concerts and events
jakarta DAVID COPPERFIELD – 23-28 OCTOBER 2007 The King of Magic shows off his latest illusions. Come and see the man who flew over the Grand Canyon, walked through the Great Wall of China and was once engaged to supermodel Claudia Schiffer! Show is at Istora Senayan, tickets start at PHP1,490 (USD32). www.rajakarcis.com |  |
SINGAPORE DISNEY LIVE! PRESENTS MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW – 16-25 NOVEMBER, 2007 All your favorite characters appear in this splendid stage show for all the family to enjoy. Illusions, stories and magic are weaved together in an action-packed performance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. For tickets go to www.sistic.com |  |
manila CHRISTIAN INSPIRED – 6 OCTOBER Christian Bautista takes to the stage for this one-off concert, where he will sing his greatest hits and be joined by some very special guests including Gary V. “Christian Inspired” is staged for the benefit of Imus Unida Christian School. Check out Christian at the Cuneta Astrodome, tickets PHP200 (USD4.30), PHP600 (USD13) and PHP1,500 (USD32), tel 9115555 or 9114087. |  |
BANGKOK CATS – 8-18 NOVEMBER One of the world’s most popular musicals is in Bangkok this month. The Jellicle cats are out in force so book your ticket at www.thaiticketmaster.com for the show at Muangthai Ratchadalai Theater, Esplanade Shopping Center, Ratchadapisek Road. |  |
jakarta SCREAMFEST – 28 NOVEMBER - 2 DECEMBER Scare yourself with a fun film festival! For the first time ever Indonesia will hold the ScreamFest, International Fantastic Film Festival in the biggest and newest cinema in the country, Blitz Megaplex Grand Indonesia. Watch movies from around the world that twist the horror genre, and that’s not all. You can catch costume parties as well as a workshop with horror master Brian Yuzna (Beyond Re-Animator and Arachnid). For tickets and information go to www.screamfestindo.com or www.blitzmegaplex.com Kenny Santana |  |
manila ROMULUS D’GRAYT – UNTIL 28 OCTOBER Get ready for passion, intrigue and a very unusual emperor. Romulus is the story of the last emperor of Rome and his tale is brought to life by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in association with the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila and Madame Charlotte Kerr-Dürrenmatt. The performance marks PETA’s 40th anniversary and takes place at PETA Theater Center’s Tanghalang PETA-Phinma, 5 Sunnyside Drive, New Manila, Quezon City, from Friday to Sunday, with two performances a day. For more information, tel (2) 410 0821 or visit www.petatheater.com |  |
manila WANDERS – UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER Wanders is a two hour musical and acrobatic extravaganza that has raised the bar on family entertainment in the Philippines. This original stage production features classically-trained dancers from Russia and death-defying acrobats from Henan Province in China, along with some of the finest singers and dancers in the country. It runs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the PAGCOR Grand Theater, Airport Casino, in Parañaque, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are priced from PHP1,200 (USD26) up to PHP3,000 (USD64.30) from www.ticketnet.com.ph We speak to Efraim Genuino, chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), producers of the show. How did you come up with the idea ? This style of performance has not been done yet, not even in Vegas. It has elements of Vegas shows, but we fuse acrobatics, dance, performance and music. Filipinos are good at singing and dancing. Chinese excel in acrobatics. Russians are amazing at ballet. Together it’s something unique. Did you bring in any foreign experts to help you write and produce this show? Wanders was conceptualized and produced by Filipinos with vision. We collaborated with creative minds in the region to develop a show that is truly world-class. Likewise, we aim to provide homegrown talents the opportunity to work in a production on a par with international standards. How has the response from the public been so far? It’s been excellent. We’ve had terrific word of mouth and everyone says that they love the show. Children and families have fun. Wanders is scheduled to run for six months. Is PAGCOR creating any new shows? This is just the beginning. We are currently conceptualizing a new show which will be much, much bigger than Wanders. The stage will actually be customized to the story. We will bring in world class performers from all over the world. It’ll be more advanced than even Ka and the Cirque du Soleil shows. We are going to give everyone a big surprise. Ted Lerner |  |
HONGKONG LINKIN PARK – 20 NOVEMBER The rockers appear in Hong Kong for one night only. They were last in Asia in 2004, when their concert in Singapore was a massive success. Since their debut in 2000, the band has sold an astonishing 40 million records worldwide. If you’re in Hong Kong, don’t miss this show at the AsiaWorld-Arena. Buy your tickets from www.hkticketing.com |  |
jakarta BLACK EYED PEAS – 20 OCTOBER 2007 Visiting over 20 countries in their Black, Blue and You world tour, Fergie and co will pump your energy to ecstasy with their hits. Dance and shake through the night to Don’t Phunk with My Heart, Where Is the Love?, My Humps and Shut Up among others. Their performance will bring back your love of hip hop to its max at Istora Senayan. For tickets and info, log on to www.javamusikindo.com. Kenny Santana |  |
