the summer in the cool weather. Most families had summer residences in the city and frequented the exclusive “members only” Baguio Country Club.

FAMOUS BAGUIO COUNTRY CLUB VERANDAH

The children would go horseback riding, roller skating, boating and mini cardriving (at Burnham Park), while the men played golf at the Club, and the women did their shopping at the market for silver,antiques and fresh vegetables. Camp John Hay was as American recreational facility and had a magnificent golf course and typical American restaurants and commissary. Now in the 21st century, Baguio City, being the capital of the Mountain Province, is a very busy and crowded metropolis. The Country Club and John Hay (now privately owned) are still great destinations for golf and family vacations and the silver and craft markets are a draw card – if one can brave the traffic.

WITH CARLO & JO LOPEZ

We stayed overnight at the Country Club and were joined by a young couple who had just come in from the United States and were vacationing in Baguio – Carlo and Jo Lopez. They had a lot of fun golfing, drinking and dining out at the many diverse night spots in the city. One of the highlights of their tour was the Bencab museum. Ben Cabrera, a national artist from the province – whose museum is a wonderful collection of artwork from various well-known artists, artifacts and antiques of the indigenous mountain tribes, and a beautiful garden with old ancestral Igorot huts and rice terraces, is a popular visitors sight. His quaint restaurant serves authentic local delicacies. We had a fabulous gourmet dinner at Le Chef at The Manor – a 5-star hotel in John Hay - with master chef Billy King. It was a superb dining experience with the awesome view of the gardens in the open air dining room.

KAHUNA BEACH RESORT IN LA UNION

The next day we were on the road again - this time up north to the Ilocos Region. We left Baguio and headed down the mountains to the beach area of La Union and stopped by a great resort – Kahuna Beach. The cottages and cabanas were really top class and was a nice relaxing stop-over before heading out on the long drive to Vigan. Even the dark sand beach and the surf had a special charm to it and it is a destination for surfers – with the Billabong group from Australia working in partnership with Kahuna.

CALESA IN HISTORIC VIGAN

In another couple of hours we were in Vigan – the heritage listed historical village, which is the oldest and the only surviving Spanish/Filipino city in the Far East. It boasts of the Cathedral, the Archbishops Palace and the various homes dating back 400 years. The horsedrawn carriages – calesas – wend their way thru the cobble stone streets with the old houses selling artifacts and various local gifts and wares. The Syquia Mansion gives us a glimpse of the lifestyle of the era.

CANDLELIGHT DINNER AT SITIO REMEDIOS

After quite a tiring day, we headed off to Sitio Remedios in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, for 2 nights. The Sitio is so perfect – with Filipino Spanish inspired cottages and beautiful gardens by the South China Sea. The service, hospitality and warmth of the staff were everything one could ask for and the food was delicious. The place is so peaceful – especially in the early morning – that you feel entirely relaxed and worry-free. It was quite hard wresting yourself away from that tranquility to go on with the tour. But on we went to visit the other amazing sites of Ilocos Norte.

Surely the highlight of the region is the 16th century church and bell tower in Paoay – San Agustin Cathedral – the oldest and most beautiful church in the country. The bell tower is truly amazing with the original huge bronze bells – 4 of them – brought in by the Agustinian friars, and the stone walls made of sea coral taken from the China Sea 5 kilometers away. Malacanan of the North – where the Marcoses have their residence is not to be missed. We went on to Batac to visit the Marcos Museum and ancestral home and checked out the pottery making that is famous in the region. On the way up to Laoag, we saw the 16th century lighthouse built by the Spaniards – a beacon for their navy – which is still used by the Coast Guard. - and the Museum of Ilocos Norte which depicts the lifestyle and produce of the region. We drove further up north to visit the beaches of Pagudpud and then it was back to Sitio Remedios for a much needed rest and another fabulous dinner – served by candlelight.

HISTORIC BELL TOWER

The next day we left for the long 10 hour drive to Manila – tiring but worth it. It was a memorable experience and one that allowed us to experience and appreciate what the North of the Philippines has to offer.

