Thais in Tagaytay

Thai visitors 

On a recent assignment with Jeepney Tours, I was sent to guide a group of 14 Thai nationals visiting the country on a M.I.C.E. trip. MICE is an acronym for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions... not the rodents or the cartoon character from Disney. We picked them up from Manila Hotel and were given the perfunctory Archives visit of the historic hotel prior to their nine a.m. departure. 

Museo Orlina

First stop was Orlina Museum. The swanky new gallery is  run by Ramon Orlina, multi-awarded visual artist and glass sculptor (more on that on my next post). I got in touch with him to ask if he will be in Tagaytay on the day of the visit. What do you know? He was personally there to welcome the guests! Thank God!!

They were so engrossed with our stop at the Orlina Museum and had a heyday going around the multi-storied galleries and the ampitheater cum garden that they pored over each and every artwork. Mr Orlina was the perfect host telling small anecdotes regarding some of his masterpieces and recopunting how he found a factory in Thailand for the execution of his designs. The Thais had a lot of fun taking selfies and pictures of the artworks... even hamming it up with to of the resin chairs that had male and female derrier for its backrest.

taking shots of the artwork

No one kept track of the time of our visit in the Museum since they were enjoying every bit of visual treat they laid their eyes on. Mr Orlina even welcomed the guests to his private sanctum where he spend his time creating works in his studio that had a fantastic view of the volcano. The Thai guests enjoyed Mr. Orlina's private collection in his art/studio as well as seeing the Murphy bed concealed behind the display case. We had exceeded our stay in the museum so by the time we left for lunch it was half past twelve.

near Mr Orlina's inner sanctum

Then it was lunch at Sonya's Garden. The guests had a great time over the buffet lunch that is standard Sonya's fare. fresh greens with edible flowers, their secret dressing with mango, the pastas and the dips and of course some delectable desserts. Being Thai, they hiked up the meal with some of their very own spices which they brought with them from Thailand. I personally love Thai food, having visited many years ago. I told them that, and of course they knew from my little Thai standard phrases.

This photo shows how Sonya's Garden treats guests after a hearty lunch.

Final stop would have been Taal Vista Lodge. Unfortunately, It was undergoing repairs after Glenda had destroyed parts of the roof. So that stop was definitely out of the itinerary. Quick thinking led me to bring the guests to the Picnic Grove where the guests enjoyed the view of the Taal Volcano for photo ops and of the souvenir buying. They actually enjoyed shopping amongst the stalls in the grove using up all their available Philippine currency. Before we knew it, it was already four p.m. Time to get to the airport so they don't miss their flight to Indonesia.

Taal Volcano

That was a fun trip. So we exchanged pleasantries after setting the luggage in carts and they told me to come back to Thailand. I just might take them up on their offer... I do know where to find them...

NEW ATTRACTIONS!

For any tourist attraction to survive, it has to evolve from time to time just to offer something new. Although we do not have historical castles, churches and moats that date back to the 8th-10th centuries like Italy or Spain, we do have Intramuros, which is as close as it gets to their European counterparts.

Bambike Ecotours in Intramuros

But if we want to keep our tourist sites attractive, we have to keep them relevant to the times. And this, we do so well by adding new attractions to certain areas. It slices up the income wage pie among us guides but it does offer something that may be out of the ordinary for the jaded tourists. 

Bamboo bikes

The White Knight Hotel offers guided tours in Intramuros on Segways. The vehicle looks unwieldy but it helps tourists get around. Another new addition to these supposedly novelty tours is the Bambike EcoTours which for P1200.00/pax offers a tour of 10 sites in Intramuros for two and a half hours using bikes made out of bamboo. They provide a helmet to go with it for safety precaution. The bikes are sturdy, eco-friendly and... gorgeous! And if you fall in love with your bamboo bike, you can opt to take it home for P36,000.00 on the average.

Sala Antigua

A lot of changes are happening at the San Agustin church as well. Some parts of the church and museum are under renovation and being airconditioned, therefore, closed to the public. The Sala Recibidor is undergoing some touch ups as well as the paintings lining the corridors of the convento. But the Sala Antigua has been touched up and some collections have been moved to the hall encased in glass.All in all, the collection is more cohesive.

