COVER STORY

Sept-Oct 2011

Cover Photo by Mon Corpuz

July-August 2011

May-June 2011

Photo courtesy of Carrie Perrone Photography

Jan-Feb 2011

March-April 2011

Mystical Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Dubbed as the Summer Capital of Southern Philippines, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato is one of the top tourism destinations of Region 12. It is famous for its three scenic natural lakes – Lahit (24 hectares), Seloton (48 hectares) and Sebu (354 hectares), and is home to seven waterfalls, natural springs and the preserved cultural communities of the town’s T’boli tribe. It is also situated at an elevation of 1000ft., so it’s naturally cool up there.

Last time I was there last year was to document the “dreamweavers”, the elder T’boli women who still weave the beautiful tinalak (woven abaca fibers in radiant colors) underneath their huts in patience and perseverance until today. They are called such because the patterns come to them in a dream and are passed on from generation in a sacred tradition.

Two years ago, the provincial government of South Cotabato launched a P100-million tourism development project funded by the local government. Major focus was on road development networks and resort facilities establishment for the town’s seven wateralls. Two of these, Falls No.1 and Falls No. 2 are highly popular among tourists because of its majestic cascades.

Cable and ziplines are now underway to provide exhilarating adventures for those brave enough to zip high above while looking down at the breathtaking scenes. Provided by the same group who created Camp Sabros Zipline (Sacdalan Brothers), the the heart stopping ride that brings you over and across the highest falls gushing at more than a 100 feet (Falls No.2), is such a spectacular experience that P250 per ride is worth the heady rush of wind and panoramic vista below (think Avatar as you see

the patterned and distinct geological formations of the rock crater which holds the falls and water in a basin like shape).

These are images I took during a day’s trip to Lake Sebu after a long time. There were surprising changes and developments, but the place remains to be enchanting, serene and magical, and so are the people. I fall in love every time I come back.

DAVAO. Life is Here.

Endowed with a variey of picturesque landscapes, Davao’s topography dazzles: fruit plantations and orchid farms mantle volcanofed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Just as enchanting is its brilliant tapestry of harmony, woven from the diverse cultural threads of its people. In Davao, the contemporary fuses with the traditional as migrant settlers from all over the country co- exist in peace with a fairly large expatriate community and numerous ethnic tribes who continue to live as they did centuries ago.

Davao is an anchor tourist destination and one of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippine archipelago. It is a natural haven for both sedate and daring pursuits. Davao, on the southeastern seaboard of Mindanao is attracting more tourists because of its rich culture, abundant natural resources, forests, wildlife sanctuary and the imposing presence of Mt. Apo, (the tallest mountain in the country). Davao City limits sprawl over 224,000 hectares, among the largest in the world, leaving ample space for environmentally friendly expansion and development. If you’re in for an exciting and unforgettable experience for both business and leisure, come to Davao and feel the captivating lure of nature’s bounty fused with cosmopolitan comforts. A city that’s bustling yet peaceful, modern yet rustic. Anytime of the year, there’s always a good reason to visit Davao City.

LIFE IS HERE BECAUSE... Davao City is the hub of commerce and industry in the Southern Mindanao region. Yet, to this day, Davao City continues to straddle two worlds – the new and the old. But what makes Davao City different from other cities in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacifi c Region that would make it ideal for tourism and investment?

1. WE ARE TYPHOON FREE. Enjoy a typhoon-free vacation destination with good weather all year round plus an abundance of fl ora and fauna, making it ideal for outdoor activities . Davao City is definitely the best place for adventure and sports anytime of the year!

2. WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST POTABLE WATER IN THE WORLD. Davao City’s tap water has been tested for quality and was adjudged as one of the best in the world in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. No need for boiling, distilling, purifying, adding of minerals. No less than the World Health Organization said so!

3. WE ARE A MULTICULTURAL AND COSMOPOLITAN PEOPLE. Experience harmony in diversity as Davao City is home to at least 11 major indigenous tribes – Christian, Islam, Lumad- as well as migrant settlers from all over the Philippines and a growing global community of expatriates of various cultures and religions, speaking different languages who consider the city their home away from home.

4. WE HAVE A STRONG, DYNAMIC LOCAL GOVERNMENT. A favorite destination for study tours, Davao City is regarded as a model for other cities in the country. The local government is much admired not just nationally but also internationally. It has led in crafting landmark pieces of legislation, pioneering innovations in local governance, strong political will in the implementing policies and programs, a high level of self-suffi ciency; and its pluralist and liberal political climate result in significant grassroots and civil society participation.

5. WE ARE A SAFE DESTINATION. Have a holiday in the city that boasts of having one of the lowest crime rates (averaging 0.8 per 10,000 population per month). The Davao City Police Offi ce has consistently been chosen as the Best Police Office in the entire country. The Davao City Peace and Order Council has been elevated to the Philippine Hall of Fame for consistently being the best performing in the country.

6. WE ARE MOST PREPARED TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES. Davao City is the only Asian city that has an integrated emergency response system similar to that of the United States and Canada, the difference being that in Davao City , the service is absolutely for free and otally subsidized by the local government. Central 911 responds to all kinds of emergencies, medical, fire, police assistance, natural or manmade disaster. The Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council has been cited as the best prepared disaster coordinating council in the country.

7. WE HAVE EXCELLENT PUBLIC UTILITIES AND INFRASTUCTURE.Dabawenyos enjoy an abundant and stable supply of water and power 24 hours a day all year round. The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the number one water utility company among the 50 water utilities in the Asia- Pacifi c re gion. Being the third largest privately- owned electric utility in the Philippines, Davao Light & Power Co. is the country’s most effi ciently run power utility. The city is also the first in the country to have an adaptive traffic signalization system and has a state-ofthe-art traffic system similar to the system in Los Angeles, California,USA.

8.ONE CAN HAVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.Live a wholesome and healthy lifestyle in Davao City! The city pioneered the regulation of smoking in public places in the Philippines that gave birth to the National Anti-Smoking Law. Davao City has been a recipient of the prestigious Red Orchid Award of the Department of Health in 2010 and 2011 during the World No Tobacco Day. It has tough policies against dangerous drugs, violence against women and children (including prostitution and human trafficking), and environmental pollution. It has addressed the concern over aerial spraying in large plantations and banned the use of fi recrackers and similar pyrotechnics. It leads in the conservation of endangered species such as the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle, as well as the protection of the city’s watershed, coastal areas, rivers and gulf. Davao City boasts of having one of the most progressive and comprehensive reproductive health program in the world.

9. YOU GET MORE VALUE FOR MONEY. In Davao City, the ideal quality of life does not come at a high cost! When in Davao City, you enjoy the freshest and highest quality agricultural produce. It exports large volumes of banana, pineapple, orchids, and tuna. Its pomelo, durian, and mangosteen are soughtafter by many, yet these remain affordable and accessible to the locals on a daily basis.

10. OUR ENVIRONMENT IS OUR LIFE. Davao City takes advantage of environmental laws which ensure proper collection and disposal of garbage. The city is known for its well- disciplined residents plus a localized version of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act which is now being implemented. A huge sanitary landfi ll in place, regular and systematic collection of garbage from fixed points, and proper segregation have maintained cleanliness in the surroundings.

11. WE ARE BUSINESS – FRIENDLY Surveys and evaluations on the best places for business have always cited Davao as among the best performers. These include distinctions as being the Top 10 Asian Cities of the Future by the FDI magazine of The Financial Times, the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines with the Best Quality of Life by the Asian Institute of Management and a long list of numerous recognitions and distinctions as the city has received in the recent years. All these are proof of the continuous and decisive strides in making Davao City a home for many productive ventures and endeavors.

SOURCE: LA de Dios Visit also www.davaotourism.com / Photos courtesy of Jojie Alcantara

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: A Window into a Timeless Past

A three hour car ride from Manila to Bagac, Bataan takes you to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a living museum of Philippine customs and traditions. Currently twenty-seven houses,such as noble class mansions (Historical Principalia), House of Stone (Bahay na Bato) and Wooden Stilt houses, are located here.

