inside

PARTAS 23rd
Anniversary
Supplement

Sugar
Leaf

The Premium Health,Travel and Lifestyle Newspaper

DK Valdez:
Well-Sought
8 performer... 14

The Original

SAVORY

Chicken

SO TENDER,
TASTY & JUICY!

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015

By: Alexander B. Estoesta II

Vol. 6, Issue No. 11

SAVORY HARRISON 2069 F.B. Harrison St. Cor Gil Puyat, Pasay City
Tel No. 831-1555, 556-6714 email address: savory_restaurant@yahoo.com

AIDS is actually the late stage of

the infection caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Transmitted primarily by unprotected
sexual intercourse, HIV is also acquired through contaminated blood
transfusions as well as an infected
mother passing it to her child during
pregnancy.
There is no cure/vaccine for HIV/
AIDS available as of the moment, with
prevention of HIV infection serving as
the viable strategy in controlling the
spread of disease. These include promoting safe-sex and proper needle-exchange programs. Antiretroviral treatment, while not considered a cure, can
hamper the progression of the disease
and reduces the risk of mortality for
HIV-infected patients.
SEE PAGE3

Address:
816 Aurora Boulevard
corner P. Bernardo, Street,
Cubao, Quezon City

TELEPHONE NO. 02. 727-8278 FAX NO. 02. 724-9820

email address: ptci.operations@gmail.com

BUSINESS
Direct Line:
+6348 433-2719 (Palawan) +632 703-5578 (Manila)
+63 9295875993 (Smart) +63 9273423845 (Globe)

DIMPLE STAR
289 H4 Multiland 2 Subdivision, Putatan
Muntinlupa City

Telephone No. (02) 862-4557

E-mail Address
roro_dimplestar@yahoo.com
Contact Persons:
Mr. Hilbert S. Napat
Mrs. Nilda S. Napat

The Original

SAVORY

Chicken

SAVORY HARRISON
2069 F.B. Harrison St. Cor
Gil Puyat, Pasay City
Tel No. 831-1555, 556-6714

SO TENDER,
TASTY & JUICY!

SAVORY ORTIGAS
2 Granada St., Cor. Santolan St.,
SAVORY BANAWE
Villa Ortigas, Quezon City
347 Del Monte Ave., Cor
Tels. 721-0988, 722-2498,
Banawe St., Quezon City
415 2008
Tel no. 363-7851, 363-7852
SAVORY CALOOCAN
194 5th Ave. Cor Rizal Ave.,
Caloocan City
Tel No. 709-1233, 709-1255

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

SAVORY Sampaloc
714 Earnshaw St., Cor. F.
Cayco St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tels.: 742 3493, 742 3495,
742 3494,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

SAVORY Tuguegarao
Mall of the Valley
G/F A&B Bonifacio St.,
Centro 7
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Tels.: 078 8447878
email address:
savory_restaurant@yahoo.com

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

201 Escolta St., Cor. Plaza Moraga, Binondo, Manila

LIFE, BEAUTY & LEISURE

international Community celebrates

World
AIDS
day
on December 1, 2014

HIV/AIDS statistics
Given that the syndrome has been
infecting more and more people
worldwide on an astronomical rate,
here are some health statistics associated with the prevalence of HIV/
AIDS worldwide (per the website
aids.org):
33.4 million are currently living with HIV/AIDS.
More than 25 million people
have died of AIDS worldwide
since the first cases were reported
in 1981.
In 2008, 2 million people died
due to HIV/AIDS, and another 2.7
million were newly infected.
While cases have been reported in all regions of the world,
almost all those living with HIV
(97%) reside in low- and middleincome countries, particularly in
sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), most people
living with HIV or at risk for HIV
do not have access to prevention,
care, and treatment, and there is
still no cure.
The HIV epidemic not only affects the health of individuals, it
impacts households, communities,
and the development and economic growth of nations. Many of the
countries hardest hit by HIV also suffer
from other infectious diseases, food insecurity, and other serious problems.
Despite these challenges, there have
been successes and promising signs. New
global efforts have been mounted to address the epidemic, particularly in the last
decade. Prevention has helped to reduce
HIV prevalence rates in a small but growing number of countries and new HIV infections are believed to be on the decline.
In addition, the number of people with
HIV receiving treatment in resource poor
countries has increased 10-fold since 2002,
reaching an estimated 4 million by 2008.
HIV/AIDS signs and symptoms
After getting exposed to the HIV virus,
a person may experience flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after HIV infection.Described asa bad case of influenza,
this occurrence is actually the physiques
natural response to HIV infection which is
the acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or
primary HIV infection.
HIV/AIDS Symptoms may
nclude the following:

Fever

Swollen glands

Sore throat

Rash

Fatigue

Muscle and joint aches and pains

Headache
These symptoms can last anywhere
from a few days to several weeks. But one

medicines to prevent motheronsidered as one, if not the most dreaded diseaseroviral

to-child transmission. Further, those
considered at risk of exposure have
of this present civilization, Acquired Immune
undergoing an HIV test
Deficiency Syndrome or more widely known by avoided
throughout the years.
Addressing the local HIV/AIDS
its acronym AIDS, is a non-curable illness
situation
once manifested in the physiology of a person.
Through the international organi-

should not assume that he/she has HIV if

they suffer from any of these symptoms
since they can be manifestations of other
illnesses. In addition, not all who is infected with HIV develops ARS. Many HIV-infected persons are known not to manifest
symptoms for 10 years or more.
The Need to get Tested
The only way to know if a person if afflicted with HIV is by undergoing testing.
Symptoms are not the sole basis for HIV/
AIDS infection. If one has been exposed to
the risks of HIV/AIDS such as performing
intercourse without a condom or shared
needles with an infected person, then it is
recommended that they undergo HIV testing to make sure whether they got the virus
or not.
From HIV to AIDS
When one suffers from HIV and is not
taking any antiretroviral treatment or HIV
medication, chances are the HIV virus will
weaken the bodys immune system, developing HIV into AIDS(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
During this late stage of HIV infection,
patients may experience the following:
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night
sweats
Extreme and unexplained tiredness
Prolonged swelling of the lymph
glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a
week

Sores of the mouth, anus,
or genitals
Pneumonia
Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches
on or under the skin or inside the mouth,
nose, or eyelids
Memory loss, depression, and other
neurologic disorders.
Antiretroviral
Treatment for HIV
27 years ago in 1987, a drug called AZT
became the first approved treatment for
HIV disease. Since then, approximately 30
drugs have been approved to treat people
living with HIV/AIDS, and more are under
development.
There are currently five different types
of HIV drugs. Each class of drug attacks
the virus at different points in its life cycle.
This process is standard managing HIV.
That is because no single medication can
address HIV. Having an intake of 3 different HIV meds is the most preferable course
of action forthe body and protecting the
immune system.
Taking more than one drug also protects one against HIV drug resistance.
When HIV reproduce, it produces mutated
variants that is likely not to respond to the
drugs one take in controlling HIV. Following the 3-drug regimen will influence the
HIV in your body to hinder the production
of genes that will not be addressed by HIV
medication.
HIV/AIDS in the Philippines
While the country is considered as one
of those in which HIV/AIDS prevalence is
still relatively low, the Philippines is one
of only seven countries globally where the
number of new HIV cases has increased by
over 25 per cent from 2001 to 2009. These
cases are attributed to unsafe practices
such as unprotected male-to-male sex,
transactional sex and intravenous drug use.
Primary prevention of HIV infection
are traced in the adolescence periods of
lifesince infections happen atages 2029.
On average, Filipino aged 14 to19 years old
are exposed to sex and drug use at an early
age.
To add, a mere five percent of HIV-positive pregnant women have received antiret-

