TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE PHILIPPINES THIS MONTH

12th ASEAN Summit Meeting

On 8 December, Cebu will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit meeting. The theme is “One Caring and Sharing Community”, chosen by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Philippines will be pushing regional integration among its member states: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This annual meeting is a cause for real pride among Filipinos and Cebuanos. The Cebu International Convention Center is being built especially and is set to host other prestigious events after the ASEAN Summit.

Beauty Box

Clarins Express Compact Foundation
This brand-new compact foundation goes wherever you go and promises flawless, natural-looking coverage with long-lasting wear. It evens out your skin tone and maintains a matte appearance all day long, so your complexion will look fresh, smooth and natural. Whether you apply it wet or dry, this versatile foundation can deliver light to full coverage instantly while providing protection against dehydration for optimal comfort.
Price: PHP1,900 (US$37.75)
Where: Rustan’s Makati

The Body Shop’s Lip and Cheek Stain
Currently the No. 1 selling product in The Body Shop Philippines, this Lip and Cheek Stain in Rose Pink is a dual-purpose color that gives the lips and cheeks a healthy-looking glow with one wash of color and builds up for a richer, deeper coverage. It is also a great base for lip products, and its moisturizing formulation helps to condition the skin.
Price: PHP795 (US$15.80)
Where: The Body Shop

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils
This two-in-one cleanser and make-up remover leaves the skin smooth and moisturized. It’s also used by Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett. Recently, New York-based artist John Tremblay joined forces with Shu Uemura to create the packaging of this year’s limited edition. Sakura Fresh (new pink packaging) has a lighter texture and is ideal for normal to oily skin types and acne-prone skin. The anti-aging Premium Oil Effervescence (green) contains green tea extract known for its antioxidant properties. The Enriched Oil (orange) contains bitter orange peel extract to brighten skin.
Price: Classic, Fresh and Enriched is PHP4,995 (US$99) and Premium is PHP5,420 (US$107)
Where: Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Modelco Skin Drink
Drench yourself in Skin Drink, ModelCo’s airbrush face and body moisturizer with a 360-degree nozzle spray. The moisturizing Skin Drink absorbs into your skin instantly, leaving it smooth and hydrated. It contains Gingko (antioxidants and anti-aging), Papaya (eliminates dead skin cells), Green Tea (organic, fi rming and smoothening) and Bamboo (moisturizing, toning, restores elasticity), and is suitable for daily use.
Price: PHP1,650 (US$32.80)
Where: Gateway Mall, Araneta Center; Glorietta 2, Ayala Center; Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City; Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center; Eastwood City Walk, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM Baguio

Fanny Serrano Curlash
Fanny Serrano by Fashion 21 Cosmetics scores high points at the Cosmo Beauty Awards. This Curlash achieves lovely curled eyelashes with a gentle touch. It is curved at an angle that suits all eye shapes and the silicone rubber pad allows for the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally and beautifully.
Price: PHP175 (US$3.50)
Where: At cosmetic and beauty counters of SM, Watson’s, Robinson’s, Landmark and other department stores

Lancôme Secret De Vie
Experience ultimate luxury with Lancôme’s Secret De Vie. This cellular reviving cream indulges your senses and pampers skin with instant softness and radiance. Lancôme Innovation Laboratories reveal their secret: Extrait de Vie™, a unique concentrate of six ingredients that delivers intense restorative action to six major cell types for instant, visible results.
Price: PHP14,995 (US$99.30)
Where: Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Kerastase Oleo Relax Ultimate Controlling Elixir
An anti-frizz action provides ultimate control for extremely unmanageable hair. This concentrated formula is perfect for hair from roots to ends, so your locks feels smooth and soft.
Price: PHP1,185 (US$23.55)
Where: All leading salons nationwide and at the Kerastase Institute, 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati

Philosophy Amazing Grace Olive Oil Body Scrub
Not only does this scrub give you a deep cleanse with diatomaceous earth and dead sea salt, but the emollient properties of the olive oil lock in moisture while protecting your skin. Best of all, it smells lovely on your freshly glowing skin.
Price: PHP1,650 (US$32.80)
Where: Beauty Bar in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell; Gateway Mall, Araneta Center; Glorietta 2, Ayala Center; Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City; Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Festival Supermall, Alabang; Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center; Eastwood City Walk, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM Baguio