manila 2007 PHILIPPINES WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS – 3-11 NOVEMBER Roll up, roll up, for the biggest and most prestigious pool tournament on the international calendar! The event features 128 players from over 40 countries competing for a USD400,000 (PHP18,652,000) prize fund – with USD100,000 (PHPH 4,663,000) going to the 2007 World Pool Champion. The tournament will be aired live throughout the Philippines on ABC-5 and on the ESPN Star network across Asia for the full nine days. It takes place at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. and tickets are available from the Araneta Coliseum box office and www.ticketnet.com.ph. Smile talked to Yen Makabenta, president of Raya Sports Why did you decide to bring the World Pool Championship to the Philippines? We have an abundance of world-class pool talents so finally, we can proudly say that the world championship has made it to our country. It’s been reported that your company actually lost money hosting the tournament last year. Why did you decide to bring it back again? When we invested in this, we were not investing in it for only one time. I projected we would suffer a shortfall in the first year, but we were aiming to host the championship for one or two more years. And now that a Filipino (Ronnie Alcano) has won the tournament, it’s really got the country behind the event. We expect to do well this time round. What can Filipino fans expect at this year’s tournament? Another blockbuster! Prominent pool players from around the globe are coming over to Manila to compete. The Philippines is now the centre of billiards in the world because of the successful staging of the event last year. This is going to be the mother of all pool tournaments! Ted Lerner |  |
CEBU SIDE A… ALL HITS LIVE! – 12 OCTOBER Side A grooves into Cebu with their concert at the Cebu International Convention Center. Tickets PHP500 (USD10.70), PHP800 (USD17), PHP1200 (USD25.70), from Citickets hotline, tel 412 4512. |  |
we love… Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR RECENTLY CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FROM BRITAIN, AND THERE IS A LOT MORE TO CELEBRATE IN THIS FASCINATING CITY
HOW TO GET THERE:
Direct flights with Cebu Pacific Air three times a week from Manila mean you can plan a long weekend away.
WHERE TO STAY:
For budget travelers try Number Eight (www.numbereight.com.my), a boutique budget hostel with a stylish interior. Rooms are twins or dorms and are great value – PHP400 (USD8.50) for a bed in the six-person dormitory, up to PHP1,800 (USD38) for a double ensuite. Mid market, Radius International (www.radius-international.com/kul) is in the same convenient location with decent rooms that offer good views of the city and breakfast thrown in. Then at the top of the range, the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur (www.luxurycollection.com/kualalumpur) has splendid facilities, as does the JW Marriott (www.marriott. com) which is also situated near the thriving Lot 10 shopping mall and adjacent to Starhill gallery.
WHAT TO DO:
Sightsee, shop, check out the nightlife, treat yourself to a spa… there is loads to do in this cosmopolitan city. Kuala Lumpur (KL) thrums with life so even if you’re wandering the streets, you’ll pick up the buzz and get a feel for the city. Must-see sights include the Petronas Towers – even viewed from below these twin skyscrapers are breath-taking – and you can climb the unmistakable KL Tower too, just be sure to go up on a clear day. The city is very much focused on modernity but some architectural old buildings remain, such as the Masjid Jamek, the oldest mosque in KL. For a flash of the future, catch the Skyrail train, the biggest monorail system in the world. For pampering, check out Bao Jian Reflexology on Jalan Bukit Bintang (Cardogan Hotel, 64 Jln Bukit Bintang), or get a pedicure in Lot 10.
WHERE TO BUY:
Chinatown is good for the cheap and cheerful. If you haggle, you can buy t-shirts for PHP400 (USD8.50) and all manner of trinkets and handbags. There is more upmarket shopping too at malls like Starhill, where designer goods fill every expensive window space.
WHAT TO EAT:
Food in Malaysia is like singing in the Philippines. Nobody does it better. Malaysian dishes are delicious offerings like nasi lemak, satay and rending, but it’s such a cosmopolitan place that there’s Indian cuisine (try thosai (or dhosa) and prata), Mamak (of Indian Muslim origin) cuisine (try fish head curry and murtabak) and Chinese fare (dim sum is great here, as are soup and stir-fried noodles).
chat
SINGAPORE AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT This beautiful hotel opened in Singapore’s Sentosa island back in May and is well worth checking out. Either check into one of their 121 rooms (luxury rooms or villas set in 3.5 hectares of private tropical gardens); visit the spa; try Si Bon their Japanese Kushiakatsu restaurant in an old chapel; or go Thai at Thanying. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island Singapore, tel (+65) 6825 3888, email sentosa@amarasanctuary.com, www.amarasanctuary.com |  |
BANGKOK MILLENNIUM SUKHUMVIT HOTEL It’s even easier to find great accommodation now in Bangkok, with the opening of the exciting and new Millennium Hotel. It’s a well-structured mix of technology and luxury right in the centre of Bangkok’s prime central area (on Asoke Road), and if you want to be the first to check it out (and who wouldn’t?), there’s a special offer for guests staying from 1 November to 31 December, with rooms at approximately PHP6,150 (USD130.60) per night. For reservations, tel (66) 2204 4111 or visit www.millenniumsukhumvit.com for details. |  |
Q&A
Just in time for Halloween, Ferdz Ancheta chats with Evan Sanders, Indonesian Idol host as well as horror star
Evan says…
1 I love Manila! I’m planning to come back and visit some of the beaches. I learned some Filipino words and tried the food. I feel very comfortable around here.