PAGUDPUD BEACH

Friday, October 1, 2010

CRYSTAL CLEAR

UNSUNG HEROES? ABSOLUTELY!

My husband and I just arrived from a two-week cruise on board the Crystal. Needless to say it was most enjoyable. The Crystal Serenity is the fairly new state-of-the-art cruise ship, built by Crystal about 7 years ago. It took two years to build. It can hold up to about 1080 passengers, with a crew of 650. This particular cruise was a quick sell-out with 980 passengers, being a popular Mediterranean cruise mixed with culinary wonders. Celebrated San Francisco chef Michael Mina was on board to cook fabulous meals for the passengers and gave several cooking demonstrations. Crystal also happens to have two other fabulous restaurants onboard -- Silk Road, whose chef is the one and only Nobu, and Prego, hailed by a famed food critic when he wrote that "the best Italian food I ever ate was on board the Serenity's Prego Restaurant".

The Crystal Serenity coming into Istanbul where we boarded

What made it extra special for my husband and I was the fact that more than half the crew was Filipino. 350 of the 600 crew members came from the Philippines. Everywhere we went, there was always a smiling Filipino face to help and assist. The foreigners simply adored this pampering, and they never ceased to comment about how the Filipino staff immediately jumped to their needs and even remembered their names.

Our two-week cruise gave us a chance to know the crew on board as we often saw and spoke to them. Even the band was Filipino and they would often sing Anak for my husband, as they knew he enjoyed this song (and so did a lot of the foreigners). The three "techies" in the computer room were also Filipino. Majority of the Filipino crew are below deck, though, either cleaning, scrubbing decks, washing dishes, doing the laundry. The rest are up on the 12th deck where the buffet, sandwich and scooping stations are. It is also where the pool is located. A sprinkling of stewardesses (chambermaids) are from the Philippines, but we noticed that there were very few Filipino women in the crew. I only met three.

The Filipino Band

Wherever we go in the world, my husband and I are always interested in speaking to fellow countrymen and inquire about their life, their plight, their problems. And we did the same on this cruise. We asked about their families. We told them the latest gossip. When they would spot us lounging by the pool or lunching on the deck, a group of them would gather around to chat. "We get so excited whenever a Filipino guest comes on the ship," one of them said. They told us us that upon hiring, they sign a contract that 80% of their salary is retained in thePhilippines. So they do not receive the full amount, unlike the rest of the foreign crew. Who knows but this could be a requirement by the Bureau of Labor or Commerce (?) so as to ensure that the dollar inflows into the country are steady. Also, salary schedule in a cruise ship is different. The head waiters and captain waiters, as well as room stewardesses get lower pay, since all guests are required to pay them a "tip" of at least $5 per person per day. The waiters on the 12th deck (the Filipinos) do not receive a tip, as they are on a regular salary. Which is what the hiring company in the Philippines prefers, so that they benefit more from the dollar exchange, since the salary is a set amount.

The 12th Deck is called Lido Deck. Lunch being served by the Filipino waiters.

Work on board the cruise ship for these Filipinos is hard, as they are constantly scheduled on jobs all over the ship. Catering to almost a thousand guests, preparing super gourmet meals nightly, plus having food ready round the clock, not to mention the entertainment, the gym, the spa, the computer room, the laundry, the excursions, just so many things, all served in first class style -- is quite a feat. The Filipinos handle just about most of this...the grunt work, that is. They consider themselves fortunate to be part of the Crystal family as Crystal treats them very well. As we departed, Manny, the waiter up at the 12th deck, told us that after the final night's dinner, they hauled the thousands of suitcases of the guests and brought them down to the baggage claim area at 2 AM. And after all the guests departed from our cruise at 10 am, they were turning around, cleaning and preparing the ship for another thousand passengers that were boarding THAT NIGHT! Phew!