Ivory collection at sala Anigua

The private cloisters have also undergone great changes... some of the doors have been made into niches that now contain the larger statues of the Augistian saints and the doors leading to the private balconies that overlook the garden of Father Blanco have capiz window panels that mask air conditioning units as well. This section now houses stuff of Augustinian lore. 

Private cloisters

The next section of note is the Biblioteca. The library was completely restored and the rare original books kept by the Augustinians over the centuries are prominently displayed here. A walkway is provided for tourists to see the entire library through glass walls.  I half expect to see a priest walking up and down the stairway carrying those ancient books. It's eerie but it affords one a look into a life dedicated to learning and spiritual pursuits.

Biblioteca

Aside from the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago's Rizal Shrine also underwent restoration/ renovation. The shrine is now fully air conditioned. And to keep things interesting, the collection has been re-styled and re-grouped to give way to some inter-active displays for the younger visitors. A short audio visual presentation may be viewed in the second floor where the personal artifacts used to be. A trial room was added called the "silid paglilitis". And the effigy in the prison cell can now be seen from two angles.  Both a blow-up of the actual photo of Rizal's execution and Carlos "Botong" Francisco's mural are dramatically placed on opposite walls to highlight the tragic death of our national hero. 

reliquary lamp at the Rizal Shrine

And to throw in a bit of fun, one may have a selfie taken amongst our national hero and his compatriots at the end of the tour of the Rizal shrine... talk about being updated!

Selfie photo op at the Rizal Shrine

 

NATIONAL ARTIST!

Even if I dream of becoming hailed as a National Artist, I doubt that anyone would ever nominate me. I do, however, gloat in the fact that two of my mentors have been given the recognition... and the distinction of being proclaimed as such. 

*image from photobucket

Alice Reyes is credited for establishing Ballet Philippines. She is a tour de force on her own. Currently Artistic Director Emeritus, she has almost single handedly steered the course of Ballet Philippines from its inception up to the present... the only ballet company in the country that has survived for 45 years. And that, my dear readers, is a remarkable feat! Hailed for its dancers' innate musicality, astounding classical and contemporary techinque and ground-breaking choreographic pieces; this company has and continues to reap rave reviews here and abroad. 

*image from photobucket

Alice Reyes was Artistic Director for 20 years, exposing the dancers to rigid training and exposure abroad as well as inviting foreign choreographers, dance educators and prima ballerinas and premiere danseurs to inspire the younger set to pursue higher goals. She continues to check up on the company's progress when she's not busy tending to her own business empire.

*image from Inquirer.net

                                           

When Senator BongBong Marcos proposed  that Ballet Philippines be declared a national dance company, the proposal fell flat perhaps because a lot of our so-called "nationalists" thought the company was founded by the Marcoses. That is soooo not true! Although the company is one of the resident companies of the CCP, its dancers and staff were some of the staunchest supporters of Mrs. Aquino during the EDSA revolution even daringly donning yellow shirts when tapped for KBL rallies as a sign of defiance. Then when Mrs. Aquino ascended the presidency, she showed her gratitude by allowing Kris Aquino to participate in the Rigodon de Honor sequence of the Filipinized version of the Nutcrakcer.  But I digress...

*image from photobucket

The other National Artist I wish to acknowledge is Ramon Santos. He has been teaching music at the UP Conservatory for years and his works have been acclaimed as worthy for dance choreographies. It was a great surprise to me that dear friend and former Ballet Philippines soloist Hazel Sabas Gower used his music for her choreographic work Daragang Magayon. In his lectures during my training for the Mabuhay Guides, he brings up this fact (with slides and video to boot). That was extremely satisfying for me... I didn't even know it was his music. I had done the costume designs for Hazel's work without knowing it was Ramon Santos' who did the score. After being dropped from the roster by Mrs. Arroyo last time, due credit comes his way. Finally, he can be counted as an inspiration for those who have unwittingly listened, choreographed or danced to his music along with the other Philippine greats.