2 Christian Bautista and Rico Blanco are very big in Indonesia and their songs are constantly played on the radio.
3 I was awestruck with the size of the movie houses in the Philippines! In Indonesia, we don’t have cinemas as big as yours.
4 Horror films are always strangely appealing to the viewing public. There are a lot of urban legends and myths in Asia, so film-makers and writers come up with stories around them and the audience easily relate to them as they are familiar.
5 Outside acting I’m an MTV VJ and I’m set to release my own album this year.
6 It’s funny seeing yourself on the big screen! I love it in a way, but I also feel a bit embarrassed every time I see myself acting. It’s a natural reaction I suppose because you tend to be overly critical of your own self and work.
7 I took it upon myself to really study the English language on my own. I read and watch programs where the language is English. I recognized the fact that for me to really make it, I have to equip myself.
READ THIS
LOURDES V LEDESMA CHECKS OUT SOME SIGNS OF THE TIMES
These shop banners, with their catchy names and witty double meanings, invite a second look. “Name recall branding” or plain old Pinoy humor? Whatever the case, they’re fun to read and hard to forget!
■ Babalik Karinderia in Santo Tomas, Batangas is so memorable we’d like to come back there (in Tagalog that translates to babalik ka rin).
■ Wanna eat goto (that delectable Pinoy dish made from ox tripe and rice) in a cool place? Goto Heaven, up there among the clouds in Baguio City, might just be the place to go.
■ There’s a janitorial service provider in San Juan called Talk Dirty to Me. We’re assured it’s merely a pun.
■ Would the nachos in Nacho Fast, Makati City, be served fast or not-so-fast? We’re betting it’s the former.
■ Strange as it may seem, a peanut vendor stall in Santa Lucia is called Believe it or Nuts. Ripley would approve!
■ There’s no mystery, however, in the way the folks at Wrap and Roll prepare their lumpia at their Makati stall.
■ Whereas the popular Cinnabon pastry shop sells tasty Cinnamon buns, Cinna Von in Pasig City does your laundry. And they probably do it well – sinabon (Cinna Von – get it?) means “soaped” in Tagalog.
■ Your husbands may not be lying when they call you up to say they’ll be in the other office. For all you know they could be right there, sort of – at The Other Office, a bar in Ermita.
■ Don’t get too stressed, however, if they tell you they’re going somewhere that sounds a little suspicious. Could it be The Oarhouse? A respectable watering hole in Malate.
■ You all know where Pansit ng TagaMalabon (translated literally as pansit of people from Malabon) is located. Do you know where Pansit ng Taga-Malaboni is? On Boni Avenue, of course!
■ Saisaki is a high-end Japanese restaurant in Makati. Its decidedly lower-end version is Side-saki - a side street eatery beside Mandarin Oriental in Makati. No, they don’t serve Japanese food.
■ Meatropolis is a meat shop in Pasig City. Not just for meatheads.
■ If Pierre Cardin set up a tailoring shop by the Manila pier, he’d probably name his store Pier Carding too. Carding, by the way, is the name of the storeowner.
■ Two families, two stores, one place – and they’re both selling hopia, that chewy cookie-cake of Filipino-Chinese origin. Holland Hopia is owned by the Ho family, while its next-door neighbor Poland Hopia is owned by the Po family. Why not check them both out at Manila’s Chinatown?
shopping
beauty
SHOPPING EDITOR REBECCA RODRIGUEZ ON WHAT’S HOT
LUNASOL SKIN FUSING POWDER FOUNDATION
J-pop divas look glamorous without trying too hard. Check out Lunasol’s moisturizing foundation. It’s considered skincare because not only does it cover pores, but it stays fresh all day long for a radiant finish.
Price: PHP2,750 (USD58.50).
Available at: Rustan’s Department Store Makati and Shangri-La.
KERASTASE OLEO CURL
If you grew up hating your naturally curly hair, you’ll finally get the locks you love, thanks to Kerastase’s perfect curl-defining products. These products contain the nutria-huile and curl-protect technology that soften the hair fiber, ease detangling and help protect against humidity and heat damage. For curls that wanna have fun.
Price: Shampoo, PHP1,075 (USD23); Masque PHP2,160 (USD46) and Crème Oleo-Curl PHP1,420 (USD30).
