we keep coming back to manila... zoo

A jungle in the city

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
October 27, 2013

Reel or real? Manila Zoo is planning to get a real live giraffe soon, but for now let’s be contented with a life-sized effigy. (Photography by Pinggot Zulueta)

The latest news we heard about Manila Zoo was the controversy on the welfare of its celebrity elephant Maali. But then again, when was the last time we were there to experience the sights and sounds of the city jungle?

It was a languid Wednesday afternoon when we revisited it. The zoo was brimming with life. It was almost jam-packed with visitors. The air smelled fresher. The zoo is greener, cleaner, and seemingly bigger. Cleanliness after all was the first major revamp the zoo has undertaken after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called it a “trash-filled Manila Zoo”.

A dirty old zoo is perhaps hard to imagine considering that Manila Zoo is part and parcel of Manila’s splendor and vibrancy. It was one of the top destination options during the olden times, alongside Luneta Park, when the city was still devoid of the extensive monolith collection of shopping malls that we now see and would rather go to.

Perhaps the biggest challenge that hounds Manila Zoo today is proving that it is still a go-to destination, an oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the metro. And today is the best time to revisit and experience it anew especially now that the zoo is undergoing a major face-lift. For one, golf carts will bring visitors around the zoo this November with a guide introducing the animals and the attractions thereat.

Aside from this, Manila Parks and Recreation Bureau Director James Albert Dichaves says that the animal enclosures will undergo rehabilitation to become bigger and induce a homier feeling and this includes Maali’s.

“It is unfair for us [to say that Maali is being neglected]. In fact, the animals are bigger and happier now,” Dichaves says, who admits to be a pet lover. He adds that Maali plays a big role on her visitors such as helping those with autism and becoming the subject of photography and arts enthusiasts.

Manila Zoo indeed is the perfect hodgepodge for observing live animals that we often only see on television shows and read about. Now that the zoo is currently reinventing itself and gearing up to become an even better jungle within the concrete jungle called Manila, it has been of late welcoming new breeds of animals coming from different parts of the world.

According to Dichaves, the zoo plans to acquire, among others:

Monkeys from Columbia

Giraffes from South Africa

Black Panther

Hippopotamus

Zebra

A lot has definitely changed in the zoo since the last time we were there. Souvenir shops that sell animal stuff toys and key chains are lined up along the sidewalks while a photo booth with an albino python is another added attraction.

Dichaves said he plans to turn the zoo into a theme park (and we are thinking Madagascar!) and injecting zip line and wall climbing spots here and there.  After all the oldest zoo in Asia needs to keep up.

He added that he wants Manila Zoo to be one of the greatest achievements of the local government of Manila. “It is a sanctuary for animals and people, as this is one of the few remaining green parts in the metro,” he adds.

cinderella

Magic sparks and dreams come true in Cinderella

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
October 28, 2013

Karylle Tatlonghari and Christian Bautista have proven their chemistry to top bill another production.

“Do I love you because you’re beautiful or are you beautiful because I love you?” Christian Bautista sings as he charms his way to Karylle Tatlonghari’s heart. Much to the delight of the audience, the harana goes on with the grand palace as their backdrop.

Bautista and Tatlonghari top bills yet again another magical tandem, this time in Resorts World Manila production, Cinderella. The fairy tale is a timeless hit that needs to be retold—but now in a bigger and better musical ensemble that will definitely swoon romantics and dreamers of all ages.

“What makes this Cinderella different from Broadway productions is that it walks a fine line. If it’s too heavy and somber, it’ll look like an opera. If it’s too lightweight and cartoony, it becomes slapstick and pantomime. You have to find a middle ground in between. We use real buildings and real architecture that are meticulously done so that it feels real. It’s going to be a new brand of Cinderella,” Production Designer Andrew Botha says.

True enough, everything about the production seemingly blurs the line between the real and the magical while infusing some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs like “In My Own Little Corner”, “Ten Minutes Ago”, and “Impossible/It’s Possible”.