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lip Color
The built-in balm provides long-wearing color and maximum moisture to dramatically restore and soften lips all day long. Maybelline’s innovative formula allantoin (used for its healing, soothing, anti-irritating properties as well as to stimulate growth of healthy tissue) and SPF15 are packed with three times the power of any lip balm. Choose from 11 gorgeous shades for a dewy sheen.
Price: PHP495 (US$9.85)
Where: All leading department stores

L’Occitane Honey Comfort Mask
Specially formulated for sensitive skin, this sweet, melting balm immediately comforts the skin. L’Occitane’s unique blend of Honey, Royal Jelly and Propolis is combined with soothing Gardenia Extract to leave skin soft, supple and nourished. This rich honey mask also protects skin from unfriendly external factors.
Price: PHP1,645 (US$32.70)
Where: Rustan’s Essenses

We live… Boracay

It’s the ultimate weekend beach escape! Borocay is even better than you’ve been told.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly out of Manila to Kalibo on one of two fl ights per day with Cebu Pacifi c. In Kalibo, breathe in the sea air before heading into the gaggle of taxi and coach drivers ready to take you to Caticlan. Some resorts arrange your transport as part of the stay. Expect to pay around PHP150 (US$2.97) for a one-way trip.

WHERE TO STAY:
A hidden little sanctuary, Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel is minutes away from the beach, with private rooms that cater for a range of budgets and a pool where you can wile away the hours. Bgy Manggayad, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan, Philippines, tel (036) 288-4034

WHAT TO DO:
Take in spectacular beach views. Sail around the island. Windsurf. Cling onto a banana boat.
Join a scuba-diving course and dive down to see corals. Take a walk around a golf course. Trek across the island. Or simply lie in the sun.

WHAT TO EAT:
Among the many restaurants along the beachfront strip, the big daddy of them all is Friday’s, the original Boracay resort and proud owner of a beachfront restaurant serving Asian, European, Filipino as well as fusion cuisine. It’s more pricey than most, but worth a splurge.

HOW TO PAMPER:
The most exclusive spa on the island is Mandala Spa and Villas. Even while meandering up the driveway, you can feel yourself relaxing as the birds chirp in the trees and you absorb its tranquillity. Everything has been designed to inspire calm – from the rooms camoufl aged into the surrounding woodlands and the discreet pathways to the way the outdoors is brought into the rooms and the great views from the restaurant.

HOW TO PARTY:
It’s easy to get sucked straight into the night-life. Head to the beach for some buzzing bars, including Bom Bom, for live music and the ever-popular Hey Jude. For dancing, try Cocomangas, Pier 1 or Summer Place, all scattered between Boat Station 1 and 2.

WHAT TO DRINK:
A couple of cocktails are native to Boracay; with prices peaking at about PHP120 (less than US$2.40), they certainly won’t obliterate that holiday budget. Try a Smooth Sail, Weng Weng, Blue Boracay, Shark Attack or – for the very brave – a Ba-nge-nge, a combination of 16 cocktails at Pier 1.

Scaling New Heights

There is no better place to view what is arguably the world’s best skyline and city panorama than from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.

Now, the experience is even better, with a new Viewing Terrace right at the top of the Peak Tower. The revamp that has been taking place since earlier this year also adds new shopping and dining outlets to the tower, and a Sky Gallery, where work by local artists is displayed.

Ngong Ping!

In Hong Kong, there is a brand-new attraction that opens up another side to this Special Administrative region. The Ngong Ping Skyrail runs between Tung Chung town center and Ngong Ping in Lantau island – formerly famous for the world’s largest seated Buddha and Hong Kong Disneyland.

See why Lantau is known as the “green lung” of Hong Kong. At the destination, there is the cultural themed village of Ngong Ping in a 1.5-hectare site set next to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.

ANIMAL BLESSINGS

To celebrate the anniversary of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October — patron saint of animals — Filipinos around the world get their pets blessed.

One of the most unusual was the blue-tongued lizard in Australia. In the United Kingdom, iguanas and even a pair of snails were brought to a church in Dudley, while the Virgin Islands don’t just limit the blessings to animals. Plants and stuffed animals can get in line for the priestly seal of approval.

