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!

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!

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 Mañosa, 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.

BALI HAI

Anyone that has been to Boracay will tell you that it is one of the best beach destinations in the world . This small but astonishingly beautiful island is truly a tropical haven with its pink-white powdery sands, crystal clear waters and amazing colors of the sunset. From diving, surfboarding, windsurfing and sailing, to sunset cocktails and moonlit dinners on the beach –Boracay has it all.

Going to Boracay always excites me! This time, I was asked to be “madrina” (a sponsor) at the wedding of my nephew, Carlo Lopez, and his bride, Joanna Disini, who were to tie the knot at the gorgeous Shangri-la Resort and Spa in Boracay.

We flew Philippine Airlines from Manila to Caticlan. The Shangrila team whisked us off in their luxurious speedboat via their private terminal directly to the resort. The exhilarating 15-minute boat ride skirts the beautiful coastline of the island and the main beach. Arriving at Shangri-la is literally stepping into A TROPICAL PARADISE.

Shangri-la resort & View of pool & sea from bedroom

Most of the guests were billeted in the hotel’s well-appointed rooms, but my husband, David, and I were invited to stay at the fabulous residence of our close friends, Tim and Maria Shroeder. After a leisurely lunch at the Shang – and quite a few beers and cocktails at the pool bar (which was right on the beach) -- we headed off to the Shroeders for a siesta. Their home is on top of a hill, in Diniwid, overlooking plush greenery, barely 5 minutes away from the resort.

By 5:00 pm we were back at the Shangri-la for the wedding rehearsal and dinner held at the bride and groom’s exotic villa fronting the beach. Complete with its own private gardens and pool, it was the perfect setting for a fun, romantic evening.

After a full day at the resort’s private beach – eating and drinking at the bar – everyone was ready for the grand event. Needless to say, the beach ceremony was beyond words and the sunset was nothing less than spectacular! As cocktails were served, fireworks lit the sky to the delight of everyone and then it was off to dinner and dancing till the wee hours of the morning. Truly a night to remember!

Shangri-la's Pool Villa & Wedding set-up at Punta Bunga Beach

The wedding party met for dinner the next night in town – at the Dos Mestizos Restaurant - an authentic Spanish restaurant owned by Binggoy Remedios, a Boracay resident. The Paella was scrumptious and Sangria was plentiful and Carlo and his group of friends entertained everyone, singing and playing the guitar.

We lingered a few more days at Tim and Maria’s. Their home is walking distance to the main beach where we spent the mornings swimming and bar-hopping. We discovered that the farther down the beach we walked, the cheaper became the beers and drinks – Shangri-la being the most expensive, then Fridays, Discovery Shores and finally the Obama Bar – where the lie-lows were half way in the water. Transportation on the island is mostly by tricycle (tuk-tuks) but our host, Tim, preferred cruising around in his own golf-cart. There are also a lot of motor buggies, but these are used by the younger set. You can take a more conventional mode of transportation like a van or a jeepney. But if you are in Boracay – you must experience the tricycles.

We visited the newest luxurious resort on the island about 30 minutes by golf cart. Asya is a modern high-end resort located at the other end of the island. It definitely is another great Boracay destination and given a few years when the trees grow out, it will be another Paradise Resort. The restaurant and café by the beach were first-class and prices were very reasonable.

A final beautiful day in paradise ended with dramatic sunset cocktails at Diniwid beach. No one wants to leave the island, to get back to “reality”. The island is so perfect, it seems unreal. Like Bali-Hai, it beckons you to stay. The only solace is that you know you can always come back.

YES – BORACAY IS TRULY A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE!