Travel

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In Makati City, Saturday is market day.

For almost six years now, Salcedo Village in Bel-Air, Makati has been the host of what would be the most successful weekend market in the country – the Salcedo Community Market.

So, when Smart brought me to Makati for the 6th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards, I made it a point to drop by the weekend market, especially since I was billeted just a few blocks away, at Somerset Salcedo, Makati. 

The weekend market started in 2004 with only 27 vendors. According to the event’s founder, former Bel-Air barangay captain and now Makati City consultant for barangay affairs, Constancia “Nene” Q. Lichauco, the project started as a way to show residents the different programs of her office.

“We thought that this would be a temporary thing, but then more vendors came and one thing led to the other,” said Lichauco. 

She, however, clarified that the market is a service for the residents of Bel-Air and neighboring communities. “We have no profit from this. We organize the vendors and we take care of them,” she said.

Perhaps, the uniqueness of the Salcedo Market comes from the diversity of vendors and customers. But as Lichauco pointed out, they made sure that the products sold are all related to either food or plants. To make sure that no product sold in the market escapes their scrutiny, every piece would pass through the organizers; this includes taste testing sessions for all new dishes to be sold.

But, let me say that I was misinformed about the market. No, it is not a vegetarian market, an organic market or a health buff’s market. Everything edible is sold here. It is just that there are plenty of choices for vegetarians and health buffs. I would say that the diversity of vendors have made the market a paradise for gourmet items. 

“You can find everything here – French, German, Italian, International food. Some of the vendors are residents, homemakers who thought of earning extra by cooking up their specialty,” Lichauco revealed.

“Some become successful that they eventually put up their own restaurant like Myron’s Place,” she said. Couple Ramon and Monica Eugenio opened Myron’s Place restaurants in Greenbelt 5 and Rockwell. 

Aside from that, Lichauco said that rarely would they get any other reason for a vendor to leave his space. What? With the 1000 vendors on the wait list, it would be crazy for one of the 130 vendors to give up their hard-earned space.

And it’s just right for these vendors to pray for their chance to come as every weekend more and more visitors flock the market. From residents of Bel-Air village to tourists who somehow found their way in this exclusive community.

So, if you develop a following from Makati’s alta sociedad, expect to open a restaurant in a couple of months or so. That was exactly what three of the vendors that I was able to chat with planned to do.

Carlitos Abello (with his gourmet sauces) joined a few months after the fair started. “We try to come up with healthier alternatives to Filipino sauces,” Abello proudly said while showing his bestseller, Malungay Pesto (P198/ 225gm).

“Even before malungay became a health fad we were already selling these. So, when the Department of Health issued a statement on the health benefits of malungay we started to run out of the Malungay Pesto,” he said.

So from a businessman in the garments industry, Abello eventually found success in doing what he truly enjoyed, which is cooking. Today, he supplies restaurants, hotels and coffee shops.

His latest products are the Tofu Adobo (P95/225gm.) and the Healthy Bagoong (P110/225gm), which Abello said is sautéed in olive oil sans the salitre, MSG, food coloring and definitely less on the salt.

Abhra Dam of Yogi Chef, on the other hand, serves vegetarian food. He is basically a novice in the Salcedo Community Market but already he revealed that opening a full-blown restaurant is in the blueprint.

   

Dam has been cooking for 25 years, although he’s been a vegetarian for only a year. He said that cooking has been his passion, the reason why he found success in the business. Aside from the Salcedo Market, though, the Yogi Chef is also part of Mara’s Organic Market.

For Jiro’s Native Lechon, they pride themselves for selling authentic Cebu lechon, the recipe of which, owner Cherry Valente claims, was inherited by her Cebuano father from their elders. 

Valente said that the weekend market has turned into a family affair for them, for three years now. Her father cooks the lechon early in the morning so that they would bring it to the market by 6 a.m. Selling then turns into a family activity with in-laws, children and grandchildren flocking to the stall to help out or just to enjoy the people passing by the stall.

Because the market is located inside a park, it is not a wonder why going to the market has become a family affair. As Lichauco would put it, this has become a time for busy people to meet each other in a very relaxed atmosphere. Mind you there is a place where you can enjoy the food that you fancy, and with a well-appointed clinic and a clean toilet, you need not worry of packing it all in.