GREAT PHILLIPINES EXPEDITION

zation UNICEF, a calibrated HIV

and AIDS Programme is being
implemented in identified HIV
priority areas in the Philippines.
To be able to achieve significant
outcome and sustainability, UNICEF has forged linkages with
local government units (LGUs)
and advocates the efficient use
of resources as primary agents
of service delivery and systems
building.
The following activities are
being implemented in order to obtain the desired result of combating the disease in the Philippines:
Advocate the removal of legal
barriers on HIV testing and counseling for those below 18 years old.
Map out services available to
adolescents and pregnant women,
and strengthen and expand them.
Improve the capacity of local
social welfare providers to understand the needs of adolescents at
increased risk of HIV infection,
and to mainstream HIV awareness in their
work with them.
Strengthen HIV-related reporting systems and monitor the quality of services
being offered.
Implement communication for development programmes with at-risk populations, ensuring their participation in developing key messages and strategies. These
will raise HIV awareness and reduce its
stigma, while enhancing the perception
that services are useful, accessible, and affordable.
Advocate increased investment. Local
AIDS councils will be strengthened to advocate for local plans with budget allocations for most at-risk young people and the
prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Observance of World AIDS Day
Held every first day of December annually, World AIDS Day provides the platform in unifying people around the worldto fight against HIV as well asexpress their
support for HIV-stricken individuals and
to remember those who have died from
the disease. First observed in 1988, World
AIDS Day is considered to be the first ever
global health day.
On a global level, there are already
more than 35 million people that have succumbed to the virus, with an estimated 34
million being afflicted and struggling with
the disease globally an estimated 34 million people have HIV.
Even though there have been several
advancements and discoveries made in the
field of HIV treatment, there is still a growing need for people to be made aware on
the policies governing patients who have
HIV/AIDS.Hence the continued staging
of World AIDS Day since it relays the important message of raising awareness and
improve education and prejudice towards
eradication of this dreaded pandemic in the
near future.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS
http://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/
hiv-aids-101/global-statistics/
ht t p://w w w.unicef.org /philippines/
hivaids.html#.VEZ-fclBLIU
http://www.worldaidsday.

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

PARTAS 23rd ANNIVE

Partas
Transportation
Company, Inc.
VISION
Partas is a service-oriented company
primarily catering to the transportation
needs of commuting public to and from
Ilocos Corridor and Metro Manila. Our
company aims to continue in
pursuit of excellent service standard
anchored on both professional
and family-oriented approach.
MISSION
Being the number one bus
operator plying the Northwestern Luzon
from Metro Manila and vice versa and
sustaining to be on the top spot is our
corporate goal.
VALUES
Our company values and takes
pleasure in serving our customers
with satisfaction as we take pride in
the performance of our safe drivers
and courteous employees.

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

MESSAGE
It is with great honor and utmost privilege that I extend my sincerest well-wishes to the whole PARTAS organization on our 23rd
anniversary, from the rank and file staff, drivers, conductors, utility
persons to its officers and management as well as to its countless
patrons who have endorsed the liner for years.
For 23 years, PARTAS has been one of the more established
names in the transportation industry, enabling passengers to have a
smooth access and safe commute to various provinces in the Northern Philippines such as the Ilocos region and Baguio, among others.
From its humble beginnings when the company first begun
operations in 1991, PARTAS has transformed into a dependable
mode of transit for Filipinos residing or are visiting their family and
loved ones and ensuring them that they safely arrive at their place
of destination, mainly because we remain committed to our slogan
which is taking pride in our courteous and safe drivers.
It is of utmost importance that we at PARTAS stress the value
of road safety and passenger well-being given that commuting has
been a vital way of life for all of countrymen, whether they reside in
Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao. The company is here to assure those
availing of our services a guaranteed pleasant and safe ride no matter where the last stop may be.

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

As we at PARTAS looks
forward to the next 23 years
and beyond, expect us to
remain consistent in providing effective and efficient bus
services to present and future generations of Pinoy tourists and
travelers in the years ahead while introducing innovations in transportation towards making each ride an enriching and memorable
journey.
Again, my esteemed congratulations to everyone who was part
of PARTAS growth for more than three decades. May we continue
to be successful in this line of work in attaining an abundance of
graces in the years ahead.
Maraming Salamat. Mabuhay ang PARTAS. Mabuhay Tayong
Lahat!

Rommel Singson
President, PARTAS

ERSARY SUPPLEMENT

GREAT PHILLIPINES EXPEDITION

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

PARTAS TRANSPORTA
816 AURORA BLVD. CUBAO, QUEZON CITY 1109

Partas
Transportation
Co., Inc. is operated and
managed by professionals from various areas of
disciplines. Adapting the
ladder type structure of organizations, the President
macro-manages and steers
the company towards a
single direction attuned to
its mission of maintaining
and sustai-ning its market
dominance in the Ilocos Region. He is also the head of
the Executive Department.
Other departments include,
Purchasing,
Operations,
Finance, HRD & ADMIN,
Maintenance, and Legal.
These Departments are
overseen by their respective
Vice-President except Purchasing Department which
is managed by the General
Ma-nager.
Partas belongs to the service providing industry. Its
main line of business to ferry
the commuting public to &
from Ilocos Corridor. There
are nine (9) major stations
that are strategically located in Luzon which support the operations on 24/7
schedule, year round. Of the
nine (9) terminals, three (3)
are inside Metro Manila-1)

Cubao, which serves as the

main hub, 2) Pasay, where
most of the balikbayans
go and prefer to ride due to
proximity from the airport,
and 3) Manila, which started operations last September 2006 to better serve specifically students enrolled
within the radius of the so
called University Belt. The
remaining six (6) provincial terminal are located
in: a) Laoag b) Vigan, c)
Bangued, d) San Fernando
La Union, e) Candon, and
f) Baguio City. Recently,
we have started dispatching buses from Pagudpud,
Ilocos Norte as the same
has developed into an attractive tourist destination
to local and foreign tourist
alike.
Fares are based on total
distance travelled, and the
rate per kilometer follows
the government imposed
standard for both regularaircon and the deluxe type
buses. Service to other destinations apart from the
usual routes of Partas can
also be arranged thru charter. Rates vary accordingly
based on destinations and
depen-ding on the season.