These 350 hardworking Filipinos that made our trip so enjoyable are part of the 10 million Filipinos that work overseas to make life better for their families back home. They contribute to the $17 billion that comes in annually to the Philippines which makes up close to 11% of our country's GDP. They are our unsung heroes, because the hard work and sacrifice that they selflessly do for their families is what keeps our struggling country afloat.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

INFO NIGHT IN BRISBANE

Wayne Lyons and his wife, Rosemary, invited a group of friends to the home of Dinty and David Keating last September 23, 2010 for a special wine, cheese and antipasto info-night about TourFlair. Dinty once again presented to the group TOURFLAIR -- the personalized concierge tour agency for those interested in travel to the Philippines. Wayne is a good friend of David's from way back and currently owns a very succesful business advisory and tax firm.

Wayne Lyons & Ken Horton David Keating with friends Ruth & Libby

The party included a group of 16 long time friends - lawyers, doctors, engineeers, art lovers and adventurers, keen on exploring and seeing what the Philippines has to offer. After a few wines and beers, accompanied by cheeses and antipasto, everyone sat down to enjoy the video presentation on TourFlair. Wayne started by telling them all about his Philippine experience -- the great time he and his wife, Rosemary, had in Manila and Cebu -- that the tours would be just as special because visitors would be treated like friends. More so because the people behind TourFlair have all the expertise and connections. He went on to say that the tour would be nothing less than first class and spectacular.

Tony James & friend Robyn, Rosemary Lyons, Glenda & Chris

The guests were absolutely enthralled by the video and what the Philippines had to offer. In their excitement, they sat down and drew out their version of a 10 day tour for the group, to include Manila, Boracay and El Nido, plus trekking to Mt. Pinatubo and a trip to Corregidor. Being an adverturesome group, they certainly want to pack it in! They will definitely be joining us next year for this fabulous tour.

Peter, Chris & David Keating, Dean Kelly Bob, Ian & wife

The evening cocktails turned out to include a nice pasta and barbecue dinner prepared by the hosts. As they departed, each guest was thrilled to receive Philippine-made give-aways of note cards (Phyllis Zaballero - for the Chosen Children), colorful sabutan fans, and a little doll Christmas ornament.

Well worth the effort, despite the clean-up after?

Good job, Dinty! And cheerio to you, David!


Friday, August 27, 2010

Presentation!

A TourFlair Evening: August 23, 2010

Monday evening saw TOURFLAIR hold an intimate wine and cheese reception in Brisbane, Australia, to showcase the beauty and old-world charm of Manila and the Philippines.

The event, hosted by Teresa (Dinty) and David Keating, started at 6:00 pm. Everything in the Keating home is from the Philippines, from the marble terrace lit with capiz lanterns, the furniture, the dƩcor and original paintings of Ivan Acuna and Carlos Rocha, to the wooden platters and give-aways. Sumptuous cheese and antipasto platters and, of course, the good wine, set the mood for an enjoyable and hospitable evening, all done in gracious Filipino style.

The Keating home showing off their Philippine decor

Guests, all professionals and academics, movers and shakers in Brisbane society, showed up. Agnes Whiten, herself a very influential person at the University of Queensland and the chairperson of the Ethnics Communities Council of Queensland, did most of the inviting.

Dinty Keating, Jeannie Mok, Marie Louise; Debbie Yeo, Peter Keating, Quantas' Mr. Yeo

Among the attendees were the Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Mian Meng, the vice consul Li Yingguan, the chairman of the Lord Mayor’s Round Table Nick Xynias and his wife Pat, the Vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Robert Hernandez and his wife Helen, Jeannie Mok and Evelyn Wong –pricipals of the Asian Pacific Institute, Margaret Vallance of the University Women’s Society, and Colleen Forester – government lobbyist and business consultant. Reena Johnson of the Philippine Consulate, Carl and Marie Louise Singson of Gawad Kalinga and Debbie Yeo of Westpac Bank were enthusiastic supporters of the evening.