So, if you happen to be in Makati on a weekend, do drop by the market. It is located at the Jaime Velasquez Park, between Leviste and Tordesillas Sts., Salcedo Village. They are open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Pictures: 1. Nene Lichauco. 2. Flower vendor. 3. Strawberries from Bagiuo City. 4. Map of the Salcedo Community Market.)

Published in The FREEMAN on February 15, 2010.

Travel

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CEBU, Philippines  - The February air is filling my lungs with the thick syrupy fragrance of love. Yet, I could not help but feel ridiculous thinking of the many banal romantic dinners and dates planned to coincide with that one particular date: February 14.

What if lovers can spend a romantic day together without attracting so many ants their way? That would be something.

Here are a few suggestions that may come in handy, should you be naught of any idea on an activity to do on Valentines Day (or if you were late in booking for a reservation in one of Cebu’s classy restaurants):

A night outdoors

Pack up your camping gear and head off to one of Cebu’s many campsites. You would have reprieve from the hassles of metro living, and an overnight stay with nature can be very rewarding. Make sure that your supplies are complete. This would include mosquito repellants, a tent and/or sleeping bags, flashlight, provisions, water, extra clothes, and toiletries. An excellent site that I heard so much about is Mountain View Nature Park (For pictures, click here) in Busay, although, I’ve never been there myself, but the place is said to have a camp site with an excellent view, flower gardens, and even bunk houses. Should you be interested, better give them a call at 231-5444 or 231-5454.

Cruising Mactan Strait

It would have been perfect had you been able to book Islands Banca Cruises ahead of time, but by now they are probably full to the brim. The best alternative would be renting a motorized banca from a lowly fisherman or one of those passenger bancas that ply Cebu’s seas. Make sure you don’t go too far off the coast, otherwise you might get in trouble with the Philippine Coast Guard. You can make some stops in one of the 167 islands surrounding Cebu, perhaps have lunch in a secluded white sand beach, then go snorkeling in a marine reserve. Or just cruise around the islands enjoying the day and wait for that perfect moment when you can snuggle up and enjoy the sight of the sun as it disappears in the horizon.

Heritage date

Ever thought of dating in a museum? Well, why don’t you try it and experience the romance of knowing one’s culture and past. Cebu City boasts of world-class museums with extensive collections. You can start at Museo Sugbo where you can marvel at the many artifacts that date back to stone-age Cebu. Realize that even before the Spaniards, Cebu was already a busy settlement with commercial activities and constant exchange of goods among people from other places and countries. Then you can get a ride to Casa Gorordo Museum and see how romance blossomed during the post-Spanish and early American era. Call the Casa Gorordo Museum at 255-5630 for information on opening time and fees.

Tartanilya romance

So, the tartanilya’s route has been limited, but this does not mean that you can’t enjoy riding the tartanilya with your special someone. Check out the beauty of Cebu’s backstreets and the busy Tabo-an district and marvel at the forgotten architectural wonders of the city. Just enjoy the ride, never mind if you are just going around in circles. Enjoy each other’s company and be intoxicated with the experience of riding like royalty. You can hire a tartanilya outside the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.

Let your romance blossom in a unique way and do away with those extravagant Valentine spending. You can always make the moment extra special and memorable by doing something extraordinary.

Published in The FREEMAN on February 12, 2010.

Travel

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I've never been to Thailand, but I have two cool Thai friends: Noy and Jack.

My mom went to Thailand once. And they went to these cool places like the floating market, the crocodile farm, rode on an elephant, and went to marvel at the reclining Buddha.

I love Thai food. So spicy and full of flavor. I love the fact that they use a lot of coco milk, chillies (especially the long green ones), and ginger.

One of my favorite film maker is Nonzee Nimibutr. And I just love Jan Dara, although thats like a decades old movie.

I love this royalty thing, which I think, next to the UK, Thailand is really so into it. And mind you the King are like gods in Thailand.

I always look at Thailand as a repository of near untainted Malay culture. I mean, my country boasts of its European (mostly Spanish) influence in its culture. And with most of our kababayans (countrymen) so looking up to Caucasians (especially Americans, although if your white or black, automatically you're a Joe), its not a surprise how easily our country adapts to Western culture.