Secondary to passenger
transport, the other business incidental to Partas operations is the waybill. This
section is akin to freight
handling. Thru this facility,
both accompanied and unaccompanied cargoes and
baggage are transported to
their destinations. Cash &
check transmittal are also
accommodated via terminal arrangement with minimal fee charged.
Partas had been steadily increasing its fleet size.
Currently, its maintains a
fleet of two hundred buses
and these comprise of industry-tested models such
as: MAN, HINO, NISSAN,
and GOL-DEN DRAGON.
Seat capacity and configurations are two types; the
49-seater, 2x2 seat arrangements for the regular aircon, first class type, and the
28-seater, 1x2 business class
type seat for the deluxe. Bus
types are equipped with
video on-board.
The motto, We Take Pride
in Our Safe and Courteous Employees has guided
the company through thick
and thin. The same shall
continually be one of the

Contact #: (077)7221527; (077)7228553 Telefax: (02) 2461501

Mobile #: 09177999874 E-mail Add: viganplaza@yahoo.com
Website: www.viganplazahotel.com

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

motivating factors, even as

the company seeks for better ways in promoting Partas as a complete package,
all for the benefit of those
availing of our services a
guaranteed pleasant and
safe ride no matter where
the last stop may be.
As we at PARTAS looks
forward to the next 23 years
and beyond, expect us to remain consistent in providing effective and efficient
bus services to present and
future generations of Pinoy
tourists and travelers in the
years ahead while introducing innovations in transportation towards making
each ride an enriching and
memorable journey.
Again, my esteemed
cong-ratulations to everyone who was part of PARTAS growth for more than
two decades. May we continue to be successful in this
line of work in attaining an
abundance of gra-ces in the
years ahead.
Maraming Salamat. Mabuhay ang PARTAS. Mabuhay Tayong Lahat!
Rommel V. Singson
President

ATION COMPANY, INC.

TELEPHONE NO. 02. 727-8278 FAX NO. 02. 724-9820

MESSAGE
On behalf of the management and staff of Great Philippines Expedition Health,
Travel and Lifestyle Newspaper, it is with sincerest thoughts that I greet the whole
PARTAS organization on their 23rd anniversary.
Throughout the years, PARTAS has served as the main transportation of choice by
Great Philippines Expedition in undertaking exclusive coverages of scenic tourist
spots in the northernmost parts of the archipelago. This is because of the steady
assurance given by the company when it comes to safety and well-being of its passengers.
In the coming years, Great Philippines Expedition hopes to continue to solidify
its partnership with PARTAS in visiting more interesting places and people in the
Luzon province.
Again, congratulations to PARTAS and may it continue to deliver efficient transportation services to all Filipinos in the generations to come.

Rodel T. Rabara

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

GREAT PHILLIPINES EXPEDITION

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

How I beat my
hypertension with
IV Lase Therapy
My Family has very strong history of cardiovascular
problems, both my parents suffered and died of a stroke, my
brothers and sisters also has the same problem now, Hypertension. We all know hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart diseases and kidney problems and so on.
I remember my first episode of hypertension, It was terrible, I cant get up in bed, nauseating and vomiting with a
headache. I was rushed to the hospital with a BP of 150/100
my highest and yet intolerable, I feel like going to ICU already. After some medications and BP stabilized, I said
never again, I will fight this, I will beat this without maintenance drugs.

Suite 201 Chelsea Bldg., Chateau

Valenzuela,Lingunan, Valenzuela City, Philippines
Mobile numbers : 0918 3858571 & 0915 1506266
Landline number: (02) 2614419

Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief

Rodel T. Rabara

When it comes to health, Im the type of

person who dont resort to drugs as an option,
I always prefer a conservative approach since I
know long term use of medications can bring out
a lot of side effects such as diabetes, which I am
scared of, also some medications can also affect
our liver. So, I researched about a better way of
managing it.
With a little wholesome diet, brisk walking
and some cleansing regimen, I discovered a nonpharmacological way to combat my hypertension
that really improved my circulation, cell functions and energy level. I discovered IV Laser
Therapy of Integrated Laser and Complementary
Medicine Clinic in Cebu and I am glad that they
have a branch in Manila (Ortigas, Pasig). The
good news is that I beat my Hypertension and
my BP is perfectly normal after the treatment,
also from time to time says every 3 months I
had my 3-5 sessions for my maintenance and
preventive medical regimen. It is not only good
for Hypertension and Cardiovascular problems,
but it could work wonders to your body, such as anti-aging
benefits, *wink*, well it is for you to find out and discover.
The Procedure:
Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation (ILBI) is used as a
mainstream medical procedure in Russia, Europe and some
parts of the Middle East. This type of medical technology
was first introduced in the Philippines by a Russian Doctor / Inventor Dr. Ivan Korochkin MD. In 1994, he treated
over 1000 patients with various chronic illnesses and have
successfully improved the quality of life of those fortunate
patients. Also in that same time and a bit beyond, most of
the patients who enjoyed the said treatment are mostly high
profile patients that can afford the high cost treatment.

Now, Integrated Laser and Complementary Medicine Clinic employs the latest developed laser device for Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation (ILBI) the great news is
that this treatment is now made affordable by the clinic.
THE LASER MEDICINE OF THE 21st Century
In the 1960 to the 1980s at the junction of Photobiology,
medicine, optic physics and chemistry, a new integral branch
of science-laser medicine has appeared. Within the last 20
years Low Intensive Laser Irradiation has been widely used

as an effective therapeutic remedy in the treatment of various degenerative/dystrophic and inflammatory diseases.
Low Intensive Laser Therapy applied in all branches of
modern medicine as an effective , ecologically friendly and
safe medical remedy which can be used alongside other
known methods of treatment.
Presently, a vast majority of clinical practitioners employs the drug-free methods of functional regulation worldwide. The silent advantage of this method is that they are
highly effective both when combined with medication and
when used on its own .
I believe IV Laser Laser Therapy is one of the medicine of the future and that the future of medicine is blowing
into this direction, Integrated Laser Medicine of the 21st
century. This is the so-called ROAD LESS TRAVELED
in the area of medicine, but physicians taking this path as
I have seen, they are more satisfied and fulfilled in their
practices. This is really my advocacy that these kind of
Natural Medicine flourishes and widely recognize again
- Ronnie C. Bernardo, RMT, Health and Wellness Blogger
(www.thebridgetoselfhealing.com)
For more information about Intravenous Laser Medicine
and its many applications call 477-0644 and 631-7821 or
visit www.ilacm.com and www.integratedlasermedicine.
com

Dumanduman! Get some before its all

gone this December at Sugarleaf Makati

Section Editor
Jonel I. Marasigan
Correspondents
Alexander B. Estoesta II
Leonila Garcia
Kris Lim
Graphic Designer/ Layout Artist
Joy Bernadette Sanchez
Advertising Account Manager
Antonina Barsana
Rudy Cudal

Freelance Advertising Executives

Randy T. Rabara
Ulysses O. Manuel
Peter Orfiano, Jr.
In House Photographer
Ronnie M. Diata