Closer to home, celebrate at Cardona, Rizal, where you can watch the river cruise of St Francis of Assisi’s effi gy, accompanied by offerings thrown into the water.

thermometer what’s hot!

POOL — THE HIPPEST GAME ON THE BLOCK
Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante gave the Philippines another reason to cheer, as they catapulted to the top of the World Cup of Pool, beating the United States in the final.

BALDIES
Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante gave the Philippines another reason to cheer, as they catapulted to the top of the World Cup of Pool, beating the United States in the final.

THE DRY SEASON
No more rain — well, less rain, that is! So put those umbrellas away and step out in your best shoes.

POOCH PAMPERING
Trip over to Pooch Park in Pasig for a grooming session for spoilt mutts.

JOSE BUENAVENTURA
The pedicab driver who found and returned lost money to the tune of PHP104,000 (US$2,066.80). The man who lost it was using it for a deposit on his house.

FILIPINO DIALECTS
Like endangered species, lesser used languages are vanishing. Start at home by holding onto our own dialects. Mabuhay!

LOCAL IDOLS
Bring on Philippine Idol for our homegrown talents who match anything American Idols can do.

GREEN EFFECT
Do your part to preserve the environment. Take part in the simultaneous tree-planting from Laoag to Zamboanga, to mark the formal launch of Green Philippine Highways (GPH).

DOGS DRIVING
After an attempt to teach her dog to drive resulted in a car crash, the Mongolian woman has a lesson for us all: dogs don’t drive.

CROCS
Will somebody please put an end to these footwear monstrosities? So what if they keep your feet dry and cool? They’re just plain ugly!

LITTER
The Universidad de Manila is waging war on the litter bugs with Litter Wardens. Do your bit, or risk being referred to the office of the city mayor.

TV’S LOST SERIES
So we do love it — but will it just get to the point already?

QUEUE JUMPERS
No need to push — we’ll all get there in the end!

SOCCER
The World Cup is over, but its tentacles hang on. The sooner we get back to basketball — our national sport, the better!

VETERAN PERFORMS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Veteran Gary V is live in Pampanga!
On 25 November, he will perform at Expo Filipino Clakfield Pampanga with the Jesus Is Lord Church Pampanga. (Tickets are available from Ticketworld)

LOCAL GOOD SAMARITAN BRINGS A SMILE TO HUNDREDS

A doctor with an appropriate name is doing good works for hundreds of patients – for free. Dr Jesus Canto, Chief of the Region I Medical Center in Dagupan has been working on the “right to smile” campaign, his own program that offers free surgery to people suffering from harelip and cleft palate.

After his niece was born with a cleft palate, Canto helped her back in 1989 and vowed to do all he could to undertake this relatively straightforward operation. The ops can cost up to PHP15,000 (US$298). Canto’s mission sees that those who can’t afford it are treated for free. He is always seeking patients whom he can help, and even uses the radio to advertise his mission. No wonder there are so many smiling in Dagupan.

Daylight Robb-ery!

The ever-controversial Robbie Williams may have provided some quirky quotes to remember, but come November, he’ll be singing some notes to remember as well. Fans will be pleased to know that Robb will perform his Close Encounters concert in Singapore on 18 November and in Hong Kong on 10 November this year.

ROBBIE SAID…

1. “Is fame something that I am addicted to? Can I live without the radio picking my song and putting it on the playlist?”

2. “An awful lot of gay pop stars pretend to be straight. I’m going to start a movement of straight pop stars pretending to be gay.”

3. “I couldn’t live without my music, man. Or my mum.”

4. “I do like myself, but I think I’m far too needy!”

5. “I think my ego needs pampering — I need to be on stage again.”

6. “There’s no point regretting. If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime. Life’s too short to worry about things I’ve said.”

7.“Madonna looks really amazing. I can’t believe she’s 89 and looks like that”

8. “I met Courtney Love and she said she’d like to sleep with me, but she couldn’t, cos of my ‘pop-star thing’… so I told her I couldn’t sleep with her either — cos of her ‘ugly thing’…”

9. “I’ve got this brilliant thing where I go, ‘I’m Robbie Williams’, and people are interested in what I want to say — which is amazing because I’m just an idiot from Stoke-on-Trent.”