Robert & Helen Hernandez, Nick Xynias; Evelyn Wong & Li Yungguan

Once everyone was comfortable, happy and enjoying themselves, Dinty started the presentation with a short introduction about herself as founder of TOUR FLAIR. She stressed the fact that the agency only does very intimate, small group tours, making visitors feel like friends and special guests. She informed them that Mindy Perez-Rubio and Lory Vi Valdes had personally prepared the video presentation for them. They all settled down to watch the video and were totally engrossed. They loved the fact that it was very personal - especially when Dinty pointed out that even her Mom was in the DVD movie. After the show, they just sat there waiting for more. They were truly impressed and the video just raised their interest in the Philippines.

Pat Xynias, Reena Johnson & a guest await presentation

It was a very successful information evening and most of the guests were interested in joining the tours if not this November, hopefully some time next year. There will be more of these wine and cheese evenings – the next one on Wednesday, September 1. Stay tuned!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Party Town

There is no better social a scene and nightlife than in Manila. The metropolis is abuzz with city-goers enjoying excellent restaurants, fine bars, dancing clubs. The ladies dress to the nines, usually in the latest European fashion. The men attire more casually, in jeans, chinos and polos, and most are seen with their showy cars and drivers as they hop off. Some come with bodyguards, especially the politicians, celebrities and hot shots. Their adult sons and daughters are similarly accompanied .
Dressed to the nines!

Weekends are the most fun, as most Manilans feel it is a crime to stay home on a Saturday night. However you can go out any day of the week as bars and restaurants are always packed with revelers. Wednesday, mid-week, is also a special party night.

A popular trendy club

The night scene does not get started until ten in the evening, usually after a late dinner. Most kids either start off at Nu-vo for after dinner cocktails. Or if they feel more ritzy, they will gather at Martini's at the Mandarin Hotel, a bar that serves the best 'tinis in town (shaken, not stirred). Cav, at Bonifacio High Street, is another "in" wine bar and restaurant at the Fort Strip, that serves excellent wine and good food.

Sipping martinis at MARTINIS

After dinner, people either move on to other trendy spots at the Fort like Establishment or Members Only. Establishment is a good dining place, as the chef, Margarita Fores of Cibo fame, has pulled out all stops to create fabulous dishes. Their night club, next door, is cozy and rhythmic, as the beat of the music follows you even into the restrooms! Members Only is an elegant night spot at the Fort area, where many celebrities like to hang out to escape the eyes of the fans. Entry into this club is exclusive as the club's name specifies. Embassy (Cuisine) in the Fort strip is one of the more popular dance clubs (for the young) with hip-hop and techno music. It really gets going later into the night. For a more relaxed atmosphere, MCafe, a restaurant-bar at Greenbelt serves Asian fusion food. This cafe is found next to the Ayala Museum in Greenbelt.

"Establishment" Exclusive "Members Only"

If you prefer a more quiet evening, you can hang out at the Greenbelt strip. The restaurants along Greenbelt 2, 3 and 5 (all good!) have outdoor seating. This is a popular place for those partyphiles who wish to relax yet want to see and be seen.

Greenbelt Skyline

The older crowd, usually ladies, prefer to go to dance clubs. Since their husbands do not like to dance, they go with their girl-friends for a fun night on the town. Europa (in Makati), Savannah Moon (in Quezon City) and Havana (Greenbelt) are among the better ballroom dance spots. These clubs also serve food, but not as fine as you would find at a restaurant. However, Havana serves tasty, authentic Cuban dishes. You can bring your own DI (dance instructor) or hire one at the club. A DI is a young professional dancer/gentleman that is paid by the hour to dance with a lady. Nowadays, there are female DIs to partner with men who wish to go dancing. About 10 years ago, the DI craze went wild in Manila, and Manila socialites would hit the dance clubs in the early afternoons (while their husbands were at work) and party away with their girl friends and personal DIs. A great way to keep the cardio workout going! Some of the wealthier older ladies actually got infatuated with their DIs and supported them in lavish lifestyle. The craze has simmered down somewhat, since pilates has taken over as the exercise fad for socialites.