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

Imagine a variety of
grain that is planted only in
a couple of weeks in select
rice paddies in only a couple
towns in Pampanga then
harvested as the cool breeze
of the holiday months sweep
the rice fields. Processing
this grain is a colourful undertaking in itselffrom
harvesting in early dawn,
to winnowing, toasting and
pounding to remove the
chaff. For every hectare
planted with this special
variety yields a mere 4.5 cavans of grain while a harvest
of the normal variety of rice
yields up to 300 cavans.
Due to the limited harvest quantity, which was
fortunately spared by the
typhoons that hit Central
Luzon this year, the demand
for duman is much greater
than the supply. However, despite its rather steep
price, those whove enjoyed

it vouch that it is worth

every grain. It may be
consumed by itself, rather like breakfast cereal,
or taken with steaming
gatasdamulag (carabao
milk) or tsokolate de
batirol (frothy native
chocolate).
Sugarleaf
Makati
shares this prized delicacy in limited quantities
to residents of the metropolis. Together with
La Modernas artisan
bakery products as well
as other carefully selected
healthyummy food and nonfood products
For more information
about duman, please visit
ht t p://w w w.asiar ice.org /
sections/whatsnew/Philippines136.html and for a taste
of this unique delicacy, drop
by Sugarleaf Makati located at the ground and second floor of the MEDICard

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

Lifestyle Center, 51 Paseo

de Roxas corner Buendia
Avenue, Urdaneta Village,
Makati City. Tel 812 7323.
Open 8am-8pm Mondays to
Fridays and til 5pm on Saturdays. Email ansongco@
yahoo.com Like us on www.
facebook.com /SugarleafFoodsThatNourish
Experience
Duman
where it is grown!
For those who want a

unique truly Capampangan

gustatory and cultural experience, take a 1.5 hour drive
north to Santa Rita, Pampanga on 6 December for the
11thDuman Festival which
has grown much since its
humble beginnings. Venue
at the megadike. Starts at
late afternoon to evening
and features food, music,
dance and more food and
duman!

PEOPLES & EVENT

Fil-Am Who's Who Finds A Marketing

Partner in Great Philippines Expedition
Fil-Am Who's Who, the only glossy
magazine published and distributed
around the tri-state area with a strong
readership base among FilipinoAmericans, is expecting a sister publication, Fil-Am Who's Who Special
Edition, soon.
On board as the marketing partner
of Fil-Am Who's Who Special Edition
are the people behind Great Philippines Expedition, a health, travel, and
lifestyle newspaper published and
mainly distributed across the Philippines.
Great Philippines Expedition aims to discover and promote the Philippines' less known, untouched, and unspoiled vacation spots; prospective
tourism powerhouses; and new health discoveries,
among others, says Rodel Rabara, managing director and Editor-in-Chief. We firmly believe that
these kinds of topics will be of great interest to your
steadily growing readership in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
We're indeed excited to partner up with Fil-Am
Who's Who for this project, he adds. We're sure
that our existing network of information sources
and advertisers are also willing to reach out to Filipino-Americans, especially in the Northeast.
Published on a quarterly basis, Fil-Am Who's
Who Special Edition, whose maiden issue is expected in January 2015, features some of the best
things that the Philippines has to offer to any balikbayan and first-time or frequent visitor to the Philippines, whether it be top travel picks for the summer or wise real estate investments, or best seasonal
gifts for family members.
Photo on this page shows Fil-Am Who's Who
Editor-In-Chief Oliver Oliveros with Great Philippines Expedition's Mr. Rabara during contract signing held last month in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines.
(Photo by Ulysses Manuel)

Gubernatorial Candidate MUFI Hannemann and his Supporters

Spending Quality Time with my Half Brother,

San Fernando, La Union Mayor Pablo Ortega
during his recent Hawaii Trip.

GREAT PHILLIPINES EXPEDITION

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

TRAVEL & TOURISM

My hassle-free trip to Vigan and

Baguio with Partas bus transport system
By: Rodel T. Rabara

Traveling north wouldnt

be complete without a stopover or overnight or two at
Vigan and Baguio or Laoag.
There are local flights going
there but if you want to take
photos, enjoy the scenery of
the countryside and savor
the fresh air, road trip is the
best! And if you dont like the
hassle of bringing your own
car and enjoy a grand vacation you might as well avail
of the bus transport. The
Partas bus transport system
is always on the rescue for a
weary- and worry-free travel.
Thats exactly what I did on
my northern sojourn early
October this year.
The road trip to Baguio,
the countrys summer capital
and mountain resort town, is
a four to five-hour 249-kilometer drive from Manila.
To get to Vigan from Baguio,
one has to drive back to La
Union and take the National

Highway all the way to Vigan

a three-and-a-half to fourhour drive. Laoag is some 80
kilometers north of Vigan.
Through the courtesy of
Mr. Rommel Singson, president of PARTAS TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, I
made it to Ilocos region and
Baguio City on time and
safe.
While traveling, I cant
help to praise this bus company. Iba talaga ang Partas
mapagkakatiwalaan, I told
myself. My sincerest thanks
to Sir Rommel for sponsoring my travel so I can give
you, our dear readers, a good
glimpse of the beauty of our
country in this side of the
Philippines.
Once at Vigan, the capital
city of Ilocos Sur, we checked
in at the famous Aniceto
Mansion, a huge old mansion built during the Spanish
era, which was converted into

a hotel to accommodate both

local and foreign guests. It is
strategically situated at the
heart of Vigan City where
Vigan Heritage Village area is
located.
Once inside the hotel one
can readily feel the vibe of an
old Spanish mansion where
wooden furnitures are large
and antique-looking. It may
feel eerie at first but guests
need not be afraid as the
hotel staff are friendly and
welcoming.
Aniceto Mansion
Located at the entrance of
the historic Crisologo Street,
the Aniceto Mansion indeed
has an enviable location. It
is at the center of Vigans
cultural city, right in front
of the Plaza Burgos. Staying
there would really give you
a feel of how it was to be an
illustrado during the Spanish
time, awakened in the morn-

Plaza Burgos, 01 Mena Crisologo

St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Tel. 077 722 2383 and 077 722 2384
Email: anicetomansion@yahoo.com
mobile numbers 0908 555 5720

ing by the resounding bell of

the Saint Paul Cathedral just
beside your home.
The homes of rich people
during the Spanish time were
located around the plaza surrounding the church and the
administrative buildings. The
farther your home is from the
plaza means that your family
has lesser prominence during
that time. The Aniceto Mansion used to be the residence
of political and literary figure
Don Mena Crisologo. Its
connection to Vigans rich
and historic families does
not end there. The mansion
which was built in 1840 was
owned by Leona Florentinos
father. Leona Florentino was
a poetess whose works were
recognized by the world even
before they were recognized
by her countrymen.
The reason why it is now
called the Aniceto Mansion
is because ownership of the
mansion is now with the
Aniceto family who restored
it. They have operated the
mansion as a hotel for Vigan
visitors since 1989. The owners aim to ensure that guests
of the Aniceto Mansion
would have the best house

experience. They maintained

its old-world charm by keeping the prominent displays
of family portraits that add
character to the mansion.
Visitors have a choice of meandering through the main
rooms filled with Ilocano
antique furniture and decors,
or watch the plaza scenes
through the opened wide,
capiz-shell windows while sitting in the comfort of one of
the rooms.
The Aniceto Mansions 26
bedrooms have cable television, telephone and hot and
cold running water.
They also have a function
room suited for celebrations
and seminars, and an ample
parking area.
Like other larger size
lodging places in Vigan, the
Aniceto Mansion also has
its own dining place called
Caf Florecita where guests
and non-guests can partake
of Vigan food. All Aniceto
rooms are in keeping with
the Ilocano-Spanish interiors. Guests may also want to
check out the wishing well
found there.
It is a great place to stay
for young families as children