*image from Tumblr.com

This year's crop of National Artists are beyond question (think Carlo Caparas and Cecile Guidote brouhaha a few years back!). Francisco Coching ( for Visual Arts), Cirilo Bautista (for Literature), Francisco Feliciano (for Music), Jose Ma. Zaragoza (for Architecture, Design and Allied Arts) are the other awardees. The only question left, I guess, is when will Nora Aunor get the esteemed title? Deserving as she is, Ms Aunor has been dropped from the roster (much to the chagrin of Noranians everywhere.) Nonetheless, the controversy is still a hot issue with fans and cineastes rooting for her to be proclaimed a national artist as well... If she isn't given the title now... she can get nominated again. Maybe after 2016?

Olympics Of Dance

Jemima and Victor in Black Swan pas de deux

Dancers in the Philippines are unsung heroes. I should know... been there, done that!

Victor Maguad as Sigfried

Lately, though, some of them are getting media attention: 1) because they have literally worked their way into our national consciousness, 2) they arre really good at what they do, 3) cyberspace just has a way of finding those little "unknowns" who eventually leave a mark on this planet because they have made their passion thei life's work.

Victor  Maguad and Jemima Reyes

Three of these dancers from Ballet Philippines will be showing their mettle in Jackson, Mississippi when they compete in the Olympics of Dance and at Varna, Bulgaria. Actually, four dancers if you count Jayson Pascasio who happens to be now based in the US but has his roots reaching far back to Ballet Philippines as a soloist.

Jemima as Odile

Jemima Reyes, Victor Maguad and Monica Gana will be making the Philippines proud when they represent the country this year in the world's most prestigious dance competitions. As of this writing, Jemima and Victor are already in Jackson where they are in the thick of preparations for their choreographies. The duo will be performing the Black Swan pas de deux, Diana and Acteon and Alden Lugnasin's contemporary piece Aku, along with some required choreographies. Jayson, to their surprise, is also a competitor.

Monica Gana as Esmeralda

Monica Gana, on the other hand, will be awaiting her turn when she goes to Varna, Bulgaria to do her best and show the stuff she's made of. Her repertoire includes solo variations from La Bayadere ( Gamzatti), Esmeralda, Don Quixote (Kitri), Flames of Paris and Giselle. 

Monica Gana as Kitri

All of these dancers are extremely young and at the top of their game. The last time we bagged a trophy was when JM Cordero and Candice Adea competed. They won the silver medal in Jackson and Gold in Helsinki, Finland. That was four years ago. And YES, preparations to compete can sometimes take that long to pursue. I'm praying this year's crop reaps all the awards they deserve! 

The "Pen" Promotes the Philippines

On a recent assignment, I was tasked to show guests of the Manila Peninsula Hotel around Intramuros. Part of the itinerary was sent to me via text message and I was mildly surprised that some of the stops to be made were not the usual tourist routes. It seemed odd that the other sites to be visited were more artisanal than the usual tourist souvenir shops.

Aussie journalists viewing  Eugene  Jarque's artwork

It was odd but those were the orders so I decided to dutifully stick to the itinerary. Then when I, on board the Jeepney Tours vehicle stopped at the Manila Pen, I realized this was no ordinary tour. It was part of the Manila Peninsula's corporate responsibility program which invites journalists from different countries to visit the Philippines and promote the country by showcasing the best of what we have to offer.

Lilliana Manahan's installation

On this tour, I was introduced to four Australian journalists and Peninsula Sydney's PR Director Sue as well as Peninsula Manila's PR Director, Maning Garchitorena. While waiting for the other members of the touring party, I had to adjust pretty quickly as everyone was pretty witty... punchlines were thrown at me from left, right and center. You'd have to be ready with funny repartee to catch up.

Manila Pen's table setting 

The stops after lunch were inspiring, to say the least. We went to the La Fuerza Compound in Pasong Tamo Extension. What was formerly a distillery has been re-purposed into different atteliers. The first stop was at Gallery where three young visual artists whose works we viewed. Lilliana Manahan had an installation of seventeen layers of drapes that were handpainted aside from smaller frames. Eugene Jarque who featured his frames of wooden collages and Mac Valdezco had her sculptural pieces in plaster and rope. Her pieces seemed like they came from archeological digs and looked very organic.