Other neighboring countries have adapted the culture of mid-Eastern countries.

But all these can be credited to one thing: religion.

Now, Thailand. I don't know. Although Indian influence is so apparent in its culture, still, I would say its so raw. Very different, so to speak. Totally unique.

Last night, representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand headed by Mr. Pasakorn Supannapan, director for ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific, treated members of Cebu's travel industry to a dinner at the posh Cebu City Marriott Hotel. They presented their new products, which they described as Amazing Thailand, Amazing Value.

Now, value does not necessarily mean less price, rather, here it is used to connote value for money. Which means, they give you the best for whatever money you are going to shell out. Or make it, pay if you want the best.

After the presentation, I'm convinced. I want to go to Thailand.

Travel

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From http://rengarcia.wordpress.com

CEBU, Philippines - Even before the Spaniards came to Cebu, the natives of the island had been celebrating their faith through rituals and dances which imitated nature. One of those dances that have endured through the centuries is the Sinulog, a dance that, according to sinulog.ph, “moves to the sound of the drums and… resembles the current (sulog) of what was then known as Cebu’s Pahina River.”

Sinulog.ph, the official website of Sinulog Foundation, relates the history of the festival that is now reputed to be one of the country’s top tourist attractions, next perhaps to the archipelago’s pristine beaches.

Sinulog.ph claimed that when Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521, he gave the island’s queen, Hara Amihan (renamed Queen Juana), a gift – the image of the Santo Niño or the Infant Jesus. It would not be a surprise, given the intricacy of the carving and the beautiful embellishments adorning the image, for the natives to develop a liking for the icon.

But since Magellan died days after the christening of the natives, the foreign invaders were deprived of the chance to evangelize their faith to the natives. The gift became nothing more than an addition to the native anitos, and so it became part of the horde of deities to whom the natives offer their swaying dance of worship.

When Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived 44 years later, conquest was the main objective. On landing at the shores of Cebu, they bombarded the settlement with mortars, burning the huts of the local villagers and virtually wiping out the whole village. Just like any medieval war, looting was a major part of the conquest. After they ravaged the village of our ancestors, they checked on what remained, including its treasures.

Of course, as all gifts should be, the villagers valued the gift given by Legazpi’s predecessor. It was kept in a box together with all the other idols of the natives. The box was eventually found by one of Legazpi’s myrmidon.

Even after the island was taken over by the European invaders, culturally and religiously, remnants of the old tradition remained, including the dance of the devotees, so claim historians.

Eventually, the dance became a dance of mystics and candle vendors in front of the Santo Niño Church, who offer prayers in behalf of passersby and devotees who had less time to offer a prayer inside the church. Children participating in the yearly Fiesta Señor activity also used the moves to entertain onlookers as they re-enacted the moro-moro, a play conveying how the city’s Patron Saint saved the city and its people from marauding pirates.

In 1980, then Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development David S. Odilao Jr. thought it wise to organize a Sinulog parade, perhaps envisioning a festival that would create a trademark for Cebu.

He asked candle vendor Titang Diola of Mabolo to demonstrate the prayer dance of the candle vendors in front of the Sto. Niño Church to physical education teachers from seven schools and universities in the city, namely: University of San Carlos, Southwestern University, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of Cebu, University of Southern Philippines, Cebu Institute of Technology, and Cebu Doctors’ College.

A year after, the activity was adapted by the city government and turned it into a festival to complement the annual religious observance, making it more exciting for devotees and for non-Catholics to actually have a reason to join in the festivity.

Of course, having the Sto. Niño as the object of the dances did not really promote the festival among the strict non-Catholic population, but the colorful costumes, the elaborate presentations, and the cultural aspect of the revelry successfully penetrated this market.

The success of branding the early Sinulog Festival with Cebu has allowed it to surpass even more established celebrations at the time, i.e. the Ati-Atihan Festival of Aklan.

More importantly, as the years passed, and as the revelry grew into a multi-million peso venture that had private companies on a race for a piece of the pie, the festival had become a vital instrument to encourage many young people to discover and revisit a heritage that is full of devotion and spirituality.