Florentino St., Vigan City

mobile numbers
0905 5414130 / 0917 524 6977

10

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

FEATURE

At the heart of Military Cut-Off Road lies a Pinoy

authentic cuisine restaurant, Kubong Sawali. If you are
looking for a Baguio restaurant where you will enjoy
eating your next dinner and if you have never gone to a
place in Baguio where authentic Pinoy dishes are served,
look no further. The next time you visit Baguio, go for
Kubong Sawali, and I assure you that you will taste some of
the best Pinoy dishes like no other.
The food, the drinks, the ambianceits all at Kubong
Sawali. What people really enjoyed eating in this restaurant
is their bilao-style food that they serve. Its so good. In one
bilao, you can have the best combination of food like
bangus (milkfish), hipon (shrimp), and barbecueand
match it with other dishes like sashimi and veggie side dish.
They have different bilao combinations and its up to your
choice (but the one I enjoy eating the most is their seafood
bilao). Kubong Sawali has two branches, one in Baguio and
one in Bauang, La Union.

below two years old can stay

for free, while those from
three to 11 years old are only
charged for half of the adult
rate.
While in Vigan, we frequented Trellis Restaurant for
our lunch and dinner and
feasted on Ilocano and some
Chinese dishes which the
restaurant is famous for.
We stayed five days in Ilocos. Aside from Aniceto Mansion, we also had the chance
to stay at Villa Angela Hotel
before going to Baguio.
Villa Angela
Villa Angela, located at 26
Quirino Boulevard, Vigan
City, is a typical 1850's Vigan
house transformed into the
city's most charming hotel. It's stands proudly on a
2,000 square meter lot as a
shining example of a Vigan
Heritage House. Being a
rich depository of the family's relics and memorabilia
acquired through the years,
Villa Angela remains a
showcase of the family's past
and present standing in the
Vigan community. The upper
floor has been continuously
maintained to be as elegant as
it was over 100 years ago. The
rooms are filled with antique

furniture seen only in big

colonial houses. On the lower
floor, what were once storage
areas for the family's farm
produce of rice, corn, maguey, and tobacco have been
converted into cozy dormitory-style rooms which can
accommodate larger groups.
Villa Angela has been the
venue of many historical and
social gatherings in the Vigan
of yesteryears, and remains
so today, as a preferred venue
for both grand and intimate
gatherings, garden weddings,
baptismal parties and even
retreats, seminars, workshops
and training courses for various groups and organizations.
The real benefit of traveling
and staying in historical place
like Vigan is the cultural and
heritage immersion that go
with it. When you stay at Aniceto Mansion or Villa Angela Heritage House, youre
experiencing first hand what
the Spanish Era could have
been like, except that youve
got modern conveniences like
the wi-fi connection. With
hotel decors including the old
pictures that adorn the walls
and the well-informed staff,
one could surely feel like he
or she has stepped back to the
time of the Ilustrados.

Try Zio's Pizzeria Quattro Formaggi pizza and define its nearest Pinoy
counterpart. (Photo taken at Zio's Pizzeria, Leonard Wood.)
Eating a hot pizza in this cold city of Baguio is a mouthwatering adventure, especially when you eat at Zios Pizzeria, where the best Baguio pizzas are
served. Do not under estimate this young pizza house in Baguio as your jaws
will drop the first time you see their best sellers, your nose will become a stalker
the first time you smell their aroma and how much more when you taste them?
Forget about everything as the best tasting pizza bursts in your mouth! Once
tasted, forever wanted!
Starting the pizza business in 2007, the pizza house was a hit at Military
Cut-Off Road in Baguio City and eventually branched out two more located
separately in Magsaysay Avenue and Leonard Wood. There pizzas were different from the ordinary pizzas served in the city, as they include Pinoy touch in
every flavor they have. One of the best sellers I tasted was their Quattro Formaggi (dont ask me what that means) which is a combination of four different
cheese. It might sound like a foreign flavor, but once you taste it, it definitely
feels very familiar in your moutha Pinoy flavor like no other, gently scattering its good taste to all the corners of your tongue. Me and my friends were
actually figuring it out and the closest guess to our uncertainty was bibingka
cooked fresh and soft. Only that the cheese defines the restand the other half
was for you to enjoy.

Our sincerest thanks go

to Madam Ninay Verzosa for
our memorable stay at Villa
Angela.
From Vigan, we had another pleasurable trip going to
the summer capital through
Partas bus transport system.
We had the chance to drop
by Baguio City Hall for a
courtesy call to Mayor Mauricio Domogan and we talked
in our mother tongue which
is Ilocano.
Just a little backgrounder,
the low-profile yet industrious mayor of Baguio City has
been elected to three terms
as a Member of the House of
Representatives of the Philippines, representing the Lone
District of Baguio City. He
first won election to Congress
in 2001, and was re-elected
in 2004 and 2007. Prior to
his election to Congress,
Domogan served three terms
as mayor of Baguio City from
1992 to 2001.
He reclaimed his mayoralty
post in Baguio City after winning the 2010 elections.
Eurotel Baguio
It was a relief to feel the
natural coolness of Baguio
City. We billeted at Eurotel,
the number one business ho-

tel in the heart of Baguio.