10. “I’m contemplating thinking about thinking… but… it’s overrated — just get another drink in!”

11. “When I fi rst met him [David Beckham], I didn’t know whether to shake his hand or lick his face.”

12. “Don’t throw me teddy-bears, I’m a man! Throw me condoms or money! Paper, not coins.”

13. “I’m a born entertainer. When I open the fridge and the light goes on, I burst into song.” Quotes taken from Daily Star UK; Brainyquote.com; from his autobiography Feel; bbc.co.uk/stoke

Tickets for Close Encounters are available at www.hkticketing.com or www.sistic.com

Go Go Zaldy!

Filipino Zaldy Goco is a man with a golden touch. Making waves with the hip, glossy set in the US, he is not content with a successful career as a fashion model, style advisor, nightclub circuit muse and Head Designer for L.A.M.B.. Goco also has his own fashion label, Zaldy, and his Spring and Fall 2006 collections have received rave reviews.

Celebrity clients include Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Mick Jagger, Scissor Sisters and of course, Gwen Stefani herself, creator of L.A.M.B. It’s a long way from his upbringing in his grandmother’s fashion school in the Philippines. And it’s a long way since he made waves in the UK as the star of the 1995 Levi’s ad which is banned forever in the US. (Remember the one where a sexy girl in the back of a New York City cab gets eyed up by the cabbie, before whipping out a razor and having a quick electric shave – of the jaw?)

His clothes are easy and comfortable, with their roots in club and street wear. He says, “I thought about the diverse women in my life and what they would like to wear, whatever the occasion. I’m interested in creating strong pieces that remain approachable and are non-threatening or overbearing. Easy and uncomplicated; comfortable, yet not dull!”

His logo – the wolf’s head (a good match for L.A.M.B.) symbolizes “the individual. But it’s an animal that runs with the pack too,” he says.

What’s On

DANCE ROUND UP
With 37 years of history under their belt, the Ballet Philippines revises some of its greatest hits from 6-8 October at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
Well known stand-up Jon Santos satirizes the political scene on 10 November at 9pm in the CCP Silangan Hall.

CREEPY CRAWLIES
Multimedia artist, Chong Wishing has created Bakeretta, a ghost operetta-cum-psychological thriller designed to make your skin crawl. Acted and sung in Tanghalng Pilipino, it tells the tale of a school-based theater company rehearsing their own ghost story which becomes spookily mixed into reality. 10-11, 17-18 November, 8pm; and 11-12, 18-19 November, 3pm, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

5 REASONS WHY SINGAPORE IS SO CLEAN

»1. No Chewing Gum
No minty breath, that’s fi ne, but no gum on the pavements? Fantastic.

»2. Preserving Heritage
Old buildings are maintained and highlighted as tourist attractions. There is no crumbling brickwork or ramshackle houses in this country.

»3. Eating as a Serious Business
The food culture is so important, Singaporeans greet each other with: “Have you eaten?” even before “How are you?”. Consequently, there is no food-related litter, as eating is a sit-down matter.

»4. Jurong Bird Park
Home to over 9,000 birds from 600 species, that’s where they’re all kept in Singapore! Means no droppings in the rest of the city. 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore, 628925. Tel +65 6265-0022

»5. River Romance
The Singaporean river is celebrated and, yes, loved. Clusters of bars and restaurants mean it is a major attraction in the city — and therefore kept very clean.

Shopping Blitz

Make no mistake, shopping is fantastic in the Philippines. While local items such as jewelry made from shells, handicrafts, Barong Tagalog and rattan or bamboo furniture are hits with visitors, our imported goods are also better priced than most places in the world. Here’s our round-up of the best shopping hubs:

MAKATI
As the country’s business hub and financial capital, Makati’s department stores are second to none. Comprising three stores, Glorietta, Quad and Landmark, the Ayala Center pulls in the fashionistas.

GREENBELT
This ever-cool little enclave is not merely for shopping. The country’s fi rst “lifestyle center” with all that entails is a man-made urban outfi t for shopping, entertainment and dining.

BONIFACAIO GLOBAL CITY
The markets here sell fruit, fl owers, vegetables and seafood, while there are hawker stalls, bazaars and things to buy ranging from fashion to home technology.