Available at: Kerastase Institute 6750 and all leading salons nationwide.
CAKE CREAMY BODY BUFFER
This soft, creamy, all-over body scrub with apricot seeds gently exfoliates dull and dry skin, then perfectly pink jojoba beads penetrate and release moisture deep into the skin. This sweet body-buffer leaves skin creamy, supple and smelling great. It comes in scents such as It’s A Slice (orange), Deserted Island (coconut and vanilla), and Creme de la Creme (butterscotch ice-cream).
Price: PHP 1,200 (USD25.50).
Available at: All Beauty Bar stores nationwide.
shop alerts
PEPPERED CHERRY
For an eclectic mix of fab and funky finds, there is nothing hotter than Peppered Cherry. Inspiration for the store comes from local young designers that are featured every month from all directions — street fashion, runway, RTW, vintage and modern trends.
The results from this Victorian-style boutique are wearable pieces that perfectly marry art and fashion. Started by the Magsajo sisters-in-law (Rachel, Regina and Jasmin), this little boutique brings individuality to their products by infusing the present with past and future themes. Expect a broad spectrum of looks. Conservative types will thrill in printed tank tops and ballet flats. Experimental sirens will be drawn to hip hats and deconstructed dresses with a twist. Rock chicks will dig statement pins and one-of-a-kind bags. Different looks for different folks… just the thing for women in a fashion rut.
Peppered Cherry is located on the second floor of Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global City. For more information, tel +632 671-7177, text +63920-9478381 or email peppered_cherry@yahoo.com.ph.
F*ART
Fashion Art (also known as F*ART) is a fashion boutique and art gallery by the creative minds of sisters Happy and Viva Andrada. One of their aims is to promote local Filipino talent, so all of F*ART’s merchandise is funky, one-of-a-kind items fit for a rockstar. The Andrada siblings also offer to jazz up and embellish any shoes, bags or clothes a customer brings in. Happy, who’s also a stylist, has a distinct, cutting-edge style, that features geometric patterns, bold splashes of color, construction and punk details. Because Fashion Art is a place where young, fast rising Filipino fashion designers and artists showcase their freshest creations, it allows you to interact with Filipino fashion designers and artists so you can customize the products you really want to have, according to your taste and needs. It offers funky, fashionable finds, fit for fabulous Filipinos. F*ART is located at K-1st corner K-D in Kamuning, Quezon City. For more information, tel +632-412-7311 or log on to www.happyfart.com.
books
■ The Secret by Rhonda Byrne According to this book, if you want to attract your heart’s desires, all you have to do is channel positive thoughts. The Secret is a New Age self-help book that focuses on the law of attraction. You will learn how to use the book’s secret in every aspect of your life and begin to understand the hidden, untapped power of human thought. Supposedly some very distinguished names claim to have applied the secret to their lives with great success.
Price: PHP599 (USD12.70).
Available at: National Bookstore, Powerbooks, A Different Bookstore and Fully Booked stores nationwide
■ M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman Known for graphic novels like The Sandman, Gaiman is entering a new arena and has chosen nine short stories and a poem for his children’s title. Leading with a classic detective story involving nursery rhyme characters, Gaiman continues down familiar but twisted paths. There’s a scary jack-in-the-box and a troll under a bridge. A rogue describes a perfect scam. A black cat fends off the devil; the eaters of a phoenix discover that it burns. There are stories about talking with girls, with ghosts, with knights in armor and with aliens. Finally, Gaiman concludes with instructions for the proper behavior in fairy-tale land.
Price: PHP615 (USD13)
Available at: Fully Booked, National Bookstore, A Different Bookstore and Powerbooks nationwide
■ Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster For the ultimate Austen lover, choose your own adventure among love and lies, scandals and misfortunes the Jane Austen way. This book challenges readers to decide the outcome from her popular novels.
Starting off with Pride and Prejudice and choosing to walk home from Netherfield Hall means falling into Sense and Sensibility and the infatuating Mr Willoughby. Accepting an invitation to Bath leads to Northanger Abbey and the beguiling Henry Tilney. And just where will you find Emma’s Mr Knightley? Take off to your very own whimsical Austen adventure because it’s entirely your own choosing.