Eurotel Baguio is a
5-minute walk from Baguio
City Hall. It features a spa
with massage services and
sauna facilities. The hotel
offers free Wi-Fi and free
parking.
Rooms provide cable TV
channels and air conditioning. A safe and telephone are
offered. Bathroom toiletries
are included.
Eurotel Baguio has a business center and offers car
rental services. The hotel also
has a restaurant that serves
local and international cuisine.
This charming European style property is also
a 5-minute walk from The
Burnham Park. SM Baguio
Mall and The Victory Liner
Bus Terminal is a 15-minute
drive away. Thats why its a
preferred hotel of many when
in Baguio.
Kubong Sawali
Our lunch and dinner in
Baguio is courtesy of Kubong
Sawali owned by Mr. Henry
Revilla and Mr. Sonny Agcolicol, Jr., who made sure we
get the chance to savor their
healthy and delicious cuisine.
The perfect ambiance plus the

GREAT PHILLIPINES EXPEDITION

warm welcome of the owners

and staff of Kubong Sawali
made their food more salivating! In particular, I enjoyed
hinubarang hito with matching seaweeds. Their strawberry shake concoction made our
lunch much more exciting!
At the heart of Military
Cut-Off Road lies this Pinoy
authentic cuisine restaurant.
If you are looking for a Baguio restaurant where you will
enjoy eating your next dinner
and if you have never gone
to a place in Baguio where
authentic Pinoy dishes are
served, look no further. The
next time you visit Baguio,
go for Kubong Sawali, and I
assure you that you will taste
some of the best Pinoy dishes
like no other.
Kubong Sawali has three
branches, two in Baguio (the
other one located in SM City
Baguio) and one in Bauang,
La Union. For more info and
contact details, you can log
on to www.kubongsawali.
com.
I couldnt get enough of
Vigan and Baguio. Surely I
would be coming back for
more especially because of
the kind-hearted people in
this side of Philippine archipelago!

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

11

SPECIAL FEATURE
life is a journey, then, time
is our constant
travel companion. We feel its
presence when
we see our children all grown
up, having families of their own.
We feel its presence when we see long
lost friends which we havent seen
for a long time. We feel its presence
when we visit memorable places of
our youth. Indeed, time transforms
our lives, as we grow older.
As we have matured throughout
the years, we all have various ways
of discovering the real meaning of
life; as reflected in our character
and individual growth. Through the
Almightys blessings and grace, we
have found our respective places in this
world. Some of us are successful in their
chosen fields of endeavor, while some are
still searching for their luck. But it is not
all about material success. What is important is that we have lived up to the roles
designated to us by the Lord as good
husbands, good wives, good parents, good

12

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

brothers, good sisters, good neighbors,

good Filipinos, and most of all, as good
Christians.
In the end, despite our differences in
ways and achievements, when we return
to our roots - where everything began,
we become content, and we become one.
Now, we are no longer students, but we
come back as alumni. We are back in the

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

same place where lots of memories were

nurtured within our hearts: the teachers,
the school, and our old classmates. Now,
we return to our beloved alma mater
where sweet memories will always be
cherished.
TO ALL OUR BATCHMATES, welcome to our Narvacan National Central

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

High Schools Class of 1983

REUNION, held this 9th day
of August, 2014 at SUNRISE
HOTEL RESORT in Limmansangan, Narvacan, Ilocos
Sur
The reasons for holding
this event are: to find the real
meaning of being an alumnus
of this prestigious educational
institution, to rekindle the
school spirit of the whole
Narvacan National Central
High School community and
to remember enjoyably the
good old days in our beloved
school.
I want to thank God for
guiding us to make this reunion possible. And indeed,
the nurturing that encompassed our past, have come
full circle and now reflects how we have
come a long way in achieving our present
achievements and goals. So now, with this
event, more than just adding a feather to
our cap, we look back fondly to our past
with gratitude and thankful hearts.
To all SECTION BANABA Batch
1983 welcome!

LIVELIHOOD/ ENTREPRENEUR

Kristine
Rochelle
Tobillo:
The Lady behind the brow grooming business in PHL
By: Leony R. Garcia

Most beauty experts agree that

eyebrow grooming is the mostnatural
beauty-enhancement
procedure that can drastically
change ones look at any age.
According to Brow Studio
owner and Director Kristine
Rochelle Tobillo, achieving the
perfect arch that sets off ones
facial features can give a more
sophisticated, or refined, aura to
both ladies and men. Thats why
when this marketing graduate
was thinking of a business after
her years of stint in the corporate
world, Tobillo thought of something that can be done in a jiffy
with good resultsa 10-minute
eyebrow grooming.
Its really amazing how simple eyebrow grooming can easily
change a persons looks and boost
his or her confidence, Tobillo
shares.
You do a lot of things in the
parlor: you have the hair to shampoo, cut or trim, blow dry and
style; the face for facial treatment
or makeup; or nails for manicure
or pedicure. While in the spa, you
do a lot of massage and therapeutic services. These services have
low customer turnout, according
to Tobillo.
I have nothing against spa or
parlor because Im a loyal customer, myself. But I want something fast and yet effective, she
said.

Thus, at her brow clinic, each

procedure is done in 10 minutes,
or a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on the services ask for,
or as needed.
Tobillo attests that their happy
customers come and go and instantly feel beautiful and satisfied
with their new brows, then come
back after three to four weeks for
a repeat procedure, or to try new
services.
However, having the wrong
shape or style of brows could easily unflatter, as well. Thats why
its important to consult an expert first before deciding on anything, she added.
The specialty brow clinic to
the rescue
Barely four years old, the Brow
Studio already has 10 branches
and two franchise outlets. Not really a newbie in the business and
armed with years of experience
in various family businesses, Tobillo decided she also wanted a
business of her own.
She said she saw the opportunity for this niche four years
agoa grooming service that is
fast and could just be done in kiosks. However, most malls, where
she broached her idea gave her
room spaces, instead, for sanitary
purposes. She readily grabbed
the place offered by Eastwood in
Libis, then by SM Megamall and
Shopwise in Cubao. Soon she

trained more staff and opened

more branches.
I knew there would be copycats and foreign studios coming
into the country, given the big
market for this industry, kaya
inunahan ko na sila. That makes
my company the first Filipinoowned specialty threading and
waxing spa for eyebrows in the
country. And I intend to branch
out more and accept franchisees,
Tobillo said.
The pioneer in the industry,
which started in 2010, Tobillo
said it has been giving the utmost
care and attention to ones eyebrows without burning a hole in
the pocket. We have maintained
our price affordable so that everybody can experience this simple yet life-changing experience
and easily maintain the condition
of their eyebrows, she said.
To guarantee high level of expertise in the shaping and grooming of ones eyebrows, Tobillo
travels abroad with her lawyerhusband to see new trends and
even try services for herself. She
also constantly trains her staff to
maintain high level of expertise.
Personalized brow assessment
Tobillo explains that its important to invest in a visit to an
eyebrow expert for an initial
shaping and consideration of
other facets before the procedure.
Assessing the current eyebrow

situation and ones facial feature

are crucial steps before deciding
on a brow design. People cant
just go to an eyebrow salon with
a photo peg and have their eyebrows done.
No two arches are the same
and our brow designers are taught
how to conduct facial-shape assessment so they can explain to
the clients clearly the current
state of their brows and what design is appropriate and suitable
for them, Tobillo added.
At the Brow Studio, eyebrow
designers do a combination of
threading, tweezing and cutting
for clean and defined brows. But
before the procedure, a client is
given a Brow RX, or a piece of
paper, where the designers expertly draw the clients eyebrows
based on his/her brow shape (the
front of the brow should align
with the upper bridge of the nose).
When the brows are perfectly
shaped, its easier to maintain it
by plucking stray growing hair.
Our designers also teach the clients how to define their brows
with eyebrow pencil, so they can
groom their brows properly on
their own. When the brow situation goes out of hand, they can
always come back to us for clean
up or redesign, she said.
Safe procedure for both men
and women
Eyebrow plucking and thread-