ORTIGAS
Malls galore here, including SM Megamall, with cinemas, an arcade and an ice-skating rink alongside shops of every description. The more boutique-y Robinson’s Galleria is worth some serious browsing, while the Shangri-La Plaza Mall is as exclusive as you would expect.

GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER
Bargain-hunters celebrate! Haggle away for a selection of bargain basement jewelry, furniture, clothes, mobile phones, electronics and computer items.

TIENDESITAS
The newest shopping and family entertainment destination in Pasig City, caters to value-conscious shoppers, both foreign and domestic. It showcases the best the country can offer — native food, fashion wear, accessories, furniture, antiques, handicrafts and a variety of novelty items.

Until the end of the year, stop by the airport DOT counter, or a partner travel agent’s to pick up a Mabuhay Privilege Card and shopping brochure that will give you all sorts of discounts and freebies.

the future of travel

As security searches get longer, ironically, the technology behind them gets even more advanced. In Singapore, passengers can now self-immigrate, as it were, with Biopass, an electronic Biometric passport that carries facial and fi ngerprint identities. Slide the biometric passport through the machine, press your thumbprint onto the stripe and, voila! You’re through.

The UK has introduced iris recognition technology or retinal scans, where your eye is checked with a laser to prove identity and speed transit through customs.

Thompson, Britain’s biggest travel agents, suggests there is an end to the passport and printed ticket paraphernalia. The future, they say, is in a microchip, stored on a plastic card that can be updated each time you buy a new ticket. For frequent-fliers, micro-chips implanted into the thumb may be the key.

All sounding a little too Tom Cruise Mission Impossible? How about aeroplanes made entirely out of plastic? The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, launching next year, will be the fi rst plane where metal is replaced by plastic composites.

We Lead on Good Manners

A courtesy test organized by Reader’s Digest reveals great news for Filipinos: if someone accidentally drops paperwork in a public place, Manila is the place in Asia where it is most likely someone will offer to pick it up.

It may not sound like much, but beating a whole continent on the great “paper drop” test is no mean feat. And we come fi fth in the world at this, which is Asia’s highest position in any of the tests.

We didn’t do too badly on other challenges either. According to the poll, we come fourth in Asia for being pleasant to people in shops (behind Jakarta, Taipei and Singapore, in that order) and joint sixth on the challenge of holding open doors.

Strangely enough, the city that scored the highest in overall politeness is one that was traditionally thought to be one of the world’s rudest. Looks like New York, USA, with an 80 per cent success rate on the challenges, has reformed and become a pleasant place to live.

Zurich in Switzerland comes next, followed by Canada’s Toronto and sharing fourth place: Berlin in Germany, São Paulo in Brazil as well as Zagreb in Croatia.

PAPER DROP
Global Average 37%
Position	City	Score Global	Ranking
1	Manila	55%	5th
2	Bangkok	55%	5th
3	Hong Kong	45%	11th
4	Singapore	30%	20th
5	Kuala Lumpur	30%	20th
6	Mumbai	30%	20th
7	Jakarta	20%	27th
8	Taipei	15%	31th

HOLDING DOORS
Global Average 53%
Position	City	Score Global	Ranking
1	Hong Kong	40%	22nd
2	Taipei	35%	25th
3	Mumbai	35%	25th
4	Kuala Lumpur	35%	25th
5	Jakarta	30%	29th
6	Manila	25%	33rd
7	Singapore	25%	33rd
8	Bangkok	15%	35th

PURSHASING TEST
Global Average 74%
Position	City	Score Global	Ranking
1	Jakarta	80%	15th
2	Taipei	80%	15th
3	Singapore	70%	22nd
4	Manila	65%	23rd
5	Bangkok	65%	30th
6	Hong Kong	50%	32nd
7	Kuala Lumpur	45%	33rd
8	Mumbai	30%	34th

key looks for fall
Compiled by Rebecca Rodriguez

EIGHTIES POWER
Power dressing, as popularized by TV shows like Dynasty and Dallas is still making that come-back for fall. Channel Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, but take it seriously upmarket with pencil skirts from Rochas and Armani paired with Paul Smith blazers to complete the peplumed matching suits.
Sinequanone blazer, PHP5,250 (US$103.94); white top, PHP2,950 (US$58.40); and skirt, PHP1,790 (US$35.40)
Logo Jacquard Prada bag, PHP68,500 (US$1,356.17), Prada store at Greenbelt 4