It successfully turned private companies into willing agents to promote a heritage of faith, not just among Cebuanos, but even among its many foreign and local visitors. It has become a catalyst that emboldened the Cebuanos and the rest of the country to be vocal and proud of their culture, faith, and heritage, as a people and as a country.

Published in The FREEMAN on January 13, 2010.

Travel

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CEBU, Philippines - Since the inception of the Sinulog Grand Parade 30 years ago, hundreds of thousands of tourists and devotees have been coming in droves to the Queen City of the South, either to pay homage to the image of the Infant Jesus or to simply take part in the revelry.

But, whatever your reason maybe, finding yourself in the middle of Osmeña Boulevard on a hot Sinulog Sunday (or Saturday, if you decided to join in the procession) would subject you to the Sturm und Drang of the festivity.

First you would be captivated by the beautiful costumes, the extensive and gigantic props, floats, and the higantes. And then the feeling of being flooded with too many people would start to sink into your system, add the burning heat of the sun into the equation, and you might find yourself in a corner trying to catch your breath.

Did I mention that transportation is impossible to come across in almost all major roads in the city? This would mean walking for miles and for hours under the blazing heat of the sun. You would be lucky if the weather would be cooperative and you would be given some cloud cover; but almost often, the Sinulog sun will be blazing, also wanting to take part in the revelry down below.

Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if all these would not discourage you from going out to contribute your own enthusiasm to the deliriously increasing excitement in the atmosphere. You could swear that by mid-day you would be able to taste, smell, feel, and see the excitement hanging in Cebu’s overly-saturated air, or that could just be the air pollutants increasing in volume.

Nevertheless, it would be wise to complete your arsenal before going out to face the Sinulog crowd. Here’s a rundown of things that might prove to be vital for you to make the most of your Sinulog experience:

1. Water. There are 19 water stations placed along the parade route, but this should not prevent you from carrying your own liter of filtered water. Spike it with some minerals to ensure that you would not be dehydrated after sweating profusely the whole day. A homemade rehydration concoction would only require you to mix one liter of chlorinated tap water with a teaspoon of salt and four teaspoons of sugar. That should give you the minerals and energy you’d need for a whole day of walking under the fiery heat of the Sinulog sun, without you spending much on commercial products as Gatorade or Powerade.

2. Map. Bring a map with markings of important points like the parade route, water stations, medical stations, and even where the bleachers are, if you want to be able to sit and get the best view of the parade. Of course, it won’t be a surprise if you find the bleachers to be full to the brim, the reason for the next tip.

3. Foldable/portable chair. This may be a bit bulky if you decide to take a walk after you realize that you’ve seen enough of the dances. But, should you decide to finish the parade, sitting in one place or in different points along the parade route, it would be wise to bring your own chair because unless you get to the bleachers early, comfort will be a great challenge. And if you’re not comfortable, you would not enjoy the parade just as much.

4. Umbrella. Rain or shine, umbrellas will always come in handy, especially if you are to spend most of your day outdoor. You can also opt to bring a hat, wear long sleeves, or have a shawl handy. Try to cover as much skin as you can, but make sure that whatever you’ll wearing you are comfortable in it. Cotton is much more preferable because it is cooler. Light colored clothes are also preferable than dark ones, which absorbs too much heat.

5. Sunscreen lotion. Climate change, global warming, ozone depletion, all these have contributed to the increasing amount of UV rays penetrating into our atmosphere, and eventually ending up being absorbed into our systems. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause cancer, but with sunscreen lotions applied every two hours, this harmful effect could be prevented. Choose one with a higher SPF (45 up) to ensure that you will be getting maximum protection. Make sure that the lotion will protect you from both UVA and UVB.

6. Schedule of events. Sinulog also spells PARTY, so better be ready to party after the parade. Having a schedule of the different events happening in the city would come in handy, should you choose to hop from one party venue to another. It would also be wise to know what to expect from these places once you are there, because surely you would not want to hop from place to place most of the time, given the fact that traffic will be at its worst.

7. Snacks. Food would not be a worry to you as there will surely be hundreds of food stalls spread all over the parade route. However, you should be wary with what you put in your mouth; the reason why bringing some snack items to munch on might be a good idea. Also, most of those selling along the parade route would surely take advantage of the influx of customers and so the fares they are selling would most likely be priced ridiculously high.