ing can be painful for beginners,

or when one is not used to it.
This is why there are still a lot of
people who refuse to touch their
brows no matter how bushy, cluttered or misshapen they are.
Tobillo assures that eyebrow
threading is safe and most effective in "cleaning up brows"
especially her clinic uses imported 100% anti-bacterial cotton thread.
Men are a secondary market for eyebrow grooming at the
Brow Studio. According to Tobillo, male costumers come for
grooming, to remove the scattered hair surrounding their
upper eye that shadows their
whole face.
Brow grooming gives men
a more radiant and fresh look,
while still maintaining the masculinity they ardently protect.
We even have some clients experiencing hair loss who come to us
to groom their brows because its
all they have left, she said.
And for those who have problematic browsnaturally thin,
receding or irregular browsfor
both men and women, Tobillo has
come up with an innovative Brow
Vitamins sold at 10-milliliters
easy-to-use roll-on bottle. With
regular application, its great to
use to achieve healthier, fuller
and thicker brows, according to
Tobillo.

Pandan Beach and Picnic Grove

Pandan Beach and Picnic Grove
is located at Barangay Tinintinan,
Municipality of Araceli, northeastern part of the Province of Palawan,
at fixed location Longitude 1034.41
North and Latitude 1 1959.53 East.
It is established and opened for business on June 24, 2013.
Famous for its velvety white sandy
beach bordering the coastline of Barangay Tinintinan, the place is barely
three (3) kilometres away from the
town proper (Poblacion) of Araceli.
The awesome white sandy beach provides a scenic beauty to picnickers
and swimming enthusiasts at weekends and holidays especially during
summer vacation. Its open seas is
very ideal and potential for sea sports
as windsurfing/kitesurfing during the
northeast monsoon (amihan) once
fully developed.
The beautiful and almost two (2)
kilometres long and forty (40) meters
in width seashore dotted by the shiny,

fine white sandy beach is highly comparable to other white beaches in the
country like the famous Boracay of
Aklan, Puerto Galera in Oriental
Mindoro and the long beach of San
Vicente, Palawan and other beaches
in the province. One will surely enjoy
its white sand, crystal-like, clean and
clear waters. No one can resist the
beacon call of this white sandy beach
that dots the long coastline of the barangay.
Palm-like trees known as seashore
pandan (scientifically named pandanus tectorious) are common along the
sandy shore and in the beach compound, hence the name PANDAN
BEACH AND PICNIC GROVE. It
is the perfect choice for picnic and
swimming activities of local guests
and visitors in the town. Native cottages are available in the beach for
those who opt to enjoy and stay overnight savouring the tranquillity, coolness and freshness of the clean air.

Pandan Beach and Picnic Grove,

as the name suggests, is more on a
picnic ground with swimming and
sunbathing as among the activities
that may be undertaken. It is nested
in a more or less half-hectare lot only
two (200) meters from the national
highway, near the public elementary
school and just at the back of the Barangay Hall of Tinintinan, Araceli,
Palawan.
Pandan Beach and Picnic Grove
spearheads and showcases the exceptional potential of Araceli as major
cross-destination for those wanting to
visit El Nido via Iloilo-Cuyo-AraceliRoxas passenger route sea transport.
It is amazingly beautiful, considered a hidden paradise and one of
the best natural beaches in Palawan.
Come to Pandan Beach and Picnic
Grove and enjoy the incomparable
quality and enchanting leisure time
nurtured by the splendour of the sea,
sun, nature, and pristine waters.

GREAT PHILLIPINES EXPEDITION

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

13

DK Valdez:
ENTERTAINMENT

ONE MORE LOOK at

Well-Sought Performer Abroad Now

Shares His Talent In The Local Scene

is such a charmed life: He is blessed with good looks which complements his tenor voice. He is well-travelled and he is at the prime of his
life -- in his mid 20s.
And he sings with gusto with
so much enthusiasm and ease yet
full of emotion and stage presence
to his mesmerized audience. And he
sings with no less than two orchestras and a choir of 250, all under the
baton of a well-known maestro, Win
Siegfried Pentek of Germany.
Yes, DK Valdez has been performing in this side of Europe annually since 2010.
Aside from this great opportunity, he has also performed in
nearby European countries such
as Belgium, The Netherlands and
Austria and in Asian countries as
well such as Thailand, Hong Kong,
and Singapore.
Indeed, he has his share of fame
abroad but Valdez, like most singers
and performers would also like to
carve a name back home.
There is no place like home. I
could just simply sit back, relax and
enjoy my talent fee abroad but I also
would like to offer my talent to my
fellow Filipinos, DK said during an
exclusive interview with this writer.
Like many Filipino entertainers,
DK said his career began by taking
part in singing contests, sneaking
away from home to do so, and often
finding himself the winner. Soon
he was part of a boy band, with
whom he made provincial tours and
concerts.
Having earned substantial
amount of money, DK decided to try
his luck in nearby Asian countries
when his group disbanded. Luckily,
he found a second home in Thailand
where he started as a singer in a hotels piano bar. And the rest, as they
say, is providential and history.
In one of his gigs, a tourist
requested for a song to which DK
gamely sang. After finishing his

requested song, My Love Will See

You Through, the man personally
sought DK and invited him to sing
in Germany. Elated, DK agreed
but not totally believing his luck.
Weeks after, when he got his suits
and passport provided by Maestro
Pentek himself, he knew in his
heart that God has indeed answered
his prayers not just for a singing career but with an international
exposure.
Since then, DK has regular
concerts in Germany which he has
made his third home , in Arena and
Concert Halls where he sang with
two the German orchestras and
choir with Pentek conducting. He
has been invited to return for further
engagements during summer, and
on Christmas season. Elsewhere
that he has sung, in Europe or Asian
countries, DK has developed his
own set of charmed followers and
admirers, both young and old. He
sings pop, ballads, rhythm-andblues, gospel and Golden Oldies with equal facility, depth and
intensity.
Valdez released his first Solo
Album on March 2012 in the
Philippines, entitled " It's All About
Love " with his own composition,
"Tatanggapin Pa Ba Kita" as carrier single. On record, the album
became the over-all No. 1 Top
Selling Albums (Original Pilipino
Music and Foreign ) in all Astroplus
/ Astrovision on April 2012. The
same album became DKs ticket to
earning a recognition, as the Best
New Male Recording Artist of the
Year during the 4th Star Award
for Music by the Philippine Movie
Press Club (PMPC). This accolade
could have propelled DKs singing
career in the country which he has

always longed for. But his financial

obligation to his family was great
and he needed to see three more
siblings through college.
Having fulfilled his obligations,
the singer/songwriter, recording
cum performing artist have found
much needed time for himself and
his promising singing career in the
Philippines. Now he is staying a
little longer in the country to finish
his second album, to promote it
and make his presence felt in the
local entertainment scene. In
fact, since arriving in July this
year, DK has practically made
the round of guestings in mall
shows, radio and TV programs.
He is wrapping up his
second album which contains
original compositions such as
I Love You, a collaboration
between German composers
Matthias Wosnica and Frank Homolka; and Filipino carrier single,
Di Ko Kaya. Also included is
Tatanggapin Pa Ba Kita, his first
albums carrier song which he
himself composed and was shot into
an MTV in Thailand with himself directing along with Thailand
models. (The MTV was one of the
top nominees in the 6th PMPC Star
Awards for Music shown on September 21 at ABS-CBNs Sundays
Best). A second MTV and a couple
of revival songs complete DKs
second album.
DK said he is eagerly awaiting
for the mechanical agreement with
Star Records before he could finally promote it. This early, he is
keeping his fingers crossed with
the success of his second album
which he hopes to promote
before his series of shows in
Japan in November.