Price: PHP588
Available at: Fully Booked
shopping
cds
■ Icky Thump by The White Stripes The White Stripes are back with the most bombastic album they’ve ever produced. While revealing the band’s roots in American folk music, their sixth studio album, Icky Thump, is an explosive, revolutionary assault that brings together garage rock, every blues style of the past 100 years, nouveau and flamenco. A modern rock and roll masterpiece thanks to the dynamic duo of Jack and Meg White. |  |
| ■ Easy Tiger by Ryan Adams Folk rock star Ryan Adams is truly a gifted songwriter. His lyrics are so mature and with Easy Tiger it shows off his smooth and gorgeous approach to country-pop. Backed by the Cardinals, his ninth solo album bursts with melodrama. Again, most of his songs are about love and loss, but it clearly shows that Ryan Adams is at his best when giving into his dramatic and mellow vibe. |  |
| ■ Begin to Hope by Regina Spektor Regina Spektor, the Russian-born, Bronx-bred singer-songwriter-pianist who emerged from the NYC cafe circuit continues to expand her vision. On Begin To Hope, she broadens her palette with electric guitar, drum machines and seductive electronic loops, finding new canvases for her provocative vocal style. On this CD she symbolizes hope for pop music, especially with her piano-infused soulful rendition of Samson. | |
shop alerts
YELLOW.PH
Yellow.ph is the very first online boutique in the Philippines that carries its own made-to-order clothes and limited-edition consigned items. Dig the dresses, skirts, tops, boleros and shrugs. Plus, they have embellished Praias designed by Ciara Marasigan and Yoya Gueco.
Other local brands include Twinkle Ferraren, Vintage Velayo Jewelry, Brown Belly and Dash Wearables.
Oh, if you are longing for H&M and Urban Outfitters, they sell that too. However, Yellow.ph strictly follows a one-piece-per-item rule, which covers everything that they stock. Expect one of a kind, limited pieces. Perhaps one thing that makes Yellow.ph stand out is their customer service. They personally write styling tips to go with their items and are constantly in contact with loyal clients. Oh, they provide free shipping anywhere in the Philippines too. As an extra, Yellow.ph accepts personal appointments where the owners go to the client’s house and bring them the entire collection. Enough to make you feel bright and sunny like the name itself. For more information tel or text +63917 5770628, email yellow@yellow.com.ph, or visit www.yellow.com.ph
gadgets
USB PENDANTS BY FRANCESCO LOPS
Talented Italian designer Francesco Lops recently unveiled his unique collection of fashionable USB flash drive pendants for people on the go (above left), who want to carry their personal data in style. The trendy collection called PIWI (“Plug It, Wear It”) is made of stainless steel and comes in three irresistible designs – Oxy, Burst, and Tropical – in a variety of attractive colors. Each pendant comes with a whopping one or two gigabytes of memory so you can store everything and anything you like. A graduate of the Instituto D’arte Applicata (Institute of Applied Arts) and the Academy of Costume and Fashion in Rome, Lops’ versatility as a designer is evident in his combinations of fashion and technology.
Price: PHP3,200 (USD68) for a 1GB pendant and PHP3,900 (USD83) for 2GB.
Where: All Firma shops in Greenbelt, Shangri-La Plaza and Trinoma.
For more information, tel +632 810 0266, text +63920 5117051, email francesco. lops@libero.it or visit www.francescolops.com
ACTIVE CRYSTALS EARPHONES BY PHILIPS AND SWAROVSKI
Electronics giant Philips and world-famous crystal brand Swarovski recently launched Active Crystals (left), an incredible fusion of fashion and functionality demonstrated in these high-tech earphones embellished with Swarovski crystals. There are four sets of earphones of polished silver and metal embedded with crystals: Space, Icon, Amazon and Mirage. Are they a novelty or are they the must-have gift item of the holiday season? Or both? Whatever, your earphones can now be crystallized and classy.
Price: Range from PHP3,680 (USD78) to PHP6,854 (USD146).
Where: Available at Rustan’s Department Store Makati and electronics stores nationwide. www.activecrystals.com
KLIPSCH SPEAKERS
Discover greater aural heights through Klipsch speakers. Try the Klipsch ProMedia GMX A-2.1, a three-piece multimedia speaker system that delivers dynamic sound from PCs, CD, DVD and mp3 players, game consoles, laptops and television sets… Whew! It delivers full-range sound quality from a two-speaker set-up that you can hook up to any audio source, all preserved in a small and stylish design.
Price: PHP8,990 (USD191).
Where: Available at PowerMac Center, Electroworld, Avant and Mobile 1 stores.
tried & tested
My Favorite…
KIEHL’S LIP BALM NO 1 Assistant lifestyle editor, The Philippine STAR My lips often get chapped, and this super-balm is the only product that provides real, deep moisture. It’s even got SPF15 and tint, so it makes a good gloss substitute. Best of all: Kiehl’s is coming to Manila, so I won’t have to go to Hong Kong! |   |
DIOR ADDICT ULTRA GLOSS REFLECT General manager, Aura Athletica I’m hooked on Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect. |   |
BENEFIT’S DEPUFFING ACTION EYE GEL Blog editor of www.stylish.ca While looking 100 per cent fresh and wide-eyed can only be achieved with a full night’s sleep, this eye gel really helps when I get less than the standard seven hours. It has a nice, cooling effect on the skin around the eye area, reducing the swelling. It also has a fresh, citrus scent which I like, unlike many creams and gels. |   |
THE FACE SHOP’S FRESHIAN REAL TINT I’m super low-maintenance, so my essentials are simply blush and lip balm. I love The Face Shop’s Freshian Real Tint, a lip-and-cheek tint for a naturally rosy glow. It’s easy to apply smoothly and you can put it in your handbag for a daily refresher. I also love Smith’s Rosebud Salve. |   |
foodie finds
beverage innovations
MAIDA C PINEDA FINDS SOME FRESH NEW CONCEPTS IN DRINKS TO QUENCH THE THIRSTY TRAVELER
GOING GREEN
Unlike our Asian neighbors, Filipinos are not big tea drinkers. “Mag-kape muna tayo!” (Let’s have coffee!) is the phrase most often uttered by friends as an invitation to sit and chat. The coffee industry in the Philippines dates back to 1740 during the Spanish regime. With the entry of Starbucks several years ago, students and young professionals have embraced the hip lifestyle of lingering in coffee houses for hours sharing cups of coffee and conversation.
In Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City, the coffee culture is alive and well. In this street alone there are three Starbucks outlets and at least 10 other cafes doing good business.
But among these many coffee shops, the discriminating will notice a small teashop called Kozui.
Taking its cue from the success of C2 and bottled green tea drinks, as well as inspiration from the owner’s stint studying and working in China, Anthony So, a 29-year-old architect, opened the first green tea shop in the country last May, taking on the challenge of turning Filipinos into green tea drinkers. Using his architecture and design background, he adapted the sleek designs of Japanese and Korean teashops.
Despite the small store location and difficulties in finding parking, Kozui is generating a buzz with its minimalist Japanese design boasting very clean, sleek lines. Eight different types of green teas are featured as hot and cold concoctions, and iced green tea mixed with fruits such as pomegranate, pineapple, ginger, lime and passion fruit are also served.
Despite being a serious coffee drinker, I found myself craving the Roasted Green Tea Latte (PHP80 (USD1.70)/tall cup, PHP90 (USD1.93)/grande cup). The distinct flavor of roasted rice, characteristic of Genmaicha tea, works surprisingly well in a frothy latte.
Perhaps Anthony’s greatest success is taking green tea right to the biggest weakness of Filipinos. Kozui’s Anmitsu is the Japanese version of our beloved Halo-halo dessert served in strawberry, melon, mango and taro flavors. The best is Taro Anmitsu, a refreshing fiesta of textures and flavors consisting of shaved ice topped with double taro jam, green tea jelly, dango balls (made from glutinous rice), sweet Azuki beans and green tea ice cream. Kozui also serves little desserts reminding me of origami creations. Foodwise, there are perfectly presented tea-flavored cheesecakes and signature Japanese dishes such as tempura, soba and taokoyaki balls.
KOZUI 258 Tomas Morato Avenue, QC. tel: (2) 413 2705 Open daily 11am until midnight.
Tips for a perfect cuppa
Anthony So went to tea plantations and museums in China to learn about green tea.
■ Don’t use boiling water.
Extremely hot water releases more tannins and makes the tea bitter. Hot water (98°F) is best to release the flavor and fragrance of the green tea leaves.
■ Don’t keep the leaves in your teapot or teacup for too long.
■ Different teas have different brewing times, but for most teas, three minutes is suggested.
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
As the traffic on Makati Avenue stood still, I looked out of my car window and saw a chic new addition to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Like an oasis in the desert, Martinis is a newly-opened refuge from traffic and the tired old bar scene in Makati, and is a classy, laid-back bar with flair. Waitresses with eye-popping wigs in neon pink and shiny silver serve the drinks. A band plays jazz, creating the perfect setting to let your hair down after work on a Friday night, yet not too loud to prevent friends catching up on each other’s lives.
The country’s first martini bar boasts over 40 different martini mixtures, including vodka martinis and dry martinis. Most popular is the Choco Chili Martini, a chili-infused vodka which adds a kick to rich chocolate fudge. The bartender can mix it to suit your taste for spice. Other favorites are wasabi, sake and the calamansi martini featuring the local citrus.
MARTINIS BAR
Mandarin Oriental Manila Makati Avenue, Makati City. tel: (2) 750 8888 Open Monday to Friday 11am-3am, Saturday 6pm to 3am, Sunday 6pm to midnight.
LOCO OVER WINE & CHEESE
My friends thought I had gone crazy when I insisted that we eat dinner in Mandaluyong, in an Italian restaurant not far from the famed mental institution. Perhaps, they are right. But I have found a treasure called Galileo Enoteca, tucked in the same building as Reyes Gym.