While majority of the spectators already know the storyline of this classic tale, the lucky audiences at the gala night held prior to its official grand opening were nonetheless treated to a spellbinding show. One of the highlights of the story perhaps would be the confrontation of Cinderella and her Fairy Grandmother (played by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo) before the majestic royal ball. It instilled life without being too preachy. With subtlety, their banters empowered women and kids alike to do something about their wishes as one’s destiny is his/her responsibility.

The music by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra adds icing to the cake.

Besides Bautista and Tatlonghari, also included in the all-Filipino ensemble are Julie Abeva, Pinky Marques, Sweet Plantado, Shiela Francisco, Miguel Faustmann, Giannina Ocampo, Maronne Cruz, and Red Concepcion.

Resorts World Manila held a gala night prior to its grand opening last Oct. 9 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.  The musical production will run until December.

PH unearths newest gems

PH unveils its newest Gems

Calaguas, Biri, Danjugan, Batanes Islands and more are emerging tourist spots

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
October 13, 2013

DANJUGAN: Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental is a 43-hectare glory that is rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity. (Photo by: Gerardo Ledesma)

LAKE SEBU: Who says the whole region of Mindanao is dangerous? Fall in love with the beauty of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.
(Photo by:
Jojie Alcantara)

Baguio or Boracay? If you cannot decide which among the traditional tourist spots to visit, why not try the recently-named emerging Philippine Gems that also offer unspoiled and pristine natural wonders but devoid of the crowd and the noise.

The 10 new Philippine Gems or the next mainstream destinations in the country include Batanes, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Panglao in Bohol, Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental, Mt. Kanlaon, Biri Island Rock Formation in Northern Samar, Caramoan in Camarines Sur, Tubbataha Reef, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte. These places were recognized by the private company Isla Lipana & Co. in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT)Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

The recent statistics from the DoT showed that it has breached its targeted three million tourist arrivals from January to August 2013. According to the DoT data, there were 3.2 million foreign visitors for the first eight months. The DoT has set a target of five million or more tourist arrivals by the end of the year.  The numbers will likely go higher given the newest gems of the country.

“The search for the 10 Philippine Gems envisions the upholding of both domestic and foreign tourism that would hopefully encourage business investments. The Philippine Gems steer awareness and appreciation for the country’s pristine and natural sites, even the underdeveloped ones. In our modest way, we aim for these places to gain local and international attention, and in due course, greater economic activity,” said Alexander Cabrera, Isla Lipana & Co. Chairman.

The project aims to showcase the country’s good side to the world, such as its well-preserved wonders. The recognition of the newest Philippine Gems will also help local governments in preserving these places and promote sustainable growth and development.

Now that the 10 Philippine Gems are named, Cabrera said that they will turn over the project to DoT to connect with the local government units concerned to spur and boost the development in the areas.

The 10 newest emerging sites were chosen via an open public online voting conducted from June 26 to August 9.

For more information, visit www.philippinegems.com

MT. KANLAON: Negros’ Mt. Kanlaon is the highest peak in Central Visayas. (Photo by: Maximus Jovi)

PANGLAO: There’s more to Bohol than the tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. Try to visit Panglao Island and marvel at its beauty. (Photo by: Noel Pabalate)

CARAMOAN: The isolated Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur is one of the country’s secret paradises waiting to be explored.
(Photo by: Foz Brahma)

man vs food vs food

Food vs food

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
October 13, 2013

Life is too short not to eat anything we want—or not! Sadly, food restriction becomes more apparent as we age. There are actually many things to consider before eating lechon, chocolate bars, or anything we fancy, unless we want to see ourselves heading to the nearest hospital.

We break down and compare some of the most common household Pinoy food favorites and discover which is better.

Banana vs. Mango

St. Luke’s Medical Center Geriatrics Specialist Dr. Eduardo Poblete says that any favorite fruit is healthy; however, there is a general preference for bananas since they are available in all seasons. He says that bananas and mangoes have the same nutritional value. According to him, one regular-sized latundan is equal to 1/2 mango.

Health website, Spark People (www.sparkspeople.com) says a cup of mashed banana has 201 calories, 2 g of protein, and 51 g of carbohydrates while a cup of sliced mango has 107 calories, 1 g of protein, and 28 g of carbohydrates.

Kangkong vs. Sitaw 

Any green vegetable is good for the body so it does not matter whether you prefer kangkong (water spinach) over sitaw (beans), since it is more abundant and cheaper. Poblete says that everybody should take a minimum of two servings of vegetables per meal.

Water vs. Juice vs. Iced Tea

Nothing beats water! An adult needs an average of eight glasses while a senior citizen needs six. However, if there are no glasses of water in sight, a glass of juice is healthier than iced tea.
What about desserts? 

Rejoice, those with a sweet tooth but restrained by diabetes! There are sugar-free and artificial sweeteners available in the market. Just remember to eat in moderation.

Pasta vs. Rice 

White rice is a Filipino staple food ergo, we go for them over pasta. According to a health-related website, Spark People (www.sparkpeople.com), a cup of white rice has 205 calories and 4 grams of protein while a cup of pasta has 221 calories and 8 grams of protein.

Pan de Sal vs. Tasty 

Both are good sources of carbohydrates for energy. Poblete says, in general, that older people prefer the bite-sized pan de sal. However, a loaf of bread can be mashed to become a pudding, which is easier to chew. A regular serving of pudding is equivalent to one and a half pan de sal.

According to the health website, My Fitness Pal (www.myfitnesspal.com), a regular-sized pan de sal has 87 calories, 1.7 grams of fat, and 2.7 grams of protein.

Boiled Egg vs. Fried Egg

Eggs are good sources of vitamins and minerals. However, hard-boiled eggs are better because they contain lower saturated fat, which can cause cholesterol.

A whole new meaning to ‘staycation’

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
October 8, 2013

WACKY YOGA SHOT! Participants of the weekend wellness activity held at the Discovery Suites

“Clasp the hands together on your forehead so you may think of happy thoughts, on your lips so you may speak of kind words, on your chest so you may grow love… Namaste.” Words to this effect are as refreshing and rejuvenating as an early weekend yoga class with professional instructor Bee Marfil.

According to yoga gurus, hands pushed together means the union of the brain hemispheres, which promotes positive thinking thus, happy and healthy wellbeing.

It was before sunrise, while the city was still in slumber, when we found our bodies slowly yet surely following Bee’s instructions and poses (arms stretched, legs apart, downward facing dog, forward bend, and meditation poses). It was also a Saturday morning, just what one needed to shake away the stress from yesterday’s hard work. The twisting, lifting, turning, curling of the bodies were a labor for a first-timer but turned out therapeutic after some time. Yoga promoted relaxation of the mind, body, and soul.

The one-hour yoga session was at the highest floor (42nd) of the Discovery Suites Hotel in Ortigas Center, a perfect setting for a weekend ‘staycation’ with friends and families.

Bee Marfil makes a Vinyasa pose seemingly easy.

This basic Vinyasa yoga utilizes proper posture and breathing exercise. The Sanskrit word literally means to place (nyasa) in a special way (vi) or a breath-synchronized movement. Bee said it can relax the yin and yang energies. Moreover, it aides in re-energizing and detoxifying the body, as well as in muscle toning.

Then, a Yin yoga session at the Balance Gym with Flow Surf Yoga Samba co-founder Monica Eleazar-Manzano came next. Yin yoga is a slow-paced exercise, each position lasts for five minutes or less. The poses—happy baby, butterfly, and toe squat—for instance, encouraged deep stretching of the connective tissues in the spinal area, hips, and thighs.

Both yoga classes uphold the relaxation of the tired bodies, weary souls, and confused minds.

HEALTHY GOURMET. The hotel houses Restaurant 5 and 22 Prime.

Healthy food and therapeutic massage

In between the yoga sessions were healthy gourmet food fair, therapeutic massage and retail therapy. Discovery Suites houses Restaurant 5 and 22 Prime, which offer fine dining with nutritious food selections.