These once old and decaying architectural homes have been transported from all over the country and have been painstakingly rebuilt to their original splendor. They now stand in a picturesque setting that is typical of the 18th to early 20th century Philippines; against the backdrop of majestic mountains, expansive rice fi elds and a free-fl owing river. Mr. Acuzar, the owner of the property, has a passion for preserving old buildings; it’s exactly that passion, as well as frustration in the lack of preservation of beautiful old buildings, that drove him to bring to life Las Casas Filipinas. He didn’t want to see this important part of Philippine heritage to just fade away.

So he purchased these old houses, had them torn down, piece by piece—with each piece labeled—so that it may be rebuilt where it currently stands. Several historically signifi cant buildings, such as the fi rst University of the Philippines building, are located here. Had Mr. Acuzar not stepped in, many of these homes would have just continued to crumble, decay, maybe even chopped up for parts.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is almost an accurate restoration of a time that has been long forgotten. Here you are transported to the past. You walk along the “town’s” cobblestone streets or ride in their horse drawn carriages and you will have a sense of nostalgia, wonder, romance. You will appreciate simple living at its best. What we have here is a window into the past. The owner has opened to the public this timeless part of Philippine heritage. For day-trippers, a fee of P650 gives them access to this beautiful place. There is also a hotel on site with many amenities including batis style swimming pool, a tavern, a spa and more. This place is truly timeless; truly breathtaking.

Noreen at Eighteen, this year's Windsor's Ms.Philippines

On Sunday, July 3rd, 2011, Noreen de Chavez Inting celebrated her 18th birthday with a traditional Filipino Debut.

The formal affair was held at the Serbian Centre. The evening began with the Cotillion de Honor with the debutante and her court dancing the Emperor’s Waltz.

During the evening, there were a number of video presentations as well as the 18 Treasures, 18 Roses and the 18 Candles. Noreen and her father shared a sweet dance, which was then quickly followed by a bboy dance performance by the debutante.

The program ended with the Debutante’s ‘Thank You’ message and party goers were able to dance the night away.

FFOW’s celebrates Philippines’ 113th Independence anniversary and Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday

Filipino Federation of Windsor and Essex county led by its president Mr. Steve Guillermo, Jr., Dionie Renaud and members joined everyone in the remembrance and celebration of the 150th birthday of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the 113th Philippine Independence.

The event was held at St Clair College Centre for the Arts in Riverside drive Windsor, Ontario on June 12.

The highlights of the night’s celebration include the coronation of this year’s Ms. Philippines-Windsor, Noreen Inting and Little Ms.Philippines-Windsor, Grace Lorelei Sagullo and the Rigodon de Honor dance by Lydia Consunji, Arnel Arias, Joey and Zeny Renon, Tony and Nanette Serrano, Irene Oliveros, Steve Guillermo Jr., Hans Fink, Loreilei Sagullo-Fink, Benny and Estela Caliboso, Renato and Nadie Calasanz and Boni and Nelia Sotto.

The Master of Ceremony was Jeremy Renaud and music was provided by Clayton Moore.

MADELEINE AT EIGHTEEN

On April 23rd, 2011, Madeleine de Guzman Pagaduan celebrated a big milestone in her life; her eighteenth birthday at the Giovanni Caboto Club.

The party was a traditional Filipino debut, complete with eighteen candles, eighteen roses and eighteen treasures, but with a modern twist. Many surprises were in store for the guests including an exciting entrance and an unforgettable father-daughter dance.

The night ended with the debutante’s messages followed by the guests’ dancing the night away.

MRS. FILGA 2011: ALICIA GAMILLA

Mrs. Alicia Aguiflor-Gamilla is crowned as this year’s Mrs. FILGA (Filipino Golden Agers) on April 9th. She is a retired teacher from Polo, Mindoro, Philippines and moved to Canada in 1993.

Mrs. Gamilla is an active choir member at her own parish, the Most Precious Blood Church on Tecumseh road. Her rendition of “Ave Maria” in weddings, gave her the title “the wedding singer”.

The formal presentation was held at the Serbian Centre. FILGA president Mr. Steve Guillermo opened the event by welcoming the many guests in attendance. During the evening, Mrs. Filga had the traditional walk; it was one of the many highlights of the night.