THE DRESS, SO VERSATILE
Taking cues from haute designers, the bubble skirt, dresses and coats are this season’s puff pieces. Imagine them in bold, scupltural shapes blossoming from the waist. Trendy during the day, and of course, extremely fashionable by night.
Sinequanone dress, PHP4,950 (US$98), Rustan’s Makati
Gucci patent platforms, PHP58,450 (US$1,157.20), Greenbelt 4

GLAMOUR
Blame it all on slip dresses. Since lace appeared, designers have been exploring modern ways to reference lace dresses. The emphasis has now shifted to long-sleeved wraps that mimic Diane Von Furstenberg trademarks. Micha Barton looks fabulous in this modern take on lace. Pair it with sexy stilettos.
Cynthia Vincent has a good long-sleeved lace dress for PHP19,649 (US$389), MIX, Greenbelt 3

LAYERING
Obvious sexiness is over. Pile on the layers — whether with grunge echoes or polished looks. Mischa Barton is into leggings and loose blouses. Kirsten Dunst wore long sleeves under her baby-doll dress, while Lindsay Lohan does casual layers for a night out on the town. The trick is to mix and match carefully for haute au celebrité.
Try layering basics from Mango, Topshop and SM Department Store, and accessorize with high, high heels or grungy flats.

BOYISH
The line between schoolgirl-sweet and streetsmart-chic is boyish and preppy. Can’t quite keep up? Choose simple, mannish separates in dark or bold shades for edgy style. Jennifer Aniston digs a perfectly cut blazer. Or check out Calvin Klein Jeans for a gray blazer paired with short trousers.
Outfit from Calvin Klein at Store Specialists, available at Rustan’s Makati, Robinsons Place Manila and Corte de las Palmas, Alabang

SKINNY JEANS
Some say that they’re on their way out, but Kate Moss looks gorgeous in the Calvin Klein ad for skinny jeans — they are still in for another season. The must-have pants are strictly tailored, lean, and slashed just north of the ankles. Pair with fl ats, heels, slingbacks or even fl ip-fl ops.
Outfit from Calvin Klein at Store Specialists, available at Rustan’s Makati, Robinsons Place Manila and Corte de las Palmas, Alabang

staging the world

IMMORTALIZED IN MOVIES, WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE LIGHTS, CAMERA AND ACTION THAT’S TAKEN PLACE ON OUR ARCHIPELAGO

Ours happens to be the world’s fi fth biggest fi lm industry. While we are famous for our formulaic Bomba romps, we are also more well-known on Hollywood’s big screen than some think.

The Philippines’ beautiful archipelago has been used as the backdrop to many a blockbuster, with our advantages of cheap production space, liberal fi lming laws and stunning natural sets that can be used to represent other parts of the Southeast Asian region.

CEBU — A HOT HUB FOR FILM
The imminent opening of the new International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) campus on Cebu’s Mactan Island is a tremendous boost to the homegrown fi lm industry.

Bigfoot Communications is investing fi ve million US dollars in the 8,200sqm project — including a 600sqm soundstage — that will encourage more Hollywood producers to shoot in the Philippines as well as fostering homegrown talent. Because, as some movies have proven, the Philippines is the place to score a huge hit.

AUTHENTIC OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
One of Hollywood’s massive movie successes was fi lmed here. Back in 1982, when Richard Gere made everyone swoon over men in uniform, An Offi cer and a Gentleman, was set in the Philippines and fi lmed in Olongapo. The atmosphere is evoked perfectly and authentically, helping to make Mr Gere hot property around the globe.

VIETNAM CALLING
Masquerading as Vietnam has proved most lucrative for the Philippines, as a slew of war movies were fi lmed here due to Vietnam’s tremulous political situation with the US. One of the most famous is Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece that used Balera Bay for much of the work.

Thanks to filming in the rainy season, tropical storms raged around the sets and served as a perfect backdrop to the despair and ultimate madness the fi lm conveys with Oscar-winning success. The explosion of a Cambodian temple in the movie actually took place on the banks of the river at Pagsanhan Falls, and tribal dance scenes were performed by the Ifugaos of Banaue. Our Elizabeth Oropesa even had a cameo role that unfortunately didn’t make it to the fi nal edit.