You would never expect to find so much good stuff inside: imported cheese, hundreds of fine Italian wines and specialty foods surround you as you dine in this cozy wine cellar and deli with painted frescoes on the wall. But what made me really happy was the bargain priced PHP450 (USD10) set meal they offered: soup, cold cuts and cheese antipasto, a glass of wine and a pasta of your choice from the daily selection of four. There I sat, sipping my glass of Corte Barocca Saliento dry red wine and nibbling on Parmeggiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano and Taleggio cheeses, relishing every bit of Mortadella,
Proscuitto, and salami and savoring the overpowering mushroom flavor of my al dente Linguine con Porcini. GALILEO ENOTECA Italian Wines Specialist, Reyes Gym, Ground Floor Calbayog Street, Cor Malinao Sreet, Mandaluyong City, tel: (2) 534 4633 Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 9pm.
TAGAY!
Lambanog is a wine distilled from coconut sap or tuba, most popular in the coconut producing provinces of Quezon, Bicol, and Laguna. Lambanog is associated with “Tagay!” In this drinking ritual, the group agrees on the measure of lambanog poured in one glass, and each drinker must finish the same amount for each round. There are proper ways of declining a drink, where another drinker will take the non-drinker’s tagay – such a respectful and traditional manner of drinking! The drink is gaining popularity internationally as enterprising Filipinos elevate the humble lambanog to a world-class product.
Rich Cabale, a Filipino-American businessman believes that lambanog can compete with premium Vodka brands like Grey Goose, Absolut, and Smirnoff. He is launching VuQo, the first premium lambanog. Unlike the local coconut spirit, which is filtered and distilled only once, VuQo goes through multiple filtration and distillation process, and unlike lambanog which is usually sold by roadside stalls in whatever recycled bottles are available, VuQo impresses with its elegant frosted bottle.
VuQo will be available in California in the fourth quarter of 2007, with plans to export to Australia, China, Japan, and New Zealand.
VUQO tel: (2) 371 1603, www.vuqo.com
trend watch
WHY NOT GET WISTFULLY WRAPPED ORIGAMI-STYLE, SPARKLE IN EXQUISITE EMBELLISHMENT, COZY UP IN SOFT KNITS, OR DON SHADES OF ROYALTY? ASKS ASHA MACAM
KNIT PICKING
Knits have made a comeback so “warm and fuzzy” can be embraced by everyone again. Stars Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza (top right) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (right) love these gentle threads, and they’re just classy to wear anytime. Brown knit sweater (PHP3,250); and shimmery pink and grey knit top (PHP2,150) both Mexx.
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ROYAL SALUTE
Two hues get a dose of royalty as deep purple and astonishing red rule over the runway. These colors are haute-ready to make their parade on the streets as well. Put together, they make an alluring pair – kudos to Valentino! Hayden Panettiere star of Heroes at a photo call; hand-painted wooden bangles (PHP620 each) by Peppered Cherry; red leather bag with appliqué (PHP5,450) from Mexx; purple chiffon dress (PHP16,250) from Laundry by Shelli Segal.
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PRETTY PRECIOUS
A bead here or a stone there takes a ho-hum outfit from blah to bodacious as Charlize Theron shows (right). Stitched-on frosting or wired embellishments are the new accessories to wear. Travel light and leave the other precious ones at home. Wired beaded belt, PHP4,000 (USD86) by Peppered Cherry; Pink tank top with rhinestones, PHP1,250 (USD27) at Mexx; yellow T sandals with blue crystal beads, PHP1,899 (USD41) at Schu.
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ORIGAMI ORCHESTRA
Origami (or the ancient art of paper folding) is vital detailing on today’s frocks. Channelling old-school Issey Miyake, they give modern mavens chutzpah to take on playful pleats or amazing appliqué. Gwyneth keeps it sweet in neutral at an Estee Lauder photo call; turquoise-collared top with tucks (PHP3,000); and orange folded blouse (PHP2,000) both at Peppered Cherry.
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WHERE TO SHOP:
❖ Laundry by Shelli Segal
2/F Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati City, tel: (2) 757 4578 3/F Rustan’s Department Store, Ayala Center, Makati City, tel: (2) 867 2209
❖ Mexx
G/F Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati City, tel: (2)7574 574
❖ Peppered Cherry
2/F Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, tel: (2) 909 5173
❖ Schu
2/F Robinsons Galleria, Edsa, Quezon City, tel: (2) 634 9135 G/F Glorietta 3 Ayala Center, Makati City, tel: (2) 815 6328
PHOTOS OF CELEBRITIES FROM PHOTOLIBRAY
traveller’s tales
notes on a gypsy summer
IN THE FIRST OF HER COLUMNS, AGNES PRIETO FINDS ADVENTURE IN CAMSUR. PHOTOS BY JOVI VILLAREAL
We’re on a public van leaving Donsol for Daraga and from there we will transfer to another FX to Pili. The kids are amazed at how inexpensive travel can be; everyone travels by van. Looking around it’s interesting to speculate who is going where and why; tuning into our co-passengers would provide enough material to write a tele-novella.