If you already have these items in your arsenal, then you can be assured of a safe, comfortable, and truly enjoyable Sinulog celebration.

Pit Senyor!

Published in The FREEMAN on January 11, 2010.

Travel

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Recently, a special child was denied to board Cebu Pacific by its cabin crew because the child was said to be "mentally ill" and the airline apparently has rules that discriminates special kids (link to news here).

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Another mother said that she and her Down-syndrome stricken child was also asked to get off the plane, also because of the said policy (link to news here).

This treatment is in violation to RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Because of the Philippine's poor implementation of existing laws, RA 7277 has not been fully implemented and still most differently-abled people suffer from discrimination. This includes mentally-challenged individuals and children.

Apparently Cebu Pacific offered to give the humiliated passenger four round-trip tickets. A gesture, which, I would consider to be insulting. Such humiliation deserves lifetime free rides for the child and a guardian, if it was me. Still the damage has been done.

We could not blame Cebu Pacific or their cabin crew for acting in such a manner, believing that they are protecting the interest of most of the passengers onboard. Apparently, they have not been informed of RA 7277, which again would bring the blame back to the agencies tasked to implement the law.

But as they say, ignorance of the law excuses no one.

What do you think of Cebu Pacific's action with regards to this matter?

What do you think should Cebu Pacific do in order for it to redeem itself from this PR dilemma?

Travel

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Since 1996, Cordova Reef Village Resort has been delighting both Cebuano and foreign guests with its beautiful private villas, pleasurable amenities, and exciting activities like a visit to its sister resort off the island of Hilutungan, Island and Sun Beach Resort with its pristine stretch of white sand.

It was indeed one of Cebu’s icons, and for many of its guests, it was a haven where one could go to if he wished to escape the hassles of life. Or for lovers to seek solace in each others arms, tucked in the privacy of a tranquil sanctuary.

In recent years the resort slid into the sidelights as the dynamic tourism industry of the island paved the way for the entry of luxury world-brand resorts and hotels. But today, Cordova Reef Village Resort is aiming to gain back the prestige that it once enjoyed, especially in their part of the region.

First in their arsenal is the revitalization of the villas, adding more amenities and making the atmosphere of every room more romantic and exciting, especially for honeymooners.

And then there’s the food. With its new team of culinary experts that includes Glufe Calinawan, Gonzalo Mabuting, and Hemela Delig, whose extensive experience include staffing some of the city’s top restaurants, the resort, indeed, promises new flavors that will complement its freshened up ambiance.

Since November, the resort started with themed buffets every third Sunday of the month, taking its patrons on a culinary adventure, Filipino style. Last month was the Regions of Italy, and this month, the resort promises to give its guests a taste of Spain, exploring the origins of most of the dishes now served on every Filipino family’s table.

In addition, Cordova Reef also promises to make the stay of every guest much more enjoyable with exciting promos and perks. For the coming Sinulog festivity, the resort is lining up special packages that promise to make the experience extra memorable. This also includes free shuttle rides to and from the resort during the Sinulog week.

Cordova Reef is owned by Benthel Resort-Hotel Corporation. It is located in a 4.5 hectare property dotted with 50 elegant villas, and with the signature tropical ambience accented by graceful palms and lush mangroves, overlooking the beautiful Camotes Sea and Bohol Strait.

Published in The FREEMAN on December 22, 2009.

Travel

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CEBU, Philippines - Sun & Sea Sports Systems, Inc., one of the country’s pioneer in the kayaking sport, together with Bohol Extreme Outdoors and the Philippine Kayaking Association, Inc., hosted a three-day kayaking adventure race and tour last December 4-6, bringing both guests and participants to an exciting and wet ride to two of the country’s most visited places – Mactan and Panglao Islands in Cebu and Bohol, respectively.

Didi Camara, project manager of the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009, revealed that the event started in 1997, and despite its long hiatus in 2002, she said that the organizers were happy that on their return in 2007 they were able to encourage several enthusiasts, local government units and national government offices to participate and promote the event.

Camara added that being an archipelago, with over 7,107 islands, the possibilities for kayaking adventures are endless.

This year, she said that they took kayaking enthusiasts and adventure seekers to three top destinations: the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, and finally, Cebu-Bohol crossing.