If you wish to take a peek at Manila's high society, check out the Tattler Magazine or Lifestyle Asia Magazine. The faces you see at Tattler are usually the same ones every issue, as the editors prefer to feature society people, models and celebrities. It does get redundant after a while, since Manila is, after all, a small town. Everyone knows everyone!


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Aman-azing!

Many have wanted to visit an Aman resort, but because of it's pricey rooms and exclusivity, most are hesitant to go. Ever since Amanpulo was built in 1993, and then remodeled in 2007, I have longed to visit the island as we had heard nothing but raves about the beauty of the island, not to mention it's being owned by the Aman Group, consistently rated the number one resort chain in the world. My husband and I were fortunate enough to have won the auction bid to visit Amanpulo at a fund-raising event in Manila. Thus sometime in February, we arranged for our visit to this serene and private island resort.


Amanpulo was designed by Bobby Manosa, whose renowned architectural style is traditionally Filipino combining an exotic south-seas feel. Merging all the comforts and modern technology available, the resort is one of the most beautiful in the world, in terms of unassuming elegance and setting. The landscape was left completely natural and untouched. The beauty of the resort is in the island itself, it's pristine sands, turquoise waters, tranquility, roomy yet simple casitas, and most of all, unmatched service.

Rustic setting - hammock outside our cottage & a beautiful Villa

We opted for the early afternoon flight. We were dropped off at the Soriano Hangar, where the Amanpulo Terminal is situated. From the moment we stepped into the lounge, we immediately felt the exclusivity of the resort. There were only four passengers on the flight to Amanpulo, on their 19-seat twin engine turbo prop plane. My husband is always wary of flying small aircraft, but felt better when he learned that it was only a forty minute plane ride to Pamilican (the island's name). A red carpet was laid out from the lounge to the plane, for the guests as they boarded. The ride was quick and without a ripple, and being a smaller plane, it flew low enough to enjoy seeing the myriad of tropical islands below as we flew south fromLuzon.

Aerial view of Pamilican Island & Twin engine plane coming in for landing

Soon we spotted a tiny island surrounded by pure white sands. As the plane whisked by Pamilican island, a group of people waved at us from the tarmac, and as we landed, another red carpet was laid out while the General Manager and his wife personally welcomed us. A golf cart awaited us with a receptionist, who drove us around the resort to acquaint us with all the facilities the resort had to offer. Then we were dropped off at our casita and the golf cart was left for our use throughout our stay.

Our very own golf cart & the Deck of our Casita

We felt like we were the only guests at the resort, but in reality, there were quite a number of visitors including Adrian Zecha, the CEO and owner of Amanresorts worldwide, who had flown in with some family and friends to celebrate his birthday. We were told that Amanpulo is his favorite Aman resort. We had reserved a special table at the Beach Club for dinner, only to find out that this table was usurped by Zecha himself, with some friends. Thus we sat at another table. The next evening we witnessed a display of fireworks in the distance as Zecha entertained his guests at a nearby beach for his birthday.

View of sea from Beach Club & a romantic dinner

Our days were spent exploring the island in our golf cart, walking along the beach, working out at the gym, relaxing in our cabana or out at the beach, and snorkeling. Dinners were intimate and romantic and the cuisine was superb.

Endless white sand beach & walking through natural vegetation

Upon entering our cottage, we were immediately warned that the beach is filled with sand fleas or nik-nik. Thus everywhere we went, we saw containers of insect repellant lotion, and they never ceased to stress the importance of applying the lotion everywhere we went. We would go off for breakfast every morning and return to our casita to find it all cleaned and fixed. We never got to see our chambermaids. They were that discreet and efficient. While walking down the beach, a waiter would run up to us with a refreshing cold towel and glass of ice water. It was as if the staff anticipated our every whim, our every fancy.

Our Casita

Up at the Main Lobby and pool area, there was a powerful telescope for guests to look at the stars. We saw the Milky Way from the naked eye, and with the telescope a very clear view of Saturn with it's rings. Amazing! There was a lot of land development going on in the far side of the island -- roads being built and villas being constructed. Amanpulo has sold these gorgeous private villas to investors and Aman "junkies".