Daraga is an old Spanish town, its church is on top of a hill, the steps carved out on ancient adobe. It stands sentinel, as it has done for centuries, but today it is most famous as the site of Mount Mayon’s volcanic eruption in the 1800s. A sign points to the nearby Cagsawa ruins, where the sight of the church belfry half buried in solidified lava is familiar to many, a reminder of the wrath of Mayon.
Ever present, the volcano looms over the scene: the rice fields, the coconut plantations. But as the ride progresses, another mountain comes into view – Isarog. In comparison with the “daragang magayon”, the lovely lass that is Mayon, Isarog is a grandfather of a mountain, contemplative, oblivious of time, imposing without being obstructive. He stands, a timeless witness to the births and lives and deaths of the people in the barangays around it. Clouds hover around him, shadows shift over his crags and gulleys, sometimes reflecting the sunlight, at time in deep shadow.
Isarog is home to six fresh water spring resorts where you can be revitalized by the mountain air and invigorating waters. For the adventurous, the mountain can offer trekking, river canoeing, high-altitude jumping, and fishing all organized by the local Department of Natural Resources and the resorts.
We arrive in Pili before lunch and are dropped off near the Camsur Watersports Centre resort (CWC).
Camsur is all California slick. Except for Mount Isarog looming in the distance, you could think that it was a US resort with its state-of-the-art wakeboard facilities, its neat casitas, hotel and restaurant. One of the main sports is wakeboarding and the resort teems with burly wakeboard enthusiasts of various nationalities, from the US, Australia, Austria, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong and a growing number from the Philippines, lining up for their turn to glide and swing. By international standards, Camsur is inexpensive (about PHP800 (USD17) a day) and wakeboarders from all over the world make the most of its facilities.
A brainchild of dynamic young Governor Elray Villafuerte, the CWC Sports Complex was recently chosen to be the site of the wakeboarding world championship in 2008. Wakeboarding was developed in Germany by an engineer, Bruno Rixen who adopted snow-skiing principles to the water. The sport quickly took off with a young market globally. CWC facilities are contained in a six hectare park – with a six point cable system, six towers, 14 obstacles and a marvellous, well-engineered lake – one fan says it is the fastest cable system in the world. At present there are seven wakeboard parks in Asia but according to Villafuerte’s staff, CWC is fast becoming the world mecca for this sport.
A combination of skateboarding, water skiing and surfing, wakeboarders stand on a special board and, on man-made courses like Camsur, navigate the lake holding onto the handles that follow a system of wires overhead. The skateboarding champs glide, slide and skim on the water then do little jumps on platforms, until they are agile enough to flip high up the air. They swoop upwards, like some strangely structured bird, and for a moment are held up. When they fall, they swim back to the starting point.
“It’s the closest you can get to walking on water, like you’re defying the laws of physics” one enthusiast crows. Miguel, my teenage son is in his element here. He jumps in and we don’t see him except for meals. He is negotiating the platforms quite nicely.
We stay at Ecovillage, which is in the same compound as the sports facilities. It’s more Pinoy, the villas are fairly priced to accommodate families who happily check in with lolo, aunts and uncles and babies in prams. Ours was good for six people, bright and pleasant and had a little foyer. Not quite a gypsy caravan but we certainly felt the accomplishment of travel as we relaxed at the end of an adventurous day.
Camsur Watersports Complex
Provincial Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, tel (54) 477 3159, www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com
The EcoVillage
Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, tel: (54) 477 5636.
How to get there: fly to Legaspi with Cebu Pacific Air, then it’s a two-and-a half hour ride to Pili by van.
| When I was born, my grandmother saw the unmistakable signs of a mole on my left foot. She gave a shriek. “Layas! This girl is going to be layas…” and so I grew up a gypsy, never settling, spurred on by a yearning for far away places with strange sounding names… even if they were just in Quiapo. Low cost airline tickets bring out the gypsy in everyone. These are my tales. |  |
hot stuff
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
Thanks in part to scuba, the number of European tourists has risen by 13.6 per cent in the first half of the year, says the DOT.
DILALWAL
The popularity of this town in Mindanao is set to rocket: hunky Josh Hartnett spent a week there in August shooting I Come With the Rain.
PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND
This Filipino-English footballer’s team Chelsea has sent him to gain experience at Danish club Esbjerg fB. Good luck Phil!
22ND NEGROS TRADE FAIR
The Association of Negros Producers hold their famous trade fair in Rockwell Tent, Makati from 3-8 October. Check out fab food items, textiles, candles and more.
LIVING THE DREAM
If you’re in Singapore, don’t forget to support Robert Sunga – a Filipino who’s reached the final of Live the Dream, Singapore’s top talent show!
THE FULL NINE HOURS
Filipino Lav Diaz wins the Special Mention prize at the Venice Film Festival for his nine-hour documentary Kagadanan sa Banwaan ning mga Engkanto (Death in the Land of the Encantos).
OIL SPILL
The mangroves damaged by the country’s worst oil spill last year are on the road to recovery, showing healthy growth.
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