In September, in an interview with the Philippine Star, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said: “We have natural assets for this ecosport because we are surrounded with different bodies of water like oceans, seas, rivers, marshes, mangroves and 30,000 wonderful coastlines.”

The tourism department helped popularize the kayaking series in the hope of making the country the kayaking capital of Southeast Asia.

More than the race, however, Camara said that participants should be more excited about the tours, as it would be a totally different and exciting experience.

In the Cebu-Bohol series, all three days of the series bombarded the participants with unique sensual experiences, welcoming them to the inner secrets of the islands; secrets that can only be enjoyed as one cruises leisurely in its magical shorelines, watching the changing seascapes as it slowly uncovers the different personalities of the islands.

On the first day, the participants were showed the natural beauty of the Central Visayas islands, with Olango’s migratory birds dotting the shorelines, to Banacon’s lush mangrove forest. Then, there was the stop at the two-faced Pandanon Island, which shows both the tranquility of a secluded haven and the excitement of an overpopulated community.

The second day revealed the beauty of the Visayan Islands under the moonlit sky; with the moon’s reflection smoothly spread on the calm surface of the Visayan seas; or marvel at the living lights that jump from tree to tree, invoking the warmth of the holiday season.

The third day saw the excitement of the nearing conclusion of the race, as participants are taken to a trip down the pristine coastline of Panglao Island.

Truly, with the magical experience brought about by the rawness of the adventure, one could not wait for the next adventure onboard one of the kayaks from Sun & Sea. (Photos courtesy of kayakphilippines.com)

Published in The FREEMAN on December 16, 2009.

Travel

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Marlon Casiño

CEBU, Philippines - Mid-October, I was asked to go to the newly opened Imperial Palace Hotel to witness one of their bartenders concoct drinks with theatrical flamboyance.

The first time I witnessed such a performance was during the opening of a franchise of an American casual dining fastfood chain in Ayala Center Cebu. At that time, the performance was not impressive. In fact, it was disturbing. With all the raucous and the crazy yelling that the bartender was making, add to that the loud sound blaring in the background, which, if not for the delicious looking food, would have driven my appetite to Timbuktu. All I saw was a desperate bartender in red-striped apron trying to impress the guests with some bottle juggling and lots of intimidating shouting. The bottle, by the way, was nothing but plastic. So, in short, it was not much of a spectacle.

But what I saw at Imperial Palace was different. Here was a world-class bartender who last year ranked 7th in the Asian Cocktail Championship (ACC) held in Macau. Though a Filipino by birth and blood, at that time he represented Macau since he was working in one of the territory’s prestigious hotels.

The event is part of Wine and Gourmet Asia, a yearly trade and networking event for the food, beverage and hospitality industry in Asia. The ACC is co-organized by China Hong Kong Bartenders Association and Koelnmesse.

This year, Marlon Casiño, represented the Philippines and his Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired choreography landed him in 10th place, besting 11 other competitors from all over Asia. The contest was held at the prestigious The Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel last October 22-24.

The humble demonstration that Marlon did for select members of Cebu’s media and the staffs of the hotel, was a teaser of his performance for the contest in Macau a few days later. And everyone was impressed.

All bottles used were real bottles. Glass, so to speak. No plastics, no fiberglass. And it was juggling in its finest. And don’t get me started with the drink that he was able to concoct after the performance. Although, too sweet for my taste, it was, nonetheless a beautiful drink, with no after taste and a deceptively strong kick.

Kyra Cabaero of Imperial Palace, revealed that Casiño will have a regular performance at the pool bar of the hotel, to entertain, not just the in-house guests but also tourists who goes to the hotel for the cool water rides (you should try the toilet slide and know how it feels to be flushed).

Although Marlon is originally from Davao City, and his talents honed and discovered in this Southern Durian city, to share his skills to the Cebuanos and its visitors, is a source of pride and an inspiration for Cebuano bartenders who hopes to make it big in this line of show business.

Although the origin of flairtending, as it is called, can be a bit shady, one thing is for certain: the art, the craft, the skill was honed by barmen in order to attract the patronage of customers. Who wouldn’t want to be entertained while sipping on their favorite cocktail?