Supermodel
JOHNELLE
Ortega
Anderson
14

October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

GREAT PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

ENTERTAINMENT
Quotes in

Q U I Z

BEAT THE CASINO

To decode the quotation supply the correct letter in each box.

The same number corresponds to the same letter
CLUES: 1=I; 3=A; 5=E; 7=M; 12=D

1.

2.

Name:_______________________________ Contact no.________________

Please answer the about game puzzle and send it back to our main office
Suite 201 Chelsea Bldg., Chateau Valenzuela Condominium, Lingunan
Valenzuela City, Philippines To those lucky subscribers you are entitle for
gift certificates like airline tickets, beauty centers and spas, hotels and
restaurants, healthy food products and a lot lot more...
1st draw will be on July 01, 2014 and 2nd draw will be November 03, 2014.
Winners will be posted accordingly.

Quotes in
TAKE S

1.

ON L Y

ON E

TO

POEM

DESCRIBE

Roses are red.

Your blood is too.
You look like a monkey
And belong in a zoo.
Do not worry,
Ill be there too.
Not in the cage,
But laughing at you.

Wife: How would you describe me?

Husband: ABCDEFGHIJK.
Wife: What does that mean?
Husband: Adorable, beautiful, cute, delightful,
elegant, fashionable, gorgeous, and hot.
Wife: Aw, thank you, but what about IJK?
Husband: Im just kidding!

PASSWORD
A husband and wife are trying to set
up a new password for their computer. The husband puts, Mypenis,

and the wife falls on the ground

laughing because on the screen it
says, Error. Not long enough.

TEACHER
Teacher: Kids,what does the
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October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

15

GLOBAL CONNECT
PINOY GREETINGS
FROM AROUND
THE GLOBE
October 29, 2014 - January 28,

2015 Vol.6, Issue No.11

Sipadan, one
of the best dive
spots in the world

I wake up at 5 am, I cant sleep anymore

because Im too excited for my next dive
trip. What are we going to see today? Will
we see some sharks? Is it really that beautiful as they say?

We have to be at 7 a.m. at
the dive shop. Prepare our
equipment for 3 dives and meet
up with our dive master. We
are with 4 divers, 2 open water
divers and 2 advanced divers.
Our first dive will be at 9 am
and the dive site will be the
Turtle patch.
On our way to Sipadan we
already spot some dolphins
playing around, what an amazing start of the day! After an
hour we arrive at Sipadan Island. The reason that nobody
is allowed to stay on the island
is because of the 21 people
who were kidnapped by the
Abu Sayyaf's Filipino terrorist group in 2001. At the end of
2004, all Sipadan resorts were
closed and moved to Mabul Island (see article Mabul, a little piece of heaven on earth).
We check our equipment,
get our last briefing and then
it is time to decent. My first
impression is unbelievable.
Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600m
seabed. It was formed over
thousands years by living corals growing on top of an extinct
volcano. The wall is covered
by the most beautiful coral and
there are so many tropical fishes swimming around. The visibility is more than 30 meters,
it is almost scary how clear the
water is.
After a few minutes of enjoying all the corals and different species of fish, I see 2
White tip sharks rising up from
the dark depth underneath me.
Wow! This is amazing Then
I looked to the left and see 3
turtles swimming around.
In total we saw 3 species of
sharks (reef shark, white tip
and black tip sharks) and numerous of turtles. The first Sipadan experience is already an
unforgettable one!
After an hour relaxing on the
beach, it is time for our second
dive; Barracuda point. I understand why they call it barracuda point I was literally
the middle point of a barracuda
tornado. There were thousands
of barracudas circling around

us in a tornado formation. A
once in a life time experience!
After the second dive, it was
lunch time. The dive master
prepared a local lunch and we
had time to relax and ley on the
stunning white sand beach on
Sipadan Island. As diving can
be very exhausting, we had to
relax before we could go for
the 3th and last dive.
Our 3th dive was at the
South point where often Hammerhead sharks and manta
rays are spotted. Unfortunately
we didnt see them but we saw
loads of other sharks, turtles
and fishes again.
Sipadan is recognised as the
best diving in the Malaysia and
amongst the best in the world.
I can admit that! It is definitely the best dive spot Ive ever
been in my live. If you are a
diver, you should go to Sipadan
one time!
What are the costs for Sipadan?Since april 1st 2008,
Sabah Parks' permit system allows only 120 divers per day.
So you have to get a permit in
advanced. The price for the
permit included 3 dives on Sipadan, boat ride and lunch is
RM 500 (155 USD)
How to get there?As you
are not allowed to stay at Sipadan Island. You can either
stay at Mabul Island or at Semporna town. Most visitors fly
to Tawau airport or come by
bus, minivan or taxi from Sabah's northern towns of Kota
Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sukau
and LahadDatu. There are frequent flights (relatively inexpensive) from Kuala Lumpur
to Tawau (2.45 hrs) and from
Kota Kinabalu (50 minutes).
Once you arrive in Tawau, you
will continue by land transfer
to the port town of Semporna
(1.30 hours).FromSemporna,
you will continue on the same
day by boat to your accommodation on Mabul Island (45-60
minutes).
Written by JaniekeNieboer
Published by Marco de Groen
Copyright thedailyroar.com
www.thedailyroar.com

Kumusta kay amin dita Narvacan Ilocos Sur nagruna ti kabarrioak dita Barangay Camarao... ken Narvacan National Central High School Batch 1983.
-Alex Carrancho, Henderson, Nevada, U.S. A.
Kamusta kayo amin dita Ilocos Sur nangruna kadaguiti kailiak
dita Narvacan.
-Cecilia Cabatic, Athen Greece

Kadaguiti amin nga gagayyem ken kakabagyan nagruna dita

narvacan, mailiw nak unayen ti nag gappuak nga ili ....
- Helen Garcia, Maryland U.S.A.

The Villamor-Reyes Family of California,

USA...Regards to everybody ! Love You
Loads.
-Bernie, Peng/Ayel/Renee, Abby,
Reniz, Czacza, And Reb.

To All my Batchmate especially Nnchs Batch 1983 Section

Banaba I wish you all luck and good health! .
-Rowena Romero , Singapore