Mac Valdezco's sculpture

Manila Pen had an elaborate set-up for lunch that served updated versions of adobo, lumpia, and caldereta. I had all been so good that while the conversation kept flowing so did the food and the wine. But since I was on assignment, i begged off on the bubbly and stuck to the cucumber and sprite drink that was so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Manila Pen's menu card and cucumber sprite coolie

Ms Kaye Tinga (wife of former Pateros Mayor) and Andy Vasquez Prada of  W17 joined us for lunch after which we proceeded to their store within the compound. All the items in their store are unique finds albeit pricey. You get what you pay for, of course, but their items can hold your attention for hours. I fell in love with a dining table made of one humongous plank of acacia tree. It could've probably seated 20-25 people comfortably. I didn't dare to ask the price... If have to ask... you can't afford it.

W17 facade

Then we headed off to Dasmarinas Village for a private fashion show of Len Cabili's clothes and Natasha's jewelry. This tandem come from two distinct regional backgrounds. Len hails from the south and so early on she was interested in local weaves while Natasha comes from mixed  Ifugao/Australian parentage. It was so awe-inspiring that Michael McHugh of Mindfood Australia decided to feature both of the designers exclusively in his glossy mag.

The entire day was a lot of fun and an eye opener for the guests courtesy of one of the better hotels in Manila. The following day, the guests were whisked off to Amanpulo in Palawan for the weekend.  I'm so hoping they invite me again the next time around.

Andy Vasquez Prada and Mrs Kaye Tinga in thier store W17

Treats from La Cocina de Tita Moning

Two days prior to President Obama's historic visit to Manila, I was tasked by the Tourism Board of the Philippines through Jeepney tours to guide for a motley group of Australians who are in the business of promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination.

Legarda Mansion taken from The La Cocina de Tita Moning website*

The group was headed by Ms Gillian Salter. an Aussie who's lived and worked in Manila for two years with the Mandarin Hotel. This was her job before heading back home and working in the tourism industry.

La Inocencia (Felix Resureccion Hidalgo) photo from the website*

The full day tour started with Intramuros, then back to the hotel and in the afternoon was the trip to Malacanang palace and a dinner at Tita Moning's. However, because of the state visit of President Obama, the trip to the Malacanang Museum was not permitted. The Museum reserves the right to deny entry to visitors on various ocassions: in matters of national security, and of course for the state visit of the U.S. president.

Don Alejandro Legarda Sr.'s camera's (photo from Tita Moning's website)

The evening was balmy and the guests had dressed up for a well planned evening by the Tourism Board. La Cocina de Tita Moning is an ancestral home of the Legarda's. The much lived-in home has been converted into a fine dining restaurant by one of the scions of the clan. Dr. Legarda's clinic along with his collection of antique cameras is intact. The reading room has his collections of books. A marvelous idea, I should think, since the house has remained true to the original structure and contains a marvelous collection of paintings and artifacts owned by the family through the decades: Among them,  Hidalgo,  Juan Luna and Zalameda art pieces and antiques galore that are a feast for the eyes.

Zalameda's painting of sailboats in the main foyer of the mansion

That being said,  the menu was a feast for the senses. The Menu read like a traditional Spanish feast starting with a trio of salads: grilled eggplant salad with homemade vinaigrette and salted duck eggs; papaya salad with jamon serrano, fresh basil, carabao cheese and honey calamansi vinaigrette; fresh Kangkong salad with grilled peppers, caramelized walnuts and homemade walnut vinaigrette. For the entree we had whole baked Lapu-lapu, Tita Moning's chicken adobo, Paella Valenciana, Sauteed fresh vegetables, organic brown rice. The dessert served was fresh  fruit platter and Tita Moning's bread and butter pudding. 

