ADVENTURER ART VALDEZ SHARES WITH TWEET SERING THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BUILDING OF A REAL BALANGAY
What could top planting the Philippine flag on Mount Everest’s summit? Plenty, says seasoned mountaineer Art Valdez. The expedition leader of the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition in 2007 (who also happens to be a former Undersecretary of Transportation and Communication, and former president of theMountaineering Federation of the Philippines) has just built a balangay — an ancient sea vessel used by our ancestors to sail from the Asian mainland to what is now the Philippine islands — with the help of his Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation, and the Badjao boat-builders from the Tawi-Tawi islands of Sibutu and Sitangkay (who have kept alive the old ways of boat-building and seafaring). Christened Diwata ng Lahi (Goddess of the Race), it launched on June 27, 2009 onto Manila Bay amid rousing cheers. A four-year voyage that will circle first the Philippines and then the rest of the globe is in the works.
First of all, why do this?
The voyage of the balangay is a symbolic one; it’s about getting back our bearings and anchoring ourselves to something we can be proud of. About 3,500 Filipinos leave the Philippines every day in search of greener pastures. To me, it reflects a lack of trust and pride in ourselves and our country. What do we do? You cannot curse the darkness; you have to strike a light.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered so far?
People’s reactions; they ask me, “Kaya ba ‘yan?” There is a fear to the question, a fear of the sea, and a doubt of ourselves. It’s sad, because the seas were our natural highway during ancient times. [I hope] this project stirs the minds of people, na di dapat matakot sa dagat.
What sort of preparations did the team have to undergo?
We had a quick course on formal sailing with the Manila Yacht Club, plus on-board training with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Navy on manning the boat. We also have team-building exercises and subjected the balangay to “shakedown” tests.
Who are your heroes?
Jose Rizal. The Spanish were depicting Filipinos as dim and lazy, but Rizal refused to believe that. So he read the earlier accounts of Spanish chroniclers, who saw a proud race. Rizal wanted to recapture that through his writings to remind us of who we are and where we came from.
For more information, visit www.balangay-voyage.com
INFLIGHT ESSENTIALS
LISTEN Friday Madness Relive the ‘80s with this two-CD collection, which includes hits such as Wild Boys by Duran Duran, Shout by Tears for Fears, and A Forest by The Cure.
READ Leaving Carolina Piper Wick, a glamorous public relations consultant in L.A., returns to North Carolina to stop her uncle from revealing an embarrassing secret. But things don’t go according to plan when she meets her estranged family — and her uncle’s intriguing godson, Axel.
CARRY Kindle DX Catch up on your reading anytime, anywhere with this wireless device from Amazon.com. Slim as a magazine with a
9.7-inch auto-rotating screen, the Kindle DX stores up to 3,500 books and documents, offers a selection of 350,000 releases, and downloads a title in a minute.
rock the house
THESE GIZMOS ARE GREAT FOR A PARTY OF ONE OR 10
Clockwise from top: Get stylish with Skullcandy headphones, from US$24.95/PHP1,161 (www.. skullcandy.com). Print candid shots with the Canon Selphy ES40, S$329/PHP10,990 (www.. canon.com). The JBL Spyro provides rich sounds, S$199/ PHP6,663 (www.jbl.com). Take videos with the pocket-sized Creative Vado HD, S$349/ PHP11,677 (www.myvado.com)
slick traveler aamer taher
ARCHITECT Aamer Taher and his team have worked on residential and commercial projects in Singapore since 1994. Assignments have taken him to Malaysia, Cambodia and the Maldives. The Singapore ArchiFest 09 speaker relates how his art can help shape an area and people’s lives.
Architecture is… built for a purpose, and the concept is the architect’s solution.
Good architecture is… when a building’s planning and structure is integrated into a beautiful design that captures the “spirit” of the site.
The best design in Asia… is when the old is blended with the contemporary, while retaining the distinctive elements of a culture.
Cool structures on the rise… In Singapore, we’re building a futuristic tropical interpretation of the East Malaysian “long house” in Dalvey Estate.
In the future… I hope families devote more space to gardens and outdoor areas that are integrated into indoor spaces.
books to the future
THIS NEW CONCEPT IN TRAVEL RETAILING IS CUTTING-EDGE COOL
THE 101 TO 182m2-size Times Travel concept stores at Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 3 are designed to cater to those who value speed and accessibility when choosing and buying books.
For instance, Times Travel will be the first to sell new international releases before other Times bookstores in Singapore do. Major newspapers such as the New York Times and The Guardian will be readily available there as well.
The easy-to-navigate stores are also the first to have a Berlitz Listening Station in an airport worldwide. Hook up and learn 200 words and phrases of different languages through music and repetition. Shopping last-minute for pasalubong? Times Travel also sells premium pens, designer stationery gift sets, and movie merchandise.