Main Lobby, Restaurant & infinity pool & a Villa

There really isn't much to do in Amanpulo except relax and absorb the tranquility of the island. After three days in Paradise, both my husband and I were hesitant to return to Manila. But since all good things come to an end, we flew back to town....with the resolution that if ever we win the lottery, we shall buy a villa in Amanpulo!

What I brought back from Amanpulo were the insect bites on my stomach, as I had neglected to put lotion in that area, thinking that the nik-nik would never bite me there. Well, I can literally say the Aman bug bit me, because I so totally want to return!


Monday, July 12, 2010

South Sea Pearl

Imagine a city that is balmy all year round, with gentle breezes, occasional rains and no typhoons. Almost sounds like Camelot. This is Davao. It is the largest city in the Philippines, and located in the southern tip of Mindanao, the southeastern most group of islands in the Philippines.

We were a group of eleven that arrived at the Davao airport shortly after Christmas. As we were ushered to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort boat terminal which was comfortably equipped with lounge and restaurant, we were met by Tony and Maricris Brias, our hosts. Maricris Floirendo Brias manages a gift shop at the terminal, selling unique hand-made items. Her woven fabrics and pillow cases are of the most exquisite and unusual I have even seen, and much of her designs are exported to Europe and the United States.

A high-powered boat shuttled us to Pearl Farm where we were lucky enough to have booked two of the Floirendo cottages, in Malipano island, just minutes across from Samal island where the Pearl Farm resort is situated. The Malipano Villas are absolutely magnificent, designed by Bobby MaƱosa, and built by Don Antonio Floirendo, Sr., for his children -- one villa for each child. His villa, at the top of the hill, is the most splendid with an almost 360 degree view of the sea.

Malipano Villas
Samal Houses at Pearl Farm

The Pearl Farm Resort was an actual pearl farm where thousands of oysters were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Floirendo purchased the farm from the Aguinaldo Family over 20 years ago, and slowly developed the 14 hectare farm into a first-class resort. The resort is world renowned, and has been featured in Architectural Digest.

That first night, we were invited by Congressman Tony-Boy and Margie (Moran) Floirendo to dinner at Don Antonio's villa with their family. It being the holidays, the atmosphere was merry with lots of twinkling Christmas lights and parols hanging festively along the verandah. The rest of our dinners were at the Maranao Restaurant, or at the Parola Bar, the three-story structure that juts out into the water, where we enjoyed cocktails and karaoke singing overlooking the moonlit waters and nearby islands.

View of Malipano from Parola Bar ; enjoying cocktails at Parola Bar

The next day, we arranged for the resort to take a group of us diving, and everyone set off on a pump boat to a nearby quiet island, where a chef and waiter set up tables and barbecued seafood and vegetables while we learned to dive and snorkel, marveling at the multi-colored fish and coral that surrounded the island. Lunch under the coconut trees in a tiny deserted island with 'butlers' at your service was an unimaginable experience!

Malipano private beach; Barbecue lunch at remote island

Lounging at our Villa

Malipano Villas have their own private beach, where we enjoyed the mornings sunbathing and swimming. The next afternoon, we took the speedboat to Davao City for some shopping at the market. The antiques, woven fabrics, sarongs, brass and handicrafts were so inexpensive, we bought quantities of everything. Then we drove up to the foothills of Mount Apo (the highest peak in the Philippines) where we dined on Paella and Sangria, at the resthouse of Tony and Maricris Brias, which offers a spectacular view of the Davao Gulf and the surrounding islands. The kids had a ball riding a carabao drawn cart around the property!

Brias Resthouse at foothills of Mt. Apo; Carabao ride

Our visit was much too short, as we reluctantly hastened back to Manila to celebrate the New Year. Before checking in at the airport, we made one last stop -- to buy, what else?... mangoes and pomelo. Who can resist the tastiest, sweetest fruits in world?

There truly is no better way to visit a place than to have friends show you around! Our visit to Pearl Farm was indeed a magical experience.