Flairtending, however, is more than just juggling a few bottles, some flairtenders would go the extra mile of including elaborate choreographed dance moves, magic tricks, and the use of special effects, including some fire flaring feat, to awe and amaze their audience.

In short, flairtending has become more than just showing a few tricks up the sleeve of the bartender, it has become a whole production. And mind you, a skilled flairtender need not impress his audience with his shouting skills.

In the U.S. and in other parts of the world, some bars exist and has become an attraction because of its flairtending productions. These bars are called flair bars.

The term was first coined by the first president of the Flair Bartenders Association, Toby Ellis. In 1997 he started opening bars all across the U.S., exclusively devoted to the art and show of flairtending. In Cebu, flair bartending still has to catch up, and perhaps, it would be safe to say that Imperial Palace would be the first to popularize and institutionalize this act.

Published in The FREEMAN on November 10, 2009

Review: Hotel & Restaurant

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Photos by Reynan Villena

One of the most prominent signage that one would see on his way or out of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is that of Days Hotel. And although the signage is already faded, as with the facade of the hotel, the amenities and facilities, however, feels, looks and smells very fresh.

I would say that it would be apt for this hotel to promise their guests to wake up to a great warm day everyday, even when the weather can at times be so tropical.

So here I am, waking up to a great day, Mactan Island's beautiful landscape out my window, and the day's news freshly served courtesy of, who else but The FREEMAN and Philippine Star.

The property has four types of rooms: Standard, Deluxe, Superior and Suite. The prices are so astoundingly low, the more reason for you to wake up to a great new day; from around P3,500 to P6,500 (assuming $1=P50, you do the math.... figures rounded off) for the suite room! This is a total give-away.

All the rooms are very spacious, warmly carpeted, and well lighted which includes the welcoming warm natural light. There's cable TV, a hot/cold shower, and yes, to add to the warmth, cute animal towels. These are just your regular towels shaped into cute animals. I was told that the Housekeeping Supervisor can fold the towels into 20 types of animals, from the very easy cobra (its a no-brainer, really) to the more complicated elephant, and the very cuddly puppy.

As of writing, not all rooms have internet connection, but all public areas, the lobby, Oh! Restaurant and Bar, even the Al Fresco, have very strong wifi signals. The rooms on the front side also has wifi connection. The room assigned to me was 416, a standard room facing the Mactan Channel. The net was astoundingly fast, i could never be more satisfied.
 
Its just so fun staying at the Days Hotel in Mactan-Cebu, and this even when the property has no pool or virtually no amenity that would keep the guests busy all day long. Just recently, the new Resident Manager, Jun Perocillo III, introduced the Al Fresco, an outdoor bar with live bands playing on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Now guests have a reason to get out of their hibernation and party the weekend away.

Soon, the hotel will be offering more activities, more events, and even more exciting promos for their outlets.

What makes partying at the Al Fresco a must would be the sense of exclusivity. Yes, the feel of having your very own party, and your own band. Well, perhaps that would be because they just started and only a few people know of the place, eventually word would spread and more and more partyphiles would frequent the Al Fresco. I wouldn't be surprised, especially if management would go full blast with their promotions.

This month, they will also be introducing the 18 pillars of Filipino cuisine, a festival of the best Filipino dishes. The idea is to let the guests try the different regional taste of a dish, and there are 18 dishes all in all. Take the sisig for example. If you order sisig, you will be given three kinds: the original pork sisig, tuna sisig and then there's vegetable sisig. Sounds interesting? Well, I am a bit curious with the vegetable sisig so I cant wait to try them out, soon.

Sisig is a favorite Filipino beer food made of the skin, meat and everything that can be had from a pig's face. Brains not included I hope. This is served on a sizzling plate with soy sauce, kalamansi, raw egg, and chilies.

For snacks, there's the Panghimagas, a cornucopia of different Filipino snack favorites. Mostly the sticky kind made of rice flour.

The hotel has no spa, but they have a small gym with a humble collection of equipments. Massage can also be had through room service.

So, I would say that I'd give this hotel a 3 out of 5 because there is really nothing to do in the hotel. Although you can arrange for a ride and a pick up to any of the beautiful resorts in the island. But that would be at an extra cost for you as you would need to pay for the resort's day tour package.