Mrs. FILGA 2011 was crowned by Nadie Calasanz who represented her motherin-law, Mrs. FILGA 2010, Mrs. Lourdes Calasanz, who could not make it to this year’s event.

Mrs. Gamilla shared her talent as she rendered her version of the song “Ave Maria” with Michael Cacaos accompanying her on keyboards.

Her eight children, led by Jennifer Bautista and their respective families, presented special numbers, including a choreographed Rigodon dance.

The hosts for the night were Mr. Boni Sotto and Ms. Clarissa Cacanindin.

Daphne at eighteen

What is a Debut?

A debut is a cultural tradition in the Philippines. It is a coming-of-age celebration for Philippine women that is somewhat reminiscent of the Spanish “Quincinera”. On the eighteenth birthday of a Filipino woman, a large party is thrown, complete with the debutante’s hand-picked court. The court usually consists of nine boys and nine girls - including the debutante and her escort. The court usually wears a uniform formal outfi t while the debutante usually wears an extravagant ball gown. The court performs traditional dances, the most important of which is the “Grand Cotillion Dance” (which is usually a watlz).

During the debut, there is also the “Eighteen Roses” where eighteen men, who are signifi cant to the debutante’s life, present a single rose to the birthday celebrant and offer her a dance. Usually this dance is preceded by the “Father-Daughter- Dance”.

There is also the “Eighteen Treasures” in which family friends and/or relatives offer the debutante a small gift along with a message. The gift is something that the debutante will hopefully use in her future as she moves on to begin her life as a young woman.

Also, in the debut, there is the presentation of the “Eighteen Candles” in which eighteen of the debutante’s closest girl friends come to offer a lit candle to be placed upon her cake. The debutante will make a wish and blow out the candles, after which, the cake is cut for the guests to enjoy

Daphne celebrated her 18th birthday at the Ciociaro Club this past March 12th.

The program for the night began with the grand cotillion waltz which was quickly followed by a delicious dinner as well as the 18 Candles and 18 Treasures. Of course, no debut would be complete without the 18 Roses, which was the highlight of the night for many.

The night ended with Daphne singing a song, “Iingatan Ka”, and happily thanking her guests for their attendance. Daphne would like to thank BR Guest, Visual Expression Photography and Video, Mike Lapuz (Phat Boy Productions), Lydia Consunji, Jose and Zeny Renon, Arnel Arias, the Ciociaro Club of Windsor, Roberto Pao, and everyone else behind the scenes for helping her make her party a success!

A SURPRISE PARTY AT 50!

I never imagined in my life that I will,one day, experience a surprise party.

Little did I know that my friends and my family planned and “cooked” something special to make a differrence in my fifty years of existence.

My friends, Cathy Gallana, Myrna Valbuena, Noime & Lito Pabalate, Roberto Pao, Jean Ogali, Milette Navarro, Arcel Borines, Zeny & Jose Renon, my sister Marita and Rudy and my husband Gali initiated and planned everything. Thanks to you! Daphne, Mady , Grachel, Cathy & Cristy’s help were super.

Just before the year ended, I had the chance to be serenaded by my husband Gali, have heard sweet messages from people who are dear to me and be fooled by everyone’s drama for about a month.

December, being the busiest month of the year, I was touched by the presence of these special people who took their time, cooked and brought their special recipes, to be part of this special celebration.

My siblings from Toronto; Ate Mimi, & her family, kuya Rey & Sharyll Eser, Jojo & Egay, came down to join everyone and made me cry during the party.

To Nilo, Glecy and Noreen Inting, Art & Aida Cabrera, Lydia Consunji, Tony, Nanette, Moksha & Micah Serrano, Chit & Nay Cely dela Cruz. Hans & Loreilei Fink, Vic & Linda Baybayan, kuya Boni Sotto, Jojo & Tess Velasquez, Alan & Sheila Romero, Donna & Steve Sico, Menchie Junio, K3 family, Sean Bellemore, Mike & Lani Lemieux, Manny Parungao, Alvin Martinez, Leny Inting, Roger Valbuena & family, Edgar Dechavez, Daisy Tolentino, Leona Pagaduan, Randell & Emylou Landicho, Obong de Jesus and Ronnie Pagaduan, Thank you!