After a fulfilling meal, a therapeutic spa session comes next. After all, a ‘staycation’, or vacation for that matter isn’t complete without a visit to spa centers. Though a series of yoga classes can be therapeutic on their own, a trip to Discovery Suites’ exclusive Terra Wellness Spa is as calming.

Its spa treatments include the Terra’s Touch Signature Massage, which combines slow and graceful strokes applied to pressure points to relieve muscle tensions and aid proper blood circulation. For sports lovers, the Deep Tissue massage is a winning combination of sports massage and healing techniques to warm or repair the muscles from lactic acid build up. The traditional Hilot Massage meanwhile renews the ancient Filipino art of healing though kneading with the use of banana leaves.

Before the one-hour spa treatment, each customer is asked to choose between a lavender or orange-vanilla oil to soften callous and rough skin. The professional therapists are all licensed and trained.

Happy tummy and relaxed mind and body, these and more define a perfect staycation.

For further inquiries or reservations, call (02) 7198888 or visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com.

Silly ice cream, anyone?

Tutong and sili ice cream, anyone?

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
October 3, 2013

Photos by Brian Arevalo

Besides the natural wonders that make Bicol a tourist spot, its wide array of traditional cuisines is one of the reasons why people keep revisiting it. The Bicol Express and pinangat have put the region in the culinary map of the Philippines. But there’s more to try in Bicol.

The region has upped the ante to prove that it can concoct extraordinary menus while still incorporating its homegrown ingredients. Among them are chili pasta and pizza, and ice cream flavors like sili (chili) and tinutong na bigas (toasted rice), among others.

While on a tour of Mayon Volcano, we stumbled upon Albay’s 1st Colonial Grill restaurant, which is popular among the locals because of its ingenious food menus. It has been offering Bicol trademark cuisines since 2004 but to distinguish it from the rest of the crowd, it came up with sets of clever ice cream flavors like pili, malunggay, calamansi, salabat, tinutong na bigas, and sili.

“The sili ice cream is one of the most popular. The curious tourists usually look for this ice cream and get amazed by its unusual flavor,” 1st Colonial Grill Area Supervisor Jing Muñoz says.

The sili ice cream has a distinct spice and kick, which is perfect for the adventurous food lovers. Because of its popularity, the ice cream flavor has been part of the extra challenges in hit American shows like “Survivor CamSur” and “The Amazing Race.” The sili ice cream uses powdered siling labuyo.

The tinutong na bigas ice cream tastes like coffee because it is inspired by the overcooked rice (tutong) which the Bicolanos drink as their substitute for coffee.

The Bicolanos seem to have a fondness for anything tutong. Other than the ice cream, it is also bringing back an old-time favorite – the Tinunutungang Manok – a chicken dish that is cooked in gata (coconut milk).

The recipe calls for:
• cooking oil
• chicken
• gata
• water
• onion
• garlic
• salt
• coconut shreds
• charcoal
• saging na saba
• lemon grass

First, mix a basin-full of coconut shreds with charcoal embers (nagbabagang uling). Then, in a separate container, combine all the other ingredients. Next, mix the coconut shreds with charcoal together with all the ingredients until it simmers.  Garnish with lemon grass then serve. The result is a savory dish that is creamy, sweet and at times, charcoal-y.

“Some Tinutungang Manok versions do not use saging na saba, but since Bicol has always been devastated by typhoons, our ancestors thought of using this type of banana, which is easily uprooted by strong winds and heavy rains. Sayang naman kasi,” 1st Colonial Grill Head Kitchen Jeric Llandelar explains.

Now it wouldn’t be surprising if Bicol comes up with another uragon (daring) cuisine sometime in the future. Pinangat na ice cream and tutong na pasta could be next.

link: http://www.mb.com.ph/tutong-and-sili-ice-cream-anyone/ 

Photos by Brian Arevalo

Tinapa Fried Rice

Suman, pili nuts, and chips, they all taste better with hot chocolate.

Sili Ice Cream from First Colonial Grill

The savory, sweet, and charcoaly
Tinutungang Manok