Beauty booty
| Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar Dona AlejoDona AlejoSan Pedro, San Pedro, full-time full-time mom I am very satisfied with this product which is why I have been using it for almost three years. It makes my skin feel smooth, moisturized and lightly exfoliated. |  |
| VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Sport 70 Mico Manalo, Mico Manalo, architect It’s easy to use and doesn’t feel greasy. I don’t have to worry too much about UV rays and their effects on my skin. |  |
| Braun Silk-epil Xpressive Epilator Roma de Roma de Vera Jacobs, Vera Jacobs, trading trading operations executive operations executive It’s washable and rechargeable, has a “smart” light to highlight fine hair and doesn’t produce in-grown hairs. |  |
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The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream Pete Pete Esquieres, Esquieres, managing managing director It helps reduce fine lines, puffiness and dark circles around my eyes after long hours of work with little sleep. It makes me feel confident to go to meetings. |
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no present? no problem!
THIS LIST WILL STOP YOU FROM AGONIZING OVER WHAT TO GIVE THEM FOR SPECIAL DAYS (EVEN CHRISTMAS!)
| FOR | GREAT GIFT IDEAS | |
| Your parents |
Handy helpers |
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| Your brother |
Versatile fashion |
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| Your sister |
Designer bags for a bargain |
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| The kids |
Fun, comfortable footwear |
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EARN YOUR DEGREE WHILE WORKING
With Miriam College’s Professional Program, adult students and professionals get another chance to finish school. Open to high school graduates above 22 years old, the program is designed to work around busy schedules and includes work experience in academic credit evaluations. For now, you can choose from AB Communication Arts, BS Entrepreneurship, BS Social Work, AB Psychology, and BS Environmental Planning and Management; but more courses will be added soon. Tel: +63 (2) 580 5400 and 435 3504, mvillano@ mc.edu.ph, www.mc.edu.ph
EVERYTHING — AND THE KITCHEN SINK!
Unique Novelties and Toys Corp is a 800m2 showroom that sells over 30,000 affordable items — from kitchenware, hardware, party costumes to corporate souvenirs. Order at least six products online and get 15 to 20% off the wholesale price. 15 Zorra Street, Quezon City, untc.multiply.com
dude, where’s your board?
WANT SOME WICKED WATER FUN? SEE WHY WAVE HOUSE SENTOSA IS, WELL, MAKING WAVES
SURFERS LOOKING FOR the perfect wave will find it at Wave House Sentosa in Siloso Beach, Singapore. The fourth Wave House to be built in the world, it features the challenging FlowBarrel, the more basic Double FlowRider (which suits beginners and kids, who can try it with bodyboards), a splash pool, a retail store that sells lifestyle apparel, beach bars and restaurants. The waves are generated by machines that pump water at up to 48km per hour over curved walls to give you “barrels” and “tubes” as tall as 6ft.
Think of it as surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding all rolled into one. www.wavehouse. sentosa.com
HEALTHY HABITS FOR LAZY PEOPLE
With the right tools, these ordinary activities can transform you into a bright-eyed, fitter version of yourself
The habit: Eating Tweak it with: Fresh Choice Always veggies, available at major supermarkets (www.ani.com.ph)
The benefits: Made into salads or soups and added to meals, they reduce your risk for disease and contribute to your overall health.
The habit: Walking Tweak it with: FitFlop’s colorful Walkstar, Electra and Oasis range, PHP2,990–3,490 (www.. fitflop.com). You can wear it while shopping, walking the dog or sightseeing.
The benefits: A microwobble-board midsole works out your lower body to give you sexy legs and thighs.
the perfect pasalubong
INSTEAD OF FOOD OR CHEESY KEYCHAINS, THESE TWO DESIGN-FORWARD BRANDS MAKE FOR IMPRESSIVE PHILIPPINE-MADE SOUVENIRS
Tees with a conscience.
My Philippines T-shirts come with statements that promote nationalism and pay tribute to Filipino achievers and heroes. Stock up on them for gifts for friends at Kultura and SM Department Stores. www.. mynationalshirt.com, www.. myphilippineslifestyle.com
Jazzy gems.
These brilliant stones from Ding Velayo Inc are “less formal than diamonds but infinitely more fun,” says designer Kat Velayo. Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 5, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, The Jewellery at Greenhills
IS YOUR BUSINESS FRANCHISABLE?
- Answer the following questions to find out:
- Is the business prospering?
- Does its success rest largely on your product or service?
- Does it have a geographically defined market with potential to be replicated in many places?
- Does your product or service have a market for a long time?
If you replied ‘yes’ to all, then it is, says franchise business expert RK Franchise Consultancy. Do consider acquiring a franchise development package and create a business format for your potential franchisees. RK provides these services plus a free consultation. www.rkfranchise.com
Having a Bad Day?
Eat your way to a good mood! Banana contains tryptophan to regulate your mood while chocolate has phenylethylamine which releases endorphins. Try a chocolate-coated banana from Dipped Banana On Stick foodcart. www.. metrofoodcart. com
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