So many reviews have been written about the food coming out of Tita Moning's kitchen mostly revived by chef Suzie Legarda-Montinola that I wouldn't even attempt to write about the gustatory treats in store for the diners. Yes... it's that good! You actually get what you pay for. But for me, it's the little details that make dining in La Cocina de Tita Moning always a delight. The drinks served at the patio prior to the mandatory tour of the house, and the little chit chat from the food servers who have been with the Legardas for years, and the atmosphere of dining in an ancestral home complete La Cocina de Tita Moning's old world charm. Some more Salsa Monja, please?

Paella Valenciana at Tita Moning's (photo from lifestyle.inquirer.net*)

LENT EVOLVING

Times have indeed changed! When I was a kid, Holy Week was a time of quiet reflection on the passion of Jesus Christ. While we were happy that summer vacation beckoned, the Holy Week was dreaded as there was  a long period of boredom from Holy Monday to Easter. There were no radio stations on air, no TV stations broadcasting, no playing outside, no making noise, no running around, no bathing after 3p.m. on Good Friday,  no malls opened, NOTHING! Only those who had family in the provinces left Manila for some rustic R&R.

Many years ago, a month before Holy Week, my travel plans would have been all set. Bags were prepared and packed including all the sunblock I needed and sets of swimwear were ordered and purchased for all the photo ops that were inevitably staged. There were at least 10 of us who planned the yearly Lenten trek to the beach until one by one friends left to reside in other countries.

When I got back from living in Los Angeles, I had grown more sedate and a few years older so I started staying in Manila during the Lenten season. At first it was paradise in Manila during the observance of Holy Week. Cars were few and far between. Traffic was nil. And it was calm and quiet... until recently.

I think residents in Manila started to catch on. A lot of them still take advantage of the lengthy holiday. Families with kids stlill end up going to the beaches or some cooler climes. This year, however, a lot of people opted to stay in Manila.

Miraculous Medal interior

My Lenten observance this year was marred by mobs of people doing their own practices. I opted to partake of the Holy Week Tridium by attending Mass. On Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet by Jesus is traditionally re-enacted and the Chrism Mass is rendered more dramatic bolstered by the local parishes' theater groups.

Miraculous Medal Altar of Repose

As opposed to last year's visit of 14 churches, this year I went to half that number.The Altars of Repose themselves have become spectacles of their own. My first visit was at the Miraculous Medal along San Marcelino street in Ermita, Manila. Not as crowded as I thought... that's a good thing. And then it got progressively worse in some churches.

Manila Cathedral facade

My next stop was at the Basilica Minore of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. Mass had just concluded and the Blessed Sacrament had just been deposited into the Altar of Repose. The crowd was unexpectedly not as thick. At Sta. Cruz, where the Mass was still ongoing when we arrived, throngs of people prevented us from entering the church. Next option? Manila Cathedral!

Manila Cathderal Altar of Repose

Teeming with people, the Cathedral, recently re-opened in 9-April was dramatically lit on this summer night sky. Always, a marvel to behold, the Altar of Repose  was a glimmering mosaic of gold tiles with the imposing image of Christ. Very tastefully done, I must say. In the same area is San Agustin Church. But in order to get there, we had to navigate two blocks of the rest of Manila's populace. The enterprising  locals had merchandise lining the streets or under makeshift kiosks. It was bedlam in San Agustin. Their Altar of Repose was tastefully done. It evoked an old world charm that was not too ostentatious looking.

San Agustin

Then we went to the Assumption Parish in Leveriza. Malate. It was solemn, not a lot of visitors to this little, unpretentious parish. Their altar was on a little corner of the knave with a red carpet leading to the pews. After this, we went to the Malate Church dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies. Still undergoing retro-fitting, the church had a small Altar of Repose on the right transept of the church. there was also a lot of human traffic in the patio where an outdoor via crucis was installed.

Malate Church

Our final stop was at the chapel of St. Scholastica's College in Leon Guinto. As usual, it was a very simple set- up done by the sisters. A light trellis of bamboo slats woven with an assortment of white flowers that fit into one of the alcoves. Our religious obligation done, we just had to eat a pizza. By then we were famished.

St. Scholastica

A solemn Holy Week to every one.

* photos taken from Edhel's Facebook album.
** for some reason, I could not upload my photos.