PLATOON’S PLOTS
Platoon is another movie that came to the Philippines for fi lming amidst tumultuous times. The cast and crew arrived as the anti-Marcos revolution kicked off, and William Dafoe said he woke up one morning in Manila to see tanks rolling down the streets.

NATURAL BEAUTY
Oliver Stone chose Ilocos Norte to fi lm Born on the Fourth of July in 1989. Scenes were shot in Laoag and Vigan. Both Stone and star Tom Cruise stayed at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel.

The hospitality of the people and the beauty of the scenery struck both the men. Stone was quoted as saying: “I have been all over the Far East, and the Philippines has the most natural wonders. The people truly give their hearts to you; it’s like being in the old pirate country in the Caribbean.”

BORACAY BOOM
This island has enjoyed relative exclusivity in terms of fi lms, with the biggest hit to use Boracay as its destination being Too Late the Hero, starring Michael Caine.

Shot in the late ’60s, today’s island is virtually unrecognizable from the fi lm version since the infl ux of tourists and accompanying development.

Perhaps it proves that, not only do the movies add prestige to our country, they also serve a purpose as a fascinating way to preserve our history and heritage.

MAGIC IN CARTOONS

It’s not just the sets we’re providing; the newest use of Filipino talent is in the world of animation. The animated movie, Hoodwinked: the Real Story of Red Riding Hood, was produced almost completely by Filipino computer graphic artists in Manila. The voices were supplied by Hollywood luminaries such as Glenn Close, but the animation is pure Pinoy. In Finding Nemo, there is a bahay kubo and a Mount Mayon-inspired miniature volcano in Nemo’s aquarium, courtesy of Mang Nelson Bohol from Catbalogan.

regine velasquez concert

DID YOU KNOW…
Her father taught her how to sing by submerging her up to her neck in water to strengthen her lungs
She did not eat ice-cream until she was 15
Her first gig was at Bernardo Bernardo’s BB club with a PHP300 (US$5.96) talent fee The first car she owned was a second-hand Toyota Corolla
She paid the tuition fees for all her brothers and sisters to further their education
She used to have a huge crush on Mel Gibson
Barbra Streisand is her idol She has her own clothing label Reigne, along with her sister Cacai Mitra and in collaboration with Sari-Sari
This is her 20th year in the music industry (Tickets for her concert are available from Ticketnet)

MUSICAL NOTES

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra — featuring Najib Ismail on the piano and Eugene Castillo conducting — will perform at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater on 13 October at 8pm. Starting with Hindemith’s tribute to St Francis, Mozart’s birth is celebrated, followed by an eclectic mix of the modern tango and the Pines of Rome. Tickets: PHP350/500/700/900, and are available from the Cultural Centre.

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION

»Indonesia
The Year of Living Dangerously
Starring Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver, this fi lm was shot in the Philippines but set in Indonesia. Manila and the Banaue rice terraces were the locations, and two Filipino actors, Bembol Roco and Kuh Ledesma, appeared as Indonesians.

»Vietnam
Missing In Action
The classic Chuck Norris’ Vietnam action fi lms were all shot in the Philippines from 1984 to 1988. Cavite, Pagsanjan and Luneta Park were the locations.

»Thailand
Brokedown Palace
Set in Thailand but filmed in a dilapidated hospital in Manila, the 1998 fi lm starred Kate Beckinsale, Bill Pullman and Clare Danes.

»Cuba
Thirteen Days
The Philippines as Cuba? Yes, in the case of this 2000 fi lm, starring Kevin Costner and telling the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

»Colombia
In Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection
Another Chuck Norris number, this fi lm used their favorite location as Colombia and included a number of Filipino actors.

»Cambodia
Fortunes of War
This 1993 film, set in the jungles of Cambodia, was shot in Subic Bay.

Wind and Grind…
…with Jean Paul, Jamaican boy and self-proclaimed ambassador of “dance hall reggae”. He comes to Manila’s Araneta Coliseum on 10 November and the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel on 11 November. (Tickets are available